Simply Edify

Our exploration of the book of Jonah reveals important truths about missions and our often-reluctant hearts toward sharing the gospel.• God calls us out of our comfort zones to reach the lost.• Jonah knew God was merciful but didn't want that mercy extended to Nineveh.• Christians today often retreat into isolation or political arguments rather than gospel sharing.• The gospel remains the same regardless of who we're sharing with.• We don't need perfect answers to every question when witnessing.• Our testimonies can open doors even in brief encounters.• God looks at eternal souls while we focus on temporal differences.• True forgiveness is a distinctive of Christianity worth sharing.• Compassion for the lost should transcend cultural and political differences.Read the book of Jonah and join us for our next episode where we'll continue exploring Jonah's relationship with God and the Ninevites.

Have you ever found yourself feeling simultaneously blessed and overwhelmed? The podcast returns after a much-needed break as April welcomes a new baby into her family, now juggling the needs of a four-month-old alongside children entering their teenage years. This  conversation explores the beautiful mess of transitions and how they reveal both our deepest insecurities and God's sufficient grace.

Feeling overwhelmed by holiday stress, especially as a mother, is a struggle many of us face. Join us as we unravel ways to realign priorities by discerning truth from lies, and asking God for guidance in our day-to-day duties.This episode is not just about surviving the holiday hustle but thriving amidst it by shifting our focus from the material to the meaningful. Our conversation encourages saying no to the unnecessary, fostering spiritual and emotional renewal as we head into the new year. By prioritizing what truly matters, we are reminded of God's goodness towards us and we can then walk in peace and love through stressful times.

Are you a gentle person? Join us as we explore the concept of gentlenss in the believer's life, challenging the notion that gentleness is simply a personality trait and instead uncovering its roots as a fruit of the spirit. Through the lens of biblical teachings, we look at Christ himself to understand the power of gentleness in action. Discover how acknowledging our imperfections and repentance can open the door to greater humility and kindness.  This episode is based on a devotion from our 31- Day Devotional called, Issues of the Heart. You can find this at Amazon. https://a.co/d/7IKduub

Feeling weighed down by guilt and struggling to find the path to true repentance? Join us as we unravel the distinctions between these two experiences from a biblical perspective. Through the lens of King David's story and personal reflections, we explore how guilt can be a particularly heavy burden for women, often exacerbated by self-comparison and unrealistic standards. This episode promises to shed light on how understanding God's merciful nature, as emphasized in Psalm 51, can liberate us from the shackles of sin and align us with His loving expectations.We also tackle the pervasive issue of "mom guilt" and the pressure to meet unattainable ideals that often lead to feelings of inadequacy. Discover how to differentiate between unhealthy guilt and godly conviction, fostering true repentance and transformation, focusing on God's character—His kindness, mercy, and readiness to forgive.

In this new series we look at our new devotional "Issues of the Heart." We kick things off by sharing some personal stories and biblical insights that reveal the transformation our hearts undergo through Christ.We also tackle the popular notion of "following your heart" from a Christian viewpoint, emphasizing the importance of discernment and spiritual maturity. Using scriptures we discuss how God aligns our desires with His will, urging listeners to embrace sanctification and extend grace to others.

Yay! A project we have been working for some time is now ready to share with you all! We have been looking forward to this! Our devotional is called Issues of the Heart. As the title suggest it is designed to go a little deeper into root issues and help weed out the bad and replace it with the Word. Listen for further insight into our heart behind the devotional. 

Network Marketing and Multilevel Marketing opportunities have made their way through the Christian wife circles for years. Estie and April share their experiences with you in this episode and ask some questions about these style companies. They discuss the negatives of seeing individuals as mere opportunities for profit and the importance of personal accountability.  As Christians, our interactions, be they online or face-to-face, must reflect our deeply held values. This conversation serves as a mirror, asking us to look closely at the reflection of our personal branding and to assess whether it truly aligns with who we are and who we aspire to be in Christ.

We often overlook the treasure troves among us—those mothers who have journeyed through adulthood with a steadfast faith, nurturing not just their families but potentially our growth as well. In this heartfelt dialogue, we share the richness that flows from such relationships, emphasizing the transformative power of mentorship. Whether you're a seasoned parent or someone just starting to navigate life's complex waters, there's something to glean from the experience of others. And to our military families, who know the struggles of establishing roots in ever-changing soils, we offer a special dose of encouragement and tips on cultivating lasting connections amidst life's upheavals.

Join our guest host, Christina Palma, and host April Fruchey as they navigate the contentious topic of deconstruction in modern Christianity. Unveiling the nuances between mere reflection and an outright rejection of faith in Christ, they urge listeners to approach the term "deconstruction" with caution. They examine how personal grievances can influence one's spiritual growth, the dangers of adopting a self-centric religious authority, and the vital distinction between constructive reform and the potential to drift from the Word altogether.We address the inherent risks in consuming deconstructionist content, highlighting the need to remain alert in our spiritual lives and to ensure that our faith withstands the pressures of skepticism and societal change.

Join Cohosts April Fruchey & Estie Woodard as we bring the Biblical perspective to the growing trend of the Homestead Lifestyle. Shining a light on ideals in the movement that are Biblical as well as some cautions for motives that may deter from the Scriptures.We discuss the importance of being 'salt and light' in our communities, as Matthew 5 encourages, and the delicate balance of safeguarding our families while engaging with the world around us. Together, we dissect the dangers of fear-based decision-making and the impact of social media on our Christian testimony, reminding us to align our actions with our faith and God's purpose.

As we conclude our exploration of 'The BE YE's', we dive into the essence of Christianity, discussing how the Holy Spirit gives the fortitude needed to face life's challenges. We connect our trials to the eternal, illustrating how perseverance in the present will bear fruit in future rewards.  Join us as we continue to journey together, seeking to deepen our faith walk, and encourage you in yours. Together, we can foster a community ever-growing in the likeness of Christ.

Ever wondered how to teach your children about the true meaning of Christmas through music?  We discuss the power of hymns in fostering faith in the younger generation. We'll challenge the status quo by examining the richness of older hymns and assessing how they often outshine the flashiness of modern Christmas songs. We'll also delve into the importance of understanding the history and theological accuracy behind these lyrics. And as we wrap up this episode and the year, we extend to you our heartfelt holiday greetings and request your continued support. So, ready to make this episode a part of your Christmas festivities? Go ahead, hit play!

As the Christmas season approaches, its helpful to do a heart check and see how thankful we really are! 

Kind or nice...is there a difference? Listen to this episode to see what we think! 

Being merciful is very countercultural in today's society. We are quick to "cancel" people, label them toxic, or write them off without considering the attributes of mercy, compassion, forgiveness and grace.  In this episode Estie and April discuss the calling of God on believers to BE MERCIFUL.  

Join the continuing, conversation on what a believer should BE. In this episode April an Estie talk about the idea of holiness and how it should playout in the everyday life of the believer. Have any additional ideas or comments on the subject? Feel free to email us simplyedify@gmail.com or send us a voice message on via Instagram or Facebook Messenger we would love to continue the conversation with you! 

If you have been around regular preaching chances are you have heard a sermon or two on Romans 12:1,2 its a wonderful passage with great truth for the believer in any stage of growth! Be encouraged as the hosts discuss what it means to BE YE TRANSFORMED. 

What does God want us to BE? Well, in the New Testament there are several verses that give the imperative, BE YE... which often precedes a manner in which we are to conduct ourselves as Saints.We will be looking at several of those BE YE's in the upcoming episodes. Listen as we discuss why we chose this topic in this introductory episode.

How could two momma's surrender their children to situations beyond their control? How can we surrender our children to the Lord?  Listen to our special episode for Mother's Day and be encouraged! 

Two women, two needs, two opportunities for Christ to do what only He could! Join us as we discuss " The woman with an issue of blood" and "The woman at the well" in our final episode in this series. 

What an amazing testimony to have, once a slave to demons to now a faithful follower of Jesus Christ! Join the conversation about this wonderful representation of being free from sin in Christ!  

Often when we think of Mary the mother of Jesus we end her story at the manger with baby Jesus being born. Maybe there is more to her story than that. Join  our hosts April and  Estie in a conversation about what we can learn from Mary.

Bathsheba...The great scandal of David's reign. What role did Bathsheba play in this defining moment in David's life?Is she victim or virtuous? Let us know what you think after listening.

We all love the "love story" of Ruth and Boaz, but maybe there's a little bit more to it?In this episode April and Estie discuss their favorite parts of the book of Ruth. 

By  faith the harlot Rahab perished not with them that believed not, when she had received the spies with peace. Hebrews 11:31Rahab had great faith and we can too! This episode covers some practical and afirming truths that can be found in the account of Rahab the harlot found in Joshua chapters 2-6

Have you ever felt used and left to bear the consequences of others? Well you are not alone, Tamar also bore this burden. Listen to her story along with Judah's to learn more of the compassion and forgiveness of God.

Kintsugi is a Japanese art that takes broken pottery and glues the pieces together with seems of gold, creating a wonderful masterpiece. This series will look at several different women in the Scripture whose lives were broken, yet God picked up the pieces and made a beautiful picture of redemption, mercy and grace!If you have ever felt broken, unusable, rejected, perhaps this study can help you find restoration in Christ.You can purchase a printable PDF using the link below if you would like to join.Restored Bible Study PDF – Simply Edify

Christmas is a wonderful time to remember sweet traditions as well as make new ones. We share some good traditions we still do with our families from our childhood as well as some fun new activities!  What are some memories and traditions you have?

We hear the term "follow you heart" and others like it often. The Bible has a few things to say about our heart, some good and some not so good. April and Estie discuss some "postures of our hearts" in this episode.

Sanctified.Sanctify them through thy truth: thy Word is truth.What do you think sanctified means?  Usually, the discussion of sanctification comes with a list of rules we should follow to achieve separation. Maybe there is a little more to it?! Let us know what you think after listening to our thoughts. 

 By this shall all men know that ye are my disciples, if ye have love one to another John 13:35.When was the last time you made a meal for someone, or volunteered to watch their kids, or bring a neighbor a baked treat? In our day and age it can be difficult to slow down and remember to be the hands and feet of Jesus to our brothers and sisters in Christ, as well as the lost world. Join April Fruchey and our guest host Julie Perticone in a discussion about this topic! * Julie Perticone is a chaplain's wife in U.S. Army.She has three children and loves serving her family and community and reaching people for Jesus!

As we head into the new school year let's remember our primary responsibility as mom! Praying you all have a blessed up coming year!

In this episode the hosts discuss some ⭐SIMPLE  ⭐BIBLICAL  ⭐ESSENTIAL steps to take when you are faced with a hard situation, and you have no idea what to do. We can act/ react based on feelings or we can base our response and actions on the Truth of God's Word. 

Your story matters! We are all writing a message with how we choose to live our lives! What message will you leave to those around you? In this episode the hosts look at a few people in the Bible who were not the "main characters" but more "background players."  The Bible is filled with ordinary people like you and me who made a difference because they chose to fully follow the Lord in faith!

Is there a time in your life when God's Word has brought you through hard times and given you life and hope?  In this episode the hosts take time to reflect on seasons of life where God had spoken to them specifically through His Word.  

Join us as we wrap up our study on the ten commandments. We discuss the last four commandments and how they tie together, the root attitudes that lead us astray and how we can combat discontentment! Passages used in this Episode.Exodus 20Genesis 3:4-7Hebrews 13:4-6Ephesians 4:28Philippians 4:8 

Honoring and valuing people the way God does can prove to be difficult at times! When we take some simple practical steps laid out in scripture God can help us  in these areas!  

Our words matter...especially in reference to God! How we prioritize our time also matters.Join our hosts as we look at ways, we can honor God or dishonor him with our words and priorities! 

How would you define an idol?Do you know how to identify what has become an idol in your life?Can you admit that you might have some misplaced worship  in your heart?Idolatry is a heart issue. This is an issue that has been present since Eve in the garden, we are certainly not immune to it now. In this podcast we take time to discuss some of these questions as well as look at the heart of God in this command.  

Being intentional in our prayer life takes concentrated effort, even more so with our children! In this episode Estie and April discuss how praying with their children has helped their own walk. They also reveal how praying for big things when they were children had a great impact on their relationship with God throughout their lives! 

Many things fight for our attention and our priorities can become misplaced very easily.In this episode we discuss how the first command can help us by keeping God first in our lives.The passages mentioned in our episode are Exodus 20:2,3 Mark 12:30, as well as the book of  1 John.  

Let's   get back to the basics! In this episode we bring the conversation back to the basics by discussing the purposeand relevance of the Ten Commandments in our lives today.You can join us for the entire series by watching for our episodes every other week. Follow us on facebook and instagram @simplyedify for episode launches! 

Hello, and welcome! We are glad you are here to listen to our first Podcast Episode! In this episode you get to learn a little more about us, your hosts, April Fruchey and Estie Woodard.In this episode we discuss who we are, how we met, and how Simply Edify got its start.We also share the heart behind our ministry and our hopes for the future!We look forward to starting this journey with you!