Simply Sabbath

In today's episode, Rachel shares seven thoughts about Sabbath as she brings the podcast to a state of rest. *** START PRACTICING SABBATH as a family with a simple, step-by-step guide ✅CLICK HERE

Sabbath is often associated with limitations, but today's guest is suggesting that Sabbath is actually tied more to abundance than lack.  *** START PRACTICING SABBATH as a family with a simple, step-by-step guide ✅CLICK HERE

In this episode, Rachel and her guest discuss the unique challenges facing single moms who want to observe a sabbath rest. *** START PRACTICING SABBATH as a family with a simple, step-by-step guide ✅CLICK HERE

Moms have such a love-hate relationship with the idea of self-care. They know they need it but feel guilty about taking it. Today, my guest Katie Pozzuoli is talk with us about how self-care practices fit in nicely into the framework of Sabbath. About My Guest: Katie Pozzuoli is a writer helping women adopt sustainable practices of self-care to thrive. It's real self-care for real life. Katie makes her home in Southeastern Ohio with her husband, three children, and their rescue pup. Connect with Katie: https://katiepozzuoli.com/  Connect with Rachel https://rachelfahrenbach.com  http://facebook.com/rachelfahrenbach http://instagram.com/rachelfahrenbach   Next Steps Download Katie's Free Self-care Guide: https://katiepozzuoli.com/free-gift-5-minute-self-care-habits-to-build/  Want to start practicing Sabbath but don't know exactly where to begin? Start here: https://simplysabbath.com/sabbathguide/ 

Because our culture does not practice Sabbath together in a specific way, not even our church culture, we have to approach Sabbath with a very individualist view of it. What rest looks like for one may not be what rest looks like for another. My guest today, Anna Kettle, author of Sand Between Your Toes, shares with us how that flexibility helps us to embrace the heart-posture of Sabbath rather than executing a specific plant. Listen in. About My Guest: Anna Kettle is an experienced writer, published author, podcaster, and an award-winning marketing professional. Her first book ‘Sand Between Your Toes: Inspirations for a Slower, Simpler & More Soulful Life' released last year under Tyndale House. Anna is a slow living advocate, a lover of coffee and good conversation, and a big believer in the healing power of words. She is married to husband Andy, and mum to their son, Ben. They live in the beautiful waterfront city of Liverpool in England.   Connect with Anna: https://www.annakettle.com/  https://www.instagram.com/annakettlewrites/ https://www.facebook.com/annakettlewrites https://www.pinterest.es/annakettlewrites    Connect with Rachel https://rachelfahrenbach.com  http://facebook.com/rachelfahrenbach http://instagram.com/rachelfahrenbach   Next Steps Want to know the difference be between pseudo-rest and real rest? Find out now with Anna's helpful Rest Inventory: https://www.annakettle.com/gifts  Want to start practicing Sabbath but don't know exactly where to begin? Start here: https://simplysabbath.com/sabbathguide/ 

These days, Chick-Fil-A and Hobby Lobby are the odd ones out when it comes to closing your business down one day a week. And even more rare is an online shop “closing” for a day. But, that's exactly what Valerie Woerner does each week for her business Val Marie Paper. Today, she joins me on the Simply Sabbath podcast to discuss her experience with practicing Sabbath as a business owner.  About My Guest: Valerie Woerner's mission is to help women live intentional lives that are an outflow of a fruitful, focused prayer life. She is the author of several books, including Pray Confidently and Consistently, as well as the owner of Val Marie Paper, where she designs prompted prayer journals and other practical products that eliminate distraction and increase focus in prayer. Valerie lives in Lafayette, Louisiana with her husband, Tyler, and their two daughters. Visit her online shop at https://valmariepaper.com.    Connect with Valerie https://www.valmariepaper.com/welcome-to-vmp/  http://instagram.com/valmariepaper https://www.facebook.com/valmariepaper https://www.pinterest.com/valeriewoerner/  Monthly Pep Talk: http://www.valmariepaper.com/newsletter/    Connect with Rachel https://rachelfahrenbach.com  http://facebook.com/rachelfahrenbach http://instagram.com/rachelfahrenbach   Next Steps Learn more about the beautiful resources Valerie creates for our prayer life here: https://www.valmariepaper.com/welcome-to-vmp/ Get Valerie's book: Pray Confidently and Consistently: Finally Let Go of the Things Holding You Back from Your Most Important Conversation https://amzn.to/3QUQkUW  Want to start practicing Sabbath but don't know exactly where to begin? Start here: https://simplysabbath.com/sabbathguide/

Burnout. It's real and it's happening in our churches, our nonprofits, our ministries, and our missional living. We want to do good and make a change in our community, but often, serving others takes more out of us than we're ready for emotionally, spiritually, and physically. Suddenly, we find ourselves trying to help others from a place of exhaustion. In today's conversation, Elisa Johnston, a nonprofit founder and director, shares her own journey of burnout, how Sabbath became a necessity in life, and how she now advocates for rhythms of rest for those in serving roles. About My Guest: Elisa Johnston empowers ordinary people to be fully alive while making the difference they were born to make at Average Advocate, procrastinates on Instagram, and brings freedom to the exploited through Blackout Trafficking. Whenever and wherever she can, she explores with her three littles and adopted housemate. Thankfully, God, her husband, and other favorite introverts are all particularly grounding, because otherwise her passion to raise-up leaders, live missionally, and start world changing things would compel her into a creative oblivion.   Connect with Elisa: https://averageadvocate.com  https://facebook.com/averageadvocate https://www.instagram.com/averageadvocate https://twitter.com/averageadvocate https://www.pinterest.com/averageadvocate    Connect with Rachel https://simplysabbath.com  https://facebook.com/simplysabbath https://instagram.com/simplysabbathcollective   Next Steps You can find Elisa's 5 Phases of Rising Up here: https://averageadvocate.com  Want to start practicing Sabbath but don't know exactly where to begin? Grab this free guide to help you: https://simplysabbath.com/sabbathguide/

How do you Sabbath when your job happens on Sabbath? Today, my guest Cristi Schroeder talks with me about the importance of rest for Ministry and Church staff and how they can practically accomplish it.   About My Guest: Cristi Schroeder is a pastor's wife of over 20 years and a mom to two teenage boys. She recently became a licensed minister herself! She's a writer and an entrepreneur helping women to live for God's purposes. And she is trying (desperately) to love salads as much as ice cream.   Connect with Cristi: https://www.instagram.com/alteredstory/ https://www.instagram.com/cristi.schroeder/ https://www.facebook.com/alteredstory   Connect with Rachel https://rachelfahrenbach.com http://facebook.com/rachelfahrenbach http://instagram.com/rachelfahrenbach   Next Steps Grab Cristi's Free Guide: http://alteredstory.com/nextstep Want to start practicing Sabbath but don't know exactly where to begin? Grab this free guide to help you: https://rachelfahrenbach.com/busymomsguide  

What exactly is true rest? Is it self-care, soul-care, or spiritual care? Is there an absolute in the way we're supposed to rest? Or is it whatever we feel like doing? In this episode, I'm going to cover the 5Rs, or five components, that I believe are part of Sabbath rest. Resources Mentioned Dawn App - Rachel's podcast mini-series on Sabbath will release in the app at the end of June 2022. https://www.gatheratdawn.com/ The Rest & Reflect Guided Journal https://amzn.to/3GPmFJe Connect with Rachel https://rachelfahrenbach.com  http://facebook.com/rachelfahrenbach http://instagram.com/rachelfahrenbach Next Steps If you want to start practicing Sabbath, but don't know how to start, this free guide may help you: https://rachelfahrenbach.com/busymomsguide 

Church abuse, hate crimes, school shootings, the news this week has announced more than one tragedy in the US. In other parts of the world, wars raged on and catastrophic events claimed lives. It can all feel very overwhelming, devastating, and hopeless. But Sabbath reminds us that God is near to the brokenhearted and He desires for you to rest in His comfort. Today, we're discussing 7 ways the practice of Sabbath helps us navigate the broken moments in this beautiful life. Connect with Rachel https://rachelfahrenbach.com  http://facebook.com/rachelfahrenbach http://instagram.com/rachelfahrenbach Next Steps If you want to start practicing Sabbath, but don't know how to start, this free guide may help you: https://rachelfahrenbach.com/busymomsguide 

It's easy to fall into the trap of thinking that in order to practice Sabbath, you have to do it perfectly from the get-go. My guest today, Lisa Garon, explains the slow progression of how she learned (and is learning) to really embrace Sabbath into her life.  About My Guest: Lisa Garon and her husband Bob are enthusiastic about living simply, living intentionally, God, and enjoying the adventure lifestyle. Because of their strong leadership backgrounds in business and ministry, from entrepreneurship to business management to pastoral leadership experience, they bring a keen eye for growth and big picture vision into practical, everyday steps to help you YOU live an intentional life. Lisa loves exploring the Pacific Northwest with her husband and her son. She also enjoys practicing yoga, hiking, and snuggling with their three fur babies. Connect with Lisa: https://bobandlisagaron.com/ http://instagram.com/bobandlisagaron https://www.facebook.com/BobandLisaGaron https://www.youtube.com/c/alwaysbelieve1?sub_confirmation=1 Connect with Rachel https://rachelfahrenbach.com http://facebook.com/rachelfahrenbach http://instagram.com/rachelfahrenbach   Next Steps Want to start practicing Sabbath but don't know exactly where to begin? Grab this free guide to help you: https://rachelfahrenbach.com/busymomsguide  

This week, we pick up the conversation about if Christians should observe Sabbath. We're answering the questions: if we observe Sabbath, are we being legalistic? Didn't Jesus get rid of the Sabbath? Sabbath applied only to Jews, right? Are we missing something if we don't practice Sabbath? Let's dig in to part two of this conversation. Verses Referenced Acts 10:10 & 10:28 Acts 15:7-11 Colossians 2:16 Next Steps If you want to implement a Sabbath practice in your week but don't know how to get started this free guide will be of use for you: https://rachelfahrenbach.com/busymomsguide Say Hi! I love hearing from you! Send me a DM on Instagram and let me know what you think of the episode. Connect with Me https://rachelfahrenbach.com  https://instagram.com/rachelfahrenbach https://facebook.com/rachelfahrenbach https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCHzhn9eYT7JjrrgRPqemwVg  https://pinterest.com/rachelfahrenbach 

In this episode. I want to pray for those of us who find ourselves still striving for God's favor. Those of us who know that we are saved by grace through faith. And yet, yet, there's still a little bit of us that thinks that it's up to us. That it's is on our shoulders to find favor with God. That is on our shoulders to do the things that would make God happy with us. Let's pray. --- Next Steps If you want to implement a Sabbath practice in your week but don't know how to get started this free guide will be of use for you: https://rachelfahrenbach.com/busymomsguide Say Hi! I love hearing from you! Send me a DM on Instagram and let me know what you think of the episode. Connect with Me https://rachelfahrenbach.com  https://instagram.com/rachelfahrenbach https://facebook.com/rachelfahrenbach https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCHzhn9eYT7JjrrgRPqemwVg  https://pinterest.com/rachelfahrenbach 

If I tell a mom she needs to rest regularly, she nods her head in a agreement. But, the moment I use the word "sabbath" it's like I've opened a can of worms... worms that have lots of questions about the properness and legitimacy of Christians observing this spiritual practice. So, this week and next week, we're answering the questions: if we observe Sabbath, are we being legalistic? Didn't Jesus get rid of the Sabbath? Sabbath applied only to Jews, right? Are we missing something if we don't practice Sabbath? Let's dig in to part one of this conversation. Resources Mentioned BibleProject - Seventh Day Series https://bibleproject.com/podcast/series/7th-day-rest-sabbath/ A Brief History of Sunday: From New Testament to New Creation by Justo Gonzalez https://amzn.to/3LpMwJx The Rest of God: Restoring Your Soul by Restoring Sabbath by Mark Buchanan https://amzn.to/3MuafYU Bible Verses Referenced Ephesians 2:8-9 Genesis 1 Genesis 22:18 Exodus 16 (I erroneously reference this as Exodus 15 in the episode) Exodus 20:8 Exodus 31:13 Next Steps If you want to implement a Sabbath practice in your week but don't know how to get started this free guide will be of use for you: https://rachelfahrenbach.com/busymomsguide Say Hi! I love hearing from you! Send me a DM on Instagram and let me know what you think of the episode. Connect with Me https://rachelfahrenbach.com https://instagram.com/rachelfahrenbach  https://facebook.com/rachelfahrenbach https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCHzhn9eYT7JjrrgRPqemwVg https://pinterest.com/rachelfahrenbach data:image/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAPABAP///wAAACH5BAEKAAAALAAAAAABAAEAAAICRAEAOw==  

It's a sneaky thing, the productivity cycle. It always starts with our good intentions. We start a task, accomplish it, feel a win of sorts, move onto the next task, and the process repeats. Soon, we are caught up in the cycle to the point that when we do find ourselves in a space of rest, we physically, mentally, and emotionally can't stop doing and just relax. We can't turn off the need, maybe even the desire, to keep producing. It's a vicious cycle and I recently found myself caught up in it.    Let's Celebrate! It's the one year anniversary of Rest & Reflect guided journal launching into the world! To celebrate, inscribed, signed copies of the journal are available for ONLY $10. Plus, you'll also receive a PDF version of the journal. Grab your copy here: https://rachelfahrenbach.com/celebrate   Now What? If you need help starting your Sabbath practice, grab your FREE guide: https://rachelfahrenbach.com/busymomsguide   Connect with Rachel https://rachelfahrenbach.com  https://instagram.com/rachelfahrenbach https://facebook.com/rachelfahrenbach  

The life of a busy mom is an ever changing one. With new seasons come changes to your schedules, new challenges from your family, different expectations for your spiritual growth, and unique needs that weren't part of "the plan." Being flexible is the busy mom's first line of defense for moving through her week. And that's just as true within our Sabbath practices. My guest Melissa Dyer shares how her practice has ebbed and flowed over the past 15 years in different seasons of her life. About My Guest Melissa C. Dyer is a wife, mother, business owner, and Champion of women. She's worked as a corporate executive, in Christian ministry, and as a homeschool mom. Her writings and teachings have inspired, challenged, and educated readers and listeners for more than 20 years. She resides in Florida with her husband and children. You can connect with her ministry at www.MelissaCDyer.com   Links Connect to Melissa https://www.MelissaCDyer.com https://instagram.com/melissacdyer_     Resources Learning to Roar: Life lessons on faith, courage, and female pride https://amzn.to/3szUhp0    Now What? If you are ready to start practicing Sabbath, get your FREE guide: https://rachelfahrenbach.com/busymomsguide  Connect with Rachel https://rachelfahrenbach.com  https://instagram.com/rachelfahrenbach https://facebook.com/rachelfahrenbach  

In His directions to the Israelites concerning Sabbath, God outlines a rest that is community-focused in general and family-focused in particular. For the busy Christian mom contemplating how to cultivate a culture of family rest and connection during Sabbath, I want to suggest 5 ways she can help make that happen.   Links Connect with Rachel https://rachelfahrenbach.com  https://Instagram.com/rachelfahrenbach  https://Facebook.com/rachelfahrenbach    Resources The Busy Mom's Guide https://rachelfahrenbach.com/busymomsguide Games My Kids Enjoy Playing During Sabbath Taco Cat Goat Cheese Pizza: https://amzn.to/3HaYO5s Zingo: https://amzn.to/3p2Y0JR Spot-it: https://amzn.to/3p2Y0JR Clue: https://amzn.to/3s5JeUz *As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.   Now What? Ask yourself this question: Out of the five tips that we've talked about today, what is one tip you want to implement in your next Sabbath practice to encourage reconnection as a family? If you are interested in starting a Sabbath practice, but don't know where to begin, download this free guide: https://rachelfahrenbach.com/busymomsguide

Valentine's Day may have been back at the beginning of the week, but we can still bring the spirit of connection into this weekend. As we welcome the Sabbath, would you join me in praying for the ability to embrace learning how to rest together as a couple.   Links Connect with Rachel https://rachelfahrenbach.com  https://Instagram.com/rachelfahrenbach  https://Facebook.com/rachelfahrenbach    Resources Rest & Reflect: A 12-Week Sabbath Journal https://rachelfahrenbach.com/journal    Now What? Go with peace into your day of rest. Shabbat shalom.

While my conversation with Nancy Lerma started out talking about how she and her husband just recently started observing Sabbath, it led to a deeper reflection and advice about treating Sabbath as a gift, connecting as a couple, and being a leader as a parent. We also talked about what a stolen truck has to do with Sabbath, so you definitely won't want to miss this episode!   About My Guest Nancy Jane Lerma flies the banner of truth as a writer, speaker, storyteller and teacher. She loves to invite others into a deep and abiding relationship with Jesus. Nancy has served as an Associate Teaching Director for Community Bible Study and has been a speaker to MOPS groups. She and her husband Ron have been married for 33 years and live with their Black Lab Packer in the Central Valley of California. Nancy loves to play tennis, swim and feed family and friends with farm to table slow cooking. She and Ron have 4 young adult children, three that are married and two very adorable grandchildren.   Links Connect to Nancy Website: https://www.nancyjanespeaks.com/  Facebook: https://facebook.com/NancyLerma  Instagram: https://instagram.com/nancyjanelerma   Connect with Rachel https://rachelfahrenbach.com  Instagram: https://instagram.com/rachelfahrenbach Facebook: https://facebook.com/rachelfahrenbach   Resources Scripture Mentioned Galatians Colossians 2 Isaiah 56 Episode 17: Sabbath & Your Enneagram Number with Jenn Whitmer https://rachelfahrenbach.com/episode17   Now What? If you are ready to start practicing Sabbath, get your FREE guide: https://rachelfahrenbach.com/busymomsguide  

Today is Valentine's day and I thought it would be a great day to talk about how you can reconnect with your spouse during your Sabbath practice! I don't know about you, but there have been times when my husband and I have been so busy that we just feel like we're two ships passing during the week, but because we have allocated time within our Sabbath for just us to Sabbath together, we are able to reconnect each week! I'm sharing 5 tips to help ensure that Sabbath doesn't become only about the family connecting but also is a time of reconnection for you and your spouse as well.   Links Connect with Rachel https://rachelfahrenbach.com  https://Instagram.com/rachelfahrenbach  https://Facebook.com/rachelfahrenbach    Resources The Busy Mom's Guide https://rachelfahrenbach.com/busymomsguide  Google Keep Note App https://www.google.com/keep/  Discovery Game for Married Couples https://amzn.to/3JizX12  *As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.   Now What? Ask yourself this question: How can I reconnect with my husband during our next time of Sabbath? If you are interested in starting a Sabbath practice, but don't know where to begin, download this free guide: https://rachelfahrenbach.com/busymomsguide 

You move through this life trying to get things on your to-do list done, trying to care for the needs of those around you, care for the needs of those that depend upon you. You feel the weight of responsibility, it's heavy, it's taxing. You wouldn't trade it for the world; you love your kids. You love your family. You love this life that you are building. But, sometimes it feels like it's missing something. This prayer is for you.   Links Connect with Rachel https://rachelfahrenbach.com  https://Instagram.com/rachelfahrenbach  https://Facebook.com/rachelfahrenbach    Resources Want to use today's prayer as a journaling prompt? You can download it here: https://rachelfahrenbach.com/episode27  (Scroll to the resource section on the page)   Now What? Go with peace into your day of rest. Shabbat shalom.

As a follow up to our conversation in Episode 25 about practicing soul care within the safe space of Sabbath, I wanted to share a few tips I've stumbled across over the years. I hope these six pieces of advice give you a springboard for designing a soul care practice that works within your week.   Links Connect with Rachel https://rachelfahrenbach.com  https://Instagram.com/rachelfahrenbach  https://Facebook.com/rachelfahrenbach    Resources Episode 25: What Sabbath Teaches us about Mom Guilt & Soul Care https://rachelfahrenbach.com/episode25    Episode 1: Sabbath and our Image-bearer Role https://rachelfahrenbach.com/episode01    Rest & Reflect: 12-Week Guided Sabbath Journal https://rachelfahrenbach.com/journal    Now What? Ask yourself this question: How can I practice caring for my soul during my next Sabbath? If you are interested in starting a Sabbath practice, but don't know where to begin, download this free guide: https://rachelfahrenbach.com/busymomsguide  

Mom guilt. It's real and it's awful. We deal with it on a daily basis. We're not doing enough, we're not enough. And when we bring in the conversation of soul care, the mom guilt flares us. How can we focus on doing things that make us feel "alive"? Isn't that selfish and discontent? How can it be true that we adore our kids and enjoy being their mom but also feel a nagging that something is missing? Today, we're tackling this question, defining soul care a bit differently, and discussing how Sabbath both teaches us to embrace soul care and gives us a safe space in which to practice it. I hope you take a listen.   Links Connect with Rachel https://rachelfahrenbach.com  https://Instagram.com/rachelfahrenbach  https://Facebook.com/rachelfahrenbach    Resources Episode 16: Self-Care, Soul-Care, and the Sabbath https://rachelfahrenbach.com/episode16  Episode 22: Am I Being Selfish? https://rachelfahrenbach.com/episode22    Now What? Ask yourself this question: how can I practice caring for my soul during my next Sabbath? If you are interested in starting a Sabbath practice, but don't know where to begin, download this free guide: https://rachelfahrenbach.com/busymomsguide

In hard weeks like this one has been for me, I am reminded how far I've come from the burned-out, exhausted mom I was 5 years ago. I also am reminded how easy it is to slip back into that joyless space. How easy it is to pursue the to-do list instead of rest in the gift of Sabbath. Today's prayer is for the joyless mom who loves her people, but struggles to love her everyday life. The mom who is struggling to find the joy because she is just so tired.  Links Connect with Rachel https://rachelfahrenbach.com https://Instagram.com/rachelfahrenbach  https://Facebook.com/rachelfahrenbach Resources Want to use today's prayer as a journaling prompt? You can download it here: https://rachelfahrenbach.com/episode24  (Scroll to the resource section on the page) Now What? Go with peace into your day of rest. Shabbat shalom.

My guest today, Angie Gibbons, gets the importance of rest-- she's created an app designed to help you put a rhythm of rest and connection with God into your every day-- which is why I was so excited to sit down with her and discuss what Sabbath looks like in her life. I was blown away by the sincerity, sage advice, and beauty of what Angie had to share with us. We talked about what it means to Sabbath as a mom of littles, a mom of teens, a homeschooling mom, and a work-from-home mom. We also touched on the subject of burn-out, communicating your rest needs to your spouse, reclaiming our whole selves, and resisting the shame of mom guilt. It's a conversation packed with truth and vulnerability and I hope you listen in.   About My Guest Angie is a writer, speaker, and co-founder of Dawn, a mindful faith company. Her passion is to empower women to pursue spiritual and mental wholeness. Angie lives and surfs in Hawaii with her husband and three daughters. Links Connect to Angie https://www.angiegibbons.com/ https://www.instagram.com/angiegibbons.writer/ https://www.facebook.com/angiegibbons.writer https://www.pinterest.com/angiegibbonswrites/_created/ https://www.gatheratdawn.com/ https://www.instagram.com/gatheratdawn/ Connect with Rachel https://rachelfahrenbach.com  https://instagram.com/rachelfahrenbach https://facebook.com/rachelfahrenbach Resources Scripture Mentioned Hebrews 4 Dawn App https://www.gatheratdawn.com/app Now What? Definitely check out the Dawn App: https://www.gatheratdawn.com/app If you are ready to start practicing Sabbath, get your FREE guide: https://rachelfahrenbach.com/busymomsguide

Hang on tight, I get a little fired up in this episode! I'm diving into the question moms often ask themselves when considering self-care, soul-care, and Sabbath practices: "am I being selfish?" Of course, I think the answer is a resounding "no, you're not!" You'll want to listen in today to hear why I believe this question is a lie and a distraction sent from the pits of hell. And I hope you'll take to heart the lessons  about self-care and soul-care we can see in Mark 6 with the feeding of the 5000. Links Connect with Rachel https://rachelfahrenbach.com https://Instagram.com/rachelfahrenbach https://Facebook.com/rachelfahrenbach Resources Episode 16: Self-Care, Soul-Care, and the Sabbath https://rachelfahrenbach.com/episode16  Scriptures Referenced Mark 6:30-46   Now What? Ask yourself this question: Do I want to engage in this activity because I want to escape or because it will bring a refueling and refreshment to my life? If you are interested in starting a Sabbath practice, but don't know where to begin, download this free guide: https://rachelfahrenbach.com/busymomsguide 

I'm so guilty of moving through my week at a breakneck speed trying to get through to the weekend. And then, once I'm there, I feel like I'm still wired for productivity when I should be relaxing into a time of rest. My mind stays on my to-do list instead of noticing the joy of the moment. If you find yourself in a similar spot, listen in as I pray for you and me, the distracted mom. Links Connect with Rachel https://rachelfahrenbach.com https://Instagram.com/rachelfahrenbach https://Facebook.com/rachelfahrenbach Resources Want to use today's prayer as a journaling prompt? You can download it here: https://rachelfahrenbach.com/episode21 (Scroll to the resource section on the page) Now What? Go with peace into your day of rest. Shabbat shalom.

Digital Sabbath. You've probably heard the term and like me, it intrigued you. What exactly is a digital Sabbath? How does it work? Why is it helpful and how can it fit into our bigger Sabbath practice? We're going to get into all of that today with my guest, Susan Arico. About My Guest Susan Arico is a screen coach and writer on digital wellness topics. Her passion is the intersection between cell phone use and our souls. What she calls cell and soul. She runs cell phone challenges and offers digital wellness products such as the 21 day reset, advent devotional, and a lent film-based course for parents and teens to do together. Links Connect with Susan Website: https://www.susanbarico.com Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/susanbarico/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/susanbaricowrites Twitter: https://twitter.com/SusanBArico Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/susanbarico/ Connect with Rachel https://rachelfahrenbach.com Instagram | https://instagram.com/rachelfahrenbach Facebook | https://facebook.com/rachelfahrenbach  Resources Mentioned Digital Wellness Resources by Susan Arico https://perch-gecko-s7ld.squarespace.com/resources Cheaper by the Dozen by Frank B. Gilbreth & Ernestine Gilbreth Carey (a fun read about an efficiency expert and his family) https://amzn.to/3rVxDWG Digital Minimalism: Choosing a Focused Life in a Noisy World by Cal Newport https://amzn.to/3g18pAE Get Your Life Back: Everyday Practices for a World Gone Mad by John Eldredge https://amzn.to/32zMMnX Wild at Heart Podcast by John Eldredge https://wildatheart.org/podcast Tech Shabbat - Tiffany Shlain https://www.tiffanyshlain.com/ 24/6: Giving up Screens One Day a Week to Get More Time, Creativity, and Connection by Tiffany Shlain https://amzn.to/34dVYyZ The Ruthless Elimination of Hurry: How to stay emotionally healthy and spiritually alive in the chaos of the modern world by John Mark Comer https://amzn.to/3tYpOCl   Now What? Be sure to visit Susan's website for some fabulous resources for navigating cell usage: https://www.susanbarico.com/ If you are ready to start resting in a way that supports your personality, you can grab the free guide I created for you: https://rachelfahrenbach.com/busymomsguide  

Did you know that when God gave the Israelites the command to observe Sabbath, he didn't give them an extensive list of dos and don'ts? The "rules" that we typically think of when we think of Sabbath were the result of well-meaning Jewish religious leaders attempting to define "work" so as to not break the Sabbath. So, what dos and don'ts are actually in scripture? That's what we're talking about today.   Links Connect with Rachel https://rachelfahrenbach.com  https://Instagram.com/rachelfahrenbach https://Facebook.com/rachelfahrenbach Resources BibleProject Sabbath Series https://bibleproject.com/podcast/series/7th-day-rest-sabbath/ Scripture Referenced Exodus 16:28-29  Exodus 20:8-11 Exodus 31:13-14, 16  Exodus 35:3  Leviticus 23:3 Nehemiah 10:28-28, 31  Isaiah 58:13  Jeremiah 17:20-27 Ezekiel 20:12-13, 20 Micah 6:8 Matthew 12:11-12 Luke 13:10-16 Now What? Ask yourself this question: What work do I need to stop in order to receive this gift that's wrapped up in a command? This gift of Sabbath? If you are interested in starting a Sabbath practice, but don't know where to begin, download this free guide: https://rachelfahrenbach.com/busymomsguide

"I don't have time to get sick!" How many times have you said this phrase? As if there ever was a good time to get sick! But, moms always seem to be surprised by sickness and annoyed by it. This week, I was hit with sickness and found myself uttering the very words. I had to be reminded that this forced space of rest can be frustrating, but it can also reveal truth and bring healing-- if we let God tend to us during this time. Join me today as I pray for the mom who is sick.   Links Connect with Rachel https://rachelfahrenbach.com https://Instagram.com/rachelfahrenbach https://Facebook.com/rachelfahrenbach   Resources Want to use today's prayer as a journaling prompt? You can download it here: https://rachelfahrenbach.com/episode18  (Scroll to the resource section on the page)   Now What? Go with peace into your day of rest. Shabbat shalom.

How do you know what your soul needs to rest? Is it having alone time? Is it taking a walk in nature? Is it meeting with a friend over coffee? My guest today, Jenn Whitmer, suggests three ways of resting, Stillness, Silence, and Solitude, and how we can evaluate which one we might need more of in our Sabbath practices.  About My Guest Jenn Whitmer helps teams and leaders solve conflict and personality clashes. She speaks, writes, and coaches about hard topics with infectious joy. Through working with Jenn, people improve communication, work through conflict, and build self-awareness with the Enneagram. She asks big questions that lead to big dreams and big ideas and big living. Usually, that means laughing. Links Connect with Jenn https://jennwhitmer.com  Instagram | https://www.instagram.com/jenn_whitmer/  LinkedIn | https://www.linkedin.com/in/jennwhitmer  Facebook | https://www.facebook.com/jennwhitmerspeaks/  Medium | https://medium.com/@jenn_whitmer Clubhouse | https://www.joinclubhouse.com/@jenn_whitmer Connect with Rachel https://rachelfahrenbach.com  Instagram | https://instagram.com/rachelfahrenbach  Facebook | https://facebook.com/rachelfahrenbach Resources Mentioned Why Do I Keep Doing This https://jennwhitmer.com/freebies  The One Minute Pause App https://www.pauseapp.com/ Suzanne Stabile https://suzannestabile.com/ Now What? If you are interested in learning more about the Enneagram Tool, check out Jenn's freebies on her website: https://jennwhitmer.com/freebies  If you are ready to start resting in a way that supports your personality, you can grab the free guide I created for you: https://rachelfahrenbach.com/busymomsguide 

At first glance, it might be able to lump self-care, soul-care, and Sabbath all into the same category: something that helps a mom not burn out. But, they actually all serve a different purpose and all are necessary to a well-balanced life. Listen in.   Links Connect with Rachel https://rachelfahrenbach.com https://Instagram.com/rachelfahrenbach https://Facebook.com/rachelfahrenbach Resources A few of my favorite self-care items and books: Candles (one for work, one for rest) https://amzn.to/3zD6VWh Dr Teal's Eucalyptus Epsom Salt & Foaming Bath Oil https://amzn.to/3JQN5eX Bright Line Eating: The Science of Living Happy, Thin, and Free by Susan Peirce Thompson https://amzn.to/3fissuh A few of my favorite soul-care items and resources: Rest & Reflect: A 12-Week Guided Sabbath Journal by Rachel Fahrenbach A Space for Conversations with Your Creator about Identity, Purpose, & Belonging https://amzn.to/3n7jjbZ The Next Right Thing: A Simple, Soulful Practice for Making Life Decisions by Emily P. Freeman https://amzn.to/3n8CbHP The Next Right Thing Podcast https://emilypfreeman.com/podcast/   Soul-care for Writers: Hope*Writers Membership Community https://rachelfahrenbach--hopewriters.thrivecart.com/join/ A few of my favorite Sabbath items and resources: To use as a devotional during your Sabbath: Foundations: 12 Biblical Truths to Build a Family https://amzn.to/3G7EthM A reminder that we are living in a culture that embraces hurry: The Ruthless Elimination of Hurry by John Mark Comer https://amzn.to/31H1j0Q A beautiful collection of poems: This Day: Collected & New Sabbath Poems by Wendell Berry https://amzn.to/3qRkVYo If you use candles during your family meal during Sabbath: Hand Carved Bethlehem Olive Wood Pair of Candlesticks Candle Holders  https://amzn.to/3HHPk2n   Now What? Ask yourself the question: Do I struggle most with self-care, soul-care, or the Sabbath? Then, ask God to give you wisdom on implementing one small change in the area you struggle the most. If you are interested in starting a Sabbath practice, but don't know where to begin, download this free guide: https://rachelfahrenbach.com/busymomsguide    *As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.

It can be difficult reentering the work week after having multiple days off for the holidays. Listen in as I pray a prayer over those of us moms who are crossing the finish line of the work week exhausted and longing for rest.     Links Connect with Rachel https://rachelfahrenbach.com  https://Instagram.com/rachelfahrenbach https://Facebook.com/rachelfahrenbach    Resources Want to use today's prayer as a journaling prompt? You can download it here.  (Scroll to the resource section on the page)   Now What? Go with peace into your day of rest. Shabbat shalom.

Anxiety and overwhelm are common companions for the busy Christian mom and only add fuel to the already raging fire of exhaustion and burn-out. But, what can we do about it? Well, today's guest Nicole Fryling, a licensed mental-health counselor, suggests that a Sabbath practice gives us the space to slow down, experience a grounding, and connect to ourselves, to others, and to God. Take a listen. About My Guest Nicole Fryling is a licensed mental health counselor in the state of Michigan. She owns Restorative Counseling Center, a private group practice offering mental health therapy to her local community. Her passion is journeying alongside women struggling with anxiety and overwhelm. In doing this she blends Biblical principles with psychological tools and techniques.   Links Connect with Nicole Facebook | https://facebook.com/restorativecounselingcenter Instagram | https://instagram.com/nicolekfryling Website | https://restorativecc.com/ Path to Peace | https://restorativecc.com/free-resources/  Connect with Rachel https://rachelfahrenbach.com https://Instagram.com/rachelfahrenbach https://Facebook.com/rachelfahrenbach Resources Path to Peace - Free Resource from Nicole exploring the application of scriptures that speak about anxiety. https://restorativecc.com/free-resources/  Now What? Be sure to grab the free resource Path to Peace from Nicole (https://restorativecc.com/free-resources/ ) If you need additional help starting a Sabbath Practice, download my free guide: https://rachelfahrenbach.com/buysmomsguide 

Your Sabbath practice needs structure to it. Yep, even for those of you who are a bit more free-spirited in nature. In this episode, I explain why and offer three tips for structuring your Sabbath practice!   Links Connect with Rachel https://rachelfahrenbach.com https://Instagram.com/rachelfahrenbach https://Facebook.com/rachelfahrenbach   Resources A Brief History of Sunday: From the New Testament to the New Creation by Justo L. González  https://amzn.to/3FP1d69 The Busy Mom's Guide to a Simple Family Sabbath http://rachelfahrenbach.com/busymomsguide Episode 08: Ruth Pauley on Creating a Culture of Rest with the Shabbat Meal https://rachelfahrenbach.com/episode08   Now What? Download the guide for structuring your Sabbath and work through the 5 steps. Ask yourself the question: What could your Sabbath look like if you got to do what you wanted to do?   *As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.

Today is the last day of the year 2021. It's kind of fun that I get to record a podcast episode for you today on the very last day of the year and especially when it's an episode focused on prayer and focused on helping you welcome in the Sabbath. As we move from one year to the next, I hope you join me in praying for our new year. Links Connect with Rachel Website Instagram Facebook   Resources Remember 2021: Guided Journal Pages Learn More Grab your copy of this digital download to guide you in remembering how God has engaged with you in your life this past year as you welcome in the new one.   Now What? Go with peace into your day of rest. Shabbat shalom and Happy New Year

I have never associated prayer with rest, but for Lanie Ehlinger, it is a key component of her Sabbath practice. And it's not just prayer for herself; Lanie's prayer time focuses mainly on others. Until our conversation, I hadn't even considered that interceding on behalf of another could bring a rest and refueling for the everyday, but this conversation with Lanie gave me another perspective regarding prayer and the Sabbath. I hope it does the same for you.   About My Guest Lanie Ehlinger is an educator, storyteller, mentor, writer, and mom, who loves prayer and people. She once heard a speaker say prayer began as desperation, became a discipline, and now is her passion. That is Lanie's story as well. Lanie's day job is serving as an academic coach to scholarship athletes at Wake Forest University.  She has also authored two books, which are available on Amazon: Extraordinary in the Ordinary: How God shows up miraculously in the ordinary moments of life AND Practical Jesus: How Jesus is relevant every day in every way. Links Connect with Lanie Instagram Facebook Website Connect with Rachel https://rachelfahrenbach.com https://Instagram.com/rachelfahrenbach https://Facebook.com/rachelfahrenbach Resources Starting the Conversation with Jesus for Kids Starting the Conversation with Jesus Extraordinary in the Ordinary: How God shows up miraculously in the ordinary moments of life by Lanie Ehlinger Practical Jesus: How Jesus is relevant every day in every way by Lanie Ehlinger Legacy of Prayer by Jennifer Kennedy Dean   What's Next? Take some time this week to go to God in prayer and ask Him what He wants for your Sabbath practice. Want to practice Sabbath but don't know where to start? Grab this free guide: The Busy Mom's Guide to a Simple Family Sabbath Want to incorporate moments of rest and reflection into your week? Purchase the Rest & Reflect: 12-Week Guided Sabbath Journal   *As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.    

What exactly is work? We have so much work to-do as moms and some of it feels like we can't put it down. So how can we stop and rest? How can we take a Sabbath when we're not even really sure what counts as work and what doesn't? Links Connect with Rachel https://rachelfahrenbach.com https://Instagram.com/rachelfahrenbach https://Facebook.com/rachelfahrenbach What's Next? Ask yourself: Which area of my life do I need to learn to simply dwell in for just one day? Want to practice Sabbath but don't know where to start? Download the free guide The Busy Mom's Guide to a Simple Family Sabbath: https://rachelfahrenbach.com/busymomsguide Want to incorporate moments of rest and reflection into your week? Purchase the Rest & Reflect: 12-Week Guided Sabbath Journal: https://amzn.to/3ExjvaE *As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.

Today is Christmas Eve and I want to pray for rest for those of us moms who are feeling the pressure to make this "the best Christmas ever." If that's you, I hope you'll listen in.   Links Connect with Rachel https://rachelfahrenbach.com https://Instagram.com/rachelfahrenbach https://Facebook.com/rachelfahrenbach Want to practice Sabbath but don't know where to start? The Busy Mom's Guide to a Simple Family Sabbath https://rachelfahrenbach.com/busymomsguide Want to incorporate moments of rest and reflection into your week? https://amzn.to/3ExjvaE   *As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.

When we practice a weekly Sabbath in our homes, we go against the flow of our culture, and so we have to actively create a culture that celebrates a rhythm of rest and connecting with God and others. The Shabbat meal is one way in which you can cultivate a culture of rest in your home each week. My guest, Ruth Pauley, shares what the Shabbat meal looks like in their home and how it has made an impact in their family. Listen in. About my Guest: Ruth Pauley is a wife, homeschooling mother of three, and a writer. She shares her thoughts on prayer, adoration of God, homeschooling, and healthy living on her blog and Instagram. Ruth and her family reside in the Houston, Texas area. Connect with Ruth: https://thepauleyfam.wixsite.com/ruthpauleywrites/ https://instagram.com/ruthpauley_ Resources: Foundations: 12 Biblical Truths to Shape a Family by Ruth Chou Simons https://amzn.to/3srb8Ld   Links: Connect with Rachel Website: https://rachelfahrenbach.com Facebook: https://facebook.com/rachelfahrenbach Instagram: https://instagram.com/rachelfahrenbach What Next: Ready to being practicing Sabbath but don't know where to start? Grab this free guide: The Busy Mom's Guide to a Simple Family Sabbath: https://rachelfahrenbach.com/busymomsguide --- *As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.*

We often don't think of the word Sabbath when we talk about Christmas and the birth of Jesus, but actually, the two are closely related. And even though some have pointed to Jesus as a reason to ignore the Sabbath, you really can't have one without the other. I hope you listen in as we explore this concept. Resources Bible Project - 7th Day Series Two Kinds of Rest - Shabbat and Nuakh What is Advent What is the New Heaven and New Earth Links Connect with Rachel: www.rachelfahrenbach.com Facebook Instagram What Next Reflect this week on the beautiful truth that God desires and created space (both within environment and time) to dwell with His Creation and Sabbath is a tangible expression of that truth. Ready to begin practicing Sabbath but don't know where to start? Grab this free guide: The Busy Mom's Guide to a Simple Family Sabbath

It can be scary to put down the to-do list and step away from the things you've left undone for the week. Join me as I pray for us to have the courage to rest this Sabbath. Connect with Rachel: https://rachelfahrenbach.com https://facebook.com/rachelfahrenbach https://Instagram.com/rachelfahrenbach Grab the Free Guide: https://rachelfahrenbach.com/busymomsguide

Can you really Sabbath for an entire 24-hours as a mom with littles? The answer is a resounding "yes!" My friend, Melanie Zeeb is on the podcast today sharing what her 24-hours looks like and some of the things she's learned over the past few years of practicing Sabbath. Practice not perfectionism is at the heart of what she shares so I really do hope you take a listen. Melanie Zeeb is a wife, mother to two young boys, and a writer. While she is currently working on a YA novel, she has written the non-fiction work Beauty from Ashes: An Eyewitness Account of Haiti's Tragic Earthquake. Links & Resources The Common Rule (I mistakenly called the book the Uncommon Rule  in the episode) https://amzn.to/3dTB8Xa Read Melanie's Book https://amzn.to/3dUX1oS Connect with Melanie https://facebook.com/authorMelanieZeeb https://instagram.com/Melanie.Zeeb https://twitter.com/MelZeeb   What's Next? If you want to implement a Sabbath practice but don't know where to begin, check out the free guide: The Busy Mom's Guide to a Simple Family Sabbath. https://rachelfahrenbach.com/busymomsguide Connect with Rachel https://instagram.com/rachelfahrenbach https://facebook.com/rachelfahrenbach https://rachelfahrenbach.com Buy the Rest & Reflect guided Sabbath journal https://amzn.to/3IPipKC *As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.*    

How can a mom find time to rest, when she can barely find time to do all the things she needs to do? What if I told you the cultural norm of 5-day work week and 2-day weekend actually makes it harder for you to accomplish your to-do list each week? Or that it contributes to that panic you feel at the end of the week when you haven't gotten everything done that you need to and the guilt you feel about not enjoying the weekend? There is another way. A better way. One that is laid out for us in scripture: 6 days of work and 1 day of rest. It's time to rethink your weekly schedule.   Links & Resources Read Genesis 1:3-5 The Busy Mom's Guide to a Simple Family Sabbath This Mom Knows Podcast - Episode 44 The Mom Team Connect with Rachel rachelfahrenbach.com Instagram.com/rachelfahrenbach Facebook.com/rachelfahrenbach Next Steps Ask: What would you gain if you added in a day of work and made a day of rest non-negotiable? Do: Pick a day to Sabbath, write it on your calendar, identify your roles, and assign them throughout the remaining 6 days. Download: The Busy Mom's Guide to a Simple Family Sabbath  

Before you begin your rhythm of welcoming the Sabbath, allow me a moment to pray over you. May this prayer and blessing be an acknowledgment of the good and loving work you are doing in the various roles you have the responsibility to steward throughout the week. Let it be a reminder that you are not alone in this desire to live counter-culturally. And may it encourage you to continue seeking to rest with Jesus. Connect with Rachel Website Instagram Facebook Free Resource

The moment Amanda and I started chatting, I knew this episode was going to be a good one! While we get into the details of Amanda's Sabbath practice, and what it looks like for her as a mom of littles, I particularly love what she has to say about Sabbath, identity, and gaining a deeper understanding of grace through this practice of rest. I know you're gonna enjoy this one. About Amanda Amanda Dzimianski is a human learning how to be and a recovering legalist. She writes to invite pew-weary Jesus-people to embrace and experience their own belovedness. She also pens poetry and is a writing coach. Website | Instagram | Facebook | Twitter  Links & Resources BEMA Podcast 7 Simple and Surprising Ways to Connect with God in the Overwhelm Additional Resources Since Amanda mentioned she likes to read and listen to music during her Sabbath, I asked her to share her current reads/listens. Here they are: Amanda is reading: House Lessons by Erica Bauermeister and Unfettered by Mandy Smith Amanda is Listening to this Spotify Playlist. Now What? Ready to start practicing Sabbath but don't know where to begin? Grab this free guide. GIVEAWAY - Be sure to enter the podcast launch celebration giveaway before it closes on December 10. Be sure to check out Amanda's free resource. Take time today to write down one way you'd like to "play" during your Sabbath this weekend.  

Yes, momma, you need to rest. And you have permission to rest. But have you ever considered the fact that you were designed to rest? That's what we're talking about on today's episode. Listen in. Links & Resources  Read Genesis 1:26-28 (MSG) Read Genesis 2:2-4 (MSG) Learn more about Rachel Follow Rachel on Instagram Follow Rachel on Facebook Now What? If you haven't entered the podcast launch giveaway (ends 12-10-21), sign up here. Ready to start practicing Sabbath, but don't know how to begin? Grab this free guide.    

Rest doesn't have to be a four-letter word. If you feel like you're going to break from exhaustion, let me invite you to Simply Sabbath, a podcast for the burnt- out Christian mom, who longs to get back to the core of who she is and reclaim the deep joy and stabilizing peace Jesus has for her in her everyday-- without the mom guilt that often accompanies self-care practices.