Work and Play with Nancy Ray

Winsome Joy Ray, our precious fifth baby, was born at home on Christmas Day. This is her birth story. Resources from this episode: Nancy Ray Blog Nourish Move Love Labor Inducing Workout Peace album by Bethel Music Matin: Rest album by Jess Ray Matin: Turn album by Jess Ray Matin: Love album by Jess Ray A Vision for this Season How to Visualize Your Dream Birth by Hailey Aliff Nancy Ray Website Nancy Ray on Instagram Affiliate links have been used in this post! I do receive a commission when you choose to purchase through these links, and that helps me keep this podcast up and running—I truly appreciate when you choose to use them!  

Hello and welcome to May is for Mamas! I am so excited! I love this month of the year on the Work & Play podcast! We are kicking off this series with 20 of my favorite things that I have experienced this postpartum season. This is going to be a great episode for you to forward to a pregnant mama or someone who is postpartum. There is going to be a total of five episodes released every Thursday during the month of May with something for moms and something free for you (like a gift or a discount). It's all going to be in every episode, but you have to stay and listen to the end, so don't miss it. I can't wait for May is for Mamas 2025. Let's go! Resouces from this episode: Lumebox (red light therapy) Stanley cup HydroJug Owala water bottle Element Electrolyte Drink Mix Peace album by Bethel Music Matin: Rest album by Jess Ray Matin: Turn album by Jess Ray Matin: Love album by Jess Ray On Moonberry Lake by Holly Varni Hiccapop bed bumper Hatch alarm clock Solly baby wrap LUXE bidet Colorfulkhola joggers No-bake energy balls Brewer's yeast Haakaa breast pump Kindle Paperwhite Nursing tank tops We Heart Nutrition postnatal vitamin (use code NANCYRAY for a discount!) Frida Mom peri bottle Free Diastatis Recti Repair Program on YouTube 25% Off Dwell Bible App FREE GIFT: Calm Amidst the Choas podcast series Nancy Ray Website Nancy Ray on Instagram Affiliate links have been used in this post! I do receive a commission when you choose to purchase through these links, and that helps me keep this podcast up and running—I truly appreciate when you choose to use them!

Well today you're in for a treat. I have my dear friend, Mary Marantz, author of Underestimated, on the podcast. She has written three amazing books, but we're talking about her latest one. I cannot even tell you what a gift it has been to me so far. I know you're going to love this conversation with Mary. If you are stuck in feeling afraid of moving forward in a dream or idea that you have… if you feel like you're just a drop in a bucket and you don't know how to create… if you feel like you are afraid and there are scripts playing in your head and you don't know how to get past them, today's episode is for you. Resources from this episode: Underestimated by Mary Marantz Dirt by Mary Marantz The Best of You by Alison Cook Biblical Principles to Overcome Overwhelm with Jordan Raynor Take the achiever quiz! Pre-Order Underestimated Mary Marantz on Instagram Nancy Ray Website Nancy Ray on Instagram Affiliate links have been used in this post! I do receive a commission when you choose to purchase through these links, and that helps me keep this podcast up and running—I truly appreciate when you choose to use them!

Do you know what I don't talk about enough? My Contentment Challenge. It has become a regular part of my life every year now, but it continues to be one of the best things that I do. Today, I'm going to share eleven benefits that I experience every single time I do the Contentment Challenge and my unique approach to it this year. Resources from this episode: 25% Off Dwell Bible App Take the Contentment Challenge Work & Play Episode 3 - The Contentment Challenge Nancy Ray Website Nancy Ray on Instagram Affiliate links have been used in this post! I do receive a commission when you choose to purchase through these links, and that helps me keep this podcast up and running—I truly appreciate when you choose to use them!

Today, I'm going to share what it means to live in day-tight compartments. This is a follow-up episode from last year called, “Be Where Your Feet Are.” Basically, an encouragement and reminder to you to be present today and that's all you need to focus on. Resources from this episode: How to Stop Worrying and Start Living by Dale Carnegie Nancy Ray Website Nancy Ray on Instagram Affiliate links have been used in this post! I do receive a commission when you choose to purchase through these links, and that helps me keep this podcast up and running—I truly appreciate when you choose to use them!  

Last week, I told you all about my favorite books from 2024. This week, I'm going to tell you all about what I plan to read in 2025. Resources from this episode: Nancy Ray Book Club By my friend on Goodreads! Kindle On Moonberry Lake by Holly Varni The Blooming of Delphinium by Holly Varni Smart Brevity: The Power of Saying More with Less TwoTone Creative The-Opt Out Family: How to Give Your Kids What Technology Can't by Erin Loechner The Let Them Theory by Mel Robbins 40 Days of Decrease by Alicia Britt Chole Anonymous by Alicia Britt Chole Underestimated by Mary Marantz The Wild Robot Trilogy by Peter Brown The Wedding People by Alison Espach The God of the Garden by Andrew Peterson The Thursday Murder Club by Richard Osman They Ask, You Answer by Marcus Sheridan The If I Run Series by Terri Blackstock The Comfort Crisis by Michael Easter How to Stop Worrying and Start Living by Dale Carnegie How to Win Friends and Influence People by Dale Carnegie Nancy Ray Website Nancy Ray on Instagram Affiliate links have been used in this post! I do receive a commission when you choose to purchase through these links, and that helps me keep this podcast up and running—I truly appreciate when you choose to use them!

Reading books will forever be an important part of my life. It is something my dad has instilled in me. I will always be sharing the books that I'm loving and the books that I'm hoping to read on this podcast because I think it's one of life's greatest gifts. So today I am going to be sharing with you my favorite books that I read last year in 2024. Resources from this episode: Nancy Ray Book Club Goodreads Set the Stars Alight by Amanda Dykes Made for People by Justin Whitmel Earley The Frozen River by Ariel Lawhon Rebel by Graham Cochrane The Restoration Series by Terri Blackstock How to Train Your Dragon Book Series Nancy Ray Website Nancy Ray on Instagram Affiliate links have been used in this post! I do receive a commission when you choose to purchase through these links, and that helps me keep this podcast up and running—I truly appreciate when you choose to use them!

I am so excited to be back behind this mic! Today, we are going to talk about why I named this podcast “Work and Play” and I'll share a fresh take on what it means to me now. Resources from this episode: 25% Off Dwell Bible App Nancy Ray Blog Andrew Peterson on Spotify Nancy Ray Website Nancy Ray on Instagram Affiliate links have been used in this post! I do receive a commission when you choose to purchase through these links, and that helps me keep this podcast up and running—I truly appreciate when you choose to use them!

It is January! Happy 2025! This is my annual State of the Podcast episode. It's going to be short and sweet, but I'm also really excited to share all the ideas and things I'm thinking about for Work and Play with Nancy Ray in 2025. Resources from this episode: Dwell Bible App Nancy Ray Blog 2025 Survey Join My Email List Nancy Ray Website Nancy Ray on Instagram Affiliate links have been used in this post! I do receive a commission when you choose to purchase through these links, and that helps me keep this podcast up and running—I truly appreciate when you choose to use them!  

Well, we just had our 5th baby and we decided to keep the news of our pregnancy all to ourselves until baby was born. Today, with the help of my friend Emily, I'll be sharing all about why we chose this path. Resources from this episode: The Connected Family Substack Cultivate What Matters Emily Thomas Website Nancy Ray Website Nancy Ray on Instagram Affiliate links have been used in this post! I do receive a commission when you choose to purchase through these links, and that helps me keep this podcast up and running—I truly appreciate when you choose to use them!

Okay, friend! I have been keeping the biggest secret from you all year and I'm so excited to finally share it with you today. I don't think you're ready for this... Are you ready? Resources from this episode: Nancy Ray Website Nancy Ray on Instagram Affiliate links have been used in this post! I do receive a commission when you choose to purchase through these links, and that helps me keep this podcast up and running—I truly appreciate when you choose to use them!

Today is a very brief episode. It's a tradition of sorts on this podcast for me to read this to you. I change it a little every year so that it pertains specifically to this year. It's simply called, “Finish Strong.” Resources from this episode: Nancy Ray Website Nancy Ray on Instagram Affiliate links have been used in this post! I do receive a commission when you choose to purchase through these links, and that helps me keep this podcast up and running—I truly appreciate when you choose to use them!

If you do absolutely nothing else with this episode, then listen to the intro. I want you to listen to my encouragement to take time to reflect at the end of your year. Today, I am going to be sharing my three favorite rhythms (or traditions or appointments) I put in my calendar at the end of every single year to finish the year well. These are things that really make me pause and reflect on the things that I have learned, the mistakes that I have made, and how I want to change. That can make all the difference. Resources from this episode: Dwell Bible App Deals How to Stop Worrying and Start Living book by Dale Carnegie Free Guide - A Vision for this Season The 12 Week Year Podcast The 12 Week Year Book The Contentment Challenge Nancy Ray Website Nancy Ray on Instagram Affiliate links have been used in this post! I do receive a commission when you choose to purchase through these links, and that helps me keep this podcast up and running—I truly appreciate when you choose to use them!  

I hope you had a wonderful Thanksgiving! Now it's time to get into the Christmas spirit. Today, I'm going to be sharing my five favorite Christmas traditions, my five favorite gifts to give at Christmas time, and my five favorite Christmas albums to listen to. Resouces from this episode: Calm Amidst the Chaos Podcast Series The Giving Manger Every Moment Holy Volume I Every Moment Holy Volume II Every Moment Holy Volume III Chunky Knit Blanket Mulling Spices Made for People by Justin Whitmel Earley Relaxed by Megan Fate Marshman Charlie Brown Christmas Album A Midnight Clear by John Nilsen The Christmas Cocktails Album The Holiday Soundtrack Elf Soundtrack Sufjan Stevens Christmas Collection Be Merry Playlist Nancy Ray Website Nancy Ray on Instagram Affiliate links have been used in this post! I do receive a commission when you choose to purchase through these links, and that helps me keep this podcast up and running—I truly appreciate when you choose to use them!

Happy Thanksgiving week! Oh my goodness, I can't believe we are here! Today's episode is all about our very favorite Thanksgiving tradition. It's so simple. It costs nothing. I hope you and your family enjoy it! Resources from this episode: One Thousand Gifts by Ann Voskamp Val Marie Prayer Journals Nancy Ray Website Nancy Ray on Instagram Affiliate links have been used in this post! I do receive a commission when you choose to purchase through these links, and that helps me keep this podcast up and running—I truly appreciate when you choose to use them!

Hey there! You're in the right place for Work and Play with Nancy Ray. A quick note: The podcast will be taking a break this week (November 19th), but I'm excited to tell you I will be back next week for another great new episode. Stay tuned and I'll catch you next week!

I specifically reached out to my podcast guest today and said, “Please come on my podcast. I have been watching you and have been so inspired by you. I would love to hear more about your story and get a chance to catch up.” We have been kind of online friends for over five years. Seeing what she is doing in her life is so inspiring. So today I am going to talk with Laura Jean Bell about health, faith, speaking life, about her story, and about her new book. Honestly, I feel like I was just sitting on a back porch talking with a really good friend for a long time. She is very honest; very real, and I think you're going to love what she has to say. Resources from this episode: 25% Off Dwell Bible App Proverbs 18:21 Laura Jean Bell on Instagram Laura Jean Bell on Facebook You Can Always Come Home Book by Laura Jean Bell Laura Bell Website Nancy Ray Website Nancy Ray on Instagram Affiliate links have been used in this post! I do receive a commission when you choose to purchase through these links, and that helps me keep this podcast up and running—I truly appreciate when you choose to use them!

Happy November! I am setting the bar high this year for no one but myself. I feel like this is going to be a podcast experiment. I'll let you know how it goes, but today I am sharing with you my extreme Christmas goals for this year. Resources from this episode: Nancy Ray Website Nancy Ray on Instagram Affiliate links have been used in this post! I do receive a commission when you choose to purchase through these links, and that helps me keep this podcast up and running—I truly appreciate when you choose to use them!

Today, I have the absolute privilege of talking to my new friend, Cleere Cherry. You might know her as Cleerely Stated on Instagram. She has been such a massive blessing to me. I love the way she writes and the way she speaks life. Her faith is resilient and contagious. I just feel so honored to have this conversation today with Cleere. I know you're going to love it. Resources from this episode: Cleere Cherry on Instagram Let's Be Cleere Podcast 2 Corinthians 12:9 Cleerely Stated Website Revive Devotional Nancy Ray Website Nancy Ray on Instagram Affiliate links have been used in this post! I do receive a commission when you choose to purchase through these links, and that helps me keep this podcast up and running—I truly appreciate when you choose to use them!

If you're anything like me, you're already starting to think about the holidays and Thanksgiving and Christmas coming up. Today's episode is simply going to be some questions for you to ask yourself (and for me to ask myself) before the holiday craziness begins. Resources from this episode: A Vision for this Season - Free Guide Decluttering at the Speed of Life by Dana K. White The Giving Manger Proverbs 11:24-25 Nancy Ray Website Nancy Ray on Instagram Affiliate links have been used in this post! I do receive a commission when you choose to purchase through these links, and that helps me keep this podcast up and running—I truly appreciate when you choose to use them!

Today, I have the absolute privilege of talking with Megan Fate Marshman about her new book called, “Relaxed.” Let me just tell you, this conversation was so special. It is one that I am going to listen to over and over again. I hope it means as much to you as it has meant to me. Resources from this episode: Relaxed by Megan Fate Marshman Ephesians Chapters 1-3 Matthew 6:21 Proverbs 4:23 Megan Marshman on Instagram Megan Marshman on YouTube Nancy Ray Website Nancy Ray on Instagram Affiliate links have been used in this post! I do receive a commission when you choose to purchase through these links, and that helps me keep this podcast up and running—I truly appreciate when you choose to use them!

Today's episode is going to be sweet, short, and hopefully powerful as I declare the truths of Colossians 1 over your work. Resources from this episode: 25% Off Dwell Bible App Colossians Chapter 1 A Vision for this Season Free Guide Nancy Ray Website Nancy Ray on Instagram Affiliate links have been used in this post! I do receive a commission when you choose to purchase through these links, and that helps me keep this podcast up and running—I truly appreciate when you choose to use them!

Today's episode is fun, lighthearted, and it's all about fall. I am going to share with you ten things that I have tried and loved this time of year and ten things that I plan to try this autumn. Resources from this episode: Calm Amidst the Chaos Podcast Series Magnolia Hearth and Hand Candle Autumn Playlist Venison/Beef Chili White Chicken Chili Butternut Squash Soup Dill Pickle Chicken Salad Olive and June Nail Polish Harvest Salad Kizik Shoes Artifact Uprising Vitamin C Powder Nancy Ray Website Nancy Ray on Instagram Affiliate links have been used in this post! I do receive a commission when you choose to purchase through these links, and that helps me keep this podcast up and running—I truly appreciate when you choose to use them!  

Today I have the privilege of talking with my friend, Hannah Brencher, the author of The Unplugged Hours: Cultivating a Life of Presence in a Digitally Connected World. Hannah is such a gift! I am so excited to share her with you today and the message of her new book that is already changing my life. Resources from this episode: The Unplugged Hours: Cultivating a Life of Presence in a Digitally Connected World by Hannah Brencher John 10:10 The Unplugged Hours Challenge Hannah Brencher on Instagram Nancy Ray Website Nancy Ray on Instagram Affiliate links have been used in this post! I do receive a commission when you choose to purchase through these links, and that helps me keep this podcast up and running—I truly appreciate when you choose to use them!

This episode of Work & Play with Nancy Ray is simply called, “Get Quiet, Then Go.” Resources from this episode: 25% Off Dwell Bible App Psalm 25:14 Nancy Ray Website Nancy Ray on Instagram Affiliate links have been used in this post! I do receive a commission when you choose to purchase through these links, and that helps me keep this podcast up and running—I truly appreciate when you choose to use them!  

Welcome back to part two of my conversation with Graham Cochrane about his new book, Rebel, which is so great. If you haven't listened to last week's episode, definitely go back and listen to that one first. This is a continuation of my conversation with Graham. I told him when I was talking with him, “I feel like this is a sermon for me. How is it that we're talking about your book called ‘Rebel' right now?” It's so good. I hope you enjoy our conversation. It was such a challenge and such a blessing to me all at once. I know you're going to love it. Here's part two of my conversation with Graham Cochrane. Resources from this episode: Rebel by Graham Cochrane Isaiah 30:21 Mark 5:1-18 Graham Cochrane on Instagram The Graham Cochrane Show Nancy Ray Website Nancy Ray on Instagram Affiliate links have been used in this post! I do receive a commission when you choose to purchase through these links, and that helps me keep this podcast up and running—I truly appreciate when you choose to use them!

Get excited for today's episode (and next week's episode) because I get to talk with Graham Cochrane, who is a dear friend of mine. He and his wife Shay are good friends of mine and WIll. He is also my business coach. He has coached me in different seasons of my business and he just wrote a book. He loves the Lord. He is a brilliant entrepreneur, thought leader, author. It is a joy to get to talk to him and ask him questions one on one. You guys are in for a treat. The episode was packed full of so much goodness, I decided to break it up into two episodes. So don't miss next week's episode as well, as Graham and I talk all about his new book, Rebel. Resources from this episode: Rebel by Graham Cochrane Psalm 37:4 Nancy Ray Website Nancy Ray on Instagram   Affiliate links have been used in this post! I do receive a commission when you choose to purchase through these links, and that helps me keep this podcast up and running—I truly appreciate when you choose to use them!

We stare at the walls in our home every single day. Honestly, we just get used to them and we don't think about what's on them very much. Slowly, they become outdated or need a refresh. Old photos and artwork fill the walls of our home and we don't love them like we used to. Today's episode is meant to be a little boost for you and to remind you that the walls in your home are supposed to bring you joy. I am inviting you to refresh your walls with me. Resources from this episode: Legacy Photo System The Lifegiving Home by Sally Clarkson Mpix Picture Hanging Kits Ikea 16x20 Gold Picture Frames Framebridge Nancy Ray Website Nancy Ray on Instagram Affiliate links have been used in this post! I do receive a commission when you choose to purchase through these links, and that helps me keep this podcast up and running—I truly appreciate when you choose to use them!  

Today's episode is full of scripture and encouragement for us to live in the authority that God has given us instead of walking in guilt. Resources from this episode: Matthew 28:18 Luke 10:19 Titus Chapter 2 Mark 6:7 Ephesians 1:18-23 Nancy Ray Website Nancy Ray on Instagram Affiliate links have been used in this post! I do receive a commission when you choose to purchase through these links, and that helps me keep this podcast up and running—I truly appreciate when you choose to use them!

The school year is here and it is time to get in that mode. I feel like today's episode is a pep talk for us mamas who are getting ready to start the school year and we want to start it strong. This episode is called “School Prep and Play” because we are going to be talking about how to prepare well for the school year and also how to play more this school year. Resources from this episode: 25% Off Dwell Bible App Teaching from Rest by Sarah Mackenzie Nancy Ray Website Nancy Ray on Instagram Affiliate links have been used in this post! I do receive a commission when you choose to purchase through these links, and that helps me keep this podcast up and running—I truly appreciate when you choose to use them!

Hello! Welcome back to Work & Play with Nancy Ray. After a month-long break this summer, I thought that we would kick it off by talking about my favorite books that I have read so far in 2024. Resources from this episode: Nancy Ray Book Club Set the Stars Alight by Amanda Dykes Made for People by Justin Whitmel Early Last Light by Terri Blackstone The Women by Kristin Hannah If I Don't Laugh, I'll Cry by Molly Stillman How to Train Your Dragon Series by Cressida Cowell The Anxious Generation by Jonathan Haidt Bird by Bird by Anne Lomott Decluttering at the Speed of Life by Dana White Until the Streetlights Come on by Ginny Yurich MEd Nancy Ray Website Nancy Ray on Instagram Affiliate links have been used in this post! I do receive a commission when you choose to purchase through these links, and that helps me keep this podcast up and running—I truly appreciate when you choose to use them!

Today's episode is all about the purpose of summer. What is the purpose of summer? What is the purpose of your summer? What do you want to get out of it? How can we walk through summer with a heart of contentment, gratitude, really enjoy it and make the most out of it? Resources from this episode: Work & Play Survey Free Legacy Binder Checklist Legacy Photo System Summer Moon Coffee Nancy Ray Website Nancy Ray on Instagram Affiliate links have been used in this post! I do receive a commission when you choose to purchase through these links, and that helps me keep this podcast up and running—I truly appreciate when you choose to use them!    

I believe the key to making your summer run smoothly is to do a lot of the work on the front end. So today's episode is all about summer prep. Resources from this episode: Large Wall Calendar The Bug Bite Thing Kate Strickler (Naptime Kitchen) Walker Family Goods Nancy Ray Website Nancy Ray on Instagram Affiliate links have been used in this post! I do receive a commission when you choose to purchase through these links, and that helps me keep this podcast up and running—I truly appreciate when you choose to use them!

Happy June! Happy summer! It's the second episode in our June summer series and today is all about summer play. Resources from this episode: 25% Off Dwell Bible App Green Ember Book Series The Vanderbeeker Book Series The Anxious Generation by Jonathan Haidt The Coddling of the American Mind Book The Women by Kristin Hannah The Frozen River by Ariel Lawhon Nancy Ray Website Nancy Ray on Instagram Affiliate links have been used in this post! I do receive a commission when you choose to purchase through these links, and that helps me keep this podcast up and running—I truly appreciate when you choose to use them!

Today's episode is all about my summer projects and how having some projects to anchor you in the summer is really good for you. Resources from this episode: Legacy Photo System Artifact Uprising Legacy Binder Checklist Nancy Ray Website Nancy Ray on Instagram Affiliate links have been used in this post! I do receive a commission when you choose to purchase through these links, and that helps me keep this podcast up and running—I truly appreciate when you choose to use them!

Abraham Lincoln said, “Give me six hours to chop down a tree and I will spend the first four sharpening the ax.” Well, I had this thought: What if we took that quote and applied it to motherhood. I thought of a few examples, but not many. But man, when I took it to Instagram and my email list, you guys delivered! I have a whole list of ways that this quote can apply to motherhood and you are in for a treat. Get ready to make your life a whole lot more practical and easier in this last “May is for Mamas” episode. Resources from this episode: Legacy Checklist Link Coming Soon! Clorox Bleach Toilet Tablets Lululemon Frost Free Freezers Mom Agenda 8 Cube Organizers Teaching from Rest by Sarah MacKenzie Nancy Ray Website Nancy Ray on Instagram Affiliate links have been used in this post! I do receive a commission when you choose to purchase through these links, and that helps me keep this podcast up and running—I truly appreciate when you choose to use them!  

I'm so excited to welcome you back to another episode of “May is for Mamas” where every episode in the month of May is dedicated to mamas. Today, we are talking with an expert on health, nourishing ourselves, and how to change our families forever by taking care of our bodies with the food that we eat. I'm so excited for you to hear from Ilana Muhlstein. Now, if you've ever been part of the “Beach Body” program or heard of the “2B Mindset”, this is who created it. Guys, I'm geeking out. I don't usually say “Yes” to people who I get random emails from in my inbox, but when I saw hers come thorough, I started geeking out because I personally have done “2B Mindset”, I've gone through her program (I've done it last year, I'm doing it now), I believe in it and it works. So I thought to share something that's been so life changing for me with my listeners with Illana herself would be such a gift, especially in the month of May for “May is for Mamas.” So I'm so excited. She is a dietician, a nutritionist, and a best-selling author. Guys, at the age of 13, Ilana weighed over 200 pounds. Her story is so inspiring. She came up with this model that really works and I can say that honestly because it works for me. It is like a track to run on; so helpful. The conversation is going to be so great. I hope you enjoy this episode of “May is for Mamas” with Ilana Muhlstein. Resources from this episode: Illana Muhlstein Website 2B Mindset Program Ilana Muhlstein on Instagram Illana Muhlstein on TikTok Ilana Muhlstein on YouTube Ilana Muhlstein on Facebook You Can Drop It Podcast Ilana Muhlstein Cookbook Use Code "HWPOD10" for $10 Off Ilana Housewares orders over $70 Use Code "PODCAST10" for $10 Off Your First Meal + 5% Off When You Subscribe Goodles Mac & Cheese Immi Ramen Nancy Ray Website Nancy Ray on Instagram Affiliate links have been used in this post! I do receive a commission when you choose to purchase through these links, and that helps me keep this podcast up and running—I truly appreciate when you choose to use them!  

I don't know if you're like me in this way, but I love to sit around and picture the time that I am a grandmother. It's something about the legacy that we are leaving right now, in the thick of motherhood and keeping the vision of me as a grandmother. It just keeps me going. Today, I am going to share a little secret. I have a note on my phone (in the Notes app) that I have been writing down all of the things that I don't want to forget when I'm a grandma. Notes to myself, advice to myself that I will never forget and will hopefully be the grandma that I want to be someday. Today, I am going to share everything that I've written down in that little Notes app with you. Resources from this episode: 25% Off Dwell Bible App Kate Strickler (Naptime Kitchen) Instagram The Mommy Talks Instagram Nancy Ray Website Nancy Ray on Instagram Affiliate links have been used in this post! I do receive a commission when you choose to purchase through these links, and that helps me keep this podcast up and running—I truly appreciate when you choose to use them!  

Welcome to the first episode of my “May is for Mamas” series, where every episode in the month of May is dedicated to the mamas listening. I'm starting out with a great conversation with my friend, Molly Stillman, who just wrote an amazing book called, “If I Don't Laugh, I'll Cry.” It's so good. We talk all about it, but it really honors the life and story of her mom, which is just amazing. You'll hear all about it. I'm so excited for this series! I hope you love it. Resources from this episode: If I Don't Laugh, I'll Cry book by Molly Stillman Molly Stillman Podcast: Can I Laugh on Your Shoulder? Home Before Morning book by Lynda Van Devanter Molly Stillman Website Molly Stillman on Instagram Molly Stillman on Facebook Nancy Ray Website Nancy Ray on Instagram Affiliate links have been used in this post! I do receive a commission when you choose to purchase through these links, and that helps me keep this podcast up and running—I truly appreciate when you choose to use them!

This week's episode is part 2 of a conversation I had with my husband Will all about how we have observed the Sabbath as a family for a year now and how it has changed us forever. If you missed the first part of our conversation, go back to last week's episode and listen to that before you listen to today's episode. I'm so excited to finish out this conversation with you today. Resources from this episode: 25% Off Dwell Bible App An Integrated Life Course The Family Teams Podcast Birds and Bees with Megan Michelson Podcast Episode The Ruthless Elimination of Hurry by John Mark Comer Celebration of Discipline by Richard J. Foster Papa Johns App AllTrails Chordify Art for Kids Hub Magic Markers Brighter Day Press Watercolor Classes Nancy Ray on Instagram Affiliate links have been used in this post! I do receive a commission when you choose to purchase through these links, and that helps me keep this podcast up and running—I truly appreciate when you choose to use them!

Well it has been one whole year of our little Ray family embracing the Sabbath as a weekly rhythm. This episode is a conversation with myself and Will all about how it has changed us forever. Resources from this episode: 25% Off Dwell Bible App An Integrated Life Course Nancy Ray on Instagram Affiliate links have been used in this post! I do receive a commission when you choose to purchase through these links, and that helps me keep this podcast up and running—I truly appreciate when you choose to use them!

We are back with the second half of my conversation with Jess Connolly talking all about rest because the month of April on the Work and Play podcast is all about the importance of rest in our lives. I'm so grateful you're here! I can't wait for you to listen to the rest. If you haven't listened to part one already, go back to last week's episode and start there. Resources from this episode: Jess Connolly Website Jess Connolly on Instagram Go + Tell Gals Tired of Being Tired book by Jess Connolly Affiliate links have been used in this post! I do receive a commission when you choose to purchase through these links, and that helps me keep this podcast up and running—I truly appreciate when you choose to use them!

Well, I'm trying something new here on Work and Play with Nancy Ray and that is months that have themes. So the theme of April is rest and this conversation is not going to disappoint. I'm talking to Jess Connolly today all about why women are so tired. We're all so tired and this conversation is full of practical and spiritual answers as to why we're so tired and what we can do differently. Guys, this conversation was so good, I decided to divide it into two episodes. I can't wait for you to hear it and I think it fits perfectly with the theme of rest for this April. Enjoy and come back next week to hear part 2! Resources from this episode: Go + Tell Gals Tired of Being Tired book by Jess Connolly

We live in a time where rest and play are very hard to come by. It can even be looked down on in our culture and often it feels impossible with the busy nature of our lives and schedules. Today's episode is hopefully going to be encouraging to you to make time to rest and play a little bit more. Resources from this episode: Skyjo Card Game Nancy Ray Instagram Affiliate links have been used in this post! I do receive a commission when you choose to purchase through these links, and that helps me keep this podcast up and running—I truly appreciate when you choose to use them!

Okay guys, get ready for part 2 of my conversation with Barbara. If you missed last week's episode, you're going to want to go back and listen to it. She is so full of wisdom, so gracious, she loves the Lord, and she's teaching us all about how to maintain our homes, get rid of clutter, and set up systems in our life that will help us do the work that we're meant to do and live the life we're meant to live. Loved these conversations so much. Can't wait for you to hear part 2! Resources from this episode: Episode 227 - Less Clutter More Life with Barbara Hemphill : Part 1 Legacy Photo System Less Clutter More Life by Barbara Hemphill Love It or Lose It: Living Clutter-Free Forever by Barbara Hemphill and Maggie Bedrosian Taming the Paper Tiger at Home by Barbara Hemphill How to Make Your Clothes Closet a Place You Love Productive Environment Scorecard The Vision Accelerator Affiliate links have been used in this post! I do receive a commission when you choose to purchase through these links, and that helps me keep this podcast up and running—I truly appreciate when you choose to use them!

Today's episode is so special! We have Barbara Hemphill chatting with us about how to manage all of the stuff and clutter in our lives. Guys, she has been doing this for over 40 years! She is THE pioneer to the decluttering industry. Before minimalism was a thing, she was out there helping people declutter their homes. She has so many systems and so much wisdom. I feel like I could talk to her for hours and never get tired of it. It's such a great conversation - so valuable and helpful. I plan to go back and re-listen to it and take notes. I'm so excited! It was so good that we're splitting it across two episodes so you'll get to hear from Barbara this week and next week. Get excited because it's a good one. Resources from this episode: Legacy Photo System Taming the Paper Tiger at Home by Barbara Hemphill Less Clutter More Life by Barbara Hemphill How to Make Your Clothes Closet a Place You Love! Affiliate links have been used in this post! I do receive a commission when you choose to purchase through these links, and that helps me keep this podcast up and running—I truly appreciate when you choose to use them!

The longer I live, the more I realize our journey with our money and our finances is not a straight line. There are different seasons of our life, different incomes that we will have, different life experiences and family members will add to our family. Life is ever changing and so are our finances. So today's episode is all about 5 tools that I am using right now that have helped me take a financial reset. Resources from this episode: Financial Peace University Nancy Ray Courses The Contentment Challenge EveryDollar App The Blueprint Model Affiliate links have been used in this post! I do receive a commission when you choose to purchase through these links, and that helps me keep this podcast up and running—I truly appreciate when you choose to use them!

Today I'm talking with my friend, Paige Brunton, who is a website expert (specifically in Squarespace). She teaches others to design their own Squarespace websites and she also teaches others how to become professional Squarespace web designers which is pretty cool. She has totally ditched social media, but has an amazing online business and a very engaged Youtube following. She now lives in Switzerland with her husband, which is amazing. I know you're going to love her and whether or not you have a Squarespace website, you're going to be so encouraged to know the most important thing that you need to do with your website after listening today. Resources from this episode: Paige Brunton Website Square Secrets Course Paige Brunton Blog Theme Days Podcast Episode Paige Brunton Youtube Channel Affiliate links have been used in this post! I do receive a commission when you choose to purchase through these links, and that helps me keep this podcast up and running—I truly appreciate when you choose to use them!

Every once in a while us moms find ourselves in a very perplexing situation. We have an unexpected hour of time and we have no idea what to do with ourselves. Today, we're gonna get a game plan. Resources from this episode:  Work and Play Weekly Checklist Ideal Week Planning Worksheet Nancy Ray Book Club Affiliate links have been used in this post! I do receive a commission when you choose to purchase through these links, and that helps me keep this podcast up and running—I truly appreciate when you choose to use them!

During the month of January, I read the entire Bible and this episode is all about how I did it.   Resources from this episode: 25% Off Dwell Bible App The Contentment Challenge Affiliate links have been used in this post! I do receive a commission when you choose to purchase through these links, and that helps me keep this podcast up and running—I truly appreciate when you choose to use them!

My friend Val Marie is such a gift. She's the founder of Val Marie Paper, she's an author and she designed the lovely yearly prayer journal, which I have used time and time again. Val has given me so much perspective on prayer and has been such an encouragement to my walk with the Lord and today we're talking about what prayer can actually look like in our lives and how to make 2024 a year of prayer, for you, for real.   Resources Spotify Prayer Playlist Productive Morning Spotify Playlist How (and What) to Read on Prayer with Val Marie Podcast 30 Minute Prayer Method by Val Marie   Affiliate links have been used in this post! I do receive a commission when you choose to purchase through these links, and that helps me keep this podcast up and running—I truly appreciate when you choose to use them!