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We live in an uncertain time. The whole world is experiencing a pandemic, and we're all affected in many different ways.
In today's podcast we consider what it means to apply the gospel to Covid-19 and to see this season in light of eternity.
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Our culture (and our human nature) condition us to expect and desire an easy life. Rather than serving, we want to be served. Rather than sacrifice, we want comfort. In this episode of the Embracing a Simpler Life podcast we will be exposing the idol of an easy life, considering the value of "easy" in eternity, and taking a look at what the Bible has to say about all of these things.
Scriptures ReferencedJames 1:12, “Blessed is the man who remains steadfast under trail, for when he has stood the test he will receive the crown of life, which God has promised to those who love him.”
2 Corinthians 4:17, "For our light and momentary troubles are achieving for us an eternal glory that far outweighs them all. So we fix our eyes not on what is seen, but on what is unseen, since what is seen is temporary, but what is unseen is eternal."
2 Corinthians 12:9, “But he said to me, 'My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.' Therefore I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ’s power may rest on me.”
John 13:12-17, "When he had finished washing their feet, he put on his clothes and returned to his place. “Do you understand what I have done for you?” he asked them. “You call me ‘Teacher’ and ‘Lord,’ and rightly so, for that is what I am. Now that I, your Lord and Teacher, have washed your feet, you also should wash one another’s feet. I have set you an example that you should do as I have done for you. Very truly I tell you, no servant is greater than his master, nor is a messenger greater than the one who sent him. Now that you know these things, you will be blessed if you do them.
Episode Sponsor: Phonics Museum App by VeritasTeaching children to read as early as possible is one of the best things parents and teachers can do for a child’s future academic success, but knowing how or where to start is overwhelming and oftentimes confusing for parents, but it doesn’t have to be…
The Phonics Museum is the first complete solution that with little to no parental or teacher involvement will take a child that can’t recognize letters, all the way to reading real books.
Visit www.phonicsmuseum.com/easl to claim your two-week free trial!
For MoreSubscribe to our podcast on iOS here.
To subscribe on Android, click this link and select your podcast listening app. Or copy this link into your favorite podcast listening app: http://embracingasimplerlife.libsyn.com/rss
Leave an iTunes review here. These help more people find the Embracing a Simpler Life podcast and are greatly appreciated!
Follow Embracing a Simpler Life on Facebook and Instagram!
Get Katie's book here: Heavenly Minded Mom: A 90 Day Journey to Embrace What Matters Most
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Saknas det avsnitt?
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What does it mean to believe God's word, no matter what? How do we live with unshakable hope, unblinded faith, and sights clearly set on heaven? That is exactly what we're talking about in this week's episode of the Embracing a Simpler Life podcast!
Elisa Pulliam shares her story of hardship, along with God's receptive work in her life and all He's taught her through His word about faith regardless of circumstances. Elisa has so much wisdom to share, I know you will be blessed!
All things Elisa!Elisa Pulliam is passionate about helping women experience a fresh encounter with God and His Word for the sake of impacting the next generation with Kingdom Hope. Her latest book, "Unblinded Faith: Gaining Spiritual Sight through Believing God's Word," is described as "more than a devotional, it's a tool for growing deep spiritual roots."
Elisa is the founder of More to Be, a ministry devoted to equipping women with biblical resources, coaching, and mentor training. She also is the owner of the Kaleo Agency, and as a creative strategist, she helps female entrepreneurs, coaches, and writers develop their brand marketing in order to convey their message and maximize their mission with ease.
Connect with Elisa at MoretoBe.com or KaleoAgency.net. You can also find her on Facebook, Instagram, Pinterest, and Twitter!
Find her new devotional Unblinded Faith HERE.
And check out her free 90 Days of Faith Challenge here!
Scriptures Referenced2 Corinthians 3:16-18, "...And we all, who with unveiled faces contemplate the Lord’s glory, are being transformed into his image with ever-increasing glory, which comes from the Lord, who is the Spirit."
2 Corinthians 4:4, "The god of this age has blinded the minds of unbelievers, so that they cannot see the light of the gospel that displays the glory of Christ, who is the image of God."
2 Corinthians 4:8-10, "We are hard pressed on every side, but not crushed; perplexed, but not in despair; persecuted, but not abandoned; struck down, but not destroyed. We always carry around in our body the death of Jesus, so that the life of Jesus may also be revealed in our body."
John 17:3, "Now this is eternal life: that they know you, the only true God, and Jesus Christ, whom you have sent."
Episode Sponsor: Phonics Museum App by VeritasTeaching children to read as early as possible is one of the best things parents and teachers can do for a child’s future academic success, but knowing how or where to start is overwhelming and oftentimes confusing for parents, but it doesn’t have to be…
The Phonics Museum is the first complete solution that with little to no parental or teacher involvement will take a child that can’t recognize letters, all the way to reading real books.
Visit www.phonicsmuseum.com/easl to claim your two-week free trial!
For MoreSubscribe to our email list here. We'd love to be able to stay in touch with you!
Subscribe to our podcast on iOS here.
To subscribe on Android, click this link and select your podcast listening app. Or copy this link into your favorite podcast listening app: http://embracingasimplerlife.libsyn.com/rss
Leave an iTunes review here. These help more people find the Embracing a Simpler Life podcast and are greatly appreciated!
Follow Embracing a Simpler Life on Facebook and Instagram!Get Katie's book here: Heavenly Minded Mom: A 90 Day Journey to Embrace What Matters Most
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We are so excited to be back after an impromptu break from podcasting over the past month or so. The reason? We're expecting another baby! Between "book launch burn out" and first trimester, it was time to rest.
This week on the Embracing a Simpler Life podcast we are tackling an incredibly difficult topic: suffering. In fact, suffering is the thing that stands between many people and faith in God, because they don't understand how a good God could allow it. At the very least, most of us wrestle with this and struggle to understand. We do.
While we don't have all the answers, we have found some handles to help us process suffering through eternal perspective. We have some thoughts and many scriptures we'd like to share with you.
Join us as we consider:
How does this life measure up to eternity? What are the good fruits that come from suffering? What does it mean to have hope? Episode Sponsor: Phonics Museum App by VeritasTeaching children to read as early as possible is one of the best things parents and teachers can do for a child’s future academic success, but knowing how or where to start is overwhelming and oftentimes confusing for parents, but it doesn’t have to be…
The Phonics Museum is the first complete solution that with little to no parental or teacher involvement will take a child that can’t recognize letters, all the way to reading real books.
Visit www.phonicsmuseum.com/easl to claim your two-week free trial!
Scriptures ReferencedJohn 16:20-22, "...A woman giving birth to a child has pain because her time has come; but when her baby is born she forgets the anguish because of her joy that a child is born into the world. So with you: Now is your time of grief, but I will see you again and you will rejoice, and no one will take away your joy."
James 1:2-4, "Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance. Let perseverance finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything."
1 Corinthians 13:13, "And now these three remain: faith, hope and love. But the greatest of these is love."
2 Corinthians 12:9, “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.”
Revelation 21:2-4, “I saw the Holy City, the new Jerusalem, coming down out of heaven from God, prepared as a bride beautifully dressed for her husband. And I heard a loud voice from the throne saying, “Look! God’s dwelling place is now among the people, and he will dwell with them. They will be his people, and God himself will be with them and be their God. 'He will wipe every tear from their eyes. There will be no more death’ or mourning or crying or pain, for the old order of things has passed away.”
2 Corinthians 4:17-18, “For our light and momentary troubles are achieving for us an eternal glory that far outweighs them all. So we fix our eyes not on what is seen, but on what is unseen, since what is seen is temporary, but what is unseen is eternal.”
John 3:16, "For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life."
For MoreSubscribe to our podcast on iOS here.
To subscribe on Android, click this link and select your podcast listening app. Or copy this link into your favorite podcast listening app: http://embracingasimplerlife.libsyn.com/rss
Leave an iTunes review here. These help more people find the Embracing a Simpler Life podcast and are greatly appreciated!
Follow Embracing a Simpler Life on Facebook and Instagram!
Get Katie's book here: Heavenly Minded Mom: A 90 Day Journey to Embrace What Matters Most
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What does God want from us as Christian parents? What are His goals for our children? How do we work toward those goals? These are all questions we're considering in today's episode as we explore what it means to live out the Great Commission as mothers.
Join us as we look at:
Why discipleship matters What this is exactly How the Great Commission applies to motherhood How this might look on a practical level Episode LinksOrder Heavenly Minded Mom here!
If you are willing, you can leave a review on Amazon here. This is very helpful!
Resources for ChildrenAs mentioned in this podcast episode, we've found some great children's Bibles to help our kids connect with God's word from a young age. Here are a few of our favorites.
In order from youngest child to oldest:
Read Aloud Bible Stories for Kids (all volumes), great for ages 2-4
Jesus Storybook Bible, for ages 4-6+
Children's Easy-to-Read Bible, for ages 5-7+
NIrV Kids' Quest Study Bible, for ages 7+
Resources for AdultsThe Story: Using excerpted scriptures, this Bible tells the story of God in a chronological, over-view fashion.
One Year Chronological Bible: This Bible is reorganized into what scholars believe to be chronological order and divided into 365 daily readings. This is what Katie is reading this year.
Scriptures ReferencedIsaiah 40:6-8,
A voice says, “Cry out.”
And I said, “What shall I cry?”“All people are like grass,
and all their faithfulness is like the flowers of the field.
The grass withers and the flowers fall,
because the breath of the Lord blows on them.
Surely the people are grass.
The grass withers and the flowers fall,
but the word of our God endures forever.”Matthew 28:18-20, “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.”
Jeremiah 9:23-24,
This is what the Lord says:
“Let not the wise boast of their wisdom
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or the strong boast of their strength
or the rich boast of their riches,
but let the one who boasts boast about this:
that they have the understanding to know me,
that I am the Lord, who exercises kindness,
justice and righteousness on earth,
for in these I delight,”
declares the Lord.Subscribe to our email list here. We'd love to be able to stay in touch with you!
Subscribe to our podcast on iOS here.
To subscribe on Android, click this link and select your podcast listening app. Or copy this link into your favorite podcast listening app: http://embracingasimplerlife.libsyn.com/rss
Leave an iTunes review here. These help more people find the Embracing a Simpler Life podcast and are greatly appreciated!
Follow Embracing a Simpler Life on Facebook and Instagram! -
Welcome to our first ever mini-series! In honor of the launch of my new book Heavenly Minded Mom, we will be spending the next two episodes looking at what it means to mother in light of eternity.
The truth is, motherhood sanctifies us because it teaches us that real love is linked to sacrifice. And we get to practice it every single day.
Episode Links! (Be sure to click through all three!)Heavenly Minded Mom: Order here
Pre-order bonuses: Claim them
Facebook Party: RSVP now
Scriptures ReferencedMatthew 16:24, Then Jesus said to his disciples, “Whoever wants to be my disciple must deny themselves and take up their cross and follow me.
John 14:21, Whoever has my commands and keeps them is the one who loves me. The one who loves me will be loved by my Father, and I too will love them and show myself to them.”
1 John 3:16, This is how we know what love is: Jesus Christ laid down his life for us. And we ought to lay down our lives for our brothers and sisters.
John 13, Jesus washes his disciples feet
Colossians 3:23-24, Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for human masters, since you know that you will receive an inheritance from the Lord as a reward. It is the Lord Christ you are serving.
For MoreSubscribe to our email list here. We'd love to be able to stay in touch with you!
Subscribe to our podcast on iOS here.
To subscribe on Android, click this link and select your podcast listening app. Or copy this link into your favorite podcast listening app: http://embracingasimplerlife.libsyn.com/rss
Leave an iTunes review here. These help more people find the Embracing a Simpler Life podcast and are greatly appreciated!
Follow Embracing a Simpler Life on Facebook and Instagram!
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Isn't it amazing to see what God will do as we take steps forward in obedience?
That's the story behind Heavenly Minded Mom, and in this episode, Katie shares the unfolding of the vision behind the book, the cool "God-moments" sprinkled in throughout the process, and a the behind the scenes process of writing and publishing.
We hope you'll be encouraged that God is up to something in each of our lives if only we take the next step forward in faith.
Episode LinksMy book: Heavenly Minded Mom
Buy from Cokesbury (In stock and ready to ship!)
Claim your pre-order bonuses
Read a free sample: Heavenly Minded Mom SAMPLE
For MoreSubscribe to our email list here. We'd love to be able to stay in touch with you!
Subscribe to our podcast on iOS here.
To subscribe on Android, click this link and select your podcast listening app. Or copy this link into your favorite podcast listening app: http://embracingasimplerlife.libsyn.com/rss
Leave an iTunes review here. These help more people find the Embracing a Simpler Life podcast and are greatly appreciated!
Follow Embracing a Simpler Life on Facebook and Instagram!
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When we become believers, we are given the privilege of entering into a restored, love relationship with the very God who created us. There is an incomprehensible glory and weightiness in that calling. We learn what it means to take up our cross (sacrificing "self") in order to follow Him.
Maturing in Christ is our responsibility, but what does that look like?
Join guest Leigh Ann Dutton and me as we talk about living a life of spiritual discipline, including:
What are spiritual disciplines? How do we find motivation to practice spiritual disciplines? Why is this better than what I must give up to have it? How do spiritual disciplines integrate with a busy life? Where do I start?"This isn't about us, it's about God. It's about holy God, a righteous God, a good, good God who loves us and desired us. He called us. We have the opportunity to respond or not." --Leigh Ann Dutton
Episode LinksLeigh Ann's blog: Intentional by Grace
Recommended book: Spiritual Disciplines for the Christian Life by Donald Whitney
Spiritual Disciplines for the Christian Life Book Club with the Intentional by Grace community
Leigh Ann's post: Where to Start Reading the Bible
Leigh Ann's post: 5 Questions to Ask at the Start of a New Bible Study
Scriptures Referenced (NIV)Mark 3:13-15, Jesus went up on a mountainside and called to him those he wanted, and they came to him. He appointed twelve that they might be with him and that he might send them out to preach and to have authority to drive out demons.
John 14:15, “If you love me, keep my commands."
Matthew 22:36-40, "Jesus replied: “‘Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.’ This is the first and greatest commandment. And the second is like it: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’ All the Law and the Prophets hang on these two commandments.”
For MoreSubscribe to our email list here. We'd love to be able to stay in touch with you!
Subscribe to our podcast on iOS here.
To subscribe on Android, click this link and select your podcast listening app. Or copy this link into your favorite podcast listening app: http://embracingasimplerlife.libsyn.com/rss
Leave an iTunes review here. These help more people find the Embracing a Simpler Life podcast and are greatly appreciated!
Follow Embracing a Simpler Life on Facebook and Instagram!
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So much of what we invest our time into during this life will not matter eternally.
Every worldly thing we build will ultimately crumble.
Every personal accomplishment will die with us, or shortly there after.
All our work will come undone.
But God, in His grace has breathed purpose back into our living under the sun. He has instilled here some things that will remain after the end. These things can be interwoven into every part of our lives, should we choose to embrace them.
I'm talking about faith, hope and love.
In Episode number 1, we kicked off the podcast talking about the role love plays in adding eternal meaning to our days. I think we've revisited it in some capacity in every episode since (this one is no different).
Now, in Episode 9, we are tackling faith.
Join us as we consider:
What does it mean to have faith? How is faith significant eternally? How would our lives look different if we really, truly believed that eternity was coming --if we had faith that every sacrifice for the sake of the Kingdom of God would be rewarded? Scriptures Referenced1 Corinthians 13:8-13, "These three remain: faith, hope and love, and the greatest of these is love."
Hebrews 11:1, "What is faith? It is the confident It is the confident assurance that what we hope for is going to happen. It is the evidence of things we cannot yet see.”
Hebrews 11:8-10, "It was by faith that Abraham obeyed when God called him to leave home and go to another land... Abraham did this because he was confidently looking forward to a city with eternal foundations, a city designed and built by God.”
Hebrews 11:35-38, "...But others trusted God and were tortured, preferring to die rather than turn from God and be free..."
For MoreSubscribe to our email list here. We'd love to be able to stay in touch with you!
Subscribe to our podcast on iOS here.
To subscribe on Android, click this link and select your podcast listening app. Or copy this link into your favorite podcast listening app: http://embracingasimplerlife.libsyn.com/rss
Leave an iTunes review here. These help more people find the Embracing a Simpler Life podcast and are greatly appreciated!
Follow Embracing a Simpler Life on Facebook and Instagram!
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Have you ever wondered what the Bible has to say about the media we choose to consume?
That's an important question to consider, which is why we're talking about it in this episode of the Embracing a Simpler Life podcast!
Together, we will consider:
How does eternal perspective illuminate our media choices? Could there be redeeming benefits in TV watching? What is the difference between idleness and rest? What does it look like to take practical steps to get to a better place with TV-watching choices?Join us!
Scriptures Referenced1 Corinthians 7:29-31: “What I mean, brothers and sisters, is that the time is short. From now on those who have wives should live as if they do not; those who mourn, as if they did not; those who are happy, as if they were not; those who buy something, as if it were not theirs to keep; those who use the things of the world, as if not engrossed in them. For this world in its present form is passing away.”
1 Peter 1:13-15: "Therefore, with minds that are alert and fully sober, set your hope on the grace to be brought to you when Jesus Christ is revealed at his coming. As obedient children, do not conform to the evil desires you had when you lived in ignorance. But just as he who called you is holy, so be holy in all you do"
Philippians 4:8: "Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things.”
Leviticus 16:29-31: “This is to be a lasting ordinance for you: On the tenth day of the seventh month you must deny yourselves and not do any work—whether native-born or a foreigner residing among you— because on this day atonement will be made for you, to cleanse you. Then, before the Lord, you will be clean from all your sins. It is a day of sabbath rest, and you must deny yourselves; it is a lasting ordinance."
Galatians 5:22-25: “But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control. Against such things there is no law. Those who belong to Christ Jesus have crucified the flesh with its passions and desires. Since we live by the Spirit, let us keep in step with the Spirit.”
Quotes Referenced“He is no fool who gives what he cannot keep to gain what he cannot lose.” –Jim Elliot
“Evil is the quiet acceptance of that which we know to be wrong. Noncooperation with evil is the Christian duty.” –Jim Wallis
“You don’t think your way into a new kind of living, you live your way into a new kind of thinking.” Henri Nouwen
For MoreSubscribe to our email list here. We'd love to be able to stay in touch with you!
Subscribe to our podcast on iOS here.
To subscribe on Android, click this link and select your podcast listening app. Or copy this link into your favorite podcast listening app: http://embracingasimplerlife.libsyn.com/rss
Leave an iTunes review here. These help more people find the Embracing a Simpler Life podcast and are greatly appreciated!
Follow Embracing a Simpler Life on Facebook and Instagram!
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We all make big purchases at some point during our lives (furniture, a car, a computer, a house, a vacation home), and each of these things become a noteworthy investment of our resources on this earth.
So how do we know if we're making a good decision in light of eternity?
That's the question we (Mitch and Katie) are tackling in this episode of the Embracing a Simpler Life podcast.
Join us as we consider:
How to identify our heart motivation The freedom we have as Christ-followers What it means to live modestly The tradeoff we make when we spend lots of money on ourselves unneccessarily Scriptures Referenced1 John 2:15, “Do not love the world or anything in the world”
1 Timothy 2:10, "adorning themselves... with good deeds, appropriate for women who profess to worship God."
1 John 2:16, "For all that is in the world,
1 Peter 5:5, "Clothe yourselves with humility"
Luke 16:11-12, "So if you have not been trustworthy in handling worldly wealth, who will trust you with true riches?"
Psalm 24:1, "The earth is the Lord's and everything in it"
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We know that we want to hunger and thirst for God, but sometimes we just... don't.
And yet, each day we spend on this earth is a holy opportunity to live in an eternally meaningful way. If we fail to do that, the opportunity is lost forever. If we allow ourselves to wrap up in the wrong things, the implications are profound. If we allow ourselves to love the world more than our Savior, the results are tragic.
So, is there a way to cultivate desire for God in our lives where it lacks? We think so!
In this episode I'm so excited to introduce you to a very important person in my life. She is one of my long-time best friends, and I think you'll quickly see why I count her as such a blessing.
Please join us as we talk about:
the principle of discipline before desire how to really find time to spend with God as a busy mother or individual the fruit born in our lives through patient endurance Additional ResourcesKristi's chronological reading plan: A tried and true Bible reading plan for the linear thinker. :)
Why You Should Read the Bible Through in a Year in 2018 blog post-- Similar to this podcast in a summarized, consumable and sharable format.
One Year Bible*-- The Bible divided up into 365 readings and dated.
One Year Chronological Bible*-- The Bible put into chronological order and divided up into 365 readings and dated. Katie's pick for 2018.
Kristi's facebook post which inspired this interview:
Scriptures MentionedRevelation 5-- "then I saw a lamb that looked as if it had been slaughtered... and He was able to break the scroll"
Revelation 19-- the Rider on the White Horse
Philippians 1:6-- "being confident of this, that he who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus."
James 4:8-- "Come near to God and he will come near to you. Wash your hands, you sinners, and purify your hearts, you double-minded."
For MoreSubscribe to our email list here. We'd love to stay in touch with you!
Subscribe to our podcast on iOS here.
To subscribe on Android, click this link and select your podcast listening app. Or copy this link into your favorite podcast listening app: http://embracingasimplerlife.libsyn.com/rss
Leave an iTunes review here. These help more people find the Embracing a Simpler Life podcast and are greatly appreciated!
Follow Embracing a Simpler Life on Facebook and Instagram!
*Affiliate links used where appropriate. Thank you!
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Have you ever taken the time to read the Bible through?
If not, we think now is the time. If so, we want you to consider reading it again, and within a year.Join us as we cast vision for the importance of living in light off the whole counsel of the eternal word of God.
Additional Resources Why You Should Read the Bible Through in a Year in 2018 blog post-- Similar to this podcast in a more easily consumable and sharable format. One Year Bible*-- The Bible divided up into 365 readings and dated. One Year Chronological Bible*-- The Bible in chronological order and divided up into 365 readings and dated. Scriptures Mentioned John 17:3 "Now this is eternal life: that they know You, the only true God, and Jesus Christ whom you have sent." For More Subscribe on iOS here. To subscribe on Android, click this link and select your podcast listening app. Or copy this link into your favorite podcast listening app: http://embracingasimplerlife.libsyn.com/rss Leave an iTunes review here. These help more people find the Embracing a Simpler Life podcast and are greatly appreciated! Follow Embracing a Simpler Life on Facebook and Instagram!*Affiliate links used where appropriate. Thank you!
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Christmas is a confusing holiday. There are two seemingly unrelated storylines unfolding, one is about baby Jesus and the other is all Santa. This week on the Embracing a Simpler Life podcast we will sort it all out, explain why we celebrate Christmas as we do and how these two celebrations are related.
Join me (Katie), as I offer you some deep felt inspiration along with many practical suggestions for making much of Jesus in your holiday celebration this year.
Additional Resources Why Do We Call it Christmas? By Phil Vischer In which I explain why we chose not to do Santa Share your idea for a Christ-Centered Christmas HERE The Nativity Story movie- Katie’s favorite Christmas movie The Star movie- (in theaters) Truth in Tinsel Advent eBook The Complete Guide to Creating a Christmas Book Advent Calendar Jesse Tree books: The Wonder of the Greatest Gift, and Unwrapping the Greatest Gift Podcast EP3. | Redeeming Christmas Gift Giving Children’s Nativity Play Set Read the Christmas story in the Bible here: in Matthew, in Luke THE EMAIL GUIDE: How to Have a Simpler and More Christ-Centered Christmas The photo of our daughter Clara enthralled with this large, outdoor nativity: For MoreSubscribe on iOS here. To subscribe on Android, click this link and select your podcast listening app. Or copy this link into your favorite podcast listening app: http://embracingasimplerlife.libsyn.com/rss Leave an iTunes review here. These help more people find the Embracing a Simpler Life podcast and are greatly appreciated! Follow Embracing a Simpler Life on Facebook and Instagram!
*Affiliate links used where appropriate. Thank you!
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The practice of giving Christmas gifts has potential to be holy and precious, and yet somewhere along the way, we have gone astray.
Instead of joy, we feel stress at the prospect of figuring out what to get for so many people, not to mention paying for them all. Instead of gratitude and love, our children feel a sense of let down after the last gift has been opened. Instead of slowing down to turn our hearts to the Lord and savor time with our families during the holiday season, we rush and bustle.It doesn't have to be this way!
In this episode, we consider what it means to slow down, spend less, and yet give more (of what actually matters) this Christmas. So join us as we cut through the clutter and chaos of the season and redeem Christmas gift giving.
Links and ResourcesCheck out my Christmas gift guide here: Favorite Things Christmas Gift Guide for Christian Families: find tried and true gift suggestions for everyone from grandparents to children.
Advent Conspiracy website
Advent Conspiracy book*
Fair Trade Gift Guide: includes links and coupon codes to 25 different online shops!
Living Water International Gift Cards: give a gift card to drill clean water wells
World Vision Gift Catalog: meet a need across the world in honor of someone on your list this Christmas
For MoreSubscribe on iOS here.
To subscribe on Android, click this link and select your podcast listening app. Or copy this link into your favorite podcast listening app: http://embracingasimplerlife.libsyn.com/rss
Leave an iTunes review here. These help more people find the Embracing a Simpler Life podcast and are greatly appreciated!
Follow Embracing a Simpler Life on Facebook and Instagram!
*Affiliate links used where appropriate. Thank you!
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What keeps you from living a life that truly matters, a life that is moment by moment soaked in eternal purpose?
For many people, the answer is busyness. We live in a day and time where this is endemic. It is not only easy to fall into, it is expected. And with so many opportunities to invest our limited daily time budget, how do we know if we're doing it well? Each day one more day of life is gone, so we must pay attention and start making intentional choices now.
In this podcast episode, we will consider the activities of our lives from an eternal perspective and provide you with a simple framework for evaluating the things you do through the enduring truths of God's word.
Questions to Evaluate Your Activities in Light of Eternity1. What is the root motivation for my busyness?
Does it stem from a desire to acquire wealth? Does it stem from perfectionism? Does it stem from lack of boundaries? Does it stem from the approval of others? OR, does it stem from a whole-hearted desire love others and walk in obedience to God?2. What fruit is this activity producing in your life or in the lives of others?
Is it good fruit or bad fruit? Is it eternal fruit or is it temporary and ultimately futile?3. How can I best show Christ’s love in this activity or situation?
4. How can I trust God by simply walking in obedience to Him, no more, no less?
5. What would it look like for me to seek God’s kingdom first and then trust Him to provide for my needs?
Download a free printable worksheet of these questions here.
Scriptures MentionedMatthew 11:28-30 "Come to me all you who are weary and burdened..."
Proverbs 23:4-5, "Do not wear yourself out to get rich..."
Galatians 1:10, "...if I were still trying to please people, I would not be a servant of Christ."
1 Corinthians 12:12-26, "Even so the body is not made up of one part but of many."
Matthew 6:33 "“But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well.”
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There is nothing, nothing in this world more purpose-saturated than love.
1 Corinthians 13 says it strongly,
“If I give all I possess to the poor and give over my body to hardship that I may boast, but do not have love, I gain nothing.” (1 Corinthians 13:3, NIV)
If we have the most consistent cleaning schedule, with our lawn always manicured, home-cooked meals every night, and well-groomed children, and if we show hospitality to others, but do it for a reason other than love, it is utterly meaningless.
Because this world and all it holds is passing away.
Pride and personal glory are as fleeting as the flowers of the field, here today and gone tomorrow. But love, love tips the scales. When we love God with all our heart, soul, mind, and strength, and when we love our spouse, child, friend, neighbor and enemy with an outflow of HIs love in us and allow it to fuel our actions, the simplest of tasks becomes the most gloriously significant.
Where there are beautiful homes, they will cease, where there the admiration of others, it will pass away, as one day very soon we stand before the judgement seat of Christ.
And then, “these three remain, faith, hope, and love. And the greatest of these is love.” (1 Corinthians 13:13)
Yes, your life has deep-rooted, rich, and abundant purpose, should you chose to embrace it. Don’t wait!
Join us as we talk about:
How do we find the motivation to do the tasks we dislike? How do we make our lives count eternally, from the smallest breath to the grandest accomplishment? What does it mean to receive God’s love for us, to live out of that endless well, and to discover eternal meaning as a result? How do we create a resounding impact in the kingdom of God through our decisions, motivations and lives.Be encouraged to start living an eternally significant life of love right this very moment.
Verses mentioned:1 Corinthians 16:14, "Do everything in love."
1 Corinthians 13:1-3 "...If I give all I possess to the poor and give over my body to hardship that I may boast, but do not have love, I gain nothing.”
1 Corinthians 13:13 "And now these three remain: faith, hope and love. But the greatest of these is love."
Matthew 22:36-40 "...Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.’ This is the first and greatest commandment. And the second is like it: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’..."
John 13:1 "...Having loved his own who were in the world, he now showed them to full extent of his love."
1 John 3:16 "This is how we know what love is: Jesus Christ laid down his life for us. And we ought to lay down our lives for our brothers and sisters."
Resources and Related ContentThe blog: Embracing a Simpler Life
Preorder Katie's book: Heavenly Minded Mom
