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  • Small habits yield big change! As someone who is not a naturally tidy person, I (Shanda) share five small tips I have learned to help keep a tidy home. As a busy mom to 4 kiddos, I know how valuable time is! So I'm sharing the things I do in my own home that help me create a haven for my family. We are not minimalists, nor do we expect our home to be pristine, but these simple habits have helped lay the foundation for a tidy home.

    Affiliate Links:
    How to Manage Your Home without Losing Your Mind

    Let's connect!
    Website: This Devoted Life
    Instagram: Devoted Motherhood
    Email: [email protected]

  • We received great feedback from our last episode on family finances! You can find that episode HERE. One of our listeners asked, "Can James share some ways to supplement our family finances apart from our day jobs?" So in this episode we attempt to answer that question with practical examples.

    James also recently read a book called Die with Zero. This book really challenged him to think and re-evaluate some financial goals. We discuss the book and how it has impacted our lives so far.

    Quotes:
    “The business of life is acquiring memories.” - Die With Zero

    Verses:
    James 4:14 - "yet you do not know what tomorrow will bring. What is your life? For you are a mist that appears for a little time and then vanishes."

    Affiliate Links:
    Die With Zero Book
    Eathley Wellness - Use code: DEVOTEDMAMA10 at checkout

    Let's connect!
    Website: This Devoted Life
    Instagram: Devoted Motherhood
    Email: [email protected]

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  • Often finances can be a taboo topic within Christian circles, but the Bible is clear that we are to be wise stewards of everything we have been given. Today, we are discussing the topic of stewardship and sharing practical ways to improve your finances and how to communicate within a marriage about the topic of money.

    Verses:
    1 Timothy 6:10a - "For the love of money is the root of all evil"
    1 Timothy 6:6 - "But godliness with contentment is great gain."
    Mark 10:8 - "and the two shall become one flesh.’ So they are no longer two but one flesh."
    Ephesians 5:16 - "Redeeming the time, because the days are evil."
    Matthew 25:23 - " His master said to him, ‘Well done, good and faithful servant. You have been faithful over a little; I will set you over much. Enter into the joy of your master.’ "

    Links:
    Keep a Quiet Heart
    Wealth Can't Wait
    The Money Guys
    Dave Ramsey

    Let's connect!
    Website: This Devoted Life
    Instagram: Devoted Motherhood
    Email: [email protected]

  • Podcasts are a great way to continue learning and growing, so this week we are sharing a few things we have learned from podcasts we have listened to recently.

    Joe Rogan and Gary Brecka share some information about the MTHFR gene mutation and how folic acid plays a roll.James also shares some biblical insight he gained while listening to a hunting podcast this past week. It's not what you might expect!

    Verses:
    Ephesians 4:29 - "Let no corrupting talk come out of your mouths, but only such as is good for building up, as fits the occasion, that it may give grace to those who hear."

    1 Thessalonians 5:8 - "give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you."

    James 3:17 - "For where jealousy and selfish ambition exist, there will be disorder and every vile practice."

    Links:
    Joe Rogan/ Gary Brecka Podcast

    Let's connect!
    Website: This Devoted Life
    Instagram: Devoted Motherhood
    Email: [email protected]

  • After a lengthy social media break, WE ARE BACK and with renewed vision and purpose!

    Shanda took an almost 2 month social media break, so today we are breaking down the lessons she learned while taking a break. By the end of the episode, we hope you are encouraged to take an introspective look at your social media consumption and decide, "Should I take a social media break?"

    In the last third of this episode, we discuss the book "12 Ways Your Phone is Changing You" and dive briefly into the 12 areas your mind is being trained by your phone. We believe technology is a gift, but as with anything, we need to vigilant in how we use the gifts we have been given. Hopefully this is an eye-opening episode for you!

    Links:
    12 Ways Your Phone is Changing You

    Let's connect!
    Website: This Devoted Life
    Instagram: Devoted Motherhood
    Email: [email protected]

  • We are continuing our conversation from last week and will be answering more of your questions regarding homeschooling in this episode. Whether you are currently homeschooling and want a peek into how others are homeschooling or you are curious about homeschooling or considering it for your family, this episode is for you!

    To listen to the first Homeschool Q&A Episode: CLICK HERE

    Questions we answer in this episode:
    How to carve out time for household chores while homeschooling?
    At what age would you start tracing and learning to write letters?
    What curriculum do you use?
    Do you finish all your curriculum every year?
    Balance between having school time and having free-play when the outside is calling?
    How to stay on track and keep records of work and progress?
    If not following a curriculum, should I follow state standards?
    How do you teach a second language?
    Where do you find your curriculums?
    Did you ever fear your kids only being as smart as you are?
    Subjects for kindergarten? Science and Social Studies?


    Curriculum Links:
    The Good and the Beautiful
    A Gentle Feast
    Sabbath Mood
    F.O.R.M. Health and Wellness (Use code DEVOTED for 15% off)
    Talkbox.Mom (Use code DEVOTED20 for $20 off your first Talkbox and Book Bundle)

    Miscellaneous Links:
    Trello
    Forcing Preschoolers To Write Too Young Is Pointless
    Talkbox.Mom YouTube Review
    HSLDA

    Let's connect!
    Website: This Devoted Life
    Instagram: Devoted Motherhood
    Email: [email protected]

  • A few weeks back, we asked YOU what you wanted to know about homeschooling, so today (and next week's episode), we are going to be answering those questions!

    We chose not to script these episodes because we want our answers to be like we are sitting down and chatting over a cup of coffee. We wanted to give honest feedback about homeschooling and what we truly think about it.

    Here is what you can expect in this episode:
    2:25 - Tips for Homeschooling While Also Caring for a Toddler/Infant?
    10:10 - Curriculum for the "Why" Behind Letter Sounds and Rules?
    14:04 - Any Tips for Homeschool Dads Who Are Leading the Homeschool?
    20:36 - How to Change Mindset From Public Schooling to Homeschooling?
    24:50 - Is There a Book to Learn About Different Styles of Homeschool and What is Best For Our Family?

    Correction:
    Charlotte Mason advocated for formal education to start at the age of 6. She had 20 principles she used to guide her schooling philosophy.

    Links:
    Episode on Postpartum Depression
    The Good and the Beautiful
    A Gentle Feast
    What Kind of Homeschooler Am I? Test
    Call of the Wild & Free
    For the Children's Sake
    Charlotte Mason Companion
    Not mentioned but also a great book: Modern Miss Mason

    Let's connect!
    Website: This Devoted Life
    Instagram: Devoted Motherhood
    Email: [email protected]

  • There are no perfect educational systems, so in this episode we want to be transparent about some of the pros and cons we have experienced within our homeschooling journey. You might be surprised to learn that the cons are not as "negative" as you might imagine. Rather, they are opportunities for growth.

    As always, we would love to hear from you! Be sure to send us any questions or feedback that you have.

    Links:
    Raising Brave Kids - Episode 6
    100 Gentle Lessons in Sight and Sound
    YouTube Homeschool Playlist

    Quotes:
    Simplicity Parenting by Kim John Payne - "Meaning hides in repetition: We do this every day or every week because it matters. We are connected by this thing we do together. We matter to one another. In the tapestry of childhood, what stands out is not the splashy, blow-out trip to Disneyland but the common threads that run throughout and repeat: the family dinners, nature walks, reading together at bedtime (with a hot water bottle at our feet on winter evenings), Saturday morning pancakes."

    Let's connect!
    Website: This Devoted Life
    Instagram: Devoted Motherhood
    Email: [email protected]

  • Did we always plan to homeschool? What did James think about homeschooling initially? What are some common myths surrounding homeschooling? How do I talk to my spouse about homeschooling if they are not on board with it yet?

    These are just a few of the questions we are answering in today's podcast! Stay tuned... we are turning this into a series!

    Let us know if you have any specific questions regarding homeschooling. We would love to answer them in an upcoming episode!

    Here is what you can expect in this episode:
    0:33 - Intro to Homeschooling Series
    2:01 - Why We Homeschool
    7:08 - Talking to a Spouse that is Not on Board with Homeschooling
    15:30 - Is homeschooling the best way?
    19:28 - What Happened When We Decided to Dual Enroll Our Son in Private School
    23:00 - Apprehensions Debunked - Socialization
    26:00 - Apprehensions Debunked - Limited Resources
    30:45 - Apprehensions Debunked - Is Homeschooling As Good As Public Education?
    32:50 - Apprehensions Debunked - Social Perception
    38:30 - Hold Homeschooling Loosely
    40:45 - What does James now think about homeschooling after 6+ years?

    Links:
    Why Colleges Like Homeschooling Students

    References:
    Deuteronomy 6:5-9 - "You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your might. And these words that I command you today shall be on your heart. You shall teach them diligently to your children, and shall talk of them when you sit in your house, and when you walk by the way, and when you lie down, and when you rise. You shall bind them as a sign on your hand, and they shall be as frontlets between your eyes. You shall write them on the doorposts of your house and on your gates."

    Let's connect!
    Website: This Devoted Life
    Instagram: Devoted Motherhood
    Email: [email protected]

  • The title seems a bit disjointed, but we promise it makes sense and works together!

    At a glance:
    - Join us as we discuss hard moments in parenting and how we can keep a positive mindset by asking ourselves good questions.
    - We also recently met Jocko Willink and discuss his ideas surrounding mental health.
    -It's hard to believe we are over half-way through the year! So it's time to do a mid-year check-in on goals that we set 6 months ago.

    Here is what you can expect in this episode:
    1:25 - Making Church a Priority
    3:20 - One of Shanda's "Worst" Parenting Moments
    7:15 - When You Feel Like You Are Drowning
    9:30 - Best Question to Ask Yourself When You Feel Like You Are Failing
    14:35 - Second-Best Question to Ask
    17:13 - Meeting Jocko and his ideas for supporting people we are struggling mentally
    27:30 - How are you doing on your New Year's goals?
    32:00 - NEW Cultivate Devotional

    Links:
    CULTIVATE: Biblical Lessons from the Garden
    Jocko Podcast
    The Way of the Warrior Kid Book

    References:
    Hebrews 10:25 - " Not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as the manner of some is; but exhorting one another: and so much the more, as ye see the day approaching."

    Lamentations 3:22-23 - " It is of the LORD'S mercies that we are not consumed, because his compassions fail not. They are new every morning: great is thy faithfulness."

    Let's connect!
    Website: This Devoted Life
    Instagram: Devoted Motherhood
    Email: [email protected]

  • If you have been on social media lately, you may have heard of the Joe Rogan Podcast with RFK Jr and their discussion on vaccinations. In this episode, we are having a fireside chat as we share some thoughts on the podcast as well as our personal decisions regarding vaccinations.

    We have been reading through the life of Solomon the past few weeks, and we share some thoughts on his life and seeking wisdom. We receive so much information in our world, so it is so important to seek wisdom and continue to apply it to our lives.

    Here is what you can expect in this episode:
    Was Solomon Really Wise?
    Asking God for Wisdom
    Rogan/RFK Jr Podcast Synopsis
    Do we vaccinate? Why or why not?
    Make informed decisions.

    Links:
    Joe Rogan Podcast
    Being Brave in a World of Fear Podcast
    Farmhouse on Boone Sandwich Bread

    References:
    Ecclesiastes 1:2 - "Vanity of vanities, says the Preacher, vanity of vanities! All is vanity."

    James 1:5 - "If any of you lack wisdom, let him ask of God, that giveth to all men liberally, and upbraideth not; and it shall be given him."

    1 Kings 11:8-9 - "And so he did for all his foreign wives, who made offerings and sacrificed to their gods. And the Lord was angry with Solomon, because his heart had turned away from the Lord, the God of Israel, who had appeared to him twice"

    Ecclesiastes 12:13 - "The end of the matter; all has been heard. Fear God and keep his commandments, for this is the whole duty of man."

    Let's connect!
    Website: This Devoted Life
    Instagram: Devoted Motherhood
    Email: [email protected]

  • Finding your identity is a hot topic these days! As we were chatting around the campfire the other night, we began to take an introspective look at where we are finding OUR identity.

    It is our goal in this episode to peel back the layers on where we are finding our identity and how that affects the way we live as Christians. It is easy to become hyper focused on how OTHERS are identifying, but are we missing a good opportunity to take a close look at ourselves and see ourselves the way God sees us?

    Here is what you can expect in this episode:
    1:30 - Intro to Topic
    3:27 - Seemingly Harmless Things We Find Our Identity In
    12:28 - Where should we find our identity?
    33:10 - See Ourselves As God Sees Us
    40:11 - Obstacles to Believing Our Identity in Christ
    45:30 - Live Fully Into Your Identity

    References:
    Ecclesiastes 9:10 - "Whatever your hand finds to do, do it with your might."

    Mark 12:17 - "Jesus said to them, "Render to Caesar the things that are Caesar's, and to God the things that are God's.""

    Galatians 2:20 - "I have been crucified with Christ. It is no longer I who live, but Christ who lives in me. And the life I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me."

    1 Corinthians 6:19-20 - "Or do you not know that your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit within you, whom you have from God? You are not your own, for you were bought with a price. So glorify God in your body."

    Ephesians 4:32 - "Be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, as God in Christ forgave you."

    Jeremiah 31:30 - "I have loved you with an everlasting love; therefore I have continued my faithfulness to you."

    Romans 8:15-17 - "For you did not receive the spirit of slavery to fall back into fear, but you have received the Spirit of adoption as sons, by whom we cry, “Abba! Father!” The Spirit himself bears witness with our spirit that we are children of God, and if children, then heirs—heirs of God and fellow heirs with Christ, provided we suffer with him in order that we may also be glorified with him."

    Ephesians 1:7 - "In him we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of our trespasses, according to the riches of his grace."

    Let's connect!
    Website: This Devoted Life
    Instagram: Devoted Motherhood
    Email: [email protected]

  • We believe communication in marriage is one of the keys to having a healthy marriage, so in this episode we share five conversations to have with your spouse on a regular basis that will help you stay on the same page, encourage one another and build your spiritual walk with the Lord.

    Here is what you can expect in this episode:
    1:31 – When your spouse is an unbeliever.
    3:10 – Spiritual Well-Check
    6:56 – Financial
    14:40 -Future Goals
    20:50 - Any frustrations?
    25:45 – Family Check-Up

    References:
    1 Peter 3:1 – “Likewise, wives, be subject to your own husbands, so that even if some do not obey the word, they may be won without a word by the conduct of their wives,”

    Let's connect!
    Website: This Devoted Life
    Instagram: Devoted Motherhood
    Email: [email protected]

  • When polling This Devoted Life Community about the topic of marriage, one of the biggest questions we received was on the topic of intimacy in marriage... specifically when sex drives differ and the frustrations that can arise from that. Out of respect for our marriage, we do not go into any specific details of our own marriage, but we wanted to discuss this topic because it is important for keeping marriages healthy.

    Here is what you can expect in this episode:
    2:30 – Intro to Topic with Disclaimers
    4:46 – Does media affect our views about sex?
    7:38 – Sex is good and important!
    9:00 – What does it all boil down to?
    10:30 – When Resentment Arises
    11:28 – Tips for Keeping Sex a Priority
    16:00 – Communication is key!
    17:00 – Another Disclaimer
    18:38 – Keep Your Marriage Fresh
    19:59 – Frustration and Communication
    23:30 – Wrap Up

    Links:
    Navigating Turbulence in Marriage

    References:
    Bible Verses:
    Proverbs 5:18 - "Let your fountain be blessed, and rejoice in the wife of your youth"

    Proverbs 5:19 - "a lovely deer, a graceful doe. Let her breasts fill you at all times with delight; be intoxicated always in her love."

    Ephesians 5:22-23

    Let's connect!
    Website: This Devoted Life
    Instagram: Devoted Motherhood
    Email: [email protected]

  • The number one question we received on the topic of marriage was, "How do you keep your marriage a priority?" Using an airplane ride as a metaphor for marriage, we discuss overcoming turbulence and ways we keep our marriage a priority. Every marriage is unique, but we hope that by sharing our experience, we can encourage you to continue to grow in your marriage and walk with the Lord.

    Here is what you can expect in this episode:
    3:00 - Airplanes and Marriage
    5:45 - Cruising Altitude
    7:10 - Experiencing Turbulence
    9:58 - Buckle Up
    11:44 - The Eject Button
    14:00 - Sharing Personal Things with the Opposite Sex
    16:28 - Communication
    21:31 - What do we do to keep marriage a priority?
    24:35 - Landing the Plane
    27:07 - What season are you in?

    References:
    Revelation 19:7 - "Let us rejoice and exult and give him the glory, for the marriage of the Lamb has come, and his Bride has made herself ready;"

    Let's connect!
    Website: This Devoted Life
    Instagram: Devoted Motherhood
    Email: [email protected]

  • Strong male influences within the nuclear family are important, so today we are sharing with you Five Healthy Habits for Christian Men to encourage men as they navigate the sometimes tricky balance of providing for their families financially, emotionally and spiritually. While you may not use all of the ideas in this podcast, we hope there are practical ideas for you to implement in your life to live This Devoted Life!

    Here is what you can expect in this episode:
    1:28 - Disclaimers
    4:10 - Physical Health
    10:00 - Spiritual Health
    15:05 - Mental/Emotional Health
    19:20 - Relational Health
    23:40 - Intellectual Health
    29:20 - Wrap Up

    Links:
    The Daily Grace Chronological Bible Study

    References:
    Beachbody
    Patrick Bet-David Podcast
    Joe Rogan Podcast - Disclaimer: Some Language
    Grant Cardone - Disclaimer: Some Language
    The Money Guys

    Let's connect!
    Website: This Devoted Life
    Instagram: Devoted Motherhood
    Email: [email protected]

  • Each year for several years running, James has interviewed the kids and presented a Mother's Day video to Shanda. We thought it would be fun to share these interviews with you! We hope it gives you a fun way to learn more about Shanda and a glimpse into the gift that is motherhood.

    James surprised Shanda by bringing her in to be interviewed this year! The end gets a little emotional.

    Happy Mother's Day

    ***If you would like to skip the kid-interviews, feel free to jump to this timestamp: 17:18


    Let's connect!
    Website: This Devoted Life
    Instagram: Devoted Motherhood
    Email: [email protected]

  • Moms have a lot on their plate! With so much time and effort spent serving our families and community, we are sharing with you Five Healthy Habits for Stay-at-Home Moms (or any mom!) to help maintain an overall vibrant lifestyle. While you may not use all of the ideas in this podcast, we hope there are practical ideas for you to implement in your life to live This Devoted Life!

    Here is what you can expect in this episode:
    1:45 - Intro to Topic
    2:40 - Physical Health
    6:25 - Additional Healthy Habit for Physical Health
    7:35 - Spiritual Health
    10:38 - Mental Health
    14:08 - Intellectual Health
    16:45 - Social Health
    20:35 - Conclusion

    Bible References:
    1 Corinthians 6:19 - "What? know ye not that your body is the temple of the Holy Ghost which is in you, which ye have of God, and ye are not your own?"

    Links:
    Lindy Well Pilates
    5-5-5 Plan
    The Daily Grace Chronological Bible Study
    Wild +Free

    Let's connect!
    Website: This Devoted Life
    Instagram: Devoted Motherhood
    Email: [email protected]

  • How can we as parents teach our children to be brave and live confidently in Christ? Listen to find practical tips for teaching bravery to our children.

    Here is what you can expect in this episode:
    3:22 - The Hiding Place story
    5:07 - We are the Gatekeepers
    7:24 - Strengthening Our Children to Carry a Heavier Load
    10:20 - Emulate Bravery
    14:35 - The Importance of Children's Literature
    19:05 - Hiding God's Word in Your Children's Heart
    21:18 - Prayer is a Habit
    22:46 - Healthy vs. Unhealthy Fears
    27:00 - The Gift of Failure
    32:25 - Tree Analogy

    Bible References:
    Psalm 56:3 - "What time I am afraid, I will trust in thee."

    Isaiah 41:10 - “fear not, for I am with you; be not dismayed, for I am your God; I will strengthen you, I will help you, I will uphold you with my righteous right hand."

    Philippians 2:10-11 - "that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, of things in heaven, and things in earth, and things under the earth; and that every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father."

    Books:
    The Hiding Place - Corrie Ten Boom
    Mothering By the Book - Jennifer Pepito
    The Gift of Fear - Gavin De Becker

    Let's connect!
    Website: This Devoted Life
    Instagram: Devoted Motherhood
    Email: [email protected]

  • We live in a an uncertain world and uncertain times. How can we be brave as Christians and live a victorious life? As Christians, we are called to edify and uplift one another, so we hope in this episode to encourage you to live a life of joy and peace!

    Did you know, 91% of our worries do not come to fruition? (Source: Psychology Today)

    Here is what you can expect in this episode:
    0:35 - Intro
    3:10 - Where does fear come from?
    6:00 - How prepared should we be physically?
    10:44 - Preparing Spiritually
    12:30 - What is our duty?
    15:30 - What can we do to "gear up?"
    19:50 - Saturating Yourself in Truth
    23:00 - Teaching the Next Generation to be Brave
    25:30 - God has given us the victory
    27:15 - What can we control?
    31:50 - Kiss the Waves!

    Quote:
    'I have learned to kiss the waves that throw me up against the Rock of Ages' Charles Spurgeon

    Bible References:
    2 Timothy 1:7 - "For God hath not given us the spirit of fear; but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind."

    1 Peter 5:8 - “Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil, as a roaring lion, walketh about, seeking whom he may devour:”

    Philippians 2:10-11 - "that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, of things in heaven, and things in earth, and things under the earth; and that every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father."

    Ecclesiastes 12:13 - "Let us hear the conclusion of the whole matter: Fear God, and keep his commandments: for this is the whole duty of man."

    John 14:27 - "Peace I leave with you, my peace I give unto you: not as the world giveth, give I unto you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid."

    Link:
    Upward Sports
    Pour Over Podcast

    We'd love to hear from you! Let us know if there is anything you would like to hear more about in upcoming episodes.

    Let's connect!
    Website: This Devoted Life
    Instagram: Devoted Motherhood
    Email: [email protected]