LOVING LIFE AT HOME - Christian Marriage, Biblical Parenting, Creative Homemaking, Purposeful Living

Show Notes VERSES CITED:

Proverbs 22:6 – “Train up a child in the way he should go, Even when he is old he will not depart from it.”

Matthew 5:22 - “But I tell you that anyone who is angry with a brother or sister will be subject to judgment. Again, anyone who says to a brother or sister, ‘Raca,’ is answerable to the court. And anyone who says, ‘You fool!’ will be in danger of the fire of hell.”

Romans 12:2 tells us, “…do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, so that you may prove what the will of God is, that which is good and acceptable and perfect.”

Philippians 1:6 – “For I am confident of this very thing, that He who began a good work among you will complete it by the day of Christ Jesus.”

Galatians 6:9 – “And let us not grow weary in doing good, for in due season we shall reap if we don’t lose heart.”

James 1:5 - "But if any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask of God, who gives to all men generously and without reproach, and it will be given to him."

1 Corinthians 15:58 – “Therefore, my beloved brothers, be steadfast and immovable. Always excel in the work of the Lord, because you know that your labor in the Lord is not in vain.”

Jeremiah 33:3 - “‘Call to Me, and I will answer you, and show you great and mighty things, which you do not know.”

James 3:16 – “For where jealousy and selfish ambition exist, there is disorder and every evil thing.”

1 Peter 2:1 – “Therefore, rid yourselves of all malice and all deceit and hypocrisy and jealousy/envy [depending on which translation you read] and all slander….”

Exodus 20:17 – “You shall not covet your neighbor’s house. You shall not covet your neighbor’s wife, or his manservant or maidservant, or his ox or donkey, or anything that belongs to your neighbor.”

Proverbs 14:30 – “A heart at peace gives life to the body, but envy rots the bones.”

1 Timothy 6:6 – “Of course, godliness with contentment is great gain.”

2 Corinthians 10:12 – “We do not dare to classify or compare ourselves with some who commend themselves. When they measure themselves by themselves and compare themselves with themselves, they are not wise.”

Proverbs 11:24-25 – “One gives freely, yet gains even more; another withholds what is right, only to become poor. A generous soul will prosper, and he who refreshes others will himself be refreshed.”

1 Corinthians 7:3-5 – “The husband should fulfill his marital duty to his wife, and likewise the wife to her husband. The wife does not have authority over her own body, but the husband. Likewise the husband does not have authority over his own body, but the wife. Do not deprive each other, except by mutual consent and for a time, so you may devote yourselves to prayer. Then come together again, so that Satan will not tempt you through your lack of self-control.

Ephesians 3:20-21 – “Now to him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to his power that is at work within us, to him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, for ever and ever! Amen.”

RELATED LINKS:

EP 119: Q&A – Homeschool Schedules, Records, and Teaching Multiple Ages

CLEP and Dual Credit (Get a Headstart on College)

Best Books for Boys

EP 92: Unexpected Benefits of Big Family Living

EP 8: Scientific Proof Having Babies is Good for You

EP 1: How to Find a Good Mentor

EP 82: The Secret to Cultivating Contentment

M is for Mama: Mom Friends & Grace Girls (How One Led to the Other)

Kids Bowl Free

Kids Skate Free

TACHE (Tyler Area Christian Home Educators)

Praying for Friends (Free Printable Guide)

Praying for My Enemies (Free Printable Guide)

Love Your Husband/ Love Yourself (my marriage book)

7 Reasons to Prioritize Sex in Marriage

Why I Keep Saying “Yes” to Sex

STAY CONNECTED:

Subscribe: Flanders Family Freebies -weekly themed link lists of free resources

Instagram: @flanders_family - follow for more great content

Family Blog: Flanders Family Home Life- parenting tips, homeschool help, printables

Marriage Blog: Loving Life at Home- encouragement for wives, mothers, believers

My Books: Shop Online - find on Amazon, at Barnes & Noble, or through our website

Today I'm tackling some of the questions that have piled up in my inbox and DMs lately from listeners and subscribers. And since a bunch of those inquiries are related to the topic of homeschooling, I’ll answer those questions first, including…

• What, exactly, are your responsibilities as a homeschool mom
• How soon should you start formal lessons?
• How to schedule lessons for multiple students in a broad range of ages
• How to stay on top of chores while still doing lessons
• What kind of records and papers to keep and what can be safely thrown away

Show Notes: VERSES CITED:

1 Corinthians 3:11-12 - “…For no one can lay a foundation other than the one already laid, which is Jesus Christ.”

Proverbs 22:6 - “Train up a child in the way he should go…”

Ephesians 6:4 - “bring them up in the discipline and instruction of the Lord”

Deuteronomy 6:7 - “…speaking of them when you sit at home and when you walk along the road, when you lie down and when you get up.”

Isaiah 28:16 - “…a tested stone, a precious cornerstone”

Psalm 127:1 - “Unless the LORD builds a house, they who build it labor in vain; unless the LORD guards a city, the watchman stays awake in vain.”

Philippians 4:9 - “My God shall supply all your needs according to His riches in glory in Christ Jesus.”

Proverbs 4:7 – “Wisdom is the principal thing; therefore get wisdom: and with all thy getting get understanding.”

Proverbs 24:3-4 – “By wisdom a house is built, and by understanding it is established; and by knowledge the rooms are filled with all precious and pleasant riches.”

Proverbs 23:23 – “Invest in truth and never sell it—in wisdom and instruction and understanding.”

Matthew 6:21 – “For where your treasure is, there will your heart be also.”

RELATED LINKS:

Choosing Curriculum Your Children Will Love

Timberdoodle Curriculum Kits– for hands-on learning (especially good for kinesthetic learners)

Sonlight Curriculum Kits – literature-based learning (lots of read-alouds) for teaching multiple grade levels at once

Non-Religious Homeschool Options?

Recommendations for Kindergarten & Preschool

Teaching Multiple Grade Levels at Once

Managers of Their Homesby Terri Maxwell

How Our Family Handled Children's Chores

Free, Editable Template for High School Transcripts

STAY CONNECTED:

Subscribe: Flanders Family Freebies -weekly themed link lists of free resources

Instagram: @flanders_family - follow for more great content

Family Blog: Flanders Family Home Life- parenting tips, homeschool help, printables

Marriage Blog: Loving Life at Home- encouragement for wives, mothers, believers

My Books: Shop Online - find on Amazon, at Barnes & Noble, or through our website

I came across 1 Thessalonians 5:14 in my Bible reading recently, and it dawned on me that – although this verse is something all believers should be doing – it provides a particularly apt job description for mothers.

Show Notes VERSES CITED:

1 Thessalonians 5:14 - “We urge you [to] admonish the unruly, encourage the fainthearted, help the weak, be patient with everyone.”

Proverbs 29:15 - “The rod and reproof give wisdom, but a child left to himself brings shame to his mother.”

Ephesians 4:29 - “Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs, that it may benefit those who listen.”

Colossians 4:6 - “Let your speech always be with grace, as though seasoned with salt, so that you will know how you should respond to each person.”

1 Thessalonians 5:11 - “Therefore encourage one another and build each other up, just as in fact you are doing.”

1 Peter 3:15 - “But in your hearts revere Christ as Lord. Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have. But do this with gentleness and respect….”

Hebrews 10:23-25 - “Let us hold fast the confession of our hope without wavering, for He who promised is faithful; and let us consider how to stimulate one another to love and good deeds, not forsaking our own assembling together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another; and all the more as you see the day drawing near.”

Ephesians 4:15 - “Rather, speaking the truth in love, we are to grow up in every way into him who is the head, into Christ….”

Hebrews 6:10 - “God is not unjust; he will not forget your work and the love you have shown him as you have helped his people and continue to help them.”

Ephesians 4:2 - “Always be humble and gentle. Be patient with each other, making allowance for each other’s faults because of your love.”

Proverbs 18:13 – “He who answers a matter before he hears it—this is folly and disgrace to him.”

Galatians 5:22-25 - “…the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, 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 walk in step with the Spirit.”

1 Thessalonians 5:16-17 – “…rejoice always, pray without ceasing.”

RELATED LINKS:

Pray for Your Children from Head to Toe

Pray for Your Teens

25 Ways to Raise Capable, Confident Children

Age-Appropriate Children’s Chores

Nurturers by Nature (Don’t Waste Your Girl Power)

Respond, Don’t React

STAY CONNECTED:

Subscribe: Flanders Family Freebies -weekly themed link lists of free resources

Instagram: @flanders_family - follow for more great content

Family Blog: Flanders Family Home Life- parenting tips, homeschool help, printables

Marriage Blog: Loving Life at Home- encouragement for wives, mothers, believers

My Books: Shop Online - find on Amazon, at Barnes & Noble, or through our website

Welcome to Part 3 of my series on Christian Discipleship: We've already covered Stay in the Bookand Stay on Your Knees. Today we'll address the last imperative: Stay after Souls. So let's discuss what that means and what evangelism should look like in the life of a born-again Christian.

So today, I want to tackle that last imperative: “Stay after souls.” This has the idea of evangelism at its heart, but it really goes far beyond simply sharing the gospel. And that’s what I’d like to examine with you today.

Show Notes RELATED LINKS:

EP 115: Stay in the Book(Part 1 of this series)

EP 116: Stay on Your Knees (Part 2 of this series)

The Singing Bible (unique Bible reading app)

“Now Entering Mission Field” Sign (free printable)

A Prayer for the LOST (free printable prayer guide based on Scripture)-

The Five Solas (illumined coloring page)

The Roman Road Printable (in your choice of five different languages)

Free printable gospel tracts (including the trick-or-treat tracts I mentioned)

VERSES CITED:

Acts 1:8 – “But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you….”

Matthew 28:19-20 – “Go ye therefore, and teach all nations….”

Deuteronomy 11:18-19 – “Therefore shall ye lay up these my words in your heart….”

Luke 16:10 – “Whoever can be trusted with very little can also be trusted with much….”

Ephesians 5:33 – “…and let the wife see that she respects her husband.”

Deuteronomy 6:6-7 – “These commandments that I give you today are to be…”

Proverbs 22:6 – “Train up a child in the way he should go….”

James 2:8 – “If, however, you are fulfilling the royal law….”

1 Samuel 15:22 – “…Behold, to obey is better than sacrifice….”

Matthew 10:37 – “who loves their father or mother more than me is not worthy of me….”

Deuteronomy 13:6-8 – “If your very own brother, or your son or daughter….”

Philippians 2:5-8 – “Have this attitude in yourselves which was also in Christ Jesus….”

1 Corinthians 11:1 – “Imitate me, just as I also imitate Christ.”

Exodus 20:7 – “You shall not take the name of the LORD your God in vain….”

Colossians 3:23 – “Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart….”

Ecclesiastes 9:10 – “Whatever you find to do with your hands, do it with all your might…”

Romans 12:1 – “Therefore, I urge you, brothers and sisters, in view of God’s mercy….”

Philippians 2:14 – “Do all things without complaining or arguments….”

John 13:35 – “By this everyone will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another.”

1 John 4:19 – “We love because he first loved us.”

Matthew 5:44 – “You have heard that it was said, ‘Love your neighbor’ and ….”

Luke 6:27-28 – “… Love your enemies, do good to those who hate you, bless those who….”

Luke 19:10 – “For the Son of Man came to seek and to save the lost.”

John 3:16 – “For God so loved the world that He gave ...”

John 15:12-14 – “This is My commandment, that you love one another….”

James 2:15-16 – “Suppose a brother or sister is without clothes and daily food…

Philippians 2:3-4 – “Do nothing from selfishness or empty conceit, but with….”

Matthew 25:40 – “…whatever you did for one of the least of these… you did for Me.’”

John 14:6 – “I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes….”

Romans 10:14 – “How then will they call on him in whom they have not believed?”

1 Peter 3:15-16 – “Always be prepared to give a defense to everyone who asks….”

Ephesians 2:8-9 – “For it is by grace you have been saved through faith….”

James 2:26 – “… faith without works is dead.”

Roman 3:10 – “As it is written, ‘THERE IS NONE RIGHTEOUS, NOT EVEN ONE.’”

Romans 3:23– “For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God.”

Romans 5:8 – “While we were still sinners, Christ died for us.”

Romans 6:23 – “For the wages of sin is death, but the free gift of God is….”

Romans 10:9 – “That if you confess with your mouth Jesus as Lord, and believe….”

Romans 10:13 – “… for ‘whoever will call on the name of the LORD will be saved.’”

1 Corinthians 3:7 – “So neither the one who plants nor the one who waters….”

Ecclesiastes 11:6 – “Sow your seed in the morning, and do not rest….”

Isaiah 55:10-11 – “… so My word that proceeds from My mouth will not return to Me empty.”

Colossians 2:13 – “You were dead because of your sins….”

1 Peter 2:12 – “Conduct yourselves with such honor that….”

Titus 2:7-8 – “In everything, show yourself to be an example….”

Romans 15:6 – “so that with one mind and one voice you may glorify….”

1 Corinthians 10:31 – “… whatever you do, do all to the glory of God.”

Mathew 5:16 – “Let your light so shine before men, that they may see….”

John 15:8 – “This is to My Father’s glory, that you bear much fruit….”

1 Timothy 5:25 – “In the same way, good deeds are obvious, and even….”

STAY CONNECTED:

Subscribe: Flanders Family Freebies -weekly themed link lists of free resources

Instagram: @flanders_family - follow for more great content

Family Blog: Flanders Family Home Life- parenting tips, homeschool help, printables

Marriage Blog: Loving Life at Home- encouragement for wives, mothers, believers

My Books: Shop Online - find on Amazon, at Barnes & Noble, or through our website

In this week’s episode of Loving Life at Home, I’m tackling part two of my three-part series on Christian discipleship. It’s all about the topic and practice of prayer and its important place in the life of every believer who desires a closer, more vibrant walk with Christ.

Show Notes RELATED LINKS:

EP 71: The Power of Prayer

Free Pretty Printable Prayer Guides (packed with Scripture)

50+ Favorite Quotes on Prayer

VERSES CITED:

1 Thessalonians 5:17 – “Pray without ceasing”

Colossians 4:2 – “Devote yourselves to prayer, being watchful and thankful…”

Philippians 4:6-7 – “…in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving….”

Romans 12:12 – “Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, persistent in prayer.”

James 4:8 – “Draw near to God and He will draw near to you.”

Jeremiah 29:13 – “You will seek Me and find Me when you search for Me with all your heart.”

1 Chronicles 28:9 – “… the LORD searches every heart and understands every desire….”

Galatians 6:2 – “Bear one another’s burdens, and so fulfill the law of Christ.”

Philippians 2:4 – “do not merely look out for your own personal interests, but also….”

1 Timothy 2:1 – “…I urge that petitions, prayers, intercessions, and thanksgiving be….”

Ephesians 6:18 – “Pray in the Spirit at all times, with every kind of prayer and petition….”

James 5:16 – “Therefore confess your sins to each other and pray for each other….”

John 17:2-23 – “I have given them the glory that you gave me, that they may be one.…”

Philippians 2:2 – “…make my joy complete by being of the same mind, maintaining….”

Matthew 18:19-20 – “…if two of you shall agree on earth as touching ….”

1 Corinthians 7:3-5 – “The husband should fulfill his marital duty to his wife….”

1 Corinthians 4:7 – “…What do you have that you did not receive?”

Philippians 4:19 – “But my God shall supply all your need according to His ….”

Matthew 6:9-13 – “Our Father, which art in Heaven, hallowed by Thy name….”

Mark 14:36 – “…take this cup from me. Yet not what I will, but what You will.”

1 Peter 2:22 – "He committed no sin, neither was any deceit found in His mouth.”

Psalm 135:1 – “Praise the LORD. Praise the name of the LORD; praise Him….”

Psalm 150:6 – “Let everything that has breath praise the LORD. Praise the LORD.”

Psalm 100:4 – “Enter His gates with thanksgiving and come into His courts with….”

Proverbs 28:13 – “The one who conceals his sins will not prosper….”

James 4:6 – “God resists the proud, but gives grace to the humble.”

1 John 1:8 – “If we claim to be without sin, we deceive ourselves and the truth is not in us.”

1 John 1:9 – “If we confess our sin, He is faithful and just to forgive us….”

Acts 3:19 – “Repent, then, and turn to God, so that your sins may be wiped out….”

John 8:11 – “…go and sin no more.”

Ephesians 4:30 – “And do not grieve the Holy Spirit of God….”

1 Thessalonians 5:19 – “Do not quench the Spirit.”

1 Timothy 4:2 – “Such teachings come through hypocritical liars, whose consciences….”

Romans 8:1 – “There is therefore now no condemnation to them which are in Christ….”

Luke 15:11-21 – “Then Jesus said, “There was a man who had two sons….”

Psalm 103:12 – “as far as the east is from the west, so far has He removed….”

Isaiah 1:18 – “Though your sins are like scarlet, they will be as white as snow….”

James 4:2 – “You have not because you ask not.”

Luke 11:9-10 – “Ask and it will be given to you; seek and you will find; knock….”

John 15:7 – “If you remain in Me and My words remain in you, ask whatever you wish….”

2 Peter 3:9 – “…not wanting anyone to perish, but everyone to come to repentance.”

James 1:5 – “But if any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask of God, who gives to all….”

Proverbs 3:5-6 – “Trust in the LORD with all your heart, and lean not on….”

Romans 6:16 – “Know you not, that to whom you yield yourselves servants to obey….”

Romans 12:1 – “Therefore I urge you, brethren, by the mercies of God, to ….”

Isaiah 55:8-9 – “For My thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways…. “

Psalm 37:4 – “Delight yourself in the LORD and He will give you the desires of your heart.”

Romans 8:26-27 – “The Spirit also helps in our weaknesses. For we do not know ….”

Romans 8:34 – “Christ Jesus…is also interceding for us.”

Hebrews 7:24-25 – “…since He always lives to intercede for them.”

Hebrews 4:6 – “…come boldly to the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy….”

1 John 5:14 – “…If we ask anything according to His will, He hears us.”

James 5:17-18 – “Elijah was a man with a nature like ours, and he prayed ….”

1 Corinthians 15:58 – “…be steadfast, immovable, always abounding in the work….”

2 Corinthians 9:8 – “And God is able to make all grace abound to you, so that in all….”

James 5:16 – “The effectual, fervent prayer of a righteous man can accomplish much.”

STAY CONNECTED:

Subscribe: Flanders Family Freebies -weekly themed link lists of free resources

Instagram: @flanders_family - follow for more great content

Family Blog: Flanders Family Home Life- parenting tips, homeschool help, printables

Marriage Blog: Loving Life at Home- encouragement for wives, mothers, believers

My Books: Shop Online - find on Amazon, at Barnes & Noble, or through our website

This is Part 1 of a three part series on Christian living: Stay in the book. Stay on your knees. And stay after souls. Listen in as we delve into Bible study basics, covering translations, tools, methods, and motivations for reading God's Word and hiding it in our hearts.

Show Notes VERSES CITED:

James 1:5 - "But if any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask of God...."

Acts 8:30-39 - “...Do you understand what you are reading?”

John 3:16 - “For God so loved the world, that He gave His only begotten Son...."

Jeremiah 33:3 - “Call to Me, and I will answer you, and show you great and mighty things....”

Psalm 119:160- “The entirety of Your word is truth....”

1 Corinthians 13:4-8 - "Love is patient, love is kind...."

John 14:26 – “...the Holy Spirit ... will teach you all things....”

John 16:8 – “...convict the world regarding sin, and righteousness, and judgment….”

John 16:13 – “However, when the Spirit of truth comes, He will guide you into all truth....”

1 John 2:27 – “As for you, the anointing which you received from Him abides in you....”

Philippians 1:6 - "...he who began a good work in you will bring it to completion...."

Psalm 19:1 - “The heavens declare the glory of God; the sky displays his handiwork...."

Romans 5:8 - "...while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us."

John 1:1-4 - “In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God...."

Proverbs 14:12 - “There is a way that seems right to a man, but its end is the way to death.”

John 14:6 - “I am the Way, the Truth, and the Life....”

Jeremiah 17:9 - “The heart is more deceitful than all else...."

Luke 9:23 - “If anyone wants to come after Me, he must deny himself, take up his cross...."

Matthew 7:13-14 - “Enter through the narrow gate. For wide is the gate and broad....”

Psalm 25:8-9 - “Good and upright is the LORD; therefore He shows sinners the way....”

Psalm 119:98-100 - “Your commandments make me wiser than my enemies....”

James 3:17 - “The wisdom from above is first pure, then peaceable, gentle....”

James 3:15 - "...not that which comes down from above, but is earthly, natural, demonic."

1 Corinthians 1:26-31 - “...God has chosen the foolish things of the world to shame the wise...."

Romans 12:2 - "Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed....”

Ephesians 5:26 - "cleansed and sanctified and conformed to the image of Christ....”

1 John 2:16 - “...the lust of the flesh, the lust of the eyes, the boastful pride of life.”

Philippians 3:7-10- “But whatever things were gain to me, these things I count as loss....”

Acts 7:11 - “...examined the Scriptures every day to see if these teachings were true.”

Romans 14:1-6 - "Accept him whose faith is weak, without passing judgment...."

Galatians 1:6-9 - “I am astonished that you are so quickly deserting the one who called you....”

Acts 4:12 - “...no other name under heaven given among men, whereby we must be saved.”

RELATED LINKS:

Prayer Guide for Bible Readers

Bible Study Fellowship

One-Year Bible Reading Plan - available as a free printable chart or handy bookmarks

Free Books of the Bible Printable

More Free Printable Prayer Guides

Daily Bible Study Notes Template

New American Standard Bible (NASB)

New King James Version (NKJV)

English Standard Version (ESV)

New International Version (NIV)

YouVersion Bible App - great for listening to audio Bible; parents should be aware app includes messaging capabilities and may want to discuss guidelines for use with their children before turning them loose with it

Verses Bible Memory App - app my daughter's use for reviewing memory verses

Fighter Verses App - this is the Bible memory app my son uses

BibleHub - great Bible study tool, especially for cross-referencing, consulting commentaries, looking up words in original language

Women of the Word by Jen Wilkin

Sermon Notes Template for Kids

Ep 28: Bible Memory Tips

EP 85: Memorize Proverbs 3 with Me

Charlotte Mason's method of Scripture memory

Awana - a church program teaches memory verses to children

Bible Memory Resources for Families - resources I made to encourage my kids and grandkids to memorize scripture

STAY CONNECTED:

Subscribe: Flanders Family Freebies -weekly themed link lists of free resources

Instagram: @flanders_family - follow for more great content

Family Blog: Flanders Family Home Life- parenting tips, homeschool help, printables

Marriage Blog: Loving Life at Home- encouragement for wives, mothers, believers

My Books: Shop Online - find on Amazon, at Barnes & Noble, or through our website

In answer to questions from subscribers, I'm sharing my best tips for buying things secondhand -- including where and how to look for what you need, and my favorite categories of things to buy used.

Show Notes VERSES CITED:

Philippians 4:19 - "And my God will supply all your needs according to His riches in glory in Christ Jesus."

Psalm 37:4-5- "Delight yourself in the LORD, and He will give you the desires of your heart."

James 1:17 - "Every good thing given and every perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of lights, with whom there is no variation or shifting shadow."

Ephesians 3:20 - "Now to him who is able to do far more abundantly than all that we ask or think, according to the power at work within us...."

RELATED LINKS:

Successful Garage Sales: Tips for Shoppers and Sellers

STAY CONNECTED:

Subscribe: Flanders Family Freebies -weekly themed link lists of free resources

Instagram: @flanders_family - follow for more great content

Family Blog: Flanders Family Home Life- parenting tips, homeschool help, printables

Marriage Blog: Loving Life at Home- encouragement for wives, mothers, believers

My Books: Shop Online - find on Amazon, at Barnes & Noble, or through our website

Father's Day is right around the corner. So this seems like a good time to revisit the topic of fathers and fatherhood – including how to make peace with the dad you had, whether he was warm and loving and generally around. Or cold and distant and seldom available. Or somewhere in between.

Show Notes VERSES CITED:

Psalm 68:5 – “A father to the fatherless, a defender of widows, is God in his holy dwelling.”

Psalm 118:29 – “Give thanks to the LORD, for he is good! His faithful love endures forever.”

Corinthians 6:18 – “I will be a Father to you, and you will be My sons and daughters, says the Lord Almighty.”

John 1:12 – “But as many as received Him, to them He gave the right to become children of God, even to those who believe in His name”

Galatians 3:26 – “You are all sons of God through faith in Christ Jesus.”

1 John 3:1-2 – “Behold what manner of love the Father has given to us, that we should be called children of God. And that is what we are!”

Deuteronomy 31:6 – “Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid or terrified because of them, for the LORD your God goes with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you.”

Romans 12:18 – “If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone.”

Ephesians 4:32 – “Be kind to one another, compassionate, forgiving each other, just as God in Christ also has forgiven you.”

Philippians 4:8 – “Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence and if anything worthy of praise, think about these things.”

RELATED LINKS:

EP 87: Lost and Found

Ice Cream for Breakfast Boosts Brain Power

STAY CONNECTED:

Subscribe: Flanders Family Freebies -weekly themed link lists of free resources

Instagram: @flanders_family - follow for more great content

Family Blog: Flanders Family Home Life- parenting tips, homeschool help, printables

Marriage Blog: Loving Life at Home- encouragement for wives, mothers, believers

My Books: Shop Online - find on Amazon, at Barnes & Noble, or through our website

Today we're talking about research-based, proactive steps you and I can take now to (hopefully) avoid developing Alzheimer’s dementia later. I hope you'll listen in and be encouraged!

Show Notes VERSES CITED:

John 3:30 - “He must increase; I must decrease.”

Thessalonians 5:17 - “Pray without ceasing.”

Colossians 4:2 - “Devote yourselves to prayer, being watchful and thankful.”

Ephesians 6:18 - “Pray in the Spirit on all occasions with all kinds of prayers and requests.....”

Philippians 4:6-7 - “Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication....”

Mark 12:30 – “And thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and... soul, and... mind, and...strength.”

1 Corinthians 10:31- “Whether, then, you eat or drink or whatever you do, do all to the glory of God.”

John 3:30 – “He must increase, but I must decrease.”

RELATED LINKS:

Your Parent Has Dementia. Here’s the $405,000 Survival Guide Nobody Gave You

Gut: The Inside Story of Our Body's Most Underrated Organ

Blueberries, the well-known 'super fruit,' could help fight Alzheimer's

Study of green tea and other molecules uncovers new therapeutic strategy for Alzheimer’s

Preventive Effects of Olive Oil on Alzheimer’s Disease: What to Know

Eating Avocados: Does It Help Prevent Dementia

The effect of curcumin (turmeric) on Alzheimer's disease: An overview

Beneficial Effects of Walnuts on Cognition and Brain Health

Association of Egg Intake with Alzheimer’s Dementia Risk in Older Adults

Rainbow Salad Recipe

Comparison of types of diabetes

The Hidden Threat: How Refined Grains and Sugar Impact Dementia

When Diet Meets Dementia

Intermittent Fasting as a Neuroprotective Strategy: Gut–Brain Axis Modulation and Metabolic Reprogramming in Neurodegenerative Disorders

Research reveals: smart wives reduce the risk of Alzheimer's disease

Marital status and risk of dementia over 18 years: Surprising findings from the National Alzheimer's Coordinating Center

Marriage linked to reduced Dementia Risk

Inside the Box

Free Printable Prayer Guides

Pimsleur Language Program

Why "Grandma Hobbies" Could Be the Secret to Better Mental Health

Is Sunshine Key to Reducing Dementia Risk

Influence of physical activity on cognition and brain function

Association Between Mentally Stimulating Activities in Late Life and the Outcome of Incident Mild Cognitive Impairment

Three science backed lifestyle changes to lower your dementia risk

Reading writer lower dementia risk study finds

Reading Challenge

Bible Memory Tips and Tricks

A Grand Investment

Can prayer reduce the risk of Alzheimer’s?

Prayer regularly reduces risk of dementia

STAY CONNECTED:

Subscribe: Flanders Family Freebies -weekly themed link lists of free resources

Instagram: @flanders_family - follow for more great content

Family Blog: Flanders Family Home Life- parenting tips, homeschool help, printables

Marriage Blog: Loving Life at Home- encouragement for wives, mothers, believers

My Books: Shop Online - find on Amazon, at Barnes & Noble, or through our website

Thirty-eight years, eight months, one week, and six days. That's how long I've been married to my husband.

You might think that after nearly four decades, we'd have this marriage thing down pat. That by now, the hard work would be behind us. That maybe we could just coast through the rest of our marriage with the wind on our faces, enjoying the view.

But being married is like riding a bike. You can only coast for so long before losing your momentum and falling over. You've got to keep pedaling if you don't want to crash.

One way I've kept peddling is by taking the challenge I'm sharing on the podcast this week. Maybe you'd like to join me? Listen in to here more about it.

Show Notes VERSES CITED:

Ephesians 5:33 - "Nevertheless let each individual among you also love his own wife even as himself; and let the wife see to it that she respect her husband."

RELATED LINKS:

30-Day Respect Challenge - my free email series for wives

30-Day Love Challenge- Doug's free email series for husbands

25 Ways to Respect Your Husband - full book available in print, digital, or audio formats

25 Ways to Love Your Wife - my husband's companion book to the title above

Love Your Husband, Love Yourself- surprising ways science confirms the superiority of God's design for sex in marriage

New Orleans Botanical Garden - snapshots from our recent visit

Oak Alley Plantation - photos I took of the gorgeous house, gardens, and grounds

Tasty food- pictures from our lunch at N7

Learn to Speak Your Spouse’s Love Language​ - communicate in a way that's meaningful to him

Is Date Night Essential?​ - what if kids and finances make it impossible to get away?

What if My Husband Won’t Plan Date Nights?​ - the situation isn't as hopeless as you may think

How to Date a Husband Who’d Rather Stay Home​ - there's no place like home, so enjoy it!

50 Great Date Ideas​ - break out of the dinner-out and a movie rut

Dating through the Alphabet Challenge​ - a fun way to add variety to your dating life

Do Not Disturb Signs​ - free printable door hangers for when you need some privacy

STAY CONNECTED:

Subscribe: Flanders Family Freebies -weekly themed link lists of free resources

Instagram: @flanders_family - follow for more great content

Family Blog: Flanders Family Home Life- parenting tips, homeschool help, printables

Marriage Blog: Loving Life at Home- encouragement for wives, mothers, believers

My Books: Shop Online - find on Amazon, at Barnes & Noble, or through our website

The Bible tells us children are a blessing, but we can sometimes lose sight of that fact amid all the diaper changes and temper tantrums and bedtime struggles. Then our joy dries up like a baby's crusty drool on the shoulder of Mom's T-shirt.

What can be done to regain it?

That's the topic of this week's podcast, sent in by a young mother who feels guilty for not being more joyful and playful. If you've ever struggled with such feelings, I hope you'll listen in and be encouraged.

Show Notes

VERSES CITED:

Lamentations 4:3 - “...my people have become heartless like ostriches in the desert.”

Job 39:14-17 - “The ostrich leaves her eggs on the ground....”

Galatians 5:22-23 - “The fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness....”

John 4:14- “…whoever drinks of the water that I shall give him shall never thirst....”

Jeremiah 2:13 - “For My people have...have forsaken Me, the fountain of living water....”

1 Corinthians 10:31 - "So whether you eat or drink ...do it all for the glory of God."

Matthew 10:42 - “And if anyone gives even a cup of cold water to one of these....”

Matthew 25:34-40 - “ I was hungry and you gave Me something to eat...’”

Psalms 113:9- “He makes the barren woman abide in the house as a joyful mother...."

Proverbs 31:14-15 - "...She brings her food from afar."

Proverbs 31: 21 - "...she has no fear for her household, for they are all clothed...."

Proverbs 31:26 - "She speaks with wisdom, and faithful instruction is on her tongue."

Proverbs 31:27 - "She... does not eat the bread of idleness."

Matthew 11:28 - "Come to Me, all you who are weary and heavy laden....”

Proverbs 3:5-6 - "Trust in the LORD with all your heart and do not lean on your own...."

Psalm 23:4 - "Even though I walk through the darkest valley, I will fear no evil..."

James 1:5 - "If any of you lack wisdom, let him ask of God who gives to all...."

Isaiah 40:31- "But they that wait upon the LORD will renew their strength...."

2 Kings 6:16-17 - "Do not fear, for those who are with us are more than...."

Luke 14:27 - “Whoever does not carry his own cross and come after Me cannot....”

Proverbs 22:6– “Train up a child in the way he should go...."

Proverbs 29:17 – “Discipline your son, and he will give you rest...."

Ephesians 6:4 – “Fathers, do not provoke your children to wrath; instead....”

Proverbs 19:18 – “Discipline your children while there is hope....” (NLT)

Proverbs 19:18 – “...let not thy soul spare for his crying.” (KJV)

Proverbs 3:12 – “For whom the LORD loves He disciplines....”

Hebrews 12:11 – “No discipline seems enjoyable at the time, but painful....”

Galatians 6:9 - "Let us not grow weary in doing good, for in due season we shall reap...."

RELATED LINKS:

EP 1: How to Find a Good Mentor

EP 81: When You Feel Like You're Only Treading Water

Taming Toddler Temper Tantrums

Staying in Bed Chart

Best Books for Bedtime

STAY CONNECTED:

Subscribe: Flanders Family Freebies -weekly themed link lists of free resources

Instagram: @flanders_family - follow for more great content

Family Blog: Flanders Family Home Life- parenting tips, homeschool help, printables

Marriage Blog: Loving Life at Home- encouragement for wives, mothers, believers

My Books: Shop Online - find on Amazon, at Barnes & Noble, or through our website

The topic for this episode is something that is absolutely essential to building a strong and happy marriage. In fact, I have never seen a marriage truly thrive without this thing, but I’ve seen many a marriage crumble in its absence. Tune in to find what this important ingredient is, and how it can miraculously transform a not-so-happily-ever-after marriage.

Show Notes VERSES CITED:

Ephesians 4:15 -“...speaking the truth in love.”

2 Timothy 3:1-6 - "...in the last days difficult times will come...."

Colossians 3:12-17 - "...clothe yourselves with hearts of compassion...."

James 4:6-10 - ” ...Humble yourselves in the presence of the Lord, and He will exalt you."

1 Peter 5:5-6 - "...humble yourselves under the mighty hand of God, that He may exalt you..."

Matthew 18:21-22 - "...Lord, how often should I forgive someone who sins against me?..."

Ephesians 4:32 - "...forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you."

Philippians 2:3-4 - "Do nothing from selfishness or empty conceit...."

Romans 15:1-2 - "Now we who are strong ought to bear the weaknesses of those..."

1 Thessalonians 5:18 - “In everything give thanks; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.”

Colossians 4:2 – “Devote yourselves to prayer, being watchful and thankful.”

Ephesians 5:20 – “always giving thanks to God the Father for everything, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ.”

Psalm 105:1 - “Give thanks to the LORD and proclaim His greatness. Let the whole world know what He has done.”

Psalm 107:1 – “Oh, give thanks to the LORD, for He is good! For His mercy endures forever.”

James 1:17 - "Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father..."

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.”

Philippians 4:6 - “Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God.”

John 2:9-10 - "When the headwaiter tasted the water which had become wine, and...."

RELATED LINKS:

Free Printable Prayer Guides - download as many of these as you like from my Loving Life at Home blog

Love Your Husband/Love Yourself - with regard to sex, this is a why-to book, not a how-to

EP 82: On Cultivating Contentment - another really important trait for marital bliss!

EP 10: We Find What We Look For - motivation to change your focus if you tend to find fault

EP 104: Giving Thanks Through Hardship - admittedly a challenge, but it is doable

Don't Let Anything Steal Your Joy - we must guard against these stealthy theives of joy and contentment

On Remembering to Say Thank You - because gratitude begs to be expressed

Free Printable Thank You Notes - several designs to choose from

Be Thankful -- and Give Thanks - a short post, but with a great quote on gratitude

STAY CONNECTED:

- Subscribe: Flanders Family Freebies -weekly themed link lists of free resources

- Instagram: @flanders_family - follow for more great content

- Family Blog: Flanders Family Home Life- parenting tips, homeschool help, printables

- Marriage Blog: Loving Life at Home- encouragement for wives, mothers, believers

- My Books: Shop Online - find on Amazon, at Barnes & Noble, or through our website

In today's episode, I share what my family has been doing lately and answer a fellow homeschooler's question about how you can tell when you need a break.

Show Notes VERSES CITED:

- Mark 2:27 - "The Sabbath was created for man, not man for the Sabbath."

- Matthew 12:11 - “What man is there among you who, if he has only one sheep and it falls into a pit on the Sabbath, will not take hold of it and lift it out?"

RELATED LINKS:

- EP 14: Is Date Night Essential- is it possible for your marriage to thrive without weekly nights out?

- EP 94: Raising Kids Who Don't Rebel- on cultivating a home where your child feels loved and heard

- Until the Streetlights Come On - Ginny Yurich's book on how playing outdoors benefits our bodies and brains

- 5 Reasons Our Family Loves Factory Tours

- How to Plan the Perfect Staycation

- Pack Up & Leave: Travel Tips for Fun Family Vacations - a book full of ideas that have worked well for our family

- Bananagrams - on of our favorite games (which we tote with us on vacation)

STAY CONNECTED:

- Subscribe: Flanders Family Freebies -weekly themed link lists of free resources

- Instagram: @flanders_family - follow for more great content

- Family Blog: Flanders Family Home Life- parenting tips, homeschool help, printables

- Marriage Blog: Loving Life at Home- encouragement for wives, mothers, believers

- My Books: Shop Online - find on Amazon, at Barnes & Noble, or through our website

I'm cleaning out my inbox for the new year and answering some of the questions that have piled up there since my last Q&A.

Show Notes VERSES CITED:

1 Thess. 5:17 – “Pray without ceasing.”

Titus 1:7-9 – “For the overseer must be above reproach as God’s steward, not self-willed, not quick-tempered, not addicted to wine, not pugnacious, not fond of sordid gain, but hospitable, loving what is good, sensible, just, devout, self-controlled, holding fast the faithful word which is in accordance with the teaching, so that he will be able both to exhort in sound doctrine and to refute those who contradict.”

RELATED LINKS:

Passport to the US Capitol Buildings

Passport to the US National Parks

“New Year’s Goal Setting for People with Actual Lives”

Arkansas State Capitol

Kansas State Capitol

Free Printable Prayer Guides

EP 28: Bible Memory Tips & Tricks

Supermom Vitamins

STAY CONNECTED:

- Subscribe: Flanders Family Freebies -weekly themed link lists of free resources

- Instagram: @flanders_family - follow for more great content

- Family Blog: Flanders Family Home Life- parenting tips, homeschool help, printables

- Marriage Blog: Loving Life at Home- encouragement for wives, mothers, believers

- My Books: Shop Online - find on Amazon, at Barnes & Noble, or through our website

I love the fresh start January represents, so I normally kick it off with a list of New Year’s resolutions as long as my arm.

Some of my goals are specific and easily quantifiable: Walk a mile a day. Read a book a week. Get 7 hours of sleep a night. That way, even if I only walk 5-6 miles a week, read 3 books a month, or occasionally stay up late, I’ll still be better off than if I didn’t try to do those things at all.

But some of my goals – the really challenging ones – take the form of more general reminders. Today I'm sharing ten such resolutions I think should be on everybody’s list.

Show Notes VERSES CITED:

Proverbs 16:9 - “A man’s heart plans his way, But the LORD directs his steps.”

Proverbs 19:21 - “Many plans are in a man’s heart, but the purpose of the LORD will prevail.”

Jeremiah 10:23 - “I know, O LORD, that a man’s way is not his own; no one who walks directs his own steps.”

James 4:13-15 - “...you ought to say, 'If the Lord is willing, we will live and do this or that.'”

Proverbs 31:16 (Amp) – “She considers a [new] field before she buys or accepts it [expanding prudently and not courting neglect of her present duties by assuming other duties]….”

Luke 1:37 - “…with God nothing will be impossible.”

Philippians 4:13 – “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.”

2 Corinthians 12:9 – “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness....”

Proverbs 15:13 – “A joyful heart makes a cheerful face, But when the heart is sad, the spirit is broken.”

Proverbs 17:22 - "A joyful heart is good medicine, but a broken spirit dries up the bones."

1 Corinthians 9:27 - “I discipline my body like an athlete, training it to do what it should.”

Philippians 4:6 - “Don’t worry about anything, but pray about everything….”

Ephesians 6:18 - “Pray in the Spirit at all times, with every kind of prayer and petition.”

Psalms 103:2 - “Bless the LORD, O my soul, and forget not all his benefits.”

James 1:19 - “Let everyone be quick to hear, slow to speak and slow to anger.”

RELATED LINKS:

How Can I Feel Productive as a Mom?

EP 25: 7 Ways to Nail New Year’s Resolutions

A Prayer for the New Year

One Year Bible Reading Plan

Setting Goals for the New Year

10 New Year Resolutions We All Should Make Printable

STAY CONNECTED:

- Subscribe: Flanders Family Freebies -weekly themed link lists of free resources

- Instagram: @flanders_family - follow for more great content

- Family Blog: Flanders Family Home Life- parenting tips, homeschool help, printables

- Marriage Blog: Loving Life at Home- encouragement for wives, mothers, believers

- My Books: Shop Online - find on Amazon, at Barnes & Noble, or through our website

I love all the bright lights and decorated trees and beautiful packages and cheerful songs that so characterize Christmas in so many people’s minds, but if we miss the real reason behind all those things, we’ll miss the whole purpose and most important part of the season.

Show Notes VERSES CITED:

Matthew 2:9-10 – “...when they saw the star, they rejoiced with exceeding great joy.”

John 8:12 – “... I am the light of the world: he that followeth me shall not walk in darkness, but shall have the light of life.”

Matthew 5:16 – “Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven.”

John 3:16 – “For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.”

Psalm 1:2-3 – “And he shall be like a tree planted by the rivers of water, that bringeth forth his fruit in his season; his leaf also shall not wither; and whatsoever he doeth shall prosper.”

Luke 2:14 – “Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward men.”

Luke 2:10-12 – “And the angel said unto them, Fear not: for, behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people. For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Savior, which is Christ the Lord....”

Ephesians 5:19 – “Speaking to yourselves in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing and making melody in your heart to the Lord.”

2 Corinthians 3:3 – “…you are a letter of Christ, delivered by us, written not with ink but with the Spirit of the living God, not on tablets of stone but on tablets of human hearts.”

Matthew 2:11 – “...and when they had opened their treasures, they presented unto him gifts; gold, and frankincense and myrrh.”

Luke 4:18 – “The Spirit of the Lord... hath sent me to heal the brokenhearted, to preach deliverance to the captives, and recovering of sight to the blind, to set at liberty them that are bruised…”

John 1:29 – “The next day John seeth Jesus coming unto him, and saith, ‘Behold the Lamb of God, which taketh away the sin of the world.’”

Ephesians 2:8 - “For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith — and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God.”

Acts 20:35 - “It is more blessed to give than to receive.”

John 13:8 - "‘No,’ said Peter, ‘you shall never wash my feet.’ Jesus answered, ‘Unless I wash you, you have no part with me.’”

2 Corinthians 9:7 - "Each of you should give what you have decided in your heart to give, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver."

Mark 12:41-44 - "...but she, out of her poverty, put in all she owned, all she had to live on.”

2 Chronicles 7:14 - “If my people, who are called by my name, shall humble themselves…”

Romans 3:23 - "For all have sinned and fall short”

James 1:2-3 - "Consider it all joy, my brethren, when you encounter various trials, knowing that the testing of your faith produces endurance...."

John 13:14 - “Now that I, your Lord and Teacher, have washed your feet, you also should wash one another’s feet.”

RELATED LINKS:

2025 Flanders Family Update - our family Christmas letter for this year

Glad Tidings- the bound version of our first 25 years together

Bible Memory Tips and Tricks - guaranteed to make memorization easier

New York Times Wordle- my favorite one-person word game (they publish a new one each day)

Christmas: A Season for Receiving - the post my husband wrote about Christmas

All Truth Is God’s Truth- my husband's blog (he rarely updates it, but what's there is really good stuff)

My husband’s books: he's written five--a novel, a marriage book, and three devotional/discussion guides

Giving Thanks during Hardship: my podcast from Thanksgiving

STAY CONNECTED:

- Subscribe: Flanders Family Freebies -weekly themed link lists of free resources

- Instagram: @flanders_family - follow for more great content

- Family Blog: Flanders Family Home Life- parenting tips, homeschool help, printables

- Marriage Blog: Loving Life at Home- encouragement for wives, mothers, believers

- My Books: Shop Online - find on Amazon, at Barnes & Noble, or through our website

I took a longer break from podcasting than planned, thanks to all that must be done for my daughter's upcoming wedding. But I didn't want to let Thanksgiving pass without encouraging you to count your blessings and to discuss the importance of giving thanks, even through hardship.

Show Notes VERSES CITED:

- Proverbs 30:8-9 - "Keep deception and lies far from me, God. Give me neither...."

- James 4:8 - "Draw near to God, and He will draw near to you."

- James 1:2-3 - "Count it all joy when you encounter various trials, knowing this...."

- Philippians 4:11- "... I have learned to be content whatever the circumstances."

- Philippians 4:13 - "I can do all things through Christ, who strengthens me."

- Matthew 11:28 - ""Come to Me, all you who are weary...and I will give you rest."

- Job 1:9-10- "Satan answered the LORD, 'Does Job fear God for nothing?'"

- 1 Timothy 6:8 - "But if we have food and clothing, we will be content with that."

- John 16:33 - "These things I have spoken unto you, that in me ye might have peace...."

- Romans 8:28 - "And we know that God causes all things to work together for good...."

- Proverbs 3:11- "My son, do not reject the discipline of the LORD or loathe His reproof."

RELATED LINKS:

- EP 70: Unwrapping Cancer for Christmas

- "How Firm a Foundation"

- A Prayer of Thanks

- Keep Praying, Even When It's Hard

- Verses to Read When Battling Big Emotions

- EP 99: Living a Yielded Life

- Giving Thanks through Hardships Printable

STAY CONNECTED:

- Subscribe: Flanders Family Freebies -weekly themed link lists of free resources

- Instagram: @flanders_family - follow for more great content

- Family Blog: Flanders Family Home Life- parenting tips, homeschool help, printables

- Marriage Blog: Loving Life at Home- encouragement for wives, mothers, believers

- My Books: Shop Online - find on Amazon, at Barnes & Noble, or through our website

Few things stir up as much controversy or elicit as many strongly held opinions in Christian circles this time of year as the question of how believers should handle Halloween. Today, we'll look at what the Bible has to say about the matter and discuss the need for extending grace to anyone who doesn't share our viewpoint.

Show Notes VERSES CITED:

- Titus 1:15 – “To the pure, all things are pure...”

- Romans 14:14 - “I am convinced and fully persuaded in the Lord Jesus that nothing is unclean in itself....”

- Ephesians 5:11 – “Have no fellowship with the fruitless deeds of darkness, but rather expose them.”

- 1 Corinthians 10:20-21 – “… the sacrifices of pagans are offered to demons, not to God....”

- Romans 13:12 – “... lay aside the deeds of darkness and put on the armor of light.”

- Matthew 5:14-16 – “...let your light shine before men, that they may see your good deeds & glorify your Father....”

- Romans 14:4-6 – “Who are you to judge someone else’s servant? To his own master he stands or falls....”

- Acts 17:22-23 - “...‘TO AN UNKNOWN GOD.’ What therefore you worship in ignorance, this I proclaim to you.”

RELATED LINKS:

- How Should Christians Handle Halloween (original 2015 post on our family blog)

- Celebrating Reformation Day – Martin Luther quiz, 5 Solas, 95 Theses, & coloring pages

- Free Printable Trick-or-Treat Tracts – 10+ designs to choose from

- Being Missional on Fright Night – article from Revive Our Hearts I mentioned

- Being Confident of This – gospel script to use while carving pumpkins

- Bible verse stickers – for attatching to the candy you distribute

- Thoughts on Halloween– the Happy Home Fairy shares her perspective

STAY CONNECTED:

- Subscribe: Flanders Family Freebies -weekly themed link lists of free resources

- Instagram: @flanders_family - follow for more great content

- Family Blog: Flanders Family Home Life- parenting tips, homeschool help, printables

- Marriage Blog: Loving Life at Home- encouragement for wives, mothers, believers

- My Books: Shop Online - find on Amazon, at Barnes & Noble, or through our website

My daughter eloped last week, and my husband and I couldn't be more delighted. Yet some of our friends are baffled by our reaction. So I'm unpacking the reasons we think it was a smart move on this week's episode of Loving Life at Home.

Show Notes VERSES CITED:

- Ephesians 3:20 - "Now unto him that is able to do exceeding abundantly above all that we ask or think...."

- Proverbs 18:22 - “He who finds a wife finds a good thing and obtains favor from the LORD.”

- 1 Corinthians 7:9 - “…it is better to marry than to burn with passion.”

- James 1:17 - "Every good thing bestowed and every perfect gift is from above...."

RELATED LINKS:

- Love Your Husband, Love Yourself - the "why to" marriage book I wrote and gave to Rachel

- "When It Comes to Weddings, Does Cost Really Matter?" - the Psychology Today article I cited

STAY CONNECTED:

- Subscribe: Flanders Family Freebies -weekly themed link lists of free resources

- Instagram: @flanders_family - follow for more great content

- Family Blog: Flanders Family Home Life- parenting tips, homeschool help, printables

- Marriage Blog: Loving Life at Home- encouragement for wives, mothers, believers

- My Books: Shop Online - find on Amazon, at Barnes & Noble, or through our website

Researchers from Emory University have found that the #1 predictor of a child’s emotional well-being is how well that kid knows his family history. So this week, I’d like to talk to you about storytelling, about how important stories are for the growth and development and emotional wellbeing of our children, and about what kinds of stories we as parents need to make sure we are passing down to our kids. I hope you'll listen in and be encouraged.

Show Notes VERSES CITED:

- Deuteronomy 11:19

- Psalm 139:13-16

- Ephesians 2:10

RELATED LINKS:

- Eric Barker's Book: Barking Up the Wrong Tree

- Barking up the Wrong Tree Newsletter

- EP 19: Amazing Stories of God's Provision

- Our Christmas Letters

- Glad Tidings - the first 25 years of Christmas letters in book form

-Writing Your Own Christmas Letters

- EP 88: On Accepting Your Unchangeables

STAY CONNECTED:

- Subscribe: Flanders Family Freebies -weekly themed link lists of free resources

- Instagram: @flanders_family - follow for more great content

- Family Blog: Flanders Family Home Life- parenting tips, homeschool help, printables

- Marriage Blog: Loving Life at Home- encouragement for wives, mothers, believers

- My Books: Shop Online - find on Amazon, at Barnes & Noble, or through our website