No Higher Calling

Crafting a Family Culture with Simeon

"Everybody has a family culture whether you intend to or not. It is important to be intentional about the culture your family has." -Simeon

Simeon joins me in this episode to talk about crafting a family culture. We start with the foundation of answering the question- what is family culture? This is your family's values, visions, and interests. What do your children think about when they think of your home and family? 

We share our family mission statement and our family culture statement that has grown out of our mission. When you outline these things for your family, it helps you prioritize, make decisions, and develop your unique family identity. 

One day, when our children are grown and have left our home, we hope they reflect on their childhood with fond memories, lasting traditions, and clear identity. Crafting a family culture is the foundational blocks these elements are built upon.

 

Resources:

Great Hymns for Growing Hearts: Christ the Savior is Born Advent Devotional https://nohighercalling.org/product/great-hymns-for-growing-hearts-christmas-edition-hard-copy/ 

 

Follow my  journey by subscribing to this podcast. You can also follow me on Instagram, YouTube, and www.nohighercalling.org

Preparing Our Kids for Home Birth

As we prepare for our 5th baby and 3rd home birth, we are excited to include our children in all the details of the process. One of the beautiful things of giving birth in the comfort of home is that you can have the siblings be a part of the experience. We loved having Eden present for Willow's birth, and we are preparing the others to be a part of this baby's arrival. 

Birth is beautiful and miraculous! I want to pass that message to my children, especially my girls. 

In this episode, I discuss. . . 

-How involved we allow my son to be in the birth

-Ways to appropriately introduce topics like sex, birth, and babies to your children

-Including your children in the pregnancy journey- be dazzled by God's design!

and much more!

 

Resources:

Scripture Promises for Labor & Birth Cards https://nohighercalling.org/product/scripture-promises-for-labor-birth/ 

Birds & Bees https://birds-bees.com/ (use code BRETTNAY to save 20%)

NHC Podcast: Brazzell Babies Birth Stories https://podcasts.apple.com/au/podcast/ep-24-brazzell-babies-birth-stories/id1547126864?i=1000524934713

NHC Podcast: Willow Noelle's Birth Story

https://podcasts.apple.com/au/podcast/ep-86-willow-noelles-birth-story/id1547126864?i=1000565755697 

NHC Podcast: The Midwifery Care Model with Rebekah Mustaleski https://podcasts.apple.com/au/podcast/ep-68-the-midwifery-care-model-with-rebekah-mustaleski/id1547126864?i=1000552290906 

 

Books on Home Birth for Children:

*These were recommened to me by a friend. I have not personally read any of them.

Mama Says Home Birth https://amzn.to/3QcIbwG

Welcome Home https://amzn.to/477LQ65

The Family Birth https://amzn.to/3rWbb41

 

Follow my  journey by subscribing to this podcast. You can also follow me on Instagram, YouTube, and www.nohighercalling.org

Psalm 23~ Thou Anointest My Head with Oil, My Cup Runneth Over

Psalm 23:5 "thou anointest my head with oil; my cup runneth over."

In this Psalm, the anointing of oil symbolizes the work of the Holy Spirit in our lives. This is a continual work. We continually need a fresh anointing of the Holy Spirit in our hearts and minds. For the shepherd to know the sheep's need for the application of the oil, he must be among his sheep paying close attention to their needs. In the same way, our great Shepherd is ever-present in our lives ministering, comforting, and applying the oil of His Spirit.

 

Scriptures Referenced:

Psalm 23

John 14:26; 16:13

Romans 12:2

II Corinthians 10:5

 

Resources:

Enjoying the Journey Podcast: The Shepherd in the Shadows with Evangelist Scott Pauley https://enjoyingthejourney.org/series_title/the-shepherd-in-the-shadows/

A Shepherd Looks at Psalm 23 by W Phillip Keller: https://amzn.to/3CJZGid 

The Heart of the Shepherd by Stephen Chappell: https://amzn.to/3Sh6B8R

Great Hymns for Growing Hearts: Christ the Savior is Born Advent Devotional https://nohighercalling.org/product/great-hymns-for-growing-hearts-christmas-edition-hard-copy/ 

 

If you do not know Christ as your Shepherd, email me at nohighercallingpodcast@gmail.com. I'd love nothing more than to share how Jesus Christ can be your Savior.

 

Follow my  journey by subscribing to this podcast. You can also follow me on Instagram, YouTube, and www.nohighercalling.org

Time Saving Kitchen Tips

As a homemaker, it is important to me to steward my family's health well. Planning, cooking, and serving meals are such a huge part of life. Busy lives can make microwave dinners and takeout pizza look quite appealing, and while we do enjoy those from time to time, I know that's not what I want for our everyday. I'm also realizing that I have a very important ministry to my family through the family table. 

Laying that foundation, we discuss how to live that out while having busy lives and schedules. You'll hear some of the tips that have helped me accomplish the goal of feeding my family well while also not spending all my time in the kitchen.

 

Resources

NHC Podcast: Cooking from Scratch with Jami Balmet https://podcasts.apple.com/au/podcast/cooking-from-scratch-with-jami-balmet/id1547126864?i=1000617132827

 

NHC Podcast: Meal Planning

https://podcasts.apple.com/au/podcast/ep-62-meal-planning/id1547126864?i=1000549157611

 

NHC Podcast: Freezer Cooking

https://podcasts.apple.com/au/podcast/ep-77-freezer-cooking/id1547126864?i=1000558245327

 

Crock Pot: https://amzn.to/45IuZW8

Bread Machine: https://amzn.to/3Sbz2af

Souper Cubes: https://amzn.to/3Q1481O

Cooling Racks: https://amzn.to/3Q7j6Dl 

*Amazon links are afflilate links. As an Amazon influencer, I earn from qualifying purchases. Thank you!!

 

Follow my  journey by subscribing to this podcast. You can also follow me on Instagram, YouTube, and www.nohighercalling.org

The Gift of Boredom

As moms, one of the things we most dread to hear from our children are the words, "I'm bored!" We live in a culture that is so overstimulized. We have lost the ability to wait, to be still or to be bored. 

Ainsley Arment from Wild + Free said, "If only we could be content with ourselves long enough to make it through the desert of boredom into the oasis of imagination and creativity."

Boredom is not something that should be avoided at all costs. We just need to learn now to navigate our way through it to the beauty that awaits us on the other side. This is gift that we can give to our children!

We discuss...

-How parents model navigating boredom

-Balancing adventure and boredom

-Ways to encourage creativity and imagination

-Learning to slow down as a family

And so much more!

 

Resources:

NHC Podcast: Mothering in the Digital Age with Sarah Boots https://podcasts.apple.com/au/podcast/ep-85-mothering-in-the-digital-age-with-sarah-boots/id1547126864?i=1000564948737 

NHC Podcast: Establishing a Quiet Time https://podcasts.apple.com/au/podcast/ep-119-establishing-a-quiet-time/id1547126864?i=1000587712462 

 

Follow my  journey by subscribing to this podcast. You can also follow me on Instagram, YouTube, and www.nohighercalling.org

Surviving the First Trimester of Pregnancy

I'm often asked, "How do you juggle the first trimester of pregnancy while parenting other little ones?" I do not have the perfect answer, and some days are better than others! Growing a new life brings so many changes and challenges to the mama, but those things compound when you are trying to chase a toddler, manage your older children's education, keep up with the home, etc. 

This pregnancy was very rough in the first trimester. There were days where I didn't have the energy to get off the couch. In this episode, I share some different things that have helped me survive those early weeks while being mama to other little ones.

 

Resources:

NHC Podcast: Nourishing Your Postpartum Body with Rebecca Grant https://podcasts.apple.com/au/podcast/ep-78-nourishing-your-postpartum-body-with-rebecca-grant/id1547126864?i=1000558592925 

NHC Podcast: Preparing for a New Baby https://podcasts.apple.com/au/podcast/ep-70-preparing-for-a-new-baby/id1547126864?i=1000553542251 

 

Follow my  journey by subscribing to this podcast. You can also follow me on Instagram, YouTube, and www.nohighercalling.org

Raising Geniuses

"If you can light a passion in a child to love to learn and to learn for themselves, you will set them on a trajectory of pursuing beauty and excellence."

Accoring to Greek and Latin origins, the word "genius" means "giving birth to one's joy." To help give birth to a child's genius, we have the privilege of introducing to them the joy of learning. How can we cultivate this? Wonder is the gateway to unlocking the genius. We discuss how parents can encourage wonder in their developing children, offer a feast of excellence in education, and be students of our student's as we seek to see them become all that God created them to be.

 

Resources:

Awaking Wonder by Sally Clarkson https://amzn.to/3PmZ7jT 

 

Follow my  journey by subscribing to this podcast. You can also follow me on Instagram, YouTube, and www.nohighercalling.org

The Atmosphere and Tone of Home

There is so much pressure to craft homes that could be photographed for Better Homes & Gardens. Maybe you have that kind of home, and if so, that's wonderful! But I think the majority of us don't for a multitude of reasons- practicality, buget limitations, children, etc.

 

What is the purpose of our homes? What do you want to emphasize in your space?

As homemakers, we have the opportunity to cultivate a haven of beauty for our families. In this episode, I seek to find the balance between delighting in a beautiful home with finding contentment and joy in crafting a home that serves a unique purpose.

 

Scriptures Referenced:

Proverbs 14:1

 

Resources:

Subscribe to the NHC Email! www.nohighercalling.org 

Simeon's audio & web business: https://aussie-audio.com/ 

The Lifegiving Home by Sally Clarkson https://amzn.to/3PpOZGP 

 

Follow my  journey by subscribing to this podcast. You can also follow me on Instagram, YouTube, and www.nohighercalling.org

The Calling to Let Go

This episode is specifically for those who have been called to let go- to let go of those that they love who are serving Christ around the world. It was (and still often is) difficult for me to be so far from our parents, other family, and friends. But it is also difficult for those who remain behind and have to watch their loved ones board a plane.

I've received messages from others asking what it's been like to be so far from friends and family, how we "shorten" the distance, and ways that we help the grands stay connected with their grandchildren. We are only 8 months into our new life overseas, but we have had to navigate a vast array of emotions and learn to take comfort in what we do have and can do.

 

Resources:

Serving Well by Elizabeth & Jonathan Trotter: https://amzn.to/45WwDEI 

 

Resources:

www.brazzellstoaustralia.com

Subscribe to the NHC Email! www.nohighercalling.org 

 

Follow my  journey by subscribing to this podcast. You can also follow me on Instagram, YouTube, and www.nohighercalling.org

2023 Reading Challenge (Quarter 3)

Another quarter finished, another reading challenge update! Hear about the books I've been reading over the past few months.

 

Resources:

NHC Blog: My 2023 Reading Challenge (Quarter 3) https://nohighercalling.org/my-2023-reading-challenge-quarter-3/ 

 

Follow my  journey by subscribing to this podcast. You can also follow me on Instagram, YouTube, and www.nohighercalling.org