No Higher Calling

Q & A with Brettnay’s Mother-in-Law

We enjoyed 3 wonderful weeks of having my mother-in-law in Australia with us. The time went way too fast, and we are already trying to plan her next visit!

While Roxanne was here, we recorded this Q & A episode together. It was a treat for me to get to share her with my podcast audience. 

Roxanne shares. . .

-Her salvation testimony, her favorite Bible verse, and her hobbies

-A mother's heart behind their child being called to a foreign mission field

-Inside scoop on the early days of Simeon & Brettnay's love story

-What makes a good mother-in-law and daughter-in-law

-What is one of the greatest joys of being a grandma

 

Resources:

I Rock Creations Instagram -Roxanne's business page for those local to Knoxville, TN

 

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

Ps 23~ He Leadeth Me in the Paths of Righteousness for His Name’s Sake

"But the path of the just is as the shining light, That shineth more and more unto the perfect day." Proverbs 4:18

The Christian life is a path, a journey that leads us down the road of sanctification. How do we know what path to follow? We follow the Shepherd who guides us!

In this episode, we discuss the path that God desires for us to walk, how to guide your children in the path of righteousness, what to do if you are doubting the path God would have you walk, how singing can free the soul, and more.

The purpose of the path is that God's name would be glorified. May we resolve to walk our path with commitment and passion as we pursue our worthy Shepherd!

 

 

Scriptures Referenced:

Psalm 23

Proverbs 4:18; 14:12; 24:16

Jeremiah 17:9

Matthew 5:16-18

John 10:27

 

Resources:

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

Heaven Rules by Nancy Demoss Wolgemuth: https://amzn.to/3oKMLZ1 

You Can Trust God to Write Your Story by Nancy Demoss Wolgemuth: https://amzn.to/3LoHQoi

Suffering Is Never for Nothing by Elisabeth Elliot: https://amzn.to/3LoHQoi 

When God Doesn't Fix It by Laura Story: https://amzn.to/40LNXsA

 

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

Convictions, Standards, & Preferences with Simeon

Simeon joins me to discuss the difference between convictions, standards, and preferences. This conversation can often be difficult, but God's Word gives a sure foundation of truth. We seek to define the difference of these three areas, and how we can best obey, glorify, and grow in Christlikeness in the decisions we make as families. 

In the age of social media, I often am asked questions about our choices, beliefs, etc. And being a ministry family, we have been approached for biblical advice regarding issues of conviction and how to deal with others who have differing opinions. Simeon answers these questions from the Bible, and I believe it will be a help to those who are seeking to take a firm stand on the truth of God's Word. Ultimately, we are each responsible for following the leading of the Holy Spirit and seeking His guidance through prayer and growth in our sanctification walk.

 

Scriptures Referenced:

Proverbs 22:3

I Corinthians 8:7-12

Titus 1:9

 

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

Birthday Celebrations & Traditions

We are entering birthday season in our home! As we seek to celebrate life and create fun family traditions, we have tried to make birthdays extra special. In this episode, you hear how the Brazzells celebrate birthdays. I also share some of my favorite gifts for children age 1- early elementary. 

 

Resources:

NHC Blog: Links for Gifts Mentioned in Episode: https://www.nohighercalling.org/blog/the-best-birthday-gifts-for-children 

Memory Making Mom by Jessica Smartt: https://amzn.to/3ouzNhO

Everyday Confetti by Karen Ehman & Glynnis Whitwer: https://amzn.to/41jf7In 

The Lifegiving Home by Sally Clarkson: https://amzn.to/41GmOZ2 

NHC Podcast: Music's Influence on Children with Casie Ravert https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/ep-113-musics-influence-on-children-with-casie-ravert/id1547126864?i=1000584081838 

 

 

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

An Introduction to a Charlotte Mason Education with Leah Boden

Leah Boden, the Modern Miss Mason, joins me to give a beautiful introduction to a Charlotte Mason education. She emphasizes the wonder and delight found in this method, no matter what form of education your family chooses.

In her own words, the advice she shares is, "For every mother who desires to cultivate a lasting foundation of curiosity and wonder for her children from home, whilst continuing a rich life of learning for herself."

We discuss. . .

-A brief introduction to Charlotte Mason and her works

-What it means for children to be "born persons"

-How faith in Christ is woven into her ideals

-What a typical day of Mason-style schooling looks like

 

Resources:

https://www.leahboden.com/  

https://www.instagram.com/modernmissmason/ 

Modern Miss Mason by Leah Boden https://amzn.to/452wRKc 

 

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

Psalm 23~ He Restoreth My Soul

"We are living the transition between paradise lost and paradise restored." -Nancy Demoss Wolgemuth

One day, paradise will be restored. All will be made right. But for now, we live in a broken, sin-cursed world. Because of this, we often find our souls in desperate need of restoration. This beautiful phrase in Psalm 23 reminds us that it is our Shepherd who restores us. Once we have been through the green pastures and by the still waters, our souls are restored. 

Restore means to "revive, refresh, renew." Do you need your soul restored? God delights in trading beauty for ashes. Let Him take your brokenness and restore beauty to your soul. 

 

Scriptures Referenced:

Psalm 23; 51:7, 10

Isaiah 43:19; 61:3

John 4:5-30

James 4:8

 

Resources:

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

 

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

Developing a Devotional Posture

Have you ever felt like you are too busy to spend time with the Lord? If we're being honest, I believe we could all answer "yes." There will always be distractions and pressing schedules. I'm not here to make you feel guilty, but I am here to challenge you (and myself!) to make Christ preeminent in our lives. Ladies, we will never be the women God desires for us to be if He does not have His rightful place in our lives!

In this episode, I share how God is teaching me to keep my heart and mind in a devotional posture. This happens through reading His Word and meditating on it, staying in a state of prayer, and continually worshipping Him. 

 

Scriptures Referenced:

Psalm 1:2; 19:14; 49;3; 104:34; 119:10, 15, 18, 97, 105

Proverbs 4:20

Isaiah 26:3

Matthew 4:4; 6:6-7

Mark 11:24

Luke 11:9

John 15:7

Romans 8:26; 15:4

Philippians 4:6, 8

I Timothy 4:13

II Timothy 3:16-17

I Thessalonians 5:17

Hebrews 4:12

I Peter 2:2

 

Resources:

Time Saving Mom by Crystal Paine: https://amzn.to/3mRLy1z 

NHC Shop: Pen the Proverbs

Prayer Mate prayer app

Head to Toe Prayer Journal: https://www.nohighercalling.org/shop/p/head-to-toe 

 

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

Encouraging Your Children to Love Books

The Brazzell household loves books, from the oldest to the youngest! I often receive messages from moms asking me, "How do you get your children to enjoy books?" In this episode, I share various ways you can encourage a love for reading in your child (and in yourself!) Rich literature provides such delight. Expose your children to a feast of it! 

 

Resources:

NHC Podcast: Mothering in the Digital Age with Sarah Boots

NHC Podcast: The Importance of Reading with Your Kids Part I with Sarah Boots

NHC Podcast: The Importance of Reading with Your Kids Part II with Sarah Boots

NHC Podcast: Too Much TV?

 

A Beatrix Potter Treasury: https://amzn.to/3LhOz4F 

The Complete Tales of Winnie-the-Pooh: https://amzn.to/41rgk0i 

A Madeline Treasury: https://amzn.to/3AfdCis

The Brambley Hedge: https://amzn.to/43PSkWc 

 

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

Dads & Homeschooling Part II with Simeon

Simeon joins me in this episode to talk specifically to the husbands and dads represented by the ladies who listen to this podcast. So grab your husband and a cup of tea and join us as we chat about the role God has for dad in the home and in the education of your children.

 

In the previous episode, Simeon addressed the importance that the father plays in the home as the spiritual leader. Many of those responsibilities lead families to make the choice that homeschooling is the educational model that aligns best with their family values. We ask the question, "What role does dad play in home education?" Simeon shares great practical advice on how the husband & father can be a co-laborer with mom in this area.

Here's a highlight of some of the points covered in this episode:

-How dad can communicate, encourage, and pray for mom as the teacher

-The importance of the family table creating a lifestyle of learning

-The impact of dads reading aloud to their children

-Ways dad can get engaged in the learning and interests of the children

 

 

Resources:

NHC Podcast: Family Worship https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/family-worship/id1547126864?i=1000594670765

NHC Podcast: How to Choose a Homeschool Curriculum https://ryw6ld.podbean.com/e/ep-30-how-to-choose-a-homeschool-curriculum/

Family Worship by Donald Whitney: https://amzn.to/3UyoCAX

Educating the Wholehearted Child by Clay Clarkson: https://amzn.to/3MBBqVe

Gather Round Homeschool: https://gatherroundhomeschool.com/

The Read-Aloud Family by Sarah Mackenzie: https://amzn.to/3KYtmwl

 

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

Dads & Homeschooling Part I with Simeon

Simeon joins me in this episode to talk specifically to the husbands and dads represented by the ladies who listen to this podcast. So grab your husband and a cup of tea and join us as we chat about the role God has for dad in the home and in the education of your children.

This is the first of a 2 part episode where Simeon opens the Scriptures and digs deep into the role of the husband and father. This episode, while touching on academic education, deals more with a father's role in his home as the spiritual leader. A foundation will be laid for what the broader goal of education and learning is. We are seeking to guide our children in truth, raise them to grow in their spiritual maturity, and to see them fulfill the purpose God has created them for. Having this goal in mind keeps you on a path of spiritual discipleship within your home and family culture. 

 

Scriptures Referenced:

Deuteronomy 6:1-12, 20

Ephesians 5:25-28

Colossians 1:16-17

II Timothy 2:15

Hebrews 11:23

 

Resources:

Educating the Wholehearted Child by Clay Clarkson: https://amzn.to/3MBBqVe

 

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