No Higher Calling

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

Hosting a Meal Train

There are time when the need for hospitality calls for us to minister from our homes instead of in our homes. 

What is a "meal train"? It is simply when someone is in charge of organizing multiple meals for a person/family in need. In this episode, I share practical tips on how to make this go smoothly (especially for the one hosting/organizing the meals) and to be the greatest blessing to the recepients. 

We have been so encouraged and helped by those who have provided meals for us during times of new babies, the unexpected loss of my brother, and sickness. If you have been on the receiving end of this aspect of hospitality, you know the immense blessing this can be! 

 

Resources:

www.mealtrain.com 

NHC Podcast: Hospitality On-the-Go https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/ep-107-hospitality-on-the-go/id1547126864?i=1000580291148

NHC Hospitality Guide https://nohighercalling.org/product/hospitality-guide/ 

 

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

Psalm 23~ Thou Preparest a Table Before Me in the Presence of Mine Enemies

Proverbs 23:5 "Thou preparest a table before me in the presence of mine enemies:"

Before we are in the presence of our enemies, desperate for the nourishment that the Shepherd provides, He has already prepared a table for us. Loving care is required when laying a table, and no one prepares a table like Jesus! 

"What a tragedy when Christ prepares a table for me, yet I don't stop and grumble about my weariness as I walk by." -Evangelist Scott Pauley

In the moments of intense battle and spiritual depletion, may we stop at the table the Shepherd has provided and find the refreshment we so desperately need.

 

Scriptures Referenced:

Psalm 23

 

Resources:

Blue Collar Theology Podcast by Simeon Brazzell~ Bible Translations: https://blue-collartheology.com/podcast/holey-left-sleeves 

Hinds' Feet on High Places by Hannah Hurnad: https://amzn.to/3OZCxNR 

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

Clutter, Organizitaion, & Minimalism

As a mom of a lot of littles, I get asked often about how I manage the clutter and keep our home organized and tidy. My personality is to have everything decent and in order. I cannot funtion or find joy in a home that is drowning in stuff, messes, and dirt. On the other hand, having many little children means that messes are a part of our everyday life. So, how does one find balance? How do you juggle it all?

In this episode, I share some tips that have been helpful to our home in this area. 

 

Resources:

NHC YouTube: Kid's Bookshelf https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=womti80cqOo&t=637s

NHC YouTube: Natural Cleaning with Kids https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zeJi_LPv34Q&t=18s 

NHC Podcast: Clean 15 with Sarah Boots https://podcasts.apple.com/au/podcast/clean-15-with-sarah-boots/id1547126864?i=1000593962267

NHC Podcast: Cleaning with Littles https://podcasts.apple.com/au/podcast/cleaning-with-littles/id1547126864?i=1000609275443 

 

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

Thy Word Have I Hid In My Heart

Joshua 1:8 “This book of the law shall not depart out of thy mouth; but thou shalt meditate therein day and night, that thou mayest observe to do according to all that is written therein: for then thou shalt make thy way prosperous, and then thou shalt have good success.”

 

Motherhood is a sanctification journey. As I am trying to correct, instruct, and nurture the little hearts God's blessed me with, I'm learning that I must use the tools that He has provided. So often, I work out of my own strength wondering why my words seem to fall on deaf ears. The Holy Spirit has reminded me that it is His words that do not return void. Over the past year, I have sought to be intentional about commiting Scripture to memory. Not only has it helped me in my parenting, but it has helped me in my own relationship with the Lord. We need mamas who will desire that His Word will not depart out of their mouths, who will meditate therein day and night!

Hear some practical ideas for how I am memorizing Scripture myself and how I am helping my children to hide God's Word in their hearts. 

 

Scriptures Referenced:

Deuteronomy 6:8

Joshua 1:8

Psalm 40:8; 119:16

Proverbs 6:21; 15:1

Ephesians 6:12

Philippians 4:8

II Timothy 3:16-17

 

Resources:

NHC Podcast: Saturating Our Homes with God's Word with Erin Bates Paine https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/ep-46-saturating-our-homes-with-god-s-word-with-erin/id1547126864?i=1000538562720 

Scripture Memory Resources https://www.chadanderin.com/store/

Wise Words for Moms Pamphlet by Ginger Hubbard https://www.gingerhubbard.com/products/wise-words-for-moms 

Scripture Meditations by Erin Bates Paine https://www.chadanderin.com/product/scripture-meditations-2-disc/ 

 

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

Pregnancy After Miscarriage

The topic of pregnancy after miscarriage is one that is rarely addressed. Maybe because it is often interwoven with deep grief and conflicting emotions. The Lord blessed Simeon and I with 3 babies, then we lost a baby in 2021. Since that loss, God has blessed us with 2 more babies. We are so grateful for every life He's entrusted to our care, whether it was for days or years. 

Pregnancy after miscarriage is different from pregnancy without experiencing loss. I have to battle doubts, fears, and emotions that I never dealt with in my first three pregnancies. A part of my heart wants to scream, "It's not fair!" But the reality is, we live in a broken, sin-cursed world and death is a part of the brokeness. Satan wants to keep my heart focused on my lack of control and his lies against God's character and promises. I have to fight to keep truth on the throne of my heart. But God gives victory! In Him, we find hope, joy, and a perfect peace that casts out all fear.

In this episode, I share my personal struggles with pregnancy after miscarriage and what God is teaching me about His character and love in the midst of my greatest joys and my greatest sorrows.

 

Scriptures Referenced:

Psalm 34:18; 94:19

Isaiah 26:3

Jeremiah 29:11

Mark 9:23-24

Romans 8:26

II Corinthians 10:5

I Thessalonians 4:13

 

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

Psalm 23~ Thy Rod and Thy Staff, They Comfort Me

Psalm 23:4 "thy rod and thy staff they comfort me."

Psalm 23 is all about our present Shepherd. He is with us! Praise God for His faithful, constant presence in our lives. In this episode, we discuss the Shepherd, our protector, and how He uses the rod and staff as tools of His protection. Just as as shepherd uses the rod and staff for the care of his sheep, our great Shepherd uses the rod (God's Word) and the staff (the Holy Spirit) to keep us under His wing of safety and security.

 

Scriptures Referenced:

Psalm 23; 139:23-24

Hebrews 12:6

 

Resources:

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

NHC Podcast: Guiding Our Kids to the Shepherd with Katie Davidson https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/ep-13-guiding-our-kids-to-the-shepherd-with-katie-davidson/id1547126864?i=1000514400888 

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