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

We have an uber-competitive family who loves any kind of contest, physical or mental, especially when prizes are involved. We recently gathered to compete in a Family Shark Tank Challenge. And in Episode 95 of Loving Life at Home, I'm dishing up all the details as to how it went down. Show Notes VERSES CITED: - 1 Corinthians 9:24 - “Do you not know that in a race all the runners run, but only one receives the prize? Run in such a way as to win the prize.” - Hebrews 10:24 - "And let us consider how to stimulate one another to love and good deeds...." RELATED LINKS: - Gospel Tracts for All Occasions (including contest winners) - Free Printable Trivia Tests (including movie quizzes) - Room Inspection Checklist - State Capital Matching Game - A Grand Investment (print pack with resources I created for our family's Bible memory challenge) 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 week I'm answering a question from a listener who'd like to know how to raise kids who won't resent your family rules or rebel against them. Is that even possible? Listen in on Episode 94 as we discuss what parents can do to reduce the risk of rebellion. Show Notes VERSES CITED: - Philippians 1:6 - "...he who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus." - 1 Corinthians 13:13 - “But now abide faith, hope, love, these three. But the greatest of these is love.” - Hebrews 10:23 - “Let us hold fast to the confession of our hope without wavering....” - Hebrews 11:6 - “...without faith it is impossible to please God.” - 1 John 4:16 - “God IS love.” - 1 John 4:19 - “We love because He first loved us.” - John 13:35 - “By this will all men know that you are my disciples, if you love one another.” - Galatians 5:22 - "But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness..." - Proverbs 3:11 - “...whom the LORD loves He reproves, even as a father corrects the son in whom he delights.” - Proverbs 13:24 - “He who spares the rod hates his son, but he who loves him is careful to discipline him.” - Deuteronomy 12:32 - “See that you do all I command you; do not add to it or take away from it.” - Proverbs 30:5-6 - “Do not add to His words, lest He rebuke you and prove you a liar.” - Revelation 2:18-19 - “...If anyone adds to them, God will add to him the plagues described in this book....” - John 2:1-11 - [story of Jesus turning water into wine at the marriage feast in Cana] - Ephesians 5:18 - "Do not get drunk on wine, which leads to debauchery. Instead, be filled with the Spirit." - James 1:5 - "If any of you lacks wisdom, you should ask God, who gives generously to all...." - Isaiah 40:11 - “He tends His flock like a shepherd ... He gently leads those that have young.” - Matthew 11:28 - “Come to Me, all who are weary and heavy-laden, and I will give you rest.” - Psalm 127:1-5 - “Unless the LORD builds the house, they who build it labor in vain...." RELATED LINKS: - 50 Great Books to Read Aloud to Your Kids - 9 Benefits of Reading Fiction - Raising Kids Who Love to Read - A Few Favorite Board Games - Praying for Yourself - Praying for Your Children - Praying for Your Teens - Praying for Your Adult Kids - Pancakes on the Porch (I will post link soon) - How Our Family Flew to Europe for Free 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

There is no coasting in marriage. You’re either growing closer together or drifting further apart. You must be intentional about investing in your marriage and nurturing your relationship to your spouse every chance you get. Show Notes VERSES CITED: - Romans 12:10 - "Love one another with brotherly affection. Outdo one another in showing honor." - Ephesians 5:33 - "However, each one of you also must love his wife as he loves himself, and the wife must respect her husband." RELATED LINKS: - 25 Ways to Communicate Respect to Your Husband - original blog post - 25 Ways to Communicate Respect to Your Husband - book & audio book - 25 Ways to Show Love to Your Wife - blog post - 25 Ways to Show Love to Your Wife - book - 30 Day Respect Challenge - free email challenge for wives - 30 Day Love Challenge - free email challenge for husbands 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

The CDC announced last week that the US General Fertility Rate has recently hit an all-time low of only 1.6 children per woman of childbearing age. That makes me sad, because I know how much joy children bring to life. The more, the merrier! In fact, as parents of twelve, my husband and I have reaped a lot of blessings from having a large family we could have never anticipated beforehand -- and so have our kids. Show Notes VERSES CITED: - Psalm 127:3-5 - "Behold, children are a gift of the LORD, the fruit of the womb is a reward...." - 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.” - Proverbs 14:4 - “Where no oxen are, the manger is clean, But much increase comes by the strength of the ox.” - Proverbs 27:17 - “As iron sharpens iron, so one person sharpens another.” - 3 John 1:4 - “I have no greater joy than this, to hear of my children walking in the truth.” RELATED LINKS: - 15 Unexpected Benefits of Big Family Living - Family Unfriendly by Timothy Carney - America Tonight - our interview with Al Jazeera - BBC documentary - you can watch our short clip about halfway down this post - EP 42 - Traveling with Children - Kids Eat Free in Tyler, Texas - Kids Eat Free in the USA - Age Appropriate Chores for Children - Teaching Kids to Do Chores Cheerfully - Who Knew Children's Chores Were So Controversial? - Bananagrams - a game I mentioned that my family enjoys playing - Proverbs for Parenting - topical arrangement of Proverbs (similar to what we used for storytime) 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

A listener wrote me recently to say she's made more mistakes that she can count. She wanted advice as to how she could get back on track. "How do I change course when I've done everything wrong?" She had lots of other great questions, too, so in Episode 91, I'm tackling all of them. I hope you'll listen in and be blessed. Show Notes VERSES CITED: - James 1:5 - “If any of you lack wisdom, let him ask of God...." - Deuteronomy 30:19 - “...So choose life in order that you may live, you and your descendants.” - Luke 11:24-26 - “...and the last state of that man becomes worse than the first.” - Proverbs 14:1 - “The wise woman builds her house, But the foolish tears it down with her own hands.” - Matthew 12:36 - "But I say to you that for every idle word men may speak, they will give account of it...." - Ephesians 3:20 - "God is able to do exceedingly abundantly above all that we ask or think...." - John 10:10 - “The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy....” - Philippians 2:3-4 - "Do nothing from selfishness or empty conceit, but with humility of mind...." - Galatians 5:22 - "The fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness...." - Philippians 4:8 - "Finally, brethren, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is right...." - Philippians 4:6 – “Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving....” - Isaiah 41:10 – “Do not fear, for I am with you; do not be afraid, for I am your God. I will strengthen you....” - Matthew 6:25 – “Therefore I tell you, do not worry about your life, what you will eat or drink; or about....” RELATED LINKS: - Love Your Husband/ Love Yourself (my marriage book) - EP 84: How Not to Diet (But Still Lose Weight) - Help! My Kids Won't Stop Fighting - Extend Your Reach (Ideas for Limiting Your Child's Screen Time) - 50 Great Chapter Books to Read Aloud to Your Family - 50 Picture Books Every Child Should Read - Encouraging Creativity in Young Children - Age-Appropriate Chores for Children - EP 28: Bible Memory Tips and Tricks - Verses to Read When Battling Big Emotions - Praying for Your Children from Head to Toe - Praying for Your Husband from Head to Toe - 31 Bible Verses to Pray over Your Children - 31 Bible Verses to Pray over Your Husband - Praying Boldly for Yourself 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, lprintables Marriage Blog: Loving Life at Home- encouragement for wives, mothers, believers

We don't have to wonder or make wild guesses about what Jesus would do -- the Bible tells us clearly how He lived when He was here on earth, the kind of things He prioritized, and what He expects of anyone who chooses to follow Him. Show Notes VERSES CITED: - Philippians 2 - "Therefore if there is any encouragement in Christ..." - Mark 10:45 - “For even the Son of Man came not to be served, but to serve, and to give His life...." - Luke 9:23 - “If anyone desires to come after Me, let him deny himself, take up his cross daily, and follow Me." - Luke 14:27 - "And whoever does not carry their cross and follow me cannot be my disciple." - Eph 4:26-5:1 - "Be angry, and yet do not sin; do not let the sun go down on your anger...." - Prov 3 - "My son, do not forget my teaching, but let your heart keep my commandments...." - Psalm 119:97-98 - "O how I love Your law! It is my meditation all the day...." - Psalm 1 - "Blessed is the man who walketh not in the counsel of the ungodly...." RELATED LINKS: - EP 28: Bible Memory Tips - EP 85 - Memorize Proverb 3 with Me - Sing the Word Vol 1-2 - word-for-word KJV scripture songs by Fred and Sarah Cooper 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, lprintables Marriage Blog: Loving Life at Home- encouragement for wives, mothers, believers

I read a book last week called The Art of Making Memories. It was fascinating, though nothing like I expected. In this week's episode, I share what I learned and what I think of this work. Show Notes VERSES CITED: - John 16:21 - "A woman giving birth to a child has pain because her time has come; but when her baby is born she forgets the anguish because of her joy that a child is born into the world." - Deuteronomy 11:19 - "Teach them to your children, speaking about them when you sit at home and when you walk along the road, when you lie down and when you get up." - 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." - John 10:10 - "...I have come that they may have life, and that they may have it more abundantly." RELATED LINKS: - The Art of Making Memories by Meik Wiking - Episode 28 - Bible Memory Tips - Episode 85 - Memorize Proverbs 3 with Me - M Is for Mama - Abbie Halberstadt's birth stories - Glad Tidings - the first 25 years of Flanders Family Christmas Letters - Monthly Holidays & Quirky Celebrations - and free printables and other fun resources for enjoying them to the full 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, lprintables Marriage Blog: Loving Life at Home- encouragement for wives, mothers, believers

Each and every one of us has been born with qualities that cannot be altered and into circumstances beyond our control. The question is, how will you approach the unchangeables in your life? Will you learn to accept and live with them (and maybe even appreciate them)? Or will you allow bitterness and resentment over those unchangeables fester in the depths of your heart? The choice you make will have a profound impact on the purpose and contentment you find in life. Show Notes VERSES CITED: 1 Peter 5:7 - "Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you." Psalm 68:5 - "Father to the fatherless, defender of widows— this is God, whose dwelling is holy." Matthew 25:15 - "And to one he gave five talents, to another two, and to another one, to each according to his own ability; and immediately he went on a journey." 1 Thessalonians 5:11 - "Therefore encourage one another and build each other up, just as in fact you are doing." James 3:14-16 - "But if you have bitter jealousy and selfish ambition in your heart, do not be arrogant and so lie against the truth. This wisdom is not that which comes down from above, but is earthly, natural, demonic. For where jealousy and selfish ambition exist, there is disorder and every evil thing." Genesis 3:19 - "By the sweat of your brow you will eat your food until you return to the ground, since from it you were taken; for dust you are and to dust you will return.” James 4:14 - "You do not even know what will happen tomorrow! What is your life? You are a mist that appears for a little while and then vanishes." Psalm 90:12 - "Teach us to number our days so that we may apply our hearts to wisdom.” Psalm 139:13-16 - "For You formed my inward parts; You wove me in my mother’s womb. I will give thanks to You, for I am fearfully and wonderfully made. Wonderful are Your works, and my soul knows it very well. My frame was not hidden from You, when I was made in secret, and skillfully wrought in the depths of the earth; Your eyes have seen my unformed substance; and in Your book were all written, the days that were ordained for me, when as yet there was not one of them." Romans 8:28 - "And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose." RELATED LINKS: Serenity Prayer (attributed to Reinhold Niebuhr) Praying for Your Parents (my free printable prayer guide) The Long Winter (book by Laura Ingalls Wilder) "How Can I Accept Myself the Way God Made Me" (impactful teaching I first heard at an IBLP seminar) On Becoming Free Indeed (my review of Jinger Duggar's book ) 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, lprintables Marriage Blog: Loving Life at Home- encouragement for wives, mothers, believers

Father's Day is less than a week away, so I thought this would be a wonderful time to share a story about my father. I have lots of cherished memories to choose from, but this is one of my all-time favorites. I'm sure that, in the midst of the childhood crisis I was experiencing at the time, my dad never dreamed what a lasting and long-reaching effect of his response would have in my life, but it did. Show Notes VERSES CITED: 1 John 3:1 - “See what great love the Father has lavished on us, that we should be called children of God! And that is what we are!” Romans 8:38 - “For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither the present nor the future, nor any powers, neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord.” 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.” RELATED LINKS: 5 Lessons I Learned by Losing a Diamond Fathers Matter (Every Day of the Year) A Letter to My Father Free Printable Prayer for Fathers A Hero in the Making: Like Father, Like Son 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, lprintables Marriage Blog: Loving Life at Home- encouragement for wives, mothers, believers

Our oldest son just celebrated his 37th birthday and told us over dinner what he considers the two most important and impactful things his dad and I did for him growing up, so I'm unpacking both this week's episode. I hope you'll listen in. Show Notes VERSES CITED James 1:23-25 -“For if anyone is a hearer of the word and not a doer, he is like a man who ....” Psalms 1:3 - “...his leaf also shall not wither; and whatsoever he doeth shall prosper.” Matthew 5:20 - “Unless your righteousness surpasses the righteousness of the scribes and Pharisees....” Matthew 23:27 - “Woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, you hypocrites! You are like whitewashed tombs....” Romans 8:26 - "...the Spirit Himself intercedes for us with groans too deep for words." Deuteronomy 11:18-21 - “Therefore shall ye lay up these my words in your heart and in your soul, and....” Proverbs 22:6 - "Train up a child in the way he should go: and when he is old, he will not depart from it." Psalm 51:10 - “Create in me a clean heart, O God!" Romans 8:28 - "And we know that God causes all things to work together for good to those who love God...." 1 Corinthians 3:6 - "I planted, Apollos watered, but God was causing the growth." Matthew 25:23 - "Well done, my good and faithful servant… Enter into the joy of your Master.” RELATED LINKS: Lies Women Believe by Nancy DeMoss Wolgemuth EP 28: Bible Memory Tips & Tricks EP 85: Memorize Proverbs 3 with Me EP 55: Smoothing Your Child’s Passage to Adulthood 31 Verses to Pray over Your Child Praying for Your Unborn Child Praying for Your Children from Head to Toe Our Teens Need Prayer Praying for Your Adult Child 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, lprintables Marriage Blog: Loving Life at Home- encouragement for wives, mothers, believers

The best way I know to "meditate day and night" on the Word of God is to commit large portions of Scripture to memory. Then you'll always have it with you. Want an easier way to do that? Listen in to Loving Life at Home for a simple, straightforward way to memorize Proverbs 3 with me -- the entire chapter. Show Notes VERSES CITED: Proverbs 3 Psalm 119:97 RELATED LINKS: EP 28: Bible Memory Tips Pretty Printable Copy of Proverbs 3 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, lprintables Marriage Blog: Loving Life at Home- encouragement for wives, mothers, believers

Several months ago, a reader named Donna sent me the following request: “I’d love to hear your summary or take away of how not to diet but lose weight." So on this week's episode, I'm discussing Dr. Michael Greger's book, How Not to Diet, and the amazing effects implementing his suggestions have had on my health, weight, and energy levels. Show Notes VERSES CITED: Psalm 139:16 - "Thine eyes have seen my unformed substance; and in Thy book they were all written, the days that were ordained for me, when as yet there was not one of them." RELATED LINKS: How Not to Diet - by Michael Greger: "The Groundbreaking Science of Healthy, Permanent Weight Loss" How Not to Die - by Michael Greger: "Discover the Foods Scientifically Proven to Prevent and Reverse Disease" How Not to Age - by Michael Greger: "The Scientific Approach to Getting Healthier as You Get Older" nutritionfacts.org - Michael Greger's informative website (excellent!) Daily Dozen App - use to track progress on your smart phone (on 12 foods &/or 21 tweaks) Daily Dozen free printable chart - I keep this one posted on my refrigerator as a reminder Episode 52: Helping Your Husband Make Better Food Choices Episode 70: Unwrapping Cancer for Christmas Garlicky Lentil Soup Recipe - a Flanders' family favorite Winkie’s Tonic - a natural antibiotic with an apple cider vinegar base Bigelow Matcha Green with Turmeric - my favorite green tea (I drink 3 cups daily) M is for Mama - my friend Abbie's website (w/links to her books & podcast) - hope you'll check them out! STAY CONNECTED: - Subscribe: Flanders Family Freebies - (weekly themed link lists of free resources) - Instagram: follow @flanders_family for more great content - Shop my books: Flanders Family Store - Family Blog: Flanders Family Home Life (parenting tips, homeschool help, free printables) - Marriage Blog: Loving Life at Home (encouragement in your roles as wife, mother, believer)

Mother’s Day is right around the corner, so that’s what I’d like to discuss on the podcast this week. Even if giving birth to you is all your mother ever did, she would still be worthy of your gratitude and respect. But for most of our moms, the end of labor and delivery was when the real work began. Show Notes: VERSES CITED: Ephesians 6:2-3 - "Honor your father and your mother --which is the first commandment with a promise--that it may go well with you and that you may have a long life on the earth.” Proverbs 31:28-29 - “Her children rise up and call her blessed; her husband also praises her saying, ‘Many daughters have done nobly, But you excel them all.’” Leviticus 19:3 - “Each of you must respect his mother and father, and you must keep My Sabbaths. I am the LORD your God.” Proverbs 23:22 - “Listen to your father who gave you life, and do not despise your mother when she is old.” Matthew 15:4 - “For God said, ‘Honor your father and mother’ and ‘Anyone who curses his father or mother must be put to death.’” 1 Corinthians 12:17- 18 - “If the whole body were an eye, where would the sense of hearing be? [Or] If the whole body were an ear, where would the sense of smell be? But in fact, God has arranged the members of the body, every one of them, according to His design.” RELATED LINKS: EP 2: Dealing with Difficult In-Laws - the wonderful relationship we enjoy today makes me glad I didn't give up BBC Documentary with Miriam Margolyes - scroll halfway down this post to view our 12-minute segment A Christian Home - the hymn I sang at the end of this episode STAY CONNECTED: - Subscribe: Flanders Family Freebies - (weekly themed link lists of free resources) - Instagram: follow @flanders_family for more great content - Shop my books: Flanders Family Store - Family Blog: Flanders Family Home Life (parenting tips, homeschool help, free printables) - Marriage Blog: Loving Life at Home (encouragement in your roles as wife, mother, believer)

Much of the material from this week's podcast comes from a blog post I wrote on cultivating contentment over a decade ago, but the same strategy still works today. If you've ever found yourself fixated on your problems and struggling to "rejoice in all circumstances," listen in! Show Notes VERSES CITED: 1 Timothy 6:6-8 – “Now godliness with contentment is great gain.....” Philippians 4:11-12 – “... I have learned to be content whatever the circumstances....” 2 Corinthians 12:10 - “That is why, for Christ’s sake, I delight in weaknesses, in insults, in hardships....” Hebrews 13:5 – Keep your lives free from the love of money and be content with what you have....” Proverbs 19:23 – “The fear of the LORD leads to life; then one rests content, untouched by trouble.” Proverbs 14:30 – “A heart at peace gives life to the body, but envy rots the bones.” Proverbs 15:15 – “All the days of the oppressed are wretched, but the cheerful heart has a continual feast.” Ecclesiastes 6:9 - “Enjoy what you have rather than desiring what you don’t have....” Ecclesiastes 5:10 – “Whoever loves money never has enough; whoever loves wealth is never satisfied....” Luke 12:19 – “And I’ll say to myself, ‘You have plenty of grain laid up for many years. Take life easy....’" RELATED LINKS: EP 10 – We Find What We Look For EP 51 – Waiting in a Way that Honors God EP 61 – How to Handle Deep Regrets EP 81 – When You’re Barely Treading Water STAY CONNECTED: - Subscribe: Flanders Family Freebies - (weekly themed link lists of free resources) - Instagram: follow @flanders_family for more great content - Shop my books: Flanders Family Store - Family Blog: Flanders Family Home Life (parenting tips, homeschool help, free printables) - Marriage Blog: Loving Life at Home (encouragement in your roles as wife, mother, believer)

Sometimes life's responsibilities seem so overwhelming and inescapable that you feel like you're barely treading water. How do you cope when the going gets tough, and your energy's already depleted? Here are seven strategies that have kept me afloat during the busiest, most exhausting seasons of mothering 12 children and managing a increasingly busy household. Show Notes VERSES CITED: - “These things I have spoken unto you, that in Me you may have peace....” - John 16:33 - “Consider it all joy, my brethren, when you encounter various trials....” - James 1:2-4 - "...God causes all things to work together for good to those who love God...."- Romans 8:28 - "If anybody lacks wisdom, let him ask of God who gives to all freely..." - James 1:5 - “When [people] measure themselves by themselves... they are not wise.” - 2 Corinthians 10:12 - “Whether, then, you eat or drink or whatever you do, do all to the glory of God.” - 1 Corinthians 10:31 - "Be strong and courageous... He will never leave you nor forsake you.” - Deuteronomy 31:6 - “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me!” - Philippians 4:13 - “Yet those who wait upon the LORD shall renew their strength....They shall walk and not faint.” - Isaiah 40:31 - “Call upon Me in the day of trouble: I will deliver thee, and thou shalt glorify me.” - Psalm 50:15 - "I am the vine; you are the branches. If you remain in me and I in you, you will bear much fruit...." - John 15:5 - “A little sleep, a little slumber, a little folding of the hands to rest...." - Proverbs 6:10 (see also Prov 24:33-34) - “Unless the LORD builds the house, they labor in vain who build it...” - Psalm 127:1-2 - “He will feed His flock like a shepherd... and gently lead those who are with young.” - Isaiah 40:11 - “Come to Me, all you who are weary and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest....” - Matthew 11:28-30 - “So teach us to number our days, that we may present to You a heart of wisdom.” - Psalm 90:12 - “Love you neighbor as you love yourself” - Mark 12:30 - "From everyone to whom much has been given will much be required...” - Luke 12:48 - "So then, each of us will give an account of ourselves to God." - Romans 14:12 - "Love the LORD your God with all your heart, soul, mind, and strength...." - Mark 12:30 - “Better a dry crust with peace and quiet than a house full of feasting, with strife.” - Proverbs 17:1 - “Better is a portion of vegetables where there is love, than a fattened ox served with hatred.” - Proverbs 15:17 - “Let us not grow weary in doing good, for in due season we shall reap if we don't lose heart.” - Galatians 6:9 - "Do not despise these small beginnings, for the LORD rejoices to see the work begin..." - Zechariah 4:10 RELATED LINKS: - Flanders Family Freebies - use ths link to subscribe to my weekly newsletter - Episode 53: Microsystems for Home Management - Man’s Search for Meaning by Viktor Frankl STAY CONNECTED: - Subscribe: Flanders Family Freebies - (weekly themed link lists of free resources) - Instagram: follow @flanders_family for more great content - Shop my books: Flanders Family Store - Family Blog: Flanders Family Home Life (parenting tips, homeschool help, free printables) - Marriage Blog: Loving Life at Home (encouragement in your roles as wife, mother, believer)

We're right in the middle of holy week, which makes this a great time to discuss some of our family's favorite Easter traditions -- especially those that keep our focus on the finished work of Christ on the cross. Show Notes VERSES CITED: - Matthew 13:44 - “The kingdom of heaven is like a treasure hidden in the field, which a man found and hid again; and from joy over it he goes and sells all that he has and buys that field.” - 1 John 4:10 - “God loved us and sent His Son.” - Matthew 28:6 - “He has risen, just as He said.” - John 3:16 - “For God so loved the world, that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him shall not perish, but have eternal life. - Romans 5:8 - "But God demonstrates His own love toward us, in that while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us." - John 8:12 - "I am the light of the world. Whoever follows Me will never walk in the darkness, but will have the light of life.” RELATED LINKS: - Resurrection Eggs Printable - Scripture Eggs Printable - Empty Tomb Kids Craft - Easter Bible Verse Coloring Pages - The Easter Story (book by Carol Heyer) - Easter Scripture Chain - Passion Week Quiz - Resurrection Day Word Scramble - Resurrection Day Word Find - Easter Conversation Starters - Let Them Know Music Video - All About that Grace Music Video - Never Enough Music Video - The Jelly Bean Gospel STAY CONNECTED: - Subscribe: Flanders Family Freebies - (weekly themed link lists of free resources) - Instagram: follow @flanders_family for more great content - Shop my books: Flanders Family Store - Family Blog: Flanders Family Home Life (parenting tips, homeschool help, free printables) - Marriage Blog: Loving Life at Home (encouragement in your roles as wife, mother, believer)

Little known fact: Today (April 9) is Winston Churchill Day in the US. So today, I'm taking some of my favorite quotes from the British Bulldog, examining them in light of scripture, and applying them to marriage. I hope you'll listen in! Show Notes VERSES CITED: - Luke 12:48 - “From everyone who has been given much, much will be required....” - Romans 12:10 - “Be devoted to one another in love. Honor one another above yourselves.” - Philippians 4:8 - “...whatever is true... honorable... right... pure... think about these things.” - Luke 6:38 - “Give, and it will be given to you...good measure—pressed down, shaken together....” - James 1:19 - "Let everyone be quick to hear, slow to speak and slow to anger.” - James 1:2-3 - “Consider it all joy, my brethren, when you encounter various trials....” - 1 Peter 1:6-7 - “In this you greatly rejoice, though now for a little while you may have had to suffer grief ....” - 2 Cor. 4:17 - “For our light and momentary affliction is producing for us an eternal weight of glory...." - Heb. 12:11 - "No discipline seems enjoyable at the time, but painful. Later on, however...." - Isaiah 41:10 - “Do not fear, for I am with you; do not be afraid, for I am your God. I will strengthen you....” - Psalm 23:4 - "Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil...." - Philippians 4:13 - “I can do all this through him who gives me strength.” - Galatians 6:9, “Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap...." - John 15:5 - “I am the vine; you are the branches. If you remain in me and I in you, you will bear much fruit..." RELATED LINKS: - Unreasonable Hospitality by Will Guidara - “the remarkable power of giving people more than they expect” - EP 78: 7 Ways to Ruin Your Marriage - EP ... Emphasize His Good Points - The Good News about Marriage by Shaunti Feldhahn STAY CONNECTED: - Subscribe: Flanders Family Freebies - (weekly themed link lists of free resources) - Instagram: follow @flanders_family for more great content - Shop my books: Flanders Family Store - Family Blog: Flanders Family Home Life (parenting tips, homeschool help, free printables) - Marriage Blog: Loving Life at Home (encouragement in your roles as wife, mother, believer)

Proverbs 14:1 tells us, “The wise woman builds her house, but the foolish tears it down with her own hands.” I normally like to focus on the first part of that verse and consider, “What are some wise ways we can build our homes and strengthen our family relationships?” But instead of taking my usual approach and discussing how to nurture your marriage and make it better, today I’d like to examine some very common and very foolish habits that tear down our homes and the people we live with and put unnecessary strain on relationships and threaten to ruin marriages. So today, I present you with 7 WAYS TO RUIN YOUR MARRIAGE--GUARANTEED. Show Notes VERSES CITED: - Proverbs 14:1 - "The wise woman builds her house, But the foolish tears it down with her own hands." - Philippians 2:3-4 - "Do nothing from selfishness or empty conceit, but with humility of mind regard one another as more important than yourselves; do not merelylook out for your own personal interests, but also for the interests of others.” - Philippians 4:8 - 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.” - 1 Corinthians 13:7 - "Love bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things." - Colossians 3:13 - "Bear with each other and forgive one another if any of you has a grievance against someone. Forgive as the Lord forgave you." - Ephesians 5:33 - "However, let each one of you love his wife as himself, and let the wife see that she respects her husband." - 1 Corinthians 7:3-5 - "The husband must fulfill his duty to his wife, and likewise also the wife to her husband. The wife does not have authority over her own body, but the husband does; and likewise also the husband does not have authority over his own body, but the wife does. Stop depriving one another, except by agreement for a time, so that you may devote yourselves to prayer, and come together again so that Satan will not tempt you because of your lack of self-control." - James 5:16 - "Therefore confess your sins to each other and pray for each other so that you may be healed. The prayer of a righteous person is powerful and effective." RELATED LINKS: - 5 Ways to Ruin Your Day — Guaranteed - EP 75 - Emphasize Your Husband's Good Points - Enough with the Excuses - Time to Turn Your Thinking Around (the poem I wrote that can be read forwards and backwards) - One-Year Bible Reading Plan - 31 Verses to Pray over Your Husband - Praying Boldly for Yourself - Prayer for a Happy Marriage - A Wise Woman Builds Coloring Page - Love Your Husband/ Love Yourself - the first book I ever wrote (and I still stand behind every word!) - 25 Way to Communicate Respect for Your Husband: A Handbook for Wives - 25 Ways to Show Love to Your Wife: A Handbook for Husbands STAY CONNECTED: - Subscribe: Flanders Family Freebies - (weekly themed link lists of free resources) - Instagram: follow @flanders_family for more great content - Shop my books: Flanders Family Store - Family Blog: Flanders Family Home Life (parenting tips, homeschool help, free printables) - Marriage Blog: Loving Life at Home (encouragement in your roles as wife, mother, believer)

This week on Loving Life at Home I'm answering a couple of questions about starting a family during medical school, but the principles also apply to other decisions people put off while waiting for perfect timing.

Show Notes VERSES CITED: - John 3:16 - "For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son that whosoever believes in Him shall not perish but have everlasting life." - Romans 12:10 - “Be devoted to one another in love. Honor one another above yourselves.” RELATED LINKS: - A Prayer for Singles - free printable prayer guide - The State of a Union - How grows your marriage? - In Praise of the Manly Man - a poem I wrote for my husband - A Fish wihout Fins - one of my very first poems to my husband - A Hero in the Making - yet another poem I wrote me husband - 30-Day Love Your Wife Challenge - free email challenge for husbands - 30-Day Respect Challenge - free email challenge for wives STAY CONNECTED: - Subscribe: Flanders Family Freebies - (weekly themed link lists of free resources) - Instagram: follow @flanders_family for more great content - Shop my books: Flanders Family Store - Family Blog: Flanders Family Home Life (parenting tips, homeschool help, free printables) - Marriage Blog: Loving Life at Home (encouragement in your roles as wife, mother, believer)