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  • EP 111: Are You Up for a Challenge?

    EP 111: Are You Up for a Challenge?
    2026/04/29

    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
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    11 分
  • EP 110: Are You a Joyful Mother?

    EP 110: Are You a Joyful Mother?
    2026/04/20
    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
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    28 分
  • EP 109: Does Your Marriage Need a Miracle?

    EP 109: Does Your Marriage Need a Miracle?
    2026/03/10
    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
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    13 分
  • EP 108: How Can You Tell When You Need a Break?

    EP 108: How Can You Tell When You Need a Break?
    2026/02/13

    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
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    28 分
  • EP 107: Q&A - Passports, Prayers, Post-40 Pregnancy, and Purged Inboxes

    EP 107: Q&A - Passports, Prayers, Post-40 Pregnancy, and Purged Inboxes
    2026/01/14

    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
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    22 分
  • EP 106: 10 New Year Resolutions We All Should Make

    EP 106: 10 New Year Resolutions We All Should Make
    2025/12/31
    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
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    15 分
  • EP 105: The Reason for this Season

    EP 105: The Reason for this Season
    2025/12/24
    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
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    18 分
  • EP 104: Giving Thanks through Hardships

    EP 104: Giving Thanks through Hardships
    2025/11/26

    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
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    24 分