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2023-10-11
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Ep. 37: Crispy at Best Meets Really Very Crunchy (A Chat with Emily Morrow)

Friends! This episode was so fun to record. My friend, Emily Morrow (AKA: Really Very Crunchy) drove all the way from Kentucky with her family to stay with us for a weekend to celebrate at my Hard Is Not the Same Thing as Bad book launch party. While she was here, we sat down to chat about all things internet fame (hers, not mine), DMs, the origin of her account, finding and making lasting friendships, motherhood, Emily?s new book, and so much more.

Is she really very crunchy? Does she mouth tape? What was she really thinking when I slathered her son in lavender oil after he got into his first ever bed of fire ants? (Ugh, Texas, c?mon!)

You?ll never know until you listen!

Find Emily on Instagram at @reallyverycrunchy (she also posts to Youtube and Tiktok under the same name).

You can also pre-order her new book here!

Bible References:

1 Peter 4:8

Philippians 2:3

Ephesians 4:2

Matthew 21:9

Luke 23:21

Ecclesiastes 1:9

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2023-10-04
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Ep. 36: ?How Do You Do It All?? (I Don?t, and I?m So Grateful for Help)

If you?ve ever wondered how someone else ?does it all,? I?ve got a spoiler alert for you: They don?t. No one does (definitely me included).

Plus, I truly believe there?s a better question we could be asking (that I share in this episode). And I chat about the Lord?s provision for help that has enabled me to do more in this season (without feeling like such a Lone Ranger) than I have in the past.

Yes, there are some people that have more on their plate than others, and there are some seasons that allow for less/more capacity. But as long as we are more concerned with the Lord?s will and His perfect timing than with any desire to replicate someone else?s ?system,? we can be truly content in the ?good works that He has prepared in advance for us.?

Be encouraged that, as you seek the Lord, He has you right where you need to be, doing exactly the right tasks you should be doing.

Bible References:

Colossians 3:23

Philippians 4:12-13

Romans 12:15

2 Corinthians 2:19

Psalm 28:7

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2023-09-27
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Ep. 35: Tools, Not Treasures (Body Image in Light of the Cross)

Ever been less-than-pleased with the body you see in the mirror? I've been there (in some ways, am still there at the moment). I would wager that, between pregnancy body changes, unrealistic cultural beauty standards (hello, air-brushing), and a tendency to be overly critical of our appearances, most of us women can relate to wishing we could tweak a thing or two about the way we look.

But is that how God views us? If we look to Scripture, we quickly discover that, rather than swinging to one extreme or the other of either self-indulgence or vain self-obsession, we are to "offer our bodies as living sacrifices, holy and pleasing to God." (Romans 12:1)

In other words, it's way less about how we look (a lesson I am constantly learning/relearning as my body ages) and way more about how we love God and love others with the resources (including the body) He's given us.

I am still a work in progress in every area, including this one, but, as always, I'm so grateful the Lord is so gracious not to leave us where He finds us.

Bible References:

Psalm 139:14

1 Corinthians 6:19-20

1 Corinthians 10:31

Ephesians 4:23

2 Corinthians 10:5

Philippians 4:11-13

Colossians 3:17

Philippians 4:7

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2023-09-20
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Ep. 34: Hard is Not the Same Thing As Good (Recognizing Our Limitations and God?s Provision)

If hard is not the same thing as bad, does that then mean all hard things are good? NOPE.

In this episode, we chat about when hard really is bad, how the Lord can still teach us and shape us through those things, and when to ?abandon? the hard because God is clearly offering a different path forward.

Also, a super exciting update from our family that perfectly exemplifies the Lord?s gracious provision in the midst of the challenging aftermath of our downstairs house flooding.

Pssttt?I also have a chapter about this in Hard Is Not the Same Thing as Bad.

For our video audience, we apologize, but there is no video this week. Also the audio is a bit rougher than usual, we?ll be back to usual programming next week!

Bible References:

Romans 5:3-5

Isaiah 65:17

Romans 8:28

John 3:16

Romans 6:23

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2023-09-13
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Ep. 33: Therapy and Jesus? (A Chat With Bible-Believing Licensed Counselor, Amy Waters)

In a therapy-centric culture, it can be hard to differentiate between biblical truth and secular psychology (some aspects of which are at complete odds with each other). Anytime I speak to the importance of addressing this phenomenon from a biblical perspective, I get one of two responses: 1. ?Thank you for speaking up,? or 2. ?Please don?t talk about this. You?ll keep people from getting the help they need.?

So, which is it? Is it possible to question the ?everybody needs therapy? narrative and examine it in the light of Scripture without hindering those who really do need professional counseling?

To help answer that question, I invited my friend, Amy Waters, who is a Bible-Believing professional counselor and owner of her own wellness practice called Living Well, on the show to discuss things like the overuse of the Three Ts (therapy, triggers, and trauma), what it looks like to shine the light of Capital T Truth on them, and how we can discern if we need therapy or just need to find better community.

I love her compassionate, measured, and, above all, biblical approach to this topic, and I think everyone who listens to this conversation will benefit greatly from the back-and-forth between two women who love the Lord first and really want to see women (and everyone else!) thrive in their God-given callings, however that can best be achieved in a biblical way.

P.S. I mention in this episode that Hard Is Not the Same Thing as Bad comes out next week, BUT, that?s actually THIS week. It released yesterday, and is available just about everywhere books are sold!

Bible References:

Colossians 3:17

2 Peter 1:3

John 11:38-44

Proverbs 27:6

James 3:16

Matthew 12:34

Isaiah 28:27-29

Proverbs 25:2

Deuteronomy 31:6

Hebrew 6:19

Matthew 24:13

Romans 5:4

1 Corinthians 3:19

Romans 12:15

Psalm 34:8

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2023-09-06
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Ep. 32: A Very Hard Week (That Was Still Not all Bad)

Goodness gracious, friends! If you want to have a challenging week, have the audacity to publish a book called Hard Is Not the Same Thing as Bad. I can't tell you how many people have said, "It sure does seem like you're under spiritual attack right now, Abbie," and I suppose I have to agree, since the Bible clearly says that our fight is not against flesh and blood but against the spiritual realm.

Still, the Lord has been so gracious to provide moments of respite and opportunities to recognize his mercies in the midst of the hard of back pain and scary episodes with wasp stings, and major publishing mess-ups, and, yes, an entire downstairs flooding so badly we are now living in a gutted kitchen.

Even though some will call it "toxic positivity," I'm declaring my gratitude that the Lord has given our family a peace that truly passes all understanding through our current inconvenient, and sometimes frustrating, living situation.

Be encouraged, friends. The Lord has not forgotten you in the midst of your struggles. He has a plan and a purpose for even this.

Bible References:

Ephesians 6:2

Ephesians 4:15

Philippians 4:7

Psalm 27:13

Matthew 10:30

Hebrews 13:5

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2023-08-30
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Ep. 31: Our Grand European Adventure (Part 3)

Today, we're wrapping up Our Grand European Adventure recaps! This one's a bit of grab bag as I share some of the challenges (expected and otherwise), joys, and a few tips and tricks sprinkled in.

Let's just say toddler twins were a handful...often literally. And we knew they would be. But it's impossible to truly plan for the level of emotional extremes you'll experience when you've got a pair of jetlagged toddlers.

But the high moments far outweighed the hard ones, and I make sure to share a few core memories I'll never forget.

(Oh, and the town I couldn't remember that some said we should have gone to instead of Pisa is Sienna!)

Enjoy, friends!

Also, be sure to check out the fantastic (hand-drawn! affordable!) educational printables from my sponsor, Arrows and Applesauce. She has resources for everything from Bible to geography to early letters and numbers and so much more!

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Flanders Family's Free Flight to Europe

Europe Trip Backpacks: Tobiq + Ebags (Adult) + Ebags (Junior)

Normandy 16th Century Castle AirBnB

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2023-08-23
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Ep. 30: Our Grand European Adventure (Part 2)

Have I got a treat for you, friends! I talked Shaun into coming on today to share with us some tips and tricks for how to plan a trip like this. Most of his input is the first half of the episode, but he was gracious to hang around for the second half as well, and we had a blast reminiscing and sharing some of our anecdotes, packing tips, ticket-booking hacks, and more!

I hope you'll find this episode both entertaining and informative. But sure to let Shaun know in the reviews how much you loved having his input into this episode so we can convince him to come back again soon!

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Flanders Family's Free Flight to Europe

Europe Trip Backpacks: Tobiq + Ebags (Adult) + Ebags (Junior)

Normandy 16th Century Castle AirBnB

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2023-08-16
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Ep. 29: Our Grand European Adventure (Part 1)

In May, 2023, our family had the incredible privilege of taking a 45-day trip to Europe--the redo of a previously attempted trip that Covid killed.

In this episode, we?re chatting about how the trip came about, some of the hiccups we faced in the months leading up to it, a bit of our itinerary, and how the Lord orchestrated everything so perfectly to make it a literal trip of a lifetime.

I also share some of my favorite moments, as well as a low moment or two. Oh, and a buffalo. But you?ll have to listen to find out what that is!

Stay tuned for next week when we chat more about OGEA (see title of the this episode if you?re confused ;)).

Bible References: James 4:15

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Balloon company website?

Anniversary Restaurant: Abendrestaurant Holzerstubn

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2023-08-09
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Ep. 28: We Are the Parents - Part 2 (The Why Behind Our Homeschool)

Last week, we talked about the fact that we--not the government or the church or public education--are responsible for the well-rounded education of the children that have been gifted to our care by God.

This week, we continue the discussion with the "why" behind our family's choice to home school, as well as some background on my own homeschool experience growing up.

Be encouraged (but also sobered), moms and dads, that whatever schooling choices the Lord leads you to, it is you who must give an account before the Lord for what you have done to steward your children's hearts and guide them toward His ways.

We cannot save our children or keep them in the narrow way, it's true. But we can do everything in our power (by God's help and grace) to be intentional to point them toward the Way Everlasting.

Bible References:

1 Corinthians 1:27

Isaiah 55:8-9

1 Corinthians 3:19

Deuteronomy 6:7

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2023-08-02
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Ep. 27: We Are the Parents - Part 1 (Recognizing and Embracing Our God-Given Responsibilities)

Our culture abounds with memes poking fun (or downright mocking) the role of parents--playing up the cluelessness of dads (and moms too) and treating children as a burden to be escaped or, at the very least, outsourced. Not only that, but a rising trend toward the prioritization of the views of "experts" (even if that expertise has been conferred by a course or a degree, rather than experience or extensive research) over the authority of parents makes it clear that, if we don't embrace our God-given role as the primary disciplers of our children, the world is ready and willing to step in.

But Scripture makes it very clear that, we, not the government or teachers or experts, are ultimately responsible for our children's well-rounded education. Be encouraged that *you* are best-equipped to parent your unique kiddos well because God is the one who equips you!

Bible References:

Deuteronomy 6:6-8

Matthew 5:14

1 Corinthians 15:33

Ephesians 6:10-18

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2023-07-26
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Ep. 26: My Miscarriage Story (Finding Hope and Healing the Midst of the Hurt)

"Have you ever had a miscarriage. If so, how did you deal with it?"

I've been asked some version of this question for years, and while the simple answer is yes, in this podcast I delve into the way that my stories of loss have helped shape me as a mother and given me empathy for those who have walked the same hard road.

Here, you will find space for your grief but also encouragement and hope for your future.

Together, we tackle a hard, often hidden, topic with the grace of God and the knowledge that we can "mourn with those mourn" as well as spur each other on toward healing and renewed perspective on the goodness of God.

You can also find a blog post I wrote about my first two miscarriages here.

Bible references:

Psalm 139:13

Matthew 10:31

Matthew 10:30

Psalm 56:8

Isaiah 48:16

Matthew 6:25-36

Romans 8:1

John 8:44

Romans 12:15

1 Thessalonians 5:16

Jeremiah 29:11

1 Peter 5:7

John 13:15

Isaiah 55:8-9

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2023-07-19
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Ep. 25: The Twinbies' Birth Story (Part 2)

Okkkkkk, friends! We are officially down to the very last part of the very last birth story in this series. In this second half of the twinbies' birth story, we'll finally get to the part where they're, you know, born. It's a bit of a winding road, with a major "Wow, Lord! You did that!" moment (or two) at the end. I hope you are encouraged as you listen by the fact that God really is sovereign over and all in all.

Enjoy!

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2023-07-17
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Ep. 24: The Twinbies' Birth Story (Part 1)

Well, friends! All good things must come to an end, but as we reach the finale of our birth story series, I'm happy to announce that we're going out with a bang because Titus and Toby's birth was action-packed! Also, it ended up taking me over an hour to tell the story, so I decided to split it into two episodes. Today's is a bit of a cliffhanger (sorry!), but we'll wrap it ALL up next week, so stay tuned!

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2023-07-05
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Ep. 23: Shiloh?s Birth Story (Installment 5)

Shiloh?s birth story threw me for a complete loop. Birth anxiety! Panic attacks! A completely unplanned birth location!

Yep. We?re bringing all the drama with this one, folks.

But through it all runs the incredible thread of God?s sovereign goodness and care for the details of our lives.

Enjoy!

Bible References:

Psalm 119:105

Psalm 23:2

John 6:35

Deuteronomy 31:6

Psalm 56:3

Jeremiah 29:11

James 1:17

1 John 4:16

Philippians 4:8

Links:

Shiloh's Birth Story Part 1 & Part 2

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2023-06-28
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Ep. 22: Honor's Birth Story (Installment 4)

Aaaannd, we're back! On this episode, we dive right back into birth stories with a breakdown of Honor's birth, which was...different. Let's just say that several things happened with this birth that I did not expect, while several others were just the same as usual business. That's all I'm going to say here, except that the presence of the Lord was very evident in this birth, and when I say I couldn't have done it with His help, I mean that in the most literal way.

Enjoy!

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2023-06-23
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Ep. 21: Theo's Birth Story (Installment 3)

Trucking right along with our birth story series brings us to Theo's birth, which was part "dream birth" and part, "Why, Lord??!"

If I know anything about birth at this point, it's that it will always be predictably unpredictable. The predictable things for me: going "late" (usually 42 weeks), long hiccupy prodromal periods, and (almost always) 5-7 hours of active labor. The rest? Well, who knows what will happen?

The thing I know I can rely on, though: God is good, and He will never leave my side, no matter how convinced I become that I really will be the first women to ever keep her baby in utero forever!

Enjoy, friends!

P.S. Remember: This is the last podcast I'm releasing until we return from our big European adventure. But I'll jump right back in with birth stories when I return.

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2023-05-31
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Ep. 20: Evy and Nola's Birth Story (Installment 2)

Ever wondered what it would be like to have identical twin girls at home? Well, wonder no longer because I take you along for the ride of what was, at once, my hardest and best birth. Of course, just because this is how my birth with one set of twins went, that's no guarantee yours would be the same or that my second set was a repeat (hint: it definitely wasn't). That's the beauty of birth--it's completely unique, even within the same mom's different experiences.

Enjoy!

Bible references:

Psalm 73:3

Psalm 34:19

Matthew 6:34

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2023-05-24
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Ep. 19: M Is for Mama Birth Stories (Installment 1)

Dear readers, if you, like most women, love a good birth story, then this series is for you! I adore birth stories too. The particulars of how a specific baby (or babies!) enter this world are so varied and fascinating, and I always get so excited when one of my friends (either in person or online) shares her story.

So, I thought I'd share my stories with you because: 1. I love having them documented and 2. This has been one of the most asked questions on my social media, and, while most of my birth stories are available on my blog in written form, there's just nothing like the spoken word to convey the drama and anticipation of the moment (or MANY MOMENTS, in my case) when you get to meet that sweet new life.

Fair warning: I managed to record three different podcasts for this series, which will get us through the end of May, but our family is on an extended trip to Europe and will not return until the week of June 14th, so there will be a brief hiatus until I have a new episode for you. So sorry to leave you hanging, but there was only so much time in which to get everything done before we left. :)

Enjoy Installation Number 1!

Bible references:

Proverbs 4:27

Hebrews 12:2

Genesis 3:16

Philippians 3:14

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2023-05-17
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Ep. 18: An Uncomfortable Truth About Kids (If They Don't Feel Like Blessings, It Might Be Our Fault)

One of the most popular narratives I hear in person and on social media is that mothers are victims of their children's "nonsense." I get that perspective and sometimes *feel* the same way, as it can absolutely give major "you're doing this on purpose" vibes when your two-year-old calmly eats his yogurt, only to throw the half-empty container on the ground and SCREECH at the top of his lungs the moment you tell him it's time to leave for church--splattering your dress and the kitchen with white goo in what is obviously a planned attempt to take the last shred of your sanity.

The truth: Very young (and even some older) children respond to the impulses (some of them sinful) that drive their urges, and, while they can be incredibly empathetic and sweet, often couldn't care less how their behavior affects us. They're not "bullying" us. We are not at their mercy.

HOWEVER.

If we fail to recognize our role in investing very intentionally in their instruction, moral growth, knowledge of Scripture + the Lord, and training in both self-discipline and righteousness, chances are, no matter how many times we remind ourselves that "children are a blessing from the Lord, " they still won't feel like they are.

The Bible has a fair bit to say about children who bring shame to their parents and are a source of sorrow to their fathers and mothers. And while there's no perfect formula of "this amount of input produces this kind of results," the fact is that, sometimes, our children's not feeling like blessings in a particular moment has way less to do with their bad habits and more to with our lack of fortitude in helping to train them through those struggles.

If you're interested in practical steps for making strides toward raising kids you love AND like--kids who are both a blessing because God says so and feel like a blessing because of the efforts you've invested to help them grow in good habits, then this episode is for YOU!

Bible references:

Matthew 19:14

Psalm 127:3

Psalm 127:5

Proverbs 10:1

Deuteronomy 6:6-8

Matthew 7:14

Ephesians 6:4

1 Kings 1:5-6

2 Samuel 15

2 Samuel 18:33

Job 42:2

1 Kings 1:32-34

Proverbs 19:26

1 Samuel 3:1-8-4:22

1 Samuel 8:3

Genesis 6:5

Proverbs 22:6

Proverbs 15:20

Galatians 6:9

Proverbs 23:22-25

Deuteronomy 31:6

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2023-05-16
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Ep. 17: Talking Teens with Ezra and Simon (Making Connections + Destigmatizing the Teen Years)

Fifteen years ago, if you had ever told me I would one day have the opportunity to interview my teen boys on my very own podcast, I'd have responded with 1. What's a podcast? and 2. NO WAY!!

And yet, in this very episode, I get the privilege of chatting with Ezra (16) and Simon (15) about the teen years--why parents fear them so much, why they don't have to, and the best ways to make connections with your teens (hint: it's all about paying attention).

You're going to love this episode, whether you've reached the teen years yet or are in the thick of them, especially if you don't want to adhere to the current cultural trend of calling teens "the worst."

Not only are they not the worst at all (although, they can be challenging and even heartbreaking, sometimes), but there really is the potential for some incredible conversations, fun late nights, and even spiritual sharpening!

Be encouraged, mamas! The teen years have their own unique challenges, but they have at least as many joys if you're willing to keep your eyes open for them!

Bible references:

Proverbs 4:27

Hebrews 12:2

Genesis 3:16

Philippians 3:14

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