The Durenda Wilson Podcast

When you’re in trouble or feeling overwhelmed, who is the first person you turn to? The Israelites had a habit of going to anyone but God and it’s tempting for us to do the same. Listen in as we are reminded to resist the urge to “go back to Egypt”! Welcome to my devotional, Grace for a Mom’s Heart! In the weeks ahead, I will be reading from my devotional Unhurried Grace for a Mom’s Heart-31 Days in God’s Word (available on Amazon *aff link)) Each devotional is less than 10 minutes long. I’ll start by reading a short scripture passage and then share some thoughts from my own heart as written in my devotional. I will ask some questions at the end to help you dig deeper and then end in prayer.

Moms, we are the gatekeepers of our homes and now more than ever we need to make it a priority to protect our children by understanding what the battle really is. We can’t afford to let ourselves become slaves to fear and oppression in the midst of what is happening around us. Listen in for encouragement that will calm your heart and help you stay laser-focused and intentional so you can be that woman who builds up her home! Matthew 11:28-30 Psalm 90:14 A Shepherd Looks at Psalm 23 (*aff link)

Welcome to my devotional, Grace for a Mom’s Heart! We often make the mistake of thinking we have to "clean up" before we can come to God and find ourselves only in landing in a place of "empty chaos"! Isaiah 45:18-25 speaks to this! It's so important as believing moms to stay grounded in God's word, so in the weeks ahead, I will be reading from my devotional Unhurried Grace for a Mom’s Heart-31 Days in God’s Word (available on Amazon *aff link)) Each devotional is less than 10 minutes long. I’ll start by reading a short scripture passage and then share some thoughts on how the passage applies to parenting and homeschooling as I read from my devotional. I'll then ask some questions to help you dig deeper. I'll end by praying over you!

Welcome to my devotional, Grace for a Mom’s Heart! Have you ever wondered why many things about traditional education fly in the face of what seems right for your child? Isaiah 44:9-23 is going to shed light on this! It's so important as believing moms to stay grounded in God's word, so in the weeks ahead, I will be reading from my devotional Unhurried Grace for a Mom’s Heart-31 Days in God’s Word (available on Amazon *aff link)) Each devotional is less than 10 minutes long. I’ll start by reading a short scripture passage and then share some thoughts on how the passage applies to parenting and homeschooling as I read from my devotional. I'll then ask some questions to help you dig deeper. I'll end by praying over you! Printed copies of this devotional are available on Amazon for just $8.99 (*aff link)

Welcome to my devotional, Grace for a Mom’s Heart! Sometimes we feel like we are walking in darkness and simply need answers. Where we turn to for those answers makes all the difference in the world according to Isaiah 50:7-10 It's so important as believing moms to stay grounded in God's word, so in the weeks ahead, I will be reading from my devotional Unhurried Grace for a Mom’s Heart-31 Days in God’s Word (available on Amazon *aff link)) Each devotional is less than 10 minutes long. I’ll start by reading a short scripture passage and then share some thoughts on how the passage applies to parenting and homeschooling as I read from my devotional. I'll then ask some questions to help you dig deeper. I'll end by praying over you! Printed copies of this devotional are available on Amazon for just $8.99 (*aff link)

Welcome to my devotional, Grace for a Mom’s Heart! Is it possible to be worshiping the "god" of education...even as homeschoolers? Find out what 1 Corinthians 1:18-31 has to say. It's so important as believing moms to stay grounded in God's word, so in the weeks ahead, I will be reading from my devotional Unhurried Grace for a Mom’s Heart-31 Days in God’s Word (available on Amazon *aff link)) Each devotional is less than 10 minutes long. I’ll start by reading a short scripture passage and then share some thoughts on how the passage applies to parenting and homeschooling as I read from my devotional. I'll then ask some questions to help you dig deeper. I'll end by praying over you! Printed copies of this devotional are available on Amazon for just $8.99 (*aff link)

Welcome to my devotional, Grace for a Mom’s Heart! Do you ever feel like you have to fix everything for everyone? In today's passage from Ephesians 1:15-23, we are going to tackle this! In the weeks ahead, I will be reading from my devotional Unhurried Grace for a Mom’s Heart-31 Days in God’s Word (available on Amazon *aff link)) Each devotional is less than 10 minutes long. I’ll start by reading a short scripture passage and then share some thoughts from my own heart as written in my devotional. I will ask some questions to help you dig deeper and then end in prayer. Printed copies of this devotional are available on Amazon for just $8.99 (*aff link)

Every single human on the face of the planet has experienced anxiety at one time or another. Many of us struggle with it on a regular basis, including me. I thought it was about time we all got some professional help! My guest today is a licensed mental health counselor and even more importantly, he is a Believer. Science (originating with God) and faith are interwoven, but when those can be applied to practical life and equip us to more effectively walk out our God-given ministries (specifically our ministry at home), it's an incredibly powerful and beautiful thing! Grab your pen and some paper because you will want to take notes! Other podcasts with Dan Marcone: The Development Stages of Kids and Their Growth Encouraging a Growth Mindset in Our Kids Growing Kids with ADD/ADHD

It can be challenging for husbands to know exactly how to best support their homeschooling wives,. My husband and I thought we would share our own story and important principles to keep in mind that will help direct how you can best support your wives! Things to keep in mind that God says in his word are important: 1 Peter 3:7-In the same way, you husbands must give honor to your wives. Treat your wife with understanding as you live together. She may be weaker than you are, but she is your equal partner in God’s gift of new life. Treat her as you should so your prayers will not be hindered. Ephesians 5:25-For husbands, this means love your wives, just as Christ loved the church. He gave up his life for her Colossians 3:19-Husbands, love your wives and never treat them harshly. Love language quiz Love Nudge App Personality Profile

Welcome to my devotional, Grace for a Mom’s Heart! Today I am speaking to God’s ability and willingness to bless and multiply our efforts so we don’t have to worry about being inadequate! Matthew 14:13-21 NLT In the weeks ahead, I will be reading from my devotional Unhurried Grace for a Mom’s Heart-31 Days in God’s Word (available on Amazon *aff link) Each devotional is less than 10 minutes long. I’ll start by reading a short scripture passage and then share some thoughts from my own heart as written in my devotional. I will ask some questions at the end to help you dig deeper and then end in prayer. Printed copies of this devotional are available on Amazon for just $8.99 (*aff link)

Everything that feels and is out of your control, God has the power to order. It’s ok if we don’t have all the answers...if we don’t know Instead of dwelling on what we don’t know, let’s meditate on what we DO know. What DO we know? Read the rest of the podcast here or listen in! Find my devotional, Unhurried Grace for a Mom's Heart, written just for moms! (Amazon)

Welcome to my devotional, Grace for a Mom’s Heart! Today I am speaking to a doubt every mom deals with: whether or not we are doing enough. In the weeks ahead, I will be reading from my devotional Unhurried Grace for a Mom’s Heart-31 Days in God’s Word (available on Amazon *aff link) Each devotional is less than 10 minutes long. I’ll start by reading a short scripture passage and then share some thoughts from my own heart as written in my devotional. I will ask some questions at the end to help you dig deeper and then end in prayer. Printed copies of this devotional are available on Amazon for just $8.99 (*aff link)

Welcome to my devotional, Grace for a Mom’s Heart! Out of all of our needs, right now our biggest need is to press into God. We need to know Him and in order to know Him, we have to read His Word. In the weeks ahead, I will be reading from my devotional Unhurried Grace for a Mom’s Heart-31 Days in God’s Word (available on Amazon *aff link)) Each devotional is less than 10 minutes long. I’ll start by reading a short scripture passage and then share some thoughts from my own heart as written in my devotional. I will ask some questions at the end to help you dig deeper and then end in prayer. Printed copies of this devotional are available on Amazon for just $8.99 (*aff link) Today's passage is Deut. 5:29-33 If something is new, it's tempting to think it must be better. (Be sure to check out my simple, mercifully short book on homeschooling: The Unhurried Homeschooler)

There are many unique pressures that are part of this homeschooling journey. The stresses are sometimes overwhelming, but as believers, we need to ask ourselves if we are being driven or led? God often refers to His people as sheep. Have you ever been around sheep? A few things you should know: they can NOT be driven, they have to be led. If you try to drive them (come up behind them and force them a certain direction), they lose their minds and scatter. They will also lose trust in the shepherd. God does not drive us. Ever. He is a gentle shepherd that leads, so if you are feeling driven, I can tell you that is NOT God. (You can listen to the rest of the podcast here or read the transcript at https://durendawilson.com/moms-are-you-being-led-or-driven-podcast-131/)

Parents who are considering homeschooling can easily become overwhelmed by all the information out there and that is why I thought it was essential to offer this resource to help parents prioritize their steps as they consider homeschooling. Some of you haven’t done school at home until the quarantine and this is another reason I wanted to offer this conversation. You need to understand that distance learning is NOT the same thing as homeschooling. Actually, I think it’s often far more stressful in so many ways than choosing to homeschool. When we homeschool, we get to fine-tune our kids’ learning to what works best for THEM (and us). We can arrange their days to give them an opportunity to be kids, to experience a healthy childhood, to learn things in a way that works for them and AS THEY ARE READY. You don’t have to be an expert in education or other people’s kids, you simply need to be an expert in YOUR kids. It’s a commonly accepted fact that if someone spends 10,000 hours on something, they are considered an “expert” in that field. Guess what? By the time your child is 6 years old, you will have spent an average of 16,000 hours with your child. That makes YOU an expert on your child! With that in mind, listen in to my conversation with Vicki Bentley, another veteran homeschooling mom, and find encouragement along with simple, doable action steps you can take to start homeschooling your kids! My simple, mercifully short book on homeschooling: The Unhurried Homeschooler (To see more resources mentioned in the podcast go to https://durendawilson.com/how-to-start-homeschooling-without-getting-overwhelmed-podcast-131/)

PLEASE SHARE THIS WITH YOUR MOM FRIENDS! I’m Durenda Wilson. I’ve been a wife for almost 31 years and a mom for 29 years. I have eight children and 6 grandchildren. I have a word for moms that I think is of the utmost importance. Our world is quickly changing. There are many things that are out of our control and downright frightening, BUT I want to speak right now to your mom heart: As an older mom, I have experienced various crises in my life and learned so much from those, but I will admit that I’ve never seen anything quite like this. As I have prayed and prayed and prayed, God has made something very clear to me that I want to convey to you: In spite of everything that’s happening.... YOUR ROLE AS A MOM HAS NOT CHANGED. (You can listen or read the rest of the post here: https://durendawilson.com/an-urgent-message-of-encouragement-for-christian-moms-podcast-130/)

(You can listen to this podcast here or read it in full by going to durendawilson.com) I want to be completely honest with you all. I have been struggling, trying to understand what my place is, what my role is in all that is going on around us. Over the years as a mom at home with our 8 kids, God reminded me over and over again that raising and homeschooling our kids was my calling. A lot of outside activities, ministries, politics and other worthy causes all needed to be laid aside for the most part because I simply couldn’t do it all. Have you ever heard of that saying, “Just because you can, doesn’t mean you should”? (read complete podcast transcript at durendawilson.com)

Welcome to my devotional, Grace for a Mom’s Heart! In the weeks ahead, I will be reading from my devotional Unhurried Grace for a Mom’s Heart-31 Days in God’s Word (available on Amazon *aff link)) Each devotional is less than 10 minutes long. I’ll start by reading a short scripture passage and then share some thoughts from my own heart as written in my devotional. I will ask some questions at the end to help you dig deeper and then end in prayer. Printed copies of this devotional are available on Amazon for just $8.99 (*aff link) What we are doing at home is of the utmost importance. We must not let the enemy distract us from our high calling. As mission-minded moms, we understand the threat we pose to the enemy’s kingdom and we stand firm in the truth of God’s Word. We don’t let culture or the voices of condemnation influence our decisions. Instead, we stay the course, setting our faces like flint. I don’t know about you, but I have been struggling HARD. Around us, there is hatred, division, and issues that are polarizing and downright frightening. In times like these, it is essential that we are grounded daily in God’s word so we can better know HIs comfort, discern His voice, and receive the wisdom that can only come from Him!

With all that’s going on around us, one thing has not changed...we are still moms. Some of us chose to homeschool, others have had distance learning thrust upon us, and some who have tried, but thrown in the towel for this year(and that's okay!) BUT the fact is that we are all feeling the weight of our current situation and that can greatly affect our focus. So today I want to bring some encouragement to your mom heart and hopefully help you refocus and remember why you are doing what you doing so you can stay intentional. This is part of a series I have called Mentoring Moments. There are other episodes addressing other topics on motherhood, but the reason I created this series is that, as an older mom, I feel a responsibility to mentor younger moms who might be looking for some perspective that can only come with experience and time. I am thrilled today to have Vicki Bentley joining me today, who is the mother of eight daughters, foster mom of over fifty, a grandma to 23 wonderful grandbabies so far, and great-grandma to five! You will be hearing from literally several decades of experience between the two of us. Ways to connect with Vicki: Website: Everyday Homemaking Website: Everyday Homeschooling HSLDA Facebook: Everyday Homemaking Facebook: Homeschooling with Confidence

I’m talking today about a few vitamins and minerals that we have found consistently important to have as part of our daily life along with some simple remedies for dealing with common illnesses. This is by no means an exhaustive resource, just some things that our family has found helpful over the last 30 years! Resources mentioned (you can use less expensive brands. I'm just sharing the ones I use. Just don't compromise on b vitamins or fish oils or iron.) *Aff links Cod Liver Oil or any kind of Fish OIl: I really like Nordic Naturals found on Amazon Sublingual B vitamins (methylated) Neurobiologix found on Amazon Iron (liquid): Floradix found on Amazon Vitamin C: Liposomal Nutrivein found on Amazon (Remember that you can use a less expensive type as well. This is just extra absorbable) Vitamin D with K2: Mountaintop found on Amazon Probiotics for kids: Probiotic Spray and Gummies (the gummies are gluten-free/dairy-free) Probiotics for adults (You can also use the spray listed above as it's for the whole family. It's plant based, so more shelf-stable and no dairy or gluten. It's nice because the whole family can use it.) (Don't forget to change up the type of probiotics periodically to get a wide variety of strains in your system) Magnesium lotion: Maggie Mo found on Amazon Magnesium capsules: Pure brand on Amazon Podcast on getting our kids outside Podcast on practicing natural family health Recipe for Elderberry Syrup Probiotic good for stomach flu: Tummy Tune-Up from beeyoutiful.com My consistently favorite supplement brands are Garden of Life, Thorne, Pure and LifeExtension(you can find all of them on Amazon) My consistently favorite herbal supplement companies are Gaia, Herb Pharm, and Starwest Botanicals This is where I get my cayenne and red raspberry leaf tea

I've learned much about building my family’s immune system over the last almost 30 years of being a mom (8 kids). What I’m sharing with you today is what I’ve found to be the most reliable and effective for our family over the years. My hope is that you will find some things that resonate with your own heart for your family's health! In this episode, I am focusing mainly on what we eat. I'm planning to talk about vitamins and ways to address common illnesses at home in the next episode and in the last one I want to talk about cleaning up our environment and things we put on our bodies. I'm not selling anything. I just want to pass on things that might be helpful to you. I don't know everything, but I've learned a fair amount over the years!

As moms, we are buckling under the weight of unmet expectations. We are bombarded with messages about what kind of mom, wife, and woman we are supposed to be. In our heart of hearts, we know we are human and that we are weak and it’s that little bit of truth that the enemy uses to sell us a lie that has the potential to do great damage to ourselves and to our families. The lie is that we will never be enough or do enough. We constantly feel like we fall short of the ideals that we believe would help us feel good about what we are doing and give us the assurance that our kids are going to be ok. You see, the enemy KNOWS we care deeply about our children. We love them more than life itself and truly want the very best for them at all costs. So he takes that God-given desire and he effectively uses it against us. Our deep love for our children often drives us to fear. We worry about all the things concerning them. When our head hits the pillow at night in hopes for some peace and rest, we instead find ourselves ruminating over all the ways we failed that day. The judge sits behind the desk, brings down the gavel and yells, “GUILTY!” Our hearts sink and tears stream down our cheeks. As we drift off into an exhausted sleep, at best, we whisper a prayer for forgiveness and help to do better tomorrow. At worst we feel unworthy to even ask. We are engaged in a war whether we want to be or not. If you are a Christian mom you have a target on your back. The enemy knows that you have a sphere of influence that has the potential to bring down the powers of darkness. There is power in a strong, cohesive godly family and he will stop at nothing to render you as ineffective as possible. He hurls accusations to discourage you so that you will buckle under the weight of condemnation. (To read the rest of the transcript to this podcast, go to durendawilson.com)

I know there are countless moms now doing school at home for the rest of the school year due to COVID-19. They didn’t choose this, it was thrust upon them and that can be very, very stressful. Today I’m having a conversation with a friend of mine who happens to be our pastor’s wife and also with our married daughter. They each have 3 kids. I have 8 (almost all grown). We talk about where our hearts are as moms and why that is crucial especially right now, but we also discuss practical tips and ideas on ways to make the most of this time with our kids! Please share this with any moms you know who could use some encouragement!

For most of us, homeschooling is something we feel called to, but it doesn't change the fact that we sometimes feel weary. That weariness can come from a lot of things, but often unnecessary expectations are one of them. When it comes to how we live our lives, are we seeking praise from people or from God? It's worthwhile to take some time to ask ourselves this question. How about homeschooling? Are we pouring our time and energy into what amounts to people-pleasing or have we really taken the time to seek the heart of God for us and for our kids? And if we have in the past, are we continuing to do that? So here’s the thing: when we remain faithful to God’s calling on our lives we are proclaiming Christ. We are saying that HE is God and we are not and even though this journey is unconventional and misunderstood by the majority of the people in our lives, we WILL continue to be faithful to HIS calling. Today's podcast is filled with encouragement to remain faithful to the call! Resources mentioned in the podcast: The Unhurried Homeschooler Places I will be speaking in 2020 The Unhurried Homeschooler Mentoring Course I'm sharing a few recent bonus podcasts:

What If I told you that you could spend far less time at the doctor's office and prevent/treat many physical ailments at home? What if you could root out some chronic conditions safely, spending far less money on treatments that often have concerning long term effects? Given the recent epidemic of Covid-19, more moms than ever are searching for ways to keep their families healthy. We already had this particular podcast scheduled long before the crisis hit and we know that can only be a God thing! Today Melissa Crenshaw is here to share why she believes it's so important and beneficial to take charge of your family's health and ways we can do that! She will tell her personal story as well. and I believe her heart will resonate with yours! Melissa is an IBCLC (International Board Certified Lactation Consultant) and C-Hom (Certified Homeopath) Melissa's website Homeopathy Classes Find Melissa on FB: FB Page FB Group Instagram: @mmc_homeopathy Some of my favorite recipe and wellness sites: Wellness Mama Paleo Running Mama The Gracious Pantry

I love to bring relevant, and sometimes difficult topics to the podcast, not because I think parents are unaware, but to help them look at them through the lens of the gospel and scripture. We are inundated with information and much of it perpetuates fear which is NOT of God. He calls us to wisdom and discernment, but never to fear. God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power of love and of a sound mind. 1 Timothy 1:7 The topic of sexual abuse can be a difficult one to process and discuss. If you've experienced sexual abuse you likely have very strong/deeply painful feelings about it. It can also be very emotional. If you've never experienced sexual abuse, you may not be sure how to best protect your kids. Either way, our experiences can cause us to overreact or under-react. Today Kelly Winkler, a Licensed Mental Health Counselor and Christian mom shares from her many years of experience working with women who have been sexually abused. She gives timely and biblical counsel on how to protect our kids without coming from a place of fear. Even better, she guides us into ways to take what Satan means for evil and allow God to use it for good! Kelly is generously offering a coupon code to give you her online course for $20 instead of the regular price of $50! The code is DURENDA20 Resources mentioned in the podcast: The Unhurried Homeschooler(*aff link) The Wounded Heart (*aff link) Ways to connect with Kelly: Website: Shielding Innocence Counseling page: https://allthingscounseling.com Email address: [email protected] Additionally, Kelly would love to bring Shielding Innocence to churches and schools or co-ops. Her live conferences bring intimacy and a feeling of community to the material that can be so encouraging to parents!

Children are a blessing. God wants us to enjoy them. Homeschooling is a gift. I believe He wants us to enjoy that as well. Does it take some discipline and fortitude to parent well and to homeschool? Absolutely. However, I don't believe for one minute that God ever meant it to be what many of us are trying to make it. In His goodness, God often allows it to be frustrating and overwhelming because He really does have something better for us. Today I'm sharing my 24 years of experience as a homeschooling mom. I believe that children are a blessing. I was also determined to keep our kids home, but that meant I had to let God direct us and not chain myself to something that wasn't a good fit for us or I would have given up a long time ago. I am here to tell you that if God leads you to homeschool, He WILL make a way for it to work for your family. I am sharing three things that will help make homeschooling doable. It's what worked for our family. I'm hoping that these are ideas you can work with, use as inspiration to find your own way or, at the very least, be encouraged! Resources mentioned in the podcast: Article on the benefits of an unhurried approach in the early years Podcast on Why Our Kids Need to Spend Time Outside Where I will be speaking in 2020 The Unhurried Homeschooler (*aff link)

Our perspective on motherhood deeply affects how we approach it and ultimately how we walk the journey over the long haul. It also deeply affects how our children view themselves. If we mother them as though they are a blessing (like God says they are), they grow up feeling valued and become confident in who they are. It's essential that we understand the mission God has given us in motherhood and place the value on it that it deserves. We have the opportunity of a lifetime to invest wisely and intentionally. Today Marisa, from Called to Mothering, is sharing her heart in this very encouraging conversation that will inspire and motivate you to enjoy motherhood and enjoy your kids! Places I will be speaking in 2020 Ways to connect with Marisa: Called to Mothering Website Marisa's book: Bucking the System FB page: Called to Mothering Raising Kids You Enjoy Parenting Course

Twice a month I publish a podcast devotional that centers around reading God’s word out loud. I choose one particular topic and share verses and passages of scripture related to that. Sometimes I share my thoughts on the application of that scripture to our lives as moms. In this week’s Grace for a Mom’s Heart Devotional, we are digging up truths in God’s word about His provision. Fear and doubt can keep us from enjoying the assurance that God can and does take care of us. The enemy loves to use difficult circumstances or simply not knowing the truths of God’s word to discourage us and make us feel distanced from God. God CAN and DOES take care of us, but it’s our job to meditate on what is true about Him and to continually bring our cares before Him, praying for eyes to see where He is, in fact, working because I guarantee you, moms, He IS moving and working all the time. Keeping the truths of His word in the forefront of our minds is what helps us continue to believe what’s true and to be able to rest and be at peace with trusting Him. Scriptures read in the podcast (all are read from the New Living Translation unless otherwise noted: Isaiah 55:10,11 Hebrews 4:12,13 Romans 8:31-34 Matthew 6:24-34 Romans 8:34 Romans 8:26-27 Hebrews 12:5,6 (NIV) Philippians 4:11-13 (NIV) 1 Peter 1:3,4 John 10:7-10 Luke 12:22-32,33 Philippians 4:6,7 1 Corinthians 10:13 (read both NLT and NIV) John 14:27 He is Jehovah Jireh, God Provides! Places I will be speaking in 2020

Difficult finances can be such a drain mentally and emotionally, but they can also take their toll on our marriages and families. Many couples feel alone in their struggles, but please know that you are not alone and there is hope! Today I’m having an incredibly encouraging conversation with Erin Odom (The Humbled Homemaker) author of More Than Just Making It and You Can Stay Home with Your Kids! Erin shares her journey of how God led her and her husband out of financial ruin along with some of the most important principles they learned along the way. We will be talking about three of her favorite, most effective ways to curb spending, eating well on a budget, clothes shopping and more! (Giveaway ends March 12, 2020) Resources mentioned in the podcast: The Unhurried Homeschooler(aff link) Unhurried Grace for a Mom’s Heart (aff link) daveramsey.com crown.org Ways to connect with Erin: Blog: The Humbled Homemaker FB: The Humbled Homemaker IG: @thehumbledhomemaker Erin's Books (*aff links): More Than Just Making It: Hope for the Heart of the Financially Frustrated You Can Stay Home with Your Kids

Hurry can be one of our greatest temptations but also one of the fiercest enemies of family life and homeschooling, but what if we chose to slow down? What might we discover?What might we recover? Pastor Mark Buchanan shared in his book The Rest of God: Someone asked me recently what was my biggest regret in life. I thought a moment, surveying the vast and cluttered landscape of my blunders and losses, the evil I have done and the evil that’s been done against me. “Being in a hurry,” I said. “Pardon?” Being in a hurry. Getting to the next thing without fully entering the thing in front of me. I cannot think of a single advantage I’ve ever gained from being in a hurry. But a thousand broken and missed things, tens of thousands, lie in the wake of all that rushing. Through all that haste, I thought I was making up time. It turns out I was throwing it away Scriptures mentioned in the podcast: Luke 16:24-31 Deuteronomy 6:4-9 Psalm 9:10 Those who know your name trust in you, for you, Lord, have never forsaken those who seek you. Proverbs 3:5,6 Trust in the Lord with all your heart; do not depend on your own understanding. Seek his will in all you do and he will show you which path to take. Places I will be speaking in 2020

Twice a month I publish a devotional that centers around reading God’s word out loud. I choose one particular topic and share verses and passages of scripture related to that. In this week’s Grace for a Mom’s Heart Devotional, we are digging up truths in God’s word about finding peace. Peace is the deepest desire and need of the human heart, but we will never truly find it outside of our relationship with God. He is the source of peace. He is Jehovah Shalom. Verses on the power of God’s word: Isaiah 55:10,11 Hebrews 4:12,13 Verses on peace: Psalm 29:11 Isaiah 26:3 John 14:27 Luke 2:13,14 Psalm 4:8 Psalm 119:161-165 Romans 5:1-2 Philippians 4:6,7 My devotional written specifically for homeschool moms is available on Amazon: Unhurried Grace for a Mom’s Heart *aff link

I receive emails and messages from moms who want to know more about homeschooling with multiple ages. It's so much more doable than most realize! Today I am chatting with Rebecca Spooner who has 5 children and a wealth of wisdom along with an incredible resource to help those of us who are homeschooling multiple children (and those who are not)!! This podcast isn’t just informative, though, it’s loaded with inspiration and encouragement for your mom heart! You'll be glad you tuned in! Find my books on Amazon: The Unhurried Homeschooler and Unhurried Grace for a Mom's Heart (*aff links) Homegrown Generation Online Conference(*aff link) Sign up for my website/blog and receive The Little Book of Encouragement for Homeschool Moms (Wait for the pop up) The Unhurried Homeschooler Mentoring Course Ways to connect with Rebecca: Podcast/blog: homeschoolon.com(also on iTunes as Keep Calm and Homeschool On). Facebook group for the curriculum: Gather Round Homeschool Community Facebook group for Keep Calm and Homeschool On On Instagram: instagram.com/homeschoolon (Some of you have asked how you can support the podcast financially so my son, who does all of my editing, set up an account where listeners who feel led to give can support by donating as little as $2 a month. There is no pressure, but here is the link)

There is not a parent out there who hasn't struggled with anger at some point. For homeschooling parents, it can be an especially challenging issue because of the amount of time we spend with our kids. Anger can be one of those things that we keep hidden and has the potential for great destruction, but our Redeemer can change all of that! Today Chap Bettis will help us sort out where anger comes from, the different types of anger and how it is a foe, but can also be a friend! Chap is giving away 2 copies of Parenting with Patience workbook! To enter, please leave a comment ON MY WEBSITE below this podcast. (Giveaway ends February 25th) If you purchase Parenting with Patience: Overcoming Anger in the Home Workbook, Chap is offering the streaming video lessons for free! Simply send an email to Melanie [email protected] with the Amazon receipt. More info on Homegrown Generation Online Conference You can see the places I will be speaking in 2020 on my website under the "about" section! My two books: The Unhurried Homeschooler and Unhurried Grace for a Mom's Heart can be found on Amazon. Scriptures mentioned in the podcast: James 4:1, 2 Ephesians 4:30, James 1:20, Proverbs 12:18, Proverbs 29:11 Past podcast with Chap: Parenting with Confidence in a World Gone Mad Remember we are shooting for progress, not perfection! (Some of you have asked how you can support the podcast financially so my son (who does a ll my editing) set up an account where listeners who feel led to give can support by donating as little as $2 a month. There is no pressure, but here is the link) Ways to connect with Chap Bettis: Book The Disciple-Making Parent Blogging at www.theapollosproject.com/blog Podcast The Disciple-Making Parent Instagram @Chap Bettis

Sometimes it's good to be reminded of why we are doing what we are doing! Today I'm chatting with my friend Ginny Yurich who is a homeschooling mom to 5. She has such a heart for homeschooling families and today she beautifully pulls back the layers, showing us from God's Word that God cares about our kids and their education. In other words, contrary to what even many Christians believe, God has an opinion about how we educate our kids. Listen in and find some great encouragement on God's blessings when we walk in obedience to Him! Education: Does God Have an Opinion? by Israel Wayne www.1000hoursoutside.com [email protected] Facebook.com/1000hoursoutside @1000hoursoutside on Instagram Blog post if you are interested: http://curriculumoffamily.com/blog/biblical-reasons-why-homeschooling-families-thrive Some of you have asked how you can support the podcast financially so my son (who does all my editing) set up an account where listeners who feel led to give can support by donating as little as $2 a month. There is no pressure, but here is the link.

It seems like believing that God protects us is a very basic principle we should all know by now, but circumstances can cause us to doubt and be fearful. God’s Word is so clear, so powerful and brings us a clear picture of the many ways that He can and does protect us! I’ll be reading several passages out loud, praying that God will ignite your heart to faith and trust! Scriptures shared are from the New Living Translation: Isaiah 55:10, 11 Psalm 34 Psalm 121 Psalm 18 Isaiah 41:8-20 Psalm 91 2 Timothy 4:18 (Please check out my devotional on Amazon: Unhurried Grace for a Mom’s Heart) *aff link (Some of you have asked how you can support the podcast. I now have a link for anyone who would like to donate a couple of dollars a month. The podcast will continue to be available at no cost to you regardless of whether or not you choose to donate)

We are seeing parental rights being infringed upon now more than ever and it's concerning, to say the least. Parents know their children better than anyone and should have the right to make the decisions they think are best. Today I am talking with Michael Ramey, the Executive Director of parentalrights.org. We are discussing the current threats to parental rights and how you can not only be aware but also become involved in helping defend the rights of every parent, homeschoolers or not! Resources mentioned in the podcast: parentalrights.org parentalrightsfoundation.org Home School Legal Defense Association

It’s that time of year when many of us are feeling tempted to throw in the towel when it comes to homeschooling. It’s important to know that you are not alone! Today my friend Yvette and I are sharing a few tips on how to deal with burnout as well as details for an upcoming event that will be the encouragement that so many families need! Link for more details on the Homegrown Generation Online Conference (Best $20 you’ll ever spend!) Homegrown Generation Speakers (aff link) Homegrown GenerationSchedule(aff link) *Photo by Kinga Cichewicz on Unsplash

Are you or someone you know homeschooling kids who struggle with ADD/ADHD? I can't encourage you enough to listen to this podcast! Today I’m talking with Dan Marcone who is a Licensed Mental Health Counselor, Clinical Supervisor, Practice Founder & Director of Seasons Counseling in Orlando, Florida. The information and tools that Dan shares in this podcast are incredibly helpful and you don’t have to know everything about ADD/ADHD to be able to grow your kids who struggle with it. As homeschoolers, we can feel burdened by the ADD/ADHD diagnosis, but we actually have an advantage over a traditional classroom setting because we can create a learning environment for our kids that helps them thrive and fulfill the good purposes that God has for them. We simply need to be willing to think outside the box and let God lead us as we grow these unique and amazing kids! Here's a great quote to remember from today: "Positive emotion builds resilience!" Go to durendawilson.com to find resources mentioned in the podcast

Welcome to this week's episode of my devotional, Grace for a Mom's Heart! As we head into the New Year, I'm focusing more intentionally on reading the word out loud to you. Each week I will choose a specific topic and I read passages in God's Word that speak to that. God's word is powerful and doesn't come back empty. I believe that as you listen, He will reveal HImself to you in a very real and powerful way! You may even want to play it with the kids around so they can absorb it as well! (You can find my devotional, Grace for a Mom's Heart, on Amazon) Scriptures mentioned(I read from the NLT translation for these): Hebrews 4:12,13 Isaiah 55:10,11 Hebrews 4:12,13 2 Timothy 3:16,17 Isaiah 40:10-31 Psalm 46 Psalm 33 Isaiah 51:12-16 The following verses were read from the NIV translation: Isaiah 46:9-11 Psalm 115:3 Romans 9:20 Daniel 4:35

The homeschooling journey can prove to be lonely at times and it can make all the difference in the world to have the support of other moms. Sometimes our kids need exposure to more educational experiences outside the four walls of our homes or want/need interaction with other kids. These are only a few of many reasons it can be very beneficial to be part of a small co-op. But where do you begin? Today I am chatting with Nancy Manos who has been part of numerous small co-ops over her many years as a homeschool mom. It’s a great conversation about the reasons to be part of a co-op or NOT be part of one. Nancy will also share simple, essential steps and things to consider in starting your own co-op! Some of the things we will cover: Why do a small co-op? Reasons not to do a co-op What is a small co-op? Where do I find people to co-op with? What’s the best number of kids/families for a small co-op? How do we get started? Ideas for planning your co-op Advice from moms who have done co-ops Join us now for this great informational podcast! Durenda Wilson durendawilson.com

We would probably all agree with the quote that says "Comparison is the thief of joy" and yet it's such a strong temptation! Today we are going to face this topic head-on, digging into God's word to find our answers. May today be the day we ditch the comparison trap for good! (Resources and scriptures are available in the podcast notes found at durendawilson.com)

Gather the kids and find a cozy spot to relax while I read to all of you our family's favorite Christmas story! Most of my kids are grown up and some even have kids of their own, so it makes me happy to be able to share this with your family today! Are you ready?

We can feel so rushed in the midst of the Christmas season. But this time of year is really so much taking time. It's an invitation to wait in anticipation of a promise of a Messiah that was given so many years ago. Waiting isn't something that most of us do well, but why don't you join me for (literally) just a few minutes to ponder a few tender Christmas thoughts. Get your Free digital Holiday Edition of Homeschooling Today here!

Welcome to the party! I've connected with some amazing moms over the last 100 podcast episodes, so it seems appropriate that my guest today would be a friend that God brought into my life as only He could! Ginger Hubbard, author of Don't Make Me Count to Three and I Can't Believe You Just Said That!. She has a heart that beats with mine for families and reaching the hearts of our children. I share a lot about slowing down and taking a more unhurried approach to homeschooling and parenting for that very reason...to connect with our kids so we can truly reach their hearts. Today we answer questions like, "When children misbehave, how can parents view it from a heart-oriented, biblical perspective?", "How can parents get their children to actually implement the principles being taught?", and more! Ginger will also share 3 effective ways parents can reach past the outward behaviors of their children to address the issues of the heart. We are doing a HUGE giveaway. Listen in to hear how to enter! Here are the scriptures and resources mentioned in the podcast: James 1:5-8 Romans 3:23 Matthew 12:34 James 1:19 Romans 8:1 Ephesians 6:4 Ways to connect with Ginger: www.GingerHubbard.com IG - @ginger.hubbard FB - @officialgingerhubbard

I've talked to countless moms and whether they have a degree or not, NONE of them feel "qualified" to teach their children. One has to wonder why? Join me as I take this topic and filter it through both a practical and biblical perspective. You might be surprised how qualified you really are! Podcast mentioned: The Five Most Important Things We Taught our Kids Check out my book: The Unhurried Homeschooler available on Amazon!

Be intentional! It's the battle cry of the many parents out there who want to do a good job raising their kids. We want important things to STAY important things. It's no different at Christmas, but it also happens to get more complicated at Christmas. So many possibilities, so many things we could do. Today we are talking about how to cultivate your family's holiday culture. It's so important to consider where you are as a family: season of life, budget, uniquenesses of your children, etc. Heather Haupt and I are also discussing why it's important to cultivate a culture in your family, not just at Christmas but throughout the year and we will be walking you through a few guiding principles that will help you prayerfully personalize your family's holiday culture! (To enter the giveaway for Knights in Training, mentioned in the podcast, please leave a comment under this post at durendawilson.com) Heather is the author of the book Knights-in-Training: Ten Principles for Raising Honorable, Courageous and Compassionate Boys, The Ultimate Guide to Brain Breaks, as well as GO GLOBAL: A Literature-Heavy, Movement-Rich Learning Adventure. Here are ways to connect with Heather: www.CultivatedLearning.org instagram.com/cultivatedlearning facebook.com/cultivatedlearning

Today I’m sharing what I believe are the 5 most important things we’ve taught our kids over our 24 years of homeschooling! If you guessed those things have very little to do with math or language arts or history or science, you would be absolutely right, but I can tell from where I am now, these things were absolutely crucial to growing our kids into healthy, productive, responsible adults! You won't want to miss this one!

As soon as Thanksgiving dinner is over, I can hear someone fire off the starting gun and the countdown to Christmas begins. In my 28 years as a mom, every year has looked a bit different and some years were more stressful than others. I do know that the simpler I've kept it, the more we have enjoyed it which flies in the face of every commercial out there! But isn't it just like God to give us beauty in simplicity? Today my friend Ana is joining me to talk about the ways their family has kept things very simple and very focused on Christ. We each come from very different experiences in the ways we celebrate, but the really important question really is, "Where is Jesus?" Where is Jesus in the busyness, the activities, the traditions? It's a question worth asking! Join us in this mom to mom conversation! (Don't forget to enter the giveaway mentioned at the end of the podcast!) Ana is the founder of They Call Me Blessed and the creator of: 5 Days to Your Best Homeschool Years, Hebrew for Homeschoolers, Charlotte Mason Online Conference, The Homeschool Sisterhood, Grow Your Blog Partying in 30 Days, and the Beyond Blessed Life Planner. She leads a vibrant free community for homeschool moms on Facebook and you can connect with her at www.facebook.com/theycallmeblessedblog. Here is this month's podcast schedule!

Mentoring Moments is a short episode answering one question at a time of the many questions I get from homeschooling moms! It's my chance to go a little deeper into one topic in order to bring encouragement and a little more perspective. My hope is that I can help homeschooling parents relax a little more and enjoy this journey and their children! I have found that math is one of the subjects that many parents and kids struggle with the most! But how stressed do we really need to be? Listen in and be encouraged! In the next Mentoring Moments episode, I will share the 5 most important things we taught our kids! Check out my books (Available on Amazon, aff. links here) The Unhurried Homeschooler, a simple mercifully short book on homeschooling Unhurried Grace for a Mom's Heart, a devotional for homeschool moms