The Durenda Wilson Podcast

One thing we can be sure of is that we will walk through trials. The question is how will we walk through them? So much of that is determined by what we believe about trials. Do trials serve a purpose or are they just there to irritate us? Do we simply see them as problems to be solved or is there more to consider? Today I'll be sharing what a trial is, how/why they come, what our response should be and why. (Hint: not easy, but simple) Scriptures, podcasts, and resources mentioned: Romans 12:7-11 1 Peter 1:6,7 Ephesians 6:10-17 James 1:2-4 Romans 8:1-4 Philippians 4:4-7 1 Corinthians 10:13 Listen to Nancy Leigh Wolgemuth on The Wonders of His Name: https://www.reviveourhearts.com/podcast/revive-our-hearts/season/wonder-his-name/ (Please check out my latest book, The Four Hour School Day: How You and Your Kids Can Thrive in the Homeschool Life on Amazon, durendawilson.com, or your favorite bookseller!)

Family life is a spiritual calling and involves spiritual warfare and often that warfare simply involves being faithful to our duties each day without wavering. Discipline is one of those very important parental duties and requires discernment, fortitude, and perseverance to do well. We live in a culture that doesn’t value children or the raising of children. God’s perspective is the polar opposite. He tells us we are investing in eternal souls and not just those of our children, but our grandchildren and great-grandchildren and all those whose lives they touch. Let’s roll up our sleeves and get to work! Listen in for encouragement and some examples of practical discipline! Podcasts, scripture, and resources mentioned in the podcast: homeschoolingtoday.com Creating a Healthy Environment for Character Training: https://www.durendawilson.com/podcast/episode/bb0fac96/creating-a-healthy-environment-for-character-growth-podcast-282 Let’s Talk About Discipline: https://www.durendawilson.com/podcast/episode/ca27cfb2/lets-talk-about-discipline-podcast-290 Taming the ‘Tude in Your Kids: https://www.durendawilson.com/podcast/episode/c362e6a1/taming-the-tude-in-your-kids-podcast-288 Tomato Staking: A Relationship Based Parenting Tool: https://www.durendawilson.com/podcast/episode/c788594f/the-homeschool-life-tomato-staking-a-relationship-based-parenting-tool-podcast-163 Dealing with Disrespect in Our Kids: https://www.durendawilson.com/podcast/episode/c334d8f5/dealing-with-disrespect-in-our-kids-podcast-263 Retraining the Kid Who Thinks They Are in Charge: https://www.durendawilson.com/podcast/episode/ba8a1b4b/tips-for-retraining-the-kid-who-thinks-they-are-in-charge-podcast-274 When Character Training Feels Like an Obstacle: https://www.durendawilson.com/podcast/episode/1a8032c8/when-character-training-feels-like-an-obstacle-podcast-52 1 Samuel 2:12-35-The story of the disobedience of the sons of Eli 1 Samuel 3:11-14 Naming and knowing sin: https://www.gingerhubbard.com/collections/all/products/wise-words-for-moms (Please check out my latest book, The Four Hour School Day: How You and Your Kids Can Thrive in the Homeschool Life on Amazon, durendawilson.com, or your favorite bookseller!)

This is another episode in a series that I’ve been doing where I share a bit of truth and the simple, unhurried word of God. The purpose is to give you a tool that helps you and your family to meditate on God’s word. You can listen as soon as you get up, before bed, if you’re feeling anxious, during quiet time with the kids, or having a hard time sleeping, whatever works for your family! I like to share some simple truths before we dive into the main topic verses. I’m trying to do it in a way that is easy for the kids to understand as well! Sometimes it’s hard to slow down. I know I love to be productive but meditating on God’s word IS productive, in the most important way! (Please check out my latest book, The Four Hour School Day: How You and Your Kids Can Thrive in the Homeschool Life on Amazon, durendawilson.com, or your favorite bookseller!) One mom suggested including many of the passages in the show notes because her son likes to use them for copy work! Hebrews 4:12,13 For the word of God is alive and powerful. It is sharper than the sharpest two-edged sword, cutting between soul and spirit, between joint and marrow. It exposes our innermost thoughts and desires. Nothing in all creation is hidden from God. Everything is naked and exposed before his eyes, and he is the one to whom we are accountable. Isaiah 55:10, 11 The rain and snow come down from the heavens and stay on the ground to water the earth. They cause the grain to grow, producing seed for the farmer and bread for the hungry. It is the same with my word. I send it out, and it always produces fruit. It will accomplish all I want it to, and it will prosper everywhere I send it. Joshua 1:8 Keep this Book of the Law always on your lips; meditate on it day and night, so that you may be careful to do everything written in it. Then you will be prosperous and successful. Isaiah 26:3 You keep him in perfect peace whose mind is stayed on you because he trusts in you. 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 2:14 Do all things without grumbling or questioning, James 5:9 Do not grumble against one another, brothers, so that you may not be judged; behold, the Judge is standing at the door. 1 Peter 4:9 Show hospitality to one another without grumbling. Ephesians 4:29 Let no corrupting talk come out of your mouths, but only such as is good for building up, as fits the occasion, that it may give grace to those who hear. Psalm 100:4-5 Enter His gates with thanksgiving And His courts with praise. Give thanks to Him, bless His name. For the Lord is good; His lovingkindness is everlasting And His faithfulness to all generations. 1 Chronicles 16:8 Oh give thanks to the Lord, call upon His name; Make known His deeds among the peoples. 2 Chronicles 3-4 All the sons of Israel, seeing the fire come down and the glory of the Lord upon the house, bowed down on the pavement with their faces to the ground, and they worshiped and gave praise to the Lord, saying, “Truly He is good, truly His lovingkindness is everlasting.” Ezra 3:10-11 Now when the builders had laid the foundation of the temple of the Lord, the priests stood in their apparel with trumpets, and the Levites, the sons of Asaph, with cymbals, to praise the Lord according to the directions of King David of Israel. They sang, praising and giving thanks to the Lord, saying, “For He is good, for His lovingkindness is upon Israel forever.” And all the people shouted with a great shout when they praised the Lord because the foundation of the house of the Lord was laid. Psalm 68:19 Blessed be the Lord, who daily bears our burden, The God who is our salvation Psalm 106:1 Praise the Lord! Oh give thanks to the Lord, for He is good; For His lovingkindness is everlasting. 1 Thessalonians 5:18 in everything give thanks; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus. Hebrews 12:28 Therefore, since we receive a kingdom which cannot be shaken, let us show gratitude, by which we may offer to God an acceptable service with reverence and awe; Psalm 31:7-8 I will rejoice and be glad in Your lovingkindness, Because You have seen my affliction; You have known the troubles of my soul, And You have not given me over into the hand of the enemy; You have set my feet in a large place. Psalm 44:6-8 For I will not trust in my bow, Nor will my sword save me. But You have saved us from our adversaries, And You have put to shame those who hate us. In God, we have boasted all day long, And we will give thanks to Your name forever. Selah. Psalm 136:1,2 Give thanks to the Lord, for He is good, For His lovingkindness is everlasting. Give thanks to the God of gods, For His lovingkindness is everlasting. Give thanks to the Lord of lords, For His lovingkindness is everlasting. Psalm 138:1-5 A Psalm of David. I will give You thanks with all my hear

Today we're going to be talking about disciplining our kids! I’ll be talking about what biblical discipline is, why it's so important, and I'll be addressing the issue of mom-guilt. Next week, I’ll be talking about practical parenting in hopes that you will be able to catch a vision for what it might look like in your home! Podcasts, sermons, and links mentioned in this episode: Taming the 'Tude in Your Kids-https://www.durendawilson.com/podcast/episode/c362e6a1/taming-the-tude-in-your-kids-podcast-288 A Call Home: The Biblical Importance of Family-https://www.durendawilson.com/podcast/episode/c047db34/a-call-home-the-biblical-importance-of-family-podcast-279 Hindering Our Children Part 1: https://christchurchnc.org/sermons/2021-07-04-elder-wesley Hindering Our Children Part 2: https://christchurchnc.org/sermons/2021-07-11-elder-wesley Creating a Healthy Environment for Character Growth- https://www.durendawilson.com/podcast/episode/bb0fac96/creating-a-healthy-environment-for-character-growth-podcast-282 Let's Talk About Growing Character \https://www.durendawilson.com/podcast/episode/ac422ab0/lets-talk-about-growing-character-podcast-286 Got questions:https://www.gotquestions.org/raising-children.html) (Please check out my latest book, The Four Hour School Day: How You and Your Kids Can Thrive in the Homeschool Life on Amazon, durendawilson.com, or your favorite bookseller!)

Welcome to another episode of the Durenda W podcast. This episode is one in a series that I’m doing to help you and your family get to know God’s word and learn to meditate on it. A mom suggested that I include the passages in the show notes because her son sometimes likes to write them out! (Copywork for the win!) Last week we focused on the sovereignty of God. One thing I have said over and over again is this: If God were sovereign but not good, we would be in really BIG trouble! But the fact is that HE IS GOOD. This can be challenging to remember when we are facing trials and afflictions, but even those, God promises to use for OUR GOOD…for the good of our souls. So let's see what God's word has to say about his goodness and meditate on that! The Lord, the Lord God, merciful and gracious, longsuffering, and abounding in goodness and truth. Exodus 34:6 Oh, give thanks to the Lord, for He is good! For His mercy endures forever. 1 Chronicles 16:34 And they sang responsively, praising and giving thanks to the Lord: “For He is good, for His mercy endures forever toward Israel.” Ezra 3:11 Good and upright is the Lord. Psalm 25:8 Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life, and I will dwell in the house of the Lord forever. Psalm 23:6 The Lord is good to all, and His tender mercies are over all His works. Psalm 145:9 No one is good but One, that is, God. Mark 10:18 Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above and comes down from the Father of lights, with whom there is no variation or shadow of turning. James 1:17 If you then, being evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your Father who is in heaven give good things to those who ask Him! Matthew 7:11 I would have lost heart unless I had believed that I would see the goodness of the Lord in the land of the living. Psalm 27:13 I will meditate on the glorious splendor of Your majesty, and on Your wondrous works. Men shall speak of the might of Your awesome acts, and I will declare Your greatness. They shall utter the memory of Your great goodness, and shall sing of Your righteousness. Psalm 145:5-7 He loves righteousness and justice; the earth is full of the goodness of the Lord. Psalm 33:5 Oh, taste and see that the Lord is good; blessed is the man who trusts in Him! Psalm 34:8 Be thankful to Him, and bless His name. For the Lord is good; His mercy is everlasting. Psalm 100:4-5 Oh, that men would give thanks to the Lord for His goodness, and for His wonderful works to the children of men! For He satisfies the longing soul and fills the hungry soul with goodness. Psalm 107:8-9 As a father pities his children, so the Lord pities those who fear Him. For He knows our frame; He remembers that we are dust. Psalm 103:13-14 Teach me to do Your will, for You are my God; Your Spirit is good. Lead me in the land of uprightness. Psalm 143:10 The Lord is upright; He is my rock, and there is no unrighteousness in Him. Psalm 92:15 You are good, and do good; teach me Your statutes. Psalm 119:68 You also gave Your good Spirit to instruct them, and did not withhold Your manna from their mouth, and gave them water for their thirst. Nehemiah 9:20 Hear me, O Lord, for Your lovingkindness is good; turn to me according to the multitude of Your tender mercies. Psalm 69:16 The Lord is good, a stronghold in the day of trouble; and He knows those who trust in Him. Nahum 1:7 Oh, how great is Your goodness, which You have laid up for those who fear You, which You have prepared for those who trust in You in the presence of the sons of men! You shall hide them in the secret place of Your presence from the plots of man; You shall keep them secretly in a pavilion from the strife of tongues. Psalm 31:19-20 Unhurried Grace for a Mom's Heart Devotional:https://www.amazon.com/Unhurried-Grace-Moms-Heart-Days/dp/1983403962/ref=sr_1_1?crid=3QTJ8PZXRR5L6&keywords=unhurried+grace+for+a+mom%27s+heart&qid=1645201004&sprefix=Unhurried+G%2Caps%2C132&sr=8-1 (Please check out my latest book, The Four Hour School Day: How You and Your Kids Can Thrive in the Homeschool Life on Amazon, durendawilson.com, or your favorite bookseller!)

I frequently get questions from moms and recently I received an email with some concerns a mom had about her 9-year-old son who is giving her and her husband a lot of grief. So today I’m going to dive into her concerns and questions and I think you’re going to find a lot of encouragement here! Next week I will continue the conversation about child training and discipline because the truth is that unless we are really engaging that part of our role in our kids' lives, we will find our homeschooling journey much, much more difficult. It really can make all the difference! By training and teaching our kids what God thinks about everything, we are giving them a biblical worldview and helping them get to know who God is so that they can learn to hear his voice when he speaks to them. So whatever situations they are in throughout their lives they can stop and ask “How would God want me to respond to this?” and they’ll know the answer because they know their God! Podcasts on Discipline Why Discipline? https://www.durendawilson.com/podcast/episode/3acc1f6e/why-discipline-podcast-65 6 Discipline Mistakes Parents Make https://www.durendawilson.com/podcast/episode/af6560eb/on-the-porch-6-discipline-mistakes-parents-make-podcast-189 Homeschooling: Be the Parent https://www.durendawilson.com/podcast/episode/c1b2508b/homeschooling-be-the-parent-podcast-221 Tomato Staking: A Relationship-Based Parenting Tool https://www.durendawilson.com/podcast/episode/c788594f/the-homeschool-life-tomato-staking-a-relationship-based-parenting-tool-podcast-163 Recommended Book: Parenting by Paul David Tripp Check out Homeschooling today: homeschoolingtoday.com (Please check out my latest book, The Four Hour School Day: How You and Your Kids Can Thrive in the Homeschool Life on Amazon, durendawilson.com, or your favorite bookseller!)

Last week I tried something a little new. I did an episode that included me reading the word of God slowly and quietly. The purpose of this was to encourage you and your family to slow down and get to know your God by meditating on His word. We cannot live authentically as Christians if we do not know the truth about our God and we get to know Him by reading and studying His word. We make decisions every day both big and small based on what we believe about Him so it’s imperative that we actually know who He REALLY is. Every day brings challenges, frustrations, and disappointments. It's part of living on this earth. So when those situations arise, we can ask ourselves, “How does God want me to respond to this?” and we will know the answer because we KNOW Him. The things that are happening in the world are unsettling, but the truth is that unsettling things have been happening for thousands of years. As believers, we are called to respond in sincere faith and that requires us to be continually reminded that yes, God IS in control. For that reason, today we are going to meditate on the sovereignty of God! (Please check out my latest book, The Four Hour School Day: How You and Your Kids Can Thrive in the Homeschool Life on Amazon, durendawilson.com, or your favorite bookseller!)

A few episodes ago I started the conversation about growing character in our kids. I shared how we as moms have a responsibility to encourage our kids to grow in character by creating an environment that will foster that. (Here it is if you missed it: https://www.durendawilson.com/podcast/episode/bb0fac96/creating-a-healthy-environment-for-character-growth-podcast-282) Today I’m getting into the nitty-gritty of character growth: What it is, why it’s important, how we do it and when we do it. Then I will conclude this episode by answering a question I got from a mom about the issue of sharing. This episode ran longer than I expected, but I think you'll find some helpful tips and grow in your understanding of how to walk this out! It's a worthwhile investment for sure! Resources mentioned in this episode: Homeschooling Today Magazine: homeschoolingtoday.com Deuteronomy 6:1-9 Tomato Staking: A Relationship-Based Parenting Tool https://www.durendawilson.com/podcast/episode/c788594f/the-homeschool-life-tomato-staking-a-relationship-based-parenting-tool-podcast-163 When Character Training Feels Like an Obstacle (https://www.durendawilson.com/podcast/episode/1a8032c8/when-character-training-feels-like-an-obstacle-podcast-52) Creating a Healthy Environment for Character Growth https://www.durendawilson.com/podcast/episode/bb0fac96/creating-a-healthy-environment-for-character-growth-podcast-282 (Please check out my latest book, The Four Hour School Day: How You and Your Kids Can Thrive in the Homeschool Life on Amazon, durendawilson.com, or your favorite bookseller!)

Every mom struggles with anxiety to one degree or another. There are countless resources we can turn to and some of them can be useful tools that God gives to help us. However, Proverbs 3:7, 8 warns us to not be wise in our own eyes, but to fear God and shun evil which means we go to Him FIRST and care more about what He has to say than anyone else. Then it goes on to say that this will be “health to our bodies and nourishment to our bones.” God’s word is timeless, it’s free, it’s living and active and able to transform us from the inside out. I’m excited about today’s podcast because God has had me on an intense course (once again) of simplifying and slowing down. I’ve been struggling with some physical changes that are part of this season of life. This has also included some ongoing struggles with anxiety. One of the things that have been most helpful is practicing contentment through being still and listening to God’s word being spoken very slowly. This has helped me bring my mind and body into alignment with the truths of God’s word. I will share some important reminders about what God has to say about the power of His word and what it’s capable of and then I will read Psalm 1 to you slowly. You can use this to help you fall asleep at night or help you get back to sleep if you wake during the night. You can use it as a morning meditation before you even get out of bed. If the kids are out of sorts, call them together and have them lay quietly in the same room with you as you play this for them. If they are having trouble getting to sleep or feeling anxious, play it before bed or use it as a bedtime ritual. After enough listens, you and your kids will have it memorized! I'd love to hear if you'd like me to do more of these using other passages and topic-related scriptures that address things like fear, anxiety, faith, etc. (Please check out my latest book, The Four Hour School Day: How You and Your Kids Can Thrive in the Homeschool Life on Amazon, durendawilson.com, or your favorite bookseller!)

Sometimes our kids say things that feel like a punch in the gut and kick our fear/guilt response into high gear. The reality is that there could be a serious character issue that needs to be dealt with in them and other times they are just being foolish like children often are. Make no mistake, God is working in these situations. The key is to take the time to see what He's doing and cooperate with that work. Whether the work is more in us or in them is worth taking the time to discover. Last week I mentioned that birthdays, holidays, and special occasions can bring to light certain negative behaviors in our kids that need to be addressed. Today I want to talk about dealing with a pessimistic, ungrateful child and some simple ways to address that. PLEASE CHECK OUT THE FOUR HOUR SCHOOL DAY ON AMAZON, YOUR FAVORITE BOOKSELLER OR DURENDAWILSON.COM

(I encourage you to grab your teen or graduated daughters to listen in!) This is the second episode that we are talking about that season when our daughters have graduated, but aren't yet married. Johanna, our 19-year-old, graduated in 2019 and chose not to go to college. She is joining me for both episodes to share her story and what she has learned. Our family has never been ashamed of the fact that we highly value the role of being wives and moms because God clearly does. We believe that God has placed that nurturing nature into women intentionally and that it is a great gift. It's also in our nature to want to be loved by a man. There is nothing wrong with that, but how do we honor those desires in our daughters while encouraging them to be fruitful during this season of being unmarried. Once they have graduated, then what? Does God have a plan and a purpose for that season? How does the church view unmarried women? How does the culture view unmarried women? Is being unmarried a gift or an affliction? Johanna also has a podcast for young girls that she co-hosts with Julia, my daughter-in-law, called Jules and Jo so if you have daughters, please go check it out! https://open.spotify.com/show/5bUzn8arfTumoFE7QswakM?si=1ed41bcca523409f Resources: Homeschooling Today Magazine: https://homeschoolingtoday.com/ A good study Bible (One of our favorites is the New Living Translation Illustrated Study Bible. The translation isn't as precise because it communicates more in ideas and less in literal translation but if you are fairly new to studying the word, it's a great start as it's easy to understand and the study notes and devotionals are awesome!) Bible studies from The Daily Grace Co Femina Podcast with Nancy Wilson Learning Contentment: A Study for Ladies of Every Age by Nancy Wilson Single and Satisfied: A Grace-Filled Calling for the Unmarried Woman by Nancy Wilson Listen in and share with your friends! (Please check out my latest book, The Four Hour School Day: How You and Your Kids Can Thrive in the Homeschool Life on Amazon, durendawilson.com, or your favorite bookseller!)

(I encourage you to grab your teen or graduated daughters to listen in!) In this episode and the next, I'll be veering a bit off of my usual topics to talk about that season when our daughters have graduated, but aren't yet married. Johanna, our 19-year-old, graduated in 2019 and chose not to go to college. She is joining me for both episodes to share her story and what she has learned. Our family has never been ashamed of the fact that we highly value the role of being wives and moms because God clearly does. We believe that God has placed that nurturing nature into women intentionally and that it is a great gift. It's also in our nature to want to be loved by a man. There is nothing wrong with that, but how do we honor those desires in our daughters while encouraging them to be fruitful during this season of being unmarried. Once they have graduated, then what? Does God have a plan and a purpose for that season? How does the church view unmarried women? How does the culture view unmarried women? Is being unmarried a gift or an affliction? Johanna also has a podcast for young girls that she co-hosts with Julia, my daughter-in-law, called Jules and Jo so if you have daughters, please go check it out! https://open.spotify.com/show/5bUzn8arfTumoFE7QswakM?si=1ed41bcca523409f Resources: A good study Bible (One of our favorites is the New Living Translation Illustrated Study Bible. The translation isn't as precise because it communicates more in ideas and less in literal translation but if you are fairly new to studying the word, it's a great start as it's easy to understand and the study notes and devotionals are awesome!) Bible studies from The Daily Grace Co Femina Podcast with Nancy Wilson Learning Contentment: A Study for Ladies of Every Age by Nancy Wilson Single and Satisfied: A Grace-Filled Calling for the Unmarried Woman Listen in and share with your friends! (Please check out my latest book, The Four Hour School Day: How You and Your Kids Can Thrive in the Homeschool Life on Amazon, durendawilson.com, or your favorite bookseller!)

Lately, I’ve been sharing a lot about the importance of fully engaging in our roles as parents. I wanted to talk about character building today, but I realized that before I do that, it’s really important to understand that we as moms have a responsibility to create an environment for our kids that is conducive to growing their character. Listen in, be encouraged, and share with a friend! Podcast and links mentioned: Homeschooling Today Magazine: https://homeschoolingtoday.com/ https://www.familyeducation.com/how-to-determine-your-childs-love-language https://www.durendawilson.com/podcast/episode/cc187bbd/growing-healthy-families-ways-to-build-your-familys-immune-system-podcast-123 Also, here's a favorite website of mine that has simple, clean eating recipes https://www.thegraciouspantry.com/ (Please check out my latest book, The Four Hour School Day: How You and Your Kids Can Thrive in the Homeschool Life on Amazon, durendawilson.com, or your favorite bookseller!)

Now more than ever parents are seeing the need to raise strong children. As believers, we don’t just want our children to be strong in themselves, but strong in the Lord so that they can thrive in spite of what kind of pressure the culture might want to put on them to concede to secularism. In order for this to happen, it is imperative that we are intentional in our role as parents because, as we heard in last week’s episode, it's one of our primary mandates from God! Our obedience in this area has the potential to affect our culture in a big way! “The Lord your God will change your heart and the hearts of all your descendants so that you will love him with all your heart and soul and so you may live!" -Deut. 30:6 Listen in, be encouraged, and share with a friend! Homeschooling Today Magazine: https://homeschoolingtoday.com/ Related podcasts mentioned: https://www.durendawilson.com/podcast/episode/bbcf7598/guarding-against-deceptive-narratives-podcast-277 https://www.durendawilson.com/podcast/episode/c047db34/a-call-home-the-biblical-importance-of-family-podcast-279 https://www.durendawilson.com/podcast/episode/c1b2508b/homeschooling-be-the-parent-podcast-221 https://www.durendawilson.com/podcast/episode/3acc1f6e/why-discipline-podcast-65 (Please check out my latest book, The Four Hour School Day: How You and Your Kids Can Thrive in the Homeschool Life on Amazon, durendawilson.com, or your favorite bookseller!)

I periodically get questions about testing. Many moms want to know if I tested my kids and if I think it’s important or not. Last week I talked about how math is a tool. Testing is also a tool and when used at the right time can be very helpful. However, the opposite is also true. If a child is not a good test taker and/or becomes stressed in the process, you are not going to get an accurate assessment. Listen in as I talk about my personal experience homeschooling our 8 kids. I'm not a "teacher" or an "expert". I am a mom just like you simply sharing from my years of experience and my perspective now, 26 years later. (And just a side note: all of my kids are doing very well adulting and did from an early age!) If you are enjoying my podcast, please share it with your friends! Last week's podcast on Math: https://www.durendawilson.com/podcast/episode/b6a9580f/lets-talk-about-math-podcast-278 (Please check out my latest book, The Four Hour School Day: How You and Your Kids Can Thrive in the Homeschool Life on Amazon, durendawilson.com, or your favorite bookseller!)

Today I want to talk about just how crucial our roles at home really are. All throughout scripture, God references the family in countless ways because the family is what bears His image to the world. I’ve said over and over again that the most effective way to change the culture is for Christian parents to fully engage in their roles at home. Listen in to this conversation with Wes, a local pastor, husband, and father of four (who also happens to homeschool) as we talk about why the call home is essential for every believing parent! Links to podcasts mentioned: https://www.durendawilson.com/podcast/episode/d8683568/applying-romans-13-to-the-here-and-now-podcast-183 https://www.durendawilson.com/podcast/episode/c37c85ab/homeschooling-the-importance-of-a-biblical-education-podcast-231 Need resources on biblical roles? Here are a few to check out: Reforming Marriage The Fruit of Her Hands Standing on the Promises For more messages by Pastor Wes, listen here: https://anchor.fm/christ-church-nc/episodes/1-Peter-21-3-e1ce9u9 For past messages on the family, listen to messages dated from May 30-July 11 here: https://christchurchnc.org/sermons (Please check out my latest book, The Four Hour School Day: How You and Your Kids Can Thrive in the Homeschool Life on Amazon, durendawilson.com, or your favorite bookseller!)

I often have moms reaching out to me to ask me about math. Maybe their child hates it and they're struggling to help them. They can't seem to find an approach that works or they hated math as a student or weren’t good at it and aren't sure how they're going to teach their kids. If you can relate, please know you are not alone: Put simply, math is the bane of many a home-school mom’s existence. Today, I'm going to share with you my personal experience homeschooling our 8 kids. I'm not a math professional or a teacher, just a regular mom sharing from my perspective now, 26 years and 7 graduates later! I know you'll be encouraged! If you know other moms who might enjoy this podcast, please share it with other moms! Homeschooling Today Magazine at homeschoolingtoday.com Video link mentioned in the podcast: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xyowJZxrtbg&t=623s (Please check out my latest book, The Four Hour School Day: How You and Your Kids Can Thrive in the Homeschool Life on Amazon, durendawilson.com or your favorite bookseller!)

Narratives are essentially stories. We are all living from a narrative in our heads, but the question is what or whose narrative? Let’s pause for a few minutes and take stock of what we are believing. God’s word says that as a man thinks in his heart, so is he. Moms we are responsible to guard our hearts because everything we do flows from them and we want life and truth flowing from our hearts so that we are wise women who build our homes, not foolish ones who tear them down! (Proverbs 14:1) Scriptures mentioned: 1 Peter 5:8-11 Proverbs 4:23 1 Timothy 6:6 Phil 4:13 Romans 12:1-6 Lamentations 3:22-23 Psalm 75:7 Psalm 50:6 Isaiah 33:22 John 8:44 James 1:5-8 Homeschooling Today Magazine at homeschoolingtoday.com (Please check out my latest book, The Four Hour School Day: How You and Your Kids Can Thrive in the Homeschool Life at durendawilson.com, Amazon or your favorite bookseller!)

This is the 55th time I have rung in the New Year. It’s from this perspective that I want to share a few things that I want you to remember as we head into 2022. What has anchored me over and over again throughout these years? What did my devotional life look like with 8 kids? (It's probably not what you are thinking!) Please share this podcast with your friends! For more encouragement, use the search bar on the podcast page on my website! Just enter keywords to find the encouragement you need! There are over 270 episodes! Scriptures shared: Romans 8:31-39 Matthew 6:25-34 (My devotional, Unhurried Grace for a Mom’s Heart, is a great way to get back into God’s word in the coming year! Find it at durendawilson.com) The Four Hour School Day: How You and Your Kids Can Thrive in the Homeschool life is an Amazon best-seller! Find it on Amazon, durendawilson.com, or your favorite bookseller!)

Most families have at least one kid who seems to think they are in charge. Sometimes a special occasion like birthdays, holidays, or vacations kicks that into high gear. Listen in to this short podcast to hear some tips for retraining the kid who thinks he/she is in charge! PLEASE CHECK OUT MY BEST SELLER, THE FOUR HOUR SCHOOL DAY, ON AMAZON, YOUR FAVORITE BOOKSELLER OR DURENDAWILSON.COM

Life can be hard, but when that hard happens during the Christmas season, the hard can feel magnified. Sometimes we just need permission to be ok with the fact that certain expectations are simply not going to be met. Stepping back and looking at the grand scheme of things can often help us gain a little more perspective. I hope you'll listen in, be encouraged, and when you've done that, take a few moments to soak in this sweet song! PLEASE CHECK OUT THE FOUR HOUR SCHOOL DAY ON AMAZON, YOUR FAVORITE BOOKSELLER OR DURENDAWILSON.COM

)This is the final episode in the Unhurried Christmas Grace series! 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! LISTEN TO AN UNHURRIED CHRISTMAS(https://www.durendawilson.com/podcast/episode/6a9fc0e8/an-unhurried-christmas-podcast-101 PLEASE CHECK OUT THE FOUR HOUR SCHOOL DAY ON AMAZON, YOUR FAVORITE BOOKSELLER OR DURENDAWILSON.COM

)Get your Free digital Holiday Edition of Homeschooling Today here! 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? LISTEN TO THE PODCAST HERE (https://www.durendawilson.com/podcast/episode/bc135b67/our-familys-favorite-christmas-story-read-aloud-podcast-102) PLEASE CHECK OUT THE FOUR HOUR SCHOOL DAY ON AMAZON, YOUR FAVORITE BOOKSELLER OR DURENDAWILSON.COM

Does it feel like God is requiring more of you today than ever before? I’m right there with you. Maybe you are suffering through a particularly difficult trial. Maybe God is calling you to persevere in everyday life like never before. You are not alone. I think it’s important to know that we are not alone, but it’s even more important to know that as believers...(read the full transcript at durendawilson.com: https://www.durendawilson.com/post/is-god-requiring-more-of-you-now-than-ever)

As we wrestle with the challenges we are currently experiencing, many of us are asking questions like these: Can God rescue us from the problems we face? Can He save us from oppressive world powers? Can He break the power of our sin and help us deal with its consequences? These are pressing questions that every generation of Christians has asked and today we are going to find out how we can steer clear of panic/despair and anger and move toward joyfully engaging in the battle (that we will win) and delighting in our obedience to Christ! Please check out The Homeschooling Today Magazine at Get your Free digital Holiday Edition of Homeschooling Today here! homeschoolingtoday.com USE THIS LINK TO LISTEN TO THE PODCAST PLEASE CHECK OUT THE FOUR HOUR SCHOOL DAY ON AMAZON, YOUR FAVORITE BOOKSELLER OR DURENDAWILSON.COM

I love it when God lays encouragement on my heart to share with you in a moment when I didn't expect it. That is what today's podcast is. I hope you'll take a few minutes to sit back and let your heart be filled! (Note: I mention Mary's presence throughout Jesus' life. I wanted to clarify that she may not have been physically present for the resurrection and ascension, but she was alive and I'm confident had knowledge of all of it!) Verses shared: Luke 1: 46-56 Hebrews 12:1-3 Proverbs 3:5-8 James 2:18,26 Please check out my bestseller, The Four Hour School Day on Amazon, your favorite bookseller, or at my website, durendawilson.com

Today I’m sharing with you why I wrote my new book. It’s not a marketing podcast. It’s a very short explanation of why I can’t tell you exactly HOW to homeschool your kids. I am confident you won’t be disappointed as I share several things that you may not have ever really thought about and how knowing these things will help you homeschool more confidently. The ultimate goal of The Four Hour School Day? To realize how doable homeschooling really is and that yes, you are in fact qualified to give your kids a full and robust education…and it doesn’t have to take all day! Please check out The Four Hour School Day on Amazon, your favorite bookseller, or at my website, durendawilson.com

Throughout the holiday season, I thought it would be fun to revisit some Christmas-related topics that I’ve recorded in the past. We have had over 50K downloads in the last 30 days, so I know there are many new listeners out there, and even if you aren't a new listener and you actually remember these episodes chances are you will STILL be encouraged by hearing them again! I have current episodes posted over these weeks as well, but I'm really trying to spend time with my family and keep things simple and unhurried through this season. I hope you are too! (Check out Homeschooling Today magazine at homeschoolingtoday.com) Get your Free digital Holiday Edition of Homeschooling Today here! LISTEN TO THIS EPISODE USING THIS LINK Here is today’s episode description: Welcome to Unhurried Christmas Grace, a short podcast series I am doing during the month of December to help us keep our eyes on Jesus during this Christmas season. Today we are reading from Luke 1:39-55. This is the interaction between Mary and Elizabeth and it has some wonderful application to our lives! Please listen as we find out more about taking a humble posture of waiting during this Christmas season! PLEASE CHECK OUT THE FOUR HOUR SCHOOL DAY ON AMAZON, YOUR FAVORITE BOOKSELLER OR DURENDAWILSON.COM

Hey Everyone! I'm throwing an extra short podcast in here this week sharing my heart and hopefully bringing you a dose of encouragement as we head into the Christmas season! You all are the BEST! Really! I'm so thankful that God connected us. I so appreciate all of your notes and messages encouraging me to keep sharing! Thank you for that! Hugs from one mom to another! Durenda

Throughout the holiday season, I thought it would be fun to revisit some Christmas-related topics that I’ve recorded in the past. We have had over 50K downloads in the last 30 days, so I know there are many new listeners out there, and even if you aren't a new listener and you actually remember these episodes chances are you will STILL be encouraged by hearing them again! I have current episodes posted over these weeks as well, but I'm really trying to spend time with my family and keep things simple and unhurried through this season. I hope you are too! USE THIS LINK TO LISTEN Here is today’s episode description: Today’s episode is called, Cultivating Your Family’s Holiday Culture 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! PLEASE CHECK OUT THE FOUR HOUR SCHOOL DAY ON AMAZON, YOUR FAVORITE BOOKSELLER OR DURENDAWILSON.COM

Throughout the holiday season, I thought it would be fun to revisit some Christmas-related topics that I’ve recorded in the past. We have had over 50K downloads in the last 30 days, so I know there are many new listeners out there, and even if you aren't a new listener and you actually remember these episodes chances are you will STILL be encouraged by hearing them again! I have current episodes posted over these weeks as well, but I'm really trying to spend time with my family and keep things simple and unhurried through this season. I hope you are too! LISTEN USING THIS LINK:https://www.durendawilson.com/podcast/episode/b5c43a41/unhurried-christmas-grace-when-god-flips-your-plan-podcast-180 Here is today’s episode description. We all enjoy being able to make plans and see them unfold, but what about when God flips the plan? What then? How do we respond? I'm pretty sure that Mary's dream was not to live out a story that seemed impossible to believe and yet, when God revealed His plan to her, her response was one of humble obedience. All of us have experienced and will experience defining moments when God changes the trajectory of our lives. Let's look more closely at Mary's example in order to glean truths that can help us respond when God flips the plan. Mom’s Retreat Mentioned: homeschoolmomsretreat.com Code: DURENDA PLEASE CHECK OUT THE FOUR HOUR SCHOOL DAY ON AMAZON, YOUR FAVORITE BOOKSELLER OR DURENDAWILSON.COM

I wanted to speak directly to the fear that I know I’ve felt as I’ve seen so many directly affected by job loss, potential job loss, forced moves, and facing circumstances that they never expected. The fear is real, it’s humanly understandable, but there is a remedy for it and it’s simpler (yet harder) than one might think. However, it is life-changing. As modern people with SO many resources at our disposal, we often overindulge and end up overwhelming ourselves because we take in way more than we can actually meaningfully apply and obey. Listen in and be encouraged! We really DON’T have to fear bad news. Song: King of the World Resources shared: Attributes of God by A.W. Pink Proverbs 29:25 Proverbs 3:5-8 Isaiah 40:26-28 (If you haven't checked out my new book, The Four Hour School Day please do that! As a 25+ year veteran homeschooling mom of 8, I share WHY you can give your kids a robust education in four hours a day or less! FIND IT AT DURENDAWILSON.COM, Amazon, or your favorite bookseller)

In a world that is moving and changing at warp speed, sometimes I feel like I can’t keep up. How do I navigate something that doesn’t stay the same for what feels like any longer than a nanosecond? How am I supposed to keep a perspective of my place in this world and more importantly, my role as a believer? I have been praying over this since early 2020. I have often bunny trailed into places I’ve never ventured before thinking that since everything is seeming like such a hot mess, maybe God wants me to do things I’ve never done before like become more of an activist. After all, most of my kids are grown and so I “could” do more of those things. He has allowed me to go down some of those trails for short time and what I found is that they are more like black holes than trails. God, in His faithfulness, has continually led me back to the words “simple” and “unhurried” time and time again. As a culture, we are overwhelmed with information, both bad and good. I can spend hours pouring over the latest political or pandemic happenings. I can even more easily spend hours utilizing the endless resources available to study scripture, listen to great teachings and read books on slowing down and simplifying. But here’s the problem: I am human. I am finite. I am limited in my ability to apply and obey the total sum of all the available resources. So if I am chasing my tail trying to implement every good idea or principle I read or hear or come across, even those based on scripture….(read the rest of the podcast by going to durendawilson.com) Comforts From the Cross by Elyse Fitzpatrick

I encourage parents to be patient and not to put too much book pressure on their kids too early. We can often gauge what they are ready for by their response to said schoolwork. However, regardless of whether or not they are ready for it, their responses to us need to be respectful. In fact, before we ever approach solving the schoolwork issue, we must address the respect issue because our homeschooling journey won’t go well if our kids are in a habit of being disrespectful. Listen in for tips on dealing with disrespect in our kids! (If you haven't checked out my new book, The Four Hour School Day please do that! As a 25+ year veteran homeschooling mom of 8, I share WHY you can give your kids a robust education in four hours a day or less! FIND IT AT DURENDAWILSON.COM, Amazon, or your favorite bookseller)

I’m super excited to tell you that Schoolhouse Rocked the documentary is now available to stream! You won’t want to miss this super encouraging film on homeschooling that will help solidify your decision to homeschool and might just be the little nudge that so many parents need to jump into their own homeschooling adventure. So many parents are struggling with school boards and their right to decide what’s best for their kids! Homeschooling frees parents from that battle and allows them to decide what’s best for their kids! Homeschooling is more doable than most families realize and can help grow kids that are creative, flexible, problem solvers…ones that are ready to face the future with hope and confidence! Join me as I visit with Yvette Hampton, Producer of Schoolhouse Rocked! To stream Schoolhouse Rocked to your home, go to: https://watch.schoolhouserocked.com To host a group showing: https://faithcontentnetwork.com/host-schoolhouse-rocked Website: https://schoolhouserocked.com (If you haven't checked out my new book, The Four Hour School Day please do that! As a 25+ year veteran homeschooling mom of 8, I share WHY you can give your kids a robust education in four hours a day or less! FIND IT AT DURENDAWILSON.COM, Amazon, or your favorite bookseller)

After over 26 years of homeschooling our 8 kids (7 graduated), I can tell you that curriculum is important, but not as important as you might think. Today I’m sharing some myths/lies that we tend to believe about curriculum along with some truths that are important to keep in mind so that you can make wise choices for your family. Podcasts mentioned: 8 Great Smarts for Homeschoolers with Dr. Kathy Koch Why Chores are Essential Essentials in Early Education Here are a few curriculum choices our family has enjoyed over the years (not an exhaustive list!): Through 2nd grade-100 Easy Lessons to Teach Your Child to Read, Horizons math, workbooks from Costco/Walmart (I explain why in this video). 3-8th grade-Teaching Textbooks, Horizons, Notgrass American History(7th/8th gr), Math U See, Saxon (only for my math/logic minded kids), Key To Math series (if they are struggling with the basics) Learning Language Arts Through Literature (we handled science and history in an unconventional way that I describe in my books, The Unhurried Homeschooler and The Four Hour School Day) High School: Mystery of History, 101 Series (science), consumer math (If you haven't checked out my new book, The Four Hour School Day please do that! As a 25+ year veteran homeschooling mom of 8, I share WHY you can give your kids a robust education in four hours a day or less! FIND IT AT DURENDAWILSON.COM, Amazon, or your favorite bookseller)

As promised, I am doing one short devotional a week. We can’t be godly wives and mothers unless we are godly women. That starts by making sure that our souls are being nurtured by God through His word and prayer. Typically these devotionals will be shorter than this one, but what can I say? There was so much to share from Psalm 46 that seemed too good to skip and given the increased spiritual battles that are going on all around us, we need it! Resources used and shared: New Living Translation Illustrated Study Bible Torah of Surrender Unhurried Grace for a Mom’s Heart ( a devotional I wrote specifically for homeschooling moms!) (If you haven't checked out my new book, The Four Hour School Day please do that! As a 25+ year veteran homeschooling mom of 8, I share WHY you can give your kids a robust education in four hours a day or less! FIND IT AT DURENDAWILSON.COM, Amazon, or your favorite bookseller)

Have you considered homeschooling your children but are overwhelmed thinking of how to teach them? Or maybe you’re a seasoned homeschooler, but just can’t figure out how to get through to one (or more) of your children. Does your child love to build things but cannot.sit.still? How can you teach based on noticeable unique strengths? Today, Dr. Kathy Koch and I continue talking about ways to recognize and teach to your child’s unique strengths and help them in their areas of weakness! Ways to connect with Dr. Kathy: CelebrateKids.com facebook.com/celebratekidsinc instagram.com/celebratekidsinc pinterest.com/celebratekidsinc shop.celebratekids.com/ celebratekids.com/newsletter/ (If you haven't checked out my new book, The Four Hour School Day please do that! As a 25+ year veteran homeschooling mom of 8, I share WHY you can give your kids a robust education in four hours a day or less! FIND IT AT DURENDAWILSON.COM, Amazon, or your favorite bookseller)

Have you considered homeschooling your children but are overwhelmed thinking of how to teach them? Or maybe you’re a seasoned homeschooler, but just can’t figure out how to get through to one (or more) of your children. Does your child love to build things but cannot.sit.still? How can you teach based on noticeable unique strengths? Today Dr. Kathy Koch joins me in talking about ways to recognize and teach to your child’s unique strengths and help them in their areas of weakness! Ways to connect with Dr. Kathy: CelebrateKids.com facebook.com/celebratekidsinc instagram.com/celebratekidsinc pinterest.com/celebratekidsinc shop.celebratekids.com/ celebratekids.com/newsletter/ (If you haven't checked out my new book, The Four Hour School Day please do that! As a 25+ year veteran homeschooling mom of 8, I share WHY you can give your kids a robust education in four hours a day or less! FIND IT AT DURENDAWILSON.COM, Amazon, or your favorite bookseller)

This podcast is a little different in that I’m sharing my recent experience with burnout and how God has revealed himself to me in the midst of it. My intention is that you would be filled with courage as you continue to be faithful to the good work that God has given you in the life of your family. God is sovereign over the events that are happening in the world. We aren’t responsible for “fixing” everything. Although as believers we speak and live God’s truth, one of the most powerful and long-lasting ways we impact the world is by speaking and living God’s truth in our church community and at home as we raise our children and love our husbands. Simple. Unhurried. This has been where God has brought me back to over and over again. In the midst of difficulty, struggles, trials, temptations, and burnout, He wants to lead us back to unforced rhythms of grace, not simply for our comfort, but also as a testimony to a hurting world that peace can only be found in Him. Your testimony at home matters. (If you haven't checked out my new book, The Four Hour School Day please do that! As a 25+ year veteran homeschooling mom of 8, I share WHY you can give your kids a robust education in four hours a day or less! FIND IT AT DURENDAWILSON.COM, Amazon, or your favorite bookseller)

Husbands: How to Support Your Homeschooling Wife We are changing things up in this episode (and the last)! Jerrad Lopes from dadtired.com is joining us today to specifically encourage husbands! There is lots of encouragement for wives as well, so why not make it a date to listen together! You won’t be disappointed! Ways to connect with Jerrad: Community: connect.dadtired.com Instagram: @dad.tired All resources: dadtired.com (If you haven't checked out my new book, The Four Hour School Day please do that! As a 25+ year veteran homeschooling mom of 8, I share WHY you can give your kids a robust education in four hours a day or less! FIND IT AT DURENDAWILSON.COM, Amazon, or your favorite bookseller)

Husbands: Protecting Your Wife from Fear We are changing things up in this episode (and the next)! Jerrad Lopes from dadtired.com is joining us today to specifically encourage husbands! There is lots of encouragement for wives as well, so why not make it a date to listen together! You won’t be disappointed! Ways to connect with Jerrad: Community: connect.dadtired.com Instagram: @dad.tired All resources: dadtired.com (If you haven't checked out my new book, The Four Hour School Day please do that! As a 25+ year veteran homeschooling mom of 8, I share WHY you can give your kids a robust education in four hours a day or less! FIND IT AT DURENDAWILSON.COM, Amazon, or your favorite bookseller)

I recently received this question from a homeschool mom (Rebecca) and I thought it was so good that I would share it in a podcast! “I have listened to so many of your podcasts, and I know you believe in a very relaxed approach for the younger years. You encourage a similar approach to high school, but you work with an even stronger emphasis on owning their lives and education. My question is, do you think all of the traditional high school courses are necessary if they’re not going to college? If your state doesn’t require specific courses to graduate, then do you think it’s all truly necessary?” Navigating the Post High School Years Homeschooling a Struggling Learner Through High School If you haven't checked out my new book, The Four Hour School Day please do that! As a 25+ year veteran homeschooling mom of 8, I share WHY you can give your kids a robust education in four hours a day or less! FIND IT AT DURENDAWILSON.COM, Amazon, or your favorite bookseller)

Many parents homeschool their kids because they have one or more struggling learners, but often they feel ill-equipped and inadequate for the job. They know the traditional classroom setting isn’t working, but lack the confidence they would like to have when homeschooling their struggling high school learner. Entering the high school years as a homeschooling parent is the time when many who have average students begin to sweat bullets, but if you’ve got a struggling learner, the thought of meeting all the traditional standard criteria for high school can feel just plain hopeless. Fear not! Today my friend Peggy Ployhar joins me to talk about homeschooling with confidence when homeschooling a struggling learner through high school! Ways to connect with Peggy: Website: https://spedhomeschool.com/ Podcast: https://www.podomatic.com/podcasts/spedhomeschool Blog: http://spedhomeschool.com/articles/ YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/spedhomeschool High School Master Class: https://www.empoweredhomeschool.org/high-school-master-class If you haven't checked out my new book, The Four Hour School Day please do that! As a 25+ year veteran homeschooling mom of 8, I share WHY you can give your kids a robust education in four hours a day or less! FIND IT AT DURENDAWILSON.COM, Amazon, or your favorite bookseller)

Many parents homeschool their kids because they have one or more struggling learners, but often they feel ill-equipped and inadequate for the job. They know the traditional classroom setting isn’t working, but lack the confidence they would like to have when homeschooling their child. Today my friend Peggy Ployhar joined me to talk about homeschooling with confidence when teaching a struggling learner. Ways to connect with Peggy: Website: https://spedhomeschool.com/ Podcast: https://www.podomatic.com/podcasts/spedhomeschool Blog: http://spedhomeschool.com/articles/ YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/spedhomeschool High School Master Class: https://www.empoweredhomeschool.org/high-school-master-class (If you haven't checked out my new book, The Four Hour School Day please do that! As a 25+ year veteran homeschooling mom of 8, I share WHY you can give your kids a robust education in four hours a day or less! FIND IT AT DURENDAWILSON.COM, Amazon or your favorite bookseller)

Today's podcast is a mercifully short one. I share a short story that I heard years ago that begs the question: What are we hanging on to that God is asking us to let go of? He is a GOOD God and today's short podcast is a poignant reminder of that. (If you haven't checked out my new book, The Four Hour School Day please do that! As a 25+ year veteran homeschooling mom of 8, I share WHY you can give your kids a robust education in four hours a day or less!)

In spite of the fact that I have been a believer my entire life, I have struggled with anxiety off and on over the years and still do. There are times it has been debilitating. I’d like to say that I have overcome anxiety and never struggle anymore, but that would be a flat-out lie. However, God has given me wisdom that I can go back to over and over again whenever I am in a season of struggling with anxiety. Today I am sharing just a few simple principles/practices that have helped me over the years and that I still find very effective. Scriptures mentioned: Hebrews 12:11 For the moment all discipline seems painful rather than pleasant, but later it yields the peaceful fruit of righteousness to those who have been trained by it. Proverbs 25:28 A man without self-control is like a city broken into and left without walls. 1 Corinthians 9:24-27 Do you not know that in a race all the runners run, but only one receives the prize? So run that you may obtain it. Every athlete exercises self-control in all things. They do it to receive a perishable wreath, but we an imperishable. So I do not run aimlessly; I do not box as one beating the air. But I discipline my body and keep it under control, lest after preaching to others I myself should be disqualified. 2 Timothy 1:7 God did not give us a spirit of fear, but of power of love and of self-control (self-discipline) John 4:18,19 Perfect love casts out fear because fear has to do with punishment. The one who fears is not made perfect in love. We love because he first loved us. Phil 4:6,7 Be anxious for nothing but in everything with prayer and supplication WITH THANKSGIVING, let your requests be made known unto God and the peace of God that transcends all understanding will guard your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus” (James 1:5-8) Books mentioned: The Sovereignty of God-AW Pink (not an easy read) Is God Really in Control-Jerry Bridges Humble Roots-Hannah Anderson The Attributes of God-Arthur Pink (When we know our God well, it is far easier to trust Him which reduces our anxiety) Message mentioned: The Sinfulness of Worry (If you haven't checked out my new book, The Four Hour School Day please do that! As a 25+ year veteran homeschooling mom of 8, I share WHY you can give your kids a robust education in four hours a day or less!)

A while back I asked, “If you could ask a veteran homeschooling mom anything, what would it be?” Today I am answering three of those questions: How do you help/encourage teens to explore options after high school? I have a junior in high school that doesn’t have a clue what direction he wants to go. He goes between engineer and car mechanic…..very different paths! As a former public school teacher, the homeschool world was never ever something I expected to find let alone to admire it. My question is how do you discern when you’re trying to force something on your children and when it’s God calling you out of your comfort zone? I loved the last half of your new book, especially the boy part! I know all these things but how specifically did you “say fewer words!?” I am horrible at talking too much!! Podcast mentioned: Navigating the Post High School Years https://www.durendawilson.com/podcast-1/episode/c9196c29/navigating-the-post-high-school-years-podcast-32 (If you haven't checked out my new book, The Four Hour School Day please do that! As a 25+ year veteran homeschooling mom of 8, I share WHY you can give your kids a robust education in four hours a day or less!)

Have you ever noticed that the pace of the children seems to inevitably be slower than we want or would tend to go? What if this is actually God’s plan? What if slowing down is God’s way of helping our children learn and develop naturally, instead of having to force things? Today I’m honing in on the need to slow down for the sake of the children. I’m reading a little bit from my book, The Unhurried Homeschooler, and from The Four Hour School Day. (Let me clarify that this isn't permission to let the children run the show. You are still the parent, always. However, it can be easy to run at a frenetic pace that simply isn't good for the children OR us!) (If you haven't checked out my new book, The Four Hour School Day please do that! As a 25+ year veteran homeschooling mom of 8, I share WHY you can give your kids a robust education in four hours a day or less!)

Ready to start homeschooling or at least considering it? (Maybe you know someone who is?) Today I share the last 3 of 4 practical steps to get started on your homeschooling journey! (I share the first step and debunk common myths about homeschooling in part 1) Making the decision Moving forward Connecting Deciding on your approach Books mentioned in this episode: The Four Hour School Day-Durenda Wilson The Unhurried Homeschooler-Durenda Wilson Better Late Than Early-Raymond and Dorothy Moore (This book can be difficult to find as it's an older one, but The Unhurried Homeschooler has similar principles) The Successful Homeschool Journey (or Home School Burnout)-Raymond and Dorothy Moore For the Children’s Sake-Susan Schaeffer Macaulay Learning All the Time and Teach Your Own-John Holt Access Encouraging a Homeschool Heart Devotional by Durenda Wilson Blog post on different homeschool approaches(remember that you don't have to choose just one! You can combine approaches to best fit your children and family!) Podcasts mentioned: The Homeschool Life: Simple Ways to Avoid Being Overwhelmed How to Start Homeschooling without Getting Overwhelmed (If you haven't checked out my new book, The Four Hour School Day please do that! As a 25+ year veteran homeschooling mom of 8, I share WHY you can give your kids a robust education in four hours a day or less!)