The Durenda Wilson Podcast

Ready to start homeschooling or at least considering it? (Maybe you know someone who is?) Today I debunk some common myths about homeschooling and share the first of 4 practical steps to get started on your homeschooling journey! The other three steps will be shared in the next episode! Making the decision Moving forward Connecting Deciding on your approach Podcast: Why You Don't Need to Know Everything to Give Your Kids a Great Education Podcast: Transitioning from Traditional School to Homeschool (this one is more about the heart transition) HSLDA.org (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!)

Sara and I have been friends for a long, long time. We both homeschooled all of our kids and now almost all are grown and gone. There is something about walking alongside another homeschool mom for that long. It creates bonds that can never be broken. I moved across the country, but Sara came to visit, so we sat down together to talk about homeschooling. I wanted her to share some things about her homeschooling journey because I think stories are fun and inspiring! I hope you enjoy our conversation! (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!)

So much of raising healthy, productive adults has to do with relationships throughout their childhood. Making connections with our kids and giving them opportunities to build healthy relationships with friends and with learning requires some thought and intention. So how do you make relationships with your kids fresh, exciting, heartfelt, and happy? My guest, Greta Eskridge, says to break away from the routine! Intentional adventures away from the comforts of home create bonding and sharing opportunities that will last a lifetime! In this 2 part podcast, Greta answers questions like: Why is connection so important? Can you still adventure with your kids if you aren't outdoorsy? What about when things go wrong on adventures? Convincing young kids to adventure doesn't sound too difficult, but what about teens? How do you make adventuring a part of your home school days? Besides connecting through adventure, you are passionate about helping families fight pornography. Those two things don't seem to go together. Is there a connection? Ways to connect with Greta: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/maandpamodern/ Website: http://www.gretaeskridge.com Adventuring Together (book) (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!)

So much of raising healthy, productive adults has to do with relationships throughout their childhood. Making connections with our kids and giving them opportunities to build healthy relationships with friends and with learning requires some thought and intention. So how do you make relationships with your kids fresh, exciting, heartfelt, and happy? My guest, Greta Eskridge, says to break away from the routine! Intentional adventures away from the comforts of home create bonding and sharing opportunities that will last a lifetime! In this podcast, Greta answers questions like: Why is connection so important? Can you still adventure with your kids if you aren't outdoorsy? What about when things go wrong on adventures? Convincing young kids to adventure doesn't sound too difficult, but what about teens? How do you make adventuring a part of your home school days? Besides connecting through adventure, you are passionate about helping families fight pornography. Those two things don't seem to go together. Is there a connection? Ways to connect with Greta: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/maandpamodern/ Website: http://www.gretaeskridge.com Adventuring Together (book) (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!)

Today I want to talk to any moms out there who have littles and might be feeling a bit (or a lot) overwhelmed! All eight of our kids were born in 13 years. We had two girls first and then 4 boys in less than 6 years. The last two (a girl and boy) were born within 4 years after that, so I’ve been there. Some days really do just feel like survival, but we want that to be the exception, not the rule. Listen in for practical tips that will help you thrive in this very special season. (If you haven't read my new book, please check it out: The Four Hour School Day, How You and Your Kids Can Thrive in the Homeschool Life!)

The enemy is insidious and disguises himself as an angel of light. Often, without realizing it, both we and our children can easily absorb these lies and inhibit our ability to think biblically. Today, Elizabeth Urbanowitz from Foundation Worldview joins us as she shares the last 4 of 7 lies our kids(and maybe we) very well may believe! She will also give us some activities to do with our kids to help combat each lie and reinforce biblical truth! (The first three are covered in part 1) Ways to connect with Elizabeth: Foundation Website Foundation Facebook Page Foundation Instagram (If you've read my new book, please leave a review so the booksellers will show it to more moms as they search the sites and you haven't read it, please check it out...The Four Hour School Day, How You and Your Kids Can Thrive in the Homeschool Life!)

The enemy is insidious and disguises himself as an angel of light. Often, without realizing it, both we and our children can easily absorb these lies and inhibit our ability to think biblically. Today, Elizabeth Urbanowitz from Foundation Worldview joins us as she shares the first 3 of 7 lies our kids(and maybe we) very well may believe! She will also give us some activities to do with our kids to help combat each lie and reinforce biblical truth! (We will cover the last 4 in part 2) Ways to connect with Elizabeth: Foundation Website Foundation Facebook Page Foundation Instagram (If you've read my new book, please leave a review so the booksellers will show it to more moms as they search the sites and you haven't read it, please check it out...The Four Hour School Day, How You and Your Kids Can Thrive in the Homeschool Life!)

Today I want to talk about transitioning from traditional school to homeschool. I know there are a lot of parents out there with a sort of deer in the headlights feeling right now. I just did a podcast on feeling forced to homeschool and for many families, this is the case. School boards across the nation are literally locking parents out who aren't cooperating with their agenda and refusing to listen to what the parents have to say concerning their kids. Consequently, many families are choosing to homeschool who might not have otherwise. In my recent podcast on feeling forced to homeschool, I help parents walk through some of the feelings that they may be having as well as encouraging homeschoolers to come alongside these families and support them. Before we can do that well, we need to understand some of the things they might be feeling and dealing with right now and that's what I talked about in the podcast along with suggestions on how we can best help them. Today I want to continue the conversation by talking about transitioning from traditional school to homeschool. (If you've read my new book, please leave a review so the booksellers will show it to more moms as they search the sites and you haven't read it, please check it out...The Four Hour School Day, How You and Your Kids Can Thrive in the Homeschool Life!)

(Part 2)One of the chapters in my book, The Four Hour School Day, is titled Overcoming Obstacles. There are testimonies from several moms who had what most would consider insurmountable obstacles to homeschooling. They each share what their obstacles were, why they decided to move forward anyhow, and what the results have been. Many would consider being a single mom an obstacle that would keep someone from homeschooling, but the truth is that there are more single homeschooling moms out there than one might think. Today I’m excited to have my friend LaToya Edwards here today to share the rest of her story. LaToya is a homeschooling single mama to 4 boys living in Tampa Bay, FL. She's a Christian life coach and writer. You are going to LOVE her story and encouragement even if you are not a single mom! Ways to connect: LaToya's website LaToya on IG HSLDA support for single moms (If you've read my new book, please leave a review so the booksellers will show it to more moms as they search the sites and you haven't read it, please check it out...The Four Hour School Day, How You and Your Kids Can Thrive in the Homeschool Life!)

One of the chapters in my book, The Four Hour School Day, is titled Overcoming Obstacles. There are testimonies from several moms who had what most would consider insurmountable obstacles to homeschooling. They each share what their obstacles were, why they decided to move forward anyhow, and what the results have been. Many would consider being a single mom an obstacle that would keep someone from homeschooling, but the truth is that there are more single homeschooling moms out there than one might think. Today I’m excited to have my friend LaToya Edwards here today to share her story. LaToya is a homeschooling single mama to 4 boys living in Tampa Bay, FL. She's a Christian life coach and writer. You are going to LOVE her story and encouragement even if you are not a single mom! Ways to connect: LaToya's website LaToya on IG HSLDA support for single moms (If you've read my new book, please leave a review so the booksellers will show it to more moms as they search the sites and you haven't read it, please check it out...The Four Hour School Day, How You and Your Kids Can Thrive in the Homeschool Life!)

It's a whole new world when it comes to education. The headlines are packed with articles about parents who are struggling with school boards across the nation to maintain their God-given liberties to make medical decisions for their children. They are also fighting against ideologies that they believe are harmful, but that the schools still want to teach. Parents are fed up and many have decided to home educate because they don't feel like they have any other choice, but deciding to homeschool because you want to and feeling forced to can feel like very different things. There are many emotions that a parent who feels forced to homeschool might be feeling. If you are one of those parents, please listen in. You'll be encouraged! If you are not one of those parents (and homeschooling) please listen in for tips to be as supportive and encouraging as possible! (If you've read my new book, please leave a review so the booksellers will show it to more moms as they search the sites and you haven't read it, please check it out...The Four Hour School Day, How You and Your Kids Can Thrive in the Homeschool Life!)

"If you could ask a 25-year veteran homeschool mom of eight anything, what would it be?" This was a question I asked moms on social media and I've now got a list of questions I plan to answer here on the podcast! Today's questions were: Did you ever feel socially deprived as a mom? How do I make connections as a mom? (If you've read my new book, please leave a review so the booksellers will show it to more moms as they search the sites and you haven't read it, please check it out...The Four Hour School Day, How You and Your Kids Can Thrive in the Homeschool Life!)

What do we need more than anything right now? Wisdom. Wisdom is what we need. What do we need more than anything right now? Wisdom. Wisdom is what we need. WHY? Proverbs 3 expounds on how wisdom bestows well-being. What that means is that even in the midst of adverse circumstances, we can have the wisdom to navigate them in such a way that we are actually doing well in spite of them! This wisdom can only come from God and He promises to give it to us (James 1) When we walk in this, we become salt and light to a generation desperate for hope! It starts at home and moves outward. Our children need us to set an example of seeking wisdom from God more than anything else: money, status, health, security, or safety. Scriptures: Proverbs 3:1-18 Song: Here’s My Heart (Casting Crowns) (Please go check out my new book, The Four Hour School Day-How You and Your Kids Can Thrive in the Homeschool Life, available at your favorite bookseller and durendawilson.com)

"If you could ask a 25-year veteran homeschool mom of eight anything, what would it be?" This was a question I asked on social media and I've now got a list of questions I plan to answer here on the podcast! Today's questions are: What to do about the bickering? How do you know you are doing enough? Tips on balancing needs and sanity What to cut out when you constantly set out for yourself more than you can do in a day? (If you've read my new book, please leave a review so the booksellers will show it to more moms as they search the sites and you haven't read it, please check it out...The Four Hour School Day, How You and Your Kids Can Thrive in the Homeschool Life!)

To say our world has been in upheaval is a gross understatement. The amount of information we have to process is overwhelming and causes us to lose focus on what GOD has called us to. This is exactly what the enemy wants. I'm here today to help you refocus and I'm praying this will embolden you to continue to live with courage and clarity! (If you've read my new book, please leave a review so the booksellers will show it to more moms as they search the sites and you haven't read it, please check it out...The Four Hour School Day, How You and Your Kids Can Thrive in the Homeschool Life!)

Did you know that as a parent, you are ultimately responsible for all things concerning your child..physically, mentally, emotionally, and spiritually? Our culture has sent a clear message that we are not qualified for these decisions by constantly undermining our role as parents in every possible way. However, as believers, we know that God has established the family and church as the pillars of society. If they falter, society falters. It's time for the church to take back our children. We need to be doggedly determined to give our children a thoroughly biblical education. Listen in carefully, you're going to want to take notes! To hear more from Wesley please click here (If you've read my new book, please leave a review so the booksellers will show it to more moms as they search the sites and you haven't read it, please check it out...The Four Hour School Day, How You and Your Kids Can Thrive in the Homeschool Life!)

We have seen many changes in our world over the last year and a half. All along, I've been thinking about how all of this is affecting our children and how we can lead them well as changes continue to unfold. The only source of true wisdom comes from God and I love how when we pray for wisdom and trust that He will give to us, He is faithful and does so in a variety of ways. Today I’m sharing a recent discovery that really resonated with my heart and that God used to help me discover some valuable nuggets of wisdom when it comes to leading our children well in the midst of change, whether it’s world change or personal change. (If you've read my new book, please leave a review so the booksellers will show it to more moms as they search the sites and you haven't read it, please check it out...The Four Hour School Day, How You and Your Kids Can Thrive in the Homeschool Life!)

We are continuing our conversation in part 2 on the topic of high school credits. I've been talking a lot lately about homeschooling high school because this season can feel particularly intimidating. After graduating 7 of our 8 kids so far, I can tell that these can and should be some of the best years of your family's homeschooling journey! There is much to be excited about and there are also many experiences our kids have during this time that can be counted as credits on their transcripts! Today, Lisa Nehring from True North Academy will be helping us recognize not only WHY we can enjoy these years, but HOW by simply recognizing life experiences as worthy credits for our kids' transcripts! Some of the questions that we will answer are: Why do homeschoolers typically “under credit” high school? What’s the benefit of thinking more broadly about credits? Ways you can connect with Lisa: Website: TrueNorthHomeschoolAcademy.com FaceBook Page: True North Homeschool Academy FaceBook Group: True North Homeschool Tribe; Instagram: truenorthhomeschoolacademy Podcast: https://ultimateradioshow.com/soft-skills-101/ Truenorthhomeschoolacademy.com (If you've read my new book, please leave a review so the booksellers will show it to more moms as they search the sites and you haven't read it, please check it out...The Four Hour School Day, How You and Your Kids Can Thrive in the Homeschool Life!)

I've been talking a lot lately about homeschooling high school because this season can feel particularly intimidating. After graduating 7 of our 8 kids so far, I can tell that these can and should be some of the best years of your family's homeschooling journey! There is much to be excited about and there are also many experiences our kids have during this time that can be counted as credits on their transcripts! Today, Lisa Nehring from True North Academy will be helping us recognize not only WHY we can enjoy these years, but HOW, by simply recognizing life experiences as worthy credits for our kids' transcripts! Some of the questions that we will answer are: What’s the big deal about credits? How do we count a credit? Ways you can connect with Lisa: Website: TrueNorthHomeschoolAcademy.com FaceBook Page: True North Homeschool Academy FaceBook Group: True North Homeschool Tribe Instagram: truenorthhomeschoolacademy Podcast: https://ultimateradioshow.com/soft-skills-101/ Truenorthhomeschoolacademy.com Tracking sheets: https://truenorthhomeschoolacademy.com/product/log-sheets/ (If you've read my new book, please leave a review so the booksellers will show it to more moms as they search the sites and you haven't read it, please check it out...The Four Hour School Day, How You and Your Kids Can Thrive in the Homeschool Life!)

Today we're going to be talking about the final educational years... That would be about 7-12th grade! Homeschooling high school can feel scary and intimidating, but today I'm sharing why there are many reasons to approach these years with a sense of excitement and adventure! We have graduated 7 out of our 8 kids so far and it's been a privilege to walk alongside our kids through this amazing time in their lives! Listen in for great encouragement and inspiration! (If you've read my new book, please leave a review so the booksellers will show it to more moms as they search the sites and you haven't read it, please check it out...The Four Hour School Day, How You and Your Kids Can Thrive in the Homeschool Life!) durendawilson.com

The most important calling on us as parents is to disciple our children. We know we need to instill God's word and ways in them and that apologetics is important. However, it can feel very overwhelming, especially if we are not sure where to start. Today I'm sharing the why's as a reminder and inspiration to make Bible and apologetics a priority, but also some simple ways to get started! Resources mentioned: Younger Children's Catechism The Children's Scripture Catechism Firmly Planted Family Bible Study Indescribable by Lou Giglio The Jesus Storybook Bible by Sally Lloyd-Jones NLT Illustrated Study Bible (Tyndale) (If you've read my new book, please leave a review so the booksellers will show it to more moms as they search the sites and you haven't read it, please check it out...The Four Hour School Day, How You and Your Kids Can Thrive in the Homeschool Life!) durendawilson.com

We all know the importance of scripture. We know that God says that the words in the Bible aren't just words, they are our life! We know that his word is living and active according to Hebrews 4. It stands to reason that it would be wise to begin instilling the word into our children at a very young age. We can even read the scripture over them in the womb because we know that God's word does not come back void! (Isaiah 55:11) I have a guest with me today who is a homeschool mom and has a passion for reading the scripture over our kids. Emily tells her story about how she came to write 3 sweet little books that can be used to help us speak life over our kids! Listen in for some great encouragement! Ways to connect with Emily and her books: Link to all the places to purchase books: https://www.generationclaimed.com/order FB: https://m.facebook.com/GenerationClaimed/ IG: https://www.instagram.com/generationclaimed/ (If you have read and enjoyed The Four Hour School Day, please leave a review with your favorite book-seller! This helps let other moms know about it as well! If you haven't read it, please go to durendawilson.com to check it out!)

I love the freedom that homeschooling affords and today I’m sharing why we opted to do school year-round. (Hint: it’s not as intense as it sounds!) We love the benefits of schooling year-round and I share many of them in this podcast. The one I forgot to mention was that while doing our “lighter” version of school in the summer, I often found it helpful to have a child focus on an area of weakness that we may have struggled to work on the rest of the year. If your family chooses not to school year-round and it's working for you, keep doing it! I always say, "If it's not broken, don't fix it!" but you may just find some encouraging ideas here! (If you have read and enjoyed The Four Hour School Day, please leave a review on Amazon or with your favorite book-seller! If you haven't and want to know more, go to durendawilson.com)

One of the greatest challenges in choosing to homeschool is the struggle with being concerned about what others think. We want others to believe that we are doing right by our kids. We want our decisions to be respected and that is a natural desire because we were made for community. The problem comes when we place man's opinion above God's. The Bible calls it the "fear of man" vs the "fear of God". Listen in for some encouragement from God's word and to find out what fearing God above man might look like. (This is the last day you can receive my free devotional when you pre-order The Four Hour School Day)

Last week I did another FB/IG live and this time I was answering questions about homeschooling in the middle years (4th-6th grade) as I share from my book, The Four Hour School Day! It's an exciting time as in this season our kids are finding their footing when it comes to schoolwork and preparing for the jr. high and high school years. Listen in as we cover questions like: Did you do classes at this age? I’m concerned for my middle schooler with writing. Should I use a curriculum? What kinds of social activities or events did your middle schoolers participate in while you homeschooled? Can you recommend some activities that your family did to help middle schoolers interact with other homeschoolers? Should these events be parent-led or child-led? And more!! (Please check out The Four Hour School Day at durendawilson.com)

The main biblical commands that God gives children are to obey and honor their parents, to follow their parent's instructions, and learn from their wisdom. That’s because children need to be able to trust their parents to establish biblical boundaries for them while they are learning to walk in wisdom. This is faith at its core: trusting when you may not understand or see. I always told my kids that honoring and obeying their parents was how they please God and they had to trust that God was leading us as we led them. This is also why there is much more in the scriptures that speak to the parents about being very careful to pass on God’s word and ways to our children, not provoke them to anger, train them, etc. Part of creating a home learning environment where kids thrive is being faithful to discipline them. Be the parent! Resources mentioned in the podcast: Parenting with Ginger Podcast Don’t Make Me Count to Three and I Can’t Believe You Just Said That by Ginger Hubbard Parenting by Paul David Tripp Please be sure to check out The Four Hour School Day at durendawilson.com

Today I'm answering questions from moms about the early educational years (K-3) based on a few of the principles in my new book, The Four Hour School Day! I answer questions like: How can I best teach a highly active 1st grader? What tools would you recommend to have on hand for a kindergartener? How can I do history and science together with my 1st and 4th graders? This was a FB/IG Live and it's loaded with encouragement to simplify! Don't forget to check out my new book, The Four Hour School Day, available at durendawilson.com

Sometimes it’s wise to take the time to think through the practical circumstances surrounding our school choices. Today I’m sharing a few simple, yet important things to consider when it comes to homeschooling and how they might compare to a traditional classroom setting. There are more benefits to home education than one might realize. There are several things we often don't consider and yet they can make a huge difference in making learning happen more easily and happily! Please check out The Four Hour School Day at durendawilson.com

Homeschooling: Parents You Can Do This! Never in the history of homeschooling have we had so many resources to help us, but many parents are still hesitant because they don’t feel “qualified”. Today I’m sharing some of the many reasons I believe many parents are qualified, they just don’t realize it. Listen in for encouragement whether you are simply considering homeschooling or already are and could use a dose of truthful affirmation! Please check out The Four Hour School Day on durendawilson.com famoushomeschoolers.net

Many parents are scared right now. They are frightened for their children and their future and wondering how in the world they can best prepare them. What's happening right now is not a surprise to God and I can assure you that He has made you and your children for such a time as this. In fact, He has been intentional in doing so. But as parents, we need to remember and embrace our God-given role. Listen in for some bold encouragement in this short podcast! Please don't forget to check out The Four Hour School Day at durendawilson.com!

In our 25+ years of homeschooling, the question about socialization is the most commonly asked one. Today I'm sharing why I don't actually think it's a very legitimate question and certainly not something that most homeschoolers should be fretting about! (The Four Hour School Day is now available for pre-order at durendawilson.com)

The role of parents is marginalized in our culture. This downplay of our very influential and crucial role in our kids' lives by society directly oppose God’s plan for the family. As parents, you have the privilege and the responsibility to make all decisions concerning your children, including their education. For the first time, I am reading a small portion of my new book, The Four Hour School Day! Please share this podcast with your friends and anyone you know who may be considering homeschooling! Go to durendawilson.com to check out my new book!

When we decided to homeschool, I don't think most of us realized how much time we would spend dealing with kids who are bickering and fighting. It can be easy to lose hope and feel like we are failing. Today I want to talk about what's really happening in terms of opportunity when it comes to sibling relationships! Not only is there hope, but there are also some major benefits in taking the time to deal with sibling conflict! Listen in to get some hindsight perspective from someone who's been there and is now on the other side! (I misquoted the scripture-it was 1 Thessalonians 5:12-18, 1 Corinthians :) ) durendawilson.com

It can be easy to bristle at the thought of our husbands being our covering, or even that we need one. Our husbands have a God-ordained role in our lives and it’s a beautiful thing! We can save ourselves so much grief by dialing in on biblical roles graciously given by God for our good! durendawilson.com

I have said this over and over again: it's crucial to know that God is sovereign, but if we don't believe He is good as well, we're sunk. If we believe He is powerful but not good, we have no hope. So the enemy works overtime trying to convince us that God is not good. He knows the power of fully trusting in the power of God AND the goodness of God. Listen in as we zero in on the hope we have in the fact that God is both sovereign and good! durendawilson.com

The enemy loves nothing more than to distract us from God's calling on our lives because he knows how powerful a woman of God can be. She poses a very real and present threat to the kingdom of darkness. I've recently had a refresher on the joy of my calling as a wife. After 31 years, I can honestly say that the blessings of walking in biblical principles have far outweighed the hard work. Listen in to find encouragement for your marriage! durendawilson.com

To say that we live in uncertain times feels like a massive understatement. What we are wanting, even more than that...what we are NEEDING... is hope. Not false hope. Not hope based on lies, but REAL hope. Hope that is eternal and unchanging, a place to firmly plant our feet in the midst of uncertainty. Today we are going to visit Jeremiah who, in the midst of uncertainty and hopelessness poured his heart out to God. It's here that we have a point of entry into the suffering of God's people, Israel, that helps us face the darkest aspects of our own human experience and find hope. durendawilson.com

I've learned much in my 31 years of marriage and 30 years of parenting. I've transitioned into a new season and so many of the same questions I had when I started my journey as a wife and mom are needing to be asked again: What does it look like to be a godly wife in this season? What does it look like to be a godly mom in this season? How do I prioritize my days? As I revisit these, I am reminded of God's unchanging heart for us as wives and moms! Listen in to this 20-minute podcast of encouragement as we walk this journey together! durendawilson.com

To say that we live in uncertain times feels like a massive understatement. What we are wanting, even more than that...what we are needing... is hope. Not false hope. Not hope based on lies, but real hope, hope that is eternal and unchanging, a place to firmly plant our feet in the midst of uncertainty. Join me for this 15-minute episode as I share the hope we can find in the midst of uncertainty! durendawilson.com

I'm changing things up here on the podcast. I'm making the episodes shorter in length and digging deeply into God's calling on our lives as wives and moms because I think that in the midst of these challenging times, we need to be reminded of what our main focus should be. Faith is acting on the revealed will and character of God. What might He be doing and how should we respond? Listen in to this 25-minute podcast as I share my heart as a mentoring mom. (Head over to my website, durendawilson.com to check out my new book, The Four Hour School Day, releasing June 29th!)

I seriously doubt that any of us can say that we have not fallen prey to comparing ourselves to others. In an era of carefully curated social media images, nonstop selfies, and TV shows devoted to perfection, comparison can consume you. Chasing something better quickly becomes a burden, weighing down your soul and preventing you from experiencing the freedom, contentment, and rest that God generously offers. Today Heather Creekmore joins us and she will be talking about her new book titled The Burden of Better. She is a homeschooling mom who offers women a journey into the depths of God's grace to find a way off the treadmill of constant comparison! Ways to connect with Heather https://www.facebook.com/heathercreekmoreblog https://www.youtube.com/comparedtowho https://www.instagram.com/comparedtowho/ https://www.pinterest.com/comparedtowho/ https://twitter.com/comparedtowho Compared to Who? Podcast: www.comparedtowho.me/podcast Books: The Burden of Better: https://amzn.to/3csoSgf Compared to Who?: https://amzn.to/2QyLB1F

Today’s title may have gotten your attention and with good reason! It’s what every homeschooling mom longs to hear! I’m excited to have Ginny Yurich from 1000 Hours Outside with me as she shares her heart, bringing a message of encouragement and hope. We will be talking about 10 ways you are doing it right! (Hint: They are probably not what you are thinking!) Podcasts mentioned in this episode: The Value of Getting Your Kids Outside Why Homeschooling Families Thrive Durenda's new book: The Four Hour School Day Ways to connect with Ginny: www.1000hoursoutside.com [email protected] Facebook.com/1000hoursoutside @1000hoursoutside on Instagram Books mentioned: Israel Wayne-Education: Does God Have an Opinion? Israel Wayne-Top Answers for Homeschooling: Top 25 Questions Critics Ask

I was reading through my journal from 13 years ago and was reminded how, as we raise and homeschool our kids, it can be so easy to be swayed by circumstances and emotions. Don't get me wrong, emotions aren't necessarily wrong and our circumstances have a genuine effect on us. However, as believing moms, it's incredibly important for us to walk by faith in response to both of these, for our sake and the sake of our families! What does it mean to walk by faith? It means that we act (and react) not based solely on our emotions, but on the revealed will and character of God One of the ways we can do that is by asking God to help us: -Discern where He is working in our circumstances -Understand and remember the role of emotions Both of these instances require us to be intentional in what the Bible calls “guarding our hearts”. Listen in to learn more about this biblical discipline that can help keep us from anxiety as we find solid biblical ground to plant our feet in the midst of uncertainty! (Don't forget to check out my new book: The Four Hour School Day: How You and Your Kids Can Thrive in the Homeschool Life!)

It's been a really tough couple of weeks. You'll likely hear that in my voice today, but it's ok. I'm grateful to God for the things He reveals to me and reminds me of when things are hard. Recently, that happened to be the blessing of our God-ordained roles as husband and wife. Feminism has attempted to strip away the blessings that God has for us by trying to convince us that when He set particular boundaries in marriage, He was somehow ripping us off. Nothing could be further from the truth. Listen in for a refreshing, biblical perspective on marriage. Scriptures from the podcast: Genesis 2:18-25 Genesis 3:1-19 Ephesians 5:22-33 (Please check out my devotional for moms: Unhurried Grace for a Mom's Heart on my website: durendawilson.com)

Welcome to part 2 of What is the Role of Government? I think most of us have realized in recent times how little we know about the Constitution and specifically the role of government. I’ve actually been a little embarrassed for myself, but I got over that really quickly and decided it was time to educate myself and as many other people who wanted to know as well. Today I have Christen McMasters joining us for part 2 of "What is the Role of Government"! She is a millennial Constitutionalist from Charleston, SC, now residing in NC. She holds a Ph.D. in political science, but she is not your typical academic. She actually LOVES this country and LOVES liberty and will fight for it at all costs. She seeks to arm fellow lovers of liberty with knowledge, knowledge that is painfully lacking and desperately needed. Knowledge first and foremost of the Constitution. The Constitution is our government’s job description and we are the government’s employers. How can we hold our government accountable to their job if we don’t even know their job description?” We encourage you to gather your family and listen in as we do two shorter podcasts on the role of government. We thought 2 shorter episodes would work best for kids. Here are some questions so you and your kids can review what you've learned! Our focus last week was on: Why do we have government? Why do we have the Constitution? Why does it matter if the government follows the Constitution? This week we are covering: What is the most important branch of government and why? What does the Constitution say? Why is it important to distinguish the Constitution from the Bill of Rights? Ways to connect with Christen: Website: www.thelibertybellenc.com Facebook: TheLibertyBelleNC Twitter: @LibertyBelleNC Instagram: @libertybellenc Christen's YouTube channel Christen's book is available on Amazon: Why Do We Need Government in the First Place? Or order on Christen's website here: https://thelibertybellenc.com/shop/ And finally, the quotes come from this article: https://constitutioncenter.org/interactive-constitution/interpretation/amendment-x/interps/129 “IN SUM, THE CONSTITUTION’S FRAMERS THOUGHT THAT A BILL OF RIGHTS WAS APPROPRIATE FOR AN UNLIMITED GOVERNMENT, BUT NOT FOR A LIMITED ONE LIKE THE NATIONAL GOVERNMENT CREATED BY THE CONSTITUTION. THE CONSTITUTION ACCORDINGLY SOUGHT TO SECURE LIBERTY THROUGH ENUMERATIONS OF POWERS TO THE GOVERNMENT RATHER THAN THROUGH ENUMERATIONS OF RIGHTS TO THE PEOPLE…IT REMAINS A GOVERNMENT OF LIMITED AND ENUMERATED POWERS, SO THAT THE FIRST QUESTION INVOLVING AN EXERCISE OF FEDERAL POWER IS NOT WHETHER IT VIOLATES SOMEONE’S RIGHTS, BUT WHETHER IT EXCEEDS THE NATIONAL GOVERNMENT’S ENUMERATED POWERS.” “IT [THE BILL OF RIGHTS] WAS CONSIDERED UNNECESSARY BECAUSE THE NATIONAL GOVERNMENT WAS A LIMITED GOVERNMENT THAT COULD ONLY EXERCISE THOSE POWERS GRANTED TO IT BY THE CONSTITUTION, AND IT HAD BEEN GRANTED NO POWER TO VIOLATE THE MOST CHERISHED RIGHTS OF THE PEOPLE.” THE BILL OF RIGHTS ”…MIGHT HAVE VALUE AS A KIND OF BACKSTOP IN CASE THE ORIGINAL CONSTITUTION’S MEANING GETS TOO DERANGED. IN MODERN TIMES, THE ENUMERATED POWERS OF THE NATIONAL GOVERNMENT HAVE BEEN MISREAD BEYOND ALL RECOGNITION, TO THE POINT THAT THE ACTUAL CONSTITUTION IS NOT REALLY PART OF THE GOVERNING STRUCTURE AT ALL. WE LIVE WITH A SHADOW, OR ‘ZOMBIE,’ CONSTITUTION THAT HAS THE OUTER HUSK OF THE ORIGINAL DOCUMENT BUT NONE OF ITS ACTUAL SUBSTANCE.”

Do you ever have that feeling like everything you do could have been done better? It’s every woman’s battle, especially every mom’s: “I’m not enough. I’ll never be enough.” “I could have done that so much better” “It would have been better if I would have ________.” “That was lame.” These words suck the life out of us and yet the enemy continues to effectively use them. Nothing makes me more angry, frustrated, and hurt than doing my best and still feeling like it’s not enough. Cue in having 8 kids and there was potential for some serious feelings of inadequacy: Could I pull off raising/homeschooling 8 kids and not miss something? Would some of my kids go off the rails because I failed to be enough? Would they hate the way they were raised or homeschooled? Would they see me as a failure? Our thoughts of inadequacy come from many places including regrets of the past, concerns for the present, and worries about the future. Listen in for a simple, beautiful truth. (Check out my devotional, Unhurried Grace for a Mom's Heart at my website, durendawilson.com)

I’m doing something a little different for this podcast and I’m super excited about it! I think most of us have realized in recent times how little we know about the Constitution and specifically the role of government. I’ve actually been a little embarrassed for myself, but I got over that really quickly and decided it was time to educate myself and as many other people who wanted to know as well. Today I have Christen McMasters joining us! She is a millennial Constitutionalist from Charleston, SC, now residing in NC. She holds a Ph.D. in political science, but she is not your typical academic. She actually LOVES this country and LOVES liberty and will fight for it at all costs. She seeks to arm fellow lovers of liberty with knowledge, knowledge that is painfully lacking and desperately needed. Knowledge first and foremost of the Constitution. The Constitution is our government’s job description and we are the government’s employers. How can we hold our government accountable to their job if we don’t even know their job description?” We encourage you to gather your family and listen in as we do two shorter podcasts on the role of government. We thought 2 shorter episodes would work best for kids. Here are some questions so you and your kids can review what you've learned! Why do we have government? Why do we have the Constitution? Why does it matter if the government follows the Constitution? What is the most important branch of government and why? What does the Constitution say? Why is it important to distinguish the Constitution from the Bill of Rights? Ways to connect with Christen: Website: www.thelibertybellenc.com Facebook: TheLibertyBelleNC Twitter: @LibertyBelleNC Instagram: @libertybellenc Christen's YouTube channel Christen's book is available on Amazon: Why Do We Need Government in the First Place? Or order on Christen's website here: https://thelibertybellenc.com/shop/ And finally, the quotes come from this article: https://constitutioncenter.org/interactive-constitution/interpretation/amendment-x/interps/129 “IN SUM, THE CONSTITUTION’S FRAMERS THOUGHT THAT A BILL OF RIGHTS WAS APPROPRIATE FOR AN UNLIMITED GOVERNMENT, BUT NOT FOR A LIMITED ONE LIKE THE NATIONAL GOVERNMENT CREATED BY THE CONSTITUTION. THE CONSTITUTION ACCORDINGLY SOUGHT TO SECURE LIBERTY THROUGH ENUMERATIONS OF POWERS TO THE GOVERNMENT RATHER THAN THROUGH ENUMERATIONS OF RIGHTS TO THE PEOPLE…IT REMAINS A GOVERNMENT OF LIMITED AND ENUMERATED POWERS, SO THAT THE FIRST QUESTION INVOLVING AN EXERCISE OF FEDERAL POWER IS NOT WHETHER IT VIOLATES SOMEONE’S RIGHTS, BUT WHETHER IT EXCEEDS THE NATIONAL GOVERNMENT’S ENUMERATED POWERS.” “IT [THE BILL OF RIGHTS] WAS CONSIDERED UNNECESSARY BECAUSE THE NATIONAL GOVERNMENT WAS A LIMITED GOVERNMENT THAT COULD ONLY EXERCISE THOSE POWERS GRANTED TO IT BY THE CONSTITUTION, AND IT HAD BEEN GRANTED NO POWER TO VIOLATE THE MOST CHERISHED RIGHTS OF THE PEOPLE.” THE BILL OF RIGHTS ”…MIGHT HAVE VALUE AS A KIND OF BACKSTOP IN CASE THE ORIGINAL CONSTITUTION’S MEANING GETS TOO DERANGED. IN MODERN TIMES, THE ENUMERATED POWERS OF THE NATIONAL GOVERNMENT HAVE BEEN MISREAD BEYOND ALL RECOGNITION, TO THE POINT THAT THE ACTUAL CONSTITUTION IS NOT REALLY PART OF THE GOVERNING STRUCTURE AT ALL. WE LIVE WITH A SHADOW, OR ‘ZOMBIE,’ CONSTITUTION THAT HAS THE OUTER HUSK OF THE ORIGINAL DOCUMENT BUT NONE OF ITS ACTUAL SUBSTANCE.”

All of us hear voices that accuse and condemn us and tell us we are not enough. They can come through many different sources, yet they all originate from the same place: the enemy of our souls. If we can recognize their source, we can wage a more effective war, and our chances of victory increase exponentially. Listen in to this short devotional podcast to hear more about exchanging chaos, confusion, and exhaustion for peace. (This is an entry from my devotional, Unhurried Grace for a Mom's Heart, available at durendawilson.com)

As we try desperately hard to be better moms, it is possible to start destroying ourselves through anxiety, shame, and even idolatry, allowing things to take up far more space in our hearts than they deserve! Listen in to today's short devotional podcast on Redemption in Motherhood! (Please check out my devotional written especially for moms: Unhurried Grace for a Mom's Heart. You can find in on my website, durendawilson.com)

What comes to mind when you hear the word, "modesty"? Be honest. Does it conjure up images of Puritan women, denim jumpers, or pretty much anything "not cute"? Johanna, our 18-year-old daughter, is joining me today to share her journey. She encourages us that modesty doesn't have to be boring while also reminding us that it's very much a heart issue that should not be ignored! We encourage you to invite your daughters to listen in with you!