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In this episode, Lydia shares a talk she recently gave at a women’s brunch at the Church of the Good Shepherd in Winston-Salem. Drawing from the life and writings of Hannah More, an influential Christian writer and reformer, Lydia explores the contrast between a biblical vision of womanhood and the ideals of modern feminism. She considers the authority of Scripture in shaping our understanding of womanhood, the value of the home, and the significance of motherhood in the Christian life. Resources: The Letters of John Newton

Titus 2:3–5 calls women to invest in relationships across generations, yet cultivating a culture where these friendships flourish can be challenging. In this episode, we explore why intergenerational relationships are worth pursuing, how women of different ages can encourage and disciple one another, and what common obstacles keep these connections from taking root. How can we move beyond simply sharing a church community to building meaningful relationships that help us grow in Christ? Resources The Trellis and the Vine By Colin Marshall and Tony Payne

We believe poetry is for everyone—and that learning to appreciate it can enrich our lives in profound ways. In this episode, we explore why poetry is worth our attention, from the rich poetry woven throughout Scripture to the ways poetry instructs our souls, shapes our affections, and helps us better understand and express what is true and beautiful. We also discuss how reading and studying poetry can strengthen us as writers and communicators. Whether you consider yourself a lover of poetry or someone who has never quite known what to make of it, we hope this conversation will encourage you to give poetry a place in your life. Resources The Quality of Mercy by Shakespeare Simply Charlotte Mason  The Eagle by Lord Alfred Tennyson In Vital Harmony by Karen Glass Mark Antony’s Speech by Shakespeare Robert Frost Emily Dickinson The Soul in Paraphrase by Leland Ryken 30 Poems to Memorize (Before It’s Too Late) World War One Poetry Everyman Pocket Library Edgar Allen Poe The Four Quartets by T.S. Eliot The Lovesong for J. Alfred Prufrock by T.S. Eliot The Wasteland by T.S. Eliot Anna Ackmatova Jane Kenyon George Herbert John Donne The Brownings W.H. Auden Gerard Manley Hopkins A.E. Stallings Mary Oliver Stopping By Woods On a Snowy Evening by Robert Frost If by Rudyard Kipling Love III by George Herbert The Church Floor by George Herbert How Do I Love Thee by Elizabeth Barret Browning

What does it look like to cultivate a home and church culture where children are known, loved, and encouraged to grow in their faith? In Part 2 of our parenting series, we talk about the importance of taking a genuine interest in the lives of children, delighting in them, and intentionally pursuing their spiritual growth. We share simple, practical ways to engage with children, discuss why children should be included in Sunday worship and the life of the church, and consider how our homes can become places where children experience both the joy and the richness of family life. We also talk about cultivating traditions, making memories, and—perhaps most importantly—learning to genuinely enjoy the children God has given us. Resources: Parenting: A Biblical Vision for Raising Children — Part 1 Habits of the Household by Justin Whitmel Earley

What is the goal of parenting? In Part 1 of this two-part series, we explore a biblical philosophy of parenting and consider what should shape the way Christians think about raising their children. We discuss the heart of discipline, the importance of loving authority, some of the pitfalls of modern “gentle parenting,” and the biblical truths that should remain at the center of our approach to parenting. Resources Don’t Make Me Count to Three by Ginger Hubbard Wise Words for Mom by Ginger Hubbard Episode 32: Authority with Jonathan Leeman Episode 56: Why You Should Read Paradise Lost Episode 38: Digital Liturgies with Samuel James Spiritual Disciplines for the Christian Life by Donald Whitney  The Duty of Parents by J.C. Ryle Parenting by Paul David Tripp Shepherding a Child’s Heart by Ted Tripp Habits of the Household by Justin Earley

The Pilgrim’s Progress is one of the most printed and translated books in history, second only to the Bible. But what is it about John Bunyan’s timeless allegory that has made it such an enduring classic? In this episode, we talk about the ways The Pilgrim’s Progress encourages and challenges Christians as we walk through the joys, struggles, temptations, and trials of the Christian life. We also share some of our favorite editions and adaptations—including several wonderful versions for children—and talk about how you can introduce this beloved story to your family. Resources The Pilgrim’s Progress by John Bunyan The Dangerous Journey by Oliver Hunkin Little Pilgrim’s Big Journey Little Pilgrim’s Progress

Lydia is writing a book! In this episode, she shares the story behind her upcoming book on Hannah More—a remarkable eighteenth-century writer, educator, and abolitionist whose life and faith continue to offer much for us to learn from today. Lydia talks about what drew her to Hannah More, what the writing process has looked like so far, and the joys and challenges of researching and writing a book. She also offers encouragement for aspiring writers and shares about her upcoming research trip to England, where she’ll be tracing Hannah More’s life and gathering material for the book. Resources: Fierce Convictions by Karen Swallow Prior The Sacred Flame by Kevin Belmonte Lydia’s Blog Lydia’s Blog instagram Courier Publishing

In our last episode, we talked about the philosophy behind home education and what it means to build a culture of education in the home. This time, we’re getting practical. What does homeschooling actually look like when you have multiple children at different ages and stages? How do you keep teaching when you have a new baby, a toddler underfoot, or a day that simply doesn’t go according to plan? How do you establish rhythms and routines without becoming a slave to a schedule? In this episode, we share a glimpse into our own homeschool days—from morning routines and lessons to managing little ones, fitting in read-alouds, and adapting our routines through different seasons of family life. We also talk about the resources and curricula we’ve found helpful along the way. Resources: Sing a Song of Seasons The Peaceful Press Simply Charlotte Mason Beautiful Feet Books

In this first episode of what will likely be an ongoing conversation about homeschooling, we’re talking about how we got here—and what homeschooling actually looks like in our homes. We share what first led us to homeschool, how the Charlotte Mason philosophy has shaped our approach to education, and some of the books and resources that have been especially helpful along the way. We also get practical: building a culture of education in your home, creating routines without becoming slaves to a schedule, and how our days and rhythms have changed through different seasons of family life. We talk about what a typical homeschool day looks like for us, what has worked (and what hasn’t), and some of the things we wish we had known when we were just beginning. Whether you’re considering homeschooling, are brand new to it, or have been doing it for years, we hope this conversation encourages you to see education not simply as something that happens during “school hours,” but as a way of life in the home. Resources Dumbing us Down by John Gatto Consider This by Karen Glass In Vital Harmony by Karen Glass Books and Ideas by Charlotte Mason Home Education by Charlotte Mason Teaching from Rest by Sarah Mackenzie Simply Charlotte Mason Ambelside Online Know and Tell by Karen Glass Laying Down the Rails by Simply Charlotte Mason

Sexual difference, authority, and a surprisingly relatable Satan. You may feel intimidated by reading an epic like Paradise Lost, but in this episode we argue for why its worth the effort. In addition, we share our own experiences reading Milton’s epic, discuss resources that make it more approachable, and explore the rich themes he unfolds along the way: creation and fall, authority and submission, sexual difference, temptation, pride, and the deceptiveness of Satan.

In the final session of a 3 part series through Psalm 23, Jenna DiPrima considers the Shepherd who not only leads us through green pastures and the valley of the shadow of death, but faithfully leads us all the way home. David describes a God who welcomes us to His table, whose goodness and steadfast love relentlessly pursue us, and who promises that we will dwell with Him forever. In Christ, our cups overflow with grace, our enemies will ultimately be defeated, and our Shepherd will never abandon us. As we look toward the eternal home Christ has prepared for His people, we are reminded that every valley has an end and every step of the journey is under the care of our faithful Shepherd. The Christian life begins with following Him, continues with trusting Him through every season, and ends in the presence of God forever. The Shepherd is with us in the pastures. He is with us in the valley. And He will faithfully lead us home.

In the second message of this three part series, Jenna DiPrima turns to Psalm 23:4 and consider the comfort of knowing that the Good Shepherd is with us in the darkest and most difficult seasons of life. Like Christian in The Pilgrim’s Progress, we may find ourselves walking through a dark valley surrounded by dangers we cannot see—but we are never alone. The Shepherd who leads us through green pastures also faithfully leads us through valleys. Jenna considers three ways the Shepherd cares for His sheep: His path, His presence, and His protection. The valleys of suffering are not evidence that God has abandoned us; they are part of the path He sovereignly ordains for His people. And our greatest comfort is not that we will avoid suffering, but that Christ Himself is with us in it. Whether you are currently walking through a difficult trial or enjoying a season of green pastures, this message encourages us to trust the Shepherd, rest in His presence, and find confidence in His unfailing protection. Because we belong to Christ, we can say with David, “I will fear no evil, for you are with me.” The Shepherd will not abandon His sheep. He will lead us safely through the valley and ultimately bring us home.

In the first talk of this three-part series on Psalm 23 that Jenna DiPrima recently did for a women’s conference, she explores the opening verses of one of Scripture’s most beloved psalms. What does it really mean to say, “The Lord is my shepherd”? And why is this psalm such a source of comfort for God’s people? Looking at Psalm 23:1–3, we consider three truths about our Good Shepherd: He provides all that His sheep need, He restores weary souls, and He faithfully leads His people in paths of righteousness for His name’s sake. Along the way, we see how the hope of Psalm 23 is rooted in the suffering Shepherd of Psalm 22, where Christ laid down His life for His sheep. Whether you’re walking through a season of abundance, spiritual weariness, or uncertainty, this passage reminds us that our confidence is never in ourselves but in the Shepherd who lovingly cares for His flock. In this episode: * The significance of Psalm 23 and its connection to Psalm 22 * What it means that “The Lord is my shepherd” * How God provides, restores, and leads His people * Finding hope in seasons of spiritual dryness * Why the Good Shepherd can always be trusted

Carl Trueman argues that the modern world hasn't merely changed how we think about sex, reproduction, and death—it has stripped these realities of their sacred meaning. In this episode, we unpack the central themes of The Desecration of Man, exploring how expressive individualism, technology, and the pursuit of self-creation have reshaped our moral imagination. Along the way, we discuss why the modern vision of autonomy ultimately fails, the surprising cultural role of the artist, and what Trueman sees as the deepest crisis of our age. More importantly, we consider the distinctly Christian hope that speaks to a culture searching for identity, meaning, and human dignity. The Desecration of Man by Carl Trueman That Hideous Strength by C.S. Lewis Episode 47: Technology, Power, and What It Means to Be Human: That Hideous Strength Strange New World by Carl Trueman Episode 20: Expressive Individualism and Strange New World Episode 34: Feminism and The Genesis of Gender Never Let Me Go by Kazuo Ishiguro The Case Against Perfection by Michael Sandel Crisis of Confidence by Carl Trueman

In this episode, we revisit the topic of biblical hospitality with a focus on practical application. We discuss simple ways to make hospitality a regular part of life, how to practice it in different seasons, how to include children in welcoming others, and how to steward our time and homes to create space for meaningful relationships. Hospitality does not require a perfect home, elaborate meals, or endless free time. It begins with a willingness to make room for others and use what God has given us for the good of those around us. Resources Episode 9: The Simplest Way to Change the World: Biblical Hospitality Defined Dish Half Baked Harvest Run Fast, Cook Fast, Eat Slow Ina Garten Memoir: Be Ready When the Luck Happens