Advertise on podcast: Simple Homemaking for Christian Women - Proverbs 31 Woman, Homemaker, Hygge, SAHM, Decluttering

Have you ever wondered why your days as a homemaker seem to disappear before they even start? Have you ever had your daily schedule fall apart because of one appointment? And have you ever looked at your calendar, thought you could get everything done, and fallen down exhausted at the end of the day because you STILL hadn't addressed everything? If you have, my friend, then this episode is for you!  Welcome to my world--today, let's talk about how keeping a calendar, not a schedule, can help you get ready for your day.   In today's episode you will learn: how to use a calendar to more efficiently plan your days why adequate rest is absolutely essential for you as a homemaker 6 benefits of having a dedicated day of rest 3 specific directions on how to incorporate the use of a calendar into your day CONNECT If you have found value in this episode, I invite you to share it with someone else who may benefit from "Simple Homemaking for Christian Women". And, if you will leave me a review in Apple Podcasts, I will know better how to serve you well.

Do you admire the Proverbs 31 Woman who seems to get everything done? Do you compare yourself to the Proverbs 31 Woman and realize you fail miserably? Do you feel guilty because you know that God wouldn't ask you to do something that you couldn't do, and yet you're having trouble doing it? Well, friend, then this episode is for you. Come in for a cup of tea, and let's get to know this famous Proverbs 31 lady.   Today I share with you: a sweet story of beginnings a few false expectations about marriage the dual traps of comparison and guilt the truth about being in authority and under authority the story of the centurion as our example what some believe to be the #1 essential quality of a good wife 3 ways to implement into our lives the qualities of the Proverbs 31 Woman   RESOURCES   Scripture   Proverbs 31:11-12 11 The heart of her husband doth safely trust in her, so that he shall have no need of spoil. 12 She will do him good and not evil all the days of her life.   Matthew 8:5-13 (the story of the Centurion)   Ephesians 1:4 According as he hath chosen us in him before the foundation of the world, that we should be holy and without blame before him in love.   Psalm 139:1-2 1 O LORD, thou hast searched me and known me. 2 Thou knowest my downsitting and mine uprising, thou understandest my thought afar off.   I John 4:10 Herein is love, not that we loved God, but that he loved us…   Psalm 16:11 Thou wilt shew me the path of life: in thy presence is fulness of joy: at the right hand there are pleasures for evermore.   Ephesians 3:20-21 20 Now unto him that is able to do exceeding abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the power that worketh in us. 21 Unto him be glory in the church by Christ Jesus throughout all ages, world without end. Amen.   Luke 1 (the story of Mary, the mother of Jesus)   Philippians 4:23 The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you all. Amen.   Ephesians 1:3 Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who hath blessed us with all spiritual blessings in heavenly places in Christ.   Hebrews 13:5 …for he hath said, I will never leave thee, nor forsake thee.   Film The Princess Diaries, 2001   Rice Experiment Masaru Emoto’s rice experiment. To learn more: The Hidden Messages In Water (2004)   CONNECT If you have found value in this episode, I invite you to share it with someone else who may benefit from “Simple Homemaking for Christian Women”. And, if you’ll leave me a review in Apple podcasts, I’ll know better how to serve you.

Have you ever taken a dress out of your closet, say to wear during a new summer season, only to put it on and it's, oh, much tighter than you had remembered? What happened there?  Did the dress shrink? You couldn't have gained weight--could you? You liked it better when it flowed a bit around your shape. You were comfortable in it, and you enjoyed wearing it. Well, today we're going to talk about how to put your house on a diet--how to get it back to that feeling of your home flowing about you a bit. You want to once again be comfortable in it, and you want to enjoy being there. If you can relate, then this episode is for you! We're talking about the problem of procrastination and decluttering and how to have a simple formula to get to fewer things and more comfort in your home.    If you've been mad at yourself because you keep putting off going through a pile of "things", you may be wondering about a simple way to make some initial decisions.   We are made in God's image and we have been given the ability to create order and beauty out of chaos. We'll explore that today so you will more easily be able to decide what to keep in your home.    You'll learn how to ask yourself 3 questions--only three--to get a jumpstart on deciding which items no longer serve you well. These questions ae easy-peasy, and we ask them without judgment or criticism.   Whether you are a SAHM with young children, or a seasoned grandmother, this episode will encourage you to get up and get started SOMEWHERE  so that you can see immediate results.   If you're struggling with self-condemnation, the feeling of never "being enough", and are simply tired of seeing disorder in your home, you don't have to figure it all out on your own.   Welcome in, sister.    RESOURCES  Scripture:      Genesis 1:27. So God created man, in his own image, in the image of God created he him; male and female created he them.       Colossians 2:10. And ye are complete in him, which is the head of all principality and power.        I Corinthians 2:16. For "who has known the mind of the LORD that he may instruct Him." But we have the mind of Christ.   If you like this episode, you may also like: Episode 5 // 4 Tips to Finally Gain Visual Peace in Your Home Without Decluttering https://cindyjoneschatham.podbean.com/e/05-4-tips-to-finally-gain-visual-peace-in-your-home-without-decluttering/   Episode 11 // Step by Step Tutorial on How to Clear the Clutter on the Floor So Your Family Can Walk Safely https://cindyjoneschatham.podbean.com/e/11-step-by-step-tutorial-on-how-to-clear-the-clutter-on-the-floor-so-your-family-can-walk-safely/     CONNECT If you have benefited from this episode, I invite you to share it with someone else who many enjoy "Simple Homemaking for Christian Women". And, if you'll leave me a review on Apple Podcasts, I'll know better how to serve you.

Have you ever looked around at all there was to do and shaken a finger at yourself and said, "You've GOT to get on top of things!" Have you ever looked at your to-do list that had 12 things on it for the day--or 26!--and tried to hype yourself up, saying, "Yep! I can get all those done today!" only to look at your list at day's end and see that you have checked off exactly 3 things, and you let out a silent, "I knew it! I knew I wouldn't get it all done again!" And have you EVER berated yourself because you have seen all that is around you that is your responsibility to do and simply sat down and watched a movie? If you have, then let's talk, my sister. Do I have a story for you!   In this episode I'll share: 1 fun story about a Ferris wheel 2 questions to ask yourself 3 sources of nagging 4 possible answers to the question, "Why can't I get of top of things?" the practice of "tucking in"   RESOURCES Benjamin Franklin: "Anyone who stops learning is old, whether 20 or 80. Anyone who keeps learning stays young. The greatest thing in life is to keep your mind young."   Psalm 91:1-5 1 He that dweller in the secret place of the most High shall abide under the shadow of the Almighty. 2 I will say of the LORD, He is my refuge and my fortress: my God: in him will I trust. 3 Surely he shall deliver thee from the snare of the fowler, and from the noisome pestilence. 4 He shall cover thee with his feathers, and under his wings shalt thou trust: his truth shall be thy shield and buckler. 5 Thou shalt not be afraid for the terror by night; nor for the arrow that flight by day.   Simple Homemaking Episode on Laundry https://cindyjoneschatham.podbean.com/e/08-overwhelmed-with-a-mountain-of-laundry-4-homemaking-tips-to-move-the-mountain-every-single-week/   CONNECT If you have enjoyed this episode, I invite you to share it with a friend who also may benefit from "Simple Homemaking for Christian Women". And, if you'll leave me a review in Apple Podcasts, I'll know how to better serve you.

Are you tired of the topic of decluttering? Of the whole of society, it seems, pressing into you the idea of getting rid of things? Are you weary of even the suggestion of becoming a minimalist, even though you are aware you have far too many things? And are you really wanting a simple, cozy home that you can enjoy all by yourself and, occasionally, with others? If so, this this episode is for you, my friend. Come inland let's dream of some cozy hygge.   In this episode, I share: a written description of hygge 1 real-life example of hygge 2 things hygge is not 3 areas where you can find hygge how to cultivate hygge in your own life one phrase that sums up how to creat hygge personally   RESOURCES Victoria magazine: victoriamag.com At Home in Mitford by Jan Karon. (This is the first book in the series.) Scripture:      Proverbs 3: 5-6           5 Trust in the LORD with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own          understanding.           6 In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths.         Psalm 118:29               O give thanks unto the LORD; for he is good: for his mercy endureth for ever.   CONNECT If you enjoyed this episode, I invite you to share it with someone else who would benefit from "Simple Homemaking for Christian Women". And if you leave a review on Apple Podcasts, I will know better how to serve you.

Have you ever needed an important document--say a birth certificate or a social security card--and not been able to put your hands on it immediately? Have you ever forgotten to return an important document to its file folder and then not known where it was?  And, have you ever blamed yourself royally for misplacing yet another important piece of paper?  If you have, my friend, then this episode is for you!   Today I'm sharing with you the #1 way for the homemaker to keep important documents in order and easily accessible.    You'll hear about: The Notebook System 3 reasons why The Notebook System works a Ready! Set! Go! approach of putting important documents in order places to keep the Black Notebook accessible 6 directions to use the Black Notebook   SUPPLIES FOR THE NOTEBOOK SYSTEM 1. One 1 1/2" or 2" three-ring binder/notebook, depending on the size of your family, preferably black 2. 1 box of plastic sleeves 3. 1 or 2 sets of notebook dividers, depending on the size of your family 4. A few blank pieces of copy paper 5. Blue or black pen 6. Black permanent marker 7. White Label, or white paper and tape 8. Important documents   CONNECT If you have found value in this episode, I invite you to share it with someone else who may benefit from "Simple Homemaking for Christian Women". And, if you leave me a review in Apple Podcasts, I'll know how to serve you better.

Have you ever thought that you were a far cry from the famous Proverbs 31 Woman? Have you ever read that famous chapter and told yourself you weren't going to eat the bread of idleness and you were going to consider a field and buy it--and then were disappointed in yourself because you didn't follow through? Have you seriously considered how the Proverbs 31 Woman did all those things in managing her home when you can barely get through the day doing laundry and running after children? Haven't. We. All. :)   Today, I'm sharing with you 5 Truths About the Proverbs 31 Woman and Why Trying Harder Doesn't Equal Greater Faith.   In this episode, you'll hear: the actual scripture of Proverbs 31 read aloud the backstory of the words describing the virtuous woman a new take on the behavior of this famous woman   5 Truths About the Proverbs 31 Woman Truth #1: The Proverbs 31 Woman founded her life on the fear of the LORD. Truth #2: The Proverbs 31 Woman was wise and kind. Truth #3: The Proverbs 31 Woman was clothed with strength and honor. Truth #4: The Proverbs 31 Woman was not afraid. Truth #5: The Proverbs 31 Woman worked willingly with her hands.   5 Truths About the Proverbs 31 Woman Personalized for Us  Truth #1: The foundation of my life is my reverence for the LORD. Truth #2: Because I have the Spirit in me through Jesus and I ask, I have wisdom and kindness. Truth #3: Because I have the Spirit in me through Jesus and I choose to be trustworthy, I am clothed with strength and honor. Truth #4: Because I have the Spirit in me through Jesus, and I have prepared, I am not afraid. Truth #5: Because I have the Spirit in me through Jesus, and I am thankful, I work willingly with my hands.   REFERENCES Proverbs 31 1 The words of king Lemuel, the prophecy that his mother taught him. 2 What, my son? and what, the son of my womb? and what, the son of my vows? 3 Give not thy strength unto women, nor thy ways to that which destroyeth kings. 4 It is not for kings, O Lemuel, it is not for kings to drink wine; nor for princes strong drink: 5 Lest they drink, and forget the law, and pervert the judgment of any of the afflicted. 6 Give strong drink unto him that is ready to perish, and wine unto those that be of heavy hearts. 7 Let him drink, and forget his poverty, and remember his misery no more. 8 Open thy mouth for the dumb in the cause of all such as are appointed to destruction. 9 Open thy mouth, judge righteously, and plead the cause of the poor and needy. 10 Who can find a virtuous woman? for her price is far above rubies. 11 The heart of her husband doth safely trust in her, so that he shall have no need of spoil. 12 She will do him good and not evil all the days of her life. 13 She seeketh wool, and flax, and worketh willingly with her hands. 14 She is like the merchants' ships; she bringeth her food from afar. 15 She riseth also while it is yet night, and giveth meat to her household, and a portion to her maidens. 16 She considereth a field, and buyeth it: with the fruit of her hands she planteth a vineyard. 17 She girdeth her loins with strength, and strengtheneth her arms. 18 She perceiveth that her merchandise is good; her candle goeth not out by night. 19 She layeth her hands to the spindle, and her hands hold the distaff. 20 She stretcheth out her hand to the poor; yea, she reacheth forth her hands to the needy. 21 She is not afraid of the snow for her household: for all her household are clothed with scarlet. 22 She maketh herself coverings of tapestry; her clothing is silk and purple. 23 Her husband is known in the gates, when he sitteth among the elders of the land. 24 She maketh fine linen, and selleth it; and delivereth girdles unto the merchant. 25 Strength and honour are her clothing; and she shall rejoice in time to come. 26 She openeth her mouth with wisdom; and in her tongue is the law of kindness. 27 She looketh well to the ways of her household, and eateth not the bread of idleness. 28 Her children arise up, and call her blessed; her husband also, and he praiseth her. 29 Many daughters have done virtuously, but thou excellest them all. 30 Favour is deceitful, and beauty is vain: but a woman that feareth the LORD, she shall be praised. 31 Give her of the fruit of her hands; and let her own works praise her in the gates.   I Corinthians 1:24. But unto them which are called, both Jews and Greeks, Christ the power of God, and the wisdom of God. James 1:5 If any of you lack wisdom, let him ask of God, that giveth to all men liberally, and upbraideth not: and it shall be given him. Galatians 5:22-23 22But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, 23 Meekness, temperance, against such there is no law. Colossians 3:12 Put on then, as God's chosen ones, holy and beloved, compassionate hearts, kindness, humility, meekness, and patience.  Matthew 6:26 Behold the fowls of the air: for they sow not, neither do they reap, nor gather into barns; yet your heavenly Father feedeth them.Are ye not much better than they?   CONNECT If you have found value in this episode, I invite you to share it with someone who can also benefit from "Simple Homemaking for Christian Women". And, if you'd like to let me know how I can better serve you, please leave a review in Apple podcasts.

Have you ever tossed something on the floor when you've come in from somewhere and thought "I'll put that away later"? Have you ever looked around, wondered where to put that stack of papers that's cluttering your desk, and dropped the entire stack on the floor? Have you ever stumbled over something because you didn't see it--on the floor? Well, you aren't alone, my friend. Sometimes, the things we do within the walls of our own home aren't always things we are proud of, and today is one of those days where we address something that perhaps not many of us would like to admit: the things we put on the floor. Nonetheless, come on in. Let's talk.   References Psalm 46:1 God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble.   Connect If you've enjoyed today's episode, I invite you to share it with someone else who may benefit from "Simple Homemaking for Christian Women". And, if you'd like to let me know how this episode has applied to you, I invite you to leave me a review on Apple podcasts.

Have you ever been in a situation where you see something that someone else had accomplished, and you wished it had been you? Have you ever seen someone do something successfully that you have been attempting to do for months and haven't been able to do? Have you ever wanted to do something so badly it brings you to tears, and you feel ashamed that it has had that effect on you? Well, come on in, sister! This episode is for you.   Today we deal with comparison, specifically when a stay-at-home mom compares herself and her lifestyle to that of a working mother.   You'll hear about: a woman who was startling frank about the reality of her life why comparison is a thief 6 areas of comparison between a working mom and a SAHM 5 reasons to stop comparing yourself to a working mother the scripture passage that shows us how to move forward into the unknown We all have areas in our lives where we compare ourselves to someone else. But let's not stay there. Let's address this malady of comparison head on.   Resources Proverbs 3:5-6       5  Trust in the LORD with all think heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding.       6  In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths.   Connecting with You If this episode has been helpful, I invite you to share it with someone else who may benefit from "Simple Homemaking for Christian Women". And, if you would like me to know how I can better serve you, I invite you to leave a review at Apple Podcasts.

Have you ever looked at one of your rooms--or an area in one of those rooms--and simply turned your head and looked the other way?  Have you ever mentally "dismissed" that pile of something-or-other in the corner just because you don't want to look at it? Do you just scan a room and unconsciously drift away from the areas that seem to be in turmoil and out of order? If you have, then today's episode is just for you.   Today you'll hear about: hygge--what it is and how to achieve it 1 trap for homemakers to avoid 2 definitions of chaos 3 questions to ask yourself  how to apply those answers to your own home to create hygge We all desire to have our homes comfortable, quiet, and cozy, but often we don't know just what to do to make that happen. Today's episode will start you in the right direction. Welcome!   References   Websters 1828 Dictionary: WebstersDictionary1828.com   Hebrews 11:3 Through faith we understand that the worlds were framed by the word of God, so that things which are seen were not made of things which do appear.   This Is My Father's World https://youtu.be/NwqTvmpnKeE?si=Q1rrp-0SrdXAqMZU   Connect I invite you to share this episode with someone who would like to know more about Simple Homemaking. And, to help me know more about how I can serve you better, please leave a review on Apple podcasts.

Have you ever turned around and wondered where in the world has all that laundry come from? Have you asked yourself, "How will I ever get all those dirty clothes washed? Do you get tired of washing, drying, and putting away clothes endlessly or, if you do finish, you get discouraged because, in just a few days, you must do it all over again? Yep! Me, too.  However, through the years, I discovered a few tips to help streamline the entire process of gathering, sorting, washing, drying, and putting away all the clothes, sheets, and towels. Come with me while I share with you: a brief history of wash day in America 4 tips to simplify "doing the laundry" 2 benefits of completing all the laundry in one day new ways of thinking about assigning the washing a few examples of innovative ways to re-think traditional supplies We will all want to wear clean clothes, of course, so we may as well learn to be creative in getting them that way! Instead of being a dreaded chore, "doing the wash" can be one way we serve our families, putting it in the category of "good works that were planned for us before the world began". Here's to moving that mountain of laundry!   References: Thieves Soap by Young Living The Life-Changing Magic of Tidying Up by Marie Kondo Ephesians 2:10 For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus unto good works, which God hath before ordained that we should walk in them. Revelation 3:5. He that overcometh the same shall be clothed in white raiment; and I will not blot out his name out of the book of life, but I will confess his name before my Father and before his angels.   Next Steps If this episode encouraged you, please consider sharing it with other Christian women who may benefit from "Simple Homemaking for Christian Women"? Also, I invite you to leave me a review on Apple Podcasts to let me know how I can better serve you.

Have you ever just started to wake up--you know the time when you're coming out of sleep and your eyes aren't even open yet?--and, before you can stop them, the thoughts come rolling in. "I'm already behind!" "What am I going to do wrong today?" "Why can't I get a handle on all this?"   If you have, this episode is for you.   Today, I briefly review Part 1 of "3 Unexpected Faith-Based Mindset Shifts for the SAHM":      #1. REALIZE when condemnation hits.      #2. RECOGNIZE that, for the believer, condemnation is from the enemy.      #3. REFUSE to compare yourself.   You'll also hear about: 3 mindset shifts that will help you deal practically with that morning condemnation what to think about instead of listening to the whisperings of the enemy making definite decisions regarding your thoughts a specific script suggesting what to say to the enemy thoughts from two men who also have experienced "the morning dread" No more, my friends, do we have to wake up dreading the day. Starting right now, leet's move into tomorrow knowing we are loved, equipped, and prepared to face the day the Lord has made for us.

Do you have trouble waking up with a positive, cheery attitude? Do you wonder how in the world you could be in a bad mood even before you open your eyes in the morning? Have you ever "dreaded the day" because you knew you would be facing battles all day long, and you simply didn't feel up to the fight?   If these questions sound familiar, I'm so glad you're here. Help is available, my friend!  Today I share with you how the way we think affects the way we behave--and the information might be some you've never heard before. This is a complex subject, so we're breaking it into two parts. In this episode, you'll hear:  the definition of condemnation the scriptural truth regarding condemnation, both in a broad sense and in a personal sense how you may be judging yourself 3 specific ways to begin to address this "dreading of the day" an explanation of religious thinking a reminder that Jesus takes pleasure in a humble heart So many of us experience these thoughts and yet we dare not voice them to anybody. Then they simmer in the back of our minds all day long, only to erupt before the dawn. Let's address this dreaded way of thinking, my friend, and make a battle plan.   Scripture References Romans 8:1 [There is] therefore now no condemnation to them which are in Christ Jesus, who walk not after the flesh, but after the Spirit. Romans 10:9 That if thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in thine heart that God hath raised him from the dead, thou shalt be saved. Proverbs 23:7 For as he thinketh in his heart, so [is] he... Ephesians 1:7 In whom we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of sins, according to the riches of his grace... Colossians 2:10 And ye are complete in him, which is the head of all principality and power...   Next Steps 1. Follow "Simple Homemaking for Christian Women" so you don't   miss an episode.  2. Share this episode with another woman who may want to know more about simple homemaking and trusting God. 3. Ask the Holy Spirit to remind you of His love for you.   Connect I invite you to leave a review in Apple Podcasts to let me know how I can better serve you.

Have you ever looked at a horizontal surface in your home and you couldn't even see the table top? The counter top? The top of the dresser? Have you told yourself, "I'll clear that off soon!" And then "soon" never comes? Do you ever "look away" from some of those piles, just so you can look at something that doesn't seem to shout to you, "Fix me! Fix me!" I have, and I didn't like it. Those horizontal surfaces seemed to be a magnet for everything, and yet I didn't want it that way. Everything seemed to "just grow". Today I share with you 4 tips that helped me finally gain visual peace within our home--and all that, without decluttering! Now I realize that decluttering is all the rage right now, and for good reason. Many of us simply have too much inventory to effectively maintain. And minimalism is also a topic that has its place in our world today, for sure. But today we talk about how to gain some visual peace without having to make any decisions about "throw away, give away, or put away". Today I offer you 4 ways to help you toward the end result of looking at an area of your home and just visually drinking in peace.   You'll hear: the official definition of clutter (yes, an official definition exists!) how your possessions have a voice of their own the origin of confusion the description of visual peace 4 ways to create visual peace in any area of your home And I give you a few examples of each of these tips to incorporate into your own home.   Remember, we are made in the image of God, the best Creator ever. Instead of berating ourselves every time we see a pile of things on a table top, a mantel, or a bathroom counter, let's choose to say, "How can I create some visual peace here for me to enjoy?"  Let's start there, and we'll call it "good".   References: Genesis 1 & 2 The story of Creation James 3:16 "For where envying and strife is, there is confusion and every evil work." Connect: I invite you to leave me a review at Apple Podcasts. This lets me know how I can serve you well.

"Why can't I get everything DONE?!" Is this the question that rolls around in your mind most days? Do you go to bed at night discouraged that you didn't measure up once again on the "Good Mother-and-Wife chart? And, if you had a good day and you crossed off 90% of the things on your to-do list, do you still hammer yourself about the 10% that didn't get done? If so, welcome to my world--my past world. My used-to-be world. My not-to-be-repeated world. Sometimes I wonder why I ever thought that I--alone, all by myself, without any help--could get everything done. I mean, I did have help, of sorts. I was training the help, right? The children. And they did help. But, at the end of the day, if I didn't delegate it, didn't inspect it, or didn't do it, it didn't get done. And then I went to bed doing my best to justify to myself why I put "people over things", and why the house was still a mess.   Today I share with you: how I changed my thinking 4 truths that balanced the "get everything done" perspective the definition, concept, and examples of hygge 3 ways you can apply hygge to your life how to reverse your mindset from "taking away" to "creating" I hope that for you, just like for me, this mindset of condemning yourself becomes a thing of the past. We homemakers and SAHMs have so much to do! Yet, peace awaits, my friend. Let me introduce you to hygge.   References: Genesis 1 & 2  The story of Creation Ephesians 1:3-4  Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who hath blessed us with all spiritual blessings in heavenly places in Christ; According as he hath chosen us in him before the foundation of the world, that we should be holy and without blame before him in love...   Connect: I invite you to leave a review in Apple Podcasts; this is the primary way you can let me know if I'm serving you well.