Thankful Homemaker: A Christian Homemaking Podcast

Every Christmas season I look forward to reading the account of the birth of Christ in Luke together as a family on Christmas morning. I'm amazed at Mary's faith.  What must have gone through her mind when Gabriel approached her?  How did she process the news that she and Joseph were to raise the Son of God?  What depths of sorrow did she endure while watching her Son die a horrific death on a cross?  There are many lessons we can learn from Mary’s life, but I want to share just ten today. Show Notes: 1.  Mary knew God's Word. (Luke 1:54-55) 2.  Mary was filled with the Spirit. (Luke 1:35) 3. Mary said "yes" to God's plan for her life. (Luke 1:38) 4.  Mary was quiet before the Lord and meditated on all He had done in her life. (Luke 2:19, Luke 2:51) 5.  Mary turned to Jesus for help when she had a problem to be solved. (John 2:3-5) 6.  Mary was a woman of worship.(Luke 1:46-47) 7.  Mary trusted in the Lord and waited on the His timing. (Matthew 1:19-20) 8.  Mary was a chosen vessel of the Lord. (Luke 1:30-31) 9.  Mary was a faithful servant. (John 19:25) 10. Mary knew Jesus was dying on the cross for her sins. (Luke 2:34-35) Scripture & Resources: Luke 2:19 Matthew 7:21 Romans 8:9-10 John MacArthur Study Bible Mary of Nazareth@Revive Our Hearts Twelve Extraordinary Women by John MacArthur My Soul Magnifies the Lord: Meditations on the Meaning of Christmas by Martyn Lloyd-Jones Subscribe to ThankfulHomemaker Related Posts: 10 Lessons from the Life of Mary Christmas Love, 1 Corinthians 13 Style Podcast EP 9: Christ-Focused Christmas Celebration Ideas Our Simple Family Christmas Traditions Thoughts to Ponder as You Celebrate Christmas How to Avoid the Comparison Trap this Christmas Season Podcast EP 11: Serving with a Mary Heart in a Martha Season Find the full show notes at the blog here - ThankfulHomemaker.com Subscribe to ThankfulHomemaker Follow ThankfulHomemaker on Facebook, Pinterest & Instagram Subscribe to the Podcast on Your Favorite App 

Many times in my walk as a believer I have heard and read the term "abide in Christ" and didn't have a full understanding of what that meant. I know abide means to remain in, and I pictured it as a state of resting in Christ. Studying through John 15 has been a help to me in grasping fully what our Lord meant as he walked and talked with His disciples on the way to the Garden of Gethsemane. Picture this; our Lord had just left the Upper Room in John 13 & 14 where He and the disciples shared a Passover meal together. During their time together in the Upper Room Jesus washed the disciple's feet and He dismissed Judas who would betray him (John 13). Now in John 15, they are headed in the darkness of the night to the Garden of Gethsemane. Jesus's timing in giving this teaching to his disciples was needed as they were going to face hard times ahead and this lesson is relevant to us today as we meet difficult days. So let's learn together what it looks like to abide in Christ, be a real disciple and bear fruit for our Lord. I'm working through  John 15:1-11 today.    Scripture & Resources: John 13 John 14 John 15:1-11 Galatians 5:22-23 Isaiah 53:3 1 Peter 1:8 Abiding in Christ: Becoming Like Christ through an Abiding Relationship with Him by Paul Chappell John 15 Study Doorposts Blog What Does it Mean to Abide in Christ? Christmas Posts: Christ-Focused Gift Guide for the Whole Family Christmas Love, 1 Corinthians Style Podcast EP 9: Christ-Focused Christmas Celebration Ideas Thoughts to Ponder as You Celebrate Christmas Podcast EP 11: Serving with a Mary Heart in a Martha Season Find the full show notes at the blog here - ThankfulHomemaker.com Subscribe to ThankfulHomemaker Follow ThankfulHomemaker on Facebook, Pinterest & Instagram Subscribe to the Podcast on Your Favorite App 

It’s not the gingerbread houses or cookies or special meals that will have the most impact on your family. It is the attitude of your heart. It is them seeing the Gospel lived out in your day to day life – even in the midst of busy seasons. As the busy Christmas season is upon us we can find ourselves all wrapped up (literally wrapping too) in planning, cooking, cleaning, shopping, decorating, ministry activities and a multitude of other tasks that seem to come about during the Christmas season in addition to just the normal activities of life that we are dealing with. I can lose focus and need to continue to pray to the Lord to remind me to have the heart of Mary and not get caught up with the attitude of Martha in all that needs to be done. I’m a very task focused person, and it’s how my mind works so I need to be intentional and prayerful to not miss the wonder of the Christmas season. The Christmas season can be a time – a reminder to us to refocus - to again to think deeply about the realities of who Jesus is and what He has done for us. Scripture & Resources: Luke 1:28-29 Luke 2:19 1 Thessalonians 5:18 Philippians 2:14 Matthew 1 Luke 2 Isaiah 7 Isaiah 9 Micah 5 Matthew 25:40 Come Let Us Adore Him by Paul Tripp Good News of Great Joy at Desiring God Ever Thine Home 10 Questions to Ask at a Christmas Gathering Jesus Unmasked by Todd Friel Wretched.org Answers in Genesis Christmas Cards 14 Simple Outreach Ideas with an Eternal Focus Remember When Tractat Living Waters Treasuring God in Our Traditions by Noel Piper ESV Giveaway Bibles   Related Resources: Celebrating Advent: Looking Back and Looking Forward 10 Simple & Practical Hostess Gifts Christ-Focused Gift Guide for the Whole Family Christ-Focused Christmas Gift Guide 2017 Podcast Ep 11: Serving with a Mary Heart in a Martha Season 14 Simple Outreach Ideas with an Eternal Focus Find the Show Notes for this episode at ThankfulHomemaker.com Follow ThankfulHomemaker on Instagram, Facebook & Pinterest Subscribe to the Podcast on Your Favorite App Subscribe to ThankfulHomemaker.com  

In a world quick to judge, finding the beauty in others becomes essential. The discussion highlights the significance of gentleness and meekness within the Christian faith. Listeners explore how to respond with kindness during disagreements, especially within close relationships like marriage and parenting. Trusting in God's sovereignty and leaning on the Holy Spirit are highlighted as key to cultivating this gentle spirit. Practical tips and personal reflections serve to inspire a Christ-like approach to everyday interactions.

How can we as believers "put on" an attitude of love in our homes? What does it look like to "put off" sinful responses and attitudes and "put on" God-honoring attitudes? I'm hoping today to encourage you that as believers we can "put on" attitudes and behaviors that are God-honoring. If we are in Christ, He has equipped us to do so through His presence within us and through our intake of God's truth. We're working through Ephesians 4:22-24 together today: 22 to put off your old self, which belongs to your former manner of life and is corrupt through deceitful desires, 23 and to be renewed in the spirit of your minds,24 and to put on the new self, created after the likeness of God in true righteousness and holiness. We have a new nature when we receive Christ and are born again – we become a totally different individual – we’re now a citizen of heaven Therefore if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation the old has gone the new has come. ~ 2 Corinthians 5:17 The apostle Paul reminds us throughout his epistles that we have a new nature. It affects our mind, heart, knowledge, wisdom, love, desires and every aspect of our being. According to God’s Word, we are new – transformed. As believers, we now have a new nature. Our behavior is now able to match our new nature because Christ is in us. We are risen with Christ, and we should now behave in accordance with who we are.   Scripture & Resources: Ephesians 4:22-24 Acts 7:58 Romans 3:12 1 Peter 2:1 Acts 12:21 Colossians 3:9-11 Philippians 2:12 2 Corinthians 5:17 Ephesians 4:1 Philippians 4:8 Galatians 5:22-23 Ephesians 5:2 1 Timothy 4:7-8 1 Corinthians 13:4-7 1 John 5:3 Martha Peace's "Put On, Put Off" Study The Holiness of God by R.C. Sproul The Excellent Wife by Martha Peace Putting on an Attitude of Love in Your Home Podcast Ep. 15: Prioritizing God's Word When Life is Busy For the full Show Notes visit ThankfulHomemaker.com Follow ThankfulHomemaker on Facebook, Pinterest, and Instagram Subscribe to the podcast on your favorite app Subscribe to ThankfulHomemaker    

On this podcast episode of Thankful Homemaker, we're talking about how our tongues can get us into so much trouble. We tend to have many words. Many times we're not careful with our words and say things that are slanderous, or gossip or sadly at times even malicious. This should not be for women who love the Lord and are loved and known by Him. Let's encourage each other today to speak words that glorify and honor the Lord. Scripture References & Other Resources Mentioned: Colossians 4:6 Proverbs 141:3 James 3:2 James 3:8 James 3:9-10 Ephesians 4:31 Matthew 18:15 Galatians 6:1 Ephesians 4:32 Proverbs 10:19 Proverbs 31:26 Ephesians 4:29 Matthew 12:34 Colossians 3:15-17 James Online Bible Study by Jen Wilkin For the full Show Notes visit ThankfulHomemaker.com Follow ThankfulHomemaker on Facebook, Pinterest, and Instagram Subscribe to the podcast on your favorite app Subscribe to ThankfulHomemaker

I know as women we can get caught in our to-do lists and forget to give thanks in and through all things – even in the gift of preparing to serve others with the hope of pointing them to the One who we truly have all things to be thankful for! give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you. ~ 1 Thessalonians 5:18 My hope today is to simplify your holiday planning a bit.  So you’re getting this two weeks before Thanksgiving with the hopes it will be a help with maybe getting a bit more organized than you have in past years and also starting to think about how you can focus your day on the Lord. I want you to be able to keep your family's and your focus on Christ and not get caught up in all the things on your seemingly long to do list. Thanksgiving should be a time of feasting on the abundant grace of God.  I'm sharing below my simple planning for one of my favorite family traditions to celebrate together along with some bits of help at the end to keep the focus of the meal on Christ and Who we are truly giving thanks to. My hope always is to spark ideas in ways you can make much of Christ during your time together. “Take a little time to make ordinary things extraordinary.” ~ Emilie Barnes  For Complete Show Notes visit ThankfulHomemaker.com  Scripture & Resources: Colossians 3:15 Psalm 100 1 Thessalonians 5:18 Simple Planning Guide for a Stress-Free and Christ-Focused Thanksgiving Dinner-@Thankful Homemaker Our Simple Thanksgiving Traditions- @Thankful Homemaker Weekend Coffee Break {Thanksgiving Edition}- Some helpful links & resources - @Thankful Homemaker Chocolate Pie Recipe- in this post Pioneer Woman's Mashed Potatoes For Other Recipes Mentioned check out this post. Getting Ready for Company Fast- @Thankful Homemaker Podcast Episode 7: Getting Ready for Company Fast Valley of Vision Prayer History of Thanksgiving- @Got Questions Conversation Starters Ever Thine Home - What are you thankful for? Printable The Valley of Vision: Book of Puritan Prayers by Arthur Bennett Thanksgiving: A Time to Remember by Barbara Rainey Squanto and the Miracle of Thanksgiving by Eric Metaxas Choosing Gratitude: Your Journey to Joy by Nancy DeMoss Wolgemuth Revive Our Hearts 30 Day Gratitude Challenge Thanksgiving Pinterest Board - many more ideas, recipes, and coloring sheet links for kids Thankfulness to God is a recognition that God in His goodness and faithfulness has provided for us and cared for us, both physically and spiritually. It is a recognition that we are totally dependent upon Him; that all that we are and have comes from God. ~ Jerry Bridges Subscribe to the Podcast on Your Favorite App Find All Podcast Episodes Here with Show Notes  Follow Thankful Homemaker on Facebook, Instagram & Pinterest Subscribe to the blog here and not miss a post or podcast episode.    

Self Discipline is essential to spiritual growth and it is useful in our lives in so many ways. Living lives that are disciplined means saying, “yes” to God in every area of our lives. Jesus is our ultimate example of what it looks like to live a disciplined life. He chose both dependence and obedience to His Father. As Christians, we too are called to dependence and obedience to our Father. Self-discipline is primary to our spiritual growth. In 1 Timothy 4:7 We are called to discipline ourselves for the purpose of godliness. It means to exercise control over one’s self. It’s the ability to keep ourselves under control.   My Practical List: Spend time with the Lord daily Take care of the tasks that are most difficult early in the day. Make sure you finish what you start. Take the time to get organized - one room at a time. Learn to deny yourself. Scripture References & Other Resources Mentioned: 1 Timothy 4:7 Galatians 5:22-23 John 15 1 Peter 1:13 Ephesians 4:14 1 Corinthians 7:22 Matthew 6:24 Matthew 11:30 Romans 6:22 Ephesians 2:8-10 Ephesians 5:15-16 Ecclesiastes 3 1 Corinthians 10:31 Discipline: The Glad Surrender by Elisabeth Elliot Find all the Show Notes & Resources mentioned at ThankfulHomemaker.com Follow ThankfulHomemaker on: Facebook Instagram Pinterest Subscribe to the Podcast on Your Favorite App Subscribe to the Blog

On today’s Encore Episode, we’re going to talk about our cell phone use and discuss whether we master our cell phones or do they master us. This podcast was on my mind because of two recent posts at Tim Challies blog on the use of our phones. I recently read the book, 12 Ways Your Phone is Changing Youby Tony Reinke and it was a challenging read. I’m going to share with you some of what I took from that book to get us started, some thoughts on Tim Challies posting about him going back to a “dumb phone” and as we close today some questions for us to ponder from a quiz Tim Challies posted online called Are You Addicted to Your Phone? At the close, I share some ways I desire to make changes with the use of my phone in my life.  "We check our smartphones about 81,500 times each year, or once every 4.3 minutes of our waking lives." ~ Tony Reinke I'm working on a series on marriage for the podcast in the future, and I hope to get my husband on the podcast with me so we can do a few together.I’d love you all to “meet” him. I love listening to him and learning from him. The Lord has given him much wisdom and truly being around him makes me want to be more like Jesus, so I’m thankful to get to have him share here with you all.     Scripture & Resources: 2 Corinthians 3:18 12 Ways Your Phone is Changing Youby Tony Reinke Are You Addicted to Your Phone? (Take a Quiz to Find Out)- @Challies I Want to Buy Your Cheapest Phone- @Challies 12 Steps to Living Smartphone Smart- @Tony Reinke at Lifeway Don't Waste Your Mornings- @Thankful Homemaker Podcast Ep. 6: What Does Self-Discipline Look Like in Our Homes More Resources from Tony Reinke: 12 Tips for Parenting in the Digital Age- @Desiring God Why We Should Escape Social Media (And Why We Don't)- @Desiring God Know When to Walk Away (A Twelve-Step Digital Detox)- @Desiring God Going Deep on Our Smartphone and Social Media Habits- @Desiring God For the Full Show Notes and Resources visit ThankfulHomemaker.com Follow Thankful Homemaker on: Facebook Pinterest Instagram Subscribe to the Podcast on Your Favorite App Subscribe to the Blog

The hope on today's episode of contentment is to remind us today how rich we are in Christ and that we will find our satisfaction in Him and Him alone. I want to open with the words of the apostle Paul in Philippians: Not that I am speaking of being in need, for I have learned in whatever situation I am to be content.  I know how to be brought low, and I know how to abound. In any and every circumstance, I have learned the secret of facing plenty and hunger, abundance and need. ~ Philippians 4:11-12 As I've been meditating on Philippians 4:11-12 on contentment I'm reminded that there isn't a program where we can automatically be contented people. No 5 Steps to Contentment or Learn to be Content Retreat Weekend. Contentment in our walk as believers is learned, just as Paul learned it, so do we as we walk this walk with the Lord. It does not come naturally to us. We know deep down the secret to contentment is to keep our eyes on the Lord in every situation. It's when we take our eyes off Him is when we fall into this sin. “So what does contentment mean? It is an inner sense of rest or peace that comes from being right with God and knowing that He is in control of all that happens to us.” ~ Steven J. Cole I've noticed there aren't many books on Christian contentment and a classic is one by Jeremiah Burroughs called The Rare Jewel of Christian Contentment. The title made me pause and think how well he defined contentment as a rarity even in our life as believers. It is a rarity, and usually, we walk in a spirit of discontentedness. “Christian contentment is that sweet, inward, quiet, gracious frame of spirit, which freely submits to and delights in God's wise and fatherly disposal in every condition.” ~ Jeremiah Burroughs, The Rare Jewel of Christian Contentment Show Notes: “We have here an account of Paul's learning, not that which he got at the feet of Gamaliel, but that which he got at the feet of Christ.”   ~ Matthew Henry “These are both hard lessons to learn; I do not know which is the more difficult of the two. Probably it is easier to know how to go down than to know how to go up. How many Christians have I seen grandly glorifying God in sickness and poverty when they have come down in the world; and ah! How often have I seen other Christians dishonoring God when they have grown rich, or when they have risen to a position of influence among their fellow-men! These two lessons grace alone can fully teach us.”      ~ Charles Spurgeon The excerpt below from Lydia Brownback's book, Contentment: A Godly Woman's Adornment: “Contentment won't be found in changing the things we don't like about our lives, which is what the author of Hebrews is telling us. In his words, we find why contentment is possible, even when we lack our heart's desires.  We can be content with our lives exactly as they are today because God has promised he is always with us.  Our problem really isn't that we need something we don't have; our problem is that we don't find God to be enough for us.  Many of us can't even comprehend how God can meet us in our empty places and satisfy us fully.  We are open to the idea, but we just don't see how it's possible. Sometimes we get a wrong idea about how God satisfies us.  He doesn't come to us on our terms, taking the role of a surrogate for the things or relationships we lack.  He comes in place of those things, giving us something even better.  The whole reason we can't resonate with the words of Hebrews 13:5  is that we are bound up in the things of this life and our desires for them.  If we would just look away from those, we would find that God delights to fill up our empty places with joy, peace, guidance, love security and communion with him through his Spirit.  Once we get a taste of that we find that it is no second-best consolation prize.  We will find it to be better, richer, fuller than any earthy relationship or material blessing. We can find this for ourselves by guarding against focusing overly much on what this world offers.  We can–and should–certainly enjoy the material things God gives us, but only if we hold them loosely.  It is the love of this world's blessings, the focus on getting them, that is the problem, not the blessings themselves. We don't need anything more than what we have right now, today, in order to be content.  The Bible says so; therefore it must be true.  The choice is ours.” Scripture & Resources: Philippians 4:11-12 Philippians 4:13 1 Corinthians 15:10 Hebrews 13:5 Matthew 6:33 Learning Contentment Practical Steps to Overcome Self-Pity The Rare Jewel of Christian Contentment by Jeremiah Burroughs Contentment: A Godly Woman's Adornment by Lydia Brownback A Surprising Ingredient in Christian Contentment- @Desiring God Subscribe to Thankful Homemaker blog Subscribe to the podcast on your favorite app Follow Thankful Homemaker on Facebook, Instagram & Pinterest