

Simply Convivial: Biblical Homemaking, Homeschooling & Mom Life—Without Burnout
Mystie Winckler
Homemaking and homeschooling can feel overwhelming, but they don’t have to be. If you’re a Christian mom longing for a well-ordered home, a peaceful homeschool, and a joyful heart—without the stress or burnout—you’re in the right place. Moms can be productive and peaceful when grounded in Scriptural truth.
I’m Mystie Winckler, homeschooling mom of five, founder of Simply Convivial, and your guide to managing both home and heart with faith and focus. Here, we talk about biblical homemaking, sustainable homeschooling, and cheerful productivity—all through the lens of organizing your attitude and embracing your God-given calling.
In each episode, you’ll find practical homemaking systems, homeschooling strategies, and mindset shifts that will help you manage your home without perfectionism or frustration. We’ll tackle topics like:
✔️ Christian homemaking routines that actually work
✔️ Productivity, mom-style
✔️ Homeschooling with peace—even when life gets messy
✔️ Time management for moms (without rigid schedules)
✔️ Decluttering your home & your attitude
✔️ How to be diligent, not just busy
Motherhood is a marathon, not a sprint. You don’t need more willpower—you need a grace-filled, biblical approach to managing life at home. Let’s cultivate faithfulness, embrace joy, and build habits that make home a place of peace and purpose.
👉 Subscribe now and start organizing your home and heart—cheerfully.
I’m Mystie Winckler, homeschooling mom of five, founder of Simply Convivial, and your guide to managing both home and heart with faith and focus. Here, we talk about biblical homemaking, sustainable homeschooling, and cheerful productivity—all through the lens of organizing your attitude and embracing your God-given calling.
In each episode, you’ll find practical homemaking systems, homeschooling strategies, and mindset shifts that will help you manage your home without perfectionism or frustration. We’ll tackle topics like:
✔️ Christian homemaking routines that actually work
✔️ Productivity, mom-style
✔️ Homeschooling with peace—even when life gets messy
✔️ Time management for moms (without rigid schedules)
✔️ Decluttering your home & your attitude
✔️ How to be diligent, not just busy
Motherhood is a marathon, not a sprint. You don’t need more willpower—you need a grace-filled, biblical approach to managing life at home. Let’s cultivate faithfulness, embrace joy, and build habits that make home a place of peace and purpose.
👉 Subscribe now and start organizing your home and heart—cheerfully.
Episodes
Mentioned books

Aug 27, 2024 • 21min
How to Create Homeschool Accountability (with Dawn Garrett)
https://simplyconvivial.com/art-of-homeschoolingMaximize Your Homeschooling Hours: Tips for Focus and SuccessDevote specific hours, called sacred school hours, to focus solely on school work. Parents should minimize distractions, such as household chores and social media, during these hours. The emphasis is on being present and available to support children's learning in an environment filled with potential distractions.Our best homeschool accountability advice - Build in frequent check-ins (the younger the student, the more frequent the check ins), not only to celebrate the small steps of progress along the way, but also to make sure they’re not dawdling.Dawn Garrett lives in Ohio with her husband Jason and their three always-homeschooled children - two graduates and a rising senior. In her homeschool, they learn about God and His cosmos by studying the seven liberal arts in order to know Him better, imitate Him and His ways, and share about Him with others. Her home blog – about books school and life – has been at ladydusk for 20 years.Mystie Winckler encourages moms to organize their attitudes and get traction at home so we are no longer overwhelmed or frustrated with homemaking. We are a community of Christian women striving to be competent, cheerful homemakers so we are fruitful, faithful, and hospitable. Subscribe for regular encouragement!📖 Get my latest book - Simplified Organization: Learn to Love What Must Be Donehttps://www.simplifiedorganization.com🏆 Enroll in Convivial Circle and get practical homemaking mentorship so you don't have to be overwhelmed anymore: https://www.simplyconvivial.com/stop-overwhelm

Aug 22, 2024 • 14min
TOP 3 Essential Tips for a Smooth Homeschool Morning
Take Art of Homeschooling: https://simplyconvivial.com/art-of-homeschoolingMystie Winckler, a homeschool mom of five and author of 'The Convivial Homeschool,' shares her three favorite practices to ensure a smooth start to the homeschool day. Mystie emphasizes the importance of self-preparation, choosing a consistent starting place, and using a motivating motto or verse. She breaks down how these steps can set the right tone for a productive day. Mystie invites viewers to join her in further exploring these ideas through her course, The Art of Homeschooling, and follow her podcast for more insights.00:00 Introduction and Personal Background01:36 TIP 1: The Importance of a Self-Preparation Routine06:27 TIP 2: Choose a Homeschool Day Starting Space08:59 TIP 3: Using a Motto or Verse for Focus11:40 Get Homeschool Accountability!Mystie Winckler encourages moms to organize their attitudes and get traction at home so we are no longer overwhelmed or frustrated with homemaking. We are a community of Christian women striving to be competent, cheerful homemakers so we are fruitful, faithful, and hospitable. Subscribe for regular encouragement!📖 Get my latest book - Simplified Organization: Learn to Love What Must Be Donehttps://www.simplifiedorganization.com🏆 Enroll in Convivial Circle and get practical homemaking mentorship so you don't have to be overwhelmed anymore: https://www.simplyconvivial.com/stop-overwhelm

Aug 20, 2024 • 16min
How to be impervious as a homeschool mom! (with Lauren Scott)
Join us for Art of Homeschooling: https://simplyconvivial.com/art-of-homeschoolingImperviousness is a new word for many of us, but it's a word and a mode that we need to be successful homeschool moms who guide our children through their various phases into functioning adulthood. Homeschooling is not always going to be rainbows and roses, and we have to be prepared to weather the storms of our children's displeasure if we're going to effectively shape their loves and lifestyle.Lauren Scott makes her home in the foothills of the Arkansas Ozarks, where she and her husband Nathaniel are raising their two energetic teenage boys on the Scriptures, living books, the great outdoors, and lots of meaningful work experiences. Lauren has been home educating now for over a decade and organizes a local co-op. She’s an avid gardener and reader, and she writes about the Christian life, books, and homeschooling at KeptandKeeping.com.Mystie Winckler encourages moms to organize their attitudes and get traction at home so we are no longer overwhelmed or frustrated with homemaking. We are a community of Christian women striving to be competent, cheerful homemakers so we are fruitful, faithful, and hospitable. Subscribe for regular encouragement!📖 Get my latest book - Simplified Organization: Learn to Love What Must Be Donehttps://www.simplifiedorganization.com🏆 Enroll in Convivial Circle and get practical homemaking mentorship so you don't have to be overwhelmed anymore: https://www.simplyconvivial.com/stop-overwhelm

Aug 15, 2024 • 43min
Advanced Time Budget Techniques for Busy Moms
https://simplyconvivial.com/timebudget/As we head into a new school year, we have to evaluate how we're using time. Time budget, time blocking, time management - these are skills we as busy moms can improve in so we can steward our days well.Mystie Winckler encourages moms to organize their attitudes and get traction at home so we are no longer overwhelmed or frustrated with homemaking. We are a community of Christian women striving to be competent, cheerful homemakers so we are fruitful, faithful, and hospitable. Subscribe for regular encouragement!📖 Get my latest book - Simplified Organization: Learn to Love What Must Be Donehttps://www.simplifiedorganization.com🏆 Enroll in Convivial Circle and get practical homemaking mentorship so you don't have to be overwhelmed anymore: https://www.simplyconvivial.com/stop-overwhelm

Aug 13, 2024 • 19min
Transform Your Homeschool Mood: How to Stay Organized and Joyful with Rena Sites
Learn the Art of Homeschooling: https://simplyconvivial.com/art-of-homeschoolingTransforming Homeschooling with Joy and Preparation | Simplified Organization PodcastLet's chat about the joys of homeschooling and homemaking. Rena shares practical tips and strategies from the 'Art of Homemaking' course that helped her manage her home and homeschooling with gratitude, even through challenging times like pregnancy and the COVID pandemic. They discuss the importance of setting a clear direction, using checklists, preparing in advance, and iterating routines to create a smoother and more joyful homeschooling experience. Rena also highlights the significance of starting the day with a positive mindset and the role of alignment cards in maintaining focus and gratitude.00:00 Introduction to the Podcast00:44 Meet Rena: A Convivial Circle Member01:22 The Art of Homemaking and Homeschooling02:20 Setting Direction and Vision03:24 Practical Tips for Daily Routines05:15 The Importance of Preparation09:04 Iterating and Adapting Homeschool Plans11:56 Starting the School Year Right14:24 The Power of the Alignment Card16:43 Concluding Thoughts and GratitudeMystie Winckler encourages moms to organize their attitudes and get traction at home so we are no longer overwhelmed or frustrated with homemaking. We are a community of Christian women striving to be competent, cheerful homemakers so we are fruitful, faithful, and hospitable. Subscribe for regular encouragement!📖 Get my latest book - Simplified Organization: Learn to Love What Must Be Donehttps://www.simplifiedorganization.com🏆 Enroll in Convivial Circle and get practical homemaking mentorship so you don't have to be overwhelmed anymore: https://www.simplyconvivial.com/stop-overwhelm

Aug 1, 2024 • 15min
Make family chores fun every Saturday!
Baby Step Bingo starts today: https://simplyconvivial.com/babystepbingo/Gracie shares her experience with the 'Baby Step Bingo' challenge from the Convivial Circle community. They discuss how small steps can make a significant difference, particularly during life transitions such as expecting a new baby. Misty and Gracie explore how structured activities can enhance family productivity and joy, and they emphasize the importance of gratitude and personal choice in homemaking.00:00 Introduction to the Simplified Organization Podcast00:39 Meet Gracie Madwick: A Homeschooling Mom of Nine01:35 Baby Step Bingo: A Fun Family Challenge02:36 Implementing Baby Step Bingo in Family Life04:30 Adapting Baby Step Bingo for Different Ages06:08 Celebrating Success with Family Prizes06:47 Adjustments and Iterations of Baby Step Bingo07:40 Postpartum Pause and Future Plans10:26 Mom's Baby Step Bingo: Thank You Notes11:47 Conclusion and Final ThoughtsMystie Winckler encourages moms to organize their attitudes and get traction at home so we are no longer overwhelmed or frustrated with homemaking. We are a community of Christian women striving to be competent, cheerful homemakers so we are fruitful, faithful, and hospitable. Subscribe for regular encouragement!📖 Get my latest book - Simplified Organization: Learn to Love What Must Be Donehttps://www.simplifiedorganization.com🏆 Enroll in Convivial Circle and get practical homemaking mentorship so you don't have to be overwhelmed anymore: https://www.simplyconvivial.com/stop-overwhelm

Jul 29, 2024 • 18min
The little things make a big difference!
Try Baby Step Bingo with us! https://simplyconvivial.com/babystepbingoDiscover Christian Joy in Mundane Tasks!Discover how Christianity unites work and joy, redefining mundane tasks with a purpose. Learn how incorporating fun, playful strategies like 'Baby Step Bingo' can transform homemakers' productivity and help them get more done at home. This episode is ideal for moms and homemakers looking to combat procrastination and find satisfaction in their responsibilities.00:00 Breaking Free from the Grind Mentality01:13 The Christian Perspective on Work03:03 Finding Joy in Mundane Tasks07:17 Incorporating Playfulness into Routines08:25 Shifting from Panic-Driven to Joy-Driven Motivation10:45 Practical Tips for Sustainable Motivation12:19 Community Sharing and BrainstormingMystie Winckler encourages moms to organize their attitudes and get traction at home so we are no longer overwhelmed or frustrated with homemaking. We are a community of Christian women striving to be competent, cheerful homemakers so we are fruitful, faithful, and hospitable. Subscribe for regular encouragement!📖 Get my latest book - Simplified Organization: Learn to Love What Must Be Donehttps://www.simplifiedorganization.com🏆 Enroll in Convivial Circle and get practical homemaking mentorship so you don't have to be overwhelmed anymore: https://www.simplyconvivial.com/stop-overwhelm

Jul 27, 2024 • 19min
From Procrastination to Progress: How Baby Step Bingo Can Help
Join us for Baby Step Bingo in August: https://simplyconvivial.com/babystepbingo/Mastering Productivity: Overcoming Procrastination with Baby StepsIn this episode, explore how to apply lessons from 'Baby Step Bingo' to enhance productivity and defeat procrastination, especially for moms and homemakers. Learn about the impact of breaking tasks into manageable baby steps. Discover the power of small actions to transform your household tasks and daily routines, making significant progress with minimal effort. Join the discussion on how baby steps can change attitudes and drive momentum, with practical examples and motivational insights.00:00 Introduction to Baby Step Bingo00:11 Real-Life Success Stories01:46 The Power of Baby Steps04:53 Breaking Down Tasks into Baby Steps09:27 Overcoming Procrastination12:02 Recognizing Small Wins13:52 Conclusion and EncouragementMystie Winckler encourages moms to organize their attitudes and get traction at home so we are no longer overwhelmed or frustrated with homemaking. We are a community of Christian women striving to be competent, cheerful homemakers so we are fruitful, faithful, and hospitable. Subscribe for regular encouragement!📖 Get my latest book - Simplified Organization: Learn to Love What Must Be Donehttps://www.simplifiedorganization.com🏆 Enroll in Convivial Circle and get practical homemaking mentorship so you don't have to be overwhelmed anymore: https://www.simplyconvivial.com/stop-overwhelm

Jul 26, 2024 • 18min
SUPER Creative Way to Manage Kids' Chores in a Large Family
Get your children helping around the house: simplyconvivial.com/ehapMystie and Anna Laura Farnham discuss effective methods for managing kids' chores and household tasks. Learn about the Baby Step Bingo challenge, chore charts, and decluttering techniques that turn everyday tasks into engaging activities. Discover how to keep kids motivated and foster a cooperative family environment, ultimately getting more done with gratitude and creativity.Anna Laura and her husband, Gandalf, live in Indiana and have six children ranging in age from toddler to teenager. Before kids, she earned two music degrees in oboe performance and worked in a corporate office, but she has set aside those careers to focus on being a mom and homemaker. She and her family stay busy with church fellowship, several sports, music, reading and generally being creative. **Focus on Baby Steps:** Anna learned to tackle small tasks one at a time, like removing cobwebs or wiping down the washing machine. These small steps made a big difference, especially during hectic times like pregnancy or postpartum.- **Gamified Chores:** Anna translated the lessons from Baby Step Bingo into practical training tools for her children. Tasks are broken into manageable chunks, and the kids get to experience a sense of accomplishment when they check off items from their bingo charts.- **Customizing for Each Child:** Each child's bingo chart is slightly different, catering to their specific needs and capabilities. This ensures that chores aren't monotonous and helps keep the kids engaged.- **Age Appropriateness:** For younger children, like her five-year-old, Anna uses a smaller 4x4 bingo chart and simpler tasks. This approach makes it easier for them to participate and feel involved.- **Encouraging Early Participation:** While her two-year-old doesn't have a structured bingo chart, she imitates her older siblings and helps out in small ways, fostering a sense of contribution from a young age.**Adding Excitement to Household Chores**Anna finds that changing up daily routines with something like Baby Step Bingo can make a big difference. For example, before a holiday or trip, they might include tasks like vacuuming a vehicle or packing clothes in the bingo charts. This adds variety and makes mundane chores exciting.Welcome to the Simplified Organization Podcast - 15 minute conversations with real moms about managing our homes and family life cheerfully to the glory of God. We can actually enjoy housework and love being homemakers when we focus on truth and work with gratitude.00:00 Introduction to the Simplified Organization Podcast00:32 Meet Anna Laura Farnham01:15 Baby Step Bingo: A Game-Changer for Homemaking03:04 Implementing Baby Step Bingo with Kids03:48 Chore Charts and Rewards07:54 Customizing Bingo Cards for Each Child13:47 Gamifying Household Tasks16:07 Conclusion and Final ThoughtsMystie Winckler encourages moms to organize their attitudes and get traction at home so we are no longer overwhelmed or frustrated with homemaking. We are a community of Christian women striving to be competent, cheerful homemakers so we are fruitful, faithful, and hospitable. Subscribe for regular encouragement!📖 Get my latest book - Simplified Organization: Learn to Love What Must Be Donehttps://www.simplifiedorganization.com🏆 Enroll in Convivial Circle and get practical homemaking mentorship so you don't have to be overwhelmed anymore: https://www.simplyconvivial.com/stop-overwhelm

Jul 23, 2024 • 17min
Do LESS but get more done - here’s how…
Take the Baby Step Bingo Challenge: https://simplyconvivial.com/babystepbingo/Making Progress One Step at a Time: Baby Steps to the RescueDiscover how the 'Baby Step Bingo' card for August can help you tackle small, overlooked tasks around the house and build momentum to overcome procrastination. By transforming everyday chores into a game, you'll reframe your mindset, gain motivation, and make homemaking more enjoyable. Ideal for moms and homemakers looking to get more done at home, this method provides a fun, engaging way to break free from the procrastination cycle and achieve greater productivity.00:00 Introduction to Baby Step Bingo00:49 Understanding the Procrastination Cycle03:10 Reframing Tasks as a Game05:40 Breaking Old Patterns07:09 Harnessing Momentum10:46 Sharing and Customizing Your Bingo Card12:18 Conclusion and Next StepsMystie Winckler encourages moms to organize their attitudes and get traction at home so we are no longer overwhelmed or frustrated with homemaking. We are a community of Christian women striving to be competent, cheerful homemakers so we are fruitful, faithful, and hospitable. Subscribe for regular encouragement!📖 Get my latest book - Simplified Organization: Learn to Love What Must Be Donehttps://www.simplifiedorganization.com🏆 Enroll in Convivial Circle and get practical homemaking mentorship so you don't have to be overwhelmed anymore: https://www.simplyconvivial.com/stop-overwhelm


