Becoming Disciples

We implemented a technique while recording this week that we discuss in this podcast on productivity and we recorded at naptime. We typically record at night when our children are sleeping but because we have a "plan B" for finishing our work, we could be flexible. In other words, you'll hear a few child noises in the background. 

The first step to outlining your schedule is lining up with the Bible and your family needs. It's not enough to cross items off a list. You want to cross the right items off your list. 

1. Know what you need to do. 
   • Write it down.
   • Is it realistic? 
2. Have a time for each task. 
   • If it doesn't have a time, it won't get done. 
   • Have a schedule for appointments and a rhythm for daily life. 
   • Find a "plan B."
3. Have a pared-down schedule for when life gets crazy. 
   • bare bones cleaning, meals, school
4. Learn to prioritize your tasks for each day, or part of the day. 
   • Implement a "big 3" or "big 5"

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We both prefer the word "queen" over "princess"; there's an implied maturity difference between the two. This week, we take on why the Christian "I'm God's Princess" mentality often leads to behavior as bratty as Jasmine's in Aladdin. Then we offer a few suggestions to move from a self-centered focus on life to a God-centered focus. 

1. What is the princess mentality? A truth exaggerated for selfish purposes, often promoted in Christian circles as an alternative to secular feminism's women's empowerment. 
2. What is the problem with the princess mentality? The princess mentality uses God to validate yourself. God didn't save you to feel good about yourself; He saved you for a purpose. 
3. What's the solution for the princess mentality? (Kate Middleton, Duchess of Cambridge, is our example here.) Knowing our identity in Christ should motivate us to live a life set apart, not a life for ourselves. 

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We wanted to point out that preparing for marriage looks a lot like preparing for adulthood. Younger females, especially in Christian circles, tend to idolize marriage and it is not the end-all, be-all of life. Work toward being a well-rounded Christian woman and you'll be on your way to developing the skills to be a good wife.

1. Develop your relationship with God. You are not looking for your soulmate or someone to complete you. Find your identity in Christ. Whoever you marry is going to let you down.
2. Learn practical skills. Learn how to tackle new problems and projects. Be prepared to use your skills before marriage, in ministry, to support and assist your husband, or run a business.
3. Invest in relationships. Learn how to develop friendships and people skills before you jump into a marriage and need to nurture a close relationship.
4. Practice putting others first. Listen when others talk and develop relationships where your friends can confront you with the truth. The world won't revolve you even in your marriage.

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This week we are talking about why you should read your Bible. Devotionals can be helpful and have their place but nothing replaces opening God's Word for yourself. We are going to walk through Psalm 19:7-11 in this episode so get out your Bible if you want to follow along.

1. The law of the Lord is perfect, converting the soul. The Bible shows us the nature of God and the nature of sin. The first reason we go to the Bible is to find out who God is. Then we discover who we are, with and without Christ.
2. The testimony of the Lord is sure, making wise the simple. You find out how to live God's way by reading the Bible. We also include a slight tangent about finding God's will in this section.
3. The statutes of the Lord are right, rejoicing the heart. Ask God to give you insight into and a desire for the Word. Explore different study methods if you are getting stuck studying the Bible.
4. The commandment of the Lord is pure, enlightening the eyes. The Bible reveals the truth, the way to walk, and what sin is. It also transforms your life as you encounter God.
5. The fear of the Lord is clean, enduring forever. God's Word is unchanging; it is a firm foundation for your life.
6. The judgments of the Lord are true and righteous altogether. Psalm 119:128 Either all the Bible is true and you are going to accept it or you don't accept any of it.
7. More to be desired are they than gold. As you cultivate your walk with God, your desire for the Bible will increase. Also, honesty in prayer is totally acceptable.
8. Moreover by them is thy servant warned: and in keeping of them there is great reward. The Bible tells us what to avoid. God blesses obedience. 2 Timothy 3:16-17

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This week we are discussing how to thrive regardless of where you are in your life journey. You don't always get to pick where you are and yet it's important that you show up. 

1. Engage with life.
   • Get involved with your community and in relationships and at a church. Don't just hole up in your dorm room or apartment with Netflix as your friend.
   • Develop as a single person or as a married without kids even if you are anticipating a change in that status.
   • Make the effort to get involved with other friends/personal interests if you're home with small children.
   • Social media is great but don't rely on that; develop relationships with real people.
2. Pursue contentment.
   • Recognize God is sovereign.
   • Contentment is not a state of being; you're not going to arrive.
   • Honor God where you are.
3. Make the choice to thrive.
   • Act how you want to feel.
   • Speak truth to yourself; don't listen to yourself.
   • You serve God because He loves you, not because you are expecting something from Him.
   • Put down roots to be ready for a transplant.
   • Embrace your place.

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Last week we discussed how college benefited our lives as mamas and that naturally transitions into how to work from home as a mama. We both do different types of work from our homes so that we can be home with our child(ren). These principles don't just apply to paid jobs; you can use the same methods to pursue a side hustle, volunteer, or serve in ministry.

1. Pros and Cons of working from home
   • pros: more time with kids, flexible hours, pursue personal goals
   • cons: self-starting, requires sacrifices, often uncomfortable
2. How to make working from home work for you
   • have a rhythm
   • prioritize and know your limits
   • be self-disciplined
   • do the work
3. How to find work
   • transitioning an office job to a work-from-home position
   • volunteering
   • learn new skills
   • childcare
   • ministry

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We are both stay at home (or more accurately work at home) mamas. And yet we both have college degrees that we spent time and money pursuing and neither of us feel that was wasted. Why? That's what we're delving into this week. If all you want to be is a wife and mom, why should you consider college? 

1. Should you go? Not everyone should go to college; there are many other options. There is no "holy" choice; you must decide what God wants you to do.
2. How to succeed. All the skills you learn to succeed in college will help you succeed either as a wife and mom or in a job or career. College is an investment in yourself. 
3. Why it matters. You don't know the future: when/if you'll get married, if you'll have kids, what will come after that. Having the skills and education necessary to support yourself or serve in ministries will only benefit your life and the lives of those around you. 

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This week we are tackling the topic of fear. We discuss why fear is a faith issue, doing things scared, how your personality type affects your reaction to fear, and how pride is connected to fear. And, of course, we wrap it up with some practical suggestions to help you live fearlessly.

To celebrate our 50th episode we are running a giveaway! Head over to iTunes before next Thursday and leave the podcast a rating and review to be entered to win.

1. Fear is a faith issue.
   • grounded in lack of trust
   • decreases with spiritual maturity
   • is a normal problem
   • There is no grace for imagination
2. The first step is scary. And sometimes the second one is too.
   • do it scared
   • do something every day that scares you
   • don't base decisions on fear
3. Facing your fears
   • limit fear-causing input
   • take your thoughts captive
   • ask "what's the worst that can happen?"
   • memorize verses on fear

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We have been thrilled with the feedback from the sex series! This week we are wrapping it up with some listener Q+A. You all sent us some great questions about sex and sex-related issues. If you have enjoyed this series, leave us a rating and review in iTunes and share the podcast with a friend!

1. How do you overcome your fear of the gynecologist?
   • 10 Tips to Make a Pap Smear More Comfortable- To Love, Honor, and Vacuum
2. What is the spiritual component of sex?
3. What are appropriate places to have sex?
4. When should you talk about sex to your boyfriend or fiance?
5. How can you prepare for your wedding night as a virgin?
6. What are Christians resources for spicing up your sex life?
   • To Love, Honor, and Vacuum
   • Hot, Holy, and Humorous
   • Romancing Your Husband
   • Intended for Pleasure
   • Spreadsheets App
   • Kegel Camp

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We went all out for this episode. We received a bunch of questions about birth control so we went for it. No answers but lots of options and honest discussion about how we chose what we do.  Neither of us have a problem with preventing pregnancy so if you do and you're fine with your decision, just skip this episode. 

Also: probably shouldn't listen with your kids! 

1. Attitude: To start a discussion about birth control is to start a discussion about who's plans matter more, ours or God's? We always want to align our hearts with God's values and priorities. 

2. Types of birth control: We list multiple options of birth control. 

3. Personal Testimonies, er, stories? Anyways, we chat about what we've each done for birth control. 

Resources: Woman Code by Alisa Vitti

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