In this heartfelt Thanksgiving-season episode, I’m sharing personal updates from my life lately — from my youngest navigating college applications, to my oldest stepping fully into adulthood, to my own journey with health, perimenopause, and rediscovering joy in the everyday. I’m also opening up about my newest adventure: exploring my heritage through cooking Congolese, Nigerian, and Kenyan dishes for the very first time — imperfect, a little messy, but full of meaning. And of course, I’m heading back to my Southern staples for next week’s Thanksgiving table. Inside this episode, we talk about releasing perfectionism, creating space for your own soul-care, embracing small joys, and clinging to “the joy of the Lord” even when life feels heavy. If you’re a homeschool mom who’s been juggling routines, expectations, or simply trying to catch your breath in this season, this conversation will encourage you to reclaim joy, practice gratitude, and give yourself grace. Join me for a warm, honest, faith-filled reflection on what it looks like to slow down, savor the moment, and let God renew your strength.

///Mentioned on the Podcast///

• Visit Latonya Moore at JoyInTheOrdinary.com
• Get homeschool coaching with Tracy Kelly at HomeschoolPower.com

I also mentioned my S'Mores cake recipe...unfortunately, I lost the post from 2014! But no worries...I'll be glad to recreate the recipe post over the holidays this year. Just reach out to me on Instagram and let me know you'd like the recipe :-)

🔗 More resources & support:
Visit: https://ChristianHomeschoolMoms.com
Let’s keep raising strong, faith-filled learners—together.

• 📺Follow my Homeschool YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@momzestlife
• Catch the show notes over at the blog: http://www.christianhomeschoolmoms.com/podcast-2
• Follow me on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/christianhomeschoolmoms
• Follow My Solopreneur YouTube channel here: https://www.youtube.com/@demetriazinga
• Follow My Podcasting Agency here: http://www.soulpodcasting.com

Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/christian-homeschool-moms-podcast--2661536/support.

Feeling like you lost yourself in homeschooling and motherhood? You are not alone. This conversation with Mission Driven Mom founder Audrey Rindlisbacher will remind you that God did not give you gifts just to bury them under a pile of laundry. Get ready to dream again, take small brave steps, and show your kids what purpose looks like in motion.
Visit Audrey at https://www.audreyrindlisbacher.com/

🔔 Announcements: Doors are open for new members at the Christian Women Podcasters Network!

Are you a Christian podcaster sharing about faith, family, health, or practical life helps?
📢 Get a free listing and more exposure for your podcast!
-Sign up at: https://christianwomenpodcasters.com

🔗 More resources & support:
Visit: https://ChristianHomeschoolMoms.com
Let’s keep raising strong, faith-filled learners—together.

• 📺Follow my Homeschool YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@momzestlife
• Catch the show notes over at the blog: http://www.christianhomeschoolmoms.com/podcast-2
• Follow My Solopreneur YouTube channel here: https://www.youtube.com/@demetriazinga
• Follow My Podcasting Agency here: http://www.soulpodcasting.com

Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/christian-homeschool-moms-podcast--2661536/support.

When your kids transition from being home with you every day to spending most of their time at school, it can shift everything — the rhythms, the conversations, even the way you connect. In this episode, we’re talking about how to stay present as a parent through those changes — how to give your kids the space they need to grow while still staying emotionally close. I’ll share what this looks like in my own home now that my daughter’s in school full-time, and how I’ve learned to navigate that new balance of letting go while staying connected. Whether your kids are in a hybrid program, a co-op, or full-time school, this one’s for every parent learning how to keep those heart connections strong as family life evolves.
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//MENTIONED ON THE PODCAST//
Why Slowing Down Helps Kids Thrive with Leslie Martino, Episode  173

🔔 Announcements: Doors are open for new members at the Christian Women Podcasters Network!

Are you a Christian podcaster sharing about faith, family, health, or practical life helps?
📢 Get a free listing and more exposure for your podcast!
-Sign up at: https://christianwomenpodcasters.com

🔗 More resources & support:
Visit: https://ChristianHomeschoolMoms.com
Let’s keep raising strong, faith-filled learners—together.

• 📺Follow my Homeschool YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@momzestlife
• Catch the show notes over at the blog: http://www.christianhomeschoolmoms.com/podcast-2
• Follow My Solopreneur YouTube channel here: https://www.youtube.com/@demetriazinga
• Follow My Podcasting Agency here: http://www.soulpodcasting.com

Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/christian-homeschool-moms-podcast--2661536/support.

In this inspiring episode of the Christian Homeschool Moms Podcast, I chat with engineer, educator, and mom Margaret Shawver, who brings a refreshing faith-filled perspective to mathematics. We talk about how math reflects God’s order and beauty, why homeschool moms should give themselves grace, and how simple tools — like her color-differentiated graph paper — can make math finally click. If you’ve ever felt overwhelmed teaching math, this conversation will help you see it as more than numbers — it’s worship through understanding God’s design.

Connect with Margaret Shawver:

• TikTok – @workingmomlabs (math demos + tips)
• Walmart – Search for “Differentiated Graph Paper”
• Etsy – search for "Working Mom Labs" Website- https://website.beacons.ai/workingmomlabs

🔔 Announcements: Doors are open for new members at the Christian Women Podcasters Network!

Are you a Christian podcaster sharing about faith, family, health, or practical life helps?
📢 Get a free listing and more exposure for your podcast!
-Sign up at: https://christianwomenpodcasters.com

🔗 More resources & support:
Visit: https://ChristianHomeschoolMoms.com
Let’s keep raising strong, faith-filled learners—together.

• 📺Follow my Homeschool YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@momzestlife
• Catch the show notes over at the blog: http://www.christianhomeschoolmoms.com/podcast-2
• Follow My Solopreneur YouTube channel here: https://www.youtube.com/@demetriazinga
• Follow My Podcasting Agency here: http://www.soulpodcasting.com

Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/christian-homeschool-moms-podcast--2661536/support.

Join us for an inspiring conversation with Dana Roefer, Vice President of Faith Driven Entrepreneur for Teens, as she shares how to nurture entrepreneurial gifts in our children through a biblical lens. Dana discusses her signature 12-session course "Called to Create," featuring stories from Christian entrepreneurs like Lecrae, Jeremy Lin, and Dude Perfect's Coby Cotton. Discover practical ways to support your teen's entrepreneurial journey—even without a business background—while keeping faith at the center. Dana emphasizes that curiosity is a superpower for both parents and teens, and shares how entrepreneurship education goes beyond business skills to develop character, relationships, and purpose. Perfect for homeschool families looking to equip their children with both practical business knowledge and kingdom values. Learn how to recognize and steward the unique gifts God has placed in your children while preparing them to create positive change in the world. Find out more and check out the course at: https://faithdrivenentrepreneurforteens.org/
---
🔔 Announcements: Doors are open for new members at the Christian Women Podcasters Network!

Are you a Christian podcaster sharing about faith, family, health, or practical life helps?
📢 Get a free listing and more exposure for your podcast!
-Sign up at: https://christianwomenpodcasters.com

🔗 More resources & support:
Visit: https://ChristianHomeschoolMoms.com
Let’s keep raising strong, faith-filled learners—together.

• 📺Follow my Homeschool YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@momzestlife
• Catch the show notes over at the blog: http://www.christianhomeschoolmoms.com/podcast-2
• Follow My Solopreneur YouTube channel here: https://www.youtube.com/@demetriazinga
• Follow My Podcasting Agency here: http://www.soulpodcasting.com

Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/christian-homeschool-moms-podcast--2661536/support.

Think music doesn’t fit into your homeschool because you’re not a musician? Think again. In this episode, Demetria shares why music is one of the most powerful tools you can weave into your homeschool—boosting academics, nurturing emotions, strengthening faith, and building family connection. You’ll hear simple, stress-free ways to add music into your days (no formal training required!), plus encouragement to make it a joy-filled part of your homeschool rhythm. From singing together to exploring instruments, you’ll discover that music doesn’t have to be complicated or expensive—it just has to be present. Whether you’re ready for lessons or simply curious about where to start, this episode will inspire you to see music as a gift your children will carry for life.

Interested in piano lessons for your child? Find out more at http://www.readandrhythm.com

Are you a Christian podcaster sharing about faith, family, health, or practical life helps?
📢 Get a free listing and more exposure for your podcast!
-Sign up at: https://christianwomenpodcasters.com

🔗 More resources & support:
Visit: https://ChristianHomeschoolMoms.com
Let’s keep raising strong, faith-filled learners—together.

• 📺Follow my Homeschool YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@momzestlife
• Catch the show notes over at the blog: http://www.christianhomeschoolmoms.com/podcast-2
• Follow My Solopreneur YouTube channel here: https://www.youtube.com/@demetriazinga
• Follow My Podcasting Agency here: http://www.soulpodcasting.com

Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/christian-homeschool-moms-podcast--2661536/support.

In this episode, I chat with homeschool mom and author Leslie Martino about her book The Joy of Slow Schooling and why giving ourselves permission to slow down in homeschooling can actually lead to deeper learning and more joy. If you’ve ever felt pressured to rush through lessons, compare your kids, or keep up with rigid schedules, this conversation will encourage you to embrace a gentler, more peaceful rhythm that nurtures both your children’s curiosity and your family’s connection.
Check out Leslie and support her work at: https://lesliemartino.com/
---

🔔 Announcements: Doors are open for new members at the Christian Women Podcasters Network!

Are you a Christian podcaster sharing about faith, family, health, or practical life helps?
📢 Get a free listing and more exposure for your podcast!
-Sign up at: https://christianwomenpodcasters.com

🔗 More resources & support:
Visit: https://ChristianHomeschoolMoms.com
Let’s keep raising strong, faith-filled learners—together.

• 📺Follow my Homeschool YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@momzestlife
• Catch the show notes over at the blog: http://www.christianhomeschoolmoms.com/podcast-2
• Follow My Solopreneur YouTube channel here: https://www.youtube.com/@demetriazinga
• Follow My Podcasting Agency here: http://www.soulpodcasting.com

Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/christian-homeschool-moms-podcast--2661536/support.

In this heartfelt episode, I sit down with Gracie Ramirez—wife, mama of two, ministry leader, and bilingual children’s book author—to talk about building faith-filled family rhythms and leaving a legacy through storytelling. From her passion for discipleship at 3Crosses Español to creating accessible, scripture-rooted resources for Spanish-speaking families, Gracie shares how motherhood, ministry, and creativity collide in her calling. We explore the power of bilingual books for homeschoolers and church families alike, the importance of healing and mentorship in women’s ministry, and what it really takes to balance being a mom, minister, and author. If you’ve ever felt called to write, serve, or simply create something meaningful for your children and community, this episode will stir your spirit and remind you that your voice matters. 🔑 Topics we cover: Raising kids in faith through storytelling Bilingual children’s books and family devotions Integrating faith into homeschool rhythms Ministry, motherhood, and healing Encouragement for aspiring authors 📚 Grab Gracie’s books on Amazon-https://www.amazon.com/Los-Libros-Biblia-Introduccion-Spanish/dp/1709492627?ref_=ast_author_dp_rw&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.AVmzFaVFxezPGozilqDiIaR1CiX0BZdelr8MRpabBqGNUbpIm9XQ7EgkBSJUbMfbLVxZV6T2gIuViZwdD911_N2ePEGhhlJf6h7xxdXW2N5UUmjeAfQPSU3rW-aZVY6L.ruW8DBLnhgOvdDr7oI353YJOqDtNNagA4rIB32JHavg&dib_tag=AUTHOR 🌐 Connect with her ministry at 3Crosses Español-https://www.3crossesespanol.org/

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Are you a Christian podcaster sharing about faith, family, health, or practical life helps?
📢 Get a free listing and more exposure for your podcast!
-Sign up at: https://christianwomenpodcasters.com

🔗 More resources & support:
Visit: https://ChristianHomeschoolMoms.com
Let’s keep raising strong, faith-filled learners—together.

• 📺Follow my Homeschool YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@momzestlife
• Catch the show notes over at the blog: http://www.christianhomeschoolmoms.com/podcast-2
• Follow My Solopreneur YouTube channel here: https://www.youtube.com/@demetriazinga
• Follow My Podcasting Agency here: http://www.soulpodcasting.com

Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/christian-homeschool-moms-podcast--2661536/support.

As we reflect on the significance of Juneteenth—a day that honors freedom and the ongoing journey toward equity—this episode brings a timely and powerful conversation to the forefront. I’m joined by D.M. Whitaker—homeschool mom, author, publisher, and founder of Water Rocks Publishing—who shares her inspiring journey of creating safe, empowering spaces for Black and Brown homeschool families. When she saw racial inequality in local co-ops, she didn’t just take note—she took action.

We dive into her mission-driven work as an author, including her newest release, The Grand Adventures of Jade and Grace: A Girl’s Guide to Navigating Periods and Friendships, and how she weaves faith, family, and emotional well-being into her stories.

D.M. also shares how she’s helping other creatives publish their work, nurture entrepreneurship in her own children, and walk boldly in her calling during a season of growth and purpose.

If you’re longing to raise bold, emotionally grounded children while building Christ-centered community, this conversation will meet you right where you are. 🔗 Learn more about D.M.'s books and publishing work at http://www.dmwhitaker.com and https://www.waterrockspublishing.com/

---
🔔 Announcements: Doors are open for new members at the Christian Women Podcasters Network!

Are you a Christian podcaster sharing about faith, family, health, or practical life helps?
📢 Get a free listing and more exposure for your podcast!
-Sign up at: https://christianwomenpodcasters.com

🔗 More resources & support:
Visit: https://ChristianHomeschoolMoms.com
Let’s keep raising strong, faith-filled learners—together.

• 📺Follow my Homeschool YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@momzestlife
• Catch the show notes over at the blog: http://www.christianhomeschoolmoms.com/podcast-2
• Follow My Solopreneur YouTube channel here: https://www.youtube.com/@demetriazinga
• Follow My Podcasting Agency here: http://www.soulpodcasting.com

Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/christian-homeschool-moms-podcast--2661536/support.

In this heartfelt and empowering episode, I’m joined by Nellie Harden—speaker, author, and mom of four daughters—for a rich conversation about raising confident, Christ-centered girls in today’s culture. Nellie shares her personal journey from being a "worth chaser" to discovering her true identity in Christ, and how that transformation shaped the way she parents and leads at home. We talk about the unique struggles young women face when it comes to self-worth, the powerful role moms play in shaping their daughters’ confidence, and why the family is the greatest leadership training ground. Nellie also introduces her valuable resources, including the “40 Scriptures and Conversations” journal, and offers practical encouragement for moms who want to lead with love, faith, and intentionality. Visit Nellie at: https://www.nellieharden.com/resources
--

🔔 Announcements: Doors are open for new members at the Christian Women Podcasters Network!

Are you a Christian podcaster sharing about faith, family, health, or practical life helps?
📢 Get a free listing and more exposure for your podcast!
-Sign up at: https://christianwomenpodcasters.com

🔗 More resources & support:
Visit: https://ChristianHomeschoolMoms.com
Let’s keep raising strong, faith-filled learners—together.

• 📺Follow my Homeschool YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@momzestlife
• Catch the show notes over at the blog: http://www.christianhomeschoolmoms.com/podcast-2
• Follow My Solopreneur YouTube channel here: https://www.youtube.com/@demetriazinga
• Follow My Podcasting Agency here: http://www.soulpodcasting.com

Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/christian-homeschool-moms-podcast--2661536/support.