Are you struggling with what it means to show your child grace while still maintaining your God-given authority? Is first-time obedience even a thing to expect from your child? Is there any way to find purpose in parenting? What do I do if I feel like I've hit ROCK BOTTOM, not just in parenting, but in LIFE?

These are the questions I've battled with, and am still battling with in this on-going journey of parenthood, but thankfully, there are answers straight from scripture that help guide these oh-so-heavy topics we as parents are always circling in the boxing ring.

I'm so thrilled to introduce Emily J. Waits! Emily is an encourager, motivator, truth teller, life-long learner, former homeschooler, now homeschool parent, mom of twins and two more, wife, social media content creator, course creator, voracious reader, podcast aficionado, and the host of her very own podcast Howdy Mama.

We chatted through these questions, laughed at our own parenting, and dove into the heavy heart topics that most steer clear from: the struggles of miscarriage and what to do when you only want to escape from this life.

This is an episode I'm so proud to present to you guys. Emily's wisdom, insight, and clarity, her ability to consume information and give it back in ways that are simple and applicable, blow me away. As a former homeschooler she can also give you the peace of mind that you are in fact doing enough, and that God has given all of us the room to be life-long learners.

As always my prayer is that your lives are sanctified, your homes are edified, and Jesus is glorified.

-your host, Kristin Malphrus

Book Recommendations:

-The Call of the Wild and Free by Ainsley Arment

-The Opt-Out Family: How to Give Your Kids What Technology Can't by Erin Loechner

-Until the Streetlights Come On by Ginny Yurich

-The Ruthless Elimination of Hurry by John Mark Comer

Emily J Waits

https://stan.store/emilyjwaits?fbclid=PAZXh0bgNhZW0CMTEAAadq5StIKed5SKC8007dizXit9Fqr262MYoZybBqopKz9aveVeatagKbnXaZ0A_aem_Pl7QrofgRQWTKzFsmVtAnw

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/emilyjwaits/

Home Edify Podcast

https://www.instagram.com/homeedifypodcast/?hl=en

It's been a little more than two weeks since Charlie Kirk's assassination, and I can't think of anyone who embodied the three characteristics that make up this show more than he did: a boldness for sharing truth? courageous, check. A willingness to endure persecution for the sake of the gospel? Resilence, check. A life-long learner, well-read, well-versed? Check.

The goal of this podcast is pretty simple: to encourage parents to raise courageous, resilient, life-long learners. As a parent, I wanted to talk about the impact of his death, and what we can do as homeschool parents to guide our kids in his footsteps, to encourage and equip them to make a lasting impact on their own generation. So let's talk about it. What was Charlie reading? What was his inspiration? And how can we as parents strive to lead our children down paths of deep conviction.

I felt COMPELLED to record this episode. I pray that as you listen, your lives are sanctified, your homes are edified, and that Jesus, as always, is GLORIFIED.

Some notable verses mentioned:

" Though I am free and belong to no one, I have made myself a slave to everyone, to win as many as possible. 20 To the Jews I became like a Jew, to win the Jews. To those under the law I became like one under the law (though I myself am not under the law), so as to win those under the law. 21 To those not having the law I became like one not having the law (though I am not free from God’s law but am under Christ’s law), so as to win those not having the law. 22 To the weak I became weak, to win the weak. I have become all things to all people so that by all possible means I might save some. 23 I do all this for the sake of the gospel, that I may share in its blessings."

1 Corinthians 9:22-23

 For though we walk in the flesh, we are not waging war according to the flesh. 4 For the weapons of our warfare are not of the flesh but have divine power to destroy strongholds. 5 We destroy arguments and every lofty opinion raised against the knowledge of God, and take every thought captive to obey Christ, 6 being ready to punish every disobedience, when your obedience is complete.

2 Corinthians 10:3-6

15 but in your hearts honor Christ the Lord as holy, always being prepared to make a defense to anyone who asks you for a reason for the hope that is in you; yet do it with gentleness and respect, 16 having a good conscience, so that, when you are slandered, those who revile your good behavior in Christ may be put to shame. 17 For it is better to suffer for doing good, if that should be God's will, than for doing evil.

1 Peter 3:15-17

Authors Mentioned:

-C.S. Lewis (The Abolition of Man)

-Edward Burke

-Russel Kirk

Find Me on Instagram:

https://www.instagram.com/homeedifypodcast/

This week's episode I chatted with Leah Nicklause, the content creator behind Living Bright Homeschool where she shares book recommendations, homeschooling adventures, and posts about biblical motherhood. It was SO fun, and helped me really grasp educational philosophy. As a mom of five boys, she brings incredible insight into the world of habits as described by Charlotte Mason.

I asked her all about what led her to the Charlotte Mason philosophy and what the real differences are between it and a Classical education. Discover the principles of Charlotte Mason's educational philosophy, which emphasizes respecting children as individuals and nurturing their natural curiosity through a rich "feast" of living ideas.

Leah shares her journey from public schooling to embracing a literature-based, life-giving approach to education, offering insights into how this philosophy shapes her family's daily life and learning.

Whether you're a new homeschool mom or exploring different methodologies, this episode provides valuable perspectives on creating a nurturing and holistic educational environment.

If you're a homeschool mom searching to find the foundation for your child's homeschool experience, this episode is for you.

And as always, may your lives be sanctified, your homes edified, and Jesus glorified as you listen to this week's episode.

-Kristin

Literature Recommendations:

Gentle and Lowly by Dane C. Ortlund, Ph. D

Living Bright Homeschool:

https://livingbrighthomeschool.com/

https://www.instagram.com/livingbrighthomeschool/?hl=en

If you’re a mom who wants to get your kids outside but struggles to make it happen, this episode is for you.

I sat down with Julianne Neinberg, The Outdoorsy Mom, who shares her journey from corporate life to motherhood while building an everyday outdoorsy lifestyle—starting in a tiny postage-stamp yard.

Julianne gives realistic tips for getting outside, encouraging independent outdoor play, and raising low-screen kids (without guilt or overwhelm).

If you’re longing to create simple outdoor rhythms for your family, you will leave this conversation inspired and equipped.

And as always, may your lives be sanctified, your homes edified, and Jesus glorified as you listen to this week's episode.

-Kristin

My Outdoorsy Mom

Blog: https://www.myoutdoorsymom.com/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/myoutdoorsymom/

Podcast: https://open.spotify.com/show/1LiMMftEIWo05oL7Tsso0n?si=ad8383f5d9e043a2

Literature Recommended

Mama Bear Apologetics by Hillary Morgan Ferrer

Balanced and Barefoot by Angela J. Hanscom

Home Edify Podcast:

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/homeedifypodcast/

I don't know about you, but THIS is the episode I've been waiting for. I asked Madi Schultz, homeschool mom of *almost* four, the podcaster behind Sunny and 65, as well as the creator behind Mack and Benj, a Christian, gospel-centered apparel company, to sit down with me for a conversation about what it looks like to radically follow Christ as a mom, wife, and member of the local church.

We tackled questions like:

-What role does the gospel have in motherhood? Is it external, internal or both?

-Are we only called to share the gospel with our kids?

-How radical does it get when chasing after Jesus?

-What does it look like raising a generation of life-long learners who are courageous and resilient and pursuing Jesus faithfully?

-How do we raise kids who share the gospel if we don't intentionally do that ourselves? 

-What does balance look like? Is it even possible to achieve?

Being a mom with a heart for ministry is no easy task, and often some of us feel crippled with the weight of other people's expectations. Madi and I dove into Romans 14, and the freedom we have in Christ that passage offers. As you walk away from this episode, I hope and pray that you welcome this truth: that YOU have been created so DIFFERENTLY on purpose by the Creator of the universe who loves you so, so much. Embracing those differences He's intentionally made us with puts us in a place of contentment as we gaze upon the Savior.

And, as always, may your lives be sanctified, your homes edified, and Jesus glorified as you listen to this week's episode.

-Kristin Malphrus

Literature Recommended:

• The Recap Bible: https://www.thebiblerecap.com/start
• The Freedom of Self-forgetfulness by Timothy Keller

MADI SCHULTZ

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/madelinschultz_/?hl=en

website: https://www.madischultz.co/

Podcast: https://sunnyand65.buzzsprout.com/

On this week's episode, I'm finally answering the questions you guys left in my question box over on Instagram! There were three questions in particular that synced so well together, and allowed me to answer in a story that I'm praying encourages you as much as it did me telling it.

Those questions were;

-How did you go from being a feminist to a homeschool mom of three?

-How did you end up homeschooling?

-What values do you hope to impart while homeschooling your kids?

In this episode I share my personal journey into homeschooling while reflecting on past experiences and how they've made an impact on the values I hope to pass on to my children. I discuss learning as a form of worship, and how EVERY christian is called to be an engaged life-long learner. Since God is apart of every facet of our lives, pursuing HIM leads us into life-long learning and ultimately worship. This story is one full of God's fingerprints, how His faithfulness and pursuit of me brought me out of the feminist mind-frame I had (the one that said, "I'm NEVER having kids, and I'm NEVER getting married,) and brought me to the beautiful life I now have as the home school mom of three kiddos. My prayer is that you're encouraged to embrace whatever story God has given you, and that we all will feel free from expectations and instead embrace Jesus and the story He's already written out for us.

May your homes be edified and Jesus glorified.

-your host Kristin Malphrus

This week I got to chat with one of my favorite people on the internet: Ashley Taylor from ThisJoyFilledHome! Ashley is a Charlotte Mason homeschool mom who has learning abnormalities like Autism and ADHD and in this episode she shared her daily rhythms, how she manages to teach multiple learning styles, and what its like maintaining order in her home. All of her kids also have learning abnormalities and we discuss what it takes to raise life-long learners.

This Joy Filled House

https://www.instagram.com/thisjoyfilledhouse/

Literature Recommended

Harry Potter Series by J.K. Rowling

This episode is an act of surrendering- surrendering of my plans, my sorrow, my family, my testimony, what I thought would happen, what did happen, my rejoicing, my worship, my vulnerability. This story is one that is truly hard to share. Not because of the content, because God is good during rejoicing and sorrow, and I’d love to scream that from the rooftops. Not because of the topic, because I truly want more women to feel seen and loved in the midst of something as painful as miscarriage, but because I never for one moment would want anyone on social media to think I was using this situation for my own gain or glory. But here I am, attempting not to care what others think. My audience is One.
The truth is I hope you see God as the ultimate Giver of good gifts in the midst of whatever loss you’re facing as you listen to our story. A little over a week ago today our family lost a child in miscarriage. And while there are pieces of this story that are sad, this is more than anything, a story of TRIUMPH, because while we live in a broken world full of miscarriages, death, illness, heartaches, broken relationships, and more, there is a Kingdom coming where Jesus will wipe away every tear for good and defeat the darkness once and for all.
But for now, while brokenness still surrounds us as we await our coming King, there is a Savior who knows every pain imaginable, a Father who once watched his only Son die a painful death in our place, and that God who is three in one, has sent His Spirit to wrap His loving arms around us when this world seems too much to bear. He says, “come to me all who are weary, and I will give you rest.”
He is good. He is kind. He is faithful. For three weeks we as a family had the opportunity to celebrate life, and for that I will always be thankful. May His glory be known in sorrow, and may you know the depths of His love. Those who have no hope, weep. Instead we rejoice. Our hope is in Christ alone.

If you need prayer, reach out on my instagram at https://www.instagram.com/homeedifypodcast/

Would love to pray for you and all requests will, of course, be kept confidential.

Scripture to sustain during loss:

-Habakkuk 3:17-19

-2 Corinthians 12:9-10

-Nehemiah 8:10

Poem read from Kate Goes Creating:

-https://www.instagram.com/p/DKcIWhJR_1_/?img_index=1

Literature Recommended:

A Severe Mercy - a memoir by Sheldon Vanauken

Are you homeschooling your kids and wondering how to make ends meet? Are you drowning in debt as a two income family, but wanting to live a simpler life? Have you ever really wondered if its possible to stay home with your kids while living off of one income? For this week's episode I dove into all of these questions with Jillian Seeden, the content creator behind Sprouting Arrows.

There are so many challenges and rewards to living on less and managing a budget, and Jillian shared her own personal experiences, tips for managing debt, and the joy of finding simplicity in everyday life. Jillian doesn't just talk the talk, she walks the walk, living on an income of 50k as a family of 6, managing debt, and living financially free. Her entire instagram account, Sprouting Arrows is themed around cultivating contentment and helping moms find joy in frugal living. She's a homeschool mom, former Occupational Therapist, and the author of "One Income and Thriving." This episode is jam packed with how to live a life of stewardship.

Literature Recommended:

Mama Bear Apologetics by Hillary Morgan Ferrer

Instagram Accounts:

https://www.instagram.com/sproutingarrows/

https://www.instagram.com/homeedifypodcast/

Home Edify Record Keeping:

homeedify.com

In this episode I got the privilege to sit down with Sam Moulding, the Instagram content creator behind Stay Gritty. Stay Gritty is a mindset of perseverance, passion, and power. Stay Gritty is about refusing to quit despite all odds, digging deep and deciding to keep going, qualities we all hope to raise in the next generation.

Sam Moulding is a 5th generation Montana cowgirl, a business woman, barrel horse trainer, rodeo coach, homeschool advocate, and most importantly, a follower of Christ. Her mindset, grit, and outlook on life truly set her apart. She encourages people all over the world to persevere through whatever challenges they face in life.

Sam is a passionate advocate for homeschooling and personal development. She discussed with me the importance of education, character building, and faith in shaping resilient kiddos. Our conversation explored the significance of community, mentorship, and the role of family in nurturing the next generation. Sam emphasized with me the need for personal growth, lifelong learning, and the impact of investing in children's lives, regardless of your title or role.

I was so inspired by this conversation and I know you will be too.

-Kristin Malphrus (host of the Home Edify Podcast)

Sam Moulding | Stay Gritty

-https://www.instagram.com/stay_gritty_/

-https://sammoulding.com

Recommended Literature:

Goliath Must Fall by Louie Giglio

Home Edify Podcast;

https://www.instagram.com/homeedifypodcast/

podcast.homeedify.com

Home Edify Record Keeping App

-https://www.homeedify.com/