Mama in the Saddle

I have heard that one of the missing pieces in our lives today (whether with our children, our horses, our training schedules, work, etc.), is the recognition and need for rest. 

I am not talking about plopping on the couch with your phone to scroll after the kids go to bed, but true rest, the kind God calls us to in His Word. 

In this episode, I chat with Master Naturalist, teacher, and podcast host, Eryn Lynum, about the beautiful and necessary gift it is to rest. She has recently written a new Bible Study called, “The Nature of Rest,” which we reference throughout the conversation. I have recently been going through the study myself, and have enjoyed it immensely! 

In our conversation, we discuss the following questions: 

1. What is God’s pattern of rest in Scripture and how can it transform our lives?
2. Is Sabbath relevant and realistic in today’s modern world? 
3. How did Jesus model rest for us?
4. As moms, how can we practically prioritize rest in the midst of busy days with children?
5. What would you say to those who equate rest with idleness or laziness? 
6. What would you say to a woman who struggles with guilt when resting?
7. How can we practically experience more rest in our days, weeks, and seasons?
8. How can staying in the wonder of the Lord and His creation help us rest more?
9. What does abiding with God look like and how can it lead to more rest?

In addition, we talk about actual examples of rest in creation, through hummingbirds, bears, bees and more. Eryn also shares practical advice on how to rest, remembering that a little goes a long way. Also, we marveled at how God’s design works, that we are created to work from a place of rest.

Here are the links mentioned in the episode: 

Eryn Lynum's Website: https://erynlynum.com

"The Nature of Rest" Bible Study: https://www.amazon.com/Nature-Rest-Creation-Sabbath-Living/dp/0825448891

Nat Theo Podcast: https://erynlynum.com/nattheo

*Note, my kids love this podcast!

"Rooted in Wonder" book: https://a.co/d/1U9o1hD

Family Sabbath Guide: https://erynlynum.com/familysabbath

Have you ever stopped to be amazed at the wonder it is that we get to work with horses? And that they are willing to be trained to do such amazing things for us? I train my horse in a reward based way, and so when I work with him, I "mark" the maneuver I want by releasing cues, or a treat, lots of scratches in his favorite places, or a bit of everything. It is amazing how willing he is to repeat the same maneuver for more encouragement and reward!

In this episode, I talk about how encouragement is such an amazing tool in our horsemanship and motherhood. I tell a few personal stories about how encouragement has blessed me, when I was a child.

I also talk about how we don't need to rush with our horses and with our children. We can go slow and steady. See the big picture. Take deep breaths. They're still learning, and we are too. It's all for God's glory, and our joy.

I also mention my conversation with Monica Geyen from last week quite a bit in this episode ,so be sure to check it out here.

Blessings!

Have you ever been told, as a mom, "Oh you're so busy!" Or, "You've got your hands full!" Or perhaps you've come to a mom's group, and the topics seem to focus on how hard and chaotic motherhood can be? You come away feeling more drained than encouraged.

In this episode with writer, speaker and mama to 7, Monica G. shares how we can practically tell the truth about our children, from a biblical perspective, to combat that temptation to complain about our children.

This episode is full of scripture and truth. It's encouraging and uplifting. A perfect episode for Mother's Day weekend!

Mentioned in this episode:

*Four truths mentioned in scripture about how the Lord sees children

*Practical advice for encouraging other moms in our journey of motherhood together

*How influence plays a part (what we pay attention to grows)

*How to be like Jesus with our children. "Come."

And much, much more!

This episode is to be paired with an article that Monica wrote for Desiring God. You can find it here: https://www.desiringgod.org/articles/tell-the-truth-about-children

You can also find more by Monica G. on her website here: https://www.monicageyen.com

Happy Mother's Day from Mama in the Saddle!

More about Monica:

Monica G. is a lawyer turned homeschooling mother and writer. She is married to Chad, and the delighted mother of seven, ages 12 down to 7 months. From a Hindu background, Monica was drawn to the Lord through Pastor John Piper’s sermon series at Bethlehem Baptist Church on Romans and hearing the gospel from her now-husband, Chad. Over the last 20 years, God has cultivated in Monica a heart for encouraging missional living. After her transition to being a stay-at-home mom, Monica discipled law students through InterVarsity and began to teach the Bible to her children and women at Bethlehem. She has served for 14 years as a small group leader alongside her husband Chad, who also serves as an elder. She currently writes for Desiring God, continues to love to teach God’s Word, counsels couples alongside Chad, and speaks on various topics, including missional living, marriage, and motherhood. Monica loves read alouds with her family, embarking on new adventures, playing outside, and dreaming up fresh plans with the Lord, Chad, and her children about how to live as a family on mission. 

Are you in need of a dose of childlike wonder and gentle encouragement to pursue your passion for horses while being a mom? Then tune into this amazing episode where I talk with Maddy Whitford about staying in the wonder, how horses teach us major life lessons (especially in parenting!), and much, much more.

Maddy Whitford is an experienced horse trainer and horse behavioral expert based in Kulnura, Central Coast NSW, Australia. Maddy and her husband work as a team starting horses under saddle and helping ‘problems’ horses thrive. Maddy is passionate about listening to horses, using compassionate methods to problem solve difficult behavior. Maddy loves teaching people how to help their horses and with her experience has developed methods to bring out the best in the horses she trains and let them shine. Her philosophy is, "Kind methods creating lasting results”. The horse’s emotional and physical wellbeing is always prioritised and kind, compassionate methods are used for happy horse and human partnerships, focused on safety, kindness and success.

Mentioned in this episode:

*How to respond to feelings of selfishness and guilt when pursuing horses as a mom.

*Being kind to yourself.

*How being with horses makes us better moms!

*Why it is important to dream as a mom and equestrian.

*How to manage time in order to make time to ride/be with your horse

*You don't need to ride to make progress and enjoy horses.

*Stay in the wonder

* Encouragement for moms who are thinking of giving up their dreams of horses. "Don't sell your saddle yet, mama."

*Enjoy your horses, enjoy your children.

And much more!

Maddy Whitford can be found at her website here: https://whitfordequestrian.com

She is on Facebook, Instagram, and Threads.

On her website, Maddy offers a monthly subscription to her library of educational videos. In addition, she writes on "Ask Maddy", answering a broad range of horse-related questions.

Are you a horse crazy mom who has taken some time off from horses, but keeps feeling that niggling urge to get back into the equestrian world? Or maybe you're a mom who has loved horses her whole life but has never had the chance to be around them, and you feel like perhaps it's never going to happen? Well if that's you, then this podcast is going to be a huge encouragement for you, and is a must listen.

In our conversation, Adele and I talk about all things restarting in the horse world, and starting for the first time. We discuss practical steps, and walk through a detailed way to find a solid trainer who can help you, and the importance of learning.

We also discuss staying in the wonder of our horses and kids, and slowing down to enjoy them both.

Links mentioned:

We mentioned Adele's online course several times in the episode. Check it out here: https://www.thewillingequine.com/academy

Find Adele's info here:

Website: https://www.thewillingequine.com/

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

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/thewillingequine

TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@thewillingequine

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/thewillingequine
third conversation together! Check out our first two conversations in the links below:

Part 2: Setting Up for Success

After an amazing conversation on Cycle Syncing with Katie Klein a couple weeks ago, I thought I'd follow up with another episode with more details on how I have been doing cycle syncing with my horse training and my goals with my horse.

Each phase of our cycle gives us amazing opportunities to stay in the childlike wonder of loving horses, and of loving our children well!

Mentioned in this episode:

*How to sync each "season" or phase of your cycle with your horse training.

*How to rest with your horse, and still make progress.

*How a little goes a long way.

*A new goal I just set for myself! I signed up for the virtual Tevis Cup Challenge, to ride 100 miles in 100 days! Join me!

Links mentioned:

Maddy Whitford of Whitford Equestrian: https://whitfordequestrian.com

Tevis Cup Virtual Challenge: https://runsignup.com/Race/CA/Auburn/TevisCup

Katie Klein's Ebook on Cycle Syncing: https://littlehouselearningco.com/products/homeschooling-with-hormones-ebook

My Conversation with Katie Klein: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/mama-in-the-saddle/id1767896751?i=1000700250932, or on Spotify: https://creators.spotify.com/pod/show/elizabeth-do-carmo0/episodes/Cycle-Syncing-A-Conversation-with-Katie-Klein-e30ep9e/a-abrg9eu

I end each episode of this podcast with, "Stay in the Wonder." But how can we do this practically? In this episode, I talk about something I've been doing to help me stay in the wonder with both my children and my horses, all to the glory of God.

1. Grab your phone's camera.

2. Take pictures of your life, paying special attention to the smallest details. Soap bubbles. Your horse's eyelashes. Your child's giggle.

3. Create an album either in your phone or a physical album to document your wonder moments.

4. Look back and praise the Lord, thanking Him.

What we focus on grows. So when we train our brains to look for the moments of wonder, it helps us to stay in this frame of mind, and focus on the wonder God has put all around us, and most of all, the wonder of who He is.

Looking for an equestrian devotional? I wrote one! Check it out on Amazon here. Or search, "Stable Truths."

Check out my blog: www.stabletruths.wordpress.com

Have you ever struggled with your monthly cycle, and it has impacted not only your motherhood but also with your horses?

If so, then this podcast with Katie Klein, homeschooling mama of 3, is for you. Katie and I share a great conversation on all things cycles and cycle syncing. She has even written an amazing book on cycle syncing that can be found at her website.

I have been cycle syncing for a few months now, and have been testing to see if tracking and syncing with my cycle would help with some of the PMS symptoms and general discomfort. I've also began implementing cycle syncing with my horse. This means that I will do more work with him at different points in the month, and then rest in others. I'll use the times when I am feeling a little more low in energy to reflect and dream. It's fascinating!

Covered in this episode:

*What is cycle syncing?

*What if my periods are irregular, can I still cycle sync?

*Practical ways to implement cycle syncing in a very simplistic, easy way.

*Staying in the wonder of motherhood

*How exercise, nutrition and sleep affect our cycles

and much, much more!

You can find out more about Katie Klein on her website:

https://littlehouselearningco.com

This is the link to her book on cycle syncing, be sure to check it out! https://littlehouselearningco.com/products/homeschooling-with-hormones-ebook

Do you often feel discouraged or dismayed at pursuing your dreams and goals in horsemanship, as a mom? If so, then this is a conversation you do not want to miss. In this episode, I talk with Amanda Sommer (owner of www.sommerstrides.com), about:

*Having realistic expectations as a horse loving mama

*Being okay when things don't go as expected, or when you don't meet goals,

*Saying "I can" and going for your dreams and goals, bringing your kids along with you!

*How being a horse loving mom is not only about you, it's about the lessons you teach your children through horses

*How Liberty work with horses is one of the easiest ways to continue working with horses while being a mom

*And... this episode is also full of very practical stories of Amanda as she has navigated horsemanship and motherhood! So encouraging, and really applicable.

You can find out more about Amanda here.

Amanda's website: https://www.sommerstrides.com

The North Central Liberty Horse Club (NCLHC): https://www.northcentrallhc.com

International Liberty Horse Association: https://www.libertyhorseassociation.com

Do you struggle to keep your horse's attention on you? Do you struggle to keep your children's attention? Are you in a season of life that feels scary and unexpected, with lots of unknowns?

If you answered any of these questions, then this podcast is for you. My first solo episode in a long time! This morning, I took a ride on my horse, Pilot, and learned something that I believe applies to our motherhood, our horsemanship, and ultimately, our walk with the Lord.

I share a story about my ride, and then how I see it played out and applied in life.

Mentioned in this episode:

Zephaniah 3:17, The Lord your God is in your midst,
    a mighty one who will save;
he will rejoice over you with gladness;
    he will quiet you by his love;
he will exult over you with loud singing.

Looking for an equestrian devotional? I wrote one! Check it out on Amazon here. Or search, "Stable Truths."

Check out my blog: www.stabletruths.wordpress.com