No Higher Calling

We are so excited to launch our first Bible study episode for 2024! Simeon will be joining me for NHC Family episodes digging into what God's Word says about couples of the Bible that we might deem as "undesirable." 

In this episode, we look at Elimelech and Naomi. They were followers of Jehovah who were prominent people in their city of Bethlehem. When God's judgement came by way of famine, instead of inquiring of their King, we see them running from God's protecting hedge. Together with their two sons, they enter into the heathen land of Moad. Initially, the plan was to "sojourn" there, but we find them putting down roots. 

What lessons can we learn from this couple's negative example?

-Making sound decisions as a couple

-The husband's responsibilty for the stewardship of his family

-The wife's responsibility to submit to her husband's leading

-Using the influence of your marriage to point other's to God

Scriptures Referenced:

Exoduse 33:15

Leviticus 26:19

Numbers 25:1-3

Deuteronomy 23:3-4

Judges 21:25

Ruth 1:1-15

Proverbs 11:14

Isaiah 41:10

Ecclesiastes 4:9

Amos 3:3

Resources:

Six Scriptural Tests

1. Proclamation Test- "Has God clearly proclaimed it to be wrong in His Word?"

2. Principle Test- "Is is forbiden in God's Word in principle?"

3. Partnership Test- "Could I invite Jesus Christ to do this with me?" Col. 3:17

4. Present Test- "Would I be ashamed to be found doing it, thinking it, or saying it upon Christ's return?" Phil 1:20

5. Purity Test- "Is there any glory for God in it?" I Cor 10:31

6. Peace Test- "After praying about it, is there the least bit of doubt in my mind?" Rm 14:23

Resources:

Find the entire Bible Study Series: https://nohighercalling.org/podcast_series/undesirable-couples-of-the-bible/

Head to Toe Prayer Journal: https://nohighercalling.org/product/head-to-toe-prayer-journal/ 

Follow my  journey by subscribing to this podcast. You can also follow me on Instagram, YouTube, and www.nohighercalling.org

Subscribe to the NHC email at www.nohighercalling.org 

"The task of building our homes into places of beauty & life that will feed the hears, souls, and minds of our children is the most comprehensive task to which God has called us as mothers." -Sally Clarkson

As we kick off a new year, we are going to focus on the word simplify for a few episodes on the podcast. Most of us are recovering from a busy holiday season and seeking to establish new rhythms and routines for a fresh year. This episode encourages you to give yourself freedom to embrace slow- embrace a season of home- if that is what your life calls for.

That is the season that I am currenly in. Nurturing a lot of little children, homeschooling, homemaking, ministry- these are the focus of my life right now. I am finding that to be effective in these areas, I need to embrace a season where outside commitments are limited, and my efforts are put into the home God has given me. Seasons come and go, and my life won't always look like it does right now. But for today, I am seeking to embrace a season of home and delight in the beauty of a simple life ministering to those who hold my heart.

Scriptures Referenced

Psalm 90:17; 127:1

Ecclesiastes 13

Resources

NHC Podcast: A Quiet, Contented Heart with Erin Bates Paine https://podcasts.apple.com/au/podcast/ep-59-a-quiet-contented-heart-with-erin-bates-paine/id1547126864?i=1000547089912 

Seasons of a Mother's Heart by Sally Clarkson: https://amzn.to/3sCXYxl 

Serving Well by Jonathan & Elizabeth Trotter: https://amzn.to/3SSCE1f 

Head to Toe Prayer Journal: https://nohighercalling.org/product/head-to-toe-prayer-journal/ 

Follow my  journey by subscribing to this podcast. You can also follow me on Instagram, YouTube, and www.nohighercalling.org

Subscribe to the NHC email at www.nohighercalling.org 

I share the books I have been reading in quarter 4 of 2023.

UPDATE: Since the recording of this episode, I did finish my 2023 book challenge!! I will include the final books read this year in the quarter 1 review next year.

Books Reviewed:

Follow my  journey by subscribing to this podcast. You can also follow me on Instagram, YouTube, and www.nohighercalling.org

"A thrill of hope the weary world rejoices,"

There are many things in this life that make us weary. Yet we, as Christians, have the hope of the Lord Jesus Christ! In the midst of our weariness, we delight in the hope that He gives. This is a hope that passes all understanding. It brings a deep peace, contentment, and joy unlike anything else in this world.

Isreal was weary of waiting for the hope of the coming Messiah. Christ was the fufillment of all Old Testament prophesy. He came not just to be born in a manger, but to die on a cross so that sinful mankind can be reconciled to God. That truth alone brings such hope!

Whatever brings weariness to your heart, may this Christmas message fill you with a thrill of hope and give you reason to rejoice.

Scriptures Referenced:

Psalm 122:6

Proverbs 4:18

Resources:

Great Hymns for Growing Hearts by Brettnay Brazzell https://www.newmerciesmusic.com/product-page/great-hymns-for-growing-hearts 

NHC Podcast: The Vibrancy of Christ https://podcasts.apple.com/au/podcast/the-vibrancy-of-christ/id1547126864?i=1000635021967 

Follow my  journey by subscribing to this podcast. You can also follow me on Instagram, YouTube, and www.nohighercalling.org

This year, we accepted the 1000 hours outside challenge, and it has been so good for our family! It has stretched us. 1000 hours is quite the loftly goal! But we are nearing the end of the year with only a few more hours to go. I have seen my children's mobility, endurance, and strength soar. I have seen their imagination and creativity ignite. We have made wonderful memories outside in nature together.

As you see statistics of how little chidlren are getting outdoors in this generation, it is staggering. I share quite a bit of that research and where "indoor lifestyles" are leading a future generation. I am thankful for people like Ginny with 1000 Hours Outside who are advocating for more time in nature and who are helping families achieve their goals.

Resources:

1000 Hours Outside https://www.1000hoursoutside.com/ 

1000 Hours Outside Instagram Page: https://www.instagram.com/1000hoursoutside/ 

Follow my  journey by subscribing to this podcast. You can also follow me on Instagram, YouTube, and www.nohighercalling.org

A new year is quickly dawning upon us! Many people are thinking about goals and resolutions they desire to set in 2024. Simeon joins me to discuss setting goals as a couple. 

Some of the highglights include. . . 

-Choosing a Scripture to focus on in the new year

-Having a big picture vision and breaking it down to live it out this year

-How to proritize goals for your family

-Connecting as a couple through goal setting

. . . and more!

Scriptures Referenced:

Psaom 90:17; 127:1

Resources:

NHC Podcast: Quarterly Planning https://podcasts.apple.com/au/podcast/quarterly-planning/id1547126864?i=1000605520475 

NHC Podcast: Crafting a Family Culture with Simeon https://podcasts.apple.com/au/podcast/crafting-a-family-culture-with-simeon/id1547126864?i=1000634241307 

Follow my  journey by subscribing to this podcast. You can also follow me on Instagram, YouTube, and www.nohighercalling.org

We come to the final episode in our Psalm 23 Bible study series, and what a study this has been! From the field to the house, we have seen the Shepherd tenderly, lovingly guiding His sheep through all the highs and lows the path brings. He has promised that at the end of our journey, we can look forward to dwelling in His house forever. What is the highlight of this dwelling place? It is not the destination, it is the Lord Himself! What a precious Shepherd we follow!

Scriptures Referenced:

Psalm 23

Resources:

A Shepherd Looks at Psalm 23 by W Phillip Keller: https://amzn.to/3CJZGid 

The Heart of the Shepherd by Stephen Chappell: https://amzn.to/3Sh6B8R

NHC Podcast Series: Psalm 23 https://nohighercalling.org/podcast_series/psalm-23/ 

NHC Podcast: The Vibrancy of Christ https://podcasts.apple.com/au/podcast/the-vibrancy-of-christ/id1547126864?i=1000635021967 

If you do not know Christ as your Shepherd, email me at [email protected]. I'd love nothing more than to share how Jesus Christ can be your Savior.

Follow my  journey by subscribing to this podcast. You can also follow me on Instagram, YouTube, and www.nohighercalling.org

Christmastime brings on all the fun traditions and sweet memories! One of the most enjoyable things for me as a mother is making holidays extra special for my family. This year looks a bit different than previous years because it is our first Christmas in Australia. In this episode, I share some of our traditions that have stood the test of time and several new ones we will start this year.

I'd love to hear what traditions you're family enjoys during the Christmas season! Leave them in the comments!

Resources:

NHC Podcast: Crafting a Family Culture https://podcasts.apple.com/au/podcast/crafting-a-family-culture-with-simeon/id1547126864?i=1000634241307

NHC Podcast: Our Christmas Traditions (2021) https://podcasts.apple.com/au/podcast/ep-53-our-christmas-traditions/id1547126864?i=1000543723732

NHC Blog: Christmas Gift Guide https://nohighercalling.org/christmas-gift-guide-2023/ 

NHC Blog: Christmas Books for Little Ones https://nohighercalling.org/christmas-books-for-little-ones/ 

Holiday Hospitality Guide: https://nohighercalling.org/product/holiday-hospitality-guide/ 

Great Hymns for Growing Hearts: Christ the Savior is Born Advent Devotional https://nohighercalling.org/product/great-hymns-for-growing-hearts-christmas-edition-hard-copy/ 

Follow my  journey by subscribing to this podcast. You can also follow me on Instagram, YouTube, and www.nohighercalling.org

2023 has been an incredible year for our family! God brought us from east Tennessee all the way to Sydney, Australia. Our faith has been strengthened as we've watched God do things that only He can do! Hear what we've been up to in our family and ministry this year.

In the second half of the episode, we give sneak peeks of some exciting things coming to NHC in 2024 as well as several products that are currently in the works. We have expectant hearts and are asking God for big things in the coming year!

Resources:

NHC YouTube: Home Sweet Home (our trip from the US to Australia!) https://youtu.be/dqa7wH4k-xQ?si=WhKVriog7U3Nr85u

NHC Podcast Series: https://nohighercalling.org/no-higher-calling-podcast/ 

Living Waters Baptist Church: https://www.livingwatersbaptist.com.au/ 

Subscribe to our ministry prayer letter: www.brazzellstoaustralia.com 

Subscribe to the NHC email: www.nohighercalling.org 

Follow my  journey by subscribing to this podcast. You can also follow me on Instagram, YouTube, and www.nohighercalling.org

I will soon be entering my 5th postpartum season. I have learned many things that have helped me have a smooth, wonderful experience. First time postpartum mama Brettnay would not recognize fifth time postpartum mama Brettnay (and I'm glad! I've come a long way!) With my first pregnancy, I thought that in order to be super mom, I needed to jump back into "normal" asap. Now as a mom of almost 5, I have realized how quickly those newborn days fly by. I have also realized that giving birth qualifies every woman as super mom, and now it is time to rest, recover, and bond with baby. If I take those initial weeks to heal, it will serve myself and my family so much better than if I try to rush ahead and jump into things too fast. 

In this episode, I share how my husband and I work together to ensure that I have a smooth postpartum. I also share postpartum essentials that have been a huge help the recovery process and hormone regulation. 

Resources:

FIND ALL ITEMS MENTIONED LINKED HERE--NHC Blog: Postpartum Essentials https://nohighercalling.org/postpartum-essentials/ 

NHC Podcast: Preparing for a New Baby https://podcasts.apple.com/au/podcast/ep-70-preparing-for-a-new-baby/id1547126864?i=1000553542251 

NHC Podcast: Nourishing Your Postpartum Body with Rebecca Grant https://podcasts.apple.com/au/podcast/ep-78-nourishing-your-postpartum-body-with-rebecca-grant/id1547126864?i=1000558592925 

NHC Podcast: Steps Towards a Healthy Cycle with Megan Kay https://podcasts.apple.com/au/podcast/ep-103-steps-toward-a-healthy-cycle-with-megan-kay/id1547126864?i=1000578020490 

Great Hymns for Growing Hearts: Christ the Savior is Born Advent Devotional https://nohighercalling.org/product/great-hymns-for-growing-hearts-christmas-edition-hard-copy/ 

Follow my  journey by subscribing to this podcast. You can also follow me on Instagram, YouTube, and www.nohighercalling.org