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The number one thing I get asked when I share about memorizing the catechism is "Wait... I didn't know you were Catholic." Trying to explain that there are many kinds of catechisms and we use a Protestant one leaves even more questions. That's sad to me because teaching my kids the catechism has become one of the most formative faith practices I've had.
Today I'm talking to Leah Nicklaus. She is a fellow mom of only boys who homeschools in the classical/Charlotte Mason method. She has hundreds of gospel-centered book recommendations and resources! I've come to love chatting with her because we share so much in common, including how valuable we find the catechism to be.
-How has catechism helped you and your family? -When did you first discover the catechism? How would you define it?
-Which catechism do you like best?
-How do you include it in other discipleship practices? What does discipleship look like in your family?
-Have you found the catechism to help your faith?
-What are other family discipleship practices that work for you?
You can find Leah Nicklaus here!
You can find Elizabeth writing helpful hints on the blog
Helping you love Jesus and disciple your kids on Instagram
Or get access to the Additional study resources here
Original Music written and recorded by Jonathan Camenisch
*affiliate links are used when appropriate. Thank you for supporting Sunshine in My Nest
See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
My walk with God has looked so different in different stages of my life, or do we call it Eras now?
But in every one of the new stages of life, I have found myself encouraged by hearing the way other people practice their faith. Today I'm talking to Katie Orr, Bible Teacher and Bible study writer. We are going to compare and contrast what our spiritual walk looked like as we were kids, how it developed through having our own kids, and how it's shifted as Bible teachers. I hope as you listen, you can take and add the practices that feel encouraging to you, and leave what doesn't fit for another season. In this episode, we cover:
Childhood devotional habits and family Bible reading traditions
How to make your faith your own in your teen years
What to do when you feel like walking away from faith
Creative ways to connect with God during busy motherhood
Transitioning from survival mode to pouring into others
Encouragement for adapting your spiritual practices as life changes
We are both participating in a "Bible Study Bundle" available just this week. In it, you'll get a couple of the Bible studies we discussed during this episode, and many, many more!
You can Katie Orr at this link!
You can find Elizabeth writing helpful hints on the blog
Helping you love Jesus and disciple your kids on Instagram
Or get access to the Additional study resources here
Original Music written and recorded by Jonathan Camenisch
*affiliate links are used when appropriate. Thank you for supporting Sunshine in My Nest
See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
I was reading a year or two ago, I can't even remember where now, but a sentence from the article has solidified itself in my memory. It said something along the lines of "Most people on social media follow someone one step ahead of them, or one financial bracket above them.
Any more than that and it's overwhelming, under that and it isn't inspiring." It struck me because it named rather specifically why social media can breed discontentment. If we are only looking at the lives of people a little bit ahead of us, then we are always going to be tempted to spend above than we can afford. Maybe that's taking trips that the financial strain makes us miserable afterward. Sink a deposit into a house that consumes our whole household income. Maybe it's as simple as buying organizing systems that is totally out of reach.
Kate Strickler is the creator behind Naptime Kitchen. For this book, she was just named a New York Times best-selling author! Congratulations! Her new book, "I Just Wish I had a Bigger Kitchen," tackles why we feel discontent when most of us have everything we need.
-What is the first time you started noticing you were believing lies about your life?
-How do you usually identify that you are believing a lie?
-Do you think naming the lie helps remove its power over us?
-Why is the chapter "I just wish I had more friends" resonating most with readers?
Follow Kate Strickler HERE or get "I Just Wish I Had a Bigger Kitchen."
You can find Elizabeth writing helpful hints on the blog
Helping you love Jesus and disciple your kids on Instagram
Or get access to the Additional study resources here
Original Music written and recorded by Jonathan Camenisch
*affiliate links are used when appropriate. Thank you for supporting Sunshine in My Nest
See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
Have you ever wondered why stories hold such power over our hearts? From fairy tales and Greek myths to Disney movies and the Bible itself, stories shape the way we see the world. In this episode of Sunshine in My Nest, I sit down with Marian A. Jacobs, author of On Magic and Miracles, to explore the role of stories in Christian life, how to discern between good and harmful narratives, and why God chose story as the way to reveal His plan of salvation.
Together, we talk about:
Why humans crave hero stories and how they point us toward Jesus.
How the Bible is not just rules or heroes to copy, but the ultimate story of the Savior who rescues us.
The difference between magic and miracles—and why it matters for Christians.
What Frozen, Greek myths, and stories from around the world reveal about the character of God.
The danger of legalism when discerning what media we consume.
Practical questions you can ask yourself while reading or watching to help guide your choices.
Whether you’re a parent reading the Jesus Storybook Bible, a book lover sorting through modern fiction, or someone who simply wants to grow in discernment, this conversation will help you enjoy stories more deeply while keeping your eyes fixed on Christ.
Listen in and be encouraged to find the beauty of God’s truth woven into the stories all around you.
More info about Around the Ancient World HERE!!
You can find Marian A Jacobs and her book "Watching for the Morning."
You can find Elizabeth writing helpful hints on the blog
Helping you love Jesus and disciple your kids on Instagram
Or get access to the Additional study resources here
Original Music written and recorded by Jonathan Camenisch
*affiliate links are used when appropriate. Thank you for supporting Sunshine in My Nest
See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
Burnout feels like waiting for the next blow.
I remember sobbing to a friend after three months, where it felt like everything I valued was stripped away. Later, another friend echoed the same words: “I’m just scared of what will happen next.”
Burnout isn’t just exhaustion—it’s the crushing weight of repeated losses. The first time someone explained burnout recovery to me, I nearly cried with relief. What I was experiencing was normal. But recovery wasn’t instant. Healing burnout takes time, grace, and patience.
Today I’m talking with Vaneetha, who has walked through divorce, infertility, post-polio syndrome, and even the loss of a child. In the middle of suffering, she has clung to faith and discovered the hope God offers in burnout, grief, and lament.
We’ll explore:
-What burnout really looks like
-How to recover from burnout with faith
-What lament is and how to practice it
-How to hold on to hope when life feels impossible
Let’s talk:
What led to burnout for you?
What does burnout look like in your faith journey?
How have you learned to lament and hold hope in hard times?
Pain isn’t a competition. Sharing our stories of burnout, faith, and lament helps others heal—and helps us heal too.
More info about Around the Ancient World HERE!!
You can find Vaneetha Risner and her book "Watching for the Morning."
You can find Elizabeth writing helpful hints on the blog
Helping you love Jesus and disciple your kids on Instagram
Or get access to the Additional study resources here
Original Music written and recorded by Jonathan Camenisch
*affiliate links are used when appropriate. Thank you for supporting Sunshine in My Nest
See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
The Secret Joy in Your Work
I wish we were in the same room and everyone of us could share what the word calling means to us, and what you feel called to do. Maybe you've known that with burning clarity from the time you were tiny. Maybe thinking about your calling is confusing and gives you anxiety just thinking about it. Maybe you felt like your calling was one thing, but others or life circumstances have changed that for you...
I hope you leave this episode with a renewed sense of clarity and encouragement as you step into what God is calling you into.
-What in the world got you interested and excited about the topic of calling?
-I love how you pointed out that not all callings are paid work and the word "work" has been saddled with a bad reputation. Can you talk us through that?
-How does it change our understanding of work to know that we worship a God who works?
-Did all ancient gods work, or was that unique?
-How did the fall affect our work? How does a culture of forward-facing and instant/microwave results show up as a barrier for young people pursuing challenging goals?
-How do we learn to find joy in the process of work, not just the results?
More info about Around the Ancient World HERE!!
You can find Karen Swallow Prior and her book "You Have a Calling"
You can find Elizabeth writing helpful hints on the blog
Helping you love Jesus and disciple your kids on Instagram
Or get access to the Additional study resources here
Original Music written and recorded by Jonathan Camenisch
*affiliate links are used when appropriate. Thank you for supporting Sunshine in My Nest
See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
Back to school can be challenging for families. I find that many moms I talk to are more susceptible to the "Am I doing enough?" question this time of year. Add to that, we are all starting all our routines from scratch again, and kids are being required to do more structured time. All that gives a full recipe for meltdown (and not just for the kids). Let's talk to veteran mom Jamie Erickson about navigating back to school with grace!
-Why do you think we still struggle with overwhelm as moms?
-Was back-to-school overwhelming for you as a mom?
-What are some things you did to help with your start-of-year rhythm?
-If someone wants to start off strong, what can they do?
More info about Around the Ancient World HERE!!
You can find Jamie Erikson and her book "Overwhelmed Mom"
You can find Elizabeth writing helpful hints on the blog
Helping you love Jesus and disciple your kids on Instagram
Or get access to the Additional study resources here
Original Music written and recorded by Jonathan Camenisch
*affiliate links are used when appropriate. Thank you for supporting Sunshine in My Nest
See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
I’m so excited to launch into a new season with you this fall! We wrapped up our Legacy of Faith series, and I felt led to take a little break for the first time since starting the podcast. I mean, I’ve taken time off at Christmas in the past, but as a mom to three little boys, we all know Christmas isn’t a break.
I did this as part of practicing what I preach. In my real life, I’ve said 100 times, it doesn’t matter how hard you run, if you’re running the wrong direction, you’re not going to get anywhere. I realized at the end of 2024 that I was running hard without knowing the direction. I was just jumping from topic to topic… they were all great topics, but I wanted to be more intentional to grow your faith deeper (let’s be honest, my faith too, because my faith has grown so much from these conversations with mentors).
More info about Around the Ancient World HERE!!
You can find Elizabeth writing helpful hints on the blog
Helping you love Jesus and disciple your kids on Instagram
Or get access to the Additional study resources here
Original Music written and recorded by Jonathan Camenisch
*affiliate links are used when appropriate. Thank you for supporting Sunshine in My Nest
See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
Many of us have heard Sally's encouragement to mothers, but today we are doing something a little different. Many life advice books encourage us to "begin with the end in mind."
When I was thinking about how I wanted to close out the Legacy of Faith series, I sat down with a pen and asked "Who do I see finishing the race well?" Immediately, Sally Clarkson came to mind.
She hasn't just mothered well and retired to leisure, but has spent all her retirement energy on encouraging other mothers and trekking back and forth over the Atlantic to serve her grandchildren in the UK.
As humans, it's easy to get stuck in the here and now and overlook who we want to become, but today let's chat with Sally about what it looks like to "Put on new tires and keep rolling for the Lord," instead of retiring from life.
What does a "day in the life" look like for you right now?
Sarah has shared in her book that she left home later in life. That meant you were empty nesters later in life... What made you decide to keep serving rather than settling down into mountain life?
What are some things that strengthened your character at my age that have carried you into the next season?
What do you wish you had learned sooner?
Was there ever a time that things felt so hard you thought you might not keep serving?
How has Jesus met uniquely in this chapter?
What is the greatest joy you have discovered as you've reached grandmotherhood?
You can find Sally Clarkson here and her book "Well Lived."
You can find Elizabeth writing helpful hints on the blog
Helping you love Jesus and disciple your kids on Instagram
Or get access to the Additional study resources here
Original Music written and recorded by Jonathan Camenisch
*affiliate links are used when appropriate. Thank you for supporting Sunshine in My Nest
See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
Hey don't stop listening! Based on stats, a lot of you who listen are under 40. I'm excited this means we are in the territory of getting out of echo chambers, because if I had to guess, most of you aren't grandparents yet. We are getting close to the end of our series about what it looks like to live a Legacy of Faith.
Grandparents have a unique role in modern culture. In times past, it seems like the role was a bit more defined, but with as much as well all move now, it makes things a little more complicated.
This week, we are talking about the Biblical role of grandparents and the way they can point grandkids to faith.
The Bible encourages us to learn from people in the faith who are ahead of us, and I've talked to Courtney enough to know that any time she speaks, I'll always be encouraged.
If you want to apply the scripture we discussed today, I’m creating a download with a verse to meditate on, a passage to study, and questions to dig in deeper. You can find a link to that in the show notes.
Does the Bible talk about grandparenthood?
What do you think is the calling placed on Grandparents? How do you see your role in their life?
I see all over reels right now people talking about the way a lot of the grandparent generation has said, "I already raised my kids, I don't want to parent yours." What keeps you from feeling that way?
What is one way someone my age can start preparing for what it means to be a grandparent?
You can find Courtney Doctor here or her Bible study called "Titus".
You can find Elizabeth writing helpful hints on the blog
Helping you love Jesus and disciple your kids on Instagram
Or get access to the Additional study resources here
Original Music written and recorded by Jonathan Camenisch
*affiliate links are used when appropriate. Thank you for supporting Sunshine in My Nest
See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
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