We believe communication in marriage is one of the keys to having a healthy marriage, so in this episode we share five conversations to have with your spouse on a regular basis that will help you stay on the same page, encourage one another and build your spiritual walk with the Lord.

Here is what you can expect in this episode:
1:31 – When your spouse is an unbeliever.
3:10 – Spiritual Well-Check
6:56 – Financial
14:40 -Future Goals
20:50 - Any frustrations?
25:45 – Family Check-Up

References:
1 Peter 3:1 – “Likewise, wives, be subject to your own husbands, so that even if some do not obey the word, they may be won without a word by the conduct of their wives,”

Let's connect!
Website: This Devoted Life
Instagram: Devoted Motherhood & This Devoted Life Podcast
Email: [email protected]

When polling This Devoted Life Community about the topic of marriage, one of the biggest questions we received was on the topic of intimacy in marriage... specifically when sex drives differ and the frustrations that can arise from that. Out of respect for our marriage, we do not go into any specific details of our own marriage, but we wanted to discuss this topic because it is important for keeping marriages healthy.

Here is what you can expect in this episode:
2:30 – Intro to Topic with Disclaimers
4:46 – Does media affect our views about sex?
7:38 – Sex is good and important!
9:00 – What does it all boil down to? 
10:30 – When Resentment Arises
11:28 – Tips for Keeping Sex a Priority
16:00 – Communication is key!
17:00 – Another Disclaimer
18:38 – Keep Your Marriage Fresh
19:59 – Frustration and Communication
23:30 – Wrap Up

Links:
Navigating Turbulence in Marriage

References:
Bible Verses:
Proverbs 5:18 - "Let your fountain be blessed, and rejoice in the wife of your youth"

Proverbs 5:19 - "a lovely deer, a graceful doe. Let her breasts fill you at all times with delight; be intoxicated always in her love."

Ephesians 5:22-23

Let's connect!
Website: This Devoted Life
Instagram: Devoted Motherhood & This Devoted Life Podcast
Email: [email protected]

The number one question we received on the topic of marriage was, "How do you keep your marriage a priority?" Using an airplane ride as a metaphor for marriage, we discuss overcoming turbulence and ways we keep our marriage a priority. Every marriage is unique, but we hope that by sharing our experience, we can encourage you to continue to grow in your marriage and walk with the Lord.

Here is what you can expect in this episode:
3:00 - Airplanes and Marriage
5:45 - Cruising Altitude
7:10 - Experiencing Turbulence
9:58 - Buckle Up
11:44 - The Eject Button
14:00 - Sharing Personal Things with the Opposite Sex
16:28 - Communication
21:31 - What do we do to keep marriage a priority?
24:35 - Landing the Plane
27:07 - What season are you in?

References:
Revelation 19:7 - "Let us rejoice and exult and give him the glory, for the marriage of the Lamb has come, and his Bride has made herself ready;"

Let's connect!
Website: This Devoted Life
Instagram: Devoted Motherhood & This Devoted Life Podcast
Email: [email protected]

Strong male influences within the nuclear family are important, so today we are sharing with you Five Healthy Habits for Christian Men to encourage men as they navigate the sometimes tricky balance of providing for their families financially, emotionally and spiritually. While you may not use all of the ideas in this podcast, we hope there are practical ideas for you to implement in your life to live This Devoted Life!

Here is what you can expect in this episode:
1:28 - Disclaimers
4:10 - Physical Health
10:00 - Spiritual Health
15:05 - Mental/Emotional Health
19:20 - Relational Health
23:40 - Intellectual Health
29:20 - Wrap Up

Links:
The Daily Grace Chronological Bible Study

References:
Beachbody
Patrick Bet-David Podcast
Joe Rogan Podcast - Disclaimer: Some Language
Grant Cardone - Disclaimer: Some Language
The Money Guys

Let's connect!
Website: This Devoted Life
Instagram: Devoted Motherhood & This Devoted Life Podcast
Email: [email protected]

Each year for several years running, James has interviewed the kids and presented a Mother's Day video to Shanda. We thought it would be fun to share these interviews with you! We hope it gives you a fun way to learn more about Shanda and a glimpse into the gift that is motherhood. 

James surprised Shanda by bringing her in to be interviewed this year! The end gets a little emotional.

Happy Mother's Day

***If you would like to skip the kid-interviews, feel free to jump to this timestamp: 17:18

Let's connect!
Website: This Devoted Life
Instagram: Devoted Motherhood & This Devoted Life Podcast
Email: [email protected]

Moms have a lot on their plate! With so much time and effort spent serving our families and community, we are sharing with you Five Healthy Habits for Stay-at-Home Moms (or any mom!) to help maintain an overall vibrant lifestyle. While you may not use all of the ideas in this podcast, we hope there are practical ideas for you to implement in your life to live This Devoted Life!

Here is what you can expect in this episode:
1:45 - Intro to Topic
2:40 - Physical Health
6:25 - Additional Healthy Habit for Physical Health
7:35 - Spiritual Health
10:38 - Mental Health
14:08 - Intellectual Health
16:45 - Social Health
20:35 - Conclusion

Bible References:
1 Corinthians 6:19 - "What? know ye not that your body is the temple of the Holy Ghost which is in you, which ye have of God, and ye are not your own?"

Links:
Lindy Well Pilates
5-5-5 Plan
The Daily Grace Chronological Bible Study
Wild +Free 

Let's connect!
Website: This Devoted Life
Instagram: Devoted Motherhood & This Devoted Life Podcast
Email: [email protected]

How can we as parents teach our children to be brave and live confidently in Christ? Listen to find practical tips for teaching bravery to our children.

Here is what you can expect in this episode:
3:22 - The Hiding Place story
5:07 - We are the Gatekeepers
7:24 - Strengthening Our Children to Carry a Heavier Load
10:20 - Emulate Bravery
14:35 - The Importance of Children's Literature
19:05 - Hiding God's Word in Your Children's Heart
21:18 - Prayer is a Habit
22:46 - Healthy vs. Unhealthy Fears
27:00 - The Gift of Failure
32:25 - Tree Analogy

Bible References:
Psalm 56:3 - "What time I am afraid, I will trust in thee."

Isaiah 41:10 - “fear not, for I am with you; be not dismayed, for I am your God; I will strengthen you, I will help you, I will uphold you with my righteous right hand."

Philippians 2:10-11 - "that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, of things in heaven, and things in earth, and things under the earth; and that every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father."

Books:
The Hiding Place - Corrie Ten Boom
Mothering By the Book - Jennifer Pepito
The Gift of Fear - Gavin De Becker

Let's connect!
Website: This Devoted Life
Instagram: Devoted Motherhood & This Devoted Life Podcast
Email: [email protected]

We live in a an uncertain world and uncertain times.  How can we be brave as Christians and live a victorious life? As Christians, we are called to edify and uplift one another, so we hope in this episode to encourage you to live a life of joy and peace!

Did you know, 91% of our worries do not come to fruition? (Source: Psychology Today)

Here is what you can expect in this episode:
0:35 - Intro
3:10 - Where does fear come from?
6:00 - How prepared should we be physically?
10:44 - Preparing Spiritually
12:30 - What is our duty?
15:30 - What can we do to "gear up?"
19:50 - Saturating Yourself in Truth
23:00 - Teaching the Next Generation to be Brave
25:30 - God has given us the victory
27:15 - What can we control?
31:50 - Kiss the Waves!

Quote:
'I have learned to kiss the waves that throw me up against the Rock of Ages' Charles Spurgeon

Bible References:
2 Timothy 1:7 - "For God hath not given us the spirit of fear; but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind."

1 Peter 5:8 - “Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil, as a roaring lion, walketh about, seeking whom he may devour:”

Philippians 2:10-11 - "that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, of things in heaven, and things in earth, and things under the earth; and that every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father."

Ecclesiastes 12:13 - "Let us hear the conclusion of the whole matter: Fear God, and keep his commandments: for this is the whole duty of man."

John 14:27 - "Peace I leave with you, my peace I give unto you: not as the world giveth, give I unto you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid."

Link:
Upward Sports
Pour Over Podcast

We'd love to hear from you! Let us know if there is anything you would like to hear more about in upcoming episodes.

Let's connect!
Website: This Devoted Life
Instagram: Devoted Motherhood & This Devoted Life Podcast
Email: [email protected]

Today we are talking about our experience with postpartum depression. Having experienced PPD 3 out of 4 pregnancies, we hope that by sharing our story, we can encourage you and give you practical ideas for supporting a mother who may be experiencing depression.

Here is what you can expect in this episode:
2:06 - Welcome
4:53 - Disclaimers
6:16 - What are Baby Blues?
8:39 - Baby Blues vs Postpartum Depression
10:42 - How husbands can get caught off guard
12:08 - Illogical Thoughts/Hormones
13:48 - Unable to Connect with Baby/Traumatic Birth
17:10 - Involve Family and Community
18:11 - Symptoms of PPD
20:34 - Learning to identify PPD
20:21 - Postpartum Rage
30:00 - Communication is Key
31:45 - Identifying Triggers
38:45 - How can you help?
43:05 - Habits that are formed during PPD
44:18 - Closing Thoughts

Links:
Instacart
Mayo Clinic Postpartum Depression Symptoms

We'd love to hear from you! Let us know if there is anything you would like to hear more about in upcoming episodes.

Let's connect!
Website: This Devoted Life
Instagram: Devoted Motherhood & This Devoted Life Podcast
Email: [email protected]

In this episode, we talk about the vision we have for our family. Using Proverbs 29:18 "Where there is no vision, the people perish," we lay the foundation for our goals as a family. Having a heavenly mindset and a future vision impacts what we do today.

Here is what you can expect in this episode:
0:29 - How future vision impacts today
5:26 - Vision for our family
11:27 - Vision for our marriage
17:35 - Vision for our community
20:02 - Vision for our finances

Book links:
Habits of the Household
Rich Dad Poor Dad

Bible verses referenced:
Matthew 6:19 - "Lay not up for yourselves treasures upon earth, where moth and rust doth corrupt, and where thieves break through and steal:"

1 Timothy 6:10a - "For the love of money is the root of all evil:"

Proverbs 29:18a -  "Where there is no vision, the people perish,"

Psalm 119:11 - "Thy word have I hid in mine heart, that I might not sin against thee."

Deuteronomy 6:4-9 (The Shema) - "4 Hear, O Israel: The Lord our God is one Lord. 5 And thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thine heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy might. 6 And these words, which I command thee this day, shall be in thine heart: 7 And thou shalt teach them diligently unto thy children, and shalt talk of them when thou sittest in thine house, and when thou walkest by the way, and when thou liest down, and when thou risest up. 8 And thou shalt bind them for a sign upon thine hand, and they shall be as frontlets between thine eyes. 9 And thou shalt write them upon the posts of thy house, and on thy gates."

We'd love to hear from you! Let us know if there is anything you would like to hear more about in upcoming episodes.

Let's connect!
Website: This Devoted Life
Instagram: Devoted Motherhood & This Devoted Life Podcast
Email: [email protected]