Whatever Is Excellent with Leanne Tuggle

Imagine waking up on December 1st feeling peaceful instead of panicked. The soft twinkling lights illuminate your living room as you enjoy a quiet moment before the day begins. Your gifts are purchased, your calendar has breathing room, and you feel genuinely excited about the season ahead.

This peaceful December morning isn't a fantasy—it's entirely possible when you start preparing for Christmas now, with intention and prayer. The irony of Christmas is striking: angels announced "peace on earth," yet for many adults (especially women), it's become the most stressful season of the year. Between overcommitted schedules, financial strain, social expectations, and family dynamics, we often find ourselves exhausted rather than joyful.

What would happen if you approached the holidays differently this year? Start by prayerfully determining what matters most to your family. For some, it might be Advent readings and meaningful conversations about Christ's birth. For others, it might involve baking cookies with neighbors or sending thoughtful cards to loved ones. Once you've identified your priorities, protect your calendar fiercely—decide which events deserve your presence and which ones you'll politely decline. Create a realistic budget for gifts and festivities, then challenge yourself to complete all shopping by December 1st.

The most transformative change happens when we shift from a performance mindset to one of presence. Children rarely remember elaborate decorations or perfect table settings—they remember simple traditions and time spent together. As Psalm 46 reminds us, sometimes the most spiritual thing we can do is "be still and know that I am God." This Christmas, will you join me in creating space for that stillness amidst the season?

Ready to transform your holiday experience? Begin your Christmas preparations today and discover the peace that comes from intentional planning and Christ-centered priorities.

Connect with me!
You can find me on Instagram @mrs.leannetuggle or you can email me at [email protected]. I love hearing from you!

Would you like more weekly encouragement? Subscribe to my newsletter Whatever is Lovely and be inspired to open your inbox again.
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Have you ever kept something special tucked away, saving it for a perfect moment that never seems to arrive? Whether it's the beautiful coffee mug gathering dust in your cabinet or the dream you've postponed until "someday," this anniversary episode of Whatever is Excellent tackles our tendency to delay joy and purpose.

Reflecting on one year of podcasting, I share the personal revelation that transformed my perspective – standing in my kitchen covered in baby spit-up, finally deciding to use my "special" mugs instead of waiting for some undefined future occasion. This seemingly small choice represented a profound shift in recognizing that ordinary moments deserve celebration too.

Life naturally includes seasons of waiting, but there's a crucial distinction between God-ordained waiting and self-imposed delay. Biblical waiting builds faith through active trust, while fear-based procrastination often masquerades as patience. "The word decide means to cut off all other options," and sometimes our spiritual growth hinges on having the courage to make that decision despite uncertainty. As God told Moses at the Red Sea, "Why do you cry out to me? Tell the people of Israel to go forward."

Many of us postpone taking action until we feel completely ready, but God frequently asks us to take that first step in faith before revealing the complete plan. When I finally decided to start this podcast, it wasn't on a special day – it was just an ordinary Tuesday transformed by obedience. What first step might God be asking you to take today? Stop waiting for someday and embrace the sacred opportunity of now. Subscribe and join me on this journey of finding excellence in everyday faithfulness.

Connect with me!
You can find me on Instagram @mrs.leannetuggle or you can email me at [email protected]. I love hearing from you!

Would you like more weekly encouragement? Subscribe to my newsletter Whatever is Lovely and be inspired to open your inbox again.
https://leannetuggle.myflodesk.com/v3r2zwdaik

If this is your first time here and this episode resonated, hit “subscribe” and submit a 5-star rating if you feel genuinely inspired to. Your positive feedback means the world to me!

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What if the most powerful tool you have as a parent isn't what you say, but how you listen? In this illuminating conversation with Shelley Tyson, we explore the transformative impact of speaking life over our children – especially during the challenging teenage years.

Shelley, a mother of four including three teenage girls, shares with remarkable candor how she's discovered that effective communication begins not with perfect words, but with attentive listening. "Words of life actually start with listening," she explains, "not just listening to the other person, but if you are a follower of Christ, it is listening to your Heavenly Father."

The conversation takes us through practical wisdom for navigating conflict with compassion, understanding hormonal influences on communication, and helping teenage girls navigate complex friendship dynamics. One particularly powerful insight emerges when Shelley shares how she helped her daughter preserve a friendship while maintaining healthy boundaries – demonstrating that clarity and kindness can coexist beautifully.

Beyond verbal communication, we discover how our daily rhythms silently communicate our priorities to our watching children. These unspoken messages often prove more influential than our carefully chosen words. As Shelley puts it, "They are observing and now it has that trickle-down effect of communication to them."

For the overwhelmed parent feeling stretched thin, Shelley offers this surprisingly simple shift: stop talking. By simply repeating back what your child says in the form of a question, you communicate value, respect and love without having to formulate the perfect response.

The conversation concludes with a moving reading of Psalm 139, reminding us that our identity and our children's worth are firmly established in God's perfect knowledge and love. Listen now to transform how you communicate with your children and speak life that nurtures their hearts and spirits.

Connect with me!
You can find me on Instagram @mrs.leannetuggle or you can email me at [email protected]. I love hearing from you!

Would you like more weekly encouragement? Subscribe to my newsletter Whatever is Lovely and be inspired to open your inbox again.
https://leannetuggle.myflodesk.com/v3r2zwdaik

If this is your first time here and this episode resonated, hit “subscribe” and submit a 5-star rating if you feel genuinely inspired to. Your positive feedback means the world to me!

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Whatever is Lovely - Subscribe here to the weekly newsletter designed to encourage you with words of wisdom and relatable content. Be inspired to open your inbox again. 

Ever found yourself caught between what you feel God is calling you to do and what others expect of you? You're not alone in that struggle.

After years of agonizing over my children's education, I finally made a decision that felt right for our family—only to lose cherished friendships because of it. The painful reality hit me: sometimes following God's unique calling for your family means walking a path others don't understand or approve of.

The heart-wrenching question kept surfacing: "Am I not a good Christian mom because I don't homeschool?" Those insecurities and fears of inadequacy became a heavy burden as I compared myself to other Christian women whose choices looked different from mine. But through this journey, God revealed something transformative: His purpose for me wasn't to conform to others' expectations but to love Him wholeheartedly and teach my children to do the same.

Whether you're homeschooling or sending your children to public school, your primary responsibility remains unchanged—to disciple your children and teach them about God. The methods may differ, but the mission doesn't. Just as God called Hosea to marry a prostitute, Daniel to work for pagan kings, and Esther to marry an unbeliever, He may call you to walk a path that others question or criticize.

This episode is for every parent who's felt the weight of judgment or struggled to discern God's voice amid the noise of opinions. Remember, "God's plans for you and your family are not going to look like what He is calling another family to do." Your obedience to His unique calling matters more than meeting the expectations of others. As Psalm 16 reminds us, when we set the Lord before us, we will not be shaken—even when navigating difficult decisions that others don't understand.

What decision are you wrestling with today? Trust that God's wisdom is available to you, and He's holding your future secure in His hands.

Connect with me!
You can find me on Instagram @mrs.leannetuggle or you can email me at [email protected]. I love hearing from you!

Would you like more weekly encouragement? Subscribe to my newsletter Whatever is Lovely and be inspired to open your inbox again.
https://leannetuggle.myflodesk.com/v3r2zwdaik

If this is your first time here and this episode resonated, hit “subscribe” and submit a 5-star rating if you feel genuinely inspired to. Your positive feedback means the world to me!

Episode Sponsors:
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Whatever is Lovely - Subscribe here to the weekly newsletter designed to encourage you with words of wisdom and relatable content. Be inspired to open your inbox again. 

Ready for a fresh start this fall? There's something almost magical about September that sparks that "new beginning" feeling in all of us – whether we have school-aged children or not. But as we embrace this seasonal reset, I'm challenging us to think differently about excellence.

What if true excellence isn't found in those picture-perfect moments worthy of sharing online, but rather in the small, faithful choices we make when no one's watching? Drawing inspiration from Philippians 4:8, I'm exploring how excellence grows through consistent habits, intentional routines, and biblical discipline in our ordinary days.

Our habits are the unseen architects of our lives, quietly building the framework for who we're becoming. Something as simple as making your bed each morning isn't just about tidiness – it's a declaration that you're choosing order, stewardship, and intention to start your day. These small actions compound over time, ultimately shaping our character and trajectory.

I'm sharing a simple but powerful morning routine framework that has transformed my approach to each day: time with the Lord through scripture and prayer, mental clarity through planning, and physical reset through movement and nourishment. The specific implementation will look different depending on your season of life, but these elements create a foundation for excellence that ripples through everything else.

Biblical discipline often gets a bad reputation because our brains naturally avoid anything that seems difficult or uncomfortable. Yet Hebrews 12:11 reminds us that while discipline isn't pleasant in the moment, it ultimately produces "a harvest of righteousness and peace." I never imagined I'd be excited to wake up at 5am for quiet time with God, but that's exactly what biblical discipline does – it transforms obligation into anticipation.

As you embrace this season, remember that excellence is faithfulness in the ordinary. What small step will you take today? Subscribe now for weekly encouragement as we pursue excellence together!

Connect with me!
You can find me on Instagram @mrs.leannetuggle or you can email me at [email protected]. I love hearing from you!

Would you like more weekly encouragement? Subscribe to my newsletter Whatever is Lovely and be inspired to open your inbox again.
https://leannetuggle.myflodesk.com/v3r2zwdaik

If this is your first time here and this episode resonated, hit “subscribe” and submit a 5-star rating if you feel genuinely inspired to. Your positive feedback means the world to me!

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Whatever is Lovely - Subscribe here to the weekly newsletter designed to encourage you with words of wisdom and relatable content. Be inspired to open your inbox again. 

Reading has always held a special place in my heart—so much so that I joke with friends that one reason I had children was to have someone to read aloud to! But beyond those cozy moments under blankets with classic stories, reading serves as a cornerstone for spiritual growth, family connection, and character development.

At its foundation, reading begins with Scripture. "The book of the law shall not depart from your mouth, but you shall meditate on it day and night," reminds us that God's Word must be our primary text. For nearly twelve years, I've maintained a simple habit of reading one chapter from a nonfiction book daily, expanding my understanding of faith, marriage, parenting, and leadership. This accessible practice—just one chapter—has transformed my life while strengthening my ability to discern truth in a world increasingly dominated by fleeting content.

Family read-aloud time creates some of our most treasured memories. We've cried with Wilbur when Charlotte died, celebrated Aslan's return, and my children regularly reenact scenes from our current books. These shared literary journeys provide natural opportunities to discuss character and worldview through a biblical lens. Rather than simply providing approved reading lists, I've found teaching children to evaluate content themselves yields greater discernment. The joy comes in watching them make wise choices independently—putting back books with inappropriate language or discontinuing series that don't align with our values.

As we close Season Three, I encourage you to consider how reading might become a life-giving rhythm in your home. What simple step could you take toward filling your mind—and your family's minds—with whatever is excellent? Subscribe to my newsletter for a framework on teaching literary discernment, and join me September 2nd when we return for Season Four to celebrate a full year of Whatever is Excellent!

Recommended Resources:

Adventure Bible for Kids

Meeting with Jesus- A Daily Bible Reading Plan for Kids

What To Wear - A Kids Bible Study on Looking Like Jesus

Audio Cards for Kid Bibles 

Connect with me!
You can find me on Instagram @mrs.leannetuggle or you can email me at [email protected]. I love hearing from you!

Would you like more weekly encouragement? Subscribe to my newsletter Whatever is Lovely and be inspired to open your inbox again.
https://leannetuggle.myflodesk.com/v3r2zwdaik

If this is your first time here and this episode resonated, hit “subscribe” and submit a 5-star rating if you feel genuinely inspired to. Your positive feedback means the world to me!

Episode Sponsors:
Rodan + Fields - Take this brief quiz to find your customized skincare routine!

Whatever is Lovely - Subscribe here to the weekly newsletter designed to encourage you with words of wisdom and relatable content. Be inspired to open your inbox again. 

Remember in fourth-grade where cliques first form and best friendships begin to blossom? That pivotal age when children transition from befriending everyone to selecting their inner circle marks a critical developmental stage in social awareness.

The Bible offers profound wisdom about friendship's true nature. Genesis tells us clearly that solitude was never God's design – "It is not good for man to be alone." Jesus himself modeled perfect friendship through his relationships with the disciples, demonstrating loyalty, honesty, and selflessness. His words in John 15 reveal the ultimate standard: "Greater love has no one than this: to lay down one's life for one's friends." Throughout Scripture, we see friendship's transformative power in relationships like David and Jonathan or Ruth and Naomi. The Proverbs remind us that "iron sharpens iron" – true friends challenge us to grow.

For military families constantly uprooting and rebuilding community, friendship requires unique courage. There's a temptation to keep relationships surface-level to avoid inevitable goodbyes, but Jesus showed us a better way. With only three years of earthly ministry, he didn't hold back from deep connection despite knowing separation was coming. Military friendships often develop remarkable depth precisely because time feels precious – there's no space for small talk when deployment looms. If you're hesitant to befriend someone who'll eventually move away, you might miss one of life's most enriching connections.

As parents, we must thoughtfully guide our children in choosing friends wisely while allowing them independence to form their own relationships. The people we surround ourselves with profoundly shape our character, values, and decisions. Consider the wisdom of Proverbs 13:20 – "Walk with the wise and become wise, for a companion of fools suffers harm." Teach children to observe potential friends carefully: Do they show kindness? Demonstrate integrity? Tell the truth? As my daughter entered fourth grade, our discussions about friendship qualities became increasingly important, and I found myself sharing a simple mantra with my sons: "Good is cool."

What kind of friend do you want to be in this season? Who might God be inviting you to pursue in friendship, even if it feels uncomfortable or unfamiliar? Take one small step this week – send that text, extend that invitation, initiate that conversation. Remember Ecclesiastes' wisdom: "Two are better than one... if either falls down, one can help the other up."

Connect with me!
You can find me on Instagram @mrs.leannetuggle or you can email me at [email protected]. I love hearing from you!

Would you like more weekly encouragement? Subscribe to my newsletter Whatever is Lovely and be inspired to open your inbox again.
https://leannetuggle.myflodesk.com/v3r2zwdaik

If this is your first time here and this episode resonated, hit “subscribe” and submit a 5-star rating if you feel genuinely inspired to. Your positive feedback means the world to me!

Episode Sponsors:
Rodan + Fields - Take this brief quiz to find your customized skincare routine!

Whatever is Lovely - Subscribe here to the weekly newsletter designed to encourage you with words of wisdom and relatable content. Be inspired to open your inbox again. 

The whirlwind of fall schedules looms just around the corner. Are you prepared to trade the peaceful rhythms of summer for the potential chaos of a new school year? What if this year could be different?

Discover the transformative power of simplicity as we explore three critical areas that need attention before summer ends: your overflowing calendar, your cluttered home, and your overwhelming social media feeds. Drawing from personal experience and biblical wisdom, I share how implementing thoughtful boundaries now creates space for what truly matters when schedules intensify.

Remember the stress of May—constantly rushing, saying "yes" out of obligation, and struggling to complete everything? Let's break that cycle. By reflecting on what summer rhythms are worth protecting and understanding what God is calling you to BE (not just DO), you'll gain clarity about your purpose in the coming season.

Your home environment profoundly impacts your mental state. Learn practical approaches to decluttering children's spaces, kitchen counters, and your personal sanctuary. Create systems now that will maintain order when life gets hectic. As Proverbs reminds us, "By wisdom a house is built, and by understanding it is established."

Perhaps most revolutionary is simplifying your digital consumption. Discover how alternating weeks on and off social media transformed my summer experience and why our hearts weren't designed to carry every global struggle simultaneously. Implementing boundaries around information intake might be your most powerful step toward peace.

Ready to trade hustle for holiness and clutter for clarity? Join me in creating intentional space for listening to God, being present with loved ones, and embracing the beauty of a simplified life. What's one area you can simplify this week?

Recommended Resources:

The Simplified Planner by Emily Ley

The Cozy Minimalist by Myquillyn Smith

Unroll.me for decluttering your inbox

Connect with me!
You can find me on Instagram @mrs.leannetuggle or you can email me at [email protected]. I love hearing from you!

Would you like more weekly encouragement? Subscribe to my newsletter Whatever is Lovely and be inspired to open your inbox again.
https://leannetuggle.myflodesk.com/v3r2zwdaik

If this is your first time here and this episode resonated, hit “subscribe” and submit a 5-star rating if you feel genuinely inspired to. Your positive feedback means the world to me!

Episode Sponsors:
Rodan + Fields - Take this brief quiz to find your customized skincare routine!

Whatever is Lovely - Subscribe here to the weekly newsletter designed to encourage you with words of wisdom and relatable content. Be inspired to open your inbox again. 

What does motherhood look like across the different seasons of our lives? From the sleep-deprived chaos of babies and toddlers to the bittersweet freedom of the empty nest, each phase brings unique challenges and unexpected joys.

Linda Buffington takes us on her journey of raising three children under two – twins followed by a third baby just nine months later – in what she lovingly calls "organized beautiful chaos." With refreshing honesty, she reveals how asking for help and building community became her lifeline, especially when her husband's work and graduate school often left her solo parenting.

You'll discover practical wisdom about establishing routines, boundaries and responsibilities early – like teaching kindergartners to pack lunches and fifth graders to do laundry. This groundwork makes the teenage years less turbulent when inevitable boundary-testing arrives. Linda shares how she and her husband navigated these years by engaging with their children's interests while maintaining clear guidance.

Perhaps most poignant is Linda's reflection on her current season with adult children in their twenties. Her role has shifted from coach to cheerleader, requiring the grace to let go while remaining a prayer warrior and trusted advisor when needed. Through it all, she returns to a simple truth that guides every parenting decision: "Love the Lord your God with all your heart."

Don't miss Linda's heartwarming story about the Christmas pajama photos that became a cherished family tradition – a beautiful reminder that sometimes our most meaningful memories emerge when we release control and embrace joy. Whether you're in the thick of toddler tantrums or preparing to launch young adults, this conversation offers both practical strategies and spiritual encouragement for your own motherhood journey.

Connect with Linda on social media @LindaGBuffington to continue the conversation about navigating life's seasons with faith and grace. Or visit @cupandpillarmercantile to check out her online boutique. 

Connect with me!
You can find me on Instagram @mrs.leannetuggle or you can email me at [email protected]. I love hearing from you!

Would you like more weekly encouragement? Subscribe to my newsletter Whatever is Lovely and be inspired to open your inbox again.
https://leannetuggle.myflodesk.com/v3r2zwdaik

If this is your first time here and this episode resonated, hit “subscribe” and submit a 5-star rating if you feel genuinely inspired to. Your positive feedback means the world to me!

Episode Sponsors:
Rodan + Fields - Take this brief quiz to find your customized skincare routine!

Whatever is Lovely - Subscribe here to the weekly newsletter designed to encourage you with words of wisdom and relatable content. Be inspired to open your inbox again. 

Navigating the delicate balance between technology and childhood development has become one of parenting's greatest challenges. Drawing from insightful works like "The Anxious Generation" and "Opt Out Family," this raw exploration delves into what happens when families dare to set counter-cultural boundaries around screens and devices.

Through personal stories of both struggle and triumph, I share how eliminating screen time during dinner prep transformed my twins from passive viewers to creative players. You'll discover why establishing tech boundaries isn't about restriction but about creating space for imagination, problem-solving, and genuine connection. Rather than following cultural defaults that have drastically shifted childhood from play-based to phone-based, we can intentionally shape our family's relationship with technology.

The truth is uncomfortable but liberating: easy parenting choices rarely yield the best outcomes for our children. When we pacify with screens for momentary peace, what long-term skills might our children be missing? This episode offers practical alternatives including designated tech-free zones, outdoor exploration opportunities, and age-appropriate boundaries that evolve with your children. Most importantly, you'll find encouragement that you're not alone in questioning the prevailing wisdom about kids and technology. Many parents are quietly choosing to prioritize presence over convenience, guided by biblical principles like "guarding our hearts" and "making the best use of time." What rhythms around technology might help your home better reflect what you truly value?

Recommended Reading:

The Anxious Generation by Jonathan Haidt

The Tech-Wise Family by Andy Crouch

The Opt-Out Family by Erin Loechner

How to Raise an Adult by Julie Lythcott-Haims

When the Street Lights Come On by Ginny Yurich

Connect with me!
You can find me on Instagram @mrs.leannetuggle or you can email me at [email protected]. I love hearing from you!

Would you like more weekly encouragement? Subscribe to my newsletter Whatever is Lovely and be inspired to open your inbox again.
https://leannetuggle.myflodesk.com/v3r2zwdaik

If this is your first time here and this episode resonated, hit “subscribe” and submit a 5-star rating if you feel genuinely inspired to. Your positive feedback means the world to me!

Episode Sponsors:
Rodan + Fields - Take this brief quiz to find your customized skincare routine!

Whatever is Lovely - Subscribe here to the weekly newsletter designed to encourage you with words of wisdom and relatable content. Be inspired to open your inbox again.