The Rooted Home

✨ Wondering what it would look like to have rhythms that help you run your home instead of it running you? Come join us inside the Rooted Homemakers Collective, my membership where I walk you through exactly how. → https://go.laurenmefford.com/rooted-homemakers In this episode, Lauren and Jeremy sit down to talk about something almost every family with more than one child wrestles with: sibling bickering, and how to actually cultivate love between siblings instead of just refereeing conflict all day. They are quick to say this isn't meant to be a how-to, more just what they have learned raising six kids and watching the Lord work in their home. KEY TOPICS The discussion centers on teaching children to love others well using biblical principles, especially 1 Corinthians 13 and the command to love your neighbor. How to handle tattling What they do with bickering children The episode distinguishes between communal toys and personal property, teaching both generosity and respect for ownership. Lauren and her husband discuss how age matters, especially when toddlers are involved, and how older children can be asked to help, serve, and play with younger siblings. Family rhythms like dinner table sharing, birthdays, and noticing generosity are presented as ways to cultivate a home where siblings enjoy one another. RESOURCES MENTIONED Don't Make Me Count to Three by Ginger Hubbard: Don't Make Me Count to Three Loving the Little Years by Rachel Jankovic: Loving the Little Years: Motherhood in the Trenches - Grace Based Christian Parenting This episode is NOT sponsored. Some product links are affiliate links, which means if you buy something we'll receive a small commission. CHAPTERS 05:51 What We Do First When a Child Comes Tattling 12:00 How to Handle Bickering as a Mom Solo Parenting During the Day 14:16 When Telling on a Sibling Isn't Actually Tattling 17:28 The Walk We Make Our Children Take When They're Unkind 20:42 The Toy Rule That Ends Almost Every Argument 24:07 Why We Don't Squelch a Generous Heart 28:26 How We Think About Sibling Hospitality in Our Home 35:31 Teaching Older Children to Help With the Littles 39:28 The One Question We Come Back to When We're Stuck —CONNECT WITH THE HOSTS — Ask questions/contact us: https://laurenmefford.com/contact Youtube: Lauren Mefford, PhD, FNP-BC

✨ If you've been moving all day but nothing seems to get done — start here. A daily rhythm to help you get food on the table, laundry moving, and peace back in your home. $27. Instant access. → https://go.laurenmefford.com/faithful-in-the-little-things-page ✨Overwhelmed by meals, laundry, and endless to-dos? Learn the simple system that makes home feel manageable again in my FREE Masterclass → https://www.laurenmefford.com/free-training ✨ Ready for a small reset? Get the free guide here 👉 https://www.laurenmefford.com/rooted-reset-sign-up-page If your home feels chaotic and you're constantly overwhelmed, you're not alone. I used to feel completely unqualified to manage my home—until I began living out these 5 biblical habits that transformed my life as a Christian homemaker. In this video, I’m walking you through the exact rhythms I’ve built that brought structure and peace to our home. These simple but powerful routines are rooted in Scripture, and they’ve made a massive difference in how I manage my home and love my role as a wife and mother. Whether you’re in survival mode or just craving more stability, these biblical homemaking habits will give you a framework to build from. ✨ Watch the notebook video I mentioned → https://youtu.be/N5zdDeKeZ80 ✨ Follow along on Instagram for the full wellness challenge → https://www.instagram.com/laurenmichellemefford/ ✨ Check out the supplements I mentioned 👉 https://shopneolife.com/rootedvitality/shop/product/2996G ✨Overwhelmed by meals, laundry, and endless to-dos? Learn the simple system that makes home feel manageable again in my FREE Masterclass → https://www.laurenmefford.com/free-training CONNECT WITH THE HOST Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@LaurenMefford/videos Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/laurenmichellemefford/ Website/Contact Us: http://www.laurenmefford.com

✨ Wondering what it would look like to have rhythms that help you run your home instead of it running you? Come join us inside the Rooted Homemakers Collective, my membership where I walk you through exactly how. → https://laurenmefford.com/rooted-homemakers Lauren shares her seven-year journey of finding a way to stay connected to the outside world without being pulled away from her home and family. She discusses the pros and cons of using dumb phones and the transition to a smarter smartphone solution that allows for customization and reduced distractions. Takeaways The journey of finding the right balance between staying connected and being present at home. The transition from a dumb phone to a smarter smartphone solution that allows for customization and reduced distractions. -RESOURCES MENTIONED- ✨ How to actually dumify your Android (full tutorial): https://youtu.be/RZZl7_m2tDg ✨ Why texts drop between iPhone and Android, explained: https://youtu.be/yZAWF_Fq758 ✨ The refurbished Google Pixel I bought to dumify: https://amzn.to/4gzYvGe ✨ O Launcher (the app I use for my minimalist home screen): https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=app.olauncher&hl=en_US&pli=1 ✨ The Sunbeam F1 Pro (the flip phone I used and loved): https://sunbeamwireless.com/by/31010/ This video is NOT sponsored. Some product links are affiliate links, which means if you buy something we'll receive a small commission. CHAPTERS 00:00 Why I Went the Flip Phone Route 01:45 Pros and Cons of Dumb Phones (and How I Adapted) 06:18 The Transition to a Smarter Smartphone 09:27 What I Kept (and Cut) + My Final Verdict —CONNECT WITH THE HOST — Ask questions/contact me: https://laurenmefford.com/contact Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@LaurenMefford/videos #DumbPhone #DigitalMinimalism #FlipPhone #ChristianHomemaking #HomeschoolMom

✨ Wondering what it would look like to have rhythms that help you run your home instead of it running you? Come join us inside the Rooted Homemakers Collective, my membership where I walk you through exactly how. → https://go.laurenmefford.com/rooted-homemakers In this episode, Lauren and Jeremy share the story behind a question many of you have asked: why did we move from being Reformed Baptists to Presbyterians? They walk through where they started, the moment that first cracked things open, and the theological questions that shaped how they now think about faith, baptism, and raising their children. — RESOURCES MENTIONED — Baptism Is Not Enough — one of the books that shaped this conversation: Baptism Is Not Enough: How Understanding God's Covenant Explains Everything Genesis 17:7, Romans 4, Galatians 3, Acts 2, Acts 16 (the Philippian jailer), Jeremiah 31 — key passages referenced throughout The catechism we now use with our kids — I Belong to God: A Catechism for Covenant Children This episode is NOT sponsored. Some product links are affiliate links, which means if you buy something we'll receive a small commission. —CONNECT WITH THE HOSTS — Ask questions/contact us: https://laurenmefford.com/contact Youtube: Lauren Mefford, PhD, FNP-BC Instagram: Lauren Mefford, PhD, FNP-BC (@laurenmichellemefford) • Instagram profile CHAPTERS 00:13 Journey from Reformed Baptists to Presbyterians 07:57 Understanding Covenant Theology and Its Implications 13:38 The Role of Faith 20:33 The Shift in Perspective on Baptism and Children 27:27 Understanding the Covenant and Its Implications 31:18 Baptism and Its Significance in the New Covenant

✨ If you've been moving all day but nothing seems to get done — start here. A daily rhythm to help you get food on the table, laundry moving, and peace back in your home. $27. Instant access. → https://go.laurenmefford.com/faithful-in-the-little-things-page ✨Overwhelmed by meals, laundry, and endless to-dos? Learn the simple system that makes home feel manageable again in my FREE Masterclass → https://www.laurenmefford.com/free-training This description below includes affiliate links. If you choose to purchase through them, I may receive a small commission—thank you for supporting my channel! Do you feel constantly distracted by your phone—scrolling through apps while dinner burns, kids need you, and the day slips away? You’re not alone. In this video, I share the simple 3-minute notebook routine that helped me stop mindless scrolling and become the focused, present homemaker I truly wanted to be. After trying many different methods and planners, this $10 notebook is what worked. I’ll walk you through the exact way I use it each day and week to retrain my brain, reclaim my time, and stay anchored in real life—not lost in my phone. ***I will say, this notebook is a big part of the equation, buts not the ONLY part. Self control is still important—and finding ways to choose not pick up the phone and scroll (i.e., limiting times to check it, using app blockers, keeping it in another room, etc.). BUT, using paper instead of having another reason to reach for the phone (to plan, keep lists, etc.) has been very helpful for me, personally.*** Whether you’re trying to scroll less as a stay-at-home mom, create weekly rhythms that stick, or finally feel clear-headed when you wake up, this system will help. You’ll learn: Why we reach for our phones and how a simple notebook helps The weekly planning rhythm that keeps my homemaking calm and consistent My 5-minute evening routine that helps me wake up already in motion How I use my notebook for meals, priorities, to-dos, and even a custom dopamine menu that rewires my brain toward life-giving choices If you’re a Christian homemaker who wants to stay focused, love your role, and create systems that bring peace and joy to your home, this video is for you.. My notebook: https://amzn.to/44TlHJQ My favorite erasable pens: https://amzn.to/48WycXt CONNECT WITH THE HOST Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@LaurenMefford/videos Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/laurenmichellemefford/ Website/Contact Us: http://www.laurenmefford.com

✨ Wondering what it would look like to have rhythms that help you run your home instead of it running you? Come join us inside my membership, the Rooted Homemakers Collective, where I walk you through exactly how → https://laurenmefford.com/rooted-homemakers Answering your questions on balancing chores and play, our new homeschool plan, how I meal plan, and how we train our children's’ character. This episode is NOT sponsored. Some product links are affiliate links, which means if you buy something we'll receive a small commission. Resources and Products Mentioned in this video: ✨Voetberg Music Academy: https://www.voetbergmusicacademy.com?affiliate_code=29079a ✨ BiblioPlan (our history, Bible, and literature curriculum this year): https://www.biblioplan.net/ ✨ IEW: https://amzn.to/4w7x5fy ✨ Apologia Science: https://amzn.to/4zimkKj ✨ Math Mammoth: https://amzn.to/4wMAAsU **For Math Mammoth, you have to get the A and B workbooks, plus tests/quizzes and answer key CHAPTERS 00:00 Balancing Chores and Play 12:09 Our Evening Schedule 14:25 Homeschool Updates 22:31 How I Meal Plan 25:18 How We Discipline & Train Our Children's Character —CONNECT WITH THE HOSTS — Ask questions/contact us: https://laurenmefford.com/contact Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@LaurenMefford/videos Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/laurenmichellemefford/

✨Wondering what it would look like to have rhythms that help you run your home (rather than it running you)? Learn more about the Rooted Rhythms Method: https://laurenmefford.com/rooted-rhythms-method — SHOW NOTES — Ashley Buffa is a mother of eleven who has homeschooled from the start and graduated four children. But for the first fifteen years, she'll tell you plainly that she hated it. In this conversation she shares what finally changed her heart, why keeping your kids out of school isn't the same as homeschooling well, and how she structures a full life as a homeschool mom and businesswoman without letting either one run the show. Lauren and Ashley cover the practical and the heart-level: why getting dressed sets the tone for the day, loving your children, pulling toddlers in instead of pushing them away, and cultivating a family culture that loves beautiful things without nagging anyone into it. — RESOURCES MENTIONED — Ashley on YouTube — https://www.youtube.com/@AshleyMBuffa The Homeschool Excellence Framework and other homeschooling resources can be found at https://go.vocationalhomeschooling.com/ Keep an eye out for Ashley's upcoming motherhood course (releasing end of August) —CONNECT WITH THE HOST — Youtube: Lauren Mefford, PhD, FNP-BC Instagram: Lauren Mefford, PhD, FNP-BC (@laurenmichellemefford) • Instagram profile Website/Contact Us_: http://www.laurenmefford.com

✨Struggling to build rhythms that actually work in your home? My free masterclass shows you how to create simple routines that are rooted in biblical priorities and actually work. Watch it here: https://www.laurenmefford.com/free-training If you’ve tried planners, routines, and every self-help strategy but still feel behind, this video walks through a biblical approach to time management that is actually effective and freeing, because its based on biblical fruitfulness and faithfulness, not the worlds view of productivity and hustle culture. We’ll talk about fruitfulness vs productivity, seeing your homemaking through Scripture, and why your identity in Christ changes the way you build habits. You’ll learn practical ways to build habits that stick and help you faithfully manage your home, how to leverage rhythms God already built into the day, and how habit-building connects to the kind of Christian woman you’re becoming. CONNECT WITH THE HOST Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@LaurenMefford/videos Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/laurenmichellemefford/ Website/Contact Us: http://www.laurenmefford.com

🌿Wondering what it would look like to have rhythms that help you run your home (rather than it running you)? Learn more about the Rooted Rhythms Method: https://laurenmefford.com/rooted-rhythms-method In this episode, I'm sharing the unexpected key I've found to a truly peaceful home, plus three practical, God-honoring ways you can start walking it out this week. CONNECT WITH THE HOST Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@LaurenMefford/videos Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/laurenmichellemefford/ Website/Contact Us_: http://www.laurenmefford.com

✨ Wondering what it would look like to have rhythms that help you run your home instead of it running you? Come join us inside the Rooted Homemakers Collective, my membership where I walk you through exactly how. → https://laurenmefford.com/rooted-homemakers In this episode, Lauren and her husband Jeremy get real about health and wellness in their own home and what they've lived and watched work. Lauren, a nurse practitioner, shares the dramatic story of a hormone crash in her mid-twenties that left her at menopausal estrogen levels despite an active lifestyle, and what brought healing. From there, they talk through their family's brutal sick seasons, the whole-food supplements that turned things around for their kids' immunity, and Lauren's own recovery after a string of miscarriages. The conversation also covers soil depletion, food as medicine, and a few biblical parallels that reshaped how they think about nutrition. They close out talking about staying active as a family — not through motivation, but through systems and an environment that makes movement the default. — CHAPTERS — 0:00 — Why We're Talking About Health and Wellness Today 2:11 — Do Your Daily Choices Actually Support Your Goals? 5:01 — The Hormone Crash That Changed Everything in Lauren's Twenties 7:06 — Nutrition Changed the Course of Her Life 13:20 — Why Today's Produce Isn't as Nutritious as It Used to Be 15:43 — Breaking the Cycle of Endless Sick Seasons 22:30 — The 90-Day Challenge 29:09 — Is Food Really Medicine? 41:44 — A Case for Prioritizing Nutrition 49:50 — Building an Active Family Life (Without Relying on Motivation) — RESOURCES MENTIONED — Kid's vitamins: Immunity: https://beta.neolife.com/rootedvitality/en-US/shop/product/vita-gard?sku=3125 Daily: https://beta.neolife.com/rootedvitality/en-US/shop/product/vita-squares?sku=3122 Rooted Home health & wellness resource page mentioned in the episode — https://laurenmefford.com/wellness-general-health Kids' bodyweight workout playlist for the kiddos— https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLZeBwGx-VLPsJ6Ucsov3lYJ24xTCiB_Bz — CONNECT WITH THE HOSTS — Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@LaurenMefford/videos Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/laurenmichellemefford/ Website/Contact Us: http://www.laurenmefford.com A quick heads up: we're NeoLife promoters, so we may earn a small commission if you order through us. I only share what we use ourselves. This is our experience, not medical advice.

✨ Wondering what it would look like to have rhythms that help you run your home instead of it running you? Come join us inside the Rooted Homemakers Collective, my membership where I walk you through exactly how. → https://laurenmefford.com/rooted-homemakers In this episode of the Rooted Home podcast, Lauren sits down with Nancy Wilson, author of Future Women. Nancy came to faith in college, married Doug, and helped start Logos School back in the early days of the classical Christian movement, all while raising three children. Her family now includes eighteen grandchildren and a growing handful of great-grandchildren, so she has gotten to see, up close, what the Lord does with a life of simple, day-to-day faithfulness. Together they talk about parenting with joy rather than drudgery, and why being lighthearted in the day to day is something many of us have to practice. Nancy shares how she and Doug worked to raise daughters who were secure and confident, capable of shouldering the real work of running a home. She also makes the case that a solid education and a high view of homemaking were never meant to compete. As she puts it, teaching a daughter to think is one of the best things a mother can hand down. It's a warm and honest conversation with a lot of practical wisdom for any mom raising her children in the Lord. Chapter titles: 00:57 — From Military Base to Born Again: Nancy's Story 04:40 — How One Offhand Comment Started a Christian School 10:29 — Parenting With Joy Instead of Drudgery 16:25 — Learning to Laugh When the Milk Spills 22:20 — The Book Nancy Almost Didn't Write 30:26 — "Get To," Not "Got To": Raising Capable Daughters 35:42 — Should You Pay Your Kids to Do Chores? 38:42 — Why a Homemaker Still Needs a Real Education 40:39 — The No-Security-Blanket Rule That Raised Confident Girls 51:10 — Raising Daughters Strong Enough to Bear Weight — RESOURCES MENTIONED — Future Women by Nancy Wilson (Canon Press): https://canonpress.com/products/future-women Listen to the Femina podcast by Nancy Wilson: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/femina/id1513264253 Future Men by Doug Wilson: https://amzn.to/3TwICqY Why Children Matter by Doug Wilson: https://amzn.to/4fyCRBH Five Aspects of Woman by Barbara Mouser: https://www.fiveaspects.com/bible-studies/five-aspects-of-woman — CONNECT WITH THE HOST — Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@LaurenMefford/videos Website/Contact Us: http://www.laurenmefford.com

✨ Struggling to build rhythms that actually work in your home? My free masterclass shows you how to create simple routines that are rooted in biblical priorities and actually work. Watch it here: https://www.laurenmefford.com/free-training In this episode, I sit down with author and Wife School creator Tilly Dillehay to talk about marriage, motherhood, and faith. Tilly shares how her parents' divorce and remarriage shaped her heart for marriages worth enjoying, why gratitude changes the whole feel of a home, and how calling sin what it is becomes the doorway to real freedom. A warm, honest conversation full of practical wisdom for women who want to grow & have a flourishing, God-honoring marriage. Chapters: 02:04 Tilly's Background and Writing Journey 05:09 How She Writes Books With Four Kids at Home 08:03 What Wife School Teaches Christian Women 11:09 The Divorce That Sparked Her Passion for Marriage 14:04 The Marriage Mistake Many Wives Don't Know They're Making 16:53 How to Inspire Your Husband to Lead (Without Nagging) 19:54 The Power of Gratitude in Marriage 23:54 The Perspective Shift That Softens How You See Him 26:37 Love and Respect: The Two Currencies of Marriage 30:31 When to Trust Him With the High-Stakes Decisions 38:53 The Feminine Vices Hiding Behind Feminine Virtues 47:50 The Freedom of Finally Calling Sin What It Is — RESOURCES MENTIONED — ✨ My Dear Hemlock by Tilly Dillehay (her spinoff of The Screwtape Letters): https://amzn.to/4pkRoV6 ✨ Seeing Green by Tilly Dillehay (on envy): https://amzn.to/4f6Smzv ✨ Broken Bread by Tilly Dillehay (on the relationship with food): https://amzn.to/3Rbd7Su ✨ The Screwtape Letters by C.S. Lewis: https://amzn.to/4vfjZw9 ✨ Tilly's Website, where you can find Wife School among other resources: https://www.tillydillehay.com/ ✨ Watch her hilarious Ma Ingles reel on Instagram, and follow her there: https://www.instagram.com/reel/DUg0HjgDwcr/ CONNECT WITH THE HOST— Youtube: Lauren Mefford, PhD, FNP-BC Instagram: Lauren Mefford, PhD, FNP-BC (@laurenmichellemefford) • Instagram profile Website/Contact Us: http://www.laurenmefford.com

✨Struggling to build rhythms that actually work in your home? My free masterclass shows you how to create simple routines that are rooted in biblical priorities and actually work. Watch it here: https://www.laurenmefford.com/free-training In this episode of The Rooted Home Podcast, Jeremy and Lauren Mefford have an honest conversation about something a lot of families are wrestling with — screens. This is not a "we went cold turkey and it was fine" story. These are just two people, with very different screen histories, talking about what it actually looks like to raise six kids who know how to play, be bored, and live in the present without constantly reaching for a device. Together, they dig into why screens aren't neutral tools — why they're far closer to cigarettes than to hammers — and how the dopamine cycle of scrolling quietly robs families of the ability to enjoy the slow, the mundane, and the real. They also get honest about the spiritual layer underneath it all: how discontentment quietly grows when we're always consuming and never creating. But this episode is less about fear and more about freedom. Jeremy and Lauren share what intentional screen stewardship actually looks like in a home with six kids: family-only screen time, books in every room, long hours of outdoor play, and children who go outside and build things in the woods because nobody handed them an iPad. They also talk about the hope — that brains can be retrained, attention spans can be rebuilt, and the life God put in front of us is meant to be enjoyed. — RESOURCES MENTIONED — ✨ C.S. Lewis, The Weight of Glory — referenced ("mud pies in the slums"): The Weight of Glory — CONNECT WITH THE HOSTS — YouTube: Lauren Mefford, PhD, FNP-BC Instagram: Lauren Mefford, PhD, FNP-BC (@laurenmichellemefford) • Instagram profile Website/Contact Us: http://www.laurenmefford.com TIMESTAMPS 00:59 Understanding Screen Addiction 04:16 Personal Experiences with Screens 07:14 The Impact of Screens on Children 10:08 Screens as Tools vs. Addictions 13:01 The Importance of Enjoying the Mundane 16:17 The Dangers of Constant Stimulation 19:06 Training Children for a Healthy Relationship with Screens 22:00 Practical Tips for Reducing Screen Time 25:15 Fostering Creativity and Imagination 28:06 The Role of Parents in Managing Screen Time 31:15 Embracing Life Beyond Screens

✨ Struggling to build rhythms that actually work in your home? My free masterclass shows you how to create simple routines that are rooted in biblical priorities and actually work. Watch it here: https://www.laurenmefford.com/free-training What does it actually look like to steward your time well — without burning out, without hustle culture creeping in, and without losing sight of what actually matters? In this episode, Jeremy and Lauren sit down with Reagan Rose, founder of Redeeming Productivity, for a rich conversation about biblical productivity, building good habits, and what it means to be fruitful — not just busy. Reagan has been teaching personal productivity through a biblical worldview for over ten years, and the parallels between his work and Lauren's approach to homemaking make for a conversation you'll want to listen to more than once. CONNECT WITH REAGAN ROSE Reagan runs the ministry Redeeming Productivity, where he teaches personal productivity through a biblical lens. He is the author of Redeeming Productivity and hosts a podcast and membership community by the same name. He lives in southeast Michigan with his wife Kim and their three children. Find Reagan at: http://redeemingproductivity.com Read Redeeming Productivity by Reagan Rose: https://amzn.to/3QAlxCD Become a Member of the Redeeming Productivity Academy: https://redeemingproductivity.com/academy/ — CONNECT WITH THE HOSTS — YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@LaurenMefford/videos Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/laurenmichellemefford/ Website: http://www.laurenmefford.com TIMESTAMPS: 02:12 - How Reagan went from struggling student to biblical productivity ministry 03:05 - What stewardship actually has to do with your time 05:00 - Why there is so little Christian content on productivity 08:13 - The catch-22 of being too busy to fix being too busy 10:47 - Stop adding habits — start making what you do more routine 13:27 - Why the home to-do list will never be done (and that's okay) 15:11 - What happens when your schedule has no cushion 17:46 - The quarterly check-in that keeps priorities from drifting 21:17 - What faithful stewardship looks like when you are exhausted 25:30 - Reagan's POWER morning routine 27:55 - You are not just building a habit — you are building character 36:01 - Habits in the hard seasons: postpartum, depleted, running on empty 42:12 - Holding your plans loosely when God redirects them 43:25 - What it looks like when rest counts as productivity 45:33 - Rolling with the curveballs without everything falling apart 51:26 - How to know if you are being flexible or just avoiding the work 57:45 - The habits your kids are watching you build right now 58:44 - Painting the picture of an orderly home before you hand out chore charts 66:30 - Discipline is not a burden — it is what sets you free

Discover how Elisha and Katie Voetberg balance building a strong family culture with pursuing entrepreneurial ventures, all rooted in faith and intentional living. They share practical insights on family traditions, managing flexible schedules, and creating a legacy through music, homeschooling, and more. ✨Struggling to build rhythms that actually work in your home? My free masterclass shows you how to create simple routines that are rooted in biblical priorities and actually work. Watch it here: https://www.laurenmefford.com/free-training —CONNECT WITH KATIE & ELISHA— Check out Voetberg Music Academy: https://www.voetbergmusicacademy.com/courses?affiliate_code=29079a Listen to their podcast: Now That We’re a Family https://www.nowthatwereafamily.com/podcast Substack: https://elishaandkatievoetberg.substack.com/ Magazine: https://www.nowthatwereafamily.com/Magazine —TIMESTAMPS — 02:00 - Going smartphone-free 6 years ago (and writing a book about it) 04:30 - What growing up in a family of 10+ kids actually looked like 10:00 - Practical tips for homeschooling and family teamwork 12:34 - Why we stopped trying to do ALL the activities with our kids 16:00 - Choosing entrepreneurship after watching our own parents do it 21:02 - What "flexible schedule" really looks like with 6 kids at home 26:43 - The importance of focusing and avoiding burnout 30:23 - Watching our kids fall in love with music (fiddle, piano + more) 32:26 - The advice we'd give any couple wanting business + big family 42:25 - "Begin with the end in mind" - the question we wish we'd asked sooner 44:19 - Cultivating joy and margin within a busy family life 48:25 - Counting the cost before you build & living intentionally —CONNECT WITH THE HOSTS — Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@LaurenMefford/videos Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/laurenmichellemefford/ Website/Contact Us: http://www.laurenmefford.com

Struggling to build rhythms that actually work in your home? My free masterclass shows you how to create simple routines that are rooted in biblical priorities and actually work. Watch it here: https://www.laurenmefford.com/free-training In this episode, we explore how Christians can best respond to cultural challenges and godless influences by staying rooted in Christ. We emphasize the importance of humility, discernment, and biblical faithfulness in navigating societal issues while maintaining a Christ-centered perspective. — TIMESTAMPS — 02:14 - The Trap of Dancing to the Culture's Tune (And How to Stop) 04:23 - What Happens When "Standing for Truth" Becomes Your Identity 08:25 - Real Church Examples of Getting It Wrong (In Both Directions) 13:43 - How to Address Hard Cultural Issues From the Pulpit Without Losing Your Footing 14:47 - The Difference Between Christ-Like Strength and Just Being Harsh 18:35 - Walking by the Spirit When the Culture Pulls Hard 22:30 - Why Virtues Aren't Actually in Tension (In Christ) 24:26 - The Subtle Pride of Feeling Like You've Finally Figured It Out 25:19 - The Trad Wife Pendulum: When the Overcorrection Becomes Another Law 28:07 - Walking in Freedom Instead of Trading One Yoke for Another 28:59 - Final Encouragement: Follow Christ, Stay Rooted, Enjoy Your Coffee CONNECT WITH THE HOSTS — Youtube: Lauren Mefford, PhD, FNP-BC Instagram: Lauren Mefford, PhD, FNP-BC (@laurenmichellemefford) • Instagram profile Website/Contact Us_: http://www.laurenmefford.com

✨ Struggling to build rhythms that actually work in your home? My free masterclass shows you how to create simple routines that are rooted in biblical priorities and actually work. Watch it here: https://www.laurenmefford.com/free-training — SHOW NOTES — In this Q&A episode, Jeremy and Lauren answer some of the most common questions they've received from listeners — covering mom guilt, their faith background, how they manage finances as a family, how Lauren studies the Bible and teaches scripture to the kids, and practical tips for keeping the home going in the thick of a newborn season. It's a candid, encouraging conversation straight from the trenches of real family life. — RESOURCES MENTIONED — ✨ GET 50% OFF THE CORE PLAN YOUR FIRST YEAR with Monarch budgeting software: https://monarch.com/referral/t6wahuoizr?r_source=copy ✨ Simply Charlotte Mason scripture memory system: https://simplycharlottemason.com/timesavers/memorysys/ ✨ I Belong to God: A Catechism for Covenant Children By Richard Lusk: https://amzn.to/4unNAE6 ✨ Ploductivity by Doug Wilson: https://amzn.to/4dGVTDI — CONNECT WITH THE HOSTS — YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@LaurenMefford/videos Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/laurenmichellemefford/ Website: http://www.laurenmefford.com ✨ Check out our podcast: Apple Podcasts | Spotify | YouTube ✨ Learn how our family went from being run down and sick to more energetic and healthier: https://www.laurenmefford.com/wellness ✨ Amazon storefront: https://www.amazon.com/shop/laurenmeffordphdfnp-bc If this episode was helpful, we would love it if you'd leave a review and rate us on Apple Podcasts or Spotify — it really helps more families find this content. Thank you so much for being here. 🌿 TIMESTAMPS 0:26 - Mom Guilt: When to Repent, When to Let Go 4:40 - The Importance of Modeling Repentance for Children 9:27 - Our Faith Background (Reformed Baptist → Presbyterian) 12:34 - How We Manage Our Money 17:49 - How Lauren Studies the Bible in Every Season of Life 24:24 - How We Protect Our Sabbath (and Why It's Worth It) 30:07 - Surviving & Managing the Home With a Newborn & Toddler 36:44 - Keep the Questions Coming: How to Reach Us

✨ Struggling to build rhythms that actually work in your home? My free masterclass shows you how to create simple routines that are rooted in biblical priorities and actually work. Watch it here: https://www.laurenmefford.com/free-training Sheri Renno has been homeschooling for 16 years, has 10 kids ages 3 to 21, and came in as a former public school teacher convinced she had to meet every standard. This conversation is full of the kind of perspective that only comes from being in it for the long haul — and it's exactly what most of us need in the thick of the little years. We talked about her daily rhythm, how she uses checklists without being married to them, why she treats chores as part of the curriculum, when kids' interests start to surface, and why protecting family-first isn't just a value — it's something you have to actively fight for. CHAPTERS 00:15 Meet Sheri — Homeschooling Mom of 10 for 16 Years 00:30 How She Started (And What She'd Do Differently) 01:01 Why She Created a YouTube Channel to Help Other Moms 02:21 The Charlotte Mason Approach — What It Actually Looks Like 02:51 Living Books, Narration, and Why She Ditched the Standards Mindset 04:15 The One Thing She Focuses on Instead of Grade Levels 07:19 How Her Kids Built Real Businesses From Home Skills 11:10 The Age When Everything Shifts — and What to Watch For 16:29 What a School Day Actually Looks Like With 10 Kids 20:04 The Four-Part Rhythm That Holds Their Day Together 21:14 Why Chores Are Part of the Curriculum, Not an Obstacle to It 23:03 How She Manages Independent Work Across Every Age 36:29 The Checklist System That Keeps Things Moving Without the Pressure 50:21 What "Family First" Actually Means With Homeschool 52:18 Where to Find Sheri + Her New Course for Homeschool Moms CONNECT WITH SHERI YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@OurLifeHomeschooling Blog: http://ourlifehomeschooling.com Her Free Homeschooling Masterclass: https://ourlifehomeschooling.com/the-home-education-breakthrough-sign-up/ CONNECT WITH THE HOST Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@LaurenMefford/videos Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/laurenmichellemefford/ Website/Contact Us: http://www.laurenmefford.com

How to realign family priorities when life throws you a curveball. ✨Struggling to build rhythms that actually work in your home? Lauren’s free masterclass shows you how to create simple routines that are rooted in biblical priorities and actually work. Watch it here: https://www.laurenmefford.com/free-training Life has a way of stopping you in your tracks and making you ask: is this actually what matters most? In this episode, Jeremy and Lauren are having a conversation they've been living in real time — one that started with grief, loss, and the kind of moment that makes you drop everything and recalibrate. They talk about why having clearly defined family priorities isn't just a productivity strategy — it's a biblical framework that protects your home, your marriage, and precious time with your family. When you and your husband are already on the same page about what matters most, the hard decisions get a lot less hard. They also get personal about changes coming to the channel, something exciting on the horizon, and why pruning the good things is sometimes the most faithful thing you can do. If you've ever felt like you're being consistent but still have no margin — and something's got to give — this one is for you. Grab a warm drink or your basket of laundry, and come hang out with me for a bit. If you enjoyed today's episode, don't forget to leave a rating on Apple, Spotify, or wherever it is that you listen. It helps get the word out to other families ❤️ CHAPTERS 00:00 When Life Makes You Stop and Recalibrate 07:08 How We Decide What Gets Our Time When Life Gets Loud 13:35 Why You Need This Conversation Before a Crisis Hits 21:35 When People Don't Agree With Your Family's Decisions 32:26 Pruning the Good Things — And What's Coming Next #ChristianHomemaker #ChristianMom #FamilyPriorities #RootedHome #HomeschoolMom #BiblicalWomanhood #ChristianMarriage #HomemakingPodcast #ChristianPodcast #FaithAndFamily #GodHonoringHome #MarriageGoals #ChristianWomen #PrioritiesInLife #SimpleLiving CONNECT WITH THE HOSTS Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@LaurenMefford/videos Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/laurenmichellemefford/ Website/Contact Us_: http://www.laurenmefford.com

✨Struggling to build rhythms that actually work in your home? My free masterclass shows you how to create simple routines that are rooted in biblical priorities and actually work. Watch it here: https://www.laurenmefford.com/free-training ✨Discover how biblical hospitality extends beyond outward appearance to foster genuine connection, growth, and family life. Mystie Winckler shares practical insights on establishing a hospitable environment rooted in scripture, emphasizing the importance of the home's mission—to nurture thriving families and communities. TIMESTAMPS 02:24 - What Does "Convivial" Mean — And Why It Matters to the Home 03:49 - The Three Circles of Hospitality Many Christian Moms Have Never Heard Of 06:50 - Why Your Family Life Is the Foundation That Makes Any Hospitality Possible 09:29 - Are You Hosting for Them — Or for What They Think of You? 10:53 - How Pinterest and Instagram Are Quietly Distorting Your View of Your Home 13:39 - The One Question That Reveals Whether Your Home Is Truly Hospitable 14:30 - How to Be Fully Present With Guests (And Teach Your Kids to Do the Same) 17:17 - What to Do When Guests Arrive and Dinner Isn't Ready 18:46 - The Simple Meal Prep Habit That Makes Hosting Feel Easy 20:29 - How to Actually Teach Your Kids Conversation Skills Before Company Comes 26:19 - Beauty, Order, and a House Full of Kids — How Do You Hold That Tension? 28:19 - The Parable of the Talents and What It Has to Do With Your Messy House 36:43 - Are You Decluttering Your Children's Childhood Without Realizing It? 45:44 - Why Homemaking Feels Meaningless (And the Lie Behind That Feeling) 52:03 - Who You Follow Online Is Shaping How You Feel About Your Home CONNECT WITH MYSTIE WINCKLER: YouTube- https://www.youtube.com/@simplyconvivial Home is for Hospitality - Book Simplified Organization - Book Convivial Circle Community CONNECT WITH THE HOST Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@LaurenMefford/videos Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/laurenmichellemefford/ Website/Contact Us_: http://www.laurenmefford.com