Ep. 164: All Things Baby #11!

If you find yourself confused and conflicted about the modern narrative surrounding “homemaking,” “tradwives,” and what exactly it means to keep your home well, this episode is for you.My guest Marci Ferrell does an excellent job of breaking down the why behind investing time and energy into our homes and families as a way of bringing glory to God. With calm, compassionate, clear language, she exhorts women to view homemaking as a muscle to be strengthened and then flexed regularly as a way to bring order and peace in our homes—rather than as a way to bring attention to ourselves or gain admiration from others. She also addresses how easily being a “good homemaker” can become an idol and how to avoid that trap while still seeing value in our daily work.I loved this episode, and I know you’ll be encouraged and exhorted by it too! Guest Info:Marci Ferrell is a wife, mom, Nana, homemaker, author, and the voice behind Thankful Homemaker. She encourages Christian women to love Christ, faithfully steward their homes, and find biblical purpose in the ordinary work of everyday life.Find More Encouragement from Marci at Thankful HomemakerInterested in Marci’s Book? Learn More About Homemaking Matters: Living for God’s Glory in the OrdinaryListen to the Thankful Homemaker PodcastFollow Thankful Homemaker on InstagramSponsor Info:Voetberg Music AcademyVoetberg Music Academy provides online, at-home, shareable lessons so that your kids can pursue their musical passions without stress or hassle.Use Code: MISFORMAMA20 at checkout for 20% off each month that you’re enrolled!Bible References:Titus 2Ephesians 1:7John 13:1-171 Thessalonians 5:18Philippians 4:13Philippians 2:14Romans 8:28James 4:14Lamentations 3:22-23Links:The Well-Versed MamaThe Gentleness ChallengePenny Reward SystemPaint & ProseM Is for Mama

Today’s show is all about Baby Halberstadt #11!I’m answering your FAQs (how I feel, when I’m due, how big our age gap will be, etc.) and chatting about what it’s like to be pregnant at 44.I’m also discussing a couple of things I’m doing differently this time around. I hope you find these helpful! It’s certainly a different experience being pregnant in my forties in many ways than our other pregnancies (I care way less about people’s opinions, for one), and I am so grateful to be able to carry this new little life, especially after several losses in the last 6 years. Thank you for your excitement and support for our family! Sponsor Info:Tighten Your TinklerTighten Your Tinkler was created so women could heal – quickly and completely. Regain your strength while keeping your dignity.Visit tightenyourtinkler.com and take their free 5 minute quiz to start recovering now.Use Code: MAMA50 for $50 off at checkout!Voetberg Music AcademyVoetberg Music Academy provides online, at-home, shareable lessons so that your kids can pursue their musical passions without stress or hassle.Use Code: MISFORMAMA20 at checkout for 20% off each month that you’re enrolled!Bible References:Matthew 6:34Psalm 139:16Matthew 6:26Psalm 27:13Mentioned in This Episode:Happy Juice, Amare EDGE+, and MentaBiotics50 Human Studies, in Utero, Conducted in Modern China, Indicate Extreme Risk for Prenatal Ultrasound: A New Bibliography by Jim WestTitus and Toby’s Birth Story—Part 1The Kids’ Pregnancy AnnouncementLinks:The Well-Versed MamaThe Gentleness ChallengePenny Reward SystemPaint & ProseM Is for Mama

If the concept of giving your child a firm theological foundation in God’s Word feels overwhelming, today’s episode is for you! Trevin Wax, author of The Gospel Way Catechism for Kids, helps break down the essentials of topics to discuss with your children, ages 8-12, and how to approach them biblically.We also address how to catechize our elementary-middle school children in a way that makes the gospel come alive. Be encouraged you have great influence, and there are lots of great resources to help you stay the course! Guest Info:Trevin Wax is an author, Bible teacher, and theologian who is passionate about helping Christians understand how the truth of the gospel speaks to the questions and challenges of our culture.Read More from Trevin at His Site - Trevin WaxLooking for a Resource for Adults? Explore The Gospel Way CatechismWant to Build a Strong Biblical Foundation with Your Children? Explore The Gospel Way Catechism for KidsMentions: Listen to Teaching Toddler Theology (A Chat with Lauren Groves)Have a question for Abbie? Email [email protected] Info:GlowBodyPTGlowBodyPT’s 12 Week Post Pregnancy Plan helps moms rebuild core strength and heal diastasis recti through safe, efficient workouts designed specifically for postpartum recovery. Created by a certified Prenatal and Postnatal Exercise Specialist and mom of five, this plan makes it possible to regain strength and function without spending hours working out.Use Code: MISFORMAMA20 for $20 off the 12-week at-home workout program!Bible References:Matthew 5:16Philippians 2:15Matthew 24:12John 16:33Deuteronomy 6:7Genesis 1-31 Peter 1:12Romans 3:23Jeremiah 2:13John 15Matthew 5:44Psalm 5:5Matthew 12:30Links:The Well-Versed MamaThe Gentleness ChallengePenny Reward SystemPaint & ProseM Is for Mama

Our current culture gives us every reason to make excuses for our lack of capacity: circumstances, trauma, personality, etc. But what if we truly believed that God’s Word and power truly have everything we need for life and godliness and that we truly can do so much more than we feel capable of—not because we are great but because Christ is. In this episode, I talk about the link between choosing contentment and growing capacity, backed by Paul’s famous, “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.”When we have hit a wall of capability, we still have the ability to turn to God in praise and receive strength for today and bright hope for tomorrow. If you’re struggling with overwhelm or wondering how to grow in your capacity, I pray this episode encourages you that it’s possible! Sponsor Info:Voetberg Music AcademyVoetberg Music Academy provides online, at-home, shareable lessons so that your kids can pursue their musical passions without stress or hassle.Use Code: MISFORMAMA20 at checkout for 20% off each month that you’re enrolled!Bible References:Romans 8:37Titus 22 Peter 1:3Matthew 6:34Philippians 4:11-132 Corinthians 11:23-30Romans 8:28Job 1:21John 3:30Matthew 20:16Matthew 6:331 Thessalonians 5:17-18Philippians 1:6Matthew 6:11Mentioned in This Episode:Marcie Whalen on InstagramSeason 4 Opener with Jennifer FlandersI’ve Loved You From the Start—A Chat with Tabitha PaigeBaby Announcement on InstagramBaby Announcement on FacebookDouble DelightsDouble Delights with Evy and NolaLinks:The Well-Versed MamaThe Gentleness ChallengePenny Reward SystemPaint & ProseM Is for Mama

Bestselling children’s author + illustrator, Tabitha Paige joins me on this episode to talk about her precious new book, I’ve Loved You From the Start. She shares the deeply personal story behind its creation (inspired by her special needs son, Ducky) and gives so much encouragement in motherhood, Christian perseverance, and joy through struggle. I loved this conversation, and I know you will too! Guest Info:Tabitha Paige is a bestselling children’s author, illustrator, artist, speech-language pathologist, and mother of four. Her beautiful watercolor books are created to help little ones learn, grow, and feel deeply loved.Check Out Her Books at Her Site - Tabitha PaigeInterested in Tabitha's Works? Order Her New Book I’ve Loved You From the StartSponsor Info:Tighten Your TinklerTighten Your Tinkler was created so women could heal – quickly and completely. Regain your strength while keeping your dignity.Visit tightenyourtinkler.com and take their free 5 minute quiz to start recovering now.Use Code: MAMA50 for $50 off at checkout!Fledgling BagsFledgling creates stylish, durable, and thoughtfully organized diaper bags designed to simplify life for moms. Built to grow with your family, each bag keeps essentials accessible and remains useful well beyond the baby years.Use Code: ABBIE10 for 10% off your order at checkout!Bible References:Isaiah 43:19Ecclesiastes 3:11James 1:17John 12:24Esther 4:14Isaiah 55:8-9Links:The Well-Versed MamaThe Gentleness ChallengePenny Reward SystemPaint & ProseM Is for Mama

If you know one thing about me, it’s that I think you should read your Bible. A lot. And then read it some more. And this episode’s guest agrees with me!Raechel Myers, co-founder of She Reads Truth, joins me to talk about how busy Christian women can incorporate Bible reading into their everyday lives, the impact our faithfulness to God’s Word can have on the rest of our family, and the importance of doing whatever it takes to minimize distractions that lead us away from Bible reading. Join us as we chat all things Scripture, and be encouraged that God’s Word is transformative for every Christian at every stage of her life. Guest Info:Raechel Myers is the co-founder and CEO of She Reads Truth, a worldwide community committed to helping women read and engage with God’s Word every day. She leads the organization out of a deep love for Scripture and the conviction that all of the Bible is good news.She Reads Truth PodcastThe Bible Is for You: A Devotional Journey Through Every Book of the BibleShe Reads Truth BiblesThis Is the Christmas StoryUse Code: HELLO20 for 20% off anything at shopshereadstruth.com!Sponsor Info:Voetberg Music AcademyVoetberg Music Academy provides online, at-home, shareable lessons so that your kids can pursue their musical passions without stress or hassle.Use Code: MISFORMAMA20 at checkout for 20% off each month that you are enrolled!Bible References:Esther 4:14Titus 2Matthew 1Luke 6Proverbs 27:17Matthew 19:20Exodus 3:6John 1:1Isaiah 55:11Hebrews 12:11Links:The Well-Versed MamaThe Gentleness ChallengePenny Reward SystemPaint & ProseM Is for Mama

If you have questions about sleep training, this is the show for you! Not only is Jessie Martin a pediatric sleep specialist who has helped numerous clients find the best plan for optimizing sleep in their individual homes, but she’s also a Bible-believing Christian who desires to honor God with her work. Sleep training has become a hotly debated topic, especially on social media. It’s common to find opposing groups of thoughts passionately debating (aka: screaming at each other about) their views. But the truth is there is so much freedom in Christ to find what works best for your family. And we want to encourage you to diligently seek wisdom from the Lord before getting caught up in Facebook wars. Guest Info:Jessie Martin is a pediatric critical care nurse, mom of four, and double-certified pediatric sleep consultant. Through The Goodnight House, she helps families pursue better sleep using personalized, practical, and evidence-based support.Jessie Martin on InstagramThe Goodnight House on InstagramThe Goodnight HousePersonalized Baby Sleep Help:The Goodnight House offers sleep guides, classes, and personalized support to help families find practical sleep solutions for their babies and young children.Use Code: ABBIE for a discount on all guides!Sponsor Info:GlowBodyPTGlowBodyPT’s 12 Week Post Pregnancy Plan helps moms rebuild core strength and heal diastasis recti through safe, efficient workouts designed specifically for postpartum recovery. Created by a certified Prenatal and Postnatal Exercise Specialist and mom of five, this plan makes it possible to regain strength and function without spending hours working out.Use Code: MISFORMAMA20 for $20 off the 12-week at-home workout program!Bible References:Titus 2Luke 9:23Matthew 20:16James 1:5Genesis 1:28Psalm 127Links:The Well-Versed MamaThe Gentleness ChallengePenny Reward SystemPaint & ProseM Is for Mama

We’re back with another round of Whaddya Wanna Know Wednesday, podcast style after a long break! This episode, I’m tackling your questions about teen dating guidelines, how to move forward after a friendship breakup, how to foster great sibling relationships, and more! It’s always fun to do a catchup episode with you, dear listeners. Enjoy! Sponsor Info:Voetberg Music AcademyVoetberg Music Academy provides online, at-home, shareable lessons so that your kids can pursue their musical passions without stress or hassle.Use Code: MISFORMAMA20 at checkout for 20% off of each month that you are enrolled!Tighten Your TinklerTighten Your Tinkler was created so women could heal – quickly and completely. Regain your strength while keeping your dignity.Visit tightenyourtinkler.com and take their free 5 minute quiz to start recovering now.Use Code: MAMA50 for $50 off at checkout!Bible References:Mark 12:30-312 Corinthians 6:14Galatians 5:22-23Romans 12:15Matthew 18:15Matthew 7:3-51 Thessalonians 5:18Galatians 6:9Ephesians 4Romans 12:18Philippians 2Hebrews 4:12Ephesians 6:4Proverbs 22:6Deuteronomy 6:7Mentioned in This Episode:A Candid Q&A About Catholicism—Part 1 (with Pastor Rick Witmer)A Candid Q&A About Catholicism—Part 2 (with Pastor Rick Witmer)A Marriage Chat with ShaunSpiritual Self-Talk (The Art of Preaching Truth to Yourself)Promoting Peace in Our Homes (Constant Sibling Fighting Doesn’t Have to Be the Norm!)Penny Reward SystemPeanut Butter in a Cup by GoNoodleLinks:The Well-Versed MamaThe Gentleness ChallengePenny Reward SystemPaint & ProseM Is for Mama

Today’s show welcomes Dr. Ben Carson who shares with us about how the Lord grabbed ahold of his life in his teens and had guided him ever since—through an illustrious medical career, influential positions in government, and writing bestselling books. Through it all, he emphasizes personal responsibility and returning to the roots of our nation’s Christian faith. Be encouraged that you have so much agency to direct your children toward Truth and hard work. Dr. Carson credits his mother with greatly influencing his growth and success and with setting him on a path away from destruction. As we invest in our own children, we have the opportunity to do the same! Guest Info:Dr. Ben Carson is a retired pediatric neurosurgeon, former U.S. Secretary of Housing and Urban Development, and bestselling author whose work emphasizes faith, personal responsibility, education, and America’s founding principles.Check Out Dr. Carson's New Book: Built on FaithWant Your Kids to Learn About America? Go to Little Patriots LearningSponsor Info:Voetberg Music AcademyVoetberg Music Academy provides online, at-home, shareable lessons so that your kids can pursue their musical passions without stress or hassle.Use Code: MISFORMAMA20 at checkout for 20% off of every month that you’re enrolled!Fledgling BagsFledgling creates stylish, durable, and thoughtfully organized diaper bags designed to simplify life for moms. Built to grow with your family, each bag keeps essentials accessible and remains useful well beyond the baby years.Use Code: ABBIE10 for 10% off at checkout!Bible References:Matthew 6:33Links:Built on FaithLittle PatriotsThe Well-Versed MamaThe Gentleness ChallengePenny Reward SystemPaint & ProseM Is for Mama

If you’ve ever struggled with how to convey deep theological concepts in a simple way to your toddlers, this episode is for you! In it, we talk about the common obstacles that keep parents of young children from engaging with and catechizing them. So often, it’s less about a lack of desire and more about feeling intimidated and not knowing where to start.Lauren Groves has written a series called Toddler Theology to address this pain point for parents. I can personally attest to how much my little ones enjoy her colorful, simply structured board books, and I know upper will too! Sponsor Info:Voetberg Music AcademyVoetberg Music Academy provides online, at-home, shareable lessons so that your kids can pursue their musical passions without stress or hassle.Use Code: MISFORMAMA25 at checkout for 25% off of the first month that you’re enrolled!Tighten Your TinklerTighten Your Tinkler was created so women could heal – quickly and completely. Regain your strength while keeping your dignity.Visit tightenyourtinkler.com and take their free 5 minute quiz to start recovering now.Use Code: MISFORMAMA50 for $50 off of their program!Guest Info:Lauren Groves is a writer, children’s book editor, and mom who is passionate about helping families teach big truths about God to little hearts. She is the author of the Toddler Theology board book series, which uses simple questions, memorable answers, and colorful illustrations to introduce young children to foundational theology.⁠Lauren Groves on Instagram⁠Toddler Theology Books:⁠What’s the Good News?⁠⁠Who Is God?⁠⁠How Big Is Grace?⁠⁠Why Do We Pray?⁠⁠Where Is Church?⁠⁠When Is Eternity?⁠Bible References:Deuteronomy 6:6-8Ephesians 6:4 Psalm 119:11Psalm 119:105Romans 6Philippians 2Ephesians 42 Timothy 3:16Psalm 231 Corinthians 13Hebrews 4:12Isaiah 55:112 Peter 1:3Links:The Well-Versed MamaThe Gentleness ChallengePenny Reward SystemPaint & ProseM Is for Mama