Trucking right along with our birth story series brings us to Theo's birth, which was part "dream birth" and part, "Why, Lord??!"

If I know anything about birth at this point, it's that it will always be predictably unpredictable. The predictable things for me: going "late" (usually 42 weeks), long hiccupy prodromal periods, and (almost always) 5-7 hours of active labor. The rest? Well, who knows what will happen?

The thing I know I can rely on, though: God is good, and He will never leave my side, no matter how convinced I become that I really will be the first women to ever keep her baby in utero forever!

Enjoy, friends!

P.S. Remember: This is the last podcast I'm releasing until we return from our big European adventure. But I'll jump right back in with birth stories when I return.

Links:

⁠M Is for Mama⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Penny Reward System⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Leave a Review for the M is for Mama Show⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Paint & Prose⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

⁠⁠⁠Pre-Order Hard Is Not the Same Thing as Bad⁠⁠⁠⁠

⁠M Is For Mama Chore Guide⁠

M Is For Mama: Birth Stories

Find Abbie at:

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⁠⁠Facebook

Ever wondered what it would be like to have identical twin girls at home? Well, wonder no longer because I take you along for the ride of what was, at once, my hardest and best birth. Of course, just because this is how my birth with one set of twins went, that's no guarantee yours would be the same or that my second set was a repeat (hint: it definitely wasn't). That's the beauty of birth--it's completely unique, even within the same mom's different experiences.

Enjoy!

Bible references:

Psalm 73:3

Psalm 34:19

Matthew 6:34

Links:

⁠M Is for Mama⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Penny Reward System⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Leave a Review for the M is for Mama Show⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Paint & Prose⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

⁠⁠⁠Pre-Order Hard Is Not the Same Thing as Bad⁠⁠⁠⁠

⁠M Is For Mama Chore Guide⁠

M Is For Mama: Birth Stories

Find Abbie at:

⁠⁠Instagram⁠⁠

⁠⁠Youtube⁠⁠

⁠⁠Facebook

Dear readers, if you, like most women, love a good birth story, then this series is for you! I adore birth stories too. The particulars of how a specific baby (or babies!) enter this world are so varied and fascinating, and I always get so excited when one of my friends (either in person or online) shares her story.

So, I thought I'd share my stories with you because: 1. I love having them documented and 2. This has been one of the most asked questions on my social media, and, while most of my birth stories are available on my blog in written form, there's just nothing like the spoken word to convey the drama and anticipation of the moment (or MANY MOMENTS, in my case) when you get to meet that sweet new life.

Fair warning: I managed to record three different podcasts for this series, which will get us through the end of May, but our family is on an extended trip to Europe and will not return until the week of June 14th, so there will be a brief hiatus until I have a new episode for you. So sorry to leave you hanging, but there was only so much time in which to get everything done before we left. :)

Enjoy Installation Number 1!

Bible references:

Proverbs 4:27

Hebrews 12:2

Genesis 3:16

Philippians 3:14

Links:

⁠M Is for Mama⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Penny Reward System⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Leave a Review for the M is for Mama Show⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Paint & Prose⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

⁠⁠⁠Pre-Order Hard Is Not the Same Thing as Bad⁠⁠⁠⁠

⁠M Is For Mama Chore Guide⁠

M Is For Mama: Birth Stories

Find Abbie at:

⁠⁠Instagram⁠⁠

⁠⁠Youtube⁠⁠

⁠⁠Facebook

One of the most popular narratives I hear in person and on social media is that mothers are victims of their children's "nonsense." I get that perspective and sometimes *feel* the same way, as it can absolutely give major "you're doing this on purpose" vibes when your two-year-old calmly eats his yogurt, only to throw the half-empty container on the ground and SCREECH at the top of his lungs the moment you tell him it's time to leave for church--splattering your dress and the kitchen with white goo in what is obviously a planned attempt to take the last shred of your sanity.

The truth: Very young (and even some older) children respond to the impulses (some of them sinful) that drive their urges, and, while they can be incredibly empathetic and sweet, often couldn't care less how their behavior affects us. They're not "bullying" us. We are not at their mercy.

HOWEVER.

If we fail to recognize our role in investing very intentionally in their instruction, moral growth, knowledge of Scripture + the Lord, and training in both self-discipline and righteousness, chances are, no matter how many times we remind ourselves that "children are a blessing from the Lord, " they still won't feel like they are.

The Bible has a fair bit to say about children who bring shame to their parents and are a source of sorrow to their fathers and mothers. And while there's no perfect formula of "this amount of input produces this kind of results," the fact is that, sometimes, our children's not feeling like blessings in a particular moment has way less to do with their bad habits and more to with our lack of fortitude in helping to train them through those struggles.

If you're interested in practical steps for making strides toward raising kids you love AND like--kids who are both a blessing because God says so and feel like a blessing because of the efforts you've invested to help them grow in good habits, then this episode is for YOU!

Bible references:

Matthew 19:14

Psalm 127:3

Psalm 127:5

Proverbs 10:1

Deuteronomy 6:6-8

Matthew 7:14

Ephesians 6:4

1 Kings 1:5-6

2 Samuel 15

2 Samuel 18:33

Job 42:2

1 Kings 1:32-34

Proverbs 19:26

1 Samuel 3:1-8-4:22

1 Samuel 8:3

Genesis 6:5

Proverbs 22:6

Proverbs 15:20

Galatians 6:9

Proverbs 23:22-25

Deuteronomy 31:6

Links:

⁠M Is for Mama⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Penny Reward System⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Leave a Review for the M is for Mama Show⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Paint & Prose⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

⁠⁠⁠Pre-Order Hard Is Not the Same Thing as Bad⁠⁠⁠⁠

⁠M Is For Mama Chore Guide⁠

Find Abbie at:

⁠⁠Instagram⁠⁠

⁠⁠Youtube⁠⁠

⁠⁠Facebook

Fifteen years ago, if you had ever told me I would one day have the opportunity to interview my teen boys on my very own podcast, I'd have responded with 1. What's a podcast? and 2. NO WAY!!

And yet, in this very episode, I get the privilege of chatting with Ezra (16) and Simon (15) about the teen years--why parents fear them so much, why they don't have to, and the best ways to make connections with your teens (hint: it's all about paying attention).

You're going to love this episode, whether you've reached the teen years yet or are in the thick of them, especially if you don't want to adhere to the current cultural trend of calling teens "the worst."

Not only are they not the worst at all (although, they can be challenging and even heartbreaking, sometimes), but there really is the potential for some incredible conversations, fun late nights, and even spiritual sharpening!

Be encouraged, mamas! The teen years have their own unique challenges, but they have at least as many joys if you're willing to keep your eyes open for them!

Bible references:

Proverbs 4:27

Hebrews 12:2

Genesis 3:16

Philippians 3:14

Links:

⁠M Is for Mama⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Penny Reward System⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Leave a Review for the M is for Mama Show⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Paint & Prose⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

⁠⁠⁠Pre-Order Hard Is Not the Same Thing as Bad⁠⁠⁠⁠

⁠M Is For Mama Chore Guide⁠

Find Abbie at:

⁠⁠Instagram⁠⁠

⁠⁠Youtube⁠⁠

⁠⁠Facebook

If you've ever thought, "I'm too broken for Jesus to love," then this is the episode for you! Because not only is that NOT true, but the Bible makes it so clear that, though we live in a fallen, sin-filled world, the power of God is still at work in His people.

We do not have to be slaves to sin or addiction or diagnoses. Instead, we can faithfully (if falteringly) choose the hope and strength of Jesus each day. Does it mean our problems will disappear? Often, no. But neither does it mean that we find our identity in our struggles rather than in the truth that Christ has overcome them already.

In this episode, I talk frankly with my friend, Ann Swindell, about our shared struggle with the OCD hair-pulling disorder Trichotillomania. We discuss victory in Christ even while we remain unhealed of this particular affliction. Just like Paul, we ask for this particular thorn in our flesh to be removed but acknowledge that, "if not, He is still good" and "His power is made perfect in our weakness."

Be encouraged, friends. God is not surprised by your struggles. And He is more than faithful and capable to give you purpose and joy, even in the midst of your fight with whatever particular trouble you find yourself beset.

Bible references:

Romans 8:1

Romans 8:31

2 Corinthians 12:7

Matthew 26:39

2 Corinthians 12:9-11

Romans 7:15-16

2 Corinthians 12:10 AMP

John 13:15

James 4:14

Romans 12:2

Colossians 2:13-15

Revelation 21:4

Ephesians 2:10

John 1:12

John 15:15

Romans 15:7

Galatians 2:20

Romans 6:1-2

Psalm 56:8

Isaiah 49:16

Matthew 6:8

Matthew 10:29-31

Matthew 5:25-34

1 Corinthians 2:23-30

Mentions:

Ann's book about her struggle with trichotillomania and learning to rely on God's goodness: Still Waiting

Links:

⁠M Is for Mama⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Penny Reward System⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Leave a Review for the M is for Mama Show⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Paint & Prose⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

⁠⁠⁠Pre-Order Hard Is Not the Same Thing as Bad⁠⁠⁠⁠

⁠M Is For Mama Chore Guide⁠

Find Abbie at:

⁠⁠Instagram⁠⁠

⁠⁠Youtube⁠⁠

⁠⁠Facebook

Ever wondered what chores (if any) are appropriate for a five-year-old? What about a fifteen-year-old? IS there a biblical precedent for giving our children responsibilities in our home, and what does that look like practically day to day?

We'll answer all these questions and more in today's episode about kids' chores, responsibilities, allowances, and privileges in the home. I'll also share our family motto that has helped to keep our eye on what our attitude should be toward others as we do our work "as unto the Lord."

In a world that often screams confusing phrases like, "Your child didn't ask to be brought into the world, so he/she shouldn't have to contribute to your home," (huh??), I want to encourage you that giving kids responsibilities, routines, and life skills is one of the kindest and best parenting moves we can make. Not only that, but fostering an others-minded way of thinking leads to kids who are less likely to be lazy and self-obsessed--two things about which the Bible has a lot to say!

Bible references:

Galatians 6:5-7 

Matthew 25:1-13

Proverbs 10:4

Matthew 25:14-30

Proverbs 22:6

2 Thessalonians 3:13

Philippians 2:14

Titus 2:7-8

1 Peter 4:10

Hebrews 12:1

1 Timothy 6:12

2 Corinthians 2:16

Philippians 2:15

James 1:17

Links:

⁠M Is for Mama⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Penny Reward System⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Leave a Review for the M is for Mama Show⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Paint & Prose⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

⁠⁠⁠Pre-Order Hard Is Not the Same Thing as Bad⁠⁠⁠⁠

⁠M Is For Mama Chore Guide⁠

⁠Chore Post from Flanders Family Blog⁠
(this post also has a bunch of links at the bottom to Jennifer's other posts about chores, including age-appropriate lists)

Find Abbie at:

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Finding kindred spirits to "do life" with is challenging--especially when you throw in all of the mama responsibilities like naptime schedules to coordinate, mealtimes to plan, homeschooling or school drop-offs, and a host of other everyday life details that must be taken into consideration when lining up play dates, dinner with friends, or even a quick chat on the phone (which, if you're anything like me, never happens, so we resort to playing tag with texts or voice memos).

It can be so hard to find mama friends that feel life-giving rather than like one more box to tick. Trust me, I know. I prayed for that kind of "fill my cup" community for years before the Lord began to bring along just the right mamas. But hard is not the same thing as bad, and the waiting has made the relationships He's blessed me with all the sweeter.

In this episode, we tackle a few core things to do as you pray and look for your "tribe." And we also talk about Grace Girls--the homeschool girls group that I started a couple of years ago that I get asked about all the time. You'll learn: how it came to be, how it works, and how you can start a similar group of your very own, regardless of your school choices or schedule.

Bible references:

Proverbs 18:24

John 15:13

Links:

⁠⁠⁠⁠M Is for Mama⁠⁠⁠⁠

⁠⁠⁠⁠Penny Reward System⁠⁠⁠⁠

⁠⁠⁠⁠Leave a Review for the M is for Mama Show⁠⁠⁠⁠

⁠⁠⁠Paint & Prose⁠⁠⁠⁠

Pre-Order Hard Is Not the Same Thing as Bad⁠

Find Abbie at:

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⁠⁠Youtube⁠⁠

⁠⁠Facebook

I have such a fun treat for you in this episode--a conversation with one of my favorite people in the whole world: my mama, Beth.

In this episode, we talk about why my parents felt the need to "be the change," to fight against generational sins, to pursue multigenerational investment, and to give me and my brother an opportunity to leave a completely different legacy for our own kids.

My mom inspires me with her knowledge of the Bible, her perseverance through hardship, her intelligent, analytical mind, her prayer life, and her heart of service to others.

I know you will be so challenged and encouraged by her straight-shooting, biblical wisdom. Enjoy!

Note: After doing a bit of digging, I couldn't find an exact quote for the John Dewey reference (other than the original Instagram post where I saw it, and that turned out to be a paraphrase as well).

Bible references:

Romans 2:7

Galatians 6:9

Exodus 20:5 & Deuteronomy 5:9 & Numbers 14:18

Psalm 119:105

2 Corinthians 4:4

Deuteronomy 6:7

Revelation 2 & 3

Galatians 2:20

1 Peter 5:6-7

Matthew 20:16

John 12:25

1 Corinthians 3:19

1 Corinthians 1:18

Philippians 2:6-7

Matthew 5:16

Colossians 3:23

Ephesians 6

Psalm 119:11

Titus 2:4

Matthew 5:2-12

Links:

⁠⁠⁠⁠M Is for Mama⁠⁠⁠⁠

⁠⁠⁠⁠Penny Reward System⁠⁠⁠⁠

⁠⁠⁠⁠Leave a Review for the M is for Mama Show⁠⁠⁠⁠

⁠⁠⁠Paint & Prose⁠⁠⁠⁠

Pre-Order Hard Is Not the Same Thing as Bad⁠

Find Abbie at:

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NOTE: I usually record podcasts when my littles are down for naps and my older kids are gone to our once-a-week homeschool co-op. This episode was recorded while we were all home with a stomach bug, so there's a bit more background noise than usual. Honestly, between the pukey kids and the background squawking, I feel like we managed to set an appropriate tone for an episode called "Hard Is Not The Same Thing as Bad." ; )

Hey, friends! I wrote a new book! And it's available for pre-order!

In this episode, I talk about the period in my life during which the Lord impressed the phrase "hard is not the same thing as bad" deep into my soul. (Hint: It wasn't a season of ease.) Since then, I've discovered from the enthusiastic response to my sharing it that it's such a crucial (and biblical!) concept that every mother (and honestly, every Christian) needs to embrace in order to run well the race set out for us by God.

Be encouraged that the hard you're experiencing is not random or cruel but instead designed by God to draw you closer to Him and to grow you up in maturity and faith.

BONUS: You get an exclusive sneak peek at the introduction of HINTSTAB (funny acronym, I know), which I read during this episode.

Mentions:

Grape Juice + Activated Charcoal Blog

Hard Is Not the Same Thing as Bad, which is now available for Pre-Order!

M Is For Mama Book

Bible references:

Philippians 4:4

John 16:33

James 4:14

Psalm 144:4

1 Peter 2:24

1 Corinthians 1:28-29

John 1:14

Isaiah 40:11

1 Peter 2:2

Hebrew 13:5

Jeremiah 29:11

Proverbs 14:10, 30

Isaiah 40:10

Links:

⁠⁠M Is for Mama⁠⁠

⁠⁠Penny Reward System⁠⁠

⁠⁠Leave a Review for the M is for Mama Show⁠⁠

⁠Paint & Prose⁠⁠

Find Abbie at:

⁠Instagram⁠

⁠Youtube⁠

⁠Facebook

Ever looked at another mama and wondered HOW she's managing to do everything she's doing when you seem to only be able to manage the bare minimum? MEEEEE TOO!

What I've discovered through the years is, often, when I'm frustrated with where I am and longing for the circumstances that another woman has, I am ignoring some key factors for why the Lord has me where he does. (Because, if we are in Christ, He does everything for our good and His glory.)

There is a season for everything in motherhood. And, just like Paul, if we can learn the secret of being content in our circumstances, we can experience so much freedom and purpose right where the Lord has us.

Yes, our productivity may be limited in certain periods. No, we won't always be thrilled with the particulars of the season in which God has us. But that's okay! God can still use it!

May this episode, which tells a bit of my journey to the stage in life that the Lord has me in currently, encourage you that each season of motherhood has its own unique joys and challenges and that the Lord is never done using and growing and blessing us until we reach glory!

Mentions:

Book Number 2--Hard Is Not the Same Thing as Bad, which is now available for Pre-Order!

Paint & Prose

Bible references:

Ecclesiastes 3:1-8

Philippians 2:13

Ephesians 2:10

Links:

⁠M Is for Mama⁠

⁠Penny Reward System⁠

⁠Leave a Review for the M is for Mama Show⁠

Find Abbie at:

⁠Instagram⁠

⁠Youtube⁠

⁠Facebook

It can be easy to feel like we're drowning in a tidal wave of "mommy snark," negativity toward children, and a fatalistic view of kids that leaves us with little hope but the prospect of their one day leaving the house. Our culture's view of motherhood often focuses almost exclusively on the hard aspects of being a mama (which I will never deny) to the exclusion of the multitude of joys and opportunities for growth that abound as we navigate the tricky waters of toddler tantrums and teen angst (and every age in between).

So, what do we do?

In this episode, we'll discuss practical ways to not only keep our heads above the water of cultural disdain for children but actually use our knowledge of the Bible (which says that children are a blessing!) to climb out and find ourselves on the firm ground of the knowledge that, though there will be struggles, we know the One who is greater than any challenge we may face with our kids and who loves us (and them!) more than we could possibly imagine. 

Mentions:

The Gentleness Challenge (on Instagram @thegentlenesschallenge and available in ebook form soon)

Bible references:

Philippians 4:4

Links:

M Is for Mama

Penny Reward System

Leave a Review for the M is for Mama Show

Find Abbie at:

Instagram

Youtube

Facebook

Toddlers can feel tear-your-hair-out hard, and yet, we are called to be consistent to train them up in the ways of the Lord, just like we do our children of other ages/stages. But how! This episode gives some practical suggestions for how to both speak to the heart of the matter AND help our littles make good choices. 

Bible references:

Ephesians 6:4

Psalm 51:5-7

Links

M Is for Mama

Penny Reward System

Leave a Review for the M is for Mama Show

Find Abbie at:

Instagram 

Youtube

Facebook

Yes, toddlers are hard. And infuriating. And crazy-making. 

But they're also adorable and winsome and a great big mirror of our own shortcomings and impatience. 

I've parented ten toddlers so far, and I can attest to both their challenges and their many rewards. I pray that these two episodes will encourage and equip you to approach your relationships with your toddlers in a biblical way that honors God and bucks our culture's negativity toward children in general but, perhaps especially, very small ones. 

We all know that just because something (or someone!) is hard does not mean it (he/she) is bad. And toddlers have some of the greatest potential for "hard goods" in every mama's life if she will only reject the narrative that they are something to be "gotten through" instead of an amazing opportunity for growth and joy and "professional development."

Ever looked at the way another mom: dresses her kids, exercises, cooks, cleans her house, schools her children, organizes her pantry, brushes her teeth (okay, hopefully not that last one)...and thought, "That's it! I'm done! I can never measure up!" 

If so, join the club. Sometimes, it seems like "mom comparison" is an Olympic sport, and we're all competing for a place on the podium. 

But, my sisters, this should not be! (Imagine me saying this in my best Pauline "letter to the Ephesians" voice.)

Yes, we can notice what others are doing so we can glean new ideas, but when we find ourselves in a place of insecurity and resentment, that's a pretty good sign that we've fallen into the pit of comparison, and we need the light of Scripture to guide us back out. 

The theme verse for this episode was 2 Corinthians 10:12, and I mention that I also have a chapter (two, actually!) about comparison and staying the course in the path that the Lord has for us in the M Is for Mama book (available wherever books are sold.) 

One of the biggest stresses of motherhood is sibling fighting. I know from personal experience how frustrating it is to have a home full of strife and bickering. But we are not helpless! Scripture has given us an arsenal of tools to combat our oh-so-human tendencies to squabble and try to get our own way at the expense of peace in our homes. In this episode, we talk about a Christian's response to our culture's assumption that "constant fighting is inevitable" as well as some very practical steps we can take to create a culture of *more* calm and camaraderie in our homes. 

I mention our family's Penny Reward System as a resource. 

I also have two whole chapters on promoting sibling love + positive/negative media influences in the M Is for Mama book (available most places books are sold).

One of the most common FAQs that I receive is, "How do you lavish individual attention on ten kids?" Or, conversely, "How do *I* connect well with my kids of any number?" Finding ways to fill our kids' love tanks on a daily basis boils down to one key concept: intentionality. In this episode, I address how we specifically go about making sure all of our kids feel seen and loved in our home and also provide lots of practical (UNcomplicated) suggestions for anyone who's feeling a bit frazzled at the pressure to "get it right" in the kid-connection department. Hint: It's not as tricky as some people make it seem.

I mention the Penny Reward System in this episode, in case you want to check it out. 

In a world where hyper-sensitivity to even a whiff of offense permeates many social interactions--both in person and online--the Bible calls us to something radical: overlooking offense (being what I term "unoffendable" in this episode). This is not a case for "stuffing emotions" or "ignoring wrongdoing" but rather looking for ways to be an overcomer in Christ rather than a victim of our circumstances or others' unkindness--an invaluable skill not only in motherhood but in every area of our lives!  

Every single week on the Q&A I do on Instagram called Whaddya Wanna Know Wednesday (@m.is.for.mama), I get asked some version of the question: "What made you decide to have SO many kids?"

Well, here's the podcast I'll be pointing everybody to from here on out! In this episode, I flesh out why Shaun and I felt called--not to a larger-than-average family--but to seek the Lord's will for the number of children we would ultimately have. 

I also answer questions about about my background (you might be surprised by what you learn!) and the motivations that ultimately culminated in my becoming a "mama of many."

On our first ever episode, I'm explaining how I came to choose the name M is for Mama for my blog, social media, book, and--ultimately--this podcast. I think you'll be encouraged by what the Lord taught me through something as simple as wearing the letter "M" around my neck on a daily basis!