No Higher Calling

The Australian school year begins in January, so we are right in the middle of a fantastic homeschool year. But, I know all my friends in the US are back-to-school! I thought it'd be fun to share a glimpse into our homeschool days and the curriculum line-up we have for the next semester. Researching curriculum is a geeky hobby of mine; it's been so fun to come up with these resources, unit studies...

For the next three episodes of the podcast, we'll be chatting about homeschooling! This is a huge part of our lives, and it is something and Simeon and I are very passionate about. The goal of education is so much more than academic success. Our goal for the education of our children is to introduce them to God, allowing them to know God better. As they learn of Him, we learn about the world He cr...

I can hardly believe we are at the halfway point of my pregnancy with baby #5! We could not be more delighted about this new addition to our family. In this episode, I answer listeners questions about the baby & pregnancy. -When's the due date? -Will we find out baby's gender? -Will baby be an Australian citizen? -What is my birth plan? And more!!   This podcast was recorded live for the NHC Y...

One of my favorite aspects of making hospitality a big part of our home and ministry is getting my children involved. They have become wonderful hosptiality helpers! Through intentional training, they have learned how to greet others with kindess and welcome, how to do a quick tidy and clean of the home, how to prep dinner, how to remember manners through meal time, how to engage in conversation w...

"I truly believe that a successful day begins the night before. Setting yourself up for success before bed is an amazing way to not only have more peace in your day, but it's a way to feel calmer and happier- and to have time for those things that matter most to you." -Crystal Paine   I am a busy wife and mama. With 4 kids under 6, a baby on the way, homeschooling responsibilities, homemaking task...

Psalm 23:4 "Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil: for thou art with me;" Deep trials are a reality of life because we live in a broken, sin-cursed world. Yet, our gentle Shepherd reminds us that in the midst of the darkest valleys, we need not fear! How can that be so? Because of the Shepherd's presence. We can weather the storms of life victorious beca...

Family-integrated worship is becoming more common in churches today. Whether that is your choice or because your church doesn't have separate nursuries and classes, many parents find themselves wondering- how do we teach our littles to sit in church?  I'll say upfront, I am not the authority on this topic! We are in the process of training our children in this, but I have learned some things that...

Everyone seems to love when I do an Instgram day-in-the-life! It's fun to bring you in and show you a glimpse into our life and the rhythms of our home. It's been requested that I do a podcast sharing a more detailed look into what our life looks like. So, here's the episode! Listen in as I share how we tackle homemaking tasks, homeschooling, schedules, and more. Not all days are normal, and life...

Crystal Paine from Money Saving Mom joins me to talk about her new book, Time Saving Mom. This book is all about how to juggle a lot, enjoy your life, and accomplish what matters most. Crystal writes about a four step plan to put this to action in your life, and it all begins with starting your day with the Lord. In this interview, she shares why it is so important for busy women to begin their da...

A recap of the books that I read in Quarter 2 of 2023!   Resources: NHC Blog: 2023 Reading Challenge~ Quarter 2 https://nohighercalling.org/quarter-2-books/   Bible Studies for Teens by Rand Hummel: https://wilds.org/store/products/resources/bible-studies/ Brambley Hedge on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/results?search_query=brambley+hedge     Follow my  journey by subscribing to this podcast. Y...

When Mary needed spritual encouragement and fellowship, the Bible says she made haste to go to one person- Elizabeth. The friendship between Mary and Elizabeth is beautiful, and there is much we can learn from their example. We are challenged to seek to be a Christlike friend, seeking to point those we love to the Lord.  "We are hungry for the sustenance of sturdy, deep friendships, but we are fed...

We are living in a day where children are coming in adulthood with little to no character. Being known as a man of your word or a woman of discretion is almost unheard-of. As Christian parents, it should not only be our desire, but it is our responsibility to instruct our children in righteousness and godly character! God put it on our hearts to create a resource full of Scripture and biblical wis...

Many of our families are facing the struggle of rising food costs and limited budgets, yet while having a desire to feed our families wholesome meals. Jami Balmet from Finding Joy in Your Home joins me to share how cooking from scratch has blessed their family in these areas. She also gives great advice on how to make cooking from scratch a very practical part of your homemaking- it doesn't have t...

We enjoyed 3 wonderful weeks of having my mother-in-law in Australia with us. The time went way too fast, and we are already trying to plan her next visit! While Roxanne was here, we recorded this Q & A episode together. It was a treat for me to get to share her with my podcast audience.  Roxanne shares. . . -Her salvation testimony, her favorite Bible verse, and her hobbies -A mother's heart behi...

"But the path of the just is as the shining light, That shineth more and more unto the perfect day." Proverbs 4:18 The Christian life is a path, a journey that leads us down the road of sanctification. How do we know what path to follow? We follow the Shepherd who guides us! In this episode, we discuss the path that God desires for us to walk, how to guide your children in the path of righteousnes...

Simeon joins me to discuss the difference between convictions, standards, and preferences. This conversation can often be difficult, but God's Word gives a sure foundation of truth. We seek to define the difference of these three areas, and how we can best obey, glorify, and grow in Christlikeness in the decisions we make as families.  In the age of social media, I often am asked questions about o...

We are entering birthday season in our home! As we seek to celebrate life and create fun family traditions, we have tried to make birthdays extra special. In this episode, you hear how the Brazzells celebrate birthdays. I also share some of my favorite gifts for children age 1- early elementary.    Resources: NHC Blog: Links for Gifts Mentioned in Episode: https://www.nohighercalling.org/blog/the-...

Leah Boden, the Modern Miss Mason, joins me to give a beautiful introduction to a Charlotte Mason education. She emphasizes the wonder and delight found in this method, no matter what form of education your family chooses. In her own words, the advice she shares is, "For every mother who desires to cultivate a lasting foundation of curiosity and wonder for her children from home, whilst continuing...

"We are living the transition between paradise lost and paradise restored." -Nancy Demoss Wolgemuth One day, paradise will be restored. All will be made right. But for now, we live in a broken, sin-cursed world. Because of this, we often find our souls in desperate need of restoration. This beautiful phrase in Psalm 23 reminds us that it is our Shepherd who restores us. Once we have been through t...

Have you ever felt like you are too busy to spend time with the Lord? If we're being honest, I believe we could all answer "yes." There will always be distractions and pressing schedules. I'm not here to make you feel guilty, but I am here to challenge you (and myself!) to make Christ preeminent in our lives. Ladies, we will never be the women God desires for us to be if He does not have His right...

The Brazzell household loves books, from the oldest to the youngest! I often receive messages from moms asking me, "How do you get your children to enjoy books?" In this episode, I share various ways you can encourage a love for reading in your child (and in yourself!) Rich literature provides such delight. Expose your children to a feast of it!    Resources: NHC Podcast: Mothering in the Digital...

Simeon joins me in this episode to talk specifically to the husbands and dads represented by the ladies who listen to this podcast. So grab your husband and a cup of tea and join us as we chat about the role God has for dad in the home and in the education of your children.   In the previous episode, Simeon addressed the importance that the father plays in the home as the spiritual leader. Many of...

Simeon joins me in this episode to talk specifically to the husbands and dads represented by the ladies who listen to this podcast. So grab your husband and a cup of tea and join us as we chat about the role God has for dad in the home and in the education of your children. This is the first of a 2 part episode where Simeon opens the Scriptures and digs deep into the role of the husband and father...

Gracie Heaton, missionary to the United Kingdom, joins me to share how the Lord is challenging her to remember Him. Psalm 106 contains the record of the children of Israel, how they forgot the works of the Lord and sinned against Him. We can be quick to judge Israel, but how quick are we to forget the works of the Lord? Psalm 111:4 says, "He hath made his wonderful works to be remembered." Gracie...

It is a rare day when the voice of "Patch the Pirate" (aka Ron Hamilton) is not heard in our home. Simeon and I grew up on Patch the Pirate audio adventures, and it has been such a blessing to our family to introduce them to our children. Join Patch the Pirate as he captains the Jolly Roger! You'll fall in love with characters like Sissy Seagull, Alberta Einstein, Commodore, Princess, and all many...