The Refined Mother

Join this robust yet relaxed conversation about the all important and often unplanned role of raising our children well - intentionally training them to walk in the ways of The Lord. This is a general chat talking about the purpose of training our children and looking at different ways of approaching the task. We compare our perceptions of the "Gentle Parenting" method and what we consid...

Sometimes our life ends up living us...we find ourselves going through the motions each day without taking time to stop and really evaluate what we are doing and why we are doing those things. And questioning...Is there a better way? Is this what God has intended for me? This episode is a conversation about living life on purpose, with some practical steps to follow. Let's start living our liv...

It's becoming rarer to find mums staying at home these days. Understandably so...with society valuing the role of mother less and less, financial burdens increasing, and the fact that staying at home is not always the easy option it seems...so getting back into the workplace can be tempting! In this episode, Brookelynne shares how she and her husband made the decision for her to stay at home w...

A recent moment left me feeling defeated and hopeless, until I took time to lay it out before the Lord. I came out of that time seeing things from a different perspective, that brought me peace and joy. I hope this can be practically helpful for you, too.

I don't know how she does it! Well, in this episode, Brookelynne spells it out for us - her routines and strategies that keep her home (mostly) orderly and peaceful. From meal prep, to house cleaning, to quiet times and time with friends...its all here. Join us in this comfortable conversation and be encouraged and inspired...no perfection needed here!

If we could attain maturity a little earlier....wouldn't life be a little easier? more sensible? dignified? Here are some marks of maturity I am finally glimpsing, belatedly, in my own life...maybe you can reach for them too?

Listen in on an enjoyable conversation between Brookelynne and Katherine - hear the birth story of Brookelynne's 3rd baby, and then go deep with us as she shares what God has been teaching her in this season, as well as some wonderfully helpful practical tips!

How does my story end? Or more importantly...How does His story end? In this episode, I talk about where I am in this journey, and then relate the story of Svea Flood..to illustrate how God's plan plays out in ways beyond our wildest thoughts and imagination. You can read her full story in the book: "One Witness" by Aggie Hurst

No two people grieve the same way - this is just one of 5 lessons that were invaluable to learn, and I want to share them with you, now, before you go through a fire...or if you happen to be in one.

How do we live with peace and joyful abandon when we have been assured, Biblically that we will face trials? This is not an easy thing to do...and can keep us right where Satan wants us - in a place of fear and anxiety, missing out on God's good gifts...

Now that's difficult question to answer. But The Bible has a lot to say, which can help us gain understanding. In this episode, Katherine shares what the Bible has to say on the topic of Suffering, and some glimdses on how this impacted her own journey.

A final tool for faithfully enduring times of trial and suffering. Counter intuitive, but in God's design...that as we share the comfort he gives us, we receive even more comfort and healing. Katherine shares how The Lord provided small opportunities to serve in the midst of her trial, and how much it helped her to move forward with hope, purpose and perspective, and an extra measure of comfort.

When going through something hard, it is difficult to know how to navigate life. It is easy to sink into overwhem and dark despair. This simple tool is instrumental in placing one foot in front of the other, and moving towards the Light.

A follow on episode from the last one on Community. I share the most helpful things friends did in our time of adversity...and what not to do. I took note...so that I can be a good friend ...and I share what I learned so you can be a good friend too!

I had not realised what a gift The Lord had given me in the form of community. Relationships cultivated over time in big and small ways carried us in unexpected ways as we navigated our trial. In this episode, I share the ways in which our community supported us. And encourage you to cultivate community as instructed in God's Word. He knows why he created us for community, and I, personally, a...

Memorising scripture seemed way too hard, and too time consuming for Katherine...until she realised how important it is, and looking back...how helpful it was during a fiery trial, to have God's Word hidden in her heart. A short and inspiring conversation with some practical applications (as always).

You've heard it all before, but hopefully this episode makes you look at it in a fresh way, and in the context of trusting and surrendering even in fiery trials.

Another episode in this series on navigating the trials of life. When you are in the battle, are you aware of who the true enemy is? Knowing the battle is a spiritual one, lends clarity in an otherwise confusing time. Knowing who we are fighting for and who we are fighting against helps us know hoew to arm ourselves and the battle tactics we should employ to gain true victory.

As we continue to talk about the time of trial in my life - I am going through the tools I had unknowingly packed in my "toolbox" that helped me endure and cling to God, when it felt impossible. This episode covers the intentional acts of: 1. Remembering - Meditating on what God has done in your life and the lives of other, and all through the Bible - to shift your focus from your suffer...

Continuing to talk about my fiery trial and the tools I unknowingly had accumulated that really helped me through. The first tool was my daily habit of spending time with God.

In this raw and vulnerable episode, Katherine speaks of a time of terrible loss and unimaginable grief. She shares this story for the benefit of those who have been through, are going through, or have never been through the fires of life. To let you know, you are not alone in your grief, to have insight into those around you who might be in times of suffering, and to prepare you for when your own...

Have you ever wanted some real life insight into what foster care looks like - the ups, the downs and some pointers if its something you are considering, or if you know someone who is... This is what foster care looked like in our family...

Which is more important? Diet or exercise. Which one should I tackle first? Katherine discusses why you can't out exercise a bad diet, and why the foundations of healthy eating should be our first priority...and then exercise incorporated for the best overall health benefits.

We all lnow moving our bodies is important, yet it can seem so impossible. Hopefully this conversation will shift your mindset a little - from seeing movement as an impossible task to possible and highly achievable for you. Suggested resources Caroline Girvan Beginner Series: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLhu1QCKrfgPUZ7_HDxP8P_-0ffNoobSDH Caroline Girvan Iron Series: https://www.youtube.c...

After learning all about taking care of the health in your family, here's a little episode concentrating on you! It's not going to be easy taking care of everyone else if you are neglecting YOU! Trim Healthy Website and free recipes: https://trimhealthymama.com/ Free pdf of "Start, Refresh, Carry on" - 196 page explanation of the plan: https://www.trimhealthymedia.com/wp-content/...