No Higher Calling

God answered so many prayers throughout the birth of our precious Caspian Essex! We are thankful to have him on the outisde, and he has fit so beautifully into our family. In this episode, I share the details of his birth story.   Resources Referenced: Children of Character Cards  https://nohighercalling.org/shop/family-resources/children-of-character/     Follow my  journey by subscribing to this...

In this episode, we explore Mother Culture—the intentional care of a mother’s mind, heart, and soul—and how it shapes the atmosphere of the home. Rooted in Charlotte Mason’s philosophy and expanded by Karen Andreola, this idea reminds us that what a mother is, her children will naturally receive. We emphasize that true soul nourishment must be grounded first in a faithful, obedient relationship wi...

Join me as I share about the books I've been reading in Quarter 2. Specters in the Glass House by Jamie Jo Wright An Accidental Life by Pamela Binnings Ewen In This Moment by Gabrielle Meyer For a Lifetime by Gabrielle Meyer Across the Ages by Gabrielle Meyer Every Hour Until Then by Gabrielle Meyer Through Each Tomorrow by Gabrielle Meyer Into a Golden Era by Gabrielle Meyer The Green Ember by S....

In this episode, we’re talking about how homeschooling doesn’t have to look like traditional school at home. From a 4-day school week and being done by lunch, to skipping written tests and learning multiple ages together, we share the freedom and flexibility that homeschooling can offer. We also discuss moving at your child’s pace, avoiding rigid curriculum expectations, and creating a homeschool...

Join me as I share my break-making journey as a homemaker. From yeast breads to delving into sourdough, I have loved learning tips and tricks for feeding my family delicious, nutrient-dense homemade breads.   Resources Referenced: Bread Making Favorites & Cookbooks Referenced: https://amzn.to/4uAvmj3   Favorite Bread Recipes  https://nohighercalling.org/category/recipe/   YouTube: Sourdough fo...

Jamie Mock, homeschool mom of one graduate and two highschoolers, joins me to discuss homeschooling in the teenage years.  We discuss... The most rewarding part of homeschooling teens How to lay a foundation for a strong relationship with your teen How the approach to teaching changes as children mature How to lean into your teen's interests in education How to encourage independence   Resources R...

Sometimes, there are pain points in life. One of those for me as a busy, homeschool mama was lunch. We try to finish all of our school day prior to lunch (which I love), but that means that we race into lunch time. I needed a plan to help keep lunch easy and quick to get on the table. Insert the lunch matrix! Giving some thought to what we'll eat ahead of time helps me to serve my family healthy,...

Join Sarah and I as we answer listener questions! -How to find balance in all the responsibilities of life? -How to have discernment when choosing books to read? -How to get your children in God's Word? -How to invest in long-distance friendships? -Fun (screen free) ideas for family time?     Resources Referenced: Watch the interview on YouTube  https://youtu.be/GLfMzYLkKag   NHC Podcast: Balancin...

We are wrapping up the first half of our school year. In this episode, I share what we've been up to, curriculum we've been loving, and what some of our homeschool highlights are.    Resources Referenced: NHC Blog: 2026 Mid-Year Homeschool Update  https://nohighercalling.org/2026-mid-year-homeschool-update/   Journey Homeschool Academy https://journeyhomeschoolacademy.com/   Follow my  journey by...

We are just days away from welcoming Baby Brazzell #6 into our family, and we couldn't be more excited! Join me as I share a family update, my list of postpartum essentials as a mama of six, and as I answer some listener questions about baby/pregnancy/postpartum.   Resources Referenced: Journey Homeschool Academy https://journeyhomeschoolacademy.com/ Brettnay's Pospartum Essentials  https://amzn.t...

In a world that’s growing darker and more corrupt, the call for believers is simple: stay steady and remain faithful. Just as Paul sent Titus to lead the church in Crete—a place marked by immorality and disorder—this episode highlights what it means to “adorn the doctrine” through everyday obedience. Faithfulness isn’t always dramatic; it’s often found in ordinary, consistent choices: caring for y...

I had the privilege of interviewing Erin Bates Paine several years back on the podcast. She shared what God had been teaching her about having a quiet, contented heart in the midst of the busyness and demands of motherhood. Her wisdom and inspiration is such an encouragement as we seek to have an eternal perspective in motherhood.   Resources Referenced: NHC Mother's Day Sale: Code MAMA for 20% of...

Diligence isn’t something you can shortcut—it’s faithful, consistent effort in the things God has given you to do. In this episode, Sarah and I talk about what diligence truly is, where Scripture calls us to practice it, and why it feels so difficult in a world of constant convenience and distraction. We unpack how modern life often replaces meaningful work with decision fatigue and delay, and why...

Conviction: God pointing out sin in your life Guilt: Satan accusing you of sin you have been forgiven of In this episode, we discuss how important it is for the believer to understand the difference between conviction and guilt. Our thought life is so important! If we truly desire to love the Lord with all our mind, we must learn to listen to the Holy Spirit and take captive Satan's lies.   Script...

Simeon and I were recently challenged as we heard Pastor Paul and Mrs. Terrie Chappell from Lancaster Baptist Church reflect on their 40 years of ministry. As they were sharing different ways God has opened doors for the Gospel, the conversation kept turning back to hospitality. We were reminded once again how important this aspect of life is for believers! We have seen hospitality have a huge Gos...

In this episode, I share how different seasons of life shape our capacity—and why it’s important to give yourself grace in lower-capacity seasons while making the most of the ones where you feel energized. During my first trimester, I was in survival mode with limited energy—and that was okay. Now in a more energized season, I’ve been intentionally building a morning routine that supports my healt...

In this episode, I share how we unexpectedly started studying Shakespeare with my elementary homeschool children — and why it’s become one of a highlight of our school days! Despite having little interest in Shakespeare myself, I was inspired by A Charlotte Mason Companion and several podcasts to give it a try. What began as skepticism turned into delight as we discovered the beauty of introducing...

Join Sarah and I as we share some of our favorite books on the topics of faith, marriage, motherhood, health, and   Books Mentioned: A Shepherd Looks at Psalm 23 by W. Phillip Keller https://amzn.to/4dt3iYP   What Do I Know About My God? by Mardi Collier https://amzn.to/4cVJRrI   Glimpses of God Revealed Through His Names by Debi Pryde https://amzn.to/4bxksCi   How I Know God Answers Prayer by Ros...

The key to a successful morning routine is a good evening routine. Many of us want productive mornings, but we often forget that they begin the night before. When we use our evenings to prepare for the next day, spend meaningful time connecting with family, and allow our bodies and minds to wind down for quality sleep, we create not only more peaceful evenings but better mornings as well. In this...

Join me as I share what I've read in Quarter 1 of 2026. Oath by Chuck Black Merchant by Chuck Black Reclamation by Chuck Black A Wrinkle in Time by Madeleine L'Engle Isola by Allegra Goodman Metabolism Repair for Women by Dr. Lara Briden Theo of Golden by Allen Levi We Shall All Be Changed by Whitney K. Pipkin As For Me and My House by Stacie Loughrin Creed by Chuck Black The Queen's Cook by Tessa...

Psalm 116:15 — "Precious in the sight of the LORD is the death of his saints."   In this episode, we explore how Scripture confronts death head-on, transforming it from bondage to deliverance through Christ's victory. Facing grief, trials, and mortality reveals deeper hope: valleys become mountaintops, suffering yields glory, and Jesus meets us in our pain with His presence and tears.   A thoughtf...

Join Simeon and I as we share some of our favorite 2 player board games.   Resources Referenced: Find links for all the games mentioned: https://nohighercalling.org/favorite-date-night-games/ World Watch News https://app.worldwatch.news/?referral_code=DBgHDaDHgeBeiD   Follow my  journey by subscribing to this podcast. You can also follow me on Instagram , YouTube , and www.nohighercalling.org Subs...

Join Simeon and I as we answer listener questions! What is your favorite thing about each other? How do you spend quality time together on a daily basis? How to prioritize your marriage in difficult/stretching seasons where  time/energy is limited? How can I support my husband in ministry best while also prioritizing the kids? How to balance marriage, motherhood, and ministry? How to cultivate a g...

In this warm, encouraging conversation, Sarah and I share about transforming our daily time in the kitchen—from seeing it as a reluctant chore to embracing it as a place of genuine joy, love, and even worship. We share how God softened their hearts toward cooking, revealing it as a beautiful way to steward their homes, nurture their families, and extend hospitality even in the everyday moments. Dr...

Simeon and I share some of our family's favorite board games for younger and older children!   Resources Referenced: NHC Blog: Family Game Night Favorites FIND ALL THE LINKS! https://nohighercalling.org/family-game-night-favorites/   Our favorite games on Amazon  https://www.amazon.com/shop/nohighercalling_/list/2F0XWD60PQMRZ?ref_=aip_sf_list_spv_ofs_mixed_d   NHC Podcast: Spending One-on-One Time...