Work and Play with Nancy Ray

Today we're talking about something I mentioned last week: unfrumping myself. If you've ever felt like you are living in workout clothes and you never actually workout or maybe you generally feel like you look homeless all the time, this episode is for you. Resources from this episode: A'Del Cosmetics (Use code: NANCYRAY for 15% off) Send Nancy an audio message!   Work and Play Survey   Join my em...

Happy February, friend! Today I am pulling back the curtain and sharing my goals for 2026. There are only eight of them. Some are practical, some are personal, and all of them are shaping how I'm approaching this year. So let's dive in. Resources from this episode: Rhythms Reset   Dwell Bible App Discount Simply Charlotte Mason Scripture Memory Box   The Contentment Challenge   Send Nancy an audio...

Hello friend and welcome back to Work and Play with Nancy Ray! I'm Nancy, your host, and today we are doing something that I love doing every January, which is the State of the Podcast episode. This is where I get to look back at last year, celebrate some fun moments, and also share what I'm dreaming up for 2026. Resources from this episode:  Dwell Bible App Discount   Work and Play Episode 279 :...

Well friend, I've made it all the way to episode 300 and today's episode is a Q&A with my listeners. I'm so excited! Resources from this episode: Dwell Bible App Discount   Episode 223 : I Read the Bible in a Month Episode 232 : A Year of Sabbaths with Will Ray : Part 1 Episode 233 : A Year of Sabbaths with Will Ray : Part 2 Made for People by Justin Whitmel Earley   A'Del Cosmetics   Timeless Boo...

Merry Christmas! Can you believe we are here?! This episode is a little different. I am going to be sharing three really beautiful prayers that you can listen to as you'd like this week. One prayer is for the start of the Christmas season. Another is for the preparation of a meal and another is for wrapping gifts. Resources from this episode: Every Moment Holy by Douglas Kaine McKelvey   Rhythms R...

Today I'm sharing all about my favorite books from 2025. Resources from this episode: Every Moment Holy   Rhythms Reset   Nancy Ray Book Club   Work & Play Episode 266 : 2025 Book List   On Moonberry Lake by Holly Varni   The Blooming of Delphinium by Holly Varni   Smart Brevity by Jim VandeHei   The Opt-Out Family by Erin Loechner The Let Them Theory by Mel Robbins 40 Days of Decrease by Alicia B...

You may have heard of my Contentment Challenge where I give up shopping for anything extra in my life for three months straight. Today's episode, I want to challenge and encourage you with four reasons you might consider doing the Contentment Challenge in 2026. Resources from this episode: The Contentment Challenge   Dwell Bible App Discount   Work & Play Episode 003 : The Contentment Challenge  ...

Are you feeling like you need some encouragement as you are looking ahead to 2026? Do you love planning your year or maybe not so much? Do you need a good look at the rhythms in your life that serve you, bring you closer to the Lord, and ultimately help you carry out God's assignment for you? This episode is for you. Resources from this episode: Just Do Something by Kevin DeYoung   Rhythms Reset  ...

This episode is for the mom who is overwhelmed by all the stuff in your house. All the kids' toys, clutter, stuffed animals, and tiny pieces. I see you. I am you. Maybe you can pop in some earbuds and just be encouraged today. You are not alone. This is part of our duty as mamas to take care of the stuff in our house. You've got this! Resources from this episode: Send Nancy an audio message!   Dwe...

I'm doing something new today and I have made an episode for the whole family. So you don't have to listen to this in your earbuds. You can push "play" while you're riding in the car and listen because this is all about thanksgiving and how we can practice gratitude.   Melody Beattie said:            "Gratitude unlocks the fullness of life." That is what we're talking about today. Resources from t...

During the week, we work, but during the weekends, we play. Today's episode is all about seven weekend rhythms that we live by. Resources from this episode: Dwell Bible App Discount   Shabbat Candles Emotionally Healthy Spirituality by Peter Scazzero Art for Kids Hub The Family Teams Podcast Magnetic Whiteboard Wet Erase Markers Anchored Women Rhythms Reset   Send Nancy an audio message! Join my e...

My incredible husband, Will, turns 40 today and I am so excited to have him on the podcast! He is going to give you forty pieces of wisdom for his 40th birthday, or as we like to call it, "40 for 40 will Will Ray." Resources from this episode: Crucial Conversations by Kerry Patterson Episode 070 - Crucial Conversations Mere Christianity by C.S. Lewis Harry Potter Series Up from Slavery by Booker T...

Today I'm talking about ten ways that I am using AI to simplify my life. Resources from this episode: ChatGPT   Grok   Plugged In Common Sense Media   Send Nancy an audio message!   Dwell Bible App Discount   Rhythms Reset Join my email list!   Visit my Amazon Cornerstore! Nancy Ray Website Nancy Ray on Instagram Affiliate links have been used in this post! I do receive a commission when you choos...

Last week I had the opportunity to go to Share the Arrows which is a conference put on by Allie Beth Stuckey. Today's episode is a recap of all the things I learned at that conference. Resources from this episode: Share the Arrows Conference   Dwell Bible App Discount   Carly Jean Los Angeles A'del Cosmetics We Heart Nutrition (Use code: NANCYRAY for a discount!) EveryLife      Rhythms Reset Join...

Hey there! You're in the right place for Work & Play with Nancy Ray. A quick note: The podcast will be taking a break this week (October 14th), but I'm excited to tell you I will be back next week for another great new episode. Stay tuned and I'll catch you next week!

Today's episode is going to be light and fun. It's all about my fall favorites! Resources from this episode: Send Nancy an Audio Message!   Work & Play Episode 250 - 20 Things for Fall   Trader Joes Pumpkin Muffin Mix My Favorite Biker Shorts North Carolina State Fair I Just Wish I Had a Bigger Kitchen by Kate Strickler Kate Strickler's 4 Ingredient Pumpkin Cold Foam Olive & June Nail Polish Remov...

Today I am going to talk about things that I'm really passionate about, which are three rhythms that I cannot do without every single week. Weekly planning, weekly wrap up, and a Sabbath. Resources from this episode: 168 Hours by Laura Vanderkam   Work & Play Weekly Checklist   Rhythms Reset   What's Best Next by Matt Perman   Dwell Bible App Discount Send Nancy an Audio Message! Visit my Amazon C...

חֲזַק (Pronunciation: kha-ZAK) is the Hebrew word for "be bold." Today's episode is five ways to move forward in boldness. Resources from this episode: Dwell Bible App Discount   Work & Play Episode 286: 3 Lessons from Charlie Kirk Hosanna Revival Christian Standard Bible ESV Journaling Bible   Women of the Word by Jen Wilkin Jen Wilkin Sermon on the Mount Bible Study Free Hillsdale College Consti...

Today I honor the life and death of my brother in Christ, Charlie Kirk. I also admit that I don't always get it right on this podcast and platform and I share some Scripture and some resources that might help you if you're confused about what people are saying and are searching for some truth. Resources from this episode: Rhythms Reset The Charlie Kirk Show   Charlie at My Church Turning Point USA...

Today's episode is all about how to be proactive versus being reactive. Resources from this episode: Verity Conference (Use code: NANCYRAY15 for 15% off)   The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People by Stephen Covey   Free Weekly Checklist! Rhythms Reset Send Nancy an Audio Message!   Dwell Bible App Discount Visit my Cornerstore! Nancy Ray Website Nancy Ray on Instagram Affiliate links have been use...

I was reading through 1 Peter the other morning and this verse just stuck out at me. 1 Peter 1:13 - "Therefore, prepare your minds for action. Be sober-minded and set your hope fully on the grace that will be brought to you at the revelation of Jesus Christ." Today's episode is just me sharing a little bit of what I feel like the Lord has been teaching me lately, specifically about this verse and...

Today I got to sit down with my friend, Kate Strickler of  Naptime Kitchen , and talk all about some of our favorite things, recipes, practical things we love, but especially her new book, I Just Wish I Had a Bigger Kitchen . We talk a lot about the theme of contentment, which you guys know is dear to my heart. I'm so excited for you to listen to our conversation today. Resources from this episode...

I met my friend Rachel at a retreat a little over a year ago and we were fast friends. She is a fellow podcaster and now an author. Today, I'm having her on the Work and Play podcast to talk all about her new book and some big sister advice that you are not going to want to miss. Resources from this episode: Rachel Awtrey Website Follow Rachel on Instagram Real Talk with Rachel Awtrey Podcast Soul...

Today's episode is all about traveling with kids. We've been at this for a while and I'm so excited to share all of my tips + three lists that I cannot do without. Resources from this episode: 25% Off Dwell Bible App Walker Family Goods Duffel Bags Lalabu Baby Wrap Travel White Noise Machine Visit my Cornerstore! Send me an audio message! Nancy Ray Website Nancy Ray on Instagram Affiliate links ha...

Jared Plummer is the founder of Two Roosters Ice Cream, a popular and delicious ice cream shop with eight locations here in the Raleigh area that everyone is crazy about. They have their standard menu of favorites, but they also rotate their guest flavors every month. If you caught my last episode, you'll know that their July flavors feature local podcasters and the Work and Play podcast is one of...