The Rooted Home is a faith-centered podcast for families who want to build intentional, fruitful homes that are rooted in scripture. Join husband and wife co-hosts Jeremy and Lauren Mefford for honest, biblical conversations about faith, family, and the rhythms of home life. Each episode, we talk about what matters most in the home: biblical wisdom for everyday life, practical homemaking and family systems, rhythms that honor God without burning anyone out, and the kind of intentional, present family life the world isn't selling you. We'll talk about marriage, parenting, homeschooling, countering cultural pressure, and the beauty of choosing a slower, Christ-centered way of living together. Subscribe wherever you listen--and join us every other week in our living room!
[ROOTED RHYTHMS] The Unexpected Key to a Peaceful Home With 6 Kids (It's Not More Cleaning) | Ep. 21
12 min
🌿Wondering what it would look like to have rhythms that help you run your home (rather than it running you)? Learn more about the Rooted Rhythms Method: https://laurenmefford.com/rooted-rhythms-method In this episode, I'm sharing the unexpected key I've found to a truly peaceful home, plus three practical, God-honoring ways you can start walking it out this week. CONNECT WITH THE HOST Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@LaurenMefford/videos Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/laurenmichellemefford/ Website/Contact Us_: http://www.laurenmefford.com
What Feeding Our Family Real Food Taught Us About Healing | Ep. 20
49 min
In this episode, Lauren and her husband Jeremy get real about health and wellness in their own home and what they've lived and watched work. Lauren, a nurse practitioner, shares the dramatic story of a hormone crash in her mid-twenties that left her at menopausal estrogen levels despite an active lifestyle, and what brought healing. From there, they talk through their family's brutal sick seasons, the whole-food supplements that turned things around for their kids' immunity, and Lauren's own recovery after a string of miscarriages. The conversation also covers soil depletion, food as medicine, and a few biblical parallels that reshaped how they think about nutrition. They close out talking about staying active as a family — not through motivation, but through systems and an environment that makes movement the default. ✨Struggling to build rhythms that actually work in your home? My free masterclass shows you how to create simple routines that are rooted in biblical priorities and actually work. Watch it here: https://www.laurenmefford.com/free-training — CHAPTERS — 0:00 — Why We're Talking About Health and Wellness Today 2:11 — Do Your Daily Choices Actually Support Your Goals? 5:01 — The Hormone Crash That Changed Everything in Lauren's Twenties 7:06 — Nutrition Changed the Course of Her Life 13:20 — Why Today's Produce Isn't as Nutritious as It Used to Be 15:43 — Breaking the Cycle of Endless Sick Seasons 22:30 — The 90-Day Challenge 29:09 — Is Food Really Medicine? 41:44 — A Case for Prioritizing Nutrition 49:50 — Building an Active Family Life (Without Relying on Motivation) — RESOURCES MENTIONED — Kid's vitamins: Immunity: https://beta.neolife.com/rootedvitality/en-US/shop/product/vita-gard?sku=3125 Daily: https://beta.neolife.com/rootedvitality/en-US/shop/product/vita-squares?sku=3122 Rooted Home health & wellness resource page mentioned in the episode — https://laurenmefford.com/wellness-general-health Kids' bodyweight workout playlist for the kiddos— https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLZeBwGx-VLPsJ6Ucsov3lYJ24xTCiB_Bz — CONNECT WITH THE HOSTS — Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@LaurenMefford/videos Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/laurenmichellemefford/ Website/Contact Us: http://www.laurenmefford.com A quick heads up: we're NeoLife promoters, so we may earn a small commission if you order through us. I only share what we use ourselves. This is our experience, not medical advice.
What Nancy Wilson Learned in Nearly 50 Years Raising Daughters | Ep. 19
1 hr 0 min
✨ Struggling to build rhythms that actually work in your home? Lauren's free masterclass shows you how to create simple routines that are rooted in biblical priorities and actually work. Watch it here: https://www.laurenmefford.com/free-training In this episode of the Rooted Home podcast, Lauren sits down with Nancy Wilson, author of Future Women. Nancy came to faith in college, married Doug, and helped start Logos School back in the early days of the classical Christian movement, all while raising three children. Her family now includes eighteen grandchildren and a growing handful of great-grandchildren, so she has gotten to see, up close, what the Lord does with a life of simple, day-to-day faithfulness. Together they talk about parenting with joy rather than drudgery, and why being lighthearted in the day to day is something many of us have to practice. Nancy shares how she and Doug worked to raise daughters who were secure and confident, capable of shouldering the real work of running a home. She also makes the case that a solid education and a high view of homemaking were never meant to compete. As she puts it, teaching a daughter to think is one of the best things a mother can hand down. It's a warm and honest conversation with a lot of practical wisdom for any mom raising her children in the Lord. Chapter titles: 00:57 — From Military Base to Born Again: Nancy's Story 04:40 — How One Offhand Comment Started a Christian School 10:29 — Parenting With Joy Instead of Drudgery 16:25 — Learning to Laugh When the Milk Spills 22:20 — The Book Nancy Almost Didn't Write 30:26 — "Get To," Not "Got To": Raising Capable Daughters 35:42 — Should You Pay Your Kids to Do Chores? 38:42 — Why a Homemaker Still Needs a Real Education 40:39 — The No-Security-Blanket Rule That Raised Confident Girls 51:10 — Raising Daughters Strong Enough to Bear Weight — RESOURCES MENTIONED — Future Women by Nancy Wilson (Canon Press): https://canonpress.com/products/future-women Listen to the Femina podcast by Nancy Wilson: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/femina/id1513264253 Future Men by Doug Wilson: https://amzn.to/3TwICqY Why Children Matter by Doug Wilson: https://amzn.to/4fyCRBH Five Aspects of Woman by Barbara Mouser: https://www.fiveaspects.com/bible-studies/five-aspects-of-woman — CONNECT WITH THE HOST — Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@LaurenMefford/videos Website/Contact Us: http://www.laurenmefford.com
How To Inspire Your Husband to Lead Without Nagging | Wife School With Tilly Dillehay | Ep. 18
50 min
✨ Struggling to build rhythms that actually work in your home? My free masterclass shows you how to create simple routines that are rooted in biblical priorities and actually work. Watch it here: https://www.laurenmefford.com/free-training In this episode, I sit down with author and Wife School creator Tilly Dillehay to talk about marriage, motherhood, and faith. Tilly shares how her parents' divorce and remarriage shaped her heart for marriages worth enjoying, why gratitude changes the whole feel of a home, and how calling sin what it is becomes the doorway to real freedom. A warm, honest conversation full of practical wisdom for women who want to grow & have a flourishing, God-honoring marriage. Chapters: 02:04 Tilly's Background and Writing Journey 05:09 How She Writes Books With Four Kids at Home 08:03 What Wife School Teaches Christian Women 11:09 The Divorce That Sparked Her Passion for Marriage 14:04 The Marriage Mistake Many Wives Don't Know They're Making 16:53 How to Inspire Your Husband to Lead (Without Nagging) 19:54 The Power of Gratitude in Marriage 23:54 The Perspective Shift That Softens How You See Him 26:37 Love and Respect: The Two Currencies of Marriage 30:31 When to Trust Him With the High-Stakes Decisions 38:53 The Feminine Vices Hiding Behind Feminine Virtues 47:50 The Freedom of Finally Calling Sin What It Is — RESOURCES MENTIONED — ✨ My Dear Hemlock by Tilly Dillehay (her spinoff of The Screwtape Letters): https://amzn.to/4pkRoV6 ✨ Seeing Green by Tilly Dillehay (on envy): https://amzn.to/4f6Smzv ✨ Broken Bread by Tilly Dillehay (on the relationship with food): https://amzn.to/3Rbd7Su ✨ The Screwtape Letters by C.S. Lewis: https://amzn.to/4vfjZw9 ✨ Tilly's Website, where you can find Wife School among other resources: https://www.tillydillehay.com/ ✨ Watch her hilarious Ma Ingles reel on Instagram, and follow her there: https://www.instagram.com/reel/DUg0HjgDwcr/ CONNECT WITH THE HOST— Youtube: Lauren Mefford, PhD, FNP-BC Instagram: Lauren Mefford, PhD, FNP-BC (@laurenmichellemefford) • Instagram profile Website/Contact Us: http://www.laurenmefford.com
We Got Addicted to Being Off Screens — Here's What Happened to Our Family | Ep. 17
40 min
✨Struggling to build rhythms that actually work in your home? My free masterclass shows you how to create simple routines that are rooted in biblical priorities and actually work. Watch it here: https://www.laurenmefford.com/free-training In this episode of The Rooted Home Podcast, Jeremy and Lauren Mefford have an honest conversation about something a lot of families are wrestling with — screens. This is not a "we went cold turkey and it was fine" story. These are just two people, with very different screen histories, talking about what it actually looks like to raise six kids who know how to play, be bored, and live in the present without constantly reaching for a device. Together, they dig into why screens aren't neutral tools — why they're far closer to cigarettes than to hammers — and how the dopamine cycle of scrolling quietly robs families of the ability to enjoy the slow, the mundane, and the real. They also get honest about the spiritual layer underneath it all: how discontentment quietly grows when we're always consuming and never creating. But this episode is less about fear and more about freedom. Jeremy and Lauren share what intentional screen stewardship actually looks like in a home with six kids: family-only screen time, books in every room, long hours of outdoor play, and children who go outside and build things in the woods because nobody handed them an iPad. They also talk about the hope — that brains can be retrained, attention spans can be rebuilt, and the life God put in front of us is meant to be enjoyed. — RESOURCES MENTIONED — ✨ C.S. Lewis, The Weight of Glory — referenced ("mud pies in the slums"): The Weight of Glory — CONNECT WITH THE HOSTS — YouTube: Lauren Mefford, PhD, FNP-BC Instagram: Lauren Mefford, PhD, FNP-BC (@laurenmichellemefford) • Instagram profile Website/Contact Us: http://www.laurenmefford.com TIMESTAMPS 00:59 Understanding Screen Addiction 04:16 Personal Experiences with Screens 07:14 The Impact of Screens on Children 10:08 Screens as Tools vs. Addictions 13:01 The Importance of Enjoying the Mundane 16:17 The Dangers of Constant Stimulation 19:06 Training Children for a Healthy Relationship with Screens 22:00 Practical Tips for Reducing Screen Time 25:15 Fostering Creativity and Imagination 28:06 The Role of Parents in Managing Screen Time 31:15 Embracing Life Beyond Screens
Why Habits Fall Apart When Life Gets Hard (& What to Do Instead) | With Reagan Rose | Ep. 16
1 hr 8 min
✨ Struggling to build rhythms that actually work in your home? My free masterclass shows you how to create simple routines that are rooted in biblical priorities and actually work. Watch it here: https://www.laurenmefford.com/free-training What does it actually look like to steward your time well — without burning out, without hustle culture creeping in, and without losing sight of what actually matters? In this episode, Jeremy and Lauren sit down with Reagan Rose, founder of Redeeming Productivity, for a rich conversation about biblical productivity, building good habits, and what it means to be fruitful — not just busy. Reagan has been teaching personal productivity through a biblical worldview for over ten years, and the parallels between his work and Lauren's approach to homemaking make for a conversation you'll want to listen to more than once. CONNECT WITH REAGAN ROSE Reagan runs the ministry Redeeming Productivity, where he teaches personal productivity through a biblical lens. He is the author of Redeeming Productivity and hosts a podcast and membership community by the same name. He lives in southeast Michigan with his wife Kim and their three children. Find Reagan at: http://redeemingproductivity.com Read Redeeming Productivity by Reagan Rose: https://amzn.to/3QAlxCD Become a Member of the Redeeming Productivity Academy: https://redeemingproductivity.com/academy/ — CONNECT WITH THE HOSTS — YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@LaurenMefford/videos Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/laurenmichellemefford/ Website: http://www.laurenmefford.com TIMESTAMPS: 02:12 - How Reagan went from struggling student to biblical productivity ministry 03:05 - What stewardship actually has to do with your time 05:00 - Why there is so little Christian content on productivity 08:13 - The catch-22 of being too busy to fix being too busy 10:47 - Stop adding habits — start making what you do more routine 13:27 - Why the home to-do list will never be done (and that's okay) 15:11 - What happens when your schedule has no cushion 17:46 - The quarterly check-in that keeps priorities from drifting 21:17 - What faithful stewardship looks like when you are exhausted 25:30 - Reagan's POWER morning routine 27:55 - You are not just building a habit — you are building character 36:01 - Habits in the hard seasons: postpartum, depleted, running on empty 42:12 - Holding your plans loosely when God redirects them 43:25 - What it looks like when rest counts as productivity 45:33 - Rolling with the curveballs without everything falling apart 51:26 - How to know if you are being flexible or just avoiding the work 57:45 - The habits your kids are watching you build right now 58:44 - Painting the picture of an orderly home before you hand out chore charts 66:30 - Discipline is not a burden — it is what sets you free
How Katie & Elisha Voetberg Homeschool, Run a Business & Still Have Margin | Ep. 15
56 min
Discover how Elisha and Katie Voetberg balance building a strong family culture with pursuing entrepreneurial ventures, all rooted in faith and intentional living. They share practical insights on family traditions, managing flexible schedules, and creating a legacy through music, homeschooling, and more. ✨Struggling to build rhythms that actually work in your home? My free masterclass shows you how to create simple routines that are rooted in biblical priorities and actually work. Watch it here: https://www.laurenmefford.com/free-training —CONNECT WITH KATIE & ELISHA— Check out Voetberg Music Academy: https://www.voetbergmusicacademy.com/courses?affiliate_code=29079a Listen to their podcast: Now That We’re a Family https://www.nowthatwereafamily.com/podcast Substack: https://elishaandkatievoetberg.substack.com/ Magazine: https://www.nowthatwereafamily.com/Magazine —TIMESTAMPS — 02:00 - Going smartphone-free 6 years ago (and writing a book about it) 04:30 - What growing up in a family of 10+ kids actually looked like 10:00 - Practical tips for homeschooling and family teamwork 12:34 - Why we stopped trying to do ALL the activities with our kids 16:00 - Choosing entrepreneurship after watching our own parents do it 21:02 - What "flexible schedule" really looks like with 6 kids at home 26:43 - The importance of focusing and avoiding burnout 30:23 - Watching our kids fall in love with music (fiddle, piano + more) 32:26 - The advice we'd give any couple wanting business + big family 42:25 - "Begin with the end in mind" - the question we wish we'd asked sooner 44:19 - Cultivating joy and margin within a busy family life 48:25 - Counting the cost before you build & living intentionally —CONNECT WITH THE HOSTS — Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@LaurenMefford/videos Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/laurenmichellemefford/ Website/Contact Us: http://www.laurenmefford.com
What Christians Often Get Wrong About Standing Up to a Godless World | Ep. 14
30 min
Struggling to build rhythms that actually work in your home? My free masterclass shows you how to create simple routines that are rooted in biblical priorities and actually work. Watch it here: https://www.laurenmefford.com/free-training In this episode, we explore how Christians can best respond to cultural challenges and godless influences by staying rooted in Christ. We emphasize the importance of humility, discernment, and biblical faithfulness in navigating societal issues while maintaining a Christ-centered perspective. — TIMESTAMPS — 02:14 - The Trap of Dancing to the Culture's Tune (And How to Stop) 04:23 - What Happens When "Standing for Truth" Becomes Your Identity 08:25 - Real Church Examples of Getting It Wrong (In Both Directions) 13:43 - How to Address Hard Cultural Issues From the Pulpit Without Losing Your Footing 14:47 - The Difference Between Christ-Like Strength and Just Being Harsh 18:35 - Walking by the Spirit When the Culture Pulls Hard 22:30 - Why Virtues Aren't Actually in Tension (In Christ) 24:26 - The Subtle Pride of Feeling Like You've Finally Figured It Out 25:19 - The Trad Wife Pendulum: When the Overcorrection Becomes Another Law 28:07 - Walking in Freedom Instead of Trading One Yoke for Another 28:59 - Final Encouragement: Follow Christ, Stay Rooted, Enjoy Your Coffee CONNECT WITH THE HOSTS — Youtube: Lauren Mefford, PhD, FNP-BC Instagram: Lauren Mefford, PhD, FNP-BC (@laurenmichellemefford) • Instagram profile Website/Contact Us_: http://www.laurenmefford.com
Q&A: Mom Guilt, Repentance, Money & the Theology Shaping Our Home | Ep. 13
37 min
✨ Struggling to build rhythms that actually work in your home? My free masterclass shows you how to create simple routines that are rooted in biblical priorities and actually work. Watch it here: https://www.laurenmefford.com/free-training — SHOW NOTES — In this Q&A episode, Jeremy and Lauren answer some of the most common questions they've received from listeners — covering mom guilt, their faith background, how they manage finances as a family, how Lauren studies the Bible and teaches scripture to the kids, and practical tips for keeping the home going in the thick of a newborn season. It's a candid, encouraging conversation straight from the trenches of real family life. — RESOURCES MENTIONED — ✨ GET 50% OFF THE CORE PLAN YOUR FIRST YEAR with Monarch budgeting software: https://monarch.com/referral/t6wahuoizr?r_source=copy ✨ Simply Charlotte Mason scripture memory system: https://simplycharlottemason.com/timesavers/memorysys/ ✨ I Belong to God: A Catechism for Covenant Children By Richard Lusk: https://amzn.to/4unNAE6 ✨ Ploductivity by Doug Wilson: https://amzn.to/4dGVTDI — CONNECT WITH THE HOSTS — YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@LaurenMefford/videos Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/laurenmichellemefford/ Website: http://www.laurenmefford.com ✨ Check out our podcast: Apple Podcasts | Spotify | YouTube ✨ Learn how our family went from being run down and sick to more energetic and healthier: https://www.laurenmefford.com/wellness ✨ Amazon storefront: https://www.amazon.com/shop/laurenmeffordphdfnp-bc If this episode was helpful, we would love it if you'd leave a review and rate us on Apple Podcasts or Spotify — it really helps more families find this content. Thank you so much for being here. 🌿 TIMESTAMPS 0:26 - Mom Guilt: When to Repent, When to Let Go 4:40 - The Importance of Modeling Repentance for Children 9:27 - Our Faith Background (Reformed Baptist → Presbyterian) 12:34 - How We Manage Our Money 17:49 - How Lauren Studies the Bible in Every Season of Life 24:24 - How We Protect Our Sabbath (and Why It's Worth It) 30:07 - Surviving & Managing the Home With a Newborn & Toddler 36:44 - Keep the Questions Coming: How to Reach Us
What 16 Years Homeschooling + 10 Kids Taught Me About Daily Rhythms | With Sheri Renno | Ep. 12
52 min
✨ Struggling to build rhythms that actually work in your home? My free masterclass shows you how to create simple routines that are rooted in biblical priorities and actually work. Watch it here: https://www.laurenmefford.com/free-training Sheri Renno has been homeschooling for 16 years, has 10 kids ages 3 to 21, and came in as a former public school teacher convinced she had to meet every standard. This conversation is full of the kind of perspective that only comes from being in it for the long haul — and it's exactly what most of us need in the thick of the little years. We talked about her daily rhythm, how she uses checklists without being married to them, why she treats chores as part of the curriculum, when kids' interests start to surface, and why protecting family-first isn't just a value — it's something you have to actively fight for. CHAPTERS 00:15 Meet Sheri — Homeschooling Mom of 10 for 16 Years 00:30 How She Started (And What She'd Do Differently) 01:01 Why She Created a YouTube Channel to Help Other Moms 02:21 The Charlotte Mason Approach — What It Actually Looks Like 02:51 Living Books, Narration, and Why She Ditched the Standards Mindset 04:15 The One Thing She Focuses on Instead of Grade Levels 07:19 How Her Kids Built Real Businesses From Home Skills 11:10 The Age When Everything Shifts — and What to Watch For 16:29 What a School Day Actually Looks Like With 10 Kids 20:04 The Four-Part Rhythm That Holds Their Day Together 21:14 Why Chores Are Part of the Curriculum, Not an Obstacle to It 23:03 How She Manages Independent Work Across Every Age 36:29 The Checklist System That Keeps Things Moving Without the Pressure 50:21 What "Family First" Actually Means With Homeschool 52:18 Where to Find Sheri + Her New Course for Homeschool Moms CONNECT WITH SHERI YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@OurLifeHomeschooling Blog: http://ourlifehomeschooling.com Her Free Homeschooling Masterclass: https://ourlifehomeschooling.com/the-home-education-breakthrough-sign-up/ CONNECT WITH THE HOST Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@LaurenMefford/videos Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/laurenmichellemefford/ Website/Contact Us: http://www.laurenmefford.com
An Honest Conversation About Family Priorities When Life Gets Too Full | Ep. 11
38 min
How to realign family priorities when life throws you a curveball. ✨Struggling to build rhythms that actually work in your home? Lauren’s free masterclass shows you how to create simple routines that are rooted in biblical priorities and actually work. Watch it here: https://www.laurenmefford.com/free-training Life has a way of stopping you in your tracks and making you ask: is this actually what matters most? In this episode, Jeremy and Lauren are having a conversation they've been living in real time — one that started with grief, loss, and the kind of moment that makes you drop everything and recalibrate. They talk about why having clearly defined family priorities isn't just a productivity strategy — it's a biblical framework that protects your home, your marriage, and precious time with your family. When you and your husband are already on the same page about what matters most, the hard decisions get a lot less hard. They also get personal about changes coming to the channel, something exciting on the horizon, and why pruning the good things is sometimes the most faithful thing you can do. If you've ever felt like you're being consistent but still have no margin — and something's got to give — this one is for you. Grab a warm drink or your basket of laundry, and come hang out with me for a bit. If you enjoyed today's episode, don't forget to leave a rating on Apple, Spotify, or wherever it is that you listen. It helps get the word out to other families ❤️ CHAPTERS 00:00 When Life Makes You Stop and Recalibrate 07:08 How We Decide What Gets Our Time When Life Gets Loud 13:35 Why You Need This Conversation Before a Crisis Hits 21:35 When People Don't Agree With Your Family's Decisions 32:26 Pruning the Good Things — And What's Coming Next #ChristianHomemaker #ChristianMom #FamilyPriorities #RootedHome #HomeschoolMom #BiblicalWomanhood #ChristianMarriage #HomemakingPodcast #ChristianPodcast #FaithAndFamily #GodHonoringHome #MarriageGoals #ChristianWomen #PrioritiesInLife #SimpleLiving CONNECT WITH THE HOSTS Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@LaurenMefford/videos Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/laurenmichellemefford/ Website/Contact Us_: http://www.laurenmefford.com
Stop Saving Your Best for Guests — Hospitality Starts With Your Family | Mystie Winckler | Ep. 10
53 min
✨Struggling to build rhythms that actually work in your home? My free masterclass shows you how to create simple routines that are rooted in biblical priorities and actually work. Watch it here: https://www.laurenmefford.com/free-training ✨Discover how biblical hospitality extends beyond outward appearance to foster genuine connection, growth, and family life. Mystie Winckler shares practical insights on establishing a hospitable environment rooted in scripture, emphasizing the importance of the home's mission—to nurture thriving families and communities. TIMESTAMPS 02:24 - What Does "Convivial" Mean — And Why It Matters to the Home 03:49 - The Three Circles of Hospitality Many Christian Moms Have Never Heard Of 06:50 - Why Your Family Life Is the Foundation That Makes Any Hospitality Possible 09:29 - Are You Hosting for Them — Or for What They Think of You? 10:53 - How Pinterest and Instagram Are Quietly Distorting Your View of Your Home 13:39 - The One Question That Reveals Whether Your Home Is Truly Hospitable 14:30 - How to Be Fully Present With Guests (And Teach Your Kids to Do the Same) 17:17 - What to Do When Guests Arrive and Dinner Isn't Ready 18:46 - The Simple Meal Prep Habit That Makes Hosting Feel Easy 20:29 - How to Actually Teach Your Kids Conversation Skills Before Company Comes 26:19 - Beauty, Order, and a House Full of Kids — How Do You Hold That Tension? 28:19 - The Parable of the Talents and What It Has to Do With Your Messy House 36:43 - Are You Decluttering Your Children's Childhood Without Realizing It? 45:44 - Why Homemaking Feels Meaningless (And the Lie Behind That Feeling) 52:03 - Who You Follow Online Is Shaping How You Feel About Your Home CONNECT WITH MYSTIE WINCKLER: YouTube- https://www.youtube.com/@simplyconvivial Home is for Hospitality - Book Simplified Organization - Book Convivial Circle Community CONNECT WITH THE HOST Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@LaurenMefford/videos Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/laurenmichellemefford/ Website/Contact Us_: http://www.laurenmefford.com
Large Family Life: How We Raise Happy, Helpful Kids | Ep. 09
46 min
✨ Wondering what it would look like to have real rhythm in your home? Watch the free training → https://www.laurenmefford.com/free-training ✨*If your days feel full but fruitless* — this is the plan that changes that. → https://go.laurenmefford.com/faithful-in-the-little-things-page In this episode, Lauren and Jeremy share the principles and practices behind building a warm, joy-filled home with a large family — and why most of it applies to every family. Topics Covered: Why they wanted a big family (hint: a kitchen lip-sync moment changed everything) The goal: a home with spiritual and relational warmth Finding and learning from families ahead of you The power of first-time obedience and why consistency is the key The inverted pyramid method of child training Training kids for chores: realistic expectations, the learning curve, and the long payoff Team effort as a family culture — what it looks like day to day The fruit: 9-year-olds baking, kids mulching the garden, grandma visits that actually go smoothly TIMESTAMPS 00:00 – Why We Wanted a Big Family (And What Changed Our Minds) 00:35 -Cultivating a Loving Home Atmosphere 01:29 -The Biblical Foundation Every Parent Needs Before Anything Else 03:54 -You Can't Turn This On for Company — Home Culture Has to Be Real 05:38 -The Fastest Way to Learn? Spend Time With Families You Want to Emulate 07:31 -You Don't Need a Formal Mentor — Here's What It Actually Looks Like 10:20 -Why God's Commands Lead to Joy, Not Restriction 12:20 -First-Time Obedience: The Key to Consistent Discipline 15:12 -Early Training: Teaching Boundaries for Safety 21:14 -Delight in Obedience: Making God's Ways Joyful 23:52 -The Inverted Pyramid: Are You Training Your Kids Backwards? 25:27 -Teaching Them What to Think Before You Teach Them How to Think 34:17 -Look What Team Effort Can Do: Raising Kids Who Actually Want to Help Resources Mentioned: Shepherding a Child's Heart- https://amzn.to/4ckn5cb 8 Errors Parents Make & How to Avoid Them: https://amzn.to/4mEAE9T Loving the Little Years- https://amzn.to/4cUAaZS Why Children Matter- https://amzn.to/3Oh2Wut CONNECT WITH THE HOSTS Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@LaurenMefford/videos Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/laurenmichellemefford/ Website/Contact Us: http://www.laurenmefford.com
What It's Really Like to Give Up Your Career to Come Home Full Time | Ep. 08
49 min
✨If your days feel full but fruitless — this is the plan that changes that. → https://go.laurenmefford.com/faithful-in-the-little-things-page ✨ Watch the free masterclass & bring more peace and structure into your home→ https://www.laurenmefford.com/free-training IN THIS EPISODE: In this honest and personal episode, Lauren and Jeremy share the story of how Lauren transitioned out of a nursing practitioner career into full-time homemaking — and it wasn't the plan she had going in. They talk through the heart shift that happened, the practical realities of that season, and what the Scriptures actually say about a wife and mother's role in the home. They also dig into the false dichotomy between "career" and "homemaking," looking at Proverbs 31 as a framework for thinking wisely about economic contribution from within the home. If you've ever wrestled with this tension yourself, this one is for you. Plus, Lauren shares a peek into how she actually runs her home-based business while keeping her family first — including the boundaries, the recalibrating, and why embracing constraints has been more freeing than limiting. TIMESTAMPS: 00:00 - Introduction: Women returning home 02:23 - A word of encouragement for moms who can't be home full time 05:25 - Lauren's mindset before kids: career-first without realizing it 12:05 - The shift to full time home life 18:33 - The practical and financial benefits of mom being home 22:49 - Redefining work through biblical principles 28:06 - Shifting gears: Proverbs 31 and economic fruitfulness in the home 32:27 - How to think about home-based work without sacrificing the home 36:11 - How Lauren manages her business within family priorities 39:43 - Jeremy's perspective: why your husband has to be on board 44:37 - Navigating family and business challenges CONNECT WITH THE HOSTS — Youtube: Lauren Mefford, PhD, FNP-BC Instagram: Lauren Mefford, PhD, FNP-BC | Homemaking Mentor (@laurenmichellemefford) • Instagram profile Website/Contact Us_: http://www.laurenmefford.com
What the Bible Taught Us About Disagreement in Marriage | Ep. 07
42 min
✨ If your days feel full but fruitless — this is the plan that changes that. → https://go.laurenmefford.com/faithful-in-the-little-things-page ✨ Take the course: Most moms don't lack motivation — they lack a simple plan that turns their good intentions & priorities into daily rhythms. That's what this builds → https://www.laurenmefford.com/Rooted-Rhythms-Course ✨ Wondering what it would look like to have real rhythm in your home? I walk you through it step by step — for free. ✨ Watch the free training → https://www.laurenmefford.com/free-training In this episode, Jeremy & Lauren discuss how to handle disagreements between spouses healthily and biblically. We explore gender differences, respectful communication, and practical approaches to resolve conflicts and walk in unity. TIMESTAMPS 00:00 - Handling disagreements as a couple 02:42 - The importance of understanding gender differences in marriage 03:42 - Respect and love: Biblical commands for husbands and wives 07:14 - Misconceptions about biblical submission and leadership 11:04 - Communicating about household decisions respectfully 14:06 - The significance of honoring each other's opinions 15:30 - How to address disagreements about specific issues (preferences, wisdom, scripture) 19:30 - Working through worldview differences and false influences 24:33 - Handling disagreements over non-scriptural issues like screen time 28:07 - The importance of prayer and prayerful living in influencing change 32:16 - How to respond when your spouse shares concerns or frustrations 36:17 - Finding joy and unity despite differences and mistakes 39:31 - Promoting positive, inspiring conversations over critical or confrontational ones 41:08 - Encouragement for perseverance through conflicts and growth in marriage Remember : Every couple faces disagreements; how you handle them can strengthen your relationship. Approach conflicts with humility, respect, and prayer, trusting that God's design for marriage is for your joy and sanctification. CONNECT WITH THE HOSTS — Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@LaurenMefford/videos Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/laurenmichellemefford/ Website/Contact Us_: http://www.laurenmefford.com
What Actually Matters in the Little Years of Homeschool (And What Doesn't) | Ep. 06
39 min
✨ If you've been moving all day but nothing feels done —this is the toolkit that changes that→ https://go.laurenmefford.com/faithful-in-the-little-things-page ✨*Take the course:* Most moms don't lack motivation — they lack a simple plan that turns their good intentions & priorities into daily rhythms. That's what this builds → https://www.laurenmefford.com/Rooted-Rhythms-Course ✨ Wondering what it would look like to have real rhythm in your home? I walk you through it step by step — for free. ✨ Watch the free training → https://www.laurenmefford.com/free-training If you're in the little years of homeschooling and you feel like you're constantly behind, missing something, or doing it wrong — this one's for you. In today’s episode, we had an honest conversation about what we've learned through the years of homeschooling (with now six kids 9 and under), through newborn seasons, miscarriages, adoptions, and all of the life that happened in between. We talk about what actually moves the needle — and what we’ve learned to let go of. Timestamps: 00:00 - Homeschooling during busy and transitional seasons 03:33 - Foundations for independent learning in older children 07:10 - The power of early reading to foster independent learning 10:26 - Challenges with early literacy and the significance of fluency 13:02 - Teaching perseverance through challenges 15:09 - Using music and memorization 24:55 - Teaching children to teach themselves 31:20 - Practicing kindness and reasonable expectations for yourself This isn't a perfect homeschool day. It's the real thing — with a toddler eating Cheerios at the table and a four-year-old who tuckers out mid-lesson. Resources mentioned: Teach Your Child to Read in 100 Easy Lessons→ https://amzn.to/4sePftP Math Mammoth→ https://amzn.to/4sHZ9VL Voetberg Music Academy→ https://www.voetbergmusicacademy.com?affiliate_code=29079a Catechism book→ https://amzn.to/4m0pADy Simply Charlotte Mason Scripture Memory Box → Scripture Memory System - Simply Charlotte Mason CONNECT WITH THE HOSTS — Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@LaurenMefford/videos Instagram : https://www.instagram.com/laurenmichellemefford/ Website/Contact Us : http://www.laurenmefford.com
The Part of Your Growth No Course, Podcast, or YouTube Video Can Touch | Ep. 05
30 min
✨ If you've been moving all day but nothing feels done —this is the toolkit that can change that→ https://go.laurenmefford.com/faithful-in-the-little-things-page ✨ Take the course: Most moms don't lack motivation — they lack a simple plan that turns their good intentions & priorities into daily rhythms. That's what this builds → https://www.laurenmefford.com/Rooted-Rhythms-Course ✨ Watch the masterclass : Wondering what it would look like to have real rhythm in your home? I walk you through it step by step — for free. ✨ Watch the free training → https://www.laurenmefford.com/free-training What Online Discipleship Can — and Can’t — Do The conversation explores the impact of online discipleship, the limits of the online space, the balance between online and in-person community, the role of online courses in home management, and the wise use of online tools. It highlights the benefits, challenges, and cultural shifts associated with online connectivity and learning. Timestamps: 00:00 - Introduction to the benefits and pitfalls of online discipleship 02:00 - 2020’s impact on online church participation 03:15 - The gift of connectivity in God's providence 04:25 - The limitations of online community for true relational depth 05:58 - The importance of in-person, flesh-and-blood relationships 07:10 - The danger of keyboard warriors and virtual disagreements 09:45 - The need for physical presence for real sanctification 11:00 - The analogy of nourishment: online info vs a home-cooked meal 12:15 - Local church involvement versus online community 13:30 - The pitfalls of using online courses as a quick fix 14:45 - The necessity of spiritual ongoing sanctification alongside practical tools 16:00 - How biblical wisdom guides appropriate use of online resources 19:10 - The role of courses in supporting local discipleship 22:35 - Recognizing the cultural shift back toward valuing family and home skills 25:00 - The overarching principle: technology as a tool, not a substitute 32:00 - Closing thoughts and wisdom for balanced digital engagement CONNECT WITH THE HOSTS Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@LaurenMefford/videos Instagram : https://www.instagram.com/laurenmichellemefford/ Website/Contact Us : www.laurenmefford.com
Our Honest Answers to Your Questions About Marriage, Kids & Home | Ep. 04
25 min
✨ If your days feel full but fruitless — this is the plan that changes that. ✨ Take the course : Most moms don't lack motivation — they lack a simple plan that turns their priorities into daily rhythms. That's what this builds. ✨ Watch the masterclass : Wondering what it would look like to have real rhythm in your home? I walk you through it step by step — for free. Watch the free training here. KEY TOPICS Strategies for managing household chores and expectations during shared time at home Understanding and appreciating differences between spouses The importance of respectful communication Practical tips for decluttering Raising children with biblical wisdom Encouragement for husbands and wives to support each other's wellness and fitness routines Navigating decisions on family size The significance of community and wisdom from older, experienced parents TIMESTAMPS 00:37 - How to handle household challenges when spouses are home more often 01:02 - Respectful communication about household expectations 04:23 - Deepening conversations on household roles and responsibilities 06:17 - Strategies for household organization and management 07:31 - Advice from experienced parents on not trying to change your spouse 09:44 - How long to stick with a new daily routine 11:01 - Decluttering and avoiding the accumulation of unnecessary things 14:32 - How background influences expectations in marriage 15:02 - The value of biblical family modeling and church community 16:26 - Supporting wives’ fitness and time management for exercise 21:23 - Applying Christian principles to parenting and resisting modern fads 24:47 - Considering family planning and trusting God's sovereignty CONNECT WITH THE HOSTS Youtube: Lauren Mefford, PhD, FNP-BC Instagram : Lauren Mefford, PhD, FNP-BC | Homemaking Mentor (@laurenmichellemefford) • Instagram profile Website/Contact Us : www.laurenmefford.com
3 Ways We Brought Warmth Back to Our Home | Ep. 03
38 min
✨ Wondering what it would look like to have real rhythm in your home? I walk you through it step by step — for free. ✨ Watch the free training → https://www.laurenmefford.com/free-training In this episode, we explore how to cultivate emotional, spiritual, and physical warmth in the home, emphasizing biblical foundations, rhythms of connection, and intentional practices. Whether you're a new parent or looking to deepen the warmth in your family environment, this discussion provides practical steps grounded in Scripture and real-life experience. Key Topics Covered: Warmth as a reflection of biblical love and hospitality Abiding in Christ as the source of genuine fruitfulness Healthy marriage as the foundation for a warm home Family worship, scripture memory, and devotional rhythms Parenting rhythms: mommy time, one-on-one dates, and saying "yes" Sabbath, rest, and screen time management Building community with families who exemplify warmth Timestamps: (0:00) - Welcome & episode overview (2:13) - Warmth during survival mode (4:44) - Hope for new parents through rhythms & sanctification (7:46) - God's discipline and growth in character (9:33) - Avoiding envy & the trap of social media comparison (12:37) - Humility, repentance, and fostering warmth (15:19) - Practical tips: smiles, kindness, abiding in Christ (18:17) - Marriage as the heart of a warm home (20:22) - Family worship, Bible teaching & devotional resources (24:21) - Marriage rhythms: date nights & intentional affection (30:05) - Parenting rhythms & individual attention (33:20) - Vacations, traditions & saying "yes" to your kids (37:36) - Sabbath, screen time & Stars and Strikes (40:31) - Learning from exemplary families Resources & Links: Long Story Short: Old Testament Overview Family Worship Guide The Marriage Maximizer Course Connect with the Speakers: Lauren - Youtube | Instagram Take the Course → Rooted Rhythms Get the Plan → Faithful in the Little Things
Why does Ordinary Life Feel Unspiritual? The Ancient Lie Behind It | Ep. 02
44 min
✨ Overwhelmed? Start here → $27 The Bare Minimum Daily Rhythm shows you exactly what to focus on first. Instant access. https://go.laurenmefford.com/faithful-in-the-little-things-page ✨ Watch my free training where I walk you step-by-step through building rhythms that bring stability to your home. Grab that here: https://www.laurenmefford.com/free-training Embracing God's Good Creation: Breaking Gnostic Mindsets & Finding Biblical Freedom in the Home Discover how to combat modern Gnostic influences that undervalue the material world—and see God's creation, including family, work, and daily routines, as purposeful and good. This episode explores biblical themes of creation, redemption, and the kingdom of God to free believers from unhelpful mindsets and motivate faithful, joyful stewardship in every area of life. In this episode: The impact of Gnostic dualism on our view of material creation How the biblical goodness of God's design gives meaning to family life, work, and daily routines Enjoying God's gifts as an act of worship and gratitude Reframing sanctification and motherhood as spiritual work The biblical hope of Christ's kingdom expanding and filling the earth Practical encouragement for faithful stewardship in any life season Timestamps: 00:00 – Introduction 02:30 – What is Gnosticism and radical dualism? 03:49 – How Gnostic thinking affects our view of work and home 05:20 – The danger of equating spiritual intimacy solely with private prayer 07:55 – Enjoying God's gifts as worship and gratitude 10:11 – Freedom to enjoy all of God's creation 12:28 – Shifting from guilt to biblical freedom in motherhood 14:01 – Sanctification through struggle and motherhood 17:44 – The biblical purpose of creation: glorifying God through physical life 20:08 – Creation's redemption and kingdom expansion 22:41 – Practical implications for family life and daily faithfulness 26:43 – Cultivating the little things as faithful stewardship 28:27 – How stewarding a puppy teaches gratitude and responsibility 31:16 – Addressing false views of the end times 33:47 – The victorious, growing kingdom of God 42:25 – How biblical eschatology fuels joy and purpose 44:37 – Holding tensions in biblical truth 45:33 – Final encouragement Resources: Things of Earth by Joe Rigney- https://amzn.to/4aRa0q9 This video is NOT sponsored. Some product links are affiliate links, which means if you buy something we'll receive a small commission.
