Thankful Homemaker: A Christian Homemaking Podcast

My time in the Word is often when I bring all my concerns and fears to the Lord. Honestly, that’s when they seem to arise, and I wish it were the only time they did, because that is the very moment I can do something with them—bring them before Him and give them to Him. Head over to Thankful Homemaker.for full show notes on all the links and resources mentioned in today’s episode. RELATED EPISODES: EP 200: When My Day Doesn’t Go as Planned: Trusting God’s Providence EP 197: A Few Truths to Remember When Trials Come EP 28: Dealing with Anxiousness & Worry MORE RESOURCES: Homemaking Matters: Living for God’s Glory in the Ordinary Join Thankful Homemaker for access to the Free Library of Resources Subscribe to the Podcast on Your Favorite App Join the Thankful Homemaker Facebook Group Follow Thankful Homemaker on Facebook, YouTube, Pinterest & Instagram Online Courses & Printables Thankful Homemaker Merchandise Buy Marci a Cup of Coffee xo

I am a planner, but my days rarely go as planned. Interruptions and needs pop up that never made it onto my task list or calendar, and in a moment my whole day can change. So what does faithfulness look like when the day God has given me isn’t the day I planned? In this episode, I share what God’s Word teaches about His providence in our ordinary days as homemakers: why we still plan if God is in control, how to know when an interruption needs our attention, what God is doing when our day changes, and how to entrust the unfinished work to the Lord and rest in Christ’s finished work for us. This is also episode 200 of the podcast! Thank you so much for being here with me and for all the ways you’ve encouraged me along the way. Head over to ThankfulHomemaker.com for full show notes on all the links and resources mentioned in today’s episode. RESOURCES MENTIONED: Trusting God by Jerry Bridges Crazy Busy by Kevin DeYoung RELATED EPISODES: EP 197: A Few Truths to Remember When Trials Come EP 184: Putting Off and Putting On: Walking by the Spirit in Everyday Life EP 188: Biblically Caring for Our Aging Parents MORE RESOURCES: Homemaking Matters: Living for God's Glory in the Ordinary Join Thankful Homemaker for access to the Free Library of Resources Subscribe to the Podcast on Your Favorite App Join the Thankful Homemaker Facebook Group Follow Thankful Homemaker on Facebook, YouTube, Pinterest & Instagram Online Courses & Printables Thankful Homemaker Merchandise Buy Marci a Cup of Coffee xo

What happens when we’ve shared our thoughts honestly, but our husband still makes a decision we wouldn’t have made? Can we follow his lead and continue to treat him with kindness, or do we keep making our case because we want him to change his mind? In this episode, we’re looking at the warnings in Proverbs about a quarrelsome wife and how they apply in the ordinary disagreements of marriage. We’ll also talk about why simply moving on after we’ve been unkind isn’t the same as repenting. And when the Lord shows us our sin, there is forgiveness and help for us in Christ. Head over to ThankfulHomemaker.com for full show notes on all the links and resources mentioned in today's episode. Homemaking Matters: Living for God's Glory in the Ordinary Costi Hinn Message & Article: Sermon: Till Death Do Us Part: "Is she a crown or contentious?" Article: Are You a Contentious Wife? RELATED EPISODES: EP 186: Encouraging Your Husband’s Leadership in the Home with Doug Ferrell EP 179: Encouraging Your Husband: Biblical Wisdom for Building Him Up with Grace 40 Week Husband Encouragement Challenge (Free Printable PDF for wives) RESOURCES: Join Thankful Homemaker for access to the Free Library of Resources Follow ThankfulHomemaker on Facebook, YouTube, Pinterest & Instagram Join the Thankful Homemaker Facebook Group Subscribe to the Podcast on Your Favorite App Online Courses & Printables Thankful Homemaker Merchandise Buy Marci a Cup of Coffee xo

It can be so easy to think we would be more content if something in our circumstances would just change, or maybe if someone in our life would change. I see this in my own heart so often. I can know all the right verses about contentment and still find myself grumbling when things don’t go the way I hoped. I’m thankful Paul reminds us in Philippians 4 that contentment is something he learned. The Lord taught him through the circumstances He brought into his life, and He teaches us in much the same way. In this episode, we’re looking at Philippians 4:11–13 and what it looks like to learn to be content in Christ right where the Lord has us. ❤️ Head over to ThankfulHomemaker.com for full show notes on all the links and resources mentioned in today's episode. Homemaking Matters: Living for God's Glory in the Ordinary RELATED EPISODES: EP 191: Holding Our Expectations with Grace: When People Disappoint Us Learning Contentment RESOURCES: Join Thankful Homemaker for access to the Free Library of Resources Follow ThankfulHomemaker on Facebook, YouTube, Pinterest & Instagram Join the Thankful Homemaker Facebook Group Subscribe to the Podcast on Your Favorite App Online Courses & Printables Thankful Homemaker Merchandise Buy Marci a Cup of Coffee xo

Trials are not something any of us would choose. Our first response is often to ask the Lord to remove them, and it is right to bring those requests to Him. But James 1:2–4 reminds us that God has a good purpose for us even while the trial remains. In this episode, we’re walking through a few simple truths from this passage about how the Lord uses trials to strengthen our faith and make us more like Christ. Head over to ThankfulHomemaker.com for full show notes on all the links and resources mentioned in today's episode. Leave an Amazon Review of Homemaking Matters Homemaking Matters: Living for God's Glory in the Ordinary RELATED EPISODES: Encouragement on Difficult Days Trusting God in Your Trials RESOURCES: Join Thankful Homemaker for access to the Free Library of Resources Follow ThankfulHomemaker on Facebook, YouTube, Pinterest & Instagram Join the Thankful Homemaker Facebook Group Subscribe to the Podcast on Your Favorite App Online Courses & Printables Thankful Homemaker Merchandise Buy Marci a Cup of Coffee xo

Maybe summer threw your routines off a bit, or life has just been full, and you’ve realized you haven’t been spending as much time in God’s Word as you’d like. I’m raising my hand here with you because it’s where I’ve found myself recently. Sometimes the Bible reading plan that worked for us in one season just isn’t working in another. Maybe we need to simplify things a bit. Pick a time, pick a place, and pick a plan—and if you’ve gotten behind, you don’t have to catch up on everything you missed. We don’t need the perfect plan or the perfect morning. We can just open our Bibles and begin again today. ❤️ Head over to ThankfulHomemaker.com for full show notes on all the links and resources mentioned in today's episode. Homemaking Matters: Living for God's Glory in the Ordinary RELATED EPISODES: EP 95: Developing a Daily Bible Reading Habit EP 53: Daily Bible Reading (Spiritual Disciplines Series) RESOURCES: Join Thankful Homemaker for access to the Free Library of Resources Follow ThankfulHomemaker on Facebook, YouTube, Pinterest & Instagram Join the Thankful Homemaker Facebook Group Subscribe to the Podcast on Your Favorite App Online Courses & Printables Thankful Homemaker Merchandise Buy Marci a Cup of Coffee xo

Some mornings I sit down to pray and the words come easily. Other mornings, my Bible is open and my prayer list is in front of me, but my mind is already moving into the day ahead. I’ve learned not to rush on those mornings. Sometimes I just need to pray for a while before I’m truly praying. Today I’m sharing a little encouragement for those times when our hearts are slow to settle before the Lord. Head over to ThankfulHomemaker.com for full show notes on all the links and resources mentioned in today's episode. Homemaking Matters: Living for God's Glory in the Ordinary The Gospel Primer by Milton Vincent RELATED EPISODES: Faithful Labor in Prayer: Learning from Epaphras’s example 10 Great Books on Prayer RESOURCES: Join Thankful Homemaker for access to the Free Library of Resources Follow ThankfulHomemaker on Facebook, YouTube, Pinterest & Instagram Join the Thankful Homemaker Facebook Group Subscribe to the Podcast on Your Favorite App Online Courses & Printables Thankful Homemaker Merchandise Buy Marci a Cup of Coffee xo

Practical help can make our days run more smoothly, but it cannot do the work that only Christ can do in us. This episode is a reminder that Jesus is enough—not only for our salvation, but for every part of daily life. His grace is sufficient, and we can depend on Him in whatever He has placed before us today. Head over to ThankfulHomemaker.com for full show notes on all the links and resources mentioned in today's episode. Homemaking Matters: Living for God's Glory in the Ordinary The Gospel Primer by Milton Vincent RELATED EPISODES: EP 79: Homemaking Matters: A Good God Working Out His Purposes in the Midst of Our Ordinary Days Look Well to the Ways of Your Household RESOURCES: Join Thankful Homemaker for access to the Free Library of Resources Follow ThankfulHomemaker on Facebook, YouTube, Pinterest & Instagram Join the Thankful Homemaker Facebook Group Subscribe to the Podcast on Your Favorite App Online Courses & Printables Thankful Homemaker Merchandise Buy Marci a Cup of Coffee xo

In Ephesians 1:3–14, Paul reminds us of all that is already ours when we belong to Christ. We have been chosen by the Father, redeemed by the Son, and sealed by the Holy Spirit—all according to the riches of God’s grace and to the praise of His glory. In this episode, we’ll consider what it means to be blessed with every spiritual blessing in Christ and how remembering these truths can help us when our circumstances are difficult, our plans don’t go as we hoped, or we’re tempted to focus on what we don’t have. Whatever today holds, if you belong to Christ, you are richly blessed in Him. Head over to ThankfulHomemaker.com for full show notes on all the links and resources mentioned in today's episode. Homemaking Matters: Living for God's Glory in the Ordinary RELATED EPISODES: 5 Benefits We Have in Christ - (Colossians 1:12-14) Sermon on the Mount Series RESOURCES: Join Thankful Homemaker for access to the Free Library of Resources Follow ThankfulHomemaker on Facebook, YouTube, Pinterest & Instagram Join the Thankful Homemaker Facebook Group Subscribe to the Podcast on Your Favorite App Online Courses & Printables Thankful Homemaker Merchandise Buy Marci a Cup of Coffee xo

Most of our lives aren’t lived in extraordinary moments. They’re lived in ordinary ones. We spend our days making meals, caring for our families, opening our homes, answering emails, paying bills, and taking care of all the responsibilities that come with everyday life. Because these are the things we do day after day, it’s easy to overlook their significance. Yet Scripture reminds us that the Lord isn’t only accomplishing something through the work He’s given us to do. He’s also accomplishing something in us. He’s using the ordinary days He’s given us to make us more like Christ. Head over to ThankfulHomemaker.com for full show notes on all the links and resources mentioned in today's episode. Homemaking Matters: Living for God's Glory in the Ordinary RELATED EPISODES: When the Days are Overwhelming Faithful Labor in Prayer: Learning from Epaphras’s example RESOURCES: Join Thankful Homemaker for access to the Free Library of Resources Follow ThankfulHomemaker on Facebook, YouTube, Pinterest & Instagram Join the Thankful Homemaker Facebook Group Subscribe to the Podcast on Your Favorite App Online Courses & Printables Thankful Homemaker Merchandise Buy Marci a Cup of Coffee xo

Disappointment is something all of us experience. Sometimes it comes because we’ve been genuinely hurt. Sometimes it comes because someone has failed us. And sometimes it comes from expectations we didn’t even realize we were carrying. How do we respond when someone doesn’t react the way we hoped? What do we do when disappointment begins to take root in our hearts? One reminder that has helped me over the years is this: We see a moment. God sees the whole picture. Head over to ThankfulHomemaker.com for full show notes on all the links and resources mentioned in today's episode. Homemaking Matters: Living for God's Glory in the Ordinary RELATED EPISODES: EP 169: Thinking the Best of Others: A Biblical Approach to Love and Grace EP 46: Our Need for Contentment RESOURCES: Join Thankful Homemaker for access to the Free Library of Resources Follow ThankfulHomemaker on Facebook, YouTube, Pinterest & Instagram Join the Thankful Homemaker Facebook Group Subscribe to the Podcast on Your Favorite App Online Courses & Printables Thankful Homemaker Merchandise Buy Marci a Cup of Coffee xo

Life feels full for so many of us. There are responsibilities to manage, people to care for, work to do, ministries to serve in, and homes to tend. And while those things are often good gifts from the Lord, busyness and faithfulness are not always the same thing. Sharing some encouragement from God’s Word for those seasons when life begins to feel hurried and spiritually weary, when our hearts slowly become distracted in the middle of full days. My prayer is that this episode encourages you to slow down a bit, rest in Christ, and become more present in the people and moments the Lord has placed right in front of you. Head over to ThankfulHomemaker.com for full show notes on all the links and resources mentioned in today's episode. Homemaking Matters: Living for God's Glory in the Ordinary RELATED EPISODES: EP 165: Bringing Order to Your Day: The Benefits of a Brain Dump and a Daily Plan for Homemakers Keeping a Right Heart in Busy Seasons Sitting at the Feet of Jesus in a Season of Busyness RESOURCES: Join Thankful Homemaker for access to the Free Library of Resources Follow ThankfulHomemaker on Facebook, YouTube, Pinterest & Instagram Join the Thankful Homemaker Facebook Group Subscribe to the Podcast on Your Favorite App Online Courses & Printables Thankful Homemaker Merchandise Buy Marci a Cup of Coffee xo

I’ve been spending time in 2 Corinthians 2:14–16, where Paul says that as believers we are the aroma of Christ. It’s such a beautiful and sobering picture to think about how our lives, our words, our attitudes, and even the atmosphere of our homes are meant to reflect Him. In this episode, we talk about what it means to carry the fragrance of Christ in the ordinary moments of everyday life. The hidden faithfulness, the quiet sacrifices, the ways the Lord is shaping us through our daily work, our relationships, and even the moments where we feel our need for His grace most deeply. This was such a good reminder to my own heart that the gospel is not just for the big moments of life. We need it right in the middle of our ordinary Tuesday afternoons too. I pray this episode encourages you to keep looking to Christ and to remember that the Lord is faithfully at work in all the everyday moments of life at home. Head over to ThankfulHomemaker.com for full show notes on all the links and resources mentioned in today's episode. Homemaking Matters: Living for God's Glory in the Ordinary RELATED EPISODES: EP 161: Cultivating Biblical Hospitality in Your Home and Life EP 15: Prioritizing God’s Word When Life is Busy EP 118: Cultivating Patience with One Another Homemaking Matters: Why the Work You Do at Home Matters to God RESOURCES: Join Thankful Homemaker for access to the Free Library of Resources Follow ThankfulHomemaker on Facebook, YouTube, Pinterest & Instagram Join the Thankful Homemaker Facebook Group Subscribe to the Podcast on Your Favorite App Online Courses & Printables Thankful Homemaker Merchandise Buy Marci a Cup of Coffee xo

Doug and I are walking through the next season the Lord has for us right now, and it has me reflecting on so much. It’s a season we walked through 14 years ago when Doug’s parents were living in our home and we were caring for his sweet mom in her final days. And now we find ourselves here again, this time with his dad. As I share a bit of what this season has looked like for us, I want to come back to the truths that have anchored me, and what God’s Word says about honoring our parents and loving well in this stage of life. My prayer is that it encourages your heart, wherever the Lord has you right now. Head over to ThankfulHomemaker.com for full show notes on all the links and resources mentioned in today's episode. Homemaking Matters: Living for God's Glory in the Ordinary Biblically Caring for Our Aging Parents (Part One) Biblically Caring for OUr Aging Parents (Part Two) Trusting God by Jerry Bridges Surprised by Suffering: The Role of Pain and Death in the Christian Life by R.C. Sproul RESOURCES: Join Thankful Homemaker for access to the Free Library of Resources Follow ThankfulHomemaker on Facebook, YouTube, Pinterest & Instagram Join the Thankful Homemaker Facebook Group Subscribe to the Podcast on Your Favorite App Online Courses & Printables Thankful Homemaker Merchandise Buy Marci a Cup of Coffee xo

In a world that moves quickly, it’s easy to live at a pace that leaves our hearts hurried and distracted. In this episode, I’m sharing reflections from a slower season away and what the Lord has been teaching me about the pace of my days. It’s easy to fill every quiet space with noise and constant input. But when I look at the life of Jesus, I see something different. I see presence. Unhurried conversations. Intentional time with people. Quiet moments in prayer. The pace of our days doesn’t just affect our schedules. It affects our souls. We’ll talk about how ordinary life is where God meets us, how our daily patterns shape our hearts, and how small, intentional choices help us reclaim presence in a distracted world. Looking at the example of Christ and the encouragement of Psalm 1, we’ll be reminded that reclaiming ordinary life doesn’t require dramatic changes. It begins with small steps of faithfulness right where God has placed us. Head over to ThankfulHomemaker.com for full show notes on all the links and resources mentioned in today's episode. Homemaking Matters: Living for God's Glory in the Ordinary EP 186: Encouraging Your Husband’s Leadership in the Home with Doug Ferrell RESOURCES: Join Thankful Homemaker for access to the Free Library of Resources Follow ThankfulHomemaker on Facebook, YouTube, Pinterest & Instagram Join the Thankful Homemaker Facebook Group Subscribe to the Podcast on Your Favorite App Online Courses & Printables Thankful Homemaker Merchandise Buy Marci a Cup of Coffee xo

How can we encourage our husband’s leadership in our homes? In this episode, Doug joins me for an honest conversation about spiritual leadership in the home. We talk about how wives can strengthen their husbands through prayer, encouragement, respect, and trusting God’s sovereignty. We walk through nine practical ways to build up leadership in our homes and remind ourselves that Jesus Christ is the true Head of our home. Obedience in the small, everyday moments really does strengthen a marriage — and we hope this episode encourages you in yours. Head over to ThankfulHomemaker.com for full show notes on all the links and resources mentioned in today's episode. Homemaking Matters: Living for God's Glory in the Ordinary Marriage Series on the Podcast & Blog Submission Posts & Podcasts 40-Week Husband Encouragement (Free PDF for Wives) EP 179: Encouraging Your Husband: Biblical Wisdom for Building Him Up with Grace Common Struggles Wives Face in Encouraging Their Husband’s Leadership RESOURCES: Join Thankful Homemaker for access to the Free Library of Resources Follow ThankfulHomemaker on Facebook, YouTube, Pinterest & Instagram Join the Thankful Homemaker Facebook Group Subscribe to the Podcast on Your Favorite App Online Courses & Printables Thankful Homemaker Merchandise Buy Marci a Cup of Coffee xo

In today’s episode, I’m sharing a simple life update from around our home as we step into a new year. Just a look at what we’re settling back into, what we’re enjoying, and a few areas we’re slowly working through in this season of life. Head over to ThankfulHomemaker.com for full show notes on all the links and resources mentioned in today's episode. Homemaking Matters: Living for God's Glory in the Ordinary John MacArthur's 3-Year Bible Reading Plan EP 148: Managing Your Home: Simple Tips for Time Management, Cleaning, Laundry, and Organization EP 165: Bringing Order to Your Day: The Benefits of a Brain Dump and a Daily Plan for Homemakers Fortis Plus RESOURCES: Join Thankful Homemaker for access to the Free Library of Resources Follow ThankfulHomemaker on Facebook, YouTube, Pinterest & Instagram Join the Thankful Homemaker Facebook Group Subscribe to the Podcast on Your Favorite App Online Courses & Printables Thankful Homemaker Merchandise Buy Marci a Cup of Coffee xo

Ephesians 4 shows us how change happens in the Christian life: we put off the old self, renew our minds with God’s truth, and put on the new self created in Christ. In this episode we talk through that pattern and how it plays out in marriage, parenting, friendships, our time, and our words. Head over to ThankfulHomemaker.com for full show notes on all the links and resources mentioned in today's episode. EP 183: Killing the Sin of Selfishness Joy of Self Forgetfulness Podcasts & Posts on our Speech Homemaking Matters: Living for God's Glory in the Ordinary by Marci Ferrell RESOURCES: Join Thankful Homemaker for access to the Free Library of Resources Follow ThankfulHomemaker on Facebook, YouTube, Pinterest & Instagram Join the Thankful Homemaker Facebook Group Subscribe to the Podcast on Your Favorite App Online Courses & Printables Thankful Homemaker Merchandise Buy Marci a Cup of Coffee xo

Selfishness is one of those quiet sins that can easily slip into our hearts and homes. It often hides behind good intentions or small excuses, but God’s Word doesn’t leave us there. In this episode, we’ll look at what the Bible says about selfishness and how the gospel frees us to love others with the heart of Christ. We’ll spend time in Philippians 2 and talk about what it means to deny ourselves daily, serve as Jesus served, and find joy in living for Him. My prayer is that this conversation helps you see the everyday moments like folding laundry, forgiving, listening, and serving as ways to love others and bring glory to the Lord. Head over to ThankfulHomemaker.com for full show notes on all the links and resources mentioned in today's episode. Respectable Sins by Jerry Bridges Selfishness: From Loving Yourself to Loving Your Neighbor by Lou Priolo Homemaking Matters: Living for God's Glory in the Ordinary by Marci Ferrell RESOURCES: Join Thankful Homemaker for access to the Free Library of Resources Follow ThankfulHomemaker on Facebook, YouTube, Pinterest & Instagram Join the Thankful Homemaker Facebook Group Subscribe to the Podcast on Your Favorite App Online Courses & Printables Thankful Homemaker Merchandise Buy Marci a Cup of Coffee xo

A gentle and quiet spirit isn’t weakness. It is strength under God’s control. It reflects trust in His sovereignty, not striving to be seen or heard. This kind of beauty doesn’t fade with age. It is lasting, Christlike, and precious in God’s sight (1 Peter 3:3–4).⁣ ⁣ If you’re struggling to cultivate this spirit in your own life, you’re not alone. Ask the Lord to grow it in you. Spend time in His Word. Look to Christ. He is gentle and lowly in heart, and He is faithful to complete the work He begins in us.⁣ Head over to ThankfulHomemaker.com for full show notes on all the links and resources mentioned in today's episode. Free Encouraging Your Husband PDF Homemaking Matters: Living for God's Glory in the Ordinary by Marci Ferrell RESOURCES: Join Thankful Homemaker for access to the Free Library of Resources Follow ThankfulHomemaker on Facebook, YouTube, Pinterest & Instagram Join the Thankful Homemaker Facebook Group Subscribe to the Podcast on Your Favorite App Online Courses & Printables Thankful Homemaker Merchandise Buy Marci a Cup of Coffee xo ⁣