We’re going deep (on a spicy topic) in today’s episode of Joy at Home.    You guessed it… we’re talking about sex. And about how to talk to your husband ABOUT sex (and other tough topics).   After your relationship with the Lord, your marriage should be the next thing on your priority list. Yet, how often do you find yourself going through the motions day after day, doing (or not doing) things out of obligation?    As wives, we’re really missing out… on the connection that hard conversations bring, on the gift that marriage is, on the beauty of building trust and intimacy, on the deepening of relationship with our spouse, and (yes!) even on the pleasure that sex should bring.    Relationship Coach, Mary Whitman-Ortiz is joining me today to share her best tips about how you can have fruitful conversations with your husband. She’s also sharing about what to do when difficult, uncomfortable topics come up.    Ultimately, Mary is bringing a ton of encouragement to let you know that having hard conversations about sex can and will lead to a healthy, fulfilling sex life and marriage for both you and your spouse!

Jen Weaver is no stranger to having hard conversations with God. After the loss of a baby, and undiagnosed fertility struggles, Jen found herself deep in grief and going “God-adjacent,” instead of running to Him with her heart and problems. It wasn’t until she pivoted and chose to bring her heartbreak before the Lord in conversation, that she began to find healing.   You know, sometimes we just don’t want to talk to God, we’d rather run and hide instead, and sometimes we don’t want to hear what God has to say… Yet, He faithfully stands ready to hold us and to hear our prayers. Because that’s who He is.    Join Jen and me on the podcast today as we talk about conversations with God and dive into questions like…    “Where do I start in approaching God with a hard conversation?”   “Does God even want to talk to me?”   “How do I hear Him?” and “What if I don’t hear Him?”   I think you’ll come out the other side ready to slip into a wonderful conversation with your Heavenly Father. I pray that it’s a sweet one!   —————   Find this Episode on the Blog | KatieHedrick.com/186     —————   Looking for Your Next Step?    Life Breakthrough | Get the Step-By-Step Blueprint —> FaithFueledBreakthrough.com  Anxiety Relief | This Mini Course is the Antidote —> KatieHedrick.com/AnxietyAntidote  Homeschool Help | Get the Free Curriculum Guide —> TeachMeToHomeschool.com Time + Home Management | Find Simple Solutions (and Proverbs 31 wisdom) Here —> WisdomWomanAcademy.com

Have you ever found yourself sweating bullets over a hard conversation that NEEDS to happen?   Conflict might not feel good, especially if you’re non-confrontational, but unresolved conflict can feel even worse. Like a wound that festers, sometimes the problem continues to grow and it can create bitterness in your heart.    The answer? Have the conversation. Even when it’s hard.   Lyncon Martinez, host of Gather the Gals, is joining me on the podcast today for a deep dive into how to have those hard conversations, while maintaining Biblical grace and honor.   From talking to your in-laws or your spouse, to dealing with uncomfortable conversations involving your close friends, Lyncon and I will help you navigate the tough moments and help you find the courage you need, so that the conversation can happen and the healing can begin.   —————   Find this Episode on the Blog | KatieHedrick.com/185     —————   Looking for Your Next Step?    Life Breakthrough | Get the Step-By-Step Blueprint —> FaithFueledBreakthrough.com  Anxiety Relief | This Mini Course is the Antidote —> KatieHedrick.com/AnxietyAntidote  Homeschool Help | Get the Free Curriculum Guide —> TeachMeToHomeschool.com Time + Home Management | Find Simple Solutions (and Proverbs 31 wisdom) Here —> WisdomWomanAcademy.com

If you’re anything like me, then you know that there’s nothing worse than being faced with a situation and not knowing what choice to make.    I’m talking about the tough decisions, like “I’m supposed to be in two places at once. Which one do I choose?” Or “there’s a hard situation at my workplace. My husband gave me this piece of advice, my best friend gave me that piece of advice. How should I actually handle the challenging circumstance?” (In other words, not things like “do I order the guac or the queso?” That one’s easy!)   I’m talking about the hard stuff. The uncomfortable stuff. The situations and choices that leave you stuck in analysis paralysis because you just don’t know what to do.    There is a way to eliminate the decision fatigue. It starts with knowing your core values… the foundational beliefs that anchor your life.   Today on the podcast, I’m giving the low down on what core values are, why they are so important and we’ll identify some values that you’re probably never even thought of before. By the end of today’s episode, you’ll be ready to make your next choice BEFORE there’s even a choice to make!    Let’s make the decision making process MUCH simpler for you. Sound good? Press play and let’s get started!     —————   Find this Episode on the Blog | KatieHedrick.com/184     —————   Looking for Your Next Step?    Life Breakthrough | Get the Step-By-Step Blueprint —> FaithFueledBreakthrough.com  Anxiety Relief | This Mini Course is the Antidote —> KatieHedrick.com/AnxietyAntidote  Homeschool Help | Get the Free Curriculum Guide —> TeachMeToHomeschool.com Time + Home Management | Find Simple Solutions (and Proverbs 31 wisdom) Here —> WisdomWomanAcademy.com

The term “anxiety” seems to get thrown around like a hot potato these days. Like it or not, it’s coming your way at some point. Catch!?    Worry, stress, overwhelm… whatever you call it, anxiety can be a tough thing to manage.    Take heart… today on the podcast, I’m sharing two ways that you can reduce your anxiety.   Join me to hear about the P3 method and the Re-Frame/Pre-Frame strategy. These two concepts will equip you to reduce, or even eliminate your anxiety once and for all.   —————   Find this Episode on the Blog | KatieHedrick.com/183     ————— Looking for Your Next Step?    Anxiety Relief | This Mini Course is the Antidote —> KatieHedrick.com/AnxietyAntidote  Life Breakthrough | Get the Step-By-Step Blueprint —> FaithFueledBreakthrough.com  Homeschool Help | Get the Free Curriculum Guide —> TeachMeToHomeschool.com Time + Home Management | Find Simple Solutions (and Proverbs 31 wisdom) Here —> WisdomWomanAcademy.com

Pssst. I know a secret… I know what it takes to create the life you want. In fact, I know the exact recipe.  There are 4 simple parts. Today on the podcast, I’m sharing it all as one cohesive road map. Tune in as I walk you through the process and show you exactly how you can fine tune the little choices you make every day, create the life you want AND find joy in the journey!  ————— Find this Episode on the Blog | KatieHedrick.com/FindingJoy  ————— Looking for Your Next Step?  Anxiety Relief | This Mini Course is the Antidote —> KatieHedrick.com/AnxietyAntidote  Life Breakthrough | Get the Step-By-Step Blueprint —> FaithFueledBreakthrough.com  Homeschool Help | Get the Free Curriculum Guide —> TeachMeToHomeschool.com Time + Home Management | Find Simple Solutions (and Proverbs 31 wisdom) Here —> WisdomWomanAcademy.com

The weather was a nightmare. My kids were sick. The pipes were frozen. I found myself standing over the stove, boiling snow down into water just so we could make the toilets flush and I was… Angry.  (Have you found yourself in a moment so frustrating and overwhelming that you actually experience anger?) Where was the joy in this moment?  I couldn’t find it. I didn’t want to find it.  And then…. God spoke a message to my heart that I desperately needed to hear. He told me how to find the joy when I didn’t “feel” joyful. Today, I’m sharing the message with you…  I pray today’s episode brings blessing (and joy) to your heart and home.  ————— Find this Episode on the Blog | KatieHedrick.com/181 Learn more about the Anxiety Antidote™ mini-course here —> KatieHedrick.com/AnxietyAntidote   ————— Looking for Your Next Step?  Homeschool Help | Get the Free Curriculum Guide —> TeachMeToHomeschool.com Anxiety Relief | This Mini Course is the Antidote —> KatieHedrick.com/AnxietyAntidote  Life Breakthrough | Get the Step-By-Step Blueprint —> FaithFueledBreakthrough.com  Time + Home Management | Find Simple Solutions (and Proverbs 31 wisdom) Here —> WisdomWomanAcademy.com

Olivia Kay knows what it means to speak boldly for Jesus, even when it’s hard.     As a child, her family didn’t spend much time in church, but she did experience God by attending church with friends. As she grew in wisdom and her faith, Olivia began to heed the whispers and calling that God placed on her heart.    From witnessing to her family, to writing a book about how to make Jesus your habit, to speaking to the nations, Olivia Kay waits for her next assignment from the Lord and then she walks it out with boldness and courage.    Join Olivia Kay and me on the Joy at Home podcast as we discuss:  What it means to “make Jesus your habit” How to listen (and hear) about the next assignment that God has for your life How to share the love of Jesus (even when it feels hard)  This episode will help you grow in your daily walk with Jesus. Press play and let’s begin!   ————— Find this Episode on the Blog | KatieHedrick.com/180  ————— Looking for Your Next Step?  Homeschool Help | Get the Free Curriculum Guide —> TeachMeToHomeschool.com Anxiety Relief | This Mini Course is the Antidote —> KatieHedrick.com/AnxietyAntidote  Life Breakthrough | Get the Step-By-Step Blueprint —> FaithFueledBreakthrough.com  Time + Home Management | Find Simple Solutions (and Proverbs 31 wisdom) Here —> WisdomWomanAcademy.com

“Divorce is the death of a dream.”   I got chills the moment those words came out of Mikki Gardner’s mouth.    Mikki is a Certified Life and Conscious Parenting Coach who’s walked the path of divorce herself and she knows every twist and turn well. Her wisdom comes from personal experience, and she’s joining me on the podcast today to talk about it.    Sharing practical advice to help divorced moms flip the script from people pleasing and peace-keeping to protecting their own well-being, and that of their children, Mikki knows how to cultivate calm in the chaos and she’ll teach you to do the same.     At the end of the day, divorce is not the end of a family story—it’s the beginning of a new chapter. And co-parenting well and creating an intentional, joy-filled life after divorce are things that ARE possible.    Listen, learn and let the healing begin…    ————   Resources Mentioned   Mikki’s New Book, The People Pleaser's Guide to Co-Parenting Well | https://amzn.to/49SvzUN    Ep. 54 “A Guided Meditation for Beloved Kingdom Daughters” | KatieHedrick.com/KingdomMeditation    Ep. 124 “A Guided Meditation: WISDOM and WORSHIP” | KatieHedrick.com/124    Ep. 173 “First Steps to Healing your Past Pain” | KatieHedrick.com/173   Ep. 31 “Forgiveness: The Full Circle” | KatieHedrick.com/Forgiveness    Ep. 120 “How a Young Mama got UNSTUCK from Anger” | KatieHedrick.com/120    ————   Find this Episode on the Blog | KatieHedrick.com/179     Join Katie’s List for Updates | KatieHedrick.com/VIP   —————   Looking for your next step?   Browse KatieHedrick.com for encouragement, life coaching and homeschool help.  Move your life forward with simple, effective life coaching inside of the Life Breakthrough Blueprint | FaithFueledBreakthrough.com    Learn how to start homeschooling (the easy way!) with First Steps to Homeschool | FirstStepsToHomeschool.com  Ever feel like you’re trying to “manage the mother-load?” Wisdom Woman Academy offers time and home management for the overwhelmed (and overstimulated!) mom. Join the waitlist! | WisdomWomanAcademy.com

Are your kids dealing with big emotions? (Or maybe YOU are the one wrestling with big emotions.) You’re not alone, mama friend. We all have plates that are full and things that we’re struggling with.    Marley Hayman is in the same boat. She’s a wife and mama, as well as a private practice Christian Counselor. Marley loves helping kids and parents work through their big feelings… things like anxiety and anger.    Today on the podcast, she’s offering up some great advice about how you can take care of yourself, so that you’re able to take care of your kids and serve them in a helpful way. (Have you ever been on an airplane? They always tell you to put on your OWN oxygen mask FIRST, should the plane go down.)     Marley is also sharing about “hand breathing,” a tangible activity that you can do RIGHT NOW to help your family learn how to find calm in the midst of life’s storms.    Marley’s heart (and mine) is to equip you to navigate your family’s emotions in a Christ-like way, so I think you’ll find today’s episode REALLY helpful! Press play and let’s get growing.    ————   Resources Mentioned   Get Marley’s Free Guide | https://www.kingdomguarded.com/Freeguide    ————   Find this Episode on the Blog | KatieHedrick.com/178     Join Katie’s List for Updates | KatieHedrick.com/VIP   —————   Looking for your next step?   Browse KatieHedrick.com for encouragement, life coaching and homeschool help.    Move your life forward with simple, effective life coaching inside of the Life Breakthrough Blueprint | FaithFueledBreakthrough.com    Learn how to start homeschooling (the easy way!) with First Steps to Homeschool | FirstStepsToHomeschool.com  Ever feel like you’re trying to “manage the mother-load?” Wisdom Woman Academy offers time and home management for the overwhelmed (and overstimulated!) mom. Join the waitlist! | WisdomWomanAcademy.com

Dalia Monterroso is a chicken keeper. (Yes, I’m talking about real chickens.)    She’s also the President and creator of a magical place called Chickenlandia. (You can’t make this up!) Having found herself living an unexpected dream, Dalia finds joy in the everyday tasks of both motherhood and chicken keeping. She also spends time educating the world about how to raise healthy birds successfully.    Join Dalia and me inside of today’s podcast episode where we’re discussing the benefits of chicken keeping, the best types of chickens to raise and how to start your own journey. (It turns out that raising chickens provides MANY benefits and learning opportunities for both you and your kids!)   Nothing is off limits! Dalia is spilling all the pros and cons, the good, bad and the ugly about chicken keeping (in an incredibly entertaining way, I might add!). Most importantly, Dalia is sharing WHY she believes it’s WORTH it to raise chickens.    Who knows? You just might find yourself on the front end of a new adventure after listening. Let’s head to Chickenlandia, shall we? Go ahead and press play!     ————   Check out Dalia’s Website and Chicken-Keeping Course | WelcomeToChickenlandia.com    ————   Find this Episode on the Blog | KatieHedrick.com/177     Join Katie’s List for Updates | KatieHedrick.com/VIP   —————   Looking for your next step?   Browse KatieHedrick.com for encouragement, life coaching and homeschool help.  Move your life forward with simple, effective life coaching inside of the Life Breakthrough Blueprint | FaithFueledBreakthrough.com    Learn how to start homeschooling (the easy way!) with First Steps to Homeschool | FirstStepsToHomeschool.com  Ever feel like you’re trying to “manage the mother-load?” Wisdom Woman Academy offers time and home management for the overwhelmed (and overstimulated!) mom. Join the waitlist! | WisdomWomanAcademy.com

Tis’ the season! We’re getting closer and closer to Christmas… a time for baking cookies and family gatherings and twinkling lights and…. Possibly a time where you feel like you’re endlessly rushing around and racing against the clock. (Am I right?)   As believers, I believe that we genuinely WANT to focus our hearts and minds and homes on Christ, especially in this season. But if we’re being honest, it can be really easy to fall into the traps of commercialization and “obligatory busy-ness” as December draws near.    So, let’s take a slow down, shall we? Make yourself a cozy cup of hot cocoa and press play on today’s episode where Jen Ludwig is joining me to share tips about how you can embrace Advent this year. Yep, Jen and I are here to help you effectively prepare your heart and home (and calendar!) for Christmas. It’s time to focus on what matters most…   —> Grab a copy of Jen’s devotional, “Embracing Advent” | https://www.amazon.com/dp/057896788X/ref    —————————   Feeling overwhelmed this season? Take a deep breath and watch the Life Breakthrough Workshop (for free!) | LifeBreakthroughNow.com       Join Katie’s List for Podcast Updates | KatieHedrick.com/VIP   Explore the Website | StepIntoJoy.com   Find this Episode on the Blog | KatieHedrick.com/176

Do you ever have so many things rattling around in your mind that you actually feel stuck? Like you’re paralyzed and standing still amidst the brain clutter?   (One time, I was stuck at the bottom of the Grand Canyon ((true story)) and it did NOT feel good! You’ll hear the full story inside of today’s podcast episode.)   There are a few common reasons that women often feel “stuck” in their own mind… Thought Overload/Worry/Anxiety Feelings of Unforgiveness The (nasty) Comparison Game Do any of these things resonate? I’m guessing at least one of them does. (Maybe even several of them.)    If you need some help sorting out the clutter in your mind and you’re ready to get unstuck, hit play on today’s podcast episode and let’s get you moving towards a “brain breakthrough.”    —————————   Save your seat at the [FREE] Life Breakthrough Workshop | LifeBreakthroughNow.com     Join Katie’s List for Podcast Updates | KatieHedrick.com/VIP Explore the Website | StepIntoJoy.com Find this Episode on the Blog | KatieHedrick.com/175

This past summer, our area was going through a major drought. We went days, then weeks, then months without a single drop of rain. It became so intense that it was almost as if you could hear the earth crying out in desperation for the rain to come.    I walked down to our pond, which was 6 feet lower than usual. I studied the ground closely. It was parched, dusty and barren. There were cracks in the ground, so large, that I could fit my entire hand down into them.    It made me think about life. You see, some of us don’t like the rain. We long for warm days. We want sunshine all the time. We want to live in a constant season of #blessed and #thankful. We want the perfect life that looks great on Instagram with no troubles of any kind.     The problem is… if we don’t have some rainy days, if we don’t walk through any struggles or tough seasons, then our lives become like the dry, cracked ground. There is no growth. Everything becomes stagnant.    Eventually, we begin to cry out in need of the rain, just like earth does. You see… discomfort and the rainy seasons are good things. Whether we like the rain or not, we NEED the rain. We NEED to experience life outside of our comfort zone so that we can grow.  💧= 🌱   Join me inside of today’s episode for a deeper dive on the problem with comfort and how it might be holding you back from the life that God has for you. It’s time to GROW, friend!    —————————   Save your seat at the [FREE] Life Breakthrough Workshop | LifeBreakthroughNow.com     Join Katie’s List for Podcast Updates | KatieHedrick.com/VIP Explore the Website | StepIntoJoy.com Find this Episode on the Blog | KatieHedrick.com/174

Hey friend. Have you ever found yourself replaying past pain over and over in your mind? Or even reliving the pain and asking “why?”    I’ve been there, too.   Recently, I attended a women’s conference and God spoke some eye-opening things into my heart. He reminded me that there is purpose in the pain. There is growth in the pain. And perhaps most importantly…. God sees us in our pain.   In the Bible, we can read the story of Hagar. In today’s terms, we would say she was “used and abused.” She endured pain that just didn’t make sense. But as her story continued to unfold, we are shown how God saw her in her pain, how He was with her in her pain, how He called her by name and how He blessed her when she chose obedience.    I’m sharing Hagar’s story on the podcast today, and walking you through the first steps you need to take when it comes to your own healing journey. I’m praying this episode brings peace, hope and breakthrough to your life today.    —————————   Save your seat at the [FREE] Life Breakthrough Workshop | LifeBreakthroughNow.com     Join Katie’s List for Podcast Updates | KatieHedrick.com/VIP Explore the Website | StepIntoJoy.com Find this Episode on the Blog | KatieHedrick.com/173

Let’s talk about the STUFF in your house.    Did you know that the amount of “stuff” around you affects you in more ways than one? Too much stuff can make you feel stressed out, mentally and emotionally. It can even affect your physical health.    Knowing that information raises the question: Is all of the “stuff” that you are hanging on to absolutely necessary? Or could letting go of some things equate to peace and more mental clarity? 🤔   Dawn Madsen (well known as The Minimal Mom) joins me on the podcast to discuss all of these questions and more.    We’ll help you take an inventory of YOUR inventory, plus share tips about how to declutter and organize your home so that ultimately, you can experience more peace. 🙌     —————————   Do you have a ton of “stuff” rattling around in your brain? Get help sorting through your thoughts and beliefs with this FREE Life Coaching workshop | LifeBreakthroughNow.com       Join Katie’s List for Podcast Updates | KatieHedrick.com/VIP   Explore the Website | StepIntoJoy.com   Find this Episode on the Blog | KatieHedrick.com/172

As a mom who loves Jesus and who wants to faithfully raise up the kids you’ve been trusted with, it can feel like a blessed, yet heavy burden to be discipling them in today’s secular world.    What’s right? What’s wrong? And how can you teach your kids to stand firm in BOTH their faith AND their conviction, while still showing love…   Author Catherine Parks joins me on the podcast today, to discuss her kids’ Bible study “What to Wear.” Inside of the episode, we’ll take a look at what Paul teaches in Colossians chapter 3, so that you can equip your kids to know who they are, how they’re called to live and how to stand for their faith in today’s (cRaZy) world.     —————————   Watch the New Life Breakthrough Workshop (for free!) | LifeBreakthroughNow.com     Join Katie’s List for Podcast Updates | KatieHedrick.com/VIP Explore the Website | StepIntoJoy.com Find this Episode on the Blog | KatieHedrick.com/171

Join me for a deep dive on the 6 Styles of Homeschooling, including: Traditional, Classical, Charlotte Mason, Unschooling, Unit Studies and Eclectic   I’ll share what each method looks like, talk about the pros and cons, and give curriculum recommendations.   Knowing the 6 different styles of homeschooling will help you outline the flow and structure of your homeschool. Plus, knowing what style suits your family best will help you narrow down and pick out curriculum in a way that feels easy, breezy (and not overwhelming!).    Cheering you on in your homeschool adventure!    —————————   Learn how to start homeschooling (the easy way!) | TeachMeToHomeschool.com    —————————   45 Minutes of FREE Life Coaching | LifeBreakthroughNow.com  Join Katie’s List for Podcast Updates | KatieHedrick.com/VIP Connect with Katie | Katie@KatieHedrick.com  Find this Episode on the Blog | KatieHedrick.com/170

The #1 thing I get asked about as a homeschool mom is “What curriculum are you guys using?!”    While most homeschool moms are quick to answer that question with… “the curriculum is NOT the most important thing,” (I agree) I always add… “but it’s also NOT the least important thing!”   Your choice of curriculum DOES matter! And you want to know… which one is the BEST one?!    Today, I’m sharing what our family is using in the areas of Language Arts, Math, Science, History and Bible as my kiddos head into the 4th, 7th and 9th grades!   It’s going to be a great school year ahead!    —————————   Let’s connect! | Katie@KatieHedrick.com  Learn how to start homeschooling (the easy way!) | TeachMeToHomeschool.com  Join Katie’s List for Podcast Updates | KatieHedrick.com/VIP Find this Episode on the Blog | KatieHedrick.com/169     —————————   Resources Mentioned: All About Reading | KatieHedrick.com/AllAboutLearning  Masterbooks.com IEW.com TeachingTextbooks.com  Little House (series of 9 books) | https://amzn.to/3YlDXXi The Biggest Story Bible Storybook | https://amzn.to/45hjK7w Not Consumed Bible Studies | KatieHedrick.com/NotConsumed  She Reads Truth CSB Bible | https://amzn.to/44S7HNW World Watch (Christian World News) | KatieHedrick.com/WorldWatch (Please note: Some of these are affiliate links. You won’t pay any extra, and the commissions earned help support this podcast. Win win!)

Calling all (future) homeschoolers. 📣   This is a sign that you CAN and SHOULD homeschool if the Lord has laid it on your heart.    He put it on mine and it took me 2 1/2 years to obey his call. When I did… it held mountains of blessing. (It will for you too!)    Inside of this episode, we’ll discuss what homeschool is NOT, what it IS, what matters most and why you should consider stepping into it.    Buckle up, mama! We’re about to go to school!    —————————   Learn how to start homeschooling (the easy way!) | TeachMeToHomeschool.com    Join Katie’s List for Podcast Updates | KatieHedrick.com/VIP   Weirdos Homeschool Documentary | Available on Amazon Prime    Related Episode “We started Homeschooling! How it’s Going (so far!) plus Reality vs. Expectations” | KatieHedrick.com/154  Find this Episode on the Blog | KatieHedrick.com/168