The Pender Place

In this episode I talk about how I, a lackadaisical reader growing up, have been on a mission these past 6 years to turn our home into one that abounds with stories through daily and intentional reading aloud. I talk about the small steps I took, the books that inspired me, how we practically implement reading into our everyday and how you don't have to be overwhelmed or try to overcomplicate it! Reading aloud really is one of my most favorite things to do with my children and yet I had not always utilized the magic that it really does bring to a home. So this is a discussion, from an ordinary mom, who is not a natural reader, telling you that you really can do this and you really can help your kids fall in love with books while you yourself do as well! I hope these practical steps and ideas can be some guidance for you to take and use and make your very own in your spaces and with your own families!   All the things mentioned in this episode!  ***The Read Aloud packet of 5 Questions to utilize during your reading:  https://readaloudrevival.com/download-your-guide/  ***Items to use during your read aloud time to keep hands busy: https://www.target.com/p/mindware-imagination-magnets/-/A-15337409#lnk=sametab (our fav self containing magnet set)  https://www.target.com/p/melissa-38-doug-pattern-blocks-and-boards-classic-toy-with-120-solid-wood-shapes-and-5-double-sided-panels/-/A-598486#lnk=sametab https://www.target.com/p/mindware-pattern-play/-/A-79447185 (even my 12 year old will pass the time with this)  https://geotoystore.com/collections/geopuzzles (we LOVE these puzzles. Geography AND fun!)  ***All the books: For youngers-  The Trumpet of the Swan by E.B. White,  Geraldine Woolkens by Karin Kaufman,   Clementine Series by Sarah Pennypacker,   Nancy Clancy by Jane O'Connor,   The Little Princess by Frances Hodgson Burnett  ***Our Read Alouds mentioned in this episode:  The Vanderbeekers by Katrina Yan Glaser,  The Penderwicks by Jeanne Birdsal,  A Place to Hang the Moon by Kate Albus,  Sinclair's Mysteries by Katherine Woodbine  (our current read aloud we are finishing the last book of the series this month. I forgot to mention this one!)  ***Great Audio Books Mentioned:  Where the Red Fern Grows audio book read by Anthony Heald,   Clementine read by Jessica Almasy,   The Hobbit read by Andy Serkis   ***Books for YOU:  Teaching From Rest and The Read Aloud Family by Sarah Mackenzie --- And check out her podcast The Read Aloud Revival!  The Bible in World History by Dr. Stephen Leston and Christopher D. Hudson,  Love Thy Body by Nancy Pearcey,   The Read Aloud Handbook by Jim Trelease  ***Helpful items: Two free library apps for free books! Libby and Hoopla. We use these primarily for audiobooks  My favorite bluetooth speaker: https://www.amazon.com/Aduro-AquaSound-Portable-Waterproof-Bluetooth/dp/B07MMTQYGL/ref=sr_1_1?crid=26KT9FESNSXNW&keywords=aquasound%2Bwsp20%2Bbluetooth%2Bspeaker&qid=1648953972&sprefix=aqua%2Bsound%2Bwsp20%2Bbluetooth%2Bspeaker%2Caps%2C78&sr=8-1&th=1 Where do I go for Book lists? readaloudrevival.com,  amblesideonline.org,  Colson Fellows booklist https://www.goodreads.com/shelf/show/colson-fellows-2020,  https://classicalu.com/course-finder/ Would you like to send me an email with a question or comment? Email me at [email protected]. I would love to hear from you! --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/whitney-pendergrass/message

This week I get super practical. In part 1 of my "What's Working" series I talk about being a keeper of my home. As a stay at home, homeschooling mom, keeping my home and teaching my kids is the job I never clock out of! However, I do treat it like a job, which has been a very helpful perspective switch. I get up ready to meet all my goals and accomplish tasks that bring me joy and also serve and love the ones I live the most life with: my kids and husband. I tried to point out certain principles we can all follow, while also sharing with you what exactly we do at our home that has proven to be non overwhelming and quite simple and doable every week! I hope some of the info in this episode can spark some ideas for you as well and that you too can create a space that you love to be in and take joy in sharing with others!  Show Notes: My Planner: https://www.thehomeedit.com/product/academic-planner-wirebound-black/  Phylicia Masonheimer's productivity email course: https://phyliciamasonheimer.com/productivity-course/ (scroll down to the bottom and there is a place to click for the free course that comes in your email!)  Check out The Lazy Genius Podcast for super detailed house cleaning ideas and meal planning ideas! Go to the earlier episodes and she goes through the specifics of rooms and she shares lots of things concerning cooking and meal planning.   Besides the Lazy Genius here are some specific websites I've found helpful for meal planning:  http://www.darciesdish.com, https://therealfooddietitians.com  Workouts: https://www.nourishmovelove.com and a great 10 min morning workout that the girls and I do in our pajamas! https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-TAvkrgi65I&t=193s.  Overnight Sourdough recipe: https://hostessatheart.com/sourdough-bread-recipe/ Pre Done Daily to Do lists: https://motivatedmoms.com Send me an email at [email protected] --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/whitney-pendergrass/message

My previously planned episode was not finished yet, so I revisited a past instagram post, instead. I wanted to share with you how the Lord has refined me through motherhood, but how he can refine you in much the same way with whatever tool He has deemed best for you. I pray you are encouraged as we talk about how dying to self is not the tragedy that the World wants you to think it is. If this episode encouraged you please share it with your friends and leave a review! I you would like to contact me you can shoot me an email at [email protected], or leave a voicemail https://anchor.fm/whitney-pendergrass/message! Also, did you notice I have new episode art? I have the lovely graphic design skills of Anna Asher Baine to thank for that. She has a blog of her own over at gatheredtulips.com and you should definitely go check it out! I hope you have a great day!  --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/whitney-pendergrass/message

There is a lot going on in the news today. I wanted to encourage you on what your eyes and your mind should be focusing on. If this episode encouraged you, I would greatly appreciate it if you would leave a review and share this with your friends!  I would also love to hear form you! You can either leave a voicemail at https://anchor.fm/whitney-pendergrass/message or shoot me an email at [email protected]. And Remember, whatever the news, the purpose of the Lord will stand.  -W --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/whitney-pendergrass/message

This week I chatted with my husband, Zachary, about figuring out God's will for our life. This is a question that can cause great anxiety and fear if it is understood wrongly! Generally speaking, God's will for our lives is to grow into the image of Christ, through obedience and sanctification. It is the specifics about what that practically looks like in our own personal lives, that can leave us in a state of decision fatigue. What practical step should I take right now? Sometimes simply approaching our decisions with humble and obedient hearts means whatever we decide can in fact be right! When we seek first the kingdom of God and that is our consistent priority, all the things really will be added unto us. We should trust that knowing God's word is what transforms our minds and in fact helps us to discern the next steps we will constantly be faced with. We sometimes try to over spiritualize our decisions when in fact hearts that prayerfully step out in faith and trust in the Lord will be kept by a loving father. We don't have to fear! Even when things may go sideways or unexpectedly, God is forever sovereignly working out all things for the good of those who love him. In this episode, we recount what that has looked like in our own lives as we simply lived the life that unfolded before us, making decisions based on specific God ordained experiences that shaped and guided and caused certain choices along the way.   Let's walk in freedom! Lets walk in the knowledge that God loves us, sees us, speaks to us, and leads us. He has given us a lamp unto our feet and a light unto our path when He left His words for us. When we are truly seeking the Kingdom first, our secure steps within His will, will naturally flow from our right heart posture as opposed to just our "right choices."   If you were encourage or even had any questions or concerns please send me a voicemail! We would love to hear from you and also maybe be able to clarify or further discuss this if needed. https://anchor.fm/whitney-pendergrass/message or send me an email at [email protected].  Here are some further recommends about how to view God's Will rightly, that go much deeper than our discussion today: https://www.challies.com/book-reviews/book-review-just-do-something/ (a few book reccomends)  https://www.truthnetwork.com/show/renewing-your-mind-rc-sproul/23537/ (a short podcast)  https://www.desiringgod.org/topics/knowing-gods-will.  https://www.challies.com/reading-classics-together/8-proofs-of-providence/  https://www.desiringgod.org/books/providence (the book I used for my quotes) --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/whitney-pendergrass/message

The Hymn, Tis So Sweet to trust in Jesus, really is a precious song. However do we really trust in Christ at every moment? Many times, in the midst of trials or sufferings or just ordinary upheaval, our fears and anxiety come from a simple lack of trust in who God is and what he has promised. Is God really Sovereign over all, or should we be thrown into tail spins at every turn that seems wrong and unhelpful in this life? Today I simply encourage you to cling to every promise the Lord has given you. When life looks chaotic or "wrong" , I pray you trust that the Lord's purpose will always stand, that all things work for the good of those who love the Lord. Scripture is not just feel good words that are meant to do nothing, they give us LIFE, HOPE and light our paths when things seem too dark to take any steps forward. I hope you are encouraged and reminded, that the Lord is for you today and everyday! -W. Want to send me a message? Go here! https://anchor.fm/whitney-pendergrass/message --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/whitney-pendergrass/message

This week I dug up an old blog post from 2016 after having a chat with a friend about trials and sanctification. Want to share how this encouraged you? I would love to hear it! https://anchor.fm/whitney-pendergrass/message --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/whitney-pendergrass/message

In the life of a believer we will sometimes have to have harder and more uncomfortable conversations with one another for all sorts of reasons. Why would we want to even rock the boat in this way? Well, because of our love for one another. When we love others we care about their souls and if they are letting sin run rampant in their lives or maybe they are just not aware of some concern, it is commanded we go to them. This specifically spurs each other on in holiness by going to eachother in a spirit of love and gentleness to restore any place that has been broken. On this episode I simply discuss some personal heart postures to be aware of, no matter which end of the conversations you may find yourself on. Conversations may or may not go well, but the Spirit is always at work in the hearts of His people, so take comfort in that. The transcript of this episode can be found at [email protected] under the blog "When "going to your brother" doesn't go well" As always, if you were encouraged by this episode I would love to hear from you! be sure to click here and leave me a voicemail: https://anchor.fm/whitney-pendergrass/message --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/whitney-pendergrass/message

I wrote this after a really long day of delivering medicine to a sick friends family member who had Covid. I am so incredibly thankful that the Lord has left us so many Words when He could have said nothing. What kindness to know the type of Father we truly have. It is not easy. This life is not a cake walk and it was never ever promised it would be. However, we are held by the most powerful, perfect and holy hand. Trust Him even in the dark. I pray you will be encouraged in whatever circumstance you find yourself in today. The transcript is at [email protected] If this episode did encourage you, it would thrill my heart to hear about it! You can follow this link and leave a voicemail for me. https://anchor.fm/whitney-pendergrass/message --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/whitney-pendergrass/message

This was a quick instagram post that I wrote over 2 years ago. I re read it after a hard day in 2022 and it encouraged me to not wrap my contentment up in my surroundings or even my grumbly emotions at times. I hope it encourages you as well. To rest in the unchanging work of the Lord, no matter what your current circumstances may be, and even if you still just need a good cry. If this episode did encourage you, it would thrill my heart to hear about it! Follow the link to leave me a voicemail. https://anchor.fm/whitney-pendergrass/message --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/whitney-pendergrass/message