And Mom Podcast

Episode 26 - Learning Contentment in Christ: Practical Steps for a Satisfied Life

In a world that constantly tells us we need more, contentment can feel impossible to find. More success, more possessions, more productivity—yet we often still feel restless. In this episode, we explore what biblical contentment really means and how we can learn it in everyday life. Looking at Philippians 4 and the example of Paul, we talk about how contentment isn’t something we naturally have—it’s something we are taught and grow into through Christ. We also bring in practical insights from research on gratitude, comparison, and happiness to show how modern psychology is often confirming what Scripture has taught all along. If you’ve been feeling restless, dissatisfied, or constantly “waiting for the next thing,” this conversation is for you. True contentment isn’t found in having more—it’s found in knowing Christ is enough. Sources: A 2023 meta-analysis of 64 randomized trials found gratitude interventions improved mental health, increased positive emotions, and reduced anxiety and depression symptoms [https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC10393216/] A systematic review involving over 16,000 participants found a consistent connection between gratitude and life satisfaction. [https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC10693196/]Research on hedonic adaptation shows people tend to return toward a baseline level of happiness after positive life changes, helping explain why bigger houses, raises, and purchases don't produce lasting contentment. [https://www.nber.org/papers/w21098]Research suggests spending on experiences often produces greater and more enduring satisfaction than spending on possessions [https://news.utexas.edu/2020/03/09/spending-on-experiences-versus-possessions-advances-more-immediate-happiness/]

Episode 25 - The Myth of the Forever Home

Have you ever found yourself thinking, "I'll finally be happy when we get our forever home," or something along those lines? In a world filled with apps, influencers, and dream home glorification, it's easy to believe that contentment is waiting for us in the next house. But what if God is calling us to find joy and faithfulness right where we are? In this episode, we're talking about the mentality behind the "forever home," the danger of constantly chasing more, and what Scripture teaches about contentment and stewardship. Whether you are renting, living in a starter home, dreaming of acreage, or waiting on God's direction, this episode is an encouragement to hold your plans with open hands and remember that our ultimate home is not found on earth.

Episode 24 - The Stuff Problem

If you've ever stepped on legos in the middle of the night or grabbed a garbage and yelled "Anything not put away is going in the trash" then odds are you understand the overwhelm that stuff can cause in our lives. With culture telling us that what he have or what we buy for our kids determines the value of their childhood, we can be tempted to put our identity in things over Christ. Join Abigail for a look at how to start examining our own hearts towards things.

Episode 23 - What Does it Really Mean to be a Proverbs 31 Woman?

If you grew up or are connected to the church in any way, you are aware that the gold standard of Christian women is the Proverbs 31 woman. In this episode Abigail looks at Proverbs 31 and talks about what we are really supposed to take away from it. What does being a Proverbs 31 woman really entail. Do we even have a chance? Come for knowledge and hopefully leave encouraged!

Episode 22 - Joy: Appropriate or Out of Touch?

What happens when joy gets criticized? In this episode, we analyze a viral Easter video where someone celebrating with genuine joy was attacked for being “too happy” while the world is hurting. It raises a real question many Christians wrestle with: Is it wrong to be joyful when there’s so much pain around us? We talk about the tension between grief and celebration, why the resurrection changes everything, and how Easter gives us a deeper kind of joy — not one that ignores suffering, but one that exists right in the middle of it. This episode unpacks why Christian joy isn’t naïve, dismissive, or out of touch… it’s rooted in the hope of the gospel. Because Easter reminds us that sin, death, and darkness don’t get the final word. If you've ever felt hesitant to celebrate, unsure how to hold joy and sorrow together, or questioned whether happiness is appropriate in hard times — this conversation is for you.