Simply Convivial: Biblical Homemaking, Homeschooling & Mom Life—Without Burnout

Teach Kids Responsibility: simplyconvivial.com/chores/ -- Are you tired of printing chore charts that end up ignored by Wednesday? You’re not alone—and it’s not your fault.

In this episode of the Simply Convivial Podcast, homemaker and homeschool mom Mystie Winckler explains why chore charts so often fail—and what to do instead. Discover a better, more biblical way to train your children in responsibility and teamwork, without falling into perfectionism or power struggles.

Mystie shares how real accountability, cheerful consistency, and relational discipleship lead to lasting results—no stickers required. You’ll learn how...

If teaching your kids to do chores feels harder than doing everything yourself, this episode is for you. As Christian homemakers, we want our homes to function with peace and purpose—not nagging, burnout, or sticker-chart chaos. Kids need chores, not just to help us out, but to grow into capable, responsible adults.

Masterclass: https://simplyconvivial.com/chores

In this episode of Simply Convivial, I’m sharing how to make kids' chores work without the frustration. I’ll walk you through the mindset shift that changes chore training from a battle into an apprenticeship—and how to b...

Most modern women weren’t trained to be homemakers—not because they missed home ec, but because our entire culture formed them for employee roles, not ownership. In this episode, Mystie Winckler unpacks how homemakers operate real economies, make high-stakes decisions with scarce resources, and create lasting value—often without recognition or reward. 

Learn more at convivialcircle.com

Drawing from classical definitions of economics and the biblical vision for the home, Mystie reframes homemaking as mission-critical work in God’s world. This episode will reset your mindset and equip you to lead your home like an owner...

Feeling overwhelmed by housework? Laundry piling up, toys scattered, and your motivation missing? You're not alone— You’re likely stuck in the perfectionism-procrastination loop. 

In this practical workshop, Mystie Winckler, author of Simplified Organization: Learn to Love What Must Be Done, unpacks why perfectionism keeps Christian homemakers paralyzed and how baby steps can get you unstuck. Learn why waiting for motivation doesn’t work, how to make real progress with just 10 minutes, and how to overcome the boom-and-bust cycle of homemaking.

Inside Convivial Circle, we're practicing these principles together all May long with our Baby Step Bi...

Do you feel like your hair is on fire? Like you're always putting out fires in your home? 

Are you swinging between chaos and control, between no plan and over-planning? In this episode, Mystie Winckler explains why checklists are powerful tools—but terrible masters.

 Learn to avoid the twin ditches of emotional emergency mode and rigid perfectionism, and embrace the narrow path of cheerful self-mastery. This is the mindset shift that frees you to lead yourself and your home wisely, with clarity, maturity, and grace.

Join Convivial Circle: convivialcircle.com

This epis...

Feeling overwhelmed by clutter and discouraged by endless cleaning tasks? In this episode, Mystie Winckler chats with Naomi Marks about her practical strategy to declutter the entire house in manageable 15-minute chunks. Get your own free cleaning guide: https://simplyconvivial.com/clean

Naomi shares her guilt-free approach to homemaking, explaining how a simple yearly schedule and "baby steps" philosophy transformed her home—and her mindset.

If you're tired of boom-and-bust cleaning cycles and want sustainable routines that lead to lasting peace and productivity, this conversation is for you. Naomi’s story and insights are also feat...

Do you struggle with all-or-nothing thinking, chasing the perfect plan, or feeling stuck in a boom and bust cycle at home? Free brain dump guide: simplyconvivial.com/brain-dump

In this episode of the Simplified Organization Podcast, I’m joined by Clarissa Ramsey, a homeschool mom of four and a member of Convivial Circle, who shares how she broke free from perfectionism and began building real momentum in her homemaking.

We talk about:
    Letting go of unrealistic expectations
    Why starting with a daily card was a turning point
    How weekly reviews and interval planning...

Feeling overwhelmed by your to-do list before lunch? You’re not alone. Most of us try to plan our way to the perfect day—but instead we end up discouraged and behind.

In this episode, I share the simple, sanity-saving habit that’s helped me stay focused, cheerful, and faithful in the daily work of homemaking: the 3x3 Daily Card. ▶️ https://simplyconvivial.com/3x3

This quick, two-minute practice helps you:
   Ditch the perfectionism and prioritize what matters
   Avoid overwhelm by limiting your focus
  Anchor your attention on your real responsibilities

This is not abo...

Do you ever feel like you're the only one struggling to keep up with homemaking, homeschooling, or just life in general? You’re not alone—and you’re not failing.

In this episode, I share why trying to do everything on your own is holding you back, and what happens when Christian moms connect with like-minded women who understand the work of homemaking and the joy of serving their families faithfully.

We weren’t created to walk this path alone. From encouragement and perspective to accountability and practical help, community is a vital part of cheerful...

Homemaking isn’t mindless. It isn’t menial. And it certainly isn’t easy. Get the free Organize Your Attitude module here: simplyconvivial.com/story

You’ve likely been told that keeping house should come naturally—that if you’re struggling, it must be because you’re lazy or undisciplined. But that’s not true.

In this episode, we talk about why homemaking is real work—physically, mentally, and spiritually—and why your exhaustion doesn’t mean you’re doing it wrong. It means you’re investing yourself in meaningful labor. And that work matters.

I’ll walk you through...

Feeling overwhelmed, homemaker? Is there so much that needs to be done—but nothing actually gets finished? In this episode, I’ll show you one simple 5 minute daily review for moms that will transform the way you approach each day and help you feel more focused, peaceful, and purposeful in your homemaking.

Mentioned: The 3x3 Daily Card Method: simplyconvivial.com/3x3/

We all know the feeling: the mental clutter, the endless to-do list, the discouragement of never being caught up. But overwhelm doesn’t come from having too much to do—it comes from not knowing...

Wondering how to enjoy homemaking, especially as a Christian homemaker? Are you feeling overwhelmed by the daily grind of homemaking? These 3 quick, practical tips will help you bring more joy, peace, and purpose into your home—starting today.

Homemaking doesn’t have to feel like drudgery. In this episode, you’ll learn small mindset shifts and simple habits that can transform your attitude and lighten your load. These aren’t just productivity hacks—they’re grace-filled tools for Christian moms who want to approach their work at home with joy and faithfulness.

Whether you’re in a season of...

Feeling discouraged in your homemaking? You’re not alone! In this episode, we’re diving into the three biggest traps that leave homemakers feeling overwhelmed, stuck, and discouraged. Unrealistic expectations, isolation, and burnout can make homemaking feel like an uphill battle—but it doesn’t have to be that way.

🤯 FREE: Get out of your head with my free brain dump guide: simplyconvivial.com/brain-dump 

00:00 Why Homemaking Feels So Hard  
02:36 The Pressure to Be Perfect: A Homemaker’s Silent Weight  
06:29 You’re Not Alone: The Hidden Cost of Homemaking Isolation  
10:30 Burnout is Real: How to Break...

Get Mystie's free attitude makeover guide: https://simplyconvivial.com/attitude  --  How do you stay cheerful in homemaking when the work never ends? In this episode of the Simplified Organization Podcast, I sit down with longtime Convivial Circle member Kathy Irving, a devoted wife, homeschool mom, and self-described “book-trovert.” 

Kathy shares her hard-won wisdom from completing Simplified Organization Community Coaching three times and opens up about learning to persevere in homemaking through optimism, repetition, and repentance.

If you’ve ever struggled with negative thoughts or felt overwhelmed by the never-ending responsibilities of home and family life, thi...

Get the first module of Organize Your Attitude for free: simplyconvivial.com/story/

How we talk about our lives shapes how we experience them. Do we think of ourselves as machines that must constantly produce, or as living beings designed for fruitfulness? In this episode, we discuss:

✨ Why our internal narratives impact our productivity and joy
✨ The difference between efficiency and fruitfulness in homemaking
✨ How to stop lying to yourself about what "counts" as productive
✨ Why rest isn’t a reward—it’s a necessity for sustainable work
✨ How understanding seasonality in life prevents...

Fear and anxiety can be overwhelming, but as Christian homemakers, we are called to fear nothing that is frightening (1 Peter 3:6). In this conversation with Jordan Sparks from Fruitful and Fearless, we discuss how fearlessness and fruitfulness go hand in hand—how trusting God, preparing well, and embracing biblical roles lead to peace and confidence in our homes.

We talk about:
✨ How fearlessness is a command and part of Christian obedience
✨ Why fruitfulness isn’t just productivity but faithfulness in our season
✨ Practical ways to prepare your home and heart to reduce anxiety
✨ The role of grat...

Masterclass: www.vocationvision.com -- Struggling to define your roles and stay on top of life’s responsibilities? Vocations aren’t just about jobs—they’re about understanding God’s calling in every role you fill.

In this episode, I walk through a step-by-step process for defining your vocations, using them in your planning, and keeping them at the forefront of your decision-making. When you clarify your vocations, planning becomes easier, your priorities become clearer, and your time is spent more intentionally.

💡 What you'll learn:
✔️ Why vocations matter for clarity and balance
✔️ How to brain dump and cat...

What does it mean to be truly fruitful and fearless in homemaking? 🤔

In this episode, I sit down with Jordan Sparks, host of the Fruitful and Fearless podcast, to explore how we can cultivate genuine productivity in the home without falling into the trap of hustle culture or unrealistic expectations.

🔹 What does true fruitfulness look like in homemaking?
🔹 How can we organize our homes for service rather than aesthetics?
🔹 Why is it important to embrace the purpose behind both beauty and order?

Join us as we discuss the heart behind our work at home...

Take the Vocation Vision Class: vocationvision.com

Vocation isn’t just about a career—it’s about God’s calling in every role we fill. From dishes to discipleship, every task done in obedience glorifies Him. Yet, modern culture often reduces vocation to a mere job title, missing the deeper truth: all our work is vocational when done for God’s glory.

Drawing from Luther’s teaching on vocation, we’ll explore how the work before us—laundry, cooking, caregiving, and even cleaning toilets—is part of God’s plan, shaping us as...

Upcoming masterclass: vocationvision.com -- How do we balance all our roles without feeling overwhelmed? In this episode, Kaitie Neely shares how defining and prioritizing her vocations has brought clarity and peace to her daily life. From homeschooling and homemaking to starting a new business, Kaitie discusses practical ways to manage responsibilities, stay organized, and avoid distraction.

Kaitie is a sleep consultant who will help you figure out a sleep training routine that works with your family and baby: https://www.kaitieneelysleepconsulting.com

➡️ Learn how to set priorities, create a simple planning syst...

Simplifying Meal Planning with a Realistic Pantry Strategy
🔗 eCourse: https://simplyconvivialshop.com/simplifiedpantry/
🔗 Free Templates: https://simplyconvivial.com/pantry/
Wishful thinking grocery shopping leads to wasted food, cluttered pantries, and unnecessary stress. In this episode, Katie shares how Simplified Pantry helped her shift from idealistic meal plans to realistic, nourishing meals her family actually eats. She talks about repentance in homemaking, the importance of humility, honesty, and diligence, and how embracing simplicity has made meal prep easier and more sustainable.

✅ Learn how to build a master pantry list that works for your family
✅ Cut down o...

Free master pantry resources: https://simplyconvivial.com/pantry
Pantry cooking is more than just stocking up on staples—it’s about creating a system that works for your family’s real-life needs. In this episode, Mystie shares her experience with decluttering, organizing, and iterating her pantry over the years. She explains how simplifying your food choices, working with your actual habits, and planning with intention can save time, reduce stress, and prevent waste.

Blog post: https://www.simplyconvivial.com/blog/pantry-cooking/
Simplified Pantry Course: https://simplyconvivialshop.com/simplifiedpantry

➡️ Learn how to build a master pan...

Feeding a family well can feel overwhelming, but it doesn’t have to be complicated. In this episode, Chandice shares how to simplify nutrition with a biblical, creation-based approach to eating. She discusses practical ways to choose whole, nourishing foods, balance blood sugar, and create family-friendly meals on a budget. Learn how meal formulas, batch cooking, and smart grocery shopping can bring order and simplicity to your kitchen.

➡️ Watch now for simple, sustainable ways to nourish your family with confidence!

Find Chandis' video series here: closetonature.health
Use coupon SIMPLIFIED for 20% off the full series...

Free meal planning templates: https://simplyconvivial.com/pantry
Feeding a large family while balancing homeschooling, projects, and a budget can feel overwhelming. Do you spend all day cooking or opt for convenience and spend more money? There’s a better way! In this video, we’re talking about simple meal planning strategies that save time, reduce stress, and keep your family well-fed—without breaking the bank.

Find Jessica here: https://goodcheapeats.com/
Access her free resource library: https://goodcheapeats.com/subscribe/

Learn how to:
✅ Reduce decision fatigue with a meal plan template
✅ Mas...

Jessica Fisher, cookbook author and food writer at Good Cheap Eats, shares practical and creative ways to cut grocery costs while still enjoying quality meals. From shopping your pantry to building relationships with your local butcher, Jessica offers real-world strategies to make your grocery budget stretch further—without sacrificing flavor or nutrition.

Find Jessica here: https://goodcheapeats.com/
Access her free resource library: https://goodcheapeats.com/subscribe/

➡️ Discover simple ways to save money on groceries while still serving meals your family loves!

Mystie Winckler encourages moms to organize their attitudes and get tr...

February Decluttering Challenge: convivialcircle.com - Feeling overwhelmed by clutter? Homeschool books, the dining table, kids' rooms, or that "junk drawer" guest room—wherever the mess piles up, this workshop will help you declutter practically.

Practical decluttering isn’t about achieving a Pinterest-perfect home. It’s about making your home more effective—so you can find what you need, use what you have, and live fruitfully without constant stress.

In this workshop, we’ll tackle:
✅ The real purpose of decluttering (hint: it’s not perfection)
✅ Why certain spaces—like dining tables—should be your focus
✅ Thre...

Free course module: https://simplyconvivial.com/story - Rachael Younger shares her journey of learning to trust God through the challenges of being sidelined by tendinitis. In this heartfelt conversation, she opens up about confronting pride, embracing humility, and finding grace in a season of unexpected limitations. Listen as Rachael and Mystie discuss how God uses trials to refine us, redirect our focus, and teach us to rest in His sovereignty.

➡️ Join the conversation and discover how to grow in faith, gratitude, and perseverance during life’s toughest moments.

Life rarely unfolds the way we plan...

Register for the FREE declutter workshop: https://simplyconvivial.com/decluttering
Decluttering can feel overwhelming, but understanding the concept of traction can make all the difference. In this video, I’ll share practical tips and strategies we discussed during our annual Declutter Challenge to help you build momentum in your decluttering journey.

Discover what decluttering truly means, why it’s an ongoing habit, and how small, consistent steps can lead to lasting progress. Learn how to give every item a home, embrace the rhythm of tidying, and tackle clutter one layer at a time using the "onion appr...

In the second half of Mystie Winckler’s interview with Tilly Dillehay, they explore how our homes can become spiritual outposts and places of transformation. Tilly shares her testimony of how hospitality and the atmosphere of a godly home led to her own conversion, emphasizing the eternal significance of our homemaking efforts.

They also discuss practical topics like the power of gratitude, the necessity of confession, and how cultivating small, daily habits can make your home a place of spiritual refuge. Discover how your faithfulness in the ordinary can have extraordinary, eternal impact.

Topics Covered:

Free Organize Your Attitude Module: https://simplyconvivial.com/story - The "new year, same you" message might sound discouraging at first, but it's actually the hope-filled truth we need. Starting fresh doesn’t mean striving for perfection or chasing an unrealistic ideal. Instead, it means embracing the growth God has for us while anchoring ourselves in the reality of who we are—people in constant need of grace.

In this video, I reflect on the temptation to use guilt or perfectionism as motivation for change and why that approach never works. Real growth comes from repenting, rejoicing, and...

In this episode of the Simplified Organization podcast, Mystie Winckler sits down with author Tilly Dillehay to discuss her latest book, My Dear Hemlock. Inspired by C.S. Lewis’s The Screwtape Letters, Tilly’s book explores women’s unique temptations through the lens of fictionalized letters between tempters.

Get Tilly's latest book: https://canonpress.com/products/my-dear-hemlock

Together, they dive into the inspiration behind the project, the creative process of turning nonfiction insights into compelling fiction, and how the demon’s perspective reveals hidden struggles we all face. Learn how storytelling can help us see our...

Take my course The Art of Homeschooling: https://shop.simplyconvivial.com/art-of-homeschooling/
Are you navigating the challenges of homeschooling during the middle school years? In this episode, we dive deep into the transformative period of adolescence—those years between 11 and 13 that can feel like a whirlwind of emotions, growth, and shifting dynamics.

Homeschooling isn’t just about academics; it’s about shepherding your children through critical developmental phases. From the early days of homeschooling toddlers and enjoying the rhythm of elementary years to the distinct challenges of guiding pre-teens and teens, this talk unpacks how to adjust...

Take my course The Art of Homeschooling: https://shop.simplyconvivial.com/art-of-homeschooling/
Are you navigating the challenges of homeschooling during the middle school years? In this episode, we dive deep into the transformative period of adolescence—those years between 11 and 13 that can feel like a whirlwind of emotions, growth, and shifting dynamics.

Homeschooling isn’t just about academics; it’s about shepherding your children through critical developmental phases. From the early days of homeschooling toddlers and enjoying the rhythm of elementary years to the distinct challenges of guiding pre-teens and teens, this talk unpacks how to adjust...

Is “housewife” a word worth reclaiming? Become a better housewife: https://convivialcircle.com

 In this thought-provoking discussion, we explore the history of homemaking, the role of marriage as a shared mission, and the value of the productive Christian household. From the industrial revolution to today, the meaning of homemaking has shifted—but its God-given purpose remains clear.

Discover how embracing your role as a housewife or homemaker can bring joy, purpose, and gospel witness into your home. With practical advice and encouragement rooted in Scripture, this video challenges modern assumptions and offers a fresh perspective on what...

Discover how the principle of iteration can bring clarity and flexibility to homemaking, hospitality, and family routines in this episode of the Simplified Organization Podcast. Mairin, a homeschool mom of seven, shares her journey from military life to building a rooted family culture and how she’s learned to adapt and thrive in the midst of change.

This conversation offers practical tips for implementing a weekly review, simplifying meal prep, preparing for hospitality, and balancing the demands of a busy household. Mairin's advice highlights the importance of flexibility, reliance on the Lord, and involving the whole family in...

Rachel Alaia, a member of the Convivial Circle, shares her heart for gospel-centered hospitality. As a bilingual, newly born-again Christian, Rachel lives with her family on a big ranch in the coastal mountains of Mexico, where she's restoring a classic hacienda and embracing her calling to serve her family and community.

Join us as we discuss:
🌟 Redefining hospitality: Moving beyond perfectionism to glorify God.
🌟 The power of small, faithful steps in homemaking and ministry.
🌟 Trusting God’s provision in the midst of daily life and challenges.

Rachel’s story is a beautiful testimony of...

Are you tempted to think you can get everything organized in just a week? Especially between Christmas and New Year’s? Join Community Coaching: https://shop.simplyconvivial.com/socc

Let’s talk about why real progress takes longer—and why that’s okay.

In this episode, I share insights from Simplified Organization Community Coaching and how the process of organizing your home and life isn’t about flipping a switch. It’s a journey that requires consistent steps, adjusting your habits, and embracing the reality that life keeps changing.

You’ll also hear inspiring stor...

Amie shares her inspiring journey from being a daydream planner stuck in perfectionism to becoming a doer who embraces progress over perfection. Join us for Community Coaching: https://shop.simplyconvivial.com/socc

In this episode, Mystie Winckler sits down with Amie Garner, a wife, homeschool mom of 5, and long-time member of Convivial Circle. Amie shares her inspiring journey from being a daydream planner stuck in perfectionism to becoming a doer who embraces progress over perfection.

Together, they discuss:
✅ How perfectionism holds us back (and how to overcome it).
✅ The power of interval planning to c...

Life and faith require growth and change. Embrace sanctification, trust God’s grace, and rejoice in His work in you through every stage of life. Join us for Community Coaching: https://shop.simplyconvivial.com/socc

In this episode, we dive into the beauty and challenge of change. Whether it’s personal growth, spiritual sanctification, or the shifting dynamics of family life, change is a part of God’s design. Learn how to notice progress, embrace growth with gratitude, and trust God’s grace through every stage of life.

✨ Key Topics Discussed:

Why change is essenti...

Rachel Bozarth highlights the power of the weekly review for busy moms. Join Community Coaching: https://shop.simplyconvivial.com/socc

A weekly review prevents things from falling through the cracks, enables realistic planning, and builds margin for priorities. Start small by reviewing your calendar, listing weekly priorities, and practicing consistently.

Mystie Winckler encourages moms to organize their attitudes and get traction at home so we are no longer overwhelmed or frustrated with homemaking. We are a community of Christian women striving to be competent, cheerful homemakers so we are fruitful, faithful, and hospitable. Subscribe for...