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Kristen's Simple LifeI'm Back!Hey friends, it’s Kristen Mary, and I’m back! So much has happened, and I’m excited to dive into fresh insights, real conversations, and all things faith, purpose, and simple living.Follow me on Instagram @KristenSimpleLifeSubscribe to my YouTube channel, Kristen Mary Brand, for videos that inspire, uplift, and challenge you to grow.You won’t want to miss what’s coming. I’m back, and I’m ready. Let’s do this!2025-05-0402 minKristen's Simple LifeRe-Think Your January GoalsIn this episode, Kristen discusses rethinking how you set your January goals. She emphasizes that not all goals must be accomplished at once and encourages focusing on progress throughout the calendar year. Kristen also highlights the importance of acknowledging that life can alter our plans and reminds us to give ourselves grace along the way.
2025-01-2430 minKristen's Simple LifeQuick Segments w/Kristen & FriendsIn this episode, sit back and enjoy conversations between Kristen and her friends about friendships, relationships, and parenting.2023-06-061h 27
Breast Cancer StoriesDay 526: The Last Night Before The Last Surgery [Kristen Vengler]On the eve of the final reconstructive surgery, which coincides with the 1-year anniversary of her mastectomy, Kristen reflects on how far she’s come and how many things are different from what she expected. Finally relenting to the damage in her feet, she applies for a handicapped placard and shares her relief over no longer having to schlep across enormous parking lots while protecting her chemo toe and tolerating persistent pain in her feet. While looking forward to the final surgery and excited about the aesthetic part of the surgery, there’s a lingering sadness over how far she stil...2022-07-0827 minBreast Cancer StoriesDay 463: Porn Star Sized Breast Implants Were Never On My Bucket List [Kristen Vengler]Six weeks after the (evil) expanders are out and new 700cc “porn-star-sized” breast implants are in, Kristen shares what it feels like to be on the other side of the painfully long process of stretching her skin to make room for the permanent replacements. After falling into the bushes while climbing the path to her beloved apartment near the beach, she faces the harsh realization that her body is not going to be back to “normal” anytime soon. Because hormone blockers cause brittle bones, Kristen can’t risk even the slightest injury and the challenges with the uphill driveway and steep step...2022-06-2318 minBreast Cancer StoriesDay 422: The Weight is Off My Chest [Kristen Vengler]It’s the day after Kristen’s surgery to replace her expanders with permanent breast implants, and she’s already feeling much better. For the last 33 weeks, Kristen lived with a constant 2-4 pain level from the uncomfortable and awkward expanders. Today her chest looks normal again, even if it will never feel the same. Kristen trusted her plastic surgeon Dr. Sal Pacella to choose the size and shape of implant that looked best in her body, and was amused to find out that she is the proud owner of Mentor 700cc high profile silicone gel implants, also known as “porn sta...2022-04-2822 minBreast Cancer StoriesDay 420: Goodbye Franken-Boobs [Kristen Vengler]It’s the night before Kristen’s implant exchange surgery. After 9 long months, the painful, lopsided tissue expanders will be replaced with silicone gel breast implants and her constant pain will come to an end. At her pre-op appointment with Dr. Pacella, Kristen imagines choosing the new boobs will be like walking into a candy store and exploring an array of breast implants. Adding to the already full plate of post-chemo and post-radiation health issues, a series of surprisingly bad effects from the Zometa infusion leave her wondering what’s temporary and what’s regular living now? At an appointment with her...2022-04-2124 minBreast Cancer StoriesDay 403: What They Don’t Tell You About Hormone Blockers [Kristen Vengler]Nobody told Kristen just how horrible the side effects from the hormone blockers would be. The neuropathy in her feet causes her to walk like an old woman and she struggles with simple, everyday movement like standing up from the couch or walking up stairs. To combat calcium loss from the hormone blockers, Kristen has a Zometa infusion which causes severe and prolonged side effects, prompting Dr. Ali to order a CT and setting off a cascade of anxiety while wondering if the cancer has returned. But you know Kristen. She's not giving up without a fight.Other...2022-04-0834 minBreast Cancer StoriesDay 365: I'm Still Here [Kristen Vengler]Kristen returns to Austin during the holidays to help a friend recover from surgery, clear out the last of her old things from the storage unit, and close the door on 26 years of her life. A stinky side effect leads us to invent a new dance move, and in honor of the 1 year anniversary of Kristen’s diagnosis, we attempt a round of rapid fire questions which completely backfires thanks to “chemo brain.”LinksSupport the Breast Cancer Stories podcast https://www.paypal.com/paypalme/breastcancerstoriesMeet Kristen’s doctors: surgical oncologist Dr. Louis Rivera (https...2022-03-2428 minBreast Cancer StoriesDeconstructing Kristen’s Breast Reconstruction with Plastic Surgeon Dr. Salvatore Pacella (Part 2)In part 2 of our conversation with plastic surgeon Dr. Salvatore Pacella, we go behind the doors of the operating room to understand how the team functions and learn some surprising things about surgery. Looking back on Kristen’s extraordinary pain in the hours following surgery, we get real answers about how and why her pain was so extreme and what could have been done differently. Dr. Pacella walks us through what to expect during the exchange surgery and subsequent nipple reconstruction coming up soon.Learn more about Dr. Salvatore Pacella https://www.drpacella.com/ Follow Dr. Pacella on In...2022-03-1022 minBreast Cancer StoriesDeconstructing Kristen’s Breast Reconstruction with Plastic Surgeon Dr. Salvatore Pacella (Part 1)Kristen’s plastic surgeon Dr. Salvatore Pacella joins us to deconstruct her breast reconstruction and help us understand his strategy for the multi-stage approach in which the expanders are placed at the time of mastectomy and replaced with breast implants following radiation. We ask all the unanswered burning questions, including whether he can even recognize Kristen with her clothes on and how the recent consumer trend of moving fat to increase the size of one’s rear end has had a positive impact on reconstructive surgery. From the decisions made at the beginning of the process, to the ignorant things peop...2022-03-0327 minBreast Cancer StoriesDay 301: Another Day in the Valley [Kristen Vengler]Two months after radiation, Kristen’s chest isn’t looking like such a hot mess anymore. But in mental health terms, we’re in the valley now and nobody knows how deep or wide that valley will be. Kristen learns the hard way what happens if she misses a dose or two of her hormone blockers, and explains what her physical therapist is doing to prevent lymphedema. We wonder about past decisions like using birth control pills and estradiol patches and theorize about whether some dumb lifestyle choices combined with the traumatic events of 3-4 years ago caused her breast cancer...2022-02-1722 minBreast Cancer StoriesDay 248: Nothing Will Ever Be The Same Again [Kristen Vengler]Despite increasing pain and burns from the most recent round of radiation, Kristen manages to keep up with work and spend time with a friend at the beach. With only five days left until the end of radiation and “no evidence of disease,” surely there’s a celebration in store? On one hand, yes, and maybe even a silly Halloween costume in the works. On the other hand, one does not just bounce back after breast cancer and Kristen is surprised to find that she’s never going back to who she was before. We confront the hardest question yet… how do you...2022-01-2828 minKristen's Simple LifeThe wind causes the trees to speak. Season FinaleIn this season finale episode, Kristen gives a message of encouragement. We know nature is a powerful force that teaches us so many of God’s principles. Today, is no different. Kristen will discuss how the wind causes the trees and other elements to warn us of things to come. Yet, we should stay rooted in God, and trust in his word. Listen and return in March for season 6.2022-01-2420 minBreast Cancer StoriesDay 198: Why I Decided to Have Radiation [Kristen Vengler]Weary and desperate for a break in the relentlessness of breast cancer treatment, Kristen makes the decision whether or not to proceed with radiation. While the medical team followed a tight protocol during chemo and surgery, suddenly now to receive advice, statistics, or data she has to ask the right person and the right questions to inform her next steps. Kristen describes the first radiation appointment, which is not a treatment but a team of “nerds” including a physicist who painstakingly measure and permanently mark her body with tiny dot tattoos. Like the laser dance scene from Oceans Twelve, the tatt...2022-01-1338 minBreast Cancer StoriesDay 176: This Is Not The Outcome We Wanted [Kristen Vengler]Kristen goes into the operating room hopeful that this milestone is the end of her cancer, but wakes up ten hours later realizing the number of drains in her chest means the worst possible outcome. The next morning she learns that 11 lymph nodes were removed for testing, which means it’s probably not over and she went through chemo for nothing. Communication missteps, pain control issues, and brain fog added to the challenges of the hospital stay. While recovering and waiting two long weeks for those biopsy results, Kristen theorizes about what may have caused her cancer and discovers the br...2021-12-3032 minBreast Cancer StoriesDay 160: What Snacks Do You Bring to a Double Mastectomy? [Kristen Vengler]How do you prepare to have a part of your body removed forever? What snacks do you bring to a double mastectomy? For Kristen, the list starts with a good pillowcase, her Anna Ono robe, her softest Kyte Baby jammies, slippers, her YETI cup, and shirts with places for drains. As her surgery date approaches, it’s not the loss of her breasts that makes her fall apart sobbing, it’s imagining herself unable to pick up the baby she nannies for the next 2 months.Now enjoy a haiku in memoriam of Kristen’s original boobs:Kristen battle...2021-12-1617 minKristen's Simple LifeEncouragement from Kristen’s backyardIn this special episode, Kristen will give you a word of encouragement based on something that will seem so insignificant that happened in her backyard.2021-12-1321 minBreast Cancer StoriesDay 151: How I Got Mentally Ready For A Double Mastectomy [Kristen Vengler]Kristen readies herself for the impending double mastectomy and reflects on her original thought process in which the bad old boobs are swapped for good new boobs and that’s the end. While watching Nightbirde, a young, single woman with cancer on America’s Got Talent, she realizes that the absence of people or material things cannot control her happiness.Subscribe to our newsletter here: https://breastcancerstories.substack.com/subscribeWatch Nightbirde on America’s Got Talent (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CZJvBfoHDk0)Meet Kristen’s doctors: surgical oncologist Dr. Louis Rivera (https://www.scri...2021-12-0213 minBreast Cancer StoriesDay 131: I Regret Not Noticing This Sooner [Kristen Vengler]Kristen is exhausted and ready to be done with chemo. When Scripps' entire computer system goes down from a ransomware attack, her appointments come to a screeching halt. A chemotherapy session is delayed by a day, but the frustration is short-lived as she realizes her brother can be there to see her ring the bell. Chemotherapy comes to an end, and Kristen’s attention shifts toward the looming double mastectomy and reconstruction. As she moves out of her beloved beach house while desperately ill, a friend comes to the rescue to help organize and finish the awkward transition. Even in th...2021-11-1221 minBreast Cancer StoriesDay 77: Did the Tumor Shrink? [Kristen Vengler]After 11 long weeks of chemotherapy we’re at the clinic to see Dr. Ali, the oncologist. Kristen is hopeful because she can see her tumor and it appears on the surface like it’s getting smaller. But the only true measure of whether the tumor has grown is the MRI, and Dr. Ali delivers the news. Kristen can’t shake the question of why shrinking the tumor even matters if it’s going to be removed with surgery in a few weeks. She forces herself into a different mindset about treatment. In this episode, we go with Kristen to the actual a...2021-11-0518 minBreast Cancer StoriesDay 60: Strange Chemo Side Effects That Nobody Tells You About [Kristen Vengler]Kristen adjusts to Taxol, the drug used in the second phase of chemotherapy, which brings bizarre side effects requiring special booties and mittens to prevent permanent nerve damage in her hands and feet. Her beachfront living arrangement is upended, and while moving is stressful, her home is replaced with an even better beachfront home through the generosity of a friend. Being single, having cancer, and wondering if you’re going to die alone is scary. As the days go by, it becomes clear who’s really in her corner for the long haul.Subscribe to our newsletter here: http...2021-10-2818 minKristen's Simple LifeSo we got a Guinea fowl!In today’s episode, Kristen talks about the New Guinea fowl she just got, her losing her voice again, and a replay of last year’s Halloween episode: crows, witchcraft, and the fall of Saul.2021-10-251h 13Breast Cancer StoriesDay 28: This Might Be What Kills Me [Kristen Vengler]4 weeks after starting chemo, the “new normal” is here. Kristen describes what it feels like to have no hair and as the physical effects of chemo present new challenges, she realizes that breast cancer could be what ends her life. Kristen’s ongoing determination to quickly learn as much as she can about her situation leads to weird facts about real hair vs. nylon wigs and practical information for navigating nonprofits to qualify for financial support. Ever the Pollyanna, she remains hell bent on approaching each day with positivity and courage as the chemo wears her body down.Subscr...2021-10-2120 minKristen's Simple LifeThe praying mantis is as strong as SamsonIn this episode, Kristen compares the viciousness and strength of the praying mantis to the character of Samson in the Bible.2021-10-1828 minKristen's Simple LifeThe Juro spider, like Abram, traveled to a foreign landIn this episode, Kristen talks about the Juro spider who traveled to the U.S. from China, and so, Abram had to leave his country too.2021-10-1123 minBreast Cancer StoriesDay 13: Why I Cut All My Hair Off 3 Days Before it Fell Out [Kristen Vengler]At the end of the day following Kristen’s 2nd chemo treatment, she recalls her dream the previous night and describes how her hair hurts. Between the first and second chemo treatments, several surprise infections appeared along with disappointment over how quickly her formerly iron-clad immune system failed. While adjusting to all these strange happenings within her body, she decides to cut her hair before it has a chance to fall out, resulting in the comical realization that with short hair she looks like her son and a surprise boost of self-confidence. When a deeply meaningful gift from a dear fr...2021-10-0832 minKristen's Simple LifeThe Great Black Wasp and half a babyIn today’s episode, Kristen talks about the Great Black Wasp and it’s close relative the Tarantula Hawk Wasp and how their behaviors relate to the women who argued in front of King Solomon over the dead baby.2021-10-0432 minBreast Cancer StoriesDay 1: How My Doctor Missed My Breast Cancer Symptoms [Kristen Vengler]When Kristen noticed her right nipple felt different, her first thought was "what the F is this?" Her second thought was that her life was about to change. So she did what everyone does in this situation... she jumped out of the shower, went to Google, and diagnosed herself with a rare form of breast cancer called Paget’s Disease.But Google’s never right about these things, so a few days later when the radiologist suggested a biopsy for Paget’s, shit got real. Overnight, life became a tightly-woven schedule of appointments wedged between work: a biopsy, an MRI...2021-09-3037 minKristen's Simple LifeNature, Space, Dinosaurs & a NerdIn this episode, Kristen talks about her personal life growing up with the love of nature, space, and dinosaurs and how it shaped her into the nerd she is today.2021-09-2733 minKristen's Simple LifeA mystery animal reminds me of faithIn this episode, Kristen talks about an animal in her yard that she has not been able to identify who has been tearing up her pillow cushions. Then she applies that mystery, to the mystery of our faith in God2021-09-2310 minKristen's Simple LifeReplay: Dogs have faith tooAs Kristen takes a week off, you will get to listen to a replay of dogs have faith too. In this episode, Kristen talks about the measure of faith that dogs have and compares that to our faith.2021-09-1338 minKristen's Simple LifeLife, death, and life after deathIn this episode, Kristen talks about the importance of how we live our life, and what happens after we die.2021-09-0634 minKristen's Simple LifeNo one talks about the Roly-Poly, Shiphrah or Puah.In this episode, Kristen talks about the lovable Roly-Poly and two characters in the Bible that no one talks about.2021-08-3048 minKristen's Simple LifeDragonflies have attachments like JesusIn this episode, Kristen talks about mites that attach themselves to dragonflies. Then she compares that attachment to the way Satan tempted Jesus during his 40-day fast.2021-08-2341 minKristen's Simple LifeIs being saved, being religious?In this episode, Kristen talks about animals in their habitats and ecosystems. She then shifts to the harsh reality of how unbelievers feel about Christianity.2021-08-161h 01Kristen's Simple LifeThe bald-faced hornet is tough like Jael.In this episode, Kristen talks about getting stung by a bald-face hornet and compares the hornets aggression to the strength of a woman.2021-08-0939 minKristen's Simple LifeReplay-Secrets of the heartIn this episode, Kristen takes a week off, but leaves you with one of the most played podcast episode—Secrets of the heart.2021-08-0224 minKristen's Simple LifeA moth that causes irritation and an irritated JonahIn this episode, Kristen talks about the American dagger caterpillar moth and how it’s skin is similar to Jonah’s attitude in the Bible.2021-07-2636 minKristen's Simple LifeCicadas, Demons & Pigs (replay)In this episode, Kristen reflects on the emergence of the periodical cicadas and replays an episode done on cicadas, demons and pigs from September of last year.2021-07-1931 minKristen's Simple LifeThe big-eyed click beetle is a pretender like Jeroboam’s wifeIn this episode, Kristen talks about the big-eyed click beetle and how it pretends to be something it is not. She then compares that same idea to the behavior of Jeroboam in the Bible.2021-07-1229 minKristen's Simple LifeThe assassin bug is as dangerous as the judge, Ehud.In this episode, Kristen will explain how the assassin bug is a lot like the appointed judge, Ehud who rescued the Israelites from Mohab.2021-07-0525 minKristen's Simple LifeThe Eastern Towhee submits to his mate & so should weIn this episode, Kristen compares the characteristics of the eastern towhee to how husbands should live their wives.2021-06-2822 minKristen's Simple LifeThe Bluejay mimics, and Elisha cursesIn this episode, Kristen talks about the Bluejay and how it mimics the hawk. Then she explains how Elisha mimics the power of Elijah.2021-06-2128 minKristen's Simple LifeOpossum’s can be still and know that God is God.In this episode, Kristen talks about the things we may not know about possums, and applies them to Scripture.2021-06-1429 minKristen's Simple LifePeriodical cicadas are connected to the true vineIn this episode, Kristen talk about periodical cicadas which are starting to emerge after being underground for 17 years. Later, she applies the life cycle of the cicadas to biblical principles.2021-06-0730 minKristen's Simple LifeCats hanging out at the gate called Beautiful.In this episode, Kristen talks about community, feral, a stray cats that hang around people’s property looking for food to survive. Then she compares their behavior to the man at the gate called Beautiful in the Bible.2021-05-3136 minKristen's Simple LifeThe rabbit, like Peter can be abased and aboundIn today’s episode, Kristen ties in the words of Paul through the lens of a rabbit.2021-05-2444 minKristen's Simple LifeLike horses, we need bits in our mouthIn today’s episode, Kristen talks about why the horse rider needs a bit in the horses mouth to control him, and how we as Christians can apply that same principle in our lives to control our mouth.2021-05-1739 minKristen's Simple LifeA loose goat in need of a ShepherdIn this episode, Kristen talks about a goat running down the street in her neighborhood. She compares the behavior of a goat to a sheep, and how they both need a Shepherd to look after them.2021-05-1038 minKristen's Simple LifeCannonball Jellyfish with Jurnee TaylorIn this episode, Kristen features a special guest who will discuss her experience on the beach with a dead cannonball jellyfish.2021-05-0713 minKristen's Simple LifeUnderstanding natural and spiritual seasonsIn this episode, Kristen talks about the four natural seasons: winter, spring, summer and fall. Then she compares those seasons to the seasons we experience in our spiritual life. Enjoy and share this podcast with others.2021-05-0340 minKristen's Simple LifeSlugs live long like MethuselahIn today’s episode, Kristen talks about the unique lifespan of a slug and its generation versus the patience of God during the time of Methuselah.2021-04-2622 minKristen's Simple LifePollutionIn today’s episode, Kristen talks about natural pollution and what the Bible says about pollution. Stay tuned.2021-04-1936 minKristen's Simple LifeA mighty rushing windIn today’s episode, Kristen talks about the importance of wind in the Bible and in our lives.2021-04-0521 minKristen's Simple LifeFireIn this episode, Kristen talks about the natural element, fire. She compares the element of fire to the many different meanings of fire in biblical stories.2021-03-2928 minKristen's Simple LifeTornadoes, a war, and ElijahIn this episode, Kristen talks about the dangers of tornadoes, The war in Washington (1812), and the mantle that Elijah passed on to Elijah.2021-03-2251 minKristen's Simple LifeRainIn this episode, Kristen talks about the significance of rain in every area of our lives.2021-03-1530 minKristen's Simple LifeCreationIn this episode, Kristen talks about all of the things in creation that came before man and its importance.2021-03-0839 minKristen's Simple LifeA bird nest, a sycamore tree, and ZacchaeusIn this episode, Kristen talks about several large bird nest in multiple trees in her yard. She also discusses the significance of the sycamore tree and how Zacchaeus used it to see Jesus.2021-03-0138 minKristen's Simple LifeUnlike the deer, Eutychus was not very smart. Special guess, Nicholas BassIn today’s episode, Kristen brings on her husband, Nicholas Bass to discuss the white-tailed deer’s characteristics being somewhat similar to Eutychus in the Bible who did not have common sense.2021-02-2235 minKristen's Simple LifeLike Jacob, coyotes are impostersIn today’s episode, Kristen will discuss how coyotes are mistaken as another animal in the wild. And just like the coyote, Jacob was mistaken to be someone he was not.2021-02-1548 minKristen's Simple LifeFalse teachers are no more worth than foxesIn this also, Kristen switches things up a bit. She talks about judgement on false speakers and also how we should be careful not to make judgement. Then she compares the false teachers to foxes in desolate cities.2021-02-0839 minKristen's Simple LifeMy leopard gecko has a connection to the good SamaritanIn this episode, Kristen shared her experience with their leopard gecko, and how he is as nice as the Good Samaritan.2021-02-0139 minKristen's Simple LifeThe turkey vulture feeds on disobedienceIn this episode, Kristen finishes up the bird series by ending it with the turkey vulture and how it’s personality relates to what happens when we are disobedient to God.2021-01-2557 minKristen's Simple LifeThe love of the American Robin, Naomi, Ruth and Boaz.In today’s episode, Kristen describes the love the American Robin has for its own flock, and compares it to the love between Naomi and Ruth, and then Ruth and Boaz.2021-01-1843 minKristen's Simple LifeThe vibrant cardinal & the wisdom of King SolomonIn this episode, Kristen talks about the vibrant cardinal and it’s characteristics that could be compared to the wisdom of King Solomon.2021-01-1142 minKristen's Simple LifeThe woodpecker and the aggression towards JosephThe book of Genesis chapter 37 through 45 tells the story of Joseph and his brothers. The story is full of aggression, jealousy, pride, and unforgiveness. Kristen talks about the woodpecker’s aggression towards other birds and compares the two concepts.2021-01-0432 minKristen's Simple LifeThe Mockingbird is unlike GodThe mockingbird mimics the songs and sounds of other birds, insects and amphibians. But God, on the other hand, is not a God that is mocked. In this episode, Kristen will break down how this concept works.2020-12-2831 minKristen's Simple LifeDogs have faith tooIn this episode, Kristen talks about the persistence and patience dogs have when it comes to wanting and waiting on food from their master. She applies this to the story in the Bible of the woman whose daughter was possessed with a demon and Jesus healed her daughter because of her faith.2020-12-2137 minKristen's Simple LifeThe camel cricket & the deaf manIn this episode, Kristen talks about the strange-looking camel cricket and how its traits are similar to the deaf man in the Bible. Jesus took the time to command the man to see and speak clearly. Ephphatha! Be open.2020-12-1421 minKristen's Simple LifeLord of the fliesIn today’s episode, Kristen talks about the house fly and how it is not only a nuisance, but it carries fungi, bacteria and diseases. With that in mind, she explains how bad it was when Pharaoh’s house was infested.2020-12-0736 minKristen's Simple LifeThe leaf-footed bug and stinking LazarusIn this episode of Season 3:1; Kristen talks about the leaf-footed bug who is in the stink bug family, and compares it to Lazarus stinking in his grave for four days.2020-11-3036 minKristen's Simple LifeHappy Thanksgiving!As season 2 ends and season 3 begins, we approach Thanksgiving day with COVID-19. In this episode, Kristen talks about turkeys and being thankful in spite of our current circumstances.2020-11-2321 minKristen's Simple LifeThe great horned owl, Peter & Judas Iscariot’s betrayal of JesusIn this season finale of Encouragement from Kristen’s backyard, she warns against betraying Jesus during these crazy times that we are living in. Stay tuned for season 3 coming right up next week!2020-11-1643 minKristen's Simple LifeAn uprooted tree and a uprooted peopleIn today’s episode, Kristen records indoors as she physically recovers from rebuilding areas of the yard affected by hurricane Zeta. Kristen talks about a uprooted white oak tree and compares that to Christians who have uprooted themselves from their faith and do not produce good fruit.2020-11-0931 minKristen's Simple LifeCrows, witchcraft & the fall of SaulIn today’s special episode, Kristen talks about the spirit of the crow, witchcraft, and the fall of Saul in the Bible.2020-10-3153 minKristen's Simple LifeThe beautiful Luna moth & idolsIn today’s episode, Kristen talks about the beautiful lime green Luna moth and how the meaning behind the Luna moth can be compared to idol worship in the Bible.2020-10-1928 minKristen's Simple LifeBugs and men; they are not going anywhere.In today’s episode, Kristen talks about the importance of bugs to our ecosystem, and compares that to the importance of men to our society.2020-10-1245 minKristen's Simple LifeJezebel and raccoonsIn today’s episode, Kristen compares the personality of Jezebel to raccoons. Follow her on Instagram @encouragementfrommyhomestead.2020-10-0548 minKristen's Simple LifeCicada, Demons & PigsIn episode 4 of season 2, Kristen talks about a wasp that attacked a Cicada in her yard. She then compares it to the story of the man in the Bible that was plagued with demons and Jesus sent the demons into a herd of pigs.2020-09-2829 minKristen's Simple LifeMy Story: A failure with broken wings.In today’s episode, Kristen talks about her journey to get through college, how for years she felt like a failure with broken wings and life after graduation.2020-09-2152 minKristen's Simple LifeCamouflaging, lizards & AhabIn today’s episode Kristen will discuss the unique camouflaging abilities of lizards and compare that to the story of Ahab’s death.2020-09-211h 03Kristen's Simple LifeWelcome back, Season 2 beach episodeWelcome back to season 2 of Encouragement from Kristen’s backyard. Today, Kristen will share her experience at beach Tybee Island. Subscribe to this channel on Anchor or Spotify and follow her on Instagram @encouragementfrommyhomestead.2020-09-1406 minKristen's Simple LifePlagues, famine, and COVID-19Today’s episode is the season finale of Season 1. Kristen talks about the seven-year famine during the time of Pharaoh Joseph, and the many plagues to come along with COVID-19. Remember to subscribe so that you will get the next season, go back and re-listen to season one, and follow Kristen on Instagram @Kbsimplelife.2020-07-1239 minKristen's Simple LifeFirefly, walk in the light.In this episode, Kristen watches the fireflies glow in her backyard and discuss how our light should shine as bright as the firefly.2020-06-2623 minKristen's Simple LifeStand on watch, the hawk is coming!Kristen has experienced a lot of hawks in the area, even in her backyard. Because of this, it has been difficult allowing her flocks to free range. In today’s episode, Kristen will compare this situation to Ezekiel, the watchmen in the Bible.2020-06-1941 minKristen's Simple LifeMy daily routine/There is enmity between us.In today’s episode, Kristen will walk you through her daily routine on her homestead. Then, she will share how there is enmity between the snake and the woman. Lastly, she will teach you about the importance of confessions.2020-06-1248 minKristen's Simple LifeWho is in the house?In today’s episode, Kristen talks about the parasitic wasp’s relationship with the Cockroaches, causing them to become zombies. Then she ties that in with the story of the 10th plague; all boiling down to the question: whose in the house?2020-06-0831 minKristen's Simple LifeBreaking Limits in 2020! But wait, what does that really mean?Today Kristen will talk about the church slogan’s presented every year and how even during COVID-19, we can apply those yearly slogans to daily life.2020-06-0243 minKristen's Simple LifeA heroes journeyToday Kristen talks about the heroes journey and how it relates to Christian principals.2020-05-2628 minKristen's Simple LifeChipmunk in my house! Let me get my mind right.Today’s episode is about a chipmunk that came into Kristen‘s house. She will discuss the psychological process of how she dealt with this and how it relates to spiritual principles.2020-05-1419 minKristen's Simple LifeSparrow’s, House finches, and chickens oh my!In today’s episode, Kristen will talk about how the birds of the air (sometimes the Bible refers to them as sparrows) are taken care of, and because God loves you so much more, he will supply your every need.2020-05-0326 minKristen's Simple LifeThe things I have learned: Birthday/Earth day specialToday is Earth day, and Kristen‘s birthday. In this episode she talks about some of the things that she has learned over the years. Take a listen.2020-04-2229 minKristen's Simple LifeSpirit of the offenderIn this episode, Kristen comes upon a Southeastern 5-Lined Skink living in a crack in the siding of her house. Once she realizes she somehow offended this beautiful lizard, she compares it to how God not only wants us to not get caught up in the spirit of offense, but he also doesn’t want us to be the one offending. All scriptures today come out of the English standard version.2020-04-1329 minKristen's Simple LifeBugs are drawn to the light (Phototaxis)In this episode, Kristen dives deep into what types of bugs are drawn to the light versus bugs that run from the light and how that can be applied to every day life. (Disclosure: she is not referring to people as bugs, but merely trying to help them understand the analogy).2020-04-0720 minKristen's Simple LifeCovenant RainbowHave you ever thought about how you feel when you see a rainbow in the sky? Kristen talks about how God uses the rainbow to show us he still has a covenant and plan for our lives.2020-04-0222 minKristen's Simple LifeIn the boatToday Kristen talks about her crawl space flooding in her new home and how it reminded her of the story of Jesus in the boat asleep with the twelve disciples. Music is composed by Tafoya Kingzartt Sutton for Mozart Music Group LLC.2020-03-2723 minKristen's Simple LifeSecrets of the heartA Christian podcast that takes elements from nature and applies them to Christian principals. Today’s episode Kristen will talk about how a locust chewed through the leaves in her garden and compare that analogy to how holding certain secrets can eat away at the soul and prevent us from living the way God intended for us to live. Music is composed by Tafoya Kingzartt Sutton for Mozart Music Group LLC.2020-03-2420 minKristen's Simple LifeTil the groundThis is an intro episode to Encouragement from Kristen’s backyard. She discusses what she has discovered while planting flowers and how it relates to God’s instructions for taking care of our earth. The music on this podcast is composed by Tafoya Kingzartt Sutton for Mozart Music Group LLC.2020-03-2205 min