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The Smart Martha Podcast

The Smart Martha Podcast

By Tami Kiser

Smart Martha discusses the struggles we all have to be more like "Mary," spending time in prayer, being where God wants us to be, and yes, even selfcare by looking at the story of Mary and Martha in the Bible as well as other related Scriptures and Saints. And in every episode, she shares some fun "Martha" tips about housekeeping, cooking, cleaning, and organizing.
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5th Tool for Discernment / and the "5 Things Tidying Method"

The Smart Martha PodcastMar 04, 2024

00:00
15:02
5th Tool for Discernment / and the "5 Things Tidying Method"

5th Tool for Discernment / and the "5 Things Tidying Method"

Is just avoiding sin good enough for discerning what God has planned for you? And can we use our common sense in discerning?

These are discussed in this 5th Tool of discernment podcast along with a no-stress, cleaning up method.

Mar 04, 202415:02
4th Discernment Tool: A Straightforward Source // Those Annoying Storage Containers and their Missing Lids

4th Discernment Tool: A Straightforward Source // Those Annoying Storage Containers and their Missing Lids

We look at an obvious tool that we all should be using in our discerning. And hear what I believe is the best method of storing those storage containers--so as not to be looking for their lids all of the time.

Feb 12, 202414:47
3rd Discernment Tool: Using The Best Comparing Tool / How Can Bags Save You Today?

3rd Discernment Tool: Using The Best Comparing Tool / How Can Bags Save You Today?

We're covering our 3rd Discernment Tool today--Scripture, but not how you'd usually think of Discernment with Scripture--like opening up the Bible and picking a verse, rather using it to conform us.

Our Smart Martha tip deals with the use of bags. These have been game changers for me in helping me to feel and actually be "put together."

Jan 24, 202420:21
Discernment's 2nd Step / Credit Cards, Store Cards, and Gift Cards Organized?

Discernment's 2nd Step / Credit Cards, Store Cards, and Gift Cards Organized?

We continue our discernment series looking into what it means to "pray without ceasing" like St. Paul encourages us--keeping a continuous presence of Christ, or a least trying to. And is your wallet or purse jammed with cards that are never easily accessible?

Jan 17, 202425:31
Discernment's First Tool / Great Uses for the Magic Erase Sponge

Discernment's First Tool / Great Uses for the Magic Erase Sponge

We all need to discern to make sure we are "choosing the better part." So we are starting to dig more into discernment by studying some of Pope Francis's advice from his Wednesday audiences on discernment. And some tips on that modern marvel--the Magic Erase Sponge.

Nov 02, 202316:01
If Martha and Mary did an Ignatian Discernment / Last Radical Money Saving Breakfast Tip

If Martha and Mary did an Ignatian Discernment / Last Radical Money Saving Breakfast Tip

What is an Ignatian Discernment and what if Mary and Martha did one? And this is the last money saving tip--and it's a little radical--because we tried to do without this All-American diet staple.

Oct 25, 202318:33
Mary/Martha at Mass / How to make nutrious, economical, and convenient PANCAKES

Mary/Martha at Mass / How to make nutrious, economical, and convenient PANCAKES

Some thoughts on whether we are like Mary or Martha at Mass. Are we terribly distracted?

And I forgot an important appliance--an electric gridle. It makes grilled cheese and pancakes so much better than a pan on the stove. Pancakes have been a lifesaver for me, especially with how I make them--convenient, healthy, and cheap!

Sep 13, 202324:25
Silence for Knowing Ourselves / Money Saving Appliances

Silence for Knowing Ourselves / Money Saving Appliances

Silence is great for discerning God's will and "How to choose the better part." And that's because silence helps us to know ourselves. Do you struggle to keep silent? I do. This podcast is gives some more evidence to give silence a try. And in continuing our series on moneysavers, we look at some appliances that can save you money and time.

Sep 08, 202321:39
At Least. . . / Advice from the worst Budgeter

At Least. . . / Advice from the worst Budgeter

Sometimes the only way I can "Rejoice in the Lord always" is with the phrase, "At least. . . " I was on the edge of despair when I remembered this. And Smart Martha does not keep a very good budget, but at least (see what I did there?) she's got enough use of one to help save some money.

Aug 18, 202316:24
Pause. A very short reflection from Pope Francis // A series on Saving Money for Home Makers

Pause. A very short reflection from Pope Francis // A series on Saving Money for Home Makers

I read a very profound, yet short and sweet reflection on "pausing" from Pope Francis.  You'll love it.  Listen to it a couple of times.  And for the Smart Martha component, we start a series on saving money.  I talk today about what I believe is one of the best ways I've saved money as a busy mom.   

Feb 07, 202314:09
Silence and God's Will for You / Desperate Wardrobe Clean-out

Silence and God's Will for You / Desperate Wardrobe Clean-out

Mary was silent and listened to Jesus.  Do you ever sit in silence and listen to Jesus?  Does silence correspond with following God's will for you?  and our Martha tip has to do with a simple way to clean out your wardrobe.  

Jan 10, 202323:23
Unhurried // How About Experience Gifts?

Unhurried // How About Experience Gifts?

Do you live an unhurried life?  Jesus certainly did.  And we see that Mary was living an unhurried moment at Jesus's feet when Martha was hurrying about.  Our Smart Marth tip today is to consider gifting experiences.  

Dec 19, 202214:15
Would One Answered Prayer be All You Need? / Soup--The New Superfood

Would One Answered Prayer be All You Need? / Soup--The New Superfood

Have you ever thought all your problems would be solved if just. . . .   ?  Martha did.  We lose sight of the one thing necessary when we do this.  And also what's the easiest, cheapest, healthiest, and tastiest meal?  Why don't we make soup more often?

Dec 13, 202219:38
Living and Effective / Hold the Book

Living and Effective / Hold the Book

Can an entire podcast with multiple seasons and episodes be about just one section of the Bible?  How can that be?  There is just something about the word of God. . .  And for this week's Smart Martha tip, she suggests that one of the biggest influences of passing on the faith to your child can be something as simple as holding the book. 

Dec 05, 202211:19
A Necessary Tip First Today--How to Drink More Water / A Necessary Tip Second Today--What's Really Necessary

A Necessary Tip First Today--How to Drink More Water / A Necessary Tip Second Today--What's Really Necessary

We switch up the podcast a bit today by doing a Smart Martha tip first about how to drink more water.  Our "Mary" tip follows this by asking ourselves, what really is necessary?

Nov 28, 202216:00
Have You Tried this Prayer for Trusting? / Morning Dinner Plans?

Have You Tried this Prayer for Trusting? / Morning Dinner Plans?

The Litany of Trust by the Sisters of Life has been a real game changer for me.  Please take a moment and pray it with me.  If you've prayed this before, you know what  I mean.  If not, I'm glad for the chance to introduce it to you.

Smart Martha explains one easy tip that helps get dinner onto the table.


Nov 21, 202213:56
Patience Achieves Everything / A Smart Martha Mantra: OHIO

Patience Achieves Everything / A Smart Martha Mantra: OHIO

We know about the patience of Job, but did you know that Martha, yes Martha, also showed incredible patience as well.  

And Smart Martha explains one of her popular mantras: OHIO--Only Handle It Once  or "Don't put it down, put it away."  

Nov 14, 202211:57
How to Pray with Less Distractions / Corrals

How to Pray with Less Distractions / Corrals

Do you want to sit at Jesus' feet like Mary--undistracted?  Here are 5 simple tips that can help.  Also, Smart Martha shares how corrals can help make things look neat and tidy.  

Nov 07, 202222:46
Slowing Down that Busy, Anxious Life / Dinner Lifesavers: The Soup Edition

Slowing Down that Busy, Anxious Life / Dinner Lifesavers: The Soup Edition

Sure, we all love to be productive and get lots of stuff done, but being too busy often leads to a "not-choosing-the-better-part," anxious life that can miss what God has to give us.    Our Smart Martha tip today is suggesting having some "lifesaver dinners" in your bag so when you have moments of wanting to order fast food or serve Cheerios for dinner, you can pull these out.  She shares some lifesaver soups that can be made on the spot, with common ingredients, without recipes.  

Oct 31, 202228:43
What's Martha's First Problem? Comparing / Smart Martha's Morning Routine

What's Martha's First Problem? Comparing / Smart Martha's Morning Routine

Comparing ourselves to others leads to negative and anxious thoughts.

How do we stop comparing.  Smart Martha gives these 5 tips:

  1. Be intentional.  Make a resolution.  Look for this sin in your life.
  2. Practice gratitude.
  3. "Don't compare your inside to someone else's outside."  
  4. Limit Social Media
  5. Love others--means looking for the best and wanting the best in others. 

The Smart Martha tip today talks about how important a morning routine can be and Smart Martha shares hers. 

Oct 24, 202225:42
What's the Best Mary/Martha prayer? / Some very practical, doable ways to pray it.

What's the Best Mary/Martha prayer? / Some very practical, doable ways to pray it.

This prayer is genius!  Given to us from the Church so that us, Marthas, can try to be more like Mary in the one necessary thing--choosing to be with Jesus.  And for the practical Martha side of the podcast, the tips today are practical ways to pray it.  

And I need more listeners.  Please share this podcast with your friends.  Thanks. 

Oct 17, 202223:46
Martha's Journey (and Yours?) / Keep Clutter at Bay

Martha's Journey (and Yours?) / Keep Clutter at Bay

We look at the change in St. Martha from her other famous appearance in the Bible.  How is our journey going?  Are we changing as we spend time with Our Lord.  It's our last segment on clutter.  Here's 4 steps that help keep the clutter under control in your house. 

Oct 11, 202223:54
Jesus in my house? / Clutter Clean out Methods

Jesus in my house? / Clutter Clean out Methods

Why can't Smart Martha remember to look for Jesus?  She can, but it took a Martha moment to find him.  And let's decide to do a clutter clean out, whether big or small.  Here's some ways to make this task painless.  

Oct 03, 202225:18
Feeling Overwhelmed? / My New Clutter Situation and One Tip

Feeling Overwhelmed? / My New Clutter Situation and One Tip

Smart Martha talks about feeling overwhelmed and looks at St. Martha's example when she, too, felt overwhelmed.  And for the Martha tip, Smart Martha shares her current reason for overwhelm with clutter and gives one simple, practical tip to help daily with clutter control.  

Sep 26, 202215:30
To What Do You Turn? // Clutter Costs

To What Do You Turn? // Clutter Costs

Where or to what do you turn when you are bored, restless, anxious, and you know you are "lacking" something?  And Smart Martha starts a series on clutter.  We talk about the costs of clutter.   

Sep 19, 202217:58
Looking into the Eyes // The Necessary Practice of Shoe Removal

Looking into the Eyes // The Necessary Practice of Shoe Removal

Do you have trouble looking into the eyes of others?  Mary looked into Jesus's eyes; Martha did not.  And some of the whys and hows of taking off your shoes before coming inside.  

Sep 15, 202216:51
Remembering to Look for Jesus and not Worrying // And Glasses, Glasses Everywhere

Remembering to Look for Jesus and not Worrying // And Glasses, Glasses Everywhere

In this 2nd Podcast, Smart Martha reminds us about looking for Jesus--and to do that we need to be reminded.  Also how finding Jesus will help us not to worry.  The "hands of Martha" are finding ways to lessen the amount of glasses our family uses.

Sep 05, 202212:37
 Head, Heart, and Hands // The "Ten-minute Tidy"

Head, Heart, and Hands // The "Ten-minute Tidy"

Smart Martha talks a bit about how we need to balance our head, heart, and hands quoting from Pope Francis and St Teresa.  She also talks about how the "Ten Minute Tidy" is a lifesaver for busy homes.

Aug 29, 202209:60