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#91: Come On Home — Building a Strong, Grace-Filled Family with Jessica Smartt

Season #2

 What does it really mean to build a strong family—not a perfect one, but one built on loyalty, love, and lasting connection? In this heartfelt conversation, Julie Ross sits down with author, homeschool mom, and family culture enthusiast Jessica Smartt to discuss her latest book, Come On Home: A Grace-Filled Guide to Raising a Family Who Loves (and Likes) Each Other.

Jessica opens up about her own journey as a mom of three, living on a multigenerational farm in North Carolina, and how her own childhood and faith inspired the values she now instills in her kids. Together, Julie and Jessica explore the messiness and magic of building a home where relationships flourish—even when life is loud, the dishes are stacked high, and technology threatens connection.

Key Takeaways:

  1. A Strong Family ≠ A Perfect Family
    A strong family is built not in the absence of conflict, but through grace, loyalty, and repair. Jessica shares how family strength often emerges from facing hard things together and choosing to stay connected through it all.

  2. Traditions, Time, and Togetherness Matter
    Simple family rituals—whether cinnamon rolls on Christmas or Smart Family Day adventures—form the foundation of belonging. Jessica reminds us that connection is found in the small, repeated moments that become cherished memories.

  3. Homeschooling as a Gift of Time and Relationship
    Jessica encourages parents not to fear the high school years, but to embrace them as a season of fruit. Homeschooling has allowed her to stay closely connected to her teens, who are balancing sports, work, and growing independence.

  4. You Can Be the First Link in the Chain
    If you didn’t grow up in a close or healthy family, you can start one. Jessica shares practical encouragement for parents longing for deep connection but lacking a generational example. God meets us in our gaps and gives grace for the work of legacy-building.

  5. Do the Next Right Thing
    Overwhelmed by the vision of a strong family? Start small. Whether it's cleaning the kitchen, planning a meal, or putting away your phone during car rides—simple, consistent steps rooted in love and prayer matter more than perfection.

 

Resources Mentioned:

Visit thefeastlife.me/blog/91 for additional resources and links

Website: https://jessicasmartt.com/ 

Instagram:  @jessica.smartt

Facebook: @SmarterEachDay 

Podcast: The Homeschool Solutions Show

Pre-order Bonus:
Pre-order Come On Home and get access to Jessica’s exclusive Q&A Zoom party. Come in your pajamas, bring your favorite drink, and connect with Jessica and other moms who are in the trenches of building strong, grace-filled homes. 

Just Getting Started? Get our FREE Charlotte Mason and You Workshop to see if this powerful approach can transform your homeschool. https://www.thefeastlife.me/opt-in

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Today’s episode is sponsored by the award winning Charlotte Mason curriculum A Gentle Feast. Get started with smooth and easy days at https://www.agentlefeast.com.