Dreams, Dirt & Grace- Business, Homeschooling, Simple Living & Parenting Hacks for Moms

275- More Than a Feeling: Learning to Hear God in Your Decisions

Have you ever said “yes” to something just because it felt good? Same here. I used to make big life decisions based on that warm, peaceful feeling and call it confirmation. But over time, I learned that following God isn’t always about the feelings—it’s about faith, obedience, and listening for His voice in deeper ways.

In this episode, I share a personal story about how I almost said yes to an opportunity that looked perfect on paper—but instead, God took me on a journey of prayer, discernment, surrender, and clarity. I walk you through the steps I’ve learned to take when making big decisions—from praying alone to seeking wise counsel, waiting in stillness, and asking God to search my heart.

This one’s for you if you’re in a season of “should I or shouldn’t I?”, if the old ways of “feeling led” aren’t quite working anymore, or if you’re learning to trust God with your yes and your no.

 

If you want to learn how to embrace the Dirt on your journey, come join me over on Substack at kawailani.substack.com

274: Mama Systems That Actually Work (For Us)

Real-life rhythms, chore strategies, and sanity-saving systems from a homeschooling mama of 5.

 

Let’s be real—keeping a household running, homeschooling the kids, and keeping everyone fed (without losing your mind) requires more than just a good planner. In this episode, I’m opening up our real-life mama systems: the chore rhythms, life skills training, tech boundaries, and daily routines that have actually helped our family thrive—not just survive.

You’ll hear how we’ve:

• Taught our kids independence (yes, they can do laundry and cook!)
  
  
• Shifted from reward systems to responsibility mindsets
  
  
• Built chore routines that don’t cause daily arguments
  
  
• Managed electronics in a way that honors their growth and our peace
  
  
• Created rhythms that invite rest, structure, and more Jesus into our days
  
  

Whether you’re overwhelmed by dishes, drowning in socks, or just curious how another mama makes it work—this episode is here to encourage you with practical ideas (and a whole lot of grace).

🔁 Because what works for one family won’t work for all… but sometimes, hearing someone else’s “working messy” helps you find your own.

 

 

If you want to learn how to embrace the Dirt on your journey, come join me over on Substack at kawailani.substack.com

273: What We Learned Outside the Lesson Plan

Spoiler alert: Some of the best lessons don’t come from a textbook.
In this episode, we’re talking about the learning that happens off the page—in the dirt, in the backyard, in the chicken coop, on the trail, at the playground, and in all those beautifully unplanned moments that make homeschool feel alive.

From incubating quail eggs to building bike ramps, from visiting small local businesses to crafting DIY Halloween costumes, we discovered that “school” doesn’t always come from a workbook. Sometimes the most meaningful lessons happen when life interrupts the plan.

If you’ve ever felt guilty because you couldn’t stick to the schedule… or because your kids learn better in the wild than at the table… this episode will breathe fresh grace into your homeschool.

This is your permission slip to embrace the rabbit trails, the muddy boots, the spontaneous field trips, and the joyful chaos that actually counts as learning.

Grab your coffee (or your cold reheated one 😉) and let’s talk about all the magic happening outside the lesson plan.

 

 

If you want to learn how to embrace the Dirt on your journey, come join me over on Substack at kawailani.substack.com

272: This Curriculum Is Not the Boss of You

Feeling behind? Burnt out? Like the stack of curriculum you bought is staring you down with judgmental eyes?

Been there, mama. 🙋🏽‍♀️

In this episode of Dreams, Dirt & Grace, we’re talking about the moment when your beautiful, color-coded homeschool plan falls apart—and what to do next. I’m sharing real stories, honest struggles, and what I’ve learned about making curriculum serve us, not the other way around.

You’ll walk away with encouragement, practical mindset shifts, and a whole lot of grace for those "we're behind again!" days.

✨ Because curriculum is a tool—not your taskmaster. And you, mama, are the teacher God chose.

 

If you want to learn how to embrace the Dirt on your journey, come join me over on Substack at kawailani.substack.com

271- Homeschooling in the Wild: How to Keep It Joyful, Simple & Rooted in What Matters

In this episode, we’re diving into the real-life mess and magic of homeschooling. Whether you're knee-deep in lesson plans, wondering if you're "doing it right," or just trying to survive another day without someone crying over math (and it might be you), this one’s for you.

We’ll talk about:

• How to simplify your homeschool rhythm
  
  
• What to do when you feel burnt out
  
  
• Why joy and curiosity matter more than a perfect curriculum
  
  
• How to invite God into your homeschool planning (without needing a seminary degree)
  
  
• And real-life tips from our own family’s homestead-homeschool mash-up
  
  

By the end, I hope you feel encouraged, grounded, and reminded that your homeschool doesn’t need to look like anyone else’s. Because your family, your story, and your pace is part of God's perfect plan.

 

 

 

If you want to learn how to embrace the Dirt on your journey, come join me over on Substack at kawailani.substack.com

270: “What If I Just Gave It All Up?” When You’re Tempted to Walk Away from the Calling (of Being a SAHM)

Ever wonder if all this staying home, pouring out, and homeschooling is really worth it?

In this honest episode, I’m sharing a moment where I almost walked away from the calling—and what helped me stay rooted. We’ll talk about the tug-of-war between purpose and pressure, and how God reminded me that this season of motherhood matters deeply.

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Takeaways:

• Doubt doesn’t mean you’re not called.

• Obedience sometimes looks like staying.

• Your faithfulness at home is kingdom work.

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For the mama who feels tired, torn, or tempted to chase something else—this one’s for you. 

 

If you want to learn how to embrace the Dirt on your journey, come join me over on Substack at kawailani.substack.com

269- Oxygen Masks & Messy Homes: Setting the Atmosphere as a Mom

Ever notice how your home shifts with your mood? I sure have—and it was a wake-up call. In this episode, we’ll talk about why moms set the atmosphere of their homes, how our emotions, rhythms, and spiritual walk ripple through our families, and how even the smallest self-care moments can shift everything. Mama, you have more influence than you realize—let’s learn how to use it with grace.

If you want to learn how to embrace the Dirt on your journey, come join me over on Substack at kawailani.substack.com

268- When I Realized I Was the Problem (Submission, Leadership & God’s Grace in Marriage)

What if the biggest thing standing in the way of God's plans for your family… is you?

In this vulnerable and heart-changing episode, I share the costly and humbling lesson I had to learn about submission—what it really means to walk in biblical order within our homes, and how I unintentionally distracted my husband from hearing God's direction.

If you’ve ever wrestled with control, pride, or the desire to “help” steer the ship… this one's for you, sis.

We talk about:

• How a good thing can still be a distraction
  
  
• Why “Happy wife, happy life” isn’t always helpful
  
  
• What God showed me when I finally got quiet
  
  
• How to release the need to lead and allow your husband to hear God clearly
  
  
• Practical ways to grow in submission (without shrinking your strength)
  
  
• And the peace that comes when we trust God’s design for our family
  
  

This episode is a real, raw invitation to check your heart, pray over your marriage, and remember that submission isn’t weakness—it’s powerful surrender.

✨ Includes a guided prayer and encouragement for every wife trying to walk in God’s will while still learning to let go.

 

If you want to learn how to embrace the Dirt on your journey, come join me over on Substack at kawailani.substack.com

267 — Preparing for Your Homeschool Year (Even If You Don’t Feel Ready)

Preparing for Your Homeschool Year (Even If You Don’t Feel Ready)
🌿 With faith, flexibility, and a whole lot of grace

Feeling behind before the homeschool year even starts? You’re not alone, friend. Whether your books haven’t arrived, your plans feel scattered, or your confidence is shaky—this episode is a gentle hug and a deep breath for your homeschool mama heart.

In today’s episode, I share some of our messiest first days, the years we started late (or not at all), and how God lovingly led me to lay down my hustle and invite Him into the planning. It’s not about perfect charts and tidy shelves—it’s about connection, flexibility, and faith.

We’ll chat about what it looks like to:

• Let go of the pressure to do it all
  
  
• Pray over your year and ask God for vision
  
  
• Start simple, create rhythms, and make space for grace
  
  
• Trust that God equips the called—even when we don’t feel ready
  
  

Whether you’re planning with a latte in hand or praying in between diaper changes, you are not behind—and you are not alone.

💛

👣 Quick Takeaways from Today’s Episode:

• You don’t need a perfect start. Messy beginnings are still holy.
  
  
• Pray first. Let God speak vision into your year.
  
  
• Start small. Focus on 2–3 anchor subjects or rhythms.
  
  
• Make it simple. Use what you have. The learning will come.
  
  
• Reflect weekly. Adjust with grace and prayer.
  
  
• You are called. Not because you're ready—but because He is faithful.

 

 

If you want to learn how to embrace the Dirt on your journey, come join me over on Substack at kawailani.substack.com

266: Part 10: Hope – Holding on to what God is doing—even when you can't see it yet. Through the Fire series

Sometimes hope feels like the hardest thing to hold onto—especially when the ending of your story looks nothing like what you pictured.

In this final episode of our Through the Fire series, I’m sharing how God taught me to hold on to hope—not because I had all the answers or could see the whole plan, but because He was still with me in the unknown.

If you’re standing in the ashes, wondering what’s next, this one’s for you.

If you want to learn how to embrace the Dirt on your journey, come join me over on Substack at kawailani.substack.com