Strategic Families: Recent Episodes
Graham Clark
The Strategic Families podcast is all about exploring the most life-giving and challenging aspects of building a family that honors Christ and is on mission for Him! We offer tips and resources for parents to navigate this all-important work of discipling our children and raising them into the adults that God wants them to be. We glean wisdom from real parents who have gone before and walked the journey faithfully, and also from younger parents who are in the trenches with us, so we can encourage one another and spur one another on towards love and good deeds (Hebrews 10:24). Each guest/episode offers "gold nuggets" of wisdom in how to be faithful in this calling.
As hosts, we (Graham & Katie Clark) are learning with our listeners as we raise our four children. We invite you to grow together with us in this wonderful journey of family life!
Topics include: · Transmitting God's truth to the next generation · Strategic planning for your family · Making your home a monastery · Training your son to be a faithful husband & dad · Training your daughter to be a faithful wife & mom · Building a vibrant family culture · Celebrating your own family day · Biblical character goals for your kids · 1-on-1 dates with your kids · Diving into your kids’ worlds · Determining your family’s core values · Challenging your kids to rise to the occasion · Manhood ceremonies · Helping your kids choose wise friends · Discipling your kids · Disciplining your kids · Worldview training for your kids · Determining family priorities, eliminating unhelpful habits, setting goals & staying on track with goals · Ideas for service and blessing others … and many more.
Join us as we explore these topics -- for His Kingdom and His glory!
We often hear that we should not fear anything. I would clarify this to say that the Bible clearly and repeatedly and expressly commands us to fear the LORD. That God commands us is all the reason we need. But what's really cool is that God promises tons of blessings to those who fear the LORD. We need this message today and we need to teach it and model it to our kids! In this episode, Graham makes a biblical case for fearing the LORD. Let's model this and teach it to our kids!Scriptures Used:Psalm 36:1-4 – Transgression speaks to the wicked deep in his heart; there is no fear of God before his eyes. For he flatters himself in his own eyes that his iniquity cannot be found out and hated. The words of his mouth are trouble and deceit; he has ceased to act wisely and do good. He plots trouble while on his bed; he sets himself in a way that is not good; he does not reject evil.Deuteronomy 10:17 – For the Lord your God is God of gods and Lord of lords, the great, the mighty, and the awesome God, who is not partial and takes no bribe.1 Chronicles 29:11 – Yours, O Lord, is the greatness and the power and the glory and the victory and the majesty, for all that is in the heavens and in the earth is yours. Yours is the kingdom, O Lord, and you are exalted as head above all.Isaiah 45:5a – I am the Lord, and there is no other; apart from me there is no God.Deuteronomy 4:24 – For the Lord your God is a consuming fire, a jealous God.Psalm 33:8-9 – Let all the earth fear the Lord; let all the inhabitants of the world stand in awe of him! For he spoke, and it came to be; he commanded, and it stood firm.Psalm 113:4 – The Lord is high above all nations, and his glory above the heavens!Philippians 2:9-11 – Therefore God has highly exalted him and bestowed on him the name that is above every name, so that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth, and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.Psalm 76:11-12 – Make your vows to the Lord your God and perform them; let all around him bring gifts to him who is to be feared, who cuts off the spirit of princes, who is to be feared by the kings of the earth.Psalm 147:10-11 – His delight is not in the strength of the horse, nor his pleasure in the legs of a man, but the Lord takes pleasure in those who fear him, in those who hope in his steadfast love.Psalm 89:6-9 – For who in the skies can be compared to the Lord? Who among the heavenly beings is like the LORD, a God greatly to be feared in the council of the holy ones, and awesome above all who are around him? O LORD God of hosts, who is mighty as you are, O LORD, with your faithfulness all around you? You rule the raging of the sea; when its waves rise, you still them.Jeremiah 10:6-7 – There is none like you, O Lord; you are great, and your name is great in might. Who would not fear you, O King of the nations? For this is your due; for among all the wise ones of the nations and in all their kingdoms there is none like you.Revelation 15:3-4 – And they sing the song of Moses, the servant of God, and the song of the Lamb, saying, “Great and amazing are your deeds, O Lord God the Almighty! Just and true are your ways, O King of the nations! [4] Who will not fear, O Lord, and glorify your name? For you alone are holy. All nations will come and worship you, for your righteous acts have been revealed.” Proverbs 15:33 – The fear of the Lord is instruction in wisdom, and humility comes before honor.Proverbs 9:10 – The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom, and the knowledge of the Holy One is insight.Psalm 25:12-14 – Who is the man who fears the Lord? Him will he instruct in the way that he should choose. His soul shall abide in well-being, and his offspring shall inherit the land. The friendship of the Lord is for those who fear him, and he makes known to them his covenant.Psalm 111:10 – The
Part 2 of 2 with John Fort Join us in this two-part interview to learn from John Fort, Director of Training for Be Broken Ministries. John is the author of Honest Talk: A New Perspective on Talking to Your Kids About , which discusses 6 critical conversations we need to have with our kids. John helps us see that we can't just think of "The Talk" -- this is a conversation that starts with emotions and feelings and goes on for years. Through these two episodes, you will be much better equipped to discuss this sensitive but incredibly important topic with your children. Let us not shy away but dive in -- for the sake of our children's purity and wholeness!Scripture referenced:1 Timothy 1:15-16, ESV: Here is a trustworthy saying that deserves full acceptance: Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners—of whom I am the worst. But for that very reason I was shown mercy so that in me, the worst of sinners, Christ Jesus might display his immense patience as an example for those who would believe in him and receive eternal life.Resources:Be Broken MinistriesCritical Conversations FREE Webinar - good starting point for any parentHonest Talk, by John Fort – a book or parents who want all the basic information on addressing these issues with their kidsThe Need for Freedom – a course for parents of teens who have had no conversations yetRecommended Song:LIFT MY HANDS, by Forrest FrankMusic:Intro: Life of a Traveler, by Black Rhomb (License #3565685)Outtro: Avocado Street, by Wes Hutchinson (Courtesy of YouTube Music)If this podcast been a blessing to you, please consider subscribing, leaving us a review and/or donating to our Patreon account. Thank you!Check us out on www.strategicfamilies.com.
Part 1 of 2 with John Fort Join us in this two-part interview to learn from John Fort, Director of Training for Be Broken Ministries. John is the author of Honest Talk: A New Perspective on Talking to Your Kids About , which discusses 6 critical conversations we need to have with our kids. John helps us see that we can't just think of "The Talk" -- this is a conversation that starts with emotions and feelings and goes on for years. Through these two episodes, you will be much better equipped to discuss this sensitive but incredibly important topic with your children. Let us not shy away but dive in -- for the sake of our children's purity and wholeness! Scripture referenced:1 Timothy 1:15-16, ESV: Here is a trustworthy saying that deserves full acceptance: Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners—of whom I am the worst. But for that very reason I was shown mercy so that in me, the worst of sinners, Christ Jesus might display his immense patience as an example for those who would believe in him and receive eternal life. Resources:Be Broken MinistriesCritical Conversations FREE Webinar - good starting point for any parentHonest Talk, by John Fort – a book or parents who want all the basic information on addressing these issues with their kidsThe Need for Freedom – a course for parents of teens who have had no conversations yetRecommended Song:What a Friend, by Matt Maher - video/live version, studio versionMusic:Intro: Life of a Traveler, by Black Rhomb (License #3565685)Outtro: Avocado Street, by Wes Hutchinson (Courtesy of YouTube Music)If this podcast been a blessing to you, please consider subscribing, leaving us a review and/or donating to our Patreon account. Thank you!Check us out on www.strategicfamilies.com.
In this episode, 5 of the 6 Clark Family members talk about the value of kids working outside the home. What's that you say? Kids working? I thought being a kid was all about FUN?!? Well, being a kid is fun, but remember -- we want to raise them to be adults. Kind, compassionate, productive, hard-working, considerate adults, no matter where God calls them in life. Yes, they need to work INSIDE your home -- chores are hopefully a given! But they also need to work OUTSIDE the home and gain all of the incredibly valuable experience and insights that come from having a job for someone else and having to perform it faithfully -- even when it's inconvenient. Katie and Graham set the stage for why we believe this is so important, then our three oldest children, ages 13, 11 and 9, talk about their experiences from having jobs in our neighborhood. Have your kids listen in as well! With some intentionality, you will be well on your way to some great lessons. And we promise, work will NOT steal their childhood -- in fact, it will ENHANCE it tremendously.Scripture referenced:Proverbs 14:23, NIV: All hard work brings a profit, but mere talk leads only to poverty. Recommended Song:Piano Concerto #1 (all movements!) by composer Sergei RachmaninovMusic:Intro: Life of a Traveler, by Black Rhomb (License #3565685)Outtro: Avocado Street, by Wes Hutchinson (Courtesy of YouTube Music)Young Map Camp Spot: Summer, by JSH Pedals (Courtesy of YouTube Music)If this podcast been a blessing to you, please consider subscribing, leaving us a review and/or donating to our Patreon account. Thank you!Check us out on www.strategicfamilies.com.
Our guest for this episode is Dr. Christopher Perrin, co-founder and CEO of Classical Academic Press. Dr. Perrin is a wise man who has a great deal to teach us about parenting and generally living life as a Christian. He's one of those guys who just makes you feel smarter after listening to him! You'll see what I'm talking about as you listen to this interview. Our main topic is logic -- what it is, why it's so useful for the Christian life, and how we can bring it to bear on our family life. In many ways, this is really about using language effectively in our everyday lives -- AND, helping our kids really use their heads to combat the bad arguments they will surely encounter in the world. For Dr. Perrin, who is steeped in the Classical Christian tradition, the topics of logic and rhetoric are not just academic skills, but ones we can use powerfully as a way to love and honor Christ. Glean from Dr. Perrin in this interview and emerge a wiser parent!In this episode, Dr. Perrin addresses:The three-fold path to wisdomThat we experience joy when we use language well.The definition and use of logicWhy we the liberal arts are called "liberal" and "arts".Various fallacies - fundamental attribution, ad hominem, red herring, etc.The liberal arts come into their own when they are qualified by Christian love.Because Jesus Christ is THE truth, anyone who seeks the truth is in some way in touch with the God who created it. The use of our reason is subject to our spiritual condition.The importance of music within the family. Bringing Scripture into the home -- especially the Psalms. Encouraging parents to keep doing the things they love & keeping them alive. Modeling being a student in front of your kids -- reading books, enjoying arts, etc.Scriptures referenced:John 1:1, ESV: In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God.John 17:17, ESV: Sanctify them by the truth; your word is truth.Resources:Follow Dr. Christopher Perrin on TwitterClassical Academic PressThe Art of Argument: An Introduction to the Informal FallaciesThe Christopher Perrin Show (podcast) -- HIGHLY recommended by yours truly!Recommended Song:Endless Praise by Charity GayleMusic:Intro: Life of a Traveler, by Black Rhomb (License #3565685)Outtro: Avocado Street, by Wes Hutchinson (Courtesy of YouTube Music)If this podcast been a blessing to you, please consider subscribing, leaving us a review and/or donating to our Patreon account. Thank you!Check us out on www.strategicfamilies.com.
Part 2 of 2 with Monica Irvine Our guest for this episode is author and speaker Monica Irvine, and this topic is so relevant, practical and really critical to our children's upbringing -- we're diving into the topic of courtship and dating. Monica is the founder of The Etiquette Factory, a ministry designed to equip us to help OTHER people feel valued. Monica has amazing ideas on ways we can be successful in this arena with our kids. But these aren't just tips. Monica has so much WISDOM that's based in her own experiences raising her three sons. And, she has great stories to illustrate the principles she shares. Monica really urges us as parents to take seriously how we communicate with our kids on this topic -- all to give them the best chance to honor God and all members of the opposite as they grow. What a fantastic concept!Scriptures referenced:John 17:17, NIV: Sanctify them by the truth; your word is truth.Matthew 8:5-13, NIV: When Jesus had entered Capernaum, a centurion came to him, asking for help. “Lord,” he said, “my servant lies at home paralyzed, suffering terribly.” Jesus said to him, “Shall I come and heal him?” The centurion replied, “Lord, I do not deserve to have you come under my roof. But just say the word, and my servant will be healed. For I myself am a man under authority, with soldiers under me. I tell this one, ‘Go,’ and he goes; and that one, ‘Come,’ and he comes. I say to my servant, ‘Do this,’ and he does it.” When Jesus heard this, he was amazed and said to those following him, “Truly I tell you, I have not found anyone in Israel with such great faith. I say to you that many will come from the east and the west, and will take their places at the feast with Abraham, Isaac and Jacob in the kingdom of heaven. But the subjects of the kingdom will be thrown outside, into the darkness, where there will be weeping and gnashing of teeth.” Then Jesus said to the centurion, “Go! Let it be done just as you believed it would.” And his servant was healed at that moment. Resources:theetiquettefactory.comfundamentals4kids.comParent Wise with Monica IrvineParent Wise with Monica Irvine on Apple PodcastsStrategic Families on FacebookRecommended Song:Yet Not I but Through Christ in Me, by CityAlight Music:Intro: Life of a Traveler, by Black Rhomb (License #3565685)Outtro: Avocado Street, by Wes Hutchinson (Courtesy of YouTube Music) If this podcast been a blessing to you, please consider subscribing, leaving us a review and/or donating to our Patreon account. Thank you!Check us out on www.strategicfamilies.com.
Part 1 of 2 with Monica Irvine Our guest for this episode is author and speaker Monica Irvine, and this topic is so relevant, practical and really critical to our children's upbringing -- we're diving into the topic of courtship and dating. Monica is the founder of The Etiquette Factory, a ministry designed to equip us to help OTHER people feel valued. Monica has amazing ideas on ways we can be successful in this arena with our kids. But these aren't just tips. Monica has so much WISDOM that's based in her own experiences raising her three sons. And, she has great stories to illustrate the principles she shares. Monica really urges us as parents to take seriously how we communicate with our kids on this topic -- all to give them the best chance to honor God and all members of the opposite as they grow. What a fantastic concept!Scriptures referenced:John 17:17, NIV: Sanctify them by the truth; your word is truth.Matthew 8:5-13, NIV: When Jesus had entered Capernaum, a centurion came to him, asking for help. “Lord,” he said, “my servant lies at home paralyzed, suffering terribly.” Jesus said to him, “Shall I come and heal him?” The centurion replied, “Lord, I do not deserve to have you come under my roof. But just say the word, and my servant will be healed. For I myself am a man under authority, with soldiers under me. I tell this one, ‘Go,’ and he goes; and that one, ‘Come,’ and he comes. I say to my servant, ‘Do this,’ and he does it.” When Jesus heard this, he was amazed and said to those following him, “Truly I tell you, I have not found anyone in Israel with such great faith. I say to you that many will come from the east and the west, and will take their places at the feast with Abraham, Isaac and Jacob in the kingdom of heaven. But the subjects of the kingdom will be thrown outside, into the darkness, where there will be weeping and gnashing of teeth.” Then Jesus said to the centurion, “Go! Let it be done just as you believed it would.” And his servant was healed at that moment.Resources:theetiquettefactory.comfundamentals4kids.comParent Wise with Monica IrvineParent Wise with Monica Irvine on Apple PodcastsStrategic Families on FacebookRecommended Song:Yet Not I but Through Christ in MeMusic:Intro: Life of a Traveler, by Black Rhomb (License #3565685)Outtro: Avocado Street, by Wes Hutchinson (Courtesy of YouTube Music)If this podcast been a blessing to you, please consider subscribing, leaving us a review and/or donating to our Patreon account. Thank you!Check us out on www.strategicfamilies.com.
Our guest for this episode is author Hillary Morgan Ferrer, founder of Mama Bear Apologetics. Hillary has so much excellent wisdom to teach us in this interview about how we can approach our kids when it comes to defending the Christian faith. She discusses her story of becoming fascinated with apologetics, what apologetics is and why it's important; and she also gives a great framework for helping your kids hold to what is true and reject what's false, when it comes to what they're exposed to in the world. Mama Bear Apologetics is awesome and I know you're going to love learning and hearing from her. Scriptures referenced:1 John 4:4, ESV: Beloved, do not believe every spirit, but test the spirits to see whether they are from God, for many false prophets have gone out into the world."John 14:6, ESV: Jesus said to him, “I am the way, and the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me."1 Corinthians 15:19-20, ESV: If only for this life we have hope in Christ, we are of all people most to be pitied. But Christ has indeed been raised from the dead, the firstfruits of those who have fallen asleep.Resources:mamabearapologetics.comMama Bear Apologetics on InstagramMama Bear Apologetics on YouTubeMama Bear Apologetics on FacebookMama Bear Apologetics: Empower Your Kids to Challenge Cultural Lies by Hillary Morgan FerrerMama Bear Apologetics Guide to Sexuality: Empowering Your Kids to Understand and Live Out God's Design by Hillary Morgan FerrerRecommended Song:NATIVE TONGUE by SwitchfootMusic:Intro: Life of a Traveler, by Black Rhomb (License #3565685)Outtro: Avocado Street, by Wes Hutchinson (Courtesy of YouTube Music)If this podcast been a blessing to you, please consider subscribing, leaving us a review and/or donating to our Patreon account. Thank you!Check us out on www.strategicfamilies.com.
In this episode, we (Graham and Katie) share all about a tool we developed years ago that has been critical for in our marriage and that we believe can be a great benefit to your marriage as well: the Date Night Inventory. We've used this dozens of times in our 15 years of marriage to encourage each other, reflect on ourselves and in some cases, bring up difficult things that need to be worked through -- all so we can experience more and more of the beautiful oneness that comes when God sovereignly brings husband and wife together in marriage. Your marriage is too important -- not only for its own sake, but also for the sake of your family and the sake of the Gospel -- to just "let it happen" and hope for the best along the way. We have to make an investment of time, energy and attention into breathing life into it. And when you do, God will do amazing things. Strong families are built on strong marriages! Join us as we walk through the Date Night Inventory and discuss how God can use it in your life together!Resources:https://strategicfamilies.com/date-night-inventory/Scriptures referenced:Hebrews 12:14a: "Make every effort to live in peace with everyone..." (NIV)Ephesians 5:21: "Submit to one another out of reverence for Christ."Music:Intro: Life of a Traveler, by Black Rhomb (License #3565685)Outtro: Avocado Street, by Wes Hutchinson (Courtesy of YouTube Music)If this podcast been a blessing to you, please consider subscribing, leaving us a review and/or donating to our Patreon account. Thank you!Check us out on www.strategicfamilies.com.
In this episode, Graham interviews Andrew Kern, President & CEO of the CiRCE Institute, an awesome organization that focuses on Classical Christian Education. Andrew has amazing thoughts on not only education but how to guide our children towards virtue and wisdom. You will find this episode enlightening, encouraging and challenging!Resources:https://circeinstitute.org/Scriptures referenced:Matthew 6Genesis 3Music:Intro: Life of a Traveler, by Black Rhomb (License #3565685)Outtro: Avocado Street, by Wes Hutchinson (Courtesy of YouTube Music)Song Recommendation: Silent Night (Heavenly Peace) by We The Kingdom, Dante Bowe & Maverick City MusicIf this podcast been a blessing to you, please consider subscribing, leaving us a review and/or donating to our Patreon account. Thank you!Check us out on www.strategicfamilies.com.
Today's episode features an interview with author SD Smith of The Green Ember series, along with his son, Josiah Smith, with whom SD just co-authored a book called Jack Zulu & The Waylander's Key. We discuss the Green Ember series and how they can be used within families; we discuss their new book together; and we get a window into what life is like in the Smith Family household, including how they seek to be a family of "grace and truth" -- just like Jesus Christ.In this interview, we discuss:How the Green Ember story got started with telling stories to his young daughter.One of the most Christian things we can do is do our work in excellenceHow SD Smith writes from the overflow of his heart and his values leak out into his work.As a Christian and a Christian parent, when you read the Green Ember stories, it will deeply resonate.SD Smith did not intentionally write Green Ember as a read-aloud but it works as a read-aloud.How the Green Ember series has prompted great conversations through the books.The difference between allegory and application -- allegory forces things on the reader; application gives freedom to the reader.How SD Smith wants to write "true" stories -- not in the sense that they actually happened, but that they reflect reality, the world in which we actually live. It's so important for us to write "honest" stories, especially for our kids.About Jack Zulu & The Waylander's Key, and particularly about the role of a mentor/father-figure in the storytelling.For SD Smith, being a father is the first "province of [his] stewardship"For Sam and and his son Josiah, who they are becoming in Christ and how they're living out God's story for their lives is much more important than anything they put on paper.Some of the strategic, intentional things that the Smith Family does together.The value of making "mistakes of action" rather than "mistakes of INaction."The heart of the Smith Family home is devotion to Jesus Christ -- awesome!They're people committed to the Bible and to their church.Underlying philosophy is: "big love, big discipline" -- they like to teach their kids that they're loved enough to have a "fence," or boundaries.GK Chesterton: Orthodoxy is a fence, but a fence around a playground. Christianity is a garden of "yes" and a tree of "no."How there's a lot of love and affection in the Smith Family -- their kids will know they belong and they'll know there are boundaries.They want to be a family of grace and truth, just like Jesus Christ.Resources:sdsmith.comjosiahcsmith.comjackzulu.comScriptures referenced:Ecclesiastes 11:7-8, 10:7 (NIV) Light is sweet, and it pleases the eyes to see the sun.However many years anyone may live, let them enjoy them all.But let them remember the days of darkness, for there will be many. Everything to come is meaningless....So then, banish anxiety from your heart and cast off the troubles of your body, for youth and vigor are meaningless.Ecclesiastes 12:1 (NIV)Remember your Creator in the days of your youth,before the days of trouble come and the years approach when you will say, “I find no pleasure in them”—James 1:19-21: 19 (NIV) My dear brothers and sisters, take note of this: Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to become angry, because human anger does not produce the righteousness that God desires. Therefore, get rid of all moral filth and the evil that is so prevalent and humbly accept the word planted in you, which can save you.John 1:17 (NIV): For the law was given through Moses; grace and truth came through Jesus Christ.Deuteronomy 6:5-9 (NIV)Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength. These commandments that I give you today are to be on your hearts. Impress them on your children. Talk about them when you sit at home and when you walk along the road, when you lie down and when you get up. Tie them as symbols on your hands and bind them on your foreheads. Write
In this episode, Graham interviews Sarah Mackenzie, founder of the Read Aloud Revival, an amazing effort to help parents help their kids learn to love to read. She and her husband Andrew have 6 children. You may also know Sarah from her highly acclaimed book Teaching From Rest: A Homeschooler's Guide to Unshakable Peace. In this interview, we dive into the beauty and benefits of reading aloud to your kids (hint: it's way more beneficial than you may think!), including one of my favorite benefits: how it can help us build family culture through the shared experience of story. Sarah shares some of her read-aloud favorites and a powerful verse that has been helpful to her lately: Isaiah 40:31. Sarah also gives a preview of her upcoming new children's book, A Little More Beautiful.In this interview, we discuss:How her book, Teaching from Rest, came out of her desire to seek whether the peace that passes understanding that we've been promised in Christ could be realized with the craziness of life with little kids (it is!!).The story of how Sarah started becoming passionate about reading aloud -- finding a book and listening to an inspirational talk from Andrew Pudewa.Benefits of reading aloud: good vocabulary, increased reading comprehension, better writing skills.The case for reading aloud -- helping our kids get "sophisticated language patterns in their brain" -- this comes only from books!Reading aloud is a great idea for when your family members may be picking at each other -- it helps you get on the same page, rooting for the same hero -- engrossed in the same story.It is a beautiful way to build family culture -- you share stories together and the kids will bring that into real life issues or situations.Reading aloud helps you remember within your family that you're FOR each other.Reading stories with your kids helps everyone see how characters face obstacles and overcome them -- it helps build fortitude.Reading aloud also helps build compassion and empathy because you're walking in the shoes of someone else. You can't know what's happening in others' minds normally, but you CAN in books. You get to eavesdrop on what they're thinking.We often prioritize reading on independent reading, but there are so many things you can get with reading aloud that you can't get with independent reading.Family culture is so central to how we think about ourselves. We can create a culture that's unique to our family.Knowing the things that are important to your family -- that make you who you are.Sarah's read-aloud recommendations: The Chronicles of Narnia by C.S. Lewis, The Green Ember books by S.D. Smith, The Vanderbeeker books by Karina Yan Glaser.Redeeming time in the car by listening to good stories.A preview of her new children's book, A Little More Beautiful.Resources:Purchase Teaching from Rest: A Homeschooler's Guide to Unshakable Peace on Christian Book Distributors or Amazon.Check out the Read Aloud Revival podcast.ReadAloudRevival.comALittleMoreBeautiful.comInstagram @readaloudrevivalRead-Aloud Revival with Sarah Mackenzie on Facebook Scripture referenced:Isaiah 40:31: but those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength.They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint. (NIV)Music:Intro: Life of a Traveler, by Black Rhomb (License #3565685)Outtro: Avocado Street, by Wes Hutchinson (Courtesy of YouTube Music)If this podcast been a blessing to you, please consider subscribing, leaving us a review and/or donating to our Patreon account. Thank you!Check us out on www.strategicfamilies.com.
In this episode, Graham interviews author and dad of 4, Dave Runyon, co-author (with Jay Pathak) of The Art of Neighboring, a fantastic book that encourages the church to be the church -- and get outside our four walls to engage those who live closest to us. This book reminds us that good neighboring is right at the heart of Jesus' commandments to love the LORD our God with all our heart, mind, soul and strength and to love our neighbor as ourselves. It may not be easy, but as Christ-followers, this is what we're called to. And it is so worth it and such a blessing. You'll be encouraged and challenged by Dave as we walk through this incredibly important topic of being the kind of neighbors God has called us to be. What a great way to be a strategic family! Dave also gives us a peak into the intentionality in the Runyon home -- with great ideas to engage and listen to your kids.In this episode, we cover:If we're going to love people as believers, we should know their name.Fear often keeps us from wanting to get to know our neighbors because it can be messy -- sometimes it's easier to serve at a soup kitchen.Dave and his wife Lauren's story about how they wrestled with travel sports & the call to be engaged neighbors.Being "in the game" of neighboring with your kids.Kids and dogs are a great way to connect with your neighbors!We love our neighbors not to convert them but we love them because we are converted.The tic-tac-toe exercise to assess where you are with your eight closest neighbors.Learning our neighbors' names is the starting point.Jesus exercised a spiritual discipline that we don't normally talk about: he regularly spent time with people who made religious people uncomfortable.Looking for a "person of peace" within your neighborhoods.8% of Christians know the names of their 8 closest neighbors. We have work to do!Our city leaders can't see a difference between Christians and non-Christians when it comes to being a good neighbor -- we must change this!Having a "re-do" with your neighbors if something not great has happened in the past.A huge neighboring tip: BE NORMAL!In neighboring, small things make a big difference.People naturally share what they love. If we love Jesus, this will become evident as we grow in relationship with others.This work of neighboring is really hard but so worth it.And... the Runyon Family questionnaire to engage their kids, as well as the Runyon Family Bucket List.Resources:Purchase The Art of Neighboring: Building Genuine Relationships Right Outside Your Door on Christian Book Distributors or Amazon.Check out Dave's organization, CityUnite at https://cityunite.org/. Scripture referenced:Matthew 22:36-40: "Teacher, which is the great commandment in the Law?” And he [Jesus] said to him, “You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind. This is the great and first commandment. And a second is like it: You shall love your neighbor as yourself. On these two commandments depend all the Law and the Prophets.” (ESV)Music:Intro: Life of a Traveler, by Black Rhomb (License #3565685)Outtro: Avocado Street, by Wes Hutchinson (Courtesy of YouTube Music)If this podcast been a blessing to you, please consider subscribing, leaving us a review and/or donating to our Patreon account. Thank you!Check us out on www.strategicfamilies.com.
In this episode, Graham interviews author and mom of 6 boys, Catherine Claire Larson, about her new & upcoming books and excellent thoughts on parenting. Catherine reminds us that parenting is both a responsibility and a joy and that the discipleship of our kids is absolutely critical work for the kingdom. Catherine is the author of two books, Waiting in Wonder: Growing in Faith While You're Expecting and As We Forgive. Her upcoming books will be Watching in Wonder (for moms of babies) and Walking in Wonder (for moms of toddlers).
In this episode, Graham interviews his great friend and neighbor, and pro parent Don Land, who recently retired from the Air Force. Don most served as Professor of Aerospace Studies and the Commander of Air Force ROTC Detachment 592 at the University of North Carolina, Charlotte. Don is a great guy and awesome brother in Christ -- and also a fantastic parent! He's got so much wisdom to share with us in this episode, and you will especially love his out-of-the-box thinking on how to approach our kids. This episode focuses in on how to help our kids make their OWN decisions, -- which, if you're like me, you need some training on. Sometimes we like to just tell our kids what they need to think, forgetting that -- as Don reminds us -- we're not always going to be there with them. So we want to set them up for success for when those times come, and come they will.
This episode is #3 in the 3-part mini-series on strategically implementing Christ-honoring music into your family life. In this episode, Graham shares the Strategic Families Podcast's "Top 7 Old Hymns to Teach Your Kids." If you haven't already, check out the previous two episodes, #32 & 33, where we discuss why music is so important to remind us of Who God is and Who we are in Christ, and where we also provide two other lists of songs for you to check out and play for your kids -- and we think you'll love those songs as well.
This episode is #2 in the 3-part mini-series on strategically implementing Christ-honoring music into your family life. In this episode, Graham shares the Strategic Families Podcast's "Top 7 songs to Grove Out to with your Kids." If you haven't already, check out the previous episode, #32, where we discuss why music is so important to remind us of Who God is and Who we are in Christ. Today's episode is the "Top 7 songs to Grove Out with your kids."
This episode is #1 in a 3-part mini-series on strategically implementing MUSIC into your family life. In this episode, Graham shares the Strategic Families Podcast's "Top 7 songs to Jam Out to with your Kids." First, we cover some important introductory material about the idea of music as meditation: how music can be an amazing way to fill our kids' heads -- and our own heads -- with wonderful truths about God and who we are in Christ.
In this episode, Katie and Graham talk through ideas on how to make this summer both peaceful and productive for your family. Katie is the expert planner and while it may seem counterintuitive to plan out what we call a "break," if we fail to plan, we could be setting ourselves up for squandering an awesome opportunity that we have to set our kids and ourselves on a great trajectory. Remember Paul's words from Ephesians 5:16 to make the most of every opportunity -- summer is one of those opportunities! On the other hand, we don't want to try to accomplish so much that we get overwhelmed. Join us as we look ahead to the summer and how we can make a great use of it and end the summer knowing that we've used it well and have honored the LORD!
My guests in this episode are old friends of mine and people that I admire so much, Ben and Mary Craft. We've known each other for a long time but our families have been able to spend time together these last few months and it's just been really cool to reconnect with them. Ben and Mary are an awesome example of parents that are strategically raising a family that honors Christ. They're really are incredible people, but at the same time they're ordinary people like me and you. And they're just faithful parents who are in the thick of it with us trying to raise our kids to know Christ, to love Christ, and to be on mission for Christ. Ben and Mary are also just really practical, and you'll hear that in a lot of what they share during this interview. Our main topic today is how we can systematize things in our family life -- the things that just have to get done -- to allow us to focus more of our time on important, long-term goals. So I really think you're going to be blessed by what they have to share with us.
Today's guest is Andrew Pudewa, a wonderful and influential thinker and speaker and educator and someone who has so much to teach us about godly living. Andrew is a gifted communicator who loves helping families educate their children and is the founder of an awesome organization called the Institute for Excellence in Writing. He's also the host of the Arts of Language Podcast, which is also excellent. In this episode, Andrew helps us think strategically and soberly about how to prepare well for persecution, and relays the back story of how he got thinking on the topic. As Christians and Christian families, we would do well to heed his words and be careful to fill our minds and hearts with goodness and truth and beauty, thereby allowing ourselves and our children to more easily repel the lies of the world, the flesh and the devil, which war against the truth.
Today's guests are Taylor Hebert & Cabel Bailey, reporters with the fantastic daily 10-minute video news program, WORLD Watch. As Christian families, it matters where we get our news! WORLD Watch presents the news factually and with a Biblical worldview and is a great way to spark important conversations around the dinner table. In a world that is full of bad news, the good folks at WORLD Watch remind us, in every episode, "Remember: whatever the news, the purpose of the LORD will stand." You'll be blessed to learn from these fantastic reporters on why WORLD Watch exists and what you can expect from it if you subscribe!
As WORLD Watch's website states: "We can't keep your kids from growing up too quickly, but we can help them grow into humans equipped with news literacy and Biblical discernment. And make it fun, too..."
Today's guest is Dr. Danny Huerta, Vice President of Parenting & Youth at Focus on the Family. Focus on the Family is an amazing, faithful ministry that has been serving families for decades and Dr. Huerta has so much wisdom to share with us today on how to cultivate a mentally healthy home. Dr. Huerta emphasizes that we as parents have the primary influence in our children's lives and what a wonderful invitation that is. You will be blessed to learn from Dr. Huerta!
Everything is more expensive now -- that's no longer news. The question for us as families is: how will we respond in this moment? In this episode, we encourage your family to think of it as an opportunity -- yes, an opportunity -- to teach your kids -- and remind yourself -- that God is in control. He's not surprised in the least. This is a moment of "tightening the belt" for many families, including ours. But it's also a moment to lean into the LORD and be thankful for His goodness and provision.
In this episode, Graham interviews psychologist, business consultant and author Dr. Jennifer Thomas about her book and work around the languages of apology. This is such an important topic for our families, as there is no family that doesn't need to offer and receive good apologies! We sin against each other; we break promises; we let each other down. Dr. Thomas give us incredibly valuable tools so we can handle these situations well, which she calls the Five Apology Languages.
In this episode, Graham interviews Dr. Pete Frank about an awesome program he and his wife Amy created for boys called Gateway on the Journey to Manhood. Pete is an accomplished economist and serves as the provost for Grove City College in Grove City, PA. Today's topic is all about Gateway -- where it came from, why it's so beneficial for boys as they grow into men and how you can get one started in your own community.
In this episode, Graham interviews author, speaker and business leader David Benham. David is a passionate man of God who is known for unapologetically standing for the truth of Jesus Christ. He and his twin brother Jason are the authors of numerous books, including the bestseller Whatever the Cost. In this episode, David shares a powerful framework from one of their books, Living Among Lions, of how convictions lead to commitments, which lead to courage -- an awesome concept that we as parents can teach to our kids! David has great wisdom on the work/life balance, sharing how he prioritizes his family and incorporates his kids into not only recreational activities, but his work as well. In my favorite quote of the episode, David encourages and challenges men with this: "You can't delegate that seat at the table for dinner." Awesome truth!
In this episode, Graham and Katie explore everybody's favorite topic: discipline and consequences! But seriously, discipline is an important role for us as parents as we strive to build strategic families that are on mission for the Lord. Last time, we discussed how to motivate our kids to become contributors to your family life using a tool we call the Chip System. Today's episode is about the "stick" part of the "carrot and the stick," helping your kids see that their less desirable actions have consequences, using a tool we call the Consequence Jar. Join us as we share how you can set up this system for your family and the benefits it provides for your family!
Sticking with the theme of resetting & realigning things in your family, in this episode Graham & Katie introduce two concepts that have been helpful in our own family life: the Chip System and the Consequence Jar. We dive into the details on Chip System and how it can be used to help you kids become more responsible and producers in your family. It's basically your family's own unique currency.
Now that you've hopefully had a chance to set some life-giving family goals together, this episode is all about STAYING THE COURSE. Sometimes we feel like we've accomplished something just because we wrote it down! That's a foundational step, but good intentions won't get us very far. We need to make sure we have a plan to stick with our goals, and accountability along the way, along with celebrations as we achieve them. In all things, let's remember that we don't set family goals to earn God's favor -- if you're in Christ, He has already given you a right standing before Him through the blood of Jesus Christ -- but we set these goals IN RESPONSE to what He has already done, out of a heart filled with gratitude.
Join us as we explore how we can persevere in accomplishing what He's given us to do for our families -- and communities.
In this episode, Katie and Graham discuss the value of taking a step back and conducting a family evaluation. No matter when you're accessing this episode, if it's been a while since you've done this -- or if you've never done it at all -- now is a great time to take stock of where God has been at work and where He may want to use you for the upcoming season. Like any organization, the family periodically needs an evaluation so we can think deeply about what's going well, what's not going well -- and what we can do about the things that aren't as they should be. It will take some work but it's so worth it!
We all give each other so many gifts for Christmas, and that's all fine. But there's one Person we often leave out -- Jesus Christ! In this episode, Graham and Katie dive into the Scriptures to explore what it could look like in our families for each person to give Jesus a gift. After all, it's His birthday we're celebrating! Think about what we do for others' birthdays: we give them gifts that THEY want. How do we know what Jesus wants? He's told us -- in His Word.
In this episode, we give suggestions on how your family can be a catalyst for community building in your neighborhood and spheres of influence. Christmas is an awesome time of year to "break the ice" by bringing something to your neighbors and being an instrument of God's love!
In this episode, Amy Frank shares about St. Nicholas Day, an awesome opportunity for your family to bless another family who needs encouragement. If you've never heard of St. Nicholas Day, this is a crash course on what it is and how God can use it in your community!
Ever wanted to celebrate Advent but not sure where to start? I highly recommend starting with books by Arnold Ytreeide, a gifted storyteller whose adventures will delight your family during the Advent season. In this episode, Arnold gives the back story on his amazing books for families, explains why he wrote them and shares a little on his parenting philosophy.
If you're like us, sometimes you're bracing for this time of year with your family -- it can be so much fun but can also be overwhelming. Join us as Katie Clark walks us through a helpful way to navigate this time of year as a family through remembering, resting and rejuvenating, as we thank God for what He has done and celebrate the birth of our Lord Jesus Christ!
This episode of the Strategic Families podcast includes an interview with Andrew & Janelle Devlin -- awesome young parents with four kids who run a business together and have their own podcast, Love + Money. They have tons of energy and great tips on how to be healthy and involve our kids along the way. You're going to enjoy and be inspired by this!
In this episode, Graham interviews author Jessica Smartt, who's also a homeschool co-op director and mom of 3. Jessica shares important ideas from her two great parenting books, Memory Making Mom and Let Them Be Kids.
In this episode, Graham interviews his brother, Chris Clark, an engineer & more importantly, a great dad and husband who is a faithful man of prayer. You'll take away some great ways to lead your family in this incredibly important spiritual discipline!
In this episode, Graham interviews Cliff Wright, executive director of the Charlotte Eagles, which Cliff describes as "a world-changing, disciple-making, community-building mission cleverly disguised as a soccer club." Cliff, who spent 15 years with YoungLife, shares compellingly about how we as adults should think about interacting with young people as they grow and navigate the challenges of modern life in middle school and high school.
In this episode, Graham interviews David Vroon, the leader of the Reallife men's ministry of Stonebridge Church Community in Charlotte, NC. David shares how we as men are called to be not only providers but protectors, priests, and presiders over our homes & families.
In this episode, Graham interviews Amy Wray Frank, an awesome homeschool mom who gave up a lucrative career opportunity to focus on her family. She shares a really cool perspective on how to turn our homes into monasteries in a way that allows us to minister to others -- with our kids.
Join us for a discussion with Jeff Greene, a homeschool dad who with his wife Diana, are so intentional and purposeful with their family of 6. They have an awesome set of core values, based on Scripture, that they have posted in their home and strive to live by.
In this episode, Graham interviews Dan Martin, a awesome, faithful man of God who is a former pastor and currently works in the Internet Evangelism Department at the Billy Graham Evangelistic Association (BGEA), based in Charlotte. Dan is a humble man who has so much to teach us, as he and his wife Jennifer have faithfully "run the race" of parenting.
This episode is Part 2 of 2 of an interview with Lynn Wray, who has faithfully raised five wonderful children (now adults!), who have given her 18 amazing grandchildren.
An interview with faithful and awesome woman of God, Lynn Wray, who has raised five amazing children, who have given her 19 amazing grandchildren. Lynn shares about not growing up in a Christian home, but how the LORD intervened to radically change her family's trajectory when their two oldest children were very little. (Part 1 of 2 with Lynn Wray)
Join us with business owner and Christian father & husband Dan Wray, who emphasizes the importance of bringing God's Word to bear on the everyday rhythms of family life.
Join us for a health dose of parenting wisdom from Bruce Wray, faithful follower of Christ, father of 5 and grandfather of 19, as he helps us see why we should take the time to strategically plan for our family's future.
In this introductory episode, Strategic Families Podcast host Graham Clark discusses how God can use our families to advance His kingdom.