View Details

Powered by RedCircle

Parenting a child with special needs is a journey that few families expect, yet many Christian parents walk every day. In this encouraging conversation, Jay sits down with Dr. Joe and Cindi Ferrini to discuss their book, The Special Needs Parent: A Guide to the Life You Never Expected. Drawing from more than four decades of caring for their son Joey, who lives with cerebral palsy, epilepsy, and developmental disabilities, they share practical wisdom, biblical encouragement, and honest insight into the realities of raising a child with lifelong special needs. Together they explore the challenges of isolation, stress, advocating for your child, building a strong support team, and trusting God’s faithfulness through every season of parenting.

Whether your family is navigating autism, physical disabilities, chronic illness, developmental delays, or another special needs diagnosis, this episode offers hope rooted in Christ. Dr. Joe and Cindi also challenge churches to become places of genuine welcome and inclusion for families affected by disability while offering practical ways friends and church members can provide meaningful support. This conversation reminds Christian moms and dads that God supplies grace for each day and that faithful parenting is about glorifying Him, even through the unexpected journey.

Key Takeaways

• Build a trusted team of doctors, therapists, family members, and friends who can support your family.
• Isolation and stress are common experiences for special needs parents, but you were never meant to carry the journey alone.
• Instead of saying “Let me know if you need anything,” offer specific ways you can help.
• Churches can make a lasting difference by intentionally welcoming and supporting families with disabilities.
• Parents are their child’s greatest advocate while remaining teachable and partnering with educators, therapists, and ministry leaders.
• God’s grace is given one day at a time, providing strength for today’s challenges rather than tomorrow’s worries.
• Every family has a unique journey, but every journey can be lived for the glory of God.

About Dr. Joe and Cindi Ferrini

Dr. Joe and Cindi Ferrini are Christian speakers, authors, and marriage and family advocates who have spent decades encouraging couples and parents through biblical teaching and practical wisdom. Their personal experience raising their adult son Joey, who has lifelong special needs, inspired them to write The Special Needs Parent: A Guide to the Life You Never Expected. Through their writing and speaking ministry, they encourage families to find hope in Christ, strengthen their marriages, and faithfully navigate life’s unexpected challenges while bringing glory to God.

Let’s Parent on Purpose is a part of the Christian Parenting Podcasting Network. For more information, visit www.ChristianParenting.org

Resources & Links:

• Grab a copy of The Special Needs Parent: A Guide to the Life You Never Expected on Amazon.
• For more info, visit their website: cindiferrini.com

More Resources & Links:

• Get Jay’s new devotional, Renewed: The 365-Day Christian Gratitude Journal Use it solo, with your small group, or as a family for daily Scripture-based prompts to foster gratitude and closeness to Christ.
• Text “THINGS” to 66866 for free high-quality resources from Jay, including fun family conversations, a 52-week Scripture memory system, dating questions for kids, marriage tools, and more.
• Check out www.youthministry.coach
• Daily Devotional Podcast Guided by Faith: www.guidedbyfaith.net
• Join my Things for Thursday Email List and get a free Marriage Snapshot Tool and Fun Family Conversation Ebook!
• Support Let’s Parent on Purpose as we help families thrive through the gospel: https://letsparentonpurpose.com/support/

The post The Special Needs Parent with Dr. Joe and Cindi Ferrini appeared first on Let's Parent on Purpose.

View Details

Powered by RedCircle

How do Christian parents navigate the challenging transition from raising children to building healthy relationships with adult sons and daughters? In this insightful conversation, Jay sits down with Dr. Kathy Koch to discuss one of the most important shifts in biblical parenting: moving from being a parent who directs and instructs to becoming a trusted consultant who advises and encourages. Drawing from her book Resolve Conflict and Find Peace and Hope with Adult Children, Dr. Kathy shares practical wisdom for maintaining strong family relationships, avoiding common parenting pitfalls, and fostering mutual respect as children enter adulthood. Christian moms and dads will be encouraged to release control, trust God with their adult children, and pursue relationships marked by grace, understanding, and hope.

This episode explores topics such as helicopter parenting, family estrangement, communication with adult children, marriage and in-law relationships, prodigal children, and the importance of healthy boundaries. Dr. Kathy reminds parents that discipleship does not end when children leave home, but it does change. Rather than offering constant correction or unsolicited advice, parents can build long term trust by listening well, praying faithfully, respecting their adult children’s independence, and remaining available when wisdom is requested. Whether you are preparing to launch a teenager into adulthood or navigating a difficult season with an adult child, this conversation offers biblical encouragement and practical tools for strengthening multi generational family relationships.

Key Takeaways

• Parenting changes when children become adults. Parents become consultants, coaches, and encouragers rather than directors and decision makers.
• Unsolicited advice often feels like criticism. Listening and understanding create stronger relationships than constant correction.
• Healthy adult relationships are built on respect, trust, and appropriate boundaries.
• Parents should avoid making their adult children’s choices, successes, or struggles the center of their identity.
• Letting children experience challenges and consequences helps develop resilience and maturity.
• Strong relationships with adult children begin with intentional discipleship and connection during the younger years.
• Family estrangement is painful, but parents can focus on hope, prayer, humility, and reconciliation rather than endless self blame.
• Investing in long term relationships requires patience, grace, and a willingness to love without keeping score.
• Parents can continue to influence their adult children by being available, supportive, and genuinely interested in their lives.
• God loves our children even more than we do, and we can trust Him with their future.

Bio:

Dr. Kathy Koch is the founder and president of Celebrate Kids, Inc., a child development specialist, and a sought after speaker dedicated to helping parents, educators, and churches inspire children to develop biblical character and strong faith. She is the bestselling author of numerous books, including Parent Differently, Resilient Kids, Raising Gender Confident Kids, and her latest book, Resolve Conflict and Find Peace and Hope with Adult Children. For more information, visit celebratekids.com.

Let’s Parent on Purpose is a part of the Christian Parenting Podcasting Network. For more information, visit www.ChristianParenting.org

Resources & Links:

• Purchase Resolve Conflict and Find Peace and Hope with Adult Children by Dr. Kathy Koch on Amazon or through the Celebrate Kids online store.

More Resources & Links:

• Get Jay’s new devotional, Renewed: The 365-Day Christian Gratitude Journal Use it solo, with your small group, or as a family for daily Scripture-based prompts to foster gratitude and closeness to Christ.
• Text “THINGS” to 66866 for free high-quality resources from Jay, including fun family conversations, a 52-week Scripture memory system, dating questions for kids, marriage tools, and more.
• Check out www.youthministry.coach
• Daily Devotional Podcast Guided by Faith: www.guidedbyfaith.net
• Join my Things for Thursday Email List and get a free Marriage Snapshot Tool and Fun Family Conversation Ebook!
• Support Let’s Parent on Purpose as we help families thrive through the gospel: https://letsparentonpurpose.com/support/

The post Transitioning from Parenting to Consulting Your Adult Children with Dr. Kathy Koch appeared first on Let's Parent on Purpose.

View Details

Powered by RedCircle

In this powerful episode of Let’s Parent on Purpose, host Jay Holland sits down with Chris McKenna, founder of Protect Young Eyes and author of The Five Habits of a Tech-Ready Family, for an honest and hope-filled conversation about parenting kids in the digital age. Chris shares how smartphones, social media, pornography exposure, gaming, and AI have created an “experiment” that today’s parents never signed up for. Together, Jay and Chris unpack the emotional and spiritual challenges Christian families face as children navigate addictive technology, online temptation, and constant digital influence. This episode offers biblical wisdom, practical parenting strategies, and encouragement for moms and dads who want to raise disciples of Jesus in a screen-saturated world without leading from fear or shame.

Throughout the conversation, Chris explains why Christian parents must move from panic to intentionality by building trust, pursuing authentic connection, and responding with grace first when children fail online. He introduces the five habits of a tech-ready family, including modeling healthy technology use, delaying addictive apps and social media, encouraging real-world play and responsibility, and creating layers of digital protection in the home. Parents will be challenged to think differently about smartphones, social media algorithms, and the emotional realities their children face every day. If you are looking for practical Christian parenting advice on technology, digital safety, online purity, discipleship, and protecting your children’s hearts in the age of AI and social media, this episode is an essential listen.

Key Takeaways

• Kids today are carrying emotional and spiritual burdens online that previous generations never experienced
• Technology companies are intentionally competing for your child’s attention, affection, and habits
• Grace-first parenting creates safety for children to confess struggles and mistakes
• Parents should practice calm responses before digital crises happen
• Delaying addictive technology is not anti-tech parenting, but wisdom-based parenting
• Real-world play, chores, movement, and face-to-face connection help build resilient kids
• Healthy digital boundaries require ongoing conversations, not just parental controls
• Parents do not need to panic, but they do need a plan
• Building digital trust happens “step by step and chat by chat”
• Protecting children online starts with intentional discipleship at home

Bio:

Chris McKenna is the Founder of Protect Young Eyes and President of The Better Tech Project. leading voice on digital safety, he testified before the U.S. Senate in 2019, sparking more than 20 hearings on online child protection. Under his leadership, Protect Young Eyes earned the Dignity Defense Award and the Phase Alliance Child Safety Award. He co-authored the Child Device Protection Bill, now law in Utah and Alabama, requiring devices to activate content filters for minors.

Chris serves as a technical advisor and represents the Human Change Movement, speaking globally—including at the World Economic Forum—while collaborating with advocates, tech leaders, and legislators. Featured in the film Childhood 2.0, Protect Young Eyes equips families with practical safety tools. His debut book, Five Habits of the Tech-Ready Family, releases on June 16, and according to Publishers’ Weekly, it is “comprehensive,” “illuminating,” and “an informative resource for parents eager to establish digital safety nets for their children.”

His greatest treasures remain family life, road trips, running, and adventures with his wife, Andrea, four children, and two dogs.

Let’s Parent on Purpose is a part of the Christian Parenting Podcasting Network. For more information, visit www.ChristianParenting.org

Resources & Links:

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/protectyoungeyes/

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/chris-mckenna-75962211/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/protectyoungeyes

Website: https://protectyoungeyes.com/

Visit Christian Parenting’s Moms, Dads, and Grads Gift Guide: https://www.christianparenting.org/gifts/

The post What Every Parent Must Know about Kids and Technology with Chris McKenna appeared first on Let's Parent on Purpose.

View Details

Powered by RedCircle

This episode of Let’s Parent on Purpose explores a crucial question for Christian parents: what makes faith stick in the lives of our children? Drawing from over 25 years of youth ministry experience, Jay shares five key elements consistently present in students whose faith endures into adulthood. While acknowledging the mystery of God’s work, he emphasizes that intentional discipleship at home plays a primary role. Parents are encouraged not to outsource spiritual formation to the church, but to become the leading spiritual influence in their child’s life. The first two elements—truth kids understand and relationships they trust—highlight the importance of clearly communicating biblical truth in age-appropriate ways and surrounding children with trusted, godly influences who reinforce faith beyond the home.

The episode continues with three additional pillars of “sticky faith”: habits they own, purpose they live, and transforming moments they remember. Jay explains that lasting faith develops when children move from passive participation to personally owning spiritual disciplines like prayer, Scripture reading, and service. He also stresses the importance of helping kids see their faith as a mission, not just a belief system, by living on purpose and engaging in God’s work daily. Finally, both joyful and difficult life experiences can become defining spiritual moments when processed through a biblical lens. This episode equips Christian moms and dads with practical ways to evaluate their home environment, initiate meaningful faith conversations, and intentionally disciple their children for lifelong faith in Jesus.

Key Takeaways for Parents:

• Help your children understand biblical truth, not just hear it—encourage questions and discussion.
• Cultivate trusted relationships with other godly adults and peers who reinforce your child’s faith.
• Model and encourage consistent spiritual habits like prayer, Scripture reading, and service.
• Teach your children to live on mission—following Jesus is more than just believing; it’s living with purpose.
• Recognize and process significant life moments to help your child see God at work in their story.
• Focus on progress, not perfection—discipleship is a lifelong journey, not a quick fix.

Let’s Parent on Purpose is a part of the Christian Parenting Podcasting Network. For more information, visit www.ChristianParenting.org

Resources & Links:

• Think Orange by Reggie Joiner
• Renewed: The 365-Day Christian Gratitude Journal by Jay Holland
• Check out www.youthministry.coach
• Daily Devotional Podcast Guided by Faith: www.guidedbyfaith.net
• Join my Things for Thursday Email List and get a free Marriage Snapshot Tool and Fun Family Conversation Ebook!
• Support Let’s Parent on Purpose as we help families thrive through the gospel: https://letsparentonpurpose.com/support/

The post What Makes Faith Stick? 5 Keys to Raising Lifelong Followers of Jesus appeared first on Let's Parent on Purpose.

View Details

Powered by RedCircle

This episode of Let’s Parent on Purpose features a powerful and practical conversation with author Jon Acuff about overcoming procrastination and building a more intentional, purpose-driven life. Drawing from his new book Procrastination Proof, Acuff reframes procrastination not as laziness, but as a mismatch between our intentions and actions, often driven by fear, overwhelm, or misplaced priorities. He introduces a simple but transformative framework—Dream, Plan, Do, Review—that helps parents and leaders move from good intentions to consistent follow-through. For Christian moms and dads seeking to disciple their children well, this episode emphasizes that growth starts with modeling: aligning your own habits, stewarding your time wisely, and making decisions today that serve your future self and family.

The conversation also dives into practical strategies for busy families, including how to “make tomorrow easy today,” prioritize what matters most, and avoid the trap of trying to do everything at once. Acuff’s insights are especially helpful for parents navigating full schedules, offering realistic tools like starting with just 15 minutes a day and focusing on three to five key priorities. The episode closes with a meaningful challenge for Christian parents: to intentionally shape not only their habits but also their children’s mindset about success, time, and stewardship. By addressing concepts like the “acceptable success line,” parents can disciple their kids to pursue God-honoring excellence without guilt, fear, or comparison, equipping them to live faithfully and fruitfully.

Resources Mentioned:

• Purchase Procrastination Proof: Never Get Stuck Again by Jon Acuff on Amazon
• Visit Jon Acuff’s website at jonacuff.com and follow his podcast: All It Takes Is A Goal
• Get Jay’s new devotional, Renewed: The 365-Day Christian Gratitude Journal Use it solo, with your small group, or as a family for daily Scripture-based prompts to foster gratitude and closeness to Christ.
• Text “THINGS” to 66866 for free high-quality resources from Jay, including fun family conversations, a 52-week Scripture memory system, dating questions for kids, marriage tools, and more.

Guest Bio: Jon Acuff

Jon Acuff is a New York Times bestselling author, speaker, and leadership expert known for his practical and engaging approach to personal growth and productivity. He has written multiple books, including Procrastination Proof, helping people overcome overthinking, take action, and live with greater purpose. Jon works with individuals, teams, and organizations to build habits that lead to lasting success, all while blending humor, honesty, and real-life application. He lives in Tennessee with his family and is passionate about helping others reach their full, God-given potential.

Key Takeaways from the Episode

• Procrastination is a gap between intention and action, not just poor time management
• The “Dream, Plan, Do, Review” framework provides a simple, repeatable path to progress
• Start small: 15 minutes a day can build momentum and lasting habits
• Focus on 3–5 priorities instead of trying to do everything at once
• “Make tomorrow easy today” is a powerful discipline for both parents and kids
• Model habits first. Discipleship is more caught than taught
• Teach kids to think long-term and make decisions that benefit their future selves
• Be mindful of the “acceptable success line” and how your beliefs about success shape your children
• Celebrate progress and reinforce positive habits in your home
• God-honoring productivity isn’t about perfection. It’s about faithful stewardship over time

Let’s Parent on Purpose is a part of the Christian Parenting Podcasting Network. For more information, visit www.ChristianParenting.org

More Resources & Links:

• Renewed: The 365-Day Christian Gratitude Journal by Jay Holland
• Check out www.youthministry.coach
• Daily Devotional Podcast Guided by Faith: www.guidedbyfaith.net
• Join my Things for Thursday Email List and get a free Marriage Snapshot Tool and Fun Family Conversation Ebook!
• Support Let’s Parent on Purpose as we help families thrive through the gospel: https://letsparentonpurpose.com/support/

The post Procrastination Proof Your Life with Jon Acuff appeared first on Let's Parent on Purpose.

View Details

Powered by RedCircle

In this powerful episode of Let’s Parent on Purpose, Jay welcomes back Dr. Kathy Koch to discuss how Christian parents can raise gender-confident kids in today’s confusing cultural climate. Drawing from her book Raising Gender-Confident Kids, co-authored with Dr. Jeff Myers, Dr. Kathy unpacks the biblical framework behind the “Five to Thrive”—security, identity, belonging, purpose, and competence—and explains how unmet core needs often fuel gender confusion. With compassion and clarity, she equips parents to move from fear to faith, offering practical tools for affirming their child’s God-given design while maintaining strong, loving relationships.

This episode explores how stereotypes distort masculinity and femininity, why social contagion and mental health struggles play a significant role in teen gender confusion, and how parents can proactively build confidence in their children from a young age. Dr. Kathy shares wisdom on affirming a child’s unique strengths through the “Eight Great Smarts,” guarding kids from harmful cultural influences, and responding wisely if a child questions their gender identity. If you’re a Christian parent seeking biblical guidance, practical strategies, and hope in navigating conversations about gender identity, this episode will strengthen your resolve and remind you that God’s design is both intentional and good.

Resources Mentioned:

• Purchase Raising Gender-Confident Kids by Dr. Jeff Myers and Dr. Kathy Koch on Amazon or through the Celebrate Kids online store.
• Grab a copy of Five to Thrive by Dr. Kathy Koch on Amazon or through the Celebrate Kids online store.
• Get Jay’s new devotional, Renewed: The 365-Day Christian Gratitude Journal Use it solo, with your small group, or as a family for daily Scripture-based prompts to foster gratitude and closeness to Christ.
• Text “THINGS” to 66866 for free high-quality resources from Jay, including fun family conversations, a 52-week Scripture memory system, dating questions for kids, marriage tools, and more.

Guest Bio: Dr. Kathy Koch

Dr. Kathy Koch is the founder and president of Celebrate Kids, Inc., and a child development specialist. She is also the author of nine bestselling parent-child enrichment books including her latest book, Parent Differently: Raise Kids with Biblical Character that Changes Culture. For more, visit celebratekids.com.

Key Takeaways from the Episode

Drawing from Lightbulb Moments in Marriage, Dr. Eggerichs and Jay explore transformative “aha” insights for successful and satisfied Christian couples. Here are the highlights:

• The Five Core Needs (“Five to Thrive”) – Security, identity, belonging, purpose, and competence must be rooted in Christ to build lasting confidence.
• Identity Crisis Often Begins with Security Crisis – When kids don’t know who to trust, they struggle to know who they are.
• Gender Confusion vs. Gender Dysphoria – True clinical dysphoria is rare; confusion often stems from deeper identity and belonging issues.
• Celebrate Differences Without Stereotypes – Liking math, mechanics, ballet, or sports doesn’t redefine gender. Boys and girls can be multifaceted.
• Affirm Early and Specifically – Children become who we tell them they are. Use intentional language to affirm their God-given design.
• Guard Against Social Contagion – Social media exposure significantly influences teen identity struggles. Protect hearts, minds, and devices.
• Mental Health Matters – Many teens struggling with gender identity are also battling anxiety, depression, or isolation. Address root issues first.
• Keep the Relationship Alive – When a child questions their gender, prioritize connection, truth, and long-term influence over fear-driven reactions.
• Model Confidence in God’s Design – Parents who embrace their own God-given identity create a powerful example for their children.
• Hope for the Future – Research shows most teens experiencing gender confusion resolve it naturally by adulthood without medical intervention.

Let’s Parent on Purpose is a part of the Christian Parenting Podcasting Network. For more information, visit www.ChristianParenting.org

More Resources & Links:

• Renewed: The 365-Day Christian Gratitude Journal by Jay Holland
• Check out www.youthministry.coach
• Daily Devotional Podcast Guided by Faith: www.guidedbyfaith.net
• Join my Things for Thursday Email List and get a free Marriage Snapshot Tool and Fun Family Conversation Ebook!
• Support Let’s Parent on Purpose as we help families thrive through the gospel: https://letsparentonpurpose.com/support/

The post Raising Gender Confident Kids with Dr. Kathy Koch appeared first on Let's Parent on Purpose.

View Details

Powered by RedCircle

In this inspiring conversation, Jay sits down with Dr. Emerson Eggerichs, renowned author of the bestseller Love & Respect and his latest release, Lightbulb Moments in Marriage. Released in early 2026, the book explores 12 “aha” biblical perspectives to transform marriages from frustration to fulfillment.

Dr. Eggerichs shares profound insights drawn from over three decades of counseling, scientific research, and Scripture, focusing on how lightbulb moments can break the “Crazy Cycle” of unmet needs in marriage. Whether you’re a busy parent juggling kids and chaos or seeking deeper intimacy in your Christian marriage, this episode offers practical marriage advice to help you move forward without hitting the eject button. Topics include love and respect principles, communication breakthroughs, and eternal perspectives on relationships.

Listen as Jay and Dr. Eggerichs discuss five to six key lightbulb moments that could revolutionize your marriage. Perfect for couples looking for Christian marriage counseling tips, biblical marriage guidance, or ways to strengthen family bonds.

Resources Mentioned:

• Purchase Lightbulb Moments in Marriage by Dr. Emerson Eggerichs on Amazon or visit loveandrespect.com for more marriage resources, conferences, and tools.
• Get Jay’s new devotional, Renewed: The 365-Day Christian Gratitude Journal Use it solo, with your small group, or as a family for daily Scripture-based prompts to foster gratitude and closeness to Christ.
• Text “THINGS” to 66866 for free high-quality resources from Jay, including fun family conversations, a 52-week Scripture memory system, dating questions for kids, marriage tools, and more.

Guest Bio: Dr. Emerson Eggerichs

Dr. Emerson Eggerichs is an internationally known public speaker on the topics of marriage, parenting, communication, and male-female relationships. Based on over three decades of counseling, as well as scientific and biblical research, Dr. Eggerichs and his wife, Sarah, developed the Love and Respect Marriage Conference, which they present to live audiences across the country. He is the founder and president of Love and Respect Ministries, with Sarah serving as vice president.

A former senior pastor of East Lansing Trinity Church from 1980 to 1999, Dr. Eggerichs holds a PhD and has authored numerous books, including the New York Times bestseller Love & Respect, a Platinum and Book of the Year award winner that has sold over 2.3 million copies. His work emphasizes Ephesians 5:33, highlighting how wives need love and husbands need respect to thrive. Emerson and Sarah reside in Grand Rapids, Michigan, and have three grown children. For more, visit loveandrespect.com.

• Key Takeaways from the Episode

Drawing from Lightbulb Moments in Marriage, Dr. Eggerichs and Jay explore transformative “aha” insights for successful and satisfied Christian couples. Here are the highlights:

1. God-Given Value, Not Spouse-Driven: Your worth is rooted in Christ, not your spouse’s approval. This frees couples from emotional rollercoasters, especially under parenting stress. Shift your identity to Jesus for lasting peace in marriage.
2. Seeing Jesus Beyond Your Spouse: Treat your spouse as unto Christ to energize love and respect. Visualizing Jesus “beyond the shoulder” of your partner fosters forgiveness and intimacy, even in resentment-filled seasons.
3. Clarity in Communication: True understanding beats just talking more. Break the Crazy Cycle by decoding “pink” (love-focused) and “blue” (respect-focused) languages. Use tools like word pictures to turn conflicts into connections, ideal for parents arguing over discipline or roles.
4. Don’t Let 20% Define the 80%: Focus on the 80% goodwill in your marriage rather than the 20% frustrations. Pray to magnify strengths and extend grace, helping busy families offset weaknesses like differing parenting styles.
5. My Response Is My Responsibility: Embrace personal accountability for freedom and strength in Christ. Overcome fears like rejection to model resilience for your kids, transforming victim mentalities into victorious marriages.
6. Eternal Perspective: View marriage through God’s lens for motivation. Live for His “Well done!” knowing every act of faithfulness has eternal significance, preparing your children for healthy relationships.

These biblical marriage tips can wake up stuck relationships and provide the tools needed for forward momentum in Christian parenting and marriage.

Let’s Parent on Purpose is a part of the Christian Parenting Podcasting Network. For more information, visit www.ChristianParenting.org

More Resources & Links:

• Renewed: The 365-Day Christian Gratitude Journal by Jay Holland
• Check out www.youthministry.coach
• Daily Devotional Podcast Guided by Faith: www.guidedbyfaith.net
• Join my Things for Thursday Email List and get a free Marriage Snapshot Tool and Fun Family Conversation Ebook!
• Support Let’s Parent on Purpose as we help families thrive through the gospel: https://letsparentonpurpose.com/support/

The post Lightbulb Moments in Marriage with Dr. Emerson Eggerichs appeared first on Let's Parent on Purpose.

View Details

Powered by RedCircle

*Pick up a copy of Jay’s new Journal: Renewed: The 365-Day Christian Gratitude Journal

How do we raise kids—and grow as parents—who don’t crumble under pressure but become stronger through hardship?

In Episode 402 of Let’s Parent on Purpose, Jay Holland is joined once again by author, missionary, and leadership coach Virgil Tanner for a deep, practical conversation on antifragile faith—the kind of faith Jesus describes as a house built on the rock.

Together, Jay and Virgil explore why anxiety and fragility have become normalized in modern culture, how Christian discipleship often unintentionally reinforces weakness, and what it looks like to intentionally form resilient, grounded followers of Jesus. Drawing from Scripture, neuroscience, leadership formation, and lived experience—from COVID lockdowns to pediatric cancer hospital rooms—this episode offers parents a hopeful and actionable framework for nurturing spiritual, emotional, physical, cognitive, and relational health.

This conversation will challenge how you think about discipleship, parenting, and what it truly means to love God with all of who you are.

What You’ll Learn in This Episode Why storms don’t reveal weakness—they reveal foundations * How culture has reframed fragility as virtue—and why that’s spiritually dangerous * The difference between changing behavior and changing the story we live in * Why discipleship must be whole-person formation, not just Bible knowledge * The five dimensions of the soul: spiritual, physical, cognitive, emotional, relational * Simple daily practices that cultivate resilience and joy * Why modeling matters more than lecturing when discipling kids * How families can become “houses on the rock” for others * Why noticing emotions comes before* managing or forgiving * How loving God with heart, mind, soul, and strength leads to abundant life—not burnout

Key Scriptures Referenced Matthew 7:24–27 — The House Built on the Rock * Luke 10:25–28 — The Greatest Commandment * 1 Corinthians 10:31 — Doing Everything for the Glory of God * John 15:11 — “That My joy may be in you, and your joy may be full”*

Big Idea: Antifragile FaithJesus never promised a storm-free life.
He promised a stable soul.

Antifragile faith isn’t about avoiding hardship—it’s about forming lives so deeply rooted in Christ that trials become refining rather than shattering. This episode reframes discipleship not as a checklist to earn God’s love, but as a daily invitation to love God across every dimension of our lives.

Practical Takeaways for Parents Formation happens relationally and communally, not just informationally * Shared and modeled habits shape kids more than rules * Emotional maturity begins with naming emotions without judgment* * Gratitude reframes suffering without denying it * Thriving families talk openly about how they’re really doing—not just how they’re performing

Let’s Parent on Purpose is a part of the Christian Parenting Podcasting Network. For more information, visit www.ChristianParenting.org

About Virgil TannerVirgil Tanner is a leadership coach, author, and missionary who has spent years equipping leaders and families to cultivate resilient, Christ-centered lives in high-pressure environments around the world. His work focuses on integrated human flourishing and forming leaders who can endure—and thrive—through adversity.

Resources & Links:

• Renewed: The 365-Day Christian Gratitude Journal by Jay Holland
• Soul Tending: Leadership for Strategic Human Flourishing
• Check out www.youthministry.coach
• Daily Devotional Podcast Guided by Faith: www.guidedbyfaith.net
• Join my Things for Thursday Email List and get a free Marriage Snapshot Tool and Fun Family Conversation Ebook!

Support Let’s Parent on Purpose as we help families thrive through the gospel: https://letsparentonpurpose.com/support/

The post Antifragile Faith with Virgil Tanner appeared first on Let's Parent on Purpose.

View Details

Powered by RedCircle

***Pick up a copy of Jay’s new Journal: Renewed: The 365-Day Christian Gratitude Journal https://amzn.to/3MLWavl

In this episode of Let’s Parent On Purpose, Jay Holland sits down with award-winning journalist and bestselling author Lee Strobel to explore the historical, theological, and personal significance of the Christmas story. Together they unpack the evidence for the birth of Jesus, the reliability of the Gospel accounts, misconceptions about the Nativity, and why the Incarnation still changes lives today.

Whether you’re a long-time believer, a seeker exploring Christianity, or a parent looking to equip your teens with confidence in their faith, this conversation offers clear, compelling reasons to trust the Christmas story as true history—not just a seasonal tradition.

Key Topics Covered

• The Investigative Journalist Who Tried to Disprove Christianity

Lee shares how his journey from atheism to faith began as an attempt to rescue his wife from what he believed was a “cult.” His two-year investigation into the evidence for Jesus’ resurrection led him to the unexpected conclusion that Christianity is true.

Why the Nativity Story Is Historically Reliable

Lee walks through:

• Why Luke’s and Matthew’s accounts are independent and trustworthy
• Why different Gospel perspectives strengthen—not weaken—the historical case
• How early Christian writings outside the Gospels affirm the virgin birth
• How ancient biography differs from modern biography but remains reliable

What “No Room in the Inn” Actually Means

Lee reveals:

• The Greek word kataluma likely means guest room, not hotel
• The Holy Family almost certainly stayed with relatives
• Jesus was probably born in the family living space of a first-century home, not a wooden stable
• Why nativity sets with wooden barns and angry innkeepers are historically inaccurate

Why the Virgin Birth Matters theologically

Lee explains why the virgin birth is essential for:

• Jesus being fully God and fully man
• Jesus being born without inherited sin
• Fulfillment of Old Testament prophecy (Isaiah 7:14)
• Preserving core Christian doctrines

Pagan Myth Claims Debunked

Lee dismantles the popular internet claim that Christianity “borrowed” the virgin birth or resurrection from pagan myths such as Mithras, Dionysus, or Zoroaster. Each is exposed as historically inaccurate or chronologically impossible.

How Investigating Christmas Strengthens Worship

Lee shares how studying the incarnation moved him deeply, reminding him that Christianity is not a legend—it’s a true story about God entering our world to save us.

God Is Moving Today

Lee and Jay reflect on the remarkable openness to the gospel they’re seeing nationwide—from churches to college campuses to everyday encounters.

Let’s Parent on Purpose is a part of the Christian Parenting Podcasting Network. For more information, visit www.ChristianParenting.org

About Lee Strobel

Lee Strobel is a former award-winning legal editor for the Chicago Tribune and a New York Times bestselling author of more than forty books, including The Case for Christ, The Case for Faith, The Case for a Creator, The Case for Miracles, and his newest seasonal release, The Case for Christmas.

Originally an atheist, Lee spent two years investigating the evidence for Christianity as a journalist. His search led him to faith in Christ and ultimately into ministry, where he continues to write, speak, teach apologetics, and help people explore the evidence for God.

Lee currently serves as founding director of the Lee Strobel Center for Evangelism and Applied Apologetics at Colorado Christian University. His books have sold millions of copies and inspired films, documentaries, and student editions that help the next generation explore faith with confidence.

Resources & Links:

• The Case for Christmas by Lee Strobel https://amzn.to/49S5BDc
• The Case for Miracles Movie (2024) https://thecaseformiraclesmovie.com/
• Check out www.youthministry.coach
• Daily Devotional Podcast Guided by Faith: www.guidedbyfaith.net
• Join my Things for Thursday Email List and get a free Marriage SnapshotTool and Fun Family Conversation Ebook!
• Support Let’s Parent on Purpose as we help families thrive through the gospel: https://letsparentonpurpose.com/support/

The post The Case for Christmas with Lee Strobel appeared first on Let's Parent on Purpose.

View Details

Powered by RedCircle

In this episode, Jay sits down with Jeremy Pryor to explore what it looks like to build a thriving multi-generational Christian family in a culture that often prioritizes independence over connection. Jeremy shares the story behind his family’s four-generation household, the biblical foundations for treating family as a “multi-generational team,” and how countercultural habits—like a weekly multi-generational meal—can deepen identity, strengthen relationships, and create long-term family discipleship. Together, they unpack the dangers of hyper-individualism, the impact of technology on kids, and the surprising joy found in reclaiming ancient rhythms such as Sabbath-style meals. Jeremy also offers practical steps for parents who want to introduce meaningful, sustainable traditions that anchor their children in faith, family identity, and gospel-centered community.

Jeremy Pryor is a family identity expert and author of the book “Family Revision”. His passion is helping families discover and live out their multigenerational mission to further the Kingdom of God.

Key Takeaways* Why modern Western culture struggles with hyper-individualism—and how it harms families. * The biblical idea of a multi-generational family team and how it differs from the fragile nuclear model. * Jeremy’s real-life example of four generations living, working, and discipling together. * How intentional weekly rhythms—especially a multi-generational family meal—can transform family unity and identity. * Practical steps for starting meaningful family traditions that are enjoyable, sustainable, and spiritually rich. * Why children thrive when they grow up with strong family identity, shared stories, and rootedness. * How reclaiming ancient practices like blessings, Sabbath-style meals, and storytelling helps parents disciple their kids.

Let’s Parent on Purpose is a part of the Christian Parenting Podcasting Network. For more information, visit www.ChristianParenting.org

Resources & Links:

• Family Meal Template: https://courses.familyteams.com/family-meal
• Family Identity Through Everyday Chores with Jeremy Pryor
• Your Family As A Team with Jeremy Pryor
• Check out www.youthministry.coach
• Daily Devotional Podcast Guided by Faith: www.guidedbyfaith.net
• Join my Things for Thursday Email List and get a free Marriage Snapshot Tool and Fun Family Conversation Ebook!
• Support Let’s Parent on Purpose as we help families thrive through the gospel: https://letsparentonpurpose.com/support/

The post The Power of a Multigenerational Meal with Jeremy Pryor appeared first on Let's Parent on Purpose.

View Details

Powered by RedCircle

In this conversation, attorney and author Justin Whitmel Earley unpacks how embodied habits shape our spiritual life—what he calls habits as liturgies. Drawing on neuroscience and Scripture (Genesis 2:7; Romans 5; Ephesians 2; Psalm 23), Justin explains why the body often leads the heart, how practices like box breathing + breath prayers, sleep and Sabbath, and fasting and feasting can realign our loves, and how parents can build grace-based rhythms that form their homes. Jay shares his own story of grief and healing to show how God uses humble, repeated practices—friendship, worship, exercise, daily prayer—to restore joy. If you’ve wrestled with anxiety, distraction, or unhealthy relationships with food/tech, this episode gives practical, theologically grounded steps to start small and stay faithful.

Justin Whitmel Earley is a writer, speaker, and lawyer. He is the author of The Common Rule, Habits of the Household, and Made for People, though he spends most days running his business law practice. Through his writing and speaking, Justin empowers God’s people to thrive through life-giving habits that form them in the love of God and neighbor. He continually explores both how physical habits are more spiritual than we think and how spiritual habits are more physical than we think. He lives with his wife and four boys in Richmond, Virginia, spends a lot of time around fires and porches with friends, and is a part-owner of a local gym. You can follow him online at justinwhitmelearley.com.

Key Takeaways* Habits are liturgies. What we do repeatedly (often unconsciously) forms our loves; your identity tends to follow your practices, not just your ideas. * Embodiment matters. God made, saved, and will resurrect us in bodies. Spiritual formation happens through the body, not around it. * Top-down meets bottom-up. Pair truth in the mind with training in the body—e.g., Scripture + breath, theology + sleep rhythms, confession + tech limits. * Breathing as prayer. Use box breathing to calm the nervous system and pair it with breath prayers (e.g., inhale: “The Lord is my shepherd”; exhale: “I shall not want”). * Sleep & Sabbath are starting points. Begin the week (and each day) from rest, not for rest—work from God’s finished work. * Food as formation. Redeem eating with the twin practices of fasting (dependence) and feasting (delight); both counter indulgence and shame. * Fight habit with habit. You usually can’t think your way out of what you practiced your way into; stack small, embodied practices. * Parenting is daily formation. The household is a “monastery” where we practice loving God and neighbor—bedtime blessings, screen rules, mealtime conversations, and pause-prayers change the parent, not just the child.

Conversation Highlights* Why “habits as liturgies” reframes everyday routines as worship. * Jay’s testimony of grief, trauma, and how embodied rhythms restored joy. * Breathing as the intersection of theology, psychology, and physiology. * The Jewish day begins at sundown: a paradigm for starting with rest. * How ultra-processed foods hijack dopamine and how fasting/feasting heal. * “You can’t think your way out of what you didn’t think your way into.”

Reflection / Small-Group Questions1. Where do your current habits reveal what you actually love? 2. Which embodied practice (breath prayer, sleep/Sabbath, fasting/feasting, exercise) do you sense God inviting you to try first? Why? 3. How could you redesign one household moment (bedtime, mealtime, screens, discipline) to make it a mini-liturgy? 4. In a season of anxiety or grief, which small, repeatable habit most reliably pulls you back to God?

Let’s Parent on Purpose is a part of the Christian Parenting Podcasting Network. For more information, visit www.ChristianParenting.org

Resources mentioned:

• The Body Teaches the Soul — Justin Whitmel Earley
• Habits of the Household — Justin Whitmel Earley
• Breath as Prayer: Calm Your Anxiety, Focus Your Mind and Renew Your Soul
• Justin’s Website – https://www.justinwhitmelearley.com
• Check out www.youthministry.coach
• Daily Devotional Podcast Guided by Faith: www.guidedbyfaith.net
• Join my Things for Thursday Email List and get a free Marriage Snapshot Tool and Fun Family Conversation Ebook!
• Support Let’s Parent on Purpose as we help families thrive through the gospel: https://letsparentonpurpose.com/support/

The post The Body Teaches the Soul with Justin Whitmel Early appeared first on Let's Parent on Purpose.

View Details

Powered by RedCircle

In this conversation, Jay Holland and Rita Diapoules discuss the framework of children’s ministry, focusing on the ‘Ages and Stages’ concept that helps parents understand how to guide their children spiritually as they grow. They emphasize the importance of habit stacking in daily routines to reinforce biblical truths, the significance of teaching biblical concepts appropriate to each age group, and the necessity of creating high-value touch points for families. Rita shares practical tips for parents to integrate spiritual discussions into their daily lives and the importance of partnering with the church for the spiritual growth of children.

Takeaways

• Children’s ministry should focus on long-term spiritual growth.
• The ‘Ages and Stages’ framework helps parents guide their children.
• Habit stacking can integrate spiritual teachings into daily routines.
• Parents are the primary disciplers of their children.
• Regular spiritual conversations are crucial for faith retention.
• Teaching should be age-appropriate and build on previous knowledge.
• Creating a community helps parents feel supported in their roles.
• Parents should actively engage with their church’s children’s ministry.
• Simple reminders can help reinforce biblical truths at home.
• Prayer and Bible reading should be prioritized in family life.

Let’s Parent on Purpose is a part of the Christian Parenting Podcasting Network. For more information, visit www.ChristianParenting.org

Resources & Links:

• Ages and Stages: A Discipleship Framework for Church and Home
• Check out www.youthministry.coach
• Daily Devotional Podcast Guided by Faith: www.guidedbyfaith.net
• Join my Things for Thursday Email List and get a free Marriage Snapshot Tool and Fun Family Conversation Ebook!
• Support Let’s Parent on Purpose as we help families thrive through the gospel: https://letsparentonpurpose.com/support/

The post Ages and Stages with Rita Diapoules appeared first on Let's Parent on Purpose.

View Details

Powered by RedCircle

In this conversation, Dr. Sy Garte shares his remarkable journey from atheism to Christianity, exploring the intersection of faith and science. He discusses his personal experiences, the complexities of evolution, and the importance of understanding inheritance in biological processes. Dr. Garte emphasizes that science and faith are not mutually exclusive, advocating for a perspective that sees scientific discovery as a way to appreciate God’s creation. He also provides insights for parents on how to discuss science with their children in a way that celebrates discovery while affirming their faith.

Takeaways

• Dr. Garte’s journey from atheism to Christianity was influenced by both intellectual and spiritual experiences.
• He emphasizes the importance of spirituality in human existence.
• The concept of inheritance is foundational to understanding evolution.
• Evolution does not contradict the biblical account of creation.
• Why Dr. Garte prefers the word divine design over intelligent design.
• Recent scientific discoveries suggest that even single-celled organisms exhibit agency and purpose.
• Science and faith can coexist and complement each other.
• Parents can equip their children to understand science as a celebration of God’s creation.
• The history of science is deeply intertwined with Christian thought.
• Truth is unchanging, and God created everything for His pleasure.

About Sy GarteSy Garte, PhD in biochemistry, is the author of Beyond Evolution: How New Discoveries in the Science of Life Point to God (Tyndale, August 2025) as well as the award-winning book The Works of His Hands: A Scientist’s Journey from Atheism to Faith (Kregel, 2019); and Science and Faith in Harmony: Contemplations on a Distilled Doxology (Kregel, 2024); and He has been a professor at New York University, the University of Pittsburgh and is currently Visiting Professor at Rutgers University. He has held leadership positions at the National Institutes of Health (NIH) and the Uniformed Services University. Sy has published over two hundred peer-reviewed scientific papers and five books, as well as articles on science and faith. He serves as the Editor-in-Chief of the American Scientific Affiliation’s (ASA) quarterly magazine God and Nature. He is a fellow of the ASA, and Vice President of the Washington DC Metro chapter. He served as lay leader at his United Methodist Church. Sy was raised in an atheist, Marxist family, and was baptized 13 years ago.

Let’s Parent on Purpose is a part of the Christian Parenting Podcasting Network. For more information, visit www.ChristianParenting.org

Resources mentioned:

Resources & Links:

• Check out www.youthministry.coach
• Daily Devotional Podcast Guided by Faith: www.guidedbyfaith.net
• Find Dr. Garte at https://sygarte.com/
• Get Beyond Evolution: How New Discoveries in the Science of Life Point to God: https://amzn.to/4mzDyem
• Get The Works of His Hands: A Scientists Journey from Athiesm to Faith: https://amzn.to/3Vthrv9
• Join my Things for Thursday Email List and get a free Marriage Snapshot Tool and Fun Family Conversation Ebook!
• Support Let’s Parent on Purpose as we help families thrive through the gospel: https://letsparentonpurpose.com/support/

The post Beyond Evolution with Sy Garte appeared first on Let's Parent on Purpose.

View Details

Powered by RedCircle

In recent days, our children have experienced another horrific act of evil with the assassination of Charlie Kirk. There are some ways in which Charlie’s murder was unique – his explicit Christian faith, the motives behind the murder, and its brutal public nature caught on video for the world (and our children) to see. In other ways, this is just one more horrible act of traumatic violence that our children are exposed to. In this episode, Jay shares four helpful guidelines for moms and dads to help their children process this (and other) wickedness. He then shares his recent episode of Guided by Faith, where he directly addresses young people to help them process the murder. Listen as Jay shares the following wisdom for moms and dads:

Be compassionate

• Grieve for somebody whose life was cut short.
• Grieve for the friends and families of those affected.
• Grieve with your child that they had to be exposed.

Be curious

• Can you tell me what you heard or saw?
• Who was with you when you heard? What was their reaction?
• What was your reaction? What do you remember feeling right away? What are you thinking and feeling about it now?
• The Lord promises to be with us. In what way was the Lord with you when you heard about this?

Be cautious

• Don’t fan the flame of fear.
• Don’t fan the flame about contempt.
• Don’t fan the flame of vengeance.
• Pay attention to how obsessed you are getting with the situation.
• Pay attention to how obsessed your child is getting. You might need to make time for more conversations, or let them talk to a pastor or other trusted counselor.

Be courageous

• Your children will remember your tone and your spirit more than your specific words.
• Ground your hope and emotions in the reality that Christ has overcome the world.
• Remind your children that Christ has overcome the world, and that he is coming back to set all things new. Until then he’s promised us that the world will have trouble, but he’s also called us to be his salt and light in the world.
• We don’t have to live afraid when we are living out God’s mission.

Keywords: Charlie Kirk, trauma, Grief, Grieving, assassination, counceling, Guided by Faith Podcast, Christian parenting, family discipleship, biblical truth, youth ministry, parenting teens, gospel-centered parenting, Let’s Parent on Purpose podcast

Let’s Parent on Purpose is a part of the Christian Parenting Podcasting Network. For more information, visit www.ChristianParenting.org

Resources and links:

• How to Walk With Loved Ones Through Trauma with Eliza Huie Part 1: https://letsparentonpurpose.com/part-1-how-to-walk-with-loved-ones-through-trauma-with-eliza-huie/
• How to Walk With Loved Ones Through Trauma with Eliza Huie Part 2: https://letsparentonpurpose.com/part-2-how-to-walk-with-loved-ones-through-trauma-with-eliza-huie/
• Daily Devotional Podcast Guided by Faith: www.guidedbyfaith.net
• Join my Things for Thursday Email List and get a free Marriage Snapshot Tool and Fun Family Conversation Ebook!
• Support Let’s Parent on Purpose as we help families thrive through the gospel: https://letsparentonpurpose.com/support/

The post Helping Your Children Process the Assassination of Charlie Kirk appeared first on Let's Parent on Purpose.

View Details

Powered by RedCircle

What if the “Jesus” you’ve been following isn’t the Jesus of the Bible? In this episode of Let’s Parent on Purpose, Jay Holland talks with Shane Pruitt—National Next Gen Director for the North American Mission Board and author of the brand-new Bible study Not My Jesus: Reclaiming the Truth, Rejecting the Idols—about how cultural counterfeits of Jesus can creep into our homes, churches, and parenting.

Shane shares powerful insights from decades in student ministry and parenting six children (four through adoption), along with stories of walking through profound joy and deep grief. Together, Jay and Shane explore:

• Common false versions of Jesus such as:
  • Eternity-Only Jesus – cares only about your afterlife, not your daily walk.
  • American Dream Jesus – blesses comfort, accumulation, and nationalism over mission.
  • Non-Judgmental Jesus – loves but never calls for repentance.
  • Comfortable Jesus – keeps life safe and easy, rather than calling us into obedience and sacrifice.
  • National Jesus – conflates the Kingdom of God with any earthly nation.
• How parents may unintentionally model a counterfeit Christ through their attitudes and actions.
• Why your family’s faith is “caught” more than it’s taught.
• How to lead your kids in authentic discipleship by living consistently for Jesus at home and in public.
• The danger of making comfort the measure of God’s blessing—and how to evaluate if you’re living beyond yourself on mission.
• A biblical view of love that both accepts us as we are and calls us to holiness.

Shane and Jay also talk about practical ways to stay anchored in Scripture, model genuine faith for your kids, and resist the cultural pull to create a Jesus in our own image.

About Shane PruittShane serves as the National Next Gen Director for the North American Mission Board, leading ministry to students and young adults across more than 50,000 churches. He’s a sought-after conference speaker, podcast host, and the author of 9 Common Lies Christians Believe and Calling Out the Called. His latest Bible study, Not My Jesus, is available in both student and adult editions and helps believers spot cultural distortions of Christ and embrace the true Savior found in the Gospels.

Let’s Parent on Purpose is a part of the Christian Parenting Podcasting Network. For more information, visit www.ChristianParenting.org

Resources mentioned:

• Check out www.youthministry.coach
• Daily Devotional Podcast Guided by Faith: www.guidedbyfaith.net
• Get Not My Jesus (adult and student versions): https://amzn.to/4mPefFT
• Follow Shane Pruitt: Instagram | X/Twitter | Website
• Join my Things for Thursday Email List and get a free Marriage Snapshot Tool and Fun Family Conversation Ebook!
• Support Let’s Parent on Purpose as we help families thrive through the gospel: https://letsparentonpurpose.com/support/

The post Fake Versions of Jesus with Shane Pruitt appeared first on Let's Parent on Purpose.

View Details

Powered by RedCircle

In this powerful and uplifting conversation, Jay Holland sits down with beloved pastor and best-selling author Max Lucado to explore the themes of his newest book, Tame Your Thoughts. With decades of pastoral experience and 40+ books to his name, Max shares deep biblical wisdom and practical tools to help both adults and children manage their thought lives through faith and truth.

Together, Jay and Max discuss:

• Why our internal narratives shape our lives—and how to rewrite them
• How brain science is finally catching up to biblical truth
• Three powerful tools for mental and emotional health:
  1. Practice Picky Thinking
  2. Identify UFOs (Untruths → False Narratives → Overreactions)
  3. Uproot and Replant with Scripture
• How lies about identity and failure can derail both teens and parents
• Why recognizing and correcting our own thought patterns as parents can transform our relationships
• The surprising story behind Max Lucado’s first tattoo at age 70 (hint: it’s a Greek word from the cross)

This episode is packed with insight, encouragement, and tools to help you and your family live freer, more Christ-centered lives.

Key Takeaways: “You get to control the story in your head, but the story in your head will control you.” – Jay Holland * Belief leads to behavior. Shaping your belief begins by shaping your thoughts. * Studies show people with a belief in a loving God recover from disease at exponentially higher rates. * Scripture and neuroscience both affirm that your brain can* be renewed. * Parental overreactions often stem from unexamined false narratives—recognize and replace them with truth. * Teaching your kids to identify untruths and replant with Scripture equips them for lifelong emotional resilience.

Scripture Highlighted in This Episode: Proverbs 4:23 – “Be careful how you think; your life is shaped by your thoughts.” * Romans 12:2 – “Be transformed by the renewing of your mind…” * Philippians 4:8 – “Whatever is true… think about such things.” * Romans 8:1* – “There is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus.”

Max’s 3-Step Toolkit for Mental Health:1. Practice Picky Thinking – Don’t believe every thought you think. Guard your mind’s door. 2. Identify UFOs – Trace overreactions back to false narratives and root lies. 3. Uproot and Replant – Replace toxic thoughts with Scripture and truth.

Let’s Parent on Purpose is a part of the Christian Parenting Podcasting Network. For more information, visit www.ChristianParenting.org

Bio

Max Lucado is a pastor, speaker, and best-selling author of more than 40 books for adults and children. Known for his warmth, biblical insight, and storytelling, Max’s work has encouraged millions to embrace the grace of God. He serves as Teaching Pastor at Oak Hills Church in San Antonio, Texas, and continues to write, speak, and share God’s love globally.

Resources mentioned:

Tame Your Thoughts by Max Lucado – Available wherever books are sold

MaxLucado.com – Devotions, YouTube channel Fresh Hope, and more

Join my Things for Thursday Email List and get a free Marriage Snapshot Tool and Fun Family Conversation Ebook!

Support Let’s Parent on Purpose as we help families thrive through the gospel: http://letsparentonpurpose.com/support/

The post Tame Your Thoughts with Max Lucado appeared first on Let's Parent on Purpose.

View Details

Powered by RedCircle

Join host Jay Holland as he introduces a new parenting tune-up resource designed to help parents evaluate and adjust their parenting strategies. This episode dives into the complexities of parenting across different life stages and offers biblical encouragement and practical questions to guide parents in nurturing their children.

Key Points:

• Introduction to the Parenting Tune-up resource.
• Importance of adapting parenting strategies as children grow.
• Biblical encouragement from Psalms, Proverbs, Ephesians, and Deuteronomy.
• The “Oxygen Mask Principle” for self-care in parenting.
• Reflecting on and celebrating positive traits in children.
• Course correction strategies for evolving family dynamics.
• Long-term and short-term visioning for family growth.

Upcoming:

Look forward to an interview with Pastor Max Lucado in mid-August!

Let’s Parent on Purpose is a part of the Christian Parenting Podcasting Network. For more information, visit www.ChristianParenting.org

Resources mentioned:

Access the Parenting Tuneup tool by texting “THINGS” to 66866.

Check out the “Guided by Faith” podcast for daily devotionals on Spotify and Apple Podcast.

Join my Things for Thursday Email List to get a copy of the Parenting Tune-Up tool!

Support Let’s Parent on Purpose as we help families thrive through the gospel: https://letsparentonpurpose.com/support/

The post Parenting Tune-up: Navigating the Seasons of Parenthood appeared first on Let's Parent on Purpose.

View Details

Powered by RedCircle

In this episode, Jay discusses the importance of maintaining a healthy marriage through a structured tool he developed called the ‘Marriage Tune-Up.’ He outlines different levels of marriage, from crisis to flourishing, and emphasizes the need for regular maintenance and intentionality in relationships. The conversation highlights biblical principles and practical steps couples can take to improve their marriages and become a blessing to others.

Takeaways

• Marriage requires periodic maintenance just like a vehicle.
• There are different levels of marriage, each with unique characteristics.
• Emergency level indicates a marriage in crisis needing immediate attention.
• Stable but stuck marriages function but lack connection and intimacy.
• Growing marriages are healthy and intentional with regular rhythms of connection.
• Flourishing marriages thrive in unity and shared purpose.
• Catalytic marriages serve as a kingdom force, mentoring others.
• Encouragement is vital for softening hearts in a marriage.
• Forgiveness is essential but does not equal trust or lack of boundaries.
• Regular rhythms of repentance and prayer can lead to a healthier marriage.

Let’s Parent on Purpose is a part of the Christian Parenting Podcasting Network. For more information, visit www.ChristianParenting.org

Resources mentioned:

Join my Things for Thursday Email List to get a copy of the Marriage Tune-Up tool!

Support Let’s Parent on Purpose as we help families thrive through the gospel: http://letsparentonpurpose.com/support/

The post Reviving Your Marriage: The Tune-Up Tool appeared first on Let's Parent on Purpose.

View Details

Powered by RedCircle

In this conversation, Jay Holland, Ed Uszynski, and Brian Smith discuss the complexities of youth sports culture, emphasizing the need for a shift in perspective among parents and coaches. They explore the concept of the ‘youth sports industrial complex,’ the impact of parental influence, and the importance of character development in sports. The discussion highlights the detrimental effects of snowplow parenting and the need for intentional discipleship opportunities within the youth sports experience.

In this conversation, the speakers discuss the importance of instilling gratitude and character in youth sports, contrasting the focus on competition and statistics with the value of personal growth and relationships. They emphasize the need for parents to support their children in a balanced way, encouraging them to appreciate the joy of sports while also recognizing the pressures of year-round competition and early specialization. The discussion culminates in a vision for families to engage in sports as a means of discipleship and community building.

Takeaways

• The youth sports industrial complex is a billion-dollar industry.
• Parents need to be the first to be discipled in sports culture.
• Character development in sports is influenced by the adults involved.
• Snowplow parenting inhibits children’s ability to think independently.
• Winning is often prioritized over character in youth sports.
• Discipleship opportunities arise from observing sports interactions.
• Parents should teach their kids to notice others in sports.
• The culture of sports can shape our values and beliefs.
• Coaches have a significant impact on children’s development.
• We need to reform our thinking about youth sports. Training kids to thank referees and spectators is vital.
• The GOAT debate highlights character over statistics.
• Living with gratitude leads to a more joyful life.
• Pursuing excellence doesn’t mean sacrificing compassion.
• Recognizing marginalized teammates fosters inclusivity.
• Year-round competition is not necessary for success.
• Early specialization can be detrimental to athletes.
• Parents should focus on enjoying the game with their kids.
• Remove anxiety from the sports experience for children.
• Sports can be a platform for discipleship and community.

Let’s Parent on Purpose is a part of the Christian Parenting Podcasting Network. For more information, visit www.ChristianParenting.org

Bio

About Brian Smith

Brian Smith is the author of several books including his latest Away Game: A Christian Parent’s Guide to Navigating Youth Sports and The Christian Athlete: Glorifying God in Sports. He has been on staff with Athletes in Action since 2008. A graduate of Wake Forest University, Brian has a master’s degree in Theology and Sports Studies through Baylor University. He lives in Lowell, Michigan, with his wife and three kids.

Social Media:

Website: www.thechristianathlete.com

Twitter: @BrianSmithAIA

Instagram: @brianlinsey

About Ed Uszynski

Ed Uszynski is an author, speaker, and sports minister with over three decades’ experience discipling college and professional athletes. His latest book is Away Game: A Christian Parent’s Guide to Navigating Youth Sports. He’s written articles, essays, and training manuals at the intersection of faith and sport and is the lead strategist for Content Mercenaries. He has two theological degrees from Trinity Evangelical Divinity School and a PhD in American Culture Studies from Bowling Green State University. He and his wife Amy have four children and live in Xenia, Ohio.

Social Media:

Website: www.untanglingcrt.com

Twitter: @uszynski32

Facebook: @ed.uszynski.3

Resources mentioned:

Away Game: A Christian Parent’s Guide to Navigating Youth Sports: https://amzn.to/43QFoQI

Athletes in Action: https://athletesinaction.org/

Join my Things for Thursday Email List and get a free Marriage Snapshot Tool and Fun Family Conversation Ebook!

Support Let’s Parent on Purpose as we help families thrive through the gospel: http://letsparentonpurpose.com/support/

The post Living as Light in the Youth Sports Industrial Complex with Brian Smith and Ed Uszynski appeared first on Let's Parent on Purpose.

View Details

Powered by RedCircle

This episode serves as a parental companion to Jay’s Guided By Faith Daily Devotional Podcast series on Living the Mission. In this episode, Jay Holland discusses the importance of living a mission-driven life within the context of family and community. He emphasizes that the Great Commission is not just for missionaries abroad but applies to everyday life. Jay provides practical tips for parents to instill a mission mindset in their families, encouraging them to engage with their neighborhoods, practice hospitality, and serve others. He highlights the long-term impact of these actions and invites listeners to join his series on living the mission.

Takeaways

• The Great Commission applies to our daily lives.
• Living missionally can transform family dynamics.
• Prayer walking helps engage with the community.
• Hospitality is a key aspect of living on mission.
• Serving together as a family fosters unity.
• Sharing faith authentically normalizes conversations about Jesus.
• Being rooted in community strengthens faith.
• Long-term relationships have a greater impact than short-term mission trips.
• Small, faithful steps lead to significant changes over time.
• Engaging with neighbors opens doors for ministry opportunities.

Listen to the episode and let it inspire you to see your summer with fresh eyes—ready to live on mission as a family!

Let’s Parent on Purpose is a part of the Christian Parenting Podcasting Network. For more information, visit www.ChristianParenting.org

Resources mentioned:

Guided by Faith: www.guidedbyfaith.net

Spotify: https://spoti.fi/4cLI2d7

Apple Podcast: https://apple.co/4cOVBbK

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@GuidedbyFaithPodcast

Join my Things for Thursday Email List and get a free Marriage Snapshot Tool and Fun Family Conversation Ebook!

Support Let’s Parent on Purpose as we help families thrive through the gospel: http://letsparentonpurpose.com/support/

The post Living the Mission at Home: Practical Ways to Make Disciples as a Family appeared first on Let's Parent on Purpose.

View Details

Powered by RedCircle

For the first time in the history of the Barna Research, more young women are leaving the faith than young men. Jay and Cicely discuss the work of Barna, focusing on the intersection of church and culture. They explore the methodologies used in their research, the importance of data for parents and leaders, and the concerning trend of young women disengaging from faith. Cicely shares insights into the reasons behind this trend, including social dynamics and perceptions of safety within church communities. The discussion emphasizes the need for churches to create welcoming environments for young women and the role of community in fostering faith. This conversation explores the dynamics of friendships between genders, the importance of intentionality in building relationships, and the empowerment of young women in leadership roles. It discusses the challenges faced by Gen Z in navigating faith and spirituality, emphasizing the need for mentorship and community support. The dialogue highlights the role of parents in fostering curiosity and community among their children to help them thrive in their faith journey.

Takeaways

• Parents can benefit from Barna’s insights to raise their children in faith.
• Young women are increasingly identifying as having no faith, a concerning trend.
• Social dynamics and safety perceptions impact young women’s engagement with church.
• Community and friendship are vital for youth engagement in church.
• Churches need to create safe spaces for young women.
• Men’s friendships often thrive on shared interests. Women tend to have more complex social dynamics in friendships.
• Shared experiences help deepen connections among individuals.
• Visible female leadership in churches empowers young women.
• Mentorship plays a significant role in young women’s development.
• Gen Z shows intrigue in spiritual matters despite declining church affiliation.
• Parents should engage in curious conversations with their children.
• Community involvement is essential for faith retention.
• Encouraging young people to step out of their comfort zones fosters growth.

Let’s Parent on Purpose is a part of the Christian Parenting Podcasting Network. For more information, visit www.ChristianParenting.org

Bio

Cicely Corry is Editorial Director at Barna Group, where she leads online content strategy to help Christian leaders understand key trends affecting the Church. Previously, she managed social media strategy and content for the Billy Graham Evangelistic Association and wrote for the Christian Broadcasting Network. Cicely has served in student ministry for over 10 years, and founded Three Minute Study, an online Bible study community helping others understand, enjoy and apply God’s word.

She holds a M.A. in journalism from Regent University and a B.A. in print journalism and marketing from Hampton University. Cicely is an Atlanta native now living in Charlotte, North Carolina, with her husband and two sons.

Resources mentioned:

Barna site: https://www.barna.com/

Gen Z Vol. 3 Study: https://www.barna.com/gen-z-volume-3/

Barna’s Instagram Page: https://www.instagram.com/barnagroup/?hl=en

Barna Access Plus: https://www.barna.com/access/

Cicely Corry’s Instagram Page: https://www.instagram.com/cicelycorry/

Join my Things for Thursday Email List and get a free Marriage Snapshot Tool and Fun Family Conversation Ebook!

Support Let’s Parent on Purpose as we help families thrive through the gospel: http://letsparentonpurpose.com/support/

The post Why are More Young Women Leaving the Faith with Cicely Corry appeared first on Let's Parent on Purpose.

View Details

Powered by RedCircle

In this conversation, Jay and Virgil explore the concept of missional households, emphasizing the importance of experiential learning, community, and intentional practices in family life. They discuss how to create a nurturing environment for spiritual growth, the significance of regular rhythms in the household, and adapting to life changes while maintaining a missional mindset. Through personal stories and practical advice, they highlight the transformative power of faith in everyday life.

Takeaways

• There’s a difference between knowing about something and truly knowing it.
• Learning requires experience, community, and a compelling story.
• Discipleship is best understood as a relational network rather than individual mentorship.
• Deep learning occurs in community settings, not just through sermons.
• Intentional rhythms in the household can foster spiritual growth.
• Experiential learning can be integrated into family gatherings.
• Simplicity in practices makes them easier to maintain.
• Children learn through repetition and experience in their environment.
• Creating a missional household involves being consistent with values and practices.
• The narrative of a household can guide the family’s mission and identity

Let’s Parent on Purpose is a part of the Christian Parenting Podcasting Network. For more information, visit www.ChristianParenting.org

Bio

As the Senior Director of OneTree, Virgil is responsible for leading the team to help mission, marketplace, and ministry leaders thrive holistically, do beautifully integrated work, and become everything God dreamed them to be, believing this to be a primary means for stewarding the reviving life of God through His people into the world.

Virgil holds a B.S. in Biology, an M.A. in Religion and Cross Cultural Studies, and an MEd. in Curriculum and Instruction. He is presently working on an EdD in Christian Leadership.

Resources mentioned:

https://www.onetreeministries.org/

Join my Things for Thursday Email List and get a free Marriage Snapshot Tool and Fun Family Conversation Ebook!

Support Let’s Parent on Purpose as we help families thrive through the gospel: http://letsparentonpurpose.com/support/

The post Habits to Create a Missional Household with Virgil Tanner appeared first on Let's Parent on Purpose.

View Details

Powered by RedCircle

In this conversation, Jay and Virgil explore the importance of character development over mere skills in leadership and parenting. They discuss the need for experiential learning in faith and the role of community in nurturing youth. The conversation emphasizes that discipleship should primarily occur in the home, supported by a network of relationships that foster growth and understanding.

They also discuss the importance of building significant relationships, particularly in the context of youth ministry. They explore the influence of social media on young people’s lives, emphasizing the need for adults to step in and provide positive guidance. The discussion highlights the role of desire in shaping behavior and the necessity of intentional connections in youth ministry. They also address the importance of encouraging risk-taking and resilience in young people, advocating for experiential learning over theoretical knowledge. The conversation concludes with practical advice for parents on how to engage in transformative conversations with their children.

Takeaways

• Leaders often have more information than formation.
• Character is more important than skills in leadership.
• Experiential learning is crucial for true understanding.
• Discipleship must happen primarily in the home.
• Community plays a vital role in faith development.
• Youth often leave the faith due to lack of relational engagement.
• Knowing about something is different from truly knowing it.
• Parents’ involvement in faith practice significantly impacts youth retention.
• Building a supportive network for youth is essential.
• Teaching faith should be experiential, communal, and narratively situated. Aim for at least seven significant adult relationships.
• Social media influences youth in unhealthy ways.
• Desire drives behavior more than cognition.
• Intentional connections can impact youth positively.
• Encouraging risk-taking helps build resilience.
• Experiential learning is more effective than theoretical knowledge.
• Transformative conversations can lead to deeper understanding.
• Modeling behavior is crucial for youth development.
• Recognizing and affirming individual strengths is important.
• Learning from failure is a valuable experience.

Let’s Parent on Purpose is a part of the Christian Parenting Podcasting Network. For more information, visit www.ChristianParenting.org

Bio

As the Senior Director of OneTree, Virgil is responsible for leading the team to help mission, marketplace, and ministry leaders thrive holistically, do beautifully integrated work, and become everything God dreamed them to be, believing this to be a primary means for stewarding the reviving life of God through His people into the world.

Virgil holds a B.S. in Biology, an M.A. in Religion and Cross Cultural Studies, and an MEd. in Curriculum and Instruction. He is presently working on an EdD in Christian Leadership.

Resources mentioned:

https://www.onetreeministries.org/

Join my Things for Thursday Email List and get a free Marriage Snapshot Tool and Fun Family Conversation Ebook!

Support Let’s Parent on Purpose as we help families thrive through the gospel: http://letsparentonpurpose.com/support/

The post Experiential Learning to Develop True Faith with Virgil Tanner appeared first on Let's Parent on Purpose.

View Details

Powered by RedCircle

In this conversation, Jay and David discuss the evolving challenges faced by children and adolescents in today’s world, particularly in the context of counseling. They explore the importance of emotional regulation, the balance between naming feelings and navigating them, and the need for parents to find a healthy middle ground in their approach to parenting. The discussion also highlights the significance of building resilience in children through healthy risks and practical strategies, such as the ‘exposures and ladders’ approach to overcoming anxiety. Additionally, they introduce the Daystar Dog Series, which aims to teach resilience through stories featuring therapy dogs.

Takeaways

• The same child development principles apply today as in the past.
• Technology has significantly impacted the challenges children face.
• Parents may overcorrect in their approach to emotional support.
• Naming emotions is important, but navigating them is crucial.
• Resilience in children is diminishing due to overprotection.
• Healthy risks are essential for children’s growth and development.
• Parents should reflect on what they do for their children that they could do themselves.
• Anxiety often stems from avoiding discomfort and challenges.
• Exposures and ladders can help children face their fears.
• Storytelling through the Daystar Dog Series can teach resilience.

Let’s Parent on Purpose is a part of the Christian Parenting Podcasting Network. For more information, visit www.ChristianParenting.org

Bio

David Thomas, LMSW, is co-executive director of Daystar Counseling in Nashville, Tennessee, and the author of 10 books including his most recent book, Raising Emotionally Strong Boys (Bethany, June 2022). A frequent media guest and speaker, David has spoken to hundreds of thousands in person and millions via his Top 10 kids & family podcast, Raising Boys and Girls, now with more than 10 million downloads since its launch in 2018. Learn more at RaisingBoysAndGirls.com.

Resources mentioned:

Raising Boys and Girls website

Join my Things for Thursday Email List and get a free Marriage Snapshot Tool and Fun Family Conversation Ebook!

Support Let’s Parent on Purpose as we help families thrive through the gospel: http://letsparentonpurpose.com/support/

The post Building Resiliency in our Children with David Thomas appeared first on Let's Parent on Purpose.

View Details

Powered by RedCircle

In this episode, Jay discusses the often-overlooked practice of fasting within the Christian faith. He shares personal reflections on his struggles with fasting, its biblical foundations, and the spiritual benefits it can bring to one’s life, marriage, and parenting. Jay emphasizes the importance of humility and submission to God through fasting, encouraging listeners to consider making it a regular part of their spiritual journey.

Takeaways

• Fasting is a practice that can lead to spiritual breakthroughs.
• Jesus expected his followers to fast, just as they pray and give.
• Fasting is often under-taught and under-practiced in the Christian community.
• Fasting can help with clarity in decision-making and spiritual direction.
• The act of fasting cultivates humility and dependence on God.
• Fasting can aid in repentance and soften one’s heart.
• Fasting is a way to tame the flesh and resist temptation.
• Fasting is not about manipulating God but seeking His will earnestly.
• Regular fasting can lead to a deeper relationship with God.
• Fasting should be approached with a heart of humility and submission.

Let’s Parent on Purpose is a part of the Christian Parenting Podcasting Network. For more information, visit www.ChristianParenting.org

Resources mentioned:

Join my Things for Thursday Email List and get a free Marriage Snapshot Tool and Fun Family Conversation Ebook!

Support Let’s Parent on Purpose as we help families thrive through the gospel: http://letsparentonpurpose.com/support/

The post Have You Considered Fasting? appeared first on Let's Parent on Purpose.

View Details

Powered by RedCircle

Jay Holland and Aaron Smith explore the transformative power of the gospel and prayer in relationships, particularly in marriage. They discuss the importance of recognizing one’s identity in Christ, the challenges of receiving correction, and the significance of prayer as a means to align hearts with God’s will. The discussion also highlights the 31-Day Marriage Prayer Challenge, designed to encourage couples to pray for each other and deepen their spiritual connection. Through personal anecdotes and biblical insights, they emphasize that prayer not only changes circumstances but also transforms individuals, fostering a deeper understanding of love and grace in relationships.

Takeaways

• Seeing your marriage as a ministry is crucial.
• It’s important to not sacrifice family for ministry.
• Authenticity in leadership is essential for true connection.
• Accountability helps prevent disqualification in ministry.
• Being transparent about struggles fosters genuine relationships.
• Elders and deacons play a vital role in church health.
• Critique should be received with humility and openness.
• The gospel provides a foundation for handling criticism.
• True fellowship involves knowing and being known by others.
• Leadership requires both leading and being approachable. The gospel reveals our true selves and lifts us up.
• Receiving correction is essential for growth.
• Prayer is a powerful tool for transformation in marriage.
• The 31-Day Prayer Challenge encourages couples to pray for each other.
• Prayer prompts help couples focus on specific needs.
• Aligning our hearts with God’s will is crucial in prayer.
• Prayer changes our perspective on our spouse.
• The Holy Spirit guides us in our prayers.
• Gratitude in prayer opens our hearts to God’s blessings.
• We can approach God directly in prayer, which is empowering.

Let’s Parent on Purpose is a part of the Christian Parenting Podcasting Network. For more information, visit www.ChristianParenting.org

Bio

Aaron Smith is a Christian author, speaker, and co-founder of Marriage After God, a ministry dedicated to helping couples center their marriages on Christ. Alongside his wife, Jennifer, Aaron has written several books, including Marriage After God and 31 Prayers for My Spouse, equipping husbands and wives with biblical wisdom for a thriving, God-honoring relationship. Through blogging, social media, and the Marriage After God Podcast, Aaron encourages men to embrace their role as spiritual leaders in their homes. He is passionate about discipleship, marriage, and helping couples grow in faith together.

Resources mentioned:

https://marriageaftergod.com

The Marriage After God Podcast https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/mag-marriage-advice-relationship-encouragement-we-discuss/id1349500084

Join my Things for Thursday Email List and get a free Marriage Snapshot Tool and Fun Family Conversation Ebook!

Support Let’s Parent on Purpose as we help families thrive through the gospel: http://letsparentonpurpose.com/support/

The post The 31 Day Marriage Prayer Challenge with Aaron Smith appeared first on Let's Parent on Purpose.

View Details

Powered by RedCircle

Jay Holland and Chris Sasser explore the concept of emotional baggage that children carry into adulthood, particularly focusing on the pressures of performance, the importance of healthy relationships, and the role of parental influence. Chris shares insights from his book ‘Bags’, discussing common emotional burdens children face and practical ways parents can help lighten their load. The discussion emphasizes the significance of understanding one’s identity in Christ and fostering connections over mere content delivery in parenting.

Takeaways

• Children often carry emotional baggage they are unaware of.
• Performance pressure is a significant burden for today’s youth.
• Parents should focus on building healthy relationships with their children.
• It’s essential to identify and address parental ego in parenting.
• The gospel provides hope and identity for both parents and children.
• Connection with children is more important than delivering content.
• Parents should aim for their children to be healthy, not just successful.
• Understanding family of origin impacts parenting styles.
• Parents need to model their identity in Christ for their children.
• Small, intentional steps can lead to significant changes in parenting.

parenting, #emotional baggage, #performance pressure, #healthy relationships, #identity, #gospel, #family dynamics, #youth counseling, #premarital counseling, #parenting advice

Let’s Parent on Purpose is a part of the Christian Parenting Podcasting Network. For more information, visit www.ChristianParenting.org

Bio

Chris Sasser (a.k.a.“Sass”) is the Pastor of Family Ministries at Port City Community Church in Wilmington, NC. He has served in full-time ministry since 1993, working with children’s, middle school, high school, college, and parent ministries. He has a passion for equipping and encouraging parents and leaders to help the next generation walk with God. Chris shares thoughts and ideas at www.equipandencourage.com and loves to share with students, leaders, and parents. Chris is married to Karin, and they have two young adult children, CJ and Kylie.

Resources mentioned:

www.equipandencourage.com

Join my Things for Thursday Email List and get a free Marriage Snapshot Tool and Fun Family Conversation Ebook!

Support Let’s Parent on Purpose as we help families thrive through the gospel: http://letsparentonpurpose.com/support/

The post How to Lighten the Baggage Our Children Carry with Chris Sasser appeared first on Let's Parent on Purpose.

View Details

Powered by RedCircle

In this conversation, Jay Holland and Eliza Huey continue to explore the complexities of trauma, its effects on individuals, and the importance of support systems. They discuss the evolution of understanding trauma, the role of God in times of suffering, and how Scripture can provide comfort. The conversation also delves into the concept of post-traumatic growth, emphasizing that trauma can lead to spiritual resilience and deeper faith. They highlight the need for proper trauma care, which includes establishing safety, processing experiences, and integrating them into one’s life. Additionally, they address the challenges of information overload in today’s world and how it can exacerbate feelings of trauma.

Takeaways

• Trauma affects the body, mind, and spirit.
• Support systems can significantly reduce the impact of trauma.
• Understanding trauma has evolved from ‘What’s wrong with you?’ to ‘Who was with you?’.
• The Psalms express deep pain and questions about God’s presence.
• Post-traumatic growth can lead to stronger faith and resilience.
• Trauma care involves establishing safety, processing, and integration.
• We are not designed to hold all the information we consume.
• God’s sovereignty does not negate His goodness.
• Healing from trauma is a process, not a one-time event.
• Scripture provides a framework for understanding and processing trauma.

Let’s Parent on Purpose is a part of the Christian Parenting Podcasting Network. For more information, visit www.ChristianParenting.org

Bio

Eliza Huie is a licensed professional counselor (LPC) trained in trauma care. She serves as a seminary instructor, facilitating certificate-level training in biblical counseling, and has authored several books, including her latest, Trauma Aware: A Christian’s Guide to Providing Help and Care. Eliza co-hosts Counsel for Life, a podcast about mental health and the Christian life.

Resources mentioned:

https://www.elizahuie.com/

Trauma Aware: A Christian’s Guide to Providing Help and Care

Join my Things for Thursday Email List and get a free Marriage Snapshot Tool and Fun Family Conversation Ebook!

Support Let’s Parent on Purpose as we help families thrive through the gospel: http://letsparentonpurpose.com/support/

The post Part 2: How to Walk with Loved Ones Through Trauma with Eliza Huie appeared first on Let's Parent on Purpose.

View Details

Powered by RedCircle

In this conversation, Jay Holland and Eliza Huey delve into the complexities of trauma, its definitions, and the importance of understanding its impact on individuals and relationships. They discuss the physiological responses to trauma, the significance of being present for those who have experienced trauma, and how caregivers can provide support. Eliza emphasizes the need for compassion and understanding in navigating trauma, highlighting the role of community and interpersonal relationships in the healing process.

Jay and Eliza further discuss the importance of presence in healing, the role of the nervous system in trauma, and practical techniques for awareness and regulation. They emphasize the significance of being with someone in their pain without trying to fix them, the necessity of understanding bodily responses to trauma, and the power of breathing techniques to help regulate emotions. The discussion also touches on the integration of body, mind, and spirit in the healing process, highlighting the need for a holistic approach to trauma care.

Takeaways

• Trauma is an invisible wound that affects mental, physical, emotional, and spiritual well-being.
• Understanding trauma is essential for caregivers and community members.
• The body’s autonomic nervous system plays a crucial role in responding to trauma.
• Being present with someone who has experienced trauma can significantly impact their healing process.
• The question of ‘who was with you’ during trauma is crucial for understanding its impact.
• Trauma can manifest in hyper-vigilance and a constant state of alertness.
• Not all distressing experiences are classified as trauma; context matters.
• Healing can occur through supportive relationships and community.
• Safety can be re-established even after traumatic experiences. Connection happens when someone wants to know you.
• Presence is more important than words in healing.
• You can’t fix trauma, but you can support healing.
• Awareness of bodily responses is crucial for trauma recovery.
• Breathing techniques can help regulate the nervous system.
• Balance breathing helps transition from sympathetic to parasympathetic states.
• Checking in with your body can reveal hidden tension.
• Trauma responses are not necessarily sinful or wrong.
• Understanding the body is essential in trauma care.
• Integrating spiritual practices can enhance healing

Let’s Parent on Purpose is a part of the Christian Parenting Podcasting Network. For more information visit www.ChristianParenting.org

Bio

Eliza Huie is a licensed professional counselor (LPC) trained in trauma care. She serves as a seminary instructor, facilitating certificate-level training in biblical counseling, and has authored several books, including her latest, Trauma Aware: A Christian’s Guide to Providing Help and Care. Eliza co-hosts Counsel for Life, a podcast about mental health and the Christian life.

Resources mentioned:

https://www.elizahuie.com/

Trauma Aware: A Christian’s Guide to Providing Help and Care

Join my Things for Thursday Email List and get a free Marriage Snapshot Tool and Fun Family Conversation Ebook!

Support Let’s Parent on Purpose as we help families thrive through the gospel: http://letsparentonpurpose.com/support/

The post Part 1: How to Walk with Loved Ones Through Trauma with Eliza Huie appeared first on Let's Parent on Purpose.

View Details

Powered by RedCircle

In this conversation, John Donges shares his journey from a challenging childhood marked by family dysfunction and abuse to finding faith and hope through a local church. He reflects on the impact of his upbringing in West Virginia, the struggles with his stepfather’s abuse, and the transformative experience of discovering a relationship with God. John’s story highlights the importance of community, resilience, and the ongoing challenges he faced even after embracing faith. In this conversation, Jay Holland and John Donges explore the profound themes of discipleship, the cost of following Jesus, and the transformative power of faith. They discuss the challenges faced by new believers, the importance of intentional parenting, and the impact of role models in shaping one’s spiritual journey. The dialogue emphasizes the hope that comes from choosing to follow Christ and the potential for generational change through faith and commitment.

Let’s Parent on Purpose is a part of the Christian Parenting Podcasting Network. For more information visit www.ChristianParenting.org

Bio

John Donges is the husband of Jaclyn and father of three children. He is the CEO of Strategic Marketer and a member of Covenant Fellowship Baptist Church

Resources mentioned:

Join my Things for Thursday Email List and get a free Marriage Snapshot Tool and Fun Family Conversation Ebook!

Support Let’s Parent on Purpose as we help families thrive through the gospel: http://letsparentonpurpose.com/support/

The post Changing the Story of Your Generations with John Donges appeared first on Let's Parent on Purpose.

View Details

Powered by RedCircle

In this episode, Jay Holland reflects on the challenges of parenting in the digital age, particularly focusing on the alarming rise in mental health issues among children and teenagers. He discusses insights from Jonathan Haidt’s book, ‘The Anxious Generation,’ which explores the impact of technology and social media on childhood development. Jay emphasizes the need for unstructured play and offers practical solutions for parents to mitigate the negative effects of digital exposure on their children.

Takeaways

• The 21st century has faced significant challenges, including 9/11 and COVID-19.
• Mental health issues among youth have dramatically increased since 2010.
• The rise of smartphones and social media correlates with increased anxiety and depression.
• Children today experience childhood differently than previous generations.
• Unstructured play is crucial for healthy childhood development.
• Parents are giving children more freedom in the digital world and less in the real world.
• Social media can create false perceptions of reality, impacting self-esteem.
• Delaying social media access can benefit children’s mental health.
• Cultural remedies include increasing unstructured play and limiting digital exposure.
• Parenting in the digital age requires wisdom and proactive measures.

Let’s Parent on Purpose is a part of the Christian Parenting Podcasting Network. For more information visit www.ChristianParenting.org

Resources mentioned:

The Anxious Generation: How the Great Rewiring of Childhood Is Causing an Epidemic of Mental Illness

Join my Things for Thursday Email List and get a free Marriage Snapshot Tool and Fun Family Conversation Ebook!

Support Let’s Parent on Purpose as we help families thrive through the gospel: http://letsparentonpurpose.com/support/

The post Remedies for an Anxious Generation appeared first on Let's Parent on Purpose.

View Details

Powered by RedCircle

In this episode, Jay reflects on the past year, discussing the impact of the 127 Project and the importance of gratitude. He explores how to measure a good year and life, drawing insights from Ecclesiastes about the meaning of life and the concept of everything being a vapor. The conversation emphasizes the significance of relationships, faith, and making intentional decisions to create a fulfilling life.

Takeaways

• Gratitude is essential for measuring a good year.
• Life experiences can be both joyful and painful.
• Ecclesiastes offers wisdom on the meaning of life.
• Everything we strive for can feel meaningless at times.
• Finding joy in daily tasks can lead to a fulfilling life.
• Relationships and faith are key to a good year.
• Life is a gift from God, and we should cherish it.
• Making intentional decisions can lead to great days.
• We have control over our actions and reactions.
• A good year is defined by our relationships and faith.

Let’s Parent on Purpose is a part of the Christian Parenting Podcasting Network. For more information visit www.ChristianParenting.org

Resources mentioned:

Episode 366 Grieving and Healing Through Intense Personal Loss with Eliza Huie

Episode 374 The Royal In You: Imagining The New Heavens And Earth With Jordan Raynor

Episode 375 Andrew Peterson on Parenthood, Creating, and Cultivating Faith in Our Children

Join my Things for Thursday Email List and get a free Marriage Snapshot Tool and Fun Family Conversation Ebook!

Support Let’s Parent on Purpose as we help families thrive though the gospel: http://letsparentonpurpose.com/support/

The post Finding Meaning When Life is a Vapor appeared first on Let's Parent on Purpose.

View Details

Powered by RedCircle

Kristen Hatton discusses the concept of redemptive parenting, emphasizing the importance of confession, grace, and humility in raising children. She shares insights from her book ‘Parenting Ahead’ and offers practical advice for parents of young children and teenagers. The discussion highlights the significance of establishing healthy habits, navigating consequences, and the ongoing need for repentance in family dynamics. Kristen encourages parents to model vulnerability and grace, fostering a safe environment for their children to grow and learn.

Takeaways

• Parenting starts with the heart of the parent.
• Redemptive parenting involves living compelled by grace.
• Confession and repentance are crucial in parenting.
• It’s important to model vulnerability to children.
• Establishing healthy habits early sets the tone for later years.
• Children need to see their parents’ imperfections.
• Regular repentance fosters restorative relationships.
• Consequences should not undermine the clean slate concept.
• It’s never too late to start repenting to your children.

Bio
Kristen Hatton, MA, LPC-Associate, is a professional counselor and author passionate about helping families. Her books include Parenting Ahead, Get Your Story Straight, Face Time, and The Gospel-Centered Life in Exodus for Students. She lives with her pastor-husband, Pete, in Dallas, Texas, and together they have three young adult children and a son-in-law. For more of Kristen’s work, visit her website www.kristenhatton.com and the @Redemptiveparenting Instagram account.

Let’s Parent on Purpose is a part of the Christian Parenting Podcasting Network. For more information visit www.ChristianParenting.org

Resources mentioned:
www.kristenhatton.com
Parenting Ahead: Preparing Now for the Teen Years: https://amzn.to/4fneOTR

Join my Things for Thursday Email List and get a free Marriage Snapshot Tool and Fun Family Conversation Ebook!

Support Let’s Parent on Purpose as we help families thrive though the gospel: http://letsparentonpurpose.com/support/

The post Redemptive Parenting with Kristen Hatton appeared first on Let's Parent on Purpose.

View Details

Powered by RedCircle

In this conversation Christie Thomas shares insights from her book, ‘Little Habits, Big Faith,’ emphasizing the importance of small, intentional habits in nurturing faith within families. Jay and Christie explore how these small changes can lead to significant transformations over time, supported by real-life examples. The discussion highlights the critical role of family warmth and love in preserving faith across generations, encouraging parents to embrace simple practices that foster spiritual growth in their children. They discuss the importance of expressing love regularly, the concept of Keystone Habits, and practical ways to implement faith practices in daily life, such as the Blessing Habit. The conversation emphasizes that even small, consistent actions can lead to significant spiritual growth in children.

Key Takeaways:

• Parents today are feeling overwhelmed and stressed.
• Small habits can lead to significant changes in family faith.
• Intentional touchpoints in daily life can nurture faith.
• Family warmth is crucial for faith preservation across generations.
• Simple practices can help parents feel more equipped to share faith.
• The act of expressing love can have profound effects on children.
• Real-life examples show the impact of small changes over time.
• Creating a culture of faith in the home doesn’t require grand gestures.
• Regular, small interactions can lead to deeper spiritual conversations.
• Parents can find opportunities for faith moments in everyday routines.
• Parental love shapes children’s perception of God.
• Expressing love should be a daily practice.
• Keystone Habits can lead to broader changes.
• Small wins can encourage further spiritual practices.
• The Blessing Habit is a simple yet powerful tool.
• Modeling warmth and love is crucial for faith development.
• Children can thrive with consistent faith practices.
• Even older children appreciate blessings.
• Small habits can lead to big faith transformations.
• Parents are already doing impactful things for their kids.

Bio
Christie Thomas was a Children’s Ministries Director for over a decade and is now a family discipleship coach to parents who need equipping, support, and encouragement. Her books for kids and parents help families cultivate faith-filled moments. She lives with her husband and three boys in Canada.

Let’s Parent on Purpose is a part of the Christian Parenting Podcasting Network. For more information visit www.ChristianParenting.org

Resources mentioned:
https://littleshootsdeeproots.com/

Little Habits, Big Faith: https://amzn.to/4hwR6WV

Tiny Habits: https://amzn.to/4fDCEuo

The Power of Habit: https://amzn.to/4eiZyGf

Join my Things for Thursday Email List and get a free Marriage Snapshot Tool and Fun Family Conversation Ebook!

Support Let’s Parent on Purpose as we help families thrive though the gospel: http://letsparentonpurpose.com/support/

The post Little Habits Big Faith with Christie Thomas appeared first on Let's Parent on Purpose.

View Details

Powered by RedCircle

In this conversation, Andrew Peterson shares his journey from being a pastor’s kid to a successful songwriter and author. He discusses the importance of faith, creativity, and the influence of family and friends in shaping his life and work. Peterson reflects on the challenges of parenting, the creative process of writing for children, and the significance of community in his life. He also shares insights into his upcoming projects and the balance between career and spiritual life. Listen as Andrew and Jay discuss:

• Growing Up in Faith: A Pastor’s Kid Perspective
• The Art of Storytelling: From Songwriting to Literature
• Navigating Creative Transitions: Music to Fantasy Literature
• The Role of Family in Creativity and Faith
• The Importance of Community and Friendship
• Parenting and the Journey of Faith
• The Creative Process: Writing for Children
• The Influence of Friends on Personal Growth
• Balancing Career and Spiritual Life
• Upcoming Projects and Future Aspirations

Let’s Parent on Purpose is a part of the Christian Parenting Podcast Network. For more information visit www.ChristianParenting.org

Resources mentioned:
https://andrew-peterson.com
https://www.instagram.com/andrewpetersonmusic/
https://www.instagram.com/wingfeathersaga/
https://www.facebook.com/WingfeatherSaga/
https://www.facebook.com/andrewpetersonmusic/
https://twitter.com/andrewpeterson
http://christianparenting.org/christmas

Join my Things for Thursday Email List and get a free Marriage Snapshot Tool and Fun Family Conversation Ebook!

Support Let’s Parent on Purpose as we help families thrive though the gospel: http://letsparentonpurpose.com/support

The post Andrew Peterson on Parenthood, Creating, and Cultivating Faith in our Children appeared first on Let's Parent on Purpose.

View Details

Powered by RedCircle

In this conversation, Jay Holland and Jordan Raynor discuss the themes of heaven, purpose, and stewardship as presented in Raynor’s book, ‘The Royal in You.’ They explore the misconceptions surrounding heaven, emphasizing a biblical perspective that highlights the new earth and the role of work as worship. The discussion also touches on how understanding these concepts can inspire greater hope, motivation to share faith, and a purposeful life in the present.

Takeaways

• The Royal In You aims to replace cultural misconceptions about heaven with biblical truths.
• Heaven is often misunderstood, leading to fear and dread among believers.
• The new earth will be a place of work, creativity, and joy, not just singing.
• Work was part of perfection before the fall and will be in eternity.
• Understanding our eternal vocation gives purpose to our current work.
• The present heaven is less emphasized in scripture compared to the new earth.
• Believers should live with hope and motivation to share their faith.
• Stewardship of creation is a practice for eternity.
• The idea of a bucket list is burdensome and unbiblical.
• God’s creation is fundamentally good and will be redeemed, not destroyed.

Let’s Parent on Purpose is a part of the Christian Parenting Podcast Network. For more information visit www.ChristianParenting.org

Resources mentioned:

https://www.jordanraynor.com

The Royal In You

www.guidedbyfaith.net

Get Your Identity Simplified Digital Resource at cpgive.org

Join my Things for Thursday Email List and get a free Marriage Snapshot Tool and Fun Family Conversation Ebook!

Support Let’s Parent on Purpose as we help families thrive though the gospel: http://letsparentonpurpose.com/support/

The post The Royal in You: Imagining the New Heavens and Earth with Jordan Raynor appeared first on Let's Parent on Purpose.

View Details

Powered by RedCircle

Jay shares a sneak peak of upcoming episodes of his new podcast Guided By Faith: Devotions and Advice for Teens and Young Adults. He also shares with his listeners an exciting opportunity to help spread solid Biblical Teaching throughout the nation of India.

On this week’s episode, you’ll hear three short devotionals from the Guided by Faith Podcast.

• Through the Lens of the Gospel – how to view the events of your life through the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ
• Jesus Understands Your Struggles
• What Does God Think About Injustice

Let’s Parent on Purpose is a part of the Christian Parenting Podcast Network. For more information visit www.ChristianParenting.org

Resources mentioned:
https://www.jordanraynor.com
The Royal In You
www.guidedbyfaith.net

Get Your Identity Simplified Digital Resource at cpgive.org

Join my Things for Thursday Email List and get a free Marriage Snapshot Tool and Fun Family Conversation Ebook!

Support Let’s Parent on Purpose as we help families thrive though the gospel: http://letsparentonpurpose.com/support

The post Guided by Faith: Through the Lens of the Gospel appeared first on Let's Parent on Purpose.

View Details

Powered by RedCircle

In this conversation, Jay Holland and Matthew Gille discuss Matthew’s unique journey to becoming a missionary, the challenges he faced with his family, particularly with his daughter who has special needs, and how God has provided for them throughout their journey. They explore themes of faith, identity, and community, emphasizing the importance of trusting God in difficult circumstances and recognizing the blessings that come from challenges.

Keywords: missionary, faith, family, special needs, church, community, identity, God’s provision, China, parenting

Let’s Parent on Purpose is a part of the Christian Parenting Podcast Network. For more information visit www.ChristianParenting.org

Resources mentioned:

www.guidedbyfaith.net

imb.org

cpgive.org

Join my Things for Thursday Email List and get a free Marriage Snapshot Tool and Fun Family Conversation Ebook!

Support Let’s Parent on Purpose as we help families thrive though the gospel: http://letsparentonpurpose.com/support/

The post A Journey of Faith and Family with Matt Gille appeared first on Let's Parent on Purpose.

View Details

Powered by RedCircle

Take a sneak peek into Jay’s new daily devotional podcast designed to encourage teens and young adults. Don’t worry, mom and dad can listen too! Listen to Jay’s heart behind launching Guided by Faith, then enjoy three short episodes to get a flavor for the podcast. If you think it’s valuable, please subscribe, listen, review, and share Guided by Faith with your children, pastors, and friends!

Let’s Parent on Purpose is a part of the Christian Parenting Podcast Network. For more information visit www.ChristianParenting.org

Resources mentioned:

www.guidedbyfaith.net

cpgive.org/

Join my Things for Thursday Email List and get a free Marriage Snapshot Tool and Fun Family Conversation Ebook!

Support Let’s Parent on Purpose as we help families thrive though the gospel: https://letsparentonpurpose.com/support/

The post Introducing Guided By Faith: Devotions and Advice for Teens and Young Adults appeared first on Let's Parent on Purpose.

View Details

Powered by RedCircle

Chick-Fil-A is known for the highest level of excellence in customer service and food quality. The vast majority of their workforce are teenagers and young adults. How does Chick-Fil-A elicit such superior work from young people? This week Jody Kidd joins Let’s Parent on Purpose to share the principles he uses for communication, accountability, and ownership as he trains hundreds of young people each year. Jody and Jay discuss how these principles can also apply in our households to raise the level of satisfaction for each member of the family.

**Download this Episode’s Discussion Guide >> https://bit.ly/3W2PnQm

Powered by Christian Parenting

Bio: Jody Kidd is the husband of Christa, one of the Children’s Directors at Covenant Fellowship Baptist Church. He is the father of four kids aged 12 to 18. He’s currently the COO for two Chick-fil-A’s in our area, with one being the top drive-thru in the entire chain. Before coming to Chick-fil-A, he was in the ministry for many years as a youth pastor and children’s pastor.

Resources mentioned:
chickfila.com

Carry Water, Chop Wood: How to Fall in Love with the Process of Being Great – https://amzn.to/3KONYXc

Extreme Ownership: How U.S. Navy SEALs Lead and Win – https://amzn.to/4cykNDH

The Dichotomy of Leadership: Balancing the Challenges of Extreme Ownership to Lead and Win – https://amzn.to/4exLfPj

Before You Change The World

Join my Things for Thursday Email List and get a free Marriage Snapshot Tool and Fun Family Conversation Ebook!

Support Let’s Parent on Purpose as we help families thrive though the gospel: https://letsparentonpurpose.com/support

The post Communication, Expectations, and Ownership the Chick-Fil A Way with Jody Kidd appeared first on Let's Parent on Purpose.

View Details

Powered by RedCircle

How can we hope to have children who are steady, kind, and resilient in an increasingly hostile culture? It starts with what mom and dad model at home. On this episode Jay is joined by Pastor Ken Castor for a discussion on modeling healthy identity, communication, and kindness in our homes to prepare our children for the challenges of a word that wants to label Christian morality as hate.

As you listen you’ll be encouraged to notice the way you handle feedback and criticism in your home. You’ll learn the importance of missionary loving your neighbors, especially if you disagree with them. Finally you’ll be reminded to keep your hope rooted in Christ rather than giving in to the anger, angst, and volatility of our society in this upcoming election season. In each of these circumstances, Ken brings us back to scripture as our foundation and guidebook.

Powered by Christian Parenting

Bio: Dr. Ken Castor is the Next-Gen Pastor of Wooddale Church (Eden Prairie MN) and author of Grow Down: How to Build a Jesus-Centered Faith and the editor of the Make a Difference Youth Bible (NLT). You can interact with him at www.kencastor.com

Resources mentioned:www.kencastor.com

https://makeadifferencebible.com/

Join my Things for Thursday Email List and get a free Marriage Snapshot Tool and Fun Family Conversation Ebook!

Support Let’s Parent on Purpose as we help families thrive though the gospel: https://letsparentonpurpose.com/support/

The post Modeling a Calm Resilience in a Hostile Culture with Ken Castor appeared first on Let's Parent on Purpose.

View Details

Powered by RedCircle

Summer break is a great time to catch our breath and decompress. If we are intentional, the break is also an amazing opportunity to inspire our children with awe and wonder at their Creator God. Jay is joined this episode by Rita Diapoules, the director of Children’s Ministry at Covenant Fellowship Baptist Church. Rita helps walk us though little intentional activities we can do throughout the summer to deepen our children’s appreciation for their Creator.

In this episode Jay and Rita talk about intentional use of the mornings, reading and devotion times, and using a simple prayer calendar to guide children in noticing different aspects of creation and their Creator. They also talk about using vacations and service times to grow together as a family in the Lord.

**Be sure to check out the prayer calendar and activities guide created by Rita that accompanies this podcast.

Powered by Christian Parenting

BioRita Diapoules is the wife of Mark and mother of two young children. After spending fifteen years as a public school teacher (and Palm City Elementary Teacher of the Year) Rita now co-leads the children’s ministry at Covenant Fellowship Baptist Church while raising and teaching her daughters.

Resources mentioned:Download the Summer Prayer Calendar 2024.

Join my Things for Thursday Email List and get a free Marriage Snapshot Tool and Fun Family Conversation Ebook!

Support Let’s Parent on Purpose as we help families thrive though the gospel: https://letsparentonpurpose.com/support

The post Inspiring Awe and Wonder of the Creator this Summer with Rita Diapoules appeared first on Let's Parent on Purpose.

View Details

Powered by RedCircle

**Be sure to check out our new discussion guide to help you make the most out of this episode. [Go to Discussion Guide].

What do you think about when you think about God? Is He distant, uncaring, weak or unjust? Or is He good, near, powerful, just, and loving? Every person has a story they tell themselves about God, and we continually feed this story.

Today Jay shares how we have a choice in what we choose to feed in our story about God. He then shares how those choices tend to have control over us in ways that we don’t expect. The story you tell yourself about God will affect how you handle temptation, trials, and tragedies. Will sin become a coping mechanism or an evil to avoid? It all depends on the story you are feeding yourself about God.

This principle also holds true in the story we tell ourselves about other people. You can make or break relationships based on the internal story you create and then seek to prove through your interactions. If you are stuck in a bad story, listen and hear how Jay shares two powerful antidotes that can change your story.

Powered by Christian Parenting

Resources mentioned:

Join my Things for Thursday Email List and get a free Marriage Snapshot Tool and Fun Family Conversation Ebook!

Support Let’s Parent on Purpose as we help families thrive though the gospel: https://letsparentonpurpose.com/support/

The post The Story You Choose appeared first on Let's Parent on Purpose.

View Details

Powered by RedCircle

What do you do when you and your children experience intense personal loss, like the unexpected death of a loved one? Eliza Huie helps us walk through a series of questions that parents wrestle with as they try to process shock and grief while also helping their children deal with tragedy.

Listen as Eliza answers the following questions from Jay:* How can parents shepherd their children through intense personal loss? * How can they do this while also dealing with the loss themselves? * What are normal feelings and emotions that go along with trauma. * What might counseling to do help. How do you know if counseling is appropriate? How soon after the loss?

In crisis we have (psychological needs):* The Activation of the Body * The Activation of the Mind and Emotions * The Activation of the Soul

What does a person in crisis need? (relational needs):* What determines if a crisis situation results in long-term trauma? * What are the essential characteristics of a helper in these situations?

A plan for what’s ahead (situational needs):* First few days * First 1-3 weeks * Four weeks and beyond

Powered by Christian Parenting

About Eliza Huie

Eliza Huie is the director of counseling at McLean Bible Church located invthe Washington D.C. metro area. She is the Dean of Biblical Counseling for Metro Baltimore Seminary in Maryland. She and her husband Ken have been married for almost 30 years and they have 3 grown children and a lovely daughter-in-law.

Resources mentioned:
Biblical Virtual Counseling Resource:
Anchored Hope Counseling – https://anchoredhope.co
Fieldstone Counseling – https://fieldstonecounseling.org
Christian Trauma Counseling – https://christiantraumacounseling.com

Breath as Prayer by Jennifer Tucker

Tips for Survivors of a Disaster or Other Traumatic Event: https://store.samhsa.gov/sites/default/files/sma13-4776.pdf

Join my Things for Thursday Email List and get a free Marriage Snapshot Tool and Fun Family Conversation Ebook!

Support Let’s Parent on Purpose as we help families thrive though the gospel: https://letsparentonpurpose.com/support/

The post Grieving and Healing Through Intense Personal Loss with Eliza Huie appeared first on Let's Parent on Purpose.

View Details

Powered by RedCircle

**Be sure to check out our new discussion guide to help you make the most out of this episode. Download it here.

Research shows that the average adult makes over 35,000 decisions every day! We make a lot of choices, and many of our choices have a compounding effect as we repeat them day after day. Other choices are not as important but they can drain our energy.

This week Jay shares his insights on the power of pre-deciding in seven areas of your life that will have tremendous compound interest. Listen as Jay explains why you should:

1. Pre-decide when you are going to have your time with God each day.
2. Pre-decide when you are going to bed and when you are going to wake up as a normal habit.
3. Pre-Decide your default meals for breakfast and lunch.
4. Pre-decide your days and time to be a part of the church
5. Pre-decide your date nights
6. Pre-decide family dinner nights
7. Pre-decide to be proportionally generous

Powered by Christian Parenting

Resources mentioned:

The Greatest Choices of Strategic Leaders: https://go.roberts.edu/leadingedge/the-great-choices-of-strategic-leaders

Join my Things for Thursday Email List and get a free Marriage Snapshot Tool and Fun Family Conversation Ebook!

Support Let’s Parent on Purpose as we help families thrive though the gospel: https://letsparentonpurpose.com/support/

The post The Power of Pre-Deciding appeared first on Let's Parent on Purpose.

View Details

**Be sure to check out our new discussion guide to help you make the most out of this episode. Download it here.

What does it mean to walk in the Spirit and live in the Spirit? This week I am joined by Dr. Don Love for a walk through Galatians 5 and a discussion of the Fruit of the Spirit in the life of a believer. We talk about how to discern the will of God in your life, ways that the Lord might be speaking to you, and the importance of the statement “God’s will is found in God’s Word.” You will learn the difference between the gifts of the Spirit and the Fruit of the Spirit and how this understanding can be transformational in your marriage and parenting. Finally, Don leads us in a time of prayer to seek the Lord’s guidance on each aspect of the Fruit of the Spirit in our own lives.

Powered by Christian Parenting

Bio

Dr. Don Love is the director of Pray Through It and the host of the weekly podcast Unquenchable: Biblical Theology, Listening Prayer, and Christian Living. You can find out more and interact with Dr. Love at www.praythroughit.com

Resources mentioned:

Episode 341: Inner Healing Through Prayer with Dr. Don Love

www.praythroughit.com

Join my Things for Thursday Email List and get a free Marriage Snapshot Tool and Fun Family Conversation Ebook!

Support Let’s Parent on Purpose as we help families thrive though the gospel: https://letsparentonpurpose.com/support/

The post The Fruit of the Spirit with Dr. Don Love appeared first on Let's Parent on Purpose.

View Details

**Be sure to check out our new discussion guide to help you make the most out of this episode. >> https://bit.ly/3Hilh2R

Character changes destiny, and character changes culture. Dr. Kathy Koch helps define the core character qualities we want to instill in our children to help them honor Christ, even when no one is looking. As we learn to parent for character instead of outward obedience, we begin to raise children who will change their culture.

Listen today as Jay and Dr. Kathy discuss:

• The definition of character, and the vital importance of training for gratitude, joy, and self-efficacy.
• How to cast vision in your children to be culture changers instead of just rule followers.
• The definition of joy and the dangers of comparison and unrealistic expectations.
• The way technology teaches us to live entitled and the wisdom of limiting choices.
• Why “choice” is one of the most powerful words a parent can use.

Powered by Christian Parenting

Bio

Dr. Kathy Koch is the founder and president of Celebrate Kids, Inc., and a child development specialist. She is also the author of seven bestselling parent-child enrichment books including her latest book, Parent Differently: Raise Kids with Biblical Character that Changes Culture.

Resources mentioned:

www.celebratekids.com

Parent Differently: Raise Kids with Biblical Character that Changes Culture

Screens and Teens

Start with the Heart

Eight Great Smarts

No More Perfect Kids

Resilient Kids

Five to Thrive

Facing the Dark Podcast

Dr. Kathy Says Podcast

Celebrate Kids Podcast

Join my Things for Thursday Email List and get a free Marriage Snapshot Tool and Fun Family Conversation Ebook!

Support Let’s Parent on Purpose as we help families thrive though the gospel: https://letsparentonpurpose.com/support/

The post Parent Differently with Dr. Kathy Koch appeared first on Let's Parent on Purpose.

View Details

Today Jay revisits his very favorite interviews from 2023. He also celebrates the fruitful year for The 127 Project, including production of Let’s Parent on Purpose and Stories of Hope with Dr. Samuel Thomas, the building and remodeling of three Hope Homes in India, and supporting a pioneering church planter in Nepal.

Be sure to check out the full interviews from Jay’s favorite episodes:

• Episode 319 Family Identity Through Teams with Jeremy Pryor
• Episode 340 Parenting Through the Stupid Years with Jim Ramos
• Episode 345 Moving Beyond Anxiety in your Parenting with Sissy Goff
• Episode 341 Inner Healing Through Prayer with Dr. Don Love
• Episode 344 The Sex Talk with Nick Liberto
• Episode 358 The Five Traits of a Healthy Family with Dr. Gary Chapman

Powered by Christian Parenting

Resources mentioned:

Join my Things for Thursday Email List and get a free Marriage Snapshot Tool and Fun Family Conversation Ebook!

Support Let’s Parent on Purpose and The 127 Project: https://letsparentonpurpose.com/support/

The post The Best Interviews of 2023 appeared first on Let's Parent on Purpose.

View Details

The beginning of a new year is a great time to thing through resolutions, habits, and goals. Today Jay takes you far beyond setting resolutions that will likely fail by February. He walks through his process for starting with determining your specific goals for five aspects of your life: Spiritual, Family, Professional, Financial, and Physical. Once you have determined “who you want to be”, Jay walks you through how to set multi-year goals and then determine the steps for this coming year.

Many of our plans will fall short. We will constantly encounter new opportunities, calamities, and circumstances that will change our ability to achieve specific goals. But if we have a solid vision for who we want to be over the course of our life, God tends to do far more in and through us than we would ever imagine!

Powered by Christian Parenting

Resources mentioned:

Join my Things for Thursday Email List and get a free Marriage Snapshot Tool and Fun Family Conversation Ebook!

Support Let’s Parent on Purpose as we help families thrive though the gospel: https://letsparentonpurpose.com/support/

The post How I Set and Achieve Goals appeared first on Let's Parent on Purpose.

View Details

Jay walks us through Ephesians 5 and 6 to point out a key truth: the greatest section of the Bible on family and interpersonal relationships is right next to the greatest section of the Bible on spiritual warfare. Today we look at the reality of spiritual warfare in our homes, and how we are called to remember that our family members are not the enemy, they are the prize. Jay discuses the armor of God in terms of being “in Christ”. Finally, he gives pointers for families who find themselves in a difficult time of anger or arguing with one another. Remember, you have an enemy, but it’s not your family member!

Powered by Christian Parenting

Resources mentioned:

www.cpgive.org

Join my Things for Thursday Email List and get a free Marriage Snapshot Tool and Fun Family Conversation Ebook!

Support Let’s Parent on Purpose as we help families thrive though the gospel: https://letsparentonpurpose.com/support/

Connect with Jay:

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@letsparentonpurpose

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/letsparentonpurpose

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/letsparentonpurpose

The post Your Family is Not the Enemy, They Are The Prize! appeared first on Let's Parent on Purpose.

View Details

Why does Scripture compare the husband-wife relationship to that of Christ and the church? How does a marriage reflect Jesus and His bride? Today Jay walks through the commands of Ephesians 5:22-33 and then expands on the greater story of redemption in the gospel. He shares the larger story of the Bible from the viewpoint of creation, sabbath rest, sin/vandalism, redemption, and restoration. Jay then goes on to show how a husband and wife can mirror God’s restoration of the vandalism sin causes as they believe the gospel in their household.

Join my Things for Thursday Email List and get a free Marriage Snapshot Tool and Fun Family Conversation Ebook!

Support Let’s Parent on Purpose as we help families thrive though the gospel: https://letsparentonpurpose.com/support/

Follow us!

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@letsparentonpurpose

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/letsparentonpurpose

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/letsparentonpurpose

The post Marriage as a Picture of Christ and the Church appeared first on Let's Parent on Purpose.

View Details

Dr. Gary Chapman brings his 30+ years of biblical wisdom and counseling expertise to help identify the core traits of a healthy family. In this episode we unpack what each trait looks like and how to progress towards health if you are not there yet. Listen as Dr. Chapman describes:
• Families who Serve
• Husbands and Wives Who Relate Intimately
• Parents Who Guide
• Children Who Obey and Honor Parents
• Husbands Who Love and Lead

About Dr. Gary Chapman
Gary Chapman, Ph.D.—author, speaker, pastor, and counselor—has a passion for people, and for helping them form lasting relationships. Chapman is a well-known marriage counselor and director of marriage seminars. The 5 Love Languages® is one of Chapman’s most popular titles, topping various bestseller charts for years, selling over twenty million copies, and has been on the New York Times best-sellers list continuously since 2007. Chapman has been directly involved in real-life family counseling for more than 30 years, and his syndicated radio programs air nationally on Moody Radio Network and over 400 affiliate stations. For more information visit www.5lovelanguages.com

Resources mentioned:
https://5lovelanguages.com

5 Traits of a Healthy Family: Steps You can Take to Grow Closer, Communicate Better, and Change the World Together

Join my Things for Thursday Email List and get a free Marriage Snapshot Tool and Fun Family Conversation Ebook!

Support Let’s Parent on Purpose

Connect with Jay:

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@letsparentonpurpose

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/letsparentonpurpose

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/letsparentonpurpose

The post The Five Traits of a Healthy Family with Dr. Gary Chapman appeared first on Let's Parent on Purpose.

View Details

Our lives are shot through with sacred purpose even when, especially when, we are too busy or too caught up in our busyness to notice. Jay’s guest Douglas McKelvey has spent the last several years penning beautiful prayers to help us bring Christ into the mundane parts of our lives. As Jay and Douglas discuss the Every Moment Holy series, you’ll discover how your life is already full of liturgy whether you realize it or not. Liturgy shapes us. Let’s be intentional about our rhythms and prayers!

Bio
Douglas Kaine McKelvey is an author, song lyricist, scriptwriter, and video director. He has penned more than 350 lyrics recorded by artists such as Switchfoot, Kenny Rogers, Sanctus Real, and Jason Gray. Doug and Lise McKelvey, the parents of three young adults, live near Nashville, TN.

Resources mentioned:
http://everymomentholy.com/

To download the Every Moment Holy app: https://www.everymomentholy.com/app

Join my Things for Thursday Email List and get a free Marriage Snapshot Tool and Fun Family Conversation Ebook!

Support Let’s Parent on Purpose

Connect with Jay:

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@letsparentonpurpose

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/letsparentonpurpose

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/letsparentonpurpose

The post Making Every Moment Holy with Doug McKelvey appeared first on Let's Parent on Purpose.

View Details

Every parent following Jesus hopes their children will continue to love and follow Jesus beyond their youth group years. Sadly, a large percentage of people leave the church and leave the faith in their young adult years. Brad Griffin joins Jay today to share Fuller Youth Institute’s years of research on the key habits of ministries and families to form a character that lasts beyond the youth group years.

Listen as Jay and Brad discuss the importance of

• Cultivating Trust
• Modeling Growth
• Practicing Together
• Making Meaning

About Brad Griffin

Brad M. Griffin is the Senior Director of Content & Research for the Fuller Youth Institute, where he develops research-based resources for youth ministry leaders & families. A speaker, writer, and volunteer pastor, Brad is the coauthor of over fifteen books, including Faith Beyond Youth Group, 3 Big Questions That Change Every Teenager & 3 Big Questions That Shape Your Future, Growing Young, and Sticky Faith. Brad and his wife, Missy, live in Southern California and share life with their three teenage and young adult kids.

Resources mentioned:

https://fulleryouthinstitute.org/

Faith Beyond Youth Group: 5 Ways to Form Character and Cultivate Lifelong Discipleship

3 Big Questions Books: https://fulleryouthinstitute.org/3-big-questions

https://letsparentonpurpose.com/support/

Join my Things for Thursday Email List and get a free Marriage Snapshot Tool and Fun Family Conversation Ebook!

Connect with Jay:

YouTube: https://www.instagram.com/@letsparentonpurpose

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/letsparentonpurpose

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/letsparentonpurpose

The post Faith Beyond Youth Group with Brad Griffin appeared first on Let's Parent on Purpose.

View Details

Every season of our parenting journey is fleeting, and we often miss the joy that God presents us while wishing away our current challenges. Today Jay talks with Jeanette Tapley about the importance of living in the joy of every season of life. They discuss the guilt that many working moms feel over not being a stay at home mom, the need for flexibility in how you parent from one child to the next, and the importance of choosing joy rather than focusing on what’s not going well.

Jeanette has a unique perspective on each of these topics. As a mom, Jeanette is in the midst of raising a family of biological and adoptive children while maintaining a demanding job. In her work life, Jeanette produces multiple Christian parenting podcasts. Jeanette hears more great parenting advice in one week than many people hear in a year, but must navigate the reality that one household cannot do every great parenting idea they come across. The Tapley’s have learned the joy of discipleship through everyday life and laughter, while trusting Jesus to form their children over the long run.

Bio
Jeanette Tapley is podcast host, author, speaker, wife, and parent of three great teenagers. Her heart beats for people to be heard, valued, and never alone no matter what stage of life they find themselves in. You can hear Jeanette each week on the Moms at Work Podcast with Jeanette Tapley Podcast as well as the Joy Millionaire Podcast.

Resources mentioned:
https://jeanettetapley.com/podcast

Moms At Work with Jeanette Tapley Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/moms-at-work-with-jeanette-tapley/id1610793701

The Joy Millionaire Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-joy-millionaire-podcast/id1355530534

Support Let’s Parent on Purpose

Join my Things for Thursday Email List and get a free Marriage Snapshot Tool and Fun Family Conversation Ebook!

Connect with Jay:

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@letsparentonpurpose

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/letsparentonpurpose

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/letsparentonpurpose

The post Living in the Joy of the Season with Jeanette Tapley appeared first on Let's Parent on Purpose.

View Details

Enjoy this sneak peak into the Stories of Hope with Dr. Samuel Thomas Podcast! Dr. Samuel Thomas of Hopegivers International paints the heartbreaking picture of the life of a street child in India. Without a stable home or a mother and father to care for them, children are forced to scrap, beg, or steal. Many of them are trafficked, forced to take drugs, and work for criminals who keep them addicted and enslaved. Hopegivers works to rescue orphaned, abandoned, and at risk children from circumstances like these. They bring them into Hope Homes where the children are loved, fed, educated, and cared for in the name of Jesus Christ.

Listen to this episode and then follow the Stories of Hope with Dr. Samuel Thomas podcast to hear the full journey of hope from an unwanted child to a pioneering church planter and pastor.

About Dr. Samuel Thomas

Dr. Samuel Thomas is a pastor and the President of Hopegivers International, a ministry that rescues and redeems at risk and abandoned children in India and Haiti. Hopegivers, founded over 60 years ago by the late Dr. M.A. Thomas, has been used by God to minister to orphans, widows, lepers, and plant schools and churches throughout India and South Asia.

Resources mentioned:

www.hopegivers.org

Stories of Hope with Dr. Samuel Thomas: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/stories-of-hope-with-dr-samuel-thomas/id1545599796

Support Let’s Parent on Purpose

Join my Things for Thursday Email List and get a free Marriage Snapshot Tool and Fun Family Conversation Ebook!

Connect with Jay:

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@letsparentonpurpose

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/letsparentonpurpose

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/letsparentonpurpose

The post The Lowest of the Low appeared first on Let's Parent on Purpose.

View Details

This is the second of a two-part series on gender with Christine Sneeringer, a ministry leader who specializes in sexuality and gender issues. Her own personal journey to overcome more than two decades of gender dysphoria informs her belief that it can be resolved without medical interventions. Because gender dysphoria is a psychological challenge, Christine argues that children and teens would be better served with psychological solutions that lead to a mindset shift rather than hormones and surgery. For her, that happened as a result of developing a relationship with God and surrendering to His design.

In this episode we unpack dangerous aspects of the trans narrative that is being foisted upon vulnerable children who don’t have the critical thinking skills to recognize it as harmful. We cover such topics as

• There’s no such thing as putting a pause on puberty
• Gender identity does not supersede biological sex
• Medical interventions are dangerous and often irreversible
• How eating disorders and imposter syndrome compares
• Historically “watchful waiting” is the best approach for children
• The importance of developing resilience
• The universality of awkward and uncomfortable feelings during puberty
• Most people desist in their distress about gender by adulthood

Bio

Christine Sneeringer is the executive director of Worthy Creations, a parachurch ministry that specializes in sexuality and gender related concerns. A gifted communicator, she teaches and speaks at churches, conferences, and campus ministries, sharing her dramatic story of overcoming abuse and battling more than two decades of gender dysphoria that led to same-sex attractions.

A consultant with the Institute for Healthy Families, Christine provides one-on-one support and coaching for individuals who feel conflicted about their gender identity. Christine has a master’s degree in Counseling from Palm Beach Atlantic University and a Bachelor of Theology degree from Oxford University. She is a freelance writer and her articles have appeared in Decision Magazine, Charisma, and Spirit Led Woman. She lives in South Florida, where she enjoys tennis and tacos as often as possible.

Resources mentioned:

www.worthycreations.org

https://instituteforhealthyfamilies.org

https://mycharisma.com/spiritled-living/finding-wholeness-set-free-from-lesbianism/

Join my Things for Thursday Email List and get a free Marriage Snapshot Tool and Fun Family Conversation Ebook!

Support Let’s Parent on Purpose

Connect with Jay:

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@letsparentonpurpose

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/letsparentonpurpose

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/letsparentonpurpose

The post Unpacking the Trans Narrative with Christine Sneeringer appeared first on Let's Parent on Purpose.

View Details



This is the first of a two-part series on gender with Christine Sneeringer, a ministry leader who specializes in sexuality and gender issues. Growing up, Christine knew all too well the distress and hardship of not feeling at home in her female body. More than anything she longed to be a boy. Looking back, Christine now realizes how her abuse history drove her negative perceptions of femininity, which she equated with victimhood. In our conversation today, Christine shares her decades long battle with gender dysphoria that led to her same-sex attractions.

We also discuss the importance of critical thinking skills and how children are prone to misinterpret adverse childhood events. Christine’s journey was a prime example of how we can develop distorted beliefs about gender, which were not addressed until God intervened in her life. Surrounded by a loving Christian community as a young adult, she surrendered her life and sexuality to Christ. Afterwards she finally felt safe enough to embrace her femaleness for the first time in her life.

Listen to this encouraging example of the redemptive love of Christ. Christine’s story will give you hope in a culture that celebrates running from God’s design for gender and sexuality.

Bio

Christine Sneeringer is the executive director of Worthy Creations, a parachurch ministry that specializes in sexuality and gender related concerns. A gifted communicator, she teaches and speaks at churches, conferences, and campus ministries, sharing her dramatic story of overcoming abuse and battling more than two decades of gender dysphoria that led to her same-sex attractions. A consultant with the Institute for Healthy Families, Christine provides one-on-one support and coaching for individuals who feel conflicted about their gender identity. Christine has a master’s degree in Counseling from Palm Beach Atlantic University and a Bachelor of Theology degree from Oxford University. She is a freelance writer and her articles have appeared in Decision Magazine, Charisma, and Spirit Led Woman. She lives in South Florida, where she enjoys tennis and tacos.

Resources mentioned:

www.worthycreations.org

https://instituteforhealthyfamilies.org

https://mycharisma.com/spiritled-living/finding-wholeness-set-free-from-lesbianism/

Join my Things for Thursday Email List and get a free Marriage Snapshot Tool and Fun Family Conversation Ebook!

Support Let’s Parent on Purpose

Connect with Christine:

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/christinesneeringer/

Worthy Creations: www.worthycreations.org

Connect with Jay:

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@letsparentonpurpose

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/letsparentonpurpose

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/letsparentonpurpose

The post Why I Wanted to Be Trans with Christine Sneeringer appeared first on Let's Parent on Purpose.

View Details

More children and teens wrestle with anxiety than ever before. Sometimes moms and dads feel powerless to help their children escape the grip of chronic anxiety. Today our guest Hannah Conway shares several simple, practical strategies that can deescalate the general level of worry, tension, and anxiety your children experience. As we continue to create a household of engagement and encouragement, we equip our children to face their own challenges, make wise decisions, and live without the need to be rescued from every small challenge.

Listen as we discuss:

• The physiological reality of why young teenagers seem to “lose their mind”.
• The importance of knowing whose you are in order to know who you are.
• Strategies parents can employ when it feels like anxiety is cranking up in the home including:
  • Take a deep breath. Literally!
  • Be in the Word, and remind yourself of the Word.
  • Pray for your kids, pray with your kids.
  • Open communication, dinner table conversations with guided topics.
  • Letting them deal with consequences to learn resiliency.
  • Bringing healthy adult mentors into your children’s life.

About Hannah Conway

Hannah R. Conway is a Social Media Marketing & Communications Coordinator and Women’s Ministry Director. She’s a best-selling author, podcast host on “What’s Your Story? With Hannah & Stephani”, and speaker.

Hannah is also a military wife, momma, former teacher, dog lover and roots for the Kentucky Wildcats. Most days she can be caught with a coffee cup in hand. She and her family live near Nashville, Tennessee.

Resources mentioned:

https://hannahrconway.com/

In Case You Forget: A 6-Week Devotional about Who You Are in Jesus https://amzn.to/3Lk6abC

Support Let’s Parent on Purpose

Join my Things for Thursday Email List and get a free Marriage Snapshot Tool and Fun Family Conversation Ebook!

Connect with Jay:

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@letsparentonpurpose

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/letsparentonpurpose

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/letsparentonpurpose

The post Empowering Parents to Deescalate Teenage Anxiety with Hannah Conway appeared first on Let's Parent on Purpose.

View Details

In the past 7 years, Jay has released 350 episodes and interviewed over 120 different people for Let’s Parent on Purpose. Today Jay shares his biggest personal insights from the years of being a learner behind the microphone.

To commemorate the Episode 350 milestone, be sure to check out Jay’s 10 all time favorite Let’s Parent on Purpose podcasts!

Listen today as Jay shares his biggest insights including:

• Parenting is a marathon, not a sprint
• Your marriage must take precedence over your parenting
• No single event is going to make or break your children
• One of the biggest threats your children face is your ego
• Our habits should reflect our heart, and also our habits will shape our heart
• Keep preaching the gospel to yourself!

Resources mentioned:

Jay’s Favorite Let’s Parent on purpose Episodes

Support Let’s Parent on Purpose through your Tax Deductible Giving

Join my Things for Thursday Email List and get a free Marriage Snapshot Tool and Fun Family Conversation Ebook!

Connect with Jay:

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@letsparentonpurpose

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/letsparentonpurpose

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/letsparentonpurpose

The post Lessons Learned from 350 Episodes appeared first on Let's Parent on Purpose.

View Details

Every community is going to experience conflict. The way we navigate these conflicts will either break our community or make it stronger.

Today Jay shares important truths to help you grow personally and relationally as you encounter conflict in your various communities. This is an episode that is very helpful for parents in their personal lives as well as giving language for how to train their children to handle conflict in a healthy way.

Listen as we discuss:

• The inevitability of conflict in community
• Why we experience conflict
• Deciding on whether we want to win the person or win the argument
• Developing a posture of humility
• Choosing to forgive even before we address the other person
• Seeking God’s power to pursue peace
• Understanding that it’s not always possible to have peace, and what to do next

Resources mentioned:

Support Let’s Parent on Purpose through your Tax-Deductible Giving

Join my Things for Thursday Email List and get a free Marriage Snapshot Tool and Fun Family Conversation Ebook!

Connect with Jay:

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@letsparentonpurpose

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/letsparentonpurpose

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/letsparentonpurpose

The post Handling Conflict in Community appeared first on Let's Parent on Purpose.

View Details

As a Division 1 college soccer player, Craig Hettlinger was living many young men’s dream. A fateful decision to partake in a controlled substance after a win started a 16-year collapse into addiction and destruction.

Craig shares his story of addiction, failed attempts at sobriety, and his ultimate recovery and deliverance through God’s power. Craig now lives out his mission for Jesus by running recovery houses in Huntington, WV, the Ground Zero for the opioid epidemic. Craig’s raw, honest recounting of his life journey will encourage families who are suffering through long term addiction in their own households.

About Craig Hettlinger

Craig Hettlinger is the CEO of HAWC Recovery in Huntington WV. He is also the author of That Ain’t No Mountain For a Climber – a heartfelt firsthand account of overcoming drug addiction.

Resources mentioned:

www.hawcrecovery.com

Craig’s book: That Ain’t No Mountain for a Climber: http://hawcrecovery.com/media.html

The Freedom Fight: The New Drug and the Truths That Set Us Free: https://amzn.to/3OJTD27

Support Let’s Parent on Purpose through your Tax-Deductible Giving

Join my Things for Thursday Email List and get a free Marriage Snapshot Tool and Fun Family Conversation Ebook!

Connect with Jay:

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@letsparentonpurpose

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/letsparentonpurpose

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/letsparentonpurpose

Twitter: https://www.twitter.com/jaydholland

The post From Addiction to Mission with Craig Hettlinger appeared first on Let's Parent on Purpose.

View Details

There’s a simple action you can take that has profound theological and neurological significance in your household… smile. Jay shares the correlation between smiling and the blessing of God from Numbers 6. A core facet of God’s blessing upon his people was the shining face of God looking upon them. In a similar way, we bless the members of our household simply by looking at them and giving our smile.

In this episode Jay goes on a scriptural journey to explain the concept of the smile of God and then turns to the neurological benefits of training a child with our smile. If you want a simple way to build attachment, lower stress, and increase security in your home, look your family members in the face and smile!

Resources mentioned:

What’s in a Smile

Support Let’s Parent on Purpose through your Tax Deductible Giving

Join my Things for Thursday Email List and get a free Marriage Snapshot Tool and Fun Family Conversation Ebook!

Connect with Jay:

YouTube: https://youtube.com/@letsparentonpurpose

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/letsparentonpurpose

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/letsparentonpurpose

The post Smile appeared first on Let's Parent on Purpose.

View Details

Jay shares a powerful set of words that can help rewire your household to get past the blame game and start working towards making things right.

“It doesn’t have to be your fault to be your responsibility” is a concept we see through the teachings of Scripture (The Good Samaritan, Galatians 6, the incarnation of Jesus). As we start to incorporate this concept into every day life we will see endless applications in our households that will train our children for a more fruitful adult life. Learn how “not your fault, still your responsibility” can help you change the conversation with:

• messes and spills
• lost toys
• group projects and homework assignments
• arguments and fights
• the larger broken world around us.

Jay walks through a biblical basis for the concept and then shares several real world examples where you can apply this teaching in with your children.

Resources mentioned:

Support Let’s Parent on Purpose through your Tax Deductible Giving

Join my Things for Thursday Email List and get a free Marriage Snapshot Tool and Fun Family Conversation Ebook!

Connect with Jay:

YouTube: https://youtube.com/@letsparentonpurpose

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/letsparentonpurpose

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/letsparentonpurpose

The post Not Your Fault, Still Your Responsibility appeared first on Let's Parent on Purpose.

View Details

“Our past hurts mixed with our present pressure often dictate our future fear.”

Counselor and author Sissy Goff has watched this reality play out hundreds of times through the decades as she counsels children as well as their moms and dads. So often parents are willing to get help for their anxious children while not addressing their own anxieties. In our conversation today, Licensed Counselor and author Sissy Goff explains that anxiety is contagious, and the worries we see in our children can often come from our own unaddressed anxieties.

In our conversation today, we talk about the rapid growth of anxiety as a major struggle for more and more children and adults. Sissy shares insights from her new book, The Worry Free Parent: Living in Confidence So Your Kids Can Too. We discuss:

• The difference between worry and anxiety
• The way unaddressed past hurts can bleed into our present parenting
• How the amygdala is contagious
• Practices to de-escalate when anxiety is taking over
• The importance of the following advice: Try Softer, Trust Your Gut, and Trust God
• How the hope of the resurrection re-centers us on our darkest days

About Sissy Goff

Sissy Goff, LPC-MHSP, has worked as the director of child and adolescent counseling at Daystar Counseling Ministries since 1993. She speaks to parents and children’s ministers across the country and is a frequent guest on media outlets such as Southern Living, NBC Nightly News, CNN, Good Morning America, Focus on the Family, That Sounds Fun, Family Life Today, Fox News, and many more.

Sissy Goff is the author of 13 books including her latest, The Worry-Free Parent. She co-hosts the chart-topping Raising Boys and Girls podcast, with fellow Daystar Counselor David Thomas. The podcast just celebrated more than 5 million downloads to date www.RaisingBoysandGirls.com

Resources mentioned:

Instagram: @RaisingBoysandGirls

The Worry Free Parent: Living in Confidence So Your Kids Can Too: https://amzn.to/3NZCBOm

Are My Kids On Track: The 12 Emotional, Social, and Spiritual Milestones your Child Needs to Reach: https://amzn.to/3PL4bR0

Website: www.RaisingBoysandGirls.com

Episode 217: Worry, Anxiety, and Emotional Vocabulary with Sissy Goff

Support Let’s Parent on Purpose through your Tax Deductible Giving

Join my Things for Thursday Email List and get a free Marriage Snapshot Tool and Fun Family Conversation Ebook!

Connect with Jay:

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@letsparentonpurpose

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/letsparentonpurpose

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/letsparentonpurpose

Twitter: https://www.twitter.com/jaydholland

The post Moving Beyond Anxiety in Your Parenting with Sissy Goff appeared first on Let's Parent on Purpose.

View Details

Do your kids know beyond a shadow of a doubt, if they see pornography on the school bus, they can come home and tell you? Today’s guest Nick Liberto introduces us to an incredible resource that will help equip mom and dad to be THE expert on sex in their child’s life. The current average

The post The Sex Talk with Nick Liberto appeared first on Let's Parent on Purpose.

View Details

What if your family’s pursuit of Jesus takes you in the opposite direction of The American Dream? Josh Gardner and family sought to obey Jesus by intentionally moving closer to a lower income housing development, befriending their community, and becoming an incarnation model of the gospel of Christ. Josh and his family had been serving

The post Discipling Your Family Through Missional Living with Josh Gardner appeared first on Let's Parent on Purpose.

View Details

Jennifer Love longed to experience the life of Christ and the transformational power of prayer like she was reading in the Bible. As she sought the Lord asking for this life, He began to answer her. Through a series of experiences with her prayer group in church and on a mission trip, Jennifer began to

The post Spiritual Breakthrough Through Prayer with Jennifer Love appeared first on Let's Parent on Purpose.

View Details

What if the Holy Spirit truly served as the Comforter and Counselor? When we read our Bibles, that's what we would expect. However, when we live our lives, the transforming power of the Holy Spirit is often diminished, and we carry wounds and hurts for decades. While serving as a biblical professor at a large

The post Inner Healing Through Prayer with Don Love appeared first on Let's Parent on Purpose.

View Details

Many moms and dads are shocked to find out how disorienting it is to parent their young adult children. Our 18-25 year old children still need parenting, but the relational dynamics are very different during these years. Pastor and author Jim Ramos has navigated these years with three of his own children, and shares insights

The post Parenting Through the Stupid Years with Jim Ramos appeared first on Let's Parent on Purpose.

View Details

There are times in our lives when we know we’ve made a terrible decision. Sometimes our choice was blatant sin and rebellion, and other times the choice might have just been totally foolish. We know it’s not God’s will for us to sin and it’s not God’s will for us to make foolish decisions. So

The post What if I Missed God’s Will By Blowing a Major Life Decision? appeared first on Let's Parent on Purpose.

View Details

Where the Bible is clear about God’s will, we must obey. But what about the thousands of choices we have in life where there doesn’t seem to be specific clarity in God’s Word? Do we pause and wait to hear the voice of the Lord? What about the people who seem to constantly say “God

The post Tools To Help You Make Decisions When You Don’t Know God’s Will appeared first on Let's Parent on Purpose.

View Details

One of the great paradoxes of life is that more choices don’t always lead to a happier life. Never ending choices can be paralyzing. Additionally, many choices give the illusion of freedom on the front end but ultimately lead to entrapment, slavery, and devastating consequences. As we continue our series on Knowing and Doing God’s

The post Maximum Freedom is Found Under God’s Authority appeared first on Let's Parent on Purpose.

View Details

One of the most common questions for a follower of Jesus is “How do I know God’s will for my life?” Often, these questions revolve around a few major decisions, such as where should I go to school, what should I do for a job, and who should I marry?  As we continue our series

The post How do I Know God’s Will for My Life? appeared first on Let's Parent on Purpose.

View Details

Today Jay begins a series on Knowing and Doing God’s will. In this opening episode Jay shares a powerful prayer from Colossians 1 that explains the lifelong connection between knowing God’s will and knowing God. The reality is that God often calls us to follow Him before we know him deeply. It can be hard

The post Knowing God Through Doing God’s Will appeared first on Let's Parent on Purpose.

View Details

At some point every one of our children must go through a time of questioning whether they believe all they have been taught about God, the Bible, and Jesus. This can be a scary time for parents, but if we are honest, we also struggle with major periods of doubt. Today Jay walks you through

The post What Do You Do If Your Children Are Having Doubts About God? appeared first on Let's Parent on Purpose.

View Details

Parents can often feel burdened that discipleship is just one more thing to add to a list of tasks they are already doing poorly. My guest Caesar Kalinowski helps us walk through a framework for discipleship that takes advantage of six regular rhythms of life that are already happening in each of our lives. Listen

The post Everyday Discipleship Through Regular Rythyms of Life with Caesar Kalinowski appeared first on Let's Parent on Purpose.

View Details

At the beginning of 2023 most parents had never heard of Chat GPT, and had given very little thought to how artificial intelligence might affect their parenting. But in just a few short months Chat GPT has amassed over 100 million users. Artificial Intelligence is going to change the landscape on a scale similar to the introduction of the iPhone or the internet. But how? Jay is joined today by Scott Pleasants for a wide ranging discussion on what A.I. is already doing and what might be around the corner. They discuss how A.I. can assist families in incredibly helpful ways as well as the potential dangers of using a technology that randomly produces false information. Scott also shares cautions for students using A.I. for homework and other assignments.

Scott Pleasants is the Director of Information Technology for FBA in Dunwoody and the Strategic Innovation Advisor for Innovate Lynchburg and is the founder of CrossHackers, technology solutions organization focused on helping organizations to see the world “possible”.

Resources mentioned:

chat.openai.com

jasper.ai

Screen filtering service: bark.us

Plagiarism protection software: turnitin.com

Should My Kid Be Using ChatGPT? https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/should-my-kid-using-chatgpt-barktechnologies/

Support Let’s Parent on Purpose through your Tax Deductible Giving

Join my Things for Thursday Email List and get a free Marriage Snapshot Tool and Fun Family Conversation Ebook!

Connect with Jay:

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/letsparentonpurpose

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/letsparentonpurpose

Twitter: https://www.twitter.com/jaydholland

The post How Will ChatGPT and the AI Revolution Affect Parenting with Scott Pleasants appeared first on Let's Parent on Purpose.

View Details

There are currently six adult generations living and working together in the United States! Today Jay is joined by Dr. Jean M. Twenge, author of the brand new book Generations: The Real Differences between Gen Z, Millennials, Gen X, Boomers, and Silents – and What They Mean for America’s Future. Dr. Twenge brings insights from analyzing over 38 million people from 21 different datasets to share how technology is the driving factor for the great differences between generations.

As we consider the radically different world our parents and grandparents grew up in, Dr. Twenge also gives advice to parents on how to best set their own children up to avoid the higher rates of depression, anxiety, and isolation so common in the youngest generation.

Jean Twenge has spent her entire academic career – 30 years – studying generational differences, and this book, Generations: The Real Differences between Gen Z, Millennials, Gen X, Boomers and Silents – and What They Mean for America’s Future (978-1-9821-8161-1, April 25, 2023), is her magnum opus. Its analysis is derived from 21 huge datasets that go back to the 1940s and are as recent as this year, spanning some 38 million people. Jean is the gold standard in decoding and unpacking massive data sets.

Resources mentioned:

http://www.jeantwenge.com

Generations: The Real Differences between Gen Z, Millennials, Gen X, Boomers, and Silents—and What They Mean for America’s Future: https://amzn.to/3GZ4emV

https://twitter.com/jean_twenge

Support Let’s Parent on Purpose through your Tax Deductible Giving

Join my Things for Thursday Email List and get a free Marriage Snapshot Tool and Fun Family Conversation Ebook!

Connect with Jay:

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/letsparentonpurpose

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/letsparentonpurpose

Twitter: https://www.twitter.com/jaydholland

The post The Real Differences Between the Generations with Dr. Jean M. Twenge appeared first on Let's Parent on Purpose.

View Details

At best you’ll get around 18 summers before your children are out of the house. Today Jay shares fun and creative ideas for how to make the most out of your summer by creating a summer theme. With a summer theme, you can focus on a particular area of discipleship in creative ways that will deepen your family’s faith while making sweet memories.

With the help of his new A.I. Assistant Chat GPT, here are some fun summer themes Jay talks about:

• “Summer of Faith” – Focus on growing your family’s spiritual life through daily devotions, prayer, Bible study, and attending church events or retreats.
• “Summer of Service” – Engage in community service and mission projects, both locally and globally, to demonstrate Christ’s love and compassion.
• “Summer of Creation Care” – Emphasize environmental stewardship by participating in eco-friendly activities, learning about sustainable living, and caring for God’s creation.
• “Summer of Fellowship” – Strengthen bonds with other Christian families and friends through regular gatherings, potlucks, and group outings, while also welcoming new people into your community.
• “Summer of Discipleship” – Mentor and guide your children in their faith journeys by exploring different aspects of Christian living, such as prayer, worship, and evangelism.
• “Summer of Gratitude” – Encourage your family to recognize and give thanks for God’s blessings, keeping gratitude journals or sharing daily blessings at dinner.
• “Summer of Worship” – Attend different churches or Christian events, explore various worship styles, and incorporate family worship time into your daily routine.
• “Summer of Christian Art” – Discover the beauty of Christian art, music, and literature, and encourage your children to express their faith creatively through various mediums.
• “Summer of Pilgrimage” – Plan a family trip to visit historically significant Christian sites or meaningful places in your own faith journey.
• “Summer of Rest” — Unplug! Do less!
• “Summer of Generosity” — Become more like Jesus as you give more, share more, serve more, and learn patterns of habitual proportional stewardship.

Resources mentioned:

Support Let’s Parent on Purpose through your Tax Deductible Giving

Join my Things for Thursday Email List and get a free Marriage Snapshot Tool and Fun Family Conversation Ebook!

Connect with Jay:

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/letsparentonpurpose

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/letsparentonpurpose

Twitter: https://www.twitter.com/jaydholland

The post Creating a Fun Family Theme for the Summer appeared first on Let's Parent on Purpose.

View Details

In this episode, Jay interviews Janine McNally, founder and director of Grace4Kidz, about the latest generation to hit the scene, Generation Alpha. Janine shares insights into the unique characteristics of this generation, how they differ from previous generations, and how parents can best understand and relate to them.

Janine describes Generation Alpha as the first truly global generation, born into a world that is connected by technology and social media. She notes that this generation is highly creative, adaptable, and entrepreneurial, with a strong desire to make a positive impact on the world.

Jay and Janine discuss the importance of building strong relationships with Generation Alpha children, and the role that parents, grandparents, and other family members can play in shaping their worldview and values. Janine emphasizes the importance of modeling healthy relationships, empathy, and service, and encourages parents to cultivate a sense of wonder and curiosity in their children.

Janine also shares insights from her upcoming book, “When You See Fireflies”, which is designed to equip parents and leaders to minister effectively to Generation Alpha. She provides practical tips and strategies for engaging with this generation, including the importance of creating safe spaces for conversation and exploration, and empowering children to use their unique gifts and talents to make a positive impact on the world.

Janine’s background as a teacher, writer, and non-profit founder gives her a unique perspective on the challenges and opportunities of working with Generation Alpha, and her insights are sure to be valuable to parents, educators, and anyone who works with children.

Janine McNally is a writer, professor, and doctoral student, as well as the founder and director of Grace4Kidz, a non-profit that produces gospel-centered resources for children. She has recently completed her first book, “When You See Fireflies”, which provides practical insights and strategies for ministering effectively to Generation Alpha.

Resources mentioned:

www.grace4kidz.org

www.instagram.com/grace4kidz

https://www.facebook.com/Grace4Kidz/

Support Let’s Parent on Purpose through your Tax Deductible Giving

Join my Things for Thursday Email List and get a free Marriage Snapshot Tool and Fun Family Conversation Ebook!

Connect with Jay:

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/letsparentonpurpose

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/letsparentonpurpose

Twitter: https://www.twitter.com/jaydholland

The post Introducing Generation Alpha with Janine McNally appeared first on Let's Parent on Purpose.

View Details

Jesus calls us to make disciples, and the first disciples we should seek to make are the members of our own household. Rene Christensen has over 24 years of obeying Jesus’ command with her seven children. Through the years she has gained a wealth of knowledge and experience of how to simplify and normalize discipleship practices that will grow our children’s love of God, love of others, and heart to obey Jesus.

Rene joins Jay to share scriptural and practical tips on discipling our children. As you listen, you will pick up on fun and easy practices you will want to make a part of your own household rhythm.

Jay and Rene discuss:

• The biblical command to disciple our households from Deuteronomy 6
• Instilling scripture in our children’s hearts through song.
• Establishing a daily quiet time for each child.
• Various ways to pray for your family, neighbors, and church.
• Practical acts of service to grow our children’s love for their hurting neighbors.
• Practices to point to Jesus’ command to love one another to resolve family disputes.

Rene Christensen is an author and speaker (formerly Budget Saving Mom) whose passion is to help Christians disciple others, have a biblical worldview, and become biblically literate. She and her husband Eric are the parents of 7 kids ages 4-24 years old. Her new book Training Them Wisely – Discipling Kids is available on amazon.com.

Resources mentioned:

www.trainingthemwisely.com

Training Them Wisely with Rene Christensen: https://amzn.to/3lPK5Z8

Hide ‘Em In Your Heart Bible Memory Melodies: https://spoti.fi/3KGHtFl

Seeds Family Worship: https://spoti.fi/3L4WRg7

Support Let’s Parent on Purpose through your Tax Deductible Giving

Join my Things for Thursday Email List and get a free Marriage Snapshot Tool and Fun Family Conversation Ebook!

Connect with Jay:

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/letsparentonpurpose

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/letsparentonpurpose

Twitter: https://www.twitter.com/jaydholland

The post Practical and Scriptural Tips for Discipling Kids With Rene Christensen appeared first on Let's Parent on Purpose.

View Details

It can often feel like our teenagers hear the exact opposite message from what we intend. Teens are likewise frustrated that their parents don’t understand them. Jay shares insights that can help you bridge the gap with your teen and enhance true communication. We don’t want to just exchange words, we want to understand and be understood.

Our discussion includes:

• The importance of seeking the Lord in prayer for wisdom and understanding.
• How teens are hypocrisy radars and why this will shut down their ability to hear what you are saying.
• Limiting inputs in their life that are increasing insecurities.
• Learning to be consistent in affirming elements our teens can control.
• The power of paper notes and text emojis.
• An encouragement to give the Lord time to do his work in each of our lives.

Resources mentioned:

Communicating With A Teenager

If you like this check out the first episode of my Communication And Conflict Series: Know Your Enemy

Support Let’s Parent on Purpose through your Tax Deductible Giving

Join my Things for Thursday Email List and get a free Marriage Snapshot Tool and Fun Family Conversation Ebook!

Connect with Jay:

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/letsparentonpurpose

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/letsparentonpurpose

Twitter: https://www.twitter.com/jaydholland

The post Communicating With Your Teen Involves More Than Just Talking appeared first on Let's Parent on Purpose.

View Details

One of the greatest ways to increase the security and stability of our children is to invest in our marriage. If mom and dad love and enjoy one another, children feel safe. Today Jay shares a number or regular habits each couple can make to increase the quality and security of their marriage. By committing to these regular and public habits, you not only enhance your marriage, you will also create more stable, grounded children.

Jay’s suggestions include:

• Tell your spouse you love them. Tell them often. In front of the kids.
• Flirt with your spouse. In front of the kids.
• Hug and kiss and cuddle with your spouse.
• Put a date night on the calendar for each week. Fight for it, and then walk in grace when it only happens once or twice a month.
• Write notes to each other. Put them in places your spouse will find at surprising points in the day.
• Have sex. With each other. A lot.
• Be open with what you need from one another.
• Pray with each other. Read the Bible together.
• Find a hobby together, apart from the kids.
• Talk up your spouse to your kids. Talk about how awesome they are, how mommy and daddy are a team, how much you love them, and how you’ve got their back.
• In an ideal world, get away, overnight, a few times a year.
• Give yourself grace.
• Give your spouse the benefit of the doubt.
• Lighten up!

Resources mentioned:

Want to be a Better Parent? Be a Better Spouse

Episode 120 How Your Marriage Affects Your Parenting

Support Let’s Parent on Purpose through your Tax Deductible Giving

Join my Things for Thursday Email List and get a free Marriage Snapshot Tool and Fun Family Conversation Ebook!

Connect with Jay:

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/letsparentonpurpose

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/letsparentonpurpose

Twitter: https://www.twitter.com/jaydholland

The post Increase Your Child’s Security By Investing in Your Marriage appeared first on Let's Parent on Purpose.

View Details

Youth sports have become a multibillion dollar business in the United States. In search of the tantalizing promise of a college scholarship, many parents sacrifice years and thousands of dollars to keep their child competitive on sports teams. Even the casual sporting family must make difficult decisions on how much they are willing to commit to sports or other extracurricular activities. In this episode, Jay walks parents through a list of questions to help them determine the level of involvement their family is willing to invest in ever consuming culture.

Questions to ask when considering how involved your family should get in youth sports or other extracurricular activities:

• Why are we wanting to do this?
  • Is this something the child wants or something the parent wants?
  • If it’s something the child wants, does that mean its the best thing?
• What are the short term costs of getting involved in this activity?
  • How much money does it cost to sign up?
  • How much does it costs in equipment or other gear (including shoes)?
  • What are the expenses involved per event?
    • Tickets to watch
    • Travel costs – food, hotel, gas
    • Am I going to require private training or tutoring?
  • How many days and nights a week?
  • What are the things we currently do during those night that we will no longer be able to do?
    • Rest
    • Homework
    • Family time
    • Date your spouse
    • Church
• What are the long term costs of getting involved with this sport?
  • Multiply the short term expenses by the number of seasons per year and years of potential play
  • What kinds of sacrifices are you and your family going to have to make to stay committed at this level?
  • Am I setting my child up for a high likelihood of injury due to repetitive motion in the same sport being played all year?
  • What is the environment of the team and the people involved?
  • How much family or spouse time are you missing?
• What am I communicating to myself, my family, my neighbors, my peers, my children’s peers, my church, and God through my interaction in this activity?
  • Are we a sports family?
  • Are we slaves to our children’s wants?
  • What is sacred in our lives?
  • Who do we serve?
• Am I playing a form of lottery with my child’s educational future?
  • Is my excuse for investing in this activity so heavily that I think they can get a college scholarship?
  • What if I calculated all of my anticipated costs for investing in this sport and put it into a 529 College Savings Plan?
• Jesus says “no one can serve two masters. you can either hate one and love the other or else be devoted to one and despise the other. You cannot serve God and money.”
  • If someone were to observe our family’s life. Not based on what we SAY but based on what we DO and how we LIVE, who would they conclude that we serve?
• When my child rearing years are done, and the time I had with my children in the home is just a story, what story do I want to tell?

Resources mentioned:

http://thesportdigest.com/2022/06/the-goal-of-youth-sports-is-changing/

Support Let’s Parent on Purpose through your Tax Deductible Giving

Join my Things for Thursday Email List and get a free Marriage Snapshot Tool and Fun Family Conversation Ebook!

Connect with Jay:

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/letsparentonpurpose

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/letsparentonpurpose

Twitter: https://www.twitter.com/jaydholland

The post Are Youth Sports and Extracurricular Activities Enslaving Your Family? appeared first on Let's Parent on Purpose.

View Details

Can you recognize the warning signs of substance abuse in your child? How do you broach the conversation if you suspect your child has gotten involved with alcohol, vaping, marijuana, or other substances? What can you do to help convince your child that pot is a big deal on a developing brain? My guest Richard Capriola joins me once again to discuss these topics as well as give updated statistics on substance abuse trends during and after the Covid-19 pandemic.

Richard Capriola has been a mental health and substance abuse counselor for over two decades. He recently retired from Menninger Clinic in Houston Texas where for over a decade he treated both teens and adults diagnosed with substance use disorders. He is the author of The Addicted Child: A Parent’s Guide to Adolescent Substance Abuse which can be found at http://www.helptheaddictedchild.com

Let’s Parent on Purpose is a part of the Christian Parenting Podcast Network. To find practical and spiritual guidance to help you grow into the perfectly imperfect parent you want to be visit www.ChristianParenting.org

Resources mentioned:

http://www.helptheaddictedchild.com

https://www.facebook.com/richard.capriola

https://www.twitter.com/CapriolaRichard

Episode 248 Understanding and Responding to Teen Substance Abuse with Richard Capriola

Support Let’s Parent on Purpose through your Tax Deductible Giving

Join my Things for Thursday Email List and get a free Marriage Snapshot Tool and Fun Family Conversation Ebook!

Connect with Jay:

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/letsparentonpurpose

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/letsparentonpurpose

Twitter: https://www.twitter.com/jaydholland

The post Substance Abuse Warning Signs with Richard Capriola appeared first on Let's Parent on Purpose.

View Details

What if you could lower some of the sources of anxiety in your children’s lives and build a greater sense of stability and connection? My guest Terra Mattson rejoins me today for a conversation on the digital drivers of anxiety in our children, especially our young ladies. In this episode, you will learn about

• The science behind the wiring of male and female brains and how it contributes to higher female anxiety.
• The various ways our cell phones promise connection but instead bring isolation.
• What are the right questions to ask yourself before deciding to give your children a cellphone?
• How do you walk back cell phone privileges when you see they are causing harm?
• The role of joy in healthy brain development and the simple practices parents can initiate to grow the joy and connection in their home.

Let’s Parent on Purpose is a part of the Christian Parenting Podcast Network. To find practical and spiritual guidance to help you grow into the perfectly imperfect parent you want to be visit www.ChristianParenting.org

Alongside her husband Jeff Mattson, Terra is co-founder and CEO of Living Wholehearted, LLC, a professional counseling and organizational development firm outside Portland, Oregon, and Courageous Girls, an online resource helping moms gather in intentional communities so they can walk with their daughters at every stage of her growing years in a world of confusing messages. As a licensed marriage and family therapist and executive coach, she has spent two decades counseling, coaching, and training leaders around trauma-informed theology and wholehearted leadership. She is co-host of the weekly Living Wholehearted Podcast and the Dear Mattsons YouTube series, bridging the gap between biblical, clinical and relational wisdom to help leaders (who are also parents) build healthy relationships in their home, work, and community. You can learn more at terramattson.com or follow @terramattson

Resources mentioned:

TerraMattson.com

livingwholehearted.com

MyCourageousGirls.com

cpguides.org

Episode 323 Closing the Integrity Gap in the Hope with Jeff and Terra Mattson

Support Let’s Parent on Purpose through your Tax Deductible Giving

Join my Things for Thursday Email List and get a free Marriage Snapshot Tool and Fun Family Conversation Ebook!

Connect with Jay:

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/letsparentonpurpose

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/letsparentonpurpose

Twitter: https://www.twitter.com/jaydholland

The post Antidotes to Anxiety with Terra Mattson appeared first on Let's Parent on Purpose.

View Details

We all have those days when we feel like we are a terrible parent. Sometimes it’s because we blow a moment or decision. Other times its because we compare ourselves to the best parts of other people’s lives. And sometimes it’s because we are fooled into thinking the false presentation of our friends on social media is true.

Whatever your reason for being down about your parenting, listen to Jay’s pep talk as he encourages you to:

• Give yourself the benefit of the doubt
• Give your kids the benefit of the doubt
• Get over yourself
• Get better

Finally, be encouraged by Jay’s reminder from scripture that God uses suffering and brokenness to produce character, and that ALL things work together for the glory of God and the good of His children!

Resources:

I Wish I Was A Better Parent

Support Let’s Parent on Purpose through your Tax Deductible Giving

Join my Things for Thursday Email List and get a free Marriage Snapshot Tool and Fun Family Conversation Ebook!

Connect with Jay:

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/letsparentonpurpose

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/letsparentonpurpose

Twitter: https://www.twitter.com/jaydholland

The post A Pep Talk When You Feel Like a Bad Parent appeared first on Let's Parent on Purpose.

View Details

In this episode of Let’s Parent on Purpose, Jay Holland talks to Josh Luecht, a veteran youth pastor, about how parents can get the most out of their youth pastors. Together, they discuss the role of the youth pastor, how parents can support and encourage them, and practical ways to help them minister effectively to teens. They also explore common challenges that youth pastors face and provide insights on how parents can help them overcome these challenges.

Show Notes:

Introduction (00:00)
Meet Josh Luecht (01:22)
The Role of the Youth Pastor (03:12)
Supporting Your Youth Pastor (05:45)
Communication with Your Youth Pastor (08:22)
Practical Ways to Help Your Youth Pastor (11:10)
Challenges Youth Pastors Face (15:27)
How to Help Your Youth Pastor Overcome Challenges (18:03)
Outro (21:22)

In this episode of Let’s Parent on Purpose, Jay Holland and Josh Luecht discuss how parents can get the most out of their youth pastors. Josh, who has over 20 years of experience as a youth pastor, shares his insights on the role of the youth pastor, how parents can support and encourage them, and practical ways to help them minister effectively to teens.

With a focus on practical advice and insights, this episode offers valuable information for parents who want to build stronger relationships with their youth pastors and support them in their ministry. From understanding the unique challenges that youth pastors face to providing practical ways to help them overcome these challenges, Jay and Josh provide a wealth of information for parents who want to help their youth pastors succeed.

Bio: Pastor Josh Luecht is a teaching pastor at Calvary Chapel Palm City, FL. He holds a M.A. in Biblical Leadership from Calvary Chapel University and loves leading students into a deeper understanding of the Gospel…Josh is also a sports fan, musician and reading enthusiast. In his spare time he enjoys watching hockey and hanging out with his wife. He has been married to Mary since 2012.

Resources Referenced:

Calvary Chapel Palm City Verse by Verse Podcast

Support Let’s Parent on Purpose through your Tax Deductible Giving

Join my Things for Thursday Email List and get a free Marriage Snapshot Tool and Fun Family Conversation Ebook!

The post Getting the Most out of Your Youth Pastor and Student Leaders with Josh Leucht appeared first on Let's Parent on Purpose.

View Details

Dr. Tim McKnight, a missions and evangelism expert, reveals the potential for Gen Z to make a kingdom impact if parents can shepherd them well.

You will learn:

1. How is Generation Z different from previous generations, and what unique potential do they have to make a kingdom impact?

2. What is the role of technology in shaping and influencing Generation Z?

3. How can parents help their children develop a biblical understanding of identity and the gospel of Jesus Christ?

Dr. McKnight is the Director of the Global Center for Youth Ministry and Associate Professor of Missions and Youth Ministry at Anderson University and Lead Pastor/Planter of Mosaic Church of Anderson. He is the author of Engaging Generation Z (Kregel) and editor of Navigating Student Ministry (B&H Acaemic).

Dr. McKnight has pastored churches throughout West Virginia, Kentucky, Alabama, North Carolina, and South Carolina. He’s served as an infantry chaplain in the United States Army Kentucky Army National Guard, deploying on Operation Noble Eagle and Operation Enduring Freedom.

Dr. McKnight is also a black belt in Kenpo Jujitsu and a NRA certified basic pistol instructor.

Resources:

www.drtimmcknight.com

Engaging Generation Z: Raising the Bar for Youth Ministry

Connect with Jay:

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/letsparentonpurpose

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/letsparentonpurpose

Twitter: https://www.twitter.com/jaydholland

www.cfbcstuart.com

The post The Greatest Influences on Generation Z with Tim McKnight appeared first on Let's Parent on Purpose.

View Details

When Jeremy Pryor discovers that God designed families to be teams on mission, not nests for individual success, he embarks on a journey to challenge the idol of individualism and bring his family closer together. You will learn how to strengthen family identity through everyday responsibilities with Jeremy Pryor’s unique approach.

In this episode, you will learn the following:

1. What does it mean to be part of a multi-generational family?

2. How do identities shape and limit freedom?

3. What does it look like to embrace fatherhood/motherhood as an identity?

4. How can we use everyday responsibilities to help shape our children’s understanding of identity, value, and worth?

“When we’re in a multi generational family, the father or mother is always thinking about their grandkids, how am I raising my kids to be really good parents to my grandchildren someday? And so of course you have to be really thoughtful about how to parent.” -Jeremy Pryor

Jeremy Pryor is a family identity expert and author of the book “Family Revision”. His passion is helping families discover and live out their multigenerational mission to further the Kingdom of God.

Jeremy Pryor had been on a journey to understand the meaning of family. He embraced the idea that identities, including those of sons, daughters, brothers, sisters, mothers and fathers, were meant to be handed down through generations, and that freedom of self expression was not the ultimate goal. He saw that individualism had been put on a pedestal and was causing chaos, and he realized that families were designed to be teams to rescue and bless each other,

Resources:

https://familyteams.com/

Family Revision: How Ancient Wisdom Can Heal the Modern Family

Episode 230 Your Family as a Team with Jeremy Pryor

Connect with Jay:

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/letsparentonpurpose

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/letsparentonpurpose

Twitter: https://www.twitter.com/jaydholland

www.cfbcstuart.com

The post Family Identity Through Everyday Responsibilities with Jeremy Pryor appeared first on Let's Parent on Purpose.

View Details

Discover how to unlock spiritual growth and maturity through the power of relationship and identity.

“Relationship inspires behavior, and gives us motivation for obedience.”

Pastor Jon Price has been in ministry for 35 years and is a speaker, trainer, author and coach. He lives in north Georgia with his wife of 26 years and has two grown children also in the Atlanta area. He is the Pastor of Missions and Connections at Peachtree Corners Baptist Church in Peachtree Corners, GA.

Through Alan Shore’s research on brain science, Jim Wilder’s books and Marcus Warner’s teachings, Jon learned that the right side of the brain, filled with relationship and identity, is the key to spiritual maturity and growth. With this knowledge, Jon realized that the joy of God is the strength that helps us through our trials and the importance of remaining relational with those around us.

In this episode, you will learn the following:

1. The power of identity and group identity in spiritual growth and maturity.

2. The importance of relationship and joy in providing nourishment for the brain.

3. The concept of “rare maturity” in remaining relational and keeping relationships foremost.

Resources:

Twitter: @baldjonp

Instagram: @baldjonp

Revjonprice.com

revjonprice@gmail.com

Invited In and Set Free: Meditations on Galatians

Books by Jim Wilder

Connect with Jay:

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/letsparentonpurpose

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/letsparentonpurpose

Twitter: https://www.twitter.com/jaydholland

www.cfbcstuart.com

Support Let’s Parent on Purpose through your Tax Deductible Giving

Join my Things for Thursday Email List and get a free Marriage Snapshot Tool and Fun Family Conversation Ebook!

The post The Missing Piece of Discipleship with Jon Price appeared first on Let's Parent on Purpose.

View Details

Generation Z is the most unchurched and unreached generation alive today. At the same time, research shows that the vast majority of people who put their faith in Jesus do so before the age of 18. Pastor Josh Leucht joins Jay for a conversation on the difference approach we need to take in sharing the gospel with Generation Z. Their discussion includes:

• Understanding how many in Gen Z find it offensive for you to share your moral standards.
• The pressure Christian students feel for having absolute truth claims and believing Jesus is the only way.
• How many older methods of sharing the gospel don’t work as readily.
• The difference in law/punishment cultures and honor/shame cultures
• How the gospel speaks into honor/shame cultures and reaches Gen Z
• The effectiveness of story
• The effectiveness of pointing out brokenness as an entry point to the gospel

Bio: Pastor Josh Luecht is a teaching pastor at Calvary Chapel Palm City, FL. He holds a M.A. in Biblical Leadership from Calvary Chapel University and loves leading students into a deeper understanding of the Gospel…Josh is also a sports fan, musician and reading enthusiast. In his spare time he enjoys watching hockey and hanging out with his wife. He has been married to Mary since 2012.

Resources Referenced:

Episode 88 A Happy Adoption Story

Calvary Chapel Palm City Verse by Verse Podcast

Support Let’s Parent on Purpose through your Tax Deductible Giving

Join my Things for Thursday Email List and get a free Marriage Snapshot Tool and Fun Family Conversation Ebook!

Connect with Jay:

www.instagram.com/letsparentonpurpose

www.facebook.com/letsparentonpuropse

www.twitter.com/jaydholland

www.cfbcstuart.com

The post Sharing the Gospel with Generation Z with Josh Luecht appeared first on Let's Parent on Purpose.

View Details

Series Overview: Jay will be discussing the unique challenges of parenting Gen Z and the struggles they face due to the world they live in.

Today’s Topic: Jay shares how the gospel speaks into the topic of gender identity and sexuality. This includes a Theology of the Body: Jay will be sharing a piece of a sermon he recently preached in the church on how the incarnation of Jesus helps bring clarity where there is confusion over gender, identity and sexuality. He encourages listeners to have their kids listen along and discuss the content with them.

Resources Referenced:

Talking to Your Children about Gender Identity and Sexuality with Dr. Sean McDowell

Equipping our Children for Conversations on Gender identity and Sexuality with Dr. Sean McDowell

What if Your Children Identify as a different Gender identity or Sexuailty with Dan Seaborn

Pointing to a Deeper Orientation in Jesus with Dan Seaborn

Genesis 1:27, passages on homosexuality, adultery, coveting your wife and your neighbor’s stuff.

Support Let’s Parent on Purpose through your Tax Deductible Giving

Join my Things for Thursday Email List and get a free Marriage Snapshot Tool and Fun Family Conversation Ebook!

Connect with me:

www.instagram.com/letsparentonpurpose

www.facebook.com/letsparentonpuropse

www.twitter.com/jaydholland

www.cfbcstuart.com

The post How Jesus’ Incarnation Speaks to Gender Identity and Sexual Confusion appeared first on Let's Parent on Purpose.

View Details

Snow Plow Parenting. You might have never heard of the term, but you have definitely witnessed the method in families. Are you a snow plow parent? Today I finish my Boundaries to Help Your Family Thrive series with my guests Nathan and Amy Oliver. They explain Snow Plow Parenting, share signs to recognize if you might be a snow plow parent, and give healthy boundaries to allow your children to grow resiliency.

In Snow Plow Parenting you pave the path of least resistance for your children so they don’t encounter difficulty or failure in life. The hard things in life are inevitable. You’re not always going to win. It’s important we teach our children how to deal with the hard emotions that come with life.

It’s essential for children to experience loss and suffering and failure more than they feel comfort and ease.

Questions to help you evaluate your parenting:

• How do I feel when my child fails or is rejected?
• Is my interaction helping them become more capable and competent or incapable and incompetent?
• What does love look like?

Bio:

Nathan and Amy Oliver are both licensed professional therapists and members of Covenant Fellowship Baptist Church in Stuart, Florida. They specialize in marriage/family therapy, teens/young adults, substance addiction, depression, and anxiety. The Olivers are individually available for virtual counseling sessions. To find out more visit www.olivercounselling.com

Resources Mentioned:

www.olivercounseling.com

Sign up for my Things for Thursday Email: https://tinyurl.com/292kv68y

Support Let’s Parent on Purpose through the 127 Project: https://letsparentonpurpose.com/support/

The post Snow Plow Parenting with Nathan and Amy Oliver appeared first on Let's Parent on Purpose.

View Details

Counselors Nathan and Amy Oliver are back to help us navigate healthy boundaries in the realms of Social Media, Sleepovers, and Curfew. This is part three of our four-part Boundaries to Help Your Family Thrive series. Remember, we want to insulate our children, not isolate them. Each child is different, and you need to be a student of your children. Therefore, each boundary flows out of the question: What does love look like? And what does love look like for each individual child?

We also talk about the challenges of boundaries when you are a single parent or blended home.

Resources Mentioned:

The Innovation of Loneliness: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=c6Bkr_udado

www.olivercounseling.com

Sign up for my Things for Thursday Email: https://tinyurl.com/292kv68y

Support Let’s Parent on Purpose! https://letsparentonpurpose.com/support/

The post Boundaries that Nurture Your Child’s Spirit: Social Media and Sleepovers with Nathan and Amy Oliver appeared first on Let's Parent on Purpose.

View Details

The very best way to love your children well is to have an amazing marriage. If there’s not a oneness in your marriage, children will see that and exploit it. Today my guests Nathan and Amy Oliver help us set boundaries to protect time and relationships in our marriage. Listen as we discuss the following healthy boundaries:

• Regular date night
• Evenings
• The Bedroom
• Bedtime

In a marriage, there has to be unity in what you say yes to and what you say no to. Step back and define – what is your goal and mission and mission of your household?

It’s not just good decisions, it’s good, better, and best.

Nathan and Amy Oliver are both licensed professional therapists and members of Covenant Fellowship Baptist Church in Stuart, Florida. They specialize in marriage/family therapy, teens/young adults, substance addiction, depression, and anxiety. The Olivers are individually available for virtual counseling sessions. To find out more visit www.olivercounselling.com

Resources Mentioned:

Sign up for my Things for Thursday Email: https://tinyurl.com/292kv68y

Support Let’s Parent on Purpose! https://letsparentonpurpose.com/support/

LPOP 290 How to Have Healthier Conflict with Nathan and Amy Oliver: https://letsparentonpurpose.com/how-to-have-healthier-conflict-with-nathan-and-amy-oliver/

LPOP 291 Skills to Communicate with Your Spouse with Nathan and Amy Oliver https://letsparentonpurpose.com/skills-to-communicate-with-your-spouse-with-nathan-and-amy-oliver/

LPOP 292 Five Healthy Marriage Habits with Nathan and Amy Oliver https://letsparentonpurpose.com/five-healthy-marriage-habits-with-nathan-and-amy-oliver/

The post Boundaries That Help Protect Time and Relationship In Your Marriage with Nathan and Amy Oliver appeared first on Let's Parent on Purpose.

View Details

Marriage and family therapist Nathan and Amy Oliver join me today for a new series on Boundaries that will Help Your Family Thrive. Today we lay the foundation that’s critical before we can expect boundaries to work: healthy connection between parents and children. Nathan and Amy share multiple ways we can pour into our children throughout the day and week. We discuss creative ways to involve your children in your regular tasks, as well as the need daily debriefing and special times of adventure.

Ideas discussed include:

– Connecting around the table

– The importance of dates with your children

– Family adventures

– Bedtime routines

Nathan and Amy Oliver are both licensed professional therapists and members of Covenant Fellowship Baptist Church in Stuart, Florida. They specialize in marriage/family therapy, teens/young adults, substance addiction, depression, and anxiety. The Olivers are individually available for virtual counseling sessions. To find out more visit www.olivercounselling.com

Don’t forget to check out this week’s sponsor, the She is Confident Courses from Christian Parenting at www.cpguides.org

Resources Mentioned:

LPOP 290 How to Have Healthier Conflict with Nathan and Amy Oliver: https://letsparentonpurpose.com/how-to-have-healthier-conflict-with-nathan-and-amy-oliver/

LPOP 291 Skills to Communicate with Your Spouse with Nathan and Amy Oliver https://letsparentonpurpose.com/skills-to-communicate-with-your-spouse-with-nathan-and-amy-oliver/

LPOP 292 Five Healthy Marriage Habits with Nathan and Amy Oliver https://letsparentonpurpose.com/five-healthy-marriage-habits-with-nathan-and-amy-oliver/

www.olivercounseling.com

Telestrations – https://amzn.to/3HIpJJH

The Things Game – https://amzn.to/3PvzT2p

Sign up for my Things for Thursday Email: https://tinyurl.com/292kv68y

Support Let’s Parent on Purpose! https://letsparentonpurpose.com/support/

The post Laying a Foundation of Connection with Nathan and Amy Oliver appeared first on Let's Parent on Purpose.

View Details

This episode is a crossover podcast from Stories of Hope with Dr. Samuel Thomas of Hopegivers International. Hear Dr. Sam share about arranged marriages, dowries, and a horrible custom that still happens today in some homes when the money runs out. Listen to how the love of Jesus Christ rescues the most hopeless, and pray about how your family could get involved to help.

Bio:

Dr. Samuel Thomas is the president and CEO of Hopegivers International. He is a pastor, speaker, and humanitarian who has given his life to help the least of the earth find the love of Christ. You can learn more about the ministry of Hopegivers at www.hopegivers.org

Resources Mentioned:

You can learn more about the 127 Project and support Let’s Parent on Purpose here: https://letsparentonpurpose.com/support/

Listen to Stories of Hope with Dr. Samuel Thomas on Apple Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/stories-of-hope-with-dr-samuel-thomas/id1545599796

The post A Story of Marriage, Betrayal, and Hope with Dr. Samuel Thomas appeared first on Let's Parent on Purpose.

View Details

Today I share an exciting update as Let’s Parent on Purpose is now a ministry of The 127 Project. All of your giving is now tax deductible. In addition to supporting Let’s Parent on Purpose, your giving will help build a Hope Home for Dowry Castaway children in India.

I also share a set of questions to help you evaluate the discipleship growth of yourself and your children. Listen as I discuss how the following questions can help you grow in discipleship:

For an initial believer:

Head

Do I understand the gospel?

Do I believe the gospel?

Heart

Am I convicted of sin?

Am I drawn to Jesus?

Hands

Have I surrendered my life to Jesus?

Have I received His forgiveness and grace?

For an ongoing disciple (compared to past self, not to other people):

Head

How Am I growing in understanding God and His Word?

What do I now know how to teach or share to another?

Heart

Am I tender to the things of Jesus?

How would I describe my joy in the things of God?

Hands

What am I releasing to God?

How am I serving Jesus?

To be intentional about your discipleship walking forward:

Head

What habit am I going to pursue to grow in knowing God and His Word?

Heart

What habit am I going to pursue to grow my love and joy in Jesus and not just fall into religious duty?

Hands

In what ways am I going to be consistently generous with my money and service this year?

Resources Mentioned:

You can learn more about the 127 Project and support Let’s Parent on Purpose here: https://letsparentonpurpose.com/support/

The post Head, Heart, and Hands: Questions to Grow as a Disciple appeared first on Let's Parent on Purpose.

View Details

In this last week of the year, many of us make goals for how we are going to be different. Most of our goal don’t make it much further than February. Today I share one of the great revelations of my life: goals don’t matter that much. It’s our systems that determine everything. I’ll share with you how to think through creating a system that will help you start and end your day well. You’ll learn the secret of habit stacking. And I’ll encourage you to learn to love the process rather than obsessing on the final goal.

Resources Mentioned:

Free to Focus: A Total Productivity System to Achieve More By Doing Less – https://amzn.to/3Ejz8oU

Episode 210 Focus on Your Systems, Not Your Goals: https://letsparentonpurpose.com/focus-on-your-systems-not-your-goals/

The post This Year: Don’t Focus On Goals, Focus On Systems appeared first on Let's Parent on Purpose.

View Details

Every year is filled with thousands of decisions. Some of them are inconsequential, while others have life long impact. As I reflect on this past year, today I share with you the three new decisions that greatest impact on my life and family.

Listen as I discuss my top three decisions:

1. Learning how to measure a great day
2. Praying the Psalms with my children
3. Starting a weekly Family Sabbath Dinner

As you hear me describe the impact, you’ll see that these are also choices you can make in your household!

Resources Mentioned:

Episode 278 How to Measure a Good Day https://letsparentonpurpose.com/how-to-measure-a-good-day/

Episode 279 A Walkthrough of a Family Sabbath Dinner https://letsparentonpurpose.com/a-walkthrough-of-a-family-sabbath-dinner/

Get a copy of my Measuring a Great Day checklist and Family Sabbath Liturgy – https://bit.ly/3EDH56y

Consider Supporting Christian Parenting with an end of year gift: www.Cpgive.org

The post The Decisions That Had The Greatest Impact On My Year appeared first on Let's Parent on Purpose.

View Details

As we close out 2022 I share with you five questions that can help you process your year and lead you into an intentional 2023. For each of the questions I share with you my answers as I process my year. Listen as we discuss the following questions:

– What are the 2-3 ways you experienced the goodness of God most deeply?

– What are the 3-4 decisions you made that have had the most impact on your life this year? (2 Good, 2 Bad)

– Which relationships had the greatest impact on you this year? Were they good or bad?

– What is something you really wanted to do that did not happen this past year? Why didn’t it happen?

– If money were no object and you could do anything with your life to serve the Lord, what would you do?

– Walk through these questions personally. Write down your answers. Then prayerful take the questions to the Lord and process them with your spouse.

Resources Mentioned:

Episode 300 Beating Leukemia Together with Elijah and Micah Holland https://letsparentonpurpose.com/2022/10/24/episode-300-beating-leukemia-together-with-elijah-and-micah-holland/

Episode 278 How to Measure a Good Day

https://letsparentonpurpose.com/2022/05/22/how-to-measure-a-good-day/

Episode 279 A Walkthrough of a Family Sabbath Dinner

https://letsparentonpurpose.com/2022/05/29/a-walkthrough-of-a-family-sabbath-dinner/

Get a copy of my Measuring a Great Day checklist and Family Sabbath Liturgy – https://bit.ly/3EDH56y

Consider a year end gift to Cpgive.org

The post A Simple Set of Questions To Review Your Year appeared first on Let's Parent on Purpose.

View Details

At some point, one or more members of our family will likely need the help of a professional counselor. How can you make sure you are getting the most out of your time with a counselor? Eliza Huie joins me once again to walk through the differences between counselors, therapists, psychologist, and psychiatrists. She gives her top three tips for how to maximize the time and value you get out of counseling. Eliza also shares her recommendations for where to search for solid, biblical counseling.

The Christian Counseling and Education Foundation: https://www.ccef.org

Association of Biblical Counselors: https://christiancounseling.com

Fieldstone Counseling: https://fieldstonecounseling.org

The Gospel Care Collective: https://www.gospelcarecollective.com

Bio

Eliza is a counselor, author, speaker, and trainer committed to providing care and resources for the whole person. Trained both biblically and clinically, she understands the complexities people face in their spiritual, emotional, and physical lives.

She holds a Master of Arts in Counseling and has advanced certificates in biblical counseling from The Christian Counseling Educational Foundation (CCEF) and The Association of Biblical Counselors (ABC). She is also a licensed clinical professional counselor.

Eliza is the director of counseling at McLean Bible Church located in the Washington D.C. metro area. She is the Dean of Biblical Counseling for Metro Baltimore Seminary in Maryland. She and her husband Ken have been married for almost 30 years and they have 3 grown children and a lovely daughter-in-law.

Resources Mentioned:

How to Get the Most Out of Counseling: https://us.10ofthose.com/how-to-get-the-most-out-of-your-counseling-tract-booklet/

Raising Emotionally Healthy Kids – https://us.10ofthose.com/raising-emotionally-healthy-kids-help-for-parents-paperback/

Eliza’s other books – https://us.10ofthose.com/search.php?search_query=eliza

Sign Up for My Things For Thursday Email – https://bit.ly/3EDH56y

The post How To Get The Most Out Of Counseling With Eliza Huie appeared first on Let's Parent on Purpose.

View Details

Every holiday season we seem to collect more devices connected to the internet. Today I walk you through some amazing parental control features that are already built in to your iPhone. Additionally, I give you my overview and recommendations on three different internet monitoring systems: Bark, Canopy, and Covenant Eyes.

Resources Mentioned:

• Episode 304: Engaging and Protecting Your Video Gamer with Drew Dixon
• Get to Know Screen Time for Families on the iphone, Ipad, and Itouch: https://youtube.com/watch?v=ZAXcyGw8Q2Y
• www.bark.us
• www.canopy.us
• Sign up for my Things for Thursday Email: https://tinyurl.com/292kv68y
• Support Let’s Parent on Purpose! https://letsparentonpurpose.com/support/

The post Setting Up Safeguards on Screens appeared first on Let's Parent on Purpose.

View Details

Whether you like it or not, your child probably loves video games. When we as parents act like video games are a curse, we often miss a key opportunity with our children. My guest Drew Dixon shares the wonder of video games including creativity, connection, and play. We talk about the gospel opportunities to discuss worldview with your children as they play video games, as well as equipping them to be on mission with their friends and contacts through social gaming. Finally, Drew and I discuss our responsibility to set safeguards and parameters with our children as they engage in gaming. Drew helps us see how important it is for our rules to be clear, collaborative, and written down.

Drew Dixon is a team leader at Lifeway Christian resources, co-founder and Chief Content Nerd of Love Thy Nerd, public speaker, co-host of Humans of Gaming, editor, author, and has traveled all over the world to spread the Gospel at nerd conventions. His new book Know Thy Gamer was released in September 2022.

Resources Mentioned:

• Episode 297 Equipping our children for conversations on sexuality and gender identity with Sean McDowell
• Drew’s new book Know Thy Gamer
• ESRB.org for ratings of video games
• commonsensemedia.org for expert and parental reviews of games
• twitch.tv to watch people play video games and evaluate if they are appropriate for your children
• Sign up for my Things for Thursday Email: https://tinyurl.com/292kv68y
• Support Let’s Parent on Purpose! https://letsparentonpurpose.com/support/

The post Engaging and Protecting your Video Gamer with Drew Dixon appeared first on Let's Parent on Purpose.

View Details

The trend of teenagers engaged in cutting has risen in recent years with the rise in social media and Youtube Influencers. What should a parent do if they find out their child has been cutting? Is this a pathway to suicide or something else? Eliza Huie joins me once again to help parents understand the pressures that lead a child to begin cutting. She offers council on what we can do if we find out our child has behaved in this behavior. Finally, she shares how the hope of the gospel can walk us through even this dark challenge.

Eliza is a counselor, author, speaker, and trainer committed to providing care and resources for the whole person. Trained both biblically and clinically, she understands the complexities people face in their spiritual, emotional, and physical lives.

She holds a Master of Arts in Counseling and has advanced certificates in biblical counseling from The Christian Counseling Educational Foundation (CCEF) and The Association of Biblical Counselors (ABC). She is also a licensed clinical professional counselor.

Eliza is the director of counseling at McLean Bible Church located in the Washington D.C. metro area. She is the Dean of Biblical Counseling for Metro Baltimore Seminary in Maryland. She and her husband Ken have been married for almost 30 years and they have 3 grown children and a lovely daughter-in-law.

Resources Mentioned:

• Help! My Teen is Self-Injuring: https://www.focusonthefamily.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/04/Self-Injury.pdf
• How to Get the Most Out of Counseling: https://us.10ofthose.com/how-to-get-the-most-out-of-your-counseling-tract-booklet/
• Raising Emotionally Healthy Kids: https://us.10ofthose.com/raising-emotionally-healthy-kids-help-for-parents-paperback/
• Eliza’s other books: https://us.10ofthose.com/search.php?search_query=eliza
• Sign up for my Things for Thursday Email: https://tinyurl.com/292kv68y
• Support Let’s Parent on Purpose! https://letsparentonpurpose.com/support/

The post What Do I Do If My Child is Cutting with Eliza Huie appeared first on Let's Parent on Purpose.

View Details

In a culture inflamed by racial tensions, how can parents teach children a healthy perspective on race and culture? Author Michelle Sanchez joins me today for a discussion on the gospel vision of a diverse, multiethnic community. We talk about how backgrounds and personal experiences can form our racial prejudices. Michelle also shares

The post Teach Your Children to Overcome Racism with the Gospel with Michelle Sanchez appeared first on Let's Parent on Purpose.

View Details

What do you when fear grips you up in the middle of the night?  Pastor Louie Giglio joins me today for a transparent conversation on anxiety, depression, and worry. He shares his personal struggles, research on real and imagined fears, and most importantly, the pathway to peace through Jesus. We talk about our

The post Putting a Dagger in the Heart of Worry with Louie Giglio appeared first on Let's Parent on Purpose.

View Details

Today we are celebrating episode 300 of Let’s Parent on Purpose! I am joined today by both of my sons, Elijah and Micah Holland. The boys share what it was like to go through leukemia, relapse, and then bone marrow transplant together. We talk about worries, struggles, and the picture of Christ we

The post Episode 300! Beating Leukemia Together with Elijah and Micah Holland appeared first on Let's Parent on Purpose.

View Details

This is the second half of my conversation with Dan Seaborn on how to parent a child who is identifying as a different gender or sexuality. Be sure to first listen to episode 298 What if Your Children Identify With a Different Gender or Sexuality?  In this half of the discussion, we talk

The post Pointing to a deeper orientation in Jesus with Dan Seaborn appeared first on Let's Parent on Purpose.

View Details

Culture continues to saturate our children with messages on gender and sexuality. Parents should expect their children to come to them with questions about these topics. At some point, there’s a reasonable likelihood your child might approach you confused or identifying as a different gender or sexuality. What are you going to do? 

The post What if Your Children Identify with a Different Gender or Sexuality appeared first on Let's Parent on Purpose.

View Details

There is no way to completely shelter your children from the cultural campaign on gender identity and sexuality. Dr. Sean McDowell shares how we can equip ourselves to walk alongside our children, asking questions, and teaching them how to have loving, biblical worldview in their schools and sports teams. Dr. Sean McDowell

The post Equipping our Children for Conversations on Sexuality and Gender Identity with Sean McDowell appeared first on Let's Parent on Purpose.

View Details

How does a child know when they are accepted as an adult? In our modern world, young people are often left to figure this out on their own. Many never do. I’m joined by author Steven Arms, who shares with me the family Rite of Passage tradition he experienced at 13 years old

The post A Rite of Passage Ceremony for Our Sons with Steven Arms appeared first on Let's Parent on Purpose.

View Details

Six years ago I started a simple habit of writing five lines in a daily journal. Today I share six insights I have from this practice as I try to encourage you to develop this four minute habit. Listen to me explain how I learned: God is faithful My seasons of discontent are

The post A Four Minute Habit with Compound Results appeared first on Let's Parent on Purpose.

View Details

There is a general principle that states that 70% of our learning comes from experience, 20% from the people in our lives, and 10% from formalized instruction and book education. Today I reflect on how these truths might impact the way we parent and approach spiritual development in our households and churches. Resources

The post Reflecting on the 70-20-10 Model of Learning and Transformation appeared first on Let's Parent on Purpose.

View Details

Whether you are surviving a middle school lunch room or trying to navigate the adult relationships in your life, there will always be mean people. Based on an excellent sermon on the same topic from Andy Stanley at North Point Church, I walk through insights about getting even vs. giving love. We look

The post What To Do With The mean People In Our Lives appeared first on Let's Parent on Purpose.

View Details

Great marriages don’t happen without intentional work. There’s a saying: “your habits will determine the direction and quality of your life.” In the same way, your marriage habits will determine the direction and quality of your marriage. As we wrap up our Building Blocks for a Healthy Marriage series, Nathan and Amy Oliver

The post Five Healthy Marriage Habits with Nathan and Amy Oliver appeared first on Let's Parent on Purpose.

View Details

Some couples naturally communicate very well with one another. But for most, it’s a learned skill. If we are not intentional with our communication, one day we might wake up next to someone we not longer know nor care to know. Marriage therapists Nathan and Amy Oliver equip us today with key skills

The post Skills to Communicate With Your Spouse with Nathan and Amy Oliver appeared first on Let's Parent on Purpose.

View Details

Every marriage has conflict. It’s how you handle the conflict that determines the direction and quality of your marriage. My guests Nathan and Amy Oliver outline specific steps you can incorporate into your turbulent issues to end more connected than when you began. You’ll learn the power of a time out in the

The post How to Have Healthier Conflict with Nathan and Amy Oliver appeared first on Let's Parent on Purpose.

View Details

This is the first of a four part series on building blocks for a healthy marriage. Before getting into communication and conflict techniques, it’s important to remember that a healthy marriage must have a solid foundation. Today I share three vital pillars for every marriage to thrive in a spiritually broken world. As

The post The Spiritual Foundation of a Healthy Marriage appeared first on Let's Parent on Purpose.

View Details

A few years ago I began to craft my ideal week. While it never goes according to plan, the practice has radically increased my fruitfulness and decreased my stress. Today I share with you the benefits of crafting your ideal work week as well as the process for creating your own. Scheduling Your

The post How To Schedule Your Ideal Week appeared first on Let's Parent on Purpose.

View Details

I’m frequently asked about  which Bible Translation is best for children or teens. Today I share an overview of the differences between translations as well as thoughts on what Bible might be best for your child. Additionally I share a couple of “pre-Bible introductory resources”. I discuss why it’s important to consider what 

The post What Bible Translation Should I Buy for my Child? appeared first on Let's Parent on Purpose.

View Details

Lisa Appelo went to bed married one night and woke up a widow and single mom to seven children the next morning. Her story of navigating raw, tender grief stands as a testimony that—regardless of your circumstances—life can be good again after it falls apart. We talk about the experience of losing her

The post Finding Hope in Shattering Loss with Lisa Apello appeared first on Let's Parent on Purpose.

View Details

The teenage years can feel incredibly unstable for both parents and adolescents. Today I share three pillars that can help your teen have a stable self concept even as their bodies, brains, and friends keep changing. Learn how important it is for your teen to know “I’m loved,” “I’ve got what it takes,” and “I

The post Three pillars for strengthening your teen’s self concept appeared first on Let's Parent on Purpose.

View Details

The teenage years are a time of radical change. But it’s not just our teenagers who must go through change. Parenting styles and roles rapidly evolve as our children move closer to adulthood. In this episode I discuss three different types of parenting styles. We review why the drill sergeant and the helicopter

The post The most effective parenting style for teens appeared first on Let's Parent on Purpose.

View Details

This is last episode in a four part series to help parents and teens improve their communication and reduce conflict. It’s adapted from a parent/teen retreat and includes small group questions you help you process the material as a family. Conflict increases when there is no compelling purpose or mission. Today we

The post Communication and Conflict Part 4: A New Vision For Your Family appeared first on Let's Parent on Purpose.

View Details

This is part three of a four part series to help parents and teens improve their communication and reduce conflict. It’s adapted from a parent/teen retreat and includes small group questions you help you process the material as a family. Every family is going to have conflict. We need a better conflict toolbox to allow

The post Communication and Conflict Part 3: Retooling for Healthy Conflict appeared first on Let's Parent on Purpose.

View Details

This is part two of a four part series to help parents and teens improve their communication and reduce conflict. It’s adapted from a parent/teen retreat and includes small group questions you help you process the material as a family. Today’s episode focuses understanding the emotional love bank each family member has with

The post Communication and Conflict Part 2: Rebuilding the Love Bank appeared first on Let's Parent on Purpose.

View Details

This is part one of a four part series to help parents and teens improve their communication and reduce conflict. It’s adapted from a parent/teen retreat and includes small group questions you help you process the material as a family. Today’s episode focuses on understanding the spiritual warfare behind many household conflicts

The post Communication and Conflict Part 1: Know Your Enemy appeared first on Let's Parent on Purpose.

View Details

This year our family has been stretched and scattered. We have experienced significant disorientation as we walk through a leukemia relapsed. To combat the disorientation, we are developing a new practice of a Family Sabbath Dinner. After years of toying with the idea, talking about it with others, we are finally doing it.

The post A Walkthrough of a Family Sabbath Dinner appeared first on Let's Parent on Purpose.

View Details

How do you measure a good day? What are the things you can control when everything feels out of control? As we walked through a month of ICU hospitalization with our son for his bone marrow transplant, he was unable to even leave his room for 28 days. To keep from focusing on

The post How To Measure A Good Day appeared first on Let's Parent on Purpose.

View Details

Sometimes I feel the pressure to fix all of the broken things in my family and friends. It’s especially paralyzing when you cannot see what God is doing. In this devotional form John 5, we see that Jesus did nothing of his own initiative, but only what he saw His Father already doing.

The post Our Father Is Always Working appeared first on Let's Parent on Purpose.

View Details

That’s exactly what our family has been experiencing as we live in a rental house for a couple of months. The conclusion: we are just fine. It’s led me to think about how much stress and anxiety we normally live under because of our accumulation of stuff and commitments. How do we fight

The post The Freedom of Simplicity appeared first on Let's Parent on Purpose.

View Details

There are few fears more gripping to a parent than the thought that one of their children might get sick… really sick. Sick to the point of real suffering. Sick to the point of no answers. Sick to the point of death. This is something we’ve been walking through as a family for

The post What If My Child Gets Sick… Really Sick? appeared first on Let's Parent on Purpose.

View Details

One of the common feelings shared by our children is "I feel like I don't fit in.” The truth is this feeling doesn’t go away just because we become adults. I've been thinking about that... From my personal experience and from over 20 years as a pastor, I have come to believe that

The post What If You Don’t Fit In? appeared first on Let's Parent on Purpose.

View Details

Fear of failure as a parent can paralyze a mom or dad. In my new “What if…?” series I look at the reality of our parental failure through the lens of the gospel. We talk about: Why many of our failures don’t matter The reality that there will be many times when you

The post What if I Fail as a Parent? appeared first on Let's Parent on Purpose.

View Details

According to the Center for Disease Control and Prevention, about 74 percent of adults in the United States are overweight. After 10 years of marriage and five pregnancies, Amber Lia, a former college athlete and recreational bodybuilder, found herself to be one of them. Feeling ashamed of her physical state and knowing that

The post The Spiritual Journey to Physical Health appeared first on Let's Parent on Purpose.

View Details

Pastor and author Jonathan Pitts joins me once again, this time to talk about the growth and adjustments from his newly blended family. We discuss setting-but also adapting-expectations, the mix of grief and joy in a blended family, and giving one another grace with feelings and emotions. Jonathan Pitts is an author, speaker

The post Learning and Growing Together in a Newly Blended Family appeared first on Let's Parent on Purpose.

View Details

Parenting doesn’t stop just because your children turn 18. But it sure can be confusing! Willow Sanders joins me to talk about the transitions from boss to coach to advisor that a parent must make over the years. We share our struggles and encouragements as we seek to navigate the challenges of parenting

The post Parenting Adult Children with Willow Sanders appeared first on Let's Parent on Purpose.

View Details

Family worship is one of the most transformative habits a family can have. It’s also very intimidating to most moms and dads. Dr. Rob Rienow, founder of Visionary Families, helps simplify the process of starting and continuing family worship. With a simple toolbox of prayer, Bible reading, and other elements, you can implement

The post Simplifying Family Worship with Rob Reinow appeared first on Let's Parent on Purpose.

View Details

When Stacy Callender was a young mom she felt burdened as her children entered public school. This burden led her to join a Moms in Prayer group that changed the trajectory of her life, family, and mission. Stacy and I talk about the work of God through prayer, and how we grow in

The post The Transforming Power of Prayer with Stacy Callender appeared first on Let's Parent on Purpose.

View Details

It’s a challenge to balance boundaries and freedom, adventure and responsibility when raising a boy. My guest Monica Swanson shares here experience of raising boys who are sensitive to the things of Jesus while still being strong and capable in the face of the world’s trials. She gives examples of success and failures

The post Building Character in our Boys with Monica Swanson appeared first on Let's Parent on Purpose.

View Details

Sometimes our worst fears in parenting do come true. When Daniel and Kelly Crawford were pregnant with their first son Abel, they learned that he had a life limiting diagnosis. Directed to find services to terminate the pregnancy, they instead chose to carry their little boy to birth. They were gifted fifteen days

The post Sorrow and Suffering in Parenting with Daniel and Kelly Crawford appeared first on Let's Parent on Purpose.

View Details

When Steven and Mary Beth Chapman took their 11 year old daughter Emily on a mission trip to Haiti, it changed the trajectory of their family. A burden to adopt started with Emily and spread to each family member. As the Chapmans adopted three children from China, God connected them with other families

The post Hope and Help in the Adoption Journey with Mary Beth Chapman appeared first on Let's Parent on Purpose.

View Details

Kids and teens are more stressed than ever. As our world bombards them with social media, bad news, and inescapable connectedness, researchers are finding depression and anxiety rates are higher than ever. Author and counselor Eliza Huie joins me once again with great practical advice for moms and dads on fostering emotional health

The post Raising Emotionally Healthy Kids with Eliza Huie appeared first on Let's Parent on Purpose.

View Details

Our culture is obsessed with influencers and leadership, but parents often forget that their primary opportunity for leadership and influence is in their own household. My guests Jeff and Terra Mattson talk with me about the distance between what we say and what we do in our families, and how that damages our

The post Closing the Integrity Gap In the Home with Jeff and Terra Mattson appeared first on Let's Parent on Purpose.

View Details

What if you could go back in a time machine and give your young parenting self some advice? My guest Cynthia Yanof and I talk about this very idea on today’s episode. As Cynthia watched her little one play on the playground, she thought about the lessons she could teach her younger self

The post Advice from the Oldest Mom on the Playground with Cynthia Yanof appeared first on Let's Parent on Purpose.

View Details

Sometimes our expectations for our families are just way beyond reality. My guest Lisa Clark reminds us that we are all just sinners raising sinners, still in the process of transformation by the gospel of Jesus. We talk about expectations, personality differences among children, settings habits for a thriving family, and what to

The post Sinners Raising Sinners with Lisa Clark appeared first on Let's Parent on Purpose.

View Details

We want our home to be a place of peace and stability, but sometimes external and internal dynamics make this extremely challenging. Virgil Tanner and his wife Joy have parented their children on three continents in a variety of difficult circumstances. Today he shares how they learned to order their family stability around

The post Centering Your Family in the Midst of Chaos with Virgil Tanner appeared first on Let's Parent on Purpose.

View Details

The pornography industry makes more money than the NBA, NFL, MLB, and NHL combined. Porn is hunting for every member of our family, and the effects on the body of Christ are devastating. There is no greater obstacle we face when it comes to discipleship, spiritual leadership, relational and spiritual health than the

The post Fighting for Freedom from Pornography with Ted Shimer appeared first on Let's Parent on Purpose.

View Details

More than any other period in our lifetime, the world seems to be swirling in chaos. On top of that, many of us have personal crisis or perpetual responsibilities that leave us traumatized. Today I talk with Virgil Tanner about two strategies for centering on Christ in the midst of a chaotic world.

The post Centering on Christ in the Midst of Chaos with Virgil Tanner appeared first on Let's Parent on Purpose.

View Details

If we want to change our families, we can do so by concentrating on one habit at a time. Today I brainstorm several potential family habits to consider for 2022, and encourage you to pick ONE new one to ingrain in your lives. Habits: Prayer Morning Time Meal Time Drive Time Bed

The post Deciding on a New Family Habit for 2022 appeared first on Let's Parent on Purpose.

View Details

When charcoal is grouped together it burns hot and does its job. When you remove a briquette from the fire, it goes cold. In this short devotional I give a simple explanation for the importance of staying connected to the Body of Christ, in a manner that you can easily demonstrate with your family. Resources

The post A Simple Illustration to Understand the Importance of the Church Body appeared first on Let's Parent on Purpose.

View Details

People are different, and because of that, discipleship does not always look the same. It’s not a step by step process, and just because our children have “caught” one area of discipleship we cannot expect the “next” one will come naturally. In this short devotion, I share how we can give room for

The post A Surprising Truth About Discipleship appeared first on Let's Parent on Purpose.

View Details

As we get near Christmastime, it's a wonderful time of year to review a perpetual quandary of our modern age: How to we teach our children contentment when they are surrounded by unrelenting advertisements for more and more stuff. Today I revisit an early episode where we talk about a three part strategy

The post Revisiting: How to Teach Contentment appeared first on Let's Parent on Purpose.

View Details

We’re entering the season filled with awe, wonder, gratitude, and dread. It’s that time of year where we get to spend time with family we love. Sometimes, we get to spend time with family who are easier to love at a distance. Let’s be honest, just because we grew up together doesn’t mean

The post Revisiting: Making a Holiday Plan for Family Gatherings appeared first on Let's Parent on Purpose.

View Details

Revisiting one of my favorite early episodes, I lay out principles that will help you win the hearts of your family and influence the culture of your home. Based on principles form Dale Carnegie’s classic How to Win Friends and Influence People, I share three principles that can help lower defensiveness and increase

The post Revisiting: How to Win Your Family’s Heart appeared first on Let's Parent on Purpose.

View Details

At some point every single one of us is going to experience a Category 5 crisis in our life. When our worst fears are realized, we face the challenge of processing what we believe about God. We also need to figure out what to do next. Today I revisit one of my early

The post Revisiting: What if it’s a Category 5 Crisis? appeared first on Let's Parent on Purpose.

View Details

As we celebrate 250 episodes and nearly five years of the Let’s Parent onPurpose podcast, my friend Jenny Price interviews me about my favorite things, serving through suffering, and keeping our family on mission. You’ll learn how Emily and I set parameters to grow in trust in our young marriage. How do I

The post Celebrating 250! Answering Questions about Fun, Family, Faith, and Serving Through Suffering appeared first on Let's Parent on Purpose.

View Details

We spend a great deal of time lamenting the messes in our lives: our homes are cluttered, our bank account stressed, and our commitments overwhelming. But the mess is often indicative of the abundant life God has given us. This devotion from Proverbs 14:4 reminds us to be thankful in the midst of the mess

The post Thank God for Your Messy Life appeared first on Let's Parent on Purpose.