Watermark Family Ministry Podcast: Recent Episodes
Watermark Community Church, Dallas, TX
This podcast is a production of Watermark Community Church in Dallas, Texas, USA. Watermark exists to be and make more fully devoted followers of Christ, looking to God's Word as our only authority, conscience and guide.
Judy Wimberley instructs us on practical ways to teach our children about the names and the character of God.
This month Gigi Mason shares and encourages us with “Satisfaction Over Frustration: Managing Your Home with Joy.”
This month Millye Hale encourages and reminds us of the importance of “Discipline: Teaching and Training our Kids.”
This month Katherine Smith encourages us to build our hope on the “Firm Foundation” during this difficult COVID season of change.
While the current crisis is throwing all of us into some level of uncertainty together, one thing is for certain . . . this isn’t the first season of uncertainty you’ve faced and it won’t be the last. As we face our own doubts, fears, and insecurities in times like these, our responsibilities to lead our homes remain intact. Listen in as David Leventhal and Brett Billman join Wes Butler for a conversation about how God calls and equips us to lead our families through challenging seasons like this. For notes, resources, and discussion questions, go to https://www.watermark.org/message/7424
One of the many effects that the COVID-19 pandemic has had is that it has thrust kids and their parents into the new world of “Distance Learning”. In this short episode, Wes Butler interviews homeschool and work-from-home veterans, Brian and Morgan Buchek to discuss three best practices for parents as we tackle this new reality in our homes.
Be sure to check out these Read-Aloud resources that the Bucheks recommended: Louis Zamperini: Redemption (Heroes of History): https://www.amazon.com/dp/1624860494/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_i_x4IGEb872T3Y1 On the Edge of the Dark Sea of Darkness (The Wingfeather Saga) by Andrew Peterson: https://www.amazon.com/dp/1400073847/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_i_n5IGEb26VMRF5 Chronicles of Narnia Series: https://www.amazon.com/dp/0061992887/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_i_Q6IGEbTHN165B How to Play Farkle: https://youtu.be/PtZlur9Kmb8
Being a parent means that you will walk through your fair share of sticky situations. At the Nest on the Dallas campus, Millye Hale reminded us what our response should be when we face these moments in life.
The primary role given to every parent by God is that of making disciples of our children. Having a right understanding of our role as disciple makers is key to understanding what it looks like to faithfully train our children in the truth of God and His Word through discipline. In this session of DadU, we consider the essential principles of discipline and some of the ways these principles are carried out in healthy families today. To view resources on this podcast, visit: https://www.watermark.org/message/7279
At the Plano NEST, Jennifer and Andy Baliey walked us through their 23 years of marriage and how raising 4 children has helped them realize their need for Christ both individually and together. They share hard times from the past that has impacted their marriage. Jennifer Bailey then walks us through how to CHOOSE love and respect in your marriage even when you don’t feel like it. You will be encouraged and motivated to push through the hard in your marriage while raising your children. Plus Jenifer gives great wisdom for how to practically live out respect in your marriage.
At the Nest on the Dallas campus, Suzanne Sanderson & Lea Singer shared biblical wisdom and tools to encourage moms to consider their family's emotional health. Reminding them that how we perceive and process our emotions can have an impact on how we teach our children about their own emotions.
One of the most often overlooked aspects of family life is the role that “fun” plays in fostering an environment conducive to the important work of parenting and discipleship. Joy, laughter, and memory making are not just the “extra-curricular” activities of parenting. They are essential components of healthy family life and evidence of the Spirit’s work in and through you. In this session of DadU, we explore how dads can take the lead in establishing “fun” as a core value of the family as well as why this is such an important aspect of our discipleship of our children. To view resources on this podcast, visit: https://www.watermark.org/message/7165
Motherhood can be exhausting. There are a lot of places moms can try to find rest. At the Nest in Plano, Anne Clayton explains how what we seek leads to who we follow, which determines if we find true rest.
At the Nest on the Dallas campus, Elizabeth Tamlyn encourages moms to consider their daily time with God in a new way. She shares how to be restored and thrive rather than be exhausted and just survive.
At the Plano NEST, Jinger Lord shares lessons she learned on her own mothering journey. We all have seasons of parenting where our kids are “out-of-the-box” either due to their own struggles or due to ways that we let our expectations get in the way. She covers three things to remember: (1) The importance of knowing your child’s “box”; (2) That your “box” is not their “box”; (3) That our kids are all in God’s “box.” Moms on the panel discuss what they have learned from parenting their kids with specific struggles-ADHD, special needs, and the strong-willed child.
The psalmist wrote in Psalm 127, “Unless the Lord builds the house, those who build it labor in vain.” He then goes on to warn the reader that failing to remember this simple principle leads the laborer to sleeplessness and “eating the bread of anxious toil.” Sadly, “anxious toil” is often the best description of the typical parenting experience for the 21st century American family. In this session of DadU, we discuss how to fight against what is typical and fight for a family that is marked by trusting the heart of our Father, the Ultimate Builder of our homes. For more information, see trusting the heart of your father.
At the Nest on the Dallas campus, the Nest leadership team shared a wealth of ideas to help point your child to Christ during the Christmas season. And our Mentor Moms shared their wisdom and perspective of what they've learned over the years and how to stay focused during the busy Christmas season.
At the Plano NEST, Leslie Barry talks about how we can really make others feel valued, cared for, and known through our traditions. She gives 3 questions for you to ask yourself to help you determine this: 1) Are you building relationship in your tradition or walking through a dead ritual? 2) Does this fit my family? 3) What should I start/stop/keep? Evaluate your own traditions and then listen as a panel of moms discuss their traditions that make others feel valued, cared for, and known. Yes, you will get ALL the ideas!
In this session of DadU, Blake Holmes asks us to consider three hugely important questions: 1) What is prayer? 2) What do our prayers reveal? and 3) How then should we pray? Taking these things into consideration, Blake and a panel of dads then share some tools that have been helpful for growing in faithfulness as we pray for our families and disciple our children to develop this habit for themselves. For additional resources from this session, visit our blog for more information on praying in faith
How to love and support families of children with special and additional needs. (Kaleidoscope ministry with Lyn Pollard)
How to love and support those who have experienced the death of a loved one. (GriefShare and Shift ministries with Julie Nicholson and Jill Cook)
How to love and support those who are experiencing infertility and/or miscarriages. (Shiloh ministry with Julie Fowler and Susie Littrell)
How to love and support those going through Foster Care and/or Adoption. (Family Restoration ministry with Martha Canuteson and Kate Wallace)
At the Nest on the Dallas campus, Chrisey Billman encourages women to consider others and step into their stories to love them well, when they are going through a crisis or challenging circumstances.
Anxiety among children and teens is an increasingly prominent challenge within the American family today. How can we as Christian parents prepare ourselves and our children for this battle for peace and contentment in our homes? How can we help our children who may struggle with these issues and create an environment of security and authenticity that enables us to talk about it? Join us for an evening with the Watermark elders and their wives as we consider these questions and more to equip you for these crucial conversations. Whether you are a new parent, have children moving into the pre-teen life stage, or are about to launch your kids off to college, these conversations are for you.
Real life mothering is HARD, but if our priorities are in the right place, you can find life, and joy and peace in Him. At the Nest on the Plano Campus, Shelly Ahlemeier and Caitlin Clyde encourage moms to be purposeful with their priorities, avoid common mommy pitfalls, and to be careful about what treasures they chase.
From potty training to training wheels to table manners to driver’s education, the journey of parenting is one sprawling training ground after another. In all of those, there is no area of our child’s development more crucial than the maturing of their spiritual lives. At this month’s DadU, we will take a look at the key role we play as dads in training up our children in the “discipline and instruction of the Lord” (Ephesians 6:4). We will seek to remove some of the mystery from spiritual discipleship and equip you with the tools necessary to help you to be faithful with your God-given role as the spiritual leader in your home. To view resources on this podcast, visit: https://www.watermark.org/message/6864
Whether you see your differences as a benefit or a hindrance, God can use them to bring balance and perspective to you and your family. It often depends on your attitude and approach. At the Nest on the Dallas campus, Holly Barnett and Casey Uphues encourage moms to consider their differences, as it relates to marriage and parenting.
Drawing from years of experience working in student ministries at Watermark, David Penuel (Director of Students) and Rebe Long (Women's Coordinator of Middle School Ministries) share insights of patterns they've seen in parenting from the kids who graduate the ministry and continue on with their faith into college and young adulthood. For more see https://www.watermark.org/blog/common-denominator
In this Nest Plano talk, Morgan walks us through a mother's role as Lifegiver. We look at being a Physical Lifegiver, Emotional Lifegiver, and Spiritual Lifegiver through three different filters: Created, Fallen, and Redeemed. We were CREATED to give life to our families in these roles, but the FALL has marred each of them and our sin keeps us from being the Lifegivers God intended. However, because of the redemption we have in Christ, we are able to live as REDEEMED Lifegivers in a fallen world. Be sure to download the handout to follow along with the chart!
At the Nest on the Dallas campus, Mandy Sisco encouraged moms to consider the bigger picture in their parenting. She shared suggestions and fun ideas to help motivate moms to gain perspective, understand purpose, and take aim at a plan.
Have you ever considered what your greatest parenting challenge is? While each stage of the fatherhood journey presents unique difficulties and parenting riddles to solve, there is one challenge that remains constant through every stage of your parenting – YOU! At this session of DadU we consider the influence we have as Dads in the lives of our children simply through the life we model for them and 3 markers of our life that we can use to evaluate our faithfulness in the area of self-leadership. To view resources on this podcast, visit: https://www.watermark.org/message/6722
In this episode, we present Part 2 of a 3-part series on "Making the Most of Your School Year". Wes Butler is joined by Ben Solomon, Missy Richardson, and Katrina Saugier for a conversation on 3 principles parents can put into practice to make the most of their public school experience. For more information, be sure to check out the corresponding blog post at watermark.org/blog/public-school.
In this episode, we present Part 3 of a 3-part series on "Making the Most of Your School Year". Wes Butler is joined by Missy Leventhal, Morgan Buchek and Jeff Parker for a conversation on 4 principles parents can put into practice to make the most of their homeschool experience. For more information, be sure to check out the corresponding blog post at watermark.org/blog/homeschool.
In this episode, we present Part 1 of a 3-part series on "Making the Most of Your School Year". Wes Butler is joined by Stephanie Polk, Robin Rice, and Ryan Nixon for a conversation on 3 principles parents can put into practice to make the most of their private school experience. For more information, be sure to check out the corresponding blog post at watermark.org/blog/private-school.
At the Plano NEST, Leslie Barry walks us through how we can point our child's heart to God with 6 purposeful steps. She talks about how our own participation in the gospel and practicing our faith in front of our children matters more than we know. She continues with talking about pursuing our children where they are at and making a plan to give them "something to write on their hearts" helps open doors to understanding God's love story better. She concludes with how perseverance and prayer help us step back and remember who is in control. Be encouraged and inspired with ideas to help you continue to be faithful in your parenting journey.
“Keeping up with the Joneses” is a phrase that used to allude to the temptation that families had to try to keep up with their next door neighbor. Today, in our hyper-connected world, the “neighborhood” has grown immensely and pressure to live up to the “Instagram-worthy” moments of the world is at an all-time high. We’ll take a look at how we can battle against comparison, the thief of joy, and discover together the freedom of pursuing contentment with the family God has given us.
In this episode of the Watermark Family Ministry Podcast, Wes Butler and Mandy Sisco interview Jay and Ginny Burns on the topic of praying for "prodigal" children. Jay & Ginny started and wrote the curriculum for "Prodigal", a ministry here at Watermark for parents of prodigal children, and have walked hundreds of parents through the trials of loving, leading and praying for children in various stages of rebellion. They share valuable insights on prayer from their own personal experience as well as from their years of experience in shepherding families through these trying and difficult times.
No matter their age or stage, discipling your children can feel like a daunting task. It's not a spectator sport where we sit and watch them learn and grow from the sidelines. It's an active role of coaching, encouraging and "tackling something" because a little intentionality can go a long way when your heart is focused on faithfulness, rather than fears or expectations.
At the Nest on the Dallas campus, Alison Treadaway shares with moms of preschool kids, how to simplify your discipleship efforts into four practical steps of model, train, pray and trust.
No matter their age or stage, discipling your children can feel like a daunting task. It's not a spectator sport where we sit and watch them learn and grow from the sidelines. It's an active role of coaching, encouraging and "tackling something" because a little intentionality can go a long way when your heart is focused on faithfulness, rather than fears or expectations.
At the Nest on the Dallas campus, Jeanie Cox encourages moms with elementary aged kids to discern methods from principles, as you continue to be a student of your child.
Discipleship is simply being taught and trained by others and teaching and training others in a way that points to the word, work, and wonder of our God. As women, we have the awesome responsibility of discipling others and the great privilege of being discipled. At the Nest on the Dallas campus, Mandy Sisco takes a peak at the book of Titus and encourages you in your role as the older women and the younger woman.
At the Nest on the Dallas campus this month, Lindsay Loucks and Amy Hulme shared how to personally choose to trust the Lord when the storms of life come and how to teach our kids to do the same.
The great missionary, Hudson Taylor, once said, “When we work, we work. When we pray, God works.” If this is true (and we believe it is), this means that the greatest tool we have in our parenting toolbox is prayer, and one of the highest privileges we have is to bring our children before the Almighty God of the universe. At this month’s DadU, listen in on a conversation with Jim Wimberley, father of 4, grandfather of 14, and one of the most faithful prayer warriors you’ll ever meet. You’ll be inspired, convicted, encouraged, and equipped to excel still more in pleading with God on behalf of your children.
Wes Butler interviews Robert Green and Eddy Badrina to talk about how we can strive to keep our marriage a priority through the various seasons of parenting. Each season presents its own unique opportunities, from newborns through the high school years, but there is no question that great parenting flows out of great marriages. Listen in to learn ways you as a Dad can love your wife as you seek to lead your home.
At the Nest on the Plano campus this month, Meg McKinley busts the myth of having it all, being it all, and doing it all with Biblical wisdom. Listen as she discusses wisdom with our thoughts, schedules and words.
No human relationship will impact your children more than your relationship with your kids’ momma. What will your kids see and learn from you as they watch you live out (or not live out) the “I do’s” of your marriage? Believe it or not, but your marriage has a generational impact. Come hear how you can better cherish your wife during the parenting years and in the process, help change the future relationships in your family tree.
Public school, private school, homeschool, charter schools, magnet schools…. How do you choose?!? And are there Biblical principles that can, or should, be applied to the decision? At the Nest on the Dallas Campus, Ben Solomon guided parents through how to navigate the wealth of schooling decisions and choices that we face as parents.
At the Nest on the Dallas campus, Casey Uphues shares effective tips for how to teach your kids the basics and the wisdom of earning, spending, saving and giving money.
At The Nest on the Dallas campus this month, Pam McGee shared ways to help your kids navigate friendships. Both friendships with believers and unbelievers. She also discussed how siblings can make great friends!
At The Nest on the Dallas campus this month, Elizabeth Tamlyn shares tips and tricks to manage our stuff! Interact with other moms in the same boat and share best practices. Process reasons behind our clutter. Be inspired with motivation and tangible ideas for de-cluttering and organizing our homes, including kids' endless supplies of clothes, toys and papers.
At The Nest on the Dallas campus this month, Millye Hale reminds us that a wise woman builds her house intentionally creating a home. Millye shares ideas on “how to” cultivate a joy and peace filled home physically, emotionally, relationally, logistically, and spiritually.
At the Nest on the Plano Campus, Stacey and Jeff Parker share six practical steps toward extraordinary marriage. Through the story of God redeeming their marriage, they also share six steps to a healing marriage.
This is a series of training sessions and materials designed to equip Watermark members who serve as part of our Kaleidoscope Special Needs Ministry. The trainings cover Children's Ministry policies & procedures, how to support children & students with special needs, behavior, communication, tools and more. For more information contact Lyn Pollard a lpollard@watermark.org
At the Nest on the Dallas Campus this month, we had the privilege of hearing from Sharon Mankin, who inspired us to love our "Mr. Wonderful” by giving our marriages three gifts. Also, Mandy Sisco and Alison Treadaway interviewed Sharon Mankin, Jessica Pattenaude, and Laura Elmore about the highs and lows of their individual marriages.
We were created by God to need and depend on one another. One of the primary areas where this reality is most true is in the area of fatherhood. Often, however, the challenges we face raising, shepherding and disciplining our kids create insecurities in us that tempt us towards isolation and pretension. In this session of DadU, we discuss 4 principles that rightly applied, empower us to faithfully bear one another's burdens in a way that strengthens our hearts for the journey of fatherhood and ultimately is a blessing to the children in our circles of influence.
At the Nest on the Dallas Campus, Sundee McDonald lead the moms in the room through a time of reflecting on how we most naturally connect with God. Listen in to discover more.
At the Nest at the Plano Campus, Elizabeth Wood warns moms that comparison can steal our contentment and reminds us that our contentment must be found in Christ alone. She shares ways to cultivate and share our contentment with others.
It’s been said that nothing wars for your heart’s allegiance quite like money. This war doesn’t start after you graduate from college and get a real job. This war starts early in life and if you don’t start teaching your kids to have a healthy relationship with money and possessions, the war will be over long before their career’s begin. In this DadU session, we’ll discuss practical ways to help prepare your kids for this war.
At the Nest on the Dallas campus, Suzanne Sanderson and Mandy Sisco encourage and inspire women with their personal stories of how God has taught them the gift it is to be content in Him despite our circumstances. Be inspired and encouraged by listening to this message!
Relationships can be awkward, inconvenient, and disappointing. At The Nest (Plano Campus) Emily encourages us to put our trust Christ to help guide our relationships. She also reminds us to put our hope in Christ and not in our relationships.
Pop quiz: the kids are screaming, the house is a wreck, you just got home from work, and your wife has locked herself in your bedroom to escape the madness… what do you do?! The term “discipline” is probably not where your mind went first, but it’s exactly what your children, your wife, and most importantly, you need. This month at DadU, we discuss how to proactively discipline ourselves to be a faithful disciple-maker for our families so our children can reflect and trust our guidance in their lives.
At the Nest Remix on the Dallas campus, you will be encouraged in your relationship with your son with 12 ways to be the mom your son needs most.
At the Nest on the Dallas campus, we were reminded that technology is a gift; it is extremely helpful, but if we’re not careful, it will own us instead of us owning it. We heard from Alison Treadaway (Director of The Nest), David Penuel (Director of Student Ministries) and Wes Butler (Director of Family Ministries) about “The K.E.Y. to owning devices in your home.
As dads, we have all had the words, “IT’S A BOY!!” or “IT’S A GIRL!!” hit our ears either from the lips of a physician or through the elaborate celebration of the increasingly popular gender reveal parties. They are exciting words as well as powerful words that affect the way we shop for clothes, stock our toy rooms and pantries and even plan for the future. Increasingly, however, the world is more and more confused on what the words “boy” and “girl” mean. In this DadU session, we discuss how to biblically think about gender and look at ways we can train up our children to reflect the beauty and character of God with the gender He has given them.
At the Nest on the Plano campus, Alex Wagner is joined with two of her daughters, Ally Baxter and Kirby Wagner. Listen as they discuss growing up in a committed Christian home and the different ways their mother helped direct them to a life with Christ.
In today’s parenting environment, there is no lack of opportunity when it comes to filling our kids’ weekly calendars. Sports leagues, private instructors, dance studios, and after-school activities abound and demand our attention, all appealing to our dreams of “what-could-be” or at least our desire to give our kids the very best. How then do we navigate this cultural moment and lead our family to honor God and one another with the way we invest our time? Join us on Tuesday morning as John McGee leads us to consider how to purposefully and thoughtfully steward our most valuable family asset – TIME.
At the Nest on the Dallas Campus, during this message, geared towards moms of preschool-aged children, Holly Barnett and Jill Garcia encourage moms that their role MATTERS! It isn't easy though; it will refine you by requiring your focus and trust.
At the Nest on the Dallas Campus, learn what Millye Hale and Sally Michael share about the G.I.F.T. of Motherhood as a mom of school-aged children.
We all have a family culture whether we realize it our not. Be reminded that there is an Enemy who wants to destroy it, but we have a Father who wants to restore our family culture.
It's super important to take a break from all the work and just have fun with your family! Be inspired on how to cultivate fun in your family in this message from The Nest at the Dallas Campus!
“A place for everything, and everything in its place.” Through the years, this saying has helped many a parent teach their children the value of keeping the home neat and orderly, but the principle applies to much more than just toys and dirty laundry. Technology, like Legos and tennis shoes, has its place in today’s family . . . we just have a tough time keeping it there. Listen to this month's DadU as we address this pervasive topic and discuss principles to guide us in using technology so that it doesn’t merely use us.
In this message at The Nest: Plano Campus, Tresha Kaigler and a panel of seasoned moms share what the Bible says about disciplining your kids.
In this message at The Nest, Elizabeth Tamlyn and Amy Hulme share how to biblically discipline your children. Before you can prune your plants though, you must prepare the soil and know what seeds to plant. Elizabeth begins by providing key principles to guide any parent on what characteristics to develop in our children. Then, Amy Hulme concludes with the importance for corrective discipline and provides some practical tools to have in your toolbox.
Being a great dad is not complicated, but it is hard and takes focused intentionality on the spiritual disciplines. In this message at DadU, we learn the specifics of how to be intentional in ways that leave a truly rich inheritance to you kids.
As dads, we have a responsibility to set the tone of trust in our homes and with our children. The trust we build will be the foundation for all of the other instruction, correction and discipline that we pass on to our children. In this message at DadU, listen to Dean MacFarlan, and his son, Mac, talk about how trust was built in their home, how it was broken, and the process of restoring trust that has been lost.
In this message at The Nest (Dallas Campus), hear two AMAZING lessons for two very wise women. First, Pam McGee will teach you how to talk to your kids about sex, starting from when they are wee little ones all the way up to teenagers. Following Pam, you'll hear Sue Bohlin teach you how to raise gender healthy kids. Be sure to stay tuned to the very end, where we answer questions from the audience.
In this podcast, listen to a live question and answer session, at the Watermark Fort Worth Campus, discussing how to lead and love your kids in a world of phones, social media and sex.
In this message at The Nest (Plano Campus), hear from Leslie and Rob Barry on how to improve your communication and how communication is the key to handling conflict better.
In this message, listen to the first DadU gathering and be inspired as Watermark's Senior Pastor, Todd Wagner, is interviewed by Watermark Family Ministries Director, Wes Butler.
DadU is a monthly gathering for men in various stages of fatherhood from expecting fathers to “empty-nesters” and everywhere in between aimed at equipping you for the high calling of biblical fatherhood.
This weekend, as we continue our series in “Can You Relate?”, Todd teaches us about the importance and responsibility of relating to children. It is a great privilege to pour into the next generation, no matter your life stage or relationship status. The greatest thing you can do to positively influence the next generation is to be—above all else—passionate about Jesus.
In this breakout session at The Nest:Remix (Dallas Campus), hear from Kelli Mainz and how she dealt with infidelity in her marriage and the biblical Truths that restored her marriage.
In this breakout session at The Nest:Remix (Dallas Campus), Mandy Sisco shares tips and tricks on how to keep your marriage a priority in the daze of a new baby.
In this breakout session at The Nest:Remix (Dallas Campus), Jeanie Cox shares timeless tools for healthy conflict resolution with your kids.
In this breakout session at The Nest: Remix (Dallas Campus), Kristen Kedersha shares biblical principles about managing unmet expectations in marriage.
In this breakout session at The Nest:Remix (Dallas Campus), be encouraged by Holly Barnett, the wife of a brain neurosurgeon, on how to thrive when your husbands' job is demanding.
In this message at The Nest (Dallas Campus), hear from two teachers; Jeanie Cox and Suzanne Sanderson. Jeanie Cox talks about what to do with the "rocks" in our lives. Then Suzanne Sanderson shares how the unwanted things in life are the very things the Lord uses to shape us.
In this message at The Nest (FW Worth Campus), hear from a panel of women on how to create a home that is centered on Christ during one of the busiest times of the year... Christmas!
In this message at The Nest (Dallas Campus), hear from two mom:; a seasoned empty-nest mom and a mom of four young boys, on the importance of establishing a home that is a place like no other.
The uniqueness of each of our children presents both challenges and opportunities to us as parents. At The Nest, Jinger Lord, Director of Children's Ministry at the Plano campus, shares parenting lessons learned from raising her three, now young adult, children.
In this breakout session at The Nest:Remix (Dallas Campus), hear from Brandy Butler and how to raise culture-wise kids.
In this breakout session at The Nest: Remix (Dallas Campus), learn to appreciate your child's personality and how to better parent them accordingly.
In this breakout session at The Nest:Remix (Dallas Campus), be encouraged and empowered to parent your strong-willed child by Amy Hulme.
In this breakout session at The Nest:Remix (Dallas Campus), learn how to keep Christ the center of Christmas in your home.
In this breakout session at The Nest:Remix (Dallas Campus), hear from a seasoned mom who foster-to-adopted a sibling set that grew her family from 2 kids to 5 kids overnight.
In this breakout session at The Nest:Remix (Dallas Campus), hear from Abbie Smith (pediatrician and mom to three young boys) on basic principles when shepherding a special needs kiddo.
In this breakout session at The Nest:Remix (Dallas Campus), learn from experienced women how to guide your kids through unexpectedly hard things.
In this breakout session at The Nest:Remix (Dallas Campus), Melissa McKee shares some practical ways you can teach your kids great Truths during the various holidays throughout the year.
Have you ever considered being an adoptive or foster parent or working with at-risk children and their families? Listen to this informal meeting to explore more and get connected.
It’s been said that the best gift you can give your children is a healthy marriage. Maintaining a healthy marriage in the midst of raising kids is challenging, to say the least. In this message at The Nest (Dallas Campus), hear 10 ways to tend your marriage, followed by, what to do when your marriage needs help.
We will thrive (not just survive) when we understand God's plan for us as a mom. In this message at THe Nest (Dallas Campus), moms are encouraged to cling to His promises, faithfully sowing seeds of Truth while purposefully pruning the weeds (both in our own hearts and in the hearts of our children), and then resting in knowing that in His proper timing He will produce a bountiful Harvest that is for His glory and our good.
We are the Church; all of us. It's not a particular ministry, program, pastor, or a building. Harrison speaks to us about the importance of being the Church, to raise up the next generation and to be disciple-makers. He gives us real life examples from his life, and Martha Kate shares her story of being raised and discipled by Watermark.
JP challenges us to think about how we can parent extraordinarily. He gives us 10 ways that any parent can be an extraordinary in the way that they raise their children. For more great resources on parenting, visit watermark.org/parenting.
In this message at The Nest, Alison and Jill discuss how our view of what it means to be strong can be off at times. Learn what it means to be Anchored in His Strength instead of your own.
In this message at The Nest, hear key principles on disciplining your children plus a question and answer session with a panel of moms.
In this message at The Nest, hear from Mandy Sisco and Millye Hale on how disciplining your kids starts with you.
In this message at The Nest, Elizabeth and Holly remind moms of the importance of having your hope anchored in Christ alone.
In this message at The Nest, Jill and Amy remind moms of the importance of being Anchored in Christ and practical ways to about deepening your relationship with Him.
In this message at The Nest, Jeanie and Leslie discuss how important it is to be anchored to Christ as you navigate the exhausting territories that come with being a mom.
In this message at The Nest, hear from Elizabeth on what it looks like to be anchored in the freedom that Christ alone brings. Plus hear a mother/daughter testimony about walking in the freedom from past sin and the guilt and shame that comes with it.
In this message at The Nest, learn about the gift of faith, what it means to walk in faith and how that applies to you as a mom.
In this message, Morgan and Leslie unpack how to reclaim personal enjoyments and how to reclaim having fun in your family.
In this message at The Nest, Jill Moore discusses 5 areas we need to reclaim in our role as wife.
In this message at The Nest, Holly Barnett reminds moms to keep the right perspective when raising a family.
In this message at The Nest, Jeanie Cox talks to moms about how to talk with the kids about sex.
In this message at The Nest, Kay Wyma talks to moms about embracing contentment and choosing to not get caught up in the comparison game.
In this message at The Nest, Millye Hale reminds us of the importance of disciplining our kids and discusses how to do so in a biblical manner.
In this message at The Nest, Alison inspires moms to remember who the are in Christ matters most.
In this message at The Nest, hear from moms that struggle with fears around: Safety, Success, and Health. Hear what the Bible says about fear, and how, if we embraced God's perspective of fear, it would change our parenting.
In this message at The Nest, Mandy Sisco inspires us to reclaim some territory in our lives for God's glory and fame.
In this message at The Nest, Sue Bohlin talks to moms about raising gender healthy kids.
In this message at The Nest, Mandy Sisco inspires moms to stay connected to the Lord in the day-to-day chaos of motherhood.
In this message at The Nest, be equipped with Truth from God's Word and encouraged by testimonies of two moms who struggled through worry, anxiety and depression.
In this message at The Nest, Millye Hale talks to moms about the importance of abiding with Christ in the midst of motherhood.
In this message at The Nest, hear from: senior pastor, Todd Wagner, and his wife, Alex Wagner, on how to let the Bible inform how to discipline your kids.
In this message at The Nest, two moms: one seasoned, and the other just getting started, remind moms of how to find contentment in a culture of comparison.
In this message at The Nest, Jeanie Cox encourages moms to loosen their grip on control and trust in the One True God.
In this message at The Nest, grandparents Judy and Jim Wimberely INSPIRE moms to stay rooted in God's Word through the highs and lows of parenting.
When you first hold that sweet babe in your arms for the first time, no one prepares you for the "mommy guilt" that follows. It hits you like a freight train and just keeps coming with every milestone and stage of life. But hope and freedom from comparison, guilt and shame are possible! With some self-examination of your heart, you may find your expectations, your performance and your feelings are competing with God and His rightful place on the thrown of your heart. Mandy Bagdanov gave a fantastic message around the topic of comparison, guilt, and shame. Listen as she shares how to ditch that mommy guilt and experience freedom from the bondage it has on your heart and thought life.
Karol discusses the powerful effect that words have on others, especially our families. She shares about the importance of focusing on kindness, contentment, and loving discipline rather than cruelty, complaining, and anger. She encourages parents to saturate themselves with God's Word, to pray without ceasing, and to be deliberate about giving encouragement in order to overcome the negativity that can so easily entangle us.
Judy shares the importance of knowing God and His character by identifying and defining His names. She provides Bible verses as well as easy suggestions for parents to use in explaining God's names and attributes to their children in order that they can know Him more and grow in their relationship with Him.
Monica shares the importance of pointing our children to Christ and His death and resurrection as we celebrate Easter. She provides creative activities, ideas, and resources so that parents are equipped to teach their children the truth about Easter in an engaging way.
Jackie and Adam share how busyness can be as dangerous to a person's relationship with God and others as sin is. They discuss the impact of modern life and how the technology we use - which is supposed to make life easier - ultimately can rob our lives of meaning and purpose. God gives us the Bible, which provides instruction on how to handle the craziness of life. If we follow what the Bible teaches us about prioritizing our relationships and time, we are better able to experience the abundant life He intends for us.
Desi shares how shame and guilt cause her to experience isolation from God and others, and then how isolation keeps her focus on her rather than on God, causing her to miss out on His abundance. However, God uses conviction in her life to draw her closer to Himself. She encourages parents to let go of trying to be perfect and instead focus on being godly; to allow weaknesses to make parents more dependent on Christ; and to depend more upon others instead of comparing themselves to others.
Polly Campbell discusses the importance of focusing on the inner core of our children - their character. She notes that character will sustain them even more than the culture-driven values of education, accomplishments, material possessions, health or significance. She shares with us the qualities that comprise character and how she was intentional in teaching them to her five boys.
Millye Hale shares about the importance of learning and applying God's Word both in your lives and your children's lives as she discusses HARMONY (Heart, Action, Respect, Merriment, Opportunities, Notice, You). She dispenses great wisdom and many practical ideas from how to discipline your children to how to encourage fun and laughter in your home.
Kay Wyma encourages parents to teach their children to work. She believes equipping children to do for themselves builds confidence, whereas enabling them can do just the opposite. Kay shares some essential tasks that she is teaching her children to do, rather than doing the tasks herself.
Media defines beauty in such a way that it leaves women constantly thinking that "skinner, smoother, firmer, smaller, perkier, younger, softer, tanner, etc" is better. But God defines beauty completely differently. Redefine your definition of beauty by listening to Alison Treadaway describe what God has to say about beauty and walk away with some practical ways to teach your kids how to have a healthy view of food and body image.
You can view the videos that were part of Alison's presentation at these links: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XaruNs_7okY http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ei6JvK0W60I http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=emQUHRlpeaE
Get equipped with biblical principles and technical knowledge about personal computers, home networks, cell phones, social networking, gaming systems and internet browsers. This episode will improve your understanding of technology, the pitfalls, and some best family practices.
Join us as we discuss how to give your children a vision for God's best in purity. We will answer questions such as: When do you start having the sex talk? What if I am a single parent and my ex has different values? Who should have it with boys/girls? Do you ever tell your children of your past? When does modesty begin? Is there ever an issue with modesty for boys? Should my teens date? How can I monitor their web usage? How do you ask your children "how far they will go" with the opposite sex?
This episode will explain why connecting with your adopted child can be difficult, and offer some practical steps to help bridge the gap. This class will be relevant to those who are already adoptive parents as well as those who may be considering whether adoption is right for their family.
In this episode we?ll look at the practical and scriptural ideas for moms and dads to consider when nourishing your newborn in his or her first days and weeks.
What does discipline look like in the preschool years? What Scriptures can we cling to in this season of life? Join us as we look at a biblical perspective for raising your preschool daughters.
If you have preschool boys, you?ve likely said the words, "Don?t put that in your mouth" more times than you ever thought possible. We?ll talk about the wonder of boyhood and how to sow the seeds of character that will help them become godly men.
Do you need help training the heart of your elementary aged child? We?ll talk about how to "discipline" our children ages 5-12 ?including rebuking, training, correcting and encouraging their maturing hearts.
How often do the demands of work, busy schedules, extended family, etc. take priority to making disciples in our own homes? This class will remind all of us of biblical principles that should guide our homes and guidelines for prioritizing the important over the urgent.
In this episode you'll hear from experienced parents who have struggled well living out their own priorities, passing them on to their teen, and eventually releasing them to college and beyond. We'll talk about how to initiate, communicate, and set boundaries during the teen years.
What does it mean to love God with all your heart when the demands of parenting are so great? Mother of five Kay Wyma discusses what this has looked like during her parenting journey.
(Please note that owing to a technical problem a portion of Kay's talk is unavailable.)
You?ve got questions? We've got answers! This Q&A episode concludes our "Parenting Without Regrets" series.
Hindsight is 20/20! We have all heard that saying before and wished we could have a "do-over" sometimes. Come hear some of our previous speakers as they share their "do-over" moments in an effort to help young parents avoid the lessons they learned the hard way!
How to encourage your children to live, laugh, and love each other. Lots of different factors make the dynamics of each family unique and different. What is the AROMA of your home? Listen and be encouraged by Alex Wagner, mother of six, and Millye Hale, mother of three, as they discuss discuss the causes, consequences and possible solutions to dealing with sibling rivalry
It's a long journey from a preschooler's ?me, me, me? to a servant's heart, but charity really does begin at home! How do you develop the character trait of giving time, talents and treasures? This episode will explore ideas for teaching and encouraging your preschoolers to begin cultivating a heart to care for and serve others.
Ever wonder if what you are doing is important? Be encouraged as Watermark's Starting Blocks Coordinator Jinger Lord reveals "The Importance of Mom." As a mother of three, she examines what God?s Word has to say about being a mother, discusses the eternal significance of our role, and paints a bigger picture of our impact beyond clean diapers and full tummies.
Have you lost that "lovin' feeling"? Wondering how to keep the passion in your marriage in the midst of raising children? Kristen and Scott Kedersha share insights into keeping your marriage a priority during this challenging season of life. Scott serves as Director of Premarried and Newly Married Couples, and together he and Kristen have the privilege of raising four little boys.
God was having a real good day when He invented boys! But sometimes mommies, who have never been one, can use some help appreciating the wonder of boys and how to honor their design as very different from girls.
Raising a godly girl in today's culture can seem overwhelming. Sheri, mother to three girls, shares practical ways to pass on the gift of purity to your daughters.
Lee Ann shares some fun and pracitcal ways to make the most of your relationship with your child. Topics include personality profiles, love languages, and ideas on how to just flat out enjoy your child!
Rick Shatz is joined by Watermark Director of Student Ministries Braun Brown, and Watermark Junior High Director David Penuel for a Question and Answer session.
Tresha and Kyle talk about the principles they used to discipline their children throughout the early years. Tresha speaks regularly at MOPS (Mothers of Pre-Schoolers) groups around the metroplex on this subject; and Kyle is the Director of Family Ministries at Watermark. This message will give you the chance to listen, laugh and learn as they discuss knowing your kids and how to appropriately set boundaries to make the pre-school years a rewarding adventure.
Rick Schatz, President and CEO of pureHOPE (purehope.net), addresses one of today's greatest parenting challenges. This event offers information that will help equip parents to talk to their kids about sexuality, purity and the impact media and technology are having on their lives and our culture.
Hindsight is 20/20. We've all heard the expression and experienced this. This lesson offers stories and suggestions to help you enjoy and embrace the preschool years while gaining practical ideas and big-picture perspective in areas of childrearing, marriage and home management.
In a time when many parents want to be friends with their children, we need to remember that we are parents first. Actions need consequences. Ginny and Jay share how to set healthy boundaries with your preschoolers, guiding them to become more responsible Christian boys and girls.
Lucina and Kyle Thompson kick off our "Parenting without Regrets" series. They lead a great discussion on parenting mistakes such as parenting from a worldly perspective, the computer and PDA black hole, pop psychology parenting, overloading your child's schedule, and others.
Janet Pope encourages us to memorize scripture for a closer walk with God. Mothers of young children have no extra time slots in their day, but what if they could learn to include memorizing scripture with activities they are already doing? Capturing dead time for God is a skill easily learned, and results in a renewed mind and heart to lead you through the day. Knowing God and His Word is too important to put off for another season of life.
This session of Building Blocks features a group of moms who have been blessed by the community they and their children have formed. They cover tips on starting a successful community of moms and suggest several field-tested outings and activities that can be done alone or with a group.
Sarah Stehlik encourages moms to resist apathy and chaos, and instead to choose passion, priorities, and delight in the sovereignty of God (before your brain turns to mush and your toddler uses it to decorate the walls!).
Holly walks us through a study of Proverbs 31 and teaches mothers how they can live a life worth celebrating.
Tracey Beckwith, a special education teacher and mother of two, shares how God made each of her children unique, including one with a learning difference and ADD. She offers insight into whether your child is simply rambunctious, unfocused, a late bloomer, or learning differenced or ADD.
Pam and John McGee discuss ways parents can stay connected and engaged as spouses in the midst of raising little ones. The insights they share will help you strengthen the foundation of your marriage during this busy season of life.
Do you want to help your kids avoid some of the insecurities they are bombarded with from the world? Cathy McJunkin, mother of four teenagers, shares how you can help your child have a healthy self-image by building into their identity in Christ.
What are ten convictions you want your child to leave your home knowing and hopefully embracing? Judy Wimberley shares her ten and how she would teach them to toddlers.
In 2005, Sean and Jennifer Royall unexpectedly lost their 5-year-old little girl, Grace. Jennifer recounts the story of how a merciful God, through His Holy Spirit prepared her heart to deal with such tragedy; how the Lord guided her to prepare their two boys to deal with the death so that they could continue life with their faith and joy intact; and how our loving God has blessed them so that today their faith is stronger than it was before that fateful day.
Jennifer Lewis explores the challenge and call to be "missional moms" who are committed to the Lord's plans and purposes as we were exhorted in the Great Commission by studying Paul's heart in Colossians 4:2-6. She discusses the scripture and application of these verses relative to motherhood as a means of missional living.
As a parent, how you think and feel about your body impacts how your kids think and feel about theirs. We will be discussing a biblical view for ourselves and our kids as well as how to help our kids avoid addiction.
Single parenting is filled with myths - some from well intentioned friends and family, others from our culture. Holly and Richard, both single parents, examine some of the most common myths and provide a biblical context and response. While God never intended for parents to be single, He has a plan and is willing and wanting to strengthen those that come to Him with their need. Hear Holly and Richard share their struggles and victories and they walk with the Lord through a challenging but rewarding season in their life.
Do you ever feel like there is never enough time in your day? Listen and find out what God's word has to say to parents of young children about time management. Learn how to create a peaceful atmosphere in your heart and your home.
Being intentional when the soil is most fertile in your child's heart. This episode offers helpful suggestions for the day-to-day and a time of Q & A with Millye Hale and other moms who want to make the most of this season.
Capitalize today on the fertile soil in your child?s heart. Start planting Scripture, wisdom and a love for God now to yield an abundant, eternal harvest.
It's never too early to start preparing children to deal with money God's way. There are many important lessons we can teach preschoolers today to enable them to make wise financial decisions tomorrow. Lucina Thompson, wife of Watermark Elder Kyle Thompson and mother of two college-age kids, breaks money management into three simple areas: give, save, and spend.
Lee Ann will share ideas we can implement with our toddlers to help the boys become godly leaders, and the girls become respectable young women for these modern-day knights to pursue.
Ever feel like you?re taking on too much? There are so many good things to strive for as a mom that it's easy to get overwhelmed. Charla Autrey, wife of 18 years and mother of four children ages 9 to 15, will offer six Bible-based tips that will keep us focused on the most important goal - to know God and make Him known.
Summer is coming! It?s time to get out swim diapers, flip flops and sunscreen. But what's in your beach bag that will stimulate your children?s spiritual growth? Judy Wimberly, wife of 44 years, mother of four and grandmother of eight, will share some tips to make this summer more spiritually productive than ever before. She?ll cover everything from leading summer devotionals with your kids to reaching out to the community.
We all want our children to grow strong and healthy spiritually, but it's not always easy to raise a passionate follower of Christ in a 'junk food' world. Lee Ann Burdette, wife of 20 years and mother of three children, will walk us through Deuteronomy 6 and teach us fuss-free ways to feed our kids daily doses of God?s wholesome Word.
Did God really intend for Eve to be Adam?s ?helper suitable? after she had kids? What does the Bible say about God?s expectations for us as wives AND moms? Jeanie Cox, wife of 10 years and mother of five children, will walk us through Scriptures that will encourage and empower us as we learn to better balance our roles as wives and mothers.
Valentine's Day is just around the corner, but why wait? Resolve today to start speaking your husband's love language and identify his five most basic needs. Speaker Pam McGee, wife of almost 13 years and mother of four children, will walk us through Ephesians 5 and other key passages as we resolve to better love our husbands.
Born eight weeks premature, Grace Green weighed less than three pounds with numerous medical issues and abnormalities. The Green family clings daily to the Lord and His unwavering promises. Because of their faith, the Greens have been blessed with countless miracles. With God's help, they remain hopeful, thankful, joyful and strong. Please join Building Blocks in December as Grace's mom, Carrie Green, shares their family's amazing story of grace.
Judy Wimberley, wife of 44 years, mother of four, and grandmother of seven (with another grandbaby on the way), will offer a potpourri of ideas to encourage us and our families to stay focused on Christ this Christmas season.
We're all experts when it comes to loving our children, but what about when it comes to disciplining them? Michelle Copeland, wife of 16 years and mother of three children, will help us review what God's word says about training our children's hearts for obedience.
Gayle Stouffer, wife of 17 years and mother of two teenagers, will teach us to prepare quick, easy, delicious meals using basic ingredients. Gayle is a wonderful cook and an excellent hostess. She's also generous when it comes to sharing her cooking and baking secrets. You won't want to miss this opportunity to learn from a real pro.
Todd is joined by a panel of Watermark parents to examine a range of relevant parenting topics.
Todd, the other Watermark elders and their wives talk about the wisdom of raising children within the framework of community.
Todd begins the series by examining a range of parenting traps while offering above all some Good News: God?s grace covers a multitude of parenting mistakes!