Rock Solid Radio: Recent Episodes
Rock Solid Families
Rock Solid Radio is committed to helping educate, equip, and empower families to be all God created them to be! Merrill and Linda Hutchinson began Rock Solid Radio in October of 2018. They have over 60 years of combined experience in teaching, public speaking, counseling, ministry, and coaching. After much prayer, Merrill and Linda made the decision to step down from their full time positions in the church and public school to focus on strengthening families. Both believe that healthy schools, churches, and communities depend on strong and healthy families. This weekly podcast is made possible through the generous financial support of community partners, Mansfield Insurance Agency in Bright, Indiana and Maxwell Construction in Greendale, Indiana. With the help of local sponsors and the word spreading through listeners like you, Rock Solid Radio is helping to build stronger communities one family at a time!
Welcome to the Rock Solid Families Podcast! In this podcast, Linda Hutchinson and Andy Dalton introduce the new theme of the month of August - Purpose! This month's theme builds off the theme from last month, which was all about our identity in Christ. If you haven't had a chance to go check those episodes out, we encourage you to do so!
Linda and Andy go into detail for WHAT exactly our purpose is on this earth. It's clearly stated in scripture but they also use real life examples to help solidify God's plan for our lives. This episode is also full of laughter - we think you'll really enjoy this episode! If you do, please share it with your friends and rate our show as well.
If you want to learn more about Rock Solid Families, then go check out their website https://www.rocksolidfamilies.org/. Or you can check them out on social media platforms. Thanks for listening and have a blessed week!
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Welcome back to the Rock Solid Families podcast! Here is a bonus episode this month, since this is the 5th Monday of July. In this episode, Linda Hutchinson is joined by Andy Dalton to wrap up the monthly theme of July - Freedom and Identity.
Let me ask you this question: who or what is pouring into your child's heart? Is it social media? YouTube, Netflix, ESPN, Hulu, etc. You get the gist. If your child spends hours daily in front of a screen, there's a good chance your child is being poured into but not by the things of Christ.
In this episode, Linda and Andy talk about the negative effects of too much screen time. You'll hear things like ESS (or Electronic Screen Syndrome) on top of other issues too much screen time can cause. But don't worry, this isn't just a scare tactic podcast. The team at Rock Solid Families gives out great advice for you and your family can do to help right the ship or to be proactive in your children's lives. Hint, it's all based on the word of God!
If you like what you hear, please reach out to the team at Rock Solid Families by going to their website https://www.rocksolidfamilies.org/ or you can call their office (812) 576-7625. Thanks for listening and have a blessed day!
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Are you battling things in your life that you just can't understand? Or are they chains weighing you down that you can't seem to shake off? If you or someone you know can answer yes to either of these questions then we encourage you to listen to this incredible podcast from Rock Solid Families!
Linda Hutchinson and Andy Dalton talk about how we can find freedom and identity in Jesus Christ and not in the world. These conversations are powerful and full of life - the life of Christ!
To learn more about Rock Solid Families and what they do, go check out their website: https://www.rocksolidfamilies.org/
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Coming into Independence Day, Linda Hutchinson and Andy Dalton talk about the 250th birthday of the United States of America. They go into detail about how the Founding Fathers built America and how we as a nation need to make sure we stay on that foundation.
Thank you all for your support! Have a blessed 4th of July as you celebrate the 250th birthday of America!
To learn more about Rock Solid Families, go check out their website: https://www.rocksolidfamilies.org/
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In this Rock Solid Families podcast, Andy Dalton hosts Amy Searcy. Amy Searcy is a family judge in the state of Ohio. She volunteers her time on this podcast and speaks upon her experiences personally as well as from her time as a judge.
Andy and Amy dive into the ugly side of divorce and the damaging effects to all members of the family. They also talk about different ways families can avoid divorce or stop it from happening. Also, Amy shares from her experiences how families can choose to lead well if they do decide to go through the divorce.
If you enjoyed this podcast or want to learn more about Rock Solid Families, then go check out their website: https://www.rocksolidfamilies.org/
Also, for you dads out there, don't forget that this Father's Day we are partnering with Stronghold Restaurant Group to bless our dads! To get more information about this event and to get your tickets, click this link to learn more: https://www.facebook.com/share/p/18ty3Q2xck/
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In this episode of the Rock Solid Families podcast, Linda Hutchinson is joined by Andy Dalton where they talk all about Leadership and Discipleship in the most important mission field: our homes!
During the month of June, Rock Solid Families is talking all about Leadership and Discipleship. Rock Solid Families has a ton of great material in store for the whole month of June. Don't forget to check out their other podcasts as well: Strong Dads and their newest podcast geared towards women - Women on Mission!
Also, for you Dads out there. If you want a free meal on Father's Day weekend, then click on the link below to be one of the first 100 dads to get a free entree from 1 of 3 restaurants! Proof 124, Hoosier Icehouse, and Hebron Grill.
https://tinyurl.com/RSFFathersDay
Thanks to the StrongHold Restaurant Group for partnering with us on this event!
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In this Rock Solid Families episode, Kimm Hackworth joins Jenna Helton to talk about sacrifice but from a mother's perspective.
Kimm's perspective of sacrifice comes from a mom who has adult children who are out of the home and about to get married. Jenna is at a completely different season of life where her children are still very young, so sacrifice for Jenna might be completely different than Kimm.
Listen to this podcast to gain valuable insight about sacrifice for mom's and how we can surrender no matter what season of life you are in.
Thanks for listening and if you want to learn more about Rock Solid Families, go check out their website: https://www.rocksolidfamilies.org/
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In this Rock Solid Families podcast, Andy Dalton joins Kimm Hackworth to talk about what sacrifice is and how it looks in the day-to-day life of most people. They talk about how Jesus wants sacrifice as a way of life, even though that can be counter-cultural. Andy and Kimm also dive into sacrifice in relationships - not just in our marriages.
If you enjoyed this podcast, please go check out more of what Rock Solid Families is doing by going to their website: https://www.rocksolidfamilies.org/
Also, Rock Solid Families is teaming up with Stronghold Restaurant Group to promote the amazing moms in our community! If you are interested in signing up for the Mother's Day promotion 'Strong Moms, Rock Solid Faith' where you can get a free entree, go to this link to secure your spot: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/rock-solid-families-mothers-day-celebration-tickets-1986452896086?aff=oddtdtcreator&keep_tld=true
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In this Rock Solid Families episode, Linda Hutchinson and Kimm Hackworth have a special guest with them - Kenda Moss! Kenda is the Executive Director of The Eve Center and she brings years of personal and practical experience working with women who've experienced trauma and abuse.
During this episode, you will hear about the hard road of recovery and forgiveness in dealing with trauma and abuse. We want you to know that healing and restoration is possible. If something stands out or triggers you in some way, please don't hesitate to reach out to Rock Solid Families! You can reach out office at (812) 576-7625.
We hope you enjoy this episode, and if you want to learn more about The Eve Center or Rock Solid Families go check out their websites:
https://evecenter.org/
https://www.rocksolidfamilies.org/
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In this Rock Solid Families episode, Linda Hutchinson and Andy Dalton talk about what Jesus did on the cross for all of us. The Great Exchange from our filthy rags for His robes of righteousness!
As Linda and Andy dive into how Jesus fulfilled the old law, they pose a great question as well as a hard challenge for each of us. Listen to the end of the podcast to hear what the question and challenge are!
Also, coming up on Mother's Day, Rock Solid Families is partnering with the Stronghold Restaurant Group to give away a limited amount of free entrees and t-shirts! To learn more about this wonderful opportunity, go check out Rock Solid Families website or their social media accounts. Thanks for listening and supporting Rock Solid Families!
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In this Rock Solid Families episode, Kimm Hackworth interviews renown author and Co-Executive Director at Back2Back Ministries Beth Guckenberger!
Kimm and Beth spend time talking through Beth's faith journey and how faith shaped the writing of Beth's first book "Reckless Faith: Let Go and Be Led".
We hope you enjoy this show about how we can live more in our faith as we journey in this life and how each step brings us closer to God!
If you want to learn more about Rock Solid Families or Back2Back Ministries, please check out their websites:
https://www.rocksolidfamilies.org/
https://back2back.org/
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In this episode of Rock Solid Families podcast, Linda Hutchinson joins Andy Dalton to recap the 3rd Annual Rock Solid Families Partnership Banquet!
Linda and Andy dive into how the night went, and how the community goes above and beyond to support this ministry. They also talk about the client testimonials that were shared and much more!
If you want to learn more about Rock Solid Families or to hear these client testimonials, go to their website: rocksolidfamilies.org
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In this Rock Solid Families episode, Andy Dalton and Kimm Hackworth talk about their experience when dealing with the storms of life. They also dive into what the bible says about dealing with storms and how we can increase our faith in times of fear!
Also, if you are interested in joining Rock Solid Families at our 3rd annual Partnership Banquet, please reach out to one of us (andy@rocksolidfamilies.org or kimm@rocksolidfamilies.org) or you can go to this page to join us:
https://www.eventbrite.com/e/rock-solid-families-partnership-banquet-tickets-1980015671173?aff=oddtdtcreator
To learn more about Rock Solid Families, go to their website: rocksolidfamilies.org
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In this video about Love, Kimm and Matt Hackworth talk about how they were married, got divorced and then got married to each other. Kimm and Matt talk about how God can redeem situations like theirs even though they didn't feel like it.
For those of you who are divorced or a blended family, this podcast is great for you to check out!
If you want to know more about Rock Solid Families and their ministry, please visit rocksolidfamilies.org
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In this episode of Rock Solid Families, Andy Dalton and his wife Katherine talk about 4 different types of love:
-Eros
-Philia
-Storge
-Agape
Andy and Katherine dive into these types of love and how people can apply them to their every day life.
If you like this episode, check out their website: rocksolidfamilies.org
If you're interested in joining their Batesville Families Rock sessions, sign up through this link: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSfVg4gbI82oKQxT63wcmLvXea3UduoJyXa4-8-42MGpBWvG4w/viewform
To sign-up for their 3rd annual Partnership Banquet, click here: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/rock-solid-families-partnership-banquet-tickets-1980015671173?aff=oddtdtcreator
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Renewal with Christ - Ep. 338
Linda Hutchinson and co-host Kimm Hackworth discuss spiritual renewal as the new year begins.
The Theme of Renewal
Linda and Kimm aim to guide listeners in enhancing their relationships with God and setting an intentional rhythm for their spiritual lives. They emphasize that spiritual renewal can take various forms, often requiring intentionality and the need to create space away from the distractions of everyday life. The discussion begins by referencing Romans 12:2, warning against conforming to the world’s patterns and instead focusing on transformation through the renewing of the mind.
Spiritual Disciplines
The hosts dive into spiritual disciplines, a concept introduced by Richard Foster, which includes practices meant to foster a deeper relationship with God. They clarify that these disciplines are not burdensome tasks but are meant to cultivate intimacy with God. They discuss various inward disciplines such as:
- Study and Meditation - Engaging with the Word of God for revelation, not mere knowledge.
- Prayer - Cultivating an interactive relationship with God.
- Fasting - Withholding from certain things to reveal dependencies and deepen reliance on God.
Kimm shares her preference for inward disciplines and how those help in personal reflection, while Linda emphasizes the importance of balance between inward and outward disciplines.
Outward and Corporate Disciplines
The conversation then shifts to outward disciplines, which are about changing behavior to align with spiritual truths. Some key practices mentioned include:
•Simplicity - Reducing material possessions to focus on spiritual values.
•Silence and Solitude - Taking time to be alone with God.
•Sabbath Rest - Intentionally resting and trusting in God’s provision.
•Service - Helping others as a form of worship and humility.
They also discuss corporate disciplines that involve community, such as worship, confession, and accountability, emphasizing the importance of being connected with others in faith.
Family Dynamics and Legacy
Linda and Kimm reflect on how spiritual practices at home influence children. They recount personal stories from their own families, illustrating how their children observed and internalized these spiritual rhythms. They stress the importance of modeling faith and creating intentional spaces for spiritual growth within families, reminding listeners that children are always watching and learning from their parents’ actions.
Final Encouragement
Linda encourages listeners to choose one spiritual discipline to focus on for the next 30 days, urging them to reflect on what they can remove or add to their lives to experience renewal. They conclude by thanking their sponsors again and reinforcing the mission of RockSolid Families to help strengthen families in the community.
Conclusion
The podcast delivers a thoughtful discussion on spiritual renewal, emphasizing intentionality, the significance of community, and leaving a legacy of faith for future generations. It invites listeners to embark on their journey of spiritual growth as the new year begins.
rocksolidfamilies.org
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Renewal is not about becoming new people as much as remembering who we already are in Christ.
Listen in as I read these words from the apostle Paul to the church in Rome. He was writing to the Romans but so much of it applies to us today as well.
Read Romans 12:1–2
Focus: Step 1 of renewal—stop conforming.
What Does “Conform to the Patterns of This World” Mean?
Ephesians 4 mentions some of the patterns of this world: In vs. 22 on down
You were taught, with regard to your former way of life, to put off your old self, which is being corrupted by its deceitful desires.
What do the Patterns of this world look like for you today??
Busyness = that somehow how busy your calendar is defines your worth and value
PERSONAL COMFORT-That somehow your personal comfort matters more than your character
IMPULSIVE REACTIONS-That its ok to just impulsively react rather than intentionally and thoughtfully respond
IDENTITY-Who you are is what you do
SELF SUFFICIENCY-That its weakness to surrender and be dependent on God. You somehow have to muscle up and do it all yourself.
STRIVING FOR MORE- rather being content with what we’ve been given.
Key Truth: The truth is most families don’t consciously choose worldliness—they slowly absorb it. We become kind of like a chameleon based on what or who we’re around.
Step 1 of Renewal: Awareness Before Action
You can’t renew what you don’t recognize.
Practical Reflection Questions for Listeners:
What voices are shaping our values more than Scripture?
What patterns feel “normal” but don’t feel life-giving?
Encouragement: Awareness is not condemnation—it’s an invitation.
Advice
Practical Ways to Stop Conforming:
Interrupt the Noise around you and Evaluate
Evaluate:
Media intake
Social media rhythms
News consumption
Ask: Is this shaping my peace or stealing it?
Practical Tip: Try a weekly “noise fast” (one evening with no screens, just presence).
Slow Down to Notice What’s Forming You
Renewal requires margin.
The world disciples through hurry.
Practical Tip:
Build in “pause points”:
Morning prayer before phones
Family check-ins at dinner
Sabbath rhythms (even imperfect ones)
Name the Lies You’ve Normalized
Examples:
“This is just how families are.”
“We’re too busy to change.”
“It’s not that big of a deal.”
Truth: What you don’t challenge, you allow to shape you.
Offer Yourself Again
Tie back to Romans 12:1: Therefore, I urge you, brothers and sisters, in view of God’s mercy, to offer your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to God—this is your true and proper worship.
Renewal begins with surrender
Simple Prayer:
“Lord, I offer You my mind, my time, my reactions, and my family rhythms.”
Hope-Filled Reframe: Renewal Is a Process
Paul doesn’t say “be instantly transformed”
He says “be transformed by the renewing of your mind”
Encouragement for Families:
Small changes matter
Consistent choices build new patterns
God is patient and present in the process
Call to Action:
Commit to one small shift this week
Write it down!
Pray over it as a family
Closing Line:“Renewal doesn’t start when life slows down. It starts when we choose to stop drifting and start offering ourselves—right where we are.”
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Introduction -
- “If someone asked you, Why did Jesus come? How would you answer?”
- “And what does His mission have to do with your marriage, your parenting, your friendships?”
- Those aren’t just questions for each other here on today’s podcast. If you claim to follow this Jesus….It’s a question we ALL have to be ready to answer.
- 1 Peter 3:15 says “But in your hearts revere Christ as Lord. Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have. But do this with gentleness and respect,”
- Jesus didn’t come just to save us from something—He came to invite us into something.
Key Scripture Luke 19:10 – “For the Son of Man came to seek and to save the lost.”
Background - What Was the Mission of Christ?
Core Truth
Jesus’ mission was redemption, reconciliation, and restoration—bringing people back to God and restoring God’s design for life and relationships.
Break it down:
A. To Reveal the Father
John 14:9 – “Anyone who has seen me has seen the Father.”Jesus showed us: God’s love, his mercy and his truth all in one being.
B. To Save the Lost
Matthew 1:21 She will give birth to a son, and you are to give him the name Jesus,[a] because he will save his people from their sins.”
Jesus didn’t come just to forgive our sins, but to transform our lives.
C. To Fulfill God’s Promises and Establish the Kingdom of God
Luke 4: 18-19 but also found in Isaiah 61-
The Spirit of the Lord is on me, because he has anointed me to proclaim good news to the poor.
He has sent me to proclaim freedom for the prisoners and recovery of sight for the blind,
to set the oppressed free, to proclaim the year of the Lord’s favor.
Discussion Prompt “How does your picture of God change when you look at Jesus?”
Advice - 3. How Did Jesus Live Out His Mission?
Jesus’ Method Matters
A. He Came Close
B. He Built Relationships
C. He Served, Not Controlled
Application
- The mission of Christ is relational, not performative.
- It starts at the table, not the stage.
4. How Do We Fit Into Christ’s Mission Today?
A. We Are Sent People
B. He’s called us to Reflect Him, Not Replace Him
C. Mission Begins at Home
Challenge - So as we close…Let’s us just share some Practical Ways to Live on Mission This Week
Simple, attainable steps:
- Pray daily with Intention
- Practice Presence
- Model Christ at Home
- Invite Others In
Reflection Question
- “If Christ’s mission was love and restoration, how will my life reflect that this week?”
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In the latest episode of the RockSolid Families podcast host Linda Hutchinson and newcomer coach Kimm Hackworth engage in an empowering discussion about what it means to be a woman on a mission.
As Linda and Kimm dive into the topic, they reflect on the previous discussions from the Strong Dads podcast, which centered around men living with purpose. This leads to an exploration of how women, too, can embrace their missions in everyday life. Kimm shares her early misconceptions that being missional meant only participating in international trips, realizing instead that anyone can live missionally within their daily surroundings regardless of their life circumstances.
They emphasize that living on a mission involves aligning one's daily actions with a divine purpose, rather than solely engaging in specific tasks. The conversation touches on the common struggles women face in the church regarding their roles and how societal pressures can stifle their willingness to step into leadership positions.
Throughout their dialogue, Kimm recalls influential women in her life, who have demonstrated resilience and dedication to their calling. Linda shares the profound impact her grandmother had on her, illustrating a life lived with faith and purpose, despite numerous challenges.
Shifting the focus to biblical examples, they highlight Priscilla, a woman in the New Testament who exemplifies partnership in ministry, and Esther, who courageously stepped into her calling to save her people. These narratives serve to inspire women listening to recognize their own opportunities for impact.
As the episode progresses, Linda and Kimm discuss the importance of community, suggesting that the isolation brought on by modern society can hinder women from sharing their stories and living out their missions. They introduce an exciting initiative: the Women on Mission online group launching in 2026. This platform aims to foster connections among women, encouraging them to deepen their relationship with God, each other, and their families.
The hosts conclude with a powerful reminder that living missionally is not about adding more tasks to one's life but about reframing one's purpose and being part of God's larger narrative. They invite listeners to reflect on the impact of women in their own lives, urging them to take actionable steps toward living out their missions.
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Overall Prevalence of DepressionCurrent Depression Rate (Adults): The percentage of U.S. adults who report currently having or being treated for depression has exceeded 18% in recent measurement periods (2024-2025 data). This projects to an estimated 47.8 million Americans suffering from depression.
- Major Depressive Episode (MDE): The prevalence of adults experiencing at least one major depressive episode (MDE) in the past year is estimated to be around 8.3% of all U.S. adults (or 21.0 million people, based on 2021 data).
- Long-Term Trend: The prevalence of depression in U.S. adolescents and adults increased by 60% over the past decade (based on data comparing earlier periods to August 2021–August 2023).
Illness vs Mindset - Body - Mind - Spirit- Need to differentiate these three things
Gratitude- Mental Illness caused by organic problems - Your brain and or body is ill. Hormone disturbances, injury, TBI
Need to seek out medical diagnosis through a professional.
Mind - Stinkin Thinkin - ruminating on the negativity - a pattern of negative thinking has turned into a way of approaching life. Seeing the bad in everything. Not being thankful. Associating with negative things or activities that pull you down.
Spirit - Spirit Led - all thoughts have the involvement of the Holy Spirit to guide and direct our thinking. He gives us the desires of our heart
Gratitude and Depression: Finding Light in the Shadows
Incorporating gratitude can act as a powerful mental shift, challenging the negative thought patterns often associated with depression.
Helpful Tips for People Struggling with Depression
- Start Small with Gratitude
- Focus on the Mundane: Don't wait for grand blessings. Be thankful for the small, simple things (a warm cup of coffee, a comfortable bed, a pleasant song).
- Mindful Engagement:
- Savor Positive Moments: When something good happens, even if fleeting, pause and fully immerse yourself in the positive
- Practice Compassion: Extend grace to yourself. Depression is an illness, not a moral failing. Acknowledge your struggle without judgment.
- Structure and Movement:
- Maintain Routine: Establish and stick to a daily schedule for sleeping, waking, and activities.
- Gentle Movement: Engage in light exercise, like a 15-minute walk.
- Serve someone else
- It takes eyes off yourself and your problems by fixing your eyes on helping someone else.
- Seek Connection and Professional Help:
- Reach Out: Intentionally connect with a supportive friend or family member, even if you feel like withdrawing.
- Consult a Professional: Depression is a serious medical condition. Do not hesitate to seek help from a licensed therapist or psychiatrist.
The Biblical Perspective on Depression and Dealing with Distress
- Scriptural Takeaway: The Bible normalizes extreme sorrow and despair, showing that God is present even in the darkest emotional states.
- Effective Biblical Coping Mechanisms:
- Lament and Honest Prayer (Calling Out):
- Relying on God's Steadfast Love and Future Hope (Gratitude and Trust):
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Overview
In this episode of the RockSolid Families podcast, hosts Linda and Merrill Hutchinson discuss the complexities and dangers of toxic relationships, expanding from previous discussions on gaslighting to encompass various forms of toxic interactions. They emphasize the importance of recognizing unhealthy dynamics in relationships, be it with spouses, family members, coworkers, or friends.
Key Points
Understanding Toxic Relationships
- Toxic relationships are characterized by patterns of behavior that diminish or harm individuals' well-being.
- Common forms include controlling behavior, chronic criticism, lack of empathy, gaslighting, and emotional manipulation.
- Relationships can be toxic even if they don’t involve overt aggression; subtle behaviors can be equally damaging over time.
Signs of Toxicity
- Controlling Behavior: Patterns where one person dictates actions and decisions.
- Critical Language:Constant criticism and public humiliation undermine self-esteem.
- Lack of Empathy: Inability to understand or validate the other person's feelings.
- Emotional Manipulation: Gaslighting tactics that twist reality to confuse the victim.
- Ignoring Needs: A lack of mutual understanding and support between parties.
- No Change Over Time: Repeated promises of change without any real action signify deeper issues.
Steps to Address Toxic Relationships
- Bring Issues to Light: Encourage open discussions about concerns to combat the secrecy and shame surrounding toxic behavior.
- Set Healthy Boundaries: Clearly define what behaviors are unacceptable and what will no longer be tolerated in the relationship.
- Seek Professional Support: Engage with counselors or support groups to navigate through toxic dynamics safely.
- Recommendations for Action
- Encourage individuals to seek help if they recognize toxic patterns in their relationships.
- Share experiences and insights to help others who may be suffering in silence.
-
Utilize resources like books on boundaries and emotionally destructive relationships for guidance.
-
Conclusion
Linda and Merrill close the episode by highlighting the need for courage in addressing toxic relationships and seeking healing. They invite listeners to share the podcast widely to help others identify and confront unhealthy dynamics in their own lives.
Call to Action
Listeners are encouraged to reach out to RockSolid Families for support, visit their website for resources, and consider donations to help continue their work in promoting healthy family dynamics.
By summarizing these key points, business professionals can glean insights into the importance of healthy relationships both personally and within teams, while also recognizing signs of toxicity that may impact workplace culture.
U.S. National Domestic Violence Hotline
Call: 1-800-799-SAFE (7233)
Text: “START” to 88788
Chat: thehotline.org
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Main Topic: Halloween and Spiritual Awareness
•The podcast’s main focus is on Halloween, exploring whether to celebrate it or not and what spiritual implications it may have.
•Merrill and Linda reflect on their upbringing, noting they didn’t grow up with a strict stance on Halloween, viewing it as just a time for trick-or-treating.
Key Points Discussed
1.Cultural Desensitization:
•The hosts express concern about how society has normalized horror, violence, and gruesomeness, particularly in entertainment.
•They emphasize the importance of awareness regarding the messages conveyed through horror films and other media.
2.Parental Responsibility:
•The conversation stresses the need for parents to guide their children on how to engage with Halloween.
•Parents should consider how traditions might influence children’s perceptions of evil and violence.
3.Spiritual Warfare:
•The hosts talk about the concept of spiritual warfare, drawing from Ephesians 6, where they emphasize the importance of being aware of spiritual forces of evil.
•They encourage listeners to instill values in their children that honor God and promote a healthy understanding of good and evil.
4.Alternatives to Traditional Celebrations:
•Suggestions are provided on how to celebrate Halloween in a way that focuses on positive themes, such as harvest festivals and family gatherings.
•They recommend creating a safe space for conversations around the origins of Halloween and avoiding practices that might promote fear or evil.
5.Redemption of the Holiday:
•There’s a call to action for families to redeem Halloween by using it as an opportunity for community engagement.
•Examples include handing out treats and hosting neighborhood events that promote fellowship rather than fear.
6.Educational Conversations:
•The importance of discussing the history and implications of Halloween traditions with children.
•Engaging in open dialogue helps children understand the difference between fun and what might be morally or spiritually questionable.
Conclusion
•The hosts remind listeners to remain alert and intentional about not only how they celebrate Halloween but also how they approach the themes of evil and good in life.
•They emphasize that while Halloween can be a fun time, it is essential to maintain a focus on honoring God and promoting a lifestyle of light over darkness.
Call to Action
•The podcast encourages listeners to reach out for support if they struggle with parenting or other challenges in life.
This summary captures the essence of the discussion surrounding Halloween, emphasizing the importance of spiritual awareness and responsible parenting.
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RockSolid Families Podcast Episode
Introduction
The episode kicks off with Merrill and Linda Hutchinson expressing their gratitude to Maxwell Construction for their sponsorship of the podcast, emphasizing the importance of reliable construction for homes and businesses. They highlight their commitment to building stronger families and invite listeners to consider Maxwell for their next projects.
Emotional Celebration
Merrill reveals a recent emotional experience, sharing that he and Linda hosted a celebration for RockSolid Families, which unexpectedly turned into a surprise retirement party for him. The night was filled with joy, tears, and reflections on his 40 years of service in education and counseling. They discuss the impact of his long career on their community and express appreciation for the support they received from family and friends.
New Team Member Introduction
The couple introduces Kimm Hackworth, their latest hire at RockSolid Families, who shares her background as a school psychologist and her journey to join the team. Kimm recounts her transition from education to nonprofit work, highlighting her calling to help others navigate their struggles, especially in the context of blended families.
Personal Journey and Reflections
Kimm shares her personal story of challenges, including divorce and raising children in a blended family. She emphasizes how her past has equipped her to help others facing similar situations. The conversation revolves around the themes of humility, trust, and surrender in one’s spiritual journey, as Kimm explains how her experiences have molded her desire to serve in the ministry.
Overcoming Obstacles
The discussion shifts to the obstacles and fears Kim faced when transitioning into her new role at RockSolid. She reflects on the unexpected challenges, such as her husband losing his job and Merrill’s cancer diagnosis, but maintains that these experiences have only strengthened her resolve. Kimm reiterates the importance of stepping into the chaos to effect change in the lives of those in need.
Encouragement and Ministry Vision
Merrill and Linda encourage listeners to recognize their own journeys and how God can use their experiences to bring hope and healing to others. The podcast emphasizes the importance of sharing testimonies and being vulnerable, as it not only aids personal healing but also encourages others who may feel disqualified due to their past.
Conclusion and Call to Action
The episode concludes with Kimm sharing a powerful quote about ministry, asserting that true service arises when divine resources meet human needs through love. The Hutchinsons invite listeners to support RockSolid Families, participate in their upcoming parenting class, and connect with their community. They remind everyone that strong and healthy families are worth fighting for and express their hope for continued growth and blessing through their ministry.
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Summary of the RockSolid Families Podcast Episode
The episode opens with a heartfelt introduction sponsored by Casey’s Outdoor Solutions and Gift Shop, a local business that beautifies homes inside and out. Linda Hutchinson and her husband, Merrill then take center stage, noting how long it has been since their last recording—two months, following a significant health crisis Merrill experienced.
Health Update
Merrill shares a deeply personal update about his battle with glioblastoma, a form of brain cancer. He recounts feeling unwell during the week leading to July 23rd, the day he was diagnosed. Before this diagnosis, he had enjoyed a summer filled with fitness and vitality, making the abrupt change all the more shocking. He describes his symptoms, including lapses in judgment and physical coordination, which led him to seek medical help.
Despite the grim diagnosis that follows—being informed of the aggressive nature of his cancer—Merrill highlights the importance of processing this news with Linda’s support. They discuss the urgency that has developed in their lives, emphasizing the need to cherish relationships and the time they have together.
Faith and Community
They reflect on how their faith has provided them with peace amid turmoil. They share insights from scripture, with Linda quoting from 1 Peter, which speaks of a “living hope” that transcends earthly challenges. The couple’s faith journey has brought them closer, and they express gratitude for the overwhelming support from family, friends, and community members during this time.
They acknowledge the powerful impact their health situation has had on their relationships, giving them a renewed perspective on the importance of expressing love and appreciation to those around them. Special mentions are made of the support they received from medical staff and the community, reinforcing the notion that one should never take relationships for granted.
Rock Solid Families’ Future
As they discuss the future of RockSolid Families, they announce Merrill’s retirement from his active role due to his health. He expresses hope for the organization’s continued mission—helping families build strong foundations rooted in faith. They introduce new staff members who will carry on their work, emphasizing the transition is not an end but a new beginning for the ministry.
With a focus on legacy, they encourage listeners to act and not delay in nurturing their relationships, underscoring the message that life is fleeting. The couple draws inspiration from Charlie Kirk’s recent passing, emphasizing the call to live meaningfully and to impart wisdom to future generations.
Closing Thoughts
In closing, the couple reflects on their experiences and the joy and peace they have felt, even amidst grief. They encourage listeners to trust in God, pointing out that even when facing life’s uncertainties, true peace comes from faith. Merrill shares his favorite verses, emphasizing the importance of submitting to God’s plan and the significance of community support.
The episode wraps with a heartfelt thank you to their sponsors and supporters, reiterating the importance of building a strong community, one family at a time. They invite listeners to stay connected and to reach out for support, ending with the reminder to cherish every moment and live fully in the present.
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My World Just Flipped - Glioblastoma - Ep 329
In this heartfelt YouTube video, Merrill Hutchinson, the host of RockSolid Families and Strong Dads, shares a personal update about his health journey. The video serves as both an introduction to his current situation and a reflection on life’s deeper meanings amidst adversity.
Key Points and Flow:
1. Introduction and Context:
• Merrill welcomes viewers and explains why he is combining two shows into one episode. He mentions feeling unwell for the past month and hints at a significant life change.
2. Health Concerns:
• He recounts how in mid-July, he began experiencing unusual symptoms like confusion and impaired balance. Despite initially dismissing these signs, he eventually consulted his doctor.
3. Diagnosis:
• On July 23rd, Merrill received a troubling diagnosis: glioblastoma, a severe and terminal brain cancer. He shares the stark reality of his prognosis, facing multiple brain surgeries and the emotional turmoil that has ensued.
4. Emotional Response:
• Merrill discusses the emotional rollercoaster he experienced following the diagnosis, feeling overwhelmed yet determined to use his situation for a greater purpose. He emphasizes the importance of sharing his story, not for sympathy but to inspire and encourage others.
5. Surgery and Treatment:
• He details his surgeries, noting their success while acknowledging the aggressive nature of the cancer. Merrill prepares to begin chemotherapy and radiation, hoping for stabilization of his condition.
6. Spiritual Reflection:
• Merrill reflects on his faith, quoting John 14:6, which has influenced his understanding of control and surrender to God. He expresses the importance of humility in facing life’s challenges and encourages viewers to seek a godly perspective over a self-centered one.
7. Family and Celebrations:
• He shares personal anecdotes about his family, highlighting both the struggles and joys, like an upcoming wedding in the family, which he views as a blessing and a reason to celebrate life.
8. Encouragement for Viewers:
• Merrill concludes with a message to viewers about the significance of community support and the need to prioritize relationships and kindness in difficult times. He expresses gratitude for the support he and his family have received.
9. Closing Thoughts:
• He wraps up by thanking his sponsors and the community for their support, reiterating his intent to share updates and insights as he navigates this challenging journey.
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Finding Your People In A Lonely World - Ep 328
Overview
In this episode of the Rocksolid Families podcast, hosts Linda Hutchinson and Merrill discuss the pressing issue of loneliness in today’s society, despite the increased connectivity through technology and social media. They emphasize the importance of building genuine relationships and finding one’s “people” to combat feelings of isolation.
Key Points
1.The Importance of Connection:
•Loneliness is prevalent even with the ascendance of digital communication.
•Many people work from home and rely on online services, leading to disconnection from their communities.
2.Health Implications:
•Loneliness can lead to mental health issues, including depression, anxiety, and even physical health problems like weakened immune systems.
3.Barriers to Building Community:
•Busyness: Over-scheduled lives lead to a lack of time for genuine interactions.
•Social Anxiety and Fear of Rejection: Many avoid seeking connections due to fears of being rejected.
•Past Wounds: Previous negative experiences in relationships can deter individuals from reaching out again.
4.Defining Healthy Community:
•A healthy community provides a shared purpose, vulnerability, transparency, and accountability.
•It’s crucial to be part of a group that encourages and supports one another.
5.Practical Steps to Build Community:
•Initiate Connections: Take the first step to reach out and create relationships.
•Be Vulnerable: Share personal experiences and ask meaningful questions to deepen relationships.
•Be Intentional: Make time for connections and build regular rhythms to interact with others.
6.Encouragement for Action:
•Merrill and Linda encourage listeners to take proactive steps towards creating meaningful connections before experiencing a crisis, emphasizing that community is essential for mental and emotional well-being.
Conclusion
The episode underscores the critical need for authentic connections in combating loneliness, advocating for intentional efforts to initiate relationships. Listeners are prompted to recognize the value of community in strengthening families and enhancing overall well-being.
If you are struggling with feeling lonely and isolated please reach out to others. If you feel like you need professional help please contact Rock Solid Families.
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Are We Being Punished By The Storms?
Background - * As we have tuned into the news over the past week, we have seen incredible tragedy from the storms and flooding across Texas, New Mexico, and up the eastern part of the country. In the meantime, we hear about the growing wildfires sweeping across California and the Northwest. These days, it seems like no one is safe or spared from the storms. * I’ve heard all kinds of reasons and thoughts behind these events. “God is punishing us”, “Climate change is real”, “We get what we deserve”, the list of explanations goes on as we try to use ideas of faith, science, and whatever else we can insert into the picture to help us reason through the storms we face. * During today’s show, we are not going to attempt to explain why these storms occur. We are not going to point fingers at who is doing things right and who is possibly doing things wrong. What we are going to do is discuss what God wants from us and what we can do to work through the storms of life.
1. Storms are Inevitable, Not Always a Consequence of Sin: If your neighborhood was hit by a tornado you might take that personally and think it was something about your sin that caused the tornado.
It’s a common misconception that storms or hardships are always a direct result of personal sin.
Jesus Himself stated, "In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world" (John 16:33). Troubles are a given, even for believers. How about Job? He endured immense suffering despite being described as "blameless and upright" (Job 1:1).
2. Storms Can Be a Means of Growth and Refinement: Just as a refiner's fire purifies gold, storms can purify our faith and character. Difficulties often expose areas where we need to grow, deepen our dependence on God, and develop perseverance. James 1:2-4 encourages us with this perspective: "Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance. Let perseverance finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything." The storms, therefore, are not meant to break us, but to build us up.
3. Storms Can Be a Testimony to God's Power: When we navigate storms with faith and integrity, our lives can become a powerful testimony to God's faithfulness and strength. Others observe how we respond to adversity and can be drawn to the God who sustains us.
Advice - How Christians Can Expect and Make It Through Storms While Honoring God
1. Stop Focusing on the Storm, Start Focusing on What You Are Doing in the Storm.
2. Anchor Yourself in God's Word:
3. Lifestyle of Prayer and Dependence:
4. Trust in God's Sovereignty and Goodness:
5. Seek Community and Support:
6. Practice Gratitude and Maintain a Worshipful Heart:
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Get to Know Andy Dalton - New Men's Coach to Rock Solid Families - Ep 326
Overview
This episode of the Rocksolid Families podcast features the introduction of new coach Andy Dalton, who joins hosts Linda Hutchinson and Merrill. The discussion centers around the mission of Rocksolid Families to support and strengthen families within the community, emphasizing relational capital and the importance of men’s roles in family dynamics.
Key Points
1.Introduction of Andy Dalton:
•Andy brings a strong background in coaching and education, having worked with high school and college football teams.
•He expresses excitement about joining Rocksolid Families and contributing to their mission.
2.Mission of Rocksolid Families:
•The goal is to build stronger families one at a time through faith and community support.
•Emphasizes the importance of relationships and mentorship, particularly for young men.
3.Focus on Men’s Roles in Families:
•Discussion on how men often struggle with vulnerability and asking for help due to societal pressures and pride.
•Andy aims to create a supportive environment where men can learn to fulfill their roles as leaders in their families without the stigma of weakness.
4.Coaching Philosophy:
•Andy shares his belief in the necessity of relational capital—building trust and support systems, especially for adolescent boys.
•The hosts discuss the importance of a holistic approach to family support, beyond what schools can provide.
5.Future Aspirations:
•Andy envisions expanding Rocksolid Families’ reach by developing more coaching models, deepening community ties, and increasing the number of coaches to help more families.
6.Community Engagement:
•The episode encourages listeners to reach out, get involved, and participate in future events, including parenting classes and mentoring programs.
Conclusion
The episode concludes with a call to action for listeners to engage with Rocksolid Families, emphasizing the positive impact they can have on their community. The energy and enthusiasm of the new coach signal a robust future for the organization as it seeks to broaden its influence and effectiveness in nurturing strong familial bonds.
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Difference Between Prayer and Meditation
Prayer is generally understood as communicating with God. It's a two-way conversation, where you speak to God (through requests, thanks, confessions, adoration) and also listen for His response. Prayer is often outwardly focused, expressing thoughts, feelings, and desires to a divine being. It can be spontaneous, structured, vocal, or silent.
Meditation, in a broader sense, is about focused attention and internal observation. While its specific practices vary widely across cultures and spiritual traditions, the common thread is to quiet the mind, increase awareness, and gain clarity. Some forms of meditation aim to empty the mind, while others focus on a particular thought, image, or sensation.
Advice -
Does the Christian Faith Support Meditation or Should We Stick with Prayer Only?
The Christian faith absolutely supports a form of meditation, but it's distinct from many secular or Eastern meditative practices. Christians are encouraged to engage in "Christian meditation" which is fundamentally different from practices that aim to empty the mind or detach from the self.
Here's how Christian meditation differs and why it's supported:
Filling the Mind, Not Emptying It: Unlike some Eastern meditation forms that aim to empty the mind, Christian meditation is about filling the mind with thoughts of God, His Word (the Bible), and His character. It involves deep reflection, contemplation, and rumination on biblical passages, God's attributes, and His works.
The saying "If you don't stand for something, you'll fall for anything" means that if you lack core principles or values, you're more susceptible to believing or accepting anything that comes your way.
The question might be, “What are you going to fill your mind with?” This is when we must be intentional with our meditation. Simply emptying ourselves only creates a void to be filled with something else. The world will have no problem giving you things to put in that void. You must choose to put the good and God in that emptiness.
Focus on God, Not Self: The purpose of Christian meditation is to deepen one's relationship with God, to understand His will, and to be transformed into Christ's likeness. It's not primarily for self-improvement or personal serenity in isolation from God, though these can be beneficial byproducts.
Biblical Basis: The Bible itself encourages meditation. Numerous Psalms speak of meditating on God's law day and night (e.g., Psalm 1:2, Psalm 119:15, 77:12). Philippians 4:8 exhorts believers to "meditate on these things" – referring to whatever is true, noble, just, pure, lovely, commendable, excellent, or praiseworthy.
Philippians 4:8 Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things.
Integration with Prayer: Christian meditation often complements prayer. Through meditation on Scripture, one gains understanding and insight that can inform and enrich their prayers. It can be seen as a way of listening to God speak through His Word, preparing the heart for more intentional communication (prayer).
PRAY- Acronym
Praise
Repent
Ask
Yield
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Key Takeaways from the Rocksolid Families Podcast on Homosexuality
Introduction
•Hosts Linda and Merrill Hutchinson discuss the sensitive topic of homosexuality in a grace-filled manner.
•They draw insights from the book “People to Be Loved” by Preston Sprinkle, emphasizing the importance of approaching the topic with love, humility, and biblical truth.
Main Themes Discussed
1.Respecting Individuals:
•Both hosts stress the importance of recognizing the person behind the label. Regardless of one’s sexual orientation, everyone deserves love and respect.
2.Diversity vs. Similarity:
•The podcast highlights the need to celebrate human similarities while respecting diversity. It emphasizes that behind every issue, there is a person who needs compassion and understanding.
3.Grace and Truth:
•A central theme is the balance between grace and truth in discussing issues related to homosexuality. Jesus is presented as the model for this balance, embodying both love and truth without condemnation.
4.Sin and Acceptance:
•They clarify that while same-sex attraction is not a sin, acting on that attraction can be. The hosts encourage Christians to accept individuals as God’s creations without necessarily affirming their behaviors.
5.The Role of the Church:
•Merrill and Linda encourage the church to create welcoming spaces for individuals identifying as LGBTQ, encouraging love and acceptance without compromising biblical truths.
•They call for a shift away from “fire and brimstone” approaches to a more loving, compassionate outreach.
6.Avoiding Self-Righteousness:
•They caution against cherry-picking sins and highlight that all people are sinners in need of grace. The ground is level at the foot of the cross, and all sins should be viewed equally without judgment.
7.Identifying Truth:
•Listeners are encouraged to identify and ground their beliefs in a solid foundation of truth—specifically, the Bible. This helps prevent wavering beliefs influenced by societal changes.
8.Empathy and Listening:
•The need for empathy and genuine listening is emphasized, suggesting that people often need to be heard before they can open up to the truth of Christ.
9.Caring without Compromising:
•They highlight that one can care for and support someone in the LGBTQ community without compromising one’s beliefs. It’s important to engage in conversations with grace, respect, and a willingness to understand.
10.Call to Action:
• A call for Christians to approach the topic of homosexuality with a spirit of humility, aiming to build connections rather than barriers.
Final Thoughts
The podcast serves as a reminder that conversations about sexuality should be rooted in love, compassion, and a commitment to truth, reflecting the heart of Jesus in every interaction. It encourages a community that welcomes dialogue and fosters understanding while remaining faithful to biblical teachings.
We invite listeners to continue engaging with these difficult topics while being conscious of the real people affected by them.
Recommend Preston Sprinkle’s resources (book, podcast, The Center for Faith, Sexuality & Gender)
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Now that the graduation ceremony is over and the party is cleaned up, what’s next for you as the parent?
In past shows, we have discussed the Seasons of Parenting - Season 1 - Service, Season 2 - Leadership, Season 3- Mentor, Season 4- Friend/Counsel. This time of graduation may very well be marking the movement into a new season, so what does it look like?
Ecc. 3:1 says there is a time for everything, and a season for every activity under the heavens.
This transition isn't about letting go completely, but rather about shifting your grip. You are moving from the role of a hands-on manager to that of a trusted consultant and encourager. It's a season of empowering them to build their own lives on the foundation you've so carefully helped them lay. Here are some key principles to guide you in this new and rewarding phase of parenting:
Advice -
Continue to Build and Maintain the Relationship.
What kind of adult relationship do you want with your adult child? Be clear about how you are going to interact and what you want the relationship to look like. This is a conversation that you want to have with your adult child. What do they want in the relationship? Assumptions often burn people. Try to define and clear up any possible areas of confusion.
Establish Clear Expectations and Healthy Boundaries.
If your graduate is living at home, open and honest communication is paramount. This is no longer a child-parent dynamic but a relationship between two adults sharing a living space. Sit down together and respectfully discuss expectations regarding finances (rent, bills), household responsibilities, and general house rules.
Expect and Foster True Independence.
True independence isn't just about financial self-sufficiency; it's about taking ownership of one's life – spiritually, emotionally, and practically. This may mean resisting the urge to rescue them from every challenge. Allow them the dignity of navigating difficult situations, whether it's a tough job search, a challenging roommate, or a budgeting shortfall.
Champion Their Spiritual Growth from the Sidelines.
If they haven’t already, it is time for you to encourage them to develop their own faith and not live yours.
Equip Them for the Practical Duties of Life.
Adulthood comes with a host of practical responsibilities. Take the opportunity to come alongside them as a coach in areas like financial literacy (budgeting, saving, giving), career development (resume building, interview skills), and basic life skills (home and car maintenance, cooking).
Cover Them in Prayer.
Perhaps the most vital role you will now play is that of a dedicated prayer warrior for your child. Pray for their wisdom, for their protection, for their relationships, and most importantly, for their continued walk with the Lord. Your prayers are a powerful spiritual covering as they step into the world and face new challenges and temptations. Entrusting them to God's sovereign care will also bring you peace and strength during this transition. As Psalm 127:1 reminds us, "Unless the Lord builds the house, those who build it labor in vain." Surrender your anxieties to God and trust in His perfect plan for your child's life.
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Should We Have Kids in a Dark World?
Big Questions:
Is it wise or faithful to bring children into a world filled with suffering, evil, and uncertainty?
Am I making life decisions from faith or fear?
“Many Christians today are wrestling with fear, disillusionment, and sorrow over the state of the world.”
Common concerns: evil, school shootings, cultural decline, financial uncertainty, environmental decay
Affirm that this is a valid and deeply emotional question.
- Why Are People Afraid to Have Children Today?
List cultural and global concerns
Reflect on emotional and spiritual reasons:
Fear of suffering
Responsibility for shaping a soul
Hopelessness about the future
Scripture Reflection:
Ecclesiastes 1:2, 14 – “Meaningless! Everything is meaningless... I have seen all the things that are done under the sun; all of them are meaningless, a chasing after the wind.”
Even in Scripture, people wrestled with despair over a broken world.
- God’s View of Children in a Broken World
A. Children Are a Blessing
Psalm 127:3–5 – “Children are a heritage from the Lord... Blessed is the man whose quiver is full of them.”
God calls children a gift, not a burden.
B. God Brings Life in Darkness
Genesis 1:28 – “Be fruitful and multiply...” (original calling)
God didn’t rescind this even after the Fall.
Jeremiah 29:4–7 – While in exile in Babylon, God tells Israel to build homes, plant gardens, marry, and “increase in number.”
Even in dark times, God calls His people to live fruitfully.
C. Children as Light-Bearers
Philippians 2:15 – “...that you may become blameless and pure, children of God... in a warped and crooked generation. Then you will shine among them like stars in the sky.”
Our children can be raised to reflect light, not just survive the darkness.
- God Has Not Given Us a Spirit of Fear
2 Timothy 1:7 – “For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power, love, and a sound mind.”
Fear is not a trustworthy counselor—faith is.
God doesn’t promise ease, but He promises presence.
- What About Wisdom & Discernment?
It’s not a sin to delay or decide against having children, if done in prayer and obedience, not fear or despair.
Romans 14:23 – “...everything that does not come from faith is sin.”
Decisions should be rooted in peace and trust in God's will for your life.
- Legacy & Mission in Dark Times
Children are disciples in our homes.
Parenting is missionary work.
Malachi 2:15 – “Has not the one God made you? You belong to him in body and spirit. And what does the one God seek? Godly offspring.”
God desires the next generation to know Him.
- Closing Encouragement
Question for you to reflect on as we close…..How might God want to use future generations to redeem the brokenness in our world today?
We don’t bring children into the world because the world is good—
We bring them into the world because God is good.
Whether you raise spiritual children, foster, adopt, or give birth—your legacy in Christ is secure when you walk in faith.
Scripture:
Isaiah 60:1–2 – “Arise, shine, for your light has come... darkness covers the earth... but the Lord rises upon you.”
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Background -
The role of Grandparents has changed over the years. It used to be a clear separation between their generation, their kids, and the grandkids.
How did the roles get mixed up? There are many possible answers to this but here are some of the more common reasons that we see in our office.
- Parents are not present or available so the grandparents have no choice but to step in and raise the child.
- Parents need more than a little help in raising their children. Many families have both parents working and they still require child-care. Grandparents are often a cheaper and convenient solution to this need.
- Parents lack confidence and understanding of their parenting role and are quick to hand it over to a trusted family member.
Confusion in the roles leads to problems.
- Every parent comes with a different personality and style of parenting.
- Unity among the authorities can be broken.
- Kids look for the easiest way to satisfy their desires.
Advice -
- Emphasize the importance of a well-connected and healthy family structure in which all generations are present and in their proper role.
- Avoid placing people into roles that do not allow them to be where they are in life. Just like we don’t ask the child to be an adult, we don’t ask grandparents to be regular parents.
- Honor all three generations in your family. Celebrate the child, the parent, and the grandparent. Especially teach this to your children.
- Establish authority levels in the life of the child. One of the tenets of a Christian life is to learn proper and appropriate submission. Modeling this in the family is their first opportunity of what it looks like to submit to God’s authority.
- As the parents, you establish the Ways of your house. You hope that anyone connected to your family will honor those ways, but at the end of the day, you are the one responsible for your family.
Here are some key biblical themes and verses that apply to honoring grandparents:
1. Honoring Parents (which extends to grandparents): The Fifth Commandment is the most direct instruction:
Exodus 20:12: "Honor your father and your mother, so that you may live long in the land the Lord your God is giving you." This commandment lays the groundwork for respecting those who raised you, and by extension, those who raised your parents.
Proverbs 23:22: "Listen to your father, who gave you life, and do not despise your mother when she is old." This emphasizes continued respect and care as parents (and grandparents) age.
2. Respect for the Elderly: The Bible consistently calls for reverence towards older individuals due to their wisdom and experience.
Leviticus 19:32: "You shall stand up before the gray head and honor the face of an old man, and you shall fear your God: I am the Lord." This verse directly commands respect for the aged. "Gray hair is a crown of splendor; it is attained in the way of righteousness"
Challenge -
Reflect on how your family dynamics are currently operating. Discern whether or not it is healthy and what you want for your family.
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In this episode of the Rocksolid Families podcast, hosts Linda Hutchinson and her husband discuss the importance of emotional comfort for children. They emphasize the role of parents, caregivers, and educators in providing this comfort, especially during challenging emotional moments. The hosts set the stage for a conversation about how emotional comfort can significantly impact a child’s long-term emotional health.
•Definition: Emotional comfort is described as the support and reassurance that parents and caregivers provide to children when they are experiencing intense emotions, such as sadness, anger, or frustration.
•Importance: The hosts convey that while it is crucial to provide comfort, it is equally important not to over-coddle children. They discuss the balance of creating a safe emotional environment from which children can venture into the “choppy waters” of life.
The Need for Emotional Regulation
•Understanding Emotions: Children often lack the vocabulary to articulate their emotions. The hosts stress the importance of helping children identify and understand their emotions, which is a vital part of emotional regulation.
•Consequences of Poor Emotional Support: Without adequate emotional comfort and regulation, children may struggle with self-soothing and coping mechanisms, leading to long-term emotional difficulties.
Introducing the MATS Framework
The hosts introduce a simple framework—MATS—to help caregivers respond to children’s emotional needs effectively.
MATS Breakdown
1.M - Mention:
Observation: The first step is to acknowledge the child’s emotional state by mentioning what you see. For example, stating, “You look really upset right now,” helps the child feel seen and understood.
Body Language: Observing body language is crucial; it provides insight into how children are feeling, especially if they are non-verbal.
2.A - Ask:
Curiosity: The next step involves asking questions to validate the child’s feelings. Encouraging children to express themselves is essential for emotional processing.
Avoiding Dismissal: The hosts emphasize that caregivers should refrain from downplaying the child’s feelings and instead validate their emotions to help them feel heard.
3.T - Touch:
Appropriate Connection: The framework includes physical touch, such as hugs or gentle touches, which can offer comfort. However, the hosts advise being cautious with physical contact, especially if it is not a common practice in the household.
Creating Comfort: Physical presence can help children feel secure, aiding in emotional regulation.
4.S - Stay:
Presence: Finally, staying with the child until their emotional needs are met is crucial. This involves sitting in silence if necessary and showing that you are there for them without rushing to “fix” the situation.
Long-Term Impact: The hosts stress that this steady presence creates a sense of security and helps children understand that they are not alone in their struggles.
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Introduction
In this episode Merrill and Linda Hutchinson discuss the theme of unmet expectations in life and how to process disappointment. They reflect on personal experiences, share insights from their family and work, and provide faith-based guidance on navigating life’s challenges.
Segment 1: Personal Reflections and Introduction to Unmet Expectations
•Theme Introduction: The hosts emphasize that everyone encounters unmet expectations, whether in relationships, careers, or personal goals. They highlight that chasing happiness is often futile; instead, cultivating a spirit of joy and contentment is essential.
Segment 2: The Reality of Disappointment
•Merrill shares his struggles with launching a fitness product, the kettlebar, which has not yet succeeded despite positive feedback. This illustrates the frustration of unmet expectations after significant effort.
•He also recounts his initial disappointment at not gaining admission to physical therapy school, framing it as a redirection that led to meaningful opportunities in education.
Segment 3: Defining Disappointment
•Understanding Disappointment: They explain that disappointment arises from the gap between hopes and reality, supporting this with biblical references (e.g., the story of Lazarus’ death and Paul’s struggles).
•Faith and Perseverance: Merrill discusses the balance between persevering through challenges and recognizing when to surrender to God’s will, mentioning the importance of laying burdens at God’s feet.
Segment 4: The Grieving Process
•Grieving Unmet Expectations: The hosts outline the typical stages of grief in response to disappointment, which include denial, anger, and acceptance. They stress the importance of not getting stuck in complicated grief, which can hinder healing.
•Biblical Support: They reference Romans 8:28, emphasizing that God can work through all circumstances for the good of those who love Him, even when individuals feel hopeless.
Segment 5: Moving Beyond Disappointment
•Expectation Reassessment: Merrill encourages listeners to evaluate whether their expectations align with God’s plans and to remain open to new possibilities.
•Encouraging Others: They discuss how sharing personal experiences of disappointment can help others, creating a cycle of empathy and support that strengthens community.
Segment 6: Fostering Hope
•Seeking Gratitude: The hosts recommend practicing gratitude as a means to combat feelings of hopelessness. They suggest keeping a gratitude journal to refocus on the positive aspects of life, no matter how small.
•Redefining Expectations: They advise listeners to reassess their expectations, questioning whether they are motivated by personal desires or by a desire to honor God.
Segment 7: Final Reflections and Prayer
•Perspective on Life’s Challenges: Merrill emphasizes that disappointment should not define one’s life; individuals are more than their failures.
•Encouragement through Faith: Linda shares her thoughts on the importance of maintaining joy and perspective, invoking the lyrics of a song that speaks of new mercies every morning.
•Concluding Prayer: Find peace amidst disappointment and to trust in God’s higher plans, encouraging them to seek guidance and find new paths forward.
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Summary of Flexibility = Love
•Rigidity: The tendency to adhere strictly to rules, routines, and predictability.
•Spontaneity: The inclination to seek excitement and adventure without prior planning.
•Flexibility: The ability to adapt and find a balance between rigidity and spontaneity.
Importance of Understanding Differences
Merrill points out that understanding one’s own personality traits is crucial for improving marital dynamics. He discusses how rigidity can lead to anxiety due to a fear of losing control, while spontaneity can result in feelings of resentment when life feels too boxed in or constrained.
Benefits and Drawbacks of Rigidity
Benefits:
A structured environment can lower anxiety, especially for children, by providing clear expectations.
2.Commitment: Predictability helps partners uphold commitments and builds trust.
Drawbacks:
1.Stifled Intimacy: Overly rigid environments can become boring and inhibit emotional closeness.
2.Excessive Control: Rigid approaches can lead to legalistic attitudes that diminish personal freedom and enjoyment.
Benefits and Drawbacks of Spontaneity
Benefits:
1.Excitement and Joy: Spontaneity can inject fun and unpredictability into life, fostering deeper emotional connections.
2.Encouragement of Playfulness: It allows couples to engage in activities that uplift their spirits and reinforce bonds.
Drawbacks:
1.Instability: Sudden changes can create anxiety in partners who prefer predictability.
2.Neglect of Responsibilities: Spontaneous decisions can sometimes lead to neglecting commitments and responsibilities, causing strain in the relationship.
Balancing Rigidity and Spontaneity
The hosts emphasize that neither rigidity nor spontaneity is inherently right or wrong; rather, successful relationships require a balance of both. This balance is achieved through flexibility, the capacity to adapt to each partner’s needs and circumstances.
Scriptural References and Principles
•Ephesians 5:21: Advocating for mutual submission and respect in relationships.
•Philippians 2:3-4: Encouraging humility and valuing the needs of others over one’s own.
•Ecclesiastes 9:9: Reminding partners to enjoy life together amidst their daily routines.
Practical Strategies for Couples
1.Know Your Tendencies: Partners should identify whether they lean more towards rigidity or spontaneity.
2.Set Shared Values: Agree on core values that will guide decisions and behaviors.
3.Establish Common Goals: Identify long-term goals that both partners are working towards.
4.Listen Actively: Encourage open communication without defensiveness or sarcasm.
5.Seek Unity Over Being Right: Focus on compromise and mutual understanding instead of proving each other wrong.
6.Encourage Each Other: Foster positivity by recognizing and affirming each other’s efforts and traits.
7.Shift Mindsets to ‘We’: Cultivate a partnership mentality where both aim for collective success and happiness.
Flexibility as a Key Component
The discussion culminates in the realization that flexibility is essential for resiliency in a relationship. It allows couples to navigate the inevitable storms of life with grace, adapting their approaches as circumstances change.
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Giving Your Kids to God
The Story of Hannah (8:30 - 20:15)
•Jenna shares her background on Hannah, recalling her experiences from a Bible study that highlighted Hannah’s struggles with infertility and her deep prayer life.
•Hannah, one of two wives of Elkanah, faced ridicule from her co-wife, Peninnah, who bore children while Hannah could not.
•In her desperation, Hannah made a heartfelt promise to God: if He gave her a son, she would give him back to the Lord.
•After giving birth to Samuel, she fulfilled her vow by dedicating him to God by leaving him at the temple when he was weaned, visiting him annually and bringing him new garments.
Personal Reflections on Surrender (20:15 - 37:30)
•Jenna and Bridgitte express difficulty in envisioning such a level of surrender, considering societal expectations of motherhood and personal fears.
•Linda shares a personal story of Abraham’s sacrifice of Isaac, linking it to parental anxieties about children’s futures, including a vivid moment of anxiety when her son chose a military career.
Understanding Surrender Today (37:30 - 54:10)
•Bridgitte explains that surrender in modern parenting does not involve physical sacrifice but rather a spiritual commitment.
•Emphasis on finding identity in Christ rather than in being a mother or parent, highlighting the importance of modeling peace rather than chaos for children.
•The hosts discuss practical implications, such as the influence of social media and the daily choices between chaos and peace.
Applying Biblical Principles to Parenting (54:10 - 1:18:30)
•The conversation shifts to how parents can actively give their children to God today, focusing on prayer and scriptural guidance.
•Jenna emphasizes the importance of turning to God first in difficult parenting moments, rather than succumbing to anxiety.
•Bridgitte shares about teaching children to pray about decisions and reflecting on what God might want for them, rather than imposing personal desires.
Building a Trusting Relationship with God (1:18:30 - 1:33:00)
•Jenna recalls emotional moments of trust during challenging parenting experiences, emphasizing the need for reliance on God.
•They highlight the importance of involving children in prayer and using biblical teachings to guide their moral and ethical decisions.
Conclusion and Closing
•Bridgitte emphasizes the need to ask God what aspects of parenting or identity need to be surrendered, urging parents to pray with His will in mind, rather than their own.
•The episode concludes with a call to action for families to trust in God and the inherent plans He has for their children.
Relevant Biblical References:
•The story of Hannah from 1 Samuel.
•The sacrifice of Isaac by Abraham from Genesis 22.
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Can You and Your Spouse Have Difficult Conversations?
•The discussion centers around the difficulties couples face when having hard conversations, especially those filled with tension.
Importance of Safe Spaces
•Creating Emotional Safety: The need for a safe emotional environment within a relationship, where both partners feel secure enough to share their feelings without fear of being attacked or dismissed.
•Common Issues: Reasons why conversations might not feel safe, including past trauma, fears of anger, and emotional unavailability.
•Distinction Between Peacekeepers and Peacemakers: Linda emphasizes the difference; peacekeepers avoid conflict while peacemakers address issues with an aim to enhance the relationship.
Consequences of Avoiding Difficult Conversations
•Building Resentment: Avoidance leads to resentment, increasing emotional distance and eroding intimacy over time.
•Trust Issues: Unresolved issues can damage trust, leading partners to feel unsupported and potentially seeking emotional or physical connection outside the marriage.
•General Relationship Decline: A lack of open communication can lead to a “rotting” relationship.
Strategies for Addressing Difficult Conversations
- Grounding in Shared Beliefs
•Common Purpose: Establish a shared belief in the importance of the marriage and family, utilizing a spiritual or religious framework as a guiding principle for conflict resolution.
•Prayer and Humility: Starting discussions with prayer and a humble approach can help set a positive tone and prepare both partners to engage constructively.
- Active Listening
•Listening vs. Defensiveness: The importance of active listening, which requires closing one’s mouth and truly focusing on the partner’s words, rather than preparing a rebuttal.
•Clarifying Understanding: After listening, repeat back what has been said to ensure mutual understanding, which helps diffuse defensiveness and promotes a healthy dialogue.
- Speak the Truth in Love
•Honesty with Gentleness: When expressing feelings or grievances, it’s crucial to be truthful yet gentle, avoiding harsh words or accusations.
•Avoiding Extremes: Steer clear of exaggerated terms like “always” or “never,” which can trigger defensiveness and hinder productive communication.
- Forgiveness and Reconciliation
•Understanding Hurt: Addressing past wounds and recognizing triggers during conversations is vital for healing.
•The Power of Forgiveness: Forgiveness is imperative for moving forward in a relationship, as holding onto grudges can prevent healing and reconciliation.
- Focus on Unity
•Shared Goals: Instead of hyper-focusing on problems, couples should align their efforts towards common goals that foster unity in the marriage.
•Prioritizing the Relationship: Emphasizing the health of the marriage and the family unit over individual grievances can help reduce conflict and build a stronger partnership.
Recognizing the Need for Help
•Seeking External Support: Seek counseling or mediation when conflict becomes too overwhelming or unmanageable, especially in cases of emotional instability or past trauma.
•Mutual Commitment to Improvement: Both partners must be willing to engage in the process of resolving conflicts for it to be effective.
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In this episode of the Rock Solid Family Podcast, hosts Merrill and Linda Hutchinson explore parental doubt and the pressures modern parents face due to societal expectations, particularly with younger children. They aim to offer understanding, reassurance, and strategies for those often second-guessing their decisions.
The Nature of Doubt in Parenting
Parents experience emotional ups and downs, questioning their choices due to the pressure to be perfect fueled by social media. Merrill discusses how parenting styles differ between firstborn and later-born children, suggesting that firstborns often receive more cautious parenting, leading to increased confidence over time.
Influences on Parental Doubt
Social media can amplify feelings of inadequacy, particularly among young mothers, while rising parental anxiety over health issues often results in overly cautious decisions.
Over-Correction and Extreme Parenting
The podcast examines "intensive parenting," where decisions feel high-stakes, leading to anxiety. Parents' fears about real threats can result in children being overly sheltered, hindering their resilience.
The Comparison Trap
Competitive parenting culture pressures parents to compare milestones, creating unhealthy environments where children feel pressure to excel. The Hutchinsons critique modern expectations around celebrations, arguing that elaborate parties can lead to stress.
Parenting Styles and Emotional Impact
Different styles, such as helicopter and snowplow parenting, can limit a child’s independence. The hosts stress the importance of parents managing their emotional states to create secure environments for their children.
Strategies for Combating Doubt
1. Reflect and Pray: Seek wisdom and avoid second-guessing decisions.
2. Take Emotions Captive: Calm yourself and avoid expressing anxieties to children.
3. Avoid Self-Criticism: Give yourself grace and learn from mistakes.
4. Reframe Negative Thoughts: Seek support instead of comparing yourself to others.
5. Embrace Imperfection: Aim for "good enough" parenting.
6. Allow Children to Experience Failure: Prioritize resilience through challenges.
7. Seek Wisdom: Engage with experienced parents for insights.
The Role of Faith
Lean on biblical teachings to guide parenting decisions, emphasizing trust in God to reduce anxiety.
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Define gaslighting: A psychological tactic used to manipulate someone into doubting their reality, memory, or perception.
Why this matters for Christians? God calls us to walk in truth, and deception is a tool of the enemy
Key Scripture: John 8:32 – “Then you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.”
John 8:44 reminds us about the father of lies….You belong to your father, the devil, and you want to carry out your father’s desires. He was a murderer from the beginning, not holding to the truth, for there is no truth in him. When he lies, he speaks his native language, for he is a liar and the father of lies.
Questions to think about…
Have you ever felt like someone made you question your reality?
How did you recognize it?
Biblical Examples of Gaslighting
The Serpent in the Garden (Genesis 3:1-5)
How Satan gaslighted Eve by twisting God’s words: “Did God really say…?”
Application: Recognizing when someone distorts God’s truth to control or deceive.
Jacob Deceives his father Isaac to trick him in giving the first born blessing to him (Genesis 27)
Application: Manipulation leads to broken trust and division.
Pharaoh & the Israelites (Exodus 5:6-9)
Pharaoh increases the Israelites’ labor but blames them for being lazy.
Application: When leaders or people in power gaslight others to maintain control.
The Pharisees and Jesus (John 9:24-34)
The Pharisees try to gaslight the healed blind man into denying his healing.
Application: When religious leaders use authority to suppress truth.
Advice -
Question to ask in your relationships?
Have you ever been pressured to believe a lie despite knowing the truth?
How did you respond?
How Gaslighting Affects Us Spiritually and Emotionally
Creates confusion and doubt (James 1:6-8 – A double-minded person is unstable.)
Destroys trust in relationships (Proverbs 12:22 – “The Lord detests lying lips.”)
Leads to emotional and spiritual exhaustion (Psalm 55:21 – “His speech was smooth as butter, yet war was in his heart.”)
Breaks identity and self-worth (Psalm 139:14 – “I am fearfully and wonderfully made.”)
Reflect:
Have you ever felt emotionally or spiritually drained after interactions with a certain person?
How to Respond to Gaslighting Biblically
Stand firm in God’s truth (John 17:17 – “Sanctify them in the truth; Your word is truth.”)
Set boundaries against manipulation (Matthew 7:6 – “Do not give dogs what is sacred.”)
Seek wise counsel (Proverbs 11:14 – “Where there is no guidance, people fall.”)
Pray for discernment (1 John 4:1 – “Test the spirits to see whether they are from God.”)
If needed, walk away (Luke 4:28-30 – Jesus left when people rejected the truth.)
Challenge -
• Identify one situation where you need to stand firm in truth.
• Ask God for wisdom to set healthy boundaries.
God is a God of truth, not confusion (2 Timothy 1:7 – “For God has not given us a spirit of fear but of power, love, and a sound mind.”)
• Share this episode with someone who may need encouragement.
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Rock Solid Families • 00:35
•The “Rock Solid Families” podcast episode features Bridgitte Price, an adolescent specialist and coach, and Jenna Helton, the marketing and administrative assistant.
•The episode focuses on the theme of “Decluttering Your Heart and Home,” exploring the relationship between emotional and physical clutter.
•Bridgitte emphasizes gratitude towards the podcast sponsors: Maxwell Construction, Casey’s Outdoor Solutions, and the Hooer Ice House.
The Connection Between Heart and Home
•Bridgitte and Jenna discuss the correlation between emotional well-being and physical environment.
•They share personal experiences of feeling overwhelmed by clutter, particularly when lacking boundaries and prioritizing tasks.
Key Concepts
1.Physical and Emotional Clutter:
•Clutter reflects personal values, fears, and reluctance to release items.
•Decluttering can lead to peace and clarity, allowing individuals to feel God’s guidance.
2.Reasons for Holding On:
•Misplaced Priorities: The tendency to chase material possessions or status, such as keeping sentimental items from past generations (e.g., beanie babies, Precious Moments).
•Busyness as a Badge: The societal expectation to be busy can interfere with meaningful time spent in prayer and self-reflection.
•Emotional Clutter: Grudges, regrets, and unrealistic expectations can weigh heavily, blocking peace.
•Fear Factors: Fear of lack (holding onto items “just in case”), fear of change, and fear of losing identity can prevent decluttering.
3.Spiritual Reflection:
•The phrase “Where your treasure is, there your heart will be” (Matthew 6:19-21) highlights the importance of introspection regarding what one values and prioritizes.
Practical Steps to Declutter
1.Physical Clutter:
•Implement the “Three Pile Rule”: separate items into keep, donate, and trash piles.
•Be prepared for a messy process before achieving a clean and organized space.
•Consider the time it takes to clean: if it takes over 10-15 minutes to tidy up, it may indicate excessive clutter.
2.Emotional Clutter:
•Identify and confront emotional baggage, such as fears or past regrets.
•Engage in prayer, journaling, and fasting from distractions to focus on spiritual growth.
3.Seek Contentment:
•Focus on appreciating what one already possesses rather than seeking more.
•Encourage listeners to be thoughtful stewards of their resources.
Advice and Encouragement
•Prayer and Surrender: Ask God for help in releasing burdens that do not serve one’s spiritual journey.
•Allocate Time for God: By reducing clutter, individuals can create more time for prayer, journaling, and being present with God.
•Take Action: Encourage listeners to take small steps toward decluttering, starting with one room or area at a time.
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Are You Too Busy - Ep 312
Rock Solid Families • 00:31
In this episode of the Rocksolid Families Podcast, host Linda Hutchinson and her husband Merrill discuss the critical role of recreation in maintaining healthy relationships, particularly within marriages. They emphasize the necessity of having fun, relaxing, and reprioritizing life amidst the busyness that often overwhelms individuals and families.
The Eight Areas of Life
The discussion originates from a previous episode where Merrill and Linda categorized life into eight essential areas. The significance of recreation quickly emerges as a focal point, highlighting how it rejuvenates and enriches relationships. Merrill asks couples when they last had fun together, suggesting that joy is essential for a healthy relationship.
Importance of Fun and Enjoyment
1.Seriousness in Relationships:
2.Recreation as a Metric:
3.Self-Care and Boundaries:
Unplugging from Work
1.High Expectations:
2.Work-life Balance:
3.Mental and Emotional Costs:
Recognizing Limits and the Need for Rest
1.Signs of Overwork:
2.Personal Reflection:
3.Cultural Pressures:
The Role of Faith and Spirituality
1.Value Beyond Productivity:
2.Scriptural Basis:
3.Mary and Martha Analogy:
Practical Takeaways
1.Implementing Boundaries:
2.Seasonality of Life:
3.Resting and Refueling:
Conclusion
In closing, the hosts urge listeners to take practical steps to prioritize recreation and rest in their lives. They emphasize that while work is important, it should not overshadow personal relationships or spiritual commitments. Merrill and Linda express gratitude for their community and the ongoing support they receive, and they encourage everyone to strive for balance, honoring God in their pursuits.
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Grateful for our Community - Ep 311
Rock Solid Families • 00:28
In this episode of the Rock Solid Families Podcast, hosts Linda and Merrill Hutchinson reflect on the second annual Rock Solid Families Partnership Banquet. They express gratitude towards attendees, sponsors, and the community while discussing the mission behind Rock Solid Families, which focuses on supporting and strengthening family units.
Celebrating the Banquet
•Event Overview: The banquet was a success with over 300 attendees, building upon the success of the previous year. The theme of the event was “Bloom Where You’re Planted,” symbolizing growth and community resilience.
•Community Participation: The event showcased a diverse group of individuals from various backgrounds, including business leaders, educators, and family support organizations. The mix of attendees highlighted the united effort in advocating for strong families.
Key Takeaways from the Banquet
1. Community Strength
2. Collaborative Efforts
3. The Role of Truth and Faith
4. Acknowledgment of Challenges
5. A Call to Action
Future Expansion Plans
•New Location: Rock Solid Families is expanding to include a new location at the Lawrenceburg Care Resource Center, slated to open in May. This facility will be a collaborative space with other non-profits, enhancing their ability to support families.
•New Staff Additions: They are hiring a male coach, Andy Dalton, to help address the needs of young men and fathers in the community. This addition aims to strengthen their outreach and support services.
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What Part of Your Life are You Losing In? Here's How to Start Winning! Ep 310
Rock Solid Families • 00:37
Summary of Rock Solid Families Podcast Episode
Hosts: Merrill Hutchinson and Linda Hutchinson
Episode Focus: Identifying and Improving the Eight Essential Areas of Life
Main Theme: The episode focuses on self-assessment of key life areas, which they categorize into eight essential areas. They encourage listeners to identify weaknesses or "squeaky wheels" in their lives that may need attention.
Eight Essential Areas of Life
Financial Life
Importance of budgeting, savings, retirement, and income satisfaction.
Misconception that financial stability alone leads to happiness.
Need for awareness of financial stressors affecting overall well-being.
Professional life
Ecompasses paid and unpaid roles, including stay-at-home parenting.
Feelings of dissatisfaction can arise from monotonous work or lack of fulfillment.
Importance of assessing job satisfaction to improve overall happiness.
Intellectual Life
Focused on personal growth through learning and curiosity.
Importance of engaging in subjects of genuine interest for enrichment.
Discussion on how educational experiences can influence satisfaction levels.
Recreational Life
Recreation as a source of joy and relaxation, separate from responsibilities.
Need for hobbies and leisure activities to recharge.
Encouragement to find personal recreation that brings joy.
Physical Life
Assessment of physical health, including diet, exercise, and sleep.
Recognition of how physical well-being influences emotional and spiritual health.
Importance of maintaining healthy habits, especially as one ages.
Emotional Health
Focus on emotional stability and regulation.
Need to manage emotions effectively without being driven by feelings.
Importance of forgiveness and letting go of resentment for emotional health.
Relational Life
Quality of relationships can significantly impact life satisfaction.
Importance of having supportive connections and assessing relationship dynamics.
Need for reciprocal relationships, where care and support flow both ways.
Spiritual Life
encompasses faith, purpose, and a connection to a higher power.
Importance of understanding one’s purpose in life and having a relationship with God.
Discussion on how spiritual health can lead to peace and fulfillment in other areas.
Interconnectivity of Life Areas
Goal Setting for Improvement
SMART Goals
Specific: Clearly define what you intend to achieve (e.g., instead of "I want to exercise," say "I will walk for 30 minutes three times a week").
Measurable: Establish criteria to track progress (e.g., "I will reduce my sugar intake by not purchasing sugary snacks").
Achievable: Set realistic goals that can be accomplished.
Relevant: Ensure goals are pertinent to the areas needing improvement.
Time-Based: Set a deadline to create urgency (e.g., "I will achieve this by the end of the month").
Conclusion
The episode wraps up with encouragement for listeners to actively engage with their self-assessment and goal-setting processes.
Matthew 6:33 Seek God first.
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Latest Suicide Statistics:
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH), suicide remains a significant public health issue in the United States.
In 2022, there were over 49,000 suicide deaths in the U.S.
It is also important to note that suicide is a leading cause of death for young people.
Gender Disparities:
Significantly Higher Rates in Males:
Age Trends:
Males:
For males, the highest suicide rates are typically seen in older age groups, particularly those aged 75 and older.
There has been an increase in male suicide rates for those in the 25-44, and 65 and older age groups.
Females:
For females, the highest suicide rates are often observed in middle age, particularly those aged 45-64.
From 2020 to 2022, there has been an increase in female suicide rates for those 25 and older.
Youth:
It is important to note that even though the rates are lower, the percentage increase of suicide in the 10-14 year old female demographic, has been the largest percentage increase out of all female demographics, from 2001 to 2021.
Common Reasons Why People Attempt or Commit Suicide
1. Overwhelming Emotional Pain and Hopelessness:
Escape from Unbearable Suffering:
- Mental Health Conditions:
Depression:
Major depressive disorder is strongly linked to suicide.
Other Mental Disorders:
Conditions like bipolar disorder, schizophrenia, and personality disorders also increase suicide risk.
Substance Abuse:
Drug and alcohol use can impair judgment, increase impulsivity, and exacerbate underlying mental health problems, contributing to suicide attempts.
3. Stressful Life Circumstances:
Interpersonal Problems:
Financial Difficulties:
Job loss, debt, and financial instability can create overwhelming stress.
Trauma and Abuse:
Experiences of physical, sexual, or emotional abuse can have lasting psychological effects and increase suicide risk.
Social Isolation:
Loneliness, and a lack of feeling connected to other people, can be a large contributing factor.
4. Impulsivity:
Advice -
Identifying the Signs:
Recognizing the warning signs of suicidal thoughts is crucial. These signs may include:
Talking about wanting to die or to kill themselves.
Looking for ways to kill themselves, such as searching online or buying a gun.
Talking about feeling hopeless or having no reason to live.
Talking about feeling trapped or in unbearable pain.
Talking about being a burden to others.
Increasing the use of alcohol or drugs.
Withdrawing from friends, family, and activities.
Sleeping too much or too little.
Giving away prized possessions.
Displaying extreme mood swings.
Here are some best practices:
Be Present and Listen:
Show God's Love:
Encourage Professional Help:
Pray:
Share Hope:
Connect them to Church Community:
Remember that God is in control: Even in the darkest times, God is still in control.
Key Resources:
The 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline: Dial 988
Crisis Text Line: Text HOME to 741741
National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI): nami.org
Your local emergency room.
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Girl Power Half Hour - Anxiety and Your Child - Ep 308
Rock Solid Families • 0.0 views • 00:44
Executive Summary of the Rock Solid Families Podcast Episode
Overview
In this episode of the Rock Solid Families Podcast titled “Girl Power Half Hour,” host Linda Hutchinson, alongside co-hosts Bridgitte Price and Jenna Helton, discusses the pressing topic of parenting children with anxiety. The conversation is rooted in a faith-based perspective, providing insights and actionable advice for parents navigating the challenges of raising anxious children.
Key Points
1.Understanding Anxiety in Children:
•The hosts share personal anecdotes about their experiences with anxious children, emphasizing that anxiety is a natural response to various stressors such as transitions (new schools, family dynamics, etc.).
•The discussion highlights how children’s understanding of their emotions is still developing, particularly in young children whose brains are not fully formed.
2.Parenting Strategies:
•Avoiding Extremes: Parents are encouraged to avoid overreacting to their child’s anxiety. This includes not allowing anxiety to dictate their child’s actions, such as skipping school or canceling activities.
•Healthy Relationships: The importance of modeling healthy relationships and community support is stressed. Parents should demonstrate how to manage anxiety positively and seek support from trusted individuals.
3.Coping Techniques:
•The hosts recommend practical coping strategies, such as prayer, affirmations, and mindfulness techniques like box breathing to help children manage anxiety.
•Encouraging children to articulate their feelings and identifying their emotions beyond just anxiety can provide deeper insights into their struggles.
4.The Role of Technology:
•The impact of technology and social media on children’s mental health is discussed, emphasizing that excessive screen time can exacerbate anxiety. Parents should be mindful of their child’s technology use and promote healthy alternatives.
5.Collaboration with Schools:
•Parents are advised to partner with educators and school authorities to create a supportive environment for anxious children. This includes open communication with teachers to address specific concerns and finding solutions together.
6.Resources for Parents:
•The hosts recommend several resources, including the book The Anxious Generation, and various faith-based materials that can aid in understanding and addressing anxiety.
Conclusion
The episode provides valuable insights and practical advice for parents dealing with anxious children. By fostering open communication, practicing healthy coping strategies, and collaborating with educational institutions, parents can better support their children in navigating anxiety. The importance of grounding these practices in faith and community support is emphasized as essential for building resilience in children.
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Do You Have A Soulmate?
What Does the World Say vs. What Does the Bible Say?
Cultural Perspective
- Movies, books, and pop culture promote the idea of "the one."
- The idea that happiness is found in finding a perfect match.
.Biblical Perspective
- The Bible does not explicitly mention "soulmates" in the modern romantic sense.
- God's plan focuses more on covenant love, commitment, and choosing to love rather than a fated "perfect match."
- Scripture: Genesis 2:18 – "It is not good for the man to be alone. I will make a helper suitable for him." (God provides a partner, but not a predestined “one and only.”)
God's Role in Relationships – Divine Guidance vs. Destiny
- God’s Sovereignty in Choosing a Spouse
- God gives wisdom and guidance rather than a rigid blueprint.
- Marriage is a Covenant, Not Just a Cosmic Connection
- Marriage is a commitment that requires work, not just a magical connection.
- When that covenant is broken…then what? It's a myth that there is only ONE partner for you out there. What happens if they leave you or die? The bible is clear that you are free to marry again if your spouse dies. If you adhere to this idea of ONE soul mate then you could never marry again or find love again? God may have other good plans for your life involving someone else.
How to Approach Relationships Biblically
- Seek God's Wisdom and Pray for Guidance
- James 1:5 – " If any of you lacks wisdom, you should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to you.” (Don’t leave God out of the search)
- Look for Biblical Compatibility, Not Just Chemistry
- 2 Corinthians 6:14 – "Do not be yoked together with unbelievers..." (Spiritual compatibility matters.)
- Commitment Over Feelings
- Love is a DECISION NOT A FEELING AND is built through commitment, service, and sacrifice, not just finding a “perfect match.”
- 1 Corinthians 13:4-7 – Love is patient, kind, and enduring, not based on feelings alone.
Segment 4: Encouragement for Singles & Married Couples
- For Singles:
- Focus on becoming the right person, not just finding the right person.
- Trust God's timing and plan.
- Don’t seek someone that you can’t live without or is dependent on you. That’s not healthy.
- Not Dependent. Not Independent. But instead Interdependent.
- Interdependence means sharing your feelings and needs with a partner without fearing the relationship will end. Successful relationships are built on a solid foundation of safety in which our needs for security, trust, reliability, and nurturance are met
- Psalm 37:4- Take delight in the Lord, and he will give you the desires of your heart.
- Matthew 6:33 – But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well.
- For Married Couples:
- Invest in your relationship daily—love grows through intentional effort.
- Lean on God for strength during tough seasons.
- Ecclesiastes 4:12 – "A cord of three strands is not quickly broken." (God strengthens marriages.)
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Got Values Ep 306
Rock Solid Families • 00:34
Podcast Introduction
00:00 Welcome to the Rock Solid Families podcast with Linda Hutson and her husband Merl. They discuss their recent illnesses and the importance of rhythm in family life.
Establishing Family Values
00:54 Today’s episode focuses on establishing family values. Linda and Merrill emphasize that many people assume everyone shares the same values, which is often not true. They stress the need for families to define what they stand for.
Parenting Series Announcement
02:12 The couple notes they are conducting a four-week parenting series at Batesville Intermediate School. This week’s topic is value-centered parenting, alongside a marriage retreat discussing foundational values for families.
Importance of Vision
05:01 They reference Proverbs 29:18, stating that without vision, families can fall apart. Establishing a clear destination and the means to reach it is essential for family unity and success.
The Impact of Division
06:25 Merrill highlights that a divided household creates chaos and confusion. Children need clarity in family values to avoid anxiety and emotional turmoil that can arise from conflicting messages.
The Role of Faith
11:52 Linda discusses the importance of faith in their family values, emphasizing that parents should communicate this clearly to ensure children understand the principles guiding their household.
Communication Among Adults
12:18 The couple encourages couples to openly discuss and document their shared values. This process is essential for aligning family goals and expectations, especially when integrating new children into the family.
Modeling Values for Children
13:45 Linda shares an experience about instilling respect and peacemaking in their home. They stress that parents must model the values they wish to teach.
Building Core Values
15:39 The discussion shifts to core values like honesty and integrity. These values should be actively taught and modeled in family life to foster trust and accountability among family members.
Teaching Justice and Consequences
22:52 They also address the importance of understanding justice and consequences in decision-making. Parents should help children recognize the costs associated with their choices.
Encouragement for Reset
31:01 Linda and Merrill conclude by encouraging parents to take the time to hit the reset on their family values. If families need help, they are available to work them through the process.
Call 812-576-7625
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FAMILIES ROCK Parenting Series
These four critical areas are what we know will impact your family more than anything else you are doing. If you get them right, your family will prosper. If you fumble through them or simply don't understand them, your family will likely suffer.
Todays's show is a glimpse into our Families Rock Parenting Series that we have been offering and teaching for years. We have taken all of our experience and joined it with the best researched practices to give you an easy to understand and apply process.
Session 1-Navigating Emotions at Home This session uncovers how the emotions of parents and children impact the parent/child relationship. We will equip parents with effective strategies for healthy emotional regulation and support of child and parent. We will be talking about how to bring down the emotional temperature in the home by shifting from REACTING to RESPONDING as parents.
Session 2-Value Based Parenting- In this session, we describe the different seasons of parenting and our role as parents in each one. We talk about the different ineffective styles of parenting we see today and unpack the healthiest and most effective style of parenting we’ve seen in our 35 yrs working with families. We talk about why being a united front is so important and the CORE critical developmental assets/values parents can model and emphasize at home.
Session 3-Healthy Relationships-Children often model what they see at home which is why we use this session to teach the personal boundaries behind healthy relationships. We give parents a very practical word picture to take home and teach to their children. We’ll be taking the plan we built in Session 2 and creating a foundation for healthy relationships and a strong and healthy home.
Session 4-Parenting in a Tech Heavy World- This session helps to bring awareness about our digital world today and the hidden dangers of excessive screen time. We give practical tools and research-supported recommendations on what parents can do to create a healthy technology balance in the home.
For more information contact our office at 812-576-7625 (ROCK)
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Do Your Kids Know Your Soft Spot? Ep 321
Rock Solid Families • 0.0 views • 00:36
Key Takeaways from the Rock Solid Families Podcast
Episode Overview
•Hosts: Jenna Halton and Bridget Price discuss parenting challenges, specifically around not giving in to children’s pleas and emotional manipulation.
•Focus: Sharing personal stories and offering advice on establishing boundaries with children.
Main Topics Covered
- Common Parenting Struggles
•Parents often face challenges when children use emotional pleas (like “puppy dog eyes”) to negotiate or push boundaries.
•Personal anecdotes highlight situations where children try to extend bedtime routines or negotiate snacks.
- Importance of Boundaries
•Setting clear, consistent boundaries is crucial for healthy child development.
•Teaching children about consequences of their actions helps them learn responsibility.
- Four Laws of Boundaries
•Law of Sowing and Reaping: Actions have consequences; children need to face the outcome of their choices.
•Law of Proactivity: Set boundaries before problems arise to create a predictable environment.
•Law of Activity: Follow through with established boundaries and consequences.
•Law of Exposure: Communicate boundaries clearly to everyone involved in the child’s upbringing.
- Actionable Steps for Parents
•Communicate: Have discussions with your spouse and children about boundaries and expectations.
•Apologize for Past Mistakes: If previous boundaries were unclear, acknowledge that and set new expectations.
•Family Meetings: Hold discussions to involve children in the boundary-setting process and gather their input.
•Stick to Your Words: Enforce the boundaries consistently, even when it’s challenging.
- Research Support
•Cited research indicates that children who understand boundaries are more likely to thrive academically and socially.
Conclusion
•The episode emphasizes the importance of maintaining consistent boundaries and how doing so can positively impact family dynamics. The hosts encourage parents to actively engage in setting and enforcing these boundaries for the well-being of their children.
Sponsors
•Thanks to sponsors: Maxwell Construction, Casey’s Outdoor Solutions, and Hoer Ice House for supporting the podcast.
Overall, the podcast serves as a relatable discussion for parents looking for guidance on effective parenting strategies and the importance of boundaries in family life.
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Outside of family, friends are likely to be your most important relationships you will ever have outside of God.
We are not made to go it alone. Lone Wolves don’t last long.
But, developing your wolf - pack is not something to be taken lightly.
Even though the desire for friendship is innate, the manner by which we go about it is learned and practiced.
Proverbs 22:24-25: "Do not make friends with a hot-tempered person, do not associate with one easily angered"
Advice -
Proverbs 12:26: "The righteous choose their friends carefully, but the way of the wicked leads them astray"
Value Based Friendships vs Interest Based Friendships
Hanging around the kids on the soccer team because we all play soccer
Hanging around kids that are respectful and nice
Hanging around kids on the soccer team that are respectful and nice
Your child has to know their values - they will naturally know their interests.
Have you been intentionally teaching the values of your home?
Can your child tell you what the values of your home are?
How have you been demonstrating and reinforcing the family values?
Teaching your child to discern, not judge
1 Corinthians 15:33: "Bad company corrupts good character"
Encourage Inclusivity-teaching them to be kind and respectful to all kinds of people.
Model Healthy Relationships: Demonstrate respect, kindness, and conflict resolution in your own relationships.
Teaching boundaries that honor the family values and protect the people living for the values.
As the parent you can discuss the boundaries that you have placed in your own life in order to protect and live by a certain boundary.
Place boundaries on your kids if they are not following the family values when it comes to choosing friends. “Sorry, but you can’t play with that child because he behaves rudely.”
Know your kid’s friends and their families
We don’t just assume that everyone’s value system is like ours. Meet the families and friends
of your child.
Encourage Communication: Keep an open line of dialogue so your child feels safe sharing concerns about friends.
The teenage years take on a different look.
You will not be able to monitor every single interaction that your teenager has with another
person, and you shouldn’t.
You want to allow your teen to start to test their own skills and strength in building friends.
When they violate your family values, they should know that there will be consequences. As long as they are under your roof, your values must be respected and honored.
Proverbs 13:20: "Walk with the wise and become wise, for a companion of fools suffers harm"
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Study Notes: “Do You Want to Get Well? Ep 319 - Rock Solid Families Podcast”
Main Ideas
•Victimhood in Society: Discussion on how victim mentality is prevalent and can be harmful to individuals and families.
•Impact on Relationships: Highlighting how adopting a victim mentality can affect marriages and personal relationships.
•Excuses vs. Accountability: Emphasizing that making excuses prevents healing and personal growth.
Key Concepts
•Victim Mentality: A mindset where individuals feel wronged or oppressed, leading to a cycle of blame and inaction.
•Healing and Change: The importance of wanting to get well and actively participating in one’s healing journey.
•Obedience and Action: Transformation requires obedience to do the necessary work for change.
Important Terms
•Excuses: Justifications for inaction that often stem from a lack of ownership over one’s situation.
•Rock Bottom: A personal threshold when someone decides they can no longer tolerate their circumstances and seeks change.
•Fruit of the Spirit: Qualities (like self-control) that believers should exhibit, which help in overcoming negative behaviors.
Summary of Complex Concepts
•The Pool of Bethesda: A biblical story where Jesus asks a lame man if he wants to get well. This illustrates the challenge of accepting help and taking action towards healing.
•Key Question: “Do you want to get well?” – Reflects that healing starts with a desire to change.
•Moving Past Excuses: It’s important to recognize that conditions will never be perfect for making changes; one must take initiative despite the circumstances.
Examples
•Personal Confessions: The hosts discuss their struggles with food as a source of comfort and how they are working to change that behavior.
•Community Influence: Surrounding oneself with supportive individuals who challenge victimhood rather than enabling it.
Action Steps
1.Identify Your Mat: Understand what burdens you carry that prevent your growth (e.g., unhealthy habits, toxic relationships).
2.Embrace Change: Take the first step towards healing by acknowledging your issues and seeking accountability.
3.Surround Yourself with Truth: Engage with people who provide honest feedback and push you toward positive action.
Conclusion
•The podcast encourages listeners to reflect on their lives, own their challenges, and take actionable steps towards healing and improvement. The overarching message is about empowerment and the choice to move forward rather than remain in victimhood.
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Background -
Where did this topic come from. It started with conviction. God has really been laying on my heart the need to do a better job of listening
James 1: 19 19 My dear brothers and sisters, take note of this: Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to become angry.
I confess…I need to be better at this. You know this…I don’t like the silence. I will quickly fill it with my words. Not a great quality for a pastoral counselor/life coach. I am also way too impatience when I am listening to others. It’s like I want to speed up their thought and finish their sentence for them if they are struggling. Again….not a good quality for a counselor or coach.
But I don’t think I’m alone in this. God’s been showing me how poorly we as believers are doing in truly listening to others. We’re not taking the time to truly listen.
So we want to help those who may be listening today how to take time to listen…to God and to others.
Acknowledge the Need for a Listening Heart.
Be Quick to Listen, Slow to Speak: James 1:19 emphasizes the importance of actively listening before responding. This applies both to hearing from God and engaging with others.
Pray for Discernment: Ask God to open your spiritual ears and grant wisdom in understanding His voice and the needs of those around you.
Create Space to Hear His Voice: Regular quiet time allows you to tune out distractions and better hear God's gentle promptings (Psalm 46:10). Be still and Know that I am God.
Sit in the Silence: Practice not saying the next words, at least for a while. It’s not about not talking at all, it’s more about letting the thoughts of the other person be spoken without your immediate response.
No Need to Share Your Story: Sit in their story and resist the desire to tell your similar or related story. Ex. they tell a story about their troubled teen and you immediately are triggered about your own troubled teen and want to share your story. Keep the focus on their story.
Listen with Empathy and Compassion
Seek to Understand: Try to see things from the other person's perspective. Ask clarifying questions and show genuine interest in their thoughts and feelings.
Hebrews 10:24-25- And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds, 25 not giving up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but encouraging one another—and all the more as you see the Day approaching.
Offer Support and Encouragement: Let your words and actions reflect Christ's love and compassion
1 Thess 5:11. Therefore encourage one another and build each other up, just as in fact you are doing.
Practice Active Listening:
Avoid Clinical or Analytical Speak:
Listen for God's Word in Scripture and Daily Life (Psalm 119:105)
Regular Bible Study:
Seek God in All Things:
Put Your Faith into Action: True listening involves responding to what you hear from God and others.
Be Obedient to God's Will: Seek to align your life with God's plan and purpose (Romans 12:1-2).
Serve Others with Humility: Use your listening skills to minister to the needs of those around you (Galatians 5:13).
Avoid Giving Unsolicited Advice:
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The girls, Jenna, Bridgitte, and Linda, take on the topic of "Word of the Year". Each of them discussed the importance of being intentional about how you are going to look forward to the new year. With this intentionality, describe it with are single word.
The Word of the Year has many different purposes. It helps us to stay focused. It helps us to look forward and actively develop an optimistic mindset. Among other things, it encourages us to invite God into our lives. We know that we will fall short of attaining these words if we set them high enough. But, that reminds us to lean on God to create a way.
Listen in to hear the ladies converse to develop their word and how the plan to actually live this word in the new year.
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Hopelessness is no laughing matter. When we hear such words we know that people are in a potentially dangerous place. They are giving up. Such words as "suicide", "not worth it anymore", and "i'm finished", are some of the trembling phases that catch our attention. This is why HOPE is so important.
Hope is the fuel that gets us out of bed every single day. Hope is the positive anticipation that something can be better. But, hope does not stand alone. Hope must be founded on something even greater, FAITH! Faith is the foundation on which hope stands.
So the question is, what is your faith based on? When we base our faith on such feeble and fickle things such as ourselves or even our best friends, it's not long until we are disappointed. We all fall short! Rather, when we place our faith in something that is all-knowing, all-powerful, all-loving, we can have a HOPE that surpasses all human understanding. There is only one such thing and that is GOD!
When we put our faith in God and learn to trust His ways over ours, amazing things happen. Peace, Contentment, Love, and Care are just the tip of the iceberg.
Is it time to rethink what you are placing your faith in ?
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Tune in as Linda and Merrill take on common questions presented by parents. Raising kids in today's world comes with a hosts of challenges; peer pressure, homework struggles, identity crisis, and bad attitudes are just the tip of the iceberg. While there is often no one exactly correct answer, there are many basic guidelines to help us through parenting questons.
Building your house on a firm foundation of values is the beginning. Too often parents make assumptions that they are sharing the same values for their children. But, when tested, they discover that they may not actually be on the same page. Establish your family values and make it loud and clear to everyone in the family that these values do not change based on mood or circumstances.
Establishing and maintaining the authority in the home is of next importance. Children are not equipped to lead the home even though they may think they are. Setting clear boundaries, expectations, and consequences are essential in helping the family navigate the child rearing days. Avoid arguing, negotiating, or wavering on the enforcement of expectations and consequences. Your kids may push back, but your steadfast commitment to the way forward is of utmost importance.
Seek a healthy understanding and balance between raising your kids in truth and grace. Yes, we all want our kids to know and follow the truth, but we also no that no one besides Christ has been able to do this. So, when they fall short, bless them with the same grace that Christ extends to all of us.
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Just like your teacher always encouraged you to ask questions because probably someone else in the class had the same question. We do the same thing at Rock Solid Families. This episode deals with several of the many questions that people have concerning their marriage. Check them out and see which ones hit close to home for you.
Communication and Conflict
***Riley: "We've been arguing about the same things for months now. We just go around in circles. What are some effective communication strategies to break this pattern?"
***Noah: "I feel like I'm always the one making sacrifices, whether it's my career or my hobbies. Is it fair to expect my partner to meet me halfway?"
Intimacy and Emotional Connection
***Olivia: "We've been married for 10 years, and I feel like we're drifting apart emotionally. How can we deepen our emotional connection?"
***Liam: "With both of us working full-time jobs and raising two kids, we're always so busy. How can we prioritize quality time for each other?"
Stress and Life Changes
***Charlotte: "Since I started my new job, I've been feeling overwhelmed and stressed. It's affecting our relationship. How can we better balance our work and home lives?"
***Mia: "My partner's family is always interfering in our decisions, and it's driving me crazy. How can we set healthy boundaries?"
Personal Growth and Individuality
Noah: "I still have feelings for an ex, and it's bothering me. How can I let go of the past and move forward?"
Ella: "My partner's constant criticism is making me feel insecure. How can I boost my self-esteem?"
Send us your questions. Go to: https://rocksolidfamilies.org
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Background - * We first want to say that we do not want to minimize anyone’s problems or challenges. They are real, and they can be difficult. * The other thing to keep in mind is that no matter who you are, no one escapes the challenges of life. Rich, poor, black, white, urban, rural, Christian, atheist, it doesn’t matter, we all have problems. * Having problems reveals a deeper side of ourselves that many of us would like to keep hidden. * Problems actually can have benefits. In the moment they may seem overwhelmingly painful, but over time we often can see good on the other side.
Advice - 1. Recognize and accept that mankind lives in a fallen world where God has allowed bad things to happen. He allows us free will and we can and have rejected His ways. Therefore, we have separated ourselves from him and for that we will suffer the natural consequences. Disease, selfishness, broken relationships, greed, war, etc… 2. Ask the right questions when you’re in a bad time. Not, “Why me?”, but rather, “What can I learn from this?”, “What is my part in this?”, “What can I do about this?” 3. Problems can trigger us into victimhood or empowerment, we decide!
1 Timothy 6:12 “Fight the good fight of the faith. Take hold of the eternal life to which you were called when you made your good confession in the presence of many witnesses.”
- Problems offer us a great opportunity to get closer to God and rest on him.
1 Thessalonians 5:16-17 "Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, give thanks in all circumstances..." “Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you”
- Problems can be handled intentionally or not. When handled with intention we become more in tune with our resourcefulness, our need for others, our human weaknesses, our strength of faith, and our ability to persevere.
Psalm 9:9 “The LORD is a stronghold for the oppressed, a stronghold in times of trouble. And those who know your name put their trust in you, for you, O LORD, have not forsaken those who seek you.”
- Problems actually make us stronger - “whatever doesn’t kill you makes you stronger”
- Problems can and should help us to understand that God wants our heart!
Psalm 55:22 “Cast your burden on the LORD, and he will sustain you; he will never permit the righteous to be moved.”
- Undoubtedly, we can all share our stories of hardship. But no matter the story, we are called and encouraged to seek and honor God. The pain we suffer on this earth will be erased and replaced with pure joy in heaven. This is the motivation to have hope and look to the future. Without this hope, our problems are truly life ending.
Challenge - Take some time this week to actively think about your blessings. Certain people, faith, opportunities, health, wealth, home, whatever it is that you consider a blessing, take time to focus on those things and practice having gratitude in the storms.
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These days there are many things trying to tell us who we should be and how we are to act. The truth is, most of it is not even close to what God has called us to be. In this special episode of Girl Power Hour, Jenna, Bridgitte and Linda take on the messaging of the world as it relates to today's young moms.
Trying to raise children, balance a career, and still be a good wife are not simple tasks. On top of all of this, we have what seems everyone on planet earth trying to armchair quarterback the best way to do these things.
At some point in time we must called it what it is, INSANITY! Trying to do what the world tells us we should do is a sure fire way lose who you are as a person and child of God.
Listen in to our conversation and hear our struggles and how we attempt to reprioritize in be the person God wants us to be.
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Do you find yourself saving your kids from adversity and challenge? Do you spend excessive amounts of time fighting your kid's battles? If so, you may very well be a snow plowing parent.
There are a number of different parenting styles but in the last decade one that has grown in use has been called the Snow Plowing Parent, or sometimes called, Bulldozing Parent. Either way, it is expressing the idea that the parent is attempting to clear a pathway for their kids to make the route as easy as possible for the kids. While this typically comes with the best of intentions, we have seen it backfire on us and create much bigger problems than we initially were attempting to solve.
As much as we don't like it, stress and pressure are part of life and actually turn out to be a good part of life when taken in healthy doses. Stresses make us stronger and more capable over the long haul due to teaching us how to handle and adapt to the stress loads that life will be throwing at us.
Think about a tree that grows in a dense forest. Then cut away all the trees in the forest except for the single tree. Initially is looks so tall and beautiful standing on its own, but then the first big wind comes only to uproot it and topple it to the ground. Why? The tree simply did not built the strength in the root system, branches, and even wood to sustain these kinds of outer forces.
In order for a tree to handle such stresses it should grow in an area where winds push to create a response of strengthening from the tree; more roots, lower branches, more dense wood.
Check out this week's show to see how you can catch your snowplowing parenting and make adjustments to equip your kids for the best opportunities.
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We have a saying and expectation at our house. "Our house is a house of peace". We didn’t realize this until we adopted our younger kids and we began to see the chaos that was draining all of us. As we struggled to understand what happened to our peace, we realized just how important peace is in the house. Peace is necessary in order for people to rest and replenish their energy stores to go out and live another day in this crazy world.
The Ripple Effects of a Life Without Peace
When peace is absent from our lives, it creates a ripple effect, impacting every aspect of our being. Our physical health can deteriorate as stress hormones surge, leading to ailments like insomnia, headaches, and weakened immunity. Our mental clarity is clouded, making it difficult to concentrate, learn, and make sound decisions. Emotionally, we become more prone to anxiety, depression, and irritability, straining our relationships with others. Spiritually, we may feel disconnected from a higher power, leading to a sense of emptiness and a loss of purpose.
The Disruptors of Peace
Several factors contribute to the disruption of peace in our lives. Financial worries, relationship conflicts, career pressures, and societal unrest can all create significant stress and anxiety. Fear of the unknown, unresolved past traumas, and negative self-talk further erode our sense of inner calm. However, the root cause of these disruptions often lies in a lack of connection with the true source of peace – Jesus Christ, the Prince of Peace.
Reclaiming Peace: 7 Practical Steps
To restore peace to our lives, we must turn to the ultimate source of tranquility. Here are seven practical steps to help us reconnect with Jesus and experience His peace:
Seek Solitude: Spend time alone with God in prayer and meditation. This allows us to quiet our minds and listen to His voice.
Embrace Scripture: Regularly read and meditate on God's Word. The Bible offers wisdom, comfort, and guidance that can bring peace to our hearts and minds.
Practice Gratitude: Focus on the blessings in our lives, no matter how small. Gratitude shifts our perspective and fosters a sense of contentment.
Forgive Freely: Let go of resentment and bitterness. Forgiveness frees us from the burdens of the past and opens the door to healing and peace.
Serve Others: Helping others takes the focus off our own problems and brings joy and fulfillment.
Cultivate Healthy Habits: Prioritize sleep, nutrition, and exercise. These practices contribute to overall well-being and mental clarity.
Trust in God's Sovereignty: Surrender our worries and anxieties to God, trusting that He is in control. This releases us from the burden of trying to manage everything ourselves.
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Anyone that has ever been a parent knows that parenting can be challenging. Sometimes half the battle is between the parents and not the kids. But, if we want to make it even more challenging, add a divorce or separation into the picture. Yes, now parenting goes to a new level of challenging.
We often see what is called Parental Alienation between parents and their kids. One parent intentionally or not, making it more difficult for the other parent to be involved in their kid's life. This can be blatantly obvious or even more subtle. The problem is that it causes damages to all the parties involved. Nobody wins when this tactic is used.
Cooperation and unity are the keys to successful parenting whether divorced or not. Having both adults in the child's life coming to common values and expectations and then enforcing them when under the care of either parent. This alleviates the confusion and the process of raising the child is more clear on everyone's part.
Co-Parenting After Divorce: Strategies for Success
Ephesians 4:3 - Make every effort to keep the unity of the Spirit through the bond of peace.
Divorce can be a challenging experience for any family, but it can be especially difficult when co-parenting arrangements are involved. When two adults are not able to communicate effectively or work together amicably, the situation can become even more complex. However, there are several strategies that can help co-parents navigate these challenges and create a positive environment for their children.
One of the most effective strategies for co-parenting after divorce is to prioritize the needs of the children. This means putting aside personal differences and focusing on what is best for the children's well-being. Research has shown that children of divorced parents who have a positive relationship with both parents tend to have better emotional and social outcomes (Pruett & Pruett, 2009).
Another important strategy is to establish clear and consistent communication channels. This can be done through regular meetings, emails, or phone calls. It is important to maintain a respectful and professional tone, even when disagreements arise. Open and honest communication can help to minimize misunderstandings and resolve conflicts more effectively. When conflict is high, most courts recommend a safe and effective communication tool, Our Family Wizard, to communicate necessary messages. The messages are saved and visible to the courts. This helps to keep everyone accountable with our messaging.
It is also crucial to develop a parenting plan that outlines the specific details of custody, visitation, and decision-making responsibilities. This plan should be clear, concise, and legally binding. It is important to seek legal advice to ensure that the plan is fair and enforceable.
In addition to these strategies, co-parents may also benefit from seeking professional help. A therapist or counselor can provide guidance and support in developing effective communication skills and resolving conflicts. They can also help to address any underlying emotional issues that may be impacting the co-parenting relationship.
If you need help in this area please contact us at https://rocksolidfamilies.org
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Time for the ladies to put their spin on things. Jenna, Bridgitte, and Linda are putting together a new program that will run once a month called, Girl Power. The show will take the view of these three ladies on the many tasks of being a woman, mom, and wife in today's world. This show promises to be informative, fun, and honoring of the people they so diligently serve.
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Contrary to what you may hear from feminist, the majority of women that we work with in our office desire a good man in their lives. When asked what women are looking for here are some general answers and themes that we see in our office as well as what we read in the research.
Empathy and understanding
Open and honest communication
Shared values and goals
Mutual respect
Shared responsibilities
Equality in decision-making
Intellectual stimulation
Shared interests and hobbies
Reliability and Dependability
Trustworthiness
Commitment
Financial stability
Leadership and Confidence
Direction and Vision
Solid Values and Morals
Commitment to Leading the Family Well
The challenge is that these men are harder and harder to find. Women often find themselves settling or simply going without a man even though they desire a good man.
There are many reasons that women are having a harder time finding the man of their dreams, but a few that we see and the research supports are:
Lacking Maturity - we know that now more than ever we have men that are slower to get their driver's licenses, go to college or trade school, move out of their parents’ house, or embark on a career.
Lacking Motivation - We know that more than ever, young men are addicted to video games that steal hours of their days as they become over-stimulated by a false world. This results in young men that are excited or motivated by the slower paced “wins” of real life and thus lose interest and motivation to do real life.
Lacking Fathers - Possibly the largest contributor to the stunted growth of our young men is the simple fact that they lacked a father that challenged and encouraged them to actually become a man. They make statements like; “I never had anyone show me how to do that”
Lacking Identity - The mixing of roles and responsibilities has driven women to do even more, while it has confused men with recognizing their gifts and what they can bring to the relationship.
Lacking Moral and Spiritual Compass - God’s Word is very clear on what his design is for men, but if you don’t know or believe in God’s Word, you have lost an opportunity to learn and receive an upbringing that gives you a clear vision of what it is to be a man.
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The topic of Love and Respect is one we have covered before. But this time we are approaching it from two very different perspectives; husbands then wives.
Understanding what love and respect means to each other is like learning an entirely new language. Things you thought you understood come back to only cause more confusion and conflict. Emerson Eggerich, author or Love and Respect, explains that the two languages are not necessarily right or wrong, just different. The key to success in the relationship is then understanding the language differences and how to interpret better.
In part 1 we covered the topic from the man's perspective. How he interprets the language of love and respect and how the ladies can do better to understand his language.
In part 2 we covered the topic from the woman's perspective. Her interpretation of love and respect is different than the man's but no better or worse.
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The topic of Love and Respect is one we have covered before. But this time we are approaching it from two very different perspectives; husbands then wives.
Understanding what love and respect means to each other is like learning an entirely new language. Things you thought you understood come back to only cause more confusion and conflict. Emerson Eggerich, author or Love and Respect, explains that the two languages are not necessarily right or wrong, just different. The key to success in the relationship is then understanding the language differences and how to interpret better.
In part 1 we covered the topic from the man's perspective. How he interprets the language of love and respect and how the ladies can do better to understand his language.
In part 2 we covered the topic from the woman's perspective. Her interpretation of love and respect is different than the man's but no better or worse.
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Spiritual warfare is a reality that families, particularly those who hold strong Christian beliefs, often face. Understanding spiritual warfare and recognizing how it manifests can help families confront these attacks and fortify themselves spiritually.
Ways We See Spiritual Attacks on the Family
Division and Conflict: One of the primary tactics in spiritual warfare is to sow seeds of discord within the family. Misunderstandings, arguments, and grudges can fracture relationships.
Distraction from Spiritual Priorities: Families can be overwhelmed by hectic schedules, technology, entertainment, and material pursuits.
Negative Influences: Spiritual attacks may come through media, friendships, or cultural pressures that promote values contrary to biblical teachings.
Mental and Emotional Health Struggles: Spiritual warfare often manifests in the form of anxiety, depression, fear, or feelings of inadequacy.
Attacks on Marriages: Marriage is a key target in spiritual warfare because it forms the foundation of the family. Problems such as infidelity, lack of communication, resentment, and selfishness can cause deep rifts in marriage.
Challenges in Parenting: Raising children in a godly manner faces opposition through societal influences, peer pressure, and ideologies that contradict biblical values.
Advice -
Confronting and Dealing with Spiritual Attacks
Prayer and Fasting: Prayer is the frontline defense against spiritual warfare. Families should develop a habit of regular, intentional prayer, both individually and as a unit.
Daily Bible Reading and Study: Scripture is a powerful weapon in spiritual warfare. Ephesians 6:17 describes the Word of God as "the sword of the Spirit."
Wearing the Full Armor of God: Ephesians 6:10-18 outlines the "armor of God" that believers must wear to stand firm against the enemy's schemes. This includes the belt of truth, breastplate of righteousness, shield of faith, helmet of salvation, and sword of the Spirit.
Forgiveness and Reconciliation: Families must actively work on resolving conflicts and practicing forgiveness.
Guarding the Mind: Proverbs 4:23 advises, "Above all else, guard your heart, for everything you do flows from it." Families should be cautious of what they allow into their minds through media, relationships, and activities.
Building a Supportive Christian Community: Engaging with a church community provides spiritual support and accountability.
Regular Worship and Sacraments: Participating in regular worship and sacraments, such as Communion, keeps the family connected to God’s grace and reminds them of His power over darkness.
Encouraging Open Communication: Parents should foster an environment where children feel comfortable discussing their fears, doubts, and questions about faith. strategies to counter them, families can protect their unity and spiritual health. As Ephesians 6:12 reminds us, "Our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world." In Christ, families have the power to overcome these forces and live in victory.
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Matthew 12:25 But Jesus knew their thoughts, and said to them: "Every kingdom divided against itself is brought to desolation, and every city or house divided against itself will not stand.
True wisdom is timeless. Whether it was the time of Christ walking the earth or today, the wisdom holds true. Short of the civil war era, our country has not experienced such divide. Politics, religion, economics, education, and journalism just to name a few, have driven a great wedge between us. One of the many results we are witnessing is the sheer lack of civility towards each other.
Whether we agree or disagree with each other's ideas, as Christians we are all called to treat each other with respect. Many believe they only need to treat others with respect when they are earning respect. This is not of the Bible. The Bible tells us we are to respect all individuals. Every person has equal value and worth in the eyes of God. For us to disrespect a person places us in a position of judgement against them. We are not called to judge the person.
On the other hand, we are not being asked to respect the actions of others. This is where we get confused. We don't like the behavior or actions of someone and we immediately place them as something less than us as a person. This is a dangerous thing for us to not understand. We have all heard the phrase, 'love the sinner, hate the sin', this is what this idea is about.
Several years ago a popular slogan began its way around the country. On its surface it seemed to be innocent and even make sense. The reality is that it has backfired. "Celebrate Diversity". This slogan has not brought us together but driven us apart. The slogan we must get back to is grounded in who we are as humans. "Celebrate Similarity, Respect Diversity".
When you hear name calling and assault on entire sectors of people, your radar should go off. This is not the person you want to be following. This person is simply not being civil or respectful to others. It doesn't matter their political view, if they are disrespectful, beware!
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Parenting Styles and Their Impact
Parenting styles are the approaches parents take to raise their children. These styles can significantly influence a child's development, behavior, and self-esteem. Here are six common parenting styles, with examples and a discussion of their effectiveness:
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Permissive Parenting
Description: Parents are very lenient, allowing their children to make their own decisions and setting few limits.
Example: Parents let their child stay up as late as they want, eat whatever they desire, and have little to no rules.
Impact: Children raised by permissive parents may struggle with self-control, decision-making, and responsibility. They may also become more prone to substance abuse and risky behaviors. -
Neglectful Parenting
Description: Parents are uninvolved and provide little emotional or practical support.
Example: Parents are often absent or preoccupied, showing little interest in their child's life.
Impact: Children raised by neglectful parents may experience low self-esteem, emotional problems, and behavioral issues. They may also struggle with academic performance and social relationships. -
Gentle Parenting
Description: Parents focus on creating a loving and supportive environment, emphasizing positive discipline and communication.
Example: Parents use gentle discipline techniques, such as natural consequences and positive reinforcement, to guide their child's behavior.
Impact: Children raised by gentle parents often develop strong self-esteem, empathy, and social skills. They are also more likely to be cooperative and well-adjusted. -
Guilty Parenting
Description: Parents feel excessive guilt and often overcompensate by being overly permissive or indulgent.
Example: Parents feel guilty about working long hours and try to make up for it by buying their child expensive gifts or allowing them to have unlimited screen time.
Impact: Children raised by guilty parents may struggle with boundaries and expectations. They may also develop a sense of entitlement and become less resilient to challenges. -
Authoritarian Parenting
Description: Parents are strict, demanding obedience, and using punishment as a primary form of discipline.
Example: Parents set rigid rules, expect unquestioning obedience, and use harsh punishments for disobedience.
Impact: Children raised by authoritarian parents may become rebellious, withdrawn, or aggressive. They may also struggle with self-esteem and social skills. -
Authoritative Parenting
Proverbs 13:24
Whoever spares the rod hates his son, but he who loves him is diligent to discipline him.
Description: Parents set clear expectations, provide guidance, and encourage independence. They use positive reinforcement and natural consequences as discipline techniques.
Example: Parents set reasonable limits, listen to their child's perspective, and provide support and encouragement.
Impact: Children raised by authoritative parents are often well-adjusted, confident, and successful. They are more likely to have strong self-esteem, good social skills, and academic achievement.
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Recently, Merrill and Linda saw the movie, The Forge. Without spoiling the movie for you, we would highly recommend it! The movie brings about the topic of mentoring and why it is so important.
Seldom can we learn everything from a book or even a classroom. We often learn best from the wisdom of those that take a special interest in us and are willing to poor into our growth. This may be parent, but just as likely it is a coach, teacher, or family friend. It is someone that has seen something in you that they value and want to help you become the best version of yourself.
Mentoring is nothing new to mankind. In fact, it has been one of the primary ways that valuable information and skills have been passed from one generation to the next. However, in the past decade, mentoring has fallen out of practice to some degree. Young people have not been as active to seek mentors as now they are able to answer many questions through their internet or social media outlets. The problem with this is that these answers are often of a secular view.
Today's show will challenge you to find someone to mentor you as well as you finding someone to mentor. Usually this is an older person mentoring you with their life wisdom and you mentoring a younger person with your life wisdom. It is often said that Paul had his Barnabas and his Timothy. Barnabas poured into Paul, while Paul poured into Timothy.
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Like it or not, it's here. The world of Artificial Intelligence , A.I., is fast tracking to be one of the most powerful innovations mankind has ever experienced. Many are excited, many are skeptical, and many many more are flat out scared!
It's one thing to think about A.I. as an adult and how you will manage it, but the concern many parents have is, "what about our kids?". Technology has proved to be extremely helpful in our lives, but it has also proved to be extremely dangerous. In fact, it is not the technology itself that is helpful or dangerous, it is how we choose to use it. A.I. is no different.
Recently, Merrill and Linda attended a training that discussed the use of and the pros and cons of A.I. Today's show is a discussion of this new technology and the things we should consider as it becomes more and more prevalent.
As with most technologies, there is always the naysayer that can never see how or why anyone would ever adopt the use of this new technology. But, one big take away from our training is that we have an opportunity to pull our head out of the sand and jump in to get ahead of all that is good and bad in order to make an informed decision.
The technology of A.I. is nothing short of amazing, but in the wrong hands, it could be destructive. As parents, you have a responsibility to be the keeper of the gate in terms of its use in your home. Don't be ignorant and fall victim to its improper use. Education is key to helping your regulate and use this tool in amazing ways.
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Episode 300 is one that all of us have experienced or will soon. There's the old saying that 'two things are certain, death and paying taxes.' Today, we are going to turn add one more thing that is certain in life, PAIN. None of us wants it but all of us will experience it. Whether it's physical, emotional, or mental, all of us will have more than our desired share of pain.
This show was inspired by Merrill's long summer of recovery from knee replacement. Off to a great start he hit week number 3 and things began to get ugly. His incision began to swell and the knee itself became even more uncomfortable. It soon led to a doctor's visit where the doctor said that he was allergic to the internal stitches. His body was going full force battle against the stitches with the collateral damage being the swelling of the knee, and lots of pain and stiffness. For more than six weeks his knee had 6-7 large pores that were seeping constantly. Changing dressings two- three times per day and lots of rounds of meds.
As with all good pain, never let it lose an opportunity to teach us something new. Whether it be about ourselves or life in general. Merrill's pain has led to an opportunity to learn and hopefully encourage others to get through their pain.
Pain is one of those areas that tends to drive people closer to God or farther away. Many grasp for anything God will give them for relief and purpose in the pain. Others can see no good reason why a loving God would let such pain exists. The bottom line is, pain does exist and hope is the best way through to the other side. And God is the author of hope!
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Introducing Bridgitte Price - Assistant Executive Director!
It's always exciting to add new people to your staff. New ideas, new energy, and new talents are just the tip of the iceberg about what Bridgitte is already bringing to Rock Solid Families.
Bridgitte comes to Rock Solid Families with past experiences as a school counselor at Batesville Community Schools. She has also worked with women and children through Safe Passage. And, she and her husband have been involved with Young Life in their local community. From her past work experience, it is evident that Bridgette has a heart for people and her local community.
Bridgette states that one of the biggest reasons she has made the move to Rock Solid Families is because she will get the opportunity to introduce God and all his Word to her clients. The greatest tool in the tool box will now be at her finger tips!
More specifically Bridgette will be working with children, adolescent girls, and young women and moms. She brings a smile and great enthusiasm into the office. She is currently seeing clients and making herself more available to those in need. If you have questions about working with Bridgitte or for Rock Solid Families, please call us at 812-576-7625.
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If you go to the car shop your mechanic is going to diagnose your car with visual observation, measurement, and even computer diagnostic equipment. When he is finished, he's going to have a pretty good idea of what's wrong with the car. When you go to the doctor because your're not feeling well, they are going to begin the diagnostic process with blood work, scans, and monitoring equipment to get the best feedback possible to make their diagnosis. Perfect? No, but much more reliable than what you're going to see in the mental health field.
This is not to blame mental health professionals. Most are doing the best they can with what tools they have. Mental health simply lacks pure testing processes and equipment to deliver reliable diagnosis.
With that being stated, we have seen an explosion of people seeking mental health therapy in the last 20 years. Children, men, women, couples, you name it, they're trying it. But more recently the results have been scrutinized. Is the therapy truly being effective? The answer is not clear cut. In fact, way too often there is little to no benefit, and even more harm than good. For this reason people should take a closer look at therapy and know what to look for and what their part of the process is in order for a greater chance of success.
In this show, Merrill and Linda unpack the difference between Counseling and Coaching. They discuss the importance of getting the right therapist for the right job. The discuss the hard work that is required of the client in order to move towards healing. They also talk about the most powerful healer in the room, God. They remind us that God wants better for us, but we have to want to include him on the process. This is where our humility or coachability come in. ARE YOU COACHABLE?
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Here we go! The new school year is ready to get underway whether our kids like it or not. The start of the school year can provoke a host of different reactions from different students; anxiety, excitement, dread, anticipation, uncertainty, etc.... So, as a parent, how can you help your student start the year in the best way possible?
As we look ahead to the 2024-25 school year, here are a few tips to start the new year off right:
Get into a consistent routine as a family. Kids desperately need and thrive in consistent routines. Whether it be nightly family meals, consistent bedtime, packing lunches and backpacks before bed…whatever the routines are. Start them now and keep them consistent to help your child manage the daily stresses of life and thrive in this new school year. Anxiety in children often comes from inconsistency, chaos, and confusion.
Prioritize your marriage and family over activities. It’s so easy to get swept up into the wave of busyness and distractions in our world today. Our culture has parents convinced that a full schedule=good parenting.
Don’t get consumed by all the extras.
Partner with your child’s teacher, administrators, coaches from the beginning. Trust me, no one’s getting filthy rich in this profession. They would love to partner with you from the start to help your child succeed. Email their teacher. Introduce yourself to their coach. Volunteer to help at the school. This spirit of synergy will help everyone win.
Set the tone for a good year. Your child is watching and listening to you. Set a positive tone for the new school year and encourage your child to do the same. Your children take their cues from YOUR words, actions, and attitude. If they hear you complaining or undermining their teacher, they too will doubt and badmouth them. If you have questions or concerns, talk to their teacher, coach, or administrator privately and address them directly. Don’t air your dirty laundry out on social media.
These are just a few of the things we focus on every year when our children start school and things we’ve found helpful with families we work with. Remember, our kids are watching us and need our help to start the new school year off right.
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The story of Possum Trot is what inspired our question this week. In the movie, Sound of Hope, the little town of Possum Trot in east Texas was absolutely moved by the Holy Spirit. Donna Martin, wife of preacher, WC Martin, became moved by the number of children in need of a home. She began to look into the idea of fostering and adoption. Her husband was initially not moved at all. In fact, he resisted the whole idea.
As only the Holy Spirit can work, it didn't take long for WC to join in with the same passion as Donna. Before you know it they had their entire congregation joining in on the mission. The town of Possum Trot had 22 families that adopted 77 children. At one point in time, there were literally no more children that needed a home in the county. WOW!
While the story is amazing the movie also does an excellent job of illuminating the whole experience of adoption. Yes, it starts with a heartwarming idea, but the reality is that adoption can come with its share of challenges. The movie depicts this very well.
The question presented this week ask: What is Adoption and Fostering Really Like?
Many of you may know that we went through the foster to adopt process for our three youngest children. In this show we share our story and many of the different experiences we have had. While our experience is not the same as everyone else's, we believe there are many commonalities.
If you are interested in fostering or adoption, check out this show. If you are thinking about the next step, contact your local Child Services department, or a local adoption agency in your area. Enroll in a class about the process and learn as much as you can. At the end of the day, we are all called to serve the innocent and meet their needs. Adoption may be the way for you to help meet this need.
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I don't know about you, but sharing my faith has never been easy. I grew up with my faith being assumed, but seldom discussed in any depth with others. I especially didn't feel comfortable trying to persuade someone to come to faith. You know the saying, "never discuss politics or religion." But, is this right?
The Great Commission commands us to go out and make disciples. It speaks of the importance of sharing the Good News and introducing others to the gift. The question then becomes, "how do I do this?"
In this show we take on a question that was presented to us. How do you share the good news with a friend?
We take on the various aspects that should be considered when discussing faith with a friend, especially a non-believer. Getting background information. Knowing a little about their past experience with faith or religion. Knowing about their upbringing and what if any exposure they ever had to Christ. These are all important things that need to be considered when approaching this topic.
Above all, developing a relationship based on trust is essential to truly being heard by your friend. Being bold with the Word, but cold with the approach may quickly lead to a dead end. Be patient and allow the relationship to grow. Be authentic in the relationship rather than seeing it as a way to "win another person to Christ." Yes, we want to win another person to Christ, but we first have to develop the relationship in order for the person to actually hear our words.
Some people are gifted with the ability to evangelize. They speak boldly and others seem to listen. However, even if we don't seem to carry the gift, we can still carry the words and actions of Christ. Let our actions speak and demonstrate the Good News in our lives. Letting others see the good news is just as important as them hearing the good news.
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Linda was running a reconnaissance mission as she was at the local swimming pool. Her mission; to find the next question for Rock Solid Families Podcast. Well, not really, but she couldn't resist the opportunity when it presented itself.
While at the pool she overheard a group of young teenage girls discussing whether or not their parents could look at their phones. As they were going back and forth between each other it was pretty clear that none of them felt like their parents had the right to get into their phone. Needless to say, Linda's ears couldn't resist tuning in just to get a glimpse into their perspective.
During this show we tackle the question about whether or not a parent has the right to look into their child's phone. The phone contains so much of our lives these days that many of us can understand how personal this tool is. However, our kids may not realize that their phone is not quite as private as they would like it to be. We discuss several questions and scenarios of parents accessing their child's phone. Parents not only have the right, but now have the responsibility to access the phones. This is all in an effort to protect and teach our kids about the safety hazards and potential risk that the phone creates.
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We often get questions about various situations and circumstances in people's' lives. It's also true that we often hear the same kinds of questions. Maybe the details change, but the main idea remains constant.
In this series we are going to tackle a series of questions that have found their way to us. Again, some of the details may be a little different from one person to another, but there is. a good chance that the main idea will carry over to many of you.
In this first show the question covered is essentially, how much should you as an adult get involved in your parents marriage? With the idea that their parents are not getting along or have the quality of marriage they once had. As their child, what's your role?
If the roles were reversed it will still be very much the same kind of problem. As parents, how much should you involve yourself in the relationships of your adult children?
In a nutshell, we much always realize that we are unable to "fix" people. People have to "fix" themselves. With that in mind you begin to find your proper place in how you can deal with these situations. At Rock Solid Families we like to think that we can open doors for people, but they must be willing to walk in on their own. The same hold's true in helping your parents with their marriage.
Encouragement, prayer, and being their is your first and foremost important role. Counseling or even advice giving is most likely not something you should entertain. Your emotional connection as the child to your parents makes it very difficult to say the things that may need to be said without causing more damage. Yes, you can encourage your parents to get counseling, and you even should. But do yourself a favor and leave that job to someone that is not emotionally connected.
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Being prepared is the name of the game for first responders. They must be prepared to walk into the most difficult of situations and do the right thing. We would do well to treat our life journey in a similar fashion. No matter the day, we must be prepared to walk through difficult times and do the right thing. But, the question is, "What's the right thing?"
In the parable of the 10 Virgins we learn that the right thing is being prepared to meet God on the day of judgement. Are we ready to meet the Bridegroom?
Our actions of doing good deeds and having faith in Jesus Christ are something that we should practice on a regular basis, not just when we think we are being watched. Or worse yet, minutes before we see the return of Jesus.
Doing the right thing is more about creating a lifestyle that reflects the Way of Christ. We know that Jesus will come to judge us by our fruit. He will look at our relationships, time spent, money spent, talents used, etc... and see if we honored him with all that we had.
Some of us will procrastinate or even claim ignorance. Then, at the last moment we may find ourselves grasping for someone to give us a hand to pull us up. Jesus sees this as manipulation of the what he has desired for us. Frankly, he sees it as cheating. Too little too late. Other people do not have the responsibility to rescuing a person that chose to swim in a bad current. We have choices to make and then we have consequences to face.
In this parable, Jesus is simply asking, "Are you ready?"
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We often talk about the importance of having a strong father figure in the house. But, we don't always talk about what the characteristics of the strong father are. In the parable of the Prodigal Son, we get an incredible picture of what it looks like to be a Strong Dad! Here are six ways that the Father responds to us so that we can respond the same to our children.
Unconditional Love: The father's love transcends the son's rebellion. He doesn't withhold affection as punishment.For Dads Today: Show your love consistently, through actions and words. Let your children know they are loved,regardless of their choices. You don’t have to love their choices, but work hard to love them through their choices. When you see a bad choice make sure to separate them from the choice in your judgement. “Your choice is ridiculous.” Verses - “you are ridiculous”
Allowed Freewill - The father did not try to stop, redirect, or even threaten his son to change his mind. He allowed the son to make his own decision. (obviously, we are not recommending this for a young child. But as our children turn into young adults, we must strongly consider releasing them to their ways.
Patient Trust vs Aggressive Chase: The father waits patiently rather than running after his son. He trusts that there is going to be good that comes from all of this. He may have felt impatient and wanted God to deliver his son back to him faster, but this is not mentioned in the parable. For Dads Today: Practice patience. Growth takes time. Trust your children's ability to learn and make amends.
Unending Desire for Restoration: The father never “writes him off”. He's constantly aware,watching for his return. For Dads Today: Be observant. Pay attention to your children's subtle cues, their joys and struggles. Be present in their lives.
Unconditional Forgiveness: The father doesn't look at his son and say, “you need to apologize to me before I can forgive you.” He embraces his son the moment he sees him, demonstrating immense compassion. For Dads Today: Focus on reconciliation, not punishment. Let forgiveness be a bridge to rebuild the relationship.
Celebrate God’s Work: The father throws a feast, not out of obligation, but out of joy for his son's return. He gives freely, restoring his son's dignity. For Dads Today: Be generous with your love, time, and resources.Celebrate your children's victories, big and small.
As we continue on with the duty and responsibility to raise the next generation. Consider how you can be more like the father in the story of the Prodigal Son.
Luke 15:11-32
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Jesus frequently spoke in parables to teach the people of the day. The parables sometimes seemed to be not so straight forward. Almost like riddles. He then makes the point that those who do not have the heart and mind to hear them will not understand them. His point simply being that you have to be prepared and ready to receive the Word of God. Sometimes the word is referred to as the "seed".
This is the Parable of the Sower or sometimes called the Parable of the Four Soils. Jesus tells about 4 different types of soils in which the farmer may throw his seed. In each type Jesus teaches about what the outcome will be based on the quality of the soil. Here's the bottom line, Jesus is encouraging us to make our soil ready to receive the seed and nourish it in order to produce the greatest yield of crop. In this case, the soil is our mind and heart.
If you are reading God's word and struggling to make sense of what it means to you, Jesus is asking you to slow down and continue to work your soil. In other words, work your mind and heart with humility and desire to learn more about the ways of Christ. When the Word is described as the "Living Word" it is meaning that the Word of God, the Bible, continues to grow in us as we are ready to receive it. Things we read yesterday may have had little meaning, but maybe tomorrow the same words hit us like a eureka moment!
Preparing the soil of your mind and heart is a process from birth to death. Give yourself grace when something doesn't make sense. Be a student and ask questions and seek the understanding of the Word of God.
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Not many would question whether or not having an affair can be very destructive to a marriage. Some may argue that it can spice up your marriage or make life more interesting, but if we have to be honest, we at Rock Solid Families have never seen that outcome. Infidelity comes at a cost and often it is the price of divorce and brokenness. But what if we go so far as to connect with someone else through sharing of conversation, dreams, and even time together, but don't go so far as having sex?
Emotional affairs can be just as damaging as physical ones—could your marriage be at risk? In our latest episode, we dissect the often invisible line between innocent connections and emotional infidelity. By highlighting key warning signs like sharing personal dreams and secrets with someone outside the marriage, we provide you with essential knowledge to protect your relationship. Learn how small shifts in your thoughts, time, emotions, and intimacy can signal the start of an emotional affair, and discover proactive ways to safeguard your marital bond from these subtle, yet destructive, connections.
Understanding the progression of emotional affairs is crucial for any committed relationship. We'll walk you through the stages, from initial frequent thoughts about another person to the emotional shifts that can compromise your marriage. Distractions are everywhere, but knowing how to recognize and address these shifts can make all the difference. We emphasize the importance of staying vigilant and proactive to keep your relationship strong, offering practical insights to help you and your spouse navigate these challenges.
Strengthening your marriage requires daily effort and intentionality. This episode offers actionable strategies like prioritizing your spouse through shared activities and open communication. We discuss setting clear boundaries, such as the Billy Graham rule, to prevent situations that might lead to emotional affairs. Think of your relationship like a garden that needs regular care—by nurturing it intentionally, you can ensure it remains resilient against external pressures. Tune in to learn how to prioritize your spouse and fortify your marriage against potential threats.
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Summer is upon us and many parents are wondering how and what they are going to be doing with their kids through the Summer days. Something to consider is the mindset that you allow your kids to be in. Are they in the mindset of producing something that serves themselves as well as others? Or, are they in the mindset of "it's my break so everyone should serve me?"
We understand that not many parents are going to cater to their child's every little want, but you may be surprised how much we allow our kids to feel like others have to serve them. How about giving them a gift that will serve them well for the rest of their lives, how about teaching them to produce and serve others. As opposed to consume and serve self.
Learning to be a producers over a consumer is important to truly being empowered to direct your life. Consumes can only react to what is available to them. They wait to see what fits their desires. Producers make things happen. They also learn to realize that production is what empowers our kids to get things done.
Beyond production it's also about teaching our kids how to produce for the good of others. What are they doing that will benefit or serve others? Are they learning to cut the neighbors grass or do random jobs for others? Are they learning that the only way to survive in this world is to contribute to others? Waiting for the world to contribute to your desires can be a long and frustrating journey.
All of this discussion is predicated on the words of Christ. Matthew 20:28 - just as the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many."
Do yourself and your child a favor, teach them to produce more than they consume. It will serve them well.
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Have you listened to the Harrison Butker commencement speech? If you are a Christian living a Christian lifestyle, you will likely find the speech good, but not surprising. However, if you watched the news media stories you got the idea that Harrison was trying to command all women to forget about careers and stay home to make babies. That is not at all what his speech was about, but that's not what the media wanted you to believe.
In our show we discuss Harrison's message and his audience. We discuss the importance of knowing your faith, whether you're Catholic or Christian, or any other faith for that matter. Then examine how you are actually living according to your supposed faith. Harrison challenges all of us to do just that.
We also discuss how the world is working extremely hard at getting you to believe the humanist faith and why it makes so much sense, but it really proves otherwise.
Teaching our kids what we believe and why we believe it is essential to growing kids into strong adults that govern themselves by a compass much more effective than their own opinions. Teaching our kids to ground their values in an unwavering faith will help to carry them through the heat the world will attempt to put them through.
If you or your kids are feeling like the world is bombarding you with worldly messages, maybe now is the time for you to take a stand like Harrison Butker.
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Harrison's Speech - https://youtu.be/vB6sDCrH83g?si=eGqFiv2pymjORsh7
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Have you ever been turned off by someone's hardriving fire and brimstone evangelism. It typically comes with great fervor and intention, but the delivery leaves a lot to be desired.
We are currently living in a time when church participation is dropping and people are making their "own" gods to fulfill their needs. When asked about following Jesus or being Christian they make statements like, "I tried it once and it's not for me. If we dig down a little deeper, we often find that people had a bad experience with "church" people and they turn the other way for answers.
In The Great Commission Jesus tells us to go and make disciples of all nations... Yes, we are to bring people to Christ, but why are we finding ourselves driving so many people away? The answer often comes down to our delivery over our content. When we greet non-believers and assume they already know the Way of Christ and they should be willing to jump right onto the path, we are ignorant to their readiness to make such a jump.
When we get onto an interstate highway, we don't just turn into 70 mph traffic. Rather, we get the benefit of using an "on ramp" that allows us to safely merge into the faster moving traffic in order to get into the flow without getting run over.
In bringing people to Christ, we often come across as pharisees that are moving at one speed and think everyone else should be moving at the exact same speed. When they don't, the we often get impatient and begin to act with contempt in our heart. "Why can they be more like me?"
In this show we discuss how to approach people as Christ demonstrated time and time again, with gentleness and respect. He allowed people to be where they are and encouraged them to move to someplace better. He helped quench their thirst with the "well of living water". This is that thirst that all of us have. The desire to quench our understanding of our purpose and how it fits into the universe.
If we truly want to bring people to Christ we must not get trapped in our pharisaical, self-righteous delivery of the greatest message concerning the greatest man that ever lived. We must learn to take people where they are and move with gentleness and respect.
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The endless search for finding a content and complete life can be exhausting. Looking for people and things to make us feel like we finally have it all together is the great quest. But, is this really the quest you want to take?
The great philosophers have repeated over and over that we can not find life happiness in people and things. We must go elsewhere. That's what this show is about. Where is the elsewhere? To put it simply, it is starting by grounding ourselves in the knowledge that we are created by God and for God's purpose. His purpose is to glorify him. We are in service and adoration of all that He desires, not what we desire.
This is the seed of the great fall by Adam and Eve. The chasing of something greater within us rather than in God. Satan tells us that if we have the money, power, prestige, and people in our lives, we will be complete. Satan is also the author of all lies.
Take the time to reflect on how you have chased after things that are more about you than God. How can you use your time and talents to serve him? When we find this, we begin to recognize a contentment in knowing we are on purpose. His purpose and not ours.
If you find yourself struggling to find contentment in your life and need help. Please reach out to Rock Solid Families. We desire that you do learn to align yourself with God's way and experience a contentment that goes beyond human understanding.
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Marriage is a creation of God’s and is meant to be a blessing.
- So, how can we do that better?
Advice - Recognize you are on the same team. Submit to one another for the good of the team, i.e. marriage. Ephesians 5:21-33 - Verse 33: … every husband must love his wife as himself, and every wife must respect her husband.
One of you is not better than the other. You are equal players in this endeavor.
No more trying to win for the SELF - now it is win for the MARRIAGE.
Many parts - one body, all are important. (1 Corinthians 12:12-17)
Focus on your spouse's strengths - you have a choice on what you will focus on with your spouse. If you choose to focus on their shortcomings and weaknesses, that is all you will see.
Effective communicatio Truly listening to your spouse, understanding their heart, is key to knowing how to best support them.
Daily Check-ins - “How are you doing?” is more important than “What are you doing?”
Heart Check - Validate that you hear them by rephrasing what they have said in your words.
Do not give advice unless asked for. Do not “fix” your spouse.
Ask “How can I help?” “What do you need from me?”
Be Your Best - Instead of focusing on what your partner is or is not doing, focus on what you can do to be your best version for not just the good of you, but also your spouse. We’ve used this verse alot but Matthew 7:1-3. “Do not judge, or you too will be judged. For in the same way you judge others, you will be judged, and with the measure you use, it will be measured to you. “Why do you look at the speck of sawdust in your brother’s eye and pay no attention to the plank in your own eye? ...
Spiritual Growth - practicing to be more Christlike
Physical Growth - taking care of your body. Are you healthy? Are you fit? Do you like what you see when you look in the mirror? Are you attractive to your spouse?
Personal Growth - stretch and challenge yourself in your own desires and gifts. Practicing a hobby, taking a class, accepting a new challenge to better yourself.
Love Them the Way They Want to be Loved
Learn and Know what makes them feel loved, respected, and valuable
Make Christ Your Cornerstone - Build on a common and solid foundation Matthew 7:24-27
Common values for living come from Christ
Pray together - invite God into your marriage. Practice forgiveness and grace as Christ does with the Church
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Background - Philippians 2:14-15 Do All things without complaining and disrupting that you may become blameless and harmless children of God.
Let’s just start with an example: Your child is quick to tell you about every time they have an ache or pain. When they are telling you about the ache it is often with such emotion that you wonder how they are even living through it. Then, five minutes later, you hear laughing and playing outside and you look only to see that same child playing with their friends outside with what seems like a pain-free time.
“When should I take my child seriously and when should I go tone deaf or even dismissive of their complaints.
By the way, some modern day counselors will tell you that you should never dismiss your child’s complaints, rather, you should validate their complaints. The proof is out on this one. No, sometimes our kids need to know that irrational complaints need to be shut down sooner rather than later. Remember, it’s okay to say “NO” to your kids. Someday they will thank you.
- First off, our topic today is not just limited to our kids. This idea of how to deal with complainers in a respectful way is common in so many places, work, school, church, etc.
- We want to tackle this topic today as it primarily relates to the home because this is the first training site to helping our kids recognize and deal more appropriately with their compiants.
- Chronic complainers that we run into in life are people that have typically practiced this act for a long time and somehow seem to believe they were successful with the strategy.
Advice - As we talk about how to deal with the complaints of our children, we want to first lay out a few disclaimers and understandings.
- You must handle their complaints appropriately for the Season they are in. Remember the seasons.
- Service 0 - 2ish yrs
- Leadership 3-13 yrs
- Mentoring 13-18/21 yrs
- Friend and Counsel 21+ Emancipation
- If you have a child in the first season, SERVICE - 0-2 years of age. You never dismiss their cries.
- In the second season - Leadership, 3-13, this is where the training takes place to help your kids learn the language of how to express what the emotions are behind the complaint. Early in this season, you can help them by teaching them the actual words of the emotion. “Are you feeling angry, sad, tired, etc…. DO NOT GET INTO THE HABIT OF BEING THE RESCUE PARENT - THEY ARE NO LONGER IN SEASON 1.
- Begin to teach your child how to problem solve by teaching them how to ask better questions. “What can I do about my complaint?”
- Later in Season 2 about ages 8-13, if you’re child leans towards the chronic complainer side, teach them PERSPECTIVE. This is where they can begin to look at life through other people’s eyes. It is also an initial learning of EMPATHY for others.
- What if your child cries “Wolf” a lot? This is where we explain to them that we must CHECK AND VERIFY.
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Are you fit enough to do every day life? We often hear about building muscle and scuptling the perfect body, but the truth is, many of us don't have the time or interest to build the perfect body, we just want to be active and healthy.
In today's show Merrill discusses the concept of building Work Capacity. Work Capacity is our abiltiy to do work. Nothing fancy. Work by definition is Force x Distance. That means you apply a certain amount of force in order to move an object. Work Capacity is simply, how much or even how long you can carry the workload out.
Going to the gym to build bigger muscles does not necessarily equate to helping you be more functional in your daily life. Doing heavy reps and then walking around and resting in between sets does little to enhance our ability to sustain an activity in daily living. Cutting the grass or running a chainsaw requires us to start the job and continue it until it's finished. This means we have sustained work over a period of time.
In order to become more functionally fit, it is important to incorporate movements and tasks that closely replicate daily living. Bending over to pick up a heavy bag of groceries, climbing a flight of stairs, loading and unloading a truckload of mulch, these are the types of patterns and loads we want to incorporate into our workouts. On top of this, we want to place a goal of sustaining the pattern over time. This constant movement requires the most vital organ of our body to work and strengthen, our heart.
Linda and Merrill specifically use a piece of fitness equipement that Merrill invented called the Kettle Bar. He invented it because he sees building overall fitness and work capacity as the primary desire of his workouts and the clients he works with. The truth is, not many people truly walk into the gym desiring to be a bikini model or Mr. Universe. Most just want to be strong and fit enough to play a pickup game of pickleball or split a load of firewood without getting injured.
For more information check out:
htttps://kettlebarfitness.com
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Have you ever felt overwhelmed by the thought of incorporating the Bible into your family's daily life? Fear not! Our latest conversation provides a relatable and supportive guide to navigating scripture and its enduring teachings. Merrill and Linda are transparent about their ignorant beginnings in their faith and how they felt overwhelmed by all they didn't know. However, it was from a thirst for understanding and incredibly loving people that surrounded them that they began to experience the revelation of God's Word.
Asking what seemed like silly questions or not even knowing where to look in the book that we were supposed to be using as our guide for life, left us feeling stupid. No parent wants to feel stupid in front of their own kids. But, this is the start of learning humility and a coachable heart.
Taking on the responsibility to bringing up our kids in the Word is no small task. Especially in today's world of self-indulgences and contradictory authorities. Where do we begin?
In this show Linda and Merrill help to lay out a pathway to help today's parents incorporate the Bible and its teachings into a daily lifestyle. These are things that do not have to be overwhelming and can help your kids understand where the values of your family come from. The old phrase, 'because I said so', takes on an entirely different magnitude when it is founded on the principles of the Word.
The teaching and learning of the Bible is a life long journey. Give yourself some grace and swallow your pride as you assume the role of Primary Teacher, for educating your kids on God's Word.
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We live in a culture of excess. We have more stuff now than ever. More clothes, more food, more comforts, and more parenting. Yes, even more parenting. In this age when our kids seem to have it all, they also have way more parenting hovering over them. As we have indulged our kids with stuff, we also have found ourselves indulging in way too many aspects of their lives.
Total lack of parental involvement definitely is not a good thing in today's world. But, governing the details of their lives is also potentially harmful. What's going on? Do we not trust that our kids will ultimately make decisions that lead to their growth even if the decisions may cost them something? Are we trying to protect them from every little challenge or setback?
We have to ask ourselves, 'why do we feel the need to be so protective especially when our kids have more opportunity and options than most of us had as teens? Could the answer be FEAR. Are we afraid that we might look bad as parents if our kids struggle or even get into trouble? Are we handicapping them by providing in excess to the point that they have little to strive for?
There is a reason that we have more young adults continuing to live at home rather than moving out on their own. There are fewer teens getting their drivers license when they are legally eligible. What's up with this?
The other side of this problem is the amount of fatigue we are feeling as parents. We are so busy managing what seems like every little detail of their lives that we are finding ourselves owning their problems and chasing our tails to figure out the problems. Merrill even coined a phrase called Parenting Fatigue Syndrome, PFS. Parents find themselves exhausted while the kids find themselves comfortably tucked away in the basement playing video games and entertaining themselves on social media.
It's time to serve our kids better. We must equip them to go out into the world. Resourcefulness, hard work, responsibility, and natural consequences are just the start to building the strength back into our teens and young adults. Placing firm boundaries on how much you will carry their load is a must. No reason to feel guilty when you see your kids sweating from the load they are carrying. Rather, be thankful that you are equipping them for something greater.
Check out this show and tell us what you think. What has worked for you and your family?
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No doubt about it, marriage can be difficult. Anytime we are putting two people with differing ideas and opinions together for one common cause, we are bound to have conflict.
Yes, we can and we should develop our communication skills, build our trust, and treat each other with respect. However, these essential relationship attributes could be meaningless if we have unhealthy individuals. If one has significant past trauma, drug or alcohol addiction, or mental illness, to name a few, the marriage will often be sacrificed.
Healthy marriages require healthy people. If it can be identified that one of the people in the relationship is being haunted by an illness or past event, then we must spend the time to heal that person. We must work to attain the greatest level of health possible within the individual for the good of the marriage.
This can be hard work. All of us have stuff to work on. Things that keep us from being our best. If those things are significant enough to negatively impact the marriage, then they certainly require our attention.
If you are working on your marriage but find yourself at a stand still. Take some time to think about how you are doing as an individual. Are you bringing in your best version? If not, get some help. You owe it to yourself, your partner, and your marriage.
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Lots of exciting things going on with Rock Solid Families and the mission! In this show we introduce the newest employee of Rock Solid Families, Jenna Helton. Once we decided to have a banquet in 2024, we recognized the need for more help. Jenna to the rescue!
We first brought Jenna on just as a subcontractor to help with the organizing and set up of the banquet. It didn't take long for us to recognize what Jenna brought to the table. She is an initiator, creative, hardworking, and loves the idea of serving the mission at Rock Solid Families. Before we knew it, we realized we wanted Jenna for more than a subcontracted project. We wanted her on our payroll!
During this show we introduce Jenna to our audience as she describes the move from corporate to non-profit and what that means to her family.
Ever felt the pull to swap the relentless pace of corporate life for something more meaningful? Jenna Hilton did just that, and she's here to share her compelling narrative with Rock Solid Families. Transitioning from orchestrating events and navigating aviation's heights, Jenna found her calling within our non-profit's embrace, where community service and purposeful work intersect. Together, we celebrate the recent triumph of our banquet, a testament to the solid foundation our supporters provide, and the very people who are the bedrock of our mission.
Weaving faith, family, and community into a cohesive force has transformed Rock Solid Families into what it is today—a vibrant beacon of hope and support. The synergy within our community is palpable; every story from our banquet serves as inspiration, urging us to "rise up" and take action. With faith-based coaching at our core, we discuss the crucial role of personal responsibility in societal change and the paramount importance of divine guidance as we join hands with various organizations to enhance unity and create lasting impact.
Rounding off this heartwarming episode, we extend our deepest gratitude to everyone who's been part of our journey. Their support fuels our administrative engines and amplifies our message, reaching hearts across the community. As Jenna steps into the whirlwind of her first event with us, her impact is already undeniable. We're reminded that, through resources and support, we all hold the power to strengthen communities—one family at a time. So join us, be moved, and perhaps find your own path to making a difference with Rock Solid Families.
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So why this topic of Shame Free parenting?
As parents, our job is to help our children meet their physical, cognitive AND emotional needs. Physical abuse or neglect is a lot easier to spot and call out. Even cognitive is easier. If the child isn’t getting to school or learning how to walk, talk, or read or socialize….it shows pretty early.
But emotional needs are just as important. They give our kids stability, self confidence, and the ability to have empathy and compassion for others.
So we want to give you some concrete ways you can parent and discipline your child without shame:
1 Unconditional Love-Your child needs to know starting EARLY on that your love is constant and is NOT withheld if you angry with them or they have disappointed you.
2-Keep the AWE in your home- We’ve used this acronym before and I borrowed it from another therapist but AWE stands for affection, warmth, and encouragement. Our kids can only grow with AWE in the home.
3-As parents, you’ve got to be reliable, consistent, and trustworthy. Those things in a parent builds security in a child. They know they can count on you. Your word means something. You are predictable.
4-We need to model acceptance and respect even when we disagree with their ideas or decisions-These two things have to start with us and they can’t be dependent on them giving it back to us. There will be times they don’t like us very much or like our rules. But that doesn't give us the right to stoop to their level and demean them or belittle them.
This one has been a huge issue for children struggling with gender confusion. We try and shame the child into complying with OUR values or ideals and instead push them further and further away from them. This is why many children and young adults don’t want anything to do with religion or GOD, Jesus, or church because we as his followers have done an awful job in representing Christ to them.
We’ve got to accept their feelings and their decision and respect their right to disagree or say NO. However, You are still the parent and they also must learn to respect you. So you don't demean their ways, but you also don't have to agree or permit them under your roof.
EX. Kids wanting another dog. Or a phone at age 10
5-Healthy Boundaries- Boundaries are those invisible barriers we establish early to protect ourselves and our relationships. The word NO is showing a child a boundary.
6-Give them a ton of opportunities to succeed and praise them often. Maybe they went outside their comfort zone and read outloud. Praise that. Maybe they tried out for a team but didn’t make it. Praise their effort. Again, do more praising of the effort and attitude instead of the actual accomplishment. We don’t want to raise people pleasers who feel like the only way to get your time and attention is when they accomplish something. Going back to our very first one. Show them lots of unconditional love…just because.
7-Apologize when you fall short. You’re not going to always get this right. You’re going to have bad days. You’re going to blow it and say something you regret saying. We fall short on a regular basis and when we do…we make sure to apologize to our kids. That shows them grace. That shows them that no one is perfect.
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As with all our shows, we’re approaching this topic of dating later in life from a Christian perspective.
- We believe it’s the healthiest way to approach dating.
- Looking at every date through the lens of a good, good father who is crazy about you and has amazing plans for your life is very different than how the world views dating.
- Proverbs 4:23 reminds us to guard our heart above all things because everything you do flows from it.
- We say all this knowing already we are swimming up stream in a hookup culture where for many it is just a game.
- There are so many men and women who have lived with multiple people either living together or through marriage and have the attitude of “ What do I have to loose???” That may not be your approach, but that may just be the attitude of the next person you decide to date…
- So…here are some things to think about and pray over before you say YES to your next date.
Before you go on your next date:
- Find your identity and purpose in God first. Focus on building your relationship with Him and understanding His plan for your life. Waaay too many men and women are looking for something in a date that ONLY God was designed to give them. Things like identity, worth, value…don’t seek that from a date. You will continue to come up empty. There is a God shaped hole in our hearts that only he can fill.
- Become the best version of yourself regardless if you’re dating or not. That’s actually a very attractive quality to a potential date. So many young adults and middle aged folks have experienced a difficult relationship and have lost motivation to even take care of themselves. They have let themself go. Take the time to develop healthy habits NOW and work on personal growth physically, emotionally, relationally, spiritually. Identify your passions and goals and write them down so that you know what to share when you begin to date.
- Look for a potential partner at the places you enjoy being at. If you’re a fitness buff, keep your eyes open at the gym. If you're a concert lover, take some friends with you to a concert and look for other single groups there. Maybe your workplace is big enough that there are single coworkers that get together and hang out after work.
- Know what you're looking for: Write down the important qualities and values you want in a potential partner BEFORE you begin to date someone.. Star the ones that are not negotiable. This could be shared beliefs, morals/values, character traits, life goals, etc.
- Dating apps-According to Pew Research 30% of adults have used a dating app at least once. 75-80% of those adults are men.
Things to keep in mind:
- If you play around fire, you’re bound to get burnt: Keep in mind the places you’re hanging out have alot to do with the dates you attract.
- What you WEAR and how you ACT around others also attracts certain kinds of dates.
- Provocative clothing? You’re advertising for a hook up
- Drinking to get drunk? You’re not in a healthy place emotionally. If that’s your date on a regular basis…run! They are numbing some kind of pain or past trauma. You also put yourself in a vulnerable maybe even dangerous position.
- Risky behavior you are not comfortable with? Illegal behavior or illicit drugs?
- Andy Stanley did a sermon series years ago called Love, Dates, and Heartbreaks. He said “Become the person you are looking f
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Today’s topic is one we have visited before. But today, we would like to address the topic from a different angle.
As parents we would never want to intentionally hurt our kids. We desire the best for them and all of the best opportunities to do well in life.
But, over the years we have lost sight of what “the best” really means for our kids. In many cases we have recognized what we have earned or achieved as adults and want to hand that right over to our kids. This might sound like a nice thing to do as a parent, but it has hurt our kids with the unintended consequences that the world has no problem providing.
Life has always been hard, but in these supposed times of life being better and more accommodating to our needs than ever before, we see people hurting; Depression, Anxiety, Suicide, Divorce, Purposelessness, Drug and alcohol use, and the list goes on.
Why in such great times are we having such difficult times?
In a nutshell, people’s expectations are not being met. In other words, they are not getting what they want.
Even as adults, we have become spoiled brats!
Philippians 2:3-4 "Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit. Rather, in humility value others above yourselves, each of you considering the needs of others."
7 Ways to not Handicap our Kids
Name Your Target, Plan a strategy to hit your target- What do you want for your kids as adults. (yes, you have heard that said before!!!!!!!)
Don’t Handicap Your Children. Let your mindset be; “don’t do things for them they are capable of doing themselves”. (I’m not talking about the occasion to be kind and doing them a favor.)
No Blood, No Foul - Don’t rescue them from every bump and bruise. Failures, falls, and misfortunes are all part of the learning process. In fact, they are more important than the successes. The sting of the failure will impact their life decisions far more than the joy of the win.
I Did Not Come to be Served, but to Serve. Service to others is the center of everything we do. The opposite, service to self, is termed Narcissism. Never lose an opportunity to have your child serve someone else. This starts at the age of about 3.
What’s Praised is Repeated. Watch what you praise. If you want more of a certain behavior, be liberal with your praise for that behavior. If you want less, let them no what it is that you do want so they know what you are looking for, then praise it when they reach it.
“NO” is not a Curse Word. Real life has no problem telling us “No”. Avoiding the negative has become a failed social experiment. Discipline is the art of knowing how to implement the “NO” in our lives. The faster our children learn to recognize that “no” does not mean anything against their character, the faster they will not take criticisms and setbacks personally.
Teach them who the Real Boss is. Teach them that all authority comes from God himself. The way we parent was not our design, but God’s. We are simply servants of God when we raise our children to His way and His word! Good leaders must be Great followers of Christ.
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Embark with Linda and me on an intimate exploration of the complex tapestry of love, from its passionate beginnings to the profound connections we cherish in friendships and family. We're unwrapping the mystery of love's many forms, starting with a look at 'Eros' - the romantic, fiery love that often gets our hearts racing. But we won't stop there; we're threading through the realms of 'Phileo' and 'Storge', illuminating the bonds that fortify friendships and family ties. Together, we'll navigate the emotional landscapes that profoundly influence our daily lives and relationships, shedding light on the true essence of love.
Discover the secrets to expressing love in ways that resonate deeply, as we discuss the five love languages that help us connect with others. From the joy of a thoughtfully picked gift to the undivided attention of quality time, we reveal the nuances of each love language through personal stories and reflections. Physical touch, too, is celebrated for its power to bond us beyond words. Our dialogue encompasses the evolution of love languages within our own lives, encouraging you to consider how your past informs your expressions of love and how you can adapt to grow closer to the ones you love.
Celebrating Gotcha Day, an occasion dear to our hearts, we share the warmth of expanding our family through adoption and the lessons it taught us about the deeper meanings of love. We don't just stop at storytelling; we provide you with seven actionable tips for nurturing a strong and loving marriage. From the power of the vows to the necessity of open communication, these pillars stand as a guide for couples at any stage, aiming to fortify the foundations of a thriving marriage. Tune in for a practical and heartfelt discussion on how to cultivate love in its most sincere and impactful form.
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In a perfect world I think we could agree that keeping marriages healthy and two parents in the house raising the children is the optimal situation. But, we live in a less than optimal world. As this relates to the home we often have marriages coming apart and children being raised by parents or step parents that often desire little to do with each other. The result can be a devastating environment to raise a child.
In our work at Rock Solid Families we see divorced or separated parents attempting to raise their children on a frequent basis. We also get a front row seat to the challenges that come between the parents and often resulting in hurt and suffering for everyone involved, mom, dad, child, step parents, etc…
In today’s show we are going to tackle this subject head-on. We are going to give you 5 must-dos if you are going to find success in raising your child that you share.
Advice -
7 “Must Do’s” to Raise Healthy Kids Through Co-Parenting
1. Put boundaries on personal attitudes towards each other, especially if they are interfering with the raising of the children. Past hurts can make it very difficult to put aside the hurt and strive towards coming together for the sake of raising a healthy and well adjusted child.
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Develop a common parenting plan… that consist of -
Common Values
Common Expectations
Common Consequences
Common Rewards -
How do you do that? It’s ok to Start with your dreams and wishes for your child but then you have to Ask the question: What’s best for the family? Be aware of the Child manipulating parents or parents using the child to manipulate the other parent. (This is dangerous on many levels and especially for the future of the child.)
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Strive for Equal but Flexible Time - Time needs to be equally split between both parents. Many divorces place the children with one parent a majority of the time while the other receives visits and weekend sleepovers. This may be convenient, but research has proven it to be detrimental to your children and even the parents. Do whatever you can do to Work toward healthy even if one or more of the parents are not. https://www.statnews.com/2017/05/26/divorce-shared-parenting-children-health/
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Never talk bad about each other - Communicate necessary messages, not emotions - If you have to use restricted communication such as texts or emails and there is a concern about things taken out of context, consider using a common app such as Our Family Wizard. Transparency in communication is key.
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Stability and Predictability create Security. Routines, expectations, and discipline are among the greatest things parents can use to create a stable and secure environment.
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Get Help! Mediation, Coaching or Counseling can be the best investment you will ever make in this situation. Rock Solid Families is able to help!
Be mindful of the fruit that your parenting is going to produce. Being in conflict with your ex and then putting the children in the middle is only going to damage and destroy the fruit of the family.
Galatians 6:7-10 Do not be deceived: God cannot be mocked. A man reaps what he sows. 8 Whoever sows to please their flesh, from the flesh will reap destruction; whoever sows to please the Spirit, from the Spirit will reap eternal life. 9 Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up. 10 Therefore, as
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Should I seek counseling or therapy for my child?
Here are some things to consider
Advice -
Before jumping into therapy, have you considered that you, as the parent, are likely to have the greatest influence and support in helping your child through many situations.
Oftentimes we suggest that we spend our counseling sessions with the parents to help give them the tools necessary to tend to their child.
The counselor is typically only going to see your child a couple times a month for about an hour. That’s not much time to make the changes or address the issues.
However, if the parent has the proper tools and approaches, they are with their child so much more than the therapist and can make significantly greater gains in a given period.
Seek wise counsel. Teachers, counselors, trusted friends and family. What do they see? Is it out of line for their age?
With that being said, sometimes there are situations that are completely beyond the scope of the average parent. In these times, here are some things to consider when looking into therapy for your child.
Your child's needs: What are the specific concerns you have about your child's emotional or behavioral well-being? Are they struggling with anxiety, sadness, anger, social interactions, or academic performance? Identifying their needs will help you find the right type of therapy.
Open communication: Talk to your child about your concerns and the idea of counseling. Be open and honest, and assure them that it's a safe space to talk about their feelings and get help. Listen to their questions and fears, and address them honestly and patiently.
Things to look for: Pervasive sadness, anger, fears. That are debilitating them. They don’t want to go to school. Abusive or harmful behaviors to themselves or others. Lashing out, hitting, illegal or promiscuous behavior. Sneaking out, underage drinking, illicit drugs, suicide. 988
Finding the right therapist: Look for a therapist with experience working with children, especially those facing similar issues to your child. Consider your child's age, personality, and preferences when choosing a therapist. At Rock Solid Families, we typically want to meet with the parents first to learn more about the child and situation and determine if we are a good fit.
Commitment and patience: It’s easy to think that a few sessions will “fix” the child and everyone will be good. Be prepared, depending on the reason why you were seeking help to begin with, to stay committed with the work of therapy. Beyond the actually presenting problem, it will take time for a therapeutic relationship to build between the counselor and child. Trust, communication, and program building will take time.
Family involvement: In these days family can take on a lot of different looks. Having the people involved that are in the parenting process can be critical. This may mean inviting ex-spouses, grandparents, or others that are regularly involved in the the parenting progress.
Seeking professional help can be an opportunity for growth and healing for the child and family. It also shows your commitment to your child's well-being and that you are not minimizing the importance of their well-being.
National Suicide Hotline - 988
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Making difficult decisions can be stressful and even paralyzing. "Should I take the job or not? "Where should I live?" " How should I spend my money?" "What should I study in school?" "Who should I marry?" As you can see the list can seem to go on and on. The "right" answer seems to be hidden and rarely appears to give us that definitive statement that we are searching for.
Seeking God's Will can be challenging, but in this episode, Linda and Merrill discuss six things we can do to help us discern God's Will when we are confronted with decisions to be made.
Matthew 7:7-8
7 “Ask and it will be given to you; seek and you will find; knock and the door will be opened to you. 8 For everyone who asks receives; the one who seeks finds; and to the one who knocks, the door will be opened.
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Seek God through Prayer: Prayer is the foundation for any attempt to discern God's will. Humbly approach Him in prayer, acknowledging your limitations and seeking His wisdom. Ask for guidance, clarity, and peace in your decision (Proverbs 3:5-6).
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Align your desires with Scripture: God's word reveals His character and desires for us. Immerse yourself in the Bible, seeking verses that speak to your situation. Align your desires with what God reveals about Himself and His plan for humanity (Psalm 119:105).
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Seek wise counsel: Surround yourself with trusted believers who know you well and understand biblical principles. Seek their advice and prayerful support, considering their insights through the lens of Scripture (Proverbs 15:22).
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Listen for the inner leading of the Holy Spirit: The Holy Spirit indwells believers and guides us in God's ways. Be attentive to nudges, convictions, and a sense of peace about one path over another. Remember, the Holy Spirit will never lead you to contradict Scripture. Romans 8:14 For those that are led by the spirit of God are the children of God.
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Consider the fruits of each option: Evaluate the potential consequences of each choice. Ask yourself which path aligns with God's character of love, justice, and peace. Choose the path that leads towards spiritual growth and the well-being of yourself and others (Galatians 5:22-23).
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Trust God for the outcome. Could you follow 1 through 5 and still make a mistake? YES. That’s because We’re not God we’re HUMAN, but God already knew you would and that may very well be part of his plan…his good and perfect plan.
Discerning God's will is a process, not a one-time event. Do not put God on your timeline. Timing is among the most challenging components of seeking God’s Will. Our vision for the future is limited. Be patient and trust that He will lead you in the right direction. Ultimately, God desires our obedience to His ways, not our ways.
And remember….Discerning His Will doesn’t mean you're always going to get it right, but it’s important if we want to discern God’s will that we look to His word and his people…it’s a dead end street if we look to the world to steer us. Paul warns us of that in Romans 12:2 Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will.
We hope these insights are helpful as you navigate your decisions. If you are struggling with discerning God’s way we encourage you to seek Godly counsel. If Rock Solid Families can help, please reach out at
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Now that the new year is started, have you taken any time to recalibrate your goals? Did you even have any goals? Often we stop setting goals because we seem to fail at reaching them more than we would like to admit. This leads us to stop the goal setting process and just let life happen.
How about this year you take a different approach. How about setting S.M.A.R.T. goals? In this show Linda and Merrill specifically guide you through the process of making goals more realistic and achievable.
S - Specific
M - Measurable
A - Achievable
R - Relevant
T - Time-bound
The road to success is paved with good intentions, but the road doesn't mean anything unless you actually begin traveling it. In 2024 let's make it a priority to live and use our gifts in a way that would be pleasing to God. He is the giver of your gifts. It's time to show Him some gratitude and respect by reaching our fullest potential.
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Here we are, starting a New Year! It's hard to believe but great to know that we can take some time to re-prioritize and get back on track in areas that we may have strayed.
In particular, how have you been doing with your relationships? Do you have your priorities straight with them? Where do you place your kids relative to your spouse? How about God? Where does he rank in the priority list?
Having your priorities right is more than a matter of words, it is a matter of actions. Do your actions reflect what relationships are most important? We can usually get a pretty good idea of what our priorities are simply by looking at how we spend our time and money. If you say God is a priority but you are only in conversation with him once a week at church, then it might be time to reconsider how important God is to you.
We all get busy and distracted by the things that are right in front of us and demanding our immediate attention. In 2024 consider placing the proper boundaries on the things that keep you away from what you say are you priority in terms of relationship. You will soon see that you are living a much more fulfilling and God-pleasing life.
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Rock Solid Families EP 267: Mean Girls, Drama Queens, What's Up With All This Stuff?
Linda Hutchinson and Meredith Scudder
Are you tired of getting caught up in drama and conflict? Ready to break free from the toxic triangle that keeps you stuck? Then you need to listen to this episode of the Rock Solid Families podcast. In this eye-opening conversation, hosts Linda Hutchinson and Meredith Scudder dive deep into the Drama Triangle and its ineffective way of handling conflict. But here's the twist: they also introduce the Empowerment Triangle, a powerful tool for resolving conflict and finding peace.
Throughout the episode, Linda and Meredith share personal anecdotes and insights that will resonate with anyone who has ever felt trapped in drama. They discuss the roles of the persecutor, victim, and rescuer, and how these roles perpetuate conflict. But they don't stop there. They offer a refreshing perspective on how to transform these roles into something positive.
By becoming a challenger instead of a persecutor, you can build others up instead of tearing them down. By embracing your power as a creator, you can take control of your life and find solutions to problems. And by stepping into the role of a coach, you can empower others to find their own strength and make their own decisions.
This episode is a game-changer for anyone seeking healthier relationships and a drama-free life. So don't miss out on the wisdom and practical advice shared by Linda and Meredith. Tune in now and discover how to escape the drama triangle and step into the empowerment triangle. Your relationships will thank you.
Quotes:
“We are speaking to every adult with an adult child who is in a bad place. And the adults need to be needed, are coming in to rescue and to enable some really bad behavior. because they don't want to see them suffer or struggle, right? And we do more harm than good, don't we, by continuing to come in and rescue, and we provide temporary relief, but no long-term gain. (14:03 | Linda Hutchinson)
“We learn from natural consequences, right? And the only way to do that is rather than rescue, be a coach and step back. Don't try to take over and you can still be supportive and help.” (20:50 | Meredith Scudder)
“Just because you've had trauma doesn't mean you have to stay in drama.” (25:45 | Linda Hutchinson)
“Being able to be aware of the drama triangle roles and how we are feeding into that is so important. And just like anything, until we can see where there needs to be change, we're not going to be able to make change. ” (29:14 Meredith Scudder) Videogram
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Rock Solid Families - EP266 - Teaching Your Kids the Value of Money
Merrill and Linda
Are you tired of feeling like an ATM for your kids? Do you want to teach them the value of a dollar and help them become financially responsible adults? Then you need to listen to this episode of the Rock Solid Families podcast. In this eye-opening conversation, hosts Linda and Merrill Hutchinson discuss the importance of teaching kids about money from a young age. They share personal stories and practical tips for parents of children of all ages, from toddlers to adults. You'll learn how to instill gratitude, self-control, and financial responsibility in your children. Discover the power of setting boundaries and consequences, and how to reset unhealthy habits. Don't wait until it's too late. Start now and give your kids the tools they need to thrive in the real world and enjoy the benefits of a financially savvy future!
Key Takeaways:
- Teach children the value of a dollar from a young age by emphasizing manners, appreciation, and respect for money.
- Encourage delayed gratification and self-control to help children understand the importance of saving and making thoughtful spending decisions.
- Set clear boundaries and expectations regarding financial support for adult children, and have open and honest conversations about what you are willing and able to provide.
- Allow children to experience the natural consequences of their financial decisions, rather than constantly rescuing them from their mistakes.
Quotes:
- “Start very young in helping them understand the value of money, and the appreciation of what they've been given.” (14:45 | Linda Hutchinson) SM Quote
- “Self-control is what proves out in people's life to be the most successful bearing quality and trait.” (22:58 | Merrill Hutchinson)
- “This is a great opportunity to talk about where Satan loves to reside and is in all of us. Right. And so especially in our culture, because we're all about comfort and convenience and getting the things that we want. And so the next thing you know, we forget about what's important.” (25:57 | Merrill Hutchinson) Audiogram
- “Linda and I see situations now where we see parents that are in their 70s and their kids are now in their 30s and 40s and the kids are dictating what the love's going to look like still with material items. All right. And so this is a time where it's not too late. It's going to be a little harder, but it still is possible.” (29:21 | Merrill Hutchinson)
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Are you tired of the same old family drama ruining your holiday season? Well, in this episode of the Rock Solid Families podcast, hosts Merrill and Linda Hutchinson dive into the topic of navigating family dynamics during the holidays. They discuss the commercialization and disruption of Christmas, as well as the struggles and broken relationships that often arise. But fear not, because they provide practical advice and strategies to help you navigate these challenges and make the most of the holiday season.
One key takeaway from this episode is the importance of setting a vision for your holiday season. By defining what you want the season to look like and focusing on the main things that truly matter, you can create a positive and meaningful experience for yourself and your loved ones. The hosts also emphasize the significance of prioritizing relationships, starting with your relationship with God, followed by your spouse and children. By keeping these relationships at the forefront, you can foster a sense of unity and love during the holidays.
Additionally, the episode highlights the power of gratitude and giving back. Whether it's practicing gratitude for the blessings in your life or engaging in acts of kindness and generosity, these actions can bring joy and perspective to the holiday season. The hosts also encourage listeners to be respectful, avoid unnecessary conflicts, and show kindness even in challenging situations.
**So, if you're ready to reclaim the joy and peace of the holiday season, tune in to this episode of the Rock Solid Families podcast. Discover how to navigate family drama, set a vision for your holiday season, prioritize relationships, and cultivate gratitude. Get ready to create lasting memories and make this holiday season truly special.
Key Takeaways:**
- Decide how you will handle difficult family members or challenging situations beforehand to avoid unnecessary drama.
- Keep the main thing, the main thing by prioritizing what is truly important, whether it's family, faith, or creating meaningful experiences.
- Understand the hierarchy of relationships and prioritize your spouse and immediate family, while still respecting and honoring extended family.
- Practice gratitude and thankfulness, even in difficult times, and use the holiday season as an opportunity to show your best side and be a witness for Christ.
Quotes:
- set your vision on what you want this holiday to look like. What do you want the season to be about? What do you want your kids and your grandkids to see? Do you literally want them to see yelling across the table and door slamming and people not speaking to one another and just leaving a place early because you're mad? What is the vision you want? I love being with your family, especially because we do a lot of big holiday gatherings together. It's literally just about laughter and fun and making memories. We're not talking about things like politics and religion. We're just enjoying each other's company because we don't get to do it very often. And we have now a whole nother generation. Our grandkids are with each other and there's so many little ones. So what do we want to show them? What's the vision you're setting for your family gatherings?
(15:20 | Linda Hutchinson)
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How do we, as Christian parents, guide our children through the complex topics of marriage, sex, and homosexuality from a biblical perspective? This challenging question sets the stage for our latest podcast episode. Our hosts delve into the delicate task of educating children about these important subjects, emphasizing the necessity of age-appropriate, biblically grounded discussions. They highlight the Christian view of marriage as a union between a man and a woman and discuss sex as a sacred gift reserved for married couples.
Amidst today's shifting cultural narratives, even within elementary education, the hosts stress the importance of parental vigilance regarding what children are taught. They address the challenge of stereotypes and reinforce the importance of treating every individual with compassion, love, and respect, in line with the Christian principle of loving the sinner while not condoning the sin.
The episode also underscores the importance of open conversations with children about sensitive topics like homosexuality, balancing a biblical perspective with teachings of love and acceptance. The hosts discuss integrating Jesus' teachings into these conversations, demonstrating Christ's love in all relationships.
On navigating when to start these conversations, the hosts emphasize the value of being open and approachable, ensuring parents are the go-to resource for their children on these topics. For parents facing the situation of a child expressing same-sex attraction, the focus is advised to be on understanding deeper issues and maintaining the relationship's holistic health, rather than fixating on this single aspect.
**The episode wraps up with a reminder for listeners that it's okay to seek help and support. The hosts encourage sharing the podcast with others who might benefit from this compassionate, biblical approach to discussing marriage, sex, and homosexuality with children, fostering a safe and understanding family environment.
Key Takeaways:
- Engage in open, honest, and age-appropriate conversations with children about marriage, sex, and homosexuality, ensuring these discussions are grounded in biblical teachings.**
- Instill a sense of compassion, love, and respect in their children towards others, regardless of differences, embodying the Christian principle of loving the sinner but not the sin.
- Maintain an approachable and understanding demeanor as parents, creating a safe space for children to discuss sensitive topics and focusing on their overall well-being and deeper issues rather than just their sexual orientation.
Quotes:
-”The very first thing, and this starts super young, is that you teach them that that's what marriage is, between a man and a woman." (02:00 | Linda Hutchinson)
-"We believe God intends sexual intimacy to be occurring between one man and one woman who are married to each other, and we believe that God has commanded us to keep that marriage bed pure and has designed sexual intimacy to be exclusive for married couples.” (14:04 | Linda Hutchinson)
- "Homosexuality and sexual immorality are just a few of the ways that people go against God's word and God's way. And so lying, cheating, drunkenness, gluttony, it all goes against God's good and perfect plan. And so that's all sin, and God judges them the same.” (17:01 | Linda Hutchinson)
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Rock Solid Families - EP263 Israel-Hamas War: Talking to Your Kids About Good vs Evil
Merrill and Linda Hutchinson
“Teach your children to pray so that if their little hearts feel heavy, they can go to God and not the world.” These powerful words from the Rock Solid Families podcast episode on parenting through dark times resonate deeply. As we reflect on war going on between Russia and Ukraine and war going on between Israel and Hamas, both adults and children are seeing and hearing painful, frightening news. There are images on social media and on the news showing a world filled with suffering and death, darkness and evil. In these times it's crucial to equip our kids with the tools to navigate these challenges. This episode delves into the battle between good and evil, offering guidance on how to talk to our kids about it from a biblical worldview. The hosts emphasize the importance of teaching our children about love, recognizing good versus evil, and finding hope in the midst of tragedy. They remind us that while evil is prevalent, there is always hope in Jesus Christ. This episode serves as a reminder to parents that we have the power to shape our children's perspective and provide them with the hope and strength they need to face the darkness.
Key Takeaways:
Teach your children about good versus evil from a biblical worldview.
Help your children understand that love cannot be coerced and that God wants us to choose to love Him.
Recognize that all have sinned and fallen short of God's glory, but through Christ, we can be reconciled and justified.
Look for opportunities to display God's works and be a light in times of tragedy and darkness.
Provide your children with hope by pointing them to Jesus and the eternal life He offers.
Quotes:
“If you and I don't have a hope, our kids are going to see that hopelessness. They're going to feel overwhelmed, even more so by that tragedy. So it's really important that we teach our children very early on before the first storm or for the first tragedy, that there is good and evil and that is real and that they are in opposition to each other.” (9:58 | Linda Hutchinson) Audiogram
“It's hard to understand why God would allow a child to die, and that's a really hard conversation to have with a child, depending on their age, but to understand that there is hope, there is life, that this world is not our own, this is just temporary. Helping them understand that there is something so that they don't fear death.” (14:43 | Linda Hutchinson)
“Teach your children to pray so that if their little hearts feel heavy, they can go to God and not the world. And so we've got to start now, even before the first storm, the first tragedy, the first crisis, the first death they experience. If you don't teach them about a God who loves them and about a heaven that they can go to and that they will be able to see those people they love again, then you're not giving them the tools they need for when those storms come.” (18:08 | Linda Hutchinson) Audiogram
“You do not have to walk through the evil alone. There is good. There is hope. And his name is Jesus.” (36:31 | Linda Hutchinson) SM Quote
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Have you ever felt like counseling is too female-oriented? Well, you're not alone.
In the latest episode of the Rock Solid Families podcast, Merrill and Linda Hutchinson delve into the vital role of communication in resolving relationship conflicts. Merrill brings up an interesting point about the counseling field often being skewed towards women, highlighting the importance of communication styles that effectively resonate with men. He emphasizes that men experience deep emotions and the need for understanding and connection in conversations is universal.
Linda introduces the concept of a 'huddle' - a dedicated time for focused communication where one partner speaks and the other listens attentively, asks clarifying questions, and mirrors back to show understanding and empathy. This approach not only validates the speaker’s feelings but also avoids defensive reactions. The goal is for both individuals to feel genuinely heard and understood.
Staying on topic, avoiding distractions, and offering solutions or compromises are also discussed as key elements in resolving conflicts. Acknowledging mistakes and summarizing conversations are highlighted as essential for maintaining clarity. Trust-building and following through on commitments made during these discussions are emphasized as critical for the health of the relationship. They suggest concluding discussions with a shared prayer, inviting God into the process. Teaching these communication skills to children is also encouraged, highlighting the long-term benefits of effective communication in fostering healthy relationships.
Key Takeaways:
- Men often feel uncomfortable in counseling settings that are female-oriented, so it's important to use language and approaches that resonate with them.
- Both men and women have emotions and need to feel understood and validated in order to connect and resolve conflicts.
- When addressing conflicts, it's important to create a safe and private space for open and vulnerable communication.
- Active listening, reflection, and empathy are crucial in understanding and validating each other's emotions and needs.
- Apologizing, offering compromises, and reassurances can help rebuild trust and strengthen the relationship.
Quotes:
- “When we cover things in all pink in terms of how we approach men, men right away just go, this is weird. I don't get it. And so rather than trying to call for a comfort place or a comfort zone or whatever, I would be like, dude, it's time for a huddle. Hey, it's time for it's time to get the home base. It's time to you know, take a timeout You're like I gotta speak to men and men go. ‘Oh, yeah now I gotcha.’” (:46 | Merrill)
- “You know, you're not really arguing about the car or about Thanksgiving. You're really arguing about something deeper, something of need that's not being met.” (9:56 | Linda)
- “The huddle means we have to have a means to pull people together and say, okay, wait, wait. Who's the enemy? Who's the opponent? Guys, we're on the same team. (12:41 | Merrill)
- “If you're willing to go into a huddle, you have to go to a next level of understanding of where the potential downfalls could come. The huddle is all about forming a trust.” (40:10 | Merrill)
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Hosts - Merrill and Linda Hutchinson
"Conflict in marriage is not about winning or losing, but about finding a resolution that honors both partners," says Merrill Hutchinson.
In this episode of the Rock Solid Families podcast, hosts Merrill and Linda Hutchinson dive into the topic of conflict resolution within marriage. They explore the different points that can lead to impasses in a relationship and discuss the common subjects that often spark arguments, such as money, sex, responsibilities, and family issues. The hosts emphasize the importance of staying calm and respectful during conflicts, as well as focusing on the specific issue at hand rather than bringing up past grievances. They also touch on the essential elements of trust and the need for compromise in order to find resolution.
Throughout the episode, Merrill and Linda provide practical tips and insights for handling conflicts constructively. They stress the significance of actively listening to one another's perspectives and understanding each other's points of view. The hosts also highlight the importance of trust, both in terms of trusting each other's motives and abilities, as well as having a positive track record in resolving conflicts. They encourage couples to prioritize their relationship by giving each other undivided attention and avoiding distractions, such as screens, during important discussions.
Listeners of the Rock Solid Families podcast will find valuable guidance and tools for navigating conflicts within their marriages. The hosts' personal anecdotes and relatable examples add depth and authenticity to the discussion. By addressing the common subjects that often lead to impasses, Merrill and Linda provide listeners with practical strategies for resolving conflicts and strengthening their relationships. Whether it's learning to stay calm and respectful, focusing on the issue at hand, or building trust and compromising, this episode offers valuable insights for couples seeking to improve their conflict resolution skills.
Key Takeaways:
Stay calm and respectful during conflicts in your marriage. Emotions can run high, but it's important to remain calm and avoid name-calling or hurtful language.
- Focus on the issue at hand and avoid bringing up past grievances or unrelated topics. Keep the discussion centered on the specific conflict or impasse you are trying to resolve.
- Listen to your partner's point of view and try to understand their perspective. Avoid interrupting or formulating your response before they have finished speaking.
- Be willing to compromise and find a solution that works for both partners. It's important to prioritize the well-being of the marriage and the family as a whole, rather than seeking individual wins.
- Build trust in your relationship by demonstrating reliability, honesty, and consideration for your partner's needs and feelings. Trust is essential for effective conflict resolution and a healthy marriage.
Quotes:
- "If a win is one of you getting your way at the expense of the other, that's actually not a win for the marriage." (20:44 | Merrill Hutchinson) Audiogram
- “You've gotta listen to understand, you've gotta sit in that so that they feel heard, and that's the very first essential that's gotta be there for trust.” (24:03 | Linda Hutchinson)
Links
Instagram:
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Rock Solid Families - EP260 - Should I Home School My Kids?
Lisa Cox - certified teacher that chose to bring her craft into her home
Considering homeschooling your kids? In today's episode, we're unpacking the world of homeschooling, an educational path that's gaining traction among many Christian families. Lisa Cox, an experienced homeschooling parent, offers a firsthand look into the dynamics and decisions surrounding this approach to education.
Key to the conversation is the unity of parental values, a foundation ensuring cohesion and mutual commitment to the child's education. While some children might champion the idea of homeschooling, it's essential for parents to discern their underlying motives. Is it truly in the child's best interest or merely a means to bypass challenges of traditional schooling? For parents contemplating this path, diving into homeschooling communities, conventions, and co-ops can be enlightening. This exploration helps in discerning the right homeschooling style that aligns with the family's core values.
Transitioning into the role of a primary educator goes beyond curriculum choices. It demands dedication and a hands-on approach, ensuring lessons resonate with the child's unique needs. Many parents worry about the perception that homeschooled children don’t have enough social opportunities. Lisa shares that contrary to popular belief, homeschooling offers a wealth of socialization avenues. From community engagements to co-op activities, children can foster friendships and social skills. Parents play a pivotal role in facilitating these opportunities.
Lisa offers reassurance that with a faith-driven perspective and thorough preparation, homeschooling offers a transformative educational journey, nurturing children into the well-rounded Christian individuals that God intended them to be.
Key Takeaways:
Homeschooling requires a strong commitment and willingness to put in the hard work.
It is important for both parents to be on the same page and make the decision together.
Doing thorough research and talking to other homeschooling families can help in making an informed decision.
Homeschooling allows for individualized education and flexibility in scheduling.
Providing healthy opportunities for socialization is crucial for homeschooled children.
Quotes:
"I wanted my kids to have the opportunity to be who God intended them to be without all the expectations and peer pressure that gets put on them to be like everyone else." (10:31 | Lisa) Audiogram
"There's a difference between what I would say is home education and school at home." (13:06 | Lisa) SM Quote
"It has to be parent-driven, and parents have to be extremely involved." (22:17 | Lisa)
"If you feel called and you and your spouse feel called to do this, God's going to give you what you need." (35:45 | Linda)
Links
Instagram: @RockSolidFamilies
Website: https://www.rocksolidfamilies.org/
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Guest Host - Meredith Scudder
Waiting is not a passive act, but an opportunity for growth. In this episode of the Rock Solid Families podcast, the hosts delve into the topic of waiting and the challenges it presents in our fast-paced, instant gratification society. They discuss how the younger generations, particularly millennials and Gen Z, struggle with patience due to growing up in a culture of convenience and immediate access to information and resources. The hosts emphasize the importance of aligning oneself with the biblical view of waiting, which calls for patience and trust in God's timing. They also explore the idea of using the waiting period as an opportunity for personal growth, refining character, and deepening one's relationship with God. The episode concludes with practical steps to navigate the waiting season, including seeking God's guidance, taking action, and trusting in His plan.
Key Takeaways:
Waiting is a common experience in life, regardless of age or stage, and it can lead to feelings of frustration and questioning.
It is important to turn to God and seek His guidance during seasons of waiting, rather than relying solely on our own desires and plans.
Waiting can be a time of growth and refinement, where we learn important lessons and develop patience, self-discipline, and trust in God's timing.
Taking action and being proactive during the waiting period is crucial, as it allows us to make progress and continue growing, even if it's not in the exact way or timing we had hoped for.
Trusting in God's plan and His faithfulness is essential during times of waiting, as He knows what is best for us and is working behind the scenes to prepare and guide us.
Quotes:
"When you're in those seasons of waiting and confusion, we're not ready for what we're asking for." (00:41 | Meredith)
"We have to train our mind and our body and our emotions for that self-regulation, that self-discipline, and allowing hard things to really grow us." (10:22 | Linda) Audiogram
"If you feel like you're not hearing from God or, you're asking and and you are spending time with him, but you're not hearing anything, I wanna encourage you. God will still give you peace. And sometimes what he's speaking to us, when we don't hear it, it's like, hey, just like rest in me.” (33:31 | Merrill)
"Trust that God knows best and He's protecting and preparing you." (35:43 | Meredith) SM Quote
Links
Instagram: @RockSolidFamilies
Website: https://www.rocksolidfamilies.org/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/search/top?q=rock%20solid%20families
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Rock Solid Families - EP258 - Inviting God to School
"Bringing God into our schools and homes is not about pushing an agenda, but about equipping our children with the tools to defend their faith and stand for what they believe. It's about instilling in them a strong identity and purpose in Christ, so that they can navigate the confusion and challenges of the world with confidence and hope." - Rock Solid Families
In this episode of the Rock Solid Families podcast, hosts Linda and Merrill Hutchinson discuss the importance of bringing God into schools and homes. They emphasize the need for parents to help their children understand their identity and purpose in Christ, regardless of whether they attend public, Christian, or homeschool. The hosts debunk the notion that God has been pushed out of schools, highlighting the opportunities for religious activities and expressions that exist within the education system. They also encourage parents to support their children in defending their faith and standing up for their beliefs, as well as to be proactive in bringing God into their communities and schools.
The hosts provide practical tips for parents, such as being cooperative with schools, initiating and supporting religious activities, and teaching children to be bold witnesses of their faith. They also stress the importance of understanding one's own faith and why it is meaningful, rather than simply going through the motions. Additionally, they remind listeners of the power of voting and influencing legislation to support religious freedom in schools. The episode concludes with a call to action for parents to take an active role in bringing God into their homes, schools, and communities, and to support positive initiatives that promote faith and values.
Key Takeaways:
- It is important to involve God in our homes and schools to help children understand their identity and purpose in Christ.
- Parents should provide tools for their children to defend their faith and stand for what they believe, regardless of whether they are in public schools, Christian schools, or homeschooling.
- Rather than blaming schools for pushing God out, parents should focus on bringing God into their own homes and teaching their children about faith.
- Parents should support their children's schools and be cooperative with the staff, volunteering and getting involved in positive activities.
- Voting and supporting legislators who align with Christian values can help influence the presence of God in schools and society.
Quotes:
- "Regardless if they're in the public schools, a Christian school, homeschool, we've got to help our students and our children understand what it means to have that identity and purpose in Christ." (00:53 | Linda Hutchinson)
- "We are seeing a resurgence of faith and hope and trust in the Lord because this world has been getting very dark, and our students are so desperate for hope that they're seeking it, they're searching for it." (08:26 | Linda Hutchinson)
- "If you can get them around healthy, positive community, everybody wins. And that is just what we want for our students and our families." (37:13 | Linda Hutchinson)
Links
Instagram: @RockSolidFamilies
Website:
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"Men are not less than, they are different. Understanding their needs and meeting them where they are is the key to bringing them back into the church and empowering them to lead their families." - Merrill Hutchinson
In this episode of the Rock Solid Families podcast, hosts Merrill and Linda Hutchinson discuss the importance of men's involvement in the church and the home. They highlight the concerning trend of fewer men attending church and being actively engaged in family life. Drawing from the book "Why Men Hate Going to Church" by David Morrow, they explore the reasons behind this phenomenon and the need to address it. The hosts emphasize the significance of meeting men's physical, emotional, and spiritual needs in order to engage them in church and family life. They provide practical suggestions for creating a more inviting and inclusive environment for men, such as avoiding judgment, open communication, and prayer.
Throughout the episode, Merrill and Linda stress the importance of understanding and meeting men's needs in order to encourage their involvement in the church and as leaders in the home. They discuss the hierarchy of needs, as outlined by Maslow, and how it applies to men's engagement in church and family life. The hosts also address the feminization of the church and the need for a more male-friendly environment. They encourage women to pray for wisdom in their approach and to avoid comparing their spouse to others. The episode concludes with a challenge for listeners to have open conversations about faith and church involvement with their partners, and to pray for guidance and unity in their spiritual journeys.
Key Takeaways:
- Men are leaving the church at a greater rate, and it is important to understand why and address their needs.
- The hierarchy of needs (physical, emotional, and spiritual) plays a role in men's involvement in the church.
- Men may feel disconnected or undervalued in the church, and it is important to create an environment that meets their needs.
- Avoid nagging, guilting, or comparing men to others when it comes to church attendance.
Quotes:
- "The research tells us that there is less men, and we've seen that, whether it be going to church, whether it be… Even our Thursday morning Bible study, at the middle school level, it's a two-to-one ratio when it comes to girls to boys." (00:00 | Linda)
- "And so this is no new conversation. Where are all the men in the church? Why have men sort of fallen off the table when it comes to a lot of healthy families and keeping marriages together?" (03:09 | Merrill)
- “A lot of times churches will connect with men to maybe work on projects. Maybe they're helping fix the roof, or maybe they're helping them cut the grass, or maybe them helping widows that are in need of winterization or something like that, where men feel like, I am putting my faith into action, and that's how I worship. And so, yeah, we've gotta help men meet those physical needs. That's why your Strong Dads has a workout component to it. You have Bible study, but half of it is getting up, getting sweaty, working out, and meeting those physical needs.” (16:10 | Linda)
- "Pray for yourself. Pray for wisdom to know how to handle this man of yours. Pray for an understanding of how a man works and stop trying to think that he should work more like you, okay?
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Rock Solid Families - EP256 - Thanks for 5 Years!
Merrill and Linda Hutchinson
In this heartfelt 5 year anniversary episode, Linda and Merrill reflect on half a decade of their dedicated ministry, Rock Solid Families. They recount the myriad of lives they've impacted: from young adults, parents, and teens, to empty nesters and couples facing challenges. They open up about the inspiring tales of renewal and healing they've seen, attributing these changes to the profound influence of the Holy Spirit and the timeless teachings of God's Word. The duo also takes a moment to convey their deep appreciation for the unwavering support they've received and reiterate their pledge to persistently serve families and individuals grappling with various challenges.
As the conversation unfolds, the two spotlight the significance of being in sync with God's essence and consistently seeking His wisdom in every life facet. Sharing the Bible verses that have guided their paths, they emphasize the transformative role of the Holy Spirit in ushering hope and healing. Recognizing the myriad hurdles their clients face, from personal traumas to heart-wrenching losses, they extend a comforting hand of hope and solace. Unwavering in their mission, Linda and Merrill underscore their dedication to consistently offering aid and resources to those in need, all the while inviting listeners to join hands with them in fortifying and rejuvenating families.
Quotes
“Yeah, so there's thousands and thousands of people who have been reached through those downloads and through those podcasts, not to mention the classes we've taught. Just today, just today, we got an email through someone who heard us speak over a year ago, and they looked at their spouse at the time and said, we need to get help. And today, they messaged and said, ‘we are reaching out for help and it's long way overdue.’” (15:10 | Linda). Audiogram
“I have to constantly remind myself that God, He is able to do more than I could ever dream of. that I can ever imagine, and I'm going to trust in Him to do that.” (36:50 | Linda) SM Quote
“When people come into us and they're challenged, right? They're on that last string of hope. right? And sometimes people come in to us and they'll say, you are our last hope. And right away we're going, no, no, no, no, no. Okay. But really they're saying, man, we don't know what else could happen, what could work here. And so for me, it really is, man, we, we get aligned with the way of Christ. Okay. Which is God's way. We align ourselves and seek it out, learn it…it’s how we start getting blessed. So that would be my takeaway that I really wanna run into in the next years.” (39:26| Merrill)
Links
Instagram: @RockSolidFamilies
Website: https://www.rocksolidfamilies.org/
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God's truth has the power to shatter the lies we believe about ourselves and replace them with the value and worth He has bestowed upon us. In this episode of the Rock Solid Families podcast, hosts Merrill and Linda Hutchinson delve into the topic of the lies we believe about ourselves, others, and God. They share personal experiences of the lies they believed growing up and how those lies shaped their self-perception. While certain facts may be true, it is the value we attribute to those facts that can lead to harmful beliefs. They discuss the importance of recognizing and challenging these lies, replacing them with the truth found in God's Word.
Merrill and Linda stress the significance of understanding where our value truly comes from. They address the lies we believe about God, such as viewing Him as distant or uncaring, and emphasize the truth of His love and involvement in our lives. Seek healing and replace these lies with the truth of God's Word, recognizing that our value lies in being His creation and living out His purpose for our lives.
Key Takeaways:
The lies we believe about ourselves and God can have a significant impact on our lives and relationships.
It is important to recognize and challenge the lies we believe, replacing them with the truth of God's Word.
Our value and worth do not come from external factors or achievements, but from our identity as children of God.
Healing and growth require acknowledging our mistakes and taking responsibility for them, seeking forgiveness and making amends where necessary.
Community and support are crucial in the process of healing and replacing lies with truth. Seeking help from others who are on a similar journey can provide encouragement and accountability.
Quotes:
"The thing that you may struggle with is not necessarily a lie. You may just be the B/C student. You may be a little more clumsy or taller than the average person, but it is us that attributes that characteristic to giving us value or not. And that is the lie." (08:16 | Merrill) Quote
“If your children make a mistake, you’ve got to be really, really careful that you don't say you're a bad kid - because they hear that - and they internalize that as ‘There's something wrong with me,’ versus ‘You made a bad decision.’ And so it's funny how when you may say ‘You made a bad decision’ and they'll come back at you with, you mean I'm a bad kid, or you think I'm a bad kid. And it's really important that we hear that lie and we correct that.” (9:08 | Linda) Audiogram
"I am a valuable person. I am a good person because I am of God and I'm here to do God's purpose, not my own." (32:06 | Merrill)
“The Bible says that he disciplines those he loves. And so sometimes he allows us to have consequences for our own bad actions and decisions. And so that's just the reality of how he loves us to show us what it looks like when we step away from his truths.” (32:48 | Linda)
"Please share our shows. We desperately need your help getting these kind of messages out, especially when it comes to the lies we believe. And so share this with your kids. Talk about the lies maybe they believe, and reiterate the truths of God's Word so that they can have peace and joy and a long-lasting life with God the Father.” (00:34:58 | Linda)
Links
Instagram: @RockSolidFamilies
Website: https://www.rocksolidfamilies.org/
Worksheets/Resources Mentioned In This Episode:
Are You Believin
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Rock Solid Families - EP254 - Calming Your Child's Emotional Storms
Co-Host - Meredith Scudder - Assistant Director at Rock Solid Families
Regulating our emotions is not about suppressing them, but rather about learning to respond instead of react. By modeling calmness and practicing co-regulation, we can create a safe space for our children to navigate the storms of life.
In this episode of the Rock Solid Families podcast, Merrill and Linda are joined by guest co-host and returning contributor, Meredith Scudder. The team dives into a big topic in parenting, helping your child develop emotional awareness and regulation skills. They discuss the necessity of co-regulation, the important role parents play in mastering their emotions, and setting the stage for their children to mirror healthy behaviors.
Listeners are introduced to an intuitive hand model of the brain, a tool aimed at demystifying emotions and their regulation for both parents and children alike. Filled with actionable insights, the episode advises parents on techniques like aligning physically with the child's height, harnessing the power of gentle tones, and tapping into the calming effects of deep breaths.
Throughout their discussion, the hosts continually return to the importance of proactive emotional management. They urge parents to be alert to their personal emotional triggers and, crucially, to take a beat before responding, ensuring a more considered, controlled reaction. Balancing compassion with discipline, they discuss the significance of acknowledging children's feelings while concurrently setting clear behavioral limits. They emphasize the value of being fully present, even when it means embracing moments of discomfort, and champion seeking authentic emotion-regulating strategies over easy digital diversions.
Key Takeaways:
- Mastering our emotions sets a precedent for our children.
- Employ the hand model of the brain for a tangible grasp on emotions and their regulation.
- Recognize personal triggers and practice the pause, enabling a thoughtful response.
- Amid the parenting journey, bestow grace abundantly, both to oneself and one's children.
Quotes
- “I have so many teens that they're struggling to go to their parents to talk about things that are going on because they're scared of their parents' reaction, which then I have to help them see that reaction is more fear-based for the parent. The parent's scared or worried or they're sad, their child's going through something. when they aren't taking the time to kind of collect themselves and regulate, they're then reacting and it's coming off scary to the child.” (16:45 | Meredith) AUDIOGRAM
- “Well, and as a parent, be okay with modeling to your child, like, hey, I'm actually not in a good space right now to talk. I'm feeling frustrated too. I need to take a minute. And respecting your child when they're not in the space either. So if you, as the parent, take a step back and collect yourself, and then you're ready to talk, if your child's not ready to talk, don't push it. Still make sure you come back to it. You'll have your time.” (20:56 | Meredith)
- “I really want to warn parents, please do not use screens at any age as a co-regulating. It's not. It's actually a deregulating tool.” (30:23 | Linda) Quote
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Teaching our children about physical relationships is not about imposing rules, but about guiding them towards God's perfect design. It's about equipping them to make wise choices and protecting their hearts, minds, and bodies. Let's empower our children to understand their value and purpose, so they can navigate the challenges of this world with grace and integrity.
In this episode of the Rock Solid Families podcast, hosts Linda Hutchinson and Merrill discuss the challenges of talking to teenagers about sexual topics in today's culture. They begin by addressing the issue of censorship and cancel culture, sharing their own experiences of being deleted from social media platforms for discussing sexual content from a Christian perspective. Despite these challenges, they emphasize the importance of having open and honest conversations with teenagers about sex and relationships, while also aligning these discussions with biblical values.
The hosts provide practical tips for parents on how to approach these conversations with their teenagers. They emphasize the importance of creating a safe and open environment where teenagers feel comfortable discussing these topics. They encourage parents to invite opportunities for conversation, ask open-ended questions, and listen actively to their teenagers' thoughts and opinions. They also highlight the significance of teaching teenagers the value of waiting until marriage and the potential consequences of engaging in premarital sex. Ultimately, they stress the importance of guiding teenagers to make choices that align with God's word and lead to blessings in their lives.
Throughout the episode, Linda and Merrill emphasize the need for parents to be proactive in addressing these topics with their teenagers. They acknowledge the challenges of navigating a culture that promotes permissiveness and distorted views of sex and relationships. However, they encourage parents to stay true to their values and provide their teenagers with a solid foundation rooted in biblical principles. By fostering open and honest conversations, parents can equip their teenagers to make informed and healthy choices regarding sex and relationships, ultimately leading to a more fulfilling and God-honoring life
Key topics:
Invite opportunities for open and casual conversations about sex and relationships with your teenagers.
Use open-ended questions to encourage dialogue and discover your teenager's thoughts and beliefs about sex and sexuality.
Timing is important, so be ready to seize the moment when natural curiosity or relevant situations arise.
Focus on building a strong relationship with your teenager, listening to their feelings and validating their experiences.
Teach your teenagers the value of waiting until marriage for sexual intimacy and the benefits of following God's design for relationships.
Quotes:
"Invite opportunities, but then don't push, but gently invite them into the conversation." (11:38 | Linda)
"We need to do more listening than talking and validating how our kids feel along the way." (18:49 | Linda)
"We want to help teens understand that there is such a thing as second chance virginity and God's forgiveness when we mess up." (33:24 | Linda)
“Not teaching God's way and allowing us to go the world's way makes for great TV movies, books, all kinds of smut on social media. So it makes for that stuff to be interesting. But the reality of it is it makes for heartache. It makes for breakup. It makes for emotional and psychological destruction.” (42:10 | Merrill) Audiogram
Links:
Instagram: @RockSolidFamilies
Website: https://www.rocksolidfamilies.org/
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Christian parents, are you wondering how to have "the sex talk" with your school-age sons and daughters? Merrill and Linda delve deeply into this question, offering candid insights in the latest Rock Solid Families episode. They underscore the urgency of addressing this subject, especially as kids today encounter sexual content far earlier than past generations. The episode spotlights the need for accurate terminology and the emphasis on principles of modesty and self-respect. Beyond just discussions on physical intimacy, the duo highlights the profound importance of instilling an understanding of one's identity in Christ and the inherent value this brings.
With the ever-growing influence of media and the internet, Linda and Merrill tackle the difficulties Christian parents encounter. They advocate for vigilant monitoring of what children consume online, co-watching television shows and observing your children when they are gaming as a way to protect your children from inappropriate content. These co-watching moments also create a space where open teaching dialogue can happen naturally. Crucially, the couple stresses the role of parents as role models, exemplifying respect across genders and assisting their children in discerning the eternal wisdom of God from the things they may see and hear in the world.
In essence, this episode is a great resource for parents who are continuing the conversation of sexuality with their maturing children (be sure to check out Part 1 of this series, episode 250, if you have younger children or if you need to revisit foundational topics you may have missed).
Key Takeaways:
- Adopt clear, age-appropriate language when discussing sex with older children.
- Reinforce lessons on self-worth, modesty, and mutual respect, grounded in their identity in God.
- Actively supervise media exposure and encourage open discussions about content.
- Serve as exemplary figures, displaying respect and guiding children in contrasting God's word from worldly views.
- Equip kids with a robust Christian foundation to confidently face contemporary challenges.
Quotes:
- "We really have to approach it differently than our parents did. We have to not put our head in the sand and pretend like this is not happening because it is." (02:03 | Linda Hutchinson)
- "This is that time where your kids are going to get their first look, their first hear, of different things that are related to sex." (02:37 | Merrill Hutchinson)
- "It is near to impossible to keep your children from being exposed. And so you've got to get ahead of it and decide, OK, I want my children to learn the right thing at the right time and hear it from us instead of the kid down the street." (00:06:14 | Linda Hutchinson) Quote
- "And this is where at these elementary ages, where boys and girls are starting to recognize that there is a difference between boys and girls. And so this is where us as parents really want to start talking and teaching about modesty, about protecting your own private parts and about protecting and being aware of those with others. And so this is when we're actually having talks at these early elementary ages of, your private parts are yours and you're not to allow other people to touch them without your parents present and you're not to touch others." (16:11 | Merrill Hutchinson)
- "Finally, teaching your children to discern between what his word, God's word, teaches and what the world is teaching is super important." (36:47 | Linda Hutchinson)
Instagram: @RockSolidFamilies
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“God designed marriage to be a covenant modeled from the one that He made with us,” explains co-host Linda Hutchinson. Nowadays, 50% of all marriages end in divorce. This is a startling statistic. The good news is that when you consider only the marriages of couples who pray together, less than 1% of those marriages end in divorce. In the first 4 parts of their Summer of Love Series, co-hosts Merrill and Linda Hutchinson introduced their Summer of Love Marriage Assessment for evaluating the quality of a marriage and walked through 3 of the four categories— communication, emotional connectedness and physical intimacy. Today, they discuss spiritual intimacy and share ten ways to build and strengthen spiritual intimacy within a marriage.
Technically, you cannot have a marriage in the way that God intended without spiritual intimacy. There are immense benefits to deepening your relationship with your partner through a shared connection with God. One such benefit is that God acts as a third party in your relationship, providing mediation during times of conflict. By reflecting on your covenant with God and looking to his Word for guidance, it will be easier for you and your spouse to be on the same page when making decisions. God’s love is unconditional. So when you mirror your marriage with God’s covenant with humanity, it will be easier to love your spouse unconditionally and extend them grace when they make mistakes. When you strengthen your spiritual intimacy with your spouse, it solidifies why God is important to your family and weaves faith into the fabric of the futures you are creating for yourselves and your children.
If you are not sure where to begin with developing your spiritual intimacy, start with having an open, honest conversation with your spouse about God. Find a church where you both feel comfortable and turn to the scriptures anytime you are questioning what decisions to make for your family. Start creating faith based traditions for your children and really showing them the importance of prioritizing a relationship with God. When you commit to growing your spiritual intimacy, you and your spouse will be able to experience the joy and connection with one another that God intended for all His children.
Quotes
- “If the spiritual side is not in your marriage, then you're not as deep as you can go yet.” (9:33 | Merrill)
- “Oftentimes marriages as soon as it gets difficult, they throw the divorce word. But what would happen if you both humbled yourself and said, ‘What does God ask us to do here?’.” (11:51 | Merrill)
- “God designed marriage to be a covenant modeled from the one that He made with us.” (12:29 | Linda)
- “Belief or even faith is empty without deeds.” (18:43 | Merrill)
- “If we pray together on a daily basis… those marriages divorce at less than 1%.” (20:58 | Merrill)
- “Love your spouse the way God loves you.” (39:27 | Linda)
Links
Summer of Love Assessment: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1MqDxgddfmr7rzbQRFV1jC0VaUdok3XnG/view?usp=sharing
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Website | https://www.rocksolidfamilies.org/
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God has designed all living creatures to fight for life. Built in to our creation is the idea that life should be valued and protected. We have intrinsic responses to danger such as our fight or flight responses, to help us in life threatening moments. We make it a priority to have protective measures in place to keep us from harm. We are motivated to spend time, money, and energy to protective ourselves from threats to our lives and potential harm.
At what point does our fear of dying become obsessive and even counterproductive to living? The fear of death can be crippling to many people. Fear so great that the person feels trapped and unable to live with the abundance that God desires for them.
Fear of dying comes from so many aspects related to death. Uncertainty in the time, the process, the emotions, and the relationships. What will it look like? This great fear stems from the unknown. During this show, Merrill and Linda discuss the importance of finding a reassuring certainty in our death that is promised by Jesus Christ. This promise that Jesus gives is what allows us to look death in the face with a settle heart and a clear path forward with Christ. Our Christian Faith is the anti-fear of death.
To live our fullest we must not allow fear to dictate our motives and actions. We must respect the potential dangers and risks but not be paralysed by them. Christ promises so much more when we give our fears to him and trust in his ways.
http://rocksolidfamilies.org
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Rock Solid Families - Ep 239 - The 5 Essentials of Trust
Merrill and Linda Hutchinson
“If you are a person who can't trust people, you live a life of paranoia. If you are a person who can't be trusted, you live a life of frustration and anger,” explains co-host Merrill Hutchinson. Trust is the foundation for all healthy relationships. Without it, you are unable to form relationships with others and will end up isolated. On the other hand, if you give your trust too freely, you open yourself up to getting hurt. Today, co-hosts Merrill and Linda Hutchinson discuss building trust based on the 5 essentials outlined in Dr. Henry Cloud’s book, Trust. They share examples from their own life experiences along with a look into what the Bible has to say about trust and establishing healthy boundaries.
Trust is the most difficult part of a relationship to rebuild after it has been broken. The five essential elements for determining whether to trust somebody are understanding, motive or intentions, ability, character, and reputation or track record. In addition to these essential elements, Merrill suggests that time is also a critical component of building trust, especially in regard to track record and making up for past mistakes. When you choose to trust someone, you are taking a very real risk with your heart. In order to protect yourself from unnecessary risk, you can use the five elements as a sort of litmus test for whether to open up to that person or not.
The Bible says to trust in God and His Word above all else. When you establish boundaries around who is worthy of your trust, you set yourself up for forming healthier relationships. The next time you are in a position where you are deciding whether to trust someone or are trying to build trust within a relationship, consider these five essential elements before making yourself vulnerable.
Quotes
- “Trust is the fastest thing to fall apart and the hardest thing to rebuild back in relationships.” (1:51-1:58 | Merrill)
- “I don't want anyone out there listening to be boundaryless and unprotected, because that's when we really are hurt.” (9:21-9:28 | Linda)
- “The Bible says, ‘The heart is deceitful, above all things’, so if we just trust in our own heart, not God and His Word, then we set ourselves up for failure.” (11:02-11:10 | Linda)
- “We need to trust people whose motives align with God and His Word.” (17:22-17:25 | Linda)
- “The best predictor of the future is the past. When we trust someone, we place ourselves in a vulnerable position, so we need to do due diligence of looking at their record.” (27:06-27:16 | Linda)
- “If you are a person who can't trust people, you live a life of paranoia. If you are a person who can't be trusted, you live a life of frustration and anger.” (33:42-33:53 | Merrill)
YouTube -https://youtu.be/gZvSZGq_TLs Podcast -https://www.buzzsprout.com/636718/12878013 Webpage - https://rocksolidfamilies.org Instagram Merrill Hutchinson | https://www.instagram.com/hutchinsonmerrill/?hl=en Instagram Rock Solid Families | https://www.instagram.com/rocksolidfamilies/?hl=en
Website | https://www.rocksolidfamilies.org/
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Rock Solid Families - Ep 238 - Identity in Christ Alone - Welcoming Meredith Scudder to the RSF Team
Meredith Scudder - Assistant Director and Coach at Rock
“What I'm seeing a lot of the youth struggle with is identity. And they're not going to know their identity until they know Christ,” explains Meredith Scudder, the new Assistant Director and faith-based coach at Rock Solid Families. Meredith chose to get a Masters in Social Work after seeing firsthand the challenges facing elementary school students in special education. When God led her to take a position in the wilderness of Wisconsin, she expected to arrive to find her dream job. What she found instead was a new path and a transformed heart. Today, co-hosts Merrill and Linda Hutchinson welcome Meredith to the Rock Solid Families family and talk about her career journey, her experiences working with healing trauma in adolescents, and the importance of centering healing on the foundation of a strong relationship with God.
It is difficult for teachers and counselors in non-faith based programs because they are restricted from incorporating their faith into their work. For Meredith, even when all other aspects of her job in Wisconsin made it seem like a ‘dream job’, it always felt like a major piece was missing from the puzzle. She saw many children struggling with issues of identity that were translating into problems behaviorally, emotionally, and academically. Without being able to help these students find their identity in Christ, Meredith was at a loss for how to truly get to the root of their trauma. Instead, she was seeing the traditional method for healing trauma be to offer symptom management rather than actually seeking and addressing the root cause.
Faith-based counseling offers a level of healing that non-faith based modalities are unable to achieve because they are leaving a major piece of the puzzle out of the equation. Trauma is subjective and looks different for everyone, so it is critical to seek out the root cause rather than only focusing on treating the symptoms. Forming a strong relationship with God and seeking your identity in Christ will help you to heal the root of trauma.
Quotes
- “It felt like we were just kind of managing the symptoms. And there seemed to be a deeper rooted problem that wasn't being addressed.” (8:34-8:44 | Meredith)
- “Trauma looks a lot of different ways, and it's subjective.” (10:42-10:47 | Meredith)
- “I thought He was taking me there for my dream job, and to advance my career. And turns out, He was taking me there for my own wilderness experience, to renew my mind, and transform my heart.” (12:15-12:31 | Meredith)
- “What I'm seeing a lot of the youth struggle with is identity. And they're not going to know their identity until they know Christ.” (19:16-19:28 | Meredith)
- “We see teachers and counselors all the time that talk about how restricted they feel by not being able to bring the way of God or Christ into their daily work.” (21:26-21:40 | Merrill)
- “There's licensed therapy out there that is, I believe, doing more harm than good with some of our girls and really reaffirming some of these lies that the enemy has planted in their mind.” (29:52-30:04 | Linda)
Links
YouTube: https://youtu.be/9WFpyeq4yLM
Podcast : https://www.buzzsprout.com/636718/12836874-rock-solid-familie
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Rock Solid Families EP237: Life Transformation - Their Stories
Merrill and Linda Hutchinson
“Trust is not rebuilt overnight. We’ve got to just keep showing each other that we have the right intention, and we're going to try, and we're going to relearn some new practices,” shares co-host Merrill Hutchinson. Periods of life transformation are often uncomfortable and take time and hard work. But God is ready to walk with you every step of the way. Today co-hosts Linda and Merrill Hutchinson discuss the power of life transformation through sharing with permission the stories of some of the people who have sought their guidance over the years.
Merrill and Linda share several stories of clients who have come to them seeking help at times in their lives when they were struggling and in need of help to transform their lives. Many sought help with their marriages, while others were needing help healing from past traumatic experiences. Merrill and Linda explain that regardless of the uniqueness of each situation, everyone came to the same realization in the end, that by prioritizing God above all else, they could heal and transform their lives and interpersonal relationships.
Learning how to surrender to God is a huge part of the process of transformation. Take the time to invite God in by talking with Him, seeking out His Word, and seeking Godly counsel whenever necessary. Whether you are trying to rebuild your marriage, heal past wounds, or work on yourself, improving your relationship with God is step one.
Quotes
- “Trust is not rebuilt overnight. We’ve got to just keep showing each other that we have the right intention, and we're going to try, and we're going to relearn some new practices.” (17:29-17:37 | Merrill)
- “It gives me hope that even when you begin to drift as a couple, or when you think you've got it all on the outside, according to the world, you don't. And, man there is something better out there.” (18:49-18:59 | Linda)
- “Sometimes our trauma in our life is constantly leaking out of our pores, and we don't even know it.” (21:47-21:54 | Merrill)
- “Stop living guilty. God wants to bless you. And as long as you're out there living, it is not about all of you being perfect and trying to check every box. It's about you just using your gifts to serve and to love people and God.” (37:01-37:17 | Merrill)
Links
YouTube: https://youtu.be/rn0ZMu20odc
Podcast: https://www.buzzsprout.com/636718/12797486-rock-solid-families-podcast-life-transformation-our-stories-episode-236.mp3?download=true
Instagram Merrill Hutchinson | https://www.instagram.com/hutchinsonmerrill/?hl=en
Instagram Rock Solid Families | https://www.instagram.com/rocksolidfamilies/?hl=en
Website | https://www.rocksolidfamilies.org/
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Rock Solid Families Podcast EP236: Life Transformation - Sharing Our Stories
Merrill and Linda Hutchison
“The idea of going through the transformation oftentimes means you're going to go through a difficult time. And if you right now are in a difficult time, rather than looking for quick fixes, just start your talk with God,” explains co-host Merrill Hutchinson. Transformation is often uncomfortable and it definitely is not easy, but it can open your life to possibilities you never would have imagined for yourself. Today co-hosts Linda and Merrill Hutchinson discuss the power of life transformation through sharing their own personal experiences with being guided through the transformation process by putting their faith in God.
One of the most difficult times in Merrill and Linda’s lives was when they were facing Merrill’s struggle with an anxiety disorder. It had gotten to the point where he was questioning his faith and questioning why they were even going to Church. He was having frequent panic attacks and closing himself off, and Linda did not know how to help him alongside her own challenges of being a new mom. They found themselves at a new Church, seeking guidance and knowing that in order for transformation to occur, they needed to change their approach. Even though this period of time was difficult for Merrill and Linda, it was also an incredible opportunity for transformation that ultimately led them to the beautiful relationship they have with God.
Instead of reaching for quick fixes like self-medicating, open yourself up to the immeasurable power of God’s love. Transformation is not an overnight fix and in fact is a lifelong journey. When you embrace this journey together with God, you will begin to see a beautiful transformation take place as God opens the doors to the life that He desires for you.
Quotes
- “The idea of going through the transformation oftentimes means you're going to go through a difficult time. And if you right now are in a difficult time, rather than looking for quick fixes, just start your talk with God.” (15:43-16:02 | Merrill)
- “When you start to really need God, you know you’ve got to do something different.” (19:10-19:13 | Linda)
- “We want to invite you along the journey and opportunity for transformation.” (24:26-24:31 | Merrill)
- “I believe in the power transformation. I believe that God is able to do immeasurably more than all we can ever ask or imagine.” (25:26-26:04 | Linda)
- “Transformation is not always fun, but to get to the other side is amazing.” (27:42-27:46 | Merrill)
Links
YouTube: https://youtu.be/6T1zisn8oDc
Podcast: https://www.buzzsprout.com/636718/12799388-rock-solid-families-podcast-life-transformation-sharing-their-stories-episode-237.mp3?download=true
Instagram Merrill Hutchinson | https://www.instagram.com/hutchinsonmerrill/?hl=en
Instagram Rock Solid Families | https://www.instagram.com/rocksolidfamilies/?hl=en
Website | https://www.rocksolidfamilies.org/
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Rock Solid Radio - Ep 235 - Intimacy Builders and Intimacy Busters
Merrill and Linda
PodAmp
“Everybody has a desire for emotional intimacy and physical intimacy and even spiritual intimacy, but the amount that you need could be different. And neither one is right or wrong,” explains co-host Merrill Hutchinson. Men and women tend to have very different ideas when they hear the word intimacy. These differences mean that oftentimes husbands and wives end up busting the intimacy in their marriage rather than building it up. Today co-hosts Linda and Merrill Hutchinson discuss how to build and strengthen physical, emotional, and spiritual intimacy within a marriage by sharing ten intimacy builders and busters.
Although women may tend to be more focused on emotional intimacy and men on physical intimacy, all three areas are important for a healthy and fulfilling marriage. Much of intimacy building comes down to understanding the ways your intimacy needs differ from that of your spouse and working together within that set up to strengthen your relationship. Merrill and Linda talk about ten different areas of intimacy builders and busters, some of which are acts of service, affirmation and appreciation, appropriate humor, unconditional respect, and spiritual connection.
A marriage is a partnership and it is important that you and your spouse work as a team 100% of the time. Acknowledge and respect one another’s differences and come together to build a stronger connection and deeper intimacy. To truly honor both your relationship with God and your relationship with your partner, approach one another with grace and understanding, unconditional love, and respect always.
Quotes
- “Everybody has a desire for emotional intimacy and physical intimacy and even spiritual intimacy, but the amount that you need could be different. And neither one is right or wrong.” (12:00-12:13 | Merrill)
- “Ladies, we've got to understand that we can't just go and expect the world from our man without some warm up, without helping to connect with him in a way that he receives it.” (13:00-13:12 | Linda)
- “When you have been asked by your spouse, whether it be to have sex, or to have this deep discussion, emotional connection, please don't put them off day after day after day after day.” (20:25-20:37 | Linda)
- “If there's a ‘but’ after your affirmation or your compliment, then you just might as well erase the compliment or affirmation.” (24:07-24:16 | Linda)
- “Being available for the acts of service is a real turn on for the intimacy, especially when you see without being asked.” (25:40-25:47 | Merrill)
- “If you want to build intimacy, you better have grace flowing out of your relationship.” (39:49-39:54 | Merrill)
Links
YouTube | https://youtu.be/PCX0rHm235Q
Podcast | https://www.buzzsprout.com/636718/12739145-rock-solid-families-podcast-intimacy-builders-and-intimacy-busters-episode-235.mp3?
Instagram Merrill Hutchinson | https://www.instagram.com/hutchinsonmerrill/?hl=en
Instagram Rock Solid Families | https://www.instagram.com/rocksolidfamilies/?hl=en
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Merrill and Linda Hutchinson on Leaving The Nest on Rock Solid Families Podcast
Merrill and Linda Hutchinson of Rock Solid Families podcast discuss the six keys to successfully launching a child into adulthood.
Rock Solid Families Podcast
https://www.rocksolidfamilies.org/podcast/rock-solid-radio
Merrill and Linda are the co-hosts of Rock Solid Families Podcast as well as the co-founders of Rock Solid Families, a 501c3 nonprofit, faith-based organization. Combined, they have over 70 years of experience in teaching, counseling, ministry, coaching and public speaking. In 2018, they left their full time positions in the Church and public school system to focus on strengthening families. Their goal is to guide and empower families to be all that God wants for them to be. In this episode, they discuss the six keys to helping your child launch successfully and the five success markers to watch for in your relationship with your adult child.
“Don't surprise them. Don't threaten them. Please help them understand, we’re not trying to punish you. We're trying to prepare you,” explains co-host Linda Hutchinson. As graduation looms closer and closer, a lot of parents are thinking about the next steps for their teen and young adult children. More and more adult children are sitting at their parents’ home with no job or motivation, because of unclear expectations and poor planning. Today co-hosts Linda and Merrill Hutchinson discuss the emancipation parenting stage and how to prepare children for leaving the nest.
Listen to, or watch, the full podcast interview by Merrill and Linda Hutchinson on your preferred podcast channel.
- Apple Podcasts
- Spotify
- iHeart
- Youtube
In this podcast, the host covers:
- How the parents’ own insecurities can lead to failure to launch
- Emancipation as the fourth stage of parenting
- Transitioning from mentor to friend
- What the six keys to a successful launch are
- How to apologize and take responsibility for your role in an unsuccessful launch
- The importance of establishing expectations and boundaries early on
- How to guide your children so they anchor themselves to Jesus Christ
- The 5 success markers to look for in your relationship with your adult child
Caption: Merrill and Linda Hutchinson, co-hosts of Rock Solid Families Podcast
Link: https://www.rocksolidfamilies.org/about
Podcast Quotes:
- “Some of the concerns you have about your kids launching out and leaving your home are baked into some insecurities that you have.” (7:44-7:52 | Merrill)
- “What are you doing when your kid graduates? What are you doing to get your kid to graduate?” (12:21-12:26 | Merrill)
- “Don't surprise them. Don't threaten them. Please help them understand, we’re not trying to punish you. We're trying to prepare you.” (14:44-14:50 | Linda)
- “It takes a
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Rock Solid Families - Ep 233 - Rock Solid Families - The Heaviness of Grief
Merrill and Linda Hutchinson
“Everyone grieves differently, and there's no one right way to grieve. We're just here to give you permission to grieve, whether that be in anger, depression, denial, or acceptance. It’s not meaning you didn't love that person, it means that you have decided to keep moving on in life,” explains co-host Linda Hutchinson. When you are dealing with a tragedy like a death or loss, there are several stages of grief that you may experience. People often talk about these stages as if they are linear, but in reality, you may bounce back and forth between them as you process your emotions. Today, co-hosts Merrill and Linda Hutchinson talk about the heaviness of grief and seven things to consider doing when helping others through the grieving process.
When a tragedy occurs, people often go directly to denial, not wanting to believe that something so upsetting has taken place. They may become angry and direct that anger inwardly, outwardly, or even toward God Himself, especially in the case of an untimely death. As healing progresses and people allow themselves to feel the sadness of loss, they will naturally progress toward depression and finally, acceptance. Sometimes people can become trapped in their grief. And at that point, they may need to seek professional help. If you are helping someone through their grief, do not try to hurry them through it. Allow them the time to process at their own speed and provide a safe space where they can share their feelings.
Everyone will experience grief at some point throughout their lives. However, not everyone will process their grief the exact same way. Some ways you can help guide others through their grief is to acknowledge their loss, provide practical help such as babysitting or cooking a meal, offer to pray for them, and share scriptures where appropriate.
Quotes
- “When you finally start to experience the reality of a loss, we’re not denying it, we're not bargaining out of it. Depression is actually a good sign that you are coming out of it.” (9:59-10:12 | Linda)
- “There's so many of our clients that believe that if I accept it, then that means I wanted it to happen.” (11:12-11:18 | Linda)
- “People have to solve their own problems. They have to walk through their own stuff. And so giving advice that is unsolicited, really most of the time is hurtful.” (15:05-15:15 | Merrill)
- “Don't assume that somebody should progress at a certain rate.” (16:49-16:53 | Merrill)
- “Talk less, listen more.” (20:18-20:20 | Merrill)
- “Everyone grieves differently, and there's no one right way to grieve. And so we're just here to give you permission to grieve, whether that be in anger, that be depression, whether that be denial, acceptance. It’s not meaning you didn't love that person, it means that you have decided to keep moving on in life.” (30:39-31:01 | Linda)
Links
Instagram Merrill Hutchinson | https://www.instagram.com/hutchinsonmerrill/?hl=en
Instagram Rock Solid Families | https://www.instagram.com/rocksolidfamilies/?hl=en
Website | https://www.rocksolidfamilies.org/
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Merrill and Linda Hutchinson on Insecure Parenting on Rock Solid Families Podcast
Caption: Rock Solid Families
https://www.rocksolidfamilies.org/podcast/rock-solid-radio
Merrill and Linda are the co-hosts of Rock Solid Families Podcast as well as the co-founders of Rock Solid Families, a 501c3 nonprofit, faith-based organization. Combined, they have over 70 years of experience in teaching, counseling, ministry, coaching and public speaking. In 2018, they left their full time positions in the Church and public school system to focus on strengthening families. Their goal is to guide and empower families to be all that God wants for them to be. In this episode, they talk about the epidemic of ‘woke’ parenting and the challenges that come from parents allowing their own fears and insecurities to influence how they raise their children.
“We don't have any idea what the future is going to hold, and we don't know whether we're going to protect our kids from all things. But we know that God gives a way and provides,” explains co-host Merrill Hutchinson. Everyone has insecurities and fears stemming from their own life experiences and how they were raised. It’s when these insecurities spill over into how you choose to parent that it can become a real issue for not only your kids, but society as a whole. Today, co-hosts Merrill and Linda Hutchinson talk about what it means to be insecure parents and provide 5 insecurity busters to help you set your family up for success.
Listen to, or watch, the full podcast interview by Merrill Hutchinson with Linda Hutchinson on your preferred podcast channel.
Apple Podcasts
Spotify
iHeart
Youtube
In this podcast, the host covers:
What insecure parenting is and where these insecurities stem from
How natural human survival instincts are affected by the amount of information available today
What the epidemic of ‘wokeness’ is and how it is impacting parenting
What are the 5 insecurity busters that can help parents create a secure, safe environment for their children to grow
Caption: Merrill and Linda Hutchinson
Link: https://www.rocksolidfamilies.org/about
Podcast Quotes:
“This ‘wokeness’ is now epidemic and all it has done is create nothing but insecurities.” (16:32-16:42 | Merrill)
“The more we attempt to protect our kids, the more we handicap them.” (17:25-17:30 | Linda)
“We don't have any idea what the future is going to hold, and we don't know whether we're going to protect our kids from all things. But we know that God gives a way and provides.” (20:16-20:26 | Merrill)
“We can't provide a storm free life for our children, but we can help them storm proof it.” (24:52-24:56 | Linda)
“If you're going to put your faith and trust in something, put it in something like God. Don't put it in yourself, because we're fallen human people with weaknesses and limitations. God has none of that. And so that's why we believe He's the rock to build our lives on.” (35:17-35:31 | Linda)
“Obviously we want to warn our children and protect them, but we don't want to bubble wrap them and kind of build them up into these fears where they're so afraid to go live life.” (39:05-39:15 | Linda)
“Reasonable risk and adventures are healthy and they are necessary for your child to grow to their fullest potential.” (39:19-39:28 | Merrill)
About the Podcast Co-Hosts:
To learn more about Merrill and Linda, visit their website (Rock Solid Families).
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Becky Brown on Discovering Your Attachment Style, with Merrill and Linda Hutchinson on Rock Solid Radio Podcast
Becky Brown, Development Director of New Life Ministries, was interviewed by Merrill and Linda Hutchinson of Rock Solid Radio podcast on attachment styles.
Caption: Rock Solid Radio
https://www.rocksolidfamilies.org/podcast/rock-solid-radio
**Becky has been a Professional Clinical Counselor for 25 years. She has worked as a CoHost of the national radio show, New Life Live for the past 3 years. She has been involved with New Life Ministries in Donor Relations and Development for over 12 years. Becky has her Masters in Mental Health Counseling.
She is a wife and mother of three grown children and grandmother of three grandchildren. She has a special knack for bringing expert counseling support with a well rounded Christian foundation to her listeners and clients. In this episode, she explains the concept of attachment styles, shares how a person’s attachment style impacts all of their relationships, and explains the steps to begin healing and learning to create secure attachments.
“The one pivotal question that attachment theory starts with is, ‘what are your first memories of being comforted?’,” shares Becky Brown, Development Director of New Life Ministries. Becky has been a professional clinical counselor for 25 years, offering Christian counseling and life coaching. She helps people to learn about their attachment styles and work towards creating secure attachment in order to heal their relationships. Today, Becky joins co-hosts Linda and Merrill Hutchinson to talk about attachment styles, mental health, healing relationships, and the transformative power of faith.
Listen to, or watch, the full podcast interview by Merrill and Linda Hutchinson with Becky Brown on your preferred podcast channel.**
In this podcast, the host covers:
- Why Becky chose to become a Christian counselor
- What attachment theory is and why it impacts every relationship a person has
- How to discover your attachment style
- Why the 12 step path can be helpful to life recovery, even for non addicts
- Why it is important to expand your emotional vocabulary
- How Every Man’s Battle, a workshop and book, can help men develop healthier attachment styles
Caption: Becky Brown, Development Director of New Life Ministries
Link: https://newlife.com/
Podcast Quotes:
- “There is this complicated thing called life where it does make a difference with intact families. It does make a difference when we are teaching the kids how to see other people as people and humans and love them with the love of Christ.” (10:00-10:15 | Becky)
- “When people understand their attachment style, it impacts every relationship they have.” (12:45-12:52 | Becky)
- “The one pivotal question that attachment theory starts with is, ‘what are your first memories of being comforted?’.” (13:39-13:47 | Becky)
- “What we don't realize many times is that we are the ones that may be disrupting what's actually happening in the connection.” (21:47-21:55 | Becky)
- “You don't have to have a Bible study to start with. You just need to be seen and heard.” (46:30-46:34 | Becky)
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“There's a lot of couples out there who have left their relationship unprotected,” shares co-host Linda Hutchinson. Whether you are married yet or not, there are likely ways that you have left yourself open to temptations within your relationship. Today, co-hosts Linda and Merrill Hutchinson talk about how to protect your relationship from a train wreck by creating a marriage protection plan with your significant other.
There are so many things that can cause a relationship to fall off the tracks. Although it is not possible to predict every temptation that may come your way, it is possible to put up guardrails so that when temptation does happen, you can still be protected. Merrill and Linda have helped many couples face similar challenges in their relationships. And through their work have come up with a list of six essential rules for a successful marriage protection plan. These rules include things like not keeping secrets from your spouse, never traveling or dining alone with someone of the opposite sex, implementing digital safeguards, and checking your work life balance.
No matter what stage of your relationship you are in, it is never too late to put up some guardrails. Even if trust has already been broken, having a protection plan can help you to salvage the relationship and get back on track. Tune in to Rock Solid Radio to learn the six rules Merrill and Linda live by for the protection of their marriage.
Quotes
- “There's a lot of couples out there who have left their relationship unprotected.” (1:14-1:19 | Linda)
- “If trust has been broken this is a great way to rebuild trust and intimacy with you and your significant other.” (4:18-4:24 | Linda)
- “Sit down as a couple and evaluate your time and the balance between work and home.” (15:11-15:16 | Linda)
- “For us as Christians, we believe and we have to learn and understand even though it's not comfortable or easy, that God is our number one relationship.” (16:53-17:02 | Merrill)
- “The idea here is being very careful to show your spouse that they are a priority above the children.” (17:58-18:05 | Merrill)
- “We cannot know every temptation, but we can certainly start to protect and be thinking about the plans in case temptation comes about.” (24:18-24:26 | Merrill)
- “Our general rule on phones and these things is, you can look at my phone or my tablet or computer anytime you want.” (30:29-30:37 | Merrill)
Links
Instagram Merrill Hutchinson | https://www.instagram.com/hutchinsonmerrill/?hl=en
Instagram Rock Solid Families | https://www.instagram.com/rocksolidfamilies/?hl=en
Website | https://www.rocksolidfamilies.org/
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Rock Solid Radio - Who's The Boss in Your Home?
Hosts - Merrill and Linda Hutchinson
“We parent out of a sense of fear, or guilt, or obligation. And that's not how God has called us to parent and lead our family,” explains Linda Hutchinson. Throughout their 70 combined years of life coaching, ministry, and counseling, hosts Merrill and Linda Hutchinson have seen a major shift in the parents’ authority over their homes. This dysfunction bleeds out from the family and creates discord in society on a whole. Today, Merrill and Linda talk about authoritative parenting and how to re-establish yourself as the boss in your home.
Authoritative parenting is different from authoritarian parenting in that it is not based on yelling or reacting emotionally. In order to establish and maintain authority, parents need to both be on the same page regarding the value system of their home. If parents are not on the same page, reflecting on God’s Word can be helpful for choosing which way to go on any given issue. Once those values are established, consistency is key. When you waver on your values, your children will lose respect for your authority. Using a balance of rewards and punishments is crucial for maintaining the expectations of your household. If you’re always rewarding your children and never doling out any negative consequences for their actions, those rewards are going to quickly become ineffective.
When you need help with parenting or you feel pressured to loosen your values due to cultural pressures, look to the scriptures. God’s Word has been very clear on how he wants us to parent as leaders of our families. Tune in to Rock Solid Radio for 10 tips for re-establishing authoritative parenting in your household.
Quotes
- “The family is the building blocks of our culture in our society.” (6:22-6:6:27 | Merrill)
- “Your eight year old, even though they can work the computer better than you, does not have the maturity to understand the dangers of social media and why TikTok isn't healthy for them. You are the parent. We need you to step up and to lead your family well.” (16:21-16:38 | Linda)
- “We parent out of a sense of fear, or guilt, or obligation. And that's not how God has called us to parent and lead our family.” (18:02-18:10 | Linda)
- “Never negotiate with your child until you can see that their value system is aligned with yours.” (30:07-30:17 | Linda)
- “Authority being established and maintained is far more important than the thing that you're arguing about.” (31:19-31:24 | Merrill)
- “Our discord in our world today, so much of it comes out of the discord and disunity that's coming in from the family, and we've got to change that.” (35:00-35:08 | Linda)
Links
Instagram Merrill Hutchinson | https://www.instagram.com/hutchinsonmerrill/?hl=en
Instagram Rock Solid Families | https://www.instagram.com/rocksolidfamilies/?hl=en
Website | https://www.rocksolidfamilies.org/
Podcast show notes provided by HiveCast.fm
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It's great to dream! Dreaming about your future, your family, your adventures to come! These are the things that can give us motivation and hope for better days. But, it might be worth asking yourself this question. Are you living your dream or God's dream?
In this show, Linda and Merrill take a break from the regular studio and head south to Florida with their family for a little vacation. While on vacation it is common to dream of things to come. But, as discussed during the show, do you include and listen to God while you are forming your dreams?
Whether you are starting something new or deciding to stay the course in your life, God wants you to include him. He will direct your paths and give you the desires of your heart. He has a plan for your life. But it is up to you to open the door to Him!
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We've all been injured at some point in our lives. Broken bones, stitches, or just a heavy bruise. Injuries are a sign that we are out there living our life in the elements. No one particularly seeks to get injured, but when we are injured we want to recover as quickly as possible.
So is the case with emotional, relational, and spiritual wounds. Physical wounds are often the easiest to heal from. We can seem them and therefore have a benchmark to work from towards healing and recovery. But, the other kinds of wounds can be much more difficult to identify and then measure in terms of our healing.
None the less, healing these non-physical wounds is every bit as important as any other kinds of wounds. Wounds leave us ineffective, distracted, and often just plain hurting to the point that we can not focus on anything else.
During this show, Merrill and Linda discuss the wounds we suffer in life and how we can work through them. This is a powerful and insightful show as they draw on the many clients they have helped along with their own personal injuries to give the listeners a better understanding for the need for proper healing.
If you have been injured, please do not believe that you have to be stuck in your brokeness. There is help available. If Rock Solid Families can help you, please call, 812-576-7625 or go to rocksolidfamiliels.org.
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Storms seem to be everywhere these days. Whether it's the latest snowstorm, flooding, tornados, or storms such as earthquakes, fires, temperature extremes, whatever it is, we seem to be having our fair share. But this show is not just about the natural storms and disasters we face, it is about all the storms we face whether natural or manmade.
Storms are the events that happen in our lives that we didn't necessarily plan on and to some degree or another, they knock us off from our desired coarse of life. Events such as divorce, job loss, illness, bankruptcy, and tragedies of every sort. Whether we like it or not, storms are just a part of life.
During this show Linda and Merrill attempt to take on the idea of storms and how we can begin to think differently and even come to appreciate storms in the sense of seeing them as an opportunity to grown in our faith and press through our limitations.
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When was the last time you had a good belly laugh? Often times when someone has experienced such a laugh, you will hear them say, "that felt really good!"
We have known for years that laughter is a great medicine, but why don't we use it more than we do? Being more intentional about adding laughter and a variety of other ideas, can help you change your darker days and add more light to your darkness. Exercise, laughter, rest, praying, and meditating, are just a few ways to help.
Check out more as Linda and Merrill discuss how you can be the driver of your moods and no longer find yourself getting stuck.
Here are our 7 keys to helping you to take control of your darker moments and intentionally bring more light to them.
-
Acknowledge your current mental and physical condition
Sometimes life makes you acknowledge your situation as you feel like you ran straight into a brick wall, but wouldn’t it be nice to not have to hit the wall?
Honesty is the only way to properly access your situation. Get rid of biases. -
Own it - What are you doing to put yourself into this condition
Looking at the good and the bad and stating what you did to put yourself in this situation. Yes, there may be others involved, but you are the gatekeeper of your life. Who or what did you let in? No Blames No Victims -
What are you willing to change today?
Today is the key! Not tomorrow or next week, but today. In most cases, starting smaller is best. “Starting today I will not tune in to social media”. “I will go out for a walk. “I will seek laughter in my situation” -
Replace is better than Remove.
Often times we tell people to quit doing something, but when we have developed a habit, it is the habit that makes us feel complete. It is just what we do. Removing it only makes us feel empty. So once you identify what you want to remove, think of what you will replace it with. “Instead of smoking I will chew gum.” “Instead of playing video games, I will go out and shoot hoops.” -
Monitor Progress
Tracking progress is critical to keeping your mind focused on changing the habit. Whether it’s hoping on the scale, rating your mood, or counting your behaviors, tracking can act as a positive reward system or a hard check on a fail. Either way, it is good to get the feedback. -
Make adaptations -
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Making adjustments in order to continue to improve is common sense. If what you are doing isn’t working, back up, make the adjustments and come back at again.
Make a decision NOT to tie your joy and happiness to your circumstances. It’s an internal decision to find laughter and joy in even the hardest times.
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Over half of all families in the US will deal directly with divorce. But once the divorce is settled, people want to move on with their lives. This means forming new relationships, marriages, and families. However, now the work is how do we blend the pre-existing families?
This is a real concern as we see a higher rate of divorce in second marriages than first marriages. Telling us that round two is not necessarily going to be easy. One of the most challenging parts of the blended family is just that, blending well!
During this show Merrill and Linda walk through 7 essential keys that help your new blended family succeed.
- Slow and Steady
- Listening
- Empathy
- Respect
- Fair, Firm and Consistent
- FLEXIBILITY and Grace
- God's Word
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Kelli Calabrese shares her story of believing she had it all. Married for 24 years, incredible career, two amazing children, the house, cars, and clothes to make her the envy of her peers. Then one day her husband comes home and tells her he was finished with the marriage. Immediately dropped to her knees with shock, anxiety, confusion, sadness, and desperation. What happened? What's next? How do I handle this?
With her faith in God and her desire to grow, she shares her story of healing and growing like never before. Kelli has taken her hurt and turned it into a help for so many other women. Since her dark days of watching her family crumble before her eyes, she has used it as fuel to not just heal herself, but to help others heal through her coaching at Intentionally Fabulous.
Listen in as Kelli shares her story and reminds all of us that there is always hope in the future when we embrace what God wants for us. Check out her website for more information and how you can connect.
Website: https://www.intentionallyfabulous.com
FaceBook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/intentionallyfabulous
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Secrets versus Transparency.
During this show, Linda and Merrill tackle the subject of secrets in relationships. Is it important that you know everything about your partner? Should you tell your partner everything that has ever happened in your life or even in your mind? How transparent should you be?
This topic is among the most impactful matter you will ever manage in your relationship. This is not actually a matter of secrets versus transparency, but rather a matter of TRUST! Trust is the glue that sustains and holds a relationship together. Your words and actions always in harmony. When there is a conflict or difference in these, trust begins to erode.
The failure of trust in our society demonstrates itself on a regular basis. We have great fear of not being able to trust people. We have security cameras, GPS tracking devices, sound tracking devices, and a host of many other ways to "check" on people to make sure their actions and words are connected - i.e. trustworthy.
When we see secrets in the marriage, whether big or small, we see red flags warning us that something is not good. Couples know this but often will still try to evade or hid the truth. Why? This is a serious question. Why would they be trying to hide the truth? Is it because the truth is so bad that they know it would severely damage the relationship? Is it because they are protecting a selfish fun or excitement in their life? Whatever the case, trust is damaged by the secret.
Check out the rest of the show to see the many different dynamics that exist when we are attempting to maintain a healthy relationship and build a strong foundation on trust.
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It's not an exaggeration to say that anxiety and depression are having a devastating impact on our children. Researchers say that there has been a significant increase in these conditions in children since 2016. While Covid was fuel for the fire, the trend was already well underway.
In our schools and homes, we are seeing more kids than ever demonstrating the symptoms of anxiety and depression. On so many other fronts we believe life is better than it has ever been. We have less world poverty, more comforts, more technology, more entertainment opportunities, more, more, more. So, how can our kids be struggling so much?
While human nature is fueled by more, it also indicates that our selfishness is fed by more. "The more we get, the more we want." We begin to set up false expectations and chase things that end up biting us once we catch them. We use phrases like, "bigger is better", "you can never have enough", and "the grass is always greener". All of these relate back to us not having what we want and desiring more. The problem comes when we begin to see the damage from the chase.
More split families, civil unrest, and feelings of injustice. More people lack the ability to find contentment in anything. The anxiety, depression, confusion, and lack of joy overwhelm us.
It doesn't have to be this way. As adults and parents there are plenty of things we can do to not just help ourselves, but more importantly, help our young children. During this show, Linda and Merrill reflect on many of the challenges they see coming into their office. They discuss the challenges that today's children are having and how to help them adjust and live a more fulfilled life. By recognizing how to approach these challenges with your child, you can equip them to live a fruitful life unspoiled by the havoc of anxiety and depression.
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"You're dead to me", sounds like a pretty harsh phrase to use against someone else. But, in our current culture it seems to be accepted as a very practical way to deal with people you disagree with or you simply do not like. We have seen it in our politics, families, neighborhoods, and even marriages. We have come to recognize the common phrase of "cancel culture", that indicates how we handle people that oppose us.
Yes, there may be a time when someone needs to be out of your life or at least firm boundaries set on your relationship. But, when the emotional response of instantly kicking people out of your life is our first instinct, we are on a rapid road to tribalism.
During today's show, Linda and Merrill break down this attitude and why we could all benefit by being a little more thoughtful before jumping to this response. Our marriages, families, communities and nation are suffering and this is a primary reason. We have little understanding of grace or much less the Matthew 18 principle.
So, before you are too quick to burn a bridge, think twice about the possibility of having to travel over it again someday.
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It may be safe to say that most people that are engaged to be married believe their marriage will last a lifetime. But, we no from simple observation that not to be the case. With nearly 50% of marriages breaking in divorce we have to ask the question: What went wrong?
Obviously, none of us can be absolute certain of what will drive apart all marriages. But one thing we do know from working with couples is that most couples do not know their spouse nearly as well as they thought they did the day they said "I do".
For this reason, at Rock Solid Families we spend a great deal of time helping couples prepare to get married. A quality premarital counseling or coaching program is some of the best time, money and effort you will ever spend in your life. Premarital work is about helping to identify some of the more subtle differences between a couple and then giving them the tools to work through the differences.
In this episode Linda and Merrill break apart several of the essential areas that couples could benefit from discussing and processing to develop a better understanding as the walk into marriage.
9:39-10:43 - You may not know your partner as well as you think
16:33- 18:01 - Communication and Conflict Resolution
18:42 - 20:00 - Differences in lifestyle and living habits
20:23 - 21:04 - Understanding Money
21:09 - 22:03 - Leisure Activities and Personal Activities
22:04 - 22:46 - Sexual Expectations
24:12 - 25:42 - Family
25:46 - 27:19 - Roles in the Relationship
27:20 - 28:45 - Spiritual Beliefs
30:51 - 35:42 - Prepare
35:42 - 41:02 - Rock Solid Marriages
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The recent tragic event of Damar Hamlin suffering cardiac arrest after tackling Tee Higgins during a Monday Night Football Game between the Buffalo Bills and the Cincinnati Bengals has grabbed many people's attention. Among those whose interest has been sparked are parents of kids that play sports, especially sports with higher rates and risks of injury. One day after the event there were already articles being published about the risks of football and why kids should not play it.
During this show, Linda and Merrill attempt to take a broader view of the event. In no means should the risks of harm to your child be dismissed, but it is important to consider all the various types of harm that we should be aware of. Yes, football may expose your child to substantial risks, but what harm could you be putting your child at risk of by not allowing them to play football or a host of other activities?
Over the past decade, we have seen the harm done by over-protective parents. There are now numerous studies that show greater increases in our kids not being able to handle stress, higher anxiety, and depression, afraid of taking risks to the point of not desiring to move out of the house, get a driver's license, or move away to school. These are not proving to be detrimental to their overall development as adults and their ability to contribute to society in a positive manner.
So, the question is: "How should I determine whether an activity or sport is worth the risk?" Merrill and Linda give parents a very clear process to help parents with this decision. The answer is not a one-size-fits-all. So much depends on what the intended goals for the child are and who the child is. Check out the show to get the details in order to grow strong and healthy young adults that will soon be the future leaders of our nation.
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These days everyone seems to be looking for a quick fix to lift their mood or give them more energy. The sad thing is that way too often people search out quick fixes that can not be sustained or are even dangerous. I.E. Drugs.
In this episode, Merrill and Linda go on location in their gym at Rock Solid Families to show and discuss one of the best antidepressants available to nearly all of us - EXERCISE!
People have known that exercise is essential to good health for many years, but in the past decade researchers have found that not only does exercise make you stronger and help you maintain a proper weight, it also acts as a fantastic ANTIDEPRESSANT!
Research proves that exercise significantly changes our brain and body chemistry to increase vital hormones such as dopamine, serotonin, testosterone, and adrenaline, just to name a few. The net result is our minds and body feeling and functioning better.
During the show, Merrill, a personal trainer, discusses some of the essential factors to consider when working out in order to improve your fitness and mental well-being, but also to help you stay motivated and injury free.
As we age, things like mobility and stability can not be taken for granted. We must practice motion and integrate various levels of stress on the body in order for the body to adapt and respond. The old phrase: "If you don't use it, you lose it", is absolutely true when it comes to the healthy functioning of our bodies.
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It's that time of year. Closing out 2022 and looking forward to 2023. What are you going to do to better yourself?
We have a challenge for you. Would you be willing to intentionally make your life more Christ-Centered? Maybe to answer that you have to realize how your life is currently centered. Is it Child-Centered, Self-Centered, Work-Centered, Money-Centered? Consider all of these to be false gods in our life. When our life revolves around anything but Christ, we are worshipping false gods.
In order to change your life to being Christ Centered you are going to have to be intentional. You must put practices into place and develop habits and routines that prioritize Christ.
In this show, we cover exactly that. Giving you at least 10 areas and practices that you can practice in order to bring yourself to Christ.
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Can you say that your Christmas is Christ-Centered? This may be more difficult than you think. The secular world bombards us with all the material things of this world. It's a busy time, but also a distracting time. Mainly, distracting us from what the true intention of the day was meant to be. Make no mistake about it, many businesses survive because of the sales they make during the holidays. And, that's not necessarily a bad thing. But, when the sales become the main thing, then we could do better by refocusing our intentions.
This show looks a 5 easy ways to help our families keep Christ in Christmas. Parents have the opportunity to begin when their children are young to teach them about the Way of Christ, and why that is so important. From the Christ-centered traditions to the daily conversations, Christ can be involved in your Christmas celebration.
The Christian faith is not about the rules of living, but rather the gift of living in Christ. Teach your children when they are young and they will have the joy and peace for eternity because they know Christ! What better gift could you ever give them?
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Forgiveness is hard! It seems that the deeper the wound the harder it is to forgive. We have all been wounded and we have all wounded. But, forgiveness is the way forward for true healing. The healing that allows us to rid ourselves of the heavy burden and toxicity that builds in our hearts. Whether you like it or not, this lack of forgiveness will keep you from your greatest life.
In today's show, Linda speaks with Bruce and Toni Hebel, founders of Forgiving Forward. Bruce and Toni draw from their deep and dark past wounds and describe how they walked through the forgiveness and healing process that has led them to their best life. Since their healing, they have helped individuals and couples learn to heal and restore their fullest potential as a child of God.
Forgiving Forward: http://www.forgivingforward.com
Rock Solid Families: http://rocksolidfamilies.org
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If you could do one thing to divorce proof your marriage, what would it be? At Rock Solid Families we have worked with couples for over 35 years. We have seen couples thrive in marriage and those that don't. Today's show is a great take-away for what truly has proved to work. It really doesn't have to be that difficult!
As you hear the simple strategies discussed in this show, remember a few key ideas.
1. The earlier you practice these the better for your marriage.
2. These are lifestyle practices, not one and done practices. Get used to them and practice them often.
3. These are skills. Skills must be practiced. You will get better with time as you recognize the intricacies of each skill.
Time Stamps:
10:00 - Myths and Assumptions that get us in trouble
12:25 - No one prepares us for the tragedies of life
13:38 - Barometers used to measure marriage health
16:54 - Love is a decision
19:07 - 3 Tools for your marriage
19:45 - #1 Check-in and Heart Check
27:49 - #2 Fire Alarms and Fire Drills
37:34 - #3 Prayer in the Marriage
40:33 - Mutual Submission
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As Americans we have a more comfortable living standard than almost anyone in the world. This doesn't mean that everyone in American is always comfortable in their living. It simply means that we have a greater opportunity and likelihood to live in comfort than most people around the globe. While this is in many ways a great thing, we must also realize how it can quickly go bad.
When in the weight room every lifter knows that in order to get stronger you have to put more weight on the bar than you did on previous attempts. You must challenge your muscles in order to stimulate their growth and greater strength. The same goes for things like endurance, mental fortitude, pain thresholds, work capacity, etc... If we are not challenged we will likely never develop our greatest potentials.
So, what does this have to do with parenting? It is likely that you are able to give your kids far more than the need. You are able to provide comfort with money, accessories, and opportunities with minimal effort on their part. But, did you really give them what they needed in that moment. Chances are, no! You allowed them to skip the essential part of what they need. The development of desire, endurance, mental and physical toughness, humility, victory through the battle. These are the things that you can't give your kids. They must be created through the fire of life. This is the refining process of growing to our fullest potential.
Check out this week's show to see how you can truly help your kids develop the tools for a successful life.
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Ready or not, the holidays are among us! Many people love them and many people, not so much. The holidays can bring on stress and over commitment like no other season. So, what can you do to make the best of this season. How about starting with a little bit of gratitude?
Linda and Merrill give you the keys you need to make the best of this season. Don't wait for the stress to build and the emotional bubble to pop! Get busy today with the simple keys to make your days right!
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Your teenager may have the physical ability to be sexually active, but is that all it takes? The easy answer is, yes, but the real answer is quite a bit more complicated. In our work we have seen numerous teenage pregnancies. We have yet to see one in which the father and mother were prepared for what lies ahead. Due to their immaturity and lack of understanding, they often are emotionally devastated.
We may think of this as a teenage problem, but in this episode we discuss this as being a parenting problem, or maybe a better word is, opportunity. As parents we have the opportunity from the time they are young to teach them many different things. One thing we often overlook to teach is emotional well being. In other words, teaching our children how to recognize and understand their emotions rather than being surprised or devastated by them.
That's what happens when we turn a blind eye or in some cases, even promote our teens being sexually active. Yes, they may have the physical tools, but most assuredly they are not prepared on the emotional front. As parents we must take the time to recognize what we may be allowing our kids to experience. Just because all the other kids are doing it doesn't mean it's a good idea.
Being a parent can be difficult, but not acting like a parent can lead to even greater difficulties. As parents it is our responsibility to prepare our children for the future the best we can. In the area of emotional stability, we have dropped the ball over the past few generations and we are all paying the emotional as well as physical price. We can do better, because we must do better for the next generation.
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Life is full of opportunities for failure, regrets, and setbacks. There is no getting out of this journey without the bruises of daily living. But, are our bruises turning into debilitating handicaps? Are we walking through life with a perpetual limp? This is what happens when we are consumed by a life of regrets.
What if we could prevent these regrets? What if we could heal from our past regrets? This show helps unpack those regrets and set yourself onto a path of proper healing.
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The last of our 3 part series - The God Shaped Hole. In this episode we speak with Josh Barth, the director of Celebrate Recovery, Trinity Christian Church. Josh shares his own story of working to fill the emptiness in his life. He choose drugs, alcohol, work, even his wife, and all felt empty. It wasn't until he had a complete surrender to the Way of Christ, that he was able to fill the void and create the necessary balance in his life.
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In episode 206 we discussed our God-Shaped Hole. This week we get a little more specific to identify the areas that help us define what makes us this God-Shaped Hole. Learning about these specific needs and understanding how God intends us to fill them is an absolute life changing gift that He desires for all of us.
Control, Love, Respect, Trust, Affection, Security, Purpose, and Faith make up these parts of the hole, now let's understand how God desires to feel them.
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Often we get to a point in their lives in which they feel like they are chasing the wind. They are in pursuit of things they believe will complete them or at least bring some level of contentment. The journey seems to be never ending. The result is frustration, depression, and even a loss of hope. Listen in this week to get a better understanding of what you may be chasing and how you can stop this meaningless endeavor and replace it with true and lasting refreshment.
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If your family is anything like the majority of families, you frequently find yourself overly committed. Your calendar is booked with well-intentioned activities from kids sporting events, church activities, and extracurriculars that drain your very last second of the day. In this episode we discuss the cost versus the benefits of being so overly committed to so many activities.
Activities require energy and energy is not free. Everything from the caloric energy it takes for the tasks at hand to the hours of time that you have to pull from something else. Time and energy are not infinite, so what is this crazy schedule costing you? Is it worth it?
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Are you tough? Are you tough enough? Toughness or resilience is the ability to get back up once you have been knocked down. The ability to endure a hardship without breaking you. Whether you are 5 years old or 85 years old, we all need to have a level of resilience in us if we are going to live in this world. The question we might as ourselves is - How can I be more resilient?
#Rocksolidfamilies #familytherapy #marriagecounseling #parenting #faithbasedcounseling #counseling #Strongdads #coaching #lifecoach #lifecoaching #marriagecoaching #marriageandfamily #toughness #endurance #perseverancehttps://www.rocksolidfamilies.org
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We all have our perspective on various things. But, does our perspective keep us from seeing and understanding someone else's perspective? If so, this can be a major source of conflict in a relationship.
In this show, Merrill and Linda tackle the challenges of being locked in on your own perspective.
#Rocksolidfamilies #familytherapy #marriagecounseling #parenting #faithbasedcounseling #counseling #Strongdads #coaching #lifecoach #lifecoaching #marriagecoaching #marriageandfamilyhttp://rocksolidfamilies.org
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In the final part of the How We Love series, Linda and Merrill discuss what the ultimate love looks like in the marriage. This love has only been perfect through Jesus Christ. Being perfect as Christ was perfect is not something we can attain here on earth, but it doesn't mean we shouldn't be striving for it.
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In part one of How We Love, we discussed the various love styles that often put us in a negative loving pattern. In this show, part 2, we discuss how to love, well! In this show we discuss the various aspects of what love looks like in the marriage when it is done well. The many different points discussed must start with the awareness of wanting to love in a healthy manner.
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Celebrating our 200th show, we look back at a few of our favorite shows. We also answer a list of questions that we have been receiving from our followers.
Questions:
- My spouse and I are not equally yoked in the marriage, what should I do?
- What is the role of the grandparent when it comes to weighing in on the parenting of the grandchildren?
- What do I do if I want to seek help for the relationship, but my spouse is not interested?
- What do we do when we recognize a negative pattern in our marriage?
- What do you do when people are mean to you in a close relationship?
- Unforgiveness vs Trust in the relationship
- I feel divided like my spouse does not have my back especially with parenting issues.
- What is the definition of Transparency in Marriage?
- Is it just a phase that my 5 year old son wants to dress up in a dress?
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Loving people can be complicated. Trying to bring in our personality and past experiences and mixing them with another's personality and experiences is no easy task. In this show we talk from the book, How We Love,about the love styles that often are imprinted on us from early on in our life. Sometimes the love styles are positive, but sometimes they can work against us. Learn more by listening to this week's show.
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Parenting Season 4 - Emancipation. Are you allowing your adult children to fly from the nest?
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In Season 3 of Parenting the parents take on the role of a mentor. It is during this season that we begin to teach our children how to work in the real world. We are giving them skills to be practiced outside of the home. We are also allowing them to experience the natural rewards and consequences for their actions.
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Parenting Seasons are somewhat universal for children. Their bodies and minds develop and require different things at different times in their development. We call these seasons. In this show we discuss Season 2 - Leadership and Authority 3-13 years of age.
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Parenting is a lot like farming. There are different seasons and in each season the farmer has specifically different roles and responsibilities in order to produce a bountiful crop. Parenting also presents different seasons. What a parent must do in season 1 is not necessarily going to happen in the seasons that follow. The key is understanding what role must be covered and what it adds to the intended outcome of raising children into adults.
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If you think you are doing this life alone, you are mistaken. We are designed by God to be in relationship and work as many parts of one body. Rock Solid Families thanks all of their supporters, partners, and donors that have allowed the vision to become a reality. Let's keep it going!
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Spousal abuse is no small matter. Research indicates that 1 in 4 marriages have a level of physical abuse, 1 in 3 have some form of abuse ranging from physical, emotion, psychological, or spiritual. these numbers are staggering when you consider how abuse wrecks the lives of everyone involved.
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Dr. David Clarke: Enough Is Enough: Leaving an Abusive Relationship - Part 1
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Part 2
https://subspla.sh/p2665kp
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Dr. John Deloney, noted author, speaker, and radio show host from Ramsey Solutions, joins Rock Solid Radio for an empowering show. John is smart, well-spoken and as common as they come. He doesn't let his 2 PhD's get in the way of speaking common sense to real people with real problems.
Check out his latest book: Own Your Past Change Your Future
He can also be found at:
https://www.ramseysolutions.com/
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What is freedom? It sounds like a fairly easy and straight forward question, but the reality of it is that is can be very complicated. Listen in to this week's show as we celebrate Independence Day, July 4th, 2022. We discuss freedom from a variety of perspectives and attempt to see how and what we need to teach about freedom to our children.
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What is the next step we as Christians need to take as Roe v Wade was overturned by the Supreme Court on June 24, 2022?
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Does your anger get the best of you? How about someone in your family? What's behind that anger? Check out this week's show to hear more about the conversation.
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Father's Day, 2022 - It's time we celebrate and encourage the dads in our lives. Our culture is sick due to the void of healthy father figures in the home. If we want better, we must encourage and expect better from our dads.
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Being Christian is about loving people as Christ would love others. It is about showing compassion and service to others. It is also about choosing God's nature for mankind over man's nature for mankind. This sounds easy until you find yourself in conflict with God's nature.
The topic of Gay pride is becoming bigger and bigger with each passing year. We now have the month of June dedicated as Gay Pride Month. Should we be okay with this or does this contradict God's Word?
During this show Linda and Merrill work hard to keep their opinions out of the conversation and rely on God's word to guide not just the conversation, but also the parenting of our children. The pressure in our society to accept all things human is substantial. We all have our sinful nature and none of us likes to be held accountable for it. We would rather it not be called sin and even have it endorsed so we can live it without hesitation. As great as this sounds, God's nature is for a reason. Whether we like it or not, His word is not to be mocked or manipulated to fit our desires.
As parents we must begin early in their upbringing to give them the tools to identify God's nature, their nature, and how to bring their nature to God's. We cannot work the other way of attempting to bring God's nature to theirs. This does not play well as there is only one God.
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This show airs one week after the school shooting in Uvalde, Texas. Yet another tragic story in the moral decline of the United States. We look around and wonder, "why?" Then we begin to seek answers. We are waiting for some incredibly smart person to come up with the greatest idea, law, or proclamation that will end the evil. Yet, to this point, we are empty handed.
At the risk of sounding like we know more than what we really do, we attempt today to empower every family across this nation. During today's show, Reducing the Risks, we discuss the known things that every family can begin to do today that will reduce the risks of these types of tragedies. There is nothing magical about anything we suggest. But everything we suggest has proven to reduce the risks of such societal illnesses we face.
If we can suggest one thing only, we would suggest that as parents we stop looking for outside solutions to inside problems. Our societal problems largely stem from the brokenness of the home. As bad as that sounds, it is actually not such a bad thing. We actually have so much more control over what goes on in our homes than what goes on at the state and federal levels.
In our homes let's start by recognizing that God is the authority of all life. We must surrender to his way. We can then learn from his way, that our marriages and kids must be cared for and valued. A strong marriage will lead to a strong family. A weak marriage will open the door for societal ills.
Outside of our homes we must learn to care for and support the positive and God honoring values necessary for our communities, schools, and churches to thrive.
Critical Assets is not a religious idea. It is a proven secular idea from a great deal of study and research. If we want to reduce the risks, we must realize what has been increasing the risks and begin to turn the tide.
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What are you doing this summer? Do you have your kids busy and attending camps and activities? Or, are you kids going to be spending a lot of time sleeping in, watching television and playing video games?
These are the kinds of questions that every family will encounter once the kids get out of school for summer. Somewhere in the middle of these questions is a happy medium of work, fun, and relaxation. During this show, Linda and Merrill talk about "anchor" activities that can help you and your kids have direction during the summer, but not necessarily being so over committed that there is no time for relaxation.
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Mental health has been slow to get the attention that so many other bodily health systems receive. We have regular check-ups to our dentist, dermatologist, hair salon, and general practitioner, but what about mental health? When was the last time you went for a check up for your mental health?
Mental health has shown its importance more in the past couple of years than ever before in recent history. Between the daily stresses of life and then adding in things like Covid, the economy, and vastly different work and family conditions, we have seen people struggle to maintain their mental health. Across the board we have seen an uptick in depression, anxiety, drug and alcohol abuse, and suicide. All are symptoms of a less than healthy mental function that we call mental illness.
Yes, as a nation we could stand to improve our mental health for the betterment of society, but how about we start in our own homes? Let's start with ourselves and our family members. What can we do to first and foremost, prevent mental illness? We often make things more difficult than they need to be. Nature is always trying to seek a state of equilibrium of energy. The same holds true with our personal lives. What would equilibrium look like in our lives? Maybe a little more calmness, or a better diet. Maybe eating more healthy and improving our relationships with others. Possibly building our faith and recognizing our little part in a much bigger world. Mental health is something that when left unchecked can wreak havoc.
During this show Linda and Merrill discuss the preventative measures for us to look at and begin to take control over the factors we have the ability to influence. We do not have to be victims to every crisis that comes along. We can step back and walk a slightly different path through the troubling waters of life in order to maintain our mental health.
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Church hurt is a very real thing. At one point or another most all of us can think of a time in which someone in our church or the direction of the church hurt us. This can be devastating as we often give the church such permission to be part of our lives.
During this show, Linda and Merrill discuss church hurt and how we can, one, prevent it, two, heal from it. This may be a difficult topic for many, but avoidance and turning your back on the church can have longer lasting negative effects. The church is not perfect as it is made up of fallen humans, but the church as a whole has the responsibility to shepherd the flock, to care for and help direct. When we lose touch with the church body we stand a greater chance of falling off course and losing the caring resources the church is there to provide.
If you have fallen away from church, we can understand, but, we challenge you to re-evaluate and consider how you could become active in a healthy manner in a healthy church.
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Many people are in a position to give others advice. Whether a parent, teacher, coach, or boss, but that doesn't mean we are always ready to receive this well-intended advice. In fact, many times when people are offering advice, we are quick to turn them off. We don't see it as giving advice as we might see it as meddling in our business. We often can feel like well- meaning people can overstep their bounds and attempt to insert their ways in to our ways. When we experience this we can feel annoyed to the point that we would rather them be quiet and let us do our own thing. What's worse is when you begin to recognize a pattern in these advice-giving people. Every time you are around them they always seem to have something they want to insert into your life.
I have developed a word for this type of person, USAGER. Unsolicited Advice Giver! I know it is not that creative, but it works for me. The question that we tackle during this show is how do we handle the usagers in our life? We know from being teachers, coaches, and parents that people do not always want your advice. However, if they ask for advice, they are now ready to receive it and the usefulness of it is so much more effective. People must take in information when they are ready to process it for themselves.
Usagers almost always act out of good intention, but when it comes at the wrong time it can often be even more damaging than helpful. It can begin to break a relationship or the respect between two people. A common example might be a parent of an adult child that keeps trying to give advice to the adult child. At some point, the adult child does not want the unsolicited advice and the relationship becomes strained.
Setting boundaries on the usagers in our lives is important for the relationship and protection of the value system that is personal to us.
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In this day of throw away and replace we have found it more and more difficult to stick with things when they are not working well. We quit on our jobs, our friendships, our fitness, our faith, and even our marriages. We have the screaming of instant gratification yelling at every cell in our body. The question might be, "Should I ever give up? If so, when?"
This can be a very difficult question. Some will tell you to never give up and others will tell you that if something is not working, you're wasting valuable time sticking with it. So, what is the right approach? During this show Linda and Merrill discuss these questions that all of us have faced or will face. The answer is not always easy, but one thing we want to be sure of is to make sure we are running it through the eyes of God rather than the eyes of the world.
The world gives us daily messages that speak to our desire for instant gratification. Our microwave, drive through world, is all about taking care of our fleshly desires. But what does God's word have to say about these things. God's word speaks of such things as suffering leading to perseverance and perseverance leads to character, and character leads to hope. (Romans 5:4) If we truly want to see God work in our life we often need to build our perseverance and patience. We frequently can't see the reason for something in the moment but when we look back we say things like, "now I can see what God was doing."
We must not minimize the challenge that we all experience by working through our suffering. But in the hardest of ways to comprehend, it is often that suffering that produces the greatest gifts in our lives. It is time that we stop robbing ourselves of the gifts God has for us.
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When something is brand new does that make it better than something that is old? At first thought we might think yes, but the older we get the more often we see that just because something is new does not mean it is better. In today's show we get to learn more about this idea through one of the most notable parenting experts of our times. During this show John Rosemond joins us to share his experiences, knowledge, and wisdom that he has gained through his years as a psychologist in the area of parenting.
John began teaching parents in the 1970's and 80's. When he first began he was doing what all the other psychologist were doing. But he began to question what he was actually saying to parents. In fact, he began studying and observing what he and his colleagues were saying and realizing that they truly were not helping parents and children like they thought they were. This made him look back at his own experience of being parented and that of his peers. He noticed that the methods, philosophies, and approaches to what they were instructing parents to do was vastly different than what he grew up with.
John humbled himself and realized that maybe his grandma did know best. He began to teach to the ways he knew had a proven track record for many past generations of parents and children. He began to call on the authority of the parent and bring it back into the house. Even though the word "authority" as a parent was becoming a bad word in the psychology world. The more John did this the more he was seeing positive outcomes from his work compared to the negative outcomes from his colleagues.
His colleagues were promoting a progressive postmodern approach to parenting that placed the child on equal authority ground as the parent. The child knows what is best for themselves and we should allow them to live in such a way. They promoted the ideas of relativism for truth and what is right or wrong. They threw out anything that sounded old-fashioned or especially of the bible.
As we now clearly see, the experiment has blown up in our faces. Today's parents are afraid of their own children. They are afraid they will hurt them, offend them, or possibly even oppress them. They question their parenting decisions to the point that they simply ask the child what would be best for them. The selfish child inside everyone of us never has any reason to develop and mature, because it is being enabled to stay a child.
We use terms like "entitled", "lazy", "narcissist", and "immature" to describe many of the younger generations. It is time for us to realize that we created and enabled this cancer in our culture. The good news is this, we have the cure for this cancer. The bad news is this, it is going to take a great deal of work on our parts as parents to right our wrongs.
John was so gracious in his words and encouragement to us in our work. We hope you take his wisdom and begin to apply it to your own family. Your kids will win, but even better, so will everyone else.
John Rosemond - https://www.rosemond.com
Rock Solid Families - https://www.rocksolidfamilies.org
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Most of us would look at a mouse in our house as an undesirable thing. We may think of him as an unwelcome intruder. Besides just being a little creepy, he could cause damage, make a mess, and worst of all, help make many more mice that could intrude into your house. It's hard to imagine that many of us would intentionally allow the mouse in our house with an open invite. Something about that just seems to go against common sense.
This show begins by discussing the most famous of mice, Mickey Mouse. In recent days, the creators and owners of Mickey have come under fire for using the platform of Mickey and his gang to infiltrate your house with a very selective message. In particular, this is the message of promoting and exposing young children to the ideas and concepts of the LGBTQ community. They openly have stated that they want to do this by creating characters in their productions that reflect or live in such a way. The hope, as it seems, is to desensitize the next generation to the lifestyle of the LGBTQ community. Not only to promote acceptance for the current population of LGBTQ, but also to encourage those not yet clearly identified or even understanding the concept of the lifestyle.
Using the "mouse in the house" metaphor, many parents are seeing Disney's latest promotion as just that, an intrusion by an undesired mouse. Something that could cause damage or harm to their family. They question the healthiness of the LGBTA lifestyle, especially for their own kids.
During the show, Linda and Merrill state that they are not doing the show to create an argument on what is right or wrong. They are promoting that all parents have a responsibility to protect and raise their children. In order to do this, parents must intentionally identify what they deem harmful or dangerous. The question is, how do you determine whether something or someone is harmful or dangerous. This is the crux of the discussion. Making an assumption, either way is irresponsible and potentially very harmful. Parents must determine how they are going to approach these issues what they will allow their children to be exposed to and then how to protect them from unwanted intruders.
As for Christian parents, this is actually much easier than we often think it is. We use God's word to help us determine what is harmful or healthy. His word describes the nature by which God operates both in the natural world and the spiritual world. The key here is to refer to God for making the decision as to whether the mouse is harmful or not. Social pressures or media persuasion is not our authority.
A key takeaway is the understanding that God hates sin but loves sinners. All of us are sinners, no one is righteous. We must not take personally the protection of our sin, but rather, we must desire to take personally the protection of our relationship with the nature of God.
News on Disney - https://youtu.be/Mi6yBbCUp_w
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How often do you find yourself frustrated or anxious about things not going to plan? Either the timing, the process, or the outcome, are not what you expected. This is part of the human condition. It is experienced by every thinking human on earth. "Why aren't things going my way?"
In this show Linda and Merrill talk about how this has been such a big part of their life. How it continues to be a daily struggle even though they logically understand God's Word and what they should be doing, but so easily get caught in the same trap.
God's timing is everything because God's timing is perfect. There is no other way to see it. He is the creator of all things. God doesn't do things that are not in his perfect will. The challenge is us recognizing that we must learn to walk in God's will, not ours. The truth is, they continue to find themselves in the battle.
Galatians 2:20-21 says: I have been crucified with Christ and I no longer live, but Christ lives in me.
Yes, it is good to plan and use your time wisely, but resist becoming so rigid that you fail to see the workings of God in your life.
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When working with families we often see similar patterns that produce the good outcomes and those that produce the not so good outcomes. When you work long enough in this field you can begin to make predictions of future outcomes based on current behavior patterns. That doesn't make us a prophet, it just makes us aware of the simple concept of cause and effect.
In this show, Linda and Merrill introduce their approach to helping parents raise children with the greatest probability to success. This program is called Families Rock! As much as they would love to take credit for their approach, they must be honest and reveal that they did not create this approach, but rather, it comes from the Father of all fathers , God the Father! Through God's Word, He describes for us the many foundational principles for parents to raise children. They are not complicated nor are they compromising in any way. Instead, they are perfectly in line with God's Nature.
Merrill and Linda help to break down God's Word by presenting His message in four basic areas: Authority, "Who's The Boss?" / Outer Influences and Forces - "Parenting in a Tech Heavy World" / Social and Emotional Factors - "When School is Tough" / Essential Character Traits for Success - "CORE".
This show will introduce these basic areas as a brief overview of how parents can begin to gain greater insight into raising strong and well adjusted Christian people that will form the next generation.
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Are you feeling exhausted or overwhelmed? Are you losing sight of the things that you say truly matter to you? You are not alone. Our culture has sold us many different things, but one of the most dangerous is that of being overly busy. At times it's as if we wear it as a badge of honor. "He everybody, look how busy I am." We allow our work schedules, kids' schedules, and every other schedule to get jammed into each and every day. We allow the cost of keeping up with our neighbors to own us and or valuable resources of time, money, and energy.
It's time for a break! It's time to take a vacation and reset your priorities of using life's precious resources. Many of us believe we are stuck in this rush with no way out. That simply is not true for the vast majority of us. We just have to make a few conscious and hard decisions. How much time is in my day? How will I choose to use my time? How much money is in my life? How will I choose to use my money? How many relationships are in my life? How will I care for these relationships? How much health do I have? How will I care for my health?
Simple answers like saying yes and no with greater certainty and reason will offer you a great chance of understanding who is truly running your life. During this show offer the idea of taking that vacation and resetting your view on how you are going to live your life.
For more information or help please reach out to https://www.rocksolidfamilies.org/
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What's on your bucket list? What motivate's you and drives you to wake up and live another day? Do you live for the weekends, or vacations? How about the idea of a great journey or project, maybe even a particular experience in your life? These are sometimes referred to as your dreams. Why should we have them and what happens when we aren't having them?
Dreams or visions for your future are critical to giving people purpose and hope. They allow us to work through many of the menial tasks of life and give us the energy and direction to keep marching on. But, when our dreams are stifled or completely shut down, we often see significant dysfunction in our life. Sometimes to the point of depression and mental health issues.
So the question we present today is: How can we support our spouse and their dreams? The key here is supporting your spouse, so it goes both ways. Both spouses being intentional about supporting the dreams of each other. When we learn to do this well we see a level of marital contentment and joy that we don't see when couples have no common dreams or lack support for the dreams of each other.
Understanding that dreams are a way that God reveals his desires for us. God gives us our visions for the future as the will honor his work in you. God wants you to pursue what he lays on your heart. We must not deny these visions, but rather, we must learn to chase them and make sure they are aligned with the God's nature.
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Alisa Childers is no stranger to talking and singer about her faith. Alisa began her career as a singer in the Christian band, Zoe Girl. From there she led worship in church while raising her kids and being a wife. But when Covid came and many churches stop holding public worship, Alisa began talking and writing about her faith walk.
Now, Alisa is the host of her own Alisa Childers Podcast and has written multiple books on faith and our culture. Her passion to dig deep to the authentic word is tenacious and thoughtful. She challenges her audience while challenging herself and the ways of our culture.
Speaking with Alisa is a very real and down to earth experience. Her passion comes across in every word as she lives with the urgency to get the message of Christ properly out to the world. During this show she expresses the importance of learning how to form your faith rather than deconstruct the tenants of Christianity as the culture often desires to do. Forming your faith to meet the words of God rather than changing the words of God to meet your faith.
As a parent this show is a must listen to as it encourages parents to be the intentional leaders in guiding their children to know the Word of God.
For more information about Alisa Childers go to: https://www.alisachilders.com
For more information about Rock Solid Radio or Rock Solid Families go to: https://www.rocksolidfamilies.org
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It's everywhere! Everywhere we seem to turn technology is putting a new spin on our way of life. So much of it is amazing as it makes our life more efficient and many tasks much faster. However, we have discovered that all of the good comes at a cost. Not just a financial cost, but a cost to many other areas of life.
During this show, Merrill and Linda confess their challenge of using technology in so much of their work, but trying to be a better example to their own kids. With work now losing its boundaries of a separate office place and timeframe, we see technology being done throughout our working hours no matter where we are. Driving in the car, eating meals with our family, or sitting in church can be interrupted by technology; mostly the technology in our pockets and purses, the cell phone.
Remember the phrase, "more is caught than taught", as it relates to what our kids are learning from us. Our kids are being told to cut back on their screen times and get off the video games as the adults are staring at their own phones and computers. The hypocrisy is real even though we like to dismiss it with comments like, "I'm an adult", or "I'm busy doing work". These statements are used to release us from the burden of responsibility, but again, more is caught than taught in the eyes of our kids.
Merrill and Linda are not only calling out our kids to be more aware of their technology use, they are calling out all of us adults. Maybe it's time to look in the mirror and see where the real problem lies.
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Do you have a perfect practice of staying connected to Christ? I know I don't. Just like I do not have a perfect practice of exercise and diet. I know many of the things I should do, but the fact is, I don't always do the right things. And, if I have to be honest, consistency is always a struggle for me.
Let's take this conversation out of the gym and into our relationship with Christ. In order to take care of anything, whether it is our body, our car, our marriage, or our faith, we must put practices or habits in our life to help the process. In this show, Merrill and Linda discuss 12 ways to grow closer to Christ. Sometimes people refer to these as Spiritual Disciplines. In other words, these are the practices or disciplines that you can be more aware of to help you grow and sustain your relationship with Christ.
If you feel like you are struggling or even stuck in your life, please reach out to Rock Solid Families.
812-576-7625 or https://www.rocksolidfamilies.org/
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Linda and Merrill are excited as they take the opportunity to introduce their new online marriage coaching program, Rock Solid Marriages! In this show they discuss why they felt the need to create the program. What the foundation for the program is. And how every couple can rebuild and restore their marriage.
The "Why" for the program is simple; broken marriages lead to hurting people. People that are hurt and living in the pain on a daily basis. Sometimes the pain almost seems to make you numb to your experience and the life you are living. The problem is that living in a numbed pain means you are causing even more damage and don't even realize as much. Because you are numb you minimize the pain in your own mind. Until finally, you look around and see that things simply are not working very well. Your life is empty, your heart is full of contempt, and your kids are not behaving in love and respect to you or each other.
Rock Solid Marriages covers the necessary steps to help couples rebuild correctly and in a God honoring way. The following 7 steps are introduced in the show to give a glimpse of where and how the couple will spend they energy rebuilding.
Step 1 - Home Inspection
Step 2 - Dreaming and Planning
Step 3 - Demolition Time
Step 4 - Construction Phase Begins
Step 5 - The Functioning Systems -
Step 6 - Interior and Exterior -
Step 7 - Marriage Maintenance - Take Care of Your Investment!If you are finally tired of living in a marriage that is not the one you dreamed of, take a closer look at what you can do to rebuild your best marriage.
For more information on Rock Solid Marriages go to https://www.rocksolidfamilies.org/
or call 812-576-7625
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Who's running your house? Is it you, your spouse, the two of you combined, or maybe it's the kids. What! Kids running the house seems like a crazy notion, but all too often this is what we see with parentings coming into our office with parenting concerns or children behaving poorly.
When we begin to boil it down we often see very similar patterns; unclear values, lack of unity between parents, confused authority, no boundaries, inconsistent follow through on consequences, and often a lot of arguing. This does not have to be!
During this show, Linda and Merrill explain how to see what kind of parenting you are currently doing and ways to help you close the gaps in areas that may be producing results that you don't want.
For more information contact us at https://www.rocksolidfamilies.org/
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You and your spouse get along fine. You have a great relationship and trust each other at all times. Then you hear and see signs that make you start to have doubts and questions. Maybe the marriage is not as strong as you thought. What happened?
Research indicates that about 50% of marriages will fail. It is safe to say that no one goes into a marriage thinking the marriage is going to fail. We all start with great intentions and faith that this marriage is forever. But then we see the reality of at least half of these people walking through divorce, we have to take a second look at what is actually happening.
At Rock Solid Families, we get to see first hand how the strength in a relationship can begin to wane. We see coldness, contempt, jealousy, mistrust, and hurt that wells up and takes over the emotions of the relationship. From our work we see the absolute need for a couple to state boundaries and to be intentional about protecting your marriage. Simple things like having friends of the opposite sex, traveling with a work colleague of the opposite sex, searching back for girlfriends or boyfriends from the past, these are just a glimpse of the things we begin to see that open the door to the marriage being damaged or even broken.
During this show we discuss the more common attacks that we see on the marriage and how a couple needs to defend against such things. If you or your spouse minimize these actions or even dismiss them, we will tell you it is a "red-flag" in the marriage. We must take watch and be vigilant about protecting our marriage and family. We cannot make assumptions that lead us to passivity only to open our eyes and be shocked and dismayed.
If you or someone you know needs help to restore a broken marriage or learn how to better protect the marriage, please reach out to us at https://www.rocksolidfamilies.org/
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As Christians, we are called to live with the values given to us through God's Word. Many of those seem commonsensical, such as "thou shalt not kill", but others seem more challenging, "love your enemy". What do we do when we are confronted with a person or situation that challenges our Christian values but we still want to love the people involved?
In this show, Linda and Merrill take on the difficult topic of how we should speak and interact with friends and family that are coming out in a lifestyle that Christian beliefs do not support; such as being gay, lesbian, bisexual, transgender, or even engaging in furry fandom. Engaging in and maintaining relationships with the aforementioned can be challenging while still maintaining your Christian values. This show helps to set parameters and understanding of the relationship so that you can respect each other and work to maintain the relationship.
These conversations are very specific to the individuals involved. The dynamics and history of the relationship play a massive part in how to proceed in the relationship. By no means do Linda and Merrill claim to have all the answers to these situations. Their discussion comes from their personal experiences when working with clients in these circumstances and walking the balance of honoring their Christian values while maintaining a working relationship with the client.
The challenge that confronts all who proclaim to be Christian is to love people. We must learn to do this well.
For more information or questions please contact: https://www.rocksolidfamilies.org/
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When was the last time you felt lost? How did that feel to you? Confused, frustrated, concerned, even worried. Being lost can be a scary and exhausting experience. Because of this, people will begin to do whatever they can to find their location. They will make guesses on what direction is best. They will make U-turns in the middle of the road. They will sometimes keep pressing with the belief they will eventually recognize something that looks familiar. And, worse case, they will ask for directions.
This scenario plays out in the lives of all of us in some form or another. But in this show, we talk about how this plays out in the bigger picture involving the direction of our lives. We often think we have a course set and know where we are headed only to discover a road block or detour that alters our course. We search for direction and answers and even begin to question every turn we make. The anxiety grows and the symptoms worsen. We are lost and we have don't believe we have access to any kind of map or directions.
This show is about all of us experiencing the path of the lost. We search for things that might bring us to our promised land or a place of contentment, but nothing appears. We experiment with relationships, jobs, friends, drugs, and sex, but nothing seems to provide the direction that we desire. If we are fortunate, we become exhausted and begin to reach out for help. The help that we ask for is critical, but it must be truthful. Listening to someone tell us a lie could be even more devastating. We must hear the truth in order to find our way.
God's Word is the only true way. In His word we learn exactly the nature of God through Christ. Learning about the direction of Christ is the greatest thing we can ever do in order to find our way and help lead others to their way. God has a way for each and everyone of us. Listen to His direction and you will see your path.
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Have you ever felt like you're the only one that doesn't have your act together? We look at TV personalities and people on social media and we often come away thinking they have the best version that life has to offer.
Rock Solid Radio had the opportunity to host celebrity, Rachel Cruze to the show. The main thing we walked away with from our show is just how down to earth and authentic she is. Rachel is the daughter of Dave Ramsey that introduced Financial Peace University and a host of many other ideas and products to help people effectively manage their money. From radio shows to to TV appearances, Dave became quite well known.
Fast forward a few years and we began to see his daughter, Rachel, tag along his side. Whether it was at live events or helping her father write a book for kids and money matters, Rachel began to cut her teeth in the business. Rachel began to see that she had a knack for public speaking and she loved the message and service she could provide when it came to money management. She also recognized that she could speak to a very different target audience than her father. Because of her age and role in life, she began to build a message for young families, moms, and kids. She began to see that she could be even more proactive in her approach to money as she could help parents teach their kids about money smarts at a very young age.
Rachel has now authored or coauthored five different books, hosts a regular show, and is involved in numerous projects and missions at Ramsey Solutions. With all of this, she is a mother of three young children and a wife to her husband, Winston. When asked how she manages all of these responsibilities she is quick to recognize the importance of priority. With her first priority being her foundation in God. She claims that from this everything else follows. This is what helps her and her husband stay grounded and steady in the day to day life.
For more information about Rachel Cruze go to: https://www.ramseysolutions.com
For more information about Rock Solid Families go to: https://www.rocksolidfamilies.org
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2020 was considered by many to be among the most challenging of years. Everyone was praying that 2021 would bring a respite from the Covid scare and the uncertainty in politics and world affairs. But, as life would have it, not everything was as peachy as we would have liked. Covid continued to be on the front page, the economy took some of the steepest declines we have seen in decades, our job market was completely turned upside down by people not going back to work as the government subsidized their time at home. As a result, business and industry have seen an employee shortage never seen before. To add insult to injury, we had no shortage of natural disasters with hurricanes, tornados, and fires. So, what about 2022?
None of us no for sure what the future will hold. But, the most important part of looking into the future is to be able to have hope and purpose. Hope that there is something better and purpose in that you will have a reason to get out of bed every day. In this show, Linda and Merrill discuss some of the trends they say coming in their office on a regular basis. Some trends are positive and some negative. As they progressed through the show they began to look at areas and ways that we can have hope. Our hope comes in a belief system. A system in which, as Christians, we believe that God is our provider. He sees us through the challenges of life and because of this we can have hope.
God also explains to us that he made us for a purpose. He cares about us and wants us to be working in our purpose. So, the real task that Merrill and Linda explain is discovering your purpose in the new year. Recognizing the gifts and talents you have been given and then using them to serve others. If you truly want your best year in 2022, be intentional about working in your purpose. Don't allow the world to tell you what you should be doing for your days' work.
2022 may be your year for a leap of faith, a new adventure, a life-changing decision that will forever change your life and the people around you. It is time to live a life of abundance and not scarcity. Of boldness and not fear.
Jeremiah 29:11 For I know the plans I have for you," declares the Lord, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to five you hope and a future.
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As we started this show we were talking about how tired we were from all the Christmas celebrations we were involved in. But our weariness doesn't compare to the many people that feel that weariness on a regular basis. Day after day many people experience depression, loneliness, and even hopelessness as they peer into the future.
As we close out 2021 and come into 2022 it seems that there are many things trying to steal any possibility that we may have for joy. Whether it's Covid, the economy, politics, racism or cultural divisiveness, we have no shortage of things trying to rob us of a peaceful 2022. But, that is 100% not the truth if you learn about the joy and peace that we can all experience through Jesus Christ.
During this show we specifically tell how Jesus makes us promises that ensure us the opportunity for the best year we have ever had. A year filled with a deep joy and a sense of peace that doesn't make sense to our human condition. A joy we can experience even in times of chaos and tragedy. It sounds crazy, but it is true. Putting our trust in the provision of joy by Jesus tells us that no matter what happens in our time here on earth, we can have a promise of eternity with him.
Let's be clear, this does not mean that difficulty will not come our way. But, what it does mean is that we will have a different mindset when we do walk through difficulty. We will be able to view our life through abundance rather than lacking. So, in this new year, take the time to truly dig into the freedom that Christ provides. Make this the best year of your life.
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Could you image being one of three siblings and on Christmas morning both of your siblings received their regular share of gifts, and you received nothing? Put that vision in your head for just a second. What kinds of thoughts would be racing through your mind? How would you feel about your other siblings or parents? Let's take this one step farther and imagine this happening year after year.
This is not a scene that I hope any child ever has to experience, but in today's show we will explore something that can be just as bad in terms of neglect. This show takes a closer look at what it means to treat your marriage like a person. Meaning that as any person needs to be cared for, so too does the marriage. It needs to be provided for and nurtured. It needs to be protected and fed. It needs attention and interaction in order to be healthy and able to give back.
Way too often the marriage is treated like the forgotten child. We get busy in so many other things and priorities that we forget to care for the marriage. Over time the marriage begins to withdrawal and the life begins to go out of it.
This Christmas take the time to recommit to treating your marriage like any other person you love. Take care of make your marriage as a valued part of your family. We promise that when you treat your marriage well, it will respond with all that it can give back to the individuals in the family.
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Before you quickly excuse yourself from this show or the thought that you might be a jealous person, you might want to take a second look! This show is a powerful lesson on what jealousy, envy, and coveting are all about. We are quick to rationalize our behaviors but with a little reflection we can see how easily and often we fall into these ugly spaces.
Jealousy and Envy have one major thing in common, YOU! That's right! These challenges are all about your selfish nature. Your desire to have what you do not have. When this is directed towards things we tend to call it envy. When it is directed towards relationships, we tend to call it jealousy. Either way, it is about you thinking about what you want; coveting.
As you listen in to this show, take a minute to assess your own approach to how you handle your wants. Are you always in a state of "want", or are you able to limit your visits there? Being stuck in a state of wants is due to our obsession of self and working from a deficit mindset. Never having enough!
Functioning on a regular basis in a deficit mindset is a sin because it is a slap in the face of God. It is making the statement that what He provides for us is not enough. This is why we can become more and more cynical of God. We pray for what we want and often times it seems we never get what we want. God's message may simply be: "You already have what you need."
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You know the definition of insanity; doing the same thing over and over and expecting different results! That's what many of our arguments with our spouse looks like. Why do we keep fighting about the same issues?
This show is so powerful at giving you the tools to stop this insanity. Couples seldom are arguing about what they appear to be arguing about. Whether they are arguing about kids, money, in-laws, or even the color to paint the bathroom. Recognizing that these are not actually the source of the arguments is the first step to stopping the insanity.
Arguing typically comes about when we are messing with something in the following areas, control, affection, trust, respect, and love. When one of these areas is being handled improperly in the eyes of their partner, arguments ensue. If we want to stop the arguing we have to drill down to what is happening at the base of the argument and do the work to restore and rebuild these areas.
Make yourself a promise that you will never argue again with your spouse. Instead, you will take the time to recognize what area is being stepped on and do the work to correct it.
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As we approach the Christmas Season we see many things around us that remind us of Christmas. Between presents, Christmas trees, ornaments, music, and all the Christmas parties, there is no shortage of reminders; at least reminders of the secular version of Christmas. That is why we have called this the season of stuff. Every where you look you see Christmas stuff!
Stuff is not all bad! But, when we loose our focus on the main reason for Christmas, and set our focus on the stuff, we tend to become disappointed, frustrated, and often just feeling like the Christmas is a bit of a let down. As Christians, this should not even be close to what our experience should be for Christmas. This is the celebration of the greatest birthday in the history of mankind. And, not only is it a birthday party, but we are the ones that receive the gift!
During this season take some time to learn and recognize exactly what the gift of Christ means to you as an individual, but also, us as in all of mankind. The gift of Christ is something that none of us could have ever bought on our own. It is the single most valuable thing that mankind has ever been given. However, when we don't understand this and really don't know why it is so valuable, we cheapen the gift. We cut the value in our own mind simply becuase we do not understand how valuable and rare the gift is.
This season when you are giving your children Christmas gifts, teach them the value of gifts. Teach them what a gift is and what makes it valuable. Then you can begin to teach them about the rare but valuable gift of Christ.
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Have you ever heard the song by Country Music Singer, Mac Davis, It's Hard to be Humble? Merrill tries is talent at singing a portion of the song only to be derailed by Linda. But, the point is how do we deal with being humble. In this show, Linda and Merrill take on the conversation of humility and thankfulness as we come into the Thanksgiving Season.
These are terms that often get thrown around lightly, but the challenge of actually living this words is no light task. Humility is not how many of us have been raised up. We often see parents raising their children to be prideful leaders. People who will answer to no one and should get whatever they desire. A "me first" approach to daily living. This seems to work, at least for a little while. But, at some point, the rest of the world doesn't care so much to give you what you want or to please you. That's when things begin to get dicey.
In John 13 :1-7 Jesus gives us the perfect example of what it means to act in humility. To take on the heart of a servant. He does this by washing the feet of his apostles. Jesus did this to show us that even when a person is being referred to as a king, he must have his priorities straight in service to others. He must understand what others mean to him and how he can give back to them for the service they have done for him.
In this life of daily challenges, we realize quickly that we are unable to go it alone. We must learn to walk in humility and thankfulness for first and foremost what God is and means to us. We must recognize our purpose as His servant and not the other way around. He made us, we did not make Him. For that reason, we are able to begin to celebrate our gifts and give the thanks and glory to Him that blessed us.
Teach your children early in life that they are unique and blessed with gifts from God. Teach them to be thankful and to learn to use their gifts to glorify God by serving others. Teach your kids that they are the hands and feet of Christ!
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Adoption sounds like such a great thing! Largely, because it is. Adoption can be an incredible experience in both the adopted child's life and the adoptive family's life. But there is a reason that not everyone is doing it, nor should everyone do it. Adoption can be very difficult. It comes with many different challenges, some expected, many unexpected.
In this show, Linda and Merrill celebrate National Adoption Day by discussing the topic of adoption. They refer to their own personal experience with adoption of their three children, and many others that helped by sharing their stories.
They discuss various types of adoptions from domestic to international. They even talk about the bonding process between the child and the family. Depending on the situation this process of bonding can be relatively smooth, but it can also be a source of frustration and pain for all individuals involved.
One thing is for certain, successful adoptions involved the heart. The commitment is so deep and the work is plentiful. If your heart is not fully open to this process, your logical mind will rationalize itself into failure. In these cases, no one wins.
Prior to adopting children God needs to know your heart as you open up to Him and allow Him to lead your way. God's hand will be needed on a daily basis as the road can sometimes be bumpy. But, in the end, adoption is not just a great thing to do, it is what God calls many of us to do.
If you are interested in adoption or know someone that is, please share this show. Feel free to reach out to us at rocksolidfamilies.org to ask questions or get more information.
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As more and more people look for solutions to their problems from mankind, there are fewer people using prayer as a resource. Often, you hear of prayer use as the last resort. "If all else fails, you can always pray." This use of prayer as a last resort actually speaks a great deal as to what people really believe and understand about prayer and God.
We may ask the question, "Why should I have to pray to God? If he is all-knowing then wouldn't he give me what I need without me asking?" On the surface, this sounds like a fair question. But this is where we need to dig a little deeper in our understanding of God.
God has created the entire universe and every natural think in it. In his creation all things work for a purpose. We may not understand the purpose, but the more we study science, the more we learn about why certain things are vital to creation. All things work together for God's good. However, there is only one thing in all of creation that can deny and reject God.
This show is more about love and relationship than it is about prayer. Listen in and learn exactly why we are called to pray and then how God responds to your prayer.
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Many people do not believe in the idea of Spiritual Warfare. When you bring it up they dismiss it or think of it as a mythical concept. As much as we would like to dismiss it, you if call yourself a Christian, you can't dismiss, and in fact, you have a responsibility to learn more about it.
Scripture is very clear about the reality of Spiritual Warfare. There is a saying about scripture that says, "if it is repeated it is important". This is the case with this idea. Spiritual Warfare is spoken of frequently and described with great detail. Furthermore, it is described as a warning to all of us. It is so important and dangerous that we are given specific instructions and guidance to ward against it.
In this episode, Linda and Merrill discuss the truth of the warfare Christians fight and protect against. They unpack Ephesians 6:10-18 to gain insight into the Armour of God. The protection and weapons that God gives us to fight against the enemy. When you read these scriptures you gain a clear vision of what God identifies as the enemy and exactly how you can protect yourself and family.
We are called to be warriors for Christ just as he acts as a warrior on our behalf. The battle for your soul is a hard fought battle. You feel the impact on a daily basis. If you begin to not recognize the danger or don't feel like you are under attack, it is because you are no longer a threat to the enemy. In other words, you are doing nothing to get in the way of Satan's progress. When you begin to stand against the ways of evil, you will feel yourself being attacked. This is not the time to quit, but rather to buckle on the belt of truth and go to battle to win the war against evil.
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This is not just a show about Halloween with ghost and goblins. This is a show about the reality of The Dark Side. The fact that there truly is a realm of life that tries to exist out of the light. When we say, "The Dark Side", we mean that this a side that denies the presence of God. God is light and anything not of God is darkness. The two dimensions are in constant battle to occupy, light vs dark. Things of God vs things not of God.
God is the creator of all things good. Love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. So to take God out of the picture you will experience the opposite; hate, sorrow, anxiety, impatience, meanness, harshness, distrust, abrasiveness, and recklessness. This is the Dark Side!
People will debate whether or not there is such a thing as evil or darkness, but it doesn't take much living to experience it first hand. Spiritual Warfare is real and whether you recognize it or not, does not mean it doesn't exist. God's Word is very clear about the difference between living a life of God and one without God. Denial of God does not take away his existence.
But, we are not to be afraid of the Dark. God has given us the Light and has given us the means to protect ourselves from the Dark. Ephesians 6:10-18. Take this not to be just symbolic, but rather a practical means of protection from darkness.
If you are going through a difficult time of darkness, please don't let yourself sit there. Get help! Contact Rock Solid Families at rocksolidfamilies.org
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Middle School or Junior High life can be difficult. Those years of wanting to be an older with more privileges and opportunities, but then dealing with the responsibilities that come with them. This is a difficult time in human development, both for the individual going through it and for the people helping them get through it.
In this show we invite special guest, Christy Andres, into the studio. Both Linda and Christy have spent a large part of their career working with this age group. The insights they have are incredibly helpful as parents and teachers navigate these sometimes choppy waters.
This time of development is critical. Done well, and these young adults are confident and ready to take on the next phase of life. Done poorly, and these young adults can be stuck or limping along for many years to come.
Listen in to see how you as parents and teachers can gain greater insight into helping your family through these times.
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There are many different learning styles in which people learn by. But, the reality is, many of us have to learn the hard way! We have to learn by the sometimes difficult path of actually doing.
In this episode of Rock Solid Radio, Merrill is kicked out of the studio and Linda invites in special guest, Monica Quintinalla. Monica is a young lady that thought she had life figured out. She was tough, smart, and full of energy, but she was angry! No one could tell Monica anything. She knew it all and thought she had everything figured out. She had developed a mean spirit as things didn't always go her way and people often disappointed her. In order to get through, she would just do things her way.
She began to realize that her way was not always producing as well as she thought it should. God began to grab her attention and she began to feel broken. A level of humility sank into her heart and she began to respond to God's hand in her life.
Monica shares her story of learning the hard way and how God has began to upper her mind and heart to something much better than she was ever able to produce on her own. She has been able to experience a since of peace and joy that she never had in her emptiness. God has softened her heart and her thoughts and words have followed.
Listen to Monica's story to see what happens when you begin to surrender your ways to His. True life transformation takes place and a since of peace covers you like never before.
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Most people would consider themselves coachable, to a degree. Once we attain a certain level of experience and expertise we find that our level of coach-ability begins to wane. What happens?
In this show Linda and Merrill discuss their 4 year anniversary of Rock Solid Radio. During this four years they had to learn a lot about coaching and actually putting together shows. But the question is, are they now experts. the easy answer is , NO!
After four years Merrill and Linda have grown significantly in their skills and approaches necessary for their coaching ministry. But one thing is for certain, they still have a long way to GROW!
Being coachable is the road to growing as a person. It is easy to rest on our past experiences and begin to think that we know all there is to know. Yet, it is a daily occurrence for us to scratch our head and wonder about how to solve the next problem or what the next step should be in our work.
Linda and Merrill discuss the great coaches such as John Wooden and Jesus Christ. Not that the two should be compared, other than the fact that John Wooden openly claimed that Jesus was his coach and continued to teach him throughout his life.
The show is a reminder and call-out to all of us that we must stay humble and coachable. We all have much to learn and even teach. We carry a great responsibility to use to the fullest the gifts we have been given. Take the time to challenge yourself to grow everyday. Do not be content with what you did yesterday, but rather strive for a better tomorrow.
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Should you tell your kids who their friends should be? Many parents would like to do this, and, yes, there may be a time when a parent needs to step in and give strong guidance on friendship. But, there really is a better way! How about as parents we teach our kids how to choose their friends well?
This is the message in today's show. Teaching your kids how to select friends through the process of raising them with the knowledge and skills to carry this out. If we begin early in the teachings of family values, skills for interacting with others, basic rights and wrongs, and an internal strength to stand up for what you believe, our kids will most likely to a better job than we could ever do at choosing friends.
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Would you be okay with your adult grown children living with you indefinitely? This is the question that we are facing more often as we see more young adults not leaving the home. Often times the situation is that they left the home only to return sometime later due to circumstances rendering them homeless.
As their parents we feel the need to help them through this difficult time, but when this time becomes undefined and begins to last longer than anyone anticipated, bad things often begin to happen. Relationships are strained, people are taken for granted, and often times what seemed like a helpful gesture turns into a dramatic mess.
In this show, Merrill and Linda give helpful insights and tips to help parents through this difficult time. This is a show about boundaries, parenting, and respect for each other. If you are in a situation in which you have house guests that have outstayed their welcome, this show will help you navigate the solution to benefit all parties involved.
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There is no question that our children are an incredible blessing and a top priority in our life. But the question of: Do you want a Child Centered Home?, is a question we ask seriously. Many parents believe a child centered home makes great sense and would be something to strive for. However, if we truly watch what happens and see the results of a child centered home, it actually causes more harm than good.
As parents we have the responsibility to prepare our children to be adults in this world. Whether we like it or not, adult life is not always easy and we certainly do not get what we want on a regular basis. Rather, as an adult, we find ourselves working for the sake of something bigger and beyond ourselves. Maybe we work for an employer and we quickly learn we must be a valuable resource for our employer. Or maybe we are in the military and we understand that we frequently don't get to do what we want and must learn to work for others. The bottom line is that as adults we all must come to realize that we are here to serve. We are here for the benefit of each other not just ourselves.
The setback with a setting our home up as a child-centered home immediately positions the needs of the child above the needs of others in the house. Specifically, we see the needs of the child placed above the needs of the parents as a married couple. We often serve the children at the expense of the relationship between the parents. This goes so far as to manifest itself by children sleeping in the bed with the parents and often one of the parents leaving the bed to make room for the child.
Soon the message to the child is that they are to be served and essentially to get what they want. As a child they often have no understanding of what their demands are costing the marriage or family at large.
This show specifically addresses the reasons why the child - centered home is not the best thing we can do for our children. Rather, we strive to let our children see that the adults work together for the good of the entire family. And, this means the adults are leading the family and directing their children to be healthy servants for the good of the rest of the family.
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Many of us have experienced a child that cries and resists bedtime. They have all sorts of reasons; they don't want to miss something, they are afraid, or they just want something more to eat.
These episodes can turn into battles between parents and children. Way too often we see the child exerting a stronger will than the parent by pushing the parent to the breaking point. The crying continues until the parent gives in and allows the child to join them on the couch for "just a few minutes" of tv time. Soon the child is staying up the rest of the evening with the parent.
Taking this one step farther, which often kids do, the child ends up sleeping with the parents in their bed. They are not able to sleep for a host of reasons in their bed so the only bed that seems to work for them is their parents bed. Before you know it we have a little one sleeping between mom and dad.
This show is not just about bedtime, it is about boundaries. Boundaries that protect the values which are established by the leaders of the home, the parents. When we allow the child to set the boundaries we soon will see push back in a variety of areas. Food they will and will not eat, clothes they will and will not wear, chores they will and will not do. Soon we see an eight year old dictating through their tantrums exactly how the house will operate.
We minimize their requests because "it's just not worth the battle". "It's just bedtime, I'm not going to ruin everyone's night by arguing with my kid." This is a lazy way of parenting that soon permeates into multiple areas will unintended consequences.
This show will help you recognize your values that you want your home to operate under and then implement them in a calm yet determined manner. It absolutely does not require a yelling match between parent and child. Rather, it requires a steadfast leader that knows the exact course to be traveled.
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Arguing and yelling are fairly common in marriages. Most would say those are not very effective ways to resolve conflict in the relationship. And, for the most part, we would agree. However, one means of illustrating a conflict within a marriage that looks very different from arguing and yelling, is SILENT TREATMENT! Yes, silence can be deadening to a marriage. It can be so dangerous because the ill thoughts and contempt of the heart never gets fully resolved. The accumulation of resentment builds like a quiet volcano building to erupt.
The silent treatment is so dangerous because it can be relatively easy to live with. Kind of like a quiet cancer that never gives too many signs of illness or pain, yet it grows and grows until the cancer overtakes the person. This is what silent treatment does to marriages.
In this show, Merrill and Linda expose the truth about using silence during times of conflict. They clearly explain how dangerous it is and the damage it causes. They point out how you can spot it and what to do when you have recognized its growth in your relationship.
With respect, call out the silence.
Give permission to the silent partner to speak without interruption, excuses, or attacks. People often go silent because they don’t believe they are able to express themselves without the situation getting worse. If you want someone to speak, you have to invite them to do so.
Wait until the emotional storm has subsided prior to forcing conversation. A calm mind is a thinking mind.
The verbal partner must acknowledge any wrongdoing and own any ways that they may have shut the door on communication. You may not like doing this, but it is what shut the door in the first place. You hold the keys to opening the door.
If you are the silent partner you are going to have to work out of your comfort zone. We encourage you to be motivated by recognizing what is at stake. Is your marriage worth you getting a little uncomfortable?
You are responsible for your responses. As the silent partner, you must recognize that this shut down is not simply due to your spouse shutting you down. You are the one that must be responsible to keeping yourself engaged. Expressing that you are not comfortable with the silent action. Helping your partner recognize what their assertiveness does to shutting you down.
Intent and trust mean everything. Always work from the understanding of your partner’s intent. If you can’t trust your partner it will show in your engagement or lack of. If you can trust your partner, then it is time to move forward as you trust that they too want something better for the marriage.
Rock Solid Families : https://www.rocksolidfamilies.org
Past Show: Predictors of Divorce: https://www.buzzsprout.com/636718/7495963-rock-solid-radio-predictors-of-divorce-episode-119.mp3?download=true
Link to the Gottman Institute: https://www.gottman.com
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Another school year and another year of kids having homework meltdowns. No wonder so many kids do not look forward to going back to school. It may be hard for many people to believe, but the truth is, most kids really don't like school as much as they like being out of school. There is good reason for this. School can be difficult!
Adults like to simplify and minimize the difficulty that kids experience during their school years. They like to say things like, "if you think school is tough, wait to you get out in the real world." Yes, the "real world" can be difficult, but it is only difficult when life presses us to the limits of our abilities. For that reason, school is just as difficult for kids as the real world is for adults. Kids are being pushed to their limits on multiple fronts; academically, physically, socially, and emotionally.
Fifty pounds may seem fairly easy for a 200 pound man lift. But, lifting 50 pounds by a 50 pound kid is quite the task. Just as lifting 200 pounds would be quite the task for a 200 pound man. The point is, school is difficult for many of our children. As parents, when we recognize their challenges, and stop comparing them to the challenges of others, we can begin to build their strength in better ways.
Linda and Merrill give helpful approaches to parents to deal with the stresses of the school year. Teaching parents to recognize how they can help their kids to be more successful not just this school year, but for the many to follow.
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Have you ever had reason to doubt your spouse? What were the red flags? What did you do about it? How did they react to your response? This is the scenario that plays out on a daily basis in many marriages. When trust is in question the entire relationship becomes unstable.
Marriage demands two people becoming one. In order to do this you have to understand that each person is putting their life in the hands of the other person. This takes an incredible amount of trust. For this reason, we must realize what is at stake when we do things that erode trust.
In this show, Linda and Merrill take on the trust topic by acting out an all too familiar scene that frequently comes up in their marriage coaching ministry. The denial, blame-shifting, gas-lighting, and dismal are all classic signs that someone is not being transparent and has something to hide.
Learning to identify these factors and then exploring what is driving them is essential to working to build trust.
This show is filled with powerful suggestions and advice to protect and restore your relationship. But, trust and being trustworthy is a matter of the heart. The people in the relationship must be of open heart and understand what it means to fully give your heart to another person. If the heart is being guarded then outward signs and symptoms will be seen. In a marriage you must be able to hand your heart to your spouse without concern as to whether it will be protected.
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Nothing like a good temper tantrum, unless you're the one having to deal with it. Temper Tantrums are never fun to deal with as a parent. We think of them and even expect to see them from our two year olds, but what about our teenagers or even older?
In this show Linda and Merrill talk about what is behind the temper tantrum and why we so often see them in our teenagers and older. We would like to be able to blame the children as being a product of the times, but more specifically we need to understand that mostly these tantrums are a sign of our parenting.
Yes, our parenting starting at a very young age is what teaches our kids how to either successfully throw a tantrum, or successfully regain control and begin to work more calmly through the problem solving methods.
During this show, Linda and Merrill break down an acted out tantrum to see what actually is happening and how we as parents can go about this in a better way.
Remember, your kids are not bad people, they are just doing what they believe works for their best interest.
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Have you ever just felt like you and your spouse argue over the same old things and come up with the same old results? Most of us have experienced this and it leads us to frustration, hurt, anger, isolation, and yes, even divorce.
In this episode of Rock Solid Radio, Merrill and Linda introduce a new segment called The Tool Box. This segment is all about understanding what tools you have at your access and how to use them. Most of us have far more tools than we realize, but through practicing the wrong way, or simply being selfish or stubborn, we fail to learn to use the tools to build our marriage.
In this show, we discuss the nagging and bickering that goes on between spouses. Not ready each other, not communicating effectively, not understanding how and when to be empathetic, these are the things that when you learn to rectify them, you will pull your marriage back to a better place.
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Sometimes we have bad days, but sometimes we have tragic days. Days that are so tragic that they leave us in a state of grief. Deep sadness that leaves us questioning and searching for answers. Many who experience grief wonder if they will ever smile again. If their life will ever be "normal" again. These are real questions with what seems like uncertain answers.
Debby, one of our Rock Solid clients, has grief piled so deep in her life she began to feel like Job. "What is going on in my life?" "I don't think I can take any more!" "Why? Why? Why?" But, through her questioning and heartbreak she surrendered her battle to Christ. From the surrender she began to see hope, joy, and even purpose as she moved on in life. Admittedly, it has not been an instant fix, but it has been a journey of positive healing. A story of redemption and reconciliation. These are the gifts that now inspire Debby to live a more passionate life to serve the one and only God, through service to others.
If you or someone you know is experiencing grief, this show is the start of the healing process. Learning from Debby and practicing a surrender like she never knew before. Grief is real, but it doesn't have to hold you as a hostage. It can be a source of growth and inspiration. Let Christ turn your mess into a message of love.
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Parenting is already difficult, but when you add a divorce into the mix, everything becomes more difficult. Divorce is ugly for many reasons, one of which is how it impacts the parenting process. Kids get caught up in the hurt of the breakup, but also the lingering hurt between the ex-spouses. When people are hurt, they tend to allow the emotional pain to dictate their behavior, this often looks like revenge.
What better way to seek revenge on your ex than by using the children to get back at each other. Simple things like not establishing a common set of rules and expectations for the children no matter who's house they are in leads to manipulation, which leads to more hurt. The problem is that the people that will suffer the longterm consequences for this are the children.
Parents that begin to operate out of hurt, guilt, jealousy, or arrogance, will knowingly or not, teach their kids to become master-manipulators. They will begin to recognize the craziness between the two vastly different systems they are being raised in and they will begin to manipulate the parents in order to work it to their immediate advantage. Make no mistake about it, the children are not to blame. The parents have created an environment rich in opportunities to manipulate. The kids are just looking out for their immediate gratification.
If you are in a situation of divorce and raising children, this show is packed full of great advice to grow your children to be the adults you desire them to be. Please do not shortcut this process. The work is hard and confusing when we allow it to be colored with emotions of hurt. But, when we see the important values and foundation that we want our children to develop with, the work becomes much more defined and clear. Do not let your hurt lead to you hurting your children. They did not ask for your divorce.
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What kind of memories has your family made this Summer? During this show, Linda and Merrill talk about memories that their parents made in their lives and how they have tried to make positive memories in their kids' lives. They almost lost sight of this until one day their older sons reminded them of the importance of making more great memories.
Making memories, in fact, good memories, are important in our lives. Good memories give us hope and energy to live another day. They create joy and a happiness that make the world a better place.
If you have gone all Summer long and have not done something fun and memorable with your family, the time is now! Your kids will thank you and you will inspire them to do the same for their family.
Stop your excuses and concerns for putting this opportunity off. Like all opportunities, they have a finite window. When your kids are grown and gone, it will not be possible to go back in time and create more memories. Seize the day and don't miss this opportunity to pour into your family!
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Among the most serious shows we have done!
As a means to educate and bring attention to the evils of the sex trafficking industry, Rock Solid Radio brought in Scarlet Hudson. Scarlet is the founder of Women of Alabaster ministry. This is a ministry that goes out on the front lines of the sex trafficking world and works to show a way out of the darkness to all that are involved. Through love, truth, passion, and Christ, Scarlet shows these victims that there is hope!
You might think that sex trafficking is only a problem in the big cities. The reality is that sex-trafficking may very well be occurring in your own neighborhood, maybe even your own house. Through the use of the internet, women and children are routinely solicited through social media, cell phones, computers, and video games. Solicitors hide behind the internet curtain only to tease and attract conversations that lead to potential relationships. Telling eager and impressionable people what they want to hear and enticing them to what appears to be exciting or just better than what they have. Before you know it, the trap is closed and contains an innocent and naive captive. This is just the beginning of the nightmare.
Scarlet gives us an inside view of what this industry is about and how we can protect ourselves and family from it. Her words are of passion and immediacy. We do not have time to wonder if this is actually a problem. It is and it's costing people their lives and their souls.
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If I only had more money! I would be happy with a little more money! Money! Money! Money!
You get the picture. In this show Merrill brings in a special guest, Zac Strobl, that helps us discuss the issues of money that face many of our younger couples today. He takes us through the understanding of money and debt and how we must learn to manage it, before it manages us.
Zac is a teacher of the Dave Ramsey program, Financial Peace. He instructs people on how to learn more about what money means to them and how they can learn to use it to their benefit. When money is used poorly, it often leads to destruction. In the case of many couples, it can lead to the destruction of their marriage.
Listen in and see how you can manage your money better and still have the freedom, happiness, and peace that it can help to provide.
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PART 3 in a 4 part series on Instant Gratification.
In this show Merrill and Linda tackle yet one more challenges of the flesh, sex and pornography. This multibillion industry is thriving for a reason and at a huge expense to our marriages and families. The reason is simple; sexual arousal is among the most powerful of our fleshly pleasures. The feeling of arousal is powerful enough that people are willing to pay billions of dollars and risk incredibly valuable assets such as marriages, livelihoods, mental health, physical health, and even freedom. People are literally sold into slavery to feed this industry.
Make no mistake about it, the porn industry is own and operated by Satan. We are just passing through as willing consumers.
During this show Merrill and Linda show effective and practical tools and approaches to stop the insanity of this addiction. They teach about the mindset and the actions that must be put in place to arrest the addiction and save the lives of the people involved.
If you or someone you know is struggling with a sex addiction please seek help. Do not allow Satan to own you any longer. Call Rock Solid Families at 812-576-7625.
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Part 2 in a 4 Part Series - Instant Gratification.
In this show, Linda and Merrill take on the seeking of instant gratification from our screens. It is no surprise that over 97% of U.S.adults have a cell phone. It is also no surprise that many of us admit to having a level of addiction to our phones.
The phones and other various screen technologies are not the problem. The problem is how we have been knowingly conditioned to receive brain stimulation that creates a feeling of gratification, instantly! This sensation is so powerful as it is the result of dopamine release that creates a powerful desire to recreate it. Before we know it, we are seeking more and more of the stimulation.
The stimulation in this case is what is coming across our screens. Exciting pictures, fascinating tidbits of information, advertisements, clicks of approval, all of these things grab our attention and slowly are holding us captive.
While it sounds a bit like a science fiction movie, it is actually are reality. You might wonder what the problem is to have good or stimulating thoughts in our brain. The problem is not the occasional stimulation, the problem now is the saturation. The intensity is so great that we it draws our attention from many other daily living responsibilities and tasks. It is now common place to watch a family sitting at a restraurant with no one talking to each other, and all the family members are in a deep trance staring at their phones.
The negative impact is being seen in numerous ways. Depression, anxiety, social isolation, poor social interaction skills, and a multitude of disruptive thoughts to an otherwise healthy brain.
Let's not be a victim any longer. We have the data and we have to own the responsibility of taking care of ourselves and our kids. The time to begin is now.
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This is the first of four shows in which Linda and Merrill speak about instant gratification and how it can lead to pain, suffering, and even destruction. Whether it is your health, marriage, family, or faith, seeking to quench the thirst of the flesh can be a costly thing.
In this series, Linda and Merrill have fun talking about some of their own fleshly desires, but they also go very deep when talking about the cost and how Satan loves to work through our desires.
This series is for everyone, men, women, and children. The call of the flesh is loud and clear. Learning how you respond and how to better equip yourself to not fall to these temptations is a worthy practice for a life time, literally, an eternal life time.
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Gender Confusion, one of the many topics that has been growing in discussion in our communities, is quite the challenging topic. Our schools, families, and churches, along with the individuals that are directly involved, are trying to figure out how to approach this topic. In today's show Merrill and Linda approach the topic from what they are seeing in their office. More specifically, the topic is addressed to the parents and families involved in such cases.
This conversation is intended to be informative, respectful, and loving of all parties involved. However, Merrill and Linda coach from a Christian Worldview and use God's Word to inform and guide them through this discussion. For this reason, the discussion is guided by what the facts are and how they relate to God's direction through His word. At times, what they say may not sound very loving and accepting to people viewing this topic from a differing worldview. Please be patient and listen. Search out the answers and be willing to have honest and respectful conversations for the betterment of all.
Merrill and Linda are committed to learning more to best serve the families involved. They look forward to more conversations and learning in order to help others and serve Christ.
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What is Cancel Culture? How long has it been around? What's the big deal? These are some of the questions Linda and Merrill take on during this episode of Rock Solid Radio.
The subject is approached from the prespective of the family and parenting. Teaching our kids how to deal with negative actions or words directed towards them is so essential to their success in life. Teaching them how to stand up for themselves, but also not to get swept up in a momentous wave of negative influence. This show is all about giving our kids the tools necessary to stand for what they believe and still respect others that disagree with them.
As adults we far too often lose sight of what we are teaching our kids. This is an area that we must regain focus and empower our kids to be the next strong generation to lead this great country.
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Summer is a great time for a lot of different things. Vacations, pools, sports, sleep-overs, etc... But, one of the best things about summer is that opportunity for kids to get jobs! Now, we understand that many kids won't see this as a great opportunity, but during this show, Linda and Merrill explain why jobs are so beneficial to your kids.
Jobs not only provide a potential source of income, but they also provide opportunities to teach your kids so much more than what they can learn in the school environment. Learning to keep a work schedule, being responsible to an employer, working with others, learning how to treat customers, learning new skills, and getting life experiences. These are the important things that help our kids explore and learn more about themselves and their likes and dislikes.
So, for this summer, insist that your kids have age appropriate Summer jobs.
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What a fun conversation this was! Merrill and Linda teasing each other about She Sheds and Man Caves. But, this conversation does not always lead to fun. In fact, we often see this topic leading us to problems within a marriage or family.
Merrill and Linda take on the importance of personal time and space. Every person has their own unique personality traits and interest. When these are not nurtured and given attention, people tend to fall away and even withdraw.
During this show the topic of taking care of your personal space and interest is stressed to be very important. But, we must be able to have proper context and priority of these things. We must ask ourselves questions like; Who is my interest impacting negatively and positively? How much time is it taking from my marriage or family? What is the cost to the family?
Answering these questions helps us to learn how to put forth the proper protection and boundaries on the things we say we care about. See what you think when you watch She Sheds and Man Caves.
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It's not often that you hear of a priest being referred to as a "Rock Star". But, Father Meyer from All Saints Parish, in Northern Dearborn County, has that level of popularity. The most interesting thing is that he has this notoriety not for playing Rock music, but for being the hands and feet of Jesus Christ.
Father Meyer was welcomed into the studio of Rock Solid Radio to discuss the importance of being involved in community. As a priest he sees it as a top priority to go outside of the walls of the church and reach into peoples lives. He is deeply involved as a track and cross country coach in the area high school. As a result, he has had the opportunity to speak into the lives of hundreds of young people since his time in the area.
Yes, he does talk about Jesus, but more importantly he shows Jesus to all he encounters. Listen in as Father Meyer calls on all of us to speak into our community and build the next generation.
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Trends are part of life. What's hot, what's not? Most of our trends have little lasting impact. Whether it's style of clothing or the latest phrase or saying. However, sometimes, we come into a trend that does carry a heavy impact.
During this show, Linda and Merrill delve into the trends they are seeing walking into their office at Rock Solid Families. Whether it's vaping, gender identity, or the latest approach to dating, these are things that our teens are working through. Listen in as these trends are discussed to see how you can help your teens manage the latest thing!
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Like it or not, disagreements are part of daily life. We all know how difficult it is for two people to agree on just about anything. Disagreements can be exhausting, frustrating, and ultimately lead to destructive conflicts. But, they don't have to!
During today's show, Merrill and Linda discuss some of their own disagreements and how they had to approach the disagreements in order to win the marriage. That's the key! Winning for the sake of the marriage, not the sake of SELF! When you understand what you are arguing for, you often discover that it is not necessarily for the good of the marriage, but only for your own good.
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Do you know about Truth At Work? What an amazing coaching opportunity!
Recognizing that you need help is much harder than most people think. In fact, most of us wait way too long before we actually reach out and seek counsel. This is especially true in the business world and even more so among high achieving individuals. High achieving individuals often are very competitive and frequently very good at hiding their weaknesses from their competition. They play their cards tight to the chest and never give an indication of holding a bad hand.
The truth is, at times, we have all held bad hands. Bad situiations, circumstances, things simply not going our way. This is where we actually have to learn to get better at what we are doing. This is what Truth At Work does!
Mark Wages, President of Truth at Work - Cincinnati Region, discusses how the Truth at Work process works to coach people in the business world. The incredible and powerful process is based in the Christian Faith and follows Christian principles as it grows and stretches each individual.
If you are feeling stuck and not sure how to move forward with your next play, consider contacting Truth at Work.
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Are you feeling frustrated, stuck, and just not where you want to be? Maybe it's in your marriage, job, finances, or parenting your kids. Where ever it is, this show is directly intended for you.
Linda and Merrill talk about how we get stuck and then how to move out of this place. This is what a fresh start is all about. Please do not let your current circumstance feel like chains of bondage. It is time to break free and move to the life that God intended for you.
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Many people believe in a god or some form of higher power. But, as Christians, we are called for more. We are called by the Greatest Story Every Told. We are called by the life of Jesus! In this show, Linda and Merrill get down to the evidence of why Jesus is the ultimate reason for HOPE! There is nothing mysterious or magical about Jesus. His life was foretold many years before he stepped foot on the planet. The reason why his life would be. The type of life he would life. And, the meaning to all of us for his life.
As stated in John 14:6 - Jesus answered, "I am the way and the truth, and the life. the only way to the Father is through me.
This is so because of the life, death, and resurrection of Christ. When we understand what the implications are for these words, our life is forever changed.
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Most of us have heard the parable of the Prodigal Son. But have you ever thought about how the lessons in the story relate to you or people in your life? "The Grass Is Greener". "Eating Crow". "Envy". There are multiple lessons that Jesus teaches in this parable that are applicable to our lives today.
Tune in and see what you can learn and apply to your life.
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Are you producing the fruit in your life that you desire? How about the fruit that God desires for you? In this episode, Merrill and Linda encourage us to take a good look at the soil we are trying to plant seeds in. i.e. our hearts.
If we are trying to live a fruitful life, but our hearts are not fertile for growth, we will be lacking in our yield.
In the parable of the Sower, Christ encourages us to examine our hearts and to understand what kind of heart we have and what kind of heart it takes to produce a fruitful yield. We are in control of fertilizing and prepping our hearts for a bountiful harvest. When we recognize this, we can more clearly understand how we need to take care of our hearts and nurture a mindset of growth.
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There are so many children in our country that lack a positive role model as a father or mother. Not just anyone can replace these roles. However, Big Brothers,Big Sisters has developed a system of connecting children with outstanding role models to help fill the void.
Big Brothers Big Sisters spokes person, Amy Deaton, joins Rock Solid Radio to discuss all the great things this organization is doing for our communities. If you have ever thought about volunteering and leaning into the life of a young person, this may be your place. Listen in and see how you can get involved.
Thanks to Amy Deaton for your willingness to share!
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Remember Matthew 7:3-4, "Why do you look at the speck of sawdust in your brother's eye and pay no attention to the plank in your own eye? How can you say to your brother, 'Let me take the speck out of your eye,' when all the time there is a plank in your own eye.
In this show of Rock Solid Radio, Linda and Merrill talk about judging others. This single topic is at the heart of why many non-believers will not come to a relationship with Jesus Christ. The hypocrisy that exist when we improperly judge others is astounding. We must learn to approach others by first taking care of our own sinful ways. Then we can afford to approach a brother and help them with their sin. We must always be able to do this with a pure heart and extending love.
What does this look like in your marriage or family? How about your workplace or neighborhood? These are the places that we can begin to show the love of Jesus Christ.
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As a teacher, one of the best ways to get your students to learn a particular lesson is to share a story about the lesson. The story draws in the student and soon they visualize what they need to learn from the story. Jesus did this on a regular basis when he taught through parables.
What are some of your parables in life? What did you learn through your story or experiences? How have you used your story to help someone else?
In this show, Merrill and Linda begin a series of shows that discuss particular stories and what we can learn from these stories.
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In today's world it is hard to know what is truth. So many information sources bringing so many things that seem like truth. While information can be a good thing, information that comes from a source other than absolute truth is something to be weary of.
We are all seeking truth as it is hardwired into us by God to know truth and to build our life around it. When we begin to build our lives around lies and even half-truths we move into confusion. Living life in a confused state leads us to frustrations, anxieties, depression, and even hell. This is no joking matter.
Our societal metrics used to measure the overall health of our society are giving strong indications of people that are hurting. Increases in anxiety, depression, suicide, divorce, drug abuse, domestic abuse, and so on, are all indicators that we are lost as society.
It is time to become unlost, or better yet, found! Being found simply means grasping onto the one true source of truth, God's Word!
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Raising kids in today's world is challenging. More now than ever, the ways of the world are able to enter your home. Whether it's TV, internet, social media, phones, etc.... One of the significant drawbacks of this is the exposure our kid are getting to a lack of civility. The disrespect that we are all seeing makes us more and more desensitized and willing to accept. The end result is a culture more disrespectful and uncivil than we have seen in many years.
In this show, Linda and Merrill spend little time discussing the whoa's of our culture and much more time on what we can actually do about it. The work begins in our own house! Recognizing this and acting on it provides an empowerment for change. It is difficult to noticeably change the ways of the world, but it is much more possible to change the ways of our house. Start today by making your house a more civil place to live.
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Have you seen signs of your marriage falling apart? Would you be interested in putting safeguards in your marriage to prevent it from falling apart? If you answered "yes", to either of these questions, this show is for you!
Merrill and Linda spoke in episode 119 about the predictors of divorce. In this episode, we discuss how to divorce-proof your marriage. This show contains excellent points and tips to help you start today in protecting your marriage.
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Nobody goes into a marriage believing they will divorce. But, at least 50% of us will end a marriage in divorce, and many more will wonder if divorce should be their solution.
Research has given us very reliable indicators or predictors of divorce. Wouldn't it be nice to know if some of those predictors were showing in your marriage? What would be even better is if you had a way to correct the behavior once you identified the divorce predictor.
During this show, Linda and Merrill begin this process with their audience. This show spends the time helping couples recognize those tell-tale signs that a divorce is looming. The following show will address the solutions or remedies when you recognize the predictors. Tune in and see what you can do to help divorce-proof your marriage.
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Words do matter! Whether it is in your house, at your job, or in the White House, more than ever we are seeing that words do matter. This week Linda and Merrill unpack the power of words. They talk about the importance of focusing on the words and communication that take place in your own home.
The evidence is clear when the family breaks down, the country will follow. During these times that we live in, we must take our words seriously and begin that responsibility in our homes. If we don't we will have more of what we are seeing outside of our homes. Division, anger, hate, and a cultural breakdown that leads to destruction. It is time to own our part and begin at home.
What are you communicating in your house?
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How's the intimacy level in your marriage? Or, maybe we should be more clear and ask, how are the sexual/physical intimacy, emotional intimacy, spiritual intimacy? This may not be a question you are comfortable answering, but in a marriage, your answer is often an excellent barometer or how the marriage is actually going. Simply put, it is difficult to reach any level of intimacy if you are not loving and respecting your spouse appropriately.
The good news is that intimacy of any type can be restored! However, the work involved must be very intentional and persistent. During this show, Linda and Merrill show how they help couples become more intimate, which leads to a stronger marriage.
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2021 is finally here! As the new year begins, what kind of things do you want to change or improve for your family? For the Hutchinson's we are focusing on being around the dinner table more often as a family.
In this show, Merrill and Linda discuss the value of protecting the dinner table opportunities. Bringing the family together around food is nothing new. Jesus often used this venue to help his followers. It seems that the setting allows for people to be more relaxed and willing to share their thoughts. Every family could benefit from making this a more conscious activity. As parents, if we want to lean into our kids and show them our values and take advantage of great teaching moments, the dinner table is the perfect time and place. In 2021, make it a point to bring this practice back into your home!
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2020 has been a challenging year for many of us. Between Covid, elections, job turbulence, and everything else, this year has certainly tested most of us. What are we to take away from this? Linda and Merrill discuss the great opportunity that this year has presented for parenting. In particular parenting in faith and teaching your children about why they need faith.
During this show, the idea of being lost and wandering from day to day in our confusion is remedied with learning how to have a VISION for your life. Your vision comes from having a FAITH in the creator of the universe; GOD! The VISION comes from having a FAITH in Jesus Christ, who is the provider of the path forward in our daily living. A path that leads us to the arms of the Father!
The best gift we can give our kids is to teach them how to live with faith so that they can have the vision to walk hand in hand with their Father.
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Questions? Linda and Merrill have been doing a series on questions. Questions about Parenting. Questions dealing with Grief and Sadness. And, questions about Marriage. In this episode they tackle the questions related to marriage. These are questions that most of us can relate to in a marriage. How to recognize a troubled marriage? How to determine how much work you should be doing to save the marriage? How to communicate better in order to save the marriage? These are just some of the pieces of conversation that come up during this show.
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Nobody is completely able to avoid times of grief and sadness. It is part of the human condition on this earth. During this show we discuss the importance of understanding how to work your way through these times of grief and sadness. The key word here is work or action. We would all like to believe that we could sit back and suddenly feel joy and peace again, but it usually is not that simple. It takes work!
In this show, Merrill and Linda take on 3 questions that have been coming to them in a variety of different coaching sessions at Rock Solid Families. These are discussions that hopefully will leave you with a little more insight and actions to begin to help yourself or maybe someone you love.
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Parenting can be challenging in any of our families. But, parenting through a divorce can make it significantly more challenging. In this show, Linda and Merrill take on questions from our listeners pertaining to Co-Parenting; that is, parenting with your ex-spouse.
Learning how to work with your ex for the good of your children can be difficult, but when done well, reaps huge rewards. You will be happier and your kids will be better for it. This is not an easy task and takes a concerted effort by all parties involved. Listen in and see how Merrill and Linda can help you through this difficult challenge.
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We can all share stories about how busy we are. Sometimes life just gets crazy and like craving water when you are thirsty, we begin to crave rest when we are too busy. The question is: Are we resting in God? Are we resting in a way that will truly energize and restore us? Most of us, even Christians, do a poor job of knowing how to rest. We have allowed the world to shape our view of how we rest. Maybe it's sitting on the couch and binge-watching tv. Maybe it's not looking at any of your daily work for the day. Maybe it's just doing your own thing with no one adding to your agenda. Those all seem like helpful remedies for rest, but they are not complete.
True rest is found in what God calls, The Sabbath. This is a day that we hold off on much of our physical work, but more importantly, we rest in the Lord. In other words, we take peace and give thanks to starting our week in Christ! We hand him all of our blessings as well as all of our burdens. We quiet our mind and hand Him the noise. We make Him our priority.
Merrill and Linda are guilty like most all people of just allowing the obligations of life to take over. During this show, they discuss the need to pull back and give the control and thanks to God.
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Trying to figure out God's timing can be frustrating, confusing, and down-right exhausting. We often pray for God's intercession only to not see what we prayed for. Or maybe it doesn't happen as quickly as we desired.
This single act is one of the largest contributing factors to people abandoning their faith. "I asked and God never listened. " While this may feel like the case, the truth is that God hears all of our prayers and answers all of them with his answer, not ours.
Don't feel like you are alone in this endeavor. The greatest of all the saints fall into this same predicament. King David frequently prayed and questioned God's actions in the book of Psalms. He cried out only to wait for God's answer.
Often when we pray, we do so with intensity and immediacy. "Lord, I need this now!". The deal is that God knows what we need and when we need it. So, we often feel like we rushed to our prayer only to be left with a waiting game to receive God's response. This time of waiting is critical to our faith. It can either build it or destroy it depending on how committed we are to God rather than self.
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What kind of adults do you want your children to grow up to be? Most of us have a very similar answer; independent, strong, happy, faith-based, honest, hardworking, etc.... Give or take a few descriptors, we all seem to have a fairly common desire for our children. The question is, when you look at what you want your children to grow to be, are you actually preparing them to be that? Or, are you protecting them and guiding their every step?
We have actually coined a phrase we call - "Rescue Parent", a parent who knowingly or not, rescues their child from nearly every inconvenience or consequence they encounter. There is a time and place to rescue your child. If they are getting ready to run out into traffic, yes, by all means, stop them. But if they are riding their bike a little too fast, or not doing their homework, or they forget their lunch on their way to school. These are things that will most likely not cause anything more than discomfort and inconvenience in their life. These are the things that come with excellent teaching opportunities for your child.
In today's show, Linda and Merrill address the absolute importance of allowing your child to fail, fall, mess-up, get scratched, maybe even get in trouble. Yes, allow them to be in the middle of these situations and then allow them the priceless opportunity to figure it out! This is what helps up to grow children into the resources, responsible and productive people that we yearn for.
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Relationships are based on trust. But we all know that trust is something that can be easily destroyed. This is the part where we have to understand the value of forgiveness and TRUST! Trust is at the root of being able to move the broken relationship back to a state of healing and hopefully healthy again.
In this show, Linda and Merrill discuss the critical steps that are involved to move forward to rebuild trust from both the offended as well as the offender's perspective. If you have experienced a break in a relationship, this show will help you restore your relationship in a way that will honor each other as well as God.
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Most of us could agree that the election process of our political leaders can make us weary. It is sometimes difficult to hear negative add after negative add. It is difficult to know who you can trust and who you can't. No, it is not a perfect system. However, it has proven itself to be among the best systems used to run a country that allows a significant amount of freedom to the people.
This show is not about the political ads and all the other junk. This show is about the treasure that this country is and the processes we have to maintain it. Among those processes is the election process. It is so important and valuable to keeping all of us free that we must learn how to teach it to our kids.
Freedom makes a huge requirement of every human being. With freedom comes responsibility. For the person who is unwilling to grow up, the person who does not want to carry his own weight, this is a frightening prospect.
Eleanor Roosevelt
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Disclaimer Alert: This show has very little to do with money! This show is about the most important things that we must all learn to invest wisely in. The world tells us that our financial investments are among the most important things that we can take care of. But, the reality is, there are many more things that prove to be far more important than money: Relationships, Physical Healthy, Emotional Health, and Spiritual Health are among the most important things we must invest wisely in.
Linda and Merrill take the time to discuss and explain the importance of these other critical areas if we want the best in our life. It is time to turn down the ways of the world and listen to the ways of God. His ways will produce all the riches that we desire!
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Have you had enough stress for 2020? What a year it has been. Between Covid, Elections, Fires, and Hurricanes, we have to wonder if we will ever get through this year. Researchers claim that we are seeing the highest levels of mental health issues in recent times.
Merrill and Linda take on the subject of mental health as it relates to these trying times. They have helpful guidance and instructions on how to assess your current mental state and make the adjustments necessary to live your best life.
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Sometimes we see a single event that completely devastates a marriage. But, more often than not, we see a cycle of bad behavior between the spouses that seems to perpetuate even more bad behavior. Dr. Emerson Eggerich describes this as the "Crazy Cycle", in his book, Love and Respect.
The man feels disrespected and the woman feels unloved and the more they feel that way the more they treat their partner in the negative. She disrespects him as the man in the house so he retaliates by not being loving towards her. She then doesn't feel loved, so she responds in a disrespectful manner towards him. And so the cycle continues!
This cycle can lead to total marriage devastation or just a slow rot. Either way, it doesn't end well. During this show, Merrill and Linda take on this crazy cycle with understands and techniques that will break the negative cycle and put you on to a path of positive reinforcement within the relationship. You owe it to each other, your family, and most importantly, Christ, to love and respect each other well.
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Rock Solid Radio has been on the air for two years! Merrill and Linda take some time to discuss the beginning, where the ministry is today, and where the ministry is going!
We have been so fortunate to use this platform as an opportunity to help others in their personal lives as well as their marriages and families. But, more importantly, we are fortunate and thankful to be basing our work in the Word of God! We have seen exactly how the Word of God can change a person's life for the better. It is our prayer that we are able to continue this mission.
We know that without others who believe in this mission, Rock Solid Radio would be short-lived. But, because of your belief, we are growing and God is demonstrating on a daily basis what can happen to our life when we live for Him. Join us in continuing to make God's Word the cornerstone from which we live and build the future!
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Linda and Merrill quickly get into the confessions of days gone by! This show is all about the importance of being open, honest, and approachable with your spouse. Sometimes we hide behind old secrets or live a separate life to keep our spouse "happy". The result is not more happiness. In fact, the result is anger, frustration, broken trust, and disruption to the marriage.
During this show, Merrill and Linda discuss why people keep things in secret and how to help them not have a reason to keep the secrets. The ultimate goal is to keep the marriage healthy through mutual trust, love, and respect. When we understand how to handle the difficult part of people's lives, they are more likely to share and be open.
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How is your marriage doing? All too often we slowly drift into neglecting our marriage. It was not our intention, it just happens. Before you know it we are as cold as ice towards the person we said "I do" to. This is not God's intention for our marriage. He wants nothing but the best for our marriage.
Linda and Merrill take on this subject to discuss how you can have a marriage on fire! Fire, meaning a good thing! Whether you are spending more time together, learning how to speak and listen more intently, or just being more mindful of what your partner needs, it is essential to do the work to keep your marriage HOT!
This show is not just for your marriage, but this is for your entire family. When your marriage is great, your family will be the benefactors of that greatness.
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Do you know your Love Language? How about your kids' Love Languages? God desires us to love all people, especially our own family members. This may seem easy, but the key is to know how to love people well. That means, loving people the way they want to be loved. This is why it is important to learn how to love your kids in a way that they appreciate and desire.
In this show, Merrill and Linda have a good time talking about how to love your kids well. Their insights and personal stories will help you to understand how you can help your family to grow in their love for each other. Stop guessing as to how to show each other love and know for certain what love looks like in your family member's eyes.
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What a big show for Rock Solid Radio this week as they release their 100th episode. For this reason, we really wanted to just be thankful. Thanks to God for blessing us with the parents, family, children, friends, church, communities, and school, just to name a few.
In this show, we take time to talk about the importance of GRATITUDE! This is something that can so easily be overlooked by any of us. It is easy to look at all the negatives in our lives, but keeping our focus on those does very little to bring happiness, peace, and contentment into your life.
Gratitude is an Attitude and that means we have a choice. This is very empowering as we realize that our situation response is up to us. We can choose how we are going to walk through any moment of life. Are you choosing gratitude?
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This show is about a relationship, but not a relationship between two people. This is about your relationship with God. As we often work with couples trying to build or repair their human relationships, we see that frequently have to help them set up the relationship. How are they going to spend time together? How are they going to raise children together? How will they resolve life challenges together? It is very important that the two people have an understanding of how they desire to have a relationship and how they are going to take care of that relationship.
Our relationship with God is no different. If we do not make this a relationship it will soon fade and eventually perish. There are so many stumbling blocks that can get in the way of a solid relationship with God. Pride, ignorance, humanistic thinking, etc.... whatever it is, we must identify what we want our relationship with God to look like, and then begin to live it out in that way. If we want a great relationship, we much pour a great amount of attention and love into the relationship in order for us to feel complete. God wants your heart. That is another way of saying, He wants to have a relationship with you. He wants to love you and He wants to be loved by you.
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If you didn't listen to Part 1, we ask that you go back and visit that show to bring you up to speed on this subject.
In this show, Linda and Merrill talk about the young adult as they are preparing to leave the nest. This used to be a more clear-cut time in our history. Going to college, military, or getting a job. These are just the things that happened and our young adults found themselves living on their own and making life happen. Today, we see more young adults growing up and staying under their parents' roof for a longer period of time than ever before. Is this good or not?
These are the questions we take on and try to arrive at what we believe are answers that best serve the young adult as well as their parents.
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How are you raising your child? Do you have a clear idea of what kind of adult you want them to grow into? It is so easy to get caught up in what your child wants that we often lose sight of what they need.
In today's show, Linda and Merrill talk about getting the right mindset to raising a happy and successful child into an adult. It is not always easy, but it is well worth doing the small things now to help your child grow into their best version of themselves.
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Marriage can be tough! Especially when we have two people that are waiting to see when their partner is going to mess up. You may not think this is your marriage, and hopefully, it is not. But the truth is, many of our marriages are consumed with counting rights and wrongs, do's and don'ts, and someone always seems to be "in trouble" in the marriage.
This is not how we are called to be together in marriage. This way of thinking is almost like it comes directly from the Old Testament, The Law! Rules, commandments, laws, while these are important to help guide us in our daily lives, we must be very watchful of not becoming hyper-focused on them. We may find ourselves waiting to see when our spouse is going to mess up next while not focusing on what we can do better in the marriage. We start to find ourselves holding our partner almost as a prisoner trying to pay back the debt for every wrongdoing they've ever made. This is insanity!
We are called to live by grace in our marriage. In this show, Merrill and Linda tackle this subject and try to give help in getting your marriage to be more grace-filled rather than law-driven.
At the end of the day, we must all realize that without the grace provided us by Jesus Christ, we are doomed. Let's do everything we can to keep our marriages from being doomed. Let's cover the marriage with grace!
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What are we doing to make sure we are fit in a difficult time? Fit, meaning physically, mentally, emotionally, and spiritually. These are areas that we have a personal responsibility to take care of. During this show, Merrill and Linda help our listeners to begin the right mindsets and activities to grow in these areas.
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Linda and Merrill Hutchinson have the conversation of working through the new normal. Kids are getting ready to try to go back to school and COVID -19 is still on the rise. What will this school year look like? What are we to do as parents? How can we help our kids succeed in this environment? Staying physically healthy is a primary concern, but restricting our kids to staying locked in the house is no way to keep them healthy emotionally, mentally, or spiritually.
During this show, Linda and Merrill take a serious look at how they plan to help their kids succeed during this season of COVID. In a given moment of time, we will never have all the answers. Yes, we risk making a decision today that in hindsight might turn out to not be the best decision. None the less, we must move forward. We must teach our kids to make decisions based on the information they have today, but once they make the decision they must have a level of faith.
This is a great time to teach our kids about the importance of having faith. Not faith in humans, but faith in a God that loves them and will carry them through the most difficult times in this life and the life after.
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Abuse is a very real thing. We often think of it in physical terms; being hit or punched. The reality is that there are many other types of abuse that can be very severe. During this show, Linda and Merrill have the opportunity to interview intake caseworker for Safe Passage, Beth Kroger.
Beth shares incredible insights, experiences, and advice on how to get the abuse victim to safety and health. Safe Passage has an incredible mission to help those of abuse. No matter the type or situation, they are there for support.
If you or someone you know needs to hear this message, please share it. There is no reason to sit back and knowingly allow anyone to be abused.
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Are you all in? Are you fully committed to your marriage? What does it look like if you are? Or, what does it look like if you aren't?
Merrill and Linda take on the subject of being fully committed to our marriages. These are just words until you actually find yourself in the middle of a challenging time in your marriage. Then, what do you do? Are you entertaining thoughts of leaving? Are you thinking about someone else? Are you thinking about what your spouse needs to do rather than what you need to do?
The greatest gift you will ever give yourself, your spouse, and your kids are the gifts of a strong marriage and family. God's Word supports this and encourages this. We must be humble and willing to seek his way and not ours.
As you listen to this show, think about what you can do to serve your spouse and family. By doing so, you will be serving Christ.
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When we think about the 4th of July, we often describe patriotic feelings and happenings. Picnics, parades, fireworks, family, and friends. What a great time! But, in this show, Merrill and Linda discuss what patriotism truly is and how to teach it to your kids.
Patriotism is about thanks and gratitude for what you received from those that came before you. In the history of our country, we have had times of difficulty and events that we are not proud of. But, there are plenty of other times that we look back with great appreciation for what others have given us.
History judges a generation by how well they left the nation for the generation to come. Did they leave a bigger mess to clean up or did they leave them something strong to allow them to continue to build? As parents, what are you teaching your kids about patriotism, especially in these days?
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How do you determine what is important in your life? How are you going to raise your children? How do you treat your neighbors or handle people in the workplace? These are just some of the questions that many of us just assume we know the answer to or we figure it out as we go.
Do we truly know right from wrong? Or, do we allow our culture to determine what is right and wrong? Do we change our rules or the enforcement of them based on our mood or the events of the day?
Merrill and Linda take on this subject and encourage our listeners to ground their life on a strong foundation. As a Christian, that is the Rock of Jesus Christ! His words are the words that we build our foundation on. His words do not change based on our mood or the current events of the day. His words will carry us through the storms of life and provide us with a safe refuge. Peace and hope rise from the security of knowing that Christ carries us through all the storms.
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We are experiencing a difficult time in our nation of racial tension and divisiveness. It seems that everyone has a solution and if not a solution, at least an opinion. Merrill and Linda tackle this difficult subject with not all the answers, but at least with a mindset of trying to learn more and open our minds and hearts. The old phrase of WWJD, What Would Jesus Do, is what they try to keep at the center of their conversation.
Each of us has room to grow and learn.
The importance of starting race education in your home is critical. With the mindset of WWJD, and then teaching our kids from this mindset, we actually can make this world a better place.
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Linda Hutchinson takes time during this episode to talk with her husband, Merrill, about what it is to be a Strong Dad. More now than ever, our country needs the strength of good dads. Much of what ails our nation comes back to the family and more specifically whether we have good leadership in the family.
During this show, Merrill and Linda discuss the absolute importance of having both mom and dad working together in the home. Both bring their God-Given strengths and both are needed. When one is missing it creates instability and uncertainty in the family.
For this Father's Day and for every day, let your fathers know how much you need them. Let them know how much you appreciate them.
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Jon Tisevich along with his wife, Kelly, shares their story. Jon is the pastor at Whitewater Crossing Christian Church. He has a mission to reach the unchurched. This mission is grounded in his own experience of someone reaching into his life and showing him to Christ. That someone was Kelly.
Jon's passion runs strong for the lost and he wakes every day with the purpose of trying to reach real people and give them real hope. He tried most everything else, drugs, sex, fame, and money, but found himself empty. He came to realize that his emptiness could only be filled with the love and grace of Jesus Christ.
Jon and Kelly have joined together to share the love of Christ. They have taken their god-given talents and have been using them to motivate and encourage people to find a better way in a relationship with Christ.
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Jon Tisevich along with his wife, Kelly, shares their story. Jon is the pastor at Whitewater Crossing Christian Church. He has a mission to reach the unchurched. This mission is grounded in his own experience of someone reaching into his life and showing him to Christ. That someone was Kelly.
Jon's passion runs strong for the lost and he wakes every day with the purpose of trying to reach real people and give them real hope. He tried most everything else, drugs, sex, fame, and money, but found himself empty. He came to realize that his emptiness could only be filled with the love and grace of Jesus Christ.
Jon and Kelly have joined together to share the love of Christ. They have taken their god-given talents and have been using them to motivate and encourage people to find a better way in a relationship with Christ.
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Do you have an attitude of gratitude? Sometimes it seems that we have every reason in the world to feel sorry for ourselves. Corona, job problems, illnesses, divorces, bad finances, whatever it is, we all seem to have something that can pull us down. But, is it possible to flip the screen and look at everything that we have that has blessed us. What about all the people that have sacrificed before me to give me the great country that we have? What about those people that taught me about faith in Jesus Christ? What about that person that connected me to the person I married and now have created a family?
In this show, Merrill and Linda take a few minutes to discuss not just Memorial Day, but all the things that we choose to remember as blessings in our lives. This is an active process of doing things to remind us of what we need to be grateful for, even in difficult times!
Take a minute and thank someone that has blessed your life.
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The teen years can be very difficult, for both the parent and the teen. Hormones are changing, demands and responsibilities are changing, life just isn't as simple as it was when you were a kid. How about faith? How does your teen now look at his/her faith? When they were a kid they likely adopted your faith and everything seemed to be fine. But, as a teen growing into adulthood, faith often starts to take on a different meaning for our teens.
In this show, Linda and Merrill tackle the subject of teens and their faith. They explore what things parents can do to help their teens move through this process. Authenticity, relationships, meaningfulness, and many other subjects come into helping our teens through this time.
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Thank God for Moms! At Rock Solid Radio, we understand that families need both a mom and a dad, but on this show, we take the time to praise our moms. Especially during this crazy Covid-19 time. Schedules, E-Learning, Sibling Relationships, and the day to day functioning of the home has drastically changed. Sometimes you just have to laugh at the craziness.
We know that in large parts, much of the management of the home falls on the shoulders of our moms. Thanks to all of our moms for all they do to keep our families strong!
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As Abraham Lincoln famously said, "A house divided against itself cannot stand." This idea is not just true for a nation, but also for a home. Rock Solid Radio takes on the subject of being united in the home. Mom and dad coming together to parent and love their children with unity. This sounds easier than it actually is.
Merrill and Linda give concrete ideas that parents can begin immediately to help them build unity between each other. This unity will be what provides the foundation for the best possible outcomes for our children.
Whether your marriage is solid and together, or the marriage is ended in separation, your kids will thank you for taking the time to make unity a priority. Do this for your kids and it will positively impact them and generations to come.
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Rock Solid Radio had the great opportunity on this show to showcase one of the most valuable resources we have for our mothers, fathers, and babies, Pregnancy Care Center of Dearborn County. Merrill and Linda interview the PCC director, Kayla Griffin, to get her insights and information about the resources and services offered by this invaluable ministry.
Check out this show and know that all of this fabulous work of PCC is exactly what we are called to do as the hands and feet of Jesus Christ!
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Merrill and Linda decided to get away from the talk of the day, Coronavirus, and start dreaming again. In this episode, they discuss the importance of dreaming, especially in the middle of difficult times. Now is the time to begin to dream about what your next days will look like. Now is the time to reprioritize and live the life that God designed you to live. Now is the time to DREAM BIG!
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Merrill and Linda, like every other couple around the world, are trying to figure out how to best survive and even thrive during the COVID-19 lockdown. Yes, our primary goal is to keep our family healthy and safe. But, while trying to do that, we often find our relationships being strained and less than healthy. Stress can bring out the very best in people, but it can also bring out the very worst.
During this show, Merrill and Linda talk about how to make your marriage work and even thrive during this difficult time. Building a strong family team will give your kids an entirely different memory for what will go down in modern history has a "terrible time". You can give your kids a memory of unity, strength, courage, hope, and a faith in God that will lift them throughout their lives.
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As we continue to work through the changes in life due to Coronavirus, we have an opportunity to decide how we are going to allow this to affect our attitudes. There is no doubt that many of us have had to sacrifice. Loss of jobs, security, health, even social interaction. But, we all have a decision to make: "How will I walk through these changing times? Will I be a victim or victor? Will I hang my head and think, "why me", or will I stand strong and say, "let's roll"?"
Merrill and Linda take time to walk through these conversations and to challenge themselves and the listeners to be the best version of themselves. One thing is certain, only true and lasting HOPE is found in faith in Jesus! He is our provider and comforter in all situations. Do not hesitate to put your pride aside and ask him to be your provider or hope. When you do this you will see your lemons begin to turn into lemonade!
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These are unprecedented times we are living in right now. The Coronavirus is making its way around the globe and leaving us with much uncertainty and vision of what the days ahead may be like.
Merrill and Linda discuss what this time looks like for your family. Yes, there are many challenges, but there are also many opportunities for growth. When we are stretched and find ourselves in uncharted waters, we often must become more resourceful. The two greatest resources we have are God and Family!
Now is a great time to recognize these resources and do everything you can to build and strengthen the functioning of these resources.
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Merrill and Linda take on the questions that parents have concerning healthy boundaries for their kids. These are excellent questions that all of us parents must manage at one time or another.
No, your kids may not like your boundaries now, but someday they will thank you for your thoughtfulness.
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Merrill and Linda had the opportunity to speak to a group of parents about a variety of parenting topics. One in particular was; Who's The Boss? Meaning, are you leading your household or are your kids leading your household?
This podcast covers several of the questions that came out of the presentation. We tried to answer the questions in a way that our listeners to generalize the answers to their situations.
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In this episode of Rock Solid Radio, Merrill and Linda take on the many questions that our parents came up with during our latest parenting presentation. This particular episode centers around questions that parents have with screen times and their children.
Screen time, whether it's television, phones, computers, or video games, have become a significant part of our families' lives. In many ways it seems so benign, but the reality is that we are seeing symptoms and costs that few saw coming. Sedentary lifestyles, attention deficit concerns, poor social skill development, heighten numbers of depression and anxiety. We are at a point where we as parents can't not just look the other way. We must become educated and take a firm stance on how we are going to allow screens into our homes.
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Do you remember when you were first dating your spouse? It was hard to see anything in them that you didn't like. Now, fast forward to today. Now, it may be difficult to see anything in them that you do like. Ugh! This is scary, but we see it all too often in our relationships.
In this show, Merrill and Linda discuss what we actually allow ourselves to see in our spouse. It is amazing how our focus can change and before you know it, you have a difficult time seeing the good in each other. This is exactly what Satan wants in your relationship. We all have flaws and weaknesses, but we also have gifts and strengths. Just because we are married for a longer period of time doesn't mean that our gifts and strengths vanished. The only thing that actually changed is what we allow ourselves to focus on.
Every couple can benefit by listening to this show and taking on the challenge that Merrill and Linda present. Stop the fall of your relationship by grasping on to the vision you once had for the person you said "I do", to.
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Whether it's feeling down due to the weather, a situation, or full-blown depression, we all have times when we feel like we are walking in the dark. Depression and anxiety are normal parts of life, to a degree. But, when these moods are prolonged or extremely intense, they can lead us to costly and even devastating places.
In this show Merrill and Linda tackle the this subject and discuss the importance of HOPE in our lives. They describe what these moods may look like, but also how to begin to work through them. Methods and techniques are important components of helping us to beat the dark side of life. But, without our hope founded and grounded in God, we will just continue to revisit these dark times.
Our way to God is through Jesus Christ. That is why we often refer to him as our HOPE! Believing in him gives us an understanding of how we can fix our eyes on brighter days ahead. Please listen in and see how you can begin to regain your hope and begin to see the BRIGHT SIDE!
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Valentine's Day is over, does that mean your dates with your spouse are over? Many couples are hard pressed to find a date night more than a couple of times a year. They act like they have to have a special occasion or holiday to celebrate. What we find is that your marriage does not survive well if you only tend to your spouse a couple of times a year.
Merrill and Linda discuss the importance of keeping your marriage healthy with regular checkups called date nights. Date nights give a couple an opportunity to focus on each other and the needs of the marriage. This allows for the opportunity to challenge and grow the marriage to a deeper and more fulfilling level as the years pass by. The longer a couple goes without meaningful and regular interaction, the greater the chance of the relationship fading away.
Begin having discussions about scheduling a regular date night to restore and build a divorce proof marriage.
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Do your kids like to read? Believe it or not, many kids do not. In fact, this is a common challenge for our kids, parents, and teachers. We would love for all of our kids to love reading. Their school life would most likely be easier, and parenting kids during the school year would be easier. The simple fact is, many kids do not like to read.
Special guests, Kristen Hallahan and Karen Schebler are elementary school teachers that take on the daily task of teaching reading to our kids. On a regular basis they see kids that love reading, but just as often they see kids that do not like reading. Whether it's because it's difficult, intimidating, or down right boring, many kids just aren't that interested in learning to read.
Kristen and Karen give great tips and advice to help our parents work with their kids through this sometimes challenging, yet essential task.
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You've probably heard the phrase, "You can't be a sissy and grow old". Boy, there is truth to this statement. Growing old can be tough. We spend the first part of our lives being cared for by our parents, the second part, raising our own family, and the third part, being cared for by our children. Somehow there is a crazy message in this natural cycle of life.
Merrill and Linda currently find themselves with a foot in two different stages of life; still raising kids, and now caring for parents. With that being said, this is not a time for feeling sorry for yourself or wishing it would go away. This is a time of life, like all the other times of life, to embrace. The opportunity to give back to our parents is incredible. To care for them as they took the time to care for us when we were young.
Our parents deserve to be honored and respected, just as you would want to be honored and respected when you find yourself in their shoes. This show carries many useful bits of information on how to navigate these senior years with our parents. More importantly, it spotlights the message that we are to care for our family.
Our hope is that this show makes you think and even begin to plan for how you will walk through these years with your family.
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Linda and Merrill invited special guest, Roseanne Moore into the studio. Roseanne is the regional director of Celebrate Recovery. Roseanne's passion to serve others is evident as she describes the work of Celebrate Recovery. The biggest role of Celebrate Recovery is to apply the 12 step program of addiction recovery to any and all of our unhealthy habits. Whether it be alcohol, unhealthy relationships, pornography, money, anxiety, or anything that seems to be your stumbling block in life.
Roseanne explains that the huge success of Celebrate Recovery is that the major player in the help process is Jesus Christ. When we learn of His unfailing love and grace, we have hope. Hope is what gives us the strength to get up and fight for another day!
Please share this show with all your friends and family. It contains information that is truly life transforming!
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Are you tired of failing at your diet and exercise program? Most of us are. We get tired of setting these lofty goals only to find ourselves defeated in a matter of weeks. Why? It really comes down to our approach and how we are wired as an individual. What works for one person is sure to be a failure for another. For this reason, you have to really understand who you are and how you are wired.
Some of us are natural workout fans. We look forward to that part of our day and are bothered when we are not able to incorporate a good workout into our waking hours. On the other hand, some of us despise working out. We dread going to the gym, because it's not our nature. We look for every reason under the sun to skip the workout. On this show of Rock Solid Radio, Merrill and Linda take on the subject of how to be your best when it comes to diet and exercise programs. How to build our diet and exercise plans into a lifestyle that makes sense for us.
Merrill is a licensed personal trainer that works everyday with people to help them grow to be their best version.
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Does your child know right from wrong? Before we jump to any quick conclusions, this is a question worth asking yourself. How did they find out what was right and wrong? Who was their teacher? What have they been witnessing from the world or even you as their parent? Our kids are very impressionable. If you are not taking the time to impress upon them the truths of right and wrong based on God's Word, then they will be impressed upon by the ways of the world.
Merrill and Linda take on the challenge of teaching our kids to know how to defend their faith and belief system. The Christian Faith is constantly under attack. If you are a Christian, then you are also under attack. If you are raising your kids to be Christian, then they are under attack. How are we preparing ourselves and our kids to defend their faith? Listen in as we take this subject head-on with the hopes of building a stronger next generation of Christians!
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Have you ever felt stuck in life? Not knowing what the next step needs to be, but knowing it's time for a next step? Maybe in a completely different direction? We all get to these places in life, and there is good reason for this. This is often a sign that we need to work on or change something in our life or about us as a person. This unsettled feeling can either drive you crazy, or it can be an exciting time to listen to God's nudging and let him move you. Merrill and Linda have a great time unpacking this feeling of being stuck. They give the listeners a little perspective on how to embrace this feeling and begin to move forward. Enjoy the ride with God taking the wheel!
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What messages are you sending? Merrill and Linda confess from the start that this is a difficult area for them, as well as most all of us. In marriage, parenting, work, even socializing, we can easily get caught sending mixed messages. In other words, our actions don't always match our words. Hypocrisy is a big reason why many people will not enter the doors of a church. They see the words from people in the building only to see a different person outside the building. While we know none of us will ever be perfect with this, we do think it is worth the time to assess how we are doing.
Are your actions and words matching up?
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As we are in the holiday season we often have more opportunity to have social and family gatherings, are you dreading that "one" person that you would rather never see again. That one person that hurt you or caused difficulties in your life. This show is for you! Merrill and Linda take on the subject of FORGIVENESS! Not forgiveness for the sake of the "one" person, but forgiveness for your sake.
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Are your kids ready to date? Have you even thought about them dating? What are your rules and boundaries going to be? What are you most afraid of when they begin to date? Have you talked to them about what you expect and what they should expect from a date?
Merrill and Linda have a good time tackling all these questions and many more. Dating has changed significantly in the past 20 years. Technology has added a whole new dynamic that didn't exist 20 years ago. Check out this podcast to see how prepared you and your teen are for the dating world.
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Merrill and Linda have the opportunity to interview Ed and Diane Fisher about their work with other couples through Retrouvaille. Retrouvaille is an amazing program designed for struggling couples that desire to keep their restore and strengthen their marriage. Ed and Diane share first hand experience that not only saved their marriage, but has saved thousands of marriages around the world.
If you or someone you know believe that your marriage is on its last thread, Retrouvaille may be the lifeline you are looking for. Please help us help others by sharing this show with anyone that you believe needs to hear this information.
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Schools are the hub of our communities. When schools aren't succeeding, our communities are not succeeding. In this Rock Solid Radio Podcast, Merrill and Linda talk about how to help our schools and ultimately our kids succeed. Each of us are stakeholders in the education process of our kids. We can help if we each do our part to make sure our schools are excelling. Let's not wait for the government or some other outside source to come to the rescue. We are the ones that make our schools great!
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Tragedies strike, mistakes are made, and bad things happen. Yes, bad things do happen to good people. Merrill and Linda tackle this subject by providing the one thing that all people need when dealing with difficult situations, Hope! What is hope and how do we get it? Is it given to us or do we work for it? This is a great message to help all of us understand how God's way can empower us to find light in a dark place. Not only can you find light, but you can become a beacon of light to others when you understand how God uses your mess!
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Is it possible to be too comfortable? Is it possible that comfort can actually lead to harm? Satan loves when you are comfortable. In fact, he wants you to stay there as long as you are alive on this earth. If you are wondering what your purpose is in life or frustrated that you are not where you want to be in your life, then this is a powerful show for you. This show explains how you can put comfort in its proper place and begin to grow into the person God made you to be.
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Till death do us part! Those are strong words but are often empty when we see couples commit to their wedding vows. They become empty when we fail to protect our marriage from the many forces that are constantly in play to distract and destroy our commitment. Merrill and Linda tackle this topic by discussing the importance of proactively putting up GUARDRAILS in your marriage. It is not safe to assume that you will never be distracted and go off course. The fact is, we all get distracted within our marriage. This distraction leads to the death of what we promised would never happen.
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Are you preparing your child to be successful in this world? Selecting the right schools, activities, and churches is very important. But, what about teaching them how to communicate with others? Everyday we see people both young and old staring at phones in social settings. We see people seemingly ignoring each other as they attend to a screen.
We are already seeing that many of our youth are not confident with starting and carrying a one on one conversation, especially with an adult. Listen to today's show to be reminded of the importance of teaching your kids how to communicate. Merrill and Linda give great tips and examples of how to grow your kids into confident communicators!
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Rock Solid Radio welcomes Jared Reynolds and Andrea Howell from Perfect North Slopes. Jared and Andrea are responsible for the hiring of most all the teenagers that are employed at Perfects. They describe the hiring process and what they are looking for in new-hires. This is a fantastic show that every parent should have their teen listen to as they are preparing for future employment.
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Maybe you have gone through a divorce or know someone who has. Please listen in to see what you can do to protect kids in the best ways possible.This episode of Rock Solid Families is all about divorce and how it affects kids. This is a tough show that speaks hard truth. Our prayer is that this show opens our eyes to the impact divorce is having on our children and how we as a society can help. We only have one chance to raise our kids. Let's do our best to get this right!
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What does mealtime look like in your house? Are your activities and work getting in the way of your family sitting down at the same time for a healthy meal. Listen to Merrill and Linda Hutchinson as they take on the subject of mealtime and why it's important for the health of your family. Not just the physical health, but the emotional and spiritual health as well.
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Year In Review - September 29, 2019Support the show (https://www.paypal.com/donate/?token=0Gu_CU51XtrK1z7cJxUO4BlOgzML2iPZFzYxn5WvnE-59-sq_NHQrti0JG6z2k84mOVEWm&country.x=US&locale.x=US)
Rock Solid Ministries' Merrill and Linda Hutchinson bring 60 years of combined experience in teaching, counseling, and coaching to the conversation about marriage, parenting, and personal wellness.Support the show (https://www.paypal.com/donate/?token=0Gu_CU51XtrK1z7cJxUO4BlOgzML2iPZFzYxn5WvnE-59-sq_NHQrti0JG6z2k84mOVEWm&country.x=US&locale.x=US)
Rock Solid Ministries' Merrill and Linda Hutchinson bring 60 years of combined experience in teaching, counseling, and coaching to the conversation about marriage, parenting, and personal wellness.Support the show (https://www.paypal.com/donate/?token=0Gu_CU51XtrK1z7cJxUO4BlOgzML2iPZFzYxn5WvnE-59-sq_NHQrti0JG6z2k84mOVEWm&country.x=US&locale.x=US)
Rock Solid Ministries' Merrill and Linda Hutchinson bring 60 years of combined experience in teaching, counseling, and coaching to the conversation about marriage, parenting, and personal wellness.Support the show (https://www.paypal.com/donate/?token=0Gu_CU51XtrK1z7cJxUO4BlOgzML2iPZFzYxn5WvnE-59-sq_NHQrti0JG6z2k84mOVEWm&country.x=US&locale.x=US)
Rock Solid Ministries' Merrill and Linda Hutchinson bring 60 years of combined experience in teaching, counseling, and coaching to the conversation about marriage, parenting, and personal wellness.Support the show (https://www.paypal.com/donate/?token=0Gu_CU51XtrK1z7cJxUO4BlOgzML2iPZFzYxn5WvnE-59-sq_NHQrti0JG6z2k84mOVEWm&country.x=US&locale.x=US)
Rock Solid Ministries' Merrill and Linda Hutchinson bring 60 years of combined experience in teaching, counseling, and coaching to the conversation about marriage, parenting, and personal wellness.Support the show (https://www.paypal.com/donate/?token=0Gu_CU51XtrK1z7cJxUO4BlOgzML2iPZFzYxn5WvnE-59-sq_NHQrti0JG6z2k84mOVEWm&country.x=US&locale.x=US)
Rock Solid Ministries' Merrill and Linda Hutchinson bring 60 years of combined experience in teaching, counseling, and coaching to the conversation about marriage, parenting, and personal wellness.Support the show (https://www.paypal.com/donate/?token=0Gu_CU51XtrK1z7cJxUO4BlOgzML2iPZFzYxn5WvnE-59-sq_NHQrti0JG6z2k84mOVEWm&country.x=US&locale.x=US)
Rock Solid Ministries' Merrill and Linda Hutchinson bring 60 years of combined experience in teaching, counseling, and coaching to the conversation about marriage, parenting, and personal wellness.Support the show (https://www.paypal.com/donate/?token=0Gu_CU51XtrK1z7cJxUO4BlOgzML2iPZFzYxn5WvnE-59-sq_NHQrti0JG6z2k84mOVEWm&country.x=US&locale.x=US)
Rock Solid Ministries' Merrill and Linda Hutchinson bring 60 years of combined experience in teaching, counseling, and coaching to the conversation about marriage, parenting, and personal wellness.Support the show (https://www.paypal.com/donate/?token=0Gu_CU51XtrK1z7cJxUO4BlOgzML2iPZFzYxn5WvnE-59-sq_NHQrti0JG6z2k84mOVEWm&country.x=US&locale.x=US)
Rock Solid Ministries' Merrill and Linda Hutchinson bring 60 years of combined experience in teaching, counseling, and coaching to the conversation about marriage, parenting, and personal wellness.Support the show (https://www.paypal.com/donate/?token=0Gu_CU51XtrK1z7cJxUO4BlOgzML2iPZFzYxn5WvnE-59-sq_NHQrti0JG6z2k84mOVEWm&country.x=US&locale.x=US)
Rock Solid Ministries' Merrill and Linda Hutchinson bring 60 years of combined experience in teaching, counseling, and coaching to the conversation about marriage, parenting, and personal wellness.Support the show (https://www.paypal.com/donate/?token=0Gu_CU51XtrK1z7cJxUO4BlOgzML2iPZFzYxn5WvnE-59-sq_NHQrti0JG6z2k84mOVEWm&country.x=US&locale.x=US)
Rock Solid Ministries' Merrill and Linda Hutchinson bring 60 years of combined experience in teaching, counseling, and coaching to the conversation about marriage, parenting, and personal wellness.Support the show (https://www.paypal.com/donate/?token=0Gu_CU51XtrK1z7cJxUO4BlOgzML2iPZFzYxn5WvnE-59-sq_NHQrti0JG6z2k84mOVEWm&country.x=US&locale.x=US)
Rock Solid Ministries' Merrill and Linda Hutchinson bring 60 years of combined experience in teaching, counseling, and coaching to the conversation about marriage, parenting, and personal wellness.Support the show (https://www.paypal.com/donate/?token=0Gu_CU51XtrK1z7cJxUO4BlOgzML2iPZFzYxn5WvnE-59-sq_NHQrti0JG6z2k84mOVEWm&country.x=US&locale.x=US)
Rock Solid Ministries' Merrill and Linda Hutchinson bring 60 years of combined experience in teaching, counseling, and coaching to the conversation about marriage, parenting, and personal wellness.Support the show (https://www.paypal.com/donate/?token=0Gu_CU51XtrK1z7cJxUO4BlOgzML2iPZFzYxn5WvnE-59-sq_NHQrti0JG6z2k84mOVEWm&country.x=US&locale.x=US)
Rock Solid Ministries' Merrill and Linda Hutchinson bring 60 years of combined experience in teaching, counseling, and coaching to the conversation about marriage, parenting, and personal wellness.Support the show (https://www.paypal.com/donate/?token=0Gu_CU51XtrK1z7cJxUO4BlOgzML2iPZFzYxn5WvnE-59-sq_NHQrti0JG6z2k84mOVEWm&country.x=US&locale.x=US)
Rock Solid Ministries' Merrill and Linda Hutchinson bring 60 years of combined experience in teaching, counseling, and coaching to the conversation about marriage, parenting, and personal wellness.Support the show (https://www.paypal.com/donate/?token=0Gu_CU51XtrK1z7cJxUO4BlOgzML2iPZFzYxn5WvnE-59-sq_NHQrti0JG6z2k84mOVEWm&country.x=US&locale.x=US)
Rock Solid Ministries' Merrill and Linda Hutchinson bring 60 years of combined experience in teaching, counseling, and coaching to the conversation about marriage, parenting, and personal wellness.Support the show (https://www.paypal.com/donate/?token=0Gu_CU51XtrK1z7cJxUO4BlOgzML2iPZFzYxn5WvnE-59-sq_NHQrti0JG6z2k84mOVEWm&country.x=US&locale.x=US)
Rock Solid Ministries' Merrill and Linda Hutchinson bring 60 years of combined experience in teaching, counseling, and coaching to the conversation about marriage, parenting, and personal wellness.Support the show (https://www.paypal.com/donate/?token=0Gu_CU51XtrK1z7cJxUO4BlOgzML2iPZFzYxn5WvnE-59-sq_NHQrti0JG6z2k84mOVEWm&country.x=US&locale.x=US)
Rock Solid Ministries' Merrill and Linda Hutchinson bring 60 years of combined experience in teaching, counseling, and coaching to the conversation about marriage, parenting, and personal wellness.Support the show (https://www.paypal.com/donate/?token=0Gu_CU51XtrK1z7cJxUO4BlOgzML2iPZFzYxn5WvnE-59-sq_NHQrti0JG6z2k84mOVEWm&country.x=US&locale.x=US)
Rock Solid Ministries' Merrill and Linda Hutchinson bring 60 years of combined experience in teaching, counseling, and coaching to the conversation about marriage, parenting, and personal wellness.Support the show (https://www.paypal.com/donate/?token=0Gu_CU51XtrK1z7cJxUO4BlOgzML2iPZFzYxn5WvnE-59-sq_NHQrti0JG6z2k84mOVEWm&country.x=US&locale.x=US)
Rock Solid Ministries' Merrill and Linda Hutchinson bring 60 years of combined experience in teaching, counseling, and coaching to the conversation about marriage, parenting, and personal wellness.Support the show (https://www.paypal.com/donate/?token=0Gu_CU51XtrK1z7cJxUO4BlOgzML2iPZFzYxn5WvnE-59-sq_NHQrti0JG6z2k84mOVEWm&country.x=US&locale.x=US)
Delayed Gratification - May 5, 2019Support the show (https://www.paypal.com/donate/?token=0Gu_CU51XtrK1z7cJxUO4BlOgzML2iPZFzYxn5WvnE-59-sq_NHQrti0JG6z2k84mOVEWm&country.x=US&locale.x=US)
Rock Solid Ministries' Merrill and Linda Hutchinson bring 60 years of combined experience in teaching, counseling, and coaching to the conversation about marriage, parenting, and personal wellness.Support the show (https://www.paypal.com/donate/?token=0Gu_CU51XtrK1z7cJxUO4BlOgzML2iPZFzYxn5WvnE-59-sq_NHQrti0JG6z2k84mOVEWm&country.x=US&locale.x=US)
Rock Solid Ministries' Merrill and Linda Hutchinson bring 60 years of combined experience in teaching, counseling, and coaching to the conversation about marriage, parenting, and personal wellness.Support the show (https://www.paypal.com/donate/?token=0Gu_CU51XtrK1z7cJxUO4BlOgzML2iPZFzYxn5WvnE-59-sq_NHQrti0JG6z2k84mOVEWm&country.x=US&locale.x=US)
Rock Solid Ministries' Merrill and Linda Hutchinson bring 60 years of combined experience in teaching, counseling, and coaching to the conversation about marriage, parenting, and personal wellness.Support the show (https://www.paypal.com/donate/?token=0Gu_CU51XtrK1z7cJxUO4BlOgzML2iPZFzYxn5WvnE-59-sq_NHQrti0JG6z2k84mOVEWm&country.x=US&locale.x=US)
Rock Solid Ministries' Merrill and Linda Hutchinson bring 60 years of combined experience in teaching, counseling, and coaching to the conversation about marriage, parenting, and personal wellness.Support the show (https://www.paypal.com/donate/?token=0Gu_CU51XtrK1z7cJxUO4BlOgzML2iPZFzYxn5WvnE-59-sq_NHQrti0JG6z2k84mOVEWm&country.x=US&locale.x=US)
Rock Solid Ministries' Merrill and Linda Hutchinson bring 60 years of combined experience in teaching, counseling, and coaching to the conversation about marriage, parenting, and personal wellness.Support the show (https://www.paypal.com/donate/?token=0Gu_CU51XtrK1z7cJxUO4BlOgzML2iPZFzYxn5WvnE-59-sq_NHQrti0JG6z2k84mOVEWm&country.x=US&locale.x=US)
Pride Before The Fall - March 24, 2019Support the show (https://www.paypal.com/donate/?token=0Gu_CU51XtrK1z7cJxUO4BlOgzML2iPZFzYxn5WvnE-59-sq_NHQrti0JG6z2k84mOVEWm&country.x=US&locale.x=US)
Rock Solid Ministries' Merrill and Linda Hutchinson bring 60 years of combined experience in teaching, counseling, and coaching to the conversation about marriage, parenting, and personal wellness.Support the show (https://www.paypal.com/donate/?token=0Gu_CU51XtrK1z7cJxUO4BlOgzML2iPZFzYxn5WvnE-59-sq_NHQrti0JG6z2k84mOVEWm&country.x=US&locale.x=US)
Rock Solid Ministries' Merrill and Linda Hutchinson bring 60 years of combined experience in teaching, counseling, and coaching to the conversation about marriage, parenting, and personal wellness.Support the show (https://www.paypal.com/donate/?token=0Gu_CU51XtrK1z7cJxUO4BlOgzML2iPZFzYxn5WvnE-59-sq_NHQrti0JG6z2k84mOVEWm&country.x=US&locale.x=US)
Rock Solid Ministries' Merrill and Linda Hutchinson bring 60 years of combined experience in teaching, counseling, and coaching to the conversation about marriage, parenting, and personal wellness.Support the show (https://www.paypal.com/donate/?token=0Gu_CU51XtrK1z7cJxUO4BlOgzML2iPZFzYxn5WvnE-59-sq_NHQrti0JG6z2k84mOVEWm&country.x=US&locale.x=US)
Rock Solid Ministries' Merrill and Linda Hutchinson bring 60 years of combined experience in teaching, counseling, and coaching to the conversation about marriage, parenting, and personal wellness.Support the show (https://www.paypal.com/donate/?token=0Gu_CU51XtrK1z7cJxUO4BlOgzML2iPZFzYxn5WvnE-59-sq_NHQrti0JG6z2k84mOVEWm&country.x=US&locale.x=US)
Rock Solid Ministries' Merrill and Linda Hutchinson bring 60 years of combined experience in teaching, counseling, and coaching to the conversation about marriage, parenting, and personal wellness.Support the show (https://www.paypal.com/donate/?token=0Gu_CU51XtrK1z7cJxUO4BlOgzML2iPZFzYxn5WvnE-59-sq_NHQrti0JG6z2k84mOVEWm&country.x=US&locale.x=US)
Rock Solid Ministries' Merrill and Linda Hutchinson bring 60 years of combined experience in teaching, counseling, and coaching to the conversation about marriage, parenting, and personal wellness.Support the show (https://www.paypal.com/donate/?token=0Gu_CU51XtrK1z7cJxUO4BlOgzML2iPZFzYxn5WvnE-59-sq_NHQrti0JG6z2k84mOVEWm&country.x=US&locale.x=US)
Rock Solid Ministries' Merrill and Linda Hutchinson bring 60 years of combined experience in teaching, counseling, and coaching to the conversation about marriage, parenting, and personal wellness.Support the show (https://www.paypal.com/donate/?token=0Gu_CU51XtrK1z7cJxUO4BlOgzML2iPZFzYxn5WvnE-59-sq_NHQrti0JG6z2k84mOVEWm&country.x=US&locale.x=US)
Rock Solid Ministries' Merrill and Linda Hutchinson bring 60 years of combined experience in teaching, counseling, and coaching to the conversation about marriage, parenting, and personal wellness.Support the show (https://www.paypal.com/donate/?token=0Gu_CU51XtrK1z7cJxUO4BlOgzML2iPZFzYxn5WvnE-59-sq_NHQrti0JG6z2k84mOVEWm&country.x=US&locale.x=US)
Rock Solid Ministries' Merrill and Linda Hutchinson bring 60 years of combined experience in teaching, counseling, and coaching to the conversation about marriage, parenting, and personal wellness.Support the show (https://www.paypal.com/donate/?token=0Gu_CU51XtrK1z7cJxUO4BlOgzML2iPZFzYxn5WvnE-59-sq_NHQrti0JG6z2k84mOVEWm&country.x=US&locale.x=US)
Rock Solid Ministries' Merrill and Linda Hutchinson bring 60 years of combined experience in teaching, counseling, and coaching to the conversation about marriage, parenting, and personal wellness.Support the show (https://www.paypal.com/donate/?token=0Gu_CU51XtrK1z7cJxUO4BlOgzML2iPZFzYxn5WvnE-59-sq_NHQrti0JG6z2k84mOVEWm&country.x=US&locale.x=US)
Rock Solid Ministries' Merrill and Linda Hutchinson bring 60 years of combined experience in teaching, counseling, and coaching to the conversation about marriage, parenting, and personal wellness.Support the show (https://www.paypal.com/donate/?token=0Gu_CU51XtrK1z7cJxUO4BlOgzML2iPZFzYxn5WvnE-59-sq_NHQrti0JG6z2k84mOVEWm&country.x=US&locale.x=US)
Rock Solid Ministries' Merrill and Linda Hutchinson bring 60 years of combined experience in teaching, counseling, and coaching to the conversation about marriage, parenting, and personal wellness.Support the show (https://www.paypal.com/donate/?token=0Gu_CU51XtrK1z7cJxUO4BlOgzML2iPZFzYxn5WvnE-59-sq_NHQrti0JG6z2k84mOVEWm&country.x=US&locale.x=US)
Rock Solid Ministries' Merrill and Linda Hutchinson bring 60 years of combined experience in teaching, counseling, and coaching to the conversation about marriage, parenting, and personal wellness.Support the show (https://www.paypal.com/donate/?token=0Gu_CU51XtrK1z7cJxUO4BlOgzML2iPZFzYxn5WvnE-59-sq_NHQrti0JG6z2k84mOVEWm&country.x=US&locale.x=US)
Rock Solid Ministries' Merrill and Linda Hutchinson bring 60 years of combined experience in teaching, counseling, and coaching to the conversation about marriage, parenting, and personal wellness.Support the show (https://www.paypal.com/donate/?token=0Gu_CU51XtrK1z7cJxUO4BlOgzML2iPZFzYxn5WvnE-59-sq_NHQrti0JG6z2k84mOVEWm&country.x=US&locale.x=US)
Rock Solid Ministries' Merrill and Linda Hutchinson bring 60 years of combined experience in teaching, counseling, and coaching to the conversation about marriage, parenting, and personal wellness.Support the show (https://www.paypal.com/donate/?token=0Gu_CU51XtrK1z7cJxUO4BlOgzML2iPZFzYxn5WvnE-59-sq_NHQrti0JG6z2k84mOVEWm&country.x=US&locale.x=US)
Rock Solid Ministries' Merrill and Linda Hutchinson bring 60 years of combined experience in teaching, counseling, and coaching to the conversation about marriage, parenting, and personal wellness.Support the show (https://www.paypal.com/donate/?token=0Gu_CU51XtrK1z7cJxUO4BlOgzML2iPZFzYxn5WvnE-59-sq_NHQrti0JG6z2k84mOVEWm&country.x=US&locale.x=US)
Rock Solid Ministries' Merrill and Linda Hutchinson bring 60 years of combined experience in teaching, counseling, and coaching to the conversation about marriage, parenting, and personal wellness.Support the show (https://www.paypal.com/donate/?token=0Gu_CU51XtrK1z7cJxUO4BlOgzML2iPZFzYxn5WvnE-59-sq_NHQrti0JG6z2k84mOVEWm&country.x=US&locale.x=US)
Rock Solid Ministries' Merrill and Linda Hutchinson bring 60 years of combined experience in teaching, counseling, and coaching to the conversation about marriage, parenting, and personal wellness.Support the show (https://www.paypal.com/donate/?token=0Gu_CU51XtrK1z7cJxUO4BlOgzML2iPZFzYxn5WvnE-59-sq_NHQrti0JG6z2k84mOVEWm&country.x=US&locale.x=US)
Rock Solid Ministries' Merrill and Linda Hutchinson bring 60 years of combined experience in teaching, counseling, and coaching to the conversation about marriage, parenting, and personal wellness.Support the show (https://www.paypal.com/donate/?token=0Gu_CU51XtrK1z7cJxUO4BlOgzML2iPZFzYxn5WvnE-59-sq_NHQrti0JG6z2k84mOVEWm&country.x=US&locale.x=US)
Rock Solid Ministries' Merrill and Linda Hutchinson bring 60 years of combined experience in teaching, counseling, and coaching to the conversation about marriage, parenting, and personal wellness.Support the show (https://www.paypal.com/donate/?token=0Gu_CU51XtrK1z7cJxUO4BlOgzML2iPZFzYxn5WvnE-59-sq_NHQrti0JG6z2k84mOVEWm&country.x=US&locale.x=US)
Rock Solid Ministries' Merrill and Linda Hutchinson bring 60 years of combined experience in teaching, counseling, and coaching to the conversation about marriage, parenting, and personal wellness.Support the show (https://www.paypal.com/donate/?token=0Gu_CU51XtrK1z7cJxUO4BlOgzML2iPZFzYxn5WvnE-59-sq_NHQrti0JG6z2k84mOVEWm&country.x=US&locale.x=US)
Rock Solid Ministries' Merrill and Linda Hutchinson bring 60 years of combined experience in teaching, counseling, and coaching to the conversation about marriage, parenting, and personal wellness.
Support the show (https://www.paypal.com/donate/?token=0Gu_CU51XtrK1z7cJxUO4BlOgzML2iPZFzYxn5WvnE-59-sq_NHQrti0JG6z2k84mOVEWm&country.x=US&locale.x=US)
Rock Solid Ministries' Merrill and Linda Hutchinson bring 60 years of combined experience in teaching, counseling, and coaching to the conversation about marriage, parenting, and personal wellness.Support the show (https://www.paypal.com/donate/?token=0Gu_CU51XtrK1z7cJxUO4BlOgzML2iPZFzYxn5WvnE-59-sq_NHQrti0JG6z2k84mOVEWm&country.x=US&locale.x=US)
Rock Solid Ministries' Merrill and Linda Hutchinson bring 60 years of combined experience in teaching, counseling, and coaching to the conversation about marriage, parenting, and personal wellness.Support the show (https://www.paypal.com/donate/?token=0Gu_CU51XtrK1z7cJxUO4BlOgzML2iPZFzYxn5WvnE-59-sq_NHQrti0JG6z2k84mOVEWm&country.x=US&locale.x=US)