On today’s episode, we are wrapping up our mini-series entitled “off to college we go”…from the perspective of those who have already walked this road.  I am sitting down with two mothers, Kelly Cheshier and Kathy Little, who are very transparently sharing about what life looked like when they dropped their children off for college and how the Lord met them in those “darker nights of the soul.”  They are also testifying to the beauty they beheld as they saw the Lord work in the life of their college student, as well as in the lives of their remaining children at home.  In other words, we are discussing the faithfulness of God and how He nurtures our faith in every season of life.  

Bring your tissues, these women are sharing from the deeper parts of their hearts in a way that allows each of us to resonate. Thanks for joining us for today’s episode….I’m glad you’re here

Today I am sitting down with my friend, Sabrina Miller, who is also sending her daughter, Shelby, off to college…next week!   

Sabrina and I are candidly discussing our feelings, emotions, and thoughts about our daughters' upcoming transition to college.  We are also learning to counsel our hearts as well as take our emotions to the Lord, the Creator of them.

Even if you don’t find yourself in this season of sending kids off to college or school, I hope you find this episode relevant and encouraging.  Sometimes these changing seasons can be a process as we work through our emotions and bring the whole range of them to the Lord, seeking what He would have for us to learn.

In this first episode, I am sitting down with my oldest child, Emma Grace, and her friend, Shelby Miller, who are both headed off to college this fall. We are discussing how they are preparing for this next season, both in being on their own as well as remaining grounded in the truth of God’s Word. They also have some encouragement for those parents who are in the throes of parenting small children…these days matter, and the seeds you are planting continue to reap dividends.

Sometimes it can be easy to reason away how God could possibly use and redeem our past, especially when it includes areas we wish were not a part. But if we humble ourselves, trust Him to work as He can, He will use it all…even the ugly or undesirable to draw people into His kingdom. I am excited for you to hear Fred and Pauletta’s story!

Today I am chatting with Joe and Stephanie Hopson on how God can use our homes to partner in sharing His love with others. Sometimes it all it takes is just opening our door…being available for friends or neighbors, having another family over for dinner, or walking down the road of fostering and adoption.   

Is it possible for joy and chaos to exist together in our homes? How can we practically counsel our hearts on the days that seem hard and beyond doable?  Reflecting back, how have you seen the Lord prepare your hearts for the work he has set before you?  As you choose to take those faith steps of obedience, what has caught you by surprise in how the Lord has worked? How has the Lord worked in the lives of your children as you have opened your home?

We are continuing on in our seriest entitled “on mission” strategically evaluating how God desires to leverage every aspect of our lives for his glory and kingdom opportunities. 

I am chatting today with my friend Andrea and her friend Jessica about the topic of prodigals and how we can anchor to the Lord. 

How can we walk through tough seasons with our kids?  How can we remain anchored when it feels like the rug has been pulled out from under our feet?  What does this look like on a day-to-day basis?  How can we find people we can trust and confide in?

Parenting can be one of the most humbling adventures we walk in life, can’t it? Each family is different, as is each child. I am hopeful that this conversation will encourage each of us, no matter where we are in our relationships with our kids. I recognize there are listeners out there who are still praying over their prodigal children and have yet to see any signs of repentance…while Andrea and Jessica’s story may be a little different than the one you are currently walking, I am praying that the Lord would use their words and biblical counsel to bring encouragement in your heart to keep your eyes on him.

We are not going to go into great detail, but just want to let you know that some of today’s content may not be suitable for younger children. 

I am chatting with Caleb Bazyler and Cortlyn Holdren about “even our shorter seasons”. Sometimes it can be easy to reason away the importance of shorter seasons of life or just get so focused on the “what’s next” but as we read throughout scripture, God has purpose in all of our days.  We are going to dive deeper into how we can view these from His perspective, love others well, and seek His agenda for today. 

Today I am chatting with friends, Chris and Sabrina Miller on how we can live on mission in regards to our families. .We are talking candidly about family, trusting God in the unknown and His amazing work in the inconceivable and unexplainable

On today’s episode, I am chatting with Adam Griffin, lead pastor of Eastside Community Church in Dallas, Texas, about how we can effectively and practically disciple our children. Adam has recently co-authored the book, "Family Discipleship," with Matt Chandler.

Discipleship can be an intimidating. After all, we can be so aware of our own sin and struggles and feel inept and inadequate to lead our children. How beautifully the gospel reminds us the ability to disciple is not sourced in ourselves, but rather Christ! As we grow in our walk with Jesus, we are offered opportunities to invite our children to journey alongside.

What is discipleship and why is it so important? How do we, as parents, begin or even know how to do this? We are talking about practical ways we can disciple and walk into gospel conversation with our children by seizing opportunities in the normal rhythms of our day. Adam is also helping us de-mystify what discipleship is, and how, even unknowingly, we are already discipling our kids on a daily basis in how we treat our spouse, interact with our children and friends and just living life.

“Pastors Matt Chandler and Adam Griffin have made it their mission to help you develop a sustainable rhythm of gospel-centered discipleship focused in three key areas: time, moments, and milestones. Filled with suggestions, sample plans, and Scripture references, this book begins with the end in mind―equipping you to create a unique plan for your family as you raise your children in the love and fear of the Lord.” (Crossway)

How can we intentionally root ourselves upon the Lord in such a way that when the unexpected comes and rocks us, we are able to remain firm in our faith? How can we practically keep the gospel in front of us on the days where everything seems to weigh heavy and we feel overwhelmed? We are talking about how the Lord tenderly meets us and reminds us of his presence through his word, prayer and the lives of others. How can we partner with others in a way that allows them a safe place to open up and share while also gently offers the hope of the gospel?

On today’s episode, I am chatting with Melanie Matthews, a wife and mother of three, as we continue on in our series on gospel-centered parenting. We’re talking about how we can apply the gospel when life looks different than we envisioned. I imagine many of us can relate to this for many different reasons.