What if the real test of your faith isn’t what you believe—but what you’re willing to give up?In this episode, Greg and Tonya tackle the uncomfortable tension between pleasure and sacrifice. Why does Lent matter? Why would God give us good things—and then ask us to fast from them? And if Jesus is truly better than everything else… do our lives actually reflect that?From carrot cake to covenant marriage, from fasting to parenting exhaustion, this conversation digs into the difference between enjoying God’s gifts and worshiping them. Discover why voluntary sacrifice sharpens joy, why self-denial restores gratitude, and how enduring difficulty in marriage and family reveals something deeper about God Himself.If you’ve ever wondered:

• Why Christians fast
• Whether pleasure is spiritual or dangerous
• Or what sacrifice really proves about your faith

This episode will challenge the way you think about joy, discipline, and what it really means to say, “Jesus is better.”

Choosing sacrifice tests and reveals whether we truly believe Jesus is better. Voluntary self-denial sharpens appreciation, restores focus, and deepens our experience of God.

Why do some of the most gifted musicians, artists, and thinkers in history display almost supernatural creativity yet never openly give credit to God? In this episode of Ask Mom & Dad, we explore the tension between human talent and divine glory—asking whether beauty, music, and innovation still point back to their Creator even when the creator doesn’t acknowledge Him. Through reflections on famous artists, biblical themes, and everyday faith, we wrestle with questions about idolatry, discernment, and God’s sovereignty, ultimately considering how creativity, corruption, and redemption intersect in a world filled with brilliance that doesn’t always recognize its source.

In this episode of Asked & Dad, Greg and Tonya reflect on joy, pleasure, and the beauty of God’s creation. Drawing from Scripture and insights from The book "Strangely Bright" by Joe Rigney, they explore how enjoying the world God made doesn’t compete with loving God—but can actually deepen it. From icy landscapes and music to relationships and everyday moments, the conversation asks how believers can receive God’s gifts with gratitude, avoid idolatry, and live joyfully in step with the Holy Spirit.

On this episode of Ask Mom and Dad, Greg and Tonya share heartfelt reflections on long-term marriage, the joy of bustling family holiday gatherings, and the excitement of welcoming two more grandsons to their growing quiver of 14 grandchildren. Drawing from recent Thanksgiving celebrations and counseling insights, they explore mutual appreciation in relationships, why modern couples voice feelings of being unappreciated more openly, and the profound humility of Mary and Joseph. With humor and biblical wisdom, they discuss generational shifts in communication, the beauty of a personal relationship with Jesus through prayer, and trusting God's sovereignty over cultural systems like medicine and mandates—reminding us that true blessings come from His presence, not just the season's festivities.

In this episode of Ask Mom and Dad, Greg and Tonya talk about the raw emotions of grief. They explore the differences between secular and Christian approaches to mourning, drawing from Psalm 103 to discuss God's mercy, compassion, and the fleeting nature of human life. The conversation weaves in biblical insights on death, resurrection, eternity, and the hope found in faith, touching on stories from Job, Romans, and the Transfiguration. Ending with a poignant prayer, this episode offers comfort and encouragement for those navigating sorrow through a lens of spiritual renewal and divine love.

In this episode, Greg and Tonya open up about the weight of recent events — from the shocking assassination of Christian influencer Kirk to the deeper questions it raises about faith, culture, and resilience. They discuss how tragedy shapes our perspective, why spiritual rest is essential in turbulent times, and how believers can respond when the world feels increasingly unstable. Blending honesty, compassion, and hope, this conversation reminds listeners that faith isn’t about avoiding pain — it’s about finding purpose through it.

In this episode of "Ask Mom and Dad," Greg and his mom dive into helping children navigate doubt in their faith journey. Through personal stories of childhood fears and reflections on biblical figures like Jeremiah, Job, and Jonah, they explore how doubt is a natural part of spiritual growth for kids. The discussion offers practical parenting advice, emphasizing the importance of teaching children to pray, encouraging their questions, and modeling reliance on Scripture. They highlight the role of long-suffering patience, forgiveness, and God’s truth in guiding kids through doubts, whether about God’s existence, His love, or their own faith. This episode equips parents to support their children in turning doubts into opportunities for deeper trust in God.

In this episode of Ask Mom and Dad, Greg and Tonya  dive into the heart of teaching kids to pray in ways that are natural, simple, and faith-building. Through personal stories, laughter, and honest reflections, they explore how children learn to talk with God, the importance of letting prayer grow with personality, and how parents can model a genuine prayer life at home. Whether you’re a parent, grandparent, or mentor, you’ll come away encouraged to guide the next generation into a relationship with God that’s real and lasting.

Picking up from last weeks podcast, "Ask Mom and Dad," hosts Greg and Tonya dive into the evolving landscape of marriage, focusing on the decline in overall divorce rates juxtaposed with the rise of "gray divorces" among couples married over 25 years. They explore contributing factors like economic challenges, shifting cultural norms, and the impact of empty nest syndrome, drawing from personal anecdotes and a session discussing rising divorce rates in longer marriages. With references to an Atlantic article and Ephesians 5, they highlight how faith, shared values, and intentional effort—such as finding common interests—can strengthen relationships. The conversation also touches on parenting, homeschooling trends, and the church’s role in fostering stable families, urging listeners to prioritize commitment and spiritual grounding.

In this episode, Greg and Tonya focus on the changing landscape of marriage in America, highlighting recent statistics on divorce and marital stability. They discuss how divorce rates have been declining and how the long-quoted idea that “half of all marriages end in divorce” no longer reflects current trends. They reflect on cultural shifts that may be contributing to healthier and longer-lasting marriages, including the growing number of marriages lasting 25 years or more. The conversation explores what makes a marriage more stable today and why the cultural perception of marriage may be slowly changing.