(Stock Image: Deposit Photos)

Most of our eight kids are adults now and we are so blessed to have good relationships with all of them – and they all get along with their siblings, too!  Some people ask if they’ve always been peaceable, and we have to say NOPE. But we found several things along the way that helped shape the sort of family we have today – that’s the subject of this episode!

Where do wars and fights come from among you? Do they not come from your desires for pleasure that war in your members? You lust and do not have. You murder and covet and cannot obtain. You fight and war. Yet you do not have because you do not ask. You ask and do not receive, because you ask amiss, that you may spend it on your pleasures.  (James 4:1-3)

“You shall not hate your brother in your heart. You shall surely rebuke your neighbor, and not bear sin because of him.You shall not take vengeance, nor bear any grudge against the children of your people, but you shall love your neighbor as yourself: I am the LORD.” (God, in Leviticus 19:17-18)

“Moreover if your brother sins against you, go and tell him his fault between you and him alone. If he hears you, you have gained your brother. 16 But if he will not hear, take with you one or two more, that ‘by the mouth of two or three witnesses every word may be established.’”

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The post “Didn’t Your Kids Fight?” – MBFLP 314 appeared first on Ultimate Homeschool Podcast Network.

Christians and Jews are sometimes called “People of the Book” because we rest our beliefs on the written word of God. It’s natural for a new believer to have a new desire to read the Bible — but there are a lot of different versions on the shelf! What makes them different? Which Bible is best for new believers? What would we recommend for young readers? We’ve used many different Bibles over the years, and this episode we’re talking about what we’ve experienced, what we used with our family, and what we’d recommend for someone new to the faith!

Are you a new believer, or do you know one?

You might find our last episode helpful:

Episode 312 – Going to Church for the First Time? 

We visited Washington, DC, and recorded this episode from the Museum of the Bible. If you’re there in the city full of museums, this one is definitely worth a stop!

Episode 308 – The Bible is Reliable

Hal likes Bible App by Olive Tree  and Melanie uses the ESV Bible App by Crossway. Both have reading schedules to help you make Bible a daily habit and keep you on track! Some of our young people like YouVersion, too. All of these are available for Android or iPhone users.

A more complex app (and website) Hal uses for study is The Blue Letter Bible

This free app allows you to choose from more than 15 English translations, the Latin Vulgate, multiple Greek versions, and a large number of modern languages, too — along with links to commentaries and study tools. Really useful for deep personal study, or just to clarify a confusing verse (how do other translations phrase this?)

The best part of a phone app is you always have the Bible with you – and it’s easy to look up references or passages with the search function, too.

The post What Bible Should I Get? – MBFLP 313 appeared first on Ultimate Homeschool Podcast Network.

After the shocking and tragic death of Charlie Kirk last month, there was an unexpected tide of people online who found themselves drawn to God in a way they never had. Some had left the church of their childhood years ago, while others had never been in church at all! Suddenly they felt a call to be in church now. And many had questions – how do I approach this? Do I need an invitation? What’s expected of me? This episode, we’ll look at some common questions and give some good news for those whose hearts are strangely warmed!

When You Need to Find a New Church (episode 164) – We talk about some steps we take if the time comes to find a new church, whether due to relocation, a need for different ministries, or some other reason.

Children and “Big Church” (episode 218) – We talk about how we raised our eight children to stay in the main service at church, rather than going to children’s ministry or the nursery. It’s possible, with patience and gentleness, to teach even very young kids when to stay quiet and (reasonably) still, and actually to learn some things from the sermon as well!

The post First Time in Church? – MBFLP 312 appeared first on Ultimate Homeschool Podcast Network.

On October 31, 1517, a young theologian and priest named Martin Luther posted a list of debate questions on the door of the university church in Wittemburg, Germany. What was intended as a invitation for scholars and theologians to meet and consider, became the starting point of a sweeping reformation of Christ’s church – and led to a life-and-death decision for the young Brother Martin. Our family takes time each year to remember the heroism of one man who stood up for the authority of God’s word against the challenge of an emperor, when that stand could have cost his life! Join us as we talk about our family’s celebration of Reformation Day.

Resources: https://www.raisingrealmen.com/product/reformationday/

The post MBFLP – Celebrating Reformation Day (Reformation Season Replay) appeared first on Ultimate Homeschool Podcast Network.

Halloween and the Reformation may not seem to have much in common. What does Halloween have to do with the Reformation? In this episode listen as you learn about Halloween alternatives.

Be sure to follow this episode several ways! One by subscribing to this podcast here – and another is listening on iTunes, Spotify, download or listen on this website. Look up this podcast on any podcast app! You can also share this with a friend.

Among the secular holidays, Halloween probably is the most controversial … with good reason. Is it just a festival of candy for children in costume, or a throwback to Druidic rites and demonic celebration, or something in between? This episode we talk about how we’ve chosen to mark the season, and its connection with the Reformation that swept Europe in the 1500’s – with effects to this day. In this way, our children enjoy a celebration. A celebration of something we can believe in!

Thank you to the Ultimate Homeschool Podcast Network Sponsors: CTC Math, True North Academy, and Math Mammoth.

5 Tips for Reformation Day Fun (from Concordia Publishing House)

Our interview with Luther biographer Danika Cooley (episode 99)

Reformation Day: A Celebration of Heroism (from our blog, Raising Real Men)

All around us, October is filled with darkness, fear, and make-believe — but for believers, this season points to something real and world-changing. Over 500 years ago, a handful of ordinary men and women took a stand on an extraordinary truth: that salvation comes by grace alone, through faith alone, in Christ alone.

This month, we’re separating myth from truth in our Reformation Myth Busters series. Join us as we uncover what really happened in the Reformation, why it matters for our families today, and how we can redeem October 31st by celebrating light over darkness and truth over fear.

Follow along on Facebook and Instagram @raisingrealmen — and download our Reformation Day Celebration Guide to help your family mark the day with meaning and joy!

Get the guide here »

The post Halloween and the Reformation (Replay) appeared first on Ultimate Homeschool Podcast Network.

Why do our best efforts sometimes breed resentment or even rebellion, when it’s all so well-intentioned? This episode we’re looking at the crucial balance between rules and relationship in our home!

Treasure Hunt Tip: Listen to the podcast to hear a Golden Homeschool Nuggest from fellow Ultimate Homeschool Network Podcast show host, Dr. Melanie Wilson from the Homeschool Sanity Show!

No purchase necessary — this is a free resource made possible by our generous sponsors: Media Angels, True North Academy, CTC Math, Math Mammon, BaseCampEd, Powerline Productions, Funda Funda Academy, Raising Real Men, 7 Sisters Homeschool, and Galaxy Grammar Books.

 Download your Treasure Chest now!

The Ten Commandments – Exodus 20:1-17, Deuteronomy 5:1-21

Let each be fully convinced in his own mind. (Romans 14:5)

Children obey your parents in the Lord, for this is right. (Ephesians 6:1)

So then, my beloved, let every man be swift to hear, slow to speak, slow to wrath; for the anger of man does not produce the righteousness of God.  (James 1:19-20)

The repentance of Ahab – 1 Kings 21:17-29

The post Rules and Relationship – MBFLP 289 | Birthday Replay appeared first on Ultimate Homeschool Podcast Network.

If God has called you to teach your children at home, that’s what you need to do! But it’s easier if everyone around you is cheering you on. What do you do if your parents or in-laws or extended family are skeptical? How do you and your family keep on the path when there are headwinds? How do you handle questions, criticisms, or other opposition? And what can you do to find the encouragement you’re not getting from the family?

Census data shows the number of families homeschooling doubled during the pandemic (from 5.4% to 11.1%) and among African-American families, increased from 3.3% to 16.1%

Census Bureau: “Survey shows significant increase in homeschooling rates in Fall 2020” – 3/22/21

Home School Legal Defense Association (HSLDA)

Search by ZIP code to find support groups (state and local) 

Assume concern is well-intended unless proved otherwise!

Figure out where their concern is focused, then address it with facts and experience

Go ahead and commit to a period of time, like a full school year. That gives kids a more stable educational experience, and it gives both parents and students a chance to adjust to a new way to “do school.” It reduces the temptation of constant second-guessing, too.

Go to a conference! It’s a great way to encourage yourself, and it’s an eye-opener for skeptical family. Even a small conference is likely to be much larger than your family has pictured. And invite grandparents to activities when your kids are involved – whether it’s homeschool sports, a science fair, a talent show – whatever your family is connected to.

Think ahead about “difficult” people – the ones who want to argue with your decision, or the ones who want to interrogate your kids. Coach your kids on the obvious, likely questions – “What grade are you in?” (which is really more like, “How old are you?”) – “What do you like about homeschooling?” – “Do you like to read?” – “What are you learning now?” – “What’s your favorite subject?” Kids sometimes go blank when an adult throws an unexpected question – go head, coach the witness!

Remember, you don’t have to argue and convince everybody (whether homeschool skeptics, or homeschoolers who are taking a different path than you!). Smile, be polite, but be confident. It’s your family, and your kids – not theirs!

More content …

Upcoming Events

May 7-9 – Pigeon Forge, TN – Teach Them Diligently

May 14-16 – Branson, MO – Teach Them Diligently

June 4-6 – Richmond, VA – Virginia Homeschool Convention (HEAV)

The post Homeschooling with Unsupportive Family – MBFLP 276 appeared first on Ultimate Homeschool Podcast Network.

Podcast: Making Biblical Family Life Practical with Hal & Melanie Young

Sponsor: NOW Programs

Hal (former military) and Melanie talk candidly about the tension some believers feel around “God and country.” As Christians, our first allegiance is to Christ and His Kingdom—yet Scripture also calls us to seek the peace and good of the place where God has planted us (Jeremiah 29). The conversation explores our dual citizenship (Philippians 3:20; Hebrews 12:28), how the Apostle Paul lawfully claimed his Roman rights for gospel purposes (Acts 16; 22), and why a government of laws—not personalities—protects liberty for everyone.

You’ll hear practical ideas for passing along the principles of liberty to your kids—reading primary sources, celebrating national holidays as teachable moments, and studying heroic examples (from the American founding and beyond) who modeled courage, self-government, and virtue.

Jeremiah 29:7 – Seek the peace of the city where I have sent you.

Philippians 3:20 – Our citizenship is in heaven.

Hebrews 12:28 – We are receiving a kingdom that cannot be shaken.

Acts 16; 21–22 – Paul lawfully asserts his Roman citizenship.

Dual Citizenship: Christians belong to an unshakeable Kingdom while still bearing real responsibilities on earth.

Law Over Leaders: “Lex rex” (the law is king) restrains sinful people—including those in authority—and preserves liberty.

Use Lawful Rights Wisely: Like Paul, believers may appeal to lawful rights to advance the gospel and protect justice.

Teach with Primary Sources: Read the Declaration of Independence and other original documents; talk through what they meant then and why they matter now.

Hero Formation: Boys (and girls!) will choose heroes—guide them toward men and women whose courage and virtue are worth imitating.

Global Perspective: Patriotism isn’t chauvinism. Honor what God has done in your nation without despising others; celebrate your own country’s worthy stories, wherever you live.

Read Aloud: The Declaration of Independence; discuss “law vs. man” and the duty to resist tyranny lawfully.

Primary-Source Night: Rotate short readings (Federalist Papers excerpts, founder letters, state constitutions) and ask, “What problem were they solving?”

Holiday as Catechism: Treat national celebrations like family catechism—retell the story, remember God’s providence, and connect past to present.

Hero Studies: Choose biographies (U.S. and international) that highlight virtue under pressure; ask, “What did this cost them?”

Civics Walk-Through: Show teens how to contact representatives, read a bill, and attend a local meeting with respect and purpose.

Independence Day Celebration Guide – Recipes, music, links to founding documents, and more: raisingrealmen.com 

Hero Tales from American History – Dramatized stories by Theodore Roosevelt & Henry Cabot Lodge (including “Battle of Trenton” and “Kings Mountain” tracks).

Note: This is a replay. Time-bound announcements, travel notes, and event dates reflect the original show broadcast date.

Q1: Is patriotism biblical for Christians?

Q2: How do we avoid confusing faith with nationalism?

Q3: What are simple ways to teach civics at home?

Q4: Why emphasize “law is king” with kids?

Q5: What heroes should we study?

Original Show Notes:With the Independence Day holiday just on the horizon, do we have a Biblical understanding of our “dual citizenship” – where we enjoy a citizenship in the Kingdom of God, shared with all believers from all ages, but also an earthly citizenship in a particular time of history? Do we recognize the blessings of our earthly liberty?  Do we teach them to our children, but avoid the trap of creating a red-white-and-blue version of Christianity? Join us as we open these questions “live” from rural Pelahatchie, Mississippi!

The post Christianity, Homeschooling & Patriotism: A Biblical View appeared first on Ultimate Homeschool Podcast Network.

Show: Making Biblical Family Life Practical

Episode: #178

Title: Teen Boys Who Hate School? Why It Happens—and What Actually Helps

Hosts: Hal & Melanie Young

Do you have a teen boy who drags his feet, loses focus, or declares he’s “just not a school person”? You’re not alone. In this episode of Making Biblical Family Life Practical, Hal & Melanie explain what’s going on under the hood (hello, brain remodeling and hormone surges), why the middle-school “whitewater” years are uniquely bumpy, and how to protect your son’s academic confidence while you guide him toward maturity.

Why middle school feels like rapids: emotional swings, social changes, and literal brain remodeling that affect attention, memory, and motivation.

Don’t panic (or pivot too fast): why changing schooling methods mid-rapids often doesn’t fix the root causes.

Two motivation playbooks:

Delight-directed learning (leverage obsessions: raptors, hockey, Minecraft—yes, really)

Future-back planning (connect today’s algebra to tomorrow’s career goals)

Guard his confidence: how to spot and counter the “I’m stupid” narrative.

Adjust your parenting for pre/early teens: new responses for a new developmental stage.

Trim to the basics when needed: keep history/science fun while you stabilize the core.

Look ahead with hope: boys often hit a mental growth spurt in mid-to-late teens—don’t make permanent decisions at 13.

Your son isn’t “broken”—he’s remodeling. Expect distractibility and slower recall for a season.

Relationship first: show genuine interest in his interests to rebuild trust and buy-in.

Make learning relevant: tie daily work to his stated future (college admissions, skilled trades, entrepreneurship, etc.).

Preserve confidence at all costs—supervise more, sit beside him, and normalize the struggle.

Hope is warranted: what looks impossible at 13 can look remarkable at 17.

“This isn’t forever—it’s the whitewater stretch in an otherwise smooth river.”

“I already know algebra; I’m not doing this for me. You need this tool for your future.”

“Don’t set permanent plans in temporary seasons.”

Pick one passion (raptors/Minecraft/skating) and assign a short write-up or mini-project around it.

Future-back: look up program requirements for a dream path and map the math/reading steps backward.

Sit-along math: work with him for a few sessions to steady recall and confidence.

Trim + win: pare to essentials for 1–2 weeks and stack small, quick wins.

Boot Camp 9–12 (Hal & Melanie’s online series for parents of preteen/early teen boys—recordings available; live Q&A when in session)

Craftsman Crate: Our subscription boxes

RaisingRealMen.com – blog + store

HalandMelanie.com – podcast archives & newsletter signup

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The post Teen Boys Who Hate School? Causes & Fixes | MBFLP #178 appeared first on Ultimate Homeschool Podcast Network.

You spend years teaching your sons right from wrong, good manners instead of bad, and all the right social skills. Yet in a super-sensitive time, even a hint of misbehavior toward a female – sometimes just an accusation – can affect the rest of their lives! When you’ve worked hard to keep your son’s conscience clear and his life innocent … how can you keep him from stumbling into trouble he didn’t deserve? This episode, we’re talking about training your son how to keep his life above reproach – and sometimes, making hard choices because they’re not only right, but safer.

Sponsored by CTCMath.com

The best way to stay out of trouble is simply, don’t do it! Paul asked in Romans 6:2, “How shall we who died to sin live any longer in it?” Jesus said, “If you love me, keep My commandments.” (John 14:15) If we claim the name of “Christian” we have a responsibility to live like it. If you don’t chase after sin, then you’re not earning the trouble that comes with it. Easy, right?

We need to be careful about the “hidden” sins we permit ourselves, too. Pornography is a trap that many young men fall into. When Jesus warned in the Sermon on the Mount, “Whoever looks at a woman to lust for her has already committed adultery in his heart” (Matthew 5:28), He put His finger right on the use of porn–what else could you call it? Sadly, young men who dive into porn sometimes try to imitate it, but always receive harmful, false ideas of how to relate to women. It’s poison.

One thing that seems common to so many of the accusations that emerged with #MeToo is alcohol use. How often to we hear protests or explanations that start, “We were at a party and we’d been drinking …” This is not about the morality of alcohol per se, but a simple observation to our sons–it’s best not to partake when you’re young, single, and need to be alert!

But even if we’re careful to avoid sin ourselves, we need to be very cautious about who we associate with. Proverbs 13:20 says, “The companion of fools will be destroyed.” Peter, again, says in 1 Peter 4:3-4,

“We have spent enough of our past lifetime [before we became believers] in doing the will of the Gentiles–when we walked in lewdness, lusts, drunkenness, revelries, drinking parties … In regard to these, they think it strange that you do not run with them in the same flood of dissipation, speaking evil of you.”

Did you catch that? He not only warns against drunkenness–unquestionably sinful–but also drinking parties. Just hanging out with people who are pursuing sin is risky behavior, and it can damage our reputation even if we weren’t deep in the sin with the others.

(continued …)

In fact, that’s a good place to wrap up. It’s important to avoid a negative reputation, where people are willing to believe an accusation because it would be consistent with your past behavior. But even better is to build such a positive reputation for the right sort of behavior that even when the accusations come, those who know you will come to your defense. The culture is pushing us to believe that men and women are interchangeable, that there’s no difference in their thinking and feeling, that everyone wants to live out the same lascivious fantasies–yet the Bible tells us differently, and experience proves it!

Our calling is to walk in the Spirit and not the flesh (Galatians 5:1), and our lives should be marked by the fruit of the Spirit–which includes things like kindness, goodness, gentleness, and self-control (Galatians 5:22-23). When our sons walk in that spirit, they may not avoid every accusation, but they’ll steer clear of trouble they can avoid, and they’ll find it easier to deflect the falsehoods others may fling!

The post Raising Boys in a #MeToo Generation – MBFLP 227 (Special Replay) appeared first on Ultimate Homeschool Podcast Network.