Sparking Everyday Discipleship

What does the Bible really say about forgiveness and repentance, and how do we teach kids forgiveness that goes beyond "it's okay"?

We teach children to say "it's okay" when someone hurts them, but that isn't what Scripture means by forgiveness. In this episode, Terrie uses Luke 17:3–4 and a scene from Izzy's Notebook to look at the difference between letting go of bitterness and true forgiveness. Real forgiveness isn't only for our own peace of mind. It seeks the other person's good, which sometimes means confronting an offense in love so reconciliation with us, and with God, can happen.

In this episode: - Why "say it's okay" can teach children the wrong thing - Luke 17:3–4: rebuke, repentance, and forgiveness - Letting go of bitterness vs. true forgiveness - Forgiving someone who isn't safe: reconciliation without blind trust - Why we need to tell people when they've hurt us - How to start these conversations with your kids

Chapters: 00:00 Welcome 0:34 Hypurpley Publishing 2:22 The One Another series and Izzy's Notebook 5:45 What is forgiveness? 8:25 Luke 17:3–4 and repentance 10:25 Letting go of bitterness vs. true forgiveness 11:17 When the person isn't safe 14:00 "You know what you did": when we don't know how we've hurt someone 17:05 Stop playing games with forgiveness 19:14 Closing

Scripture referenced: Luke 17:3–4 | Hebrews 13:16

Resources mentioned: 📖 Izzy's Notebook: https://terriehellardbrown.com/shop 🃏 One Another Discipleship Deck: https://terriehellardbrown.com/shop 🎧 The podcast episode that shaped this discussion: https://youtu.be/KCdBZVVEU3I?si=MI6M1OGU2ePIPQJC

Connect with Terrie: 🌐 Blog post and comments for this episode: https://terriehellardbrown.com/blog 📚 Hypurpley Publishing: https://hypurpleypublishing.com Have a book on your heart? Hypurpley Publishing has openings for new authors. Reach out through the website to talk about next steps.

Sparking Everyday Discipleship discusses books and resources for discipling our children, encouraging and empowering parents to spark important conversations every day.

#BiblicalForgiveness #ChristianParenting #EverydayDiscipleship

Summary In this episode, Terrie Hellard-Brown shares practical strategies for discipling active children, emphasizing the importance of meeting children where they are and using everyday moments for teaching. She discusses how to handle resistance, the value of teachable moments, and ways to incorporate faith into daily life. Key Topics

• Adjusting discipleship to children's activity levels
• Using mealtime and travel as teaching moments
• Seizing teachable and defining moments
• Encouraging independence and respect in teens
• Handling resistance and resistance in discipleship
• Incorporating fun activities into faith lessons
• The importance of gratitude and teachability in children
• Balancing discipline and joy in parenting

Takeaways

• Meet children where they are, not where you want them to be.
• Use everyday activities like meals and travel for discipleship.
• Seize teachable moments to teach when children are receptive.
• Help children see their unique talents as gifts from God.
• Balance structured lessons with spontaneous fun.
• Encourage respect and independence in teens.
• Use family activities to teach biblical principles.
• Maintain joy and flexibility in discipleship.

Sound Bites

• "Seize teachable moments when children are receptive."
• "Respect and boundaries are vital in teen discipleship."
• "Let go of your plans and embrace God's timing."

Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Discipling Active Children 02:14 Adjusting Discipleship to Child's Activity Level 03:33 Using Daily Life as Teaching Moments 04:50 Seizing Teachable and Defining Moments 06:13 Helping Children Recognize Their Gifts 07:56 Handling Resistance During Discipleship 08:45 Adapting Lessons to Hyper Children 10:32 Talking to Resistant Children About Discipleship 12:42 Maintaining Respect and Boundaries in Teen Years 14:22 Building Siblings' Relationships for the Future 15:12 Encouraging Gratitude and Teachable Attitudes 16:45 The Importance of Being Teachable 17:38 Letting Go of Rigid Plans and Embracing Flexibility 18:30 Resources for Family Discipleship and Parenting

Summary

Terrie Hellard-Brown shares practical insights on teaching language arts and writing to children, emphasizing modeling, copy work, and motor skills development to enhance learning and Scripture memory.

Key Topics

The power of modeling in teaching language arts Using copy work to teach grammar and punctuation The TPCASTT method for analyzing poetry The importance of large motor skills in writing Strategies for teaching Bible verses and memorization Addressing fine motor challenges in children Using sidewalk chalk and large paper for handwriting The role of technology and traditional methods in learning

Takeaways

Copy work helps children learn punctuation and sentence structure naturally. Modeling behavior is more effective than direct instruction for children. Using Word's underlining feature can aid in grammar correction. Copying poetry and Bible verses enhances memorization and understanding. Large motor skills are crucial for developing fine motor control in writing. Starting handwriting practice with sidewalk chalk can reduce fatigue. Teaching children to write from the shoulder prevents wrist fatigue. Using a progression from large to small paper helps develop handwriting skills. Incorporating analysis like TPCASTT deepens literary understanding. Encouraging outdoor and creative writing activities makes learning engaging.

Sound Bites

"Modeling behavior is more effective than direct instruction." "Copy work helps children learn punctuation and sentence structure naturally." "Using large motor skills prevents wrist fatigue and improves memory."

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Teaching Language Arts and Copy Work 02:04 The Power of Modeling in Teaching Children 04:12 Using Word to Help with Grammar and Punctuation 05:59 The TPCASTT Method for Analyzing Poems 07:48 Incorporating Bible Verses and Memorization Strategies 10:01 Using Large Motor Skills and Outdoor Activities for Handwriting 11:52 The Benefits of Traditional Writing and Dictionary Use 14:00 Addressing Motor Challenges with Practical Tips 15:46 Final Thoughts and Encouragement for Homeschoolers 17:09 Upcoming Interviews and Closing Remarks

Summary

In this episode, we explore the vital role of community and friendship in children's development, especially for those growing up as third culture kids and in homeschooling environments. Annie shares her personal experiences of navigating friendships across cultures and the importance of lifelong connections.

Key Topics

The significance of community and friendship in child development Challenges faced by third culture kids in forming friendships The role of community in emotional and social growth Strategies for homeschooling families to build social networks Lifelong friendships and their impact on well-being The importance of community for neurodivergent children Parenting tips for fostering social skills and connections The impact of expat life on children's social experiences

Takeaways

Community is essential for emotional and social development. Lifelong friends often form through shared experiences and trust. Parents should actively create opportunities for children to build friendships. Homeschooling groups and activities can provide vital social interaction. Understanding and supporting neurodivergent children's social needs is crucial.

Sound Bites

"You are who you surround yourself with." "Traveling helps me stay connected worldwide." "Masks can come off when you're with your community."

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to the importance of community for children 00:14 Annalisa shares her view on friendship and community 00:39 The impact of community on emotional development 00:54 Challenges faced by expat and third culture kids 01:20 Building lifelong friendships across cultures 01:47 The role of community in homeschooling 02:05 Supporting neurodivergent children in social settings 02:29 The significance of masks and authentic community 02:37 Encouragement for parents to foster social connections 02:38 Conclusion and final thoughts on community and friendship

Summary

In this episode, we explore the importance of prioritizing God in our lives and how it impacts our relationships with our children and spouses. We discuss practical ways to keep God at the center and the dangers of idolatry.

Key Topics

• The importance of making God the first priority in life
• How to teach children about God's supremacy and love
• The role of marriage in spiritual growth
• Recognizing and avoiding idolatry in daily life
• Practical steps to spend quality time with God
• The significance of returning to one's first love in faith
• Balancing family, marriage, and personal faith
• The biblical basis for prioritizing God's kingdom

Takeaways

• God must be the center of our lives to effectively disciple our children.
• Parents should model Christ's love and prioritize their relationship with Him.
• Avoiding idolatry requires regular self-examination and repentance.
• Spending time in prayer and Bible study strengthens our faith and family.
• A healthy marriage supports spiritual growth and family stability.

Key Frameworks

• First Love Mentality
• Priorities in Faith and Family

Sound Bites

• "Jesus has to be our favorite."
• "Idolatry is putting anything else in God's place."
• "Seek ye first the kingdom of God."

Chapters 00:00 Introduction to the importance of prioritizing God 01:55 A story about a father's love and God's supremacy 04:02 Understanding the sin of idolatry in family life 06:05 The significance of spending time with God daily 08:09 Balancing marriage and parenting with faith at the center 10:07 Seeking God's kingdom first and trusting His provision 10:55 Encouragement to return to our first love in Christ

Summary In this episode, Terrie Hellard-Brown discusses her latest children's book, Drandar and the Quest for Redemption, exploring themes of forgiveness, trust, and God's grace through an adventurous story about a dragon and a knight. She shares insights on the importance of redemption in faith and life, and how her books and resources aim to inspire children and families. Key Topics

• Themes of redemption and forgiveness in children's literature
• The story behind Drandar and the Quest for Redemption
• The importance of teaching children about God's grace
• Using stories to illustrate spiritual lessons
• Resources for family discipleship and faith growth

Takeaways

• Redemption is a powerful theme that teaches children about God's grace and forgiveness.
• Stories can be a meaningful way to introduce spiritual concepts to kids.
• The 'Drandar' series aims to show that even those who fail can find redemption.
• Resources like QR codes and music enhance engagement and learning.
• Parents and educators can use these stories to foster faith and values in children.

Sound Bites

• "Redemption is reconciliation and showing our value."
• "God's grace is beyond anything we deserve."
• "This podcast has been a blessing to me from day one."

Chapters 00:00 Introduction to the Book and Its Themes 01:16 The Story of Drandar and Seton 02:11 The Quest for Redemption Begins 04:09 God's Opportunity for Reconciliation 05:58 Using Music and QR Codes to Teach Faith 07:29 The Power of Redemption and Grace 09:31 Upcoming Books and Resources 11:21 Join Our Mailing List and Resources 13:29 Podcast Achievements and Future Goals 14:22 Closing Remarks and Blessings

Summary

In this episode, authors Gail Veitenheimer and Jen Weaver discuss their middle grade mystery series that weaves faith and storytelling, emphasizing how to naturally incorporate spiritual lessons into engaging stories for children. They share insights on faith development, storytelling techniques, and practical tips for parents and educators.

Key Topics

• How faith is woven naturally into children's stories
• The importance of short chapters and engaging storytelling techniques
• Encouraging children to recognize God's voice and practice prayer
• Addressing emotional themes like anxiety, insecurity, and reconciliation
• Practical tips for parents to foster faith and reading habits

Sound Bites

• "God has wired us for story."
• "Prayer is our secret weapon."
• "Real faith in real life."

Chapters 00:00 Introduction to the series and guests 01:55 Overview of the book series and inspiration behind it 03:58 Character development: Luca's faith struggle and Ember's grounding 05:51 The importance of storytelling in faith formation 07:55 How faith is naturally integrated into the story 09:53 Partnership in writing and prayer in the creative process 12:02 Themes of teamwork, reconciliation, and trust in the series 13:47 Helping children recognize God's voice and practice prayer 16:01 Addressing emotional themes like anxiety and insecurity 17:59 Tips for encouraging reluctant readers and engaging children 19:48 The value of short chapters and multimedia resources 22:01 Supporting children with processing differences and diverse learning needs 23:56 The role of parents and caregivers in everyday discipleship 25:57 Upcoming books and series continuation 28:03 Sharing resources: podcasts and additional materials 30:00 Final thoughts and encouragement for parents and educators

Summary

In this episode, we explore how Christian parents can effectively disciple their children, emphasizing the importance of conversations, transparency, and trust in nurturing faith. The host shares practical tips and biblical principles to help parents guide their kids in following Christ.

Key Topics

The importance of ongoing conversations with children about faith Being transparent and authentic in parenting Sharing personal testimony to teach God's grace Teaching children to handle temptation and make faith-based decisions The role of trust and prayer in spiritual parenting Respect and communication as foundations for sibling relationships Balancing discipline with love and respect The significance of trusting God's plan for children's faith journey

Takeaways

Consistent, open conversations foster trust and spiritual growth. Parents should be transparent about their own struggles and God's grace. Praying on the spot helps in responding to difficult questions. Teaching children to handle temptation is crucial for their faith. Trust in God's sovereignty is vital, even if children stray. Respect and communication are key to sibling harmony. Parents cannot control their children's faith decisions, only guide and pray. Sharing personal stories of failure and redemption models God's grace.

Sound Bites

"Trust God, He loves your child more than you do." "Teach children how to handle temptation and make faith-based decisions." "Keep trusting, keep praying, God has a plan."

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Discipleship and Parenting Challenges 01:50 The Core of Discipleship: Conversations and Purposeful Teaching 04:00 Trusting God and Praying for Your Children's Salvation 05:52 The Importance of Open, Honest Conversations with Children 08:05 Being Transparent and Sharing Personal Testimony 11:00 Teaching Children How to Handle Temptation and Make Faithful Choices 12:50 Trusting God's Plan and Praying Through Uncertainty 14:02 Addressing Sibling Rivalry with Respect and Communication 17:11 Building Respect and Healthy Relationships Among Siblings 20:10 The Role of Respect and Prayer in Parenting 22:04 Closing Remarks and Resources for Parents

Summary

In this episode, Terrie Hellard-Brown shares her heartfelt journey of coming to faith as a child, the importance of understanding genuine salvation, and how to nurture children's spiritual growth. She emphasizes listening to children's questions and trusting God's work in their lives.

Key Topics

Child's journey to faith Importance of understanding salvation Answering children's spiritual questions Different ways children come to faith Trusting God's timing in salvation

Takeaways

Children's faith experiences vary; some have immediate, powerful conversions, others grow gradually. It's crucial to listen to children's questions and treat their curiosity with respect. Genuine faith often involves a real, palpable change, not just a prayer. Parents and leaders should clearly articulate the gospel in simple terms. God is drawing children to Himself, and our role is to nurture and answer their questions.

Sound Bites

"I knew I needed Jesus, I didn't understand it." "There was a change in my heart, like I came to life." "God is drawing children to Himself, and we must listen."

Chapters

00:00 Introduction and overview of the episode 00:26 Terrie shares her personal story of coming to Christ at age seven 01:19 The significance of the Lord's Supper in her faith journey 02:42 Understanding children's questions about salvation 04:43 Recognizing genuine faith in children 06:34 The importance of listening to children's spiritual questions 08:24 Different ways children come to faith and grow in it 12:04 The need for clear gospel communication 13:01 The palpable change when truly coming to Christ 15:31 Trusting God's work in children's hearts 16:30 Encouragement for parents and leaders in discipleship

Summary

In this episode, Kathleen Bostrom shares her journey of writing children's books about creation, the importance of faith-based stories, and the challenges and joys of publishing. We explore how these stories can inspire children and adults alike to appreciate God's creation and our role in caring for the earth.

Key Topics

Kathleen Bostrom's journey of writing children's books about creation The importance of faith and stewardship in children's stories The process of illustrating and publishing children's books The impact of stories on children's understanding of God's creation Challenges faced by authors in the children's publishing industry

Takeaways

Stories about creation can inspire children to appreciate God's world Faith-based children's books teach stewardship and responsibility Illustration and collaboration are key in children's book publishing Supporting local bookstores and libraries helps sustain children's literature Creating diverse and inclusive characters in children's books is important

Sound Bites

"The joy of God's creation just spilled out of my pen" "Creation stories remind us of God's fingerprints everywhere" "Stories about creation inspire children to appreciate God's world"

Chapters

00:00 Introduction and guest introduction 00:12 Kathleen Long Bostrom's background and inspiration 00:58 The journey of writing 'Lift the Flaps' board book 01:25 The joy of God's creation and storytelling in rhyme 02:22 The collaboration with illustrator Janet Samuel 03:21 The significance of stewardship in children's stories 04:18 The timing of the book release and personal milestones 06:52 The illustrations and their impact 07:35 The importance of creation stories in faith and education 08:30 The biblical foundation of creation and God's fingerprints 09:15 Diversity and inclusion in children's books 09:55 The role of creation in understanding God's nature 11:27 The emotional and spiritual impact of stories 12:54 The importance of caring for God's earth 13:43 The value of picture books for all ages 15:48 Supporting children's literature and local bookstores 16:46 The significance of reading to children from birth 17:29 The power of stories in shaping faith and values 18:35 The role of books in end-of-life moments 19:17 The evolving landscape of children's publishing industry 20:44 Balancing writing, family, and life transitions 22:46 The challenges of publishing children's books today 24:32 The importance of supporting children's books financially 25:29 The lasting impact of childhood stories 27:35 The influence of books on personal growth and faith 29:41 The future of children's literature and publishing industry