Table 112: Lively Conversations

Things have felt a little weighty lately around here, so we inject a little bit of lightheartedness and fun for this week’s episode! All meaningful talks about life don’t have to be super serious. As you listen, pause and play along!

Romans 12:10

This week, Vanessa and Scott Martindale and their son, Michael, talk about talking. No, really! It can be hard for either parents or teenagers to talk about real issues. They leave us with some insights about how they each contribute to having better conversations with each other. 

Scott and Vanessa are the founders of Blended Kingdom Families, where they provide resources and encouragement for blended families. You’ll hear how faith, fun and rest are foundational in their family culture and fuel those meaningful talks in their family.

Job 33:4

Matthew 17:20

As far as we know, we don’t know anyone with actual superpowers, but we do know some super people! They have strengths we admire. They have weaknesses they have to guard. What you may not realize is that you might be a super person in someone else’s eyes. Join us as we consider what it means to set an example for people who might look up to us.

2 Timothy 2:2

New Year’s Resolutions seem like they’re made to be broken. Another way of setting intention is choosing a word for the year. Words are powerful. What would it look like to choose a word that could guide our thoughts and focus? Join the Williams as we discuss our words for 2020.

Romans 12:2

Experts tell us that Generation Z experiences higher levels of anxiety than any other generation. What contributes to the tensions they’re feeling? How can families look out for each other? Take a deep breath. This one might get a little uncomfortable, but building trust with our teens in such an important area is well worth the risk.

2 Thessalonians 3:16

Tradition tends gets a bad rap with Generation Z. When are traditions helpful and when do they hurt? How can we shake out the bad? How can we elevate what’s good? Jeremy, Dana, Justus and Lexi start a meaningful talk about shaping culture and building community.

Psalm 145:4

We’ve compiled the first ever Lively Conversations gift guide. We’ve crowd-sourced, asking you what teens want and what are some great brands that give back or have a good message. Jeremy, Dana, Justus and Lexi have made their lists and are sharing them with you!

Matthew 2:11

Find links to everything on our lists in the show notes.

PLUS we’ve created a FREE downloadable Gift Planner to help your teens budget for their gift-giving.

It’s Thanksgiving! It’s a great day to stop and count our blessings. But why does gratitude matter? The Williams family discusses the positive impacts gratitude has on our lives inside and out.

Colossians 3:16-17

When life feels upside down because of change, it’s uncomfortable. Change can be the thing that brings along tremendous growth. Just being a teenager means you’re experiencing change automatically as you move from childhood to adulthood. Life brings all sorts of changes - from rearranged living rooms to new schools to scarier changes, like a diagnosis, How can we find an anchor when change comes?

Deuteronomy 30:6

Back in Episode 004, the Williams explored some of the problems with our phones. But, can our phones be used for good? What are some ways we can bring humanity and connection back into practice using our devices?

Romans 1:10-12