Karri J. Iverson has been a major influence on the lives of many children and families for more than 20 years. She graduated from Western Michigan University summa cum laude in elementary education with minors in science/math and English. She has used her diverse education as well as her husband’s knowledge and help to homeschool their 5 children.

In 1999 Karri recognized a growing need for homeschooled students to have further instruction in English and science, so she began a local homeschool tutorial. She taught classes in many subjects and managed several teachers as the group grew to meet the needs of local homeschoolers.

Karri has also taught at other homeschool programs and co-ops and has enjoyed teaching Bible studies at her church. She has given direction and guidance to many parents during their homeschooling journeys and has privately tutored several students throughout their high school years. One of her passions is developing curriculum, which she has done for her own children, local homeschooling groups, the local school district’s summer and extracurricular camps, and private schools.

In addition, she has taught for the Summer Institute for the Gifted and has designed her own science and math curriculum for summer camps. In addition, Karri trains and encourages teachers and evaluates programs to make sure they meet scientific objectives. She also loves helping students learn about their awesome Creator!

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License code: QG9F8BI91PJEEH5D

Faith isn’t just something we talk about in church—it’s something we live out in car rides, bedtime routines, and unexpected questions from curious little hearts. In this episode, Rene and Rebekah share how to have faith conversations that feel natural—not forced, awkward, or overly scripted, but Spirit-led and deeply meaningful.

If you’ve ever wondered how to talk about Jesus in everyday moments with your kids, this is your invitation to start simple, stay present, and trust that God is in the small stuff.

Why Scripture calls us to teach our kids about God as we go

How a sunset, rainbow, or hard question can open up spiritual conversations

5 practical ways to weave faith naturally into everyday life

How to respond with grace even when conversations are messy or emotional

The power of listening well, asking open questions, and letting your kids see your own faith journey

Use What’s Already Happening

Ask Open-Ended Questions

Share Your Own Journey

Listen More Than You Speak

Tie Faith to Rhythms

📖 Colossians 3:17 reminds us: “Whatever you do… do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus.”

You don’t have to have all the right words. You don’t need a theology degree. You just need a heart that’s willing and present.

God multiplies our small steps of obedience—even when the conversation is messy or interrupted by spilled juice and toddler questions.

💬 If this episode encouraged you, please leave a 5-star review! It helps more moms like you find the show.

Scripture quotations are from the ESV® Bible (The Holy Bible, English Standard Version®), © 2001 by Crossway, a publishing ministry of Good News Publishers. Used by permission. All rights reserved. The ESV text may not be quoted in any publication made available to the public by a Creative Commons license. The ESV may not be translated in whole or in part into any other language.

Maybe your kids are older. Maybe you came to faith later. Maybe life just got in the way. If you've ever wondered, "Is it too late to start family discipleship?" — this episode is for you.

Rene and Rebekah bring encouragement and real-world wisdom for parents starting fresh. Whether your children are toddlers, tweens, or teens, God’s grace meets you right where you are—and He can do amazing things, starting today.

📖 Hope from Scripture reminding you that God can redeem any timeline

❌ Why guilt and comparison have no place in your parenting journey

🛠 4 practical ways to start discipling your kids right now—even if it feels awkward or late

🙌 Encouragement that small steps matter more than perfect plans

🗣 Personal stories of real families who started later and still saw God move powerfully

Isaiah 43:18–19 – “Forget the former things… I am doing a new thing!”

2 Corinthians 5:17 – “If anyone is in Christ… the new is here!”

Galatians 6:4 – “Each one should test their own actions…”

Zechariah 4:10 – “Do not despise these small beginnings.”

Philippians 1:6 – “He who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion…”

Start with Prayer

Start Small

Use Everyday Moments

Model Authentic Faith

💡 Bonus Tip: Try simple Family Faith Goals, and aim for 1 Scripture moment, 1 prayer, and 1 act of kindness each week.

You don’t need a flawless past—you just need a faithful present.

"You can’t go back and change the beginning, but you can start where you are and change the ending." — C.S. Lewis (often attributed)

“He who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion…” – Philippians 1:6

God is faithful to finish what He starts—including the work of discipleship in your home.

Was this episode a breath of fresh grace for you? Subscribe, leave a 5-star review, and share it with another parent who’s ready to start strong—no matter when they begin.

Check out our best-selling discipleship book! Training Them Wisely: Discipling Kids has encouraged thousands of parents to grow in their faith with the Lord, model discipleship for their children and grow, and disciple their kids in every age and stage of life. It is practical, encouraging, and you can start working on it right away. You can find it on Amazon, at TrainingThemWisely.com or in Christian bookstores.

Scripture quotations are from the ESV® Bible (The Holy Bible, English Standard Version®), © 2001 by Crossway, a publishing ministry of Good News Publishers. Used by permission. All rights reserved. The ESV text may not be quoted in any publication made available to the public by a Creative Commons license. The ESV may not be translated in whole or in part into any other language.

The Bible isn’t just for Sunday mornings—it’s for breakfast tables, car rides, bedtime snuggles, and messy moments. In this episode of Training Them Wisely, Rene and Rebekah encourage parents to open God’s Word consistently and meaningfully with their kids—no matter their age or stage.

You’ll hear real-life stories, practical tips, and biblical wisdom to help make Scripture a normal, joyful part of your everyday family rhythms.

📖 Why the Bible should be the heartbeat of your home (2 Timothy 3:16)

🛠️ Simple ways to read Scripture as a family—even in 5 minutes a day

🗣 How to turn Bible time into a conversation, not a lecture

🌀 Encouragement for when it feels messy, inconsistent, or hard

🏡 How God’s Word can shape your family culture and language

🙏 Practical steps to start small and stay faithful

2 Timothy 3:16 – “All Scripture is God-breathed…”

Isaiah 55:11 – “My word… will not return to me empty.”

Colossians 3:16 – “Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly.”

Start your day by reading one chapter at breakfast

Let each family member choose and share a favorite verse

Use a child-friendly Bible for younger kids—like The Action Bible or Bible in Stories

Ask open-ended questions like, “What does this show us about God?”

Display Scripture around the house (mirrors, fridge, lunchboxes)

Pray Scripture out loud together during family prayer time

Keep going—even if your kids are coloring or interrupting!

You don’t need a seminary degree to lead your kids spiritually.

Takeaway Thought:

Encouraged by today’s episode? Be sure to subscribe, leave a 5-star review, and share it with a fellow parent or church leader. Let’s raise a generation that sees God’s Word not as a task—but as life.

🎧 Listen now on your favorite podcast app—and start building a Bible-centered culture in your home, one conversation at a time.

Scripture quotations are from the ESV® Bible (The Holy Bible, English Standard Version®), © 2001 by Crossway, a publishing ministry of Good News Publishers. Used by permission. All rights reserved. The ESV text may not be quoted in any publication made available to the public by a Creative Commons license. The ESV may not be translated in whole or in part into any other language.

Is your faith visible to your kids outside of Sunday mornings? In this episode of Training Them Wisely, Rene and Rebekah explore what it means to live a faith that’s consistent, contagious, and grounded in real life.

From quiet prayers to big conversations, everyday moments matter. Faith is formed not just through what we say—but how we live when no one else is watching.

You’ll walk away with encouragement, Scripture, and practical ways to help your kids see that Jesus is real… not just at church, but at home, in the car, and in the middle of life’s mess.

📖 Why doing the Word matters more than just hearing it (James 1:22)

🏡 How to bring faith into daily rhythms—mealtimes, nature walks, bedtime, and beyond (Deuteronomy 6:6–7)

💔 How grace and humility when we mess up speak volumes (Psalm 51:17)

❓ Ways your faith can spark spiritual curiosity in your kids (1 Peter 3:15)

🛠 Practical ideas for praying out loud, modeling trust, and responding with peace in everyday situations

James 1:22 – “Do not merely listen to the word… Do what it says.”

Deuteronomy 6:6–7 – Talk about God “when you sit, walk, lie down, and get up.”

Psalm 51:17 – “A broken and contrite heart… you will not despise.”

1 Peter 3:15 – “Always be ready to give an answer for the hope that is in you.”

You don’t have to be perfect. You just have to be present.

Ask yourself:

“If my kids never heard a sermon, what would they know about God from watching me?”

“Lord, help us to live a faith that speaks even when we say nothing…”

Was this helpful for your parenting journey? Be sure to subscribe, leave a review, and share this episode with a friend. Let’s build homes where faith isn’t just something we talk about—it’s something our kids can see.

🎧 Available now wherever you listen to podcasts. Faith isn’t just for Sundays—it’s for the everyday.

Scripture quotations are from the ESV® Bible (The Holy Bible, English Standard Version®), © 2001 by Crossway, a publishing ministry of Good News Publishers. Used by permission. All rights reserved. The ESV text may not be quoted in any publication made available to the public by a Creative Commons license. The ESV may not be translated in whole or in part into any other language.

Life gets messy—and fast. From tantrums and laundry piles to heartache and broken plans, it’s easy to feel like discipleship is on pause when real life takes over. But in this episode of Training Them Wisely, Rene and Rebekah remind us that our everyday mess isn’t a distraction from discipleship—it’s the classroom God uses to grow our families in faith.

Through Scripture, personal stories, and practical tools, this episode will equip you to find Jesus right in the middle of the chaos—and teach your children to do the same.

🌪 Why the mess isn’t an obstacle to discipleship—it’s often the greatest opportunity

📖 Romans 8:28, Hebrews 4:15, Psalm 46:1, and more Scripture to anchor messy seasons

💬 Stories of real-life moments that turned into spiritual breakthroughs

🛠️ How to disciple your kids through squabbles, stress, and surprises

🙏 Practical tips for modeling grace, prayer, and honesty in the thick of family life

💛 Encouragement to trade perfection for presence—and let God use every part of your day

Romans 8:28 – “In all things God works for the good…”

Hebrews 4:15 – “He was tempted in every way, just as we are…”

Psalm 46:1 – “God is our refuge and strength…”

2 Corinthians 12:9 – “My grace is sufficient for you…”

Say out loud: “Jesus knows how this feels—and He’s with us right now.”

Keep a visible family verse in the kitchen or living space

Start a “Messy Moments Prayer Jar” to pray through hard things together

Model age-appropriate honesty in your own struggles

Use simple, everyday moments (spilled juice, meltdowns, stress) as teachable lessons in grace, forgiveness, and dependence on God

Your mess doesn’t disqualify you. It qualifies you to show your kids what real faith looks like.

Encouraged by today’s episode? Subscribe, leave a review, and send it to another parent walking through the same messy season. God is at work—in your home, in your heart, and even in your hardest days.

🎧 Listen now on your favorite podcast app—and discover how Jesus shows up in the mess, again and again.

Scripture quotations are from the ESV® Bible (The Holy Bible, English Standard Version®), © 2001 by Crossway, a publishing ministry of Good News Publishers. Used by permission. All rights reserved. The ESV text may not be quoted in any publication made available to the public by a Creative Commons license. The ESV may not be translated in whole or in part into any other language.

Let’s be real—parenting is hard, and the pressure to “get it all right” can feel overwhelming. In this episode of Training Them Wisely, Rene and Rebekah pull back the curtain on the myth of the perfect parent and offer a refreshing reminder: God doesn’t call us to perfection, but to faithfulness, humility, and honesty.

Join us as we talk about discipling our children from a place of authenticity, not image. You'll hear practical stories, biblical encouragement, and real-life examples of how God uses our weaknesses to display His grace.

💬 Why perfection isn’t the goal—and how God works through our realness

📖 2 Corinthians 12:9: “My grace is sufficient for you…”

💥 The cultural and church pressures parents feel to appear perfect

🛠️ Practical ways to disciple your kids when you're tired, overwhelmed, or discouraged

🗣️ How to have “real talk” moments with your kids about struggles and God’s faithfulness

🧎‍♀️ The power of apologizing, praying together, and modeling dependence on Jesus

💛 Encouragement to let go of the image and embrace the grace

2 Corinthians 12:9–10 – “My grace is sufficient for you…”

Proverbs 3:5–6 – “Trust in the Lord with all your heart…”

Psalm 34:18 – “The Lord is close to the brokenhearted…”

Philippians 1:6 – “He who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion…”

Journal about areas where you feel weak as a parent—and ask God for strength

Share age-appropriate struggles with your kids to model humility

Apologize when needed—it builds trust and models grace

Create a family “realness board” or prayer journal for tracking daily wins and struggles

Have open conversations about depending on God together

📘 Training Them Wisely: Discipling Kids by Rene Christensen

If this episode encouraged you, consider subscribing, leaving a 5-star review, and sharing it with a friend or fellow parent. Realness is contagious—and freeing.

Scripture quotations are from the ESV® Bible (The Holy Bible, English Standard Version®), © 2001 by Crossway, a publishing ministry of Good News Publishers. Used by permission. All rights reserved. The ESV text may not be quoted in any publication made available to the public by a Creative Commons license. The ESV may not be translated in whole or in part into any other language.

How in the world have we recorded 100 episodes? Time flies by. We are so thankful for each and every listener, both new and old!

We had so much fun recording this episode, and we're giving you some sneak peeks about what is coming up soon!

https://www.trainingthemwisely.com

Scripture quotations are from the ESV® Bible (The Holy Bible, English Standard Version®), © 2001 by Crossway, a publishing ministry of Good News Publishers. Used by permission. All rights reserved. The ESV text may not be quoted in any publication made available to the public by a Creative Commons license. The ESV may not be translated in whole or in part into any other language.

Music from #Uppbeat (free for Creators!):

https://uppbeat.io/t/mood-maze/trendsetter

License code: QG9F8BI91PJEEH5D

In this episode of Training Them Wisely, Rene and Rebekah explore how God’s love meets us—and our children—uniquely in every stage of life. From rocking a newborn in the quiet hours to texting a college student encouragement from afar, biblical love grows, stretches, and adapts through the seasons.

You’ll walk away with encouragement, relatable stories, and Scripture-rooted insights for loving your kids well—right where they are today.

💡 Why love isn’t one-size-fits-all—and how God models flexible, faithful love

👶 Early Years: Love as nurture and physical presence (Isaiah 40:11)

🧒 Elementary Years: Love as patient teaching and consistent discipline (Proverbs 22:6)

👦 Tween Years: Love as listening and emotional safety (Colossians 3:21)

👩‍🦰 Teen Years: Love as mutual respect and humble presence (Micah 6:8)

🧑‍🦱 Young Adult Years: Love as release, blessing, and ongoing prayer (Numbers 6:24–26)

🙏 A prayer to help you reflect God’s love through every season

Ecclesiastes 3:1 – “To everything there is a season…”

Isaiah 40:11 – “He gently leads those that have young.”

Proverbs 22:6 – “Train up a child in the way he should go…”

Colossians 3:21 – “Do not provoke your children…”

Micah 6:8 – “Walk humbly…”

Numbers 6:24–26 – “The Lord bless you and keep you…”

What does love look like for your child right now?

If this episode encouraged you, would you take a second to share it with a friend or fellow parent? Every share helps us reach more families walking this discipleship journey. 💛

Check out our best-selling family discipleship book! Training Them Wisely: Discipling Kids is available on Amazon, on our website TrainingThemWisely.com, and in Christian bookstores. 

Scripture quotations are from the ESV® Bible (The Holy Bible, English Standard Version®), © 2001 by Crossway, a publishing ministry of Good News Publishers. Used by permission. All rights reserved. The ESV text may not be quoted in any publication made available to the public by a Creative Commons license. The ESV may not be translated in whole or in part into any other language.

You don’t need a perfect devotional plan to disciple your kids—you just need a table, some time, and a heart to listen.

In this episode of Training Them Wisely: Discipling Kids, Rene and Rebekah share how simple, everyday moments—especially around the dinner table—can become powerful opportunities to point your children to Jesus. From chicken nugget dinners to bedtime chats, these ordinary routines hold extraordinary potential for spiritual growth.

Together, they walk through Scripture, share personal stories, and offer practical conversation starters that help parents disciple with grace, not guilt.

Why your dinner table might be one of the most powerful places in your home

How Jesus used meals to teach, connect, and reveal truth

Simple ways to turn ordinary conversations into moments of grace

What to do when things feel messy, loud, or far from “spiritual”

Encouragement for showing up with consistency—not perfection

Deuteronomy 6:6–7 — Teach them when you sit at home

Luke 24:30–32 — Jesus revealed at the table

Colossians 4:6 — Let your conversation be full of grace

1 Corinthians 10:31 — Do it all for the glory of God

Fresh vision for how everyday life can shape your child’s faith

Encouragement that even chaotic dinners count

Easy faith-filled questions to ask around the table

A reminder that God works through your presence, not your perfection

If this episode encouraged you, share it with a friend, subscribe for more weekly discipleship encouragement, and leave a review to help other parents discover simple, grace-filled ways to disciple their kids.

✨ Resource Mentioned:

Scripture quotations are from the ESV® Bible (The Holy Bible, English Standard Version®), © 2001 by Crossway, a publishing ministry of Good News Publishers. Used by permission. All rights reserved. The ESV text may not be quoted in any publication made available to the public by a Creative Commons license. The ESV may not be translated in whole or in part into any other language.