Focus on the Family with Jim Daly

In this engaging conversation, guest Justin Brierley, a popular writer and podcaster from the UK, shares insights from his book 'Why I'm Still a Christian.' He explores the relevance of Christian faith in modern culture, including a survey on evolving perceptions of Jesus in the UK. Brierley emphasizes the compatibility of faith and science, advocating for gentle apologetics and respectful dialogue. He also delves into the challenge of maintaining faith amidst disappointment, encouraging listeners to seek spiritual growth and truth.

Join John Trent, a family dynamics expert and co-founder of StrongFamilies, along with his daughter Carrie Stageberg, a speaker who overcame adversity. They discuss the vital role of parental blessings in shaping identity and worth. The conversation touches on the unique challenges faced by modern families, the importance of healing through God’s love, and the transformative power of community support. Personal stories highlight the need for vulnerability and gratitude in overcoming life's struggles, making it a heartfelt exploration of redemption and connection.

Dr. John Trent, an author and speaker on family relationships, and his daughter Carrie Stageberg share their touching insights on overcoming brokenness and finding God's love. They explore the profound significance of parental blessings and how lacking them can shape our lives. Personal stories illustrate the journey from emotional pain to healing, emphasizing secure attachments and self-worth through faith. The duo also highlights transformative moments of connection with God, showcasing the healing power of encouragement and love in overcoming life's challenges.

Dr. Randy Schroeder, a former seminary professor and marriage counselor, shares insights on cultivating essential habits for a thriving marriage. He emphasizes the importance of daily expressions of affection and emotional closeness. Communication techniques like using 'I messages' for clarity and handling conflict respectfully are key topics. Randy warns against toxic external relationships and proposes strategies for intentional planning and positive interaction, encouraging couples to build a supportive foundation for lasting happiness.

Join Pastor Randy Schroeder, a marriage and family counselor and author of 'Simple Habits for Marital Happiness,' as he shares insights on forming habits to strengthen your marriage. He emphasizes daily expressions of affection and the importance of clear communication. Learn about the even-odd rule for managing conversations and how to avoid communication pitfalls like sarcasm. Randy offers practical advice for cultivating appreciation and using small gestures to deepen emotional connections, ensuring a thriving partnership.

Join Dr. Josh Mulvihill, an experienced pastor and author of 'Grandparenting', as he explores the influential role grandparents play in nurturing their grandchildren's faith. He delves into the importance of open communication and active involvement in family dynamics. Discover how mealtime conversations can strengthen those bonds and help pass on family legacies. With insights on balancing tradition in a changing society, Mulvihill provides practical tips for making the most of grandparenting and creating lasting memories.

Katy Faust, founder of Them Before Us, passionately advocates for children's rights in family policies. She shares her journey from anonymous blogging to public activism after facing backlash. The discussion emphasizes the importance of biological parents and evidence supporting traditional family structures. Katy also tackles the ethical dilemmas of IVF and champions adoption as a better option for children's well-being. Together, they urge a cultural return to biblical values, encouraging listeners to boldly engage with truth in a chaotic world.

Scott Kedersha, a marriage and family pastor at Harris Creek Baptist Church, shares valuable insights on building a strong foundation for marriage. He delves into the vital conversations couples should have before tying the knot. The discussion also covers recognizing relationship signals, emphasizing selflessness, and the essence of sacrificial love. Personal anecdotes illustrate the impact of healthy choices and support on lasting joy in marriage. Kedersha empowers couples to navigate early challenges and foster deeper intimacy through faith and community connections.

Christy Straub, co-host of Famous at Home, shares practical insights for busy parents striving to find joy and connection with their kids. She emphasizes the beauty of allowing children to experience boredom, fostering creativity and independence. The conversation dives into the necessity of prioritizing life-giving activities amidst overwhelming busyness, highlighting the role of grace, emotional safety, and parental involvement in shaping children's lives. Straub reminds listeners that redefined success in parenting can lead to deeper family bonds.

Busy parents are so frantic and rushed today they are missing out on what’s most important — connecting with God and their kids. The Straubs offer practical help to families about slowing down, finding joy, living simply and even allowing yourself to experience some boredom. A good reminder about having more grace for each other and trusting God for the results.   Receive the book Famous at Home plus a free audio download of "8 Ways to Cultivate Relationships and Joy With Your Kids" for your donation of any amount!    Get More Episode Resources    If you enjoyed listening to Focus on the Family with Jim Daly, please give us your feedback.