Let's Parent on Purpose: Christian Marriage, Parenting, and Discipleship

Jay Holland and Aaron Smith explore the transformative power of the gospel and prayer in relationships, particularly in marriage. They discuss the importance of recognizing one's identity in Christ, the challenges of receiving correction, and the significance of prayer as a means to align hearts with God's will. The discussion also highlights the 31-Day Marriage Prayer Challenge, designed to encourage couples to pray for each other and deepen their spiritual connection. Through personal anecdotes and biblical insights, they emphasize that prayer not only changes circumstances but also transforms individuals, fostering a deeper understanding of love and grace in relationships.TakeawaysSeeing your marriage as a ministry is crucial.It's important to not sacrifice family for ministry.Authenticity in leadership is essential for true connection.Accountability helps prevent disqualification in ministry.Being transparent about struggles fosters genuine relationships.Elders and deacons play a vital role in church health.Critique should be received with humility and openness.The gospel provides a foundation for handling criticism.True fellowship involves knowing and being known by others.Leadership requires both leading and being approachable.  The gospel reveals our true selves and lifts us up.Receiving correction is essential for growth.Prayer is a powerful tool for transformation in marriage.The 31-Day Prayer Challenge encourages couples to pray for each other.Prayer prompts help couples focus on specific needs.Aligning our hearts with God's will is crucial in prayer.Prayer changes our perspective on our spouse.The Holy Spirit guides us in our prayers.Gratitude in prayer opens our hearts to God's blessings.We can approach God directly in prayer, which is empowering.Let’s Parent on Purpose is a part of the Christian Parenting Podcasting Network. For more information, visit www.ChristianParenting.orgBioAaron Smith is a Christian author, speaker, and co-founder of Marriage After God, a ministry dedicated to helping couples center their marriages on Christ. Alongside his wife, Jennifer, Aaron has written several books, including Marriage After God and 31 Prayers for My Spouse, equipping husbands and wives with biblical wisdom for a thriving, God-honoring relationship. Through blogging, social media, and the Marriage After God Podcast, Aaron encourages men to embrace their role as spiritual leaders in their homes. He is passionate about discipleship, marriage, and helping couples grow in faith together.Resources mentioned:https://marriageaftergod.comThe Marriage After God Podcast https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/mag-marriage-advice-relationship-encouragement-we-discuss/id1349500084Join my Things for Thursday Email List and get a free Marriage Snapshot Tool and Fun Family Conversation Ebook! Support Let’s Parent on Purpose as we help families thrive through the gospel: https://letsparentonpurpose.com/support/

Jay Holland and Chris Sasser explore the concept of emotional baggage that children carry into adulthood, particularly focusing on the pressures of performance, the importance of healthy relationships, and the role of parental influence. Chris shares insights from his book 'Bags', discussing common emotional burdens children face and practical ways parents can help lighten their load. The discussion emphasizes the significance of understanding one's identity in Christ and fostering connections over mere content delivery in parenting.Let’s Parent on Purpose is a part of the Christian Parenting Podcasting Network. For more information, visit www.ChristianParenting.orgBioChris Sasser (a.k.a.“Sass”) is the Pastor of Family Ministries at Port City Community Church in Wilmington, NC. He has served in full-time ministry since 1993, working with children’s, middle school, high school, college, and parent ministries. He has a passion for equipping and encouraging parents and leaders to help the next generation walk with God. Chris shares thoughts and ideas at www.equipandencourage.com and loves to share with students, leaders, and parents. Chris is married to Karin, and they have two young adult children, CJ and Kylie. Resources mentioned:www.equipandencourage.comJoin my Things for Thursday Email List and get a free Marriage Snapshot Tool and Fun Family Conversation Ebook! Support Let’s Parent on Purpose as we help families thrive through thegospel: https://letsparentonpurpose.com/support/

In this conversation, Jay Holland and Eliza Huey continue to explore the complexities of trauma, its effects on individuals, and the importance of support systems. They discuss the evolution of understanding trauma, the role of God in times of suffering, and how Scripture can provide comfort. The conversation also delves into the concept of post-traumatic growth, emphasizing that trauma can lead to spiritual resilience and deeper faith. They highlight the need for proper trauma care, which includes establishing safety, processing experiences, and integrating them into one's life. Additionally, they address the challenges of information overload in today's world and how it can exacerbate feelings of trauma.Let’s Parent on Purpose is a part of the Christian Parenting Podcasting Network. For more information, visit www.ChristianParenting.orgBioEliza Huie is a licensed professional counselor (LPC) trained in trauma care. She serves as a seminary instructor, facilitating certificate-level training in biblical counseling, and has authored several books, including her latest, Trauma Aware: A Christian’s Guide to Providing Help and Care. Eliza co-hosts Counsel for Life, a podcast about mental health and the Christian life. Resources mentioned:https://www.elizahuie.com/Trauma Aware: A Christian’s Guide to Providing Help and CareJoin my Things for Thursday Email List and get a free Marriage Snapshot Tool and Fun Family Conversation Ebook! Support Let’s Parent on Purpose as we help families thrive through thegospel: https://letsparentonpurpose.com/support/

In this conversation, Jay Holland and Eliza Huey delve into the complexities of trauma, its definitions, and the importance of understanding its impact on individuals and relationships. They discuss the physiological responses to trauma, the significance of being present for those who have experienced trauma, and how caregivers can provide support. Eliza emphasizes the need for compassion and understanding in navigating trauma, highlighting the role of community and interpersonal relationships in the healing process. Jay and Eliza also discussed the importance of presence in healing, the role of the nervous system in trauma, and practical techniques for awareness and regulation. They emphasize the significance of being with someone in their pain without trying to fix them, the necessity of understanding bodily responses to trauma, and the power of breathing techniques to help regulate emotions. The discussion also touches on the integration of body, mind, and spirit in the healing process, highlighting the need for a holistic approach to trauma care.Let’s Parent on Purpose is a part of the Christian Parenting Podcasting Network. For more information visit www.ChristianParenting.orgBioEliza Huie is a licensed professional counselor (LPC) trained in trauma care. She serves as a seminary instructor, facilitating certificate-level training in biblical counseling, and has authored several books, including her latest, Trauma Aware: A Christian’s Guide to Providing Help and Care. Eliza co-hosts Counsel for Life, a podcast about mental health and the Christian life. Resources mentioned:https://www.elizahuie.com/Trauma Aware: A Christian’s Guide to Providing Help and CareJoin my Things for Thursday Email List and get a free Marriage Snapshot Tool and Fun Family Conversation Ebook! Support Let’s Parent on Purpose as we help families thrive through the gospel: https://letsparentonpurpose.com/support/

In this engaging conversation, John Donges, CEO of Strategic Marketer and a member of Covenant Fellowship Baptist Church, shares his inspiring journey from a troubled childhood to finding faith. John discusses the challenges of his early life, including family dysfunction and abuse, and the profound transformation he experienced through community and church. He emphasizes the importance of intentional parenting, the cost of discipleship, and how faith can reshape family narratives across generations, fostering hope and resilience.

In this episode, Jay Holland reflects on the challenges of parenting in the digital age, particularly focusing on the alarming rise in mental health issues among children and teenagers. He discusses insights from Jonathan Haidt's book, 'The Anxious Generation,' which explores the impact of technology and social media on childhood development. Holland emphasizes the need for unstructured play and offers practical solutions for parents to mitigate the negative effects of digital exposure on their children.TakeawaysThe 21st century has faced significant challenges, including 9/11 and COVID-19.Mental health issues among youth have dramatically increased since 2010.The rise of smartphones and social media correlates with increased anxiety and depression.Children today experience childhood differently than previous generations.Unstructured play is crucial for healthy childhood development.Parents are giving children more freedom in the digital world and less in the real world.Social media can create false perceptions of reality, impacting self-esteem.Delaying social media access can benefit children's mental health.Cultural remedies include increasing unstructured play and limiting digital exposure.Parenting in the digital age requires wisdom and proactive measures.Let’s Parent on Purpose is a part of the Christian Parenting Podcasting Network. For more information visit www.ChristianParenting.orgResources mentioned:The Anxious Generation: How the Great Rewiring of Childhood Is Causing an Epidemic of Mental IllnessJoin my Things for Thursday Email List and get a free Marriage SnapshotTool and Fun Family Conversation Ebook! Support Let’s Parent on Purpose as we help families thrive through the gospel: https://letsparentonpurpose.com/support/

In this episode, Jay reflects on the past year, discussing the impact of the 127 Project and the importance of gratitude. He explores how to measure a good year and life, drawing insights from Ecclesiastes about the meaning of life and the concept of everything being a vapor. The conversation emphasizes the significance of relationships, faith, and making intentional decisions to create a fulfilling life. TakeawaysGratitude is essential for measuring a good year.Life experiences can be both joyful and painful.Ecclesiastes offers wisdom on the meaning of life.Everything we strive for can feel meaningless at times.Finding joy in daily tasks can lead to a fulfilling life.Relationships and faith are key to a good year.Life is a gift from God, and we should cherish it.Making intentional decisions can lead to great days.We have control over our actions and reactions.A good year is defined by our relationships and faith.Let’s Parent on Purpose is a part of the Christian Parenting Podcasting Network. For more information visit www.ChristianParenting.org Resources mentioned:Episode 366 Grieving and Healing Through Intense Personal Loss with Eliza HuieEpisode 374 The Royal In You: Imagining The New Heavens And Earth With Jordan RaynorEpisode 375 Andrew Peterson on Parenthood, Creating, and Cultivating Faith in Our ChildrenJoin my Things for Thursday Email List and get a free Marriage Snapshot Tool and Fun Family Conversation Ebook!Support Let’s Parent on Purpose as we help families thrive though the gospel: https://letsparentonpurpose.com/support/

Kristen Hatton discusses the concept of redemptive parenting, emphasizing the importance of confession, grace, and humility in raising children. She shares insights from her book 'Parenting Ahead' and offers practical advice for parents of young children and teenagers. The discussion highlights the significance of establishing healthy habits, navigating consequences, and the ongoing need for repentance in family dynamics. Kristen encourages parents to model vulnerability and grace, fostering a safe environment for their children to grow and learn.TakeawaysParenting starts with the heart of the parent.Redemptive parenting involves living compelled by graceConfession and repentance are crucial in parenting.It's important to model vulnerability to children.Establishing healthy habits early sets the tone for later years.Children need to see their parents' imperfections.Regular repentance fosters restorative relationships.Consequences should not undermine the clean slate concept.It's never too late to start repenting to your children.BioKristen Hatton, MA, LPC-Associate, is a professional counselor and author passionate about helping families. Her books include Parenting Ahead, Get Your Story Straight, Face Time, and The Gospel-Centered Life in Exodus for Students. She lives with her pastor-husband, Pete, in Dallas, Texas, and together they have three young adult children and a son-in-law. For more of Kristen’s work, visit her website www.kristenhatton.com and the @Redemptiveparenting Instagram account.Let’s Parent on Purpose is a part of the Christian Parenting Podcasting Network. For more information visit www.ChristianParenting.org Resources mentioned:www.kristenhatton.comParenting Ahead: Preparing Now for the Teen Years: https://amzn.to/4fneOTRJoin my Things for Thursday Email List and get a free Marriage Snapshot Tool and Fun Family Conversation Ebook!Support Let’s Parent on Purpose as we help families thrive though the gospel: https://letsparentonpurpose.com/support/

In this conversation Christie Thomas shares insights from her book, 'Little Habits, Big Faith,' emphasizing the importance of small, intentional habits in nurturing faith within families. Jay and Christie explore how these small changes can lead to significant transformations over time, supported by real-life examples. The discussion highlights the critical role of family warmth and love in preserving faith across generations, encouraging parents to embrace simple practices that foster spiritual growth in their children. They discuss the importance of expressing love regularly, the concept of Keystone Habits, and practical ways to implement faith practices in daily life, such as the Blessing Habit. The conversation emphasizes that even small, consistent actions can lead to significant spiritual growth in children. Key Takeaways:Parents today are feeling overwhelmed and stressed.Small habits can lead to significant changes in family faith.Intentional touchpoints in daily life can nurture faith.Family warmth is crucial for faith preservation across generations.Simple practices can help parents feel more equipped to share faith.The act of expressing love can have profound effects on children.Real-life examples show the impact of small changes over time.Creating a culture of faith in the home doesn't require grand gestures.Regular, small interactions can lead to deeper spiritual conversations.Parents can find opportunities for faith moments in everyday routines.Parental love shapes children's perception of God.Expressing love should be a daily practice.Keystone Habits can lead to broader changes.Small wins can encourage further spiritual practices.The Blessing Habit is a simple yet powerful tool.Modeling warmth and love is crucial for faith development.Children can thrive with consistent faith practices.Even older children appreciate blessings.Small habits can lead to big faith transformations.Parents are already doing impactful things for their kids. BioChristie Thomas was a Children’s Ministries Director for over a decade and is now a family discipleship coach to parents who need equipping, support, and encouragement. Her books for kids and parents help families cultivate faith-filled moments. She lives with her husband and three boys in Canada.Let’s Parent on Purpose is a part of the Christian Parenting Podcasting Network. For more information visit www.ChristianParenting.orgResources mentioned:https://littleshootsdeeproots.com/Little Habits, Big Faith: https://amzn.to/4hwR6WVTiny Habits: https://amzn.to/4fDCEuoThe Power of Habit: https://amzn.to/4eiZyGfJoin my Things for Thursday Email List and get a free Marriage Snapshot Tool and Fun Family Conversation Ebook!Support Let’s Parent on Purpose as we help families thrive though the gospel: https://letsparentonpurpose.com/support/ 

In this conversation, Andrew Peterson shares his journey from being a pastor's kid to a successful songwriter and author. He discusses the importance of faith, creativity, and the influence of family and friends in shaping his life and work. Peterson reflects on the challenges of parenting, the creative process of writing for children, and the significance of community in his life. He also shares insights into his upcoming projects and the balance between career and spiritual life. Listen as Andrew and Jay discuss:Growing Up in Faith: A Pastor's Kid PerspectiveThe Art of Storytelling: From Songwriting to LiteratureNavigating Creative Transitions: Music to Fantasy LiteratureThe Role of Family in Creativity and FaithThe Importance of Community and FriendshipParenting and the Journey of FaithThe Creative Process: Writing for ChildrenThe Influence of Friends on Personal GrowthBalancing Career and Spiritual LifeUpcoming Projects and Future AspirationsLet’s Parent on Purpose is a part of the Christian Parenting Podcast Network. For more information visit www.ChristianParenting.orgResources mentioned:https://andrew-peterson.comhttps://www.instagram.com/andrewpetersonmusic/https://www.instagram.com/wingfeathersaga/https://www.facebook.com/WingfeatherSaga/https://www.facebook.com/andrewpetersonmusic/https://twitter.com/andrewpetersonhttp://christianparenting.org/christmasJoin my Things for Thursday Email List and get a free Marriage Snapshot Tool and Fun Family Conversation Ebook!Support Let’s Parent on Purpose as we help families thrive though the gospel: https://letsparentonpurpose.com/support