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

Today Jay begins a series on Knowing and Doing God’s will. In this opening episode Jay shares a powerful prayer from Colossians 1 that explains the lifelong connection between knowing God’s will and knowing God. The reality is that God often calls us to follow Him before we know him deeply. It can be hard to trust God enough to obey, but it’s in the path of obedience that we truly meet God and know him on a deeper level.    Listen today as we discuss the lifelong pattern of: Being filled with the knowledge of God’s will Having the strength and courage to walk in God’s will Bearing fruit as we step in faith Moving from knowing about God to knowing God The fruit of thanksgiving as experience a deeper walk with God Resources mentioned: Support Let's Parent on Purpose through your Tax Deductible Giving Join my Things for Thursday Email List and get a free Marriage Snapshot Tool and Fun Family Conversation Ebook! Connect with Jay: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/letsparentonpurpose Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/letsparentonpurpose Twitter: https://www.twitter.com/jaydholland

Many moms and dads are shocked to find out how disorienting it is to parent their young adult children. Our 18-25 year old children still need parenting, but the relational dynamics are very different during these years. Pastor and author Jim Ramos has navigated these years with three of his own children, and shares insights he learned from parenting through this time frame. One of his mentors called the 18-25 year old period of life “the stupid years”, and it can be a terrifying time for a mom and dad as our children seek independence and often drift in their faith while making major life choices.  Listen as Jim shares seven insights from his time of parenting through the “stupid years”. As you listen, you’ll learn why it’s vital to Remember that you are the incarnation of Christ to your children Pray over your children and pray for their spouses Engage with your children - be the rubber band! Remember to show them that you love them, and that you LIKE them, with your eye contact and facial expressions Understand that when your adult child is out of the house, THEY are now the ones who control the relationship Be wise as a parent and avoid being the bulldozer or helicopter parent Trust Jesus with your children! Bio: Jim Ramos is a bestselling author, speaker, and the founder of Men in the Arena, a non-profit Christian ministry focused on equipping men to honor God in the leadership of their family, church, and community. He hosts the #1 ranked Spotify podcast for Christian men, the Men in the Arena Podcast, and has written the #1 Amazon Bestseller Strong Men Dangerous Times.  Jim lives in McMinnville, Oregon, with his wife Shanna. His goal is to live each day to its fullest with courageous abandon according to Jesus’ promise in John 10:10.    Resources mentioned: www.meninthearena.org The Men in The Arena Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/men-in-the-arena-christian-mens-podcast/id1144237071 Strong Men Dangerous Times: Five Essentials Every Man Must Possess to Change His World: https://amzn.to/3oq8DZV Support Let's Parent on Purpose through your Tax Deductible Giving Join my Things for Thursday Email List and get a free Marriage Snapshot Tool and Fun Family Conversation Ebook! Connect with Jay: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/letsparentonpurpose Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/letsparentonpurpose Twitter: https://www.twitter.com/jaydholland   Let's Parent on Purpose is a part of the Christian Parenting Podcast Network. To find practical and spiritual advice to help you grow into the parent you want to be visit www.ChristianParenting.org

Parents can often feel burdened that discipleship is just one more thing to add to a list of tasks they are already doing poorly. My guest Caesar Kalinowski helps us walk through a framework for discipleship that takes advantage of six regular rhythms of life that are already happening in each of our lives. Listen as Caesar explains how we might disciple our children through: Story formation Listening Celebrating Eating Blessing Recreating   Caesar Kalinowski the host of the podcast Everyday Disciple with Caesar Kalinowski. He is a father, recent grandpa, and has been married to his high school sweetheart, Tina, for over 30 years. He is a serial church planter, coach, and the author of several books, including the top-selling, The Gospel Primer. He has worked in 30+ countries training thousands of people in discipleship and mission as a lifestyle.   Resources mentioned: Get Caesar’s free resource for parents: The Story of God for Kids: everydaydisciple.com/kids   www.everydaydisciple.com   The Everyday Disciple with Caesar Kalinowski Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/everyday-disciple-podcast/id1209249450   Support Let's Parent on Purpose through your Tax Deductible Giving Join my Things for Thursday Email List and get a free Marriage Snapshot Tool and Fun Family Conversation Ebook! Connect with Jay: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/letsparentonpurpose Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/letsparentonpurpose   Let's Parent on Purpose is a part of the Christian Parenting Podcast Network. To find practical and spiritual advice to help you grow into the parent you want to be visit www.ChristianParenting.org  

At the beginning of 2023 most parents had never heard of Chat GPT, and had given very little thought to how artificial intelligence might affect their parenting. But in just a few short months Chat GPT has amassed over 100 million users. Artificial Intelligence is going to change the landscape on a scale similar to the introduction of the iPhone or the internet. But how? Jay is joined today by Scott Pleasants for a wide ranging discussion on what A.I. is already doing and what might be around the corner. They discuss how A.I. can assist families in incredibly helpful ways as well as the potential dangers of using a technology that randomly produces false information. Scott also shares cautions for students using A.I. for homework and other assignments.    Scott Pleasants is the Director of Information Technology for FBA in Dunwoody and the Strategic Innovation Advisor for Innovate Lynchburg and is the founder of CrossHackers, technology solutions organization focused on helping organizations to see the world “possible”.   Resources mentioned: chat.openai.com   jasper.ai   bark.us Screen filtering service   turnitin.com plagiarism protection software   Should My Kid Be Using ChatGPT? https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/should-my-kid-using-chatgpt-barktechnologies/   Support Let's Parent on Purpose through your Tax Deductible Giving Join my Things for Thursday Email List and get a free Marriage Snapshot Tool and Fun Family Conversation Ebook! Connect with Jay: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/letsparentonpurpose Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/letsparentonpurpose Twitter: https://www.twitter.com/jaydholland  

There are currently six adult generations living and working together in the United States! Today Jay is joined by Dr. Jean M. Twenge, author of the brand new book Generations: The Real Differences between Gen Z, Millennials, Gen X, Boomers, and Silents – and What They Mean for America’s Future. Dr. Twenge brings insights from analyzing over 38 million people from 21 different datasets to share how technology is the driving factor for the great differences between generations.    As we consider the radically different world our parents and grandparents grew up in, Dr. Twenge also gives advice to parents on how to best set their own children up to avoid the higher rates of depression, anxiety, and isolation so common in the youngest generation.    Jean Twenge has spent her entire academic career – 30 years – studying generational differences, and this book, Generations: The Real Differences between Gen Z, Millennials, Gen X, Boomers and Silents – and What They Mean for America’s Future (978-1-9821-8161-1, April 25, 2023), is her magnum opus.  Its analysis is derived from 21 huge datasets   that go back to the 1940s and are as recent as this year, spanning some 38 million people.  Jean is the gold standard in decoding and unpacking massive data sets.        Resources mentioned: http://www.jeantwenge.com Generations: The Real Differences between Gen Z, Millennials, Gen X, Boomers, and Silents—and What They Mean for America's Future: https://amzn.to/3GZ4emV https://twitter.com/jean_twenge   Support Let's Parent on Purpose through your Tax Deductible Giving Join my Things for Thursday Email List and get a free Marriage Snapshot Tool and Fun Family Conversation Ebook! Connect with Jay: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/letsparentonpurpose Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/letsparentonpurpose Twitter: https://www.twitter.com/jaydholland   Let's Parent on Purpose is a part of the Christian Parenting Podcast Network. To find practical and spiritual advice to help you grow into the parent you want to be visit www.ChristianParenting.org

At best you’ll get around 18 summers before your children are out of the house. Today Jay shares fun and creative ideas for how to make the most out of your summer by creating a summer theme. With a summer theme, you can focus on a particular area of discipleship in creative ways that will deepen your family’s faith while making sweet memories.    With the help of his new A.I. Assistant Chat GPT, here are some fun summer themes Jay talks about:    "Summer of Faith" – Focus on growing your family's spiritual life through daily devotions, prayer, Bible study, and attending church events or retreats.   "Summer of Service" – Engage in community service and mission projects, both locally and globally, to demonstrate Christ's love and compassion.   "Summer of Creation Care" – Emphasize environmental stewardship by participating in eco-friendly activities, learning about sustainable living, and caring for God's creation.   "Summer of Fellowship" – Strengthen bonds with other Christian families and friends through regular gatherings, potlucks, and group outings, while also welcoming new people into your community.   "Summer of Discipleship" – Mentor and guide your children in their faith journeys by exploring different aspects of Christian living, such as prayer, worship, and evangelism.   "Summer of Gratitude" – Encourage your family to recognize and give thanks for God's blessings, keeping gratitude journals or sharing daily blessings at dinner.   "Summer of Worship" – Attend different churches or Christian events, explore various worship styles, and incorporate family worship time into your daily routine.   "Summer of Christian Art" – Discover the beauty of Christian art, music, and literature, and encourage your children to express their faith creatively through various mediums.   "Summer of Pilgrimage" – Plan a family trip to visit historically significant Christian sites or meaningful places in  your own faith journey.  “Summer of Rest” — Unplug! Do less!    “Summer of Generosity” — Become more like Jesus as you give more, share more, serve more, and learn patterns of habitual proportional stewardship.    Resources mentioned:   Support Let's Parent on Purpose through your Tax Deductible Giving Join my Things for Thursday Email List and get a free Marriage Snapshot Tool and Fun Family Conversation Ebook! Connect with Jay: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/letsparentonpurpose Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/letsparentonpurpose Twitter: https://www.twitter.com/jaydholland   Let's Parent on Purpose is a part of the Christian Parenting Podcast Network. To find practical and spiritual advice to help you grow into the parent you want to be visit www.ChristianParenting.org

In this episode, Jay interviews Janine McNally, founder and director of Grace4Kidz, about the latest generation to hit the scene, Generation Alpha. Janine shares insights into the unique characteristics of this generation, how they differ from previous generations, and how parents can best understand and relate to them.   Janine describes Generation Alpha as the first truly global generation, born into a world that is connected by technology and social media. She notes that this generation is highly creative, adaptable, and entrepreneurial, with a strong desire to make a positive impact on the world.   Jay and Janine discuss the importance of building strong relationships with Generation Alpha children, and the role that parents, grandparents, and other family members can play in shaping their worldview and values. Janine emphasizes the importance of modeling healthy relationships, empathy, and service, and encourages parents to cultivate a sense of wonder and curiosity in their children.   Janine also shares insights from her upcoming book, "When You See Fireflies", which is designed to equip parents and leaders to minister effectively to Generation Alpha. She provides practical tips and strategies for engaging with this generation, including the importance of creating safe spaces for conversation and exploration, and empowering children to use their unique gifts and talents to make a positive impact on the world. Janine's background as a teacher, writer, and non-profit founder gives her a unique perspective on the challenges and opportunities of working with Generation Alpha, and her insights are sure to be valuable to parents, educators, and anyone who works with children.   Janine McNally is a writer, professor, and doctoral student, as well as the founder and director of Grace4Kidz, a non-profit that produces gospel-centered resources for children. She has recently completed her first book, "When You See Fireflies", which provides practical insights and strategies for ministering effectively to Generation Alpha. Resources mentioned: www.grace4kidz.org   www.instagram.com/grace4kidz   https://www.facebook.com/Grace4Kidz/   Support Let's Parent on Purpose through your Tax Deductible Giving Join my Things for Thursday Email List and get a free Marriage Snapshot Tool and Fun Family Conversation Ebook! Connect with Jay: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/letsparentonpurpose Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/letsparentonpurpose Twitter: https://www.twitter.com/jaydholland  

Jesus calls us to make disciples, and the first disciples we should seek to make are the members of our own household. Rene Christensen has over 24 years of obeying Jesus’ command with her seven children. Through the years she has gained a wealth of knowledge and experience of how to simplify and normalize discipleship practices that will grow our children’s love of God, love of others, and heart to obey Jesus. Rene joins Jay to share scriptural and practical tips on discipling our children. As you listen, you will pick up on fun and easy practices you will want to make a part of your own household rhythm.    Jay and Rene discuss:   The biblical command to disciple our households from Deuteronomy 6 Instilling scripture in our children’s hearts through song. Establishing a daily quiet time for each child.  Various ways to pray for your family, neighbors, and church. Practical acts of service to grow our children’s love for their hurting neighbors. Practices to point to Jesus’ command to love one another to resolve family disputes.   Rene Christensen is an author and speaker (formerly Budget Saving Mom) whose passion is to help Christians disciple others, have a biblical worldview, and become biblically literate. She and her husband Eric are the parents of 7 kids ages 4-24 years old. Her new book Training Them Wisely - Discipling Kids is available on amazon.com.    Resources mentioned: www.trainingthemwisely.com   Training Them Wisely with Rene Christensen: https://amzn.to/3lPK5Z8   Hide ‘Em In Your Heart Bible Memory Melodies: https://open.spotify.com/album/58kaa7tWGiebuNc1f4KjzR?si=S-ng1XWZSCCEqMoO-NjzhQ   Seeds Family Worship: https://open.spotify.com/artist/5kV2pC0biCYFh3y9HxgNkS?si=4wHGS2ZEQk-K_S6VNV7Edg   Support Let's Parent on Purpose through your Tax Deductible Giving Join my Things for Thursday Email List and get a free Marriage Snapshot Tool and Fun Family Conversation Ebook! Connect with Jay: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/letsparentonpurpose Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/letsparentonpurpose Twitter: https://www.twitter.com/jaydholland   Let's Parent on Purpose is a part of the Christian Parenting Podcast Network. To find practical and spiritual advice to help you grow into the parent you want to be visit www.ChristianParenting.org

It can often feel like our teenagers hear the exact opposite message from what we intend. Teens are likewise frustrated that their parents don’t understand them. Jay shares insights that can help you bridge the gap with your teen and enhance true communication. We don’t want to just exchange words, we want to understand and be understood.    Our discussion includes: The importance of seeking the Lord in prayer for wisdom and understanding.   How teens are hypocrisy radars and why this will shut down their ability to hear what you are saying.   Limiting inputs in their life that are increasing insecurities.   Learning to be consistent in affirming elements our teens can control.    The power of paper notes and text emojis.   An encouragement to give the Lord time to do his work in each of our lives.   Resources mentioned: Communicating With A Teenager   If you like this check out the first episode of my Communication And Conflict Series: Know Your Enemy   Support Let's Parent on Purpose through your Tax Deductible Giving Join my Things for Thursday Email List and get a free Marriage Snapshot Tool and Fun Family Conversation Ebook! Connect with Jay: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/letsparentonpurpose Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/letsparentonpurpose Twitter: https://www.twitter.com/jaydholland  

One of the greatest ways to increase the security and stability of our children is to invest in our marriage. If mom and dad love and enjoy one another, children feel safe. Today Jay shares a number or regular habits each couple can make to increase the quality and security of their marriage. By committing to these regular and public habits, you not only enhance your marriage, you will also create more stable, grounded children.   Jay’s suggestions include:   Tell your spouse you love them.  Tell them often.  In front of the kids.   Flirt with your spouse.  In front of the kids.   Hug and kiss and cuddle with your spouse.     Put a date night on the calendar for each week. Fight for it, and then walk in grace when it only happens once or twice a month.     Write notes to each other.  Put them in places your spouse will find at surprising points in the day.   Have sex.  With each other.  A lot. Be open with what you need from one another.     Pray with each other. Read the Bible together.   Find a hobby together, apart from the kids.   Talk up your spouse to your kids.  Talk about how awesome they are, how mommy and daddy are a team, how much you love them, and how you’ve got their back.   In an ideal world, get away, overnight, a few times  a year.     Give yourself grace.     Give your spouse the benefit of the doubt.     Lighten up!   Resources mentioned: Want to be a Better Parent? Be a Better Spouse   Episode 120 How Your Marriage Affects Your Parenting   Support Let's Parent on Purpose through your Tax Deductible Giving Join my Things for Thursday Email List and get a free Marriage Snapshot Tool and Fun Family Conversation Ebook! Connect with Jay: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/letsparentonpurpose Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/letsparentonpurpose Twitter: https://www.twitter.com/jaydholland   Let's Parent on Purpose is a part of the Christian Parenting Podcast Network. To find practical and spiritual advice to help you grow into the parent you want to be visit www.ChristianParenting.org