FamilyLife Today®

On today's FamilyLife Today episode, hosted by Dave and Ann Wilson, we continue the conversation with Bill and Pam Mutz, parents of 12 and grandparents to 37, focusing on their experiences with loss and God’s redemptive power. The episode delves into the tragic drowning of their 7-month-old son, Jonathan, and the loss of their granddaughter, Gracie, due to their daughter Carrie’s preeclampsia. Pam recounts the guilt and blame she faced after Jonathan’s accident, emphasizing Bill’s immediate forgiveness as a pivotal act of grace. The couple shares how God’s sovereignty and preparation sustained them, highlighting moments like a premonitory dream and scripture readings. They discuss avoiding fairness in parenting to reduce entitlement and the importance of looking forward to God’s purpose rather than dwelling on past pain. The episode underscores the theme of trusting God through grief, with Bill and Pam’s faith and forgiveness strengthening their marriage and ministry. Show Notes and Resources Learn more about Bill and Pam Mutz at their website. Attend a FamilyLife Weekend to Remember conference for marriage enrichment. Find resources from this podcast at shop.familylife.com. See resources from our past podcasts. Find more content and resources on the FamilyLife's app! Help others find FamilyLife. Leave a review on Apple Podcast or Spotify. Check out all the FamilyLife's podcasts on the FamilyLife Podcast Network   See cru.org/us/en/about/privacy FamilyLife’s Privacy Policy

On this FamilyLife Today episode, hosted by Dave and Ann Wilson, we feature Bill and Pam Mutz, a couple with 12 children and 37 grandchildren, known for their work with FamilyLife’s Weekend to Remember conferences and the Art of Marriage series. The episode introduces their story, starting with their meeting in Indiana and Pam’s initial reluctance to marry or have children. Despite her plans to serve Jesus overseas, Pam agreed to marry Bill after guidance from mentors, and their perspective on children shifted after their first child, Carrie, awakened Pam’s nurturing instincts. They discuss using the family dinner table as a training ground for respect and devotions, and their decision to trust God with family size, leading to 12 children. The episode touches on their mentoring roles, including hosting a student from Colombia, and their surrender to God’s plan, even amidst challenges like the loss of a son and granddaughter, Molly. The hosts highlight the couple’s joy, affection, and wisdom gained through decades of marriage and parenting. Show Notes and Resources Learn more about Bill and Pam Mutz at their website. Attend a FamilyLife Weekend to Remember conference for marriage enrichment. Find resources from this podcast at shop.familylife.com. See resources from our past podcasts. Find more content and resources on the FamilyLife's app! Help others find FamilyLife. Leave a review on Apple Podcast or Spotify. Check out all the FamilyLife's podcasts on the FamilyLife Podcast Network     See cru.org/us/en/about/privacy FamilyLife’s Privacy Policy

This FamilyLife Today episode, hosted by Dave and Ann Wilson, features counselor David Thomas, who discusses signs of an emotionally unhealthy home, drawing from his book "Raising Emotionally Strong Boys." The conversation explores three key practices—recognize, regulate, and repair—that are often absent in unhealthy homes. David explains how ignoring emotional signals, failing to manage stress, and refusing to apologize contribute to dysfunction. The hosts share personal stories, including Dave’s realization of his emotional unhealthiness despite initial denial and Ann’s struggle with comparing her children. The episode emphasizes the importance of naming pain, seeking help, and modeling healthy emotional behaviors for kids. Dave’s childhood experience of suppressed grief and Ann’s encouragement to pray highlight God’s redemptive power in transforming pain. Show Notes and Resources Learn more about David Thomas and get helpful family resource on his website Find resources from this podcast at shop.familylife.com. See resources from our past podcasts. Find more content and resources on the FamilyLife's app! Help others find FamilyLife. Leave a review on Apple Podcast or Spotify. Check out all the FamilyLife's podcasts on the FamilyLife Podcast Network See cru.org/us/en/about/privacy FamilyLife’s Privacy Policy

On this episode of FamilyLife Today, hosted by Dave and Ann Wilson, we feature counselor David Thomas, author of "Raising Emotionally Strong Boys." The discussion focuses on understanding and managing the physicality and emotional intensity of boys, particularly through the lens of Ann’s story about neighborhood boys breaking wood on their foreheads. David shares insights from his 25 years at Daystar Counseling, emphasizing the need to create outlets for boys’ energy, such as a designated “space” for physical release. He introduces the ABCs of emotional development—coping, breathing, and naming feelings—explaining that boys often need to release energy before identifying emotions. The episode addresses common parenting mistakes, like excessive talk and emotion during discipline, and encourages narrating personal experiences to model emotional health. David’s podcast with Sissy Goff, "Raising Boys and Girls," is highlighted as a resource for parents.   Show Notes and Resources Learn more about David Thomas and get helpful family resource on his website Find resources from this podcast at shop.familylife.com. See resources from our past podcasts. Find more content and resources on the FamilyLife's app! Help others find FamilyLife. Leave a review on Apple Podcast or Spotify. Check out all the FamilyLife's podcasts on the FamilyLife Podcast Network See cru.org/us/en/about/privacy FamilyLife’s Privacy Policy

On this FamilyLife Today episode, hosted by Dave and Ann Wilson, we feature a segment from the FamilyLife Blended podcast with Ron Deal and guest Dr. Adrian Hickmon, founder of Capstone Treatment Center in Arkansas. The discussion focuses on parenting children with addictive behaviors, such as drugs, alcohol, or pornography. Dr. Hickmon explains the underlying causes of these behaviors, including trauma, isolation, and disconnection, likening them to a "magma pool" beneath a volcano.  He advises parents to find facts, triage the situation, and avoid detaching emotionally, instead emphasizing attachment and healthy boundaries. Ron shares a personal story about his son’s near-fatal alcohol incident, illustrating the balance of moving toward a child with love while setting boundaries. The episode underscores the gospel’s rupture-repair-masterpiece model as a framework for family restoration. Show Notes and Resources Listen to the full FamilyLife Blended Podcast online. Contact Capstone Treatment Center for professional help for you or a loved one . Learn more about the Summit on Stepfamily Ministry. Find resources from this podcast at shop.familylife.com. See resources from our past podcasts. Find more content and resources on the FamilyLife's app! Help others find FamilyLife. Leave a review on Apple Podcast or Spotify. Check out all the FamilyLife's podcasts on the FamilyLife Podcast Network   See cru.org/us/en/about/privacy FamilyLife’s Privacy Policy

This FamilyLife Today episode, hosted by Dave and Ann Wilson, continues the discussion of "The Road to Kay Luma," a five-part audio drama produced by FamilyLife, Cru, and Jesus Film Project. Co-creators Perry Wilson and Landon Holly share insights into the drama’s development, inspired by the Prodigal Son parable, reimagined in a fantasy world from the perspective of the prodigal’s grandson, Orric. The episode explores family dynamics, parental expectations, and the pressure children feel to perform, with personal anecdotes from the hosts and creators. Clips highlight the drama’s immersive storytelling, music, and characters, emphasizing its role in fostering family discussions. A discussion guide is introduced to aid parents and children in vulnerable conversations about identity and approval. Show Notes and Resources Listen to "The Road to Kaeluma" on Apple Podcasts  Listen to "The Road to Kaeluma" on Spotify Learn more about "The Road to Kaeluma", download a family discussion guide and devotional on our website Find resources from this podcast at shop.familylife.com. See resources from our past podcasts. Find more content and resources on the FamilyLife's app! Help others find FamilyLife. Leave a review on Apple Podcast or Spotify. Check out all the FamilyLife's podcasts on the FamilyLife Podcast Network   See cru.org/us/en/about/privacy FamilyLife’s Privacy Policy

On this FamilyLife Today episode, hosted by Dave and Ann Wilson, we introduce you to "The Road to Kaeluma," a five-part audio drama by FamilyLife, Cru, and Jesus Film Project. Co-creators Perry Wilson and Landon Hawley discuss its inspiration from the Prodigal Son parable, reimagined in a fantasy world from the prodigal’s grandson’s perspective. The episode features clips showcasing high-quality production, epic music, and compelling characters. Themes include grace, family dynamics, and spiritual growth, with personal stories from the hosts and creators connecting to the parable. The drama aims to spark family discussions on faith. Show Notes and Resources Listen to "The Road to Kaeluma" on Apple Podcasts  Listen to "The Road to Kaeluma" on Spotify Learn more about "The Road to Kaeluma", download a family discussion guide and devotional on our website Find resources from this podcast at shop.familylife.com. See resources from our past podcasts. Find more content and resources on the FamilyLife's app! Help others find FamilyLife. Leave a review on Apple Podcast or Spotify. Check out all the FamilyLife's podcasts on the FamilyLife Podcast Network   See cru.org/us/en/about/privacy FamilyLife’s Privacy Policy

Wondering how to be engaged and do it right? Sean Perron and Spencer Harmon offer biblical, practical wisdom on for a beautiful now and a forever future. Show Notes and Resources Take a deeper dive and grab a copy of Sean Perron and Spencer Hamron's series "Letters to a Romantic." Check it out here!  Every donation to FamilyLife in May will be matched. Donate today on our website. Find resources from this podcast at shop.familylife.com. See resources from our past podcasts. Find more content and resources on the FamilyLife's app! Help others find FamilyLife. Leave a review on Apple Podcast or Spotify. Check out all the FamilyLife's podcasts on the FamilyLife Podcast Network See cru.org/us/en/about/privacy FamilyLife’s Privacy Policy

Want to do relationships differently? Authors Sean Perron and Spencer Harmon point you in the right direction for dating, engagement, or marriage with purpose and depth. Show Notes and Resources Take a deeper dive and grab a copy of Sean Perron and Spencer Hamron's series "Letters to a Romantic." Check it out here!  Every donation to FamilyLife in May will be matched. Donate today on our website. Find resources from this podcast at shop.familylife.com. See resources from our past podcasts. Find more content and resources on the FamilyLife's app! Help others find FamilyLife. Leave a review on Apple Podcast or Spotify. Check out all the FamilyLife's podcasts on the FamilyLife Podcast Network See cru.org/us/en/about/privacy FamilyLife’s Privacy Policy

You’re dating—but man, do things get sticky. Authors Sean Perron and Spencer Harmon help you approach marriage on purpose, and done right. Show Notes and Resources Take a deeper dive and grab a copy of Sean Perron and Spencer Hamron's series "Letters to a Romantic." Check it out here!  Every donation to FamilyLife in May will be matched. Donate today on our website. Find resources from this podcast at shop.familylife.com. See resources from our past podcasts. Find more content and resources on the FamilyLife's app! Help others find FamilyLife. Leave a review on Apple Podcast or Spotify. Check out all the FamilyLife's podcasts on the FamilyLife Podcast Network See cru.org/us/en/about/privacy FamilyLife’s Privacy Policy