FamilyLife Today®

In this podcast episode, Jennifer Pepito returns to discuss creating a "sacred home" and how families can live intentionally and peacefully by establishing routines and habits that honor God and foster connection. The conversation begins with an exploration of the concept of a "sacred home," which Jennifer clarifies is not about perfection but about setting a home apart for the Lord, even in the midst of chaos. She reflects on her own journey of parenting and the importance of establishing habits that promote peace and spiritual growth within the home.Jennifer introduces the idea of a "rule of life," which she likens to a family mission statement, offering structure and guidance for daily living. Drawing inspiration from the Rule of St. Benedict, she and her husband created a family mission statement that helped them focus on their core values—like a love for nature, missions, and time spent together—while making decisions in line with those values. They prioritized certain family essentials and, throughout their life together, chose to sacrifice materialism and structured activities in favor of a simpler, more meaningful life that aligned with their spiritual beliefs.The conversation dives deeper into specific habits that can make a home more peaceful and sacred, beginning with the first: the habit of work. Jennifer emphasizes the importance of teaching children the value of hard work and how this principle can foster not only practical skills but also spiritual maturity. Through examples like her own family’s tradition of hard work in manual labor, she explains how work is a reflection of one's spiritual life and relationship with God.The podcast also touches on the importance of spiritual practices like prayer and Bible study, suggesting that they are not always about immediate joy but about the discipline of showing up regularly and putting in the work. Jennifer points out that habits are the framework through which values like spirituality, responsibility, and community are lived out in daily life. She encourages moms and dads to be intentional with their time, to avoid distractions like social media, and to practice simple actions—like eye contact, hugs, and spending time outside—to create meaningful connections with their children.The discussion moves to focus on the necessity of balance in family life. Jennifer, despite her busy schedule as an entrepreneur and mother of six children, emphasizes the importance of pacing oneself and not overcommitting. She encourages listeners to write down their vision for family life and to regularly audit how their time aligns with their goals. Jennifer advises moms to avoid feelings of guilt, offering practical solutions for making time for connection, including a "connection challenge" that includes simple actions like giving your children a 30-second hug or looking them in the eye for 20 seconds a day.The episode also addresses the needs of working moms, who may feel torn between their jobs and their families. Jennifer emphasizes that it's possible to nurture both roles, offering the "connection challenge" as a simple way to reclaim precious time with children. She encourages mothers not to feel guilty for needing to work outside the home, but to ensure they are creating meaningful connections with their children and maintaining balance.The episode ends with a profound reflection on the importance of family legacy. Jennifer and her co-host stress that the most important thing parents can do is create a godly legacy that will endure beyond their lives. Ultimately, it’s about creating a life centered on Christ and prioritizing relationships over material pursuits. They encourage listeners to embrace small, manageable habits that will help build a sacred, peaceful home, one step at a time. Show Notes and Resources Follow Jennifer Pepito on Instagram.  Learn more about "The Restoration Home" community, listen to Jennifer's podcast, and find her book, "Habits for a Sacred Home" on our shop.  Experience the Easter story with Resurrection Eggs and explore more resources in our shop  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

In this podcast episode, Dave and Ann Wilson discuss the concept of a "sacred home" with Jennifer Pepito, a mother, author, and entrepreneur. Jennifer, who has seven children and has been homeschooling for years, shares her journey and insights into creating a home environment rooted in faith and devotion to God. She introduces her book "Habits for a Sacred Home," which draws inspiration from the Rule of St. Benedict, focusing on developing habits that bring peace, structure, and connection in the midst of life’s chaos.The conversation explores the challenges of motherhood, particularly raising children in today’s uncertain world. Jennifer speaks candidly about the struggles of fear, control, and perfectionism, emphasizing the importance of consecrating one’s home to God. Through personal stories, such as her own struggles with perfectionism and a challenging experience with her daughter’s eating disorder, she highlights the significance of grace and attunement to God in creating a peaceful home environment.Jennifer also addresses the fears and anxieties modern moms face, from worries about homeschooling to concerns over societal changes. Despite the chaotic nature of family life, Jennifer encourages moms to build spiritual disciplines and healthy habits that align with God's will for their lives. She stresses that living with a Christ-centered perspective helps moms foster stability, hope, and a sense of purpose in their homes.In addition to personal insights, the episode delves into practical advice on nurturing sacred homes. Topics like prayer, connecting with children, setting boundaries, and cultivating routines based on faith are discussed. The conversation also touches on the idea of "sacred chaos," suggesting that while homes may not always be perfect, they can still be holy and dedicated to the Lord. The episode encourages listeners to surrender their homes to God, marking them as consecrated spaces where His presence can dwell. Show Notes and Resources Follow Jennifer Pepito on Instagram.  Learn more about "The Restoration Home" community, listen to Jennifer's podcast, and find her book, "Habits for a Sacred Home" on our shop.  Experience the Easter story with Resurrection Eggs and explore more resources in our shop  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

Author and podcaster Rosie Makinney knows the aftermath of a porn-wrecked marriage. She offers hope and steps forward for a radically different tomorrow. Show Notes and Resources Learn more about Rosie Makinney's "Fight For Love" ministry.  Purchase "Fight For Love" online. Find our Resurrection Eggs here 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

From her own blistering story, author and podcaster Rosie Makinney offers biblically-based, proactive action to take back your marriage from porn. Show Notes and Resources Learn more about Rosie Makinney's "Fight For Love" ministry.  Purchase "Fight For Love" online. Find our Resurrection Eggs here 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, Ron Deal, along with hosts Dave and Ann Wilson, introduces Devon and Asha Still as they share their personal journey of overcoming the challenges that come with a blended family. This conversation dives deep into how they navigated both blended family struggles and personal battles, focusing on communication, faith, and intentional effort.Devon and Asha came together under difficult circumstances. Devon, a former NFL player, had to make life-changing decisions when his daughter, Leah, was diagnosed with stage 4 cancer. He decided to retire from football to care for his daughter. After Leah went into remission, Devon and Asha married, but they soon realized they had not fully prepared for the challenges of blending their families. Both came from divorced homes, which made it difficult to establish a clear understanding of what a healthy marriage and blended family should look like.Their relationship struggled in the early years, as they didn't have tough conversations about roles and expectations within their marriage and blended family. This lack of communication led to unnecessary chaos and hurt. However, they learned to lean into their faith and make intentional efforts to course-correct. They discovered the importance of creating an environment of empathy, understanding, and trust. This enabled them to navigate challenges together, and over time, their relationship started to grow stronger.Devon and Asha also discussed how critical it is to take accountability and seek resources to help them through difficult seasons. The couple admitted to feeling tired at times, but they emphasized that the key to making it through tough situations is not to give up, but to stay intentional. Their journey shows that when couples prioritize communication, faith, and intentional effort, they can overcome the challenges that come with blended families. Show Notes and Resources Learn more about FamilyLife Blended on their website. Get tickets for Blended and Blessed 2025 online. Purchase "The Smart Stepfamily Marriage" online Listen to the full episode of Asha and. Devon on FamilyLife Blended Find our Resurrection Eggs here 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

“My spouse is having an affair. What do I do now?” Affairs expert Dave Carder walks through searing betrayal, what you need to know, and what to do next. Show Notes and Resources Learn more about Dave Carder on his website.  Purchase "The Anatomy of an Affair" by Dave Carder online. Find a Weekend to Remember event in your area today!  Find our Resurrection Eggs here 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

Counselor Dave Carder, author of "The Anatomy of An Affair," explains how attractions and addictions develop—and how to guard your marriage against them. Show Notes and Resources Learn more about Dave Carder on his website.  Purchase "The Anatomy of an Affair" by Dave Carder online. Find a Weekend to Remember event in your area today!  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

Ever feel lost trying to explain marriage and love to your kids? Author Sam Alberry discusses how to have these important conversations—and others around sensitive subjects—with grace and understanding. Show Notes and Resources Learn more about Sam Allberry at samallberry.com Receive his book, "God's Go-Togethers"  for a donation of any size this week, as our way of saying a huge "Thank you!" for partnering with us. Learn more about our Weekend to Remember events at weekendtoremember.com 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

Michael and Lauren McAfee, co-authors of "Not What You Think," share insights on bridging the gap between the Bible and younger generations. They discuss the disconnect millennials and Gen Z feel towards Scripture, advocating for meaningful dialogue and personal exploration of faith. The McAfees stress the importance of presenting the Bible as a source of hope rather than rules, and they offer strategies for parents to engage skeptics, fostering deeper connections with the text even amidst changing cultural landscapes.

Wondering "Where is God in my pain?" Maybe He's closer than you think. Author Dane Ortlund digs deep into what God tells us about Himself--and what that means for our lowest, messiest, most desperate moments. Show Notes and Resources Learn more about Dane Ortlund at Daneortlund.com Get his book, "Gentle and Lowly" in our FamilyLife shop Learn more about our Weekend to Remember events at weekendtoremember.com 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