Let's Parent On Purpose

Jennifer Love longed to experience the life of Christ and the transformational power of prayer like she was reading in the Bible. As she sought the Lord asking for this life, He began to answer her. Through a series of experiences with her prayer group in church and on a mission trip, Jennifer began to see spiritual breakthrough in her prayer life. Her prayer team at church saw movement in areas that had long been stagnate. Ultimately, Jennifer’s husband and children experience transformation in their own lives as God began moving powerfully through Jen’s prayers.    We talk about Jen’s journey, the way this has impacted normal life as a wife and parent, as well as how God has used prayers for discernment and healing to open missional doors that had long remained closed. You’ll be inspired and encouraged by Jennifer. Her story might sound exceptional, but if we believe the Bible, her story should be normal for each of us!   Jennifer Love leads Pray Through It with her husband Don Love. She has been involved w

What if the Holy Spirit truly served as the Comforter and Counselor? When we read our Bibles, that what we would expect. However, when we live our lives, the transforming power of the Holy Spirit is often diminished, and we carry wounds and hurts for decades. While serving as a biblical professor at a large Evangelical University, Dr. Don love began to ask the Lord to show him if there could be more to his walk and life. Why did he not see the fruit of the spirit in his character? These prayers began a transformation in Don’s life as he learned to seek Jesus in a much more intentional and intimate way through prayer.    Today Don and his wife Jennifer lead a ministry called Pray Through It, where they help lead followers of Jesus to experience the transforming healing power of the Holy Spirit through focused prayer. On this episode we talk about Don’s journey to experiencing the healing power of prayer. He shares the biblical basis for prayer having more power than we typically experience. And then Don leads

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 express

There are times in our lives when we know we’ve made a terrible decision. Sometimes our choice was blatant sin and rebellion, and other times the choice might have just been totally foolish. We know it’s not God’s will for us to sin and it’s not God’s will for us to make foolish decisions. So how do we recover when we know we’ve blown a major decision?  Do we miss God’s will for our life?   In this final episode in Jay’s “Knowing and Doing God’s Will” series, Jay talks about the reality of blown decisions and understanding why it’s important to have an eternal perspective on our temporal choices. He shares the hope that we find in Romans 8:28 and the joy of knowing that God’s purposes are not thwarted because of our foolishness or rebellion.    As we come to terms with the reality of bad decisions, Jay gives us a simple pathway forward that will help us back on the right path. Listen as Jay discusses why it’s important for us to:   Acknowledge our poor choice and repent to God and anyone else affected Gri

Where the Bible is clear about God’s will, we must obey. But what about the thousands of choices we have in life where there doesn’t seem to be specific clarity in God’s Word? Do we pause and wait to hear the voice of the Lord? What about the people who seem to constantly say “God told me this?” Are we not walking with Jesus because we don’t have a steady stream of “God told me this?”     As we continue our series Knowing and Doing God’s Will, Jay highlights the many tools God has given us to make wise choices in areas where there are not specific commands from the Lord in Scripture. Borrowing the wisdom of Gary Freison and his book “Decision Making and the Will of God”, Jay walk through the different gifts God has given us that can serve as guideposts for decision making.   Listen as Jay shares how we can make wise decisions using The Bible An Open or Closed Door Mature Council A Fleece Inner Peace or Tension An alignment of passion, skills, and opportunity Common Sense With these gifts, God

One of the great paradoxes of life is that more choices don’t always lead to a happier life. Never ending choices can be paralyzing. Additionally, many choices give the illusion of freedom on the front end but ultimately lead to entrapment, slavery, and devastating consequences.  As we continue our series on Knowing and Doing God’s Will, today Jay takes about surprising principle: “Maximum Freedom is Found Under God’s Authority”. Jay discusses how there is a beauty in God’s word of eliminating the pressure of unending choices. Additionally, he shows how what may first appear restriction actually produces a greater degree of freedom. When we choose to seek and honor God’s will in our lives, we are free from many of the devastating consequences of sin, including disease, regret, and destructive relationships. By submitting ourselves to the authority of God’s word and limiting our choices to those God permits, we experience a far greater joy and satisfaction in life, as well as the anticipation of eternal rewar

One of the most common questions for a follower of Jesus is “How do I know God’s will for my life?” Often, these questions revolve around a few major decisions, such as where should I go to school, what should I do for a job, and who should I marry?  As we continue our series “Knowing and Doing God’s Will”, Jay lays out the Path of Wisdom for how to determine God’s will for your life, including what one should do if God’s will is not clear.    Relying heavily on guidance from the book “Decision Making and the Will of God” by Garry Freisen and J. Robin Maxson, Jay outlines a Path of Wisdom for decision making that will serve every believer in every circumstance. Ultimately summed up in the phrase “love God and do what you will,” Jay explains the following principles: Where God commands, we must obey Where there is no command, God gives us freedom (and responsibility) to choose Where there is no command, God gives us wisdom to choose When we choose wisely, we trust the Lord to work out the details R

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:

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 expressio

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

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

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, Apri

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 oth

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

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 a

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

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 togeth

Youth sports have become a multibillion dollar business in the United States. In search of the tantalizing promise of a college scholarship, many parents sacrifice years and thousands of dollars to keep their child competitive on sports teams. Even the casual sporting family must make difficult decisions on how much they are willing to commit to sports or other extracurricular activities. In this episode Jay walks parents through a list of questions to help them determine the level of involvement their family is willing to invest in ever consuming culture.  Questions to ask when considering how involved your family should get in youth sports or other extracurricular activities:   Why are we wanting to do this? Is this something the child wants or something the parent wants? If it’s something the child wants, does that mean its the best thing?   What are the short term costs of getting involved in this activity? How much money does it cost to sign up? How much does it costs in equipment or

Can you recognize the warning signs of substance abuse in your child?  How do you broach the conversation if you suspect your child has gotten involved with alcohol, vaping, marijuana, or other substances? What can you do to help convince your child that pot is a big deal on a developing brain?  My guest Richard Capriola joins me once again to discuss these topics as well as give updated statistics on substance abuse trends during and after the Covid-19 pandemic.  Richard Capriola has been a mental health and substance abuse counselor for over two decades. He recently retired from Menninger Clinic in Houston Texas where for over a decade he treated both teens and adults diagnosed with substance use disorders. He is the author of The Addicted Child: A Parent's Guide to Adolescent Substance Abuse which can be found at http://www.helptheaddictedchild.com Let's Parent on Purpose  is a part of the Christian Parenting Podcast Network. To find practical and spiritual guidance to help you grow into the perfec

What if you could lower some of the sources of anxiety in your children’s lives and build a greater sense of stability and connection?  My guest Terra Mattson rejoins me today for a conversation on the digital drivers of anxiety in our children, especially our young ladies. In this episode, you will learn about The science behind the wiring of male and female brains and how it contributes to higher female anxiety. The various ways our cell phones promise connection but instead bring isolation.  What are the right questions to ask yourself before deciding to give your children a cellphone? How do you walk back cell phone privileges when you see they are causing harm? The role of joy in healthy brain development and the simple practices parents can initiate to grow the joy and connection in their home.  Let's Parent on Purpose is a part of the Christian Parenting Podcast Network. To find practical and spiritual guidance to help you grow into the perfectly imperfect parent you want to be visit ww