as we press podcast
encouragement to press into Jesus as we press on in life
ep 28 “off to college we go: the girls” with shelby miller and emma grace stewart
In this first episode, I am sitting down with my oldest child, Emma Grace, and her friend, Shelby Miller, who are both headed off to college this fall. We are discussing how they are preparing for this next season, both in being on their own as well as remaining grounded in the truth of God’s Word. They also have some encouragement for those parents who are in the throes of parenting small children…these days matter, and the seeds you are planting continue to reap dividends.
What thoughts come to mind as you think of heading off to college in a few weeks? As you reflect on the past 18 years, what practices have deepened or cultivated your relationship with Jesus? How do you keep your eyes and hearts fixed on Christ in a world filled with noise, distractions, and spiritual warfare? What do you think it will look like to take all the tools you have learned over the years and apply them to “go and make disciples?”
I hope this conversation brings great encouragement!
ep 22 “gospel-centered parenting: family discipleship” with adam griffin
On today’s episode, I am chatting with Adam Griffin, lead pastor of Eastside Community Church in Dallas, Texas, as we talk about how we can effectively and practically disciple our children. Adam has recently co-authored the book, "Family Discipleship," with Matt Chandler.
Discipleship can be an intimidating. After all, we can be so aware of our own sin and struggles and feel inept and inadequate to lead our children. How beautifully the gospel reminds us the ability to disciple is not sourced in ourselves, but rather Christ! As we grow in our walk with Jesus, we are offered opportunities to invite our children to journey alongside.
What is discipleship and why is it so important? How do we, as parents, begin or even know how to do this? We are talking about practical ways we can disciple and walk into gospel conversation with our children by seizing opportunities within the normal rhythms of our day. Adam is also helping us de-mystify what discipleship is, and how, even unknowingly, we are already discipling our kids on a daily basis in how we treat our spouse, interact with our children and friends and just living life.
Adam has recently co-authored the book, "Family Discipleship," with Matt Chandler. “Pastors Matt Chandler and Adam Griffin have made it their mission to help you develop a sustainable rhythm of gospel-centered discipleship focused in three key areas: time, moments, and milestones. Filled with suggestions, sample plans, and Scripture references, this book begins with the end in mind―equipping you to create a unique plan for your family as you raise your children in the love and fear of the Lord.” (Crossway)
ep 19 “gospel-centered parenting: life, marriage and raising arrows” with bill and pam mutz
How can we balance work, activities outside the home and service to others while also being tuned into the hearts of our kids? How does the Lord use his word to guide us in our role as parents? As our children began to marry, is there a process in learning to let them go….how do we navigate through this or better yet, how does the Lord lead us? They also have a specific word for those walking through infertility and the new mom out there who may feel overwhelmed.
On today’s episode, I am chatting with Bill and Pam Mutz, parents of 12 and grandparents of 27. We dive into life, marriage and raising children with a focus on becoming “difference makers” for the sake of the gospel. This conversation is packed with rich gospel truth and encouragement, practical ways to bring the gospel into our homes and parenting, lots of laughter and even tears as we witness how the Lord can and does work in our hearts.