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Hope for Parents of Prodigals

Did you know that nothing can separate you — or your child from the love of God? It’s true! Join Heidi from some encouragement today as she talks about God’s heart for you—even in the midst of waiting for a wayward child to return.

God is in the business of redemption. Don’t give up!

Don't let satan lie to you about your worth as a parent when your children make wrong choices. God is in the business of redeeming things! Hold on tight!

 

Resources for today’s podcast:

Prodigals and Those Who Love Them: Words of Encouragement for Those Who Wait by Ruth Bell Graham

Ruth Bell Graham knew about prodigals-two of her five children were spiritual wanderers. This is not a “how to” book that dispenses easy advice on ways to win back a prodigal. Instead, it is a collection of readings one woman turned to for comfort when her children wandered from God. It shows how Graham’s faith persevered and grew regardless of the outcome of her prodigals’ stories. Part One introduces readers to five prodigals who “returned to the father.” Part Two offers comfort and encouragement through Scripture, poems, hymns, prayers, and more. Readers will be touched by the honest feelings of pain, frustration, and uncertainty Graham expresses so eloquently. And they will share in the lessons she learned about God’s sovereignty and ultimate peace. Now beautifully repackaged, Prodigals and Those Who Love Them brings peace and hope to all parents of “wayward” children.

Good News About Prodigals: Hope and Insight for Parents Who Wait for Their Child’s Return by Tom Bisset

“The pain of witnessing a loved one’s hard heart. How do you bear it? How do you respond to it? How do you understand it? Few have dared to guide us through such a season–for that reason, the book you hold is invaluable. If you have a prodigal in your life, Tom Bisset has a word for you. May God use both the book and its readers as aqueducts of His unending love.”

(Max Lucado)

Engaging Today’s Prodigal: Clear Thinking, New Approaches, and Reasons for Hope by Carol Barnier

Many families today experience the profound guilt and shame filled pain of seeing a child walk away from their faith and values. Churches and parents feel powerless to change the relationship and engage the prodigal in positive ways. Carol Barnier has the insight to help. She left the faith of her pastor father, became an active atheist, debated Christians, and explored a variety of worldviews before she found the truth in a relationship with Jesus.

But far more than her personal story, Engaging Today’s Prodigal equips readers with a better understanding of a prodigal’s motivation, useful responses that won’t prevent reconciliation, clear boundaries to protect themselves and other children, actions to take when you know you have contributed to the problem, and the value of realistic expectations. With effective wit and humor, Carol provides material relevant for churches, parents and even the prodigals themselves.

It’s Okay to Have a Bad {Homeschool} Day — Part 3 | 128

Have you ever wanted to put your kids in school? Me too! Jane too!  It’s okay to have a bad day! Join me today for this last interview with my friend, author, wife and veteran homeschool mom, Jane Lambert. Be encouraged, busy mom! God hears you and wants to walk this journey by your side.  Listen in as we share stories of God’s faithfulness—even when “our” plans fall through.

Mentioned in Podcast:

Other Podcasts In Series

Resources for today’s podcast:

  • The Busy Homeschool Mom’s Guide to Daylight: Managing Your Days through the Homeschool Years by Heidi St. John
    Do you need encouragement and fresh ideas for your homeschool day? Help is on the way! Tick Tock, Tick Tock… Can you hear it? Are you “burning daylight?” If you have ever experienced a series of days, weeks or even months when you felt like you just could NOT get on top of all you had to do, you are not alone. Juggling homeschooling and homemaking can be challenging—or so we’ve heard! Whether you’re struggling with managing your day, or simply looking for encouragement and fresh ideas for tackling your list of things to do, you will enjoy hearing from the heart of busy homeschool mom of seven, wife and author, Heidi St. John. You’ll laugh out loud, learn some of Heidi’s favorite tips on everything from home organization to meal preparation, and discover how you can homeschool in freedom and joy.
    Are you ready to be encouraged? Then join Heidi in discovering that real moms sometimes serve cereal for dinner—and live to write about it!
  • Educating the Whole Hearted Child
    by Clay and Sally Clarkson  Since 1994, Educating the WholeHearted Child has been a trusted guide for thousands of homeschooling families. This extensively revised and expanded third edition provides a solid biblical foundation for educating and nurturing your children’s hearts, minds, and soul.
  • Pocketful of Pinecones
    Karen Andreola, renowned interpreter of the Charlotte Mason method of education, has written a unique sort of book in the homeschool world. Pocketful of Pinecones is a teacher s guide the nature study cleverly disguised as a heartwarming story written in the form of a mother s diary.
  • The Charlotte Mason Companion by Karen Andreola
    Now you can realize the joy filled homeschool of your dreams! This modern classic is written by the homeschool mom who first carried Charlotte Mason’s writings to America in her suitcase in 1987. Miss Mason’s books were soon republished for a new generation. After ten years of intense study and successful application of Miss Mason s principles with her own children, Karen wrote A Charlotte Mason Companion: Personal Reflections on The Gentle Art of Learning ™.
    Today’s parents can now see what a Charlotte Mason education looks like in a contemporary setting while gleaning from its many benefits. Charlotte Mason’s principles of education are not only a way of learning but also a way of life. A Charlotte Mason Companion gives you powerful tools to create an extraordinary learning experience. At the turn of every page, you will meet a practical idea and the inspiration to carry it out. Topics on using good books, heroes in history, poetry, art and music appreciation, nature study, the atmosphere of home, the discipline of habit, keeping up enthusiasm, (to name a few) are referred to again and again by Karen s readers. It is one of the most trusted and often quoted books in the home school world since 1998. Plenty of encouragement, wisdom and gentle instruction await you in this beautifully written and beautifully illustrated book. You will not want to loan this one out!

 

Interview with Homeschool Veteran and Author Jane Lambert — Part 2 | 127

Today, Heidi does a “Homeschool Q&A” with veteran homeschool mom and author of Five in a Row, Jane Lambert.

Mentioned in Podcast:

Other Podcasts In Series

Resources for today’s podcast:

  • The Busy Homeschool Mom’s Guide to Daylight: Managing Your Days through the Homeschool Years by Heidi St. John
    Do you need encouragement and fresh ideas for your homeschool day? Help is on the way! Tick Tock, Tick Tock… Can you hear it? Are you “burning daylight?” If you have ever experienced a series of days, weeks or even months when you felt like you just could NOT get on top of all you had to do, you are not alone. Juggling homeschooling and homemaking can be challenging—or so we’ve heard! Whether you’re struggling with managing your day, or simply looking for encouragement and fresh ideas for tackling your list of things to do, you will enjoy hearing from the heart of busy homeschool mom of seven, wife and author, Heidi St. John. You’ll laugh out loud, learn some of Heidi’s favorite tips on everything from home organization to meal preparation, and discover how you can homeschool in freedom and joy.
    Are you ready to be encouraged? Then join Heidi in discovering that real moms sometimes serve cereal for dinner—and live to write about it!
  • Educating the Whole Hearted Child
    by Clay and Sally Clarkson  Since 1994, Educating the WholeHearted Child has been a trusted guide for thousands of homeschooling families. This extensively revised and expanded third edition provides a solid biblical foundation for educating and nurturing your children’s hearts, minds, and soul.
  • Pocketful of Pinecones
    Karen Andreola, renowned interpreter of the Charlotte Mason method of education, has written a unique sort of book in the homeschool world. Pocketful of Pinecones is a teacher s guide the nature study cleverly disguised as a heartwarming story written in the form of a mother s diary.
  • The Charlotte Mason Companion by Karen Andreola
    Now you can realize the joy filled homeschool of your dreams! This modern classic is written by the homeschool mom who first carried Charlotte Mason’s writings to America in her suitcase in 1987. Miss Mason’s books were soon republished for a new generation. After ten years of intense study and successful application of Miss Mason s principles with her own children, Karen wrote A Charlotte Mason Companion: Personal Reflections on The Gentle Art of Learning ™.
    Today’s parents can now see what a Charlotte Mason education looks like in a contemporary setting while gleaning from its many benefits. Charlotte Mason’s principles of education are not only a way of learning but also a way of life. A Charlotte Mason Companion gives you powerful tools to create an extraordinary learning experience. At the turn of every page, you will meet a practical idea and the inspiration to carry it out. Topics on using good books, heroes in history, poetry, art and music appreciation, nature study, the atmosphere of home, the discipline of habit, keeping up enthusiasm, (to name a few) are referred to again and again by Karen s readers. It is one of the most trusted and often quoted books in the home school world since 1998. Plenty of encouragement, wisdom and gentle instruction await you in this beautifully written and beautifully illustrated book. You will not want to loan this one out!

 

So You’re Thinking About {Less Stressful} Homeschooling — Part 1 | 126

In today’s podcast, I have the wonderful privilege of interviewing Jane Lambert, veteran homeschool mom and author of the best-selling curriculum, Five in a Row! Whether you’re a veteran homeschool mom, a newbie or a curious listener, you will love Jane’s story. Get ready to be encouraged and inspired—because homeschooling doesn’t have to be stressful and hard—learn how Jane made learning fun for her kids and inspired a generation of moms to do the same.

Mentioned in Podcast:

Other Podcasts In Series

Resources for today’s podcast:

  • The Busy Homeschool Mom’s Guide to Daylight: Managing Your Days through the Homeschool Years by Heidi St. John
    Do you need encouragement and fresh ideas for your homeschool day? Help is on the way! Tick Tock, Tick Tock… Can you hear it? Are you “burning daylight?” If you have ever experienced a series of days, weeks or even months when you felt like you just could NOT get on top of all you had to do, you are not alone. Juggling homeschooling and homemaking can be challenging—or so we’ve heard! Whether you’re struggling with managing your day, or simply looking for encouragement and fresh ideas for tackling your list of things to do, you will enjoy hearing from the heart of busy homeschool mom of seven, wife and author, Heidi St. John. You’ll laugh out loud, learn some of Heidi’s favorite tips on everything from home organization to meal preparation, and discover how you can homeschool in freedom and joy.
    Are you ready to be encouraged? Then join Heidi in discovering that real moms sometimes serve cereal for dinner—and live to write about it!
  • Educating the Whole Hearted Child
    by Clay and Sally Clarkson  Since 1994, Educating the WholeHearted Child has been a trusted guide for thousands of homeschooling families. This extensively revised and expanded third edition provides a solid biblical foundation for educating and nurturing your children’s hearts, minds, and soul.
  • Pocketful of Pinecones
    Karen Andreola, renowned interpreter of the Charlotte Mason method of education, has written a unique sort of book in the homeschool world. Pocketful of Pinecones is a teacher s guide the nature study cleverly disguised as a heartwarming story written in the form of a mother s diary.
  • The Charlotte Mason Companion by Karen Andreola
    Now you can realize the joy filled homeschool of your dreams! This modern classic is written by the homeschool mom who first carried Charlotte Mason’s writings to America in her suitcase in 1987. Miss Mason’s books were soon republished for a new generation. After ten years of intense study and successful application of Miss Mason s principles with her own children, Karen wrote A Charlotte Mason Companion: Personal Reflections on The Gentle Art of Learning ™. Today’s parents can now see what a Charlotte Mason education looks like in a contemporary setting while gleaning from its many benefits. Charlotte Mason’s principles of education are not only a way of learning but also a way of life. A Charlotte Mason Companion gives you powerful tools to create an extraordinary learning experience. At the turn of every page, you will meet a practical idea and the inspiration to carry it out. Topics on using good books, heroes in history, poetry, art and music appreciation, nature study, the atmosphere of home, the discipline of habit, keeping up enthusiasm, (to name a few) are referred to again and again by Karen s readers. It is one of the most trusted and often quoted books in the home school world since 1998. Plenty of encouragement, wisdom and gentle instruction await you in this beautifully written and beautifully illustrated book. You will not want to loan this one out!

 

Determining God’s Heart for YOUR Family

So how do we determine what God wants for us with regard to having children? Darryl and Durenda Wilson offer some insight from God’s Word about getting on the same page as husband and wife—and in tune with the Lord. It should not be a heavy burden to follow God! Jesus said His burden is light. Join us!

How do we know what God's heart is for our family? It starts with laying down our own agenda and asking God for His agenda, instead. join Heidi for a few minutes of encouragement and inspiration about having children.

Subscribe to The Busy Mom Podcast

Resources for this series:

The Busy Mom’s Guide to Romance by Heidi St. John

Do you ever wonder where the girl your husband married went? This book is for every mom who has collapsed into bed at the end of the day, looked into the eyes of her husband and promised “tomorrow” she’d have time for him.
Trouble is, tomorrow finds her more exhausted than the day before.

If you have ever felt caught between the demands of nurturing your children and meeting the needs of your husband, you’re not alone. Read and discover how even a busy homeschool mom can make time to nurture her marriage. It’s not as hard as you think—and more important than you may realize.

The Parenting Collection by James Dobson

It can be tough to be a mom or dad. Aren’t there days when you wish you could sit down with an expert on parenting—somebody who really understands what you’re going through and knows just what advice and counsel to give you? Good news: The parenting wisdom you need is here—in one complete volume! In The Dr. James Dobson Parenting Collection, you’ll find three bestselling books (The New Dare to Discipline, The New Strong-Willed Child, and Parenting Isn’t for Cowards) containing the straightforward, practical, biblical truths you need—from Dr. James Dobson, the world’s foremost authority on parenting.

Grace Based Parenting by Tim Kimmel
Parents in our post-modern world tend to be committed to but anxious about their child-rearing responsibilities. They’ve tried the countless parenting books on the market, but many of these are strident, fear-based books that loving parents instinctively reject, while still searching for direction.

Now Dr. Tim Kimmel, founder of Family Matters ministries, offers a refreshing new look at parenting. Rejecting rigid rules and checklists that don’t work, Dr. Kimmel recommends a parenting style that mirrors God’s love, reflects His forgiveness, and displaces fear as a motivator for behavior. As we embrace the grace God offers, we begin to give it-creating a solid foundation for growing morally strong and spiritually motivated children

Parenting Isn’t for Cowards: The ‘You Can Do It’ Guide for Hassled Parents by James Dobson

Does your heart skip a beat when you think of all that could go wrong in the parenting years ahead? Anxiety is normal, but your worst fears don’t have to become reality. Speaking both as a therapist and a father—and drawing on a landmark study of thirty-five thousand parents—Dr. James Dobson helps you .

The Meaning of Marriage by Timothy Keller

“Incredibly rich with wisdom and insight that will leave the reader, whether single or married, feeling uplifted.”—The Washington Times

Based on the acclaimed sermon series by New York Times bestselling author Timothy Keller, this book shows everyone—Christians, skeptics, singles, longtime married couples, and those about to be engaged—the vision of what marriage should be according to the Bible.

Modern culture would have you believe that everyone has a soul mate; that romance is the most important part of a successful marriage; that your spouse is there to help you realize your potential; that marriage does not mean forever, but merely for now; and that starting over after a divorce is the best solution to seemingly intractable marriage issues. But these modern-day assumptions are wrong. Timothy Keller, with insights from Kathy, his wife of thirty-seven years, shows marriage to be a glorious relationship that is also misunderstood and mysterious. The Meaning of Marriage offers instruction on how to have a successful marriage, and is essential reading for anyone who wants to know God and love more deeply in this life.

4 Seasons of Marriage: Secrets of a Lasting Marriage by Gary Chapman

The seasons of marriage come and go. Each one holds the potential for emotional health and happiness, and each one has its challenges. The purpose of this book is to describe these recurring seasons of marriage, help you and your spouse identify which season your marriage is in, and show you how to enhance your marriage in all four seasons.

His Needs, Her Needs: Building an Affair-Proof Marriage by Willard Harley

In the classic bestseller His Needs, Her Needs, Willard F. Harley, Jr., identifies the ten most vital needs of men and women and shows husbands and wives how to satisfy those needs in their spouses. He provides guidance for becoming irresistible to your spouse and for loving more creatively and sensitively, thereby eliminating the problems that often lead to extramarital affairs.

This revised and expanded edition has been updated throughout and includes new writing that highlights the special significance of intimate emotional needs in marriage.

One More Try: What to do When Your Marriage is Falling Apart by Gary Chapman

When doors slam and angry words fly, when things just aren’t working out, and even when your spouse has destroyed your trust, there is hope. If you feel like your marriage is near the breaking point – even if you have already split up – Gary Chapman will show you how you can give your marriage one more try.

Separation does not necessarily mean divorce is imminent. Matter of fact, it’s possible that separation may even lead to a restored, enriched, growing marriage. The outcome of this time of transition is determined solely by the individuals involved. If you’re willing to make the most of that process, begin the journey with confidence as Gary walks you step-by-step towards healing and hope.

Balancing it All: Marriage and Parenting

There is no way to know what kinds of challenges life is going to give us as we raise our kids, but we can know for sure that God is good! His Word is clear: we need to pray for each other. Instead of judging another families’ choice to have children or not… we need to pray for each other. Today’s podcast is a great reminder of how to stay connected as a couple in the midst of raising children and be sure to stay on the same page. Join us!

So how do we decide what to do where having babies is concerned? Join us for a few minutes of honest talk about the ups and downs of parenting... 24 years later ... and what the Bible says!

Subscribe to The Busy Mom Podcast

Resources for this series:

The Busy Mom’s Guide to Romance by Heidi St. John

Do you ever wonder where the girl your husband married went? This book is for every mom who has collapsed into bed at the end of the day, looked into the eyes of her husband and promised “tomorrow” she’d have time for him.
Trouble is, tomorrow finds her more exhausted than the day before.

If you have ever felt caught between the demands of nurturing your children and meeting the needs of your husband, you’re not alone. Read and discover how even a busy homeschool mom can make time to nurture her marriage. It’s not as hard as you think—and more important than you may realize.

The Parenting Collection by James Dobson

It can be tough to be a mom or dad. Aren’t there days when you wish you could sit down with an expert on parenting—somebody who really understands what you’re going through and knows just what advice and counsel to give you? Good news: The parenting wisdom you need is here—in one complete volume! In The Dr. James Dobson Parenting Collection, you’ll find three bestselling books (The New Dare to Discipline, The New Strong-Willed Child, and Parenting Isn’t for Cowards) containing the straightforward, practical, biblical truths you need—from Dr. James Dobson, the world’s foremost authority on parenting.

Grace Based Parenting by Tim Kimmel
Parents in our post-modern world tend to be committed to but anxious about their child-rearing responsibilities. They’ve tried the countless parenting books on the market, but many of these are strident, fear-based books that loving parents instinctively reject, while still searching for direction.

Now Dr. Tim Kimmel, founder of Family Matters ministries, offers a refreshing new look at parenting. Rejecting rigid rules and checklists that don’t work, Dr. Kimmel recommends a parenting style that mirrors God’s love, reflects His forgiveness, and displaces fear as a motivator for behavior. As we embrace the grace God offers, we begin to give it-creating a solid foundation for growing morally strong and spiritually motivated children

Parenting Isn’t for Cowards: The ‘You Can Do It’ Guide for Hassled Parents by James Dobson

Does your heart skip a beat when you think of all that could go wrong in the parenting years ahead? Anxiety is normal, but your worst fears don’t have to become reality. Speaking both as a therapist and a father—and drawing on a landmark study of thirty-five thousand parents—Dr. James Dobson helps you .

The Meaning of Marriage by Timothy Keller

“Incredibly rich with wisdom and insight that will leave the reader, whether single or married, feeling uplifted.”—The Washington Times

Based on the acclaimed sermon series by New York Times bestselling author Timothy Keller, this book shows everyone—Christians, skeptics, singles, longtime married couples, and those about to be engaged—the vision of what marriage should be according to the Bible.

Modern culture would have you believe that everyone has a soul mate; that romance is the most important part of a successful marriage; that your spouse is there to help you realize your potential; that marriage does not mean forever, but merely for now; and that starting over after a divorce is the best solution to seemingly intractable marriage issues. But these modern-day assumptions are wrong. Timothy Keller, with insights from Kathy, his wife of thirty-seven years, shows marriage to be a glorious relationship that is also misunderstood and mysterious. The Meaning of Marriage offers instruction on how to have a successful marriage, and is essential reading for anyone who wants to know God and love more deeply in this life.

4 Seasons of Marriage: Secrets of a Lasting Marriage by Gary Chapman

The seasons of marriage come and go. Each one holds the potential for emotional health and happiness, and each one has its challenges. The purpose of this book is to describe these recurring seasons of marriage, help you and your spouse identify which season your marriage is in, and show you how to enhance your marriage in all four seasons.

His Needs, Her Needs: Building an Affair-Proof Marriage by Willard Harley

In the classic bestseller His Needs, Her Needs, Willard F. Harley, Jr., identifies the ten most vital needs of men and women and shows husbands and wives how to satisfy those needs in their spouses. He provides guidance for becoming irresistible to your spouse and for loving more creatively and sensitively, thereby eliminating the problems that often lead to extramarital affairs.

This revised and expanded edition has been updated throughout and includes new writing that highlights the special significance of intimate emotional needs in marriage.

One More Try: What to do When Your Marriage is Falling Apart by Gary Chapman

When doors slam and angry words fly, when things just aren’t working out, and even when your spouse has destroyed your trust, there is hope. If you feel like your marriage is near the breaking point – even if you have already split up – Gary Chapman will show you how you can give your marriage one more try.

Separation does not necessarily mean divorce is imminent. Matter of fact, it’s possible that separation may even lead to a restored, enriched, growing marriage. The outcome of this time of transition is determined solely by the individuals involved. If you’re willing to make the most of that process, begin the journey with confidence as Gary walks you step-by-step towards healing and hope.

Having Babies: One Father’s Perspective

Moms talk about having babies all the time—and today, we get to hear a dad’s perspective on having children. Join Heidi and her friends (and parents of eight), Darryl and Durenda Wilson  for some honest and encouraging talk about how God changed their hearts toward having children.  Rather than take on an attitude of “this is right for everyone,” you’ll be encouraged to seek God’s heart—and read His Word for direction.

Join Heidi as she talks with Darryl and Durenda Wilson, parents of eight, about their decision to have children. We're going to encourage you to seek the Lord for the future of your family.
Subscribe to The Busy Mom Podcast

Resources for this series:

The Busy Mom’s Guide to Romance by Heidi St. John

Do you ever wonder where the girl your husband married went? This book is for every mom who has collapsed into bed at the end of the day, looked into the eyes of her husband and promised “tomorrow” she’d have time for him.
Trouble is, tomorrow finds her more exhausted than the day before.

If you have ever felt caught between the demands of nurturing your children and meeting the needs of your husband, you’re not alone. Read and discover how even a busy homeschool mom can make time to nurture her marriage. It’s not as hard as you think—and more important than you may realize.

The Parenting Collection by James Dobson

It can be tough to be a mom or dad. Aren’t there days when you wish you could sit down with an expert on parenting—somebody who really understands what you’re going through and knows just what advice and counsel to give you? Good news: The parenting wisdom you need is here—in one complete volume! In The Dr. James Dobson Parenting Collection, you’ll find three bestselling books (The New Dare to Discipline, The New Strong-Willed Child, and Parenting Isn’t for Cowards) containing the straightforward, practical, biblical truths you need—from Dr. James Dobson, the world’s foremost authority on parenting.

Grace Based Parenting by Tim Kimmel
Parents in our post-modern world tend to be committed to but anxious about their child-rearing responsibilities. They’ve tried the countless parenting books on the market, but many of these are strident, fear-based books that loving parents instinctively reject, while still searching for direction.

Now Dr. Tim Kimmel, founder of Family Matters ministries, offers a refreshing new look at parenting. Rejecting rigid rules and checklists that don’t work, Dr. Kimmel recommends a parenting style that mirrors God’s love, reflects His forgiveness, and displaces fear as a motivator for behavior. As we embrace the grace God offers, we begin to give it-creating a solid foundation for growing morally strong and spiritually motivated children

Parenting Isn’t for Cowards: The ‘You Can Do It’ Guide for Hassled Parents by James Dobson

Does your heart skip a beat when you think of all that could go wrong in the parenting years ahead? Anxiety is normal, but your worst fears don’t have to become reality. Speaking both as a therapist and a father—and drawing on a landmark study of thirty-five thousand parents—Dr. James Dobson helps you .