Training Them Wisely - discipling kids

Ep. 103 More Than Sunday: Living a Faith They Can See

💡 Episode Summary
Is your faith visible to your kids outside of Sunday mornings? In this episode of Training Them Wisely, Rene and Rebekah explore what it means to live a faith that’s consistent, contagious, and grounded in real life.
From quiet prayers to big conversations, everyday moments matter. Faith is formed not just through what we say—but how we live when no one else is watching.
You’ll walk away with encouragement, Scripture, and practical ways to help your kids see that Jesus is real… not just at church, but at home, in the car, and in the middle of life’s mess.
🧭 What You’ll Hear
📖 Why doing the Word matters more than just hearing it (James 1:22)
🏡 How to bring faith into daily rhythms—mealtimes, nature walks, bedtime, and beyond (Deuteronomy 6:6–7)
💔 How grace and humility when we mess up speak volumes (Psalm 51:17)
❓ Ways your faith can spark spiritual curiosity in your kids (1 Peter 3:15)
🛠 Practical ideas for praying out loud, modeling trust, and responding with peace in everyday situations
📖 Key Scriptures
James 1:22 – “Do not merely listen to the word… Do what it says.”
Deuteronomy 6:6–7 – Talk about God “when you sit, walk, lie down, and get up.”
Psalm 51:17 – “A broken and contrite heart… you will not despise.”
1 Peter 3:15 – “Always be ready to give an answer for the hope that is in you.”
❤️ Encouragement for Parents
You don’t have to be perfect. You just have to be present.Your faith doesn’t need a spotlight—it shines best in the margins of everyday life.
Ask yourself:
“If my kids never heard a sermon, what would they know about God from watching me?”
🙏 Closing Prayer Highlight
“Lord, help us to live a faith that speaks even when we say nothing…”This short prayer wraps the episode with grace, purpose, and encouragement to invite Jesus into the everyday.
📣 Share + Subscribe
Was this helpful for your parenting journey? Be sure to subscribe, leave a review, and share this episode with a friend. Let’s build homes where faith isn’t just something we talk about—it’s something our kids can see.
🎧 Available now wherever you listen to podcasts. Faith isn’t just for Sundays—it’s for the everyday.
Scripture quotations are from the ESV® Bible (The Holy Bible, English Standard Version®), © 2001 by Crossway, a publishing ministry of Good News Publishers. Used by permission. All rights reserved. The ESV text may not be quoted in any publication made available to the public by a Creative Commons license. The ESV may not be translated in whole or in part into any other language.Music from #Uppbeat (free for Creators!):https://uppbeat.io/t/mood-maze/trendsetterLicense code: QG9F8BI91PJEEH5D

Ep. 102 Jesus in Our Mess: When Real Life Becomes a Classroom

💡 Episode Summary
Life gets messy—and fast. From tantrums and laundry piles to heartache and broken plans, it’s easy to feel like discipleship is on pause when real life takes over. But in this episode of Training Them Wisely, Rene and Rebekah remind us that our everyday mess isn’t a distraction from discipleship—it’s the classroom God uses to grow our families in faith.
Through Scripture, personal stories, and practical tools, this episode will equip you to find Jesus right in the middle of the chaos—and teach your children to do the same.
🧭 What You’ll Hear
🌪 Why the mess isn’t an obstacle to discipleship—it’s often the greatest opportunity
📖 Romans 8:28, Hebrews 4:15, Psalm 46:1, and more Scripture to anchor messy seasons
💬 Stories of real-life moments that turned into spiritual breakthroughs
🛠️ How to disciple your kids through squabbles, stress, and surprises
🙏 Practical tips for modeling grace, prayer, and honesty in the thick of family life
💛 Encouragement to trade perfection for presence—and let God use every part of your day
📖 Key Scriptures
Romans 8:28 – “In all things God works for the good…”
Hebrews 4:15 – “He was tempted in every way, just as we are…”
Psalm 46:1 – “God is our refuge and strength…”
2 Corinthians 12:9 – “My grace is sufficient for you…”
🛠 Practical Discipleship Ideas
Say out loud: “Jesus knows how this feels—and He’s with us right now.”
Keep a visible family verse in the kitchen or living space
Start a “Messy Moments Prayer Jar” to pray through hard things together
Model age-appropriate honesty in your own struggles
Use simple, everyday moments (spilled juice, meltdowns, stress) as teachable lessons in grace, forgiveness, and dependence on God
💬 Encouragement for Parents
Your mess doesn’t disqualify you. It qualifies you to show your kids what real faith looks like.You don’t need to be perfect—just present, honest, and surrendered to Jesus.
📣 Share the Hope
Encouraged by today’s episode? Subscribe, leave a review, and send it to another parent walking through the same messy season. God is at work—in your home, in your heart, and even in your hardest days.
🎧 Listen now on your favorite podcast app—and discover how Jesus shows up in the mess, again and again.
 
Scripture quotations are from the ESV® Bible (The Holy Bible, English Standard Version®), © 2001 by Crossway, a publishing ministry of Good News Publishers. Used by permission. All rights reserved. The ESV text may not be quoted in any publication made available to the public by a Creative Commons license. The ESV may not be translated in whole or in part into any other language.Music from #Uppbeat (free for Creators!):https://uppbeat.io/t/mood-maze/trendsetterLicense code: QG9F8BI91PJEEH5D

Ep. 101 The Myth of the Perfect Parent: Discipling From a Place of Realness

💡 Episode Summary
Let’s be real—parenting is hard, and the pressure to “get it all right” can feel overwhelming. In this episode of Training Them Wisely, Rene and Rebekah pull back the curtain on the myth of the perfect parent and offer a refreshing reminder: God doesn’t call us to perfection, but to faithfulness, humility, and honesty.
Join us as we talk about discipling our children from a place of authenticity, not image. You'll hear practical stories, biblical encouragement, and real-life examples of how God uses our weaknesses to display His grace.
🧭 What You’ll Hear
💬 Why perfection isn’t the goal—and how God works through our realness
📖 2 Corinthians 12:9: “My grace is sufficient for you…”
💥 The cultural and church pressures parents feel to appear perfect
🛠️ Practical ways to disciple your kids when you're tired, overwhelmed, or discouraged
🗣️ How to have “real talk” moments with your kids about struggles and God’s faithfulness
🧎‍♀️ The power of apologizing, praying together, and modeling dependence on Jesus
💛 Encouragement to let go of the image and embrace the grace
📖 Key Scriptures
2 Corinthians 12:9–10 – “My grace is sufficient for you…”
Proverbs 3:5–6 – “Trust in the Lord with all your heart…”
Psalm 34:18 – “The Lord is close to the brokenhearted…”
Philippians 1:6 – “He who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion…”
🛠 Practical Tips
Journal about areas where you feel weak as a parent—and ask God for strength
Share age-appropriate struggles with your kids to model humility
Apologize when needed—it builds trust and models grace
Create a family “realness board” or prayer journal for tracking daily wins and struggles
Have open conversations about depending on God together
📚 Recommended Resource
📘 Training Them Wisely: Discipling Kids by Rene ChristensenThis book offers encouragement for your personal walk with Jesus and practical, age-appropriate discipleship tools to help you raise faith-filled kids. Perfect for parents, grandparents, and ministry leaders.
📣 Share the Hope
If this episode encouraged you, consider subscribing, leaving a 5-star review, and sharing it with a friend or fellow parent. Realness is contagious—and freeing.
 
Scripture quotations are from the ESV® Bible (The Holy Bible, English Standard Version®), © 2001 by Crossway, a publishing ministry of Good News Publishers. Used by permission. All rights reserved. The ESV text may not be quoted in any publication made available to the public by a Creative Commons license. The ESV may not be translated in whole or in part into any other language.Music from #Uppbeat (free for Creators!):https://uppbeat.io/t/mood-maze/trendsetterLicense code: QG9F8BI91PJEEH5D

Ep. 100 100th Episode Celebration

How in the world have we recorded 100 episodes? Time flies by. We are so thankful for each and every listener, both new and old!
We had so much fun recording this episode, and we're giving you some sneak peeks about what is coming up soon!
https://www.trainingthemwisely.com
Scripture quotations are from the ESV® Bible (The Holy Bible, English Standard Version®), © 2001 by Crossway, a publishing ministry of Good News Publishers. Used by permission. All rights reserved. The ESV text may not be quoted in any publication made available to the public by a Creative Commons license. The ESV may not be translated in whole or in part into any other language.
Music from #Uppbeat (free for Creators!):
https://uppbeat.io/t/mood-maze/trendsetter
License code: QG9F8BI91PJEEH5D

Ep. 99 What Love Looks Like in Every Age and Stage

 
💗 Episode Summary
In this episode of Training Them Wisely, Rene and Rebekah explore how God’s love meets us—and our children—uniquely in every stage of life. From rocking a newborn in the quiet hours to texting a college student encouragement from afar, biblical love grows, stretches, and adapts through the seasons.
You’ll walk away with encouragement, relatable stories, and Scripture-rooted insights for loving your kids well—right where they are today.
🧭 What You’ll Hear
💡 Why love isn’t one-size-fits-all—and how God models flexible, faithful love
👶 Early Years: Love as nurture and physical presence (Isaiah 40:11)
🧒 Elementary Years: Love as patient teaching and consistent discipline (Proverbs 22:6)
👦 Tween Years: Love as listening and emotional safety (Colossians 3:21)
👩‍🦰 Teen Years: Love as mutual respect and humble presence (Micah 6:8)
🧑‍🦱 Young Adult Years: Love as release, blessing, and ongoing prayer (Numbers 6:24–26)
🙏 A prayer to help you reflect God’s love through every season
📖 Key Scriptures
Ecclesiastes 3:1 – “To everything there is a season…”
Isaiah 40:11 – “He gently leads those that have young.”
Proverbs 22:6 – “Train up a child in the way he should go…”
Colossians 3:21 – “Do not provoke your children…”
Micah 6:8 – “Walk humbly…”
Numbers 6:24–26 – “The Lord bless you and keep you…”
💬 Let’s Reflect
What does love look like for your child right now?Is it presence? Patience? Release?Ask God to help you love in the way they need most today.
📣 Share the Love
If this episode encouraged you, would you take a second to share it with a friend or fellow parent? Every share helps us reach more families walking this discipleship journey. 💛
Check out our best-selling family discipleship book! Training Them Wisely: Discipling Kids is available on Amazon, on our website TrainingThemWisely.com, and in Christian bookstores. 
Scripture quotations are from the ESV® Bible (The Holy Bible, English Standard Version®), © 2001 by Crossway, a publishing ministry of Good News Publishers. Used by permission. All rights reserved. The ESV text may not be quoted in any publication made available to the public by a Creative Commons license. The ESV may not be translated in whole or in part into any other language.Music from #Uppbeat (free for Creators!):https://uppbeat.io/t/mood-maze/trendsetterLicense code: QG9F8BI91PJEEH5D

Ep. 98 Discipleship Starts at the Dinner Table

You don’t need a perfect devotional plan to disciple your kids—you just need a table, some time, and a heart to listen.
In this episode of Training Them Wisely: Discipling Kids, Rene and Rebekah share how simple, everyday moments—especially around the dinner table—can become powerful opportunities to point your children to Jesus. From chicken nugget dinners to bedtime chats, these ordinary routines hold extraordinary potential for spiritual growth.
Together, they walk through Scripture, share personal stories, and offer practical conversation starters that help parents disciple with grace, not guilt.
🔑 In This Episode:
Why your dinner table might be one of the most powerful places in your home
How Jesus used meals to teach, connect, and reveal truth
Simple ways to turn ordinary conversations into moments of grace
What to do when things feel messy, loud, or far from “spiritual”
Encouragement for showing up with consistency—not perfection
📖 Scripture Highlights:
Deuteronomy 6:6–7 — Teach them when you sit at home
Luke 24:30–32 — Jesus revealed at the table
Colossians 4:6 — Let your conversation be full of grace
1 Corinthians 10:31 — Do it all for the glory of God
🙌 You’ll Walk Away With:
Fresh vision for how everyday life can shape your child’s faith
Encouragement that even chaotic dinners count
Easy faith-filled questions to ask around the table
A reminder that God works through your presence, not your perfection
💬 Let’s Keep the Conversation Going:
If this episode encouraged you, share it with a friend, subscribe for more weekly discipleship encouragement, and leave a review to help other parents discover simple, grace-filled ways to disciple their kids.
✨ Resource Mentioned:Check out Rene’s book, Training Them Wisely: Discipling Kids—a practical, biblical guide for growing your faith and leading your kids with confidence and purpose. You can find it on Amazon or on our website: TrainingThemWisely.com.
 
Scripture quotations are from the ESV® Bible (The Holy Bible, English Standard Version®), © 2001 by Crossway, a publishing ministry of Good News Publishers. Used by permission. All rights reserved. The ESV text may not be quoted in any publication made available to the public by a Creative Commons license. The ESV may not be translated in whole or in part into any other language.Music from #Uppbeat (free for Creators!):https://uppbeat.io/t/mood-maze/trendsetterLicense code: QG9F8BI91PJEEH5D

Ep. 97 Herbalism for Kids

Health for our families is important. I am excited to welcome Laketa Entzminger to the podcast today. She is a clinical herbalist with a strong foundation in public health and education. Her journey into herbalism began out of personal necessity—while working as a new educator, Laketa found herself frequently ill. Discovering the healing power of herbs not only transformed her own health but also ignited a passion to share her knowledge and experience with others. As the founder of Lady K's Herbal Solutions, Laketa empowers children and families with practical, everyday ways to use herbs. Through hands-on workshops and dynamic presentations, she creates engaging, accessible learning experiences that demystify herbal wellness and promote lifelong habits of natural self-care.
Check out the links below. You can follow her on Instgram and check out her products below.
Find Laketa Here:
Linktree: https://linktr.ee/ladykherbal
Website: https://ladykherbal.company.site/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ladykherbalsolutions/
Music from #Uppbeat (free for Creators!):https://uppbeat.io/t/mood-maze/trendsetterLicense code: QG9F8BI91PJEEH5D

Ep. 96 Hugs, Not Hammers: The Gentle Power of Parental Influence

“You don’t have to shout to be heard. Your gentleness might be your most powerful parenting tool.”
In a world that feels louder and harsher by the day, our kids need homes that reflect the gentleness of Christ. In this episode, Rene and Rebekah explore how discipling with tenderness creates lasting influence in your child’s heart.
You’ll discover:🌿 Why gentleness is strength, not weakness and is modeled perfectly by Jesus🏠 How your tone and presence shape your child’s sense of safety🛠️ Practical ways to disciple through hugs, calm correction, and everyday grace💡 How to make your home a holy ground in a harsh world
🗝️ Key Scriptures:
– Matthew 11:29– Proverbs 15:1– Philippians 4:5– Ephesians 6:4– Galatians 5:22–23
💬 Episode Highlights:
How gentleness creates space for real influence
The difference between correction and condemnation
Why your calm presence speaks louder than control
Practical ways to disciple with tenderness (even in tough moments!)
The importance of being a safe place in a noisy, critical culture
🙏 Prayer Prompt:
– Thank God for His gentle love and faithful patience with you– Ask Him to help you disciple with kindness, calm, and Spirit-led wisdom– Pray over your child—especially while they sleep
📘 Want more support?Grab Training Them Wisely: Discipling Kids by Rene Christensen—perfect for parents who want to grow spiritually and lead their kids with confidence, even if they’ve never been discipled themselves.
🎧 Encouraged by this episode?Share it with another parent who needs a reminder that grace is powerful. Don’t forget to subscribe and leave a 5-star review!
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🔗 Let’s connect:Website: trainingthemwisely.comInstagram: @trainingthemwisely
Scripture quotations are from the ESV® Bible (The Holy Bible, English Standard Version®), © 2001 by Crossway, a publishing ministry of Good News Publishers. Used by permission. All rights reserved. The ESV text may not be quoted in any publication made available to the public by a Creative Commons license. The ESV may not be translated in whole or in part into any other language.
Music from #Uppbeat (free for Creators!):
https://uppbeat.io/t/mood-maze/trendsetter
License code: QG9F8BI91PJEEH5D

Ep. 94 1 Grace-Filled Homes: Discipleship That Reflects God’s Love

“If you’ve ever snapped at your kids, felt overwhelmed, or wondered if you’re doing this discipleship thing right, this one’s for you.”
In this debut episode, Rene and Rebekah unpack what it means to create grace-filled homes, homes where discipleship happens through love, not lectures… through compassion, not control.
You’ll learn:💛 What biblical love actually looks like in parenting🛑 Why control can’t produce true discipleship—but compassion can🏡 How to reflect God’s love in your discipline, words, and everyday moments🛠️ Simple, practical ways to make your home a safe space for spiritual growth
🗝️ Key Scriptures:
– 1 Corinthians 13:4–7– Psalm 103:13– Ephesians 4:32– 1 John 4:19– Romans 5:8
💬 Practical Takeaways:
Slow your response—pray before reacting
Speak more encouragement than correction
Let failure be a doorway to grace, not shame
Say “I’m sorry” when you mess up—model humility
Wrap your rules in relationship
🙏 Prayer Prompt:
– Thank God for His patient, loving leadership– Ask Him for a heart of compassion toward your children– Pray for gospel-centered parenting rooted in grace
📘 Want more discipleship tools?Grab your copy of Training Them Wisely: Discipling Kids by Rene Christensen—a Scripture-rich, practical resource that equips parents to grow in their own faith and guide their children at every age and stage. Available at trainingthemwisely.com and on Amazon.
🎧 Enjoyed the episode?Share it with a fellow parent and leave a 5-star review to help spread the message of grace-filled discipleship!
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🔗 Stay connected:Website: trainingthemwisely.comInstagram: @trainingthemwisely
Scripture quotations are from the ESV® Bible (The Holy Bible, English Standard Version®), © 2001 by Crossway, a publishing ministry of Good News Publishers. Used by permission. All rights reserved. The ESV text may not be quoted in any publication made available to the public by a Creative Commons license. The ESV may not be translated in whole or in part into any other language.
Music from #Uppbeat (free for Creators!):
https://uppbeat.io/t/mood-maze/trendsetter
License code: QG9F8BI91PJEEH5D

Ep. 93 Faith that Sticks: Building a Discipleship Legacy at Home

In today’s episode, Rene and Rebekah explore what it means to create a grace-filled home by discipling our children with compassion, not control. Parenting isn’t about producing perfect kids; it’s about pointing them to a perfect Savior.
With biblical insight and personal stories, they share how God models love, patience, and grace—and how we can reflect that same love in our parenting, even on the hardest days.
🔑 What You’ll Learn:
The difference between control and biblical love (1 Corinthians 13)
Why compassion is more effective than correction (Psalm 103:13)
How to model God’s unconditional love in everyday parenting (1 John 4:19, Romans 5:8)
Simple, practical tips to build a home rooted in grace
🛠️ Practical Tips from This Episode:
Pause and pray before responding to your child.
Speak more encouragement than correction throughout the day.
Let failure be a doorway to grace, not shame.
Say “I’m sorry” when you mess up because your humility teaches more than your perfection ever could and models God's grace.
🙏 A Word of Encouragement:
God has grace for you as a parent, too. You don’t have to get it all right, just do your best. As you rest in His love, you’ll have more to give your children. You’re not alone on this journey.
📖 Scripture Highlights:
1 Corinthians 13:4–7 – Love is patient and kind...
Psalm 103:13 – The Lord shows compassion as a father to his children...
Ephesians 4:32 – Be kind and compassionate, forgiving each other...
1 John 4:19 – We love because He first loved us.
Romans 5:8 – While we were still sinners, Christ died for us.
📣 Don’t Miss This:
If this episode encouraged you, share it with a friend who needs the reminder that grace is the goal. Make sure to subscribe, leave a 5-star review, and check out Rene’s book:
📘 Training Them Wisely: Discipling KidsA Scripture-rich resource to help parents grow in faith and lead their children well. Available at TrainingThemWisely.comand on Amazon.
 
Scripture quotations are from the ESV® Bible (The Holy Bible, English Standard Version®), © 2001 by Crossway, a publishing ministry of Good News Publishers. Used by permission. All rights reserved. The ESV text may not be quoted in any publication made available to the public by a Creative Commons license. The ESV may not be translated in whole or in part into any other language.
Music from #Uppbeat (free for Creators!):
https://uppbeat.io/t/mood-maze/trendsetter
License code: QG9F8BI91PJEEH5D