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

  💗 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

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

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

“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! — 🔗 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

“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! — 🔗 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

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

We are so excited to bring back the Training Them Wisely, Discipling Kids podcast! We took an unexpected break after a new baby, job situations, and going back to school, but we are back and can't wait to talk about family discipleship!! Listen to what we have planned for the next few months!!

Kendra Joyner joins the podcast to discuss discipling older elementary-age kids. This is such a fun age. They have started to think more critically, can read more, and can learn so much.  Resources for children this age: https://www.trainingthemwisely.com/children-s-bible-studies Foundations for Kids: https://amzn.to/3PWA4Vi https://amzn.to/3PTNPUL 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

Today we continue our series on discipling different developmental ages. How do we disciple young kids who don't read well yet? Let's talk about how to teach them about God, the Bible, prayer and more.  Kendra Joyner joins us as our guest.  Training Them Wisely: 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

We are so excited to start a new series about discipling kids of every age, from babies to adults! This week, we will dive into discipling our youngest kids, from babies to toddlers. This is such a fun age of growth, and there are fun and effective ways to teach our kids about Jesus that are easy, and we can start immediately. Let's make a difference in our kids' lives!  Thanks so much for joining us! Training Them Wisely Book: https://amzn.to/42f2v8C Creation Activity Book: https://trainingthemwisely.etsy.com/listing/1772133801/creation-activity-booklet Blog Post: https://www.trainingthemwisely.com/post/discipling-babies-and-toddlers YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLTHGlJN3ZzigRGFP7nQJTXLrEjJc7PSG9 Instagram: 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/trendsetterLicense code: QG9F8BI91PJEEH5D

Let's talk about spending time each day with God. Why do we do this? What do we do each day?  When we were coming up with a title for this episode, I kept hearing the phrase walking with Jesus. Really that's what time with Him is. We are spending time with Him. It is so important to spend that time with Him and develop a relationship with Him.  Adam and Eve walked with God in the cool of the evening. He wants a relationship with each of us. Relationships involve time, and your relationship with Jesus is worth the time! Training Them Wisely: 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/trendsetterLicense code: QG9F8BI91PJEEH5D

Why should we have goals? What should our goals look like? How should our goals look different than the worlds? Let's use Scripture to dive in and answer these questions as we set our goals for the new year. https://www.trainingthemwisely.com Love to Pray! https://amzn.to/40deDFC 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

Does what we listen to matter? I love singing Christmas carols with my kids! I love going caroling. We are going to give cards and sing tomorrow night, and I can't wait.  So often when I listen to Christmas songs that are randomly playing, I only get the modern songs, many of which I love. But, I love hearing the old carols. So - we have three playlists for us all to enjoy! They are the same songs, but one list is modern, another is traditional and the other is instrumental. I love playing instrumental music in the background while I am working or when the kids are homeschooling. There is something so soothing about it. I have also loved listening to my kids singing along with these carols. I hope that you get as much joy from these as we have!  We had said we were going to put these on Spotify, but one of us doesn't have Spotify, so these are on Amazon instead.  Training Them Wisely: https://www.trainingthemwisely.com Instrumental List: https://music.amazon.com/user-playlists/9f786c95022c4b95acc15831f97bafecsune?ref=dm_sh_gIDqOOzbC7AMusMYOedhKlwwo&referrer=dm_sh_messages Modern List: https://music.amazon.com/user-playlists/ddd5fda04e2a490e871dec4824442630sune?marketplaceId=ATVPDKIKX0DER&musicTerritory=US&ref=dm_sh_thOezBTCrBgnJCiCay5KLBvz6 Traditional List: https://music.amazon.com/user-playlists/d8d7d7d3ac384283b535bd6050bbd945sune?ref=dm_sh_SYej2z9HTZY2Pyop8bNpuEK2W&referrer=dm_sh_messages   The Real Story of Christmas: https://amzn.to/4gvm00A   Here are the carols we included: Joy to the World The First Noel -O Come All Ye Faithful I Heard the Bells on Christmas Day O Holy Night O Little Town of Bethlehem Hark the Herald Angels Sing Angels We Have Heard on High Silent Night, Holy Night Away in the Manger Angels from the Realms of Glory O Come, O Come Emmanuel It Came Upon the Midnight Clear Go, Tell it on the Mountain Come, Thou Long Expected Jesus What Child is This God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen Mary Did You Know 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

It's Christmas time!! Let's talk about ways to have fun as a family while keeping the focus on Him.  Names of Jesus Advent Cards: https://www.trainingthemwisely.com/product-page/names-of-jesus-advent-cards The Real Story of Christmas: https://amzn.to/4gmdr7Y 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

How can we celebrate Advent with our kids? Join us as we discuss ways to keep the focus on Jesus with our kids during December. Names of Jesus Advent Cards (physical copy): https://www.trainingthemwisely.com/product-page/names-of-jesus-advent-cards-1 Names of Jesus Advent Cards (digital copy): https://www.trainingthemwisely.com/product-page/names-of-jesus-advent-cards Training Them Wisely: 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

I am so excited to have Kendra Joyner join us again today! We talk about commonly held beliefs that your kids are exposed to and how to teach your kids the truth. Is God distant or present in our lives? Are people supposed to just be good to each other or is there more? What is the purpose in life? How do we know right from wrong? Does God allow good people into heaven? What does God want us to do?   Looking for family discipleship resources? Check out our website: https://trainingthemwisely.com or our Etsy shop: https://trainingthemwisely.etsy.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

I love filling shoeboxes with gifts for Operation Christmas Child. My kids fill a box for a child their age, and we have the best time filling these boxes! My son, Jonny joins me on this episode to discuss some of his favorite things to put in the shoeboxes.  Kids who receive these boxes also hear the gospel message, and this is a great way to partner in sharing the love of Jesus with others!    https://www.samaritanspurse.org/   Training Them Wisely: 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/trendsetterLicense code: QG9F8BI91PJEEH5D

I am so excited to welcome Leslie Nunnery from Teach Them Diligently! She is one of the wisest women I have had the privilege of knowing, and she hosts one of my favorite podcasts. As parents, we want our children to love God. Join us as Leslie gives practical tips on how we can point our children toward Jesus. You won't want to miss this episode! Heart School book: https://teachthemdiligently.net/product/paperback-heart-school-book/ Teach Them Diligently Conferences: https://teachthemdiligently.net/teach-them-diligently-homeschool-conventions/ Teach Them Diligently Membership: https://teachthemdiligently.net/ttd-365-membership-2/ Heart School Course: https://teachthemdiligently.net/product/heart-school-course/ How to Create a Legacy Bible book: https://teachthemdiligently.net/leaving-a-legacy-book Training Them Wisely: https://trainingthemwisely.com/ Training Them Wisely Resources: https://www.trainingthemwisely.com/shop   Leslie Nunnery is a Christian author, speaker, and homeschooling advocate. She is the co-founder of Teach Them Diligently, a ministry that provides resources and experiences to strengthen Christian homeschooling families. Leslie is also the author of several books on parenting and homeschooling, including "Teach Them Diligently: Raising Children of Promise," and "Heart School: How Amazing Parents Become Excellent Home Educators." She’s also the host of Homeschooling Families podcast. Through her work, Leslie aims to encourage and equip families to raise their children to love and serve God. In her latest book, Leslie challenges parents to understand that homeschooling for the heart of your children is a lifestyle choice that goes well beyond a mere educational decision. It can strengthen your family, increase confidence, and bring peace to your days. This book also gives very practical information on how to use the platform homeschooling affords to build deep, impactful relationships with your children. 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

I am so excited to talk to you about d groups or discipleship groups for kids. Kendra Joyner who has led d groups for kids for years joins us to talk about how to set up d groups, what growth she has seen through them, and why they are important.  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