If you want to learn what helps a marriage go the distance, it’s good to ask a couple like Dennis and Barbara Rainey. They’ve been married since 1972, and they’ve learned a few lessons along the way.

When Isaiah wrote "Truth has stumbled in the public squares" (Is. 59:14), he could just as well have been describing our day. Dennis and Barbara Rainey discuss the importance of training kids to recognize, appreciate, and love the truth.

Barbara and Dennis Rainey tackle a question facing so many Christian families: how do we teach our children to love and stand for the truth in a world full of shifting values and competing ideas? Barbara shares insights from her own parenting journey—including the challenges of finding engaging material for kids of different ages—and explains why stories, especially those rooted in history and faith, are so powerful for passing down unchanging truths.

Together, the Raineys reflect on our culture's drift toward relativism and the importance of grounding kids in the absolute standards found in Scripture. You'll hear why instilling a love for truth goes far beyond simple lessons about honesty, and discover the enduring role that family storytelling can play in shaping character and courage for generations to come. Stay tuned for practical encouragement and a preview of inspiring real-life stories that illuminate the hope and freedom found in living by the truth.

00:00 Inspirational Family Storybooks

05:37 "Passing Faith Through Storytelling"

07:21 Stories About Truth for Families

11:42 "I Am" Statements Poster Calendar

13:25 "Dying Father's Words Revealed"

When your children leave home, it can be difficult on you as the parent. You might wonder if you're the only one feeling like you do. Barbara Rainey and Susan Yates say, "You're not alone!"

Welcome to the EverThineHome podcast, where we dive deep into the real-life transitions, challenges, and hopes that come with parenting and family life. In today’s episode, "Questions in the Empty Nest," host Michelle is joined by Barbara Rainey and her co-author, Susan Yates, as they open up about the emotional journey of stepping into the empty nest stage.

If your kids have flown the coop and your house feels suddenly quiet—and maybe your emotions are all over the place—this episode is for you. Barbara and Susan share personal stories about the loneliness, change, and even heartache that can accompany this life season. They discuss the universal question so many mothers face: “Am I the only one who feels this way?” Spoiler alert: you’re not.

You’ll hear honest reflections, practical advice for finding new friendships, and thoughtful encouragement to help you process this important transition. Whether your nest is just starting to empty or you’re deep into this season, Barbara, Susan, and Michelle are here to remind you that you are not alone—and to help you discover new purpose and connection along the way.

Let’s get started.

If you feel weighed down by guilt or shame, there is hope for you. Barbara Rainey explains the solution found only in Jesus.

Barbara Rainey invites us to reflect on the parts of ourselves we’ve always wished were different, sharing openly about her own lifelong struggle with shyness. Through storytelling—from childhood memories to passages in C.S. Lewis’s Narnia—and a deep dive into John 9, Barbara reminds us that God doesn’t make mistakes with our design or our past. Even the things we might view as handicaps, she says, can be purposed for God’s glory. Join Barbara and host Michelle as they explore what it means to find confidence and healing through Jesus, the Son—who is, indeed, enough for every painful chapter in our story.

Timestamps
00:00 "Narnia Storytime"

06:09 "The Paradox of a Good God"

07:17 "God's Sufficiency for Your Past"

12:29 "Jesus' Initiative and Compassion"

15:45 Born with a Shy Nature

18:06 "Embrace Your God-Given Traits"

20:07 "Barbara Rainey Podcast Outro"

Key Topics
1. Introduction: Struggles with Our Insecurities and Personality Traits

• Barbara Rainey poses a reflective question about what personal traits listeners wish they didn’t have.
• Michelle introduces Barbara’s own struggle with shyness.
• Establishing a theme of personal dissatisfaction with innate characteristics.

2. Assurance of God’s Purpose and No Mistakes in Creation

• Barbara asserts that God doesn’t make mistakes in our design or life circumstances.
• She affirms that, even if we never understand why we’re made a certain way, we can trust God’s intentions.

3. The Search for Satisfaction and God as the Ultimate Source

• Michelle discusses universal longings and the tendency to search for fulfillment in things apart from God.
• Introduction to the idea that God—Father, Son, and Spirit—is sufficient for every need.

4. Literary Reflection: Excerpt from The Chronicles of Narnia

• Barbara reads a passage from “The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe.”
  • The children’s discovery of Narnia and initial encounter with Mr. Beaver.
  • The children ask about Aslan and learn He is both powerful and not “safe,” but fundamentally good.
• Drawing parallels between Aslan and God: Good, not always “safe,” mysterious in His ways.

5. Wrestling with Wanting a Predictable and Safe God

• Barbara shares her own desire for a God she can understand and predict.
• Insights on learning to accept God’s goodness even when His ways are beyond comprehension.
• Introduction of the theme: “God is enough for our past, present, and future.”

6. Focus on God the Son: Jesus is Enough for Our Past

• Plan to examine three aspects: God the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit; today focusing on the Son.
• Context-setting for the selected scripture:
  • The significance of the word “believe” in the Book of John.
  • Exploration of belief as a feminine noun in Greek, and its relational implications (e.g., women’s faith at the tomb).
• Scriptural context for John 9:
  • Story takes place midway through Jesus’ ministry, during the Festival of Lights (Hanukkah).

7. The Story of the Man Born Blind: John 9

• Jesus notices the blind man, highlighting divine initiative.
• Consideration of the man’s lifelong dependence, potential for isolation, and feelings of hopelessness.
• Disciples’ question about the source of the man’s blindness reflects human desire to find blame and maintain control.
• Jesus’ response: blindness is not a result of sin, but an opportunity for the works of God to be displayed.

8. Theological Implications: God’s Sovereignty and Human Struggle

• Reference to Exodus 4:11: God as creator of all abilities and disabilities.
• Wrestling with the discomfort that God can allow suffering or hardship for His purposes.
• God’s higher plans may involve temporary or lifelong struggles to display His glory.

9. Personal Application: Identifying Our Own “Handicaps”

• Barbara shares her own story of lifelong shyness and feeling different.
• Listeners are prompted to identify and reflect on their own “handicaps” or lifelong struggles.
• Sharing experiences of feeling like a mistake within one’s family or community.
• Encouragement to see personal struggles as purposeful in God’s plan.

10. Conclusion: Believing God’s Good Purposes in Our Stories

• Reflection on the blind man’s faith and response to Jesus.
• Posing a question to listeners: Will you trust God’s purpose and believe, like the man born blind?
• Michelle’s summary: It takes faith to believe that Jesus is enough for our past and that God is wise in all He allows.

11. Closing and Next Episode Teaser

• Mention of resources (Barbara’s Substack and epic poem “The Wonder of the Word”).
• Preview of part two: “God the Father is enough for our present.”

Teenagers are sometimes headstrong and over-confident. Dennis and Barbara Rainey say there's a reason God gives parents to teens. The Raineys help you navigate the choppy—and rewarding—waters of the teen years.

No marriage this side of glory is perfect. Dennis and Barbara Rainey are joined by Bob Lepine to help you avoid repeating mistakes and instead turn them into something that will strengthen your relationship.

What You’ll Learn in this episode:

1. The Importance of Understanding: Discover why getting to the heart of why something affects your spouse is more meaningful than just knowing what to avoid saying or doing.
2. Rookie Mistakes Are Normal: Hear Dennis and Barbara talk about the rookie mistakes they made in their early years of marriage and learn why these mistakes are a natural part of growing together.
3. Handling Differentness: Understand how recognizing and appreciating the innate differences between men and women can enhance your relationship.
4. The Value of Perseverance: Learn why it’s crucial to stick together through thick and thin, adapting and growing in love over the years.
5. Biblical Blueprints for Marriage: Get insights on how having a shared biblical foundation can help couples navigate life's challenges together.

Fun Fact from the Episode:

Did you know that teasing as a form of affection can backfire? Bob shared a funny yet insightful anecdote about how teasing, which was normal in his family growing up, didn't translate well with his wife Marianne, particularly when he pointed out her pimples. It’s a prime example of a rookie mistake that many can learn from! 😄

Timestamps
00:00 "Rookie Season Until Parenthood"

03:56 Photographer Saves Wedding Day Drama

07:49 Family Affection Through Teasing

12:03 "Velveteen Rabbit: Love's True Beauty"

15:43 Humorous Marriage Anecdote

18:18 "Barbara Rainey's Wisdom Subscription"

How can a couple invest in a marriage that lasts? It starts by gaining the right perspective. And, contrary to popular belief, the ultimate purpose of your marriage is not to make you happy. Dennis, Barbara, and Bob cover the first two rules.

Fun Fact from the Episode:

Did you know? Early in their marriage, Barbara assumed Dennis could fix things just like her dad could because she believed it was a typical male trait. It took her ten years to realize that Dennis had other strengths her dad didn't, teaching her to fully accept and love Dennis for who he is!

00:00 Acceptance in Marriage is Ongoing

04:20 "Marriage Advice for Young Couples"

08:30 Balancing Marriage and Biblical Roles

10:41 "Nourishing Love: A Husband's Journey"

15:13 Marriage Podcast Series Promotion

16:16 "Marriage Rules Beyond Fairytales"

5 Keys You’ll Learn in This Episode:

1. Shattering Unrealistic Expectations: Barbara shares her experience on accepting your spouse as they are and the ongoing practice it requires.
2. Marriage Beyond Happiness: Dennis explains why marriage is more about a transcendent purpose rather than just personal happiness.
3. Role of Marriage as a Growth Agent: Get insights into how marriage helps both men and women grow up and mature in ways they never imagined.
4. Selflessness in Marriage: Discover why self-denial is crucial and how it positively impacts your relationship.
5. Adapting to Differences: Hear Barbara’s journey of learning to appreciate the unique differences between her and Dennis.

Have you thought about the fact that you can choose to be grateful regardless of your circumstances? Barbara is joined by Nancy DeMoss Wolgemuth, author of Choosing Gratitude: Your Journey to Joy.

Over and over in the Scriptures, God makes it clear that He loves the orphan, and that He expects His people to do the same. Dennis and Barbara Rainey outline five ways we can care for what the Bible calls "the fatherless."

No marriage this side of glory is perfect. Dennis and Barbara Rainey are joined by Bob Lepine to help you avoid repeating mistakes and instead turn them into something that will strengthen your relationship.

Unanswered prayer…a difficult trial…life just plain different from what you would like? These can result in disappointment with God. Dennis and Barbara Rainey explain why it happens and what to do about it.

As followers of Christ, we're called to be His ambassadors. We represent Him. Barbara helps us remember our homes are embassies of the King.

00:00 Believes home reflects heavenly kingdom, welcomes visitors.

06:16 Embassies reflect their home countries inside out.

08:18 Home is a refuge and the King's embassy.

10:37 "Subscribe for Barbara’s ebook and exclusive content."

Here are three key takeaways from our conversation:

• Live with Purpose
• : Remember that as followers of Christ, we're ambassadors for His kingdom in all aspects of our lives, from our homes to our workplaces.
• Create a Haven
• : Your home should be a refuge, a small piece of heaven on earth that reflects the values and presence of the King you serve.
• Intentional Living
• : Engage in purposeful family discussions and personal reflections on how to represent Christ's love and principles, making your home a true embassy of the King.
• 
  

1. Introduction by Barbara Rainey

• The concept of remembering who you belong to.
• Mention of mundane tasks in our daily lives.

2. Understanding Our Identity as Ambassadors

• Samantha discusses the importance of living for the king.
• The tendency to get caught up in personal tasks and forget our higher calling.

3. The Role of Representatives

• Different roles where people act as representatives (lawmakers, employees).
• The concept of Christians as ambassadors for Christ, based on 2 Corinthians Chapter 5.
• The ministry of reconciliation.

4. Anonymous Testimony of 'Mandev'

• Introduction of a person from an Eastern European, atheistic country with a plaque outside their home stating "Embassy of the King of Heaven."
• This person's perspective of their home representing the Kingdom of Heaven.

5. Life as an Ambassador

• Samantha elaborates on the way this individual lives their life as an ambassador.
• Guests visiting him and discussing spiritual matters.
• His home as a place of refuge and representation of the king.

6. Personal Reflections by Barbara and Samantha

• Personal inspiration from Mandev's story.
• Emphasis on the idea that all believers and their homes are ambassadors and embassies of the King.
• The concept of temporary residence on Earth and eternal home in Heaven.

7. The Importance of Ambassadorship in Modern Times

• The relevance of the concept amid modern confusion about values and concepts.
• The comfort in remembering that Earth is not the believer’s eternal home.

8. Embassy Row Analogy

• Description of different embassies on Embassy Row in Washington, DC.
• How embassies reflect the home country within foreign lands.
• Comparison of home embassies to spiritual ambassadorship.

9. Practicing Spiritual Ambassadorship at Home

• The role of homes as places of refuge and representation of God's kingdom.
• The impact of seeing a sign or plaque "Embassy of the King of Heaven" as a reminder.

10. Practical Steps and Resources

• Ideas to create a sign or plaque as a reminder.
• Details about the book "Your Home, His Embassy" by Barbara and Janelle Bridenstine.
• Discussion guide within the book for family use.
• How to use these discussions to teach children about ambassadorship.
• Book available in electronic form and through subscription.

11. Subscription Benefits and Conclusion

• Benefits of subscribing to Barbara’s friends and family.
• Additional content available through subscription (Bible Studies, podcast seasons).
• Information about where to find these resources and the signs.
• Wrap-up and invitation to the next podcast episode.

Contrary to popular belief, the ultimate purpose of your marriage is not to make you happy. Dennis and Barbara Rainey are joined by Bob Lepine to talk about it.

Parents think a lot about what their children need. In this top ten list, Dennis and Barbara Rainey point out that kids have emotional and spiritual needs that parents should consider, too, as they hone their parenting skills.

When your grown child marries, it can be difficult to find the right balance between under- and over-involvement in the new couple's life. Dennis and Barbara Rainey offer helpful advice in this conversation with Bob Lepine.

If you don't approach growing older with intentionality, the losses you face in life can threaten to derail you. Dennis and Barbara Rainey help you navigate major losses like the unexpected loss of a loved one, and more.

How can we do a better job of representing the significance of Jesus' death and resurrection in our Easter celebrations? Barbara Rainey explores both "why" and "how" we can celebrate our Savior's Resurrection.

Most families don’t have traditions in place that help them prepare for Easter. Barbara Rainey hopes to change that. She and Dennis discuss one way to help children look for Bible clues that point to Jesus during the weeks leading up to Easter.

Popular depictions of romance often fall short of reality, especially once we're married. Dennis and Barbara Rainey are joined by Bob Lepine to talk about two important ingredients in order for romance in marriage to flourish.

Dennis and Barbara Rainey want to live out their sunset years with intentionality and purpose. And they want to help you do it, too. Barbara can look back and see how God has grown endurance in her. Can you?