Empty Nest

Several months ago I watched a mother Robin build a nest outside my window. First, there was a nest, and then came the blue eggs. Then the blue eggs hatched and we had baby birds and then those baby birds flew away and all that was left was an empty nest. Jim Burns is back with us to talk more about how to find joy in the empty nest.

Discussing Joy with Jim Burns

Jim Burns is the president of the ministry Homeword where he writes and speaks on their core values. The core values are; strong marriages, confident parents, empowered kids, and healthy leaders. Jim and his wife live in southern California and they have three grown daughters. Jim and his wife are finding joy in the empty nest.

Episode Highlights:

• How do you find joy in the empty nest?
• What does it mean to live your life with significance?
• What will rob you of joy in the empty nest stage?
• How does treating your kids like adults (even if they’re not acting like them) help this stage?
• How can you embrace your second half of life?
• What does tough love mean?

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The End

Our world has always dealt with political corruption and evil. Yet these days it seems that American parents are having to raise their kids in a culture where the breakdown of the very foundations and fundamental principles of reality have been challenged and sometimes redefined. This is a different kind of evil. A kind of evil that logically culminates into chaos which logically ends in conflict, destruction, and death. So the question becomes- may we be living in the last days?

Discussing End Times with Sam Sorbo

Sam Sorbo studied biomedicine at Duke University but went on to be a model traveling the world and becoming fluent in five different languages. Modeling then took her to Hollywood for acting. Acting in LA is where she met her husband Kevin Sorbo. Today Sam hosts the nationally syndicated Sam Sorbo Show and speaks publicly around the nation. Find out more about Sam, her passions, and her family at her website.

Episode Highlights:

• What is the name of this most recent Left Behind movie?
• What current events are tied into the movie?
• What is the hope of the movie?
• What three things make people look clueless (even though they are not?)
• What is our job as believers?

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Lockdown

As parents have we been teaching our kids about the merits of hard work and the American free market? If so, how do we explain to them why our government appears to be fundamentally straying from the principles that once made our nation the envy of the world? A system that has always rewarded hard work and hailed a free market. Many experts believe that today’s kids will never acquire the economic status their parents enjoyed because too many are taught to believe socialism and free things from cradle to grave is the way to the new American dream. Or the Great Reset.

Discussing Socialism with Cheryl Chumley

Cheryl is the online opinion editor and host of “Bold and Blunt” the podcast for the Washington Times. She is an in-demand public speaker and media guest who is passionate about topics related to Christianity and the country’s Judeo-Christian roots. She is also passionate about the Constitution, politics and policy, the United Nations and sovereignty issues, Congress and Capital Hill, and pretty much anything that lends itself to exposing matters that run counter to freedom, biblical principles, and the preservation of America as the greatest country the world has ever seen. Cheryl is also the author of “Lockdown: The Socialist Plan to Take Away Your Freedom.”

Episode Highlights:

• What tactic did the American government use during the Pandemic?
• What are the likely next steps the American government will take?
• What is the saying Trace references about training?
• What are school children being brainwashed to believe?
• What is our moral obligation?

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Media Access

Our kids are being raised in a media-saturated world where their media choices have become virtually endless. Some of this is good, but when does it turn into too much of a good thing and become bad? Can too many media choices dilute what good and bad choices look like? With respect to digital technology is it wise for our kids to have unrestricted access to the proverbial candy shop of media? Are there psychological, emotional, behavioral, physical, and spiritual risks when media access is unrestricted?

Discussing Media with Phillip Telfer

Phillip Telfer is firstly a child of God and a disciple of Christ. Phillip is a pastor and is also a founder of Media Talk 101. He is the author of “Media Choices: Convictions or Compromise.” He also enjoys roasting his own coffee and sharing it with his family and friends.

Episode Highlights:

• How many different platforms for entertainment are on the internet?
• Why is this topic not covered in Sunday sermons?
• How old was Phillip when he recognized the negative impacts of media?
• What is the first step to dealing with media issues?
• What event in history has begun waking people up to media dangers?

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Women of the Bible

When you think of the Bible do terms like love, righteousness, redemption, and holiness come to mind? Perhaps you think of the flip side terms like hate, vengeance, adultery, or lust. All of these topics and many more are found in the Bible. God’s word does not discriminate when reporting the truth. But this ancient document, the Bible, can help you as a parent build character in your kids. Even in today’s difficult culture.

Discussing Biblical Women with Shannon Bream

Shannon is the anchor of Fox News at Night with Shannon Bream which is live from midnight to 1 am EST. Shannon is also the chief legal correspondent for Fox News and is the host of the podcast Livin’ the Bream. Shannon has written 3 books including, “The Mothers and Daughters of the Bible Speak: Lessons on Faith from Nine Biblical Families.” This book is #1 on the New York Times Best Seller List. Shannon lives in Virginia with her husband and their beloved dog Biscuit.

Episode Highlights:

• Why does God include healthy and dysfunctional families in the Bible?
• What can you take from the women in the Bible?
• How will the study questions help you?
• Who is Shannon’s favorite family and why?
• How do the flaws of people help highlight the righteousness of God?

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Understanding Genesis

As Christian parents, when we raise our kids to believe that the Bible should be the final authority of moral truth we need to know how to interpret scriptures for ourselves. This starts with the book of Genesis. What we understand about Genesis will help us better determine what the rest of Scripture says. This will give us a better chance of knowing how to glorify God.

Discussing History with Del Tackett

Del Tackett is a well-known biblical worldview teacher and author. He is the creator of The Truth Project and The Engagement Project. He is the host of the new feature film called “Is Genesis History.” Del wants to be known as a tour guide. A guide that takes you on an incredible excursion, the most breathless place possible; to gaze upon the face of God and to understand how his nature and character undergird all of reality.

Episode Highlights:

• What is “Is Genesis History” actually about?
• Who was the target audience of this movie?
• Who was the creative Person of God during the creation of the world?
• How does Jesus’ comment about divorce help support Genesis as actual history?
• What is the danger in accepting the premise that Genesis is allegorical?

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Facing Struggles

When you talk with anyone raising kids today you’ll see that difficulties abound in one form or another. Then the child enters their teens and these difficulties seem to intensify. In the 16th chapter of the Gospel of John verse 33, Jesus told his disciples that “in this life, you will have tribulation, trials, trouble, and sorrows.” So life isn’t always gonna be a bed of roses. This will certainly include your parenting experience. Navigating life’s difficulties in a world gone mad. 

Discussing Difficulties with Anthony Selvaggio

Anthony Selvaggio is a pastor, author, and former practicing attorney. He currently serves as pastor of the Rochester Christian Reformed Church in Rochester New York. His latest book is “Considering Job.”

Episode Highlights:

• Why are people in our culture not equipped to process suffering?
• Who is responsible for building resilience into children?
• Why is failure good for children?
• What does the book of Job remind us of?
• There is a redemptive purpose to ______.

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The Power of Music

Since the beginning of time philosophers, spiritual leaders, and even musicians themselves have all shared their convictions about the power of music and its ability to influence attitudes and behaviors for good or for ill. Socrates, Plato, and Aristotle are just a few who affirm these observations. In modern times scientists and musicologists have also weighed in on musics’ extraordinary power to affect body and brain chemistry positively and negatively. Yet, many parents still see music as a benign form of entertainment that serves as nothing more than just that; entertainment. Could the music we allow in our homes be a catalyst for some of the ill behaviors that can wreak havoc in our homes?

Discussing Music with Joe Schimmel

Pastor Schimmel has been equipping Christians with the truth of God’s word since 1987 and his testimony of the transforming power of Jesus Christ in his own life can be seen in the powerful expose “They Sold Their Souls for Rock and Roll.” Brother Joe started Good Fight Ministries with a mission to reach a lost and dying world with the glorious gospel of Jesus Christ. Joe’s life work and ministry are dedicated to carrying out the great commission of Jesus Christ.

Episode Highlights:

• In what two realms is music targeting our children?
• Who invented music?
• How is music addictive?
• How does God use believers?
• What does Hebrews chapter 5 teach us?

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Friend of Trace – Paul Coughlin

Paul Coughlin is an expert witness regarding bullying and the law, and the founder and president of the anti-bullying program The Protectors.  He has appeared in many media outlets.  Paul is a best-selling author of eight books, including the freedom-from-bullying parent and teacher resource Raising Bully-Proof Kids, as well as a former newspaper editor. He works with numerous professional organizations to diminish bullying.  His anti-bullying curriculum is used throughout North America as well as in South Africa, Uganda, Australia, New Zealand and Brazil among other countries.

Paul is a boys varsity soccer coach, where he was voted Coach of the Year twice. Paul has previously served as a member of the Board of Trustees for St. Mary’s School in Medford, Oregon.
He is also a popular men’s conference speaker who has inspired thousands across North America as well as in Wales and England.

Freeing Us from Bullying

Trace Embry and Michelle Hill talk with friend Paul Coughlin.  They discuss the issue of bullying with a focus on how parents can help their children navigate this problem. They share the importance of recognizing that anyone can be a bully, including one’s own child, and the need for a plan of action if this is the case. The role of the internet is also highlighted and how it exacerbates bullying as it allows for constant harassment.

Paul Coughlin, author of the book “Freeing Us from Bullying,” emphasizes the importance of teaching children to stand up against bullying, and the dangers of allowing them to become victims.  He also differentiates between teasing and bullying, and explains why some people become bullies. The discussion also touches on the misinterpretation of biblical teachings, such as “turning the other cheek,” in the context of bullying.

Episode Highlights:

• Have you ever considered if your child was the bully? 
• Is bullying worse now than it was 20 years ago?
• Determine the difference between bullying and kids just playing around.
• Does the Bible give examples of bullying and how to deal with it?

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Man and Woman

We learn from the creation story that God didn’t do anything randomly. Day one, God created the light. Day two, was the sky and so on. And then we come to day six. After God created the animals he created humans. Here are the words from Genesis 1:27, “So God created mankind in his own image. In the image of God, he created them. Male and female he created them.” What it means to be male and female is really coming into question today. No, let’s say it’s coming into hard scrutiny today. The government, doctors, counselors, and teachers. There are many who are telling our children that they get to decide “what is a woman?”

Discussing Gender with Tim Wildmon and Kendra White

Tim Wildmon is the executive director of “In His Image.” He is also president of the American Family Association and American Family Radio. American Family Association is a national organization that advocates for biblical teaching on morality and values. Tim also hosts a daily program on American Family Radio’s 180+ stations. Tim and his wife Allison have three children and ten grandchildren.

Kendra White is the producer for America Family Studios which is the film division of American Family Association. She co-wrote and directed American Family Studios’ first feature film “Summer Snow” with her brother Jeremy. Kendra is passionately pursuing Christ and loves to encourage other women to fall in love with the Savior who is in her heart. Kendra is married and is pregnant with their first child.

Episode Highlights:

• What is the reason In His Image was made?
• What did the study in the UK find?
• What is the difference between gender confusion and gender dysphoria?
• How are schools grooming kids to approach these issues?
• What do we as parents need to understand?

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Friend of Trace - Rick Boyer Rick Boyer is recognized by many in the homeschool network as Uncle Rick.  He is an author, speaker, and homeschool pioneer.  For many years his audio recording have taken Scripture, history, and adventure stories and turned them into character lessons for many children.  Rick and his wife Marilyn created the homeschool curriculum “Character Concepts.” It's Off to Homeschool We Go! Today we discuss the challenges of raising children in today's society, where traditional family values seem to be under attack. Trace Embry and Michelle Hill, talk with friend Rick Boyer, a homeschooling pioneer, about the importance of teaching children about their history and equipping them to think critically. Rick Boyer emphasizes the need for parents to expose their children to different viewpoints and to teach them that there is absolute truth, as found in the Bible. He also discusses the importance of homeschooling in raising future leaders, as it allows children to be involved in designing their own education and encourages individuality and creativity. Boyer's Uncle Rick Audio Book Club offers resources for parents and children to learn about American history through old books and biographies. Episode Highlights: The importance of instilling good character in our kids.  Have you reviewed the history being taught in the public school system? What can we do to wake up America? How are homeschooled kids being taught differently than public school kids? Image from Canva