Watermark Family Ministry Podcast

In this episode, we present Part 1 of a 3-part series on "Making the Most of Your School Year". Wes Butler is joined by Stephanie Polk, Robin Rice, and Ryan Nixon for a conversation on 3 principles parents can put into practice to make the most of their private school experience. For more information, be sure to check out the corresponding blog post at watermark.org/blog/private-school.

At the Plano NEST, Leslie Barry walks us through how we can point our child's heart to God with 6 purposeful steps. She talks about how our own participation in the gospel and practicing our faith in front of our children matters more than we know. She continues with talking about pursuing our children where they are at and making a plan to give them "something to write on their hearts" helps open doors to understanding God's love story better. She concludes with how perseverance and prayer help us step back and remember who is in control. Be encouraged and inspired with ideas to help you continue to be faithful in your parenting journey.

“Keeping up with the Joneses” is a phrase that used to allude to the temptation that families had to try to keep up with their next door neighbor. Today, in our hyper-connected world, the “neighborhood” has grown immensely and pressure to live up to the “Instagram-worthy” moments of the world is at an all-time high. We’ll take a look at how we can battle against comparison, the thief of joy, and discover together the freedom of pursuing contentment with the family God has given us.

In this episode of the Watermark Family Ministry Podcast, Wes Butler and Mandy Sisco interview Jay and Ginny Burns on the topic of praying for "prodigal" children. Jay & Ginny started and wrote the curriculum for "Prodigal", a ministry here at Watermark for parents of prodigal children, and have walked hundreds of parents through the trials of loving, leading and praying for children in various stages of rebellion. They share valuable insights on prayer from their own personal experience as well as from their years of experience in shepherding families through these trying and difficult times.

Leading Your Family Through The Summer

At the Nest on the Dallas campus, Mandy Sisco encourages us to take advantage of the awesome responsibility of discipling others and the great privilege of being discipled. Alison Treadaway shares how to simplify your discipleship efforts into four practical steps of model, train, pray and trust.

No matter their age or stage, discipling your children can feel like a daunting task. It's not a spectator sport where we sit and watch them learn and grow from the sidelines. It's an active role of coaching, encouraging and "tackling something" because a little intentionality can go a long way when your heart is focused on faithfulness, rather than fears or expectations. At the Nest on the Dallas campus, Alison Treadaway shares with moms of preschool kids, how to simplify your discipleship efforts into four practical steps of model, train, pray and trust.

No matter their age or stage, discipling your children can feel like a daunting task. It's not a spectator sport where we sit and watch them learn and grow from the sidelines. It's an active role of coaching, encouraging and "tackling something" because a little intentionality can go a long way when your heart is focused on faithfulness, rather than fears or expectations. At the Nest on the Dallas campus, Jeanie Cox encourages moms with elementary aged kids to discern methods from principles, as you continue to be a student of your child.

Discipleship is simply being taught and trained by others and teaching and training others in a way that points to the word, work, and wonder of our God. As women, we have the awesome responsibility of discipling others and the great privilege of being discipled. At the Nest on the Dallas campus, Mandy Sisco takes a peak at the book of Titus and encourages you in your role as the older women and the younger woman.

At the Nest on the Dallas campus this month, Lindsay Loucks and Amy Hulme shared how to personally choose to trust the Lord when the storms of life come and how to teach our kids to do the same.

The great missionary, Hudson Taylor, once said, “When we work, we work. When we pray, God works.” If this is true (and we believe it is), this means that the greatest tool we have in our parenting toolbox is prayer, and one of the highest privileges we have is to bring our children before the Almighty God of the universe. At this month’s DadU, listen in on a conversation with Jim Wimberley, father of 4, grandfather of 14, and one of the most faithful prayer warriors you’ll ever meet. You’ll be inspired, convicted, encouraged, and equipped to excel still more in pleading with God on behalf of your children.

Wes Butler interviews Robert Green and Eddy Badrina to talk about how we can strive to keep our marriage a priority through the various seasons of parenting. Each season presents its own unique opportunities, from newborns through the high school years, but there is no question that great parenting flows out of great marriages. Listen in to learn ways you as a Dad can love your wife as you seek to lead your home.

At the Nest on the Plano campus this month, Meg McKinley busts the myth of having it all, being it all, and doing it all with Biblical wisdom. Listen as she discusses wisdom with our thoughts, schedules and words.

No human relationship will impact your children more than your relationship with your kids’ momma. What will your kids see and learn from you as they watch you live out (or not live out) the “I do’s” of your marriage? Believe it or not, but your marriage has a generational impact. Come hear how you can better cherish your wife during the parenting years and in the process, help change the future relationships in your family tree.

At The Nest on the Dallas campus this month, Pam McGee shared ways to help your kids navigate friendships. Both friendships with believers and unbelievers. She also discussed how siblings can make great friends!