Making Biblical Family Life Practical

  Among the secular holidays, Halloween probably is the most controversial ... with good reason. Is it just a festival of candy for children in costume, or a throwback to Druidic rites and demonic celebration, or something in between? This episode we talk about how we've chosen to mark the season, and its connection with the Reformation that swept Europe in the 1500's - with effects to this day. Things You Might Find Interesting 5 Tips for Reformation Day Fun (from Concordia Publishing House) Our interview with Luther biographer Danika Cooley (episode 99) Reformation Day: A Celebration of Heroism (from our blog, Raising Real Men)

This episode we talk with Danika Cooley, author of the Bible Roadtrip curriculum and the upcoming (November 1) biography of Martin Luther, When Lightning Struck. This historical novel aimed at young adult readers relates the story of a young man searching for peace with God, and by his courageous stand for the truth of the Bible, changed the course of both Church history and politics around the world!

This episode Hal talks with Dr. Brian Ray, founder and lead researcher for the National Home Education Research Institute. This year's release of the landmark Gen2 Survey uncovered a number of unexpected facts about Millennials who were raised "in church" and are now adults. Hal and Dr. Ray start with the most significant, surprising finding of this research, and talk about the implications for our family life decisions. Recorded live at the HSLDA National Leadership Conference in Dallas.

Life in a fallen world means we'll all have to deal with disappointment, loss, trials, and temptations. It comes with the territory. And it's nothing remarkable if sometimes we get to feeling a little blue. What happens when the blues get deeper, though? When you or a loved one gets so far in the dumps there seems to be no way out? This episode we'll talk about facing depression with compassion and hope - and some practical things which may help out!

  What makes the homeschool mom more anxious than the prospect of high school? But there's good reason not to fear -- and good reasons to stretch yourself and make it happen -- when considering your homeschooler's high school years. Don't miss this episode - we've graduated three and we've got an encouraging story to tell!  

So it's Labor Day, and we're talking about our views on work. Do you dread the daily routine? Do you find yourself grumbling about the boss, the co-workers, the housework? And do you find your children aren't very willing to help around the house? Hmm ...We can probably all benefit from a little attitude check when we're thinking about work. Is your Sunday faith making it to the job on Monday?

If you're planning on college for your homeschool grad-to-be, how do you make the choice? Is a Christian college the only acceptable alternative? Should they dive into the mission field of public universities? Or is there a middle ground in a conservative private school? For different reasons, our three graduates so far have ended up at all three alternatives, and we've learned some pros as well as cons for all of them. Join us for some thoughts about the choice of a college for your student! Some Other Episodes On College Issues No. 28, "Making College Visits Count" No. 44, "Staying Christian in College" No. 45, "Academic Success in College"  

Kids and their imaginations! It's normal for little ones to cross over between Realityville and Lala-Land with scarcely a bump. But what if your older child is turning into a real liar? If you find you can't trust him out of your sight? If you have to listen to everything she says with a grain of salt - no, the whole shaker full? Somewhere along the way we all have to teach our children the blessings of truthfulness, and the serious fact that the Ninth Commandment hasn't been repealed in God's Kingdom. This episode, we'll talk about ways to deal with a child who's already developed a habit of deceit and evasion -- and recommend some resources we've found really helpful, too.

If sibling rivalry is the negative side of family relationships (see previous episode!), family unity is the positive! The Bible uses so many illustrations of family life to describe our relationship to God and to each other in the church, it's worth the work to build those positive, joyful relationships at home. This episode, we'll share concrete examples of things we found helpful keeping a family of ten heading the right direction (and all together).

If there are siblings in the house, you've got to be worried about sibling rivalry. It's not just an irritation - the Bible gives example after example where siblings and their jealousies had disastrous consequences! But as a practical matter, how can we head off sibling rivalry at home ... or respond to it when it's already a fact? Hal and Melanie have eight children, six of them boys, and they've learned some useful ways to handle "trouble between brothers" -- join us! RESOURCES YOU MIGHT APPRECIATE "How To Fight So You Both Win" - This workshop helps you sort out what arguments are truly not worth having, and then how you can work out disagreements so that both sides leave satisfied. Downloadable mp3 - CLICK HERE. My Beloved and My Friend by Hal and Melanie Young. We devoted a whole chapter in our marriage book to resolving conflicts in a Godly way ... and these principles work for children as well a grown-ups. Available in print, ebook, and audiobook formats. CLICK HERE.

Got boys? Then probably, you've got noise! This week we turn to a reader's question about how to manage the volume (and tone!) of her energetic houseful of boys ... four of them, eight and under. We've been there, and we'll talk about the difference between simple boyishness and the things that actually need discipline, how to distinguish between fun and bullying, and more -- join us!

  The new school year is coming ... do you have your plans together yet? Or do you shudder at the thought? This episode, we talk about the need to have a plan, but not to obsess over it. You'll find this episode both challenging and encouraging as Melanie explains her calm, positive approach to planning -- with an eye to God's providential interruption!

If you have more than one child, then chances are the decision to start homeschooling carries the question, "How can I teach more than one grade level at a time?" This episode, we talk about practical lessons we learned along the way of homeschooling six grades at once ... with a toddler in the mix, too!

News from the government and public schools has been disturbing recently, and homeschool organizations are reporting an increase in inquiries from families who are now considering moving away from the public school option. There are always questions though - is this legal here? Will my kids be able to get into college or a job one day? Will my family turn out weird? This episode, we'll share some of our own observations from over twenty years of homeschooling our own family - and maybe encourage you to take a serious look at homeschooling your own!

It's been a dramatic - and troubling - week in the news. with controversies flowing from the very center of our governmental processes. We are seeing Christians in dismay, worried that our freedoms are under attack from the very people we expect to secure them. Yet there are reasons to hope, and yes, reasons to celebrate - in fact, especially when we're worried about the country!