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Making Biblical Family Life Practical
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Inhalt bereitgestellt von Hal Young and Melanie Young, Hal Young, and Melanie Young. Alle Podcast-Inhalte, einschließlich Episoden, Grafiken und Podcast-Beschreibungen, werden direkt von Hal Young and Melanie Young, Hal Young, and Melanie Young oder seinem Podcast-Plattformpartner hochgeladen und bereitgestellt. Wenn Sie glauben, dass jemand Ihr urheberrechtlich geschütztes Werk ohne Ihre Erlaubnis nutzt, können Sie dem hier beschriebenen Verfahren folgen https://de.player.fm/legal.
You’ve made the commitment. You’ve caught the vision. You want to serve God in every aspect of your family life— but sometimes it’s hard to put feet on that vision! How do you get from principle to practice? What does it look like when you get there? How do you apply Scriptural truth in a 21st century family? This is “Making Biblical Family Life Practical,” with Hal and Melanie Young. With humorous banter, laser beam insight, and lots of practical advice, Hal and Melanie address real world issues, current events, marriage, parenting, raising sons, and family life. They’ll encourage and inspire you to walk out the Word of God in your family — and work toward reforming our culture, too. Monday nights at 9 Eastern. Don’t miss it!
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126 Episoden
Alle als (un)gespielt markieren ...
Manage series 64779
Inhalt bereitgestellt von Hal Young and Melanie Young, Hal Young, and Melanie Young. Alle Podcast-Inhalte, einschließlich Episoden, Grafiken und Podcast-Beschreibungen, werden direkt von Hal Young and Melanie Young, Hal Young, and Melanie Young oder seinem Podcast-Plattformpartner hochgeladen und bereitgestellt. Wenn Sie glauben, dass jemand Ihr urheberrechtlich geschütztes Werk ohne Ihre Erlaubnis nutzt, können Sie dem hier beschriebenen Verfahren folgen https://de.player.fm/legal.
You’ve made the commitment. You’ve caught the vision. You want to serve God in every aspect of your family life— but sometimes it’s hard to put feet on that vision! How do you get from principle to practice? What does it look like when you get there? How do you apply Scriptural truth in a 21st century family? This is “Making Biblical Family Life Practical,” with Hal and Melanie Young. With humorous banter, laser beam insight, and lots of practical advice, Hal and Melanie address real world issues, current events, marriage, parenting, raising sons, and family life. They’ll encourage and inspire you to walk out the Word of God in your family — and work toward reforming our culture, too. Monday nights at 9 Eastern. Don’t miss it!
…
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126 Episoden
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×When the house has little children in it, parents can get tired and discouraged from the constant needs, emergencies, and repetitions of their little flock. So much effort goes into keeping everyone alive to the next day, it’s hard to think about a long-term vision! Yet we’ve found that many things we did just to keep the family safe, sane, and manageable, had great effects on the family as the kids reached teenage and adult years! This episode we look at some ideas we adopted when the family was young, and the fruit we saw when the children were older. Some Scripture We Mentioned “Hear, O Israel: The L ORD our God, the L ORD is one! You shall love the L ORD your God with all your heart, with all your soul, and with all your strength. “And these words which I command you today shall be in your heart. You shall teach them diligently to your children, and shall talk of them when you sit in your house, when you walk by the way, when you lie down, and when you rise up.” (Deuteronomy 6:4-7) For the word of God is living and powerful [or active ], and sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing even to the division of soul and spirit, and of joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart. (Hebrews 4:12) Some Resources You Might Find Helpful Some of our books Raising Real Men: Surviving, Teaching, and Appreciating Boys No Longer Little: Parenting Tweens with Grace and Hope Our Christ-centered holiday series – for Thanksgiving, Advent, Christmas, and Reformation Day Another we found helpful in our own family For Instruction in Righteousness (Pam Forster, Doorposts ) The post What You Do When They’re Little … – MBFLP 311 appeared first on Ultimate Homeschool Podcast Network . Click the icon below to listen.…
We grew up around picky eaters, and we didn’t want our kids to be that way when they grew up! So what can you do to encourage your children to be thankful rather than whining, to enjoy a wide range of foods, and to be gracious guests at the table? We’re talking about what we did to help our eight kids grow up with a more varied diet than we had! Some Things We Mentioned Some Scripture that might be helpful … in everything give thanks, for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you. (1 Thessalonians 5:18) Do all things without complaining and disputing … (Philippians 2:14) Therefore, whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do all to the glory of God. (1 Corinthians 10:31) Other resources: The Autobiography of Benjamin Franklin – including his story of growing up poor, in a large family, where comments about the food were just not allowed Raising Real Men : Surviving, Teaching, and Appreciating Boys – our book on a Biblical understanding of our sons’ developing masculinity, and how we can cooperate with God’s plan for their lives instead of stressing over it. You can order it from our website here: Raising Real Men The post Raising Kids Who Aren’t Picky Eaters – MBFLP 310 appeared first on Ultimate Homeschool Podcast Network . Click the icon below to listen.…
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Making Biblical Family Life Practical

A lot of families are struggling during this economic downturn. It’s not the first time we’ve been through it, either. How do we respond in a positive, faith-directed manner to the undeniable challenges of the day? What can we learn and what can we teach our kids as we make our way through? Podcast Episode: MBFLP 283 – What We Learned When Times Were Hard Hosts: Hal & Melanie Young Brought to you by: CTCMath.com Hal: Well, hello everybody. This is Hal. Melanie: And I’m Melanie. Hal: Welcome to another episode of Making Biblical Family Life Practical . We are living in “interesting times,” as the old Chinese curse says. Gas prices have doubled, groceries are more expensive, energy costs are through the roof—and it looks like this may last a while. Melanie: We’ve been through hard financial seasons before—starting businesses, job changes, high medical expenses. Maybe everyone’s struggling now, or maybe it’s just your family. But either way, we’ve been there. Looking Back on Financial Struggles Melanie: As we look back, we can see benefits in those hard times. I remember a book my mom loved, The Tenth Good Thing About Barney . The story encourages finding good things in hard situations—and we’ve tried to do that too. Hal: Exactly. When something bad happens, like a car breaking down, we try to list the “good things.” For example, at least you were close to town, not stranded. Melanie: Nobody chooses trials, but God allows them for a purpose. He’s not whimsical or cruel. He loves us. The Skills We Gained Hal: One huge benefit of hard times is learning practical skills. We couldn’t afford to hire out car repairs or home maintenance, so we figured it out. I remember replacing an alternator with a Chilton manual! Melanie: Now there’s YouTube, which makes it easier, but still—you do it because you have to. Like building our own canoe when we couldn’t afford one. Hal: And now our kids believe they can figure out anything. One of our sons had a car issue, hiked to Tractor Supply, got a new jack, and fixed it before we got there! Melanie: Exactly. Struggles breed resourcefulness and confidence. Making Our Own Fun Hal: Hard times teach us to make our own fun, too. We couldn’t afford a boat, so we used kayaks, swam, fished, and played games at night. Melanie: That actually built stronger family relationships. If we’d had more money, we might have all just watched movies on our phones. Hal: Kids don’t always feel the weight of financial struggles like adults do. They want to feel safe and loved—and they remember the time together, not the money spent. The Blessing of Contentment Melanie: Beans and rice became comfort food for our kids! It reminded me that what we ate in hard times can become part of family identity and comfort. Hal: Fajitas, pizza, even shrimp and grits started out as “poverty food”—now they’re gourmet! God provides, and those memories become sweet over time. The Best Part of Being Poor Melanie: All these things are good, but the best thing we’ve gained from hard times is learning to trust God. Hal: When money isn’t coming in, and the Lord provides in unexpected ways—loss leaders at the store, unexpected gifts—you see God working. Melanie: God warned the Israelites in Deuteronomy not to forget Him in abundance. It’s often in lack that we see Him most clearly. Hal: Our children have seen that too. One of our sons said, “I need to marry someone full of faith. I’ve seen you trust God when it made no sense. That’s what I want for my life too.” Melanie: That’s not something you can teach from a book. It has to be lived. And seeing that shaped our kids’ faith in powerful ways. Final Thoughts Hal: You don’t need a six-figure income to be joyful. Trust God through the hard times, and your kids will learn to do the same. Melanie: That’s been the greatest gift of all. Connect with Hal & Melanie Young: Leave a message: 919-295-0321 Websites: RaisingRealMen.com | CTCMath.com Social: Facebook.com/halandmelanie | Facebook.com/raisingrealmen Listen & Subscribe: Making Biblical Family Life Practical Leave a review and share with a friend! The post Things We Learned When Times Were Tight – MBFLP 283 (replay) appeared first on Ultimate Homeschool Podcast Network . Click the icon below to listen.…
A reader asked, “What can you do about accident-prone kids who always seem to be breaking things?” “Uh oh …” We’ve all heard the dreadful sound from the next room – or the sharp crash of breaking glass – or the muffled whump in another part of the house. All kids will have moments of clumsiness, carelessness, or foolishness, that result in something getting broken or someone getting hurt – that’s just normal childhood. But some kids seem to leave a path of destruction in their wake – what do you do about them? Let’s say up front that we’re not talking about kids who are suffering from trauma, illness, or developmental conditions that lead to destructive behavior – that’s a different situation altogether. We have friends who deal with these things on a daily basis, and they are walking a different path. But what about your average, healthy, otherwise normal kid who you’d think would know better? How do you deal with them? First thing … One of our basic rules of parenting is Don’t Freak Out. We don’t respond at our best when we leap to reaction. It may help to remind ourselves that this world is not our ultimate home and all its things are passing away (1 Corinthians 7:31). All our stuff is actually God’s stuff, and we are just stewards and managers of it for Him (Psalm 24:1). That’s not easy advice, but it’s true – right? Take a breath, and pray for perspective. Next step, Triage the situation. Not only answering the question, “What just broke here?” but rather, “Why did something just happen?” We find there are three basic profiles – ( continued … ) Three scenarios The angry child who acts from rage or malice. This is the one who intentionally hurts someone or damages something, or the one who fails to control his temper and lashes out blindly. This is upsetting but it’s rooted in clear sinful behavior, and you can respond along those lines. Repentance and restitution are the goals here. The truly innocent child. This one honestly didn’t intend any trouble, and wasn’t inviting it by foolish or careless behavior. In other words, they aren’t to blame – something they did may have triggered a problem, but they didn’t cause it by neglect or malice. He needs to express sympathy and concern, and even apologize; you may need to convince him that an apology isn’t always an admission of guilt! We try to see this as a multi-victim event – both the one who was injured, and the one who stumbled and caused it. Mercy is our first reaction, and then training in responsibility – if you knock it over, you need to pick it up, even if you didn’t do it on purpose. The careless child. This is the child who loses school books, forgets to close the gate, or leaves his brother’s bike out in the rain. They aren’t malicious but they are inattentive! It’s important to remember that irresponsible behavior is not the same as rebellion – our response needs to be different. Irresponsibility should bring natural consequences – like replacing a lost book with his own money. It’s appropriate to use these events to remind them to concentrate and pay attention (even while we privately admit they aren’t very good at this at the moment). And then … Once we understand what’s motivated the incident, we can respond in a way that will be just and will protect our relationship with the child. Our children are not cookies, so a cookie-cutter approach won’t respect their individual needs, fears, weaknesses, and strengths! If you have a middle school student and you’re wondering why they are the way they are (you know what we mean), check out our book No Longer Little: Parenting Tweens with Grace and Hope . You can find it on our website here. The post MBFLP 260 – Accident-Prone Kids (Replay) appeared first on Ultimate Homeschool Podcast Network . Click the icon below to listen.…
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Making Biblical Family Life Practical

Choosing a College? 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” This episode of Making Biblical Family Life Practical is sponsored by Judson College. Show Notes: Making Biblical Family Life Practical – Episode 94: Choosing a College Produced by the Ultimate Homeschool Radio Network [Intro] You’ve made the commitment. You’ve caught the vision. You want your family to serve God. But sometimes it’s hard to put feet to that vision. Hal and Melanie: Hal: Hello, I’m Hal. Melanie: And I’m Melanie. Welcome to Episode 94 of Making Biblical Family Life Practical . As the school year begins, many high school seniors are thinking about choosing a college. Hal: We’re there again! Our fourth child is a senior this year. We’ve navigated college choices with our older kids: one attended a large public university, another a small private liberal arts college, and another a historical Christian college. Each decision had unique reasons, pros, and cons. Melanie: It’s important to keep an open mind during this process. Each option has distinct advantages and disadvantages. Hal: Right. When you’re considering colleges, financial aid is crucial. Unlike years ago, when I applied to just one college, today students often apply to multiple colleges—sometimes as many as 8 to 12—because scholarships and financial aid vary greatly. Melanie: Absolutely. We always advise our kids not to set their heart on one school until the financial aid offers arrive. Hal: Exactly. Colleges put their best foot forward during visits, much like a dating scenario, highlighting the good and downplaying negatives. Melanie: When selecting colleges, most should be a good match academically, financially, and ideologically. Students should also include a couple of dream schools and at least one or two “safety” schools. Three College Options: Choosing a Colege – Christian Colleges: Pros: Intentional integration of faith and scholarship. Generally safer environment with shared Christian values. Opportunities for service, missions, and discipleship. Cons: Financial aid often limited. Some lack majors like engineering or specialized fields. Complacency about spiritual life is possible due to familiarity. Watch out for institutions that are Christian in name only or have become liberal. Choosing a College – Public Universities: Pros: Usually the most affordable option, especially in-state. Offer a broad range of majors. Larger campuses mean more social options and diverse opportunities. Can encourage students to become stronger in their faith due to being in a secular environment. Cons: Secular environment with potential hostility towards Christian beliefs. Possible social pressures and worldly lifestyles prevalent on campus. Need maturity to stand firm in one’s faith. Elite Private Colleges: Pros: Often generous financial aid through large endowments. Prestigious reputation can open doors professionally. Close-knit community and networking opportunities. Cons: Potential cultural challenges, especially if you’re not financially affluent. Smaller faculty means limited options to avoid problematic professors. Some may have strict honor codes with ethical inconsistencies. Advice for Parents: Help students find a strong local church and Christian group, regardless of the college type. Recognize your student’s spiritual, social, and academic maturity to choose the best environment for them. Prioritize prayer and preparation; help your children become spiritually equipped warriors ready for college and life beyond. The post MBFLP 94 – Choosing A College appeared first on Ultimate Homeschool Podcast Network . Click the icon below to listen.…
The Remarkable Potential of Teenagers Most parents today are told to brace themselves for the teenage years. “It’s going to be tough,” they hear. “Just survive it.” But deep down, many of us suspect something different—that our teens are capable of more than the world expects. And we’re right. Teenagers don’t have to be reckless, self-absorbed, or lost. History proves otherwise. Some of the greatest minds, leaders, and innovators took on real responsibility as teens. What if, instead of lowering the bar, we raised our expectations? What if we equipped them to step up, take charge, and lead? We never expected to test this theory in our own home—until we had no other choice. When Teens Take the Lead The oncologist looked at Hal skeptically. “Well,” he conceded, “if you feel up to it, you can travel. And you can speak from the platform. But you can’t stand around shaking hands afterward—your immune system is going to be completely shot.” The biopsy results were in: advanced lymphoma. Hal was about to start chemotherapy. Travel was a concession; avoiding crowds was non-negotiable. We barely had time to process the news before our teenagers spoke up. “Don’t worry, Dad—we’ll take care of the book fair!” They were 16, 14, and 12. Could they really handle it? We weren’t sure. But at that moment, we didn’t have a choice. Hal was sidelined, and I would be busy counseling and praying with parents. If our teens were willing, then our teens would take the lead. And it made all the difference. Don’t Underestimate Teenagers So many parents brace for the teen years like a storm. Batten down the hatches! Duck and cover! But history tells a different story. Laura Ingalls Wilder was teaching school before she turned 16. John Quincy Adams became the sole translator for America’s embassy in Russia at age 14. Paul Tripp calls it “The Age of Opportunity.” The question isn’t why should we expect more from teenagers—it’s why aren’t we ? That book fair became a turning point in our family. What started as a necessity turned into a tradition. Ever since that day, our teenagers and their younger siblings have run our booth and many aspects of our travel. They shoo us into the aisles: “Go talk with the parents that need help—we’ve got this.” They load, unload, set up, and manage. They interact with customers of all ages—whether polite or combative. They take turns overseeing the booth and younger siblings, passing down skills as they go. And sometimes, they challenge us. One of our sons made it a personal mission to master driving our 15-passenger van and trailer—threading through night-time traffic in Phoenix, backing into tight spots, and maneuvering one-lane roads. Hal had to step up just to keep from calling his 16-year-old for help! Over time, our teens became more than just helpers—they became partners in our ministry. From Responsibility to Remarkable Futures Because they were involved, they saw needs we hadn’t considered. “We need something to keep younger kids occupied while you talk to their parents,” they told us. We challenged them to brainstorm ideas—and they did. They researched suppliers, found products, and expanded our offerings. The results? Our 13-year-old who played the biggest role at our booth? He majored in entrepreneurship and secured venture capital before graduating college. Another teen became a freelance journalist at 17, writing investigative pieces for a statewide magazine. One taught himself guitar and mandolin, joined a bluegrass band, and played alongside musicians decades older than him. His bandmates teased, “I’ve got blue jeans older than you, Curly.” He’d grin and reply, “But I’ve got more hair than all of you combined.” What made the difference? We didn’t just give them responsibilities. We encouraged them to step up. By the time they left for college, they weren’t starting to take on responsibility—they’d already been leading for years. The result? They were confident, capable, and unafraid to seize new opportunities. Expect More from Your Teen The world will tell you that teenagers are a liability. History—and experience—prove otherwise. If we give them the chance, they’ll take ownership, develop skills, and step into adulthood ready . Want to see how? Want to read more? CLICK HERE! Special Thanks to Our Network Sponsor – Judson College Judson College offers biblical and practical training wherever a student is called, equipping them to live all of life for Christ. The post Preparing Your Teens for More – MBFLP 205 (Replay) appeared first on Ultimate Homeschool Podcast Network . Click the icon below to listen.…
Struggling Learners: When to Get Help Labels or Not? Sponsored by NOW Programs. How desperate we are to avoid labeling our kids! And with good reason … if they’re in a classroom setting, maybe. But as homeschoolers, we have a much better handle on the social side, and there are serious benefits to your struggling child when you get her tested earlier rather than later. This episode, we talk about our own struggling learner and what we discovered on the way from a late start … to a college scholarship! There’s hope! This program is brought to you in part by Click here for more information! The post Struggling Learners and When to Get Help – MBFLP 143 appeared first on Ultimate Homeschool Podcast Network . Click the icon below to listen.…
Romance Once You’ve Got Kids Valentine’s Day is on the horizon and for parents with small children, no money for a sitter, and no relatives nearby, the response might be “So what?” It can be discouraging when the world is full of ads urging dinner out, expensive jewelry, and barrels of roses, when your life is more about diapers and phonics, and your budget is more of the dollar menu and less of filet mignon. This episode, we talk about finding romance in real life, wherever it may be – and sometimes, it will surprise you where it can be found! Sponsored by Now Programs . Show Notes for Romance Once You’ve Got Kids Valentine’s Day is just around the corner—a time traditionally associated with grand gestures, candlelit dinners, and extravagant gifts. But what happens when you’re knee-deep in diapers, laundry, and homeschooling? Is romance doomed to take a backseat? If this sounds familiar, don’t worry—you’re not alone. Many parents of young children feel the pressure of balancing family life with maintaining a strong and loving marriage. The good news? Romance doesn’t have to disappear—it just needs to look a little different. Redefining Expectations When you have small children, it’s easy to feel disconnected from the glittering Valentine’s Day ads showcasing fine dining and luxury gifts. Between budget constraints, finding babysitters, and the sheer exhaustion of parenting, these expectations can feel out of reach. But here’s the truth: Romance isn’t about meeting societal standards. It’s about strengthening your bond as a couple and celebrating the love God has given you. As Hal and Melanie Young point out in their podcast Making Biblical Family Life Practical , the key is to focus on your relationship—not on what the world says it should look like. You don’t have to please anyone except each other and God. Finding Creative Ways to Celebrate Even with young children underfoot, you can create meaningful moments of connection. Here are a few ideas from Hal and Melanie to keep the spark alive: Homemade Valentine’s Cards Involve your children by making cards together. Not only is this budget-friendly, but it’s also a way to include your family in the celebration. Bonus: Crafting cards for each other can become a sweet and personal tradition. Date Nights at Home If going out isn’t an option, create a special evening at home. Put the kids to bed early or let them have a movie night in another room while you enjoy a candlelit dinner for two. Romantic Nostalgia Revisit your wedding video, flip through old photo albums, or retell your love story to your kids. It’s a beautiful way to honor your history and show your children the foundation of your family. Parent Swaps or Babysitting Trades Partner with trusted friends or family members to trade babysitting duties. This can free up time for you and your spouse to reconnect without distractions. Building Romance Daily True romance is about more than a single day on the calendar. It’s cultivated through small, consistent acts of love and kindness. Simple gestures like leaving a note, offering a sincere compliment, or cooking your spouse’s favorite meal can go a long way in keeping your connection strong. Hal and Melanie emphasize the importance of trust and selflessness in marriage. As they shared, “Trust is built through a long sequence of consideration, courtesy, and self-sacrifice.” These everyday acts create a bond that’s deeper and more enduring than any store-bought gift. Letting Your Kids Witness Love It’s good for your children to see your affection and appreciation for each other. Whether it’s a quick hug in the kitchen or sharing a laugh at the dinner table, these moments show your kids that marriage is joyful, loving, and worth celebrating. You’re modeling a biblical and healthy relationship for them to aspire to in their own lives. Embracing the Season You’re In Parenting young children is one of the busiest, most demanding seasons of life. It’s okay to be creative and flexible with how you celebrate romance. This season will pass quickly, and there will be opportunities for grand getaways and fancy dinners in the future. For now, focus on maintaining and nurturing your relationship in the ways that matter most. As Hal wisely advises, “Find romance where you can—whether it’s during the kids’ nap time or over coffee in the early morning.” The important thing is to stay connected and enjoy the journey together. Bonus Resource Looking for more tips on rekindling romance during the busy parenting years? Download Hal and Melanie’s workshop Romance for the Exhausted at raisingrealmen.com/valentines-day-freebie . You’ll also find a special Valentine’s Day deal featuring their book My Beloved, My Friend and other marriage-strengthening resources. The post MBFLP – Romance Once You’ve Got Kids (Replay) appeared first on Ultimate Homeschool Podcast Network . Click the icon below to listen.…
Biblical Gift Giving This week we’re talking about gift giving – it’s Biblical, you know! But how do you manage it without being immersed in the commercialism of a secular holiday, while glorifying God and having fun together? We’ve found that being more intentional and deliberate in choosing gifts and even in how we open them together, and encouraging our children to think of people rather than stuff at Christmas, has great benefits! Biblical Passages We Mentioned The wise men who brought gifts to Jesus – Matthew 2:1-11 The people feasted and shared with each other over joy in God’s word – Nehemiah 8:9-10 – And Nehemiah, who was the governor, Ezra the priest and scribe, and the Levites who taught the people said to all the people, “This day is holy to the L ORD your God … Go your way, eat the fat, drink the sweet, and send portions to those for whom nothing is prepared; for this day is holy to our Lord. Do not sorrow, for the joy of the L ORD is your strength.” How Our Family Christmas List is Structured We described how our family keeps up with everyone’s “wish list” – not just at Christmas, but all year long! Here’s the basic framework – each person’s section of the family list is divided into price brackets, and it’s the responsibility of each person to keep their list up to date. And when the shopping happens, gift-givers quietly delete items so others don’t duplicate their gift! NAME Updated: (be sure to make a note here when you make changes to your list!) $1-$5 Gifts : Your categories may differ, depending on the ages in your family and your personal budgets. We have to consider young children, teenagers, college students, and adults of all sorts. $5-$15 Gifts : If you have specific items in mind, you might include links to places these might be found. Many in our families are avid readers, so we often have lists of books here – and links to Amazon.com or Thriftbooks.com to make it easy $15-$30 Gifts: Grown-up level Big Gifts: Because you never know when someone might find a great deal, or several people collaborate Crafts, Work, and Services: Busy people may appreciate help with a particular hard-to-schedule need. One of Hal’s hopes last year was for help replacing our garage door – and two of our adult sons came over and made a weekend project of it! Thank you to the Ultimate Homeschool Podcast Network sponsor, NOW Programs . The post Gift Giving in a Big Family – MBFLP 273 (Replay) appeared first on Ultimate Homeschool Podcast Network . Click the icon below to listen.…
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Making Biblical Family Life Practical

The holidays are upon us and we are looking forward to having our college students home again! But to be realistic, there’s always a transition to bringing our young adults back into the household – and often both the student and the family ends up frustrated. This episode we’re talking about things you can do – on both sides – to make the visit as smooth and pleasant as possible for everyone! Parent Understanding If you went to college, you remember the rush of exam week – and the mental and physical exhaustion at the end of it! Especially at Christmas and the end of the spring semester, your student will be arriving after a really tough week or two. We try to keep that in mind for their first several days home. Expectations Our unspoken hopes and preferences can set us up for disappointment and conflict. Maybe we parents look forward to seeing our young adult, but we’re also looking forward having his help around the house again! For his side, maybe he’s hoping for some relaxation from the stress of college — or possibly, he has projects or homework to finish during his holiday. Maybe the younger siblings want a lot of attention from their big sister, when she really needs some peace and personal space – at least at first. The best way to deal with these issues is to communicate ahead of time – gently, in love – and be willing to listen to one other and seek to accommodate everyone. All of those expectations are common and valid – the difficulty is how to address them all. If we cultivate patience and understanding together, we can probably find a mutually agreeable pathway. Changing Channels When Hal was working a corporate job, he had to remind himself on the commute home, “I have to leave the office door closed behind me and put on my family hat now.” No matter what stress or disaster he’d left at work, when he came in the door, he knew the kids would be excited to see him, Melanie would be tired and need compassion, and he’d have to be ready to show love and concern to everyone at home. Our college students need to think about that, too. While they’re making the trip home, they need to consciously prepare themselves to be part of the family culture at the end of their trip. The way they live or even just survive on campus is a separate issue to what happens at home — and they need to change gears before they get here. In both cases there will be time and opportunity to share their struggles and disappointments, to seek advice and sympathy, but that will come after the initial rush of returning. Everyone will be happier at the end if the wanderer is ready to greet and be greeted first, and then seek the serious conversations after! We dig deeper into the questions in our blog post here Thanks to our sponsor! NowPrograms.com – visit the website for more information. The post Surviving the Break with Your College Students – MBFLP 287 (Replay) appeared first on Ultimate Homeschool Podcast Network . Click the icon below to listen.…
We’ve all been there – trying to enjoy a museum, historic site, or some other exhibition, but the visit is distracted – or ruined – by children running amok. What can we do about our own kids, so they get the benefit of a field trip, and not become spoilers for other visitors? Recently we read about a young boy who accidentally broke an ancient jar in an Israeli museum. He wasn’t being disrespectful or even disruptive – just curious. But his natural curiousity had awful results … So how can we prepare our children to visit grown-up-oriented events and learn from the experience, while behaving in a respectful and quiet manner that’s courteous toward others? We’ve got eight children, and as much as possible, we’ve taken them wherever we go. We’ve been everywhere from the Gettysburg battlefield to art museums in China with kids of all ages – but the key is preparation! This episode we’re talking about positive steps we’ve done ahead of time, and some parenting hacks while we’re on site, that have made this possible. It can be done! You May Find Interesting Boy accidentally smashes 3500-year-old jar on museum visit BBC News: Jack Burgess – 27 Aug 2024 Boy … welcomed back to museum Associated Press via CNN.com – 2 Sep 2024 Children in “Big Church” Making Biblical Family Life Practical – Ep. 218 The post Getting Your Kids Field Trip-Ready! – MBFLP 309 appeared first on Ultimate Homeschool Podcast Network . Click the icon below to listen.…
We’ve seen that understanding history can help us navigate the present, too! The question is, how can we help our children learn to appreciate history like we do? What can we do to spark their interest, to make it memorable, and bring it to life for them? This episode we talk about several things we’ve built into our homeschooling family life to elevate history from dry lists of names and dates to a lively narrative of people, places, and ideas – in short, a grand story! Thanks to our sponsor CTC Math . CTC is a highly rated math curriculum for homeschooled students for grades K-12. The family math package makes it ideal for large families at a low price. Visit the website for more information. The post Bringing History to Life! – MBFLP 296 appeared first on Ultimate Homeschool Podcast Network . Click the icon below to listen.…
Some things are unquestionable, life-changing moments – an unexpected death in the family, a natural disaster, a major accident. But what about things which just show up and disrupt everything? The smaller emergencies which aren’t big enough to awaken heroism, but are big enough to bring out all our doubts, fears, frustrations, and temper? The “breaking news” which could be really unpleasant, but you can’t be sure? We’ve dealt with this – frequently, and even recently! So this episode, we’re talking about some practical ways to meet stressful news with calmness and faith … even if it takes a few minutes to make the adjustment! Passages We Referenced Matthew 10:29-31 (Jesus): “Are not two sparrows sold for a copper coin? And not one of them falls to the ground apart from your Father’s will. But the very hairs of your head are all numbered. Do not fear therefore; you are of more value than many sparrows.” Philippians 4:6 – Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God Romans 8:28 – And we know that all things work together for good to those who love God, to those who are the called according to His purpose. Books We Mentioned Judith Viorst, The Tenth Good Thing About Barney. This is a great children’s book about remembering the good things in the middle of sad times. It’s easy to get overwhelmed in the stress of the moment, and forget that happiness is real just like sorrow – and life will have some of both. Eleanor H. Porter, Pollyanna – check out the audiobook version narrated by Melanie! The book is much better than the Disney version (more clearly Biblical, for one thing), and funny as well as thought-provoking. Even our teenaged sons enjoyed it, though the main character is a young girl at the time. Important lessons about always finding a reason to rejoice, even in difficulty. NEXT TIME Helping your kids through stressful times … UPDATE – We mentioned that our van broke down on a speaking trip in July, and at the time of recording, had been in the shop for several weeks waiting on an engine replacement. We’re glad to say that the van is now repaired and back home – thank you for your prayers and support! A Special Thank You to Our Network Sponsor: Thanks to NOW Programs , this evidence-based program helps students learn differences. The post Dealing with Stressful News – MBFLP Replay appeared first on Ultimate Homeschool Podcast Network . Click the icon below to listen.…
We’ve seen that understanding history can help us navigate the present, too! The question is, how can we help our children learn to appreciate history like we do? What can we do to spark their interest, to make it memorable, and bring it to life for them? This episode we talk about several things we’ve built into our homeschooling family life to elevate history from dry lists of names and dates to a lively narrative of people, places, and ideas – in short, a grand story! Thanks to our sponsor CTC Math . CTC is a highly rated math curriculum for homeschooled students for grades K-12. The family math package makes it ideal for large families at a low price. Visit the website for more information. The post Bringing History to Life! – MBFLP 296 (Replay) appeared first on Ultimate Homeschool Podcast Network . Click the icon below to listen.…
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Making Biblical Family Life Practical

Happily Married While Homeschooling? Happily Married and Homeschooling, podcast episode of Making Biblical Family Life Practical with Hal & Melanie Young. Everyone tells you that homeschooling isn’t an educational choice, but a lifestyle! Should we be surprised if we discover that homeschooling has an impact on our marriage? It’s true, and if we’re not watchful, our marriage could be a weak spot in our family’s new endeavor. Hal and Melanie have been married for 27 years and homeschooling for 20, and this week they share some ideas of stumbling blocks to avoid and how you can make both your homeschool and your relationship strong! This episode sponsored by CTC Math. Are you looking for a new Math Curriculum? CTCMath specializes in providing online video tutorials that take a multi-sensory approach to learning. Favorably reviewed in Cathy Duffy’s 102 Top Picks and The Old Schoolhouse Crew Review, the lessons are short and concise to help your children break down concepts and appreciate math in a whole new way! The lessons are taught the traditional way, not to a “test”. Each one of the video tutorials is taught by an internationally acclaimed teacher, Pat Murray, who is renowned for teaching math concepts in a simple, easy-to-understand way (and in only a few minutes at a time). Using a multi-sensory approach having the combination of effective graphics and animation synchronized with the voice of a friendly teacher together with practical assessment. This three-pronged attack makes learning so much easier and more effective. Even students who struggled with math are getting fantastic results! And ones who were doing OK before are now doing brilliantly. Visit c-t-c-math.com today to start your free trial. Real. Authentic. Practical. We’re Hal and Melanie Young. We’re not just authors and speakers, but we’re the parents of six sons (in a row!) and two daughters. The experience of raising this van-full has proved two things – you need God’s wisdom to raise a family, and you need help to make it practical! That’s our goal and message—start with Biblical foundations, then share how to put principles into practice. The reality is that God gave each family a mix of parents, children, and personalities, in a particular time and circumstance. They’re all unique, so every family’s “practical” may be a little different, and still be totally Biblical. That’s why we focus on principles instead of checklists. Instead of more law, we need more grace! And it’s grace that drives us to Jesus Christ, the one who ultimately makes our family what it ought to be. We want to help families find practical ideas, but the risen Savior as well. The post MBFLP – How To Be Happily Married While Homeschooling (Replay appeared first on Ultimate Homeschool Podcast Network . Click the icon below to listen.…
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