Keeping It Young

Join Dave and Bethlie as they discuss medication and the role it plays in their home. Try exercise Try counsel Try meditation Try lifestyle changes Try prayer Try family changes Try training Try spanking Spanking is a simple method of amplifying the consequences of negative behavior at a time when the negative behavior is not as BIG of a deal If you choose to use medication, use them sparingly Small doses Short time, not a lifetime Aware of all the side effects   Do much research Billion dollar industries produce modern meds Then subsidize doctors and pharmacys and clinics who prescribe them It is a FOR profit business Your health is your responsibility.    Want to hear Pastor Dave Young preach? Westwood Baptist Church Westwood Baptist Church Podcast

Join Dave and Bethlie as they discuss medication and the role it plays in their home. Want to hear Pastor Dave Young preach? Westwood Baptist Church Westwood Baptist Church Podcast   1.  Meds and special needs: often asked question and often commented matter (both for and against) Meds are here to stay Most everyone uses meds in some way Some are pharmaceutical Some are natural Some are spooky We take Tylenol, blood pressure medication, antibiotics Most will take some vaccines. Polio Measles Illustration of mine Yellow fever vaccine on one of my missions trips It was required to enter the country Chicken Pox because I have never had it              2. Do everything possible not to use them; instead focus on older, proven methods that                   have worked for centuries: Home and Family Determine to have a strong family Lots of love - said and shown Work to have a peaceful home Quiet Routines Work to have a protected home The internet has caused a huge mental health crisis Bullying Shaming Promotion of negativity Climate change Gender issues War Famine Etc TV has contributed as well Remove access to social media or greatly limit its use Our kids never had it and have all had great friends We found those at church We found those at Sunday School and youth programs We found those in our own family (brothers, sisters, cousins, etc)

Do you know someone who could benefit from this series?  Will you share this episode with a friend? Interested in attending the 2025 Special Education Summit? Click Here for more details. Thanks for joining us!  See you next week.   Take aways from Renea's session (Episode 265 adn 266 Have Faith in God Get all the help you can get Patiently train them Have a journal to write the journey and the memories and the blessings Have a Bible to note the promises Introduce them to Jesus Friend for my heart . . . Teach your special needs child to pray I'm very bad weak, Help me to be strong in Jesus Christ See them as a beautiful gift from God   Want to hear Pastor Dave Young preach? Westwood Baptist Church Westwood Baptist Church Podcast

For this special episode Dave and Bethlie invite you to join them for part 2 of 2 of the 2024 Special Education Summit hosted by Tabernacle Christian School in Hickory North Carolina.  The speaker is Renee Gamble and you will not want to miss her talk! Do you know someone who could benefit from this series?  Will you share this episode with a friend? Interested in attending the 2025 Special Education Summit? Click Here for more details. Thanks for joining us!  See you next week.     Want to hear Pastor Dave Young preach? Westwood Baptist Church Westwood Baptist Church Podcast

For this special episode Dave and Bethlie invite you to join them for part 1 of 2 of the 2024 Special Education Summit hosted by Tabernacle Christian School in Hickory North Carolina.  The speaker is Renee Gamble and you will not want to miss her talk! Do you know someone who could benefit from this series?  Will you share this episode with a friend? Interested in attending the 2025 Special Education Summit?  Click Here for more details.  Thanks for joining us!  See you next week.     Want to hear Pastor Dave Young preach? Westwood Baptist Church Westwood Baptist Church Podcast

Thanks for joining us for Part 4 of our series on Raising A Child with Special Needs. If you missed parts 1 and 2, and 3  here are the links: Part 1 Defining special needs Part 2 1) Recognize that "special needs" vary in scope and demand 2) Recognize that special needs are nothing new Thank you for joining us! Part 3 1) Parent's must train children 2) Paren'ts must bring them up/norture them. Episode 264 Notes Part 4 5.  Recognize that special needs children can be lead to Christ   Be patient Be repetitive Believe in the power of the gospel Teach them to love  Teach them to love Jesus   Having a special needs child doesn't negate the responsibility to train them anymore than it negates the responsibility to care for them.     Special Education Summit *** Want to hear Pastor Dave Young preach? Westwood Baptist Church Westwood Baptist Church Podcast                     https://www.tabernaclechristianschool.org/special-education-summit

Thanks for joining us for Part 3 of our series on Raising A Child with Special Needs. If you missed parts 1 and 2 here are the links: Part 1 Defining special needs Part 2 1) Recognize that "special needs" vary in scope and demand 2) Recognize that special needs are nothing new Thank you for joining us!   Episode 263 Notes 3. Recognize that God's commands are the same Parent's must train children Having a special needs child doesn't negate the responsiblity to train any more than it negates our responsibility to care for them. Our culture often believers it does (it negates our responsibility to care for them) Abortion is usually the answer Giving them away as a foster child or giving them up for adoption is another way Having a special needs child means that you have a greater responsiblity to train and care Parent's must bring them up/nurture them Remember that you are not alone.  GET HELP   4.  Recognize that behavioral issues are to be solved with patient teaching and training ODD; ADHD; ADD are quite normal and will become worse if left alone A child left to himself, brings his mother to shame *** Want to hear Pastor Dave Young preach?  Westwood Baptist Church Westwood Baptist Church Podcast  

Thanks for joining us for Part 2 of our series on Raising A Child with Special Needs. But first..Dave and Bethlie answer a question from a listener. "What do yall recommend to do for family devotions with a 2 year old, and even how often?" Make family devotions simple and easy Read to  your little one This trains them to sit and listen Memorize 1 verse with your little one Say it to them over and over at specific times Before a meal Before prayer At bedtime Say it repeatedly until they begin saying it themselves Pray with them (just a short prayer . . .) Put them in bed and have dim lights and quiet music Talk quietly at that time of night Kneel beside their bed Touch them, rub their head or their back and sing to them, say a verse to them, and have a short prayer Now let's dive into the episode for today! Parenting Special Case Scenarios 1. Recognize that “special needs” vary in scope and demand Severe autism vs. “on the spectrum” Fetal alcohol syndrome Blind Deaf ODD, ADHD, ADD 2. Recognize that special needs are nothing new  Parents have dealt with special needs throughout history You are not alone Illustration of reaching DEAF through the Bill and Cathy Rice family Illustration of Helen Keller

Dave and Bethlie are BACK!  In today's episode Dave and Bethlie tackle a very important question from a listener about how to train a 3 year old with a big imagination to not lie.   Later on in the episode Dave and Bethlie begin their series on raising a child with special needs. Thanks for joining us and enjoy this episode!   Question from a listener Would you be able to share tips on how to train a 3 year old who has a beautiful imagination on lying. We do a lot of pretend/imagination play, but I want him to also understand that lying (if asked a specific question) is not good.  This is something that just recently came up, and I wasn't sure how to handle it or train him on it. You have to know the difference in imagination and lying. Lying lips are an abomination to God; but they that deal in truth are his delight You shall not bear false witness (you shall not be dishonest in any situation) Truth shall be established forever, but a lying tongue is but for a moment Using ones imagination is fun and normal and creative; lying is refusing to face facts and/or take responsibility in a specific situation. Imagination is not wrong; lying is very wrong. Imagination is fun; lying is dangerous You have to use different words.  Let's pretend Let's imagine Always tell the truth, the whole truth, and nothing but the truth That is a LIE and That is VERY BAD Say that softly and sadly Connect those emotions with the act of lying In imagination In reality You have to teach Jacob and his family He lied to his dad His father in law lied to him His sons lied to him The Boy Who Cried Wolf   (14:40) Raising A Child With Special Needs Part 1 Defining special needs. Special needs refer to children who require additional support or services due to physical, developmental, intellectual, or emotional challenges. These needs can range from mild to severe and may affect various aspects of a child's life, including: communication, mobility, learning, behavior, and social interaction.  Some children have physical challenges Blindness, deafness, etc. Some children have mental or emotional challenges Various degrees of autism Fetal alcohol syndrome Some children are diagnosed with behavioral issues   ADHD Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is a neurodevelopmental disorder characterized by persistent patterns of inattention, hyperactivity, and impulsivity. These symptoms can cause significant problems in functioning at home, school, or work.  ADD Attention Deficit Disorder (ADD) is the older, more colloquial term for a specific type of Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) called "Predominantly Inattentive Type”. ODD Oppositional Defiant Disorder (ODD) is a behavioral disorder characterized by persistent negativity, defiance, and anger, often in children and adolescents. It's not a personality trait but a diagnosable condition that can impact a child's ability to learn, interact with others, and function in various settings.  OCD Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) is a mental health condition characterized by obsessions (unwanted, persistent thoughts, images, or urges) and compulsions (repetitive behaviors or mental acts) that individuals feel driven to perform to reduce the anxiety caused by the obsessions. Conclusion

The last few weeks Dave and Bethlie are taking an important break in order to focus on moving into their new home and also to enable them freedom to serve their community as it continues to deal with the recent tornados that negatively impacted their town of Poplar Bluff. They will resume normal programming very soon.  In the meantime, please enjoy this rewind episode which is part 3 of a series entitled The Challenging Seasons of Life.

For the next few weeks Dave and Bethlie are taking an important break in order to focus on moving into their new home and also to enable them freedom to serve their community as it continues to deal with the recent tornados that negatively impacted their town of Poplar Bluff. They will resume normal programming very soon.  In the meantime, please enjoy this rewind episode which is part 2 of a series entitled The Challenging Seasons of Life.

For the next few weeks Dave and Bethlie are taking an important break in order to focus on moving into their new home and also to enable them freedom to serve their community as it continues to deal with the recent tornados that negatively impacted their town of Poplar Bluff. They will resume normal programming very soon.  In the meantime, please enjoy this rewind episode which is part 1 of a series entitled The Challenging Seasons of Life.

Join Dave and Bethlie as the discuss a sensitive yet prevalent issue in our culture today.   What do you do when your child has been caught viewing porn? Be thankful for the "caught" Be matter of fact Begin the conversation What happened? How long has this been happening? What have you been viewing? How did you access it? Be willing to disciple for the long haul 1. Psalm 119:9-11 God's Word cleanses us God'w Word strengthens us to victory 5. Take time to evaluate Is there a failure in the home? Is there a fault that can be corrected? Is there a failure in your teaching? Have you had conversations about sexuality? About porn? About what to do when you see porn? 6. Take time to grow the relationship 

Part 3: 3.  Be wise in your approach Questions that should be asked before a relationship becomes serious Not all of these are deal breakers, but they need wise examination and counsel Your spiritual testimony No Unequal yoke with someone who is not a believer Virginity Porn Drugs/alcohol Debt Your friends saw the red flags. Your family voiced their concerns. But you were so caught up in the excitement of new love that you missed all the warning signs. Now you're stuck in a relationship that's making you absolutely miserable. Why does this happen? According to researchers at University College London, “feelings of love lead to a suppression of activity in the areas of the brain controlling critical thought.” In other words, love can not only make you blind, but stupid. So, how can you keep your brain switched on while dating and dodge potential bullets in the realm of romance? According to relationship expert Dr. John Van Epp, author of How to Avoid Falling in Love With a Jerk, it's about using both your head and your heart by taking the time to understand your partner's F.A.C.E.S. There are areas you should examine Family Dynamics and Background Attitudes and Actions of a Mature Conscience Compatibility Potential Examples of Previous Friendship or Relationship Patterns Skills for Relationships

Join Dave and Bethlie for part 2 of this series on Thoughts for Singles About Finding A Spouse. Here is the book Dave and Bethlie recommends Get Married by Brad Wilcox   2. Be Practical In Your Approach Be open to dating Be friendly Be where other singles are Be preparing Be more Biblical than cultural Focus on Character (more than image) Focus on prepared Be willing to ask for help Allow others to set up dates Ask trusted mentors if they have anyone who would be a potential spouse

Thoughts for Singles about Finding a Spouse Think Wisely about Marriage Genesis 2 - not good for the man to be alone Hebrews 13:4 - marriage is honorable Honorable means valuable; of great price; precious (minerals or diamonds) Brad Wilcox, professor of Sociology at U of Virginia Get Married: Why Americans Must Defy the Elites, Forge Strong Families; and Save Civilization Marriage binds men to the children they father. It stabilizes the romantic relationships of adults and the family lives of children. It bridges the gender divide between men and women; endows the lives of women and especially men with a deeper sense of meaning, direction, and solidarity; and, above all, provides the ideal context for the bearing and rearing of children. Marriage is certainly the “keystone institution” for our nation. At the civilizational level, this institution has, across the course of American history, promoted prosperity and reduced the risk of widespread poverty at both the state and national levels. It has reinforced the rule of law and minimized the risk of crime and mass disorder. It has boosted the physical health and emotional well-being of the general population. It has maximized the odds that children across the country are happy, healthy, and well prepared to take their place as virtuous citizens in our civilization. For all these reasons, married families maximize the odds that ordinary men, women, and children succeed at that quintessential American quest, “the pursuit of happiness.” Stay away from those who are unBiblical One of the most influential leaders for the young men of our country Wedlock is designed to control the peasantry. A King must reproduce at any cost . . . Andrew Tate has 10.7 million followers on X (Twitter) Guard your heart so that you think wisely and Biblically 2. Be practical in your approach                1.  Be open to dating

How To Enjoy Singleness Part 2 3. Redeem your time Don't be a couch potato Don't be glued to instagram and all the negative emotions that can result Stay fit Eat well Have devotions 4. Build a life Get a good job A good job is one you love One to which you are committed One where you can use your gifts and talents Make a living Buy a house Take care of your stuff Keep a clean house Keep a nice yard Keep a clean car Have hobbies Choose ones that involve learning skills Choose ones that involve being with people 5. Be open to dating Keep it light Remember the two keys to any relationship: Time Talking

Join Dave and Bethlie as they provide practicle steps that you can use to enjoy singleness. Stay Sweet Serve Throw a party Invest in others Serve family Serve in church     3. Redeem Your Time

3.  Try to meet each other's needs Intimacy = closeness, love, gentle care A spouse is called by God to meet the other's needs I Corinthians 7:1-5 The husband has sexual needs that can only be met by the wife The wife has sexual needs that can only be met by the husband We are to fulfill those needs We are not to allow Satan to tempt us to fulfill those needs elsewhere We are only to refrain with mutual agreement for a short time Failure here always has negative results: Damages intimacy Opens doors for the enemy Damages the relationship Sins against God 4.  Trust God about children (take steps to delay pregancy) It is wonderful to have children It is right to want children It is ok just to have children It is ok to wisely plan them 5.  Take time to flirt and flourish Use Words Write Notes Send Texts Buy and Wear Lingerie Use Massage oil 6.  Be practical Use Lubrication Make love when you can Go to bed earlier 7. Treat challenges medically where it is needed ED - erectile dysfunction Intimacy anorexia Pain Etc.

In this episode of Keeping It Young, Dave and Bethlie dive into the important topic of keeping the bedroom alive and fresh in marriage. They discuss how seasons of life impact intimacy, the importance of thinking about each other in 'that way,' and how open communication can strengthen a couple's connection.  How do you keep the bedroom alive and fresh? 1.  Think about each other in “that way” “Seasons” affect us differently Young parents with small children Teens Pregnancy Start with positive thoughts Be aware that it is normal for each of us to think about the bedroom differently   2.  Talk to each other about needs, desires, and wants How often In what way Shower together? Fast? Gourmet? When This can vary by job demands This can vary by schedule This can vary by the age of your children What do you need? What do you want? What do WE need? What can we do to meet each other's needs

3.  Discern Your spouse's needs or desires Insecurity may mean your spouse has a need you can meet Sexually your spouse may need more (or less) The issue here is whether or not you are focused on your need or your spouse's need Each of us should be willing to give of ourselves for the sexual needs of our spouse Just practically Maybe he has a hobby that you can attempt to enjoy Maybe she like Hallmark and you can attempt to watch Maybe your spouse needs more encouragement, or time, or some such . . . Little foxes that spoil the vine Hurts Conflicts Busyness How to handle conflicts What can you do to overcome conflicts What are you doing wrong in overcoming conflicts Staying in a cycle that isn't working is silly Get counsel Read some books Talk and listen How to handle each season of life 4.  Diminish the negatives Focus on 10% of negatives and you cannot see the 90% positives 5. Different (do something different) Shake things up occassionally Eat at a different restaurant Take a “talked about” trip Splurge 6. Delight in one another

How do you keep a marriage alive and fresh? Decide - that it is what you want. It is never automatic It is always attainable It is always worth it . . . Divorce is never an easy option Even when it is necessary Even when you can't stop it Do everything in your power to keep your marriage healthy Develop a best friend relationship Good habits Pray together Talk through issues Keep talking through issues Trust Discern Your spouse's needs or desires

Apply the Bible via wisdom sayings You will reap what you sow A little bit of sin makes a whole lot of mess The best time to take care of sin is when it is very small Birds of a feather flock together You can lead a horse to water but you can't make it drink He who dies with the dirtiest towel wins Only one life will soon be past, only whats done for Christ will last You should always be honest . . .   Consider Christian education If Christian education is used as a tool to strengthen God's Word in the hearts of your children, it is a good thing For you that send your kids to a public school, you have to work harder to protect their heart Beware of sending your kids to a Christian school and then undermining their foundation by sending them to a secular university that is an expert in attacking, weakening, and altering their upbringing We want to hear from you: Do you have any specific ways you are teaching your children the Bible? Do you have any wisdom sayings that we can share with our audience?

In this episode you'll learn how to nurture a deep, lasting connection with the Bible in your children. Dave and Bethlie explore practical methods to integrate God's Word into your family's daily life. Whether through storytelling, reading together, or creating memory verses, this episode is packed with strategies to help your children grow spiritually. Read the Bible Aloud: Start by reading Bible stories together to create a foundation for understanding God's Word. Model and Mentor: Show your children the importance of personal Bible reading through your own example. Memorization Matters: Engage in family memorization of scriptures during meals, car rides, and bedtime. Involve the Church: Choose a church that prioritizes biblical preaching and teaching to reinforce what you teach at home. Celebrate Milestones: Reward spiritual growth, like finishing reading the Bible, to encourage a lifelong love of scripture. Use Everyday Moments: Apply scripture to daily life and specific situations to make it relatable and memorable. Connect with Us: Instagram: @keepingityoungpodcast Facebook: Keeping It Young

Start 2025 with a focus on biblical parenting! In this episode of the Keeping It Young podcast, Dave and Bethlie share six practical ways to teach children the Word of God. Using Deuteronomy 6, they discuss why it's crucial for parents to instill a love for the Bible in their kids and provide timeless principles to make God's Word a living part of family life. What You'll Learn: Why teaching the Bible is essential for your child's spiritual growth. How to tell Bible stories in a way that captivates their hearts. Steps to help your kids develop a biblical worldview. How to integrate God's Word into everyday life. Actionable Tips from the Episode: Tell Bible Stories: Start with creation, Noah's ark, or David and Goliath to make the Bible relatable and exciting. Read the Bible Together: Establish a daily habit of reading scripture as a family. Live God's Word: Be an example by living out biblical principles in your own life. Answer Big Questions: Help your kids develop a biblical framework for understanding right, wrong, and truth. Connect with Us: Instagram: @keepingityoungpodcast Facebook: Keeping It Young Call to Action:

5.) Know, Think, and Speak Truth.   Jesus IS Truth. (John 14:6) **Do you know Him? Know Truth: Remind yourself that at one of the darkest points in history, Christ came! Think Truth: He is not the Author of anxiety or fear. (Phil. 4:6-7; 2 Tim. 1:7) His grace, strength, and wisdom is available when overwhelmed by the Holiday hustle and bustle. (2 Cor. 12:9, James 1:5) He is always with us, and He has promised that struggles are for a season. (Heb. 13:5, 2 Cor. 4:17). Speak Truth: Remind yourself and your children of the Biblical Christmas Story. Remind yourself and your children of the reason and truth behind Christmas traditions. Be ready to share the Truth of Christmas to all.

3.) Speak Life and Reflect Light. Jesus came to give life when we were dead in sin and headed to eternal death. Jesus always shines light in darkness; in fact, He IS light! Show life and light by being encouraged (get out of the news and into the Word!) and by being encouraging! Be a true “Joy to the World” with your face and your words! *When: In the hustle and bustle of: Christmas shopping, errand running, decorating, Baking, wrapping, prepping In getting together with family, friends, church family. Pray for wisdom to speak life and reflect life when you feel that family or friends misunderstand you or reject you. (Jesus knows all about that; He has never rejected you; He loves and accepts you. AND He still is life and light to those who misunderstand Him and reject Him. We can follow His example.) Especially be aware of speaking life and reflecting light to those who desperately need Him. (This is so hard to remember in the hustle and bustle.)   4) Celebrate with Grace.  Celebrate—to acknowledge a happy day or event with a social gathering or enjoyable activity; to praise or honor someone. Grace—courteous goodwill; a free and loving gift of unmerited favor. By its definition, celebration SHOULD take place with GRACE. If it doesn't, maybe it's because we're not truly celebrating. Jesus came to love and to die for undeserving sinners—you and me. We can and should celebrate with grace, no matter how “undeserving” those around us are. Speak Gently. (Graciously, Prov. 11:16) Serve Gracefully. (Mary and Martha, Luke 10:38-42) Celebrate Gregariously. (In a friendly way that shows a liking for the company of others; social, friendly, approachable.)  **Don't be a Scrooge or a Grinch.

A FULL CHRISTMAS JOHN 1:1-6, 9-14, 16-17 Part 1 The Gospels of Matthew and Luke give us portraits of the “Christmas Story,” describing some of the events surrounding the birth of Jesus. John begins his Gospel with a beautiful, glorious, and deeply theological description of Jesus—The Word.   John tells us: Jesus has always been. (Vs.1) Jesus is God and God with us. (Vs.1,2) Jesus is Creator. (Vs. 3,10) Jesus came to us. (Vs. 10,11 14) Jesus is light and life. (Vs. 4,5,9) Jesus knows misunderstanding. (Vs. 5) Jesus knows rejection. (Vs. 10,11) Jesus is Savior. (Vs. 12) Jesus is full of grace and truth. (Vs. 14,16,17)   How can we exemplify Christ and have a FULL Christmas?   1.) Be Present.  Jesus is with us. (Immanuel Isaiah 7:14, 8:8) (Emmanuel Matthew 1:23) It is GRACE for us to be more interested and invested in ENJOYING the family and festivities, rather than DOING or MAKING the festivities. (This is a hard balance…convicting for servant minded Mama's.)   2.) Embrace Creativity.  Jesus created a beautiful world. The beauty of Christmas and Christmas decor can reflect His creation and can teach truth. (Nativity, history, Carols) *Don't be a Humbug ;) *Don't go to the other extreme and get caught up in comparison or frustration.

REVIEW: Episode 240 5 Ways To Help Your Teen Keep teaching. Keep protecting. Raise expectations; don't lower them.            1.  A teen who can't work, can't clean, is not polite, won't speak when spoken too                   is crippled for life Episode 241 Continued...           2.  Teens should be able to (or learning to) Cook meals Clean the house Do the laundry from start to finish Fuel the car, check the oil, and check the tires 4.  Keep talking. Time is required Routine times Scheduled times Slow down Talking is giving and taking Ask Questions Listen Respond Learning to converse wisely is a huge part of living successfully Essential in work relations Essential in marriage Essential in raising children Essential in solving conflicts 5.  Developm routines and traditions that draw you closer

5 Ways To Help Your Teen Keep teaching. Keep protecting. Raise expectations; don't lower them. A teen who can't work, can't clean, is not polite, won't speak when spoken too — is crippled for life

How can we develop a grateful home? 1) Model gratitude by being heart thankful. (It's a heart matter and a choice.) 2) Model gratitude in our gratefulness to God. (Site verses from previous episode) What has Christ done for you? Count your many blessings!   Psalm 68:19, “Blessed be the Lord, Who daily loadeth us with benefits, even the God of our salvation. Selah.” 3) Model gratitude in our gratefulness for our spouse, family, and others. Some “Instigators of Ingratitude,” according to Choosing Gratitude: Unrealistic Expectations Forgetfulness Entitlement Comparison Blindness to God's Grace (on us; on others) 4) Model gratitude in our ability to be grateful during stressful, busy, difficult, or even painful seasons. 5) Model gratitude in response to stress and busyness: In the midst of relentless ministry deadlines and seemingly endless, tasks, I find that the ‘burden' of my workload is lightened when I approach it as a high and holy calling, a gift to be received with gratitude.” Choosing Gratitude, NDW, In response to difficulty or pain: “Do we only give glory to God for the part of our life that's going the way we want? Or do we…give Him thanks, just because He is God—regardless of the dark, painful,…places we encounter…? 6) Model gratitude by expressing it! Model gratitude by expressing it in all those same spaces and places: to the Lord, our spouse and family, and others. Smile it! (A grateful heart, makes a happy heart, which makes a happy face.) Say it! (Aloud and Often.) “Silent Gratitude isn't much use to anyone,” Gladys Berthe Stern. Write it! (Thank you notes for gifts, for help, for just because.) Encourage family and corporate expressions of it! (Church, family altar, ` family table, reminders of gratefulness instead of grumbling, willingness to be humble and admit when we are ungrateful.)

GRATITUDE STARTS AT HOME Colossians 3:14-15    “And above all these things put on charity, which is the bond of            perfectness.           And let the peace of God rule in your hearts, to the which also ye are           called in one body; and be ye thankful.” Right before Paul speaks to the family in Col. 3:18-21, he calls on them to Love each other Let peace rule Learn to be Thankful   This passage in Colossians is a reflection of what Paul wrote to the Ephesians in Ephesians 5:20, “Giving Thanks always for all things unto God and the Father in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ.” (Which is followed by 5:22-6:4, Paul's “Hallmark” passage on marriage and family.) We can all look at the culture around us and recognize that entitlement and ungratefulness is rampant! There doesn't seem to be love and peace that Paul talks about in Col. 3. Is gratitude the key? Or A key? Our lives, our homes don't have to reflect the culture. We can have a “culture” of thankfulness in our homes, a place that fosters love and peace. 1.) Does gratitude matter? A.) Yes, because it is commanded and modeled in the Bible.   “give thanks”—71 verses “Thankful”—3 verses “thanksgiving”—27 verses.         (128 verses total) “thankfulness”—1 verse “thank”—26 verses   Psalm 30:12b, “…I will give thanks unto Thee for ever.” Psalm 100:4, “Enter into His gates with thanksgiving, and into His courts with praise: be thankful unto Him, and bless His name.” Psalm 107:1, “O give thanks unto the Lord, for He is good: for His mercy endureth for ever.” Psalm 147:7, “Sing unto the Lord with thanksgiving; sing praise upon the harp unto our God.”     *Jesus modeled thankfulness:   Matthew 15:36, “And He took the seven loaves and the fishes, and gave thanks, and brake them, and gave to His disciples, and the disciples to the multitude.” (Mark 8:6, John 6:11) Matthew 26:27, “And He took the cup, and gave thanks, and gave it to the them, saying, Drink ye all of it;” (Mark 14:23, Luke 22:17 and 19) Matthew 11:25, “…Jesus answered and said, I thank Thee, O Father, …” (Luke 10:21, John 11:41     *Paul regularly gave thanks to God and others:   I Cor. 15:57, “But thanks be to God, which giveth us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ.” II Cor. 9:15, “Thanks be unto God for His unspeakable gift.” Eph. 1:6, “Cease not to give thanks for you, making mention of you  in my prayers.” Col. 1:3, “We give thanks to God and the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, praying always for you.” I Thess. 3:9, “For what thanks can we render to God again for you, for all the joy wherewith we joy for your sakes before our God.”     *And Paul (under Inspiration) gave commands to give thanks:   Eph. 5:4, “Neither filthiness, nor foolish talking, nor jesting, which are not convenient: but rather giving of thanks.” I Thess. 5:18, “In every thing give thanks: for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you.” I Timothy 2:1, “I exhort therefore, that, first of all, supplications, prayers, intercessions, and giving of thanks, be made for all men;”     *Love is mentioned in the Bible over 280 times…peace is mentioned 400 times! Thankfulness is mentioned several times right along with them. Maybe the love and peace we crave is only one “Thank you” away.*     B.) Yes, because it improves your health, attitude, and relationships. “The importance of this matter of gratitude can hardly be overstated. I've come to believe that few things are more becoming in a child of God than a grateful spirit. By the same token, there is probably nothing that makes a person more unattractive than the absence of a grateful spirit.” Choosing Gratitude, NDW, p23. Prov. 15:13, “A merry heart taketh a cheerful countenance: but by sorrow of the heart the spirit is broken.” Proverbs 15:15, “All the days of the afflicted are evil: but he that is of a merry heart hath a continual feast.” Prov. 17:22, “A merry heart doth good like a medicine: but a broken spirit drouth the bones.” (“A grateful heart is a happy heart.”)   An article by MayoClinic, December of 2022, adds, “Gratitude should be practiced daily, just as you'd take a ‘magic pill,' if it existed.” They added that practicing gratitude could lessen chronic pain and the risk of disease.   Gratitude improves our countenance, perspective, and outlook, making us much easier to be around or live with.   Grumpy people  vs Happy people Prickly people vs Gentle people Irrational people vs Restful people On Edge people vs At Ease people (go with the flow) Negative people vs Positive people Doom and Gloom people vs Scriptural people Entitled people vs Grateful people It may be that your personality leans toward “glass half empty,” rather than “glass half full,” but a grateful heart will temper your emotions and allow your loved ones to enjoy you better.

Dave and Bethlie answer your questions!  

Part 2 4.  Insist on happy compliance If your child is not happy when you correct them, discipline is needed If your child will not comply when you speak to them, discipline is needed If you cannot take them to an event because they won't behave, discipline is needed If this is an exception, then you are on the right path If this is the norm, then you are not   5.  Speak softly, directly, specifically, and only once When you have to reason with a toddler, you are teaching them to comply only if they want to do so If you practice replacement parenting, they will not learn to have self-denial and self-control

Suggestions for Training Toddlers (Part 1)   Prepare for the long haul, but get started. This is a beginning and it will take adulthood before you are officially done It is always easier to correct a child while they are younger Correct every selfish and willful act Do it every time - even if it is awkward and difficult In a church auditorium In a store Refuse the temptation to let it go Never assume a child will be better when they are older They won't unless they are taught and corrected Discipline predictably Use simple phrases Calmly and matter of factly follow through with consistency Interrupt everything for training

Five Ways to Damage Your Marriage Review from Episode 233 Neglect it - again Treat each other disrespectfully - again Separate from each other as much as possible This week... 4.  Resist our God given responsibilities Husbands have to perfect love Wives have to master submission 5.  Fail to kiss and make-out This can be a challenge because life is so busy Don't stop working at it Kiss goodbye Kiss hello Kiss goodnight Kiss for no reason Making out takes some time Slow down and focus on each other Remind yourself of how wonderful you are together

Five Ways to Damage Your  Marriage (Part 1) 1.  Neglect it - again Neglect occurs over a process of time Neglect always diminishes value Failure to invest over a process of time erodes our marriages 2.  Treat each other disrespectfully - again When we aren't kind When we are rude When we never express love 3.  Separate from each other as much as possible Think me and not we If you are always heading in different directions, your marriage will suffer If you never take the time to talk, your marriage will suffer We have found that we have to schedule time each day . . .

Christian Womanhood It involves cultivating selflessness She is warm Safe and trustworthy v. 11-12 Good - agreeable, pleasant, better (root is joyful and delightful) Illustration “You're better than that” Don't allow issues to turn you into a hard, cold, sarcastic,  eye-rolling wife) Financially - no need of spoil Personally - does good and not evil Be careful that the familiar does not become an irritation Deeply - “good and not evil” Can He share? When and how he wants to share? Romantically - intimately - no need of spoil, good and not evil Beware of hurts, bitterness, frustrations, struggles Talk them out, work it out, get help-out Don't fizzle; make it sizzle She is wise Think - every time Be kind - every time Psalm 19:14 Psalm 141:3 Eph. 4:32 She wants him to win v. 23 Follow him - treat him like the leader God made him to be Eph 5:22-24 Promote him - with reverence and awe Eph 5:33 Be counter cultural   Conclusion: Pro 31:28-31 So many women seek validation, praise, honor, status They want the priceless label, but sell themselves short

What does Biblical Womanhood Look Like? Consider the word virtuous It involves cultivating strength Virtuous is Strong in purity, chastity, and righteousness Modern dictionaries get it all wrong One strives to be virtuous to appear to be better than others Bible- it doesn't make you better but priceless Dictionaries: Collins - to do what is expected and feeling pleased with themselves, perhaps too pleased Cambridge - Thinks oneself morally better than others, only does good so he can feel virtuous Oxford - behaving in a very good or moral way, irreproachable, claiming to behave better or have a higher moral standard than others. Modern philosophies get it wrong: A strong woman follows her heart The heart is deceitful and desperately wicked She shows her authentic self In my flesh dwells no good thing She cultivates her own interests Be kindly affectioned one to another . . . in honor preferring She is self-aware and continually growing into herself For me to live is Christ and to die is gain She stands up for herself and and is not afraid to share her thoughts and ideas regardless of what others think She speaks her heart and mind Whoso keeps his mouth and tongue keeps his soul from trouble Proverbs 21:23 Same word for going into battle Root is to twist, writhe, twirl, dance The Virtuous woman is strong She is prepared for battle She cha-cha-chas her way through her busy days Cf. Ephesians 6 She is strong 6:10 She is ready for battle 6:11 She is prepared for whatever comes her way 6:13 It involves cultivating a strong relationship with God v. 30 A woman who fears the Lord Can't get enough of God Is in awe of God Will be praised

Dave and Bethlie's youngest child, Charity Young, joins them for this episode.  As 15 year old young lady, how did God speak to Charity recently when she read through Proverbs 31? Listen, and enjoy!

Proverbs 31:1-9 Verse 1 Taught = to chasten, discipline, instruct, admonish Verse 3 Stay away from women because they destroy kings This is counsel which Solomon in later years chose to ignore Verse 4-9 Stay away from alcohol Kings shouldn't drink the stuff They can cause you to forget the law they can cause you to pervert judgment Alcohol use should be reserved only for those who need it Someone who is dying Someone who is bitterly ill Keep away from it so you can be a wise leader

Part 3 We want our children to have good appetites. Appetites for eternal things over earthly things God's Word God' Love Diligence Faithfulness Character Integrity Family We want our children to be successful adults Prepared All ready going that way before they get there Parenting is intended to teach our teens to parent themselves Know where you are taking your kids Give them opportunities to prove they are getting there

Part 2 The goals we should have according to the verse We want our children to have good behavior. This idea shows up especially in the early chapters Listen to our commands Heed our laws Do right and pursue wisdom Teach them to obey Expectation Communication Follow-through Correction (Proverbs 13:24, 19:18, 22:15, 23:13-14, 29:15,17)  

We Must Emphasize Training Proverbs 22:6 Recap of our study through Proverbs: Chapters 1-9 are about his training of his own son. Chapters 10-31 contain truth about areas we should emphasize. 5 Reasons It Is Right To Emphasize Training It is a word from Solomon, - known for His God-given wisdom. It is the Word of God by the Holy Spirit and it is therefore profitable for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness. It is based on the truth of sowing and reaping. It is simply a summary of God's plan for the home and family. It makes sense. The Choices We Have As Parents To train or not to train To teach or not to teach To correct or not to correct To love or not to love To impart wisdom or to leave to folly To prepare for adulthood or to relegate to failure To succeed or to fail

We must emphasize the dangers of alcohol We understand this is a debated matter All of us agree that drunkenness is wrong Drunkenness is when alcohol is altering our God given faculties It controls our emotions It controls our reactions               2.  We understand that this is a problem area               3.  We believe it is an easy matter All of us agree that we are wrong when alcohol is damaging our life and the lives of those around us Solomon's main point over and over again is that alcohol is dangerous and should be avoided It does much damage One of the leading causes of preventable death in the USA (National institute on alcohol) 1/3 of fatal vehicle accidents were alcohol related 174 million abuse alcohol/only 9 million abuse opiods Financially It is expensive It is costly in how it affects work and health and relationships and so forth               4. We must understand that Solomon is warning us about these dangers: What it does Proverbs 23:29 Also 20:1 It mocks It rages It deceives and destroys wisdom How it happens Proverbs 23:30-31 Linger Search Look Where it leads Proverbs 23:32-35 It bites and stings It affects thinking and perverts v. 33 It makes you sick v. 34 It leaves you deceived. v. 35 It leads to addiction v. 35 It leads to perverted leadership Proverbs 31:4-5 Where it is acceptable Proverbs 31:6-7 Medicinally 1 Tim 5:23 As parents we must emphasize the dangers of alcohol. Show your children those who have been damaged by it Relationships Car accidents Health failures Stay away from it.

The Dangers of Anger We just emphasize the dangers of anger Here are the main verses in Proverbs dealing with anger: 12:16 A fool's wrath is presently known; but a prudent man coverth shame 14:29 He that is slow to wrath is of great understanding: but he that is hasty of spirit exalteth folly 14:17 He that is soon angry dealeth foolishly: and a man of wicked devices is hated. 15:1 A soft answer turneth away wrath: but grievous words stir up anger 16:23 He that is slow to anger is better than the mighty: and he that ruleth his spirit than he that taketh a city 19:11 the discretion of a man deferreth his anger: and it is his glory to pass over a transgression 19:18  A man of great wrath will suffer punishment: for if thou deliver him, yet thou must do it again 21:19 It is better to dwell in the wilderness, than with a contentious and an angry woman 22:24 Make no friendship with an angry man, and with a furious man thou shalt not go 27:3 A stone is heavy, and the sand weighty: but a fool's wrath is heavier than them both 27:4 Wrath is cruel and anger is outrageous (a torrent - a flood); but who is able to stand before envy. 29:22 An angry man stirreth up strife, and a furious man aboundeth in transgression Lessons learned from these verses 1) We must address our own anger issues: Defeat anger or it will control you and damage you Confess it as the sin it is Take steps to forsake it 2) We must address our children's anger Younger Children Never ignore anger Rebuke it Correct it (determine beforehand) Teach them how to respond appropriately Older Children Model correct responses Strive to live gently Admit when wrong and ask forgiveness Take steps to correct yourself Teach correct responses Stop and correct every angry response Teach your children the proper response Do it every time! We must separate from anger: handle specific areas in specific ways On a team or in a sport Be drastic here Pull them out Remove them from the team Remove their privileges With a coach An angry coach is a bad influence in your child's life An angry coach is a lousy role model An angry coach is carnal In a relationship Anger will destroy relationships Anger is a deal breaker In friendship In courtship and dating Never date a person who gets angry - and certainly don't marry them Anger that shows up in dating will only compound in marriage We must learn to handle intense matters properly: Learn to speak softly Respond quietly Speak in a lower voice Leave an angry situation Anger will prevent a happy life and a happy family    

1) Counsel Is Important Proverbs 11:14 Lack of counsel = a fall Lots of counsel = protection Proverbs 12:15 It is foolish to act on your own It is wise to heed counsel Proverbs 15:22 Lack of counsel damages plans Lots of counsel established them Provers 20:5 Counsel is available It has to be found "on purpose" Proverbs 20:15 Greater undertakings demand greater counsel Greater undertakings are successful by counsel 2) Counsel Requires Teachability I should be willing to learn It is a heart matter It requires wisdom Bad counsel - can be tricky There is a way that seems right Always evaluate the source Always evaluate the ending Always evaluate the consensus Good counsel - has proof The end thereof Get counsel from those who have good fruit Dave Teis refused to write a book on parenting until his children were grown Don't learn parenting skills from a novice - a peer - a social media influencer  We should be training our children to listen to counsel Proverbs 24:5 Wisdom = strong Knowledge = strength This requires wise counsel This requires much counsel Proverbs 27:9 Friendship is sweet when it includes hearty counsel Where do you find good counsel? Daily devotions - the Bible Prayer for wisdom Hearing the preaching of God's Word Studying good books written by good authors and published by respected publishers Learning from successful people We have talked many times to successful parents to ask for advice We schedule talks with successful parents Study history...if something has worked for a millennium, pull from that Never face difficult situations without much counsel Consider giving a trusted counselor veto power during times of great difficulty

We must continually protect our children from foolish influences. 1) Internet Only when supervised Not just for fun Not just because they're bored Use Gryphon Use Covenant Eyes Frequently check phones and computer history Keept it random Make it a surprise 2) Social Media None is always best How to do it? Get other parents to join you Get your school on board Teach your children to stand alone What to do if you do it? Make it a rite of passage Sign an agreement Write a paper Read a book My Tech-Wise Life Ways your phone is changing you Tiktok - dangerous and damaging Emotionally damaging Relationally damaging Legally damaging Purity damaging Instagram 3) Music Have standards Talk thorugh matters and continually offer biblical wisdom No one can handle a diet of unBiblical thinking communciated via music 4) Movies Be careful Always evaluate a movie prior to watching it Wait for it to be available via Vidangel or on Clearplay Talk about reasons and teach truths  

Dave and Bethlie continue their study in Proverbs.  This week, they'll continue their focus on Influences That Kill with a special focus on friendships. We must protect our children from lousy friends. The Simple (they lack wisdom) The Fool (makes fun of sin; ridicules righteousness) Lousy friends can quickly undo everything we teach our children Better to have no friends than to have lousy ones Amnon (Old Testament) had a friend and it eventually cost him his life A good friend does right and helps you do right We must protect our children from lousy friends Choose their friends Insist they sit with you rather than friends Never allow them to be unsupervised (alone) No overnight in another home No teens alone in a car No teens alone on a trip No teens alone in a room Drop out of sports rather than allow teammates to influence your kids in lousy direction      

In this episode, Dave and Bethlie discuss the importance of godly and positive influences in the family. They emphasize the need to shield children and ourselves from negative, harmful influences. Proverbs 13:20 We must emphasize the blessings and dangers of influence. Proverbs 1:11-19 Proverbs 9:6 The best influences are those that impart righteousness and wisdom.

Dave and Bethlie discuss words that destroy marriage from Proverbs 12.   Our words can do massive damage: When we speak in "never" and "always" When we are mean. When we make broad assumptions.   Beware of the "norms" in our society Sarcasm Belittling Negativity Unkindness Rudeness   Determine to be different by: Gratitude is healthy Kindness is healthy Sincerity is healthy Gentleness is healthy Respect is healthy