Podcasts about family vision

Are you constanlty feeling overwhelmed? You're not alone. In this powerful episode, Rob & Amy Rienow share a deeply personal conversation about spiritual burnout, emotional overload, and how the enemy uses overwhelm to attack families—especially mothers and daughters. Hear practical, biblical insights on how to identify when you're under spiritual attack and how to reconnect with Jesus as your Master and Guide. Recorded just before their family mission trip to Rwanda, Rob & Amy also share a powerful vision for 2026 and how you can be part of it. Whether you're a mom, a dad, or simply someone navigating a stressful season, this episode will offer encouragement, biblical clarity, and a practical plan for spiritual renewal. What You'll Learn in This Episode: - How the enemy uses feelings of overwhelm to disrupt families - Why reconnecting with Jesus as “Master” brings peace - A four-step spiritual battle plan to combat stress and anxiety - How husbands can better support overwhelmed wives - Why now is the time to double down on family discipleship Featured Resources: Upcoming Events — Join us in person for the Father-Son Connect Morning and the unforgettable Thanksgiving Ball! Full event details: https://visionaryfam.com/events Partner With Us — God is opening doors for 2026! Help us reach families worldwide with the Gospel and biblical teaching on family life. Learn more: https://visionaryfam.com Prayer Support — We would love to pray with you. Schedule a prayer call at podcast@visionaryfam.com Love this episode? If this episode encouraged you, please share it with a friend and leave a review on Apple Podcasts. Your support helps more families discover Family Vision. Subscribe now on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or YouTube so you never miss an episode. Next Episode Preview: Next week, we continue our journey through the Ten Commandments with Commandment One: “You shall have no other gods before me.” What does that mean in a world full of distractions? Don't miss it.

272. Pathway to Joy and Happiness in Parenting with Amy Rienow   Psalm 144:15b NKJV, "Happy are the people whose God is the Lord!"   *Transcription Below*   Questions and Topics We Cover: Will you share your story of God revealing a spirit of perfectionism was sneaking into motherhood? How can we recognize our own spirit of perfectionism and what can we do about it? What is one thing you've found every mom needs more of and how can we get it?   Thank You to Our Sponsor: MidwestFoodBank.org   Amy Rienow's first ministry is loving her husband and nurturing faith in their seven children. She and Rob founded and lead Visionary Family Ministries, a ministry created to equip parents, encourage couples, and help families live for Christ. She attended the University of Illinois, followed by Wheaton College Graduate School, where she earned her MA in Clinical Psychology. She is a licensed clinical professional counselor. Amy has her hands full as a mom, partnering with Rob, and serving in the women's and worship ministries at church.   Savvy Sauce Episodes Mentioned in Episode: Special Patreon Re-Release: Discipline that Disciples with Dr. Rob Rienow Five Love Languages with Dr. Gary Chapman 87 Visionary Parenting and Grand-Parenting with Dr. Rob Rienow 182 Things I Wish I'd Have Known Before My Child Became a Teenager with Dr. Gary Chapman 220 Cultivating Healthy Family Relationships with Dr. Gary Chapman 245 Stories Series: Miracles Big and Small with Dr. Rob Rienow 230 Intentional Parenting in All Stages with Dr. Rob Rienow   Connect with The Savvy Sauce on Facebook, Instagram or Our Website    Please help us out by sharing this episode with a friend, leaving a 5-star rating and review, and subscribing to this podcast!   Gospel Scripture: (all NIV)   Romans 3:23 “for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God,”   Romans 3:24 “and are justified freely by his grace through the redemption that came by Christ Jesus.”   Romans 3:25 (a) “God presented him as a sacrifice of atonement, through faith in his blood.”    Hebrews 9:22 (b) “without the shedding of blood there is no forgiveness.”    Romans 5:8 “But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us.”    Romans 5:11 “Not only is this so, but we also rejoice in God through our Lord Jesus Christ, through whom we have now received reconciliation.”    John 3:16 “For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life.”   Romans 10:9 “That if you confess with your mouth, “Jesus is Lord,” and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved.”    Luke 15:10 “In the same way, I tell you, there is rejoicing in the presence of the angels of God over one sinner who repents.”   Romans 8:1 “Therefore, there is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus”   Ephesians 1:13–14 “And you also were included in Christ when you heard the word of truth, the gospel of your salvation. Having believed, you were marked in him with a seal, the promised Holy Spirit, who is a deposit guaranteeing our inheritance until the redemption of those who are God's possession- to the praise of his glory.”   Ephesians 1:15–23 “For this reason, ever since I heard about your faith in the Lord Jesus and your love for all the saints, I have not stopped giving thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers. I keep asking that the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the glorious Father, may give you the spirit of wisdom and revelation, so that you may know him better. I pray also that the eyes of your heart may be enlightened in order that you may know the hope to which he has called you, the riches of his glorious inheritance in the saints, and his incomparably great power for us who believe. That power is like the working of his mighty strength, which he exerted in Christ when he raised him from the dead and seated him at his right hand in the heavenly realms, far above all rule and authority, power and dominion, and every title that can be given, not only in the present age but also in the one to come. And God placed all things under his feet and appointed him to be head over everything for the church, which is his body, the fullness of him who fills everything in every way.”   Ephesians 2:8–10 “For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith – and this not from yourselves, it is the gift of God – not by works, so that no one can boast. For we are God‘s workmanship, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do.“   Ephesians 2:13 “But now in Christ Jesus you who once were far away have been brought near through the blood of Christ.“   Philippians 1:6 “being confident of this, that he who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus.”   *Transcription*   Music: (0:00 – 0:09)   Laura Dugger: (0:11 - 1:43) Welcome to The Savvy Sauce, where we have practical chats for intentional living. I'm your host, Laura Dugger, and I'm so glad you're here.   Thank you to an anonymous donor to Midwest Food Bank, who paid the sponsorship fee in hopes of spreading awareness.  Learn more about this amazing nonprofit organization at MidwestFoodBank.org.   I'm thrilled to get to introduce you to my inspiring guest for today, Amy Rienow. Now, that last name may sound familiar because Amy's husband, Dr. Rob Rienow, has been a previous guest multiple times, actually. So, I'll make sure and link his previous episodes in the show notes, along with other episodes that we recommend in this conversation.   Amy and Rob are founders of Visionary Family Ministries, and they are parents to seven children. Amy is also an author, podcaster, and she's practiced as a licensed clinical professional counselor in the past, so she's going to combine all of this experience together, and her wisdom just pours out as now she's going to seek to encourage us to seek the Lord and follow His guidance, especially as parents in our parenting journey. Here's our chat.   Welcome to The Savvy Sauce, Amy.   Amy Rienow: (1:44 - 1:51) Hi Laura. I'm so glad to do this with you. It's been a while since we've talked about it, and I'm excited to be here today.   Laura Dugger: (1:51 - 2:00) Well, I'm thrilled to have you join, and I'd love to just dive in and hear how did Jesus Christ become your personal Lord and Savior?   Amy Rienow: (2:01 - 3:39)  I love that you start with that question. I grew up in a home with a Christian mom and a non-Christian dad, but they had made an arrangement before they were even married. She did have the wisdom to ask her husband to give her the domain of that, like picking a church, and he was willing to go with us as a family to church, even though he was not a believer, and that was very clear.   But she led me to the Lord when I was about four years old, and I grew up going to church, and that was my first. I feel like I never kind of have a lot of memory of not knowing Jesus, but I would say that my faith increased and became even more my own. I feel like it was always my own, but in high school, I went on a missions trip to Mexico, and I will never forget the experience of being in a very poor town in Mexico, and there was this horrible storm coming in, and all of us Americans were afraid of the storm, and we ran into the church while the service kept going on, and literally none of the Mexican people that were outside in the service, the storm didn't faze them at all.   They just kept going on, and honestly, that was such a pivotal point in my life where I was like, that is the type of faith that I wanted to have. I mean, it really cemented. I feel like that's when the Holy Spirit just helped me to know that that's who I want to be.   I want to be a person of that kind of faith in the Lord that is not budging when the storms come.   Laura Dugger: (3:40 - 4:04) Love that. Thank you for sharing, and since that time, you've added some people to your family, so I'd love to get a snapshot of your family right now and then share some more about motherhood, specifically in one of your books you wrote about recognizing that you had a spirit of perfectionism. So, I'd love to hear more about that because I think it's very relatable.   Amy Rienow: (4:05 - 6:43) Well, my family right now, I've been married to my husband Rob for 30 years. I have seven children, R.W., Lissy, J.D., Lainey, Millie, Ray, and Rush.  And R.W. is turning 28 this year. He has one little boy.   His name is Cliff, so that's my grandbaby number three. My daughter Lissy is married to Bond, and she's about to have baby number three, so that will be my fourth grandbaby. She has Avey, Bondy, and then this little new one on the way. And then my son J.D. just got married to Brooke last summer, so that is exciting. We're thrilled, thrilled, thrilled to have Brooke in our family. Lainey is graduating from Olivet. She graduated in three years, which we're really proud of. Millie is a junior.   Ray is a freshman, and Rush is in fifth grade, and I still homeschool those three. They kind of do part-time at a Christian school here, and then I homeschool the rest of the time. So, that is my current family.   It's expanding. As you will find out when you get to the stage, expansions come very quickly, and it's exciting, exciting times. But about that spirit of perfectionism, actually, even before I became a mom, I was convicted of a spirit of perfectionism because I had always been very critical of myself.   I had a very critical spirit. Just I don't know if it was, you know, the peer pressure, what those components are. I'm a middle child, but I just tended to critique myself very harshly.   And after I was married, even about a year, the Lord showed me how, because of my husband and I were becoming one flesh, I was really turning that critical spirit onto him. But then there was a book called The Fly Lady. She is a home organization.   I think I mention it in my book, but that is when I really began to understand that I struggled with perfectionism, and that's often what kept me paralyzed. It often keep me with that, you know, I would say engaging with that critical spirit, communicating a lot of criticisms, whether it be to my children or to my husband. So, that was, you know, so it started early in marriage, but by the time I was well into motherhood, I was really starting to understand what this was. What the critical spirit was, and it really was a spirit of perfectionism.   Laura Dugger: (6:44 - 6:52) Well, and the Lord met you there, and there is a story that you share related to picture frames. Would you be willing to tell that?   Amy Rienow: (6:52 - 9:07) Yeah. So, my daughter, Lissy, was graduating from high school, and it was classic me. I was trying to like get this massive graduation party together, and I'm sort of a procrastinator and life is busy.   So, it's like we are, okay, I got to get this done before this big party, this big event, and had a friend who was a decorator to kind of give me an idea of what to do. And so, my husband and really the whole family was kind of working overtime to get everything ready for this big event. And he had helped my, we had this huge wall that had to be that my decorator friend suggested a gallery wall.   So, we had all of these pictures up and I was looking at it late at night, kind of exhausted. We're talking about past midnight and I know it wasn't just my husband helping. I had JD helping.   I don't remember where I was, but we were just all working hard to get this ready for this party. And I was laying there as past midnight looking at that wall and so frustrated, like so frustrated because all those pictures I kept looking at like, Oh, this is going to be a mess. Like they're all, they're not like, you know, they're not command stripped.   Right. And so they're all going to be, I just felt like, what have I done? It's looking crooked already.   And it was so frustrating to me. And that is when the Holy spirit completely convicted me with just like, Amy, you should be looking what's in those pictures and not whether they're crooked or not crooked. Like, first of all, like all the family has been helping me with this vision.   Right. And it's not really their vision. It's my vision.   They've all been supportive of me in front of me. It was a wall of all the memories of all these beautiful pictures. And here I was so focused on my right angles and having it look perfect for the crowd coming in at the graduation party, as opposed to what everything on that wall represented.   And so, it was a very convicting moment to me of just like, I have a choice. Am I going to embrace everything in those pictures and everything my family's done to help us get to this special day? Or am I going to come in and be fixated on how crooked those picture frames look to me right now?   Laura Dugger: (9:07 - 9:19)  Appreciate you sharing that. And I'm wondering for any parent, especially listening, if they find themselves identifying with that spirit of perfectionism, what can we do with that?   Amy Rienow: (9:20 - 11:11)  It's a challenging one because I think our culture promotes it. And I also think I'm on the flip side of the positive side of it. Let me just say, I believe there's a vision of perfect in our hearts because we were created for perfect.   We're created for heaven. And the Bible says that no eye has seen, no ear has heard, or no mind has even conceived what God has prepared for those who love him. So, there's this drive for perfect that I think is very good and right.   And so, we don't want to give up like excellence, or we don't want to give up that we have that drive. The problem is that the enemy, in fact, I've actually done more research on this. There's really can be a demonic spirit of perfectionism where we're trying to create heaven here.   We're trying to think in our own flesh and our own strength that we can take care of all of our sin, take care of all of our flaws. We can take care of our children's flaws. We can take care of our husband's flaws.   That is actually from the enemy in the sense that we believe in our own strength. And you can look at that through history. It's basically a form of humanism that we can fix everything in ourselves.   God makes it very clear in scripture that that is not possible. So, I think understanding this tension, that it's okay to want things to be wonderful, that's not bad. But what's bad is when we leave God out of the picture and we put this pressure on ourselves and on the people around us to accomplish what only can God can do.   And we don't accept God's timing. We don't have patience with who we are, our sinful nature and really put our trust in Christ and not in ourselves.   Laura Dugger: (11:12 - 12:56) Let's take a quick break to hear a message from our sponsor.   Midwest Food Bank exists to provide industry leading food relief to those in need while feeding them spiritually. They are a food charity with a desire to demonstrate God's love by providing help to those in need.   Unlike other parts of the world where there's not enough food in America, the resources actually do exist. That's why food pantries and food banks like Midwest Food Bank are so important. The goods that they deliver to their agency partners help to supplement the food supply for families and individuals across our country, aiding those whose resources are beyond stretched.   Midwest Food Bank also supports people globally through their locations in Haiti and East Africa, which are some of the areas hardest hit by hunger arising from poverty. This ministry reaches millions of people every year. And thanks to the Lord's provision, 99% of every donation goes directly toward providing food to people in need.   The remaining 1% of income is used for fundraising, costs of leadership, oversight, and other administrative expenses. Donations, volunteers, and prayers are always appreciated for Midwest Food Bank. To learn more, visit midwestfoodbank.org, or listen to episode 83 of The Savvy Sauce, where the founder, David Kieser, shares miracles of God that he's witnessed through this nonprofit organization. I hope you check them out today.   You also write in one of your books that there's one thing that you found every mother needs. So, what is it and how can we get it?   Amy Rienow: (12:56 - 14:56) That one thing is joy, joy, joy. And, and I like to use the word happiness, honestly, because I feel like that happiness got a bad rap, I say, in Christian world for like a while, in my opinion. I don't know if it's still that way, but so often I heard sermon saying, you know, like we don't want happiness.   We want joy. Like there's these two different major things, like, you know, almost like a rejection of happiness for this deeper spiritual joy. Well, finally, the Lord really convicted me that deep, deep inner joy that doesn't show is an oxymoron.   Like, you really should see happiness. You should feel happiness. You should feel those things.   If you ever come across someone's like, oh no, I have a deep joy, but like, there's no evidence of it. Well, that's a red flag. That's a problem.   The Lord, you know, in the King James version, it actually says happier people whose God is the Lord. And I believe every mom desires that happiness. And sometimes they don't even really know that that's the most important element that they want in their home, you know, because it's so easy to get, I don't know, sidetracked on things that feel more important that you kind of forget how important happiness is.   And, you know, we can take it for granted. I feel like very easily because often when our kids are little and we don't have not entered that world of, whether it be academic or whatever into the greater world, let's just say in your home, you can kind of have like a natural happiness and joy that's just there, but it's so easily stifled. When we start putting our self into the world of either comparing ourselves to other moms, comparing our kids to other kids, stressing about the expectations or what we think our kids need.   We can often find that happiness slipping away. And I believe we do not want that to happen in our homes and in our hearts.   Laura Dugger: (14:57 - 15:08) And so how can we get more of that, both as parents and how can we train our kids to be happy and joyful as well?   Amy Rienow: (15:09 - 17:18) It's such a good question and a hard question. Cause I don't think it's just like we can snap our fingers and just do that. I think that it's really important that we are seeking the Lord and helping him order our priorities.   You know, God gave us 10 commandments for a reason. And if you look at the first one, it says, “You know, you'll have no other gods before me, you'll keep him first.” And part of the reason why I think that commandment is both like the first and also in many ways, very abstract, like, you know what I mean?   How do you even do that? You know, it's confusing, I think, but I think that's what the Lord wants is of a seeking of helping us keep him first. Because when we help to keep God first, number one, and number two, we don't have idols that we bow down to, that we place above him. Like, let's take an example of motherhood.   Let's say the idol might be, um, I have to have super smart children. Let's put it that way. You know, your joy is going to be robbed when you keep sacrificing to that idol, because that's a trap.   Like the enemy wants to trap you there to make the wrong sacrifices. And that is why I think God knows this. Like he's telling us right in those 10 commandments, you know, you need to keep me first.   You can have no, do not worship to idols. Because when you're making the sacrifices to eternal God, who is the author of joy, the author of love, the author of peace, those are the things he gives back to you. No other idol can give you peace.   No other idol can give you joy. So, I think when we look at the lack of joy that we see in a lot of our homes in our culture, it's because we've been ensnared into an idolatry where we're making the wrong sacrifices. We're sacrificing things that we don't realize the consequence of that until we're in it.   And we're like, wait, this didn't produce the happiness and joy that I expected it to produce. Cause we were tricked.   Laura Dugger: (17:19 - 17:27) Do you have any examples from your own life or friend's stories where that really comes to life?   Amy Rienow: (17:27 - 21:22) Oh boy. There's lots of examples and lots of friends stories, but I'm going to say one that's more of a story that I'm well aware of and not, you know, personally walk hand with. But I think it's always struck with me because it was so painful story. You know, I grew up, I've raised a lot of athletes in my home and my son, especially my first born very athletic boy.   And we were kind of at the beginning of the cusp of how important travel was, you know what I mean? Travel baseball and travel, you know, sports in general. And there's that pressure.   You need to choose this. You need to do this or else you are going to, you know, ruin the advantages for your child. If you don't do this, even if choosing that is going to mean you're going to sacrifice family time, you're going to sacrifice finances.   You are going to sacrifice your Sundays. I could go on and on. The world will tell you you have to do this in order to get to the prize that you're looking for, or your son is going to be disadvantaged.   If you don't choose that. And it took a lot to be like, no, we're not going to make, we're not going to make that trade. And there was a lot of pressure.   There's a lot of pressure with our son, you know what I mean? With him feeling sometimes neglected and having to deal in that relationship. So, it's not like that's immediate happiness or immediate joy, you know, but what did it did allow us to disciple him through all that.   It allowed us to see God, you know, use him, whatever team he was on, give him a lot of joy in sports. The blessing of it is that we saw him in high school, you know, excel in baseball, always rise to the top, win character awards. He eventually did go on to play college baseball and AIA, not like D1, but he got to play, got to use that gift to pay for his education.   But most importantly, he was a joyful, happy kid. Baseball didn't control his life. And I just praise God for that.   And in contrast, he, at the same, his age, same age level, there were these two boys who were twins were very well known for being top, top, top, top players. And they were just elevated in many circles we were in. And, you know, you, when you're in the baseball world, baseball moms will understand this, you know who the top players are.   You see the name, like, you know, when your son's in the paper for something, you know, he was listed in the number of top of DuPage kids. And obviously that's a feather in your cap and you're really proud of that. These boys were top of the top D1, but I'll never forget.   They went to different D1 schools and one of them ended up taking his own life his freshman year. I believe it just the most devastating thing. I could not, I cannot speak to any of those situations.   I don't know his family background. I do not know any history of at all. All I can say is it hit me really hard in the sense that these were the boys that so many parents were envying, envying of their success and of their status.   And that was so jolting to, to know that they'd received, you know, hit so many of these incredible hurdles that every parent thinks they want their kids to achieve. But obviously there was something amiss because there was a lack of joy, lack of happiness. I don't know the whole story.   But that just strikes me again of just how important it is to again, go back to keeping God first, make sure you're making the right sacrifices.   Laura Dugger: (21:23 - 22:43) That's a good word. It's such a sobering story, but making sure we're making the right sacrifices or really listening to God's counsel. That reminds me where I was this morning, Psalm 25.   I read it in the amplified version, but it was talking specifically that some of his guidance comes from his word. Like it's amazing. It's incredible.   It's important to pray and to be around others who are godly and do other spiritual rhythms, but there's nothing like reading his word to hear from him. And let me try and find the verses. Verse 14 in the amplified version says, “The secret of the wise counsel of the Lord is for those who fear him and he will let them know his covenant and reveal to them through his word, it's deep inner meaning.”   And the next verse, just the first part goes on to say, “My eyes are continually toward the Lord.” And that was such powerful takeaway this morning, but then I'm hearing it through the way that these lives played out. Because when you look, is it my understanding correct?   That you did travel sports, but they were not, your children chose not to do Sundays.   Amy Rienow: (22:44 - 25:52) Well, we did not even do travel sports for my oldest. It was back in the day when park district actually, you could, you know, like there were enough kids. So, we, my son did only park district all the way through eighth grade, but then he kind of, because he was like young for his age, he had one sort of gap year in between high school before he started like high school sports.   And that's when he did play a travel sport. We found one that honestly was not good at all. I don't think the level was any better than park district, but they accepted the no Sunday situation.   So, that's what we did. And you know, it was a losing team. Like he was on losing teams, like most of his baseball career until he got to high school.   So, it really was you know, the opposite of what the world said he needed. And yet he was able to, to rise and, and achieve. And honestly his high school experience was being able to always, he was a starter all the time and he his teams won.   So, it was like years of like, not, you know, kind of paying these prices I would say. And that's neither here or there. The winning or the losing is really not important.   The important was keeping baseball in its proper place, enjoying the gifts that God has given you, not letting, listening to the world. I'll just throw this in because we are what you said about sound. First of all, I love the amplified version.   So, that blessed me that you read the amplified, but you know, seeking the council, you, we must be as parents in his word, like regularly listening to how he's speaking to us because we also, it's so interesting. Rob and I live in a very interesting world. We had one foot, especially back then, one foot in the homeschool world, one foot in the public school area, public school community, lots of public school friends.   And then also the Christian school is where my son played. But you know, if we'd go to homeschool conference, there were tons of messages that you should not have your kids in sports at all. Sports are wrong.   Sports are a waste of time, you know? So, that was a strong message of sort of like condemnation almost for being in sports at all. So, my point is there was no one community that said, okay, this is the way, you know what I mean?   We had to seek the Lord, you know, for ourselves, for our family, for our son, knowing this was his love and his giftedness and continue to look for wisdom and how he should grow in those gifts. You know, and how he wanted to use it in his life, but not let it take over his life. And isn't that the lesson for all of us?   So, anyway, it depended on that seeking the counsel of him, both myself with my husband and then also with our W. It wasn't like we kept him out of the picture. We were praying the three of us for wisdom and all those things.   Laura Dugger: (25:53 - 26:42) I love hearing that because you're right. It's not about black and white decision of travel sports are always wrong or always right. But the main takeaway is seek the Lord because he has wisdom for our individual unique situation.   And I want to go back and close a few other loops. Sure. Please.   One of those being that even with perfectionism or with comparison or when we're choosing godly values that may contradict worldly values, I'm hearing a theme that there's a, it's a fight and that there's a spiritual battle. And you even said you had researched some of this, Amy, how do you personally learn about that and be aware of the spiritual realm?   Amy Rienow: (26:44 - 30:42) We, we really, I can't say it enough that we do need to be so aware of the spiritual realm. I didn't understand. I didn't understand in my early years of parenting at how important that was to pay attention to.   And here's the thing there's, I feel like there's the Lord brings us on a path along the way with the knowledge we need at the time. And then he wants us to stretch and grow and learn a little bit more. So, there was a season in my life.   When especially we began homeschooling, the Lord brought us into all these new teachings that we didn't really understand was so powerful. It was so wonderful. We were very blessed by all of those teaching and the conferences that we were attending.   But what began to happen for me is that the perfectionism that I knew was there kind of gotten folded into that teaching because all of a sudden I kind of wore as a spiritual, like pride that I, I called it my noble list. Now I, when I talk about my book, Not So Perfect Mom, I, this is not in the book, but this is part of my talks. Like I kind of replaced the world's list of great athlete, great, you know, so smart, all those things with my noble list.   My child will have wonderful character. My child will read God's word. My child will know what it means to serve, but you see what I mean?   We're still dealing with a list. God had to call me out of that way of thinking back to the importance of a relationship with him, meaning for myself and meaning for my kids. Because when my oldest was 12, I was starting to see that we could be raising a Pharisee. If we keep focusing on this noble list, like if he knows all of his Proverbs, if he obeys perfectly, if he, you know what I mean?   Like life is not supposed to be, God never called us to do that. He desires a daily relationship with us. And that's what he desires for our kids.   So, that was beginning to suffocate my oldest for sure. And my, I would say, and my daughter right underneath him because they felt the weight of this, you know, we need to arise to this, this standard. So, like that perfectionism can take on this, this type of robe that makes you feel very noble about it.   Especially if you're in certain circles, like spiritual circles, where if your kids look right, dress right. You know, say yes, ma'am and yes, sir. Then we're all assuming that they're wonderful and we're not really getting to the heart underneath, but that is, there's a tension and a spiritual battle.   That's far. That's super important to pay attention to. And the way the Lord showed that to me is that I would often say the phrase in conversation.   Oh, it's a battle. Oh, it's a battle. We're in a battle.   I'm the Lord. I don't know what they gave me a vision. That's too strong word, but I had this sort of, I, I guess it's a vision.   I imagine that I was on, I was sitting in a coffee, like at a table with a friend drinking coffee. And we were just, you know, chatting and yet that coffee table was in the middle of this bloody battlefield. And the Lord was just kind of showing me, this is how your attitude is about saying that it's in a battle.   Like you're sitting here, just talking with your friends, drinking coffee and chatting and laughing. And this is the battlefield. It's all around you.   What are you doing about the battle? You know, when you are following after the Lord, you need to expect opposition. You need to understand that your kids are under spiritual attack.   And if we're not praying and putting on that full armor of God and recognizing it, we're not engaged in it.   Laura Dugger: (30:42 - 31:41) When was the first time you listened to an episode of The Savvy Sauce? How did you hear about our podcast? Did a friend share it with you?   Will you be willing to be that friend now and text five other friends or post on your socials? Anything about The Savvy Sauce that you love. If you share your favorite episodes, that is how we continue to expand our reach and get the good news of Jesus Christ in more ears across the world.   So, we need your help. Another way to help us grow is to leave a five-star review on Apple podcasts. Each of these suggestions will cost you less than a minute, but it will be a great benefit to us.   Thank you so much for being willing to be generous with your time and share. We appreciate you.   When you go back to your family of origin, did your father ever find a saving faith in Jesus Christ as well?   Amy Rienow: (31:41 - 33:11) He did. He did actually. That's such a wonderful question. And he did when my husband and I were married for about a year. And he, at Christmas day in front of our whole family, after we were sitting at the table at dinner, he kind of waited for all the gifts to be open and be at a different spot.   And he said, “Well, I opened one more gift today and it was the gift of salvation.” Wow. I still tear up thinking about it and thinking about my older brother's response, who was not an emotional person.   And I saw tears in my older brother's eyes, but I just want to even in saying that, that taught me a lot because even at the time when he accepted salvation, he even said, I don't necessarily believe all the Bible's true. He really, you know, he accepted in faith and now he doesn't, you know, the Lord took him from evolutions. Now he's probably more conservative or believes the Bible in a way that I would say many other Christians maybe wouldn't believe, but I'm saying that it was a process watching him grow.   And my kids don't even understand that, that we call him Bop Bop. He used to be a man who, you know, let the communion plate pass every week. And he was not a believer because they see him so much as a spiritual leader now, but you see how faith moves and how faith changes us.   And we need to be patient with God in ourselves, with our kids, you know, and trust in that walk with Him. Love it.   Laura Dugger: (33:12 - 33:23) Well, I'm going to change gears here a little bit. Yeah. Will you explain attachment and share why you're so passionate about this topic?   Amy Rienow: (33:24 - 37:18) That is, I do feel like I love talking about attachment. I feel like it's an underrated thing to talk about. Some of you might be familiar.   I don't know if any of these names like Mary Ainsworth or the Harlow experience, you remember the monkey Harlow experience. It's most, most kids who've had like even a high school psychology class, know that the story of the monkey who has the wire surrogate mom with the bottle. And then has like the fuzzy mom that doesn't have the bottle and the monkey goes and gets its food from the bottle of the wire mom but continues to go over to the furry surrogate mom for comfort.   That's some of the original psychology on attachment but I was started my professional job in a school with children with behavior disorders and autism. That's one of my first jobs. And, and because of that, I went to different seminars for continuing education.   And one of them was a woman who specialized in attachment. And part of the reason she specialized in attachment because she'd adopted so many children and she was sort of a professional on adoption. And that's when I really did a deeper dive into attachment and specifically something called reactive attachment disorder.   I can't go into that. It would be a long tangent. But she was such an eye-opening time.   And this is even before I had children. But she said that, you know, she couldn't say everything she wanted to about attachment and the effects specifically of daycare on children, because it wasn't politically correct. That she would lose her funding basically, if she gave her true opinion on some of the things that our culture was doing to destroy attachment among families.   And it was just very eye opening to me that, you know, when we get our baby development books, the time that I was having kids, it was What to Expect When You're Expecting and What to Expect for Your One Year Old and all these milestones that moms are looking for. And obviously moms generally love their kids. I will stand by that over and over, you know what I mean?   That's the norm. And, you know, you're told to look for all of these milestones, but really attachment is not even mentioned in this book of how important it is. What are the signs of a securely attached child?   And yet this is so significant. And it's not just in the Christian world that we can recognize this. This is universally known in the psychology world, how important attachment is.   So, let's go back to that spiritual battle. Why is it that that is not discussed? Or why is that not focused in the development book?   Or why is it that if you're going to adopt a child, you're going to learn all about attachment, but that's not something that you may necessarily come into contact with if you're just having your own children. But attachment is essential for all healthy relationships. And specifically attachment with the mother.   I mean, we can use the term primary caregiver. Yes, to other people come in and be a primary care. I'm not saying that, you know. It's not just the mom, but this relationship with the mom, this, this attachment is so significant because God created it that way.   And it, how that relationship and how that attachment happens will have this impact on all the other relationships that your child is going to have in their life. So, it's something that we need to be talking about. And I pray that it becomes more and more common for people to talk about it.   Laura Dugger: (37:18 - 37:25) Well, and I'm even curious that speaker was that Karen Purvis?   Amy Rienow: (37:25 - 38:04) Oh, I don't even remember her name. I apologize. She was not a Christian. She was not a believer.   She, well, if she was, I don't know that. Cause I was, I was listening to her in a secular setting. You know, so she might've been, I don't, so I don't know, but I, the reason why it was so curious to me that the time most of the children on my case list that I had at this school were adopted.   So, I found that so interesting, like, and that was why I went to her seminar to try to understand more that connection of the adoption. And you know, how did that play into some of the problems that these children were, were having.   Laura Dugger: (38:05 - 38:20) Well, and just to go a little bit further with attachment, let's take it from the positive side. What are some proven examples or ways that we can form that healthy attachment with our children and that bonding?   Amy Rienow: (38:21 - 40:38) Yeah, well, a lot of it is just a spending time with your child, you know, and that's why I want to be very gentle here. Cause the world that we live in, I mean, I know for a fact that there are so many moms in situations where they have to go back to work right away. There are difficult circumstances.   And I'm, I am not here to say that then you don't have an attached relationship with child. Cause that is honestly not true. But I will say that if you have any opportunity to be home with your children, please, please, please take that opportunity because your children need that contact with you to form that attachment.   I mean, the number one thing for attachment is presence, time, touch, eye contact, and smiles. I mean, like it is what the baby that interplay that's happening with the baby and the mother and, and the why babies love faces. I mean, like they, we need to have that time with our children.   We need to be the ones to know our children the best that only comes with time. But even a mom who maybe for reasons have to be away from their baby, the important thing is that when you're with them, that you are engaged. You know, I even, I don't have my phone in front of me.   Even the phone takes away attachment. You know, when you're looking at another screen, as opposed to paying attention to that communication with the baby long before they're communicating long for the communicating with words, they are interacting and communicating with you. So, God knew what he's doing when he created mothers with the ability to feed their babies.   Nursing enables attachment, you know, because the baby is dependent on the mother. So, all of these things play into why God created our system the way it is because it was designed not to just physically feed our babies, but to emotionally create this attached, secured relationship where that enables a child to feel safe, feel security.   Laura Dugger: (40:39 - 40:54) Well, that makes me think of another a word that you wisely encourage us. And that is the word affection. So, can you share why this is also important to shower on our children?   Amy Rienow: (40:55 - 43:47) Yes. You know how it is when you become a mom, there's all these new parenting styles out there, things that you get bombarded with, or should I do this? Or, you know, and I think I was really impacted by a Bible, small group where a woman was talking about her six-month-old needing disciplining her six-month-old.   And it hit me really negatively because I just heard a woman who had had like, I think she has 17 children who talked about, you know, there's, you cannot spoil and she used, you cannot spoil anybody under the age of two. I would say it's as much as under three with as far as attention and love and affection, affection, your children need your affection. Again, let's go to how this, how Satan, let's go back to that spiritual battle.   We can keep going back. Cause I often find you can see God's truth with how it's perverted in the world. So, let's look at how we have a sex education system now in so many schools, including in Illinois that tries to teach younger children horrific adult sexual behaviors, correct?   And they are manipulating what needs to, what children do need, which is positive, a non-sexual physical connection with their parents, with their siblings, with aunts and uncles. So, so in some ways I can remember early in my career and either in my development in getting my classes, my masters, you know, in some ways they demonize, you know, like parents are afraid to sometimes have too much physical touch or too much of this because it's almost like, Oh, we can't, you know, we have to make sure our children are more independent, you know, like, like for example, co-sleeping, which builds a lot of affection between parents, which is normal in most cultures and normal throughout history can be viewed as really negative. Like, you know, you gotta get your kid in another room and another, like pushing them out early and yet look at what we see from the world, which is an encroachment of inappropriate touch, inappropriate sexuality at younger and younger ages.   And obviously kids who don't have positive, strong, physical affection are more inclined to fall for Satan's counterfeit. And desire and need touch, but they, they, it's been twisted from the world's perspective.   Laura Dugger: (43:47 - 44:17) Does that make sense? Are you tracking with that? I am.   And it's even making me think of a previous guest, Dr. Gary Chapman, talking about mostly the five love languages of in marriage and how those are displayed. But we also discussed with children and the parent child. And I'm just thinking as you're giving examples of affection, it, it even goes beyond the hugs and kisses and appropriate touch to acts of service and lighting up with them and spending that quality time and all those love languages.   Amy Rienow: (44:18 - 46:16) That's right. As the kids get older, I mean, my, my, we joke about, you know, I have certain sons that, did not want to be touched at all when they were 13, 14. We laughed at my son J.D. like he would want to come give me hugs and he would want to, but it had to always be on his terms.   Like I could never come up, you know what I mean? And how can you, my affection towards him was I'll get you a double cheeseburger. I will make you a milkshake.   That was the way I communicated my affection to him, but it was also my presence in listening to him when he needed to be listening to. There's so many ways as we get older. Right.   And I love Gary Chapman's work as far as like understanding our kids love, love languages, but I'll never forget, you know, I just had JD's wedding and he surprised me with the mother son dance and he had a song ready for me. I'm going to cry again, but it was this wonderful, he had told his siblings that he was probably going to cry on his wedding day when he saw Brooke and when he danced with his mom. And I had so many, and he was really hugging me and holding on and not afraid to be affectionate with me during that dance.   And that's because affection has always been a normal part of our home and a normal part of our relationship. And so, I just want to encourage parents out there not to be afraid of both physical affection when they're young and don't push your child. If your child is needing you or wants hugs, I would say, don't hesitate to give those to them because there is a culture again that pushes kids like, Oh, you shouldn't need that now.   You shouldn't, you're too old for that. Let them determine those boundaries. You give them the hugs and the affection as long as they still want it.   Cause I promise you they're all going to come to a day and they're not gonna want it. And you don't need to worry about if they're looking for that for you, it's a need that, that you can still meet.   Laura Dugger: (46:17 - 46:34) Well, and one other piece of parenting. I know we oftentimes hear mom guilt. I don't know if dads experienced the same thing, but how can we overcome that?   And what do you see as being at the root of struggling with sometimes that false guilt?   Amy Rienow: (46:35 - 49:52) Yes. Well, that I think comes so much again. Well, for me, it came internalized.   I had, I carried some internalized guilt with me, but that's compounded by a culture that puts so many expectations and demands on us as mothers. Where we are bombarded with another ideal, another sense of where we're falling short. And again, I know I keep coming back to the spiritual attack, but the point is I want to lay it out there that sometimes, sometimes moms can feel like, especially in an area, this sounds interesting, but because so many more children have been in daycare or exposed to a lot more developmental things at young ages. If you are like home with your kids, if you feel like, well, gosh, I'm not providing a craft every day.   I'm not, you know, I'm not reading. I went to the library and it literally had this whole campaign on a thousand books before kindergarten. Like, are you kidding me?   And that's the kind of thing. It's like, you're just having a normal mom day and all of a sudden you walk into the library and you get bombarded with what? I'm supposed to read my child a thousand books before, like a new standard that's just put in front of you.   And the enemy uses that to, to make women feel that they're not enough, you know? And first of all, we have to go back to God's word. That says, “there is no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus.”   And to really understand that, yes, we need to be open to be convicted to sin. But when we are convicted of something that our heavenly father wants us to change, we will experience a freedom and a lightning when we repent. And it'll be like a burden lifted up.   And as soon as you have that revenge, you feel like you've been given a gift. It's not something that's a burden. So, that is always my guide for women.   Like if you are under something that you feel like is a burden that you're carrying around, um, this sense that you're not doing enough or that you're a bad mom, that is not coming from your Heavenly Father. You need to reject that in the name of Jesus Christ, because this sense is clearly from the accuser. The Bible says Satan is an accuser and he stands accusing us, but Jesus is there to, you know, to say, no, that's my child.   They're covered by my love covered by my grace. So, we don't want to live under that over that guilt, bad mom guilt shadow for whatever, you know, God knows our faults. He doesn't expect us not to have faults, and your children are going to have faults and your husband are going to have faults.   So, if we think that the Lord is, you know, carrying around our faults, hanging over this, we need to, we need to be reminded that that's not from him and we have to reject it. And again, we're talking about a spiritual battle. You might have to reject the same lie 20 times a day until you find real freedom from falling for that guilt trap.   Laura Dugger: (49:53 - 50:12) Well, and along those lines, as you talk about engaging in the battle, you encourage us as children to woo our children in this same way that the Lord draws us close to him. So, how can we go and do likewise as the Lord does?   Amy Rienow: (50:12 - 52:09) Woo our children's hearts. Like I think it's important to know that the relationship that we have, our kids will, the more we model our relationship, our parenting off of how our heavenly father parents us, the easier it will be for our kids to kind of what I, I have a visual in my mind that I'm walking with my child's hand and I'm holding Jesus hand and I'm gradually through this parenting, trying to connect my child's hand to Jesus hands.   Like that's the picture that I want to be guiding my parenting, not I'm trying to raise you to be X, Y, Z, da, da, da, da, da. I'm trying to lead you to your Heavenly Savior. So, you're going to walk with Him.   So, Jesus is, you know, there's many components of our relationship with Jesus and the Heavenly Father and Holy spirit. But one of them is that God woos the hearts of his people. When you read scripture, He desired, He's always telling them you walk with Me.   “My burden is easy. My yoke is light.” You know what I mean?   He's, He's showing us this freedom and this love and grace. He's not coming with a sense of, see, you're doing this and this and this and this and this. And that's why. You know what I mean?   Like you see God's everlasting love for his people. And we want to woo our children with that same kind of everlasting love. You know, I always say, say you can, you can demand your kids to obey you.   You can demand your kids to respect you, but no one can demand love. Even our Heavenly Father doesn't demand love. He gives us free will and choice to choose to love him.   And so, we want to remember that with our kids to woo them. We want them to choose to love us. So, we woo our hearts.   You already mentioned Gary Chapman by understanding our kids' love languages. You know, realizing that's part of our job as a parent is to woo their hearts.   Laura Dugger: (52:10 - 53:13) So, I love how you're drawing this out as the Lord being the best parent ever and that we can learn from Him. That was something that I felt like he was really teaching me in my quiet time this week. And I wanted to take it one step further.   So, for me applying that, I just made a note on my phone and now anytime I come across a parenting scripture, I want to put it in this same list and go back and review it and be prayerful that the Lord can change me to be more like Him as a parent. So, I'm just going to share the first verse that inspired me to do this this week is Luke 6:36 and the amplified version again, “Be merciful, responsive, compassionate, tender, just as your Heavenly Father is merciful.” And so, Amy, just as He's a great parent and we can learn from Him, I appreciate you just drawing us back, pointing us to the heart of the Father.   And if we want to continue learning from you after this chat, where would you like to direct us?   Amy Rienow: (53:13 - 55:30) Well, I'd love you to come to our website at visionaryfam.com and listen to us at our podcast, Family Vision. You know, we named it Family Vision kind of like television because television really changed the American family. It did when it first introduced on to the scene and our heart is that family vision.   Our podcasts would help give your family a new vision, a vision from God's word for all that he wants to do in your family. You can also find our books well on our website, but also on Amazon. We have, I brought a couple today, but Not So Perfect Mom: Learning to Embrace What Matters Most, which is what you're talking about today.   And this book is very close to my heart because it really was wonderful. It was the easiest book I've ever written because I just felt like it was being able to talk about how God has worked in my own life and my own journey. And it just was the like culmination of so many conversations I've had with moms like all over the country, but really overseas and over the world.   And we're all battling some of the same exact things. So, I just, I would encourage you to pick up Not So Perfect Mom: Learning to Embrace What Matters Most. And then the other book that is, it's not new, it's called Shine Embracing God's Heart for You.   I'm actually leading a group of women through it on a zoom study right now. Um, but I actually wrote this, originally back in 2005 when I was a youth pastor's wife. Um, but really it's all about kind of what I talked about earlier of just, recognizing how to, to trust and believe the Lord.   I said, you know, wholeheartedly with our head and our hearts and our hands and, and really going back to, you know, keeping God first, identifying idols in our life. So, we, you know, the more that we get our own relationship with the Lord centered and we kind of figured that part out. I feel like everything flows from that in our homes, in our marriage, in our other relationships. So, I highly recommend, um, picking up this shine and there's a prayer journal to go with it.   There's a leader's guide. If you'd like to lead a group and that's all on Amazon or at our website.   Laura Dugger: (55:31 - 55:48) Wonderful. As always we'll add the links to that in the show notes for today's episode and Amy, you already know that we're called The Savvy Sauce because Savvy is synonymous with practical knowledge. And so, as my final question for you today, what is your Savvy Sauce?   Amy Rienow: (55:48 - 57:06) I love that question. My Savvy Sauce is actually mentioned in Not So Perfect Mom, but it's when the Lord gave me that quote, “whatever is worth doing is worth doing poorly.” I feel that perfectionism kept me paralyzed so often.   If I couldn't do things exactly the way I thought that they should be in my head, then I was kind of pathetic and wasn't going to do it at all. And so, my encouragement in any area, if you know something is worth doing. Let me give you a practical example really quick on this, even when it comes to like, um, when you're struggling with your marriage. I know I had some issues in my marriage with my husband where I was getting to the point where I didn't even really want to go out on a date, you know, because it was just discouraging and whatever's worth doing is worth doing poorly. So, knowing that, you know, even when my relationships aren't living up to my expectations, or even when I'm feeling hurt, the Lord tells us to press on. Don't, don't stop doing what you know, God wants you to do, um, because you don't think it's living up to your expectations.   Do it. Just do it.   Laura Dugger: (57:07 - 57:38) That's a good word. And Amy, you have so much to share. Our family has benefited so much from the ministry and work that you and Rob do through Visionary Families.   And I am just so grateful for your time and you just to share all of this parenting wisdom. It felt like a mentoring conversation. I loved hearing all the ways that you've been intentional in what you've learned from the Lord. So, thank you for seeking Him.   Thank you for sharing with us and thank you for being my guest.   Amy Rienow: (57:39 - 57:58) Thank you, Laura, for having me. It's been a delight. I love connecting hearts with people who are like-minded.   I love what you're doing with The Savvy Sauce. In fact, my neighbor is one of your devoted followers, and she was so excited to hear about your podcast. So, thank you so much for having me and it's truly an honor and a pleasure to be here.   Laura Dugger: (57:59 - 1:01:13) One more thing before you go, have you heard the term gospel before? It simply means good news. And I want to share the best news with you, but it starts with the bad news.   Every single one of us were born sinners, but Christ desires to rescue us from our sin, which is something we cannot do for ourselves. This means there's absolutely no chance we can make it to heaven on our own. So, for you and for me, it means we deserve death and we can never pay back the sacrifice we owe to be saved.   We need a savior, but God loved us so much. He made a way for his only son to willingly die in our place as the perfect substitute. This gives us hope of life forever in right relationship with him.   That is good news. Jesus lived the perfect life. We could never live and died in our place for our sin.   This was God's plan to make a way to reconcile with us so that God can look at us and see Jesus. We can be covered and justified through the work Jesus finished. If we choose to receive what he has done for us, Romans 10:9 says, “that if you confess with your mouth, Jesus is Lord and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved.”   So, you pray with me now. Heavenly father, thank you for sending Jesus to take our place. I pray someone today right now is touched and chooses to turn their life over to you.   Will you clearly guide them and help them take their next step in faith to declare you as Lord of their life? We trust you to work and change lives now for eternity. In Jesus name we pray.   Amen. If you prayed that prayer, you are declaring him for me. So, me for him, you get the opportunity to live your life for him.   And at this podcast, we're called The Savvy Sauce for a reason. We want to give you practical tools to implement the knowledge you have learned. So, you're ready to get started.   First, tell someone, say it out loud, get a Bible. The first day I made this decision, my parents took me to Barnes and Noble and let me choose my own Bible. I selected the Quest NIV Bible and I love it.   You can start by reading the book of John. Also get connected locally, which just means tell someone who's a part of a church in your community that you made a decision to follow Christ. I'm assuming they will be thrilled to talk with you about further steps such as going to church and getting connected to other believers to encourage you.   We want to celebrate with you too. So, feel free to leave a comment for us here. If you did make a decision to follow Christ, we also have show notes included where you can read scripture that describes this process.   And finally, be encouraged. Luke 15:10 says, “in the same way, I tell you, there is rejoicing in the presence of the angels of God over one sinner who repents.” The heavens are praising with you for your decision today.   And if you've already received this good news, I pray you have someone to share it with. You are loved and I look forward to meeting you here next time.

What can a husband do when his wife seems disconnected, distracted, or emotionally distant? In this special Q&A episode of Family Vision, Rob and Amy Rienow respond to two heartfelt questions from husbands—one whose wife is always on her phone, and another who feels like his wife has nothing left to give after pouring everything into the kids. These situations are painful—but not hopeless. Rob and Amy offer compassionate, biblical insight and encouragement for couples navigating these tough seasons. You'll also hear exciting updates about Visionary Family Ministries' growing mission around the world—and how you can help more families follow Jesus. What You'll Learn in This Episode: How to respond with love and truth when your spouse seems disengaged Why emotional disconnection in marriage often runs deeper than the surface Practical steps for rekindling connection, communication, and commitment The importance of asking for help before marriage problems escalate Featured Resources: Visionary Marriage Date Night – Find upcoming events near you: https://visionaryfam.com/events Visionary Mission: Rwanda – Learn how you can help equip 500+ church leaders with biblical marriage tools this October: https://visionaryfam.com/rwanda Support the 2026 Vision – Help families follow Jesus through resources, global outreach, and biblical teaching: https://visionaryfam.com/family2026 We'd love to hear from you! Send your questions, feedback, or prayer requests to podcast@visionaryfam.com. You can even record a voice memo and send us the audio to be featured in a future episode. Subscribe to Family Vision on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or YouTube—and if this episode encouraged you, leave us a review and share it with a friend. Next Episode Preview: Don't miss our next episode where Rob and Amy dive into more real-life family questions and continue sharing the vision for how God is using families to advance the Gospel around the world.

What can you do when your husband isn't leading spiritually—or is constantly away for work? In this special Q&A episode of Family Vision, Rob and Amy Rienow respond to two heartfelt questions from wives facing these exact challenges. With honesty, biblical insight, and practical encouragement, Rob and Amy share how God helped them break unhealthy patterns in their own marriage and offer hope for others walking a similar road. They also share a behind-the-scenes update on Visionary Family Ministries' growing mission around the world—and how you can be part of helping more families follow Jesus in 2026 and beyond. What You'll Learn in This Episode: - How to respond when your husband isn't spiritually leading - Why long-term travel can impact spiritual leadership in the home - The power of prayer, patience, and God's Word in difficult seasons - How to support your husband without enabling passivity Featured Resources: Prayers of Blessing Over Your Husband by Bruce Wilkinson 1 Peter 3 — Meditate on this passage daily as a wife Upcoming Events — Meet us in person at a Visionary Family Conference or special event. Full schedule: https://visionaryfam.com/events Visionary Family Mission: Rwanda — Help us equip pastors and families in Rwanda this fall. Learn more: https://visionaryfam.com/rwanda Support the 2026 Vision — Help us reach families across the globe through biblical teaching and discipleship. Give today: https://visionaryfam.com/family2026 Love this episode? We'd love to hear from you! Send questions or prayer requests to podcast@visionaryfam.com. You can also record a voice memo with your question—we may feature it on a future episode! If this episode encouraged you, please take a moment to leave a review on Apple Podcasts. Your review helps more families discover the show and grow in their faith. Subscribe now on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or YouTube so you never miss an episode. Next Episode Preview: Next week, we hear directly from husbands asking tough questions about their wives. Don't miss this continuation of our honest Q&A series for couples and families.

Voetberg Music Academy 2025 Fall Competition Tue, Oct. 21, 2025 12:00 PM - Wed, Oct. 22, 2025 3:30 PMJoin us this fall for a music competition that includes: Guitar | Fiddle | Piano | Mandolin | Ukulele Entry to the fall competition is free for VMA students. If you are not enrolled Voetberg Music Academy then we would love to have you! You can either sign up for one of our signature courses or pay a one-time $20 entry fee.Learn more information here - https://www.voetbergmusicacademy.com/2025-fall-competition-Mentioned during podcast: - Surprised by Joy: The Shape of My Early Life by C.S. Lewis - https://amzn.to/3IDcUU4

Were David and Jonathan more than friends? In today's episode of Family Vision, Dr. Rob Rienow addresses a growing cultural accusation that their biblical relationship was romantic. With clarity, grace, and a commitment to Scripture, Rob walks through the key texts that describe their friendship and explains why the Bible celebrates their bond as a model of godly loyalty, not romance. This is a critical conversation for families to hear, especially as confusion about gender, sexuality, and biblical manhood continues to grow. Learn how to respond with truth and love, and help your children understand the beauty of God's design for friendship and relationships. What You'll Learn in This Episode: - Why the Bible never describes David and Jonathan's friendship as romantic - How cultural assumptions distort the meaning of godly friendship - What Scripture actually says about love between friends - How to talk to your kids about biblical sexuality and God's good design Featured Resources: Helping Families Navigate the World of Sexuality — Watch now on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5213ToFkONg Upcoming Events — Join us for live Visionary Family Conferences, Sundays, and special events. Full schedule: https://visionaryfam.com/events Visionary Family Mission: Rwanda — Support our October mission trip equipping church leaders and families in Rwanda: https://visionaryfam.com/rwanda Love this episode? We'd love to hear from you! Share your questions or prayer requests at podcast@visionaryfam.com. If this episode encouraged you, please leave a review on Apple Podcasts and share it with a friend. Subscribe now on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or YouTube so you never miss an episode. Next Episode Preview: Next week, we return to the Old Testament for a fresh look at how Christian parents can help their children discern wise friendships—especially in today's digital world.

True friendship is in rare supply today. In this episode of Family Vision, Dr. Rob Rienow begins a powerful two-part series on Christian friendship, diving into the remarkable bond between David and Jonathan in 1 Samuel 18. What does their covenant friendship teach us about loyalty, humility, and joy in the success of others? Rob shares how Jonathan's radical loyalty to David—and joy in his rise—reveals what it means to be a true friend. You'll also hear biblical principles to help your kids build lasting, Christ-centered friendships in a culture that often misunderstands or distorts real connection. What You'll Learn in This Episode: - Why loyalty is a lost but essential quality in true friendship - How rejoicing in a friend's success fights against jealousy and comparison - What David and Jonathan's friendship reveals about Christian unity - How to help your children build godly friendships from a young age Featured Resources: Upcoming Events — Meet us at a Visionary Family Conference near you. Full event schedule: https://visionaryfam.com/events Visionary Family Rwanda Mission — Help us bring marriage and family ministry to churches across Rwanda. Learn more and support the trip: https://visionaryfam.com/rwanda Love this episode? We'd love to hear from you! Send your thoughts or prayer requests to podcast@visionaryfam.com. If this episode encouraged you, please take a moment to leave a review on Apple Podcasts. Your feedback helps more families discover the show and grow in faith. Subscribe now on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or YouTube so you never miss an episode. Next Episode Preview: Next week, we'll continue our study of David and Jonathan's friendship and address a challenging modern accusation—were they more than friends? Join us as we respond biblically and equip families to stand on God's truth.

How do we talk to our children and teens about tragedy, persecution, and the spiritual battles happening in our culture? In this powerful episode of Family Vision, Dr. Rob Rienow responds to the heartbreaking assassination of Christian leader Charlie Kirk and helps families process the event from a biblical worldview. Rob explores how foundational truths from Genesis 1–3 are at the heart of today's cultural, moral, and political conflicts. He addresses the rejection of God's design for gender, marriage, and the sanctity of life—and challenges Christian families not to shy away from these hard conversations but to lean in with grace and truth. Media referred to in this episode - Should Christian's Vote? https://youtu.be/M7460NMA0z8?si=zdygPVsckTqAKfF8 Message from Erika Kirk: https://www.youtube.com/live/e5SHpvRYg_o?si=iN-2DK51f6t9UZ9h What You'll Learn in This Episode: - Why Charlie Kirk's public ministry was both courageous and controversial - How the spiritual battle in our culture ties directly to Genesis 1–3 - How to talk to your kids about persecution, truth, and courage - Why now is the time for families to stand firm in the Gospel Featured Resources: Upcoming Events — Join us at a Visionary Family Conference near you. Full event schedule: https://visionaryfam.com/events Visionary Family Community — Get prayer support, live teaching, and exclusive resources: https://visionaryfam.com/community Love this episode? We'd love to hear from you! Send your thoughts or prayer requests to podcast@visionaryfam.com. If this episode encouraged you, please leave a review on Apple Podcasts. Your support helps other families find the show and grow in faith. Subscribe on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or YouTube so you never miss an episode. Next Episode Preview: In our next episode, we'll look at what it means to raise children who are unashamed of the gospel in a world that increasingly rejects biblical truth. Don't miss this essential conversation for your family.

When your family is walking through grief or feeling the weight of spiritual warfare, how can you hold on to faith and stick together? In this episode of Family Vision, Rob Rienow shares biblical wisdom and practical encouragement from Part 2 of his message Facing Storms Together as a Family, recorded live at Gull Lake Family Camp. Storms not only test our circumstances—they test our relationships and our faith. Grief, loss, or even everyday stress can tempt us toward anger, division, or despair. But God calls us to extend grace, walk with one another patiently, and resist giving the Enemy a foothold. No matter what your family is facing, His Word gives us strength and hope. What You'll Learn in This Episode: - Why it's critical to accept one another's differences in how we process conflict and stress - How to walk patiently with children through grief and loss - The danger of giving the devil a foothold through anger - Why temptation always promises “Texas de Brazil” but delivers “bowling alley pizza” - A powerful reminder from Psalm 130: God has not brought us this far to abandon us now Featured Resources: Upcoming Events — Parenting & Grandparenting Seminar in West Chicago, IL (Sept 13), Visionary Family Weekend in Dallas, TX (Sept 20–21), and more. Learn more and register: https://visionaryfam.com/events Visionary Family Community — Join a global network of families committed to helping one another follow Jesus. Access prayer support, live teachings, and exclusive resources. Learn more: https://visionaryfam.com/community Love this episode? We'd love to hear from you! Share your thoughts and prayer requests at podcast@visionaryfam.com. If this episode encouraged you, please take a moment to leave a review on Apple Podcasts. Your review helps more families discover the show and grow in their faith. Subscribe now on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or YouTube so you never miss an episode. Next Episode Preview: Next week we'll continue our journey with a brand new conversation on family discipleship. You'll discover how to keep God's Word at the center of your home and help your children follow Jesus every day.

Is your family in the middle of a storm? In this episode of Family Vision, Rob Rienow shares powerful biblical encouragement to help families face life's storms together. Recorded live at Gull Lake Family Camp (with a broken rib!), Rob brings practical, hope-filled principles straight from God's Word. Storms in life are unavoidable, but how we face them makes all the difference. Jesus reminds us that the wise build their house on the rock—hearing His words and putting them into practice. Whether your storm is illness, financial struggle, or relational conflict, God has a plan to strengthen your family and draw you closer together. What You'll Learn in This Episode: - Four biblical action steps for families in the midst of storms - Why prayer is more than just saying “we should pray” - How messy, needy, childlike prayers are powerful to God - The importance of choosing to “stick together” and not turn on each other - How to extend grace when family members respond differently to stress Featured Resources: Upcoming Events — Parenting & Grandparenting Seminar in West Chicago, IL (Sept 13) and Visionary Family Weekend in Dallas, TX (Sept 20–21). Learn more and register: https://visionaryfam.com/events Visionary Family Community — Join a global movement of families dedicated to helping each other follow Jesus. Get prayer support, live teachings, and exclusive resources. Learn more: https://visionaryfam.com/community Love this episode? We'd love to hear from you! Share your thoughts and prayer requests at podcast@visionaryfam.com. If this episode encouraged you, please take a moment to leave a review on Apple Podcasts. Your review helps more families discover the show and grow in their faith. Subscribe now on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or YouTube so you never miss an episode. Next Episode Preview: Next week we'll continue with Part 2 of “Facing Storms Together as a Family.” You'll discover more biblical action steps to help your family walk through trials with faith, unity, and hope in Christ.

When life gives you lemons… Jesus can make LEMONADE! In this uplifting episode of Family Vision, Rob Rienow welcomes special guests Micah Yoder and Bailey Gillen—worship leaders from Gull Lake Ministries and members of the band The Figs—to share the inspiring story behind their hit song “Lemonade” with artist Forrest Frank. Recorded fresh off a week of family camp, this conversation begins with the heart of worship: helping entire families sing together and experience God's presence across generations. Micah and Bailey share how seeing parents and children worship side-by-side can transform a family's spiritual culture. Then, you'll hear the miracle story of “Lemonade”—how a playful songwriting project, a skateboarding accident, and an unexpected Instagram connection turned into a #1 song on iTunes, encouraging millions to trust Jesus in hard times. The lyrics carry a deep message of Romans 8 hope: God works all things for good for those who love Him. What You'll Learn in This Episode: - How worshiping together impacts the faith life of the entire family - Why engaging dads and granddads in worship changes the atmosphere - The surprising way God connected The Figs with Forrest Frank - How the song “Lemonade” became a viral hit with a powerful biblical message - Practical encouragement for trusting God through trials Featured Resources: Visionary Family Conference — Join us for a live event near you: https://visionaryfam.com/events Visionary Family Community — Connect with Christian families worldwide for encouragement, prayer, and discipleship resources: https://visionaryfam.com/community Follow The Figs on Instagram, Spotify, and Apple Music to hear “Lemonade” and more music that points families to Jesus. Love this episode? We'd love to hear from you! Share your thoughts and prayer requests at podcast@visionaryfam.com. If you were encouraged, please leave a review on Apple Podcasts—it helps more families discover biblical encouragement. Subscribe now on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or YouTube so you never miss an episode. Next Episode Preview: Next time, we explore practical ways to strengthen your family's faith when cultural pressures are high and biblical truth is under attack.

Is the Bible really the Word of God, or just another religious book? In this episode of Family Vision, Rob Rienow begins a powerful two-part message on the miracle of the Bible—exploring why it is reasonable to believe the Scriptures are truly inspired by God and not merely human ideas. Rob shares compelling evidence that the Bible tells one unified story from Genesis to Revelation, written by 40 different authors over 1,800 years, yet perfectly consistent in its message. You'll also discover how the Scriptures have been miraculously preserved through the centuries, with meticulous care taken to ensure accuracy. Whether you're confident in your faith or still asking questions, this conversation will strengthen your trust in God's Word and inspire you to treasure the Bible as His unchanging truth for your life and family. What You'll Learn in This Episode: - Why the Bible's unity over 66 books is a miracle in itself - How Scripture has been preserved with extraordinary accuracy - The difference between minor copy variations and core doctrine - Why it matters that the Bible is truly God's Word for your life Featured Resources: Visionary Family Conference — Join us for a live event near you: https://visionaryfam.com/events Visionary Family Community — Connect with Christian families worldwide for encouragement, prayer, and discipleship resources: https://visionaryfam.com/community Love this episode? Share your thoughts and prayer requests at podcast@visionaryfam.com. If you were encouraged, please leave a review on Apple Podcasts—it helps more families find biblical encouragement. Subscribe now on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or YouTube so you never miss an episode. Next Episode Preview: Next week in Part Two, we continue exploring the miraculous preservation of the Bible and see stunning examples of its accuracy over thousands of years.

What does it mean to be the primary educator of your child? Whether your children are in public, private, or homeschool settings, God has called you to play point on their education. In this special “best of” Family Vision episode, Amy Rienow shares how her own journey as a mom, ministry leader, and student led her to a radically different view of education—one rooted in Scripture, discipleship, and calling. As school choices and pressures continue to grow, how can Christian parents navigate their role with wisdom and conviction? Amy unpacks biblical principles that challenge cultural assumptions and empower you to lead your children with purpose. Discover how your view of learning, grades, and spiritual growth can shape your family legacy for generations to come. What You'll Learn in This Episode: - Why education is discipleship—and how the Bible calls parents to lead it - How the definition of education has changed over time, and why it matters - Why it's too early to label your child as gifted—or not—before age 12 - Five biblical targets to guide your child's spiritual and educational journey Featured Resources: Visionary Family Community — Join a movement of families committed to raising the next generation for Christ. Get support, prayer, and discipleship resources at https://visionaryfam.com/community Free Book Giveaway — Be one of the first five listeners to email podcast@visionaryfam.com and request a free copy of "Visionary Parenting." Love this episode? We'd love to hear from you! Send your thoughts or prayer requests to podcast@visionaryfam.com. If you've been encouraged, leave a quick review on Apple Podcasts. Your review helps more families find the show and grow in faith together. Subscribe on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or YouTube so you never miss an episode. Next Episode Preview: In Part 2 of this conversation, Amy dives deeper into the real-world pros and cons of public school, Christian school, and homeschooling. She'll help you weigh your options with biblical clarity and wisdom, no matter where your kids go to class.

“There's no crying in baseball!” Or is there? In this fun and heartfelt episode of *Family Vision*, Rob and Amy Rienow kick off a short series on parenting, faith, and America's favorite pastime—baseball. With more than 50 seasons of family baseball experience between their four boys (and one softball season with Millie), the Rienows share powerful stories from the field—both the wins and the tear-filled losses. Learn how baseball is more than just a sport. It's a training ground for character, parenting, perseverance, and faith. What You'll Learn in This Episode: - Why baseball often leads to more tears than other sports - How to coach kids through failure with encouragement and grace - The difference between praising achievement vs. praising diligence - Why sports provide powerful ministry and discipleship opportunities - How “ancient sayings” from Proverbs can shape a team's heart and attitude Featured Resources: Free Resource — Download the MP3 teaching: Helping Your Child Find Freedom from Anger Visionary Family Community — Join families around the world growing together in faith: https://visionaryfam.com/community Upcoming Events — Don't miss an opportunity to connect at a live Visionary Family event: https://visionaryfam.com/events Love this episode? We'd love to hear from you! Email us at podcast@visionaryfam.com with your thoughts, questions, or prayer requests. Help more families discover the show by leaving a quick review and clicking subscribe on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or YouTube! Next Episode Preview: Next week, we continue our Summer series on parenting and baseball—diving deeper into the character-shaping lessons kids (and parents!) learn between the lines.

Ps. Kenneth Kanzairwe

It's tempting to tell a lie—especially when it makes life easier, avoids conflict, or earns approval. But what happens when we allow small lies to become habits in our families? In this episode of Family Vision, Rob and Amy Rienow continue their series on the Ten Commandments with a deeper look at the ninth commandment: “You shall not bear false witness.” They share personal stories of "white lies," explore how environments normalize deceit, and offer biblical encouragement for parenting kids who lie. From fake IDs to fudging a child's age for a discount, this conversation uncovers how truth-telling is foundational to trust and love in the home. What You'll Learn in This Episode: - Why lying is often motivated by fear, shame, or the desire for approval - How “small” lies can create lasting damage in relationships - Parenting strategies to lovingly confront dishonesty without shame - Why full confession—not partial—is the only way to rebuild trust - How to keep communication open and be a “safe place” for truth Featured Resources: Visionary Family Events — Learn more: https://visionaryfam.com/events Visionary Family Community — Connect with families around the world committed to passing faith to the next generation. Join us here: https://visionaryfam.com/community Dominican Republic Mission Trip — Support the Rienow family's July 5–11 mission trip with Filter of Hope. Help bring clean water and the hope of the Gospel to families in need. Learn more and give: https://visionaryfam.com Love this episode? We'd love to hear from you! Send prayer requests and feedback to podcast@visionaryfam.com. If this conversation encouraged you, please leave a review on your podcast platform—it helps more families discover the show. Subscribe now on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or YouTube so you never miss an episode. Next Episode Preview: Next week, we take a deeper look at the 10th commandment, “You shall not covet.” What does it mean to guard your heart in a world filled with comparison and craving? Join us as we explore how contentment leads to joy and freedom in family life.

Do not lie. It's the ninth of the 10 Commandments—but how do we teach this principle to our children in a world where lying is often celebrated? In this episode of Family Vision, Rob and Amy Rienow share biblical principles and even humorous stories about honesty, confession, and the battle for truth in our culture and in our homes. We'll unpack what it means to bear false witness, how even small acts of deceit impact our relationships, and why truth-telling is a spiritual battle rooted in the very nature of God. From playful games like “two truths and a lie” to microwave deception and missing candy, this conversation gets honest about lying—and how to raise a family that values truth. What You'll Learn in This Episode: - Why lying is more than just telling a falsehood—it's about deceit, omission, and distortion - How our culture normalizes and rewards dishonesty, and what to do about it as Christian parents - The biblical roots of truth-telling and how it reflects the character of God - Why Jesus calls Satan “the father of lies”—and how lies keep us captive Featured Resources: Shine by Amy Rienow — Discover God's heart for you in this 8-week Bible study for women. Learn how to replace the lies of the world with the truth of God's Word. Available in print and online video course: https://visionaryfam.com/shine Support Our Dominican Republic Mission Trip — From July 5–11, we're leading a family mission trip to share clean water and the gospel with families in need. Learn more and make a tax-deductible donation: https://visionaryfam.com Visionary Family Community — Receive exclusive resources, devotionals, and prayer support. Learn more and join here: https://visionaryfam.com/community Love this episode? If this message encouraged you, please leave a review on Apple Podcasts or Spotify. Your support helps more families find this biblical encouragement and grow in their walk with Christ. Be sure to follow and subscribe so you never miss an episode of Family Vision! Next Episode Preview: Next week, we'll continue our conversation on the Ninth Commandment and get practical. How do you deal with lying in your kids? How can you create a home where truth is expected, lived, and celebrated? Join us for Part 2 of “Do Not Lie.”

Our most important mission as parents is to do all in our power to help our children safely Home to Heaven. In this episode of Family Vision, Rob Rienow is joined by special guest Lee Ann Mancini—author of Raising Kids to Follow Christ—for an honest conversation about parenting, discipleship, and eternal priorities. Lee Ann shares powerful biblical wisdom, personal stories, and practical encouragement to help you lead your children toward a lifelong relationship with Jesus. From spiritual training in the womb to guiding adult children with prayer instead of pressure, this episode will inspire you to parent with eternity in mind. What You'll Learn in This Episode: - Why spiritual discipleship begins before birth and continues for life - The difference between discipline and discipleship in parenting - How to lead older children and teens even if you “missed” the early years - Encouragement for parents struggling with fear, guilt, or regret Featured Resources: Raising Kids to Follow Christ by Lee Ann Mancini — A powerful resource to help parents and grandparents instill lasting faith in the next generation. Available wherever books are sold or at: https://raisingchristiankids.com Visionary Family Community — Join families around the world committed to passing faith to the next generation: https://visionaryfam.com/community Support the Family Mission to the Dominican Republic — Partner with us in July 2025 to provide clean water and the gospel to families in need: https://visionaryfam.com/support Love this episode? We'd love to hear from you! Share your thoughts and prayer requests at podcast@visionaryfam.com. If this episode encouraged you, please take a moment to leave a review on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or YouTube. Your review helps more families discover the show and grow in their faith. Next Episode Preview: Join us next time as we return to our 10 Commandments series with part two of “Do Not Steal”—focusing on practical parenting tips to cultivate honesty, contentment, and a heart of generosity in your home.

One of the most important ways we can love our children is to help them prepare for a future marriage. In this episode of Family Vision, Rob and Amy Rienow continue their 10 Commandments series with a third conversation on the commandment: “You shall not commit adultery.” But this time, the focus shifts to how parents and grandparents can proactively prepare kids to honor God in their relationships, avoid sexual pitfalls, and move toward lifelong, Christ-centered marriages. These principles apply even if God calls our child to be single.  Our culture pressures teens to date early, act independently, and hide romantic relationships from their parents. But God calls families to walk together. In this episode, you'll hear practical wisdom on building heart-connected conversations, resisting early dating pressure, and fostering an environment where we can walk with our teens in pursuing God's plan for their lives. What You'll Learn in This Episode: - How to prepare your kids for marriage starting in childhood - Why early dating can harm future relationships - What it means to “not awaken love before its time” - How to build ongoing conversations about sexuality and dating - Biblical encouragement for kids who have made mistakes—and their parents Featured Resources: Visionary Family Community — Connect with Christian families around the world committed to following Jesus and raising kids for Christ. Join us: https://visionaryfam.com/community Let There Be Fish — A perfect devotional gift for graduates who love fishing! Combines Bible truths and fishing stories to share the Gospel. Available on Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0C51V6NQS/  Visionary Family Events — We'd love to meet you in person! Join us this summer in Iowa, Michigan, or Wyoming. Learn more: https://visionaryfam.com/events Love this episode? We'd love to hear from you! Share your thoughts or prayer requests at podcast@visionaryfam.com. Subscribe and review on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or YouTube to help more families discover the show and grow in faith. Next Episode Preview: We turn to the 8th Commandment: “You shall not steal.” What does this mean beyond taking someone else's property? Find out next week as we explore how this commandment applies to integrity, generosity, and our hearts.

A faithful Christian marriage doesn't happen by accident. In this special 250th episode of Family Vision, Rob and Amy Rienow share candid stories and biblical truths about protecting your marriage from temptation, emotional affairs, and pornography. Adultery doesn't start with a moment—it starts with a drift. Learn how to guard your heart, invest in your spouse, and pursue God-honoring intimacy in today's culture. Marriage isn't just about avoiding disaster. It's about building joy, unity, and strength over time. Discover practical wisdom on social media boundaries, how fantasy shapes emotional detachment, and why investing in your spouse's needs protects both hearts. If your marriage feels stuck or threatened, this episode is for you. What You'll Learn in This Episode: - How emotional affairs begin and how to guard against them - Why pornography doesn't disappear after marriage - The connection between temptation, fantasy, and dissatisfaction - How to talk to your kids about protecting marriage in a digital age - Hope and biblical encouragement for couples struggling with betrayal or disconnection Featured Resources: Visionary Family Conference — Join us for a weekend that strengthens your faith and family. Upcoming events in Iowa, Michigan, and Wyoming. Learn more: https://visionaryfam.com/events Visionary Family Community — Connect with families around the world committed to passing faith to the next generation. Join us here: https://visionaryfam.com/community Jesus the Reigning King — A family devotional to help your household grow in faith after Easter. Available on Amazon and in English/Spanish: https://www.amazon.com/dp/1497471818/  Love this episode? We'd love to hear from you! Send your thoughts or prayer requests to podcast@visionaryfam.com. Be sure to subscribe to Family Vision on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or YouTube and leave a review to help others discover the show. Next Episode Preview: Join us as we continue our conversation on the 7th commandment and how it applies to our kids and families. 

Jesus said, “What God has joined together, let no one separate.” In this powerful episode of Family Vision, Rob and Amy Rienow continue their series on the Ten Commandments with a deep and honest look at the Seventh Commandment: “Do not commit adultery.” They unpack the biblical foundation for marriage, examine the real-life consequences of adultery on individuals, families, and society, and share how repentance and healing are possible through Christ. Whether you're married, preparing for marriage, or walking alongside someone who has experienced unfaithfulness, this episode will offer biblical clarity and hope. What You'll Learn in This Episode: - Why adultery is more than just a private sin—it's a violation of covenant and community - How modern culture tries to redefine and diminish the seriousness of adultery - The difference between emotional and physical unfaithfulness—and how both impact marriage - How to begin the process of healing if adultery has entered your marriage - What Scripture says about purity, fidelity, and the sacredness of the marriage bed Featured Resources: Visionary Family Camp — Spend an unforgettable week with your family in God's creation. All generations welcome! July 19–25 in Michigan's Upper Peninsula. Register by June 1: https://visionaryfam.com/camp  Visionary Family Community — Connect with families around the world committed to passing faith to the next generation. Join us here: https://visionaryfam.com/community Need Prayer? If you're walking through a marriage crisis, please reach out. Our team would love to pray with you. Email us at podcast@visionaryfam.com. Like This Episode? Leave a review, subscribe, and share the podcast to help more families follow Jesus every day. Next Episode Preview: Next week, we continue with Part 2 on the Seventh Commandment as we explore Jesus' words about lust and how to protect your marriage from temptation in a sex-saturated culture.

In this conversation, Brett McCollum interviews Tiffany Glielmi, a former teacher turned real estate investor and agent. Tiffany shares her journey from teaching to entrepreneurship, detailing her experiences in the gym business and how she transitioned into real estate investing. She discusses the concept of house hacking with her family, the importance of having a family vision, and her current goals in the real estate market, particularly in rural towns. Tiffany emphasizes the significance of community relationships and the rewarding nature of investing in rural areas, while also highlighting her desire to help fellow teachers navigate real estate investment.   Professional Real Estate Investors - How we can help you: Investor Fuel Mastermind:  Learn more about the Investor Fuel Mastermind, including 100% deal financing, massive discounts from vendors and sponsors you're already using, our world class community of over 150 members, and SO much more here: http://www.investorfuel.com/apply   Investor Machine Marketing Partnership:  Are you looking for consistent, high quality lead generation? Investor Machine is America's #1 lead generation service professional investors. Investor Machine provides true ‘white glove' support to help you build the perfect marketing plan, then we'll execute it for you…talking and working together on an ongoing basis to help you hit YOUR goals! Learn more here: http://www.investormachine.com   Coaching with Mike Hambright:  Interested in 1 on 1 coaching with Mike Hambright? Mike coaches entrepreneurs looking to level up, build coaching or service based businesses (Mike runs multiple 7 and 8 figure a year businesses), building a coaching program and more. Learn more here: https://investorfuel.com/coachingwithmike   Attend a Vacation/Mastermind Retreat with Mike Hambright: Interested in joining a “mini-mastermind” with Mike and his private clients on an upcoming “Retreat”, either at locations like Cabo San Lucas, Napa, Park City ski trip, Yellowstone, or even at Mike's East Texas “Big H Ranch”? Learn more here: http://www.investorfuel.com/retreat   Property Insurance: Join the largest and most investor friendly property insurance provider in 2 minutes. Free to join, and insure all your flips and rentals within minutes! There is NO easier insurance provider on the planet (turn insurance on or off in 1 minute without talking to anyone!), and there's no 15-30% agent mark up through this platform!  Register here: https://myinvestorinsurance.com/   New Real Estate Investors - How we can work together: Investor Fuel Club (Coaching and Deal Partner Community): Looking to kickstart your real estate investing career? Join our one of a kind Coaching Community, Investor Fuel Club, where you'll get trained by some of the best real estate investors in America, and partner with them on deals! You don't need $ for deals…we'll partner with you and hold your hand along the way! Learn More here: http://www.investorfuel.com/club   —--------------------

“I hate you.” If you've ever heard those words from your child, you know how painful and jarring they can be. In this episode of Family Vision, Rob and Amy Rienow continue their series on the Ten Commandments with a deep dive into the Sixth Commandment—“You shall not murder”—and how Jesus reveals that anger and hatred in the heart are spiritual expressions of that same sin. They unpack what it means for parents and children to struggle with anger, bitterness, and hatred—and how we can proactively disciple our families toward healing, grace, and reconciliation. This is a timely conversation for any parent dealing with emotional outbursts, strained relationships, or the heartache of children turning away. What You'll Learn in This Episode: - Why anger and hatred are spiritual violations of the Sixth Commandment - What to do when your child says “I hate you” - How the words we use—like “idiot” or “hate”—reveal the condition of our hearts - The cultural danger of justifying hatred in the name of righteousness - A biblical strategy to help children (and parents) find freedom from anger Featured Resources: Free MP3 Seminar — Helping Your Child Find Freedom from Anger: https://visionaryfam.com/freedom Visionary Family Camp — Join us at Cedar Bay, July 19–25. Register by June 1: https://visionaryfam.com/camp Join the Visionary Family Community — Learn more and sign up at https://visionaryfam.com/community Need Prayer? We'd love to pray with you. Send your requests to podcast@visionaryfam.com. Like This Episode? Help more families discover the podcast by subscribing, leaving a review, and sharing it with your friends. Next Episode Preview: Next week, we take on the Seventh Commandment—“Do not commit adultery”—and talk about how to help our children and teens pursue purity in a world filled with temptation.

Do guilt and perfectionism sometimes hold you back as a mom? In this special edition of Family Vision, Amy shares a powerful conversation with D6 podcaster Jeremy Lee. They dive deep into the common spiritual battles moms face, including the pressures of perfectionism and guilt, and how the enemy uses these struggles to attack our hearts and relationships with our children. Through biblical wisdom and personal stories, Amy offers practical advice for breaking free from these burdens and embracing God's grace in our parenting. What You'll Learn in This Episode: - How guilt and perfectionism can sabotage your parenting and relationship with God - Why moms often feel like they're “bad moms” and how to overcome this lie - The importance of being real and embracing imperfection in your motherhood journey - Amy's personal journey with guilt and her advice for other moms - The power of letting go of control and trusting God's plan for your family Featured Resources: Not So Perfect Mom — Amy's new book on navigating the challenges of motherhood with grace and authenticity. Available on D6 Family or Visionary Family Ministries. Family Worship Guide — Download the free family worship guide: visionaryfam.com/grace Join the Visionary Family Community Become part of a global community of families committed to following Jesus. Learn more here: https://visionaryfam.com/community Need Prayer? We'd love to pray with you. Send your prayer needs to podcast@visionaryfam.com. Help Spread the Word Leave a review on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or YouTube, and share this episode with a friend or fellow mom who could use encouragement! Next Episode Preview: Next week, we'll continue our series on the 10 Commandments by diving into “Do Not Murder” and Jesus' teaching on anger and hatred. You won't want to miss it!

Your church has a biblical calling and responsibility to equip and strengthen families. Does your church have a family ministry action plan? In this special edition of Family Vision, Rob Rienow shares a powerful conversation from the D6 Podcast. Whether your church is just catching the vision for family discipleship or looking to go deeper, this episode will give you practical tools and theological clarity to build a family-equipping culture. Rob unpacks why family ministry is not just a parenting program—but a biblical call to equip every believer to live out their faith first in the home. You'll also learn how to start strong, how to avoid burnout, and how to make family discipleship more than just a trend. From pastors struggling with their own families to parents overwhelmed by family worship, this is an encouraging, hope-filled conversation you don't want to miss. What You'll Learn in This Episode: - How to build your church's theology of family ministry - Why family ministry is about more than parenting programs - Practical ways to equip parents, grandparents, singles, and empty nesters - Why repetition is key in equipping parents and church leaders - How to make family worship simple and effective—even if you're not a Bible expert - Encouragement for pastors and leaders who feel like they've “failed” at home Featured Resources: D6 Conference — Learn more about the leading family ministry conference: https://d6family.com Visionary Church Book — Cast vision and equip your team with Visionary Church: How Your Church Can Strengthen Families. Available at: https://visionaryfam.com/visionary-church/ or on Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/dp/1614841187  Family Worship Free Guide — Download our Genesis Family Worship Guide: https://visionaryfam.com/grace Join the Visionary Family Community Become a part of a growing, global movement of families committed to following Jesus and helping their children do the same. Learn more and join here: https://visionaryfam.com/community Need Prayer? We'd love to pray with you. Send your prayer needs to podcast@visionaryfam.com. Help Spread the Word Leave a review on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or YouTube, and share this episode with a pastor, church leader, or parent who needs this message.

According to surveys, people say that breaking this commandment is the most serious sin of all. Do Not Murder. In this episode of Family Vision, Rob and Amy Rienow continue their series on the 10 Commandments with a deep dive into the Sixth Commandment and what it means for families, nations, and our hearts. At first glance, most of us would say we've never broken this command. But what does Jesus say? And what about abortion, capital punishment, and self-defense? You'll hear biblical teaching and real-life stories as Rob and Amy bring grace and truth to this sobering commandment—and offer compassionate help for anyone who has walked through an abortion experience personally or in their family. What You'll Learn in This Episode: - The difference between “kill” and “murder” in the original Hebrew - Why the Sixth Commandment allows for self-defense, just war, and capital punishment - What Jesus says about anger and hatred being murder of the heart - A biblical view of abortion and why language matters - Why the battle for your child's heart begins at conception - How to respond with both grace and truth to abortion in our families and culture Featured Resources: Join the Visionary Family Community — Families around the world are saying “yes” to following Jesus and helping future generations do the same. Learn more: https://visionaryfam.com/community Family Camp 2025 — Join us July 19–25 in the Upper Peninsula of Michigan for a powerful week of family worship, teaching, and fun. Details here: https://visionaryfam.com/camp Need Prayer? If abortion or any part of today's episode has touched a sensitive place in your story, we'd love to pray with you and for you. Email us at podcast@visionaryfam.com. Help Spread the Word Leave a 5-star review and share this episode with a friend. Every click helps more families hear God's Word and follow Jesus together. Next Episode Preview: Next week, we take the Sixth Commandment even deeper. Jesus says that anger and hatred in our hearts are equivalent to murder. What does that mean for how we treat each other in our homes? Don't miss this important follow-up conversation.

What's the promise behind the Fifth Commandment? “Honor your father and your mother, that your days may be long in the land.” In this powerful follow-up episode of Family Vision, Rob and Amy Rienow explore the biblical promise connected to honoring parents—and why it's about more than just long life for individuals. You'll learn how this commandment affects not only individual families, but also entire nations and cultures. Plus, the Rienows offer practical wisdom for teaching children the difference between obedience and honor, and why cultivating a heart of honor leads to deeper faith and healthier relationships. What You'll Learn in This Episode: - What the Bible really means by “that your days may be long in the land” - The corporate blessing tied to generational honor and faith - How to teach children to honor you without being authoritarian - The crucial difference between obedience and lifelong honor - How dishonor in the home leads to breakdown in society - Encouragement for parents who feel awkward requiring honor Featured Resources: Free PDF – Healing Family Relationships Discover biblical wisdom and steps toward reconciliation in your family. https://visionaryfam.com/healing Cedar Bay Family Camp – July 19–25, 2025 Build lifelong memories and grow closer to God and each other in the beauty of Michigan's Upper Peninsula. https://visionaryfam.com/camp Visionary Family Community Join a global network of families dedicated to passing faith to the next generation. https://visionaryfam.com/community Upcoming Live Events Don't miss our Healing Family Relationships Seminar, D6 Conference, and Visionary Family events in IL, FL, GA & IA! https://visionaryfam.com/events Love this episode? Click 5 stars and share the show with a friend. Every rating and share helps more families discover Family Vision and grow in their faith journey. Got a question or prayer request? Email us at podcast@visionaryfam.com Subscribe now on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or YouTube so you never miss an episode. Next Episode Preview: Next week, we continue the 10 Commandments series by exploring "You shall not murder." What does that mean beyond the physical act? And how do anger and hatred play into the deeper meaning Jesus gives us? Join us for a conversation that hits close to home.

Welcome back to another episode of Barn Talk! Today, we're lighting a fire under our discussion with a Hot Topics episode. Sawyer and Tork are here to break down the latest in farming developments, market updates, and the interplay of government and big news stories. We're kicking things off with our market insights, diving into the latest from the USDA, and touching on the deeper complexities of domestic and global agriculture. Plus, you'll hear our reflections on a recent retreat full of high-profile professionals, where we gleaned lessons on leadership, family, faith, and the power of discipline in driving success. We also venture into the hot button topics shaping politics today, like transparency in government and the shifts we've observed in societal and political landscapes. Whether you're a farmer, a business enthusiast, or just someone trying to navigate the flux of modern life, there's something in this episode for you. So let's dive right in and turn up the heat!Use code BARNTALK for 10% OFF your next orderhttps://farmergrade.com/ SUBSCRIBE TO THE PODCAST ➱ https://bit.ly/3a7r3nR  SUBSCRIBE TO THIS'LL DO FARM ➱ https://bit.ly/2X8g45c LISTEN ON:SPOTIFY ➱ https://open.spotify.com/show/3icVr4KWq4eUDl7Oy60YMY APPLE ➱ https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/barn-talk/id1574395049Follow Behind The Scenes

“Honor your father and mother.” Easy to say, harder to live. In this episode of Family Vision, Rob and Amy Rienow continue the 10 Commandments Series by diving into the Fifth Commandment and why it's one of the most culturally ignored and misunderstood commands today. You'll hear how modern media undermines this biblical truth, how parents can practically teach honor at home, and why honoring parents is foundational to a child's spiritual and emotional health. Plus, discover how this commandment is directly tied to God's blessing for generations to come. What You'll Learn in This Episode: - Why biblical honor is countercultural in today's world - How TV and media subtly teach children to disrespect authority - Why parents—not teachers or churches—must primarily cultivate honor in children - How Eli's failure to correct his sons led to devastating consequences - Practical ideas to help parents encourage their kids to grow in honor Featured Resources: Visionary Family Camp – July 19–25, 2025 Join us in the beautiful Upper Peninsula of Michigan for a life-changing week of family discipleship, fun, and rest. Info & registration: https://visionaryfam.com/camp Visionary Family Community Join families around the world who are dedicated to passing faith to the next generation. Learn more: https://visionaryfam.com/community Upcoming Live Events Be part of a Visionary Family event in West Chicago, Orlando, or Atlanta. Full schedule: https://visionaryfam.com/events Love this episode? We'd love to hear from you! Send questions or prayer needs to podcast@visionaryfam.com If this episode encouraged you, please leave a review on Apple Podcasts or Spotify. Your reviews help more families discover Family Vision. Subscribe now on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or YouTube so you never miss an episode. Next Episode Preview: Next week, we'll continue exploring the Fifth Commandment—honoring your parents—and provide practical ways your family can grow in this essential virtue. Don't miss it!

Does your family truly rest? In this episode of Family Vision, Rob and Amy Rienow continue the 10 Commandments Series by diving deeper into the Fourth Commandment—“Remember the Sabbath day, to keep it holy.” In today's busy world, rest often feels like a luxury or even a weakness. But God designed Sabbath as a gift and commandment—a rhythm of work and rest for our good. Discover how your family can honor the Sabbath, not with legalism, but with intentional rest and reverence for God. What You'll Learn in This Episode: - The biblical difference between Sabbath rest and legalism - Why Sunday became the day of worship for Christians - How families can apply the spirit of Sabbath practically today - Encouragement to prioritize rest—even when life feels too full Featured Resources: Visionary Family Conference — Join us for a weekend that strengthens your faith and family. Upcoming events in Atlanta, Orlando, and more. Learn more: https://visionaryfam.com/events Visionary Family Community — Connect with families around the world committed to passing faith to the next generation. Join us here: https://visionaryfam.com/community Rest by Maryanne Howard — A thoughtful resource for those longing to rediscover the spiritual importance of rest. Available now: https://d6family.com/product/rest Love this episode? We'd love to hear from you! Share your thoughts and prayer requests at podcast@visionaryfam.com If this episode encouraged you, please take a moment to leave a review on Apple Podcasts! Your review helps more families discover Family Vision and grow in their faith. Subscribe now on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or YouTube so you never miss an episode. Next Episode Preview: Next week, we continue the 10 Commandments Series with the Fifth Commandment: “Honor your father and mother.” What does biblical honor look like in every stage of life? Join us for this vital family conversation.

Does your family have a commitment to resting? In this episode of Family Vision, Rob and Amy Rienow continue their 10 Commandments Series with a deep dive into the Fourth Commandment: “Remember the Sabbath day, to keep it holy” (Exodus 20:8). What does Sabbath rest mean for families today? Why did God command both work and rest? Join us as we explore the biblical foundation of the Sabbath, why rest is built into creation itself, and how our culture has strayed from God's rhythm of six days of labor, one day of rest. What You'll Learn in This Episode: - Why the Sabbath is about more than just rest - The biblical foundation of the seven-day week - Why honoring the Sabbath is a blessing, not a burden - How legalism has distorted the true meaning of Sabbath Featured Resources: Visionary Family Conferences — Join us in Orlando in April, Atlanta in May, and more! Learn more at: https://visionaryfam.com/events Visionary Family Community — Connect with families worldwide who are committed to faith and discipleship. Join us at: https://visionaryfam.com/community Healing Family Relationships Seminar — Join us April 12th in West Chicago for a powerful event focused on family restoration and biblical healing. Details at: https://visionaryfam.com/events Love this episode? We'd love to hear from you! Share your thoughts and prayer requests at podcast@visionaryfam.com If this episode encouraged you, please take a moment to leave a review on Apple Podcasts! Your review helps more families discover Family Vision and grow in their faith. Subscribe now on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or YouTube so you never miss an episode. Next Episode Preview: Next week, we continue exploring the Fourth Commandment, focusing on how families can practically apply Sabbath rest in a fast-paced culture. What does keeping the Sabbath look like today? Don't miss it!

Have you ever thought about creating a family bucket list? While material goals can be fun, the most meaningful bucket list items focus on cherishing special moments, building lifelong memories, and celebrating blended family milestones together. In this episode of the Blended Kingdom Families podcast, Blended Family Bucket List: How to Create Meaningful Memories with Godly Vision, Scott and Vanessa Martindale explore how to create and enjoy bucket list experiences that bring your blended family closer — while keeping God at the center.  In this episode you will learn about the importance of family vision and how it connects to your bucket list, why the pursuit of bucket list goals are often more rewarding than the goals themselves, practical steps to thrive in your blended family with intentional experiences and more! God has equipped you to flourish in marriage and blended family life when He is your foundation. Don't just dream — start living your family's God-given vision today! Tune in now and start creating a legacy of faith-filled memories!  We pray this episode blesses you today! Want to join the Blended Kingdom Families Community? Connect with us: Instagram, Facebook, YouTube, To support this ministry and help ensure that blended families around the world continue to receive biblical equipping click here: https://blendedkingdomfamilies.com/donate/ For more resources visit: Blended Kingdom Families Website

What does it mean to be bold for Christ as a student-athlete? In this episode of Family Vision, University of Iowa quarterback Hank Brown joins Rob Rienow to share his faith journey through football. From starting at Auburn to transferring to Iowa, Hank shares how he lives out his faith on and off the field, the challenges of being a Christian athlete, and why courage and intentionality are essential for using sports as a platform for the gospel. If you or your kids are involved in sports, don't miss this inspiring conversation about faith, identity, and boldness for Christ in athletics. What You'll Learn in This Episode: - How to be intentional about sharing your faith as a student-athlete - Why boldness and courage are essential for witnessing in sports - The importance of keeping Christ above sports in family life - How to navigate church and sports conflicts with biblical priorities Featured Resources: Visionary Family Conference — Join us in Atlanta, and other locations for a life-changing event focused on biblical family discipleship. Learn more at: https://visionaryfam.com/events Visionary Family Community — Join families worldwide who are committed to faith and discipleship. Connect with us at: https://visionaryfam.com/community Follow Hank Brown — Stay connected with Hank's football journey and faith updates on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/hankbrown17 Love this episode? We'd love to hear from you! Share your thoughts and prayer requests at podcast@visionaryfam.com If this episode encouraged you, please take a moment to leave a review on Apple Podcasts! Your review helps more families discover Family Vision and grow in their faith. Subscribe now on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or YouTube so you never miss an episode. Next Episode Preview: Next week, we continue our 10 Commandments Series by discussing the Fourth Commandment: “Remember the Sabbath day, to keep it holy.” How can families honor the Sabbath in today's busy world? Don't miss it!

God commands us to be careful with how we speak His name. In this episode of Family Vision, Rob and Amy Rienow continue their 10 Commandments Series by exploring the Third Commandment: “You shall not take the name of the Lord your God in vain” (Exodus 20:7). What does it mean to misuse God's name, and how can we teach our families to honor and revere it? Join us for this practical and insightful conversation as we uncover how culture has normalized taking God's name in vain, and how we can reclaim reverence for His name in our homes. What You'll Learn in This Episode: - The biblical meaning of the Third Commandment - How culture desensitizes us to misusing God's name - Why honoring God's name is an act of worship - Practical ways to teach children to respect God's name Featured Resources: Visionary Family Conference — Join us in Nashville, Atlanta, and other locations for a life-changing event focused on biblical family discipleship. Learn more at: https://visionaryfam.com/events Visionary Family Community — Join families worldwide who are committed to faith and discipleship. Connect with us at: https://visionaryfam.com/community Shine Bible Study for Women — Explore deeper biblical truths about faith, identity, and honoring God. Learn more: https://visionaryfam.com/shine Love this episode? We'd love to hear from you! Share your thoughts and prayer requests at podcast@visionaryfam.com If this episode encouraged you, please take a moment to leave a review on Apple Podcasts! Your review helps more families discover Family Vision and grow in their faith. Subscribe now on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or YouTube so you never miss an episode. Next Episode Preview: Next week, we continue our 10 Commandments Series by exploring the Fourth Commandment: “Remember the Sabbath day, to keep it holy.” What does Sabbath rest look like for families today? Don't miss it!

The light of the gospel is shining in Scotland! In this episode of Family Vision, Rob Rienow sits down with Robert Bell from Herald's Trust to discuss the spiritual climate in Scotland, the urgency of evangelism, and how families can equip their children to share their faith. Learn how open-air evangelism, youth discipleship, and church planting are making an impact, and discover practical ways your family can get involved in missions. What You'll Learn in This Episode: - The current spiritual climate in Scotland and why it's now an unreached people group - How evangelism has changed and why it's disappearing from many churches - Stories of open-air evangelism and street ministry in Edinburgh - How families can prioritize missions and take practical steps to share their faith Featured Resources: Herald's Trust Ministry — Learn more about Herald's Trust, their evangelism initiatives, and how your family can serve in Scotland. Visit: https://theheraldstrust.org Visionary Family Mission Trips — Join us for a family mission trip to the Dominican Republic or Rwanda this year. Details at: https://visionaryfam.com/missions Visionary Family Community — Connect with families around the world who are committed to faith and discipleship. Join here: https://visionaryfam.com/community Love this episode? We'd love to hear from you! Share your thoughts and prayer requests at podcast@visionaryfam.com If this episode encouraged you, please take a moment to leave a review on Apple Podcasts! Your review helps more families discover Family Vision and grow in their faith. Subscribe now on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or YouTube so you never miss an episode. Next Episode Preview: How can families balance sports, school, and spiritual priorities? Next week, we'll dive into the challenges of modern family life and how to keep faith at the center. Don't miss it!

Our lives directly impact future generations, for better or worse. In this episode of Family Vision, Rob and Amy Rienow continue their 10 Commandments series, focusing on the final portion of the Second Commandment. What does it mean when God says He “visits the iniquity of the fathers on the children to the third and fourth generation?" And how can families break free from the cycle of generational sin to leave a legacy of faith and blessing? What You'll Learn in This Episode: - How sin patterns and spiritual struggles spread across generations - The biblical contrast between generational curses and generational blessings - How families can break free from destructive cycles through Christ - The power of representative repentance in changing a family's spiritual trajectory Featured Resources: Visionary Family Conference — Strengthen your family with biblical wisdom at an upcoming live event! Join us in Charleston, Nashville, and more. Get details at: https://visionaryfam.com/events Visionary Family Community — Join families worldwide who are passionate about growing in faith and discipleship. Learn more at: https://visionaryfam.com/community Shine Bible Study for Women — Join Amy Rienow for an eight-week online group experience focusing on faith, identity in Christ, and breaking free from deception. Learn more at: https://visionaryfam.com/shine Love this episode? We'd love to hear from you! Share your thoughts and prayer requests at podcast@visionaryfam.com If this episode encouraged you, please take a moment to leave a review on Apple Podcasts. Your review helps more families discover Family Vision and grow in their faith. Subscribe now on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or YouTube so you never miss an episode. Next Episode Preview: Next week, we continue our 10 Commandments Series with the Third Commandment: What does it truly mean to “not take the Lord's name in vain,” and how does this command apply to families today? Don't miss it!

Building Family Legacy and the Keys to Early Education Success with Richie Huffman In this episode of 'Secret Thoughts of CEOs and Business Leaders,' host Chris Yonker talks with Richie Huffman, the founder, president, and CEO of Celebrate Schools, and a leader in early childhood education. The discussion delves into Richie's entrepreneurial journey, approaches to building a family legacy, and the innovative ways he runs his family akin to a business. The conversation highlights the importance of family vision, quarterly family huddles, and good stewardship. Richie shares valuable insights on the evolving landscape of early education and emphasizes parental involvement in children's education. Additionally, Chris promotes the Family Business Executive Forum, a resource offering expert advice on overcoming challenges in family businesses.  Richard O. Huffman is the founder, President, and CEO of Celebree Schools. Richie founded Celebree in 1994, growing our brand from a single preschool into the company we are today. In his current role, Richie shares his expertise, insights, and leadership with Celebree School franchisees, while continuing to shape Celebree's short-term and long-term vision.  Over the course of more than two decades, Richie has grown Celebree from a single location into Maryland's largest privately held chain of childcare centers. With Celebree's entry into the franchise sector, Richie now shares the secrets to his success with Celebree franchisees. In his work with Celebree School franchise owners, Richie shares more than 20 years of industry experience and entrepreneurial expertise. He offers direct support to franchisees as they develop their locations while challenging assumptions that could impede their business. He is committed to the success of every franchisee and is available on a daily basis for one-on-one support. As the President and CEO of Celebree Schools, Richie continues to guide the core vision of our brand: a vision that embraces change, innovation, and the constant pursuit of self-improvement. Thanks to Richie's combination of leadership and experience, Celebree continues to set industry standards within the early childhood education sector. Richie has also shaped Celebree's dynamic corporate culture, helping us attract some of the most forward-thinking leaders and executives in our industry.    What You'll Learn ·       Emphasizing the importance of building a family legacy and raising children with strong values and stewardship. ·       The role of parents in shaping a child's future ·       The significance of family vision and mission    Timestamps ·       04:04 Richie's Entrepreneurial Journey ·       10:41 Building a Family Legacy ·       15:01 Family Vision and Mission ·       25:25 The Importance of Early Education ·       34:44 Setting Expectations and Covenants ·       40:04 Where to Learn More   Memorable Quotes ·       “I knew at a very young age, I knew 2 things. I knew that I wanted to do it my way. I knew I wanted to be an entrepreneur. I knew I probably would not do well working for somebody else. And at a very young age, I knew one thing and I struggle with saying this, but I have to say it was true. I knew that I wanted to be wealthy.”  [04:54]  ·       “I'm not a know it all. I know nothing. Right? Which is another right? I know nothing and that's my philosophy. I surround myself with really, really great people that are committed as much as I am to achieving the vision of the mission.” [14:27] ·        I reach over. I take his cell phone and I ask him the next. I ask him the same question over again. Now, let's try this again.  What did you do yesterday in history class?  And now at least I got a 50 percent chance because I just put the distraction away. [32:08]    Websites: Richie Huffman Instagram Celebree School fambizforum.com. www.chrisyonker.com.  

Is Your Family Operating Like a Well-Run Business?In this episode, Melissa Joy, CFP®, explore how families can apply business strategies to create structure and intentionality at home. Our guest, Kelly O'Donnell, an expert in the Entrepreneurial Operating System (EOS), introduces the Vision Traction Organizer (VTO)—a tool that helps families define core values, set a long-term vision, and break goals into actionable steps.Kelly shares how identifying what truly matters can guide financial decisions, time management, and overall family priorities. She also discusses the benefits of quarterly family meetings and "same page meetings" for spouses to ensure alignment and clarity. By integrating structured planning and financial strategies, families can create a stronger sense of purpose while maintaining flexibility for life's unexpected changes.Whether you want to strengthen family bonds, improve communication, or set clear financial and personal goals, this episode offers practical insights to help you build a more organized and intentional family life.Resources & Links:

Today, it is my pleasure to speak with Kim Kamin, partner and Chief Wealth Strategist at Gresham Partners LLC, an independent multi-family office serving about 120 separate families nationally. At Gresham, she leads the development and implementation of estate, wealth transfer, philanthropic, educational, and fiduciary planning activities. Kim is an adjunct professor at Northwestern University Law School and is on the faculty for the University of Chicago Business School in executive education. She is on the UHNW Families & Family Offices Committee of the Trusts & Estates Magazine Editorial Advisory Board and is a Regent for the American College of Trust and Estate Counsel, Past President of the Chicago Estate Planning Council, Planning Chair for the annual ALI-CLE Large Estates program, and Estate Planning & Legal Issues Domain Chair for the UHNW Institute. Trusts are one of the most popular estate planning vehicles, especially in the US and a few other international jurisdictions, and Kim shares her views on how and why trusts came to be so widely used to plan and execute intergenerational wealth transitions, and how trust documents and the associated estate planning strategies evolved in the past few decades. We are at the outset of the “Great Wealth Transfer” and trusts – both ones that have been in place for decades and ones that are being newly created – are once again at the center of wealth planning conversations. Kim offers her thoughts on some of the current trends and developments in estate planning and how thinking and usage of trusts is changing or evolving. One practical advice Kim puts forth is to pay attention to the “the small things” when creating or working with trusts and estate plans, and highlights some of the frequently neglected details our listeners should be mindful of. Another valuable tip Kim recommends is to draft trust documents for flexibility. She talks about what that entails and what both wealth owners and family advisors in our audience should consider to be able to make better use of trust documents and other estate planning tools. You would not want to miss this conversation with one of the most knowledgeable, respected, and active thought leaders in the family wealth and estate planning space.

In this episode of The Something New Show, hosts Jordan & Mindi Linscombe dive into their impactful approach to starting the new calendar year with intention and clarity through family vision and calendar planning. This year, the Linscombes made it extra special by sharing this experience with Graham and Shay Cochrane and their family, creating a meaningful collaboration.Tune in as Jordan and Mindi break down the steps to make this practice transformative, practical, and fun for your family:

Vision Sunday 2025 You Fit In God's Family Matthew 28:18-20

In this vital episode of Family Vision, Rob Rienow welcomes Chris McKenna, founder of Protect Young Eyes, to discuss the hidden dangers of technology for children. From unexpected risks with devices like Apple Watches to the pervasive influence of social media algorithms, Chris shares practical strategies for creating safer digital spaces and guiding children through the complexities of the tech world. Whether you're a parent grappling with screen time or seeking tools to protect your child's innocence, this conversation is filled with actionable wisdom. Featured Resources: Protect Young Eyes Website: Explore tools, courses, and resources to safeguard your family in the digital age: https://protectyoungeyes.com  Visionary Family Community: Join families worldwide committed to raising children to follow Christ. Learn more at https://visionaryfam.com/community.

In this episode, we discuss the challenges of busy family life and the importance of creating a family vision and mission statement. We share our process of defining a family's values, crafting a vision statement, and implementing it into our daily lives. The conversation emphasizes the significance of aligning family goals, fostering a strong sense of self in children, and the evolving nature of family values. We provide practical steps for families to create their own vision statements and live intentionally according to their values.TakeawaysCreating a family vision helps align values and goals.A family vision statement serves as a guiding principle.It's important to involve all family members in the vision process.Identifying core values can help shape family identity.Life changes can shift family values and priorities.Regularly revisiting the vision statement keeps it relevant.Creating traditions can help embody the family vision.Decision-making can be guided by the family vision.A vision statement should be visible to all family members.Every family can adapt the vision process to fit their unique dynamics.Next Steps:For more practical tools and tips, follow Robert and Sharla on Instagram, and leave a review if this episode resonated with you.

On this special Christmas episode of Family Vision, Rob Rienow explores the significance of the word "behold" in the Christmas story and throughout Scripture. From the angel Gabriel's message to Mary to the prophecies of Isaiah, this simple word carries a profound message: to stop, look, and reflect on the incredible work of God. Discover how "beholding" Christ transforms our understanding of Christmas and deepens our faith in God's promises. Featured Resources: Visionary Family Community: Join a global network of families committed to following Christ and passing faith through the generations. Visit https://visionaryfam.com/community Visionary Family Ministries Events: Learn about live family worship night on Dec. 8 in Chicagoland and more at https://visionaryfam.com/events.

Blended families and stepfamilies face unique challenges on their journey of faith. In this episode of Family Vision, Rob Rienow welcomes Ron Deal, founder of FamilyLife Blended, to share insights, resources, and encouragement for stepfamilies seeking to grow in unity and Christ-centered love. Topics include essential steps for thriving as a blended family, how to approach remarriage conversations with children, and creating emotional safety in the home. This heartfelt conversation will equip you with wisdom and practical tools for navigating the complexities of stepfamily life. Featured Resource: Preparing to Blend: A comprehensive premarital book for couples forming blended families. Perfect for individual use or group counseling. Learn more: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B09GD14T22 Dating and the Single Parent: Guidance for navigating dating and blending families. Learn more: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B09S1DKZ36 Family Life: To explore these tools and learn more, visit https://www.familylife.com/blended 

Looking to help your clients bring clarity and intention to their family life? In this insightful episode, Geremy Keeton, Senior Director of the Counseling Services Department of Focus on the Family and a licensed marriage and family therapist, dives deep into family values, vision, and creating a purpose-filled family mission statement. Christian coaches will gain practical insights on how to foster healthy dynamics in both family and work environments. If you've been feeling the pressure of balancing personal and professional life, or are helping your clients align their values with their actions, this episode is packed with actionable takeaways. Key Takeaways: Learn how to create a family mission, purpose, and values statement. Gain clarity on fostering healthy family dynamics and team collaboration. Equip your clients to live more intentionally in alignment with their core values. Learn more about Focus on the Family: www.FocusOnTheFamily.com/gethelp

Feeling exhausted as a parent? You're not alone! In this episode of Family Vision, Amy Rienow and her daughter Lissy Bailey tackle parenting questions about sleep schedules, guilt, and finding time for self-care. Together, they explore the importance of understanding each child's unique needs and the value of giving yourself grace as a parent. If you've ever felt overwhelmed by the expectations placed on mothers, this episode offers encouragement and practical wisdom rooted in biblical truth. Featured Resources Not So Perfect Mom: A foundational book for nurturing parent-child relationships across all stages, focusing on embracing what matters most: https://visionaryfam.com/notsoperfectmom  Family Worship Guides - Engage your family in spiritual growth through Genesis & Exodus: https://visionaryfam.com/familyworship  Visionary Parenting: This resource dives deeper into managing behavior versus discipline and offers insights on discipline strategies for toddlers and teenagers: https://visionaryfam.com/visionary-parenting/  The Heart of Your Teen: Get Lissy Bailey's book for parents. Understand and connect with your teen! https://visionaryfam.com/teens/

In this special episode of Family Vision, Rob Rienow explores the question of life's purpose through a biblical lens. Drawing from Genesis 1, Rob explains how being made in God's image defines our nature, value, and purpose. He challenges listeners to reflect Christ in their daily lives, especially at home. Through scripture and personal insights, this episode encourages believers to shine God's light and glorify Him in all aspects of life. Featured Resources: Visionary Parenting: This resource dives deeper into managing behavior versus discipline and offers insights on discipline strategies for toddlers and teenagers: https://visionaryfam.com/visionary-parenting/  Living for Christ at Home by Lisey Bailey. Download this FREE teen devotional at: https://visionaryfam.com/shop/living-for-christ-at-home/  Email your questions and prayer requersts to: podcast@visionaryfam.com 

In this episode of Family Vision, Amy Rienow and her daughter, Lissy Bailey, dive into listener questions on parenting toddlers and young children. They discuss the challenges of balancing quality time, setting boundaries around screen time, and incorporating spiritual growth into daily routines.  Featured Resources: Not So Perfect Mom: A foundational book for nurturing parent-child relationships across all stages, focusing on embracing what matters most: https://visionaryfam.com/notsoperfectmom  Visionary Parenting: This resource dives deeper into managing behavior versus discipline and offers insights on discipline strategies for toddlers and teenagers: https://visionaryfam.com/visionary-parenting/  The Heart of Your Teen: Get Lissy Bailey's book for parents. Understand and connect with your teen! https://visionaryfam.com/teens/

Conor Gallagher is an accomplished CEO, author, public speaker, and board member with extensive experience in both for-profit and non-profit sectors. He is the founder of Well-Ordered Family and CEO of multiple businesses including Good Will Publishers and TAN Books. Conor serves as the executive director of the Benedict Leadership Institute at Belmont Abbey College and sits on the Board of Trustees. His published works include "If Aristotle's Kid Had an iPod," "Still Amidst the Storm," and "Well-Ordered Family," among others, focusing on parenting, personal growth, and family life. Today, Conor Gallagher shares his family's unique journey, including the creation of their family master plan, which includes vision statements, strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats—akin to a family's constitution. The conversation also touches on the importance of involving kids in financial discussions, tracking family goals, and the power of unconditional love and sacrifice.  He then highlights the virtues of unconditional love, sacrifice, and selflessness in maintaining robust marriages and families. He underscores the need for continual self-sacrifice to become the best versions of ourselves, drawing from historical examples. This episode is a treasure trove of wisdom for parents. By incorporating Conor's actionable insights into your family dynamics, you can not only navigate the challenges of today but also set up a legacy of love, unity, and success for the future. www.thedadedge.com/490 www.thedadedge.com/alliance www.wellorderedfamily.com LinkedIn | Instagram | Facebook