Making Hesstory

By the time our kids are around four years old they'll be able to begin differentiating between socially desirable and undesirable behavior. At this point they'll start recognizing which kids they like (or don't like) to be around.This doesn’t mean that we begin teaching them when they turn four. Rather it means that the behavior that we either confront or condone up until that point will play a role in their long-term socialization.Believe it or not, kids will respect parents who are both loving and firm. Kids will respect parents who understand their authority and use it to set limits and standards. By default kids are selfish and immature, and they'll need our help growing out of those childish tendencies.In this episode we discussed the importance of intentionally helping our kids sort out the difference between socially desirable and undesirable behavior, and how to use our authority lead and serve them well.

The Bible is filled with some really fun and, if we're being honest, weird events and experiences.God has always had a way of getting things done while not being overly concerned with whether or not we would find His methods “normal” or “logical.”When Jesus came on the scene He both taught and demonstrated the ways of God's Kingdom. He healed the sick, raised the dead, cast out demons, and He also heard people's thoughts and walked on water.Simply put, Jesus wasn’t bound by the laws of nature, logic, and reason that we observe in what we would consider to be the natural order of things in our daily lives.While the topic of the “supernatural” and the Holy Spirit’s continued (or discontinued) active involvement in our lives is one of debate in the church today, we wanted to share some of the amazing experiences we’ve had.Specifically, with our kids.Who better to experience the supernatural activity of the Holy Spirit than sweet, innocent, and wonder-filled kids.Join us as we share real life stories of the times we’ve seen the Holy Spirit do amazing, fun, and supernatural things with our kids.

The mind, which contains our thoughts (ideas, beliefs, opinions, images, and memories) also contains our feelings (emotions, sensations, and desires).Too often our feelings are allowed to dictate the direction of our life, our decisions, our habits, and our identity.This is unfortunate, because while feelings can be great servants, they make terrible masters.In the interest of pursuing a transformation of character and becoming more like Jesus, we need to give great consideration to our feelings, particularly our desires.Join us as we discuss what seems to be very timely and relevant, given the US presidential election and all the big feelings that come with it.In this episode we also covered the potential we have to become people whose joy and peace are not reliant upon the quality of our circumstances, which can fluctuate from day to day, but on the quality of the character of Jesus, who is always good and always faithful.

"Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind..." - Romans 12:2Your mind is caught in a battle between two opposing Kingdoms; the Kingdom of God and that of the world.Either of these kingdoms will, if you allow them, be the influence that shapes how you think and feel.One difference is that the influence of the Kingdom of God only comes through intentional focus and pursuit. In the absence of intentionality to be discipled by Jesus and learning the ways of His Kingdom, our minds will be, by default, relegated to the influence of the world.In the interest of living the life Jesus calls us to live, we need our minds to be a product of His teaching and leading.We need our minds to be centered around God - His truth, His Word, His presence, and His character, His values, and His ways.Join Brian and Katie as they discuss the importance of leaning into God and His Word for the shaping of our mind and our understanding of truth.

Brian had an opportunity to sit down with Chris Dupré and hear his story - one of love, redemption, forgiveness, restoration, and grace.His story is also one of meeting Jesus, but not in the way most people do.He met Jesus face to face, and, well, everything changed for him after that.Hopefully this piqued your interest, because this is a story that everyone needs to hear. Chris Dupré is also an author, and has written several amazing books, a few of which can be found by clicking the links below.The Wild Love of GodUnstuckThe Love Project

Brian and Katie continued the conversation on the need for continued growth and transformation that comes by the power of the gospel of Jesus.It can be easy to feel stuck in a way of existing and behaving, wanting to change and see growth, but not knowing how to go about it.Behavior modification is typically the go-to method. And while it might work as a short term solution to the problem of our own undesirable behavior, the only long term solution is to sit at the feet of Jesus and allow ourselves to be transformed by His love.Join us as we continue bridging the gap between the truth that in Christ we are new creations with a new nature and the reality that we don't always act like it.Correction from this episode: Jesus was not questioned by His disciples, but by the religious leaders regarding paying taxes to Caesar.Links form this episode:https://music.apple.com/us/album/lord-of-the-rings-but-its-lofi-ep/1611229750

Do you ever find yourself, like so many others, trapped in a cycle of shame - feeling inadequate, wanting to change and grow - but not knowing how?Often we're told, whether by family, friends, or social media influencers, what it is that we need to do. If you're a parent, you need to be (patient, kind, peaceful, gentle, etc...).The problem is, few people are actually telling us how to go about this transformation.Behavior modification and sin-management isn't the answer, because it has proven to fail for as long as people have been alive.Our behavior is a manifestation of the content of our heart and mind, both of which are needing to be tended to and cared for. If we're going to become the people we dream we can be, living the life we dream we can live, one of true and lasting peace and joy, then need to tap into something greater than our own power. We need Jesus. We need His gospel. We need His Kingdom.Join Brian and Katie as they share their own experience of desiring change and growth, and coming to the realization that it is only through the power and grace of God that it is truly possible.

This week Brian and Katie continued the conversation on goals, and discussed the possibility that by aiming for the good things in life we'll miss out on experiencing the best things.Machiavelli is often quoted for saying that "the ends justify the means."While he isn't exactly a role model of ours, it got us thinking about these two questions:1. Is it true that the ends justify the means? Is it true that we'll typically feel justified in doing whatever we need to in achieving the success of our goals?2. If it's true that the ends justify the means, then what justifies the ends? In other words, what is our method for determining what our goals ought to be in each area of life, and what is our method for determining the health of our goals?Join Brian and Katie as they unpack some of the goals that are often set up in people lives based on what is believed to be good, but will often come at the expense of what is best.

When we have a goal in life, whether it's having a healthier marriage, making more money, or raising obedient kids, we need to keep in mind that the action we take will be easily justified, so long as it appears to lead to the success of achieving that goal.The more you want to have more money, the less you'll worry about whether or not your methods come at the expense of the well-being of other people.The more you want to raise obedient kids, the easier it will be for you to justify the use of fear, threat of punishment, and shame, as long as it ends with your kids doing what you want them to do.Join Brian and Katie this week as they explore the possibility that the things we often pursue in life are not inherently bad things, but they would better serve us as an outcome of a more excellent, Kingdom-minded goal.

Culture exists everywhere.Every place - from restaurants, to doctor's offices, to homes, and everything in between has a culture.The creating of a culture cannot be escaped. Where you find people, you'll find values, and where you find values you will find culture.Join Brian and Katie on this episode as they discuss the importance of understanding how cultures are developed, and how to avoid accidentally creating an undesirable culture in your home.P.S.We mentioned out church in this episode - here's a link to the website in case you're curious!https://beloveco.org