In this powerful and uplifting conversation, Jay Holland sits down with beloved pastor and best-selling author Max Lucado to explore the themes of his newest book, Tame Your Thoughts. With decades of pastoral experience and 40+ books to his name, Max shares deep biblical wisdom and practical tools to help both adults and children manage their thought lives through faith and truth.
Together, Jay and Max discuss:
- Why our internal narratives shape our livesand how to rewrite them
- How brain science is finally catching up to biblical truth
- Three powerful tools for mental and emotional health:
- Practice Picky Thinking
- Identify UFOs (Untruths False Narratives Overreactions)
- Uproot and Replant with Scripture
- How lies about identity and failure can derail both teens and parents
- Why recognizing and correcting our own thought patterns as parents can transform our relationships
- The surprising story behind Max Lucados first tattoo at age 70 (hint: its a Greek word from the cross)
This episode is packed with insight, encouragement, and tools to help you and your family live freer, more Christ-centered lives.
Key Takeaways:
- You get to control the story in your head, but the story in your head will control you. Jay Holland
- Belief leads to behavior. Shaping your belief begins by shaping your thoughts.
- Studies show people with a belief in a loving God recover from disease at exponentially higher rates.
- Scripture and neuroscience both affirm that your brain can be renewed.
- Parental overreactions often stem from unexamined false narrativesrecognize and replace them with truth.
- Teaching your kids to identify untruths and replant with Scripture equips them for lifelong emotional resilience.
Scripture Highlighted in This Episode:
- Proverbs 4:23 "Be careful how you think; your life is shaped by your thoughts."
- Romans 12:2 "Be transformed by the renewing of your mind..."
- Philippians 4:8 Whatever is true... think about such things.
- Romans 8:1 There is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus.
Maxs 3-Step Toolkit for Mental Health:
- Step 1: Practice Picky Thinking Dont believe every thought you think. Guard your minds door.
- Step 2: Identify UFOs Trace overreactions back to false narratives and root lies.
- Step 3: Uproot and Replant Replace toxic thoughts with Scripture and truth.
Lets Parent on Purpose is a part of the Christian Parenting Podcasting Network. For more information, visit www.ChristianParenting.org
Bio
Max Lucado is a pastor, speaker, and best-selling author of more than 40 books for adults and children. Known for his warmth, biblical insight, and storytelling, Maxs work has encouraged millions to embrace the grace of God. He serves as Teaching Pastor at Oak Hills Church in San Antonio, Texas, and continues to write, speak, and share Gods love globally.
Resources mentioned:
Tame Your Thoughts by Max Lucado Available wherever books are sold
MaxLucado.com Devotions, YouTube channel Fresh Hope, and more
Join my Things for Thursday Email List and get a free Marriage Snapshot Tool and Fun Family Conversation Ebook!
Support Lets Parent on Purpose as we help families thrive through the gospel: https://letsparentonpurpose.com/support/
Join host Jay Holland as he introduces a new parenting tune-up resource designed to help parents evaluate and adjust their parenting strategies. This episode dives into the complexities of parenting across different life stages and offers biblical encouragement and practical questions to guide parents in nurturing their children.
Key Points:
- Introduction to the Parenting Tune-up resource.
- Importance of adapting parenting strategies as children grow.
- Biblical encouragement from Psalms, Proverbs, Ephesians, and Deuteronomy.
- The "Oxygen Mask Principle" for self-care in parenting.
- Reflecting on and celebrating positive traits in children.
- Course correction strategies for evolving family dynamics.
- Long-term and short-term visioning for family growth.
Upcoming:
Look forward to an interview with Pastor Max Lucado in mid-August.
Lets Parent on Purpose is a part of the Christian Parenting Podcasting Network. For more information, visit www.ChristianParenting.org
Resources mentioned:
Access the Parenting Tuneup tool by texting "THINGS" to 66866.
Check out the "Guided by Faith" podcast for daily devotionals.
Join my Things for Thursday Email List to get a copy of the Parenting Tune-Up tool!
Support Lets Parent on Purpose as we help families thrive through the gospel: https://letsparentonpurpose.com/support/
In this episode, Jay discusses the importance of maintaining a healthy marriage through a structured tool he developed called the 'Marriage Tune-Up.' He outlines different levels of marriage, from crisis to flourishing, and emphasizes the need for regular maintenance and intentionality in relationships. The conversation highlights biblical principles and practical steps couples can take to improve their marriages and become a blessing to others.
Takeaways
- Marriage requires periodic maintenance just like a vehicle.
- There are different levels of marriage, each with unique characteristics.
- Emergency level indicates a marriage in crisis needing immediate attention.
- Stable but stuck marriages function but lack connection and intimacy.
- Growing marriages are healthy and intentional with regular rhythms of connection.
- Flourishing marriages thrive in unity and shared purpose.
- Catalytic marriages serve as a kingdom force, mentoring others.
- Encouragement is vital for softening hearts in a marriage.
- Forgiveness is essential but does not equal trust or lack of boundaries.
- Regular rhythms of repentance and prayer can lead to a healthier marriage.
Lets Parent on Purpose is a part of the Christian Parenting Podcasting Network. For more information, visit www.ChristianParenting.org
Resources mentioned:
Join my Things for Thursday Email List to get a copy of the Marriage Tune-Up tool!
Support Lets Parent on Purpose as we help families thrive through the gospel: https://letsparentonpurpose.com/support/
In this conversation, Jay Holland, Ed Uszynski, and Brian Smith discuss the complexities of youth sports culture, emphasizing the need for a shift in perspective among parents and coaches. They explore the concept of the 'youth sports industrial complex,' the impact of parental influence, and the importance of character development in sports. The discussion highlights the detrimental effects of snowplow parenting and the need for intentional discipleship opportunities within the youth sports experience.
In this conversation, the speakers discuss the importance of instilling gratitude and character in youth sports, contrasting the focus on competition and statistics with the value of personal growth and relationships. They emphasize the need for parents to support their children in a balanced way, encouraging them to appreciate the joy of sports while also recognizing the pressures of year-round competition and early specialization. The discussion culminates in a vision for families to engage in sports as a means of discipleship and community building.
Takeaways
- The youth sports industrial complex is a billion-dollar industry.
- Parents need to be the first to be discipled in sports culture.
- Character development in sports is influenced by the adults involved.
- Snowplow parenting inhibits children's ability to think independently.
- Winning is often prioritized over character in youth sports.
- Discipleship opportunities arise from observing sports interactions.
- Parents should teach their kids to notice others in sports.
- The culture of sports can shape our values and beliefs.
- Coaches have a significant impact on children's development.
- We need to reform our thinking about youth sports. Training kids to thank referees and spectators is vital.
- The GOAT debate highlights character over statistics.
- Living with gratitude leads to a more joyful life.
- Pursuing excellence doesn't mean sacrificing compassion.
- Recognizing marginalized teammates fosters inclusivity.
- Year-round competition is not necessary for success.
- Early specialization can be detrimental to athletes.
- Parents should focus on enjoying the game with their kids.
- Remove anxiety from the sports experience for children.
- Sports can be a platform for discipleship and community.
Lets Parent on Purpose is a part of the Christian Parenting Podcasting Network. For more information, visit www.ChristianParenting.org
Bio
About Brian Smith
Brian Smith is the author of several books including his latest Away Game: A Christian Parents Guide to Navigating Youth Sports and The Christian Athlete: Glorifying God in Sports. He has been on staff with Athletes in Action since 2008. A graduate of Wake Forest University, Brian has a masters degree in Theology and Sports Studies through Baylor University. He lives in Lowell, Michigan, with his wife and three kids.
Social Media:
Website: www.thechristianathlete.com
Twitter: @BrianSmithAIA
Instagram: @brianlinsey
About Ed Uszynski
Ed Uszynski is an author, speaker, and sports minister with over three decades experience discipling college and professional athletes. His latest book is Away Game: A Christian Parents Guide to Navigating Youth Sports. Hes written articles, essays, and training manuals at the intersection of faith and sport and is the lead strategist for Content Mercenaries. He has two theological degrees from Trinity Evangelical Divinity School and a PhD in American Culture Studies from Bowling Green State University. He and his wife Amy have four children and live in Xenia, Ohio.
Social Media:
Website: www.untanglingcrt.com
Twitter: @uszynski32
Facebook: @ed.uszynski.3
Resources mentioned:
Away Game: A Christian Parents Guide to Navigating Youth Sports: https://amzn.to/43QFoQI
Athletes in Action: https://athletesinaction.org/
Join my Things for Thursday Email List and get a free Marriage Snapshot Tool and Fun Family Conversation Ebook!
Support Lets Parent on Purpose as we help families thrive through the gospel: https://letsparentonpurpose.com/support/
This episode serves as a parental companion to Jays Guided By Faith Daily Devotional Podcast series on Living the Mission. In this episode, Jay discusses the importance of living a mission-driven life within the context of family and community. He emphasizes that the Great Commission is not just for missionaries abroad but applies to everyday life. Jay provides practical tips for parents to instill a mission mindset in their families, encouraging them to engage with their neighborhoods, practice hospitality, and serve others. He highlights the long-term impact of these actions and invites listeners to join his series on living the mission.
Takeaways
- The Great Commission applies to our daily lives.
- Living missionally can transform family dynamics.
- Prayer walking helps engage with the community.
- Hospitality is a key aspect of living on mission.
- Serving together as a family fosters unity.
- Sharing faith authentically normalizes conversations about Jesus.
- Being rooted in community strengthens faith.
- Long-term relationships have a greater impact than short-term mission trips.
- Small, faithful steps lead to significant changes over time.
- Engaging with neighbors opens doors for ministry opportunities.
Listen to the episode and let it inspire you to see your summer with fresh eyesready to live on mission as a family!
Resources mentioned:
Guided by Faith: www.guidedbyfaith.net
Spotify: https://spoti.fi/4cLI2d7
Apple Podcast: https://apple.co/4cOVBbK
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@GuidedbyFaithPodcast
Support Lets Parent on Purpose as we help families thrive through the gospel: https://letsparentonpurpose.com/support/
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