Family Meeting

Emotions are a gift from God, but how we express them can either build up or tear down. In Episode 261 of The Family Meeting Podcast, Thomas and Lysandra explore the difference between emotional maturity (controlling and managing emotions) and emotional integrity (honestly expressing emotions without shame or suppression). Too often in Christian homes, we either explode in anger or shut down in silence, when God calls us to handle emotions with both truth and grace. In this conversation, you’ll learn: The difference between emotional maturity and emotional integrity. Why denying your feelings is just as damaging as losing control of them. Biblical principles for expressing emotions in a healthy, God-honoring way. How emotional maturity and integrity strengthen marriage and parenting. Practical steps for creating a safe space for emotions in your home. If you’ve ever wrestled with when to speak up, when to hold back, or how to express emotions without sinning, this episode will give you clarity and hope. Bonus Resource: Send an email to info@familymeeting.org for our Healthy Emotional Expression Worksheet. For more information: https://linktr.ee/familymeeting.

Emotions are a gift from God, but how we express them can either build up or tear down. In Episode 260 of The Family Meeting Podcast, Thomas and Lysandra explore the difference between emotional maturity (controlling and managing emotions) and emotional integrity (honestly expressing emotions without shame or suppression). Too often in Christian homes, we either explode in anger or shut down in silence, when God calls us to handle emotions with both truth and grace. In this conversation, you’ll learn: The difference between emotional maturity and emotional integrity. Why denying your feelings is just as damaging as losing control of them. Biblical principles for expressing emotions in a healthy, God-honoring way. How emotional maturity and integrity strengthen marriage and parenting. Practical steps for creating a safe space for emotions in your home. If you’ve ever wrestled with when to speak up, when to hold back, or how to express emotions without sinning, this episode will give you clarity and hope. Bonus Resource: Send an email to info@familymeeting.org for our Healthy Emotional Expression Worksheet. For more information: https://linktr.ee/familymeeting.

Few parenting moments feel as bittersweet as dropping your child off at college. It’s the moment years of raising, guiding, and praying culminate in a new season of independence, not just for your child, but for you as a parent. In Episode 259 of The Family Meeting Podcast, Thomas and Lysandra share their heart and personal experiences about this milestone moment. From the tearful goodbyes to the quiet drive home, they unpack both the challenges and the opportunities this transition brings. You’ll discover: Why letting go is one of the hardest acts of parenting. How to trust God with your child’s future when you’re no longer right beside them. The emotional rollercoaster parents face during this season, and how to process it with grace. Practical ways to stay connected without controlling. How to embrace the new rhythms of marriage, family, and faith after your kids leave home. Whether you’re preparing to send a child to college soon or simply want to understand what this transition feels like, this episode offers comfort, encouragement, and biblical wisdom for the journey. Bonus Resource: Send an email to info@familymeeting.org for our Prayer for Parents Sending Kids to College. For more information: https://linktr.ee/familymeeting.

Sometimes the greatest dangers to your marriage don’t come from within, but from outside influences trying to pull you apart. In Episode 258 of The Family Meeting Podcast, Thomas and Lysandra discuss the external threats that can slowly weaken your marriage if left unguarded. From unhealthy friendships and toxic family patterns to work stress, financial pressure, and even digital distractions, these outside forces can create cracks in your relationship if you’re not intentional. You’ll learn: 6 common external threats every couple must recognize. How to set healthy boundaries with extended family, work, and social media. Why “good things” like success and busyness can still harm your marriage. Biblical strategies for keeping your covenant strong against outside pressures. How to build a united front that resists division and distraction. Listen now and learn how to protect your marriage from the outside in. Bonus Resource: Send an email to info@familymeeting.org for our Guarding Your Marriage: External Threats Checklist. For more information: https://linktr.ee/familymeeting.

Most marriages don’t fall apart because of outside pressure. They weaken from the inside. In Episode 257 of The Family Meeting Podcast, Thomas and Lysandra unpack the internal marriage threats that quietly erode love, trust, and unity. Left unchecked, these hidden struggles can turn small cracks into deep divides. You’ll learn: The most common internal threats couples face (bitterness, pride, selfishness, secrecy, poor communication) Why unresolved conflict poisons intimacy and trust Biblical warnings about what happens when hearts grow cold Practical steps to guard your marriage against internal drift How humility, forgiveness, and intentional connection bring healing If your marriage feels distant, strained, or stuck in cycles of hurt, this episode will help you identify the real issues and take steps toward restoration. Listen now and strengthen your marriage from the inside out. Bonus Resource: Send an email to info@familymeeting.org for our “Marriage Threats Self-Check” Worksheet. For more information: https://linktr.ee/familymeeting.

Saying “yes” feels easier in the moment, but real love is strong enough to say “no.” In Episode 256 of The Family Meeting Podcast, Thomas and Lysandra talk about why loving your child sometimes means setting limits, holding boundaries, and saying no, even when it’s hard. In a culture that pushes parents to keep kids constantly happy, giving in can feel easier than standing firm. But in the long run, it weakens character and undermines trust. You’ll discover: Why boundaries actually make kids feel safer, not restricted. How saying “no” shapes responsibility, resilience, and self-control. Biblical wisdom on discipline and love in action. Practical ways to enforce limits without shame or anger. How to handle guilt, pushback, and parenting pressure. If you’ve ever struggled with guilt after saying no, or wondered if you’re being too hard on your kids, this episode will encourage you to see boundaries as an act of love. Listen now for biblical parenting wisdom and practical tools to help you raise confident, faith-filled children. Bonus Resource: Send an email to info@familymeeting.org for our “Healthy Boundaries for Christian Parents” Checklist. For more information: https://linktr.ee/familymeeting.

Sex is meant to connect, not divide. In Episode 255 of The Family Meeting Podcast, Thomas and Lysandra tackle a difficult but crucial topic: what happens when physical intimacy in marriage feels disconnected, obligatory, or even adversarial. Instead of fostering closeness, the bedroom becomes a source of resentment, pressure, or avoidance, and both spouses feel the distance. We explore: How unresolved conflict spills over into the bedroom. The emotional cost of duty-driven intimacy. Why pressure and performance kill connection. Biblical truth about intimacy as a reflection of love and unity. Practical ways to rebuild trust, desire, and safety in your physical relationship. If sex has become a source of stress instead of joy in your marriage, this episode will help you address the root issues and take steps toward restoration. Listen now + subscribe for an honest, grace-filled conversation about turning intimacy from a battleground into a safe place. BONUS RESOURCE: Send an email to info@familymeeting.org for our “Rebuilding Connection in Marriage” Guide. For more information: https://linktr.ee/familymeeting.

Your kids are watching, and they see more than you think they do! In episode 254 of the Family Meeting Podcast, Thomas and Lysandra confront a hard but necessary truth: parental hypocrisy destroys credibility. When our actions don't line up with our words, we teach our children that appearances matter more than authenticity, and that faith is something we perform, not live. Rooted in Luke 12:1-3, Jesus warns that nothing hidden will stay hidden. In a culture of image and performance, your home must be a place of honest, Christ-centered integrity. In this episode, you'll discover: 5 subtle signs of hypocrisy in Christian parenting. How children internalize the gap between what we say and what we do. Why humility and repentance are more powerful than pretending. What it means to model faith that's real, not just visible. How to rebuild trust if your past actions have hurt your witness. Whether you're a new parent or raising teens, this episode will help you lead with conviction, not contradiction. BONUS RESOURCE: Send an email to info@familymeeting.org for our "Live What You Say' Parenting Reflection Tool. For more information: https://linktr.ee/familymeeting

Can your spouse tell you anything, without fear of defensiveness, dismissal, or drama? In episode 253 of the Family Meeting Podcast, Thomas and Lysandra tackle a powerful questions every couple needs to ask: "Am I safe to speak to?" Using 1 Samuel 25:17 as a launching point, they explore what happens when pride replaces humility in marriage, and how it damages connection, trust, and communication. "One cannot speak to him..." That's how the Bible describes Nabal, a man so prideful and closed off that no one could reason with him. Could your spouse ever feel the same about you? You'll learn: How defensiveness shuts down emotional intimacy. What makes a marriage safe for honesty and feedback. The difference between listening and truly receiving. How to practice humility even when you think you're right. Why biblical leadership includes the ability to be corrected. If you want deeper connection and mutual respect in your marriage, this episode will help you turn the volume up on love, and down on pride. BONUS RESOURCE: Send an email to info@familymeeting.org for our "Am I Safe to Talk To?" Self-Check Guide. For more information: https://linktr.ee/familymeeting

Are you clearing every obstacle from your child's path... and accidentally stunting their growth? In episode 252 of the Family Meeting Podcast, Thomas and Lysandra break down the 5 signs that you might be a lawnmower parent, someone who steps in to solve every problem before a child even faces it. While well-intentioned, this style of parenting often robs kids of the opportunity to build resilience, confidence, and independence. You'll learn: What lawnmower parenting looks like (even in small ways). 5 red-flag behaviors that may be holding your child back. Biblical wisdom on training, not rescuing, your children. Practical shifts you can make to develop trust, responsibility, and courage in your home. How to raise kids who are capable, not coddled. If you want to raise strong, faith-filled, problem solving kids, this episode is your roadmap to get there. BONUS RESOURCE: For a copy of our "Let Them Grow" Parenting Reflection Guide send an email to info@familymeeting.org For more information: https://linktr.ee/familymeeting

Behind every confident spouse is someone who believed in them when it mattered most. In episode 251 of the Family Meeting Podcast, Thomas and Lysandra talk about what it means to your your spouse's biggest fan, in private, in public, and in the everyday mess of life. Whether they're chasing a dream battling insecurity, or just navigating the weight of work and parenting, your encouragement can make or break their spirit. You'll discover: Why your voice matters more than anyone else's in their life. How to spot (and stop) subtle ways we discourage each other. Simple phrases that build confidence, unity, and trust. Biblical wisdom on how to "spur one another on in love". What being a teammate, not just a roommate, really looks like. If you've been drifting into criticism or emotional distance, this episode will help you reset your tone, renew your support, and cheer your spouse on like never before. Listen + subscribe now and start becoming the encourager your spouse needs most. BONUS: Send an email to info@familymeeting.org to get our "10 Ways to Cheer On Your Spouse" printable. Want to go deeper in breaking the cycle of criticism? Check out our Breaking the Cycle Group Coaching Experience or our Breaking the Cycle 1-on-1 Coaching Experience.

Your words shape your child's world—more than you know. In this special milestone 250th episode of the Family Meeting Podcast, the four Osterkamp girls take over the mics to talk about what you should never say to your children. We're sharing real comments from our Family Meeting community, powerful research on the lasting effects of negative language, and the biblical call to speak life over our kids. You'll hear: Phrases that leave lasting emotional scars—even if said in frustration. The long-term impact of negative words on your child's identity and confidence. What the Bible says about the power of the tongue. How to reframe correction, discipline, and disappointment without damaging your child's heart. What the Osterkamp daughters say really stuck with them growing up. This episode is honest, eye-opening, and filled with grace. Whether you're a parent, grandparent, or leader of the next generation, this conversation will challenge you to speak life, not labels. Listen + subscribe now to start evaluating the things that you say to your children. BONUS RESOURCE: Send an email with the heading "Speak Life Over Your Kids" to info@familymeeting.org to get our FREE Speak Life Over Your Kids printable for your fridge! For more info: https://linktr.ee/familymeeting

You don't have to repeat what was handed to you. In episode 249 of the Family Meeting Podcast, Thomas and Lysandra open up about the power—and responsibility—of breaking generational cycles in your family. Whether it's anger, addiction, emotional distance, or spiritual neglect, many of us carry patterns from our past that we never intended to pass on. But in Christ, change in no only possible—it's promised. In this episode, you'll discover: Common family cycles that quietly shape homes. Why awareness isn't enough—you need a Spirit-led plan. Biblical truth for breaking strongholds and building something better. Practical steps to shift your family's direction, starting today. You past doesn't define your future. With God's help, you can break the cycle and begin a new legacy. Listen + subscribe now and take the first step toward freedom and restoration. BONUS RESOURCE: Send an email with the heading "Breaking the Cycle" to info@familymeeting.org to get our FREE Breaking the Cycle Worksheet! For more info: https://linktr.ee/familymeeting

Words build homes—or break them. In episode 248 of the Family Meeting Podcast, Thomas and Lysandra dive into a vital communication principle every Christian family needs to master: Say what you mean. Mean what you say. But don't say it in a mean way. Whether you're in a heated marriage conversation, parenting through defiance, or just navigating daily misunderstandings, how you say something can matter just as much as what you say. In this episode, you'll learn: Why tone, timing, and truth must work together. How to speak honestly without crushing your spouse or child. What Scripture teaches about meaning what you say and guarding your tone. Practical ways to model respectful, loving communication in your home. If you're tired of explosive arguments, constant defensiveness, or silent resentment—this episode will help you reset the way your family speaks. Listen now + subscribe and start speaking life into your home. For more info: https://linktr.ee/familymeeting

Are you raising a stressed-out child without even realizing it? In this episode of the Family Meeting Podcast, Thomas and Lysandra explore Hurried Child Syndrome—the modern trend of rushing kids through life with overscheduling, high expectations, and performance pressure. You'll discover: What Hurried Child Syndrome is and why it's increasing Warning signs your child may be too busy or burned out How overscheduling affects mental, emotional, and spiritual health A biblical approach to slowing down and restoring childhood How to create space for joy, play, rest, and connection in your home If you want to raise emotionally healthy, spiritually grounded kids who feel seen and safe—this episode is a must-listen. Listen now + subscribe for weekly biblical parenting tools. For more info: https://linktr.ee/familymeeting

In this episode of the Family Meeting Podcast, Thomas and Lysandra dive into the subtle but powerful world of body language in marriage and parenting. You'll learn how nonverbal cues like posture, eye contact, tone, and facial expressions can either build trust—or break connection. They cover: The types of body language you're using every day (whether you realize it or not) How your kids and spouse are reading your nonverbal cues Ways to align your tone and posture with the love and respect you intend Want to improve connection in your home without  saying a word? This episode will help you see and shape your body language through the eyes of your family. Listen now + Subscribe to grow in family communication. For more info: https://linktr.ee/familymeeting

What does your family stand for? In this episode of the Family Meeting Podcast, Thomas and Lysandra walk you through how to create a powerful, Christ-centered family mission statement-one that actually guides your parenting, marriage, and daily decisions. You'll learn: Why every family needs a mission statement (even if your kids are still little) The 3 key questions to ask before you start writing Real examples from our own home and how they've shaped our culture How to involve your children and make it stick If you've ever felt like your family is drifting, disconnected, or reactive rather than intentional, this episode will help you hit reset and move forward with clarity and unity. Subscribe for more biblical tools on marriage and parenting. For more info: https://linktr.ee/familymeeting

In this episode, Thomas and Lysandra share some common myths about sex, including categories on STD's and you can't get pregnant if. To watch the full video go subscribe to our YouTube channel. To share your thoughts on this episode send an email to info@familymeeting.org or call 904-257-3062 to ask your questions and receive a reply on a future episode. To find us on your favorite podcast provider Click Here!

In this episode, Thomas and Lysandra talk about the negative effects of sharing too much information about your family's financial struggles with your kids, and share some tips for having appropriate conversations with them. To watch the full video go subscribe to our YouTube channel. To share your thoughts on this episode send an email to info@familymeeting.org or call 904-257-3062 to ask your questions and receive a reply on a future episode. To find us on your favorite podcast provider Click Here!

In this episode, Thomas and Lysandra share listener comments about helping your adult children financially, and help us evaluate if we are spending our lives on what truly matters. To watch the full video go subscribe to our YouTube channel. To share your thoughts on this episode send an email to info@familymeeting.org or call 904-257-3062 to ask your questions and receive a reply on a future episode. to fins us on your favorite podcast provider Click Here!