Ask Mom and Dad

Many Christians feel an uneasy tension when it comes to pleasure.If following Jesus means sacrifice, surrender, and denying ourselves… why did God create a world filled with beauty, laughter, food, relationships, and meaningful work?In this episode of Ask Mom and Dad, Greg and Tonya continue their discussion of Joe Rigney’s book Strangely Brightand wrestle with a question many believers quietly carry:Why do Christians sometimes distrust pleasure?Drawing from Scripture and personal experience, they explore the difference between enjoying God’s gifts and turning those gifts into idols. The conversation touches on missionary sacrifice, cultural attitudes toward enjoyment, and the biblical idea that Jesus is better than everything—without requiring us to reject the good things God created.Together they unpack how pleasure can either compete with God or become a signpost pointing back to Him.If you’ve ever wondered:Is enjoying life less spiritual?Why do some Christians feel guilty about pleasure?Did God design the world to be enjoyed?This conversation will challenge how you think about joy, sacrifice, and gratitude in the Christian life.

What if the real test of your faith isn’t what you believe—but what you’re willing to give up?In this episode, Greg and Tonya tackle the uncomfortable tension between pleasure and sacrifice. Why does Lent matter? Why would God give us good things—and then ask us to fast from them? And if Jesus is truly better than everything else… do our lives actually reflect that?From carrot cake to covenant marriage, from fasting to parenting exhaustion, this conversation digs into the difference between enjoying God’s gifts and worshiping them. Discover why voluntary sacrifice sharpens joy, why self-denial restores gratitude, and how enduring difficulty in marriage and family reveals something deeper about God Himself.If you’ve ever wondered:Why Christians fastWhether pleasure is spiritual or dangerousOr what sacrifice really proves about your faithThis episode will challenge the way you think about joy, discipline, and what it really means to say, “Jesus is better.”Choosing sacrifice tests and reveals whether we truly believe Jesus is better. Voluntary self-denial sharpens appreciation, restores focus, and deepens our experience of God.

Why do some of the most gifted musicians, artists, and thinkers in history display almost supernatural creativity yet never openly give credit to God? In this episode of Ask Mom & Dad, we explore the tension between human talent and divine glory—asking whether beauty, music, and innovation still point back to their Creator even when the creator doesn’t acknowledge Him. Through reflections on famous artists, biblical themes, and everyday faith, we wrestle with questions about idolatry, discernment, and God’s sovereignty, ultimately considering how creativity, corruption, and redemption intersect in a world filled with brilliance that doesn’t always recognize its source.

In this episode of Asked & Dad, Greg and Tonya reflect on joy, pleasure, and the beauty of God’s creation. Drawing from Scripture and insights from The book "Strangely Bright" by Joe Rigney, they explore how enjoying the world God made doesn’t compete with loving God—but can actually deepen it. From icy landscapes and music to relationships and everyday moments, the conversation asks how believers can receive God’s gifts with gratitude, avoid idolatry, and live joyfully in step with the Holy Spirit.

On this episode of Ask Mom and Dad, Greg and Tonya share heartfelt reflections on long-term marriage, the joy of bustling family holiday gatherings, and the excitement of welcoming two more grandsons to their growing quiver of 14 grandchildren. Drawing from recent Thanksgiving celebrations and counseling insights, they explore mutual appreciation in relationships, why modern couples voice feelings of being unappreciated more openly, and the profound humility of Mary and Joseph. With humor and biblical wisdom, they discuss generational shifts in communication, the beauty of a personal relationship with Jesus through prayer, and trusting God's sovereignty over cultural systems like medicine and mandates—reminding us that true blessings come from His presence, not just the season's festivities.

In this episode of Ask Mom and Dad, Greg and Tonya talk about the raw emotions of grief. They explore the differences between secular and Christian approaches to mourning, drawing from Psalm 103 to discuss God's mercy, compassion, and the fleeting nature of human life. The conversation weaves in biblical insights on death, resurrection, eternity, and the hope found in faith, touching on stories from Job, Romans, and the Transfiguration. Ending with a poignant prayer, this episode offers comfort and encouragement for those navigating sorrow through a lens of spiritual renewal and divine love.

In this episode, Greg and Tonya open up about the weight of recent events — from the shocking assassination of Christian influencer Kirk to the deeper questions it raises about faith, culture, and resilience. They discuss how tragedy shapes our perspective, why spiritual rest is essential in turbulent times, and how believers can respond when the world feels increasingly unstable. Blending honesty, compassion, and hope, this conversation reminds listeners that faith isn’t about avoiding pain — it’s about finding purpose through it.

In this episode of "Ask Mom and Dad," Greg and his mom dive into helping children navigate doubt in their faith journey. Through personal stories of childhood fears and reflections on biblical figures like Jeremiah, Job, and Jonah, they explore how doubt is a natural part of spiritual growth for kids. The discussion offers practical parenting advice, emphasizing the importance of teaching children to pray, encouraging their questions, and modeling reliance on Scripture. They highlight the role of long-suffering patience, forgiveness, and God’s truth in guiding kids through doubts, whether about God’s existence, His love, or their own faith. This episode equips parents to support their children in turning doubts into opportunities for deeper trust in God.

In this episode of Ask Mom and Dad, Greg and Tonya  dive into the heart of teaching kids to pray in ways that are natural, simple, and faith-building. Through personal stories, laughter, and honest reflections, they explore how children learn to talk with God, the importance of letting prayer grow with personality, and how parents can model a genuine prayer life at home. Whether you’re a parent, grandparent, or mentor, you’ll come away encouraged to guide the next generation into a relationship with God that’s real and lasting.

Picking up from last weeks podcast, "Ask Mom and Dad," hosts Greg and Tonya dive into the evolving landscape of marriage, focusing on the decline in overall divorce rates juxtaposed with the rise of "gray divorces" among couples married over 25 years. They explore contributing factors like economic challenges, shifting cultural norms, and the impact of empty nest syndrome, drawing from personal anecdotes and a session discussing rising divorce rates in longer marriages. With references to an Atlantic article and Ephesians 5, they highlight how faith, shared values, and intentional effort—such as finding common interests—can strengthen relationships. The conversation also touches on parenting, homeschooling trends, and the church’s role in fostering stable families, urging listeners to prioritize commitment and spiritual grounding.

In this episode, Greg and Tonya focus on the changing landscape of marriage in America, highlighting recent statistics on divorce and marital stability. They discuss how divorce rates have been declining and how the long-quoted idea that “half of all marriages end in divorce” no longer reflects current trends. They reflect on cultural shifts that may be contributing to healthier and longer-lasting marriages, including the growing number of marriages lasting 25 years or more. The conversation explores what makes a marriage more stable today and why the cultural perception of marriage may be slowly changing.

In this episode of Ask Mom and Dad, Greg and Tonya dive into the importance of embracing purpose each and every day,  understanding God’s unique call on each person’s life. Drawing from real-life moments, they explore how small, faithful decisions can align with God’s greater story—even when life feels mundane or messy. They reflect on stories from their own family and ministry, unpack how God uses ordinary days to prepare us for extraordinary impact, and emphasize that your present faithfulness is often the path to future clarity.Listeners are encouraged to reframe their understanding of purpose—not as a far-off destination, but as something active, lived, and revealed in daily obedience.

In this episode of Ask Mom & Dad, the conversation journeys from disaster headlines to spiritual rhythms—landing squarely on the meaning and misuse of Sabbath rest. Greg and Tonya reflect on how sacred symbols, like the bronze serpent or even a church building, can drift into idolatry when we lose sight of their purpose. Then they dive into what Sabbath was meant to be: a gift from God, not a religious burden. With insight from 2 Kings and Hebrews, they explore the tension between reverence and ritual, and how rediscovering Sabbath can help weary souls find rest, trust, and freedom in a world addicted to busyness.

In this episode of Ask Mom and Dad, Greg and Tonya continue the conversation on one of the most vital aspects of faith: learning to recognize God's voice. Picking up where last week left off, they go deeper into the everyday struggle of hearing God in the midst of noise, emotion, and spiritual confusion.Is it really God speaking—or just your own thoughts, feelings, or stress? How do you make space to listen when life won't slow down? With real stories, biblical insight, and a few light-hearted moments, this episode invites you to consider what it means to tune your heart to God's leading in real life.Discerning God’s Voice in a Noisy WorldNavigating Emotion vs. Holy Spirit PromptingsWhy God’s Silence Isn’t Always AbsenceHearing Differently in RelationshipsWalking with God Through Spiritual Uncertainty

🎧 Podcast DescriptionIn this special Fourth of July episode of Ask Mom and Dad, Greg explores the powerful connection between the early church in Acts and the founding of America. Why did the colonists risk everything for liberty? What role did faith, conscience, and truth play in the birth of a nation? And how does the boldness of the apostles — who said, “We must obey God rather than men” — mirror the courage of those who stood against tyranny with conviction shaped by Scripture?With real historical stories, quotes from the Founding Fathers, and biblical insight from Acts 5, this episode invites listeners to reflect on what true freedom really means — and how to live boldly for Christ in a culture that often resists truth.Freedom worth fighting for isn’t just political. It’s personal. It’s spiritual. And it’s rooted in a fear of God that leads to life.

In this episode of Ask Mom and Dad, Greg and his co-host revisit previous conversations to tackle one of the most common — and personal — spiritual questions: How do we hear God’s voice? They explore the tension between practical wisdom and divine guidance, how cultural expectations can cloud spiritual clarity, and why following God is ultimately about relationship, not rigid rules. With honesty and humor, they invite you into a deeper journey of trust, discernment, and spiritual growth.Hearing God’s Voice vs. Our Own ThoughtsThe Role of Relationship in Hearing GodGod’s Will vs. Cultural NormsPracticing Faith in Practical AreasWalking the Tension Between Wisdom and Trust

In this episode of Ask Mom & Dad, we dive into a deep (and surprisingly fun) discussion about money, savings, tithing, and trust. Should Christians build up savings accounts, or does that reveal a lack of faith? How do we balance being wise stewards with living generously? What does the Bible really say about tithing and offerings?Drawing from Proverbs 21, Psalm 112, and the teachings of Jesus, we explore the heart behind giving, the dangers of hoarding or spending carelessly, and how true wealth is measured. This isn’t about formulas—it’s about relationship. Join us as we wrestle with questions that touch every family, every church, and every paycheck.

In this episode of Ask, Mom and Dad, the conversation goes deeper into what it means to trust God in seasons of uncertainty. From shifting roles in ministry to personal identity and emotional growth, Greg and Tonya reflect on how to move forward when clarity is lacking and control is out of reach. Topics include: Wrestling with God in grief and transitionLetting go of what was in order to receive what’s nextWhat to do when your calling feels unclearLearning to follow the Spirit’s lead without a roadmapWhy biblical stories like Jacob’s still matter todayThe tension between needing answers and living by faithKey takeaway: Sometimes the most faithful thing we can do is to keep walking—even when the way ahead feels uncertain—because God meets us in the wrestle and leads us with His whisper.

In this episode of Ask, Mom and Dad, we talk about what it means to face change with faith. From the history of a 180+ year-old church to parenting adult children, we reflect on how God uses transition to shape us. Topics include: How churches adapt for future generationsTrusting God’s guidance when the way isn’t clearMoving from fear to faith in leadershipWalking with others through change—both in church and at homeThis episode offers wisdom for anyone navigating a season of uncertainty, inviting you to lean into prayer, community, and the Word of God. It’s both a reminder and a challenge: the hardest part of change is often just stepping out the front door. Key takeaway: Real transformation happens when we stop trying to recapture the past and instead trust God for what’s ahead.

In this episode of Ask, Mom and Dad, the conversation shifts from playful catch-up to real-life reflections on aging, responsibility, and how faith sustains us in hard seasons. Topics include: Facing the realities of aging, health challenges, and caring for loved onesFinding gratitude in the middle of financial stress and daily pressuresHow God’s faithfulness carries us even when life feels overwhelmingEncouraging grown children without controlling themThe value of vulnerability in church and community lifeStaying grounded in Scripture and joy-filled in marriage through humor and prayerKey takeaway: When life doesn’t slow down, faith doesn’t have to fall apart. God meets us in the pressure and provides what we need, one day at a time.