Crazy Cool Family

6 Ways to Spark Faith in your Family this Summer  Welcome to summer 2024 – there will never be another summer like this one. Your kids will never be this age, your family season will never be like this again and we want to use this special summer season to do some building.  We are devoting the summer to building faith, connecting with family, and making every day intentional and FUN!   If this is something you want – then the next 6 podcasts are for you! We are launching the series today and we will release 1 episode every other week until late August.   Each week we will share a new way to build your family’s faith and strengthen the relational lines within the family. Our relationship with Jesus is the cornerstone to all other relational lines within family! He helps us know how to love each other best!    Week 1: Encountering His Presence   Week 2: Engaging His Word   Week 3: Walking with Him   Week 4: Hearing His Voice   Week 5: Building Our Faith  Week 6: Living Out His Mission  We intentionally slow down our podcasts in the summertime because it allows families to rest, enjoy each other, and practice the concepts we unpack over a few weeks!   Week 5: Building Our Faith Main Ideas from this episode: Stepping into our God-given identity as a parent - we go FIRST!  We each share our testimonies How to lean into God through the troublesome times  Establishing Pillars of Faith in your family  Being a learner of God for all of your life  Practical ways to hear God (for you and for your family) Stick with us this summer as we practice sparking faith in our family - one day at a time! Podcast Resources: Join the 5 Day Family Challenge  Visit the CCF Store  Follow us on Instagram

6 Ways to Spark Faith in your Family this Summer  Welcome to summer 2024 – there will never be another summer like this one. Your kids will never be this age, your family season will never be like this again and we want to use this special summer season to do some building.  We are devoting the summer to building faith, connecting with family, and making every day intentional and FUN!   If this is something you want – then the next 6 podcasts are for you! We are launching the series today and we will release 1 episode every other week until late August.   Each week we will share a new way to build your family’s faith and strengthen the relational lines within the family. Our relationship with Jesus is the cornerstone to all other relational lines within family! He helps us know how to love each other best!    Week 1: Encountering His Presence   Week 2: Engaging His Word   Week 3: Walking with Him   Week 4: Hearing His Voice   Week 5: Building Our Faith  Week 6: Living Out His Mission  We intentionally slow down our podcasts in the summertime because it allows families to rest, enjoy each other, and practice the concepts we unpack over a few weeks!   Week 4: Hearing His Voice Main Ideas from this episode:  Why equipping our kids to hear God is SO POWERFUL!  Ways to hear God's voice and teach it to your kids  How to invite your (little) kids into hearing God - talking to God along the way! Inviting (middle) kids into the conversation with God when making decisions  Teaching siblings how to hear God on behalf of their siblings (encouraging words, pictures, etc..)  Discipling (older) kids on waiting with the Lord and living in the world BUT not of it Stick with us this summer as we practice sparking faith in our family - one day at a time! Podcast Resources: Join the 5 Day Family Challenge  Visit the CCF Store  Follow us on Instagram

6 Ways to Spark Faith in your Family this Summer  Welcome to summer 2024 – there will never be another summer like this one. Your kids will never be this age, your family season will never be like this again and we want to use this special summer season to do some building.  We are devoting the summer to building faith, connecting with family, and making every day intentional and FUN!  Week 1: Encountering His Presence   Week 2: Engaging His Word   Week 3: Walking with Him   Week 4: Hearing His Voice   Week 5: Building Our Faith  Week 6: Living Out His Mission  We intentionally slow down our podcasts in the summertime because it allows families to rest, enjoy each other, and practice the concepts we unpack over a few weeks!   Week 3: Walking With Him Main Ideas from this episode: Why and how do we walk with God - it's SO important, but why...?  How to include Jesus in your daily life Living a faith-filled example for our kids and showing them a personal relationship with Jesus Kids want to see your failures AND victories The cause and effect of walking with Jesus Practical ways to show your kids how to walk with God - at every age! Stick with us this summer as we practice sparking faith in our family - one day at a time! Podcast Resources: Join the 5 Day Family Challenge  Visit the CCF Store  Follow us on Instagram

6 Ways to Spark Faith in your Family this Summer  Welcome to summer 2024 – there will never be another summer like this one. Your kids will never be this age, your family season will never be like this again and we want to use this special summer season to do some building.  We are devoting the summer to building faith, connecting with family, and making every day intentional and FUN!   If this is something you want – then the next 6 podcasts are for you! We are launching the series today and we will release 1 episode every other week until late August.   Each week we will share a new way to build your family’s faith and strengthen the relational lines within the family. Our relationship with Jesus is the cornerstone to all other relational lines within family! He helps us know how to love each other best!    Week 1: Encountering His Presence   Week 2: Engaging His Word   Week 3: Walking with Him   Week 4: Hearing His Voice   Week 5: Building Our Faith  Week 6: Living Out His Mission  We intentionally slow down our podcasts in the summertime because it allows families to rest, enjoy each other, and practice the concepts we unpack over a few weeks!   Week 2: Engaging His Word Main Ideas from this episode:   Why the Word of God is still relevant for families   Why is it important for us to value the ancient words of God?   The Bible is more than rules, it's about relationship  Practical ways to help your kids LOVE the word of God Stick with us this summer as we practice sparking faith in our family - one day at a time! Podcast Resources: Join the 5 Day Family Challenge  Visit the CCF Store  Follow us on Instagram

6 Ways to Spark Faith in your Family this Summer  Welcome to summer 2024 – there will never be another summer like this one. Your kids will never be this age, your family season will never be like this again and we want to use this special summer season to do some building.  We are devoting the summer to building faith, connecting with family, and making every day intentional and FUN!   If this is something you want – then the next 6 podcasts are for you! We are launching the series today and we will release 1 episode every other week until late August.   Each week we will share a new way to build your family’s faith and strengthen the relational lines within the family. Our relationship with Jesus is the cornerstone to all other relational lines within family! He helps us know how to love each other best!   Week 1: Encountering His Presence  Week 2: Engaging His Word  Week 3: Walking with Him  Week 4: Hearing His Voice  Week 5: Building Our Faith Week 6: Living Out His Mission  We intentionally slow down our podcasts in the summertime because it allows families to rest, enjoy each other, and practice the concepts we unpack over a few weeks!   Week 1: Encountering His Presence Main Ideas from this episode: What does the presence of God look like? What does the presence of God look like in our homes during the summer? What do parents do if they don’t know how to encounter God’s presence on their own? Where should they start? How do parents invite God into each day? How do they show their kids?  Summer resources to build your personal relationship with God! We kick off with this topic because we really want you to practice it all summer! Go for it and bring the Presence of God into your home TODAY! Podcast Resources: Join the 5 Day Family Challenge  Visit the CCF Store  Follow us on Instagram

It’s summertime and we cannot wait to help you make the most of your summer! Parents, this season is not made to survive- It's made for investment!   “Summer is a special time. It’s set apart and different. There is a bit of a break and a great chance for kids to be at home and with their parents. It’s needed in a lot of ways for your child’s heart.” - Suz  FIRST THINGS FIRST! Ask your kids what they want summer to hold- see what they want to do and do your best to make some of those things happen!   3 Ways to Invest in family this summer: 1. Speak more life than death Start with a yes (build a world of yes)  Encourage, build up, invest in identity (You are a mighty man of God, so helpful, kind to sibling, smart, clever, talented).  Speak forth what is not as if it is. Call them up to the actions you want  2. Invest in making memories Think of your happy childhood memories and build from them  Ingredients for a memory: fun, laughter, activity, productivity, creativity, adventure  Add water to summer fun  Don’t be afraid to make a mess  Be intentional  Embrace the chaos  3. Choose family first Give family space each week to hang out with each other (slow down with activities and friend hang outs)  See summer as a gift of time to invest in the relationships that might be a little broken  This is the only summer 2024 we get- let's make the most of it and invest in family this summer!  Podcast Resources: Join the 5 Day Family Challenge  Visit the CCF Store  Follow us on Instagram

Let's continue with the grandparent conversation!  We have 8 grandchildren (4 boys and 4 girls) and are learning so much about grand parenting! We wanted to bring the relational line to the front and talk about how to have harmony between parents and grandparents!  Main topics of this podcast: Parenting vs. Grandparent leadership dynamics How grandparents can be honoring and value the family's culture  Grandparent's unique position of influence How to be honest with your parents (grandparents) when it comes to gifts for kids Setting boundaries for grandparents with your kids - how to do it! The goal of this relational dynamic is.... HONOR. Find ways to honor the grandparents and have conversations asking for honor in return. Family is worth it, and we can find a way to include the generations in our family culture. Do what it takes to have the relationship AND be strategic with the freedoms you give!    Podcast Resources: Join the 5 Day Family Challenge  Visit the CCF Store  Follow us on Instagram

Calling All Grandparents!!! Larry Fowler joins us. He is the founder of the Legacy Coalition which invests specifically in grandparents. He has been in ministry for over 40 years and really cares about the role of grandparents within family.  Legacy Coalition started in 2016 and is designed with grandparents in mind. Larry Fowler and his wife felt a nudge from God to start this ministry and fill in the gaps within the church where grandparents exist – because they are worth investing in!   “Navigating issues from the parent’s perspective AND the grandparent's perspective is pivotal.” - Larry Fowler   2 Main Ideas:   When grandparents aren’t believers and don’t influence the kids the way the parents want them to...   How are parents/grandparents partner successfully when it comes to raising the kids?  Here are things we discuss in the podcast: Consistency is key. Some grandparents want to spoil their kids, and some are rule followers. In both cases, these grandparents need to try to build consistency with their kids who are now parents.  There is a biblical model for grandparents. They don’t stop parenting, but they do stop being the primary caregivers. They have more of an influence role.  Does what they are doing engage the relationship or damage the relationship?  Grandparents can have great influence in the world of technology by engaging their grandkids by asking them questions and letting them explain technology to them rather than complaining about the kids’ usage of technology.  “Grandparents, you are still a parent (noun) but are no longer parenting (verb) the grandkids.” - Larry Fowler  Legacy Coalition is an amazing resource for parents AND grandparents – if you need help, click the link below for more information.   Podcast Resources: Legacy Coalition Information Join the 5 Day Family Challenge  Visit the CCF Store  Follow us on Instagram

Today's Topic = Do’s and Don’ts of House Cleaning Systems We got a great question from a Crazy Cool Parent recently and we decided to make it a podcast! Here is what he asked,  "What is your advice about chores & rewards/allowance? We have 6 kids (ages 2-9) and we're really struggling with getting a workable chore plan.....Would love any resources you have on this!" -Crazy Cool Parent Here is what we cover in today's episode: Kids attitude is work/chores are not fun. “I don’t want to do it.”  Work is necessary. How do we get our kids to believe/live out this idea? What chore plans used in the past? Favorite one? Least fav?  How did you get your kids to care about if the house was clean?  How did you get them to clean up after themselves?  Building Culture amidst the mess If you are looking for better systems in your home when it comes to. cleaning. chores, and better habits, this podcast is for you! Suz and Macy share ideas, mindsets, and practical systems you can try TODAY! Listen and share with a friend!  Podcast Resources: Join the 5 Day Family Challenge  Visit the CCF Store  Follow us on Instagram  

“Play is their language; toy is their words.” - Kenzie  Our 4th daughter, McKenzie joins the podcast today and PARENTS- YOU DON’T WANT TO MISS THIS EPISODE. There are so many valuable tools, mindsets, and words of wisdom shared by Kenzie. She is passionate about giving kids language and helping parents strengthen family relationships.   “If you play with them when they are little, they will feel safe when they are older.” - Suz  Topics: How playing draws out a child  Counselor's role in play therapy  Allowing space for the work to unfold   How to know if counseling is needed  Identifying emotions and helping kids have language skills  Other, parent included therapy options  Being a present parent during the counseling season   Questions to ask counselor: Any personal “need to know” about counselor Resources you can have to help child post session What does confidentiality look like? Knowing more about the process   Asking to see the playroom   How to honor the process post session   Resources: Raising Emotionally Strong Boys   The Whole Brainchild   Deeray (Author) has lots of helpful books   Podcast Resources: Join the 5 Day Family Challenge  Visit the CCF Store  Follow us on Instagram

How do we talk about special needs within families?   Humbly and with kindness. This topic can be sensitive and a lot of people do not know how to approach it. We invited Katie and Steve Keene onto today’s episode because they carry wisdom, experience, and passion for families who have special needs kids.   Keene’s first son created a life they didn’t expect and brought special needs into their family. They’ve been married 23 years and have 5 children. They love all their kids and admit to the hardships their family faces due to special needs. BUT they have not let it discourage them - instead they are investing in family and helping other families do the same! They feel called outward to help families who were also struggling. They started a membership site and podcast as an avenue to help families have community.   Steve and Katie Keene join us to talk about a unique and often sensitive topic within the family. They have experience with special needs children and have a passion for families with special needs children. Katie shares about the definition of special needs and how we are sensitive to it. There are so many needs impacting families daily. Steve dives deep into the power of asking, listening, and being willing to serve families such as theirs. Everything they say is insightful and practical! Here are things talks about in this episode: How special needs impacts family   Parenting kids with high needs  The value of community amidst raising kids with challenges   How can you help families with kids who have special needs? Ask AND keep asking!   Truly listen to their needs and help them!   Offer to help them in their homes  Be transparent, don’t try to equate it to your life problems  Don’t talk about yourself, listen to them – go further!  Keep inviting them to events, even if you know they can’t come  Katie and Steve have lots of ways they help families with special needs children. They value community and desire for every family to feel loved, known, and equipped to love their child, no matter what challenges they face. Check out their link below to learn how you can help or be helped in this area of family.  Podcast Resources: Katie and Steve's Resources Join the 5 Day Family Challenge  Visit the CCF Store  Follow us on Instagram

Do you want respect from your kids? We valued this in our home, but what did it look like? Does respect equate to obedience? Talking in the correct tone and verbiage? If you want your kids to “Respect” you, there are a few things you need to consider investing in. In today’s episode we are going to discuss the battle for respect within a home. It looks different for every child at every age.   If respect is a constant battle in your home, then this episode is for you! Let’s jump in!   Things to unpack:  What is your definition of respect? How did this play out in your home when you had small kids? Get on their eye level and use your words to direct them. Show them respect when changing activities, treat them older than they are- like people not like lesser than.  Middle aged? Give them more responsibilities and opportunities to be given respect  And now older kids? As a parent you are building respect in the younger years for this season! Now is the time to talk with respect to your child. Use questions, conversation, mistakes to grow respect. What is at the heart of respect? To like and value someone . What is it about for the small, middle-aged, and older kid? How do we find the root issue? (these are good but we did not address this... remember for another time)  How did you correct your kids when they “disrespected” you? Point it out- call it disrespect, and above all else be an example of respecting them first! Verses:  Proverbs 23:22 - Listen to your father, who gave you life, and do not despise your mother when she is old.  Proverbs 1:8-9 - Listen, my son, to your father’s instruction and do not forsake your mother’s teaching. (9) They are a garland to grace your head and a chain to adorn your neck.  Exodus 20:12 - Honor your father and your mother, so that you may live long in the land the Lord your God is giving you.  Conclusion: What are 1-2 ways parents can cultivate mutual respectfulness in their homes? What do they do if they feel like it’s hopeless and their kids can’t unlearn their behaviors?  Clear the slate: Ask for forgiveness  Pay attention to your tone & facial expressions  Have a conversation to define respect and the desire for it in your relationships  Podcast Resources: Join the 5 Day Family Challenge  Visit the CCF Store  Follow us on Instagram

Rod Handley joins the podcast to talk about character, integrity, and accountability.  He has been in FCA ministry for many years and has devoted his life to the Kingdom. He has had many decades of faithful service and we can learn a lot from his faith and wisdom.  The word of the day is accountability. Rob talks about it in depth. Through his own journey with purity, he shares the supernatural power of God and how He uses accountability to bring believers together and pursue righteousness.  Here is what we discuss in today's episode: Definition of BIBLICAL accountability. How/Why God made Rob passionate about accountability. Practical ways to live in accountability. How accountability can change the trajectory of your life. The power of saying YES instead of "stop it."  How to teach accountability to your children. At the end of the day, scripture is clear that we cannot do this life on our own. We are not designed to live alone and remain holy. We need the personal relationship with God AND the accountability with people. Rob is passionate about accountability because he has seen the fruit in his life.  Practical Tips fro Lead with your lamp Don't freak out Hear and process what we hear from our kids to bring freedom How can you live in accountability today? Check out Rob's resources if you want to go deeper with this topic for you and for your family.  Podcast Resources: Rob Handley's Resources Join the 5 Day Family Challenge  Visit the CCF Store  Follow us on Instagram

Do you feel like you have differences in discipline? How do you handle a disengaged spouse in a family? Don and Suz talk about the HOT topic of different parenting styles. If you are feeling alone in parenting or on a different team than your spouse - then this podcast is for you!  Things we talk about in this episode: Building your parenting foundation together  How to be a team in parenting decisions  Focusing on values not methods (explanation is POWERFUL!) Learning from our mistakes and avoid disunity in your parenting  There are so many ways we can feel alone or on different pages when it comes to parenting with our spouse. We want you to learn from our mistakes. We share things in this podcast that will help you rethink parenting, being a supportive teammate, and discipling our kids in a way that builds relationships.  We also speak specifically to the spouse who is carrying the relational load, and their spouse is checked out. If you can relate to this, listen to the podcast and really tune into the last 10-15 minutes - they are recorded for you. You are not alone and there is a lot of good truth in this episode to inspire and challenge you.  Take in the truth today and share it with a friend who needs help in this area of parenting.  Podcast Resources: Join the 5 Day Family Challenge  Visit the CCF Store  Follow us on Instagram

Big Milestone this week! Today's episode is all about...  Celebration! Let's Celebrate! It's Episode #250 and we are so thankful for all the listeners who have stuck with us through 6 seasons and hopefully a lot of encouragement!  Today's topic is celebration. We believe celebration is BIBLICAL and so worth it for your family. When you choose to celebrate, your family feels valuable and learns more about their individual identity AND your family's culture.  "Celebration is tied to theology. People in the Bible celebrated the goodness of God. Celebration is stopping and seeing how GOOD God has been!" - Don  Things we cover in this episode: How did we celebrate milestones within our family? Going all out (even on a budget) to celebrate one member of the family Showing our kids how celebration is really about honor Celebration + Tradition = Family Culture Know your child and how they want to be celebrated How do simplify celebration and not set too high of expectations on your self  Parents, we invite you to be intentional in your celebration as we head into Spring + Summer. This is a chance for us to love on our family members and create joy in our home.  Go and celebrate this week and see how it changes the dynamics in your family.  Podcast Resources: Sign up for the 3 Week Cohort on Effective Correction Join the 5 Day Family Challenge  Visit the CCF Store  Follow us on Instagram