License To Parent With Trace Embry

Joy and an Empty Nest Many parents invest 18 years into their kids' lives before sending them out into this great big world. Well, maybe that's you right now and your child is leaving the nest and that is something you anticipate. Or maybe it’s a time of apprehension, sorrow, and maybe even dread. Either way, it is a time of significant change and there is a certain sense of loss that is part of this new equation. But that sense of loss does not need to mean the loss of your joy. Discussing Joy with Jim Burns Jim is the president of the ministry Homeward where he writes and speaks on their core values. Those core values are strong marriages, confident parents, empowered kids, and healthy leaders. Jim and his wife live in southern California and they have three grown daughters causing the Burns’ to also experience this empty nest phase. Jim has authored multiple books and his latest is Finding Joy in the Empty Nest. Episode Highlights: What do children gain from emotionally sound parents? Why are child-

The Perfect Parent As a parent, you are thrown a lot of scenarios and there is no way to prepare for every single one of them. You may know deep down that you're not the perfect parent. As much as you’d like to be and as much as you try. Your children’s friends' parents seem to have it all together, but I want to share a little secret with you. There are no perfect parents. In this world, anyway. Discussing Parenting with Dave and Ann Wilson Dave and Ann Wilson are the hosts of the radio program Family Life Today. They are authors of Vertical Marriage and No Perfect Parents. Dave was chaplain for the Detroit Lions and together they have co-founded a large church in the Detroit area called Kensington Community Church. They’ve raised three sons and now are reaping the benefits and are now playing with their grandbabies. Episode Highlights: Who is the secret to successful parenting? What is the second part of the secret to successful parenting? What is your goal for your children? What is the danger o

iSlavery with Nate Randle Would you believe that virtually every other student in your child’s school has hard-core pornography wired directly into their bedrooms and that it is actually approved of and paid for by their parents? Would you ever consider paying to have pornography wired into your child's bedroom? Does that same hard-core pornography affect kids more or less if they were given unfettered access to it 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year? When kids are given unfettered access to smartphones, this is effectively what’s happening. Discussing iSlavery with Nate Randle Nate Randle is the CEO at Gabb Wireless. In his role at Gabb Wireless Nate has overseen record-breaking sales along with a new level of community outreach which includes a special focus on helping single parents. Nate is married and has four kids so he brings a focus on family approach to his leadership at Gabb. Episode Highlights: What three elements lead to not speaking against smartphones? What can the mind always

Sexual Education with Jeff Johnston We’re raising our kids in a post-Christian nation, so we can’t assume that our government, nor its agencies, are in agreement with God-fearing moral values that built and sustained what many would call American exceptionalism. For a while, foreign and domestic enemies have been chipping away at America's God-fearing heritage and infrastructure. Though colleges and universities have always been the prime target, today an even more vulnerable and impressionable demographic is being targeted. It’s our elementary schoolers and even our preschoolers. So as concerned Christian parents it’s time that we stand up, lift our voices, and make our concerns known. Discussing Sex Ed with Jeff Johnston Jeff Johnston is the Issues Analyst for Focus on the Family.  Jeff writes and teaches about Marriage, Homosexuality, and Gender. Basically, Jeff encourages and helps Christians understand the latest issues. A number of resources can be found on Focus on the Family including, The Daily Citi

Face to Face I have a question for you. Have we become a society that likes to hide? Because since the lockdowns it seems that some are okay with staying inside their four walls. But while we hide inside we also have more courage with our words on social media. You know these little devices, our phones? They give us the power to say things that we wouldn’t otherwise say. Especially if we were face to face. And this brings me to another question. Is canceling face-to-face relationships decivilizing our society? Discussing Relationships with Geremy Keeton Geremy is the senior director of counseling services at Focus on the Family. He is a licensed marriage and family therapist, and he leads the focused mental health team of clinicians and pastoral specialists. Episode Highlights: What does it take to be seen and known? What is the pace of our technology doing to us? How have smartphones impacted our youth? What pace will help us foster relationships? What are the 5 components of emotionally healthy

Rebel Parenting The cultural revolution in the 1960’s changed the face of America. Sex, drugs, and rock and roll led the way to much of what we still see today in rebellion and immorality. After all it's the youth of that generation that are the grandmas and grandpas of today. Now many parents, the children of the rebel generation, are having to navigate this new cultural norm and they’re finding that Biblical parenting flies in the face of what they were taught and what much of the culture now believes. Do today's Christian parents face a different kind of rebellion as they raise their kids? Perhaps a rebellion against the rebellion? Discussing Parenting with Ryan Dobson Ryan Dobson is a dad of two and he's the son of parenting expert Dr. James Dobson. Ryan has written six books. He speaks most weekends to people wanting help with their families and he is host of the podcast Rebel Parenting. Episode Highlights: How do you win the spiritual war? What does a “weirdo” look like? Who can learn to live in

Biblical Worldview For most of our nation's history America has been known as having a Christian culture. We’ve been a redemptive nation upholding moral standards. Standards that have mostly aligned with a Biblical worldview. We knew that ultimately moral right and wrong was for God to determine; the God we see in the Bible. Today, however, we’re raising kids in a culture that is increasingly antagonistic to God and His word. So as Christian parents we have to be more intentional about raising our kids with a Biblical worldview. Discussing Worldview with Nicole Hunt Nicole is an attorney and a spokesperson for Focus on the Family. She writes and speaks on issues that affect us today, like religious freedom, parental rights, marriage, and gender. Nicole is married to Jeff Hunt and they have four kids. Episode Highlights: Why is having a Biblical worldview so important? How do moral absolutes protect us? What is the danger in “do what feels good”? Who are you serving? How can you live out a changed

Time and Intentionality Proverbs, Chapter 22 says: “train up a child in the way he should go and when he is old he will not depart from it.” Parents know that you only have 18 years to guide and train your child in the way he should go. Those 18 years set him on a path for success in the world and eternity. Or that’s what you’re hoping for, right? You’re probably realizing that it takes time! Time and intentionality. Both of which take work. Being intentional with our time as we prepare our children for what lies ahead. Discussing Intentionality with Dave Glander Dave was formerly a devout atheist and now he is a deeply committed believer in Jesus Christ. He teaches Christians how to know what they believe and how to defend their faith. David is a pastor and founder of an apologetics youth camp called Equip Retreat and is also the author of How Why Where and The Faith Survival Guide. Episode Highlights: Where can you find teachable moments “as you go?" How can you take the sacred to the secular in your

The Gift of a Lifetime Well, let me tell you about this gift. It does cost a little. It has a little investment involved. But this gift is so much more valuable than the latest gadget that they probably want. It’s a gift that can improve their lives now and in the future. It’s unlike most gifts that you know of. This gift is the blessing. So exactly what is the blessing? You’ll find out today on License to Parent. Discussing the Blessing with John Trent John Trent is the founder and president of Strong Families and claims that he, in fact, has the best child in the world. He writes, speaks, and trains others to create cultures of blessing in their homes, workplaces, ministries, and around the world. In fact, John’s written over 30 books. We’re going to talk with him today about his award-winning book called The Blessing. The Great Impact Episode Highlights: Does one’s childhood guarantee success or failure as an adult? How do we bless our kids the most? What is the greek word for forgiveness? How i

Directing Our Steps Have you ever taken a step of faith believing that God was directing you and knowing that He would do just that? Trace and Beth Embry saw a need in our world and knew God was calling them to be the answer and to bring healing. So step by step, brick by brick, child by child, through God they are breathing life into our next generation. And they are watching God build something incredible. Discussing the Miracles with Trace Embry Trace and his wife Beth have a heart and a passion for the parents of the youth of today’s culture. Trace was a former business owner and police officer in the Chicago area, but God led them on a journey. The Embry family basically gave up everything to move to Georgia and begin Shepherd’s Hill Academy. Trace is the author of The Miracles of Shepherd’s Hill. Trace and Beth have 5 kids and 8 grandchildren. Explaining Miracles Episode Highlights: How do you define miracles? What is the story of Shepherd’s Hill? How did you know this was from the Lord? Ho

Same & Equal Is this popular phrase true? It certainly is typical for individuals living within the same society or culture to have their own set of cultural norms, beliefs, morals, and ideas about what is normal. But what about when you cross over cultural lines? What happens when you move into or even visit another culture? Culture shock can occur because of unique traits and differences. People from one culture often question, judge, or consider that of another to be too progressive, oppressive, backward, or sometimes even criminal. Let’s take for example slavery, cannibalism, and pedophilia. All of these are appalling practices. The very mention of these things invokes anger and disdain. Yet these practices are alive and well in other parts of the world. Today we want to look at cultural lines that exist and the differences we encounter when we cross those lines. However, these lines occur within our very own country and culture today. Think for a minute about what happens when someone parents different

Living in the Blitz Last time on License to Parent: “It was the worst blitz ever, and yet they proved victory over sin and over death. And that blitz that Christ faced is the paradigm for how we are to live.” That’s Jeff Kemp, former NFL quarterback, now coach to the family. He’s going to help us understand how to deal with the blitzes. If you haven’t already listened to Episode I of this two-part series, you can find it in our 30-minute episode archives. Episode I is titled Facing the Blitz with Jeff Kemp. Discussing the Blitz with Jeff Kemp Jeff has faced many blitzes in his life. He’s been an NFL quarterback for the Rams, 49ers, Seahawks, and Eagles. Since the NFL, Jeff has worked to improve the lives of children by strengthening marriages and families. He founded and led Stronger Families, served as VP and catalyst for Family Life, and is the author of Facing the Blitz. He’s married to his wife Stacy and they have 4 sons and 5 grandchildren. Wisdom For Parents Episode Highlights: How do I parent t

How to Stand  Quarterbacks have to be intentional in building healthy relationships, leading, and planning success. Being flexible and strong in leadership is key. Sometimes the quarterback must call an audible or a “verbal change of plans.” Sometimes he’s calling an audible because he’s sensing a blitz coming his way. A blitz is an overwhelming attack from the opponent. Now turn your attention to parenting. Moms and dads call audibles all the time and face multiple blitzes in their daily life. It’s just part of raising kids in the 21st century. Like a quarterback, parents have to be intentional. They have to lead and plan for success. Discussing the Blitz with Jeff Kemp Jeff has faced many blitzes in his life. He’s been an NFL quarterback for the Rams, 49ers, Seahawks, and Eagles. Since the NFL, Jeff has worked to improve the lives of children by strengthening marriages and families. He founded and led Stronger Families, served as VP and catalyst for Family Life, and is the author of Facing the Blitz. He

Help for Parents of Prodigals At the end of the day, a choice is made. Unfortunately, it’s not the parent’s choice. It’s the child's decision. It’s the choices that they made that got them into the situation they are in. As parents, we can love our kids, pray for them, encourage them, and guide them. But they must make the final decision. Discussing Where to Turn with Fair & John Brocard Last week we heard from John Brocard and his wife Fair in Part I. They are parents of a former prodigal and the founders of Prodigal Child Ministries. Today we invite you to join us for Part II of our conversation as we bring hope to the parents of prodigals. There is Help Episode Highlights: Is there any encouragement for parents of prodigals? What resources are available for parents and their children? Are there other families out there like mine? How can I connect with them? What programs and treatment facilities are available for teens and adults? What does God have to do with mental health?

The Wayward Child The story of the wayward child is no stranger to virtually every parent today. Just about everyone you talk to either knows or has a son or daughter who has struggled with something. That could be behavior, attitude, or a combination of both. Addiction, self-harm, and even suicide are all incidents that are growing at an alarming rate among young people today. But yet, our standard of living is at an all-time high. It’s also no secret that many parents don’t know what to do, and it’s no wonder! The myriad of things that can cause a child to stumble and fall away are ever-growing and enticing. We often see parents doing everything they can to keep their kids smiling. But is this the end-all? Where can parents turn and what can they do when they just feel like giving up? Discussing the Prodigal with Fair & John Brocard Fair is a native of Spartanburg, South Carolina, and a graduate of Furman University with a BA degree in Early Childhood Education.  Following graduation, and after teaching

Finding a Healthy Balance But I’m thinking that with connection to each other there needs to be some balance. So I want to ask you this: “Is it possible to have too much of a good thing?” Let’s take food for instance. Is it possible to eat too much? Too much chocolate cake may just give you a stomach ache but indulging in that chocolate cake day after day after day. You could really pay the price and I’m not just talking about the scale. Let’s apply that same thought to our wired connections to each other. I’m wondering and wrestling with this. Have we and our kids become digital gluttons in society? Discussing Today's Digita Society with Arlene Pellicane Today we are speaking with Arlene Pellicane. She is passionate about helping parents learn to find happiness in their homes. Arlene is a speaker and author of nine books including 2 that she co-wrote with Gary Chapman titled, “Screen Kids” and “Growing up Social.” Arlene appeared on various media outlets including Fox & Friends, the Today Show, Focus on

Something Old When facing change and becoming something new it’s important to remember why God made us new in the first place. Why are we here? What’s our purpose? What did and is God calling us to do? Today we’ll introduce something new, or in this case someone new, and we’ll remember something old: what God called us to do here and why we keep doing it. Discussing Something New with Michelle Hill Michelle Hill has been involved in ministering to families for quite a while. For more than 17 years she’s worked as a producer and a host at Family Life with Dennis Rainey and Bob Lepine. She has also been a foster mom and worked to mentor girls exiting the foster program. She has a real passion for the work we are doing at Shepherd’s Hill Academy. Introducing a Good King of Change Episode Highlights: Why is Michelle so excited to be back in the family focus sphere? Something Old: What is Shepherd’s Hill Academy all about? Discover more of the story with the book: The Miracles of Shepherd’s Hill Acad

The Bible Parenting Code Last time on License to Parent: “Our first obligation in the raising of a child is not to the child. Our first obligation is to God the father. Your second obligation is to your neighbor. Your third obligation is to your child.” That’s John Rosemond, author of The Bible Parenting Code: Revealing God’s Perfect Parenting Plan. “You see, parenting is about more than just the kids. It’s about serving God and others through your parenting.” We’ll talk more about that today on License to Parent. If you missed our first conversation with Dr. John Rosemond, be sure to listen to our last episode, Raising Well Adjusted Children. Training Our Children Today Episode Highlights: Is there ever a time when we train our children to do wrong? What is the first lie that a child learns? Are parenting trends today worthy of our attention? How to answer “why?” And when not to. What does obedience look like in our kids? Image from Canva

Parenting as Coaching One familiar and consistent premise among coaches is the emphasis on fundamentals. Wooden took these principles to the next level. His team members could expect an entire lesson at the beginning of each season on how to put on socks. But why focus on socks? “Because in order to play the game, you have to start with a good foundation. Putting on your socks correctly is critical. Because if you don’t, you get blisters. And if you get blisters it impacts everything else you do as a player. Ultimately, that impacts the whole team.” As Christian parents, have we gotten wrapped up in the game and neglected the fundamentals? It’s time to get back to the basics. Discussing the Fundamentals of the Game with John Rosemond John Rosemond has worked with families, children, and parents since 1971 in the field of Family Psychology. Presently, his time is devoted to speaking and writing. John’s work is syndicated in several hundred newspapers nationwide. He’s written about 20 best-selling parenting b

Representation For All The United States of America has an Emancipation Proclamation. Did you know that we are the only nation that has one? Not only that, the USA is the only nation that fought a war to end the practice of slavery. You may not be familiar with these facts, because they are often overlooked and underreported. Today you will hear, however, from plenty of false prophets on the topic of representation and racism. Discussing the Truth of American History with Bob Woodson That’s the voice of Bob Woodson, author of the book Red, White, and Black; Rescuing American History from Revisionists and Race Hustlers. Last week with spoke with Bob Woodson on Part I of our II part series. This message is a timely one for us as parents, as well as citizens alike in a culture that tells us that we are a systemic racist society. Why History Matters Episode Highlights: What is the definition of racism? What is CRT (Critical Race Theory)? How can we discuss racism productively in today’s culture? What