Some Christian authors describe fasting as the most feared and misunderstood discipline, and perhaps the least practiced in the Christian church. Why? What stops Christians from fasting?

Listen in as James walks us through a definition of Christian fasting as well as why and how to engage in fasting as parents.

Like all spiritual disciplines or ordinary means of God’s grace, through fasting, Christians engage Scriptural patterns with the aim to become more like Jesus.

1 Tim. 4:7-10. “[Discipline] yourself for godliness; for while bodily training is of some value, godliness is of value in every way, as it holds promise for the present life and also for the life to come . . . because we have our hope set on the living God, who is the Savior of all people, especially of those who believe.”

“There is no virtue in fallen man by which he can make himself more godly; there
is, however, virtue in the divinely appointed means of grace. If we, by the power
of the Holy Spirit, mortify the deeds of the body (through fasting), we shall grow
in grace, but the glory of such change will be God’s alone.” David Smith.

John Calvin: “since fasting is a holy exercise both for the humbling of
men and for their confession of humility why should we use it less than
the ancients did in similar need?”

The Nelson Family welcomed sweet Katherine Grace Nelson on April 1st 2026. Sweet Katie has been a joy and a delight to all of us. Listen in for a brief update about life with five kids and the magic of Christ centered motherhood.

What is classical education? In particular, what does it look like during the early years? Is it boring? Is it rigorous? It is effective?

Are there ways to blend elements from the classical model with other models?

Although this conversation is largely geared towards parents who choose to home educate, the concepts discussed can enrich the the educational experience of all families whether schooled through public, private, or home education.

Listen in as Cara Schmidt, director of Classical Conversations Annandale, explains the basics and breaks down the sometimes mysterious world of classical education.