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.

Listen in as Kelly Schibi shares her testimony of God's care for her as she has battled cancer as a mom to three young children.

For ease of listening this conversation has been split into two segments. Be sure to listen to part one before part two.

Kelly Schibi’s reflections on her Caring Bridge

Scripture References:

· Ephesians 6:12, “For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the cosmic powers over this present darkness, against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly places.”

· In Ezekiel 36:26, “And I will give you a new heart, and a new spirit I will put within you. And I will remove the heart of stone from your flesh and give you a heart of flesh”

· Luke 5:17-26, “but finding no way to bring him in, because of the crowd, they went up on the roof and let him down with his bed through the tiles into the midst before Jesus. And when he saw their faith, he said, ‘Man, your sins are forgiven you.’ And the scribes and the Pharisees began to question, saying, ‘Who is this who speaks blasphemies? Who can forgive sins but God alone?’ When Jesus perceived their thoughts, he answered them, ‘Why do you question in your hearts? Which is easier, to say, ‘Your sins are forgiven you,’ or to say, ‘Rise and walk’? But that you may know that the Son of Man has authority on earth to forgive sins’—he said to the man who was paralyzed—'I say to you, rise, pick up your bed and go home.’ And immediately he rose up before them and picked up what he had been lying on and went home, glorifying God. And amazement seized them all, and they glorified God and were filled with awe, saying, ‘We have seen extraordinary things today.’”

Books:

· Suffering is Never for Nothing by Elisabeth Elliott

· Walking with God Through Pain and Suffering by Tim Keller

· You Are Still a Mother by Jackie Gibson

· Dark Clouds Deep Mercy by Mark Vroegop

Sermons:

· Job’s Resignation by Charles Spurgeon

· In the Lowest Pit by J. Ligon Duncan

Hymns

· Afflicted Saint to Christ Draw Near

· Be Still My Soul

· What Ere My God Ordains is Right

Listen in as Kelly Schibi shares her testimony of God's care for her as she has battled cancer as a mom to three young children.

For ease of listening this conversation has been split into two segments. Be sure to listen to part one before part two.

Kelly Schibi’s reflections on her Caring Bridge

Scripture References:

· Ephesians 6:12, “For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the cosmic powers over this present darkness, against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly places.”

· In Ezekiel 36:26, “And I will give you a new heart, and a new spirit I will put within you. And I will remove the heart of stone from your flesh and give you a heart of flesh”

· Luke 5:17-26, “but finding no way to bring him in, because of the crowd, they went up on the roof and let him down with his bed through the tiles into the midst before Jesus. And when he saw their faith, he said, ‘Man, your sins are forgiven you.’ And the scribes and the Pharisees began to question, saying, ‘Who is this who speaks blasphemies? Who can forgive sins but God alone?’ When Jesus perceived their thoughts, he answered them, ‘Why do you question in your hearts? Which is easier, to say, ‘Your sins are forgiven you,’ or to say, ‘Rise and walk’? But that you may know that the Son of Man has authority on earth to forgive sins’—he said to the man who was paralyzed—'I say to you, rise, pick up your bed and go home.’ And immediately he rose up before them and picked up what he had been lying on and went home, glorifying God. And amazement seized them all, and they glorified God and were filled with awe, saying, ‘We have seen extraordinary things today.’”

Books:

· Suffering is Never for Nothing by Elisabeth Elliott

· Walking with God Through Pain and Suffering by Tim Keller

· You Are Still a Mother by Jackie Gibson

· Dark Clouds Deep Mercy by Mark Vroegop

Sermons:

· Job’s Resignation by Charles Spurgeon

· In the Lowest Pit by J. Ligon Duncan

Hymns

· Afflicted Saint to Christ Draw Near

· Be Still My Soul

· What Ere My God Ordains is Right

There’s something deep within us that craves a haven and a place to belong. We have been created to dwell with God. Although that desire, to reside and abide with Him a beautiful secure place of rest, can never fully be met on this side of heaven, we can receive a sacred foretaste through rooting ourselves to our homes in the here and now.

But sometimes the kind of home we long for feels out of reach. That can be discouraging.

Today we are going to think through godly desires, the seed of dreams planted within us, and the tension living in the present moment while working towards the future with Christie Purifoy.

Christie Purifoy is a writer and gardener who loves to grow flowers and community. Most of all, she is a placemaker, and the place she is making with her family is a red brick Victorian farmhouse in Pennsylvania called Maplehurst.

She’s the author of numerous books –all of which will encourage and delight you –and her latest book, A House to Call Home, might just be a new favorite.

There’s no place like Home! There’s no place like Home!

To thee, I’ll return overburdened with care,
The heart’s dearest solace will smile on me there.
No more from that cottage again will I roam,
Be it ever so humble, there’s no place like home.

–Home, Sweet Home, John Howard Payne (1791-1852)

All of motherhood is both hard and beautiful, but there is something uniquely intense about those first few weeks after welcoming a baby. A mother is recovering physically from bringing new life into the world while simultaneously learning how to care for a tiny, mysterious new person. It is tender. It is overwhelming. And it is often deeply exhausting.

In this episode, Annie VanderHedien, author of Christ’s Care for Postpartum Moms, joins us to offer gentle encouragement for weary mothers in the thick of postpartum sleep deprivation. Together we talk about how Christ meets us in our exhaustion, how His care is especially near when we feel unseen or invisible, and how we can experience real spiritual rest—even when physical rest feels out of reach.

If you are in the newborn fog, or if you love someone who is, this conversation is for you.

Pre-order Annie’s book here.

Annie VanderHeiden is the former editor of Risen Motherhood and now busies herself with freelance writing and editing, lay church ministry, and mothering two littles. She plants her roots in the uppermost corner of the PNW, enjoying salty sea air, drizzly days, long walks, overflowing mugs of matcha, and any thrifting opportunities she can get. Annie is the author of Cradled: Christ's Care for Postpartum Moms (P&R, 2026). Connect with her on Instagram (@anniekvanderheiden) or annievanderheiden.com.

Christian parenting is inherently missional. Rather than limiting ministry, parenting can provide a springboard for evangelism and discipleship within the home–both inside and outside our families. Far from being sidelined from ministry, parents who approach parenting with a missional mindset will find explosive opportunities to declare the glory of God.

In this episode I'll be talking to James all about how dads can easily engage with kids through nightly family worship. We will cover:

• Why is it specifically important for the dad to lead in discipleship within the home.
• How moms can encourage dads to lead in discipleship.
• Various opportunities a busy dad might have throughout the day to disciple his children.
• How long or short it has to be.
• Why leading nightly is important.