When decisions are tough with Megan Jones

What does it actually mean to teach our kids to repent? In this episode, Scarlet Hiltibidal talks about why repentance is one of the most important things we can teach our children, and why it has to be about so much more than getting them to say “sorry.” We want our kids to stop hiding and defending sin, and rather to confess it honestly, and turn toward Jesus. Scarlet shares from her own experience as a mom, along with Scripture’s vision for repentance, to help us think about how we can model it in our homes. She talks about the difference between an apology and genuine repentance, why our kids need to see us repent too, and how confession can lead to the joy, peace, freedom, and nearness to Jesus we were made for. Special thanks to Caroline Saunders, who shared so much wisdom in today’s Messy Mom Moment. Caroline Saunders is a writer, Bible teacher, pastor's wife, and mother of three who believes in taking Jesus seriously and being un-serious about nearly everything else. Learn more about what the Bible says about clothing in Caroline's recent tradebook, But What Do I Wear?: The Biblical Story of Clothing, How It Helps Us Think About Getting Dressed, and Approximately Seventeen Stories I May Regret Telling. Find her writing, resources, and ridiculousness at WriterCaroline.com and on Instagram @writercaroline.

Blessed is the one who perseveres under trial because, having stood the test, that person will receive the crown of life that the Lord has promised to those who love him. (James 1:12) This week, let’s pray that our kids: • Keep their eyes focused on Jesus. • Rely on him to help them persevere through all of life’s trials. This episode continues our series through Christian Parenting's Faith in Action: Prayers from James for the Next Generation, a 38-week prayer journal to help you pray intentionally for your kids all school year long. Grab your own printed copy here, and join us every Monday through the end of May for guided prayer and reflection.

What does it look like to love our kids well when they are all so different from each other? What does it look like to pursue community when you’re raising an only child? In this episode, Scarlet Hiltibidal talks about siblings, only children, adoption, personality differences, and the ways God uses our families to teach us how to love. In this episode we talked about how… Genuine love comes from being loved by Jesus, not from effort alone. Parents should model prayer and dependence on God. Children are always growing and not fully mature, so we can’t expect them to have loving each other well down pat. We are all growing into Christ-likeness. Love and patience in parenting are rooted in understanding God's love for us. Practical parenting involves asking God for guidance and leading by example.

Believers in humble circumstances ought to take pride in their high position. But the rich should take pride in their humiliation—since they will pass away like a wild flower. For the sun rises with scorching heat and withers the plant; its blossom falls and its beauty is destroyed. In the same way, the rich will fade away even while they go about their business. (James 1:9–11) This week, let’s pray that our kids: • Know and embrace their identity in Christ. • Live humbly because of their faith, not valuing possessions over people. This episode continues our series through Christian Parenting's Faith in Action: Prayers from James for the Next Generation, a 38-week prayer journal to help you pray intentionally for your kids all school year long. Grab your own printed copy here, and join us every Monday through the end of May for guided prayer and reflection.

As moms, we want to protect our kids from pain, disappointment, failure, and suffering. But where is the line between helping our kids and keeping them from learning, growing, and trusting God for themselves? In this episode, Scarlet Hiltibidal talks about the tension between stepping in and letting our kids experience hard things. Special thanks to our guest on today’s Messy Mom Moment, Christine Hoover (more about her and where you can find her books and Bible studies below!) Scripture Focus: Psalm 121 John 16:33 Learn more about Christine Hoover! Christine Hoover serves as the women’s ministry associate at The Austin Stone’s Northwes tcongregation. She has written seven books, including Messy Beautiful Friendship, How to Thrive as a Pastor’s Wife, and You Are Not Forgotten, as well as two Bible studies on Matthew and 2 Corinthians. Christine is married to Kyle, a pastor at The Austin Stone, and they have three boys. You can find her at her website.