Crystal Payne shares practical steps to simplify your Christmas, stay organized, and keep your focus on what really matters. She discusses the importance of budgeting, using cash, and making homemade gifts to stay within your means. Crystal also shares ideas for cooking ahead of time, hosting a special Christmas celebration with your family, and prioritizing meaningful activities during the holiday season. [... more]

Families can create a realistic plan before the holiday season by deciding what they can afford, setting a total budget, and using cash or debit cards to track spending. Giving meaningful gifts, staying within healthy limits, and focusing on shared experiences can also help. For families dealing with debt, giving within their means and scaling back can help celebrate Christmas without adding to the burden. [... more]

Sharon Epps shares insights on the generosity of women in the Bible, specifically Joanna who financially supported Jesus, and how her story teaches us about receiving before giving and the virtuous cycle of giving. Rob West discusses various financial topics, including retirement planning, student loans, and Social Security benefits, using biblical principles to guide decision-making. [... more]

A Florida man's bizarre behavior has gone viral after he was kicked out of a Dollar Tree for demanding his candles be triple-bagged. Meanwhile, the IOC has banned transgender women from competing in female Olympic events, sparking debate over the issue. Additionally, a study has found that the number of students identifying as transgender has halved in two years, leading to questions about the decline of the trans movement. Other topics include skin health, identity theft, and alien sightings. [... more]

The Senate reaches an agreement to end the longest government shutdown in American history The New York Times puts out a fluff piece pushing Gov Josh Shapiro has the best chance for Democrats in the future Democrats everywhere are being accused of caving to Republicans White Progressive women got arrested for protesting outside of a Chicago ICE facility Trump gets booed while swearing in service members at Commanders game The International Olympic Committee is looking to BAN trans people from competing in female Olympic events New studies show the RAPID decline of trans identification A CNN contributor is upset she [... more]

Managing holiday finances and debt can be stressful, but with the right strategies, you can enjoy the season without financial regret. Consider options like reverse mortgages, retirement account contributions, and debt-free living to make the most of your financial situation. [... more]

When adult children make poor choices, parents must balance love and discipline to help them become responsible adults. This involves setting boundaries, teaching financial responsibility, and allowing consequences to take place. By doing so, parents can help their children develop a strong sense of responsibility and independence, ultimately creating a godly home and a lasting family legacy. [... more]

As children grow into adulthood, parents must adapt their role to help them become independent and responsible individuals. This involves giving them the 'passport to adulthood' by letting go of control and enabling dependency, and instead, becoming a consultant and providing guidance when needed. Parents must also be aware of the cultural shift and be students of their children's culture, understanding their values, and being open to their choices, even if they disagree with them. By doing so, parents can build a strong relationship with their adult children and help them navigate the challenges of adulthood. [... more]

When children come to their parents with questions about their sexual identity, it can be challenging to navigate the conversation while staying true to biblical principles. Chip Ingram and Sean McDowell discuss how to approach these conversations with compassion and truth, and how to model faith and family relationships for children. [... more]

Christian parents navigating their children's same-sex attraction and LGBTQ identity face complex challenges. Sean McDowell, a Christian apologist and author, offers guidance on maintaining biblical fidelity while showing compassion and love to their children. He emphasizes the importance of creating safe environments for open conversations, building close relationships with children, and developing a talking relationship where kids feel comfortable discussing their thoughts and feelings. [... more]

Effective child discipline is crucial for a child's development and well-being. Biblical parenting principles emphasize the importance of setting clear boundaries, providing consistent consequences, and communicating genuine love and grief. By using methods such as clear warnings, contracts, and consequences, parents can help their children develop a sense of responsibility and obedience. However, it's essential to avoid common pitfalls like inconsistency, yelling, and physical punishment, which can lead to rebellion and damage relationships. With patience, love, and clear communication, parents can guide their children towards a path of righteousness and peace. [... more]

Parents who want to raise well-adjusted children must find a balance between being too strict and too soft, as excessive control can lead to rebellion and low self-esteem, while permissive parenting can result in insecurity and a lack of self-discipline. [... more]

Helping children understand that failure is never final with God and teaching them to live grace-filled lives, making wise decisions, and developing a theology of holiness is crucial for their spiritual growth and development. Parents must model these values and create a safe environment for their children to learn and grow. [... more]

Teaching children to suffer well, work unto the Lord, and manage their lives wisely are essential for them to win life's biggest battles. Parents must help their kids develop a strong work ethic, understand that work is a calling, and learn to manage their time, talent, and treasure. Additionally, resolving conflict and communicating effectively in marriage is crucial for creating an environment where children can thrive. [... more]

Generosity is about more than dollars; it's about discipleship, financial literacy, and passing on wisdom along with wealth. A giving fund can be a powerful tool for generosity, allowing individuals to give easily and strategically, and involving family members in the process. Modeling generosity can also leave a spiritual legacy for future generations, and planning ahead can help families navigate the challenges of succession planning and wealth transfer. [... more]

Developing a child's full potential requires understanding their readiness and teaching them obedience from the heart, rather than just following societal pressures. Parents must also model a passion for Jesus, teach biblical knowledge, and provide systematic instruction and teachable moments to help their children grow in faith and character. [... more]

Developing your child's full potential requires understanding their two primary needs for significance and security, teaching them obedience, and recognizing their developmental process. As a parent, it's crucial to learn how to cooperate with God's plan for your child's life, and to provide a loving and supportive environment that fosters their spiritual growth and moral development. [... more]

Terry Squires shares her passion for sharing the gospel with children through her 'Ancient Heroes of the Bible' trading cards, which feature 45 Old Testament characters and point to Jesus. She also discusses her bedtime podcast, which tells the story of each character and encourages children to step out in faith. The cards and podcast aim to help children develop a strong faith and understand the truth of God's word. [... more]

Building a strong relationship with your child is crucial for their emotional and psychological development. By practicing unconditional love, scheduled time, focused attention, consistent communication, and meaningful touching, you can create a safe and loving environment that fosters trust and understanding. Additionally, praying together and having fun as a family can help strengthen your bond and provide a sense of security for your child. Effective parenting requires constant repair and ongoing maintenance, but with the right approach, you can help your child develop into a confident and capable individual. [... more]

Raising kids in today's world can be challenging, but effective parenting begins with a clear target: helping children become holy like Christ. This requires a parent's intentional effort to model the behavior they want their kids to emulate, and to build strong relationships that bond their hearts together. By following biblical principles, parents can navigate the complexities of raising kids and create a godly home that ripples for generations. [... more]

The Apostle Paul's message of truth and morality is often met with resistance, as seen in the story of his time in Ephesus. When Paul preached against the false religion of Diana, he was met with opposition from those who profited from it. Similarly, Christians today must be prepared to face opposition when they stand for what is right, even if it means going against the tide. The Bible teaches that taking a risk is not inherently wrong, but gambling is a form of thievery that transgresses the principles of honesty, love, and work. It is a social leech that produces no real wealth and ultimately hurts the poor. Christians must stand against gambling and instead seek to build an economy on principles of industry, integrity, and work. [... more]

Ron Blue shares lessons from his own journey from Wall Street to biblical stewardship, emphasizing how recognizing God's ownership of our finances transforms our lives and relationships. He discusses the importance of setting financial finish lines, establishing a lifestyle, and living with financial margin. Blue also addresses how biblical financial principles can improve communication in marriage and how God uses money to test and build faith. [... more]

Defining and resolving conflict in marriage is crucial for a healthy relationship. By focusing on the problem, not the person, and feeling the pain of the other, couples can work through issues and strengthen their bond. Initiating a time to talk, defining the problem, and establishing a specific action plan can help couples diffuse conflict and create a more loving and supportive environment. [... more]

Investors are piling into gold and silver as concerns about currency debasement and inflation grow. Central banks have been buying gold aggressively, and individual investors are now joining the trade. Gold has set new all-time highs in both dollar terms and inflation-adjusted terms, while silver is knocking on the door of its 1980 peak. Experts recommend a core position in physical metals, supplemented by ETFs, and caution against over-investing in mining stocks. [... more]

Conflict is normal in marriage and relationships, and it can be an opportunity for growth. Jesus promised that in a fallen world, we will have conflict, but we can resolve it with humility and servanthood, considering the needs of our mate and others. By doing so, we can transform selfishness into servanthood and fight fair and safely in our relationships. [... more]

For many widows, a reverse mortgage can provide stability and dignity in their years ahead, allowing them to stay in their home with confidence. However, it's essential to understand the changes in the law and how they impact widows, as well as the importance of planning for the future, including managing debt and building an emergency fund. Additionally, navigating health insurance options can be challenging, especially for those with limited income or past health history, but there are affordable options available, such as the federal marketplace and private health insurance comparison sites. [... more]

Chip Ingram shares practical tools for improving communication in marriage, including the 'conference' method, 'word pictures,' and 'care lists' to build emotional intimacy and resolve conflicts. [... more]

Effective communication is the key to a healthy marriage, and it requires more than just speaking the truth. It involves being honest, dealing with anger, and expressing emotions in a way that doesn't attack the other person. By using 'I feel' messages and being vulnerable, couples can break down barriers and build intimacy, leading to a stronger and more fulfilling relationship. [... more]

Forgiveness is a crucial skill for a great marriage, allowing couples to release resentment and bitterness, and instead choose to bless and pray for each other. Effective communication and conflict resolution are also essential, enabling partners to understand each other's perspectives and work through difficulties together. By prioritizing their relationship with God and each other, couples can build a strong foundation for a fulfilling and loving marriage. [... more]

Men and women can bridge the gap in their relationships by choosing to love and respect each other in specific and sacrificial ways, meaningful to their partner, and motivated by the understanding that their spouse is a gift from God. [... more]

Marriage is an unconditional commitment to an imperfect person, and couples must learn to love and forgive each other through the challenges of life. Foundational truths include choosing to love one's mate, handling ongoing challenges, and considering it all joy when encountering trials. God's sovereignty and goodness are key to navigating difficult times, and couples must prioritize their relationship and avoid considering divorce as an option. [... more]

A God-honoring marriage is built on foundational truths, including prioritizing a daily walk with God, choosing to love one's mate regardless of feelings, and seeking first God's kingdom. Couples can strengthen their relationships by coming before God daily, being in community, and being on mission, and by using practical tools like the Marriage That Works Truth Cards to help them work towards a deep and great marriage. [... more]

Women fear abandonment and men fear futility, leading to hurtful comments and devastating arguments in marriage. Learning to communicate effectively and guard one's words can build trust and strengthen relationships. [... more]

A husband's role in the family is not just to provide financially, but to lead and serve as a servant leader, taking responsibility for his family's physical, spiritual, and emotional needs. A wife's empowerment comes from trusting God to provide room for her husband to step up and lead, rather than taking on all the responsibilities herself. [... more]

Rob West shares 10 common personal finance mistakes to avoid, including borrowing from 401(k), claiming Social Security too early, and overextending oneself for kids. He also discusses biblical wisdom for financial decisions, credit scores, and investments, and answers listener questions on topics such as home equity lines of credit and credit unions. [... more]

Unresolved conflict and impossible expectations can damage the foundation of a marriage. Couples often struggle with roles, money, and sex, and may feel stuck in their relationships. However, seeking help from a counselor or mentor can be a powerful step towards healing and growth. By learning to communicate effectively, manage expectations, and prioritize intimacy, couples can build stronger, healthier relationships. [... more]

Marriage is a 100%, 100% proposition, an unconditional commitment to an imperfect person, requiring sacrifice and perseverance, and not a 50-50 proposition as commonly believed. Christy Brinkley has a new book out, and she goes, just I have one regret. I've been married four times. I've just never been able to make a marriage work. Or you look at some of the most famous people, think of some of the people that played in Friends, or my heart goes out to a J-Lo, a beautiful woman, super successful, and You know, it's this guy, then it's the next guy, then it's the next guy, and it's the next big wedding, the next big wedding. See, if you believe that it shouldn't be hard when it gets hard? You just jump to the next person. And here's the thing. The pain and the attachment And the scars are of each and every relationship. And I'm no expert, but believe me, I've studied a lot of psychology and I can tell you this, with every broken relationship, there are scars and there's deep down issues in your heart that I don't measure up. You can say it's the other person and you can whine and you can blame and you can say all kind of things. But when you go after serial multiple relationships that don't work. It brings a brokenness in your soul. You know how Jesus feels about people that have been through things like that? He weeps for them. He cares about them. He has a plan. It's called marriage. He has some rules called fidelity, trust. He created marriage so that we could flourish. So we could be loved. And as the song says, we're looking for love in all the wrong places. The truth is that everything of great value requires commitment, sacrifice, and perseverance. As my spouse and I face challenges and overcome them, our intimacy and joy will far outweigh our present problems. [... more]

Marriage is an institution created by God, designed to provide spiritual, emotional, and physical intimacy. Cohabitation, on the other hand, has been shown to have negative effects on relationships and society. Research has found that cohabitants tend to be less committed and more focused on personal autonomy, leading to a higher likelihood of break-up. The consequences of cohabitation can be devastating, especially for women. In contrast, marriage is the glue that holds society and culture together, providing a foundation for families and communities. [... more]

Marrying the right person is crucial, but even with the greatest mate, a successful marriage requires following God's design, putting in the hard work, persevering through difficulties, and relying on the Holy Spirit. Conflict and negative emotions are normal in marriage and can actually help build intimacy and growth when worked through with kindness, compassion, and forgiveness. [... more]

Chip Ingram explores the challenges of building a godly family in a culture filled with lies and misconceptions about relationships, marriage, and parenting. He shares his own experiences and biblical insights to help couples and families identify and resist the attacks on their relationships, and to renew their minds with the life-giving truth of God's Word. [... more]