Table Talks with the Tares

I put Ashley on the hot seat by getting into this conversation without warning or context. I like to get her first drafts on things and so in this conversation we talk about how she has felt she's changed in being able to identify her needs. The conversation morphs into talking about whether or not she thinks she's a people pleaser and how she's let me be the father to our children as we raise the...

We unpack how in some cases our search for God's will is seen as a pursuit of holiness but in reality is a fear of failure that could bring ruin to your life. The beauty of the Gospel is that we've already been found out as failures, and the Lord has provided a way out through his son, Jesus Christ. We talk about the implications for a family looking to be obedient to the Lord and how serving in t...

We talk about the rapid development of Artificial Intelligence and some of the ways we’re currently using it in our house. Then we also discuss how we should think about these quick changes in the technological world we live in as a Christian family. How do we live in the technological world honoring the Lord in how we engage with it. Do we engage with it at all? Do we use it to improve our lives...

I interview Ashley in this one on what has been the motivating factor for why she basically automatically sets goals for her year at the beginning of each year. We are so different in this regard so we talk about how we approach goal setting from opposite angles. We talk about the goals we’re setting, the systems we use, and the approaches we take.   Table Talks with the Tares: conversations that...

In this episode, we flesh out my (MJ's) initial reactions after Ashley's orders of 2 books arrive at our house. Initially it was a cringy and uncomfortable thought to even entertain having to bring this up to our kids, but after talking it further with her, realized that this conversation might come up a lot sooner than we think.   Resources mentioned: Good Pictures Bad Pictures Jr.: A Simple Plan...

As we approach the holidays, I wanted to talk about how we've thought about rest during this time of year. We talk about how social media (or whatever form of endless screen-time/scrolling you pursue) robs you of the rest the Lord wants from you. We also detail how we practice rest through the form of a Saturday Sabbath rest and how that looks like for our specific context. Also, I make the argume...

As our oldest starts out Kindergarten next year, we have started the discussion and research in finding what we believe to be the best education option for her. We came from diverse educational backgrounds and naturally reverted back to our own experiences as what we believed to be optimal, but after digging through all the options available in our area and realizing that Ashley was actually able...

We grew up just anticipating Christmas for the gifts. But now as parents of young kids, we see the significance of creating rhythms as a family and how it has led to our flourishing. But as a household where our cultural backgrounds are so different from each other, we see these seasonal celebrations as opportunity to create something unique for our family. Table Talks with the Tares: conversation...

We used to really make sure Thanksgiving was such a special meal and time as a family which came with a ton of stress and hustle to get the dinner ready on time. But then our regular practice of gratitude by having a weekly "all-out" meal together as a family as a way of experiencing God's goodness in our life changed how we view the holiday today. Table Talks with the Tares: conversations that in...

In this conversation, Ash opens up on how her experience growing up with adopted siblings joining her family's home changed her and shaped her into the adult and parent she is today. She specifically talks about how facing the chaos and volatility of parenting young ones brings to the surface some of the experiences she had in childhood and how it is bringing a disproportionate response to how she...

We're dealing with our leaky shower and tackling this problem has revealed more than the source of where the water is coming from. Our differences in personality types, problem solving approach, and project management style come to light when trying to tackle projects around the house. Tune in for a conversation where a little project around the house is revealing more about how we work together....

This is an extended discussion on our need to put the family meeting back in place on our family rhythm. As a visionary/strategic couple, some of the things we prioritize are different at times, so I try to suggest this as a remedy to get us back on the same page.    Table Talks with the Tares: conversations that inspire personal growth in leadership in every sphere of life.   Visit our website: T...

In this episode we talk about my (MJ's) first time to go out to vote for a President! I talk about how it compares to the voting system in Austria as a multi-party socialist governing body and the policies of this seemingly consequential election.    Resources mentioned: Lacrae interview with Matt Chandler: Lecrae Has a DEEP Convo with Matt Chandler on Fallen Pastors   Next episode recommended: Ep...

In this episode we talk about the journey of experiencing the loss of my dad this past summer. The 6 year journey of his battle with metastasized prostate cancer and the good things that I was able to see along the way. I share the importance of being able to share the journey with someone and also the cultural differences as a person who lives in a culture (USA) that is different from the culture...

In this episode we talk about how we handled the transition from Virginia to North Carolina and how we challenged ourselves to focus on seeing what is good that can come from this type of change. We talk through how we view the change actually impacts our children and discuss the importance of having a perspective of Paul's challenge in Scripture to consider it pure joy when we face trials of many...

In this episode, we explore the growing movement of dads who want to be fully present in their children’s lives and how this aligns with our calling as men through Christ’s work of provision and protection. We’ll discuss how fatherhood today involves more than just providing materially but also being deeply involved in shaping our children’s spiritual and emotional development. With a focus on dis...

In this episode we talk about how we are building our "perfect" week by establishing a night off for each of us so we can set aside the parent hat and use the evening to do something that we find restful. As a couple that is completely the opposite to their spouse, we have had to be very open and direct about what we need from each other which has led us to carving out nights each week to ourselve...

In this episode, we reflect on how COVID-19 reshaped our approach to parenting and the ways it highlights our desire to raise resilient children. We also discuss the challenges of balancing motherhood’s impact on personal freedom, alongside societal assumptions about being home full time. We talk through the things we value most in what we want to instill in our kids including honesty, autonomy, p...

In this episode, we open up about the challenges of navigating grief while managing a family with toddlers, sharing how we’ve coped with loss and found strength in God’s goodness if you take time to see it all around you. From solo parenting during a funeral to the emotional toll of change, we discuss the importance of grace, both for ourselves and our children. We also explore the difference betw...

In this podcast, we tackle talk about the challenges and rewards of working from home with kids in the house. We talk tips like treating specific parts of the house a certain way and the value of noise canceling headphones. The second part of the conversation is our discussion started off with an innocent question from our 4-year old on "Dad, what are you doing in there?" when asking about why I l...

In this podcast, we wrestle through balance of maintaining a strong, loving relationship while raising a family. We'll dive into the challenges you face when connection shifts from partners to parents and how to avoid drifting apart. From redefining date nights to fostering genuine connection, we discuss practical strategies for keeping your relationship vibrant and meaningful throughout all seaso...

In this episode, we explore the complexities of authority, from the consent of the governed to the potential pitfalls of earned expertise, based on our recent trip to Austria, which is a socialist country. We discuss how different economic systems, like capitalism and socialism, shape power dynamics and individual freedoms. We also examine the dangers of hyper-individualism, where personal determi...

In this episode we dive into the intricate dynamics of multicultural families, where language, tradition, and identity overlap. Join us as we explore the challenges of navigating conversations in different languages, the cultural weight of honor, and the journey of raising kids in a multiethnic context. Despite the complexities, we uncover the profound value of building lasting memories with famil...

In this episode, we dive into how we tag-team our parenthood, described specifically by our recent adventure of flying with two toddlers. We reflect on how the pandemic shaped our approach to working and parenting together, emphasizing the importance of sharing responsibilities and supporting each other. Join us for an honest discussion on navigating the journey of raising a family with our own di...

In this episode, we dive into the unexpected wisdom gleaned from the hit TV show Clarkson’s Farm, highlighting the characters we enjoy watching and the insights we get into the world of modern agriculture. Jeremy Clarkson’s humorously profane and heartfelt journey into farming teaches valuable lessons about the hard work involved with being a farmer. Additionally, we explore practical ways to inst...