Training Them Wisely - discipling kids

Helping kids read and study the Bible does not mean watering Scripture down. In this episode, we talk about how children can learn to open God’s Word with depth, joy, and consistency through simple questions, the SOAP method, Scripture marking, prayer, and everyday application. Be encouraged that kids can understand more than we often think, and parents can help them grow in love for God’s Word. T...

What counts as family discipleship? It is more than a perfect family devotion around the table. In this episode, we talk about how parents can point their children to Christ through Scripture, prayer, correction, conversation, worship, service, and ordinary everyday moments. Be encouraged that family discipleship does not have to be complicated to be faithful. Looking for resources to help your fa...

Learn a simple way to study the Bible using observation, interpretation, and application, and discover how to help your children slow down, understand Scripture in context, and respond with obedience and prayer.   Check out our family discipleship resources at TrainingThemWisely.com   Scripture quotations are from the ESV® Bible (The Holy Bible, English Standard Version®), copyright © 2001 by Cros...

Reading the Bible is such a delight! And when we read, we want to read with a purpose. The Bible is written so that we can know God.  It is about knowing God, hearing His truth, and allowing His Word to shape the way we think, live, pray, and parent. We also encourage parents to begin with prayer, ask thoughtful questions as they read, and use simple tools or Bible reading plans when helpful. The...

Sorry about the lateness of this podcast. Our son has had a life-threatening illness in the hospital, and it has been a long week.  But, I am excited to share this episode with you today . . . not our usual day, but if there is one thing I have seen over and over, His timing is perfect.  In this episode, we’re talking about how to help our kids grow in godly wisdom. Wisdom is more than making “goo...

Cultivating Gratitude in Everyday Life Gratitude doesn’t just make our homes more peaceful. It also shapes the hearts of our children. In this episode of the Training Them Wisely Podcast, we talk about how thankfulness is more than good manners. It’s a biblical response to who God is and what He has done. Because the truth is… kids don’t become thankful automatically. Gratitude is something we int...

  Scripture quotations are from the ESV® Bible (The Holy Bible, English Standard Version®), © 2001 by Crossway, a publishing ministry of Good News Publishers. Used by permission. All rights reserved. The ESV text may not be quoted in any publication made available to the public by a Creative Commons license. The ESV may not be translated in whole or in part into any other language. Music from #Upp...

How do we raise kids that have self-control? Scripture quotations are from the ESV® Bible (The Holy Bible, English Standard Version®), © 2001 by Crossway, a publishing ministry of Good News Publishers. Used by permission. All rights reserved. The ESV text may not be quoted in any publication made available to the public by a Creative Commons license. The ESV may not be translated in whole or in pa...

  Scripture quotations are from the ESV® Bible (The Holy Bible, English Standard Version®), © 2001 by Crossway, a publishing ministry of Good News Publishers. Used by permission. All rights reserved. The ESV text may not be quoted in any publication made available to the public by a Creative Commons license. The ESV may not be translated in whole or in part into any other language. Music from #Upp...

Episode Summary In this episode, we focus on raising children who reflect the heart of Jesus through humility and service. Serving others is not something reserved for special events or church projects—it is a daily posture shaped through Scripture, modeling, conversations, and intentional discipleship at home. We explore how children can learn to serve willingly, joyfully, and humbly, beginning i...

Episode Summary As we begin a new year, we’re focusing on something every parent longs to see in their children: genuine, Christ-centered kindness. In this episode, we move beyond surface-level “being nice” and talk about the kind of heart-level kindness that flows from biblical love. Kindness doesn’t happen by accident. It is cultivated daily through Scripture, discipleship, modeling, prayer, and...

In the middle of Christmas week—when life feels loud, busy, and overwhelming—we pause to talk about the gift our children need most. More than presents, traditions, or picture-perfect moments, our kids need a mom whose life is deeply rooted in Jesus. In this episode, we address the pressure moms often feel at Christmas and gently redirect our hearts back to what truly matters: walking daily, inten...

Christmas is filled with lights, traditions, and excitement — but the greatest gift we can give our children is a clear understanding of why Jesus came. In this episode, we talk through practical, grace-filled ways to teach kids the true story of Christmas — not just the manger scene, but God’s rescue plan from the very beginning. We’ll explore Scripture, simple discipleship rhythms, and encouragi...

I'm excited to host Karri J. Iverson on our podcast today. I met her in Ohio at a conference that we were both at when I was looking for a science curriculum for my kids. My twelve year old calls this the "fun science curriculum" which I love hearing him say!   themysteryofscience.com https://www.facebook.com/mysteryofsciencebooks   So far we have these subjects for 4-8 grades:   The Mystery of Sc...

💬 Episode Summary Faith isn’t just something we talk about in church—it’s something we live out in car rides, bedtime routines, and unexpected questions from curious little hearts. In this episode, Rene and Rebekah share how to have faith conversations that feel natural—not forced, awkward, or overly scripted, but Spirit-led and deeply meaningful. If you’ve ever wondered how to talk about Jesus i...

💡 Episode Summary Maybe your kids are older. Maybe you came to faith later. Maybe life just got in the way. If you've ever wondered, "Is it too late to start family discipleship?" — this episode is for you. Rene and Rebekah bring encouragement and real-world wisdom for parents starting fresh. Whether your children are toddlers, tweens, or teens, God’s grace meets you right where you are—and He ca...

💡 Episode Summary The Bible isn’t just for Sunday mornings—it’s for breakfast tables, car rides, bedtime snuggles, and messy moments. In this episode of Training Them Wisely, Rene and Rebekah encourage parents to open God’s Word consistently and meaningfully with their kids—no matter their age or stage. You’ll hear real-life stories, practical tips, and biblical wisdom to help make Scripture a no...

💡 Episode Summary Is your faith visible to your kids outside of Sunday mornings? In this episode of Training Them Wisely, Rene and Rebekah explore what it means to live a faith that’s consistent, contagious, and grounded in real life. From quiet prayers to big conversations, everyday moments matter. Faith is formed not just through what we say—but how we live when no one else is watching. You’ll...

💡 Episode Summary Life gets messy—and fast. From tantrums and laundry piles to heartache and broken plans, it’s easy to feel like discipleship is on pause when real life takes over. But in this episode of Training Them Wisely, Rene and Rebekah remind us that our everyday mess isn’t a distraction from discipleship—it’s the classroom God uses to grow our families in faith. Through Scripture, person...

💡 Episode Summary Let’s be real—parenting is hard, and the pressure to “get it all right” can feel overwhelming. In this episode of Training Them Wisely, Rene and Rebekah pull back the curtain on the myth of the perfect parent and offer a refreshing reminder: God doesn’t call us to perfection, but to faithfulness, humility, and honesty. Join us as we talk about discipling our children from a plac...

How in the world have we recorded 100 episodes? Time flies by. We are so thankful for each and every listener, both new and old! We had so much fun recording this episode, and we're giving you some sneak peeks about what is coming up soon! https://www.trainingthemwisely.com Scripture quotations are from the ESV® Bible (The Holy Bible, English Standard Version®), © 2001 by Crossway, a publishing mi...

  💗 Episode Summary In this episode of Training Them Wisely, Rene and Rebekah explore how God’s love meets us—and our children—uniquely in every stage of life. From rocking a newborn in the quiet hours to texting a college student encouragement from afar, biblical love grows, stretches, and adapts through the seasons. You’ll walk away with encouragement, relatable stories, and Scripture-rooted in...

You don’t need a perfect devotional plan to disciple your kids—you just need a table, some time, and a heart to listen. In this episode of Training Them Wisely: Discipling Kids, Rene and Rebekah share how simple, everyday moments—especially around the dinner table—can become powerful opportunities to point your children to Jesus. From chicken nugget dinners to bedtime chats, these ordinary routine...

Health for our families is important. I am excited to welcome Laketa Entzminger to the podcast today. She is a clinical herbalist with a strong foundation in public health and education. Her journey into herbalism began out of personal necessity—while working as a new educator, Laketa found herself frequently ill. Discovering the healing power of herbs not only transformed her own health but also...

“You don’t have to shout to be heard. Your gentleness might be your most powerful parenting tool.” In a world that feels louder and harsher by the day, our kids need homes that reflect the gentleness of Christ. In this episode, Rene and Rebekah explore how discipling with tenderness creates lasting influence in your child’s heart. You’ll discover: 🌿 Why gentleness is strength, not weakness and is...