This episode brings together the five core elements of whole family healing from Eagle Ranch—Your Story, Family Dynamics, Nurture & Structure, Child's Unique Gifts, and Community—and frames them through the lens of the Gospel.

Hosts Andy and Kelly welcome Davon Stack, a seasoned ministry leader from Perimeter Church, to discuss what "Gospel Parenting" truly means. Davon breaks down the powerful, simple truth of the Gospel ("We had it all. We lost it all. He did it all. We get it all.") and shares how relying on that truth can transform a parent's sense of helplessness into hope and reliance. He also shares a deeply personal story of how caring for his mother-in-law in her final days provided a profound, practical opportunity to teach his children love and forgiveness in a real-life crisis.

Episode Highlights

• [01:55] Davon shares his family of origin, marked by extreme hospitality and a rich family legacy of service.
• [08:45] The clear and concise definition of the Gospel and why recognizing "we lost it all" leads to true gratitude and reliance.
• [11:50] How the Gospel fundamentally shifts parenting from relying on personal strength to relying on the power of the Holy Spirit.
• [14:20] A tangible example of Gospel Parenting: Davon's family navigates the challenge of caring for his mother-in-law through early-onset Alzheimer's and how it taught their children kindness and forgiveness.
• [21:20] The difference between surface-level "Christian Parenting" (checking boxes) and Gospel Parenting (relying on a redeemed identity).
• [25:55] Davon shares words of hope for listeners who are struggling, pointing them to the power and promises already given to us through Christ.
• [28:15] Why it's vital to rely on the community of God's people and seek out those who are honestly relying on a greater power.

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Resources Mentioned

• Scripture References: 2 Peter 1:3-4, Acts 2:42-47
• Church: Perimeter Church

Every child is an image bearer of a creative God, and discovering their unique gifts is one of the most rewarding parts of parenting. In this episode, hosts Andy and Kelly talk with Wade Pearce, Senior Director of Program at Eagle Ranch, about how to stop trying to control your kids' future and start becoming their greatest talent agent.

Wade, an adoptive and foster parent who has welcomed over 40 children into his home, shares hard-won lessons on recognizing a child's passions, the danger of parental anxiety, and why your only vision for your child should be a healthy relationship. He breaks down the Circle of Courage philosophy and explains why embracing your child's interests—no matter how intense or fleeting—is the key to fostering mastery and a sense of self-worth.

Episode Highlights

• [01:36] Wade shares his upbringing, his journey as an educator, and his experience as an adoptive and foster parent of over 40 children.
• [03:45] Wade explains the concept of the "baby hero" role and his personal experience with striving to please his parents.
• [10:10] The key to stewarding a child's life: becoming a detective or a talent agent to discover what makes them tick.
• [14:15] Wade introduces the Circle of Courage and the four things every child needs to thrive: belonging, mastery, independence, and generosity.
• [17:58] Why getting out of the mode of living vicariously through your children is crucial for their long-term success.
• [19:00] Examples of following and supporting a child's mastery, from fishing to buying and selling shoes.
• [25:50] How parental anxiety is the enemy and why becoming a non-anxious presence is the key to breaking cycles of control.

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Resources Mentioned

• Concept: Circle of Courage (from Reclaiming Youth International)
• Author: Dallas Willard

Do you really know what motivates your child, or are you projecting your own expectations onto them? In this insightful episode, hosts Andy and Kelly talk with Dr. Fred Haselden (Director of Education) and Jennifer Smith (Day School Program Counselor) about the critical difference between the gifts you want your child to have and the unique gifts God has actually given them.

They share core concepts from psychology, including how your child's nervous system is always choosing between connection and protection, and how to identify their personal triggers and currency. Dr. H candidly shares his "dentist retirement plan" story—a perfect, albeit intense, example of how parental expectations can overshadow a child's true interests.

Episode Highlights

• [05:12] Dr. H and Jennifer introduce themselves and share their personal family stories.
• [06:00] Dr. H shares his personal and humorous story of "brainwashing" his daughter into thinking she wanted to be a dentist and the powerful lesson he learned about controlling expectations.
• [11:30] Why many parents struggle with having preconceived notions and expectations for their kids.
• [12:30] Jennifer explains the difference between a child's nervous system being in protection mode versus connection mode.
• [16:00] Dr. H and Jennifer define and give examples of a child's trigger and their currency (what motivates them).
• [19:30] How to implement structured "rhythms of connection"—like a no-screens family dinner or the "Rosebud, Thorn" exercise—to build security.
• [25:50] A discussion of why building strong community is essential, especially for adoptive parents, when facing the challenge of a child's active rejection.
• [28:40] The wisdom of sowing good seeds and praying for the harvest, focusing on your efforts, not the outcome.

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Resources Mentioned

• Book: Kids with Big Baffling Behaviors by Robyn Gobbel