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

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

Community is a lifeline, especially when parenting gets hard. In this episode, co-host Andy Nelson gets vulnerable and shares his personal story of moving from a strong, stable community to a new city where he and his wife, Emily, felt isolated and alone.

Andy shares how this experience of being without a "safety net" forced them to intentionally build a new community and how this journey shaped their family's values. He also tells the powerful story of a season of hardship when their community stepped in to help, and how this act of being cared for redefined his understanding of what it means to both give and receive help.

Episode Highlights

• [01:30] Andy shares his background, growing up in a close-knit, loving community and family.
• [04:00] Andy's story of moving 600 miles away from home and the shock of finding himself without a community.
• [07:00] The pivotal moment when a small act of kindness helped transform their family's isolated season.
• [08:50] How Andy and Emily intentionally built a new community and how their different personalities contributed to that.
• [14:00] Why building a "deep" community is more important than having "thin" relationships.
• [21:10] The power of being a "helper" and how a season of needing help taught him to receive from others.
• [23:00] The profound impact of community on family health and well-being.

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Resources Mentioned

• Book: You Are What You Love by James K.A. Smith
• Non-profit: Promise 686