In this conversation, John Donges shares his journey from a challenging childhood marked by family dysfunction and abuse to finding faith and hope through a local church. He reflects on the impact of his upbringing in West Virginia, the struggles with his stepfather's abuse, and the transformative experience of discovering a relationship with God. John's story highlights the importance of community, resilience, and the ongoing challenges he faced even after embracing faith. In this conversation, Jay Holland and John Donges explore the profound themes of discipleship, the cost of following Jesus, and the transformative power of faith. They discuss the challenges faced by new believers, the importance of intentional parenting, and the impact of role models in shaping one's spiritual journey. The dialogue emphasizes the hope that comes from choosing to follow Christ and the potential for generational change through faith and commitment.

Let’s Parent on Purpose is a part of the Christian Parenting Podcasting Network. For more information visit www.ChristianParenting.org

Bio

John Donges is the husband of Jaclyn and father of three children. He is the CEO of Strategic Marketer and a member of Covenant Fellowship Baptist Church

Resources mentioned:

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Support Let’s Parent on Purpose as we help families thrive through the

gospel: https://letsparentonpurpose.com/support/

In this episode, Jay Holland reflects on the challenges of parenting in the digital age, particularly focusing on the alarming rise in mental health issues among children and teenagers. He discusses insights from Jonathan Haidt's book, 'The Anxious Generation,' which explores the impact of technology and social media on childhood development. Holland emphasizes the need for unstructured play and offers practical solutions for parents to mitigate the negative effects of digital exposure on their children.

Takeaways

• The 21st century has faced significant challenges, including 9/11 and COVID-19.

• Mental health issues among youth have dramatically increased since 2010.

• The rise of smartphones and social media correlates with increased anxiety and depression.

• Children today experience childhood differently than previous generations.

• Unstructured play is crucial for healthy childhood development.

• Parents are giving children more freedom in the digital world and less in the real world.

• Social media can create false perceptions of reality, impacting self-esteem.

• Delaying social media access can benefit children's mental health.

• Cultural remedies include increasing unstructured play and limiting digital exposure.

• Parenting in the digital age requires wisdom and proactive measures.

Let’s Parent on Purpose is a part of the Christian Parenting Podcasting Network. For more information visit www.ChristianParenting.org

Resources mentioned:

The Anxious Generation: How the Great Rewiring of Childhood Is Causing an Epidemic of Mental Illness

Join my Things for Thursday Email List and get a free Marriage Snapshot

Tool and Fun Family Conversation Ebook!

Support Let’s Parent on Purpose as we help families thrive through the gospel: https://letsparentonpurpose.com/support/

In this episode, Jay reflects on the past year, discussing the impact of the 127 Project and the importance of gratitude. He explores how to measure a good year and life, drawing insights from Ecclesiastes about the meaning of life and the concept of everything being a vapor. The conversation emphasizes the significance of relationships, faith, and making intentional decisions to create a fulfilling life.

Takeaways

• Gratitude is essential for measuring a good year.

• Life experiences can be both joyful and painful.

• Ecclesiastes offers wisdom on the meaning of life.

• Everything we strive for can feel meaningless at times.

• Finding joy in daily tasks can lead to a fulfilling life.

• Relationships and faith are key to a good year.

• Life is a gift from God, and we should cherish it.

• Making intentional decisions can lead to great days.

• We have control over our actions and reactions.

• A good year is defined by our relationships and faith.

Let’s Parent on Purpose is a part of the Christian Parenting Podcasting Network. For more information visit www.ChristianParenting.org

Resources mentioned:

Episode 366 Grieving and Healing Through Intense Personal Loss with Eliza Huie

Episode 374 The Royal In You: Imagining The New Heavens And Earth With Jordan Raynor

Episode 375 Andrew Peterson on Parenthood, Creating, and Cultivating Faith in Our Children

Join my Things for Thursday Email List and get a free Marriage Snapshot Tool and Fun Family Conversation Ebook!

Support Let’s Parent on Purpose as we help families thrive though the gospel: https://letsparentonpurpose.com/support/