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AI is becoming part of the world our children are growing up in. How can parents respond with wisdom instead of fear?In this episode of the Legacymakers Podcast, we explore what AI may mean for childhood and why intentional parenting, honest conversations, and real connection matter as technology changes.The tools our kids use will keep evolving, but they still need parents who are present, curious, and willing to guide them. Join us as we consider how to stay engaged in their digital lives and help them grow in discernment for the future.

In this thought-provoking episode of the Legacymakers podcast, Ben tackles the critical question of who is truly responsible for passing on faith to the next generation. Challenging the modern trend of outsourcing spiritual growth to the church, he explores the biblical design for the home as the primary sanctuary and explains why a partnership between the church and the family is the only way to build a resilient, lasting legacy.

In this episode of the Legacymakers Podcast, we explore the powerful truth that legacy starts with you. We often focus on what we want to teach our children, but the reality is that character is "caught, not taught." By examining our own behaviors, healing from past traumas, and becoming aware of the "sin traps" we fall into—like yelling, hurry, and deception—we can model the life we want for our kids.Take-aways:Legacy is Modeled: Your children are constantly learning from your actions and character, not just your words.Awareness Brings Freedom: Identifying the triggers and underlying issues behind negative reactions is the first step toward change.The Power of Partnership: Having a spouse or community who can provide honest accountability is essential for growth.8-Step Framework for Change:--Be humble and willing to change.--Recognize and document when you act out.--Notice the emotions and physical sensations during reactions.--Plan your future response to those triggers.--Practice consistently (and give yourself grace).--Ask for forgiveness when you mess up.--Seek help and external accountability.--Review and assess your progress regularly.Make sure to rate and subscribe!

Is your marriage marked by nagging and criticism, or are you actively helping your spouse become who they were created to be? In this episode, Ben and Megan explore the spiritual gift of exhortation and why it’s a vital tool for building a multi-generational family legacy.They contrast the common traps of "nitpicking" with the biblical practice of speaking truth in love—reminding each other of their true identity in Christ even when they fall short.In this episode, we cover:-Defining Exhortation: Understanding how it differs from simple encouragement and why it requires deep prayer and thoughtfulness.-The "Magnifying Glass" of Marriage: Why our spouses see our flaws more clearly than anyone else and how to handle that intimacy with grace.-Family of Origin Dynamics: How our upbringings shape the way we give and receive feedback (and how to break negative cycles).5 Practical Tips for Exhorting Your Spouse:1) Practice Noticing the Good: Shifting your focus from what's annoying you to who your spouse truly is.2) Remember Hebrews 12:15: Seeing to it that no one misses out on the grace of God and preventing "bitter roots."3) The 3-to-1 Ratio: Building a "bank" of encouragement so that corrections are received with trust rather than defensiveness.4) Point to True Identity: Using the "Tim Keller approach" to see your spouse in their future glory.5) Let Grace Fill Your Heart: Remembering that nobody—including yourself—is perfect.Get the Resource: This conversation is based on the Family Field Guide, a monthly resource packed with articles, recipes, and legacy-building tools. You can subscribe to get it in your inbox by visiting the link in our Instagram bio: @wearelegacymakers.

In this episode of the Legacymakers Podcast, we discuss the different seasons every family goes through—from the "crazy" seasons of new babies and big moves to the calmer seasons of abundance. We explore how to navigate the tension between having grace for yourself when you're overwhelmed and remaining intentional with your health, your community, and your relationship with God.Take-aways from the episode:Avoid the Comparison Trap: It's easy to look at other families and think they have it easier, but every family is in a unique season with its own challenges.Grace vs. Intentionality: While you should have grace for what you can’t do during a hard season, look for creative ways to keep your "core rocks" (faith, health, community) in place, even if they look different than before.The Power of Perspective: Viewing life as a "pilgrimage" with God helps you find peace in His presence, whether you're climbing a difficult mountain or resting by a beautiful lake.Practical Ways to Stay Regulated:--Commit to rhythms like church and small groups for community support.--Reframe your mindset to focus on what you can do (like praying while doing dishes) rather than what you can't.--Practice contentment by noticing and switching negative thought patterns.--Remember that every season is temporary—Ecclesiastes reminds us there is a time for everything.

Is technology a helpful tool or a digital danger in your home? In this episode, we explore the complexities of raising children in a world saturated with screens. From the psychological impact on developing brains to the risks of instant gratification, we discuss why delaying technology use might be one of the best gifts you can give your kids.We share our personal journey of maintaining a "low-screen" home and offer a practical framework to help you make intentional decisions about tech for your own family.In this episode, we cover:-The "Late Start" Advantage: Why starting late with technology is better than starting early, and how kids naturally pick up digital skills when they are ready.-The Analog Alternative: How to foster creativity through handicrafts, outdoor play, and learning to embrace boredom.-The Intentional Tech Framework: 5 critical questions every parent should ask before handing over a screen:1) Purpose: What is the specific goal for using this tech right now?2)Duration: How long will they be on it?3)Content Type: Is it educational, creative, or just entertainment?4)Source: Who created this content and what is their worldview?5)Protection: What filters and boundaries are in place?Risk vs. Payoff: Analyzing the true "cost" of a smartphone—is the convenience worth the potential loss of connection?Resources Mentioned:Protect Young Eyes: Resources for digital safety.Covenant Eyes: Tools for accountability and filtering.Greta Eskridge: Insights on building deep connections in a digital world.Whether you're deciding on a first phone or just trying to reduce daily screen time, this conversation provides the roadmap you need to lead your family with confidence.

Can we reclaim the "Covenant Community"? In this episode of the Legacymakers podcast, I’m joined by my dear friend Ben Applebee, Pastor of Generations OC Church. With 12 children (4 adopted) and 14 years in local ministry, Ben brings a unique and powerful perspective on what it means to build a generational legacy in a consumer-driven world. We dive deep into the challenges facing modern families and the church today, including: -The "Orphan Spirit": Why so many people struggle to commit to a church family and how to heal from past wounds. -Raising a Tribe: The "Grit and Grace" required to lead a large family and why Ben is "all in" on the next generation. -Breaking the Cycle: How to move from individualism to a "covenant" mindset that lasts for generations. -Divine Calling: Practical advice on how to hear the Lord’s voice and stay obedient when things get difficult. Whether you are a parent looking to lead your home with more intentionality or a leader seeking to foster deeper community, this conversation is packed with "nuggets" to help you build a legacy that lasts. Connect with Ben Applebee & Generations OC: https://www.instagram.com/generations.oc/ Join the Legacymakers Movement: https://www.instagram.com/wearelegacymakers/ #GenerationalLegacy #FaithAndFamily #ChurchCommunity #ParentingWithGrit #Discipleship

What does it truly mean to leave an inheritance for your children's children? In this episode of the Legacymakers podcast, host Ben is joined by private wealth advisor and friend Blaine Carver to explore how the way we manage our resources today shapes the legacy we leave for generations to come.Moving beyond just numbers and financial planning, Ben and Blaine dive into the heart of stewardship. They discuss the critical difference between a "scarcity" mindset and an "abundance" mindset, and why true success is measured by obedience to God’s calling rather than just your net worth.In this episode, we cover:-The 5 Categories of Money: Understanding the "Live, Give, Owe (Debt & Taxes), and Grow" framework to align your spending with your values.Building a Legacy House: Why the foundation of your family’s future must be built on Spiritual Capital and Social Capital before Financial Capital.-The 150-Year Test: How to move past short-term thinking and begin preparing your family for seven generations of impact.-Practical Stewardship: The power of intentional communication and why something as simple as a "Family Board Meeting" can change your relationship with your kids.Whether you're navigating the challenges of a high-cost housing market or looking for ways to be more intentional with your family’s mission, this conversation offers a roadmap for moving from financial chaos to orderly, value-based living.Connect with Blaine Carver: You can learn more about Blaine’s work with the Bahnsen Group and reach out for further resources on faith and finances at bahnsengroup.com.

When was the last time serving others was seen as a normal part of following Jesus?In this episode of the Legacymakers podcast, Ben and Meg explore the forgotten practice of serving others and why it has always been central to the Christian life. They discuss how serving shapes our character, strengthens families and communities, and reflects the heart of Christ in everyday life.Whether you're looking to deepen your faith, lead your family well, or make a greater impact in your community, this conversation will encourage you to rediscover the joy and purpose found in serving others.

How can churches move beyond programs and create lasting discipleship within families? In this episode of the Legacy Makers podcast, Ben and Meg explore how intentional marriage and family ministry can transform a church's impact. They discuss the importance of targeted discipleship, using meaningful data to understand families' needs, and creating strategies that lead to real, lasting growth. Whether you're a pastor, ministry leader, or passionate about strengthening families, this conversation offers practical insights for building healthier homes and a stronger church—one family at a time.

What if our culture has gotten marriage backwards? In this episode of the Legacy Makers podcast, Ben and Meg tackle one of the most controversial conversations in modern family life: the roles of husbands and wives in the home. Looking beyond cultural expectations, they explore God's design for marriage, leadership, partnership, and responsibility.Together, they unpack common misconceptions, challenge popular narratives, and discuss how healthy biblical roles can create greater unity, security, and purpose within the family.

Why do we purposefully put our family in uncomfortable situations? In this episode of the Legacymakers podcast, we explore why "Adventure" is one of our core family values. We share some of our craziest (and scariest) stories—from getting stuck on a dirt cliff with a baby on our back to kayaking 40 miles across the open ocean—and break down the 8 essential elements that turn a simple outing into a life-long core memory.Whether you're planning a big trip or just want to bring more spontaneity to your daily routine, this episode will help you see discomfort as a gift and adventure as a path to deeper attachment with your spouse and children.

In this powerful episode of the Legacymakers podcast, Ben and Meg tackle the vital topic of mental and emotional health in children. They share a practical framework for helping kids (and parents!) navigate big emotions, build a strong sense of identity, and develop the mental fortitude needed to face a confusing world. From "dragon breathing" to rooting identity in truth, this conversation is packed with actionable tools for every family.

Contrary to popular belief, more rules in your home actually lead to stronger relationships with your children! Don't believe it? Check out the data from the Institute for Family Studies and hear how teens actually appreciate more rules.

In this episode of the Legacymakers podcast, Ben and Meg dive into the "dating recession" and how parents can guide their children toward healthy, intentional relationships that lead to marriage. Drawing from recent studies and their own personal love story, they explore the impact of technology, the importance of family involvement, and how to model commitment for the next generation.