{"version":"https://jsonfeed.org/version/1","title":"Raise Them UP!","home_page_url":"https://raisethemup.fireside.fm","feed_url":"https://raisethemup.fireside.fm/json","description":"\"Raise Them Up\" is a podcast dedicated to encouraging parents to follow Proverbs 22:6 --\"Train up a child in the way he should go, and when he is old he will not depart from it.\"","_fireside":{"subtitle":"Helping families navigate today's culture, news, politics + education.","pubdate":"2025-08-19T15:00:00.000-04:00","explicit":false,"owner":"Family Vision Media","image":"https://media24.fireside.fm/file/fireside-images-2024/podcasts/images/2/26a153e7-1eca-461d-9505-a8220bc86705/cover.jpg?v=3"},"items":[{"id":"2aa52592-8197-425a-99a3-a5d798dfca5b","title":"Riley Lee, President \u0026 Founder Skytree Book Fairs","url":"https://raisethemup.fireside.fm/14","content_text":"Rise them UP! is underwritten by The Wicks Family Grace Foundation\n\nGuest: Riley Lee, President \u0026amp; Founder Skytree Book Fairs\n\nIntroduction, Riley’s background-she worked previously with actor Kirk Cameron\n\nHow difficult it is for parents navigating the world of children’s books…what’s Christian, wholesome \u0026amp; family friendly.\n\nRiley explains how she never thought she would get into the publishing world.\n\nHow I attended a Drag Queen Storytime library board meeting. How I pointed out how they were a tool of the American Library Association. How I pointed out to them how the drag queen’s outfit was the indoctrination.\n\nHow her 3-year old daughter attended with her a Scholastic Bookfair. How Riley discovered LBGBQi \u0026amp; DEI books are being sold at those fairs. Subtle, but indoctrination none the less.\n\nThe difference between what the Left defines as book banning, but is simply parental efforts to make sure their children are not exposed to books that are not age appropriate. Even the movie industry has age-appropriate ratings systems.\n\nHow does Skytree Book Fairs find their books since they are not a book publisher?\n\nHow their review board reviews books. Riley introduces their mascot, a golden retriever, named Scout and what Scout stands for.\n\nWhat children are looking for in books, excitement, adventure, humor \u0026amp; fun, not social justice agenda.\n\nHow their bookfairs work, usually runs 3-5 days. How they partner with nonprofits, schools, churches and ministries splits a percentage of sales.\n\nSkytree sends boxes of books and whatever does not sell is returned. But, host of the bookfair\n\ndoes not incur any upfront costs. But, they get to share a percentage of the sales for hosting.\n\nUnderewriter mention.\n\nNo upfront costs for the host, but they do screen the applicants and what Skytree as a nonprofit can handle.\n\nRiley does then explain how their program works. How much monetarily does the school or church have to sell as a minimum to get a share of the profit?\n\nHow does a church or school contact them. Website: https://skytreebookfairs.org/Skytreebookfairs.org, email: info@skytreebookfairs.org.","content_html":"\u003cp\u003eRise them UP! is underwritten by The Wicks Family Grace Foundation\u003c/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eGuest: Riley Lee, President \u0026amp; Founder Skytree Book Fairs\u003c/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eIntroduction, Riley’s background-she worked previously with actor Kirk Cameron\u003c/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eHow difficult it is for parents navigating the world of children’s books…what’s Christian, wholesome \u0026amp; family friendly.\u003c/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eRiley explains how she never thought she would get into the publishing world.\u003c/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eHow I attended a Drag Queen Storytime library board meeting. How I pointed out how they were a tool of the American Library Association. How I pointed out to them how the drag queen’s outfit was the indoctrination.\u003c/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eHow her 3-year old daughter attended with her a Scholastic Bookfair. How Riley discovered LBGBQi \u0026amp; DEI books are being sold at those fairs. Subtle, but indoctrination none the less.\u003c/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eThe difference between what the Left defines as book banning, but is simply parental efforts to make sure their children are not exposed to books that are not age appropriate. Even the movie industry has age-appropriate ratings systems.\u003c/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eHow does Skytree Book Fairs find their books since they are not a book publisher?\u003c/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eHow their review board reviews books. Riley introduces their mascot, a golden retriever, named Scout and what Scout stands for.\u003c/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eWhat children are looking for in books, excitement, adventure, humor \u0026amp; fun, not social justice agenda.\u003c/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eHow their bookfairs work, usually runs 3-5 days. How they partner with nonprofits, schools, churches and ministries splits a percentage of sales.\u003c/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eSkytree sends boxes of books and whatever does not sell is returned. But, host of the bookfair\u003c/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003edoes not incur any upfront costs. But, they get to share a percentage of the sales for hosting.\u003c/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eUnderewriter mention.\u003c/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eNo upfront costs for the host, but they do screen the applicants and what Skytree as a nonprofit can handle.\u003c/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eRiley does then explain how their program works. How much monetarily does the school or church have to sell as a minimum to get a share of the profit?\u003c/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eHow does a church or school contact them. Website: \u003ca href=\"https://skytreebookfairs.org/Skytreebookfairs.org\" rel=\"nofollow\"\u003ehttps://skytreebookfairs.org/Skytreebookfairs.org\u003c/a\u003e, email: \u003ca href=\"mailto:info@skytreebookfairs.org\" rel=\"nofollow\"\u003einfo@skytreebookfairs.org\u003c/a\u003e.\u003c/p\u003e","summary":"How difficult it is for parents navigating the world of children’s books…what’s Christian, wholesome \u0026 family friendly.","date_published":"2025-08-19T15:00:00.000-04:00","attachments":[{"url":"https://aphid.fireside.fm/d/1437767933/26a153e7-1eca-461d-9505-a8220bc86705/2aa52592-8197-425a-99a3-a5d798dfca5b.mp3","mime_type":"audio/mpeg","size_in_bytes":23006576,"duration_in_seconds":1436}]},{"id":"10dffe82-28f6-4c55-9816-4a050abc8474","title":"Trent Rogers and Jonathan Wood, authors of \"Rooted in Truth, Answers to Lifes Questions for College Student\"","url":"https://raisethemup.fireside.fm/13","content_text":"Introduction of Guests: Trent A. Rogers serves as the Dean of Theological Studies \u0026amp; Associate Professor of New Testament \u0026amp; Greek at Cedarville University.  Jonathan A. Wood serves as Vice President for Student Life \u0026amp; Christian Ministries and is an Associate Professor of Theological Studies at Cedarville University in Cedarville, Ohio.\n\nThey discuss how long they have been serving college students \u0026amp; the two years it took to write the book.\nFred Zielonko-suggests while this book is for students, their parents ought to read it as well.\nTalking to students working and teaching students led to the writing of the book. And, the two authors polled students \u0026amp; parents as to the questions they wanted answered from a biblical perspective and via biblical truths.\nTrent talks about how as a college student he was not well connected or intimately connected to your church.\nJonathan talked about the chapter he wrote about how to pick a college major.  Jonathan did not grow up in church.  He learned he had a lot of compassion to help 17-year olds to bring clarity to decision making while in college to help figure out what God has planned for their life. \nBoth professors homeschool their children.  Parents want to protect their children, but they also want to prepare them as well. \nWe then review the chapter headings and what all the book covers.\nJonathan gives us how he came to Christ not being raised in church, and the questions he asked back as a young man.  \n\nThen we focused on how to choose a major to pursue.  Then the professors discussed how to choose a major; however, we need to focus more on God’s desire for us versus what are our passions.  They encourage students to think about how best to serve the world on behalf of God?  What are they prepared to do?  What are they passionate about?  And how one makes that all come together for a student to make a living.\nThey both then talk about how they chose to be what they wanted to be and how that is a meandering route not a straight line towards a career.\nWe discussed how God is directing our path even when we do not know it….\nChoosing a major end of the chapter is to “trust God!” Don’t build an idolatry in your own heart whereby it causes you to make bad decisions.\nWe then talk about the overriding theme of the book that is trust \u0026amp; discernment.  We also talked about how when students get to college they are in a situation where they make more decisions in a shorter amount of time that they ever did for their life.  So, they teach discernment and trusting in God.\nWe also discussed how the book prepares the students for life beyond college including dating and marriage.  They challenge students to not fall for the world’s definition of dating and marriage.  Instead, take a step back and discern whether your dating life is in accordance with what God has planned for you.\n\nWe discussed iPhones and technology and its influence upon the college experience.\nThen we switched directions and talked about after the students read the book how do they put it to use it to fulfill the Great Commission and discipleship.\nBoth while in college and once a student is out, they have a responsibility to be part of the community of the local church.  What they see on campus as to who is leading the youth revival.\nAsked what did the professors learned while writing the book?  Getting things to a point of simple clarity for students is needed by students.  God’s word is sufficient, but we need to point students continually back to the Word.\nWhere the book can be found.\n Rooted in Truth amazon link: \nhttps://www.amazon.com/Rooted-Truth-Answers-Questions-Students/dp/1527112691/ref=asc_df_1527112691?tag=bngsmtphsnus-20\u0026amp;linkCode=df0\u0026amp;hvadid=80883022504496\u0026amp;hvnetw=s\u0026amp;hvqmt=e\u0026amp;hvbmt=be\u0026amp;hvdev=c\u0026amp;hvlocint=\u0026amp;hvlocphy=89993\u0026amp;hvtargid=pla-4584482486187399\u0026amp;psc=1","content_html":"\u003cp\u003eIntroduction of Guests: Trent A. Rogers serves as the Dean of Theological Studies \u0026amp; Associate Professor of New Testament \u0026amp; Greek at Cedarville University.  Jonathan A. Wood serves as Vice President for Student Life \u0026amp; Christian Ministries and is an Associate Professor of Theological Studies at Cedarville University in Cedarville, Ohio.\u003c/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eThey discuss how long they have been serving college students \u0026amp; the two years it took to write the book.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\nFred Zielonko-suggests while this book is for students, their parents ought to read it as well.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\nTalking to students working and teaching students led to the writing of the book. And, the two authors polled students \u0026amp; parents as to the questions they wanted answered from a biblical perspective and via biblical truths.\u003cbr\u003e\nTrent talks about how as a college student he was not well connected or intimately connected to your church.\u003cbr\u003e\nJonathan talked about the chapter he wrote about how to pick a college major.  Jonathan did not grow up in church.  He learned he had a lot of compassion to help 17-year olds to bring clarity to decision making while in college to help figure out what God has planned for their life. \u003cbr\u003e\nBoth professors homeschool their children.  Parents want to protect their children, but they also want to prepare them as well. \u003cbr\u003e\nWe then review the chapter headings and what all the book covers.\u003cbr\u003e\nJonathan gives us how he came to Christ not being raised in church, and the questions he asked back as a young man.  \u003c/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eThen we focused on how to choose a major to pursue.  Then the professors discussed how to choose a major; however, we need to focus more on God’s desire for us versus what are our passions.  They encourage students to think about how best to serve the world on behalf of God?  What are they prepared to do?  What are they passionate about?  And how one makes that all come together for a student to make a living.\u003cbr\u003e\nThey both then talk about how they chose to be what they wanted to be and how that is a meandering route not a straight line towards a career.\u003cbr\u003e\nWe discussed how God is directing our path even when we do not know it….\u003cbr\u003e\nChoosing a major end of the chapter is to “trust God!” Don’t build an idolatry in your own heart whereby it causes you to make bad decisions.\u003cbr\u003e\nWe then talk about the overriding theme of the book that is trust \u0026amp; discernment.  We also talked about how when students get to college they are in a situation where they make more decisions in a shorter amount of time that they ever did for their life.  So, they teach discernment and trusting in God.\u003cbr\u003e\nWe also discussed how the book prepares the students for life beyond college including dating and marriage.  They challenge students to not fall for the world’s definition of dating and marriage.  Instead, take a step back and discern whether your dating life is in accordance with what God has planned for you.\u003c/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eWe discussed iPhones and technology and its influence upon the college experience.\u003cbr\u003e\nThen we switched directions and talked about after the students read the book how do they put it to use it to fulfill the Great Commission and discipleship.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\nBoth while in college and once a student is out, they have a responsibility to be part of the community of the local church.  What they see on campus as to who is leading the youth revival.\u003cbr\u003e\nAsked what did the professors learned while writing the book?  Getting things to a point of simple clarity for students is needed by students.  God’s word is sufficient, but we need to point students continually back to the Word.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\nWhere the book can be found.\u003cbr\u003e\n Rooted in Truth amazon link: \u003cbr\u003e\n\u003ca href=\"https://www.amazon.com/Rooted-Truth-Answers-Questions-Students/dp/1527112691/ref=asc_df_1527112691?tag=bngsmtphsnus-20\u0026linkCode=df0\u0026hvadid=80883022504496\u0026hvnetw=s\u0026hvqmt=e\u0026hvbmt=be\u0026hvdev=c\u0026hvlocint=\u0026hvlocphy=89993\u0026hvtargid=pla-4584482486187399\u0026psc=1\" rel=\"nofollow\"\u003ehttps://www.amazon.com/Rooted-Truth-Answers-Questions-Students/dp/1527112691/ref=asc_df_1527112691?tag=bngsmtphsnus-20\u0026amp;linkCode=df0\u0026amp;hvadid=80883022504496\u0026amp;hvnetw=s\u0026amp;hvqmt=e\u0026amp;hvbmt=be\u0026amp;hvdev=c\u0026amp;hvlocint=\u0026amp;hvlocphy=89993\u0026amp;hvtargid=pla-4584482486187399\u0026amp;psc=1\u003c/a\u003e\u003c/p\u003e","summary":"Trent and Jonathan discus their guidance and mentorship of students at Cedarville University, and their book \"Rooted in Truth.\" Our guests tell us how God has guided them on their journeys and the ways they now give back to the youth. ","date_published":"2025-07-23T09:00:00.000-04:00","attachments":[{"url":"https://aphid.fireside.fm/d/1437767933/26a153e7-1eca-461d-9505-a8220bc86705/10dffe82-28f6-4c55-9816-4a050abc8474.mp3","mime_type":"audio/mpeg","size_in_bytes":34873290,"duration_in_seconds":2178}]},{"id":"a6ab32d9-b986-4352-b756-2c4be6bbfa66","title":"The HSLDA Compassion Curriculum Grants for Poor Homeschool Families \u0026 How To Apply","url":"https://raisethemup.fireside.fm/12","content_text":"100% of the money for the Compassion Grant Program comes from donors, many are former homeschool parents, and others who support educational choice.\n\nWe talked about the HSLDA and their core mission of legal defense for homeschool families. Organization is 40-years old. Nearly everyone who works for them homeschool or is a homeschool graduate.\n\nHSLDA is a membership organization \u0026amp; what it costs. Here is where podcast listeners can apply for curriculum grants: https://hslda.org/explore/applying-for-a-curriculum-grant\n\nAnd, Lorraine talks about what the requirements are to apply for the grants. Families receiving funds from the state via an ESA, families are not eligible to apply.\n\nWe talked about references needed to apply they can validate the general circumstances of the family apply and that they will use the money towards homeschooling.\n\nAll the processes are explained on the HSLDA website via short videos. Or, you can email the Compassion grants team to ask questions.\n\nBase amounts in the grants are $300-$400 per homeschool student for core curriculum. HSLDA does not dictate what curriculum you can purchase with thee money. Special needs students and their needs are eligible.\n\nLorriane \u0026amp; Dianne stressed that you use Google Chrome to apply. That works best for applying for the Compassion Curriculum Grant.\n\nEarliest opportunity to apply is by JUNE 30th! However, if you miss out, we discuss the two other times of the year to apply.\n\nIf one’s application is submitted by June 30th of this year, applicants learn if they’ll receive a grant in about 6-weeks, or mid-to-late August.\n\nApplicants can call HSLDA Compassion with questions not found on the website at: 540-338-8688.\n\nRecap of what it costs to join the HSLDA and financial aid available\n\nHow does one donate to the HSLDA to fund the compassion grants.\n\nOver ¼ of the grants distributed the recipients found out about the HSLDA curriculum grants via word of mouth. And, applicants can apply more than once from year-to-year.\n\nHSLDA Compassion Grants Program distributes anywhere between 700-800 grants per year.\n\nHSLDA can also assist families struggling through natural disasters with grant money, and those families do not need to be HSLDA members.","content_html":"\u003cp\u003e100% of the money for the Compassion Grant Program comes from donors, many are former homeschool parents, and others who support educational choice.\u003c/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eWe talked about the HSLDA and their core mission of legal defense for homeschool families. Organization is 40-years old. Nearly everyone who works for them homeschool or is a homeschool graduate.\u003c/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eHSLDA is a membership organization \u0026amp; what it costs. Here is where podcast listeners can apply for curriculum grants: \u003ca href=\"https://hslda.org/explore/applying-for-a-curriculum-grant\" rel=\"nofollow\"\u003ehttps://hslda.org/explore/applying-for-a-curriculum-grant\u003c/a\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eAnd, Lorraine talks about what the requirements are to apply for the grants. Families receiving funds from the state via an ESA, families are not eligible to apply.\u003c/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eWe talked about references needed to apply they can validate the general circumstances of the family apply and that they will use the money towards homeschooling.\u003c/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eAll the processes are explained on the HSLDA website via short videos. Or, you can email the Compassion grants team to ask questions.\u003c/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eBase amounts in the grants are $300-$400 per homeschool student for core curriculum. HSLDA does not dictate what curriculum you can purchase with thee money. Special needs students and their needs are eligible.\u003c/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eLorriane \u0026amp; Dianne stressed that you use Google Chrome to apply. That works best for applying for the Compassion Curriculum Grant.\u003c/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eEarliest opportunity to apply is by JUNE 30th! However, if you miss out, we discuss the two other times of the year to apply.\u003c/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eIf one’s application is submitted by June 30th of this year, applicants learn if they’ll receive a grant in about 6-weeks, or mid-to-late August.\u003c/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eApplicants can call HSLDA Compassion with questions not found on the website at: 540-338-8688.\u003c/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eRecap of what it costs to join the HSLDA and financial aid available\u003c/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eHow does one donate to the HSLDA to fund the compassion grants.\u003c/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eOver ¼ of the grants distributed the recipients found out about the HSLDA curriculum grants via word of mouth. And, applicants can apply more than once from year-to-year.\u003c/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eHSLDA Compassion Grants Program distributes anywhere between 700-800 grants per year.\u003c/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eHSLDA can also assist families struggling through natural disasters with grant money, and those families do not need to be HSLDA members.\u003c/p\u003e","summary":"We discussed the steps necessary to apply for the HSLDA Compassion curriculum grants and how the program started.","date_published":"2025-06-23T09:00:00.000-04:00","attachments":[{"url":"https://aphid.fireside.fm/d/1437767933/26a153e7-1eca-461d-9505-a8220bc86705/a6ab32d9-b986-4352-b756-2c4be6bbfa66.mp3","mime_type":"audio/mpeg","size_in_bytes":29158887,"duration_in_seconds":1821}]},{"id":"98dc4cef-2458-4614-b603-78516319405c","title":" Dr. Janice Supplee, vice president for marketing and communications of Cedarville University","url":"https://raisethemup.fireside.fm/11","content_text":"Guest: Dr. Janice Supplee, vice president for marketing and communications of Cedarville University of 6,400 students.  Undergraduate 4,000.\n\nIntroduction to Dr, Janice Supplee, VP of marketing and communication since 2016 of Cedarville University in Southwestern Ohio.\nHow she became a dean at Cedarville University.\nHer father was a professor at the University when it was a small college.\nHow the Lord called her back into service at Cedarville.\nWhy homeschool parents might appreciate Cedarville.\n\nLocation:\nCedarville is tiny but it is in easy reach of Columbus, Dayton \u0026amp; Cincinnati, Ohio.\nInterstate 70 is just north of Cedarville, Interstate 75 \u0026amp; Interstate 71, right in the triangle\nBetween those three highways.  \n\nTheir advertising motto and how they came up with it.\nBased upon an approximation of 1,000 days that students are enrolled in Cedarville University\nThe Curriculum is Christ-centered. -Students are exposed to Gospel impact and Christ through all disciplines.\nInvestment by Cedarville into programs that prepare students for real world careers even though they are liberal arts school.\nRead a list of offerings….\nWhat really sets Cedarville apart is their innovative approach?  They have a firm commitment to biblical truth across all disciplines. They have 175 different programs.\nStrategic decision in 1982 to start a nursing program, that is now their largest major. They  added multiple engineering disciplines, and after that cybersecurity.\nWhy homeschool students should attend Cedarville:\nIt’s the intentional investment of parents in their children’s education, and Cedarville continues that commitment to that intentionality. Cedarville guards against cultural undermining of their faith.\nHow they help students acclimate to college life especially since many new students are experiencing life for the first time away from home.\nShe recommends dual enrollment where high school students are enrolled in high school or in homeschool, while taking some online courses from Cedarville.\n\nEighty percent of students live on campus, so it’s family-oriented, community-oriented environment.\nDr. Supplee talks about how Cedarville pushes students biblically and academically\nDaily Bible reading and discussion is encouraged. \nHow Cedarville went from a Presbyterian denomination to Baptist to non-denominational \nFirst steps for parents and their students to enroll in Cedarville.\nShe recommends visiting during the school year to get fully immersed in the full college experience\nShe then discusses where the University draws its students.  80% from Ohio and the Midwest.\nClose and sponsorship mention of Wicks Family Grace Foundation.\nJanice Supplee, PhD-Vice President for Marketing \u0026amp; Communications\n\nBiography\nDr. Janice Supplee serves as Vice President for Marketing and Communications and Dean of Graduate Studies. She moved into her role leading Marketing and Communications in November 2016, began her service as Dean of Graduate Studies in 2017, and has been with the University since 1995. Privileged to be a part of Cedarville’s mission to equip students for professional excellence and Gospel impact, she has invested much of her Cedarville career in enrollment and marketing-related leadership roles. She has served on the president’s cabinet since 2009.\nEducation\nPhD in Educational Leadership, University of Nebraska\nMBA in Marketing, Wright State University\nBA in Communication, Cedarville University\n\nWebsite: Cedarville University; https://www.cedarville.edu/\nContact:\n251 N. Main St.\nCedarville, OH 45314 USA\n1-800-CEDARVILLE1-937-766-7700","content_html":"\u003cp\u003eGuest: Dr. Janice Supplee, vice president for marketing and communications of Cedarville University of 6,400 students.  Undergraduate 4,000.\u003c/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eIntroduction to Dr, Janice Supplee, VP of marketing and communication since 2016 of Cedarville University in Southwestern Ohio.\u003cbr\u003e\nHow she became a dean at Cedarville University.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\nHer father was a professor at the University when it was a small college.\u003cbr\u003e\nHow the Lord called her back into service at Cedarville.\u003cbr\u003e\nWhy homeschool parents might appreciate Cedarville.\u003c/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eLocation:\u003cbr\u003e\nCedarville is tiny but it is in easy reach of Columbus, Dayton \u0026amp; Cincinnati, Ohio.\u003cbr\u003e\nInterstate 70 is just north of Cedarville, Interstate 75 \u0026amp; Interstate 71, right in the triangle\u003cbr\u003e\nBetween those three highways.  \u003c/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eTheir advertising motto and how they came up with it.\u003cbr\u003e\nBased upon an approximation of 1,000 days that students are enrolled in Cedarville University\u003cbr\u003e\nThe Curriculum is Christ-centered. -Students are exposed to Gospel impact and Christ through all disciplines.\u003cbr\u003e\nInvestment by Cedarville into programs that prepare students for real world careers even though they are liberal arts school.\u003cbr\u003e\nRead a list of offerings….\u003cbr\u003e\nWhat really sets Cedarville apart is their innovative approach?  They have a firm commitment to biblical truth across all disciplines. They have 175 different programs.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\nStrategic decision in 1982 to start a nursing program, that is now their largest major. They  added multiple engineering disciplines, and after that cybersecurity.\u003cbr\u003e\nWhy homeschool students should attend Cedarville:\u003cbr\u003e\nIt’s the intentional investment of parents in their children’s education, and Cedarville continues that commitment to that intentionality. Cedarville guards against cultural undermining of their faith.\u003cbr\u003e\nHow they help students acclimate to college life especially since many new students are experiencing life for the first time away from home.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\nShe recommends dual enrollment where high school students are enrolled in high school or in homeschool, while taking some online courses from Cedarville.\u003c/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eEighty percent of students live on campus, so it’s family-oriented, community-oriented environment.\u003cbr\u003e\nDr. Supplee talks about how Cedarville pushes students biblically and academically\u003cbr\u003e\nDaily Bible reading and discussion is encouraged. \u003cbr\u003e\nHow Cedarville went from a Presbyterian denomination to Baptist to non-denominational \u003cbr\u003e\nFirst steps for parents and their students to enroll in Cedarville.\u003cbr\u003e\nShe recommends visiting during the school year to get fully immersed in the full college experience\u003cbr\u003e\nShe then discusses where the University draws its students.  80% from Ohio and the Midwest.\u003cbr\u003e\nClose and sponsorship mention of Wicks Family Grace Foundation.\u003cbr\u003e\nJanice Supplee, PhD-Vice President for Marketing \u0026amp; Communications\u003c/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eBiography\u003cbr\u003e\nDr. Janice Supplee serves as Vice President for Marketing and Communications and Dean of Graduate Studies. She moved into her role leading Marketing and Communications in November 2016, began her service as Dean of Graduate Studies in 2017, and has been with the University since 1995. Privileged to be a part of Cedarville’s mission to equip students for professional excellence and Gospel impact, she has invested much of her Cedarville career in enrollment and marketing-related leadership roles. She has served on the president’s cabinet since 2009.\u003cbr\u003e\nEducation\u003cbr\u003e\nPhD in Educational Leadership, University of Nebraska\u003cbr\u003e\nMBA in Marketing, Wright State University\u003cbr\u003e\nBA in Communication, Cedarville University\u003c/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eWebsite: Cedarville University; \u003ca href=\"https://www.cedarville.edu/\" rel=\"nofollow\"\u003ehttps://www.cedarville.edu/\u003c/a\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\nContact:\u003cbr\u003e\n251 N. Main St.\u003cbr\u003e\nCedarville, OH 45314 USA\u003cbr\u003e\n1-800-CEDARVILLE1-937-766-7700\u003c/p\u003e","summary":"Dr. Janice Supplee discusses her background and role at Cedarville University. She talks about the 175 different programs available and that the curriculum is Christ-centered as well as family and community oriented.  ","date_published":"2025-05-21T15:00:00.000-04:00","attachments":[{"url":"https://aphid.fireside.fm/d/1437767933/26a153e7-1eca-461d-9505-a8220bc86705/98dc4cef-2458-4614-b603-78516319405c.mp3","mime_type":"audio/mpeg","size_in_bytes":28879238,"duration_in_seconds":1803}]},{"id":"790f1d9e-4c6e-45a3-8165-bd5097c347b8","title":"Is Overuse of Profanity Harming Our Society?","url":"https://raisethemup.fireside.fm/10","content_text":"How second nature profanity has become in our society \u0026amp; even in Congress.\n\nThe way that we speak reflects the way that we feel.\n\nSwearing is “lazy language.”\n\nCursing is an excuse for thinking.\n\nJudy Gruen talks about being a religious Jew who tries to avoid exposing herself to flagrant profanity, including by comedians.\n\nThe sinful nature of cursing\n\nFred gives biblical examples-quotes Scripture verses.\n\nParents are the first teachers and it’s best not to curse in front of your your children.\n\nJudy then gives advice on how to talk to children about cursing even if it comes from their mommy or daddy. Teach your children that “words can create worlds or destroy worlds.” Judy talks about how she wanted her words to count for the good is one reason she writes on faith issues.\n\nHow we turn the tide of reversing the cursing trend that is so prevalent. How she became aware how much cursing has become so prevalent. She recalls a specific incident in a parking lot when she was with her children.\n\nWhy she thinks the issue is broader than cursing alone. The broader issue is that we’ve become used to saying what is the first thing that pops into our head especially on social media. She advises us that we all need to be more disciplined and actually stop to think before speaking.\n\nHow vulgar and coarse has become thought of in the public as somehow sophisticated. She’s puzzled by that trend.\n\nWe then pivoted the conversation to her new book, Bylines \u0026amp; Blessings, and how she came to write one. It deals with the push/pull of being a stay-at-home mother and professional journalist. How to balance motherhood and a professional life.\n\nThere is a lot of humor in this book and how she believes humor is a life tool.\n\nShe then goes on to discuss other books she published and that she is a accomplished editor. How writing teaches one how to speak. Clear thinking leads to clear writing and speaking. She advises to slow everything down. Too much happens too fast and we’d all be better off.\n\nHow times have changed whereby there are fewer \u0026amp; fewer censors to police the language.\n\nWhat book influenced her to be a writer? She loved the humorous \u0026amp; columnist Erma Bombeck. She expounds upon Bombeck’s influence. She explains how humor is a balm and how it helps heal especially, like her, how it helped her through personal tragedy.\n\nWe then discussed what the future of the print media is like newspapers, magazines and books.\n\nWe then talked about coaching young writers and where to look for good writing such as her Substack \u0026amp; the Free Press.\n\nJudy then talked about the public speaking aspect of her career. She often talks about the intersection of a personal life and professional life and utilizing faith as a undergirding value.\n\nShe then encourages people to find a creative outlet no matter what you are creating. “Creativity is energy.” Find ways to creatively share what you have to share.\n\nDon’t be intimidated by your creative status. Go for it no matter what!\n\nShe relates how she overcame such intimidation at a conference when she was sandwiched between two more prominent speakers. How she learned to be real as a writer and speaker. And, how to be honest with yourself and your audience.\n\nHow to use New Media as a tool for furthering your message.\n\nWrapped It Up….\n\nHow we all need to work together to push back against the culture,","content_html":"\u003cp\u003eHow second nature profanity has become in our society \u0026amp; even in Congress.\u003c/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eThe way that we speak reflects the way that we feel.\u003c/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eSwearing is “lazy language.”\u003c/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eCursing is an excuse for thinking.\u003c/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eJudy Gruen talks about being a religious Jew who tries to avoid exposing herself to flagrant profanity, including by comedians.\u003c/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eThe sinful nature of cursing\u003c/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eFred gives biblical examples-quotes Scripture verses.\u003c/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eParents are the first teachers and it’s best not to curse in front of your your children.\u003c/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eJudy then gives advice on how to talk to children about cursing even if it comes from their mommy or daddy. Teach your children that “words can create worlds or destroy worlds.” Judy talks about how she wanted her words to count for the good is one reason she writes on faith issues.\u003c/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eHow we turn the tide of reversing the cursing trend that is so prevalent. How she became aware how much cursing has become so prevalent. She recalls a specific incident in a parking lot when she was with her children.\u003c/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eWhy she thinks the issue is broader than cursing alone. The broader issue is that we’ve become used to saying what is the first thing that pops into our head especially on social media. She advises us that we all need to be more disciplined and actually stop to think before speaking.\u003c/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eHow vulgar and coarse has become thought of in the public as somehow sophisticated. She’s puzzled by that trend.\u003c/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eWe then pivoted the conversation to her new book, Bylines \u0026amp; Blessings, and how she came to write one. It deals with the push/pull of being a stay-at-home mother and professional journalist. How to balance motherhood and a professional life.\u003c/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eThere is a lot of humor in this book and how she believes humor is a life tool.\u003c/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eShe then goes on to discuss other books she published and that she is a accomplished editor. How writing teaches one how to speak. Clear thinking leads to clear writing and speaking. She advises to slow everything down. Too much happens too fast and we’d all be better off.\u003c/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eHow times have changed whereby there are fewer \u0026amp; fewer censors to police the language.\u003c/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eWhat book influenced her to be a writer? She loved the humorous \u0026amp; columnist Erma Bombeck. She expounds upon Bombeck’s influence. She explains how humor is a balm and how it helps heal especially, like her, how it helped her through personal tragedy.\u003c/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eWe then discussed what the future of the print media is like newspapers, magazines and books.\u003c/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eWe then talked about coaching young writers and where to look for good writing such as her Substack \u0026amp; the Free Press.\u003c/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eJudy then talked about the public speaking aspect of her career. She often talks about the intersection of a personal life and professional life and utilizing faith as a undergirding value.\u003c/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eShe then encourages people to find a creative outlet no matter what you are creating. “Creativity is energy.” Find ways to creatively share what you have to share.\u003c/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eDon’t be intimidated by your creative status. Go for it no matter what!\u003c/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eShe relates how she overcame such intimidation at a conference when she was sandwiched between two more prominent speakers. How she learned to be real as a writer and speaker. And, how to be honest with yourself and your audience.\u003c/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eHow to use New Media as a tool for furthering your message.\u003c/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eWrapped It Up….\u003c/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eHow we all need to work together to push back against the culture,\u003c/p\u003e","summary":"","date_published":"2025-04-17T17:00:00.000-04:00","attachments":[{"url":"https://aphid.fireside.fm/d/1437767933/26a153e7-1eca-461d-9505-a8220bc86705/790f1d9e-4c6e-45a3-8165-bd5097c347b8.mp3","mime_type":"audio/mpeg","size_in_bytes":43426985,"duration_in_seconds":2712}]},{"id":"9e85798d-d273-4fae-a205-a0ef6a01bff3","title":"Fred Pry, VP of Administration at CEF","url":"https://raisethemup.fireside.fm/9","content_text":"Introduction-Sponsorship mention: Wicks Family Grace Foundation\n\nFred Pry: describes what is Child Evangelism Fellowship Ministry.\n\nAnnounces that he is no longer “Acting VP of Administration, but the Vice President of CEF\n\nFred talks about how CEF was founded \u0026amp; how long it has been around and who they serve worldwide.\n\nI reference the article what brought Fred Pry into the studio about Undertanding the 6-Vital Keys to Spiritual Growth for Kids after they accept Christ.\n\n\nPrayer, but not rote prayer, but encourage children to have a conversation with God.\nRead the Bible…where do they start in the word? Start children with the Book of Mark. Teach children to remember the number of verses that match the child’s age. Go with your child and let them pick out their bible at the Christian bookstore. Bibles make great gifts. As they get older keep buying them bibles to suit their age. Other devotional books Fred Pry recommend. CEF began publishing devotional books tailored to the children’s age, early readers and those students new to the bible. Let kids mark up their bibles with notes. And, how do parents acquire the devotionals-www.CEFonline.com\nGive as God Leads…teaching children to have a giving heart and how well that serves them. Not just money, but time. And, giving within the family, siblings helping siblings.\nGot to Church….why this is troublesome today with parents and children not returning to church after the pandemic. Teach children the value of community. Where does Fred stand on having children within the church service. He has personally seen the benefits for keeping children with parents within the service or at least for a portion of the service.\n\n\nParents need to be enthusiastic about going to worship and worshipping.\n\n\nMake Friends with Other Believers. We then discussed making friends with other believers and what opportunities present themselves outside the four walls of the church.\nTell Others About Jesus-CEF has created the “Good News Club.” It’s one of CEF’s primary ministries for the purpose of introducing Christ to children. How do churches get affiliated with the Good News Clubs and how they have been able to get those clubs into public schools.\n\n\nHe then explained how CEF was involved in a Supreme Court case that ruled in their favor.\n\nWe then recap the 6-Vital Keys to Spiritual Growth for Kids he wrote about in his article. We briefly revisit those 6-keys.\n\nFred mostly edited the article, but a team at CEF wrote the main body of the article. That led to a discussion of CEF’s creative staff locally and around the world.\n\nFred Pry then explains the joy of serving the Lord and why he loves his job. We further discussed his background in publishing that brought him to CEF.\n\nOutro and closing mention of our podcast sponsor the Wicks Family Grace foundation.\n\nCEF’s website- https://www.cefonline.com/","content_html":"\u003cp\u003eIntroduction-Sponsorship mention: Wicks Family Grace Foundation\u003c/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eFred Pry: describes what is Child Evangelism Fellowship Ministry.\u003c/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eAnnounces that he is no longer “Acting VP of Administration, but the Vice President of CEF\u003c/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eFred talks about how CEF was founded \u0026amp; how long it has been around and who they serve worldwide.\u003c/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eI reference the article what brought Fred Pry into the studio about Undertanding the 6-Vital Keys to Spiritual Growth for Kids after they accept Christ.\u003c/p\u003e\n\n\u003col\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\u003cp\u003ePrayer, but not rote prayer, but encourage children to have a conversation with God.\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\u003cp\u003eRead the Bible…where do they start in the word? Start children with the Book of Mark. Teach children to remember the number of verses that match the child’s age. Go with your child and let them pick out their bible at the Christian bookstore. Bibles make great gifts. As they get older keep buying them bibles to suit their age. Other devotional books Fred Pry recommend. CEF began publishing devotional books tailored to the children’s age, early readers and those students new to the bible. Let kids mark up their bibles with notes. And, how do parents acquire the devotionals-\u003ca href=\"http://www.CEFonline.com\" rel=\"nofollow\"\u003ewww.CEFonline.com\u003c/a\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\u003cp\u003eGive as God Leads…teaching children to have a giving heart and how well that serves them. Not just money, but time. And, giving within the family, siblings helping siblings.\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\u003cp\u003eGot to Church….why this is troublesome today with parents and children not returning to church after the pandemic. Teach children the value of community. Where does Fred stand on having children within the church service. He has personally seen the benefits for keeping children with parents within the service or at least for a portion of the service.\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003c/ol\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eParents need to be enthusiastic about going to worship and worshipping.\u003c/p\u003e\n\n\u003col\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\u003cp\u003eMake Friends with Other Believers. We then discussed making friends with other believers and what opportunities present themselves outside the four walls of the church.\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\u003cp\u003eTell Others About Jesus-CEF has created the “Good News Club.” It’s one of CEF’s primary ministries for the purpose of introducing Christ to children. How do churches get affiliated with the Good News Clubs and how they have been able to get those clubs into public schools.\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003c/ol\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eHe then explained how CEF was involved in a Supreme Court case that ruled in their favor.\u003c/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eWe then recap the 6-Vital Keys to Spiritual Growth for Kids he wrote about in his article. We briefly revisit those 6-keys.\u003c/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eFred mostly edited the article, but a team at CEF wrote the main body of the article. That led to a discussion of CEF’s creative staff locally and around the world.\u003c/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eFred Pry then explains the joy of serving the Lord and why he loves his job. We further discussed his background in publishing that brought him to CEF.\u003c/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eOutro and closing mention of our podcast sponsor the Wicks Family Grace foundation.\u003c/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eCEF’s website- \u003ca href=\"https://www.cefonline.com/\" rel=\"nofollow\"\u003ehttps://www.cefonline.com/\u003c/a\u003e\u003c/p\u003e","summary":"Fred interviews guest, Fred Pry, VP of Administration at Child Evangelism Fellowship (CEF).","date_published":"2025-03-25T14:00:00.000-04:00","attachments":[{"url":"https://aphid.fireside.fm/d/1437767933/26a153e7-1eca-461d-9505-a8220bc86705/9e85798d-d273-4fae-a205-a0ef6a01bff3.mp3","mime_type":"audio/mpeg","size_in_bytes":35533341,"duration_in_seconds":2219}]},{"id":"7d495415-9244-4e87-8493-446158f6dd10","title":"Katy McKinney- Founder \u0026 Headmaster of Academy de Lafayette","url":"https://raisethemup.fireside.fm/8","content_text":"On this episode of Raise Them Up! host Fred Zielonko talks to Katy McKinney, founder and headmaster of the Academy de Lafayette, whose student body was ranked by the classic learning tests as having one of the highest test scores in the nation for the 2023-24 academic year.\n\nHow Katy came to name the school she founded and is the headmaster back in 2017.\nKaty started out as a teacher in California, sold investments, and then decided she did not want to be a public education teacher\nMoved to St. Louis and learned about homeschooling and started teaching her own children.\n\nHer “ah-ha” moment that convinced her start her own classical education school.\nHow she reached out to God to find a way to start her own school-God directed her to the Internet and Hillsdale College.\nIt took her three years to raise the money and open the school.  She explained the process. Her husband and her funded the school initially, and paid \nherself finally after the third year. \nHow she partnered with Hillsdale College to develop her school and curriculum…Hillsdale’s curriculum is in many, many schools now.\n\nThen we discussed what is classical education? \nKaty explains how our founders had a classical education and she explains it’s constitutionally-based, and all what it includes including Latin.\n\nWe discussed how much homework they have and how they started as a K-thru 7th grade, and now it’s through it is K-thru-12.\nHer one regret about founding her own school. School has grown from 9-children to 102 from 2017 to 2024.\n\nHow COVID impacted the growth in her school.\n\nKaty discusses her vision for her academy and that includes an online edition.\n\nThen, we discussed her teaching of civics in her academy and reading via phonics.\n\nWhy her Academy also includes a music education.\n\nKaty discusses how they are funded and if they are profitable.\nShe goes on to discuss the value of their education and what parents actually pay.  \n\nLafayette also teaches capitalism, financial literacy, and how they integrate field trips into the curriculum.\n\nThen we discussed parental involvement in classical education-Lafayette welcomes all parental involvement.\n\nWe discussed when is the best time to apply for enrollment?\n\nKaty lays out and explains the whole curriculum, faculty, mission and discipline.\n\nFinally, we discussed the decline of liberal arts education and how she thinks classical academies will cause a resurgence of liberal arts colleges.\n\nConcluded with her contact information and how to apply, grants, financial aid \u0026amp; scholarships.\n\nHillsdale.edu is where you can find information about classical education schools throughout the United States.\n\nKaty’s website is: www. lafayetteacademy.org – where you can find her bio and background information.\nBio of Katy \u0026amp; Letter of recognition as a top 20 classical academy is attached.","content_html":"\u003cp\u003eOn this episode of Raise Them Up! host Fred Zielonko talks to Katy McKinney, founder and headmaster of the Academy de Lafayette, whose student body was ranked by the classic learning tests as having one of the highest test scores in the nation for the 2023-24 academic year.\u003c/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eHow Katy came to name the school she founded and is the headmaster back in 2017.\u003cbr\u003e\nKaty started out as a teacher in California, sold investments, and then decided she did not want to be a public education teacher\u003cbr\u003e\nMoved to St. Louis and learned about homeschooling and started teaching her own children.\u003c/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eHer “ah-ha” moment that convinced her start her own classical education school.\u003cbr\u003e\nHow she reached out to God to find a way to start her own school-God directed her to the Internet and Hillsdale College.\u003cbr\u003e\nIt took her three years to raise the money and open the school.  She explained the process. Her husband and her funded the school initially, and paid \u003cbr\u003e\nherself finally after the third year. \u003cbr\u003e\nHow she partnered with Hillsdale College to develop her school and curriculum…Hillsdale’s curriculum is in many, many schools now.\u003c/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eThen we discussed what is classical education? \u003cbr\u003e\nKaty explains how our founders had a classical education and she explains it’s constitutionally-based, and all what it includes including Latin.\u003c/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eWe discussed how much homework they have and how they started as a K-thru 7th grade, and now it’s through it is K-thru-12.\u003cbr\u003e\nHer one regret about founding her own school. School has grown from 9-children to 102 from 2017 to 2024.\u003c/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eHow COVID impacted the growth in her school.\u003c/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eKaty discusses her vision for her academy and that includes an online edition.\u003c/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eThen, we discussed her teaching of civics in her academy and reading via phonics.\u003c/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eWhy her Academy also includes a music education.\u003c/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eKaty discusses how they are funded and if they are profitable.\u003cbr\u003e\nShe goes on to discuss the value of their education and what parents actually pay.  \u003c/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eLafayette also teaches capitalism, financial literacy, and how they integrate field trips into the curriculum.\u003c/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eThen we discussed parental involvement in classical education-Lafayette welcomes all parental involvement.\u003c/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eWe discussed when is the best time to apply for enrollment?\u003c/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eKaty lays out and explains the whole curriculum, faculty, mission and discipline.\u003c/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eFinally, we discussed the decline of liberal arts education and how she thinks classical academies will cause a resurgence of liberal arts colleges.\u003c/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eConcluded with her contact information and how to apply, grants, financial aid \u0026amp; scholarships.\u003c/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eHillsdale.edu is where you can find information about classical education schools throughout the United States.\u003c/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eKaty’s website is: \u003ca href=\"http://www\" rel=\"nofollow\"\u003ewww\u003c/a\u003e. lafayetteacademy.org – where you can find her bio and background information.\u003cbr\u003e\nBio of Katy \u0026amp; Letter of recognition as a top 20 classical academy is attached.\u003c/p\u003e","summary":"Katy discusses the foundation of Lafayette Academy and how classical education teaches academics and virtue. ","date_published":"2025-02-21T09:00:00.000-05:00","attachments":[{"url":"https://aphid.fireside.fm/d/1437767933/26a153e7-1eca-461d-9505-a8220bc86705/7d495415-9244-4e87-8493-446158f6dd10.mp3","mime_type":"audio/mpeg","size_in_bytes":49355956,"duration_in_seconds":3083}]},{"id":"a9a54ce6-1b3a-4b38-917e-e4082fc63839","title":"Natalie Mack: Home School Consultant for Military Families","url":"https://raisethemup.fireside.fm/7","content_text":"Natalie is a homeschool mother of five. Four of the five children have graduated college. Still homeschooling one. Has been homeschooling for over 23-years.\n\nWhy she became a homeschool mom… When her military chaplain husband got transferred to California, she gave up her therapy license in Maryland and decided then to homeschool mom.\n\nNot anti-public school but favors homeschooling.\n\nShe is now a public speaker and author. She talks about how God opened doors for you, but no need to walk through them at one time.\n\nPlease put in an amazon link to her book: 101 Tips for Homeschooling.\n\nHer workshop is bloom, uproot, and replant geared towards military families who are reassigned every two years. She teaches parents how to adjust to a new environment and maintain homeschooling., what laws apply in what states and in what country.\n\nWherever you homeschool state laws apply.\n\nWe then shifted to talking about how she helps homeschool students adjust to being away from home for the first time. Parents must realize that their children will leave one day \u0026amp; it’s important to prepare them to live away from home. Raising them to launch somewhere, but it doesn’t necessarily be college. It could be a career, military service, etc. So, it’s important to play to their passions and gear their education to support their passions.\n\nWe then discussed the importance of getting children in outside interests such as clubs and groups. (She recommends some groups a few minutes later) It helps them flesh out their academic resumes for college as well. They need to learn to make decisions independently.\n\nShe found in homeschool families, the older siblings help raise the younger siblings and help them learn to listen to and trust MOM.\n\nParticipation in outside groups helps children think independently, make decisions, some good \u0026amp; some bad, and how to learn from their independence. That’s where parents need to step back and not be involved.\n\nNatalie then discusses how she would incorporate their various domestic and foreign locations into learning, or the national election in teaching civics and citizen responsibilities. She suggested taking your children with you when you go vote.\n\nThen we discussed MHA, Military Homeschool Association, a nonprofit to assist military parents. They’ll learn their rights as military homeschool parents. (This would be a good group to add to our Education Resource Page).\n\nShe then plugged her podcast, consulting, public speaking, and her website www.natalie-mack.com.\n\nNatalie then discusses how God is using her and how she listens for His direction.\n\nWe close talking about her consultation business. First consultation is free.\n\nShe can help homeschool student athletes learn what they need to know to meet NCAA requirements for athletic scholarships.\n\nFinally, how to pace oneself for all that God gave her to do.","content_html":"\u003cp\u003eNatalie is a homeschool mother of five. Four of the five children have graduated college. Still homeschooling one. Has been homeschooling for over 23-years.\u003c/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eWhy she became a homeschool mom… When her military chaplain husband got transferred to California, she gave up her therapy license in Maryland and decided then to homeschool mom.\u003c/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eNot anti-public school but favors homeschooling.\u003c/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eShe is now a public speaker and author. She talks about how God opened doors for you, but no need to walk through them at one time.\u003c/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003ePlease put in an amazon link to her book: 101 Tips for Homeschooling.\u003c/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eHer workshop is bloom, uproot, and replant geared towards military families who are reassigned every two years. She teaches parents how to adjust to a new environment and maintain homeschooling., what laws apply in what states and in what country.\u003c/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eWherever you homeschool state laws apply.\u003c/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eWe then shifted to talking about how she helps homeschool students adjust to being away from home for the first time. Parents must realize that their children will leave one day \u0026amp; it’s important to prepare them to live away from home. Raising them to launch somewhere, but it doesn’t necessarily be college. It could be a career, military service, etc. So, it’s important to play to their passions and gear their education to support their passions.\u003c/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eWe then discussed the importance of getting children in outside interests such as clubs and groups. (She recommends some groups a few minutes later) It helps them flesh out their academic resumes for college as well. They need to learn to make decisions independently.\u003c/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eShe found in homeschool families, the older siblings help raise the younger siblings and help them learn to listen to and trust MOM.\u003c/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eParticipation in outside groups helps children think independently, make decisions, some good \u0026amp; some bad, and how to learn from their independence. That’s where parents need to step back and not be involved.\u003c/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eNatalie then discusses how she would incorporate their various domestic and foreign locations into learning, or the national election in teaching civics and citizen responsibilities. She suggested taking your children with you when you go vote.\u003c/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eThen we discussed MHA, Military Homeschool Association, a nonprofit to assist military parents. They’ll learn their rights as military homeschool parents. (This would be a good group to add to our Education Resource Page).\u003c/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eShe then plugged her podcast, consulting, public speaking, and her website \u003ca href=\"http://www.natalie-mack.com\" rel=\"nofollow\"\u003ewww.natalie-mack.com\u003c/a\u003e.\u003c/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eNatalie then discusses how God is using her and how she listens for His direction.\u003c/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eWe close talking about her consultation business. First consultation is free.\u003c/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eShe can help homeschool student athletes learn what they need to know to meet NCAA requirements for athletic scholarships.\u003c/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eFinally, how to pace oneself for all that God gave her to do.\u003c/p\u003e","summary":"Natalie is a homeschool mother of five. Four of the five children have graduated college. Still homeschooling one. Has been homeschooling for over 23-years.","date_published":"2025-01-09T15:00:00.000-05:00","attachments":[{"url":"https://aphid.fireside.fm/d/1437767933/26a153e7-1eca-461d-9505-a8220bc86705/a9a54ce6-1b3a-4b38-917e-e4082fc63839.mp3","mime_type":"audio/mpeg","size_in_bytes":33766249,"duration_in_seconds":2109}]},{"id":"15448a8f-c960-4005-8560-8a5a91e37a2f","title":"6: Why Civics Education Matters for the Survival of the Republic | Jeffrey Sikkenga","url":"https://raisethemup.fireside.fm/6","content_text":"A self-governing republic depends on citizens who understand its history, principles, and responsibilities — yet civics education in America is rapidly declining.\n\nIn this episode of Raise Them Up, Fred Zielonko is joined by Dr. Jeffrey Sikkenga, executive director of the Ashbrook Center and professor of political science at Ashland University, to discuss the growing crisis in civics education and why it matters for the future of the nation.\n\nDrawing from decades of teaching and research, Dr. Sikkenga explains how American history and civics have been sidelined in modern education, leaving many students without a clear understanding of the Constitution, the Declaration of Independence, or the structure of government. He shares why this lack of knowledge weakens civic engagement — and how education rooted in primary documents and serious inquiry can restore informed patriotism.\n\nIn this episode, you’ll hear about:\n\n\nWhy civics and history instruction has sharply declined\nThe dangers of civic ignorance in a self-governing republic\nHow primary documents bring American history to life\nThe difference between education and indoctrination\nWhy informed patriotism requires truth, courage, and understanding\nHow parents, teachers, and institutions can help reverse the trend\n\n\nThis conversation offers both a warning and a hopeful path forward for families who want to raise children prepared to think critically, participate wisely, and steward the freedoms they’ve inherited.\n\nResources Mentioned\n\nBook: A Republic, If You Can Teach It\nby Jeffrey Sikkenga \u0026amp; David Davenport\nhttps://www.amazon.com/Republic-If-You-Can-Teach/dp/1641773122/\n\nAshbrook Center\nhttps://ashbrook.org/\n\nTeaching American History\nhttps://teachingamericanhistory.org/\n\nAshbrook Center Podcast: The American Idea\nhttps://ashbrook.org/podcast/","content_html":"\u003cp\u003eA self-governing republic depends on citizens who understand its history, principles, and responsibilities — yet civics education in America is rapidly declining.\u003c/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eIn this episode of Raise Them Up, Fred Zielonko is joined by Dr. Jeffrey Sikkenga, executive director of the Ashbrook Center and professor of political science at Ashland University, to discuss the growing crisis in civics education and why it matters for the future of the nation.\u003c/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eDrawing from decades of teaching and research, Dr. Sikkenga explains how American history and civics have been sidelined in modern education, leaving many students without a clear understanding of the Constitution, the Declaration of Independence, or the structure of government. He shares why this lack of knowledge weakens civic engagement — and how education rooted in primary documents and serious inquiry can restore informed patriotism.\u003c/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eIn this episode, you’ll hear about:\u003c/p\u003e\n\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eWhy civics and history instruction has sharply declined\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eThe dangers of civic ignorance in a self-governing republic\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eHow primary documents bring American history to life\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eThe difference between education and indoctrination\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eWhy informed patriotism requires truth, courage, and understanding\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eHow parents, teachers, and institutions can help reverse the trend\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003c/ul\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eThis conversation offers both a warning and a hopeful path forward for families who want to raise children prepared to think critically, participate wisely, and steward the freedoms they’ve inherited.\u003c/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eResources Mentioned\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eBook: A Republic, If You Can Teach It\u003cbr\u003e\nby Jeffrey Sikkenga \u0026amp; David Davenport\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003ca href=\"https://www.amazon.com/Republic-If-You-Can-Teach/dp/1641773122/\" rel=\"nofollow\"\u003ehttps://www.amazon.com/Republic-If-You-Can-Teach/dp/1641773122/\u003c/a\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eAshbrook Center\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003ca href=\"https://ashbrook.org/\" rel=\"nofollow\"\u003ehttps://ashbrook.org/\u003c/a\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eTeaching American History\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003ca href=\"https://teachingamericanhistory.org/\" rel=\"nofollow\"\u003ehttps://teachingamericanhistory.org/\u003c/a\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eAshbrook Center Podcast: The American Idea\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003ca href=\"https://ashbrook.org/podcast/\" rel=\"nofollow\"\u003ehttps://ashbrook.org/podcast/\u003c/a\u003e\u003c/p\u003e","summary":"A free society depends on citizens who understand what they’ve been given.","date_published":"2024-12-04T15:00:00.000-05:00","attachments":[{"url":"https://aphid.fireside.fm/d/1437767933/26a153e7-1eca-461d-9505-a8220bc86705/15448a8f-c960-4005-8560-8a5a91e37a2f.mp3","mime_type":"audio/mpeg","size_in_bytes":31087764,"duration_in_seconds":1842}]},{"id":"4adcc2e2-8549-4b7f-abab-22d09216ddb7","title":"5: Why Children Need Free Play to Thrive | Dr. Peter Gray","url":"https://raisethemup.fireside.fm/5","content_text":"For generations, children learned essential life skills through free, self-directed play — exploring their world, solving problems, and growing in independence. Today, much of that freedom has disappeared.\n\nIn this episode of Raise Them Up, Fred Zielonko welcomes Dr. Peter Gray, research professor and evolutionary psychologist, to discuss why play is not a luxury for children — it’s a necessity. Drawing on decades of research, Dr. Gray explains how the decline of unstructured play has contributed to rising anxiety, depression, and stress among children and teens.\n\nThe conversation explores how childhood has changed, why modern education often prioritizes structure over development, and how play teaches resilience, self-regulation, and responsibility in ways no classroom can replicate. Dr. Gray also shares insights from his work with alternative education models and his advocacy through the Let Grow organization.\n\nIn this episode, you’ll hear about:\n\n\nWhy self-directed play is critical for healthy child development\nHow freedom and exploration build confidence and resilience\nThe connection between reduced play and rising childhood anxiety\nWhy structured activities can’t replace true play\nHow schools and families can restore opportunities for independence\nPractical steps parents can take to encourage healthy freedom\n\n\nThis episode offers parents a hopeful and research-backed perspective on raising children who are emotionally strong, capable, and prepared for life.\n\nResources mentioned in this episode:\n\nBook: Free to Learn — Dr. Peter Gray\nhttps://www.petergray.org/free-to-learn/\n\nLet Grow (nonprofit encouraging childhood independence)\nhttps://letgrow.org/\n\nSubstack: Play Makes Us Human\nhttps://playmakesushuman.substack.com/\n\nPeter Gray – Articles \u0026amp; Research\nhttps://www.petergray.org/","content_html":"\u003cp\u003eFor generations, children learned essential life skills through free, self-directed play — exploring their world, solving problems, and growing in independence. Today, much of that freedom has disappeared.\u003c/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eIn this episode of Raise Them Up, Fred Zielonko welcomes Dr. Peter Gray, research professor and evolutionary psychologist, to discuss why play is not a luxury for children — it’s a necessity. Drawing on decades of research, Dr. Gray explains how the decline of unstructured play has contributed to rising anxiety, depression, and stress among children and teens.\u003c/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eThe conversation explores how childhood has changed, why modern education often prioritizes structure over development, and how play teaches resilience, self-regulation, and responsibility in ways no classroom can replicate. Dr. Gray also shares insights from his work with alternative education models and his advocacy through the Let Grow organization.\u003c/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eIn this episode, you’ll hear about:\u003c/p\u003e\n\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eWhy self-directed play is critical for healthy child development\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eHow freedom and exploration build confidence and resilience\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eThe connection between reduced play and rising childhood anxiety\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eWhy structured activities can’t replace true play\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eHow schools and families can restore opportunities for independence\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003ePractical steps parents can take to encourage healthy freedom\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003c/ul\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eThis episode offers parents a hopeful and research-backed perspective on raising children who are emotionally strong, capable, and prepared for life.\u003c/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eResources mentioned in this episode:\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eBook: Free to Learn — Dr. Peter Gray\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003ca href=\"https://www.petergray.org/free-to-learn/\" rel=\"nofollow\"\u003ehttps://www.petergray.org/free-to-learn/\u003c/a\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eLet Grow (nonprofit encouraging childhood independence)\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003ca href=\"https://letgrow.org/\" rel=\"nofollow\"\u003ehttps://letgrow.org/\u003c/a\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eSubstack: Play Makes Us Human\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003ca href=\"https://playmakesushuman.substack.com/\" rel=\"nofollow\"\u003ehttps://playmakesushuman.substack.com/\u003c/a\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003ePeter Gray – Articles \u0026amp; Research\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003ca href=\"https://www.petergray.org/\" rel=\"nofollow\"\u003ehttps://www.petergray.org/\u003c/a\u003e\u003c/p\u003e","summary":"Children learn resilience, confidence, and responsibility through self-directed play. In this episode, Dr. Peter Gray explains how the loss of free play has impacted children’s mental health — and why restoring it is essential for healthy development. A thought-provoking conversation for parents navigating modern childhood.","date_published":"2024-10-22T17:00:00.000-04:00","attachments":[{"url":"https://aphid.fireside.fm/d/1437767933/26a153e7-1eca-461d-9505-a8220bc86705/4adcc2e2-8549-4b7f-abab-22d09216ddb7.mp3","mime_type":"audio/mpeg","size_in_bytes":52972429,"duration_in_seconds":3112}]},{"id":"78d31f51-1aeb-4dda-a8b0-86db324a478b","title":"4: Discipling Children with a Biblical Worldview Starts at Home | Israel Wayne","url":"https://raisethemup.fireside.fm/4","content_text":"Israel explains how his mother helped originate the modern homeschool movement in 1983 \u0026amp; subsequently published a homeschool magazine\n\n11- years ago he started Family Renewal along with his wife. And, he speaks at 30- to-50 events per year.\n\nHow he followed in his mother’s business \u0026amp; how he and his sister proofread his mother’s magazine.\n\nHow difficult it was initially to reach teenagers. Dr. George Barna’s research said that a child’s worldview is locked in by age 12. So, that is why it is important for parents to reach children or disciple them as early as possible.\n\nParents thought the church would disciple their children and so they underestimate the cultural influences upon their kids.\n\nParents on average only spend about 90 minutes per day with their children, so much of that time are not discipling. Parents need to be more intentional.\n\nIsrael Wayne believes 150% that children need to see their parents worship, and we should not be segregating them when it comes to the church service.\n\nGeorge Barna, the Christian researcher, also agrees that only 12% of children get anything worthwhile by church youth groups. 88% do not benefit from church youth groups segregated from the church services.\n\nA lot of kids grow up in church without attending any of the main services. Kids grow up without knowing the body or the community of the church they attend.\n\nIsrael \u0026amp; his wife always have kept their children with them throughout the service.\n\nToo many churches have replaced relationships with programs. Proverbs 22:15, says children have foolishness in their hearts rather than the fear of the Lord. They need more time spent with older, wiser instructors \u0026amp; mentors who have the fear of the Lord in them.\n\nChurches under utilize their seniors even though they are often the wisest.\n\nWe have too many ill-equipped young people teaching other young children\n\nConversation shifts to what is a “Biblical Marriage.” His mother was not a Christian, early on and he is the product of a broken family starting when he was 6-years old. During his young adult life, he was without a father figure.\n\nHis mother did not become a Christiaan until Israel was 12 years old.\n\nHow he was able to avoid the pitfalls of a broken home? Israel learned at an early age. He learned holding onto bitterness would make him bitter.\n\nHow he values gratitude and living in gratitude every day.\n\nAs a teen, he was very distrusting of mentors. The Word of God was his initial go-to and sustained him until he found adult mentors.\n\nGrace \u0026amp; Truth in Christian parenting today. What that means and it’s often permissive parenting. It’s biblical for children to obey their parents. Too many parents obey their children instead of the other way around. Parents want to threat their children as equals. And, children are not equipped to make adult decisions.\n\nToo many parents listen to pop psychology voices instead of Christian teachers \u0026amp; voices. Too many evangelical churches are too worldly. Parents need rules for children, but it’s okay to be conservative. But our “house” rules are not the same or on the same level as God’s commands. House rules do not equate to holiness.\n\nIsrael tells the story of his raising own kids. As he matured as a parent, he always wanted to get to the heart of his child’s bad behavior. Pride \u0026amp; self-love are often what’s in the heart in those failed moments. Parents need to learn how to point their children to Jesus in all things.\n\nConversation shifts to Christian Education….how his late mother would look at what has become of homeschooling today. Homeschooling is about restoring the family.\n\nNew homeschooling parents are not religious, but they see the value of keeping their children close to home. He discusses the reasons parents are pulling their children out of public schools and now Christian private schools.\n\nWhat should the goals of Christian parents be when homeschooling their children.\n\nAll the things that are out there for parents, but the lack of clarity of definition of what comprises a homeschool can be problematic.\n\nBut, more state \u0026amp; educational regulations are not the answer because in public schools the standards and results are lower.\n\nWe talked about public school teacher/turned homeschool advocate John Taylor Gatto and how his mother was instrumental in getting him published.\n\nWayne talks about books he’s written that are aimed directly at homeschool parents.\n\nWebsite: familyrenewal.org. Ordering from his website, he’ll sign the books you purchase directly from him.\n\nLast comment about his homeschool pioneering mother.\n\nHow to book him as a speaker. Separate website: Israelwayne.com\n\nHis Chrisitan apologetics website is Christianworldview.net.","content_html":"\u003cp\u003eIsrael explains how his mother helped originate the modern homeschool movement in 1983 \u0026amp; subsequently published a homeschool magazine\u003c/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e11- years ago he started Family Renewal along with his wife. And, he speaks at 30- to-50 events per year.\u003c/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eHow he followed in his mother’s business \u0026amp; how he and his sister proofread his mother’s magazine.\u003c/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eHow difficult it was initially to reach teenagers. Dr. George Barna’s research said that a child’s worldview is locked in by age 12. So, that is why it is important for parents to reach children or disciple them as early as possible.\u003c/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eParents thought the church would disciple their children and so they underestimate the cultural influences upon their kids.\u003c/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eParents on average only spend about 90 minutes per day with their children, so much of that time are not discipling. Parents need to be more intentional.\u003c/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eIsrael Wayne believes 150% that children need to see their parents worship, and we should not be segregating them when it comes to the church service.\u003c/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eGeorge Barna, the Christian researcher, also agrees that only 12% of children get anything worthwhile by church youth groups. 88% do not benefit from church youth groups segregated from the church services.\u003c/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eA lot of kids grow up in church without attending any of the main services. Kids grow up without knowing the body or the community of the church they attend.\u003c/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eIsrael \u0026amp; his wife always have kept their children with them throughout the service.\u003c/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eToo many churches have replaced relationships with programs. Proverbs 22:15, says children have foolishness in their hearts rather than the fear of the Lord. They need more time spent with older, wiser instructors \u0026amp; mentors who have the fear of the Lord in them.\u003c/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eChurches under utilize their seniors even though they are often the wisest.\u003c/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eWe have too many ill-equipped young people teaching other young children\u003c/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eConversation shifts to what is a “Biblical Marriage.” His mother was not a Christian, early on and he is the product of a broken family starting when he was 6-years old. During his young adult life, he was without a father figure.\u003c/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eHis mother did not become a Christiaan until Israel was 12 years old.\u003c/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eHow he was able to avoid the pitfalls of a broken home? Israel learned at an early age. He learned holding onto bitterness would make him bitter.\u003c/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eHow he values gratitude and living in gratitude every day.\u003c/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eAs a teen, he was very distrusting of mentors. The Word of God was his initial go-to and sustained him until he found adult mentors.\u003c/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eGrace \u0026amp; Truth in Christian parenting today. What that means and it’s often permissive parenting. It’s biblical for children to obey their parents. Too many parents obey their children instead of the other way around. Parents want to threat their children as equals. And, children are not equipped to make adult decisions.\u003c/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eToo many parents listen to pop psychology voices instead of Christian teachers \u0026amp; voices. Too many evangelical churches are too worldly. Parents need rules for children, but it’s okay to be conservative. But our “house” rules are not the same or on the same level as God’s commands. House rules do not equate to holiness.\u003c/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eIsrael tells the story of his raising own kids. As he matured as a parent, he always wanted to get to the heart of his child’s bad behavior. Pride \u0026amp; self-love are often what’s in the heart in those failed moments. Parents need to learn how to point their children to Jesus in all things.\u003c/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eConversation shifts to Christian Education….how his late mother would look at what has become of homeschooling today. Homeschooling is about restoring the family.\u003c/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eNew homeschooling parents are not religious, but they see the value of keeping their children close to home. He discusses the reasons parents are pulling their children out of public schools and now Christian private schools.\u003c/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eWhat should the goals of Christian parents be when homeschooling their children.\u003c/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eAll the things that are out there for parents, but the lack of clarity of definition of what comprises a homeschool can be problematic.\u003c/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eBut, more state \u0026amp; educational regulations are not the answer because in public schools the standards and results are lower.\u003c/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eWe talked about public school teacher/turned homeschool advocate John Taylor Gatto and how his mother was instrumental in getting him published.\u003c/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eWayne talks about books he’s written that are aimed directly at homeschool parents.\u003c/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eWebsite: familyrenewal.org. Ordering from his website, he’ll sign the books you purchase directly from him.\u003c/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eLast comment about his homeschool pioneering mother.\u003c/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eHow to book him as a speaker. Separate website: Israelwayne.com\u003c/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eHis Chrisitan apologetics website is Christianworldview.net.\u003c/p\u003e","summary":"Israel explains how his mother helped originate the modern homeschool movement in 1983 \u0026 subsequently published a homeschool magazine","date_published":"2024-09-09T15:00:00.000-04:00","attachments":[{"url":"https://aphid.fireside.fm/d/1437767933/26a153e7-1eca-461d-9505-a8220bc86705/78d31f51-1aeb-4dda-a8b0-86db324a478b.mp3","mime_type":"audio/mpeg","size_in_bytes":61112530,"duration_in_seconds":3621}]},{"id":"9dd7377b-d7e3-4f5d-af68-902d183f0fb1","title":"3: Teaching Civics, History, and Discernment from a Biblical Worldview | Steve Noble","url":"https://raisethemup.fireside.fm/3","content_text":"Equipping the next generation to live out a biblical worldview doesn’t happen by accident — it requires intentional teaching, discernment, and engagement with the culture.\n\nIn this episode of Raise Them Up, Fred Zielonko is joined by longtime Christian educator and broadcaster Steve Noble, founder of Noble U, to discuss why Christian parents must actively invest in teaching civics, history, and ethics through the lens of Scripture.\n\nSteve shares his personal journey from Christian radio into full-time education, explaining how God led him to focus on discipling high school students at a critical stage of their formation. Drawing from over a decade of teaching experience, he explains why traditional textbooks alone are not enough — and why real-time engagement with current events is essential for building discernment.\n\nIn this episode, you’ll hear about:\n\n\nWhy most students lack a foundational understanding of civics and government\nThe importance of teaching history with honesty, humility, and biblical clarity\nHow current events help students see that God’s Word is not abstract — it works\nWhy discernment must be taught, not assumed\nThe unique challenges today’s students face in a digital, post-Christian culture\nHow Christian parents and educators can faithfully pour wisdom into the next generation\n\n\nThis conversation offers both encouragement and conviction for parents, homeschoolers, and educators who feel called to help raise children who can think clearly, stand firmly, and live faithfully in an increasingly complex world.\n\nResources Mentioned\n\nNoble U (Steve Noble’s teaching ministry)\nhttps://nobleschool.com/\n\nText “TRUTH” to 66866\n(Information and enrollment for Noble U classes)\n\nBob Jones University Press (BJU Press)\nhttps://www.bjupress.com/\n\nJournal of School Choice\nhttps://www.tandfonline.com/toc/wjsc20/current","content_html":"\u003cp\u003eEquipping the next generation to live out a biblical worldview doesn’t happen by accident — it requires intentional teaching, discernment, and engagement with the culture.\u003c/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eIn this episode of Raise Them Up, Fred Zielonko is joined by longtime Christian educator and broadcaster Steve Noble, founder of Noble U, to discuss why Christian parents must actively invest in teaching civics, history, and ethics through the lens of Scripture.\u003c/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eSteve shares his personal journey from Christian radio into full-time education, explaining how God led him to focus on discipling high school students at a critical stage of their formation. Drawing from over a decade of teaching experience, he explains why traditional textbooks alone are not enough — and why real-time engagement with current events is essential for building discernment.\u003c/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eIn this episode, you’ll hear about:\u003c/p\u003e\n\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eWhy most students lack a foundational understanding of civics and government\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eThe importance of teaching history with honesty, humility, and biblical clarity\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eHow current events help students see that God’s Word is not abstract — it works\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eWhy discernment must be taught, not assumed\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eThe unique challenges today’s students face in a digital, post-Christian culture\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eHow Christian parents and educators can faithfully pour wisdom into the next generation\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003c/ul\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eThis conversation offers both encouragement and conviction for parents, homeschoolers, and educators who feel called to help raise children who can think clearly, stand firmly, and live faithfully in an increasingly complex world.\u003c/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eResources Mentioned\u003c/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eNoble U (Steve Noble’s teaching ministry)\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003ca href=\"https://nobleschool.com/\" rel=\"nofollow\"\u003ehttps://nobleschool.com/\u003c/a\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eText “TRUTH” to 66866\u003cbr\u003e\n(Information and enrollment for Noble U classes)\u003c/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eBob Jones University Press (BJU Press)\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003ca href=\"https://www.bjupress.com/\" rel=\"nofollow\"\u003ehttps://www.bjupress.com/\u003c/a\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eJournal of School Choice\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003ca href=\"https://www.tandfonline.com/toc/wjsc20/current\" rel=\"nofollow\"\u003ehttps://www.tandfonline.com/toc/wjsc20/current\u003c/a\u003e\u003c/p\u003e","summary":"Passing on wisdom to the next generation is not optional — it’s a calling.","date_published":"2024-07-23T15:00:00.000-04:00","attachments":[{"url":"https://aphid.fireside.fm/d/1437767933/26a153e7-1eca-461d-9505-a8220bc86705/9dd7377b-d7e3-4f5d-af68-902d183f0fb1.mp3","mime_type":"audio/mpeg","size_in_bytes":38270625,"duration_in_seconds":2373}]},{"id":"b03f22bb-edde-48d1-bd1c-ae358b35a572","title":"2: Homeschooling After the Pandemic: What the Data Really Shows | Dr. Angela Watson","url":"https://raisethemup.fireside.fm/2","content_text":"Homeschooling is no longer a fringe movement — it’s a growing, dynamic part of the American education landscape. In this episode of Raise Them Up, host Fred Zielonko welcomes Dr. Angela Watson, Senior Research Fellow and Assistant Professor of Education at Johns Hopkins University, to unpack what’s really happening behind the surge in homeschooling.\n\nDr. Watson shares insights from nearly a decade of research and introduces the Johns Hopkins Homeschool Hub, a groundbreaking resource that brings together homeschooling policies, regulations, and participation data from across the United States — all in one place.\n\nTogether, Fred and Dr. Watson explore:\n\n\nHow the pandemic reshaped education and accelerated interest in homeschooling\nWhy homeschooling looks radically different from state to state\nThe growth of learning pods, micro-schools, and hybrid models\nWhy younger students are driving much of today’s homeschool growth\nHow homeschooling is expanding within Black, Latino, and diverse communities\nThe challenges policymakers and researchers face due to inconsistent data and terminology\nWhat the future may hold as families move more fluidly between public, private, and home education\n\n\nThis episode offers encouragement for parents, clarity for those considering homeschooling, and valuable perspective for anyone concerned about the future of education. Whether you’re a longtime homeschooler, newly curious, or simply want to understand the trends shaping our schools, this conversation provides both insight and hope.\n\nResources mentioned in this episode:\n\nJohns Hopkins Homeschool Hub\nhttps://education.jhu.edu/homeschool-hub/\n\nJohns Hopkins Institute for Education Policy\nhttps://education.jhu.edu/edpolicy/\n\nJournal of School Choice\nhttps://www.tandfonline.com/toc/wjsc20/current\n\nRaise Them UP! is a production of The Family Vision, a non-profit ministry committed to helping Christian parents prepare the next generation to make an impact for Christ.","content_html":"\u003cp\u003eHomeschooling is no longer a fringe movement — it’s a growing, dynamic part of the American education landscape. In this episode of Raise Them Up, host Fred Zielonko welcomes Dr. Angela Watson, Senior Research Fellow and Assistant Professor of Education at Johns Hopkins University, to unpack what’s really happening behind the surge in homeschooling.\u003c/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eDr. Watson shares insights from nearly a decade of research and introduces the Johns Hopkins Homeschool Hub, a groundbreaking resource that brings together homeschooling policies, regulations, and participation data from across the United States — all in one place.\u003c/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eTogether, Fred and Dr. Watson explore:\u003c/p\u003e\n\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eHow the pandemic reshaped education and accelerated interest in homeschooling\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eWhy homeschooling looks radically different from state to state\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eThe growth of learning pods, micro-schools, and hybrid models\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eWhy younger students are driving much of today’s homeschool growth\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eHow homeschooling is expanding within Black, Latino, and diverse communities\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eThe challenges policymakers and researchers face due to inconsistent data and terminology\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eWhat the future may hold as families move more fluidly between public, private, and home education\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003c/ul\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eThis episode offers encouragement for parents, clarity for those considering homeschooling, and valuable perspective for anyone concerned about the future of education. Whether you’re a longtime homeschooler, newly curious, or simply want to understand the trends shaping our schools, this conversation provides both insight and hope.\u003c/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eResources mentioned in this episode:\u003c/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eJohns Hopkins Homeschool Hub\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003ca href=\"https://education.jhu.edu/homeschool-hub/\" rel=\"nofollow\"\u003ehttps://education.jhu.edu/homeschool-hub/\u003c/a\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eJohns Hopkins Institute for Education Policy\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003ca href=\"https://education.jhu.edu/edpolicy/\" rel=\"nofollow\"\u003ehttps://education.jhu.edu/edpolicy/\u003c/a\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eJournal of School Choice\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003ca href=\"https://www.tandfonline.com/toc/wjsc20/current\" rel=\"nofollow\"\u003ehttps://www.tandfonline.com/toc/wjsc20/current\u003c/a\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eRaise Them UP! is a production of The Family Vision, a non-profit ministry committed to helping Christian parents prepare the next generation to make an impact for Christ.\u003c/p\u003e","summary":"More families are rethinking education with faith, intention, and hope for the future.","date_published":"2024-06-18T16:00:00.000-04:00","attachments":[{"url":"https://aphid.fireside.fm/d/1437767933/26a153e7-1eca-461d-9505-a8220bc86705/b03f22bb-edde-48d1-bd1c-ae358b35a572.mp3","mime_type":"audio/mpeg","size_in_bytes":32228053,"duration_in_seconds":1996}]},{"id":"14a35677-3f79-40ea-9ad4-e58a3b4245e8","title":"1: What Do You Do When Homeschooling Is Hard? | Amanda Schenkenberger","url":"https://raisethemup.fireside.fm/1","content_text":"Homeschooling is a blessing, but it can also be chaotic and incredibly challenging. Things don’t always go the way you plan. Emotions can run high and there’s a lot to navigate: Learning styles, teaching styles, curriculum, extra-curriculars, scheduling, legal requirements, co-ops... and so much more!  It’s enough to leave any homeschooling parent feeling overwhelmed and discouraged. \n\nIf you’ve been homeschooling for a while and things just aren’t going the way you hoped, what do you do? Is homeschooling just not working for you? Or is there something you can do to make homeschooling more effective? \n\nOur guest, Amanda Schenkenberger, was homeschooled by her parents, and is now a homeschooling mom with several years of experience. She comes alongside struggling homeschool moms through her personalized homeschool coaching services. She works with parents one-on-one to develop customized plans to achieve academic success for children, while making sure moms have what they need as a parent and educator. She’ll help you LOVE homeschooling again! \n\nAmanda helps moms work through a wide range of challenges including: \n\n-homeschooling special needs kids \n-working with resistant kids \n-building confidence in homeschooling \n-meeting state requirements for homeschooling laws \n-determining your family’s goals for homeschooling \n-identifying your child’s learning styles and your teaching styles \n\nWorking with Amanda is easy! Visit her website to get started:  \n\nhttps://homeschoolfamilylegacy.com/ \n\nInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/homeschoolcoachingmama/ \n\nFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/mandy.schenkenberger/ \n\nRaise Them UP! is a production of The Family Vision, a non-profit ministry committed to helping Christian parents prepare the next generation to make an impact for Christ.","content_html":"\u003cp\u003eHomeschooling is a blessing, but it can also be chaotic and incredibly challenging. Things don’t always go the way you plan. Emotions can run high and there’s a lot to navigate: Learning styles, teaching styles, curriculum, extra-curriculars, scheduling, legal requirements, co-ops... and so much more!  It’s enough to leave any homeschooling parent feeling overwhelmed and discouraged. \u003c/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eIf you’ve been homeschooling for a while and things just aren’t going the way you hoped, what do you do? Is homeschooling just not working for you? Or is there something you can do to make homeschooling more effective? \u003c/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eOur guest, Amanda Schenkenberger, was homeschooled by her parents, and is now a homeschooling mom with several years of experience. She comes alongside struggling homeschool moms through her personalized homeschool coaching services. She works with parents one-on-one to develop customized plans to achieve academic success for children, while making sure moms have what they need as a parent and educator. She’ll help you LOVE homeschooling again! \u003c/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eAmanda helps moms work through a wide range of challenges including: \u003c/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e-homeschooling special needs kids \u003cbr\u003e\n-working with resistant kids \u003cbr\u003e\n-building confidence in homeschooling \u003cbr\u003e\n-meeting state requirements for homeschooling laws \u003cbr\u003e\n-determining your family’s goals for homeschooling \u003cbr\u003e\n-identifying your child’s learning styles and your teaching styles \u003c/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eWorking with Amanda is easy! Visit her website to get started:  \u003c/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e\u003ca href=\"https://homeschoolfamilylegacy.com/\" rel=\"nofollow\"\u003ehttps://homeschoolfamilylegacy.com/\u003c/a\u003e \u003c/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eInstagram: \u003ca href=\"https://www.instagram.com/homeschoolcoachingmama/\" rel=\"nofollow\"\u003ehttps://www.instagram.com/homeschoolcoachingmama/\u003c/a\u003e \u003c/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eFacebook: \u003ca href=\"https://www.facebook.com/mandy.schenkenberger/\" rel=\"nofollow\"\u003ehttps://www.facebook.com/mandy.schenkenberger/\u003c/a\u003e \u003c/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eRaise Them UP! is a production of The Family Vision, a non-profit ministry committed to helping Christian parents prepare the next generation to make an impact for Christ.\u003c/p\u003e","summary":"Conquer the chaos and create the rich, fulfilling homeschool experience you long to provide for your children.","date_published":"2024-05-15T15:00:00.000-04:00","attachments":[{"url":"https://aphid.fireside.fm/d/1437767933/26a153e7-1eca-461d-9505-a8220bc86705/14a35677-3f79-40ea-9ad4-e58a3b4245e8.mp3","mime_type":"audio/mpeg","size_in_bytes":34021251,"duration_in_seconds":2125}]}]}