Your Kids' Spiritual Growth Matters More Than Harvard: Gary Thomas on Parenting for Eternity

January 26, 2026
00:00 31:53
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Gary Thomas (bestselling author of Sacred Marriage, Sacred Parenting) is back on the podcast to discuss his latest book, The Life You Were Reborn to Live: Dismantling 12 Lies About Remaining in God's Love. Gary challenges common parenting myths that Christians often fall into, and offers practical ways on how to live life God's way, not the world's.

Let's learn together how to create Christ-centered homes, prioritize God's kingdom over family idols, and embrace spiritual adventure over control.

05:21 - Creating a Christ-centered home (Colossians 3: compassion over conflict)

08:12 - Renewing your mind against worldly lies (Romans 12)

09:06 - Finding pride in spiritual growth over worldly success

14:25 - Why prioritizing God, even above family, is most important

21:53 - Being spiritually adventurous: The adventure Jesus calls us to

25:13 - Parenting on offense: Expecting God to use your kids

26:04 - Powerful testimony: When obedience can save a life

27:51 - Turning your "chair out" toward community

30:00 - Practical tips for isolated teens: Remove comforts, invite fellowship

Check out Gary's substack at connecttogary.com and buy his new book The Life You Were Reborn to Live anywhere books are sold. Find out more at garythomas.com.

More Resources from Arlene Pellicane:

SUBSCRIBE to Arlene's newsletter "What I'm Learning This Week" and get access to 12 free resources to help you as a parent.

Check out Arlene's BOOKS including Parents Rising, Screen Kids, and Making Marriage Easier.

Go to Arlene's YouTube Channel

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How did Arlene's kids adapt to not having phones, video games or social media? Watch the free video, Screen Kids: In Their Own Words.

Have a question for Arlene to address on the podcast? Want to invite Arlene to speak to your group? Email speaking@arlenepellicane.com

Not sure about a smartphone for your child? Check out the Gabb Wireless phone for kids and teens (use the promo code ARLENE).

Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

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Meet Your Host
Arlene Pellicane is a speaker, host of the Happy Home Podcast, and author of several books including Parents Rising, Making Marriage Easier and Screen Kids.

Arlene has been featured on the Today Show, Fox & Friends, the Wall Street Journal, FamilyLife Today, Focus on the Family, and is the spokesperson for National Marriage Week. Arlene and her husband James have three children and live in San Diego. They have raised their kids without social media, video games and smartphones and inspire others to scroll less and live more. To learn more, visit her website at ArlenePellicane.com.
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