Best Books of 2024

Steven and Mark interview Ben Kirby of PreachersNSneakers (6:00). We talk about the uneasy relationship Christians have with luxury (13:30), the allure of fame for Christian leaders (25:00), what any church leader has to confront when their work is successful (43:00) and the temptation to stop actual service and pursue fame. Steven also shares his experience with being a low level celebrity in megachurch world, and discusses Abe’s Wallet as a temptation to grasp at popularity and minor stardom. (35:00) Ben also boggles our brains by dropping more celebrity and fashion names than, frankly, we’ve ever heard. Resources referenced in this episode: Art and the Bible, Francis Schaeffer Preacher N Sneakers, Ben Kirby Talk to us on the Abraham’s Wallet volley channel Enroll in our “Draft a Family Vision in 3 hours” course

6 Jul 202249min

As part of our ongoing series profiling business owners, Steven talks with Blake Brewer, of the Legacy Letter Challenge. Blake speaks candidly about the challenges of starting his new biz, his initial inability to make sales, his expanding audience, and as a bonus for our audience, how we can write meaningful legacy letters to our children and grandchildren! (27:00) Resources: Thou Shall Prosper, Rabbi Daniel Lapin Talk to us on the Abraham’s Wallet volley channel Enroll in our “Draft a Family Vision in 3 hours” course

29 Jun 202240min

Mark Parrett and Steven Manuel have a casual conversation about how their family rhythms have adjusted to the coming of summertime. (12:00) They puzzle over ‘what is a swim diaper, really?’ (15:00), and such issues as how to deal with chores, how many activties are too many, free play time, andn discpleship/worship time for families in those lazy, hazy, crazy days of summer. Resources mentoned in this episode include: Black Beauty, Anna Sewell The Wind in the Willows, Kenneth Grahame The Prince Warrior Series, Gina Detwiler and Priscilla Shirer Captain Underpants, Dav Pilkey Talk to us on the Abraham’s Wallet volley channel Enroll in our “Draft a Family Vision in 3 hours” course

22 Jun 202255min

Steven Manuel sits down with Mark and Bethany Douglass to talk about their experiences with homeschooling over the last 12 years. Steven begins with a bit of an explanation as to why we’d even entertain the idea of homeschooling, then goes poolside to discuss the Douglass’ philosophies about home culture, homeschooling vs. other education options, seeing their children launch into college, and why a home culture WINS in the end. Resources referenced in today’s episode include: Bethany’s thing, Cloistered Away, is here. Mark’s business, Fidelis Creative Agency, is here. Mark’s man-building outfit, The Viceroy Project, is here. The Soul of Discipline, Kim John Payne You are what you believe, James K.A. Smith Join the Abe’s Wallet channel on Volley! Talk to us! Enroll in our course on Drafting a Family Vision Statement

15 Jun 20221h 8min

Steven Manuel sits down with Denis Beausejour to talk about grandparenting (4:00). You are going to be SO BLESSED, ENCOURAGED, and CHALLENGED as you have your concept of grandparenting EXPLODED into something waaaaay richer than just someone giving your kid a bike at Christmas (although, hey, bikes are pretty sweet, too). From someone who’s actually doing it, right now, we gain insight into Bible passages that describe grandparents, constructing a physical space for grandchildren (9:45), the eras of life (13:25), The grandparent’s responsibility (17:45), handling generational sin (25:45), how a grandparent’s role is different from a parent’s (37:25), how to pray for grandchildren (42:20), obedience w/re: grandparents (48:45), and a sample schedule for a super engaged grandparenting couple (52:45). (I am astounded by this part.) Denis also shares the financial implications of grandparenting (1:10:40). Anyway hold onto your hats and enjoy the wisdom and intentionality of Denis Beausejour. NOTE: your family does NOT have to do grandparenting like the Beausejours do! This is ONE inspiring family who’re taking the role seriously and this is THEIR attempt at honoring God with this season of life. You can do it your way. Just let the B’s model help you dream and create vision for your own family- Listen to Denis’ talk to men about Titus 2 right here. Listen to Marianne’s talk to women about Titus 2 right here. Buy Crackerjacks for your grandchildren right here. Enroll in the Outpost course for Creating A Family Vision right here. Join the Abe’s Wallet volley channel right here.

8 Jun 20221h 17min

Mark Parrett discusses how to prepare for a (possible!) coming recession. He describes the reasons for believing that recession is coming, gives some definition for a recession, then gives tactics for how to prepare (16:00) and endure. Talk to us on the Abraham’s Wallet volley channel Enroll in our “Draft a Family Vision in 3 hours” course

1 Jun 202236min

Mark Parrett and Steven Manuel discuss the concept of the tithe (10:30). Some say we must tithe to this day; some say we are free from this law. Which is it? Didn’t Jesus affirm the tithe? Didn’t it exist before the law was given? They look at the Biblical references, consider the New Covenant context we live in, and give practical advice on what it means for the regular guy trying to please God now. But first! Chicken coop updates, and NBA hot takes (5:30). Mark recommends the Remnant Radio podcast! Talk to us on the Abraham’s Wallet volley channel Enroll in our “Draft a Family Vision in 3 hours” course

25 Mai 20221h 6min

Mark Parrett and Steven Manuel discuss examples of multi-generational families. (6:45) They describe the false American narrative, the story of the Kennedys (21:20), the Roosevelts (27:30), the Currys, the Bushes… and friends we know. (47:00) They begin, however, by discussing LinkedIn, the Manuels 20th anniversary getaway and, yes… Steven’s shirt (eye roll).

18 Mai 20221h