Aaron and Jennifer Smith share reflections from a full and meaningful summer—homeschooling adventures, the value of preserving memories, and the encouragement they received at a recent homeschool conference. They open up about the bittersweet transition of leaving their home church and how gardening has become a personal metaphor for growth. Through prayer, community, and faith, they embrace the process of change, finding joy in transformation.

Key Takeaways

• Prioritizing relationships with family.
• Creating tangible memories.
• Homeschooling thrives with intentional planning.
• Transitioning from a church community can be emotional but necessary.
• Gardening illustrates personal growth and consistent effort.
• Prayer and support from friends are vital during hard times.
• Change requires patience, communication, and faith.
• Joy can be found in the journey of transformation.

Follow Marriage After God:

• Instagram: Marriage After God - https://www.instagram.com/marriageaftergod
• Instagram: Unveiled Wife - https://www.instagram.com/unveiledwife
• Instagram: Husband Revolution - https://www.instagram.com/husbandrevolution

Support this podcast:

• Shop: https://shop.marriageaftergod.com/
• Become a patron: https://marriageaftergod.com/patron

Smith Family Resources, Inc © 2025

Keywords: marriage, parenting, homeschooling, planning, family, growth, change, prayer, community, memories, encouragement

This week Aaron Smith sits down with Jay Holland, husband to Emily, and the biological, adoptive, and foster father of four children. For over 25 years he’s served as a pastor in college and student ministries and has personally navigated seasons of special‑needs parenting within his own family, and is the voice behind the Let’s Parent on Purpose podcast. Together, they discuss the intersection of marriage, parenting, and youth ministry. Jay shares powerful insights on raising children in today’s culture, the importance of rites of passage in shaping manhood and womanhood, and how parents can intentionally model faith and humility in their homes.

Whether you’re navigating the challenges of parenting or seeking to strengthen your marriage in the midst of raising kids, this episode is packed with biblical wisdom and practical encouragement.

• Marriage and parenting in a digital age
• The importance of rites of passage for boys and girls
• Building community and mentorship for youth
• Technology’s effect on mental health and connection
• Modeling repentance and humility in parenting
• Encouraging bravery and risk-taking in the physical world
• Teaching children their identity in Christ
• Prioritizing joy and intimacy in marriage

Connect with the Jay Holland:

• Let’s Parent on Purpose podcast:
• Things for Thursday Newsletter: text THINGS to 66866
• letsparentonpurpose.com

Follow Marriage After God:

• Instagram: Marriage After God - https://www.instagram.com/marriageaftergod
• Instagram: Unveiled Wife - https://www.instagram.com/unveiledwife
• Instagram: Husband Revolution - https://www.instagram.com/husbandrevolution

Support this podcast:

• Shop: https://shop.marriageaftergod.com/
• Become a patron: https://marriageaftergod.com/patron

Smith Family Resources, Inc © 2025

Keywords: marriage, parenting, youth ministry, rites of passage, manhood, womanhood, community, technology, anxiety, spirituality

In today’s episode, Aaron Smith sits down with Ashton and Spencer Draper to share their inspiring journey of adoption, faith, and perseverance. Spencer and Ashton met through a mutual friend at a youth conference, drawn together by their shared love for Jesus and a heart for faith-filled living. Through the ups and downs of a difficult adoption journey and ongoing health challenges, they’ve learned to walk in grace, patience, and purpose—anchored by God’s faithfulness. Spencer works as a planner in manufacturing, while Ashton is a sign language interpreter and author of the book “Big Yellow House.” Whether playing games, watching movies, or raising their family, they’re committed to living faithfully and using their lives to serve Christ’s Kingdom.

From their early years of marriage, to adopting their son Bismarck from Ghana, the Drapers open up about how God has worked through health challenges, biblical counseling, and their passion for adoption to strengthen their marriage and deepen their faith.

Key Topics:

• The Drapers’ early marriage and decision to adopt
• Ashton’s lifelong passion for adoption and its roots
• The challenges and blessings of adopting Bismarck
• Navigating health struggles and their impact on marriage
• The transformative power of biblical counseling
• Encouragement for couples considering adoption

Resources Mentioned in This Episode:

• The Big Yellow House by Ashton Draper – Purchase on Amazon
• Gobena Coffee – Adoption fundraising support
• Parenting by Paul Tripp
• Forgive by Tim Keller

Connect with the Drapers:

• Follow Ashton Draper on Facebook
• Purchase The Big Yellow House https://a.co/d/4IEmWCd

Follow Marriage After God:

• Instagram: Marriage After God - https://www.instagram.com/marriageaftergod
• Instagram: Unveiled Wife - https://www.instagram.com/unveiledwife
• Instagram: Husband Revolution - https://www.instagram.com/husbandrevolution

Support this podcast:

• Shop: https://shop.marriageaftergod.com/
• Become a patron: https://marriageaftergod.com/patron

Smith Family Resources, Inc © 2025

Keywords: adoption, marriage, parenting, faith, family, communication, fundraising, counseling, health challenges, community support