What does Song of Songs have to do with everyday family discipleship?

In this week’s episode of The Wholehearted Households Podcast, host Alex Blount introduces us to the book of Song of Songs. Although Song of Songs might not be the first book you think of when talking to kids, it still has plenty to teach us and our families about being God’s beloved.

Our Bible spotlight focuses on the extravagant love the Shulamite woman experiences from her beloved, representing the love Jesus has for us. The Shulamite woman’s passion for her beloved catches the curiosity of her friends, and she is able to share about this great love with them too.

Then, our discipleship nugget equips you to reinforce the goodness of our bodies with your family, emphasizing how God delights in the beauty of every human and how we are made in His image.

Finally, our spiritual practice invites you into a time of delight and reflection. Through the practice of lectio divina, we enter into a space of divine delight, offering praise and gratitude to God, and remembering the delight we feel is only a fraction of the love God holds for us.

Wherever you listen, may you and your family be blessed by this episode as you seek to follow Jesus with your whole heart.

The Wholehearted Households Podcast is a production of InterVarsity Press (IVP) and made possible by the generous support of the Lilly Endowment. Discover more great listens from IVP on our website or on YouTube.

To reach the IVP podcast team, please use this form.

Resources from the episode

This week’s Bible spotlight is adapted from Hermanas: Deepening Our Identity and Growing Our Influence by Natalia Kohn Rivera, Noemi Vega Quiñones, and Kristy Garza Robinson.

This week’s discipleship nugget is adapted from Talking Back to Purity Culture: Rediscovering Faithful Christian Sexuality by Rachel Joy Welcher, and Little Prayers for Ordinary Days by Tish Harrison Warren, Katy Bowser Hutson, and Flo Paris Oakes.

This week’s spiritual practice is adapted from Making Room in Advent: 25 Devotions for a Season of Wonder by Bette Dickinson, and Prayers for the Pilgrimage: A Book of Collects for All of Life by W. David O. Taylor.

Credits

✅ Special offer: Visit ivpress.com and use the code IVPWHP for 40% off and free US shipping on any IVP resource mentioned in this episode.

✅ Producers: Kaitlin Borek, Abby Lee, Karen Savella Stallard, and Travis Albritton

✅ Assistant Producer: Christine Pelliccio Melo

✅ Hosts: Alex Blount and Helen Lee

✅ Narrators: Kaitlin Borek, Jack Reece, and Karen Savella Stallard

✅ Sound Engineering: Honest Podcasts

✅ Social Media Manager: Makayla Payne

✅ Podcast Art: Amy Cerra

✅ Theme Song: “Elegant Flight” by Sounds Like Sanders and “Birdhouse” by EVOE

Disclaimer: The comments, views, and opinions expressed in this podcast are solely those of the hosts/authors featured on the podcast and do not necessarily reflect the views or positions of InterVarsity Press or InterVarsity Christian Fellowship.

What does Ecclesiastes have to do with everyday family discipleship?

In this week’s episode of The Wholehearted Households Podcast, host Helen Lee introduces us to the book of Ecclesiastes, reflecting on the unpredictability of life and how God is so much bigger than we think.

Our Bible spotlight focuses on our tendency to look at things from “under the sun,” focusing on our restlessness and disappointments. Instead, we are encouraged to turn toward the things above and practice contentment by recognizing the good gifts God has given us.

Then, our discipleship nugget equips you and your family to discuss where you feel small or out of control, and how our loving and generous God is a steadfast presence, meeting us in each of these places.

Finally, our spiritual practice invites you into a time of detachment, where we let go of the things of this world that are meaningless and fleeting, allowing ourselves to become more securely attached to God.

Wherever you listen, may you and your family be blessed by this episode as you seek to follow Jesus with your whole heart.

The Wholehearted Households Podcast is a production of InterVarsity Press (IVP) and made possible by the generous support of the Lilly Endowment. Discover more great listens from IVP on our website or on YouTube.

To reach the IVP podcast team, please use this form.

Resources from the episode

This week’s Bible spotlight is adapted from 40/40 Vision: Clarifying Your Mission in Midlife by Peter Greer and Greg Lafferty.

This week’s spiritual practice is adapted from Spiritual Disciplines Handbook: Practices That Transform Us by Adele Ahlberg Calhoun.

Credits

✅ Special offer: Visit ivpress.com and use the code IVPWHP for 40% off and free US shipping on any IVP resource mentioned in this episode.

✅ Producers: Kaitlin Borek, Abby Lee, Karen Savella Stallard, and Travis Albritton

✅ Assistant Producer: Christine Pelliccio Melo

✅ Hosts: Alex Blount and Helen Lee

✅ Narrators: Kaitlin Borek, Jack Reece, and Karen Savella Stallard

✅ Sound Engineering: Honest Podcasts

✅ Social Media Manager: Makayla Payne

✅ Podcast Art: Amy Cerra

✅ Theme Song: “Elegant Flight” by Sounds Like Sanders and “Birdhouse” by EVOE

Disclaimer: The comments, views, and opinions expressed in this podcast are solely those of the hosts/authors featured on the podcast and do not necessarily reflect the views or positions of InterVarsity Press or InterVarsity Christian Fellowship.

What does Proverbs have to do with everyday family discipleship?

In this week’s episode of The Wholehearted Households Podcast, host Alex Blount introduces us to the book of Proverbs, reflecting on the importance of wisdom as we navigate the complex situations in our lives.

Our Bible spotlight focuses on the opening words of Proverbs, commonly known as the prologue. Here we learn about the book’s intended purpose and audience, encouraging us to have a posture of teachability and to begin with God in our own pursuit of wisdom.

Then, our discipleship nugget equips you and your family to embrace the wisdom of our elders, providing ways you can facilitate a time of meaningful conversation with an older relative or friend in your family’s life.

Finally, our spiritual practice invites you to reflect on an area of life where you need wisdom and discernment, then to ask God to open your eyes to His presence and help you listen to His Spirit.

Wherever you listen, may you and your family be blessed by this episode as you seek to follow Jesus with your whole heart.

The Wholehearted Households Podcast is a production of InterVarsity Press (IVP) and made possible by the generous support of the Lilly Endowment. Discover more great listens from IVP on our website or on YouTube.

To reach the IVP podcast team, please use this form.

Resources from the episode

This week’s Bible spotlight is adapted from How to Read Proverbs by Tremper Longman III.

This week’s spiritual practice is adapted from Spiritual Disciplines Handbook: Practices That Transform Us by Adele Ahlberg Calhoun.

Credits

✅ Special offer: Visit ivpress.com and use the code IVPWHP for 40% off and free US shipping on any IVP resource mentioned in this episode.

✅ Producers: Kaitlin Borek, Abby Lee, Karen Savella Stallard, and Travis Albritton

✅ Assistant Producer: Christine Pelliccio Melo

✅ Hosts: Alex Blount and Helen Lee

✅ Narrators: Kaitlin Borek, Jack Reece, and Karen Savella Stallard

✅ Sound Engineering: Honest Podcasts

✅ Social Media Manager: Makayla Payne

✅ Podcast Art: Amy Cerra

✅ Theme Song: “Elegant Flight” by Sounds Like Sanders and “Birdhouse” by EVOE

Disclaimer: The comments, views, and opinions expressed in this podcast are solely those of the hosts/authors featured on the podcast and do not necessarily reflect the views or positions of InterVarsity Press or InterVarsity Christian Fellowship.

What does Psalms have to do with everyday family discipleship?

In this week’s episode of The Wholehearted Households Podcast, host Helen Lee introduces us to the book of Psalms, reflecting on her family’s love of music and the ways different types of music evoke different emotions and experiences. She notes how Psalms, too, are a type of song, and although we don’t have their original melodies, their words express a wide range of emotions and can lead us into deeper communion with God.

Our Bible spotlight focuses on the Songs of Ascents and unpacks the context of Psalm 121. Through this psalm, we are reminded that even in the midst of great trouble and fear, God is always with us.

Then, our discipleship nugget equips you to guide your family in a prayer of lament, inviting each family member to express their pain and grief to God and to experience His comfort and hope.

Finally, our spiritual practice invites you to reflect on Psalm 23, allowing the Holy Spirit to guide you through it as a prayer.

Wherever you listen, may you and your family be blessed by this episode as you seek to follow Jesus with your whole heart.

The Wholehearted Households Podcast is a production of InterVarsity Press (IVP) and made possible by the generous support of the Lilly Endowment. Discover more great listens from IVP on our website or on YouTube.

To reach the IVP podcast team, please use this form.

Resources from the episode

This week’s Bible spotlight is adapted from A Long Obedience in the Same Direction: Discipleship in an Instant Society by Eugene H. Peterson.

This week’s discipleship nugget is adapted from Prayer in the Night: For Those Who Work or Watch or Weep by Tish Harrison Warren.

This week’s spiritual practice is adapted from Spiritual Disciplines Handbook: Practices That Transform Us by Adele Ahlberg Calhoun.

Psalm 23 is taken from The Holy Bible, New International Version®, NIV®. Copyright © 1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc. Used with permission of Zondervan. All rights reserved worldwide. www.zondervan.com

Credits

✅ Special offer: Visit ivpress.com and use the code IVPWHP for 40% off and free US shipping on any IVP resource mentioned in this episode.

✅ Producers: Kaitlin Borek, Abby Lee, Karen Savella Stallard, and Travis Albritton

✅ Assistant Producer: Christine Pelliccio Melo

✅ Hosts: Alex Blount and Helen Lee

✅ Narrators: Kaitlin Borek, Jack Reece, and Karen Savella Stallard

✅ Sound Engineering: Honest Podcasts

✅ Social Media Manager: Makayla Payne

✅ Podcast Art: Amy Cerra

✅ Theme Song: “Elegant Flight” by Sounds Like Sanders and “Birdhouse” by EVOE

Disclaimer: The comments, views, and opinions expressed in this podcast are solely those of the hosts/authors featured on the podcast and do not necessarily reflect the views or positions of InterVarsity Press or InterVarsity Christian Fellowship.

What does Job have to do with everyday family discipleship?

In this week’s episode of The Wholehearted Households Podcast, host Alex Blount introduces us to the book of Job, reflecting on the universal experiences of suffering and loss.

Our Bible spotlight focuses on Job’s raw and honest prayers to God, giving us a model for mournful lament and reminding us that God created us, loves us, and can handle our most difficult thoughts and emotions.

Then, our discipleship nugget equips you to make room for your family’s big questions, guiding them to ask their questions as an act of faith toward the God who hears, listens, and answers.

Finally, our spiritual practice invites you to prayerfully consider your own moments of grief and unmet expectations and to bring your honest and unfiltered thoughts to God.

Wherever you listen, may you and your family be blessed by this episode as you seek to follow Jesus with your whole heart.

The Wholehearted Households Podcast is a production of InterVarsity Press (IVP) and made possible by the generous support of the Lilly Endowment. Discover more great listens from IVP on our website or on YouTube.

To reach the IVP podcast team, please use this form.

Resources from the episode

This week’s Bible spotlight is adapted from Wrestling with Job: Defiant Faith in the Face of Suffering by Bill Kynes and Will Kynes.

This week’s discipleship nugget is adapted from The Art of Asking Better Questions: Pursuing Stronger Relationships, Healthier Leadership, and Deeper Faith by J.R. Briggs.

This week’s spiritual practice is adapted from Can You Just Sit with Me?: Healthy Grieving for the Losses of Life by Natasha Smith.

Credits

✅ Special offer: Visit ivpress.com and use the code IVPWHP for 40% off and free US shipping on any IVP resource mentioned in this episode.

✅ Producers: Kaitlin Borek, Abby Lee, Karen Savella Stallard, and Travis Albritton

✅ Assistant Producer: Christine Pelliccio Melo

✅ Hosts: Alex Blount and Helen Lee

✅ Narrators: Kaitlin Borek, Jack Reece, and Karen Savella Stallard

✅ Sound Engineering: Honest Podcasts

✅ Social Media Manager: Makayla Payne

✅ Podcast Art: Amy Cerra

✅ Theme Song: “Elegant Flight” by Sounds Like Sanders and “Birdhouse” by EVOE

Disclaimer: The comments, views, and opinions expressed in this podcast are solely those of the hosts/authors featured on the podcast and do not necessarily reflect the views or positions of InterVarsity Press or InterVarsity Christian Fellowship.

What does Esther have to do with everyday family discipleship?

In this week’s episode of The Wholehearted Households Podcast, host Helen Lee introduces us to the book of Esther, reflecting on how our unique identities can be the source of our vocation and the foundation out of which God calls us.

Our Bible spotlight focuses on Esther’s identity as a bicultural woman, and how God uses her particular gifts and circumstances to save His people.

Then, our discipleship nugget equips you to practice the Examen with your family, helping you and your family to become more aware of the presence and fullness of God all around you.

Finally, our spiritual practice invites you into a time of breath prayer, in which we seek to draw into deeper relationship with God so we may better understand both Him and ourselves through His Spirit’s leading.

Wherever you listen, may you and your family be blessed by this episode as you seek to follow Jesus with your whole heart.

The Wholehearted Households Podcast is a production of InterVarsity Press (IVP) and made possible by the generous support of the Lilly Endowment. Discover more great listens from IVP on our website or on YouTube.

To reach the IVP podcast team, please use this form.

Resources from the episode

This week’s Bible spotlight is adapted from Hermanas: Deepening Our Identity and Growing Our Influence by Natalia Kohn Rivera, Noemi Vega Quiñones, and Kristy Garza Robinson.

This week’s discipleship nugget is adapted from Liturgy of the Ordinary: Sacred Practices in Everyday Life by Tish Harrison Warren.

St. Augustine’s prayer in this week’s spiritual practice: Novem te, novem me, or May I know you, may I know myself.

Credits

✅ Special offer: Visit ivpress.com and use the code IVPWHP for 40% off and free US shipping on any IVP resource mentioned in this episode.

✅ Producers: Kaitlin Borek, Abby Lee, Karen Savella Stallard, and Travis Albritton

✅ Assistant Producer: Christine Pelliccio Melo

✅ Hosts: Alex Blount and Helen Lee

✅ Narrators: Kaitlin Borek, Jack Reece, and Karen Savella Stallard

✅ Sound Engineering: Honest Podcasts

✅ Social Media Manager: Makayla Payne

✅ Podcast Art: Amy Cerra

✅ Theme Song: “Elegant Flight” by Sounds Like Sanders and “Birdhouse” by EVOE

Disclaimer: The comments, views, and opinions expressed in this podcast are solely those of the hosts/authors featured on the podcast and do not necessarily reflect the views or positions of InterVarsity Press or InterVarsity Christian Fellowship.

What do Ezra & Nehemiah have to do with everyday family discipleship?

In this week’s episode of The Wholehearted Households Podcast, host Alex Blount introduces us to the partner books of Ezra & Nehemiah. He recalls his daughter’s experience of a favorite toy breaking, reflecting on how experiences of brokenness and loss are universal and start at a young age. Yet, Ezra & Nehemiah remind us that God is the One who mends and rebuilds, who can take the broken pieces of our lives and gives us hope.

Our Bible spotlight focuses on Nehemiah’s leadership to the exiled Israelites. His prayer in Nehemiah 1 models a posture of reverence, repentance, and courage, which is required as he seeks to lead the Israelites back to close relationship with God.

Then, our discipleship nugget equips you and your family to implement an act of rebuilding in your home or neighborhood. Rebuilding is as crucial for us as it was to the ancient Israelites, and it reminds us that in the midst of our brokenness, God is still at work in our stories.

Finally, our spiritual practice invites you to experience God’s restoration through moments of delight. Discipling and rebuilding can be grueling work, and God’s blessings of joy and delight can help sustain us, filling our cup and reminding us of God’s love and companionship.

Wherever you listen, may you and your family be blessed by this episode as you seek to follow Jesus with your whole heart.

The Wholehearted Households Podcast is a production of InterVarsity Press (IVP) and made possible by the generous support of the Lilly Endowment. Discover more great listens from IVP on our website or on YouTube.

To reach the IVP podcast team, please use this form.

Resources from the episode

This week’s Bible spotlight is adapted from the LifeGuide Bible Study Nehemiah: The Courage to Face Opposition by Don A. Fields.

This week’s spiritual practice is adapted from Beauty and Resistance: Spiritual Rhythms for Formation and Repair by Jonathan P. Walton.

Credits

✅ Special offer: Visit ivpress.com and use the code IVPWHP for 40% off and free US shipping on any IVP resource mentioned in this episode.

✅ Producers: Kaitlin Borek, Abby Lee, Karen Savella Stallard, and Travis Albritton

✅ Assistant Producer: Christine Pelliccio Melo

✅ Hosts: Alex Blount and Helen Lee

✅ Narrators: Kaitlin Borek, Jack Reece, and Karen Savella Stallard

✅ Sound Engineering: Honest Podcasts

✅ Social Media Manager: Makayla Payne

✅ Podcast Art: Amy Cerra

✅ Theme Song: “Elegant Flight” by Sounds Like Sanders and “Birdhouse” by EVOE

Disclaimer: The comments, views, and opinions expressed in this podcast are solely those of the hosts/authors featured on the podcast and do not necessarily reflect the views or positions of InterVarsity Press or InterVarsity Christian Fellowship.

What do 1 & 2 Chronicles have to do with everyday family discipleship?

In this week’s episode of The Wholehearted Households Podcast, host Helen Lee introduces us to the books of 1 & 2 Chronicles, reflecting on the phrase “You should never meet your heroes.” We are often wary of discovering our heroes’ flaws, but as we see with the biblical hero David, God is faithful even in the midst of our failures. Heroes’ failures included.

Our Bible spotlight focuses on the main themes of 1 & 2 Chronicles: David and God’s temple. In an otherwise positive account of David, 1 Chronicles 21 focuses on a moment where David fails to trust God and must endure the consequences. Yet, God works in the midst of these consequences, ultimately redeeming the situation to display his presence and blessing and to establish the location of the temple.

Then, our discipleship nugget equips you to create and pray through a prayer labyrinth with your family. The ancient Israelites focused on a physical location to experience the presence of God, but through Jesus’ work, we can experience God’s presence everywhere and anywhere. Prayer labyrinths give us one way to practice inviting God into our midst and preparing our minds and hearts to experience his presence.

Finally, our spiritual practice invites you to take some small pauses throughout your day, becoming aware of God’s continual presence in each of our lives. His Holy Spirit dwells within us, and our bodies have become God’s temples. Through dedicating small moments of remembrance and recognition to God’s presence with and within us, we express our desire to live in union with Christ.

Wherever you listen, may you and your family be blessed by this episode as you seek to follow Jesus with your whole heart.

The Wholehearted Households Podcast is a production of InterVarsity Press (IVP) and made possible by the generous support of the Lilly Endowment. Discover more great listens from IVP on our website or on YouTube.

To reach the IVP podcast team, please use this form.

Resources from the episode

This week’s Bible spotlight is adapted from Becoming God’s Family: Why the Church Still Matters by Carmen Joy Imes

This week’s discipleship nugget is adapted from Spiritual Practices in Community: Drawing Groups into the Heart of God by Diana Shiflett

This week’s spiritual practice is adapted from Spiritual Disciplines Handbook: Practices That Transform Us by Adele Ahlberg Calhoun.

Credits

✅ Special offer: Visit ivpress.com and use the code IVPWHP for 40% off and free US shipping on any IVP resource mentioned in this episode.

✅ Producers: Kaitlin Borek, Abby Lee, Karen Savella Stallard, and Travis Albritton

✅ Assistant Producer: Christine Pelliccio Melo

✅ Hosts: Alex Blount and Helen Lee

✅ Narrators: Kaitlin Borek, Jack Reece, and Karen Savella Stallard

✅ Sound Engineering: Honest Podcasts

✅ Social Media Manager: Makayla Payne

✅ Podcast Art: Amy Cerra

✅ Theme Song: “Elegant Flight” by Sounds Like Sanders and “Birdhouse” by EVOE

Disclaimer: The comments, views, and opinions expressed in this podcast are solely those of the hosts/authors featured on the podcast and do not necessarily reflect the views or positions of InterVarsity Press or InterVarsity Christian Fellowship.