Crazy Cool Family

#195: Family Culture Made Simple - Encourage Extravagantly

There's POWER in Encouragement!
This week we are unpacking our first culture pillar - the power of encouragement.
Do you remember our four culture pillars and four declarations?
The 4 pillars of culture are:
The Power of Encouragement
Safe Haven
Relational Discipline
Unity
Each pillar is vital to a family’s culture and we want to show you how! We want to simplify these four pillars and give you 4 declarations to start learning. By the end of the series, we want you saying these four statements in your sleep!
The 4 declarations are:
Encourage extravagantly and correct carefully
Become a listener
Move from parent control to self-control.
Celebrate differences and establish values
Listen to this week's podcast to learn how to encourage extravagantly! This 30 minute investment could transform your family!

#194: Family Culture Made Simple - Introduction

Season 5 is HERE!
We are so excited to be back with you~ We LOVE making podcasts because it is like a kitchen table. We get to sit with you and share our hearts. We get to take time and build family together.
Here are a few words we heard from God about this year and this podcast season:
1. SIMPLE
We realize we need to simplify our life. How? Letting things go and relaxing into family, culture, and our kids. Just pausing and asking God, "What is the best thing for my kid in this season?"
2. ENGAGE
Chaos of the last few years has caused us to disengage. It's time to engage again because it's worth it. Technology and information is bombarding us and we need to simplify and pick what we want to engage in - we hope you pick Crazy Cool Family!
3. CULTURE
We are focusing on what culture is and why it is important. Culture is the builder of relationships. It's intangible yet possible to cultivate. Do you like the culture in your family? Did you know you can change it?
The goal of this series is to help your family build culture. In every season, we are building culture within our family. You may have littles at home and you’re in survival mode. You may have a range of kiddos and it feels like time is going by too quick! You may have older kids and it feels like culture is set. Wherever your family is, God is ready to shake up your culture and make it better.
We want to give you simple, applicable ways to change your family’s culture. Let’s jump in!
The way we are going to break this series down is in 4 parts – or 4 pillars.
The 4 pillars of culture are:
The Power of Encouragement
Safe Haven
Relational Discipline
Unity
Each pillar is vital to a family’s culture and we want to show you how! We want to simplify these four pillars and give you 4 declarations to start learning. By the end of the series, we want you saying these four statements in your sleep!
How do we build culture in our family?
Encourage extravagantly and correct carefully
Become a listener
Move from parent control to self-control.
Celebrate differences and establish values
Want MORE resources?
Join Basecamp Here!
Click here to watch the Culture Course in Basecamp
Other Resources!

193: What Did God Say and Do in 2022?

It’s been an amazing year and we wanted to spend the last podcast talking about all God has done and spoken through this podcast in 2022. As we wrap up season 4 of the podcast, we wanted to reminisce on a few key things we’ve said this year (or that guests have said).
Then we broke down the word FIGHT and here are the words we highlighted:
F is for FAITH
I is for INSPIRE
G is for GIVE
H is for HUGS
T is for TEACH
After we unpacked the word FIGHT, we brought in fight experts. People who are fighting for family and people we can learn from.
Here are a few highlights from these episodes:
In Episode 158, Julie Pierce joined us to talk about how LEADERSHIP IS WORTH THE FIGHT.
“Every situation is a leadership situation. Every life lesson is a leadership lesson.” - Julie Pierce
Ep. 161: Commit to Fight for Family (Don and Suz)
We talk about vision, culture, and how to change your family from the inside out
"I looked at the fight for family and I decided... I am not going to lose this fight." - Don
Ep. 162: Fight for Energy
The truth is, the kids do have more energy! "The reason kids have so much more energy is because they are carefree and have the freedom to play all day!" - Suz
The heart of the FIGHT series culminated with Colleen Stickl joining us for Episode 163: Step into the Spiritual Fight. In a lot of ways, this is the main theme we hoped parents gained from this series.
"Ephesians 6:12 says, Our fight is not against flesh in blood (or toddlers and teenagers), it is against the rulers, the authorities, the powers of this dark world... The biggest battle is not what we can see with our eyes but against satan and his forces." - Colleen
As parents, we see the battle for our kid's hearts. The more we are equipped to fight the less the enemy can do! Our kids are warriors and their salvation is at stake. If they have salvation, then he goes after their hearts. If their hearts are secure, he goes after their everyday peace and joy. We are called to fight for our kids and help them fight against darkness!
Ep. 164: Tim Hawkins – Being a Funny Family
Talking about authenticity and how to be a joyful culture but not at the expense of identity and encouragement. Tim talks about how joking was a way to bond but sometimes pushed the boundaries of kindness... he has learned as a father how powerful his words are and how to use them for building up, not tearing down.
Ep.165: Julie Parido - Parents who Fight for Truth
She shared her book “Draw the Scriptures” and how to fight to keep the Word of God in our families.
Ep. 166: Christy Gandy – Fight for Generosity
She shared her company “Love Well Co.” and talked about how she builds her family’s culture by prioritizing generosity over everything else.
Ep. 167: Anne Evans – Fighting for Marriage
Anne shared her ministry, Real Life Ministries and how her marriage was marked by unity and building their marriage daily. “What starts with you and God will overflow into your family and marriage relationship.” - Anne
The overall message of the FIGHT series is, IT’S WORTH IT!
And the way we fight is often different than we think... Fight for family takes a different role when we do it with God and FIGHT His way.
Summer Series: Who Knows Your Kids Best
We interviewed each of our kids this summer and our hope was that as you got to know them, it would help you know your kids better!
We heard so many people LOVE the series and gain insight into themselves and their unique children.
It was a whole summer learning about our kid’s world and how they saw their upbringing.
Fall Series: Parent to God
There were so many guests who came on to share their perspective of parenting, marriage, and more. We unpack how your relationship with God directly affects all the other relationships in your life.
#179: Pursuing God is Essential to Parenting
#180: Fatherhood, Football, and a Family Crisis (Feat. Chad Hennings)
#181: Pursuing God is a Delight
#182: A Father’s Pursuit of God (Feat. Dan Luigs)
#183: Teach Your Child to Hear God!
#184: Pursue God + Pursue Unity in Marriage (feat. Kim Kimberling)
#185: Q&A About Parenting + Hearing God #186: Need a Fatherhood Refresh? (Feat. Larry Hagner)
#187: Talk to Yourself the Way God Talks to You (Feat. John Stange)
#188: Wrapping Up the Pursue God Series
Final 4 episodes of the season:
Ep. 189-190: AVOID the HOILIDAZE – real talk about the holidays and how we can have vision, declarations, and hope for the season. Great to listen to if you haven’t yet and there is a challenge at the end of the series, we think every family should do this week!
Last two episodes of the year – both inspiring and great to listen to before the year ends!
#191: Coaching Your Inner Self (Feat. Jill Hawkins)
#192: Building a Crazy Cool Family (Feat. Chris Grainger)
It’s been a wild year full of God’s voice, His wisdom through relationship experts, and practical next steps for families just like yours. We invite you to go back and listen to season 4 of our podcast and allow God to speak into your family as the year ends.
LAST THING!
Would you pray about supporting CCF through a reoccurring monthly donation or committing to a reoccurring yearly donation?     
Partners who commit to a reoccurring monthly donation of $20 or more (or a reoccurring yearly donation of $240 or more) will receive an official Crazy Cool Family t-shirt. 
Partners who commit to a reoccurring monthly donation of $50 or more (or a reoccurring yearly donation of $600 or more) will receive two official Crazy Cool Family t-shirts.
We would love for you to help us reach out to the families in your community. Together we reach families who desire to pursue God, build relationships, and create culture. We cannot do it without you. Help us reach other families by prayerfully considering supporting our ministry.
Click here to donate!
Crazy Cool Resources:
CCF Podcasts
CCF Social Media
Join Basecamp- FOR FREE!
Already in Basecamp? Check out the TRAILS!

#192: Building a Crazy Cool Family (Feat. Chris Grainger)

“Couples that grieve together, grow together.” - Chris
In difficult situation, or extensive grief, who do you turn to? How do you continue to build family when you are struggling?
What does it mean to turn to God and turn to people who are safe?
Chris Grainger joins Don on the podcast to help parents who are in a difficult season. Through divorce, family loss, and other trials Chris leaned into God and church community. He shares how God encountered him with love, mercy, and community to help him walk through relational valleys.
If you are feeling shameful, alone, or uncertain on how to deal with your current family situation, this is the podcast for you. Chris and Don get to the heart of family and how to be a spiritual leader amidst struggles.
Chris Grainger has an amazing ministry called the Lion Within Us and many resources. Check out the podcast, share it with a friend, and take a look at all Chris has to offer.
Crazy Cool Resources:
Follow Chris Here!
CCF Podcasts
CCF Social Media
Join Basecamp- FOR FREE!
Already in Basecamp? Check out the TRAILS!

#191: Coaching Your Inner Self (Feat. Jill Hawkins)

Are you a people pleaser?
Are you dreading the holidays because the "needs of others" feel overwhelming?
The amazingly joyful and wise JILL HAWKINS is back on the CCF podcast for Episode 191!
Last time she was on, she shared about physical health and how eating right can change your life. Over the last few years, she has been venturing into other areas of health. She is a "mental fitness" coach and LOVES helping people become emotionally and mentally healthy.
Do you feel like your emotions and mind run you?
Do you get stuck in emotional cycles and feel like there is no consistent solution?
Episode #191 is made for you. You are not alone and Jill is sharing profound words of wisdom about emotions, values, and needs. If you have spent your life trying to please others, enough is enough! She will let you in on the secrets of coaching your inner self, finding language for emotions, and expressing those emotions in alignment with your values.
There is too much goodness in this podcast, we might just have to give away some FREE stuff.... wait, Jill already is!
Click the link below to schedule a FREE coaching call with Jill Hawkins. See what her mental fitness coaching is all about. Dip your toes into this world and we promise you will not regret it!
So, what are you waiting for? Listen and sign up today!
Crazy Cool Resources:
Hawkins Wellness (click here to schedule FREE CALL with Jill)
CCF Podcasts
CCF Social Media
Join Basecamp- FOR FREE!
Already in Basecamp? Check out the TRAILS!

#190 AVOID the HoliDAZE - Part 2 (Feat. ALL the ”Manning” Girls)

How do you ENJOY the holidays and not get stuck in a holiDAZE?
This mini series is created for all the parents out there who are lying awake at night wondering how they are going to get it all done by December 24th...
Madeline, our 2nd daughter, came up with the word, "holidaze." Its completely made up (we think....🤷🏽‍♂️)
Definition of "Holidaze":
not enjoying the present event, festivity, or celebration, because you are so stressed out about the next event, festivity, or celebration.
2nd definition:
cloudy, negative mindset around the upcoming holiday events because they feel too overwhelming/you don’t have the energy to make it through them with joy.
Anyone feel this way about the 2022 holidays?
How do we kick any HOLIDAZE MINDSETS and make the most of 2022 Holidays! They only happen once, so how do we make the most of them?
We cover so much in this podcast, you will just have to listen. This is one of our favorite quotes to entice you....
"Rethink the holidays and the relationships around you in this season. The end of 2022 can be full of healing. God can restore and reignite our relationships this holiday season!"
Check out this week's podcast (Part 1) and be on the lookout for next week's episode! We believe God will highlight a strategy to you, for your family, and it will make this holiday season AMAZING!
Crazy Cool Resources:
CCF Podcasts
CCF Social Media
Join Basecamp- FOR FREE!
Already in Basecamp? Check out the TRAILS!

#189: AVOID the HoliDAZE - Part 1 (Feat. ALL the ”Manning” Girls)

How do you ENJOY the holidays and not get stuck in a holiDAZE?
This mini series is created for all the parents out there who are lying awake at night wondering how they are going to get it all done by December 24th...
Madeline, our 2nd daughter, came up with the word, "holidaze." Its completely made up (we think....🤷🏽‍♂️)
Definition of "Holidaze":
not enjoying the present event, festivity, or celebration, because you are so stressed out about the next event, festivity, or celebration.
2nd definition:
cloudy, negative mindset around the upcoming holiday events because they feel too overwhelming/you don’t have the energy to make it through them with joy.
Anyone feel this way about the 2022 holidays?
How do we kick any HOLIDAZE MINDSETS and make the most of 2022 Holidays! They only happen once, so how do we make the most of them?
We cover so much in this podcast, you will just have to listen. This is one of our favorite quotes to entice you....
"Rethink the holidays and the relationships around you in this season. The end of 2022 can be full of healing. God can restore and reignite our relationships this holiday season!"
Check out this week's podcast (Part 1) and be on the lookout for next week's episode! We believe God will highlight a strategy to you, for your family, and it will make this holiday season AMAZING!
Crazy Cool Resources:
CCF Podcasts
CCF Social Media
Join Basecamp- FOR FREE!
Already in Basecamp? Check out the TRAILS!

#188: Wrapping Up the Pursue God Series

What are your reasons for not having a strong relationship with God?
In this podcast, we unpack SIMPLE but POWERFUL ways you can strengthen your relationship with God. In every season you are in, God is pursing you and He wants to have a relationship with you. It will give you the strength to live each day to the fullest!
The Parent to God is the covering relationship for a family. We are wrapping up this series by talking about how GREAT God is amidst the change. This fall air and crisp evenings has us excited about what all God is going to do as this year comes to a close.
What are practical ways to connect to God?
Get out in nature (especially amidst the changing seasons)
Worship
Read your Bible
Find the small moments to invite God
Asking God for His perspective on each situation
“God, what is your perspective on this situation? Show me your ways.” -Suz
What are ways you spend time with God?
Consistency to get up in the mornings
Along the way (especially with small children)
Leave for work early and spend time with God there
Find quiet times in your days
Ask your spouse what they need to connect with God
Fight and articulate for your time with God. Your spouse may not know what you need, so tell them!
“It may not be easy, but it is worth it!” - Don
What do I do if I love God but my kids don’t? How do I help my child hear God for themself? What about my spouse?
Our example is more important than our words/instruction
The questions are so important! (Look for that the questions are doing in your child’s heart)
Create experiences for them to see/know God
Allow the truth of the Gospel to be in front of your kids as often as possible
Invite your kids to thank God for the everyday miracles
What if my family doesn’t like church? How do we connect with God within the church?
Everyone has a story and church needs to be at the center of it
Kids need a foundation for the truth, which is found within the church
Jesus created the church but it is imperfect, we are called to contribute, not just consume
Ask God what church your family needs to be a part of
“The church is an extension of your family. We don’t walk away from family when it’s messed up... so we don’t walk away from the church when it feels messy.” - Suz
What else can we do to help make God a priority in our family?
Invite Him into every decision
Talk about God and give Him credit for the little things
Technology is everywhere – put God things in front of your kids
Thank God for food, toys, teams, and everything we are a part of each day
Include your kids in the ups and downs of life (emotions, decision, etc...)
Show them how you include God in your feelings and life decisions
Crazy Cool Resources:
CCF Podcasts
CCF Social Media
Join Basecamp- FOR FREE!
Already in Basecamp? Check out the TRAILS!

#187: Talk to Yourself the Way God Talks to You (Feat. John Stange)

Parents, do you ever feel like all those spiritual words get jumbled up in your head and you can’t figure out a simple, effective way to consistently hear God?
Words like, identity, repentance, intimacy, Gospel, grace, etc...?!??!
Well, today’s your day! John Stange joins this week’s podcast to talk about walking and talking with God.
Ep. 187 provides practical tools to help you focus on God’s voice and start experiencing His presence daily.
Crazy as it seems, God sees His kids (that’s us) the same way He sees Jesus.... holy.... clean... righteous. If you don’t see yourself this way, then it’s time to invest a little time in Ep. 187 and let John and Don redirect your thinking!
Listen today and share with a friend! It’s worth your investment!
Crazy Cool Resources:
CCF Podcasts
CCF Social Media
Join Basecamp- FOR FREE!
Already in Basecamp? Check out the TRAILS!
John Stange's Resources

#186: Need a Fatherhood Refresh? (Feat. Larry Hagner)

Learning to be a Godly, motivated, and joyful man in our world can feel overwhelming....
How do we bust out of the mental, emotional, and spiritual ruts we, as men, can fall into?
Larry Hagner joins Don on this week's podcast and the truth bombs he drops will blow your mind. His testimony alone is worth the price of admission (which is $0!)
Don and Larry unpack the hardships men, in today's society, face and how to overcome the "Drift Effect." Each man is worthy of a relationship with God but that doesn't mean we know how to have one.
If you are a man, trying to love God - this podcast is for you.
If you are a man, trying to lead your family - this podcast is for you.
If you are a man, seeking FULFILLMENT out of your season of life
THIS PODCAST IS FOR YOU!
If you are anyone who knows someone who fits the above three criteria - share this podcast or listen to gain priceless insight!
Crazy Cool Resources:
CCF Podcasts
CCF Social Media
Join Basecamp- FOR FREE!
Already in Basecamp? Check out the TRAILS!
The Dad Edge Resources