The Journey: PCA Parent Podcast

Dan Panetti

A podcast for parents in the PCA system of schools, including PCA Plano, PCA North, and St. Timothy’s Christian Academy. read less
Kids & FamilyKids & Family

Episodes

AI: The Good, the Bad, and the Things Parents Need to Know
May 8 2024
AI: The Good, the Bad, and the Things Parents Need to Know
Guest: Giovanni Capriglione, Texas State Representative, District 98   Barna’s research has shown that nearly 3/4th (72%) of parents are worried about or concerned with AI’s impact on their children - but also that only 17% have actually taken steps to learn more about AI - so, basically parents are afraid and under-informed   One concern expressed about AI is the potential likelihood of decreased social connection, adding to the epidemic of loneliness and isolation this generation is already facing   AI is more complex than “if/then” commands - it is a system that can be trained to use data for specific purposes   Texas Governor Greg Abbott signed Rep. Capriglione’s bill (HB 2060) into law creating the Artificial Intelligence Advisory Council that will study the use of AI in state government   AI collects data points - the average person has at least 100,000 data points collected on them - which means that AI can know you better than you know yourself! Digital privacy laws are being passed so that people can begin to see the information that has been collected about them.   The best way to protect yourself is to reduce the amount of information that AI can collect on you - be aware of this   Social media has one goal - to make sure you don’t put your phone down - the more you scroll, the more data that is being collected about you! Special shout out to Jared Wood for allowing us to use his music - check him out at JaredWoodMusic!
POV: Three Freshman Students Appreciate Their PCA Journey
May 1 2024
POV: Three Freshman Students Appreciate Their PCA Journey
Guests: Emerson Seal, Elizabeth Teague, and Sevyn Trogdon (PCA Freshmen, Class of 2027)   Sevyn’s dad runs a discipleship ministry called Kingdom Focus Coaching.   The girls share their thoughts about some of the more memorable moments at PCA Lower School including: the Kindergarten Circus, sea animal project, transportation day, Invention Convention, Let George Do It, and the Boosterthon Fun Run! Their favorite part of school was definitely their teachers!   Things that their parents did to help them grow in their faith: Going on ministry service projects and opportunities with their parents and actually seeing God at workLeading by example - living out your faith so that your kids can see that it is truly important to you and your family - has such a significant impact on your childrenKingdom Education is the working together of the church, the home, and the school working in concert to train up a child in the way they should go - and “church” isn’t just a Sunday morning activity, but being involved in a variety of opportunities including PSO for sports, MidWeek on Wednesday evenings, student choir, etc. For more information, check out the Prestonwood Student Ministry page and the Prestonwood Student Worship page.Helping your kids navigate “friendships” and building quality relationships by being a good friend and surrounding yourself with godly individuals who can challenge you to be the best person you can be. Also, remember to maintain good relationships with non-Christians to be a light and encouragement pointing them to Christ! Special shout out to Jared Wood for allowing us to use his music - check him out at JaredWoodMusic!
Train Up a Child in the Way They Should Go
Apr 24 2024
Train Up a Child in the Way They Should Go
Guest: Kristin Dysart, M.Ed., MS and US Guidance Counselor, PCA North   PCA isn’t just a “college prep” educational institution - the Biblical worldview and academic rigor of PCA is designed to equip students for success in life, which includes college for those who desire to attend.   Kristin references a Christianity Today article that differentiates between the “price” of a college education and the “cost” - which dives into the cost of young people being indoctrinated in a worldview that is contrary to solid and orthodox Biblical teaching. In the article, Dr. Henderson points to a “strong link between a young person’s choice of a college and their short-term and long-term commitment to Christian faith.” Here is a summary of that article.   To learn more about Hope College’s “Hope Forward” initiative featured on Malcolm Gladwell’s Revisionist History podcast, click here.   What should parents instill in their children as they mature on their journey at PCA - here are some recommendations: Allow your children to fail and to learn from their mistakesStain your children with the Word of GodGround your children’s identity in ChristA connection to you as a parent is more important to your child’s development than connections to their peersTrain your children to be responsible for their actionsBe intentional about the conversations you’re having with your children.   Good resource as you consider where your son/daughter should attend college: Where You God Is Not Who You’ll Be: An Antidote to the College Admissions Mania by Frank Bruni Special shout out to Jared Wood for allowing us to use his music - check him out at JaredWoodMusic!
Protecting Texas Children from the Porn Industry
Apr 17 2024
Protecting Texas Children from the Porn Industry
Guest: Matt Shaheen, Texas State Representative, District 66 State Representative Matt Shaheen led the efforts in the last legislative session to pass laws requiring age verification for access to “adult” [porn] websites (for more information, see House Bill 1181). The law requires that users verify that they are over 18 years old. A couple of months ago, the 5th Circuit Court of Appeals upheld a challenge to the Texas age verification requirement. Responding to that decision, several porn sites have blocked all uses from Texas. Several other states are passing similar legislation in efforts to protect children from sexually explicit material. Common Sense Media released valuable research called “Teens and Pornography” which found that 73% of teens aged 13 to 17 who participated in the survey have watched pornography online and more than half (54%) reported that their first exposure to pornography occurred around the age of 13. The report also revealed that a majority of teens who indicated that they’ve viewed online pornography have been exposed to what has been labeled aggressive and/or violent forms of pornography. And remember that this year is a Presidential Election and the General Election is coming up this November. Christians Engaged is a wonderful organization to help you get informed and engaged as a Christian citizen in our great country. Special shout out to Jared Wood for allowing us to use his music - check him out at JaredWoodMusic!
Bonding with Your Teens Through Boundaries
Mar 20 2024
Bonding with Your Teens Through Boundaries
Guest: June Hunt   Bonding with Your Teens Through Boundaries by June Hunt. Discover a balanced, biblical way to set appropriate boundaries that will prepare your teen to live an independent, self-controlled, successful life. JUNE HUNT, one of the world's leading Christian counselors, shows you how. Using scores of tough real-life scenarios, June helps you learn to use boundaries--each linked to specific repercussions and rewards--to guide your teen through four critical areas of life: home, school, personal, and social. Each scenario is followed by concrete advice on what to do and what to say.Once you communicate the boundaries, your teen has a choice: Cross them or stay inside. At that point, the teenager--not you, the parent--chooses to receive the repercussion or reward. Behavior becomes linked to consequences, building maturity, trust and security. Practical and realistic in its tone, June's biblical guidance helps you win--not a war, but a relationship of mutual respect.   The Hope Center houses 64 different ministries in this one facility, which is an incredible stewardship opportunity for these ministries.   Hope for the Heart is a worldwide biblical resource ministry, founded by June Hunt, that offers biblical hope and practical wisdom on over one hundred relevant topics facing individuals, families, and the church today! The different elements of June’s ministry include the following: Keys for Living Library Short helpful books with clear answers from God’s answer and concise, practical guidance on life’s challenges. Lifeline to Hope A suite of video-based courses on lay caregiving designed to equip people to provide support, encouragement, and spiritual care to those in need. International Christian Coaching Institute (ICCI) A global network of like-minded Christian coaches with online courses, credentialing, and certifications – bringing life and living into focus. Radio Broadcast Hope in the Night is a live, one-hour, call-in counseling program with June Hunt sharing biblical guidance to real callers facing real challenges. June’s Place Helpful books, Bible studies, music, and more from Hope for the Heart Founder, June Hunt. Counseling Services HopeWorks Counseling provides professional counseling (in-person and teletherapy) for individuals, couples, families, and groups. Free Downloads Find quick answers and biblical guidance to everyday problems with our free, downloadable life guides. Social Media Follow Hope for the Heart on Facebook to receive encouraging posts from God’s Word, blog articles to help you grow in your faith, and discounts on our biblical resources and training courses. You can also follow June Hunt on Facebook here! Also, check out the incredible Mental Health & The Church conference with June Hunt, George Barna, Greg Stier, Haley Scully, and Dr. Eric Scalise on Saturday, June 22, 2024 at the Plano Event Center from 9am-5pm. This event is for anyone called to care for those around them…including parents, youth pastors, coaches, and teachers.   Special shout out to Jared Wood for allowing us to use his music - check him out at JaredWoodMusic!
A Personal Journey and Biblical Perspective on Gender & Sexuality
Mar 13 2024
A Personal Journey and Biblical Perspective on Gender & Sexuality
Guest: Hope Harris   Hope is a former “loud and proud” lesbian activist from Seattle who surrendered her life and sexuality to Christ about fifteen years ago. Her spiritual journey with Christ began when a friend asked Hope what she really wanted in life and when Hope responded with “peace,” her friend showed Hope the peace with God made possible by the work of Jesus Christ on the cross - see John 14:27.   The verse in Scripture that jumped off the page to Hope was found in 1 Corinthians 6:9-11, which reads:   Or do you not know that the unrighteous will not inherit the kingdom of God? Do not be deceived: neither the sexually immoral, nor idolaters, nor adulterers, nor men who practice homosexuality, nor thieves, nor the greedy, nor drunkards, nor revilers, nor swindlers will inherit the kingdom of God. And such were some of you. But you were washed, you were sanctified, you were justified in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ and by the Spirit of our God.   God’s intended design is what is best for each person. God does not withhold what is best. His design for gender and sexuality gives healthy boundaries and relationships that help us know what is best, healthy, and beneficial to human flourishing.   Because God is relational, we as human beings created in the image of God are designed to be relational as well. We are designed to be in community and to live lives with purpose and meaning beyond what feels best for our own self-interest.   “You are” messages translate into “I am” concepts in the minds of many young people. Be very careful what you say to others - words have power. Part of parenting is to model what healthy gender and sexuality really are for others to see.   Fighting back against the lies of this world is really a discipleship issue. Are you discipling your children, grounding them in the Word of God, and building them up to be the men and women that God has created and designed for them to be? Remember that people, even if we disagree with them, are not our enemies. Scripture reminds us that our “battle isn’t against flesh and blood, but against the authorities, against the cosmic powers over this present darkness, against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly places” (Ephesians 6:12).   Hope’s Recommended Resources: Homosexuality and the Christian: A Guide for Parents, Pastors, and Friends by Mark Yarhouse   Talking to Kids about Gender Identity: A Roadmap for Christian Compassion, Civility, and Conviction by Mark Yarhouse   Feelings are real, but they are not reliable. Also, parents, we need to discuss God’s design for gender and sexuality - if they aren’t hearing the truth from us, they are learning lies from the world. Special shout out to Jared Wood for allowing us to use his music - check him out at JaredWoodMusic!
Advancing the Gospel through the Ministry of the Prestonwood Pregnancy Center
Mar 6 2024
Advancing the Gospel through the Ministry of the Prestonwood Pregnancy Center
Guests: Leanne Jamison, Alana Campbell, Whitney Freeman, and Dalton McGaha   The work and ministry of the Prestonwood Pregnancy Center is vital and as important as ever, even after the overturning of Roe v. Wade by the recent Dobbs decision, saving the lives of the unborn and helping families in crisis is an incredible opportunity to be the hands and feet of Jesus to those who are in need of love and care. But the pregnancy center needs YOU to help - to volunteer, to serve, to ministry, to give. Listen to this moving and powerful powerful podcast featuring some PCA parents just like you as they tell about how they got involved and the difference their time and energies make in the lives of others!   And then connect with the Prestonwood Pregnancy Center - set up a diaper drive, donate items on their Amazon wish list, volunteer some of your time, and give some of your resources to help continue their incredible work!   Also remember the Chosen conference is just around the corner on Saturday, April 13th. This conference is a national gathering of life-affirming leaders and organizations providing information, resources, and support about adoption and foster care. Dynamic keynote speakers who have a passion for the sanctity of life and a heart for children in desperate need of a “forever home” include Gregg Matte, Sadie Robertson Huff, Korie Robertson, and Shane & Kasi Pruitt.  Special shout out to Jared Wood for allowing us to use his music - check him out at JaredWoodMusic!
Scientific Evidences Support the Biblical Narrative for Creation
Feb 21 2024
Scientific Evidences Support the Biblical Narrative for Creation
Guest: Dr. Tim Clarey, Director of Research, Institute for Creation Research (ICR)   What’s new in the world of science - plate tectonics! The movement of the sea floor had a dramatic impact on the impact of the Flood - and the more recent discoveries give more evidence for a worldwide and catastrophic Flood. Dr. John Baumgardner has done some amazing research in this area - you can read more about this here.   Dr. Clarey’s research shows evidence for a “progressive” and worldwide flood as well as deposits of marine fossils in places where water just shouldn’t be unless there was a worldwide flood.   To learn more about the fossil record and how scientists use this for dating strata, check out these resources at ICR.   You’ll want to check out The Discovery Center at ICR - here’s what you can expect there: Planetarium showsEngaging exhibits that teach the origin of the universe and how science affirms the BibleAnimatronic creatures, special effects, and a chilly Ice Age theaterFascinating facts about DNA and human ancestry, fossils and rocks, dinosaurs, and astronomyDevelopment and application of critical thinking skills while discovering the latest scientific researchA Bible-based journey through Earth's history, highlighting scientific discoveries along the waySpecial events will include live presentations by scientists and scholarsA resource store full of creation-based science resources and educational kits   Read more about the latest discoveries related to “feathered dinosaurs” and the Biblical narrative that God created animals according to their kind. Also read more about the six biological evidences for a young earth by ICR. Special shout out to Jared Wood for allowing us to use his music - check him out at JaredWoodMusic!
Primary Election 2024 Important Information
Feb 14 2024
Primary Election 2024 Important Information
Guest: Ben Quine, Vice President of Christians Engaged   Christians Engaged is encouraging and equipping Christians to PRAY, VOTE, and ENGAGE the culture for Christ!   1 Timothy 2:2 - Paul calls for Christians to pray “for kings and all who are in high positions, that we may lead a peaceful and quiet life, godly and dignified in every way.”   The Primary Election date is Tuesday, March 5th - and Early Voting is from Feb. 20th to March 1st   The runoff for the primary election will be May 28th   The General Election is Tuesday, November 5th   To learn more about the Party Platforms and their positions on important issues of our day, get this Biblical Roadmap to the Party Platforms.   Mike Johnson’s 7 Core Principles of Conservativism Individual Freedom Limited Government The Rule of Law Peace through Strength Fiscal Responsibility Free Markets Human Dignity  In preparation for Easter, check out this Living Hope Devotional - a 5 week journey into the powerful story of the crucifixion and resurrection of Jesus Christ - our “living hope.” The first four weeks of the book will strengthen your heart, soul, and mind by working through  a different spiritual discipline each week. Those disciplines will set the table for week five - Holy Week. Cost is $10. Order yours now to get it in time for you to start five weeks before Easter! Special shout out to Jared Wood for allowing us to use his music - check him out at JaredWoodMusic!
Encouraging and Equipping Book for Every Parent
Jan 24 2024
Encouraging and Equipping Book for Every Parent
Guests: Johnny Farr and Nick Bellamy   As we look to equip you as parents for meaningful and intentional spiritual training, pointing you to good resources and books is a practical way to prepare you to better train your children “in the fear and admonition of the Lord” (Ephesians 6:4). We will also look to address other media avenues, such as movies, to help equip you, the parents, for those quality conversations around the dinner table or on your drive to and from school.   Our first resource that we are reviewing and strongly recommending is Parenting: 14 Gospel Principles That Can Radically Change Your Family by Paul David Tripp.   From the book Parenting: Introduction Good parents don’t always produce good kids, and parents should constantly be asking themselves where they get the set of values that tell them whether they have “good” kids or not.   Chapter 1 Calling Principle: Nothing is more important in your life than being one of God’s tools to form a human soul.   Chapter 2 Grace Here’s the humbling conclusion that God, in grace, led me to: I am more like my children than unlike them - and so are you!   Chapter 4 Inability Parenting is not about exercising power for change in your children. Parenting is about your humble faithfulness in being willing to participate in God’s work of change for the sake of your children.   Chapter 5 Identity Principle: If you are not resting as a parent in your identity in Christ, you will look for identity in your children. How do you know if you’re putting your identity on the shoulders of your children? Too much focus on success.Too much concern about reputation.Too great a desire for control.Too much emphasis on doing rather than being.Too much temptation to make it personal.  Chapter 6 Process Principle: You must be committed as a parent to long-view parenting because change is a process and not an event.   Chapter 8 Authority Do you humbly own the rebellion of your own heart as you deal with the rebellion of your children in a way that causes you to exercise authority with patience and grace?   Chapter 9 Foolishness Principle: The foolishness inside your children is more dangerous to them than the temptation outside of them. Only God’s grace has the power to rescue fools.   Chapter 12 Control Principle: The goal of parenting is not control of behavior, but rather heart and life change.   Chapter 14 Mercy Principle: No parent gives mercy better than one who is convinced that he desperately needs it himself. Special shout out to Jared Wood for allowing us to use his music - check him out at JaredWoodMusic!
PCA Preparation for College and Life
Jan 17 2024
PCA Preparation for College and Life
Guests: PCA Alumni Pateel Toranian (‘23), Isabelle Simpson (‘20), and Hunter Hall (‘20)   What a blessing it was to hear from Pateel Toranian (Class of 2023, currently at the University of Texas - Austin), Isabelle Simpson (Class of 2020, currently at Texas Tech University), and Hunter Hall (Class of 2020, currently at Texas A&M University) - they shared some practical wisdom with our US students at chapel and I was able to catch them before they returned to college to have their share about the impact that PCA has and is making in their lives and spiritual journeys.   All three of these students had parents who were involved in their spiritual development as well as the other “legs of the stool” - involvement in a good Bible-teaching church and the Christ-centered, Biblical worldview intensive aspects of Prestonwood Christian Academy. The Biblical worldview training that a student receives at PCA is not only foundational for success at PCA and in college, but also for a “successful and prosperous” life as defined by God’s economy (see Joshua 1:8). All three of these students are continuing their spiritual maturity while in college - they are all plugged into a solid church and Christian community and continuing their own personal spiritual growth!   When we talk about The Portrait of a PCA Graduate, the concepts that are important are a reverence for God, an eternal perspective, humility, a rigorous academic learning process, and high expectations and accountability. Each of these students embody those characteristics of a PCA Graduate!   How much do you have to hate someone - statement from magician Penn Jillette following a situation where a man shared about the life-transforming power of Jesus Christ.   The students also shared about the incredible and eternal impact of PCA’s Minimester program - coming up again in March - be praying for our students who will be traveling across the globe to share the love of Jesus! Special shout out to Jared Wood for allowing us to use his music - check him out at JaredWoodMusic!
PCA Re-enrollment 2024 Conversation
Jan 10 2024
PCA Re-enrollment 2024 Conversation
Guests: Angie Gray, Chief Enrollment and Marketing Officer for PCA, and Emery Petroff, PCA’s Ambassador Board member, Finance and Operations committee   PCA’s re-enrollment begins on January 15 and concludes on January 31 for existing PCA families. At that time, spots will be open for those looking to enroll their students in PCA for the next school year who are not currently enrolled at PCA. Re-enrollment is a vital component of maintaining the spirit and vibrancy of the PCA community and over the years more than 90% of families at PCA chose to re-enroll their students for the following year, which is a remarkable achievement. Part of the decision-making process for families considering PCA is the tuition and each year that tuition amount is determined by key leadership personnel at PCA and approved by the FiOps committee, and then the entire Ambassador Board at PCA. Dr. Goddard recently sent out an email informing parents of the minimal increase of 2% for the 2024-25 school year and the conversation with Angie Gray and Emery Petroff will hopefully help you understand how this decision was reached. As Dr. Goddard wrote in his email, “We realize and appreciate the sacrifice you [parents/families] make each year to provide your children with a Kingdom education. We are grateful for the privilege of partnering with you to provide a Kingdom education for your student. Together we will continue our mission, establishing students for life and building Faith-Filled Lions.”   If you have any questions about re-enrollment as a current PCA family or wish to learn more about enrolling your child(ren) at PCA in the future, please contact Angie Gray, Chief Enrollment and Marketing Officer at 972-930-4007 or via email at agray@prestonwoodchristian.org Special shout out to Jared Wood for allowing us to use his music - check him out at JaredWoodMusic!