Rock Solid Families

Rock Solid Families

Rock Solid Families is committed to helping educate, equip, and empower families to be all God created them to be! Merrill and Linda Hutchinson began Rock Solid Families in October of 2018. They have over 60 years of combined experience in teaching, public speaking, counseling, ministry, and coaching. After much prayer, Merrill and Linda made the decision to step down from their full time positions in the church and public school to focus on strengthening families. Both believe that healthy schools, churches, and communities depend on strong and healthy families. This weekly podcast is made possible through the generous financial support of community partners. With the help of local sponsors and the word spreading through listeners like you, Rock Solid Families is helping to build stronger communities one family at a time!

  1. JAN 19

    Renewal with Christ - Ep. 338

    Renewal with Christ - Ep. 338 Linda Hutchinson and co-host Kimm Hackworth discuss spiritual renewal as the new year begins. The Theme of Renewal Linda and Kimm aim to guide listeners in enhancing their relationships with God and setting an intentional rhythm for their spiritual lives. They emphasize that spiritual renewal can take various forms, often requiring intentionality and the need to create space away from the distractions of everyday life. The discussion begins by referencing Romans 12:2, warning against conforming to the world’s patterns and instead focusing on transformation through the renewing of the mind. Spiritual Disciplines The hosts dive into spiritual disciplines, a concept introduced by Richard Foster, which includes practices meant to foster a deeper relationship with God. They clarify that these disciplines are not burdensome tasks but are meant to cultivate intimacy with God. They discuss various inward disciplines such as: 1. Study and Meditation - Engaging with the Word of God for revelation, not mere knowledge. 2. Prayer - Cultivating an interactive relationship with God. 3. Fasting - Withholding from certain things to reveal dependencies and deepen reliance on God. Kimm shares her preference for inward disciplines and how those help in personal reflection, while Linda emphasizes the importance of balance between inward and outward disciplines. Outward and Corporate Disciplines The conversation then shifts to outward disciplines, which are about changing behavior to align with spiritual truths. Some key practices mentioned include: •Simplicity - Reducing material possessions to focus on spiritual values. •Silence and Solitude - Taking time to be alone with God. •Sabbath Rest - Intentionally resting and trusting in God’s provision. •Service - Helping others as a form of worship and humility. They also discuss corporate disciplines that involve community, such as worship, confession, and accountability, emphasizing the importance of being connected with others in faith. Family Dynamics and Legacy Linda and Kimm reflect on how spiritual practices at home influence children. They recount personal stories from their own families, illustrating how their children observed and internalized these spiritual rhythms. They stress the importance of modeling faith and creating intentional spaces for spiritual growth within families, reminding listeners that children are always watching and learning from their parents’ actions. Final Encouragement Linda encourages listeners to choose one spiritual discipline to focus on for the next 30 days, urging them to reflect on what they can remove or add to their lives to experience renewal. They conclude by thanking their sponsors again and reinforcing the mission of RockSolid Families to help strengthen families in the community. Conclusion The podcast delivers a thoughtful discussion on spiritual renewal, emphasizing intentionality, the significance of community, and leaving a legacy of faith for future generations. It invites listeners to embark on their journey of spiritual growth as the new year begins. rocksolidfamilies.org Support the show #Rocksolidfamilies, #familytherapy,  #marriagecounseling,  #parenting,  #faithbasedcounseling, #counseling, #Strongdads, #coaching, #lifecoach, #lifecoaching, #marriagecoaching, #marriageandfamily, #control, #security, #respect, #affection, #love, #purpose, #faith, #affairs, #infidelity

    42 min
  2. JAN 5

    Renewal Begins with Breaking Free from the Patterns of this World - Ep. 337

    Renewal is not about becoming new people as much as remembering who we already are in Christ. Listen in as I read these words from the apostle Paul to the church in Rome. He was writing to the Romans but so much of it applies to us today as well.  Read Romans 12:1–2  Focus: Step 1 of renewal—stop conforming. What Does “Conform to the Patterns of This World” Mean? Ephesians 4 mentions some of the patterns of this world: In vs. 22 on down You were taught, with regard to your former way of life, to put off your old self, which is being corrupted by its deceitful desires. What do the Patterns of this world look like for you today?? Busyness = that somehow how busy your calendar is defines your worth and value PERSONAL COMFORT-That somehow your personal comfort matters more than your character IMPULSIVE REACTIONS-That its ok to just impulsively react rather than intentionally and thoughtfully respond IDENTITY-Who you are is what you do SELF SUFFICIENCY-That its weakness to surrender and be dependent on God. You somehow have to muscle up and do it all yourself. STRIVING FOR MORE- rather being content with what we’ve been given. Key Truth: The truth is most families don’t consciously choose worldliness—they slowly absorb it. We become kind of like a chameleon based on what or who we’re around. Step 1 of Renewal: Awareness Before Action  You can’t renew what you don’t recognize. Practical Reflection Questions for Listeners: What voices are shaping our values more than Scripture? What patterns feel “normal” but don’t feel life-giving? Encouragement: Awareness is not condemnation—it’s an invitation. Advice  Practical Ways to Stop Conforming: Interrupt the Noise around you and Evaluate Evaluate: Media intake Social media rhythms News consumption Ask: Is this shaping my peace or stealing it? Practical Tip:  Try a weekly “noise fast” (one evening with no screens, just presence). Slow Down to Notice What’s Forming You Renewal requires margin. The world disciples through hurry. Practical Tip:  Build in “pause points”: Morning prayer before phones Family check-ins at dinner Sabbath rhythms (even imperfect ones) Name the Lies You’ve Normalized Examples: “This is just how families are.” “We’re too busy to change.” “It’s not that big of a deal.” Truth:  What you don’t challenge, you allow to shape you. Offer Yourself Again Tie back to Romans 12:1: Therefore, I urge you, brothers and sisters, in view of God’s mercy, to offer your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to God—this is your true and proper worship. Renewal begins with surrender Simple Prayer:  “Lord, I offer You my mind, my time, my reactions, and my family rhythms.”  Hope-Filled Reframe: Renewal Is a Process Paul doesn’t say “be instantly transformed” He says “be transformed by the renewing of your mind” Encouragement for Families: Small changes matter Consistent choices build new patterns God is patient and present in the process Call to Action: Commit to one small shift this week Write it down! Pray over it as a family Closing Line:“Renewal doesn’t start when life slows down. It starts when we choose to stop drifting and start offering ourselves—right where we are.” rocksolidfamili Support the show #Rocksolidfamilies, #familytherapy,  #marriagecounseling,  #parenting,  #faithbasedcounseling, #counseling, #Strongdads, #coaching, #lifecoach, #lifecoaching, #marriagecoaching, #marriageandfamily, #control, #security, #respect, #affection, #love, #purpose, #faith, #affairs, #infidelity

    41 min

Ratings & Reviews

4.9
out of 5
28 Ratings

About

Rock Solid Families is committed to helping educate, equip, and empower families to be all God created them to be! Merrill and Linda Hutchinson began Rock Solid Families in October of 2018. They have over 60 years of combined experience in teaching, public speaking, counseling, ministry, and coaching. After much prayer, Merrill and Linda made the decision to step down from their full time positions in the church and public school to focus on strengthening families. Both believe that healthy schools, churches, and communities depend on strong and healthy families. This weekly podcast is made possible through the generous financial support of community partners. With the help of local sponsors and the word spreading through listeners like you, Rock Solid Families is helping to build stronger communities one family at a time!

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