August 25, 2025 - by Isaac Abrahams Parenting Notes

When I sit behind the scenes and listen to Doc and Mike talk, I’m reminded why this podcast exists, to equip parents with tools that last a lifetime. In our two-part series “Foundations in Parenting”, they dig deep into what it means to build a home and a family on something solid. As Doc often says, “If the foundation is cracked, it doesn’t matter how pretty the walls look, the house won’t stand.” This post combines the biggest takeaways from both episodes, but I encourage you to watch the

full conversations. Hearing the warmth, the humor, and the conviction in their voices makes these truths even more powerful.

Introduction: Why Foundations Matter In Matthew 7:24–27, Jesus talks about the wise man building his house on the rock. That image couldn’t be more relevant for parenting today. As Doc put it, “Culture changes. Trends shift. But God’s Word doesn’t. That’s the rock you want under your kids’ feet.” Our children’s security doesn’t come from having the nicest house or the best gadgets, it comes from knowing they’re anchored in something unshakable. I. The Biblical Blueprint for Parenting

1. Parenting as Stewardship One of the first points Doc and Mike made is that parenting is not ownership, it’s stewardship. God has entrusted these children to us for a time, and we are to raise them in alignment with His design. Mike shared a personal reflection: “When I realized my kids ultimately belong to God, it changed how I made decisions for them.” That shift takes pressure off trying to be perfect and replaces it with the calling to be faithful. 2. Building on Rock, Not Sand The podcast reminded me of how easy it is to let

busyness or fear dictate our parenting choices. But without a deliberate commitment to God’s truth, we risk building on sand. Doc explained, “Sand looks fine until the storm comes. Rock doesn’t change when the weather does.” For parents, that means setting consistent, biblical principles in place early on, so our kids know where to turn when life gets messy. II. The Parent’s Role in Setting the Foundation 1. Leading by Example Doc was clear: “If you want your kids to value honesty, they have to see you tell the truth when it’s hard.” Children are watching more than they’re listening.

The integrity of our lives speaks louder than any lecture we could give. This is where personal growth becomes vital. As a parent, your spiritual walk will either reinforce or undermine the lessons you want your kids to learn. 2. Teaching Core Values Early Mike brought up the importance of teaching respect, responsibility, and kindness from a young age. Not just through rules, but through daily moments, helping with chores, apologizing when wrong, treating others with dignity. He said, “If you wait until they’re teenagers to teach values, you’re patching cracks instead of pouring concrete.” III. Common Mistakes That

Crack the Foundation 1. Inconsistency in Rules and Consequences One warning Doc gave really stuck with me: inconsistency creates confusion. If the rules change depending on your mood, kids don’t know what to expect, and that breeds insecurity. “Consistency is love in structure form,” Doc said. It tells your children, “I care enough to hold the line for your good.” 2. Neglecting the Spiritual Element Finally, they touched on how easy it is to focus on academics, sports, and behavior while neglecting the spiritual foundation. Without faith, all those other achievements can feel hollow. Doc urged, “Pray over your kids.

Pray with your kids. Don’t leave their faith up to chance or Sunday school alone.

IV. Tools for Strengthening the Foundation

1. Daily Family Discipleship

Doc talked about how discipleship doesn’t have to be complicated. “You don’t need a seminary degree to lead your home spiritually,” he said. It can be as simple as reading a short Bible passage together at breakfast, or praying before bedtime.

Mike added, “If it’s part of your normal rhythm, your kids will grow up seeing faith as part of life, not a Sunday-only thing.” These daily deposits add up over time, forming a steady spiritual base.

2. Staying Teachable as a Parent

One of my favorite moments in this episode was when Doc admitted, “I’m still learning as a parent and a grandfather. The moment I stop learning is the moment I start slipping.”

It’s a reminder that parenting is not about having all the answers but being willing to grow. Read books, listen to podcasts, ask for advice, and be humble enough to change course when needed.

3. Surrounding Yourself with Godly Community

No parent can do this alone. Doc emphasized the value of having other believers who will encourage you, pray for you, and even lovingly correct you when you need it.

“The people you surround yourself with are either strengthening your foundation or weakening it,” he said. That’s why finding a local church, joining a small group, or building friendships with like-minded families matters so much.

V. Rebuilding When the Foundation is Cracked

1. Acknowledge Where Things Have Shifted

If you realize your family’s foundation isn’t as solid as it should be, the first step is honesty. Pretending the cracks aren’t there won’t make them go away. As Doc put it, “God can’t heal what we won’t bring into the light.”

2. Start Small, Start Now

Mike encouraged parents not to get overwhelmed by trying to fix everything at once. “You can start rebuilding today with just one small, consistent habit,” he said. That could be eating one meal together as a family or introducing a nightly prayer time.

3. Trust God with the Long-Term Work

Restoration takes time. You may not see immediate results, but trust that God is working in your family’s story. As Doc reminded us, “Your job is obedience; God’s job is transformation.

Final Encouragement

As the one managing these episodes behind the scenes, I’ve learned that the most powerful moments often come when Doc and Mike speak directly to parents’ hearts. This was one of those episodes.

If there’s one thing to take away from this series, it’s that laying the right foundation is less about perfection and more about persistence. Keep showing up. Keep pointing your children to Christ. Keep building, one brick of faith at a time.

Because as Doc says, “The storms will come, but if the foundation is solid, the house will stand.”