I fondly remember the hours I spent at my grandmother’s kitchen table. Stories repeated, laughs shared, memories brought to life, as she unintentionally imparted wisdom. From her I learned the secrets of hospitality, the rewards of perseverance, the concept of committed love. Not because she had an agenda that she felt compelled to share, but because she had a captive audience (let’s face it, she was old). Soaps blaring in the background, Club crackers and coke within reach, we engaged for hours as I listened to her relive the past.
We’re missing out on that these days. No need to state the obvious factors contributing to “why”. As moms (dads) parenting adolescents (tweens) and teens, we need sage advice more than ever. So, here at the MOATblog, we’re bringing the kitchen time on-line with Table Talks through which parenting tweens and teens insight is generously shared on a weekly basis by our wonderful guest bloggers.
Listed below are theMOATblog’s terrific Table Talk guest bloggers in alphabetical order. Some are fairly famous, some not so much. A few might agree to disagree on political positions (we don’t talk about that) … all have purposefully parented. They have lots of great insight into parenting, especially parenting adolescents (tweens) and teens. Take a moment and click on their links when you get a chance.
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Chuck Bentley is the current CEO for Crown Financial Ministries. Chuck has traveled throughout the world teaching biblical financial principles to the affluent, middle class, poor and “ultra poor”. Bentley is the co-creator of the Crown Money Map, a contributor to Saddleback Church’s small group series, Managing Our Finances God’s Way, and is currently writing and producing a series of short films designed to convey God’s principles of provision and sustainability through dramatic Bible stories seldom captured in visual media. Bentley brings to Crown visionary leadership that connects with all generations and is a dynamic speaker who inspires his audience with a strong scriptural emphasis.
Sue Bohlin loves teaching women and laughing, and if those two can be combined, all the better. She is a frequent speaker for MOPS (Mothers of Pre-Schoolers) and Stonecroft Ministries (Christian Women’s Connections) on the topic “How to Handle the Things You Hate But Can’t Change,” based on her lifelong experience as a polio survivor. She also is a speaker/writer for Probe Ministries, a Christian organization that helps people to think biblically. She is also the “webmistress” for Probe.org’s 1200+ articles and answers to email (many of which she wrote). This means she’s a computer geek and she refuses to apologize for it. Sue serves on the board of Living Hope Ministries, a Christ-centered organization that helps people struggling with unwanted homosexuality and the family members of those with same-sex attractions. From her years of studying this issue and ministering to those dealing with this issue, she speaks frequently on “Raising Gender Healthy Kids,” and is writing a book about this topic.
Jody Capehart is an educator, author and speaker with nearly 40 years experience. She is the author or co-author of over 15 books including Cherishing and Challenging Your Children, Teaching with Heart, Christian Charm Course, The Discipline Guide, Discipline by Design, Bonding with Your Teens through Boundaries, and Discipline to the Design of Your Child.
Jody has founded several schools in the Dallas area including Grace Academy and Legacy Christian Academy.
Jody currently serves as the School Whisperer, a consultant for schools and churches. She writes numerous blogs each week on education and parenting, and offers a free monthly newsletter with downloads. Her January download was a book, “Discipline to the Design of the Child”.
Jody is happily married to Paul Capehart who is in his 40th year of playing French horn in the Dallas Symphony Orchestra. They have 3 grown children and 5 grandchildren. Jody’s passion is for her family. They are members of Stonebriar Community Church. Her interests include reading, gardening, cooking, and swimming.
Lisa Clark has been teaching women’s bible studies for the past 6 years at Prestonwood Baptist Church in Plano, Texas. Prior to that, she taught new believing families for 15 years on basic Christian principles and growth. She has been teaching moms and dads throughout the D/FW area and at Prestonwood Christian Academy throughKingdom Parent Institute. Lisa has a unique teaching style that couples humor with Biblical insights and personal stories of raising her own two daughters. Grounded in God’s Word, Lisa has a passion for encouraging moms in the day to day struggles of parenting preteens and teens.
In 2007, Lisa joined Sky Ranch Camps, located in east Texas. She and CEO, Linda Paulk, developed and created SkyMoms Ministry. Lisa travels throughout Texas and Oklahoma teaching and encouraging moms through this new, innovative ministry. She writes parenting articles for the Sky Ranch website, www.skyranchcamps.org, as well as for the SkyMoms Ministry blog,www.skyranchskymoms.blogspot.
Susie Davis is an author, blogger, speaker and radio personality. She has a passion for helping people find joy in their everyday life … including mothers of teenagers! Susie is helplessly addicted to horseback riding and McDonald’s coffee. She also loves cooking and enjoying time with family. When she’s not at the barn or in the kitchen, you’re likely to find her in front of her laptop blogging about finding joy in the ordinary things like scented candles, her extraordinarily patient husband, or even her yellow lab named Mary Spoon. Susie and her husband Will Davis Jr., have three nearly grown children that keep them laughing … and humble. Together, Will and Susie founded Austin Christian Fellowship, where they spend their weekends with some of the most fabulous people in town.
Janet Denison blogs regularly on faith, family and the cultural trends that impact both at www.janetdenison.com. She and her husband Jim live in Dallas, TX. They are the parents of two sons, Ryan, a recent graduate of Truett Seminary and Craig, a recent graduate of Dallas Baptist University.
Mary DeMuth is an author, speaker and book mentor who helps turn trials to triumph. Author of ten books, she lives with her husband and three kids in Texas. Find out more at marydemuth.com, Mary’s Twitter, or Mary’s Facebook.
Authentic, passionate and insightful, Becky Harling is a gifted Bible teacher whose love for the Lord and compassionate spirit inspire women to draw closer to God and to one another.
Becky’s life experience as a pastor’s wife, mother of four, Women’s Ministry Director, survivor of breast cancer and childhood sexual abuse all bring depth and realism to her message. Becky creatively combines Biblical insight with her powerful testimony and the stories of other women who have found hope and healing in Christ. Refreshingly transparent, she is as comfortable speaking to crowds of thousands as she is ministering one on one with women in need.
Becky is the author of Finding Calm in Life’s Chaos and Rewriting Your Emotional Script, which has also been published in Polish. Her third book Freedom From Performing was released in 2011. In addition to her speaking and writing ministry, Becky serves as a Women’s Ministry consultant, a spiritual life coach and speaking coach. She and her husband make their church home at Foothills Community in Arvada, CO where her husband Steve serves as the Lead Pastor. Together, they are the parents of four adult children and four grandchildren. Check out her website at www.beckyharling.com
Jane Jarrell. Mother, wife, accomplished speaker and author on hospitality and parenting, Jane Jarrell uses wit, charm, and stories from her own life to teach women practical ideas and creative solutions for life. Jane loves sharing simple solutions for families with a humorous approach to life.
A former emcee for Southern Living Magazines Cooking shows, Jane has also written fourteen books and co-authored over 20 others, whose topics range from managing mid-life mommy-hood to ways to introduce simple hospitality to your home. As the founder and president of High Heels & Home Life, Jane loves sharing simple solutions for families with a humorous approach to life. She is a sought after speaker at national and regional conferences and within organizations and corporations across Texas.
In addition to her time with Southern Living, she has also worked for Neiman Marcus in advertising, and currently works as a food stylist and special contributor to the Dallas Morning News. Jane and her husband, Mark, have two children, Sarah and Luke, and reside in Texas. For more information, please visit janejarrell.com
She also has LOADS of recipes on Tuesday’s Tasty Tips (use search function on moatblog)
Barbara Johnson is a life coach living and working in Dallas. She is mother of 3. She specializes in parenting in a culture of affluence, mentoring and coaching teens and college-age kids. Her website is www.getunstuck.homestead.com
Kathleen M. Fischer, longtime Dallas resident and mother of three, is a registered nurse with a master’s degree. In a career spanning more than thirty- five years, she has worked in public health settings; taught in public school and at the university level; and presented professional educational seminars. Kathleen continues to be a popular speaker in corporate, professional, church and community settings, often presenting topics from her recent book, Bringing Our Boys Through the Second Decade. Please visit www.kathleenfischer.com to purchase a book or learn more about Kathleen.
Andy Kerckhoff, author of Growing Up Well, is a father of a 12-year-old son and a 10-year-old daughter who has severe physical and mental disabilities. He teaches 7th grade English, Social Studies, Cross Country, and Track & Field. In the past he has taught English at an alternative high school, has been the principal of a Christian elementary school, and has coached basketball. He has been married to his best friend for 17 years; she is a full-time mom and part-time tutor. http://growingupwell.
Best-selling authors of Same Kind of Different As Me and What Difference Do It Make
Ron Hall is an international art dealer whose long list of regular clients includes many celebrity personalities. An MBA graduate of Texas Christian University, he divides his time between Dallas, New York, and his Brazos River ranch near Fort Worth.
Denver Moore currently serves as a volunteer at the Fort Worth Union Gospel Mission. He is also a guest minister as Riteway Baptist Church, Fort Worth, and is pursuing a new career as a fine art painter. He lives in Dallas, Texas.
Ron Harris is a Sr. VP for National Religious Broadcasters, working with Christian broadcasters around the world. He has taught communications at Dallas Baptist University and Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary, and was awarded an honorary Doctor of Divinity degree by DBU in 2004. He and his wife Judy are the parents of 4 adult children, and have 4 grandkids.
Russ Kelemen: High school health teacher, Russ Kelemen, can accurately be described as a “kid whisperer”. They love him. And he loves them. At a mixed age gathering, it is only a matter of time before Russ has left the visiting adults and is off playing, wrestling and laughing with the kids.Introduced to Christ through the ministry of Young Life, Russ remains passionately involved in the ministry as a school teacher, committee member and camp counselor. Through years of teaching, camping, and loving on kids of all ages, but especially Jr. and Sr. High students, Russ’ experience with youth give him a wit and a wisdom he is anxious to share with you all through Kay’s blog. Enjoy! (Bio written by Cari Kelemen)
Writer, Teacher, Speaker, Wife, Mother, Church Administrator are some of the titles that might describe Kathryn Martin. A native Texan, Kathryn is married to Dr John A Martin, President of Roberts Wesleyan College and Northeastern Seminary in Rochester, NY. They are the parents of four adult sons (Christopher, Cameron, Colin and Kyle) and three lovely daughters in law (April, Christa, and Amber) plus three wonderful grandchildren…twins Jack and Shiloh and Lily. In addition, the Martins’ niece Helen is loved as a daughter.
One of Kathryn’s greatest joys is the large group Bible study she teaches each year. Writing and teaching from the Old Testament in the Fall and the New Testament in the Spring keeps Kathryn studying God’s Word on a daily basis. In addition, Kathryn has spoken at hundreds of Women’s Conferences, Retreats, Seminars and Community Groups. Currently she is involved in Small Group Leadership at Pearce Church in North Chili, NY as a staff member in that ministry.
View Kathryn Martin’s posts
Ruth Meek, founder of Redeeming Ministries, is a Realtor, Etiquette Coach, mother of four, and mentor to many. She is a highly sought after speaker (and soon to be author) on issues pertaining to: reclaiming Christmas, the benefits of silence, and intimacy with husbands. Ruth is a native of Jackson, MS; she has lived in Dallas for 30 years. Ruth and Stephen have been happily married for 25 years. The Meeks are active charter members of Park Cities Presbyterian Church.
Todd Rapp resides in Branson, Missouri with his wife Bronwyn and their four young boys. He is one of the Directors at Kanakuk Kamp, which is the largest Christian Sports Camp in America. A graduate of the University of Texas in Austin, Todd has worked at Kanakuk since 1998. He served on staff with a youth ministry called K-Life in Dallas, Texas for 6 years prior to coming to kamp, as well as traveled with Christian music groups such as DC Talk and Audio Adrenaline, helping run their ministries on the road.
Since 1986, Mary Flo Ridley has encouraged and equipped parents of young children to be successful in the daunting task of guiding their child’s sexual values. Mary Flo began this talk after being asked by a community organization if she would attend a conference to address this topic. Mary Flo had young children at the time, and she quickly realized that she did not agree with the message being given. She intentionally set about making a plan with her husband for how the topics of sex, babies, family, and privacy would be addressed in her family. Mary Flo noticed other parents struggling with the pressure of how to approach these sensitive topics, and decided it was important to give other parents the confidence to develop their own plan for what they want their child to know about sex. Mary Flo is a graduate of Southern Methodist University and lives in Dallas with her husband, Dave. They have 3 children, Meg, Jill and Davis Please visit www.MaryFloSimpleTruths.
Brenna Stull, a pastor’s wife and mother to five children, has helped hundreds of moms make every minute count through her teaching, speaking, and her book, Coach Mom: 7 Strategies for Organizing Your Family into an All-Star Team (New Hope Publishers).
Engaging and transparent, Brenna is known for her practical applications and life stories. She and her husband Chris are thankful to have survived four home remodels, ten straight years of babies in diapers, and ten triathlons. Brenna and her family live in McKinney, Texas. For more information or to sign up for her monthly newsletter, please visit www.brennastull.com.
Joe White: Since 1976, Kanakuk Kamps owners and K-2 Directors, Joe and Debbie Jo White, have shared a deep passion for pointing kids to Christ through Christian sports camping. Together they have seen Kanakuk grow into nine unique Kamps and have also founded Kids Across America – for inner-city kids. Joe played football at S.M.U. where Debbie Jo was a cheerleader. Joe then coached at Texas A&M before moving to Missouri in 1972. He has since written 19 books and speaks across the country for Men at the Cross, After Dark, Pure Excitement and Focus on the Family radio. Dr. James Dobson says, “Joe White knows more about teenagers than anyone in North America.” Debbie Jo trains the leadership team and the summer staff in a Precepts Bible study. She leads and organizes our Kamps with both dignity and grace. Joe and Debbie Jo have four children: Jamie Jo, Courtney, Brady, and Cooper; and eleven grandchildren: Hays, Maggie, Dax, Gabby, Jack, Anthony, Lillyanne, Hayden, Tiki, Hannah, and Samuel.
David Wills has served as president of National Christian Foundation since 1998. His passions are centered on generosity and eternity, and he therefore invests his time helping others “lay up treasure in heaven”. Texas natives, David and his wife, Chris, live on a farm north of Atlanta with their seven children.
