The Barbara Rainey Podcast

Parenting Teens: Preparing for the Release (Letting Go Without Letting Them Fall)

Barbara Rainey — Wed, 13 May 2026 15:05:50 -0500

How to raise responsible teens, teach life skills, and trust God as your child steps into adulthood

If you’re parenting a teenager, you know the tension: when do you step in… and when do you let go?

In this episode of the Barbara Rainey Podcast, Dennis and Barbara Rainey explore one of the most critical moments in parenting—the release. Like an archer releasing an arrow or an eagle pushing its young from the nest, parents are called to prepare their children for independence.

But how do you do that without rescuing them too soon—or holding on too long?

Drawing from Scripture (Psalm 127) and their experience raising six children, the Raineys share practical, biblical guidance on:

Teaching time management and responsibility
Letting teens experience consequences without rescuing them
Building a strong work ethic and financial awareness
Gradually increasing freedom with accountability
Trusting God with your child’s future

You’ll also hear powerful, emotional stories about sending a child off to college—and the faith it takes to release them into God’s hands.

Whether your child is a toddler or a high school senior, this episode will help you parent with the end in mind.

🎯 Key takeaway: Your goal isn’t to control your child forever—it’s to prepare them to stand on their own and walk with God.

Episode Notes (Show Notes for Website)

🎯 What This Episode Covers

Why parenting is like releasing an arrow (Psalm 127)
The importance of preparing teens before they leave home
How to teach time management and life responsibility
Why parents must allow failure (and not rush to rescue)
The role of work ethic and financial responsibility
How to balance freedom and accountability in high school
Emotional and spiritual realities of “letting go”

🧠 Key Parenting Principles

Start preparing for independence before graduation
Let consequences become a teacher
Do “work first, play second” training early
Reduce control gradually during senior year
Stay relational, not controlling
Trust God more than your parentin

📖 Scripture Referenced

Psalm 127 (Children as arrows)
Philippians 2:14–16

💬 Memorable Quotes

“The most important moment is the release.”
“Do your work first and play second.”
“If you rescue them, you may be creating an emotional or spiritual cripple.”
“Your children were meant to soar, not stay in the nest.”
“We’re not raising children—we’re raising adults.” (implied theme)

📚 Resources Mentioned

The Art of Parenting by Dennis & Barbara Rainey
https://everthinehome.com/ArtOfParenting

🙏 Reflection for Parents

Where might you be holding on too tightly?
What would it look like to trust God more with your child’s future this week?

Call to Action (Embedded in Description or Separate Field)

Subscribe to the Barbara Rainey Podcast for more biblical parenting wisdom
Share this episode with a parent of a teen
Visit EverThineHome.com for resources to strengthen your home

Author / Artist

Barbara Rainey / Ever Thine Home

Our Story: Lessons in Marriage, Part 1 “Building Solid Foundations”

Barbara Rainey — Thu, 09 Oct 2025 00:01:15 -0500

If you want to learn what helps a marriage go the distance, it’s good to ask a couple like Dennis and Barbara Rainey. They’ve been married since 1972, and they’ve learned a few lessons along the way.

Teaching Your Children to Love Truth

Barbara Rainey — Wed, 17 Sep 2025 22:38:21 -0500

When Isaiah wrote "Truth has stumbled in the public squares" (Is. 59:14), he could just as well have been describing our day. Dennis and Barbara Rainey discuss the importance of training kids to recognize, appreciate, and love the truth.

Barbara and Dennis Rainey tackle a question facing so many Christian families: how do we teach our children to love and stand for the truth in a world full of shifting values and competing ideas? Barbara shares insights from her own parenting journey—including the challenges of finding engaging material for kids of different ages—and explains why stories, especially those rooted in history and faith, are so powerful for passing down unchanging truths.

Together, the Raineys reflect on our culture's drift toward relativism and the importance of grounding kids in the absolute standards found in Scripture. You'll hear why instilling a love for truth goes far beyond simple lessons about honesty, and discover the enduring role that family storytelling can play in shaping character and courage for generations to come. Stay tuned for practical encouragement and a preview of inspiring real-life stories that illuminate the hope and freedom found in living by the truth.

00:00 Inspirational Family Storybooks

05:37 "Passing Faith Through Storytelling"

07:21 Stories About Truth for Families

11:42 "I Am" Statements Poster Calendar

13:25 "Dying Father's Words Revealed"

Questions in the Empty Nest, Part 1: Am I the Only One?

Barbara Rainey — Tue, 05 Aug 2025 18:17:24 -0500

When your children leave home, it can be difficult on you as the parent. You might wonder if you're the only one feeling like you do. Barbara Rainey and Susan Yates say, "You're not alone!"

Welcome to the EverThineHome podcast, where we dive deep into the real-life transitions, challenges, and hopes that come with parenting and family life. In today’s episode, "Questions in the Empty Nest," host Michelle is joined by Barbara Rainey and her co-author, Susan Yates, as they open up about the emotional journey of stepping into the empty nest stage.

If your kids have flown the coop and your house feels suddenly quiet—and maybe your emotions are all over the place—this episode is for you. Barbara and Susan share personal stories about the loneliness, change, and even heartache that can accompany this life season. They discuss the universal question so many mothers face: “Am I the only one who feels this way?” Spoiler alert: you’re not.

You’ll hear honest reflections, practical advice for finding new friendships, and thoughtful encouragement to help you process this important transition. Whether your nest is just starting to empty or you’re deep into this season, Barbara, Susan, and Michelle are here to remind you that you are not alone—and to help you discover new purpose and connection along the way.

Let’s get started.

The Son: Enough for Our Past

Barbara Rainey — Thu, 05 Jun 2025 11:41:51 -0500

If you feel weighed down by guilt or shame, there is hope for you. Barbara Rainey explains the solution found only in Jesus.

Barbara Rainey invites us to reflect on the parts of ourselves we’ve always wished were different, sharing openly about her own lifelong struggle with shyness. Through storytelling—from childhood memories to passages in C.S. Lewis’s Narnia—and a deep dive into John 9, Barbara reminds us that God doesn’t make mistakes with our design or our past. Even the things we might view as handicaps, she says, can be purposed for God’s glory. Join Barbara and host Michelle as they explore what it means to find confidence and healing through Jesus, the Son—who is, indeed, enough for every painful chapter in our story.

Timestamps
00:00 "Narnia Storytime"

06:09 "The Paradox of a Good God"

07:17 "God's Sufficiency for Your Past"

12:29 "Jesus' Initiative and Compassion"

15:45 Born with a Shy Nature

18:06 "Embrace Your God-Given Traits"

20:07 "Barbara Rainey Podcast Outro"

Key Topics
1. Introduction: Struggles with Our Insecurities and Personality Traits

Barbara Rainey poses a reflective question about what personal traits listeners wish they didn’t have.
Michelle introduces Barbara’s own struggle with shyness.
Establishing a theme of personal dissatisfaction with innate characteristics.

2. Assurance of God’s Purpose and No Mistakes in Creation

Barbara asserts that God doesn’t make mistakes in our design or life circumstances.
She affirms that, even if we never understand why we’re made a certain way, we can trust God’s intentions.

3. The Search for Satisfaction and God as the Ultimate Source

Michelle discusses universal longings and the tendency to search for fulfillment in things apart from God.
Introduction to the idea that God—Father, Son, and Spirit—is sufficient for every need.

4. Literary Reflection: Excerpt from The Chronicles of Narnia

Barbara reads a passage from “The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe.”
- The children’s discovery of Narnia and initial encounter with Mr. Beaver.
- The children ask about Aslan and learn He is both powerful and not “safe,” but fundamentally good.
Drawing parallels between Aslan and God: Good, not always “safe,” mysterious in His ways.

5. Wrestling with Wanting a Predictable and Safe God

Barbara shares her own desire for a God she can understand and predict.
Insights on learning to accept God’s goodness even when His ways are beyond comprehension.
Introduction of the theme: “God is enough for our past, present, and future.”

6. Focus on God the Son: Jesus is Enough for Our Past

Plan to examine three aspects: God the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit; today focusing on the Son.
Context-setting for the selected scripture:
- The significance of the word “believe” in the Book of John.
- Exploration of belief as a feminine noun in Greek, and its relational implications (e.g., women’s faith at the tomb).
Scriptural context for John 9:
- Story takes place midway through Jesus’ ministry, during the Festival of Lights (Hanukkah).

7. The Story of the Man Born Blind: John 9

Jesus notices the blind man, highlighting divine initiative.
Consideration of the man’s lifelong dependence, potential for isolation, and feelings of hopelessness.
Disciples’ question about the source of the man’s blindness reflects human desire to find blame and maintain control.
Jesus’ response: blindness is not a result of sin, but an opportunity for the works of God to be displayed.

8. Theological Implications: God’s Sovereignty and Human Struggle

Reference to Exodus 4:11: God as creator of all abilities and disabilities.
Wrestling with the discomfort that God can allow suffering or hardship for His purposes.
God’s higher plans may involve temporary or lifelong struggles to display His glory.

9. Personal Application: Identifying Our Own “Handicaps”

Barbara shares her own story of lifelong shyness and feeling different.
Listeners are prompted to identify and reflect on their own “handicaps” or lifelong struggles.
Sharing experiences of feeling like a mistake within one’s family or community.
Encouragement to see personal struggles as purposeful in God’s plan.

10. Conclusion: Believing God’s Good Purposes in Our Stories

Reflection on the blind man’s faith and response to Jesus.
Posing a question to listeners: Will you trust God’s purpose and believe, like the man born blind?
Michelle’s summary: It takes faith to believe that Jesus is enough for our past and that God is wise in all He allows.

11. Closing and Next Episode Teaser

Mention of resources (Barbara’s Substack and epic poem “The Wonder of the Word”).
Preview of part two: “God the Father is enough for our present.”

The Joys and Challenges of Parenting Teens

Barbara Rainey — Thu, 06 Mar 2025 17:27:39 -0600

Teenagers are sometimes headstrong and over-confident. Dennis and Barbara Rainey say there's a reason God gives parents to teens. The Raineys help you navigate the choppy—and rewarding—waters of the teen years.

Learning from Mistakes in Marriage: Episode 2 Beyond the Fairytale: 10 Rules for a Marriage that Lasts

Barbara Rainey — Tue, 28 Jan 2025 06:00:00 -0600

No marriage this side of glory is perfect. Dennis and Barbara Rainey are joined by Bob Lepine to help you avoid repeating mistakes and instead turn them into something that will strengthen your relationship.

What You’ll Learn in this episode:

The Importance of Understanding: Discover why getting to the heart of why something affects your spouse is more meaningful than just knowing what to avoid saying or doing.
Rookie Mistakes Are Normal: Hear Dennis and Barbara talk about the rookie mistakes they made in their early years of marriage and learn why these mistakes are a natural part of growing together.
Handling Differentness: Understand how recognizing and appreciating the innate differences between men and women can enhance your relationship.
The Value of Perseverance: Learn why it’s crucial to stick together through thick and thin, adapting and growing in love over the years.
Biblical Blueprints for Marriage: Get insights on how having a shared biblical foundation can help couples navigate life's challenges together.

Fun Fact from the Episode:

Did you know that teasing as a form of affection can backfire? Bob shared a funny yet insightful anecdote about how teasing, which was normal in his family growing up, didn't translate well with his wife Marianne, particularly when he pointed out her pimples. It’s a prime example of a rookie mistake that many can learn from! 😄

Timestamps
00:00 "Rookie Season Until Parenthood"

03:56 Photographer Saves Wedding Day Drama

07:49 Family Affection Through Teasing

12:03 "Velveteen Rabbit: Love's True Beauty"

15:43 Humorous Marriage Anecdote

18:18 "Barbara Rainey's Wisdom Subscription"

Marriage is for More Than Happiness: Episode 1 Beyond the Fairytale: 10 Rules for a Marriage that Lasts

Barbara Rainey — Mon, 27 Jan 2025 06:00:00 -0600

How can a couple invest in a marriage that lasts? It starts by gaining the right perspective. And, contrary to popular belief, the ultimate purpose of your marriage is not to make you happy. Dennis, Barbara, and Bob cover the first two rules.

Fun Fact from the Episode:

Did you know? Early in their marriage, Barbara assumed Dennis could fix things just like her dad could because she believed it was a typical male trait. It took her ten years to realize that Dennis had other strengths her dad didn't, teaching her to fully accept and love Dennis for who he is!

00:00 Acceptance in Marriage is Ongoing

04:20 "Marriage Advice for Young Couples"

08:30 Balancing Marriage and Biblical Roles

10:41 "Nourishing Love: A Husband's Journey"

15:13 Marriage Podcast Series Promotion

16:16 "Marriage Rules Beyond Fairytales"

5 Keys You’ll Learn in This Episode:

Shattering Unrealistic Expectations: Barbara shares her experience on accepting your spouse as they are and the ongoing practice it requires.
Marriage Beyond Happiness: Dennis explains why marriage is more about a transcendent purpose rather than just personal happiness.
Role of Marriage as a Growth Agent: Get insights into how marriage helps both men and women grow up and mature in ways they never imagined.
Selflessness in Marriage: Discover why self-denial is crucial and how it positively impacts your relationship.
Adapting to Differences: Hear Barbara’s journey of learning to appreciate the unique differences between her and Dennis.

Choosing Gratitude

Barbra Rainey — Thu, 21 Nov 2024 11:50:50 -0600

Have you thought about the fact that you can choose to be grateful regardless of your circumstances? Barbara is joined by Nancy DeMoss Wolgemuth, author of Choosing Gratitude: Your Journey to Joy.

God’s Heart for the Orphan

Barbara Rainey — Thu, 07 Nov 2024 21:25:49 -0600

Over and over in the Scriptures, God makes it clear that He loves the orphan, and that He expects His people to do the same. Dennis and Barbara Rainey outline five ways we can care for what the Bible calls "the fatherless."

Learning from Mistakes in Marriage

Barbara Rainey — Thu, 24 Oct 2024 21:55:58 -0500

Disappointment with God - Part 1

Barbara Rainey — Fri, 27 Sep 2024 17:07:26 -0500

Unanswered prayer…a difficult trial…life just plain different from what you would like? These can result in disappointment with God. Dennis and Barbara Rainey explain why it happens and what to do about it.

Your Home Is an Embassy

Barbara Rainey — Thu, 05 Sep 2024 08:22:00 -0500

As followers of Christ, we're called to be His ambassadors. We represent Him. Barbara helps us remember our homes are embassies of the King.

00:00 Believes home reflects heavenly kingdom, welcomes visitors.

06:16 Embassies reflect their home countries inside out.

08:18 Home is a refuge and the King's embassy.

10:37 "Subscribe for Barbara’s ebook and exclusive content."

Here are three key takeaways from our conversation:

Live with Purpose
: Remember that as followers of Christ, we're ambassadors for His kingdom in all aspects of our lives, from our homes to our workplaces.
Create a Haven
: Your home should be a refuge, a small piece of heaven on earth that reflects the values and presence of the King you serve.
Intentional Living
: Engage in purposeful family discussions and personal reflections on how to represent Christ's love and principles, making your home a true embassy of the King.

1. Introduction by Barbara Rainey

The concept of remembering who you belong to.
Mention of mundane tasks in our daily lives.

2. Understanding Our Identity as Ambassadors

Samantha discusses the importance of living for the king.
The tendency to get caught up in personal tasks and forget our higher calling.

3. The Role of Representatives

Different roles where people act as representatives (lawmakers, employees).
The concept of Christians as ambassadors for Christ, based on 2 Corinthians Chapter 5.
The ministry of reconciliation.

4. Anonymous Testimony of 'Mandev'

Introduction of a person from an Eastern European, atheistic country with a plaque outside their home stating "Embassy of the King of Heaven."
This person's perspective of their home representing the Kingdom of Heaven.

5. Life as an Ambassador

Samantha elaborates on the way this individual lives their life as an ambassador.
Guests visiting him and discussing spiritual matters.
His home as a place of refuge and representation of the king.

6. Personal Reflections by Barbara and Samantha

Personal inspiration from Mandev's story.
Emphasis on the idea that all believers and their homes are ambassadors and embassies of the King.
The concept of temporary residence on Earth and eternal home in Heaven.

7. The Importance of Ambassadorship in Modern Times

The relevance of the concept amid modern confusion about values and concepts.
The comfort in remembering that Earth is not the believer’s eternal home.

8. Embassy Row Analogy

Description of different embassies on Embassy Row in Washington, DC.
How embassies reflect the home country within foreign lands.
Comparison of home embassies to spiritual ambassadorship.

9. Practicing Spiritual Ambassadorship at Home

The role of homes as places of refuge and representation of God's kingdom.
The impact of seeing a sign or plaque "Embassy of the King of Heaven" as a reminder.

10. Practical Steps and Resources

Ideas to create a sign or plaque as a reminder.
Details about the book "Your Home, His Embassy" by Barbara and Janelle Bridenstine.
Discussion guide within the book for family use.
How to use these discussions to teach children about ambassadorship.
Book available in electronic form and through subscription.

11. Subscription Benefits and Conclusion

Benefits of subscribing to Barbara’s friends and family.
Additional content available through subscription (Bible Studies, podcast seasons).
Information about where to find these resources and the signs.
Wrap-up and invitation to the next podcast episode.

Marriage is for More Than Happiness

Barbara Rainey — Wed, 07 Aug 2024 10:46:16 -0500

Contrary to popular belief, the ultimate purpose of your marriage is not to make you happy. Dennis and Barbara Rainey are joined by Bob Lepine to talk about it.

The Top Ten Things Kids Need

Barbara Rainey — Thu, 13 Jun 2024 12:26:45 -0500

Parents think a lot about what their children need. In this top ten list, Dennis and Barbara Rainey point out that kids have emotional and spiritual needs that parents should consider, too, as they hone their parenting skills.

Relating to Your Married Adult Child

Barbara Rainey — Wed, 01 May 2024 15:32:30 -0500

When your grown child marries, it can be difficult to find the right balance between under- and over-involvement in the new couple's life. Dennis and Barbara Rainey offer helpful advice in this conversation with Bob Lepine.

Growing Older Without Becoming Old, Part 6 Navigating the Big Losses

Barbara Rainey — Fri, 19 Apr 2024 08:58:46 -0500

If you don't approach growing older with intentionality, the losses you face in life can threaten to derail you. Dennis and Barbara Rainey help you navigate major losses like the unexpected loss of a loved one, and more.

A More Meaningful Easter

Barbara Rainey — Wed, 20 Mar 2024 20:35:05 -0500

How can we do a better job of representing the significance of Jesus' death and resurrection in our Easter celebrations? Barbara Rainey explores both "why" and "how" we can celebrate our Savior's Resurrection.

Lessons for Lent: The Messiah Mystery

Barbara Rainey — Tue, 13 Feb 2024 20:55:22 -0600

Most families don’t have traditions in place that help them prepare for Easter. Barbara Rainey hopes to change that. She and Dennis discuss one way to help children look for Bible clues that point to Jesus during the weeks leading up to Easter.

Two Romance Essentials- Security and Acceptance

Barbara Rainey — Thu, 08 Feb 2024 11:39:34 -0600

Popular depictions of romance often fall short of reality, especially once we're married. Dennis and Barbara Rainey are joined by Bob Lepine to talk about two important ingredients in order for romance in marriage to flourish.

Growing Older without Becoming Old - Building Endurance

Barbara Rainey and Dennis Rainey — Mon, 29 Jan 2024 10:57:44 -0600

Dennis and Barbara Rainey want to live out their sunset years with intentionality and purpose. And they want to help you do it, too. Barbara can look back and see how God has grown endurance in her. Can you?

Handling Pressure in Your Marriage

Barbara Rainey — Thu, 07 Dec 2023 06:00:00 -0600

Every marriage faces pressure. The question is how you handle it. Dennis and Barbara Rainey give thoughtful pointers on the Biblical idea of walking wisely and redeeming the time.

Nurturing Thankfulness in Your Family

Barbara Rainey — Thu, 16 Nov 2023 08:39:17 -0600

Gratitude is a heart habit we need to cultivate. Discover some of the ways Dennis and Barbara Rainey have nurtured thankfulness in their family as a part of their Thanksgiving traditions.

Emotions in the Empty Nest

Barbara Rainey — Thu, 19 Oct 2023 10:00:00 -0500

Women tell Barbara Rainey and Susan Yates that they experience a wide range of emotions when they move from having children in the home to the empty nest. Barbara and Susan describe those feelings and what to do with them, in a conversation with Dennis Rainey and Bob Lepine.

Why Kids Need Boundaries

Barbara Rainey — Thu, 21 Sep 2023 00:00:00 -0500

When Dennis and Barbara Rainey still had children living at home with them, God arranged an amazing object lesson. Listen to the story of Sweet Pea the parakeet, and how Dennis and Barbara were able to encourage one of their teens.

Our Story

Barbara Rainey — Thu, 07 Sep 2023 10:30:00 -0500

What were some of the thoughts and emotions going through Barbara's mind in the days before she got engaged to Dennis Rainey? She explains in this interview with the Raineys' good friend, Dr. Michael Easley.

You're On a Mission

Barbara Rainey — Thu, 24 Aug 2023 08:00:00 -0500

As a representative of the King of kings, you have an important assignment. Dennis and Barbara Rainey discuss that mission.

Your Home is an Embassy

Barbara Rainey — Thu, 10 Aug 2023 13:37:00 -0500

As followers of Christ, we're called to be His ambassadors. We represent Him. Barbara helps us remember our homes are embassies of the King.

Creating Stability in Unstable Times

Barbara Rainey — Thu, 15 Jun 2023 10:00:48 -0500

Interrelational conflict. Financial difficulties. Culture wars. Political turmoil. We live in times of upheaval that can easily send us into a tailspin. Dennis and Barbara Rainey join Bob Lepine in the studio to point us to the One who is the stability of our times.

Rainey Field Trip Like None Other 2

Barbara Rainey — Thu, 01 Jun 2023 09:55:37 -0500

A gummy bear attack at the Sea of Galilee? A contest to find the three most important trees in the Bible? A historical piece of paper containing Barbara Rainey's favorite hymn in the composer's handwriting? It's all part of the Rainey family's recent "field trip" to Israel. Dennis and Barbara continue sharing highlights.

A Rainey Field Trip Like None Other With Our Grandkids

Barbara Rainey — Thu, 18 May 2023 10:29:26 -0500

If we're not careful, we can easily forget that the events recorded in the Bible happened within the context of specific times and places. Dennis and Barbara Rainey and their family took some concrete steps to battle that tendency. Hear about their recent visit to Israel.

Ways To Elevate Easter

Barbara Rainey — Wed, 05 Apr 2023 21:54:53 -0500

You know Easter is important to Christians. But what can you do to raise its importance in the eyes of you and your family? Barbara Rainey gives practical ideas for ways you can elevate Easter.

The Power of a Well-Asked Question

Barbara Rainey — Wed, 08 Feb 2023 21:22:41 -0600

True intimacy grows as you get to know the person you love better. And, according to Dennis and Barbara Rainey, a great way to get to know each other better is by asking (and answering) good questions. In this episode, hear more about the power of a well-asked question.

Cultivating Hope

Barbara Rainey — Wed, 18 Jan 2023 12:03:53 -0600

Sometimes the difficulties of life seem unbearable. They can even cause us to question our faith. In this episode, Barbara Rainey shares from her personal experiences and from the Bible to help cultivate hope when you're facing disappointment with God.

Romance in the Midst of Reality

Barbara Rainey — Thu, 05 Jan 2023 21:40:25 -0600

Couples long for greater intimacy in marriage. But often romance is difficult. In this episode of The Barbara Rainey Podcast, Barbara and Dennis are joined by Bob Lepine to examine how we can move from disappointed love to committed love, even in the midst of life's everyday challenges.

The Importance of Gratitude

Barbara Rainey — Thu, 20 Oct 2022 08:31:59 -0500

In a day when verbal meanness seems to be at an all-time high, Barbara Rainey encourages parents to train their children to be thankful. Learn three reasons gratitude matters.

Letters to My Daughters: Sexual Intimacy

Barbara Rainey — Wed, 05 Oct 2022 22:17:08 -0500

Barbara Rainey shares in this episode, "I think we vastly underestimate the fears that we bring into marriage. All of us come into marriage with fears. Therefore, it takes time to expose those fears, because it’s a risk to do so. It takes time to work toward that place of being unashamed. It doesn’t ever totally go away, because it won’t until we go to heaven; but we can make great progress. We can make great strides in that comfort level that we all long for when we get married."

Letters to My Daughters: Weathering the Storms in Your Marriage

Barbara Rainey — Wed, 21 Sep 2022 19:00:00 -0500

Trials and difficulties are a given in any marriage. Dennis and Barbara Rainey offer couples Biblical, practical advice for how to weather the storms and grow stronger in the midst of suffering.

Dennis & Barbara Rainey's Courtship and Engagement

Barbara Rainey — Thu, 25 Aug 2022 08:29:13 -0500

Barbara and Dennis were good friends, but just friends. And she was content to keep it that way. Find out what changed her mind.

Lessons From 50 Years of Marriage

Barbara Rainey — Wed, 10 Aug 2022 14:16:23 -0500

When you've been married for a half century, you learn a few things about life and marriage. In this episode, Dennis and Barbara Rainey share some of the lessons they've learned. Listen in, for highlights from a message they shared with couples on the 2022 "Love Like You Mean It" cruise.

Stories For Growing Together In Truth

Barbara Rainey — Wed, 06 Jul 2022 14:57:00 -0500

Just about everywhere we turn, we see the harmful effects of a world that has lost its grip on absolute truth. How can we guard against the thinking that truth is whatever you make it to be? Barbara Rainey believes an important safeguard against relativism is telling stories that show how truth matters. In this episode of The Barbara Rainey Podcast, hear the stories of three individuals who clung to truth and the difference it made in their lives.

The Holy Spirit

Barbara Rainey — Thu, 02 Jun 2022 09:02:40 -0500

On Pentecost we celebrate the coming of the Holy Spirit. But who is the Holy Spirit, really? Barbara Rainey helps us understand the ministry of the Holy Spirit in the lives of believers.

Praying Together as Husband and Wife

Barbara Rainey — Tue, 10 May 2022 17:38:06 -0500

Dennis and Barbara Rainey say one simple habit will help any marriage grow stronger—praying together. Every day. Find out why it's so vital, in this episode of The Barbara Rainey Podcast, from Ever Thine Home.

A Mother's Legacy

Barbara Rainey — Thu, 28 Apr 2022 22:01:07 -0500

Everyone is leaving a legacy to those who follow, for good or bad. And mothers are no exception. In this episode of the Barbara Rainey Podcast, Dennis, Barbara, and their daughter Ashley explore the powerful concept of the legacies moms pass on to their children and grandchildren.

How the Passover Foreshadows Easter

Barbara Rainey — Thu, 07 Apr 2022 10:46:56 -0500

Ever since the Hebrew children escaped slavery in Egypt, the Jewish people have celebrated the Passover. In this episode of the Barbara Rainey Podcast, Barbara points out a few of the ways the Passover meal points to Jesus and the events surrounding Easter. Hear ideas for how you can bring those details into your own celebration.

Parenting Teens: Getting Ready for the Release

Barbara Rainey — Thu, 17 Mar 2022 08:00:00 -0500

What are some of the practical life skills parents can help their teens develop as they anticipate leaving home for the first time? Dennis and Barbara Rainey answer that question in this episode of the Barbara Rainey Podcast.

Love as God Defines It

Barbara Rainey — Thu, 03 Feb 2022 08:00:00 -0600

It's common for people to define love only in terms of our feelings. But how does God define authentic love? That's what Dennis and Barbara discuss in this episode. (Includes a portion of this song: L-O-V-E, Natalie Cole, Unforgettable: With Love ℗ 1991 Craft Recordings., Distributed by Concord.)

Pro-Adoption Is Pro-Life

Barbara Rainey — Thu, 20 Jan 2022 10:34:26 -0600

All through the Scriptures we see glimpses of God's heart for orphans. In this episode, Dennis and Barbara Rainey share five ways we can obey the command to care for the fatherless.

Christmas Meditations on John 3:16

Barbara Rainey — Thu, 23 Dec 2021 10:20:42 -0600

At Christmas, we spend a lot of time thinking about the gifts we'll give and receive. But have you stopped to think about the gift God gave you? In this episode, Dennis and Barbara Rainey reflect on how John 3:16 really is a beautiful Christmas verse.

Note—includes portions of these songs:
"God So Loved (Live)," We the Kingdom, Live At the Wheelhouse - EP ℗ 2019 Sparrow Records, Capitol CMG, Inc.; "I Love To Tell the Story (Contemporary Hymns: Peace Like A River Version)," WordHarmonic, The Contemporary Hymns Collection ℗ 2016 Word Entertainment LLC, A Curb Company; "John 3:16," The Rizers, Meet the Rizers ℗ 2009 Super Big Robot

What Is Advent All About

Barbara Rainey — Mon, 06 Dec 2021 22:40:00 -0600

Whether you're in the habit of celebrating Advent each year or not, Barbara Rainey says there are good reasons to do it. Find out what Advent means, in this episode of Ever Thine Home with Barbara Rainey.

Encourage Your Husband to Lead

Barbara Rainey — Wed, 22 Sep 2021 13:38:39 -0500

Christian wives want to do all they can to help their husbands be all they can be. It can be difficult, though, to take a step back and allow him to lead in the marriage. Barbara Rainey offers practical advice for wives who want to grow in this area.

Barbara Rainey's Early Years - Newlyweds

Barbara Rainey — Sat, 11 Sep 2021 07:54:15 -0500

Newlywed couples go through a season of new experiences and adjustments as they settle into marriage. In this episode, learn from some of the ways Dennis and Barbara Rainey had to adjust to one another.

Barbara Rainey's Early Years - Courtship and Engagement

Barbara Rainey — Fri, 18 Jun 2021 13:39:59 -0500

Barbara and Dennis were good friends, but just friends. And she was content to keep it that way. Find out what changed her mind.

Sold Out For Jesus

Barbara Rainey — Tue, 01 Jun 2021 11:55:24 -0500

After coming to Christ, Barbara Rainey faced a choice: would she submit to God's plan for her life, no matter what? Get to know Barbara better in this second installment about her early years.

God is Enough

Barbara Rainey — Thu, 20 May 2021 08:09:04 -0500

The failures of the past, the difficulties of the present, and our fears for the future threaten to derail our thinking. Barbara Rainey shows us how our Trinitarian God is enough for our past, present, and future.

Song: It Is Well with my Soul, Audrey Assad, Inheritance, ℗ 2016 Fortunate Fall Records

Letters to My Daughters: Encouraging Your Husband

Barbara Rainey — Tue, 04 May 2021 09:40:31 -0500

In this episode, Barbara Rainey shares advice on how to build up and encourage your husband, even when it seems hard.

Barbara Rainey's Early Years: Coming to Know Christ

Barbara Rainey — Mon, 19 Apr 2021 09:06:25 -0500

We can learn many lessons from the lives of others. In this episode, Barbara Rainey shares how God was at work in her life during her teen and college years.

Ways to Elevate Easter

Barbara Rainey — Mon, 12 Apr 2021 08:28:53 -0500

You already know Easter is significant to Christians. But what can you do to raise its importance in the eyes of you and your family? Barbara Rainey gives practical ideas for ways you can elevate Easter.

Remembering His Sacrifice

Barbara Rainey — Mon, 22 Mar 2021 10:31:43 -0500

At Christmas we spend weeks, if not months, shopping, planning, and preparing. Easter, on the other hand, often gets our leftovers. In this episode of Ever Thine Home, Barbara Rainey challenges us to change our approach.

Forgive Frequently

Barbara Rainey — Thu, 11 Mar 2021 12:16:04 -0600

In this episode of Ever Thine Home: an Olympic athlete forgives her father. A mother humbles herself, asking her children to forgive her. A father forgives the man who murdered his daughter.

Forgiveness is a Gift

Barbara Rainey — Thu, 11 Mar 2021 12:06:04 -0600

Have you ever struggled to forgive someone? In this episode, Dennis and Barbara Rainey turn to two powerful examples from history as models for how we can forgive, too.

Teaching Children About Easter

Barbara Rainey — Thu, 11 Mar 2021 11:30:45 -0600

Kids love learning! You can make Bible stories come to life by putting into practice some of these creative ideas from Barbara Rainey.

The Lenten Season

Barbara Rainey — Thu, 11 Mar 2021 11:30:19 -0600

How do you build anticipation for Easter? Whether you grew up observing Lent or not, Barbara Rainey says the six weeks leading up to Easter can become a meaningful time in your own life.