Stay ConnectedDr. Rob and Amy Rienow provide practical, encouraging, and real conversations about faith and family. Each episode will give you hope and encouragement to grow in your faith and strengthen your family. Family Vision is the podcast ministry of Visionary Family Ministries.
Discover more resources to help your family at visonaryfam.com
Questions or comments? Email us at info@visionaryfam.com
Copyright: © 2024 Visionary Family Ministries
What is the purpose of education in your home? In this powerful episode, Amy Rienow continues the conversation about school choices—public, private, Christian, or homeschool—and reframes the discussion around something even more important: the spiritual and relational goals we have for our children.
Rather than focusing only on school models, Amy shares how she learned to evaluate education by the fruit it produces and how to set intentional goals each year to disciple her children well. Whether your kids are in school or at home, you'll be encouraged to take your role as parent and primary discipler seriously—and joyfully.
What You'll Learn in This Episode:
- Why there's no "problem-free" path to education—and why that's okay
- How to evaluate educational choices based on the fruit they produce
- Practical steps for setting spiritual, social, academic, and life skills goals for your kids
Featured Resources:
Upcoming Events — Meet us in person at a Visionary Family Conference near you. Full event schedule: https://visionaryfam.com/events
Visionary Family Community — Join a movement of families dedicated to passing faith to the next generation. Receive prayer support, live teachings, and exclusive resources. Learn more: https://visionaryfam.com/community
Love this episode?
We'd love to hear from you! Share your thoughts and prayer requests at podcast@visionaryfam.com.
If this episode encouraged you, please take a moment to leave a review on Apple Podcasts. Your review helps more families discover the show and grow in their faith.
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Join us next time as we begin a deep-dive mini-series exploring the pros and cons of public school, Christian school, and homeschooling. Amy will share biblical insight and personal stories to help you make wise decisions about your family's educational journey.
What does it mean to be the primary educator of your child? Whether your children are in public, private, or homeschool settings, God has called you to play point on their education. In this special "best of" Family Vision episode, Amy Rienow shares how her own journey as a mom, ministry leader, and student led her to a radically different view of education—one rooted in Scripture, discipleship, and calling.
As school choices and pressures continue to grow, how can Christian parents navigate their role with wisdom and conviction? Amy unpacks biblical principles that challenge cultural assumptions and empower you to lead your children with purpose. Discover how your view of learning, grades, and spiritual growth can shape your family legacy for generations to come.
What You'll Learn in This Episode:
- Why education is discipleship—and how the Bible calls parents to lead it
- How the definition of education has changed over time, and why it matters
- Why it's too early to label your child as gifted—or not—before age 12
- Five biblical targets to guide your child's spiritual and educational journey
Featured Resources:
Visionary Family Community — Join a movement of families committed to raising the next generation for Christ. Get support, prayer, and discipleship resources at https://visionaryfam.com/community
Free Book Giveaway — Be one of the first five listeners to email podcast@visionaryfam.com and request a free copy of "Visionary Parenting."
Love this episode?
We'd love to hear from you! Send your thoughts or prayer requests to podcast@visionaryfam.com.
If you've been encouraged, leave a quick review on Apple Podcasts. Your review helps more families find the show and grow in faith together.
Subscribe on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or YouTube so you never miss an episode.
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In Part 2 of this conversation, Amy dives deeper into the real-world pros and cons of public school, Christian school, and homeschooling. She'll help you weigh your options with biblical clarity and wisdom, no matter where your kids go to class.
God can use sports to help our kids grow in character, but it doesn't happen by accident. In this episode, Rob & Amy Rienow continue their conversation on family, faith, and baseball—and what it really takes to help children grow through sports.
Many parents believe sports automatically build character. But is that true? Rob and Amy challenge that idea and share how sports actually reveal character—and how intentional parenting can transform wins, losses, and even strikeouts into meaningful spiritual lessons.
What You'll Learn in This Episode:
- Why sports don't automatically build character—but how they can reveal it
- How to help your kids navigate both winning and losing with faith and maturity
- The difference between praising achievement vs. praising diligence
- How family dynamics (like birth order) influence sports pressure
- Simple things to say before and after a game to build your child's heart
Featured Resources:
Free Book Offer — Be one of the first five to email podcast@visionaryfam.com with the subject "Diamond Discipleship" and receive a free copy of *Visionary Parenting*.
Visionary Family Community — Join a movement of families dedicated to passing faith to the next generation. Receive prayer support, live teachings, and exclusive resources. Learn more: https://visionaryfam.com/community
Love this episode?
We'd love to hear from you! Share your thoughts and prayer requests at podcast@visionaryfam.com.
If this episode encouraged you, please leave a review on Apple Podcasts. Your review helps more families discover the show and grow in their faith.
Subscribe now on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or YouTube so you never miss an episode.
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In our next episode, we'll explore the power of biblical encouragement. What does it really mean to "build one another up"? And how can parents cultivate a home where words bring life, not discouragement? Don't miss it.
"There's no crying in baseball!" Or is there? In this fun and heartfelt episode of *Family Vision*, Rob and Amy Rienow kick off a short series on parenting, faith, and America's favorite pastime—baseball.
With more than 50 seasons of family baseball experience between their four boys (and one softball season with Millie), the Rienows share powerful stories from the field—both the wins and the tear-filled losses. Learn how baseball is more than just a sport. It's a training ground for character, parenting, perseverance, and faith.
What You'll Learn in This Episode:
- Why baseball often leads to more tears than other sports
- How to coach kids through failure with encouragement and grace
- The difference between praising achievement vs. praising diligence
- Why sports provide powerful ministry and discipleship opportunities
- How "ancient sayings" from Proverbs can shape a team's heart and attitude
Featured Resources:
Free Resource — Download the MP3 teaching: Helping Your Child Find Freedom from Anger
Visionary Family Community — Join families around the world growing together in faith: https://visionaryfam.com/community
Upcoming Events — Don't miss an opportunity to connect at a live Visionary Family event: https://visionaryfam.com/events
Love this episode?
We'd love to hear from you! Email us at podcast@visionaryfam.com with your thoughts, questions, or prayer requests.
Help more families discover the show by leaving a quick review and clicking subscribe on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or YouTube!
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Next week, we continue our Summer series on parenting and baseball—diving deeper into the character-shaping lessons kids (and parents!) learn between the lines.
Is it possible that our culture of excess is quietly fueling a spirit of coveting in our hearts and homes? In this closing episode of the 10 Commandments series, Rob and Amy Rienow take a practical look at the 10th commandment—"You shall not covet"—and explore how it plays out in everyday life.
From comparison struggles in marriage to HGTV-fueled discontentment, the Rienows offer honest stories and biblical wisdom to help families fight against the temptation to desire what others have. You'll learn how cultivating daily gratitude and focusing on God's standards can free your family from the trap of comparison and discontent.
What You'll Learn in This Episode:
- Why comparison fuels coveting—and how to break the cycle
- How modern culture makes coveting seem normal or harmless
- The importance of measuring your life against God's Word—not others
- How gratitude is a powerful weapon against envy
- Why even small moments of discontent can damage faith and relationships
Featured Resources:
Visionary Parenting — We're giving away 5 free copies of Rob & Amy's book! Be one of the first to email podcast@visionaryfam.com with your mailing address to receive a copy.
Visionary Family Community — Join families from around the world pursuing Christ together. Learn more and join today: https://visionaryfam.com/community
Upcoming Events — Find a live Visionary Family conference near you: https://visionaryfam.com/events
Love this episode?
We'd love to hear from you! Email your thoughts or prayer requests to podcast@visionaryfam.com.
If this series blessed your family, please leave a review on Apple Podcasts or Spotify—and share this episode with a friend or church leader!
Subscribe now on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or YouTube so you never miss an episode.
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Next week, we reflect on the journey through all 10 Commandments—what they reveal about God's heart for our families, and how they point us to Christ. Don't miss this powerful conclusion.
Do you struggle with envy? Wish you had someone else's life, spouse, home, or summer schedule? You're not alone—and Scripture speaks directly to that longing. In this episode, Rob and Amy Rienow unpack the often-overlooked 10th Commandment: "Do not covet."
Through honest confessions, biblical teaching, and cultural insights—from backyard envy to ancient wars over stolen love—they explore why coveting can quietly damage your heart, your marriage, and your parenting. Plus, discover how the comparison trap keeps families from experiencing true contentment and gratitude.
What You'll Learn in This Episode:
- Why coveting is a heart issue, not just a behavior
- How parents can model contentment and recognize subtle family dynamics of envy
- The spiritual and relational dangers of comparison in marriage
- Why unchecked desire erodes trust in God's provision
Featured Resources:
Visionary Family Conference — Join us for a weekend that strengthens your faith and family. Upcoming events in Atlanta, Orlando, and more. Learn more: https://visionaryfam.com/events
Visionary Family Community — Connect with families around the world committed to passing faith to the next generation. Join us here: https://visionaryfam.com/community
Visionary Marriage (Free Book Offer!) — Be one of the first five listeners to email podcast@visionaryfam.com with your mailing address and receive a free copy of *Visionary Marriage*.
Love this episode?
Leave a review on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or YouTube! Your feedback helps more families discover biblical wisdom and grow in their faith together.
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We wrap up our 10 Commandments series by seeking to discover biblical principles to find freedom from coveting. What's the deeper purpose of God's law, and how can your family walk in obedience out of love rather than duty? Join us next time.
It's tempting to tell a lie—especially when it makes life easier, avoids conflict, or earns approval. But what happens when we allow small lies to become habits in our families? In this episode of Family Vision, Rob and Amy Rienow continue their series on the Ten Commandments with a deeper look at the ninth commandment: "You shall not bear false witness."
They share personal stories of "white lies," explore how environments normalize deceit, and offer biblical encouragement for parenting kids who lie. From fake IDs to fudging a child's age for a discount, this conversation uncovers how truth-telling is foundational to trust and love in the home.
What You'll Learn in This Episode:
- Why lying is often motivated by fear, shame, or the desire for approval - How "small" lies can create lasting damage in relationships - Parenting strategies to lovingly confront dishonesty without shame - Why full confession—not partial—is the only way to rebuild trust - How to keep communication open and be a "safe place" for truth
Featured Resources:
Visionary Family Events — Learn more: https://visionaryfam.com/events
Visionary Family Community — Connect with families around the world committed to passing faith to the next generation. Join us here: https://visionaryfam.com/community
Dominican Republic Mission Trip — Support the Rienow family's July 5–11 mission trip with Filter of Hope. Help bring clean water and the hope of the Gospel to families in need. Learn more and give: https://visionaryfam.com
Love this episode?
We'd love to hear from you! Send prayer requests and feedback to podcast@visionaryfam.com.
If this conversation encouraged you, please leave a review on your podcast platform—it helps more families discover the show.
Subscribe now on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or YouTube so you never miss an episode.
Next Episode Preview:
Next week, we take a deeper look at the 10th commandment, "You shall not covet." What does it mean to guard your heart in a world filled with comparison and craving? Join us as we explore how contentment leads to joy and freedom in family life.
Do not lie. It's the ninth of the 10 Commandments—but how do we teach this principle to our children in a world where lying is often celebrated? In this episode of Family Vision, Rob and Amy Rienow share biblical principles and even humorous stories about honesty, confession, and the battle for truth in our culture and in our homes.
We'll unpack what it means to bear false witness, how even small acts of deceit impact our relationships, and why truth-telling is a spiritual battle rooted in the very nature of God. From playful games like "two truths and a lie" to microwave deception and missing candy, this conversation gets honest about lying—and how to raise a family that values truth.
What You'll Learn in This Episode:
- Why lying is more than just telling a falsehood—it's about deceit, omission, and distortion
- How our culture normalizes and rewards dishonesty, and what to do about it as Christian parents
- The biblical roots of truth-telling and how it reflects the character of God
- Why Jesus calls Satan "the father of lies"—and how lies keep us captive
Featured Resources:
Shine by Amy Rienow — Discover God's heart for you in this 8-week Bible study for women. Learn how to replace the lies of the world with the truth of God's Word. Available in print and online video course: https://visionaryfam.com/shine
Support Our Dominican Republic Mission Trip — From July 5–11, we're leading a family mission trip to share clean water and the gospel with families in need. Learn more and make a tax-deductible donation: https://visionaryfam.com
Visionary Family Community — Receive exclusive resources, devotionals, and prayer support. Learn more and join here: https://visionaryfam.com/community
Love this episode?
If this message encouraged you, please leave a review on Apple Podcasts or Spotify. Your support helps more families find this biblical encouragement and grow in their walk with Christ.
Be sure to follow and subscribe so you never miss an episode of Family Vision!
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Next week, we'll continue our conversation on the Ninth Commandment and get practical. How do you deal with lying in your kids? How can you create a home where truth is expected, lived, and celebrated? Join us for Part 2 of "Do Not Lie."
Greed leads to stealing—even stealing from God. In this powerful continuation of our 10 Commandments series, Rob and Amy Rienow explore the deeper heart issue behind the command, "Do not steal." You'll discover how discontent, entitlement, and everyday compromises can damage relationships and spiritual growth within the home.
With stories from their own family, biblical teaching, and practical parenting insights, Rob and Amy unpack the connection between greed, contentment, and generosity. Learn how to disciple your children away from a culture of "little white stealing" and toward a life of honesty, trust, and stewardship.
What You'll Learn in This Episode:
- How greed and discontent are at the root of stealing - Why "little white stealing" matters in family life - How to guide your kids when they steal—confession, consequences, and restitution - What it means to rob God in tithes and offerings—and how to avoid it - Tips for building a home culture of contentment and trust
Featured Resources:
Visionary Family Camp at Cedar Bay — Join us for an unforgettable week of multi-generational discipleship in Michigan's Upper Peninsula. Last spots available! Register now: https://visionaryfam.com/camp
Family Mission Trip to the Dominican Republic — Help provide clean water and the gospel to families in need. Support or learn more here: https://visionaryfam.com/dr
Visionary Family Community — Connect with families around the world committed to passing faith to the next generation. Join us here: https://visionaryfam.com/community
Love this episode?
We'd love to hear from you! Send your thoughts or prayer requests to podcast@visionaryfam.com.
If this episode encouraged you, please take a moment to leave a review on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or YouTube. Your review helps more families discover the show and grow in their faith.
Next Episode Preview:
Next time, we continue our journey through the 10 Commandments with "Do Not Bear False Witness." What does truth-telling look like in a culture full of spin and exaggeration? Don't miss it.
Our most important mission as parents is to do all in our power to help our children safely Home to Heaven. In this episode of Family Vision, Rob Rienow is joined by special guest Lee Ann Mancini—author of Raising Kids to Follow Christ—for an honest conversation about parenting, discipleship, and eternal priorities.
Lee Ann shares powerful biblical wisdom, personal stories, and practical encouragement to help you lead your children toward a lifelong relationship with Jesus. From spiritual training in the womb to guiding adult children with prayer instead of pressure, this episode will inspire you to parent with eternity in mind.
What You'll Learn in This Episode:
- Why spiritual discipleship begins before birth and continues for life - The difference between discipline and discipleship in parenting - How to lead older children and teens even if you "missed" the early years - Encouragement for parents struggling with fear, guilt, or regret
Featured Resources:
Raising Kids to Follow Christ by Lee Ann Mancini — A powerful resource to help parents and grandparents instill lasting faith in the next generation. Available wherever books are sold or at: https://raisingchristiankids.com
Visionary Family Community — Join families around the world committed to passing faith to the next generation: https://visionaryfam.com/community
Support the Family Mission to the Dominican Republic — Partner with us in July 2025 to provide clean water and the gospel to families in need: https://visionaryfam.com/support
Love this episode?
We'd love to hear from you! Share your thoughts and prayer requests at podcast@visionaryfam.com.
If this episode encouraged you, please take a moment to leave a review on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or YouTube. Your review helps more families discover the show and grow in their faith.
Next Episode Preview:
Join us next time as we return to our 10 Commandments series with part two of "Do Not Steal"—focusing on practical parenting tips to cultivate honesty, contentment, and a heart of generosity in your home.
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