Skip to content
Sign in
Artwork for Keeping It Young
Religion & SpiritualityChristianity

Keeping It Young

Dave Young, Bethlie Young

A weekly podcast hosted by Dave and Bethlie Young who have spoken to thousands of people across America and around the world. Their heart is to encourage, direct, and strengthen your marriage, family, and ministry life.
You will find humor, helpful teaching, and great encouragement.
Join them each week as together they share Biblical and practical insights.

Play
Open in
  • 21 episodes
  • weekly
  • Avg 25 min
  • English

Episodes 21

NewestOldestLongest
All20Unplayed20In progress0Played0
Counted on this page — what you have heard stays on this device, so it is not something the list can be paged by.
  • S7 · E333
    Monday · 23 min

    Overcoming Technology Part 3

    In part 3 of the Overcoming Technology mini-series, Dave and Bethlie quickly recap the first three steps (determine if you need to change, educate yourself, recognize the damage) before landing on the three that close out the series: find alternative activities, create tech-free zones, and discuss the changes needed — together, as a family. Technology itself isn't evil — it's a gift from God (1 Timothy 6:17) — but Christians are called to walk circumspectly (Ephesians 5) and redeem the time, which is hard to do when technology is running the show instead of being run by us. Quick recap of steps 1–4 (from Parts 1 & 2): Determine if you need to overcome technology Educate yourself (books, podcasts, research) Recognize the damage it can cause (sleep disruption, social isolation, eye strain, shorter attention spans, addiction, loss of privacy, cyberbullying) Determine the changes needed (individual — time limits, habit changes, removing non-essential apps, silencing notifications) The final three steps: Find alternative activities — Step away on purpose through physical activity, hobbies, and face-to-face interaction. Suggestions: walks after dinner, biking, mountain biking, golf, tennis, painting, crafting, cooking. The point: if parents don't proactively offer alternatives, kids won't find them on their own. Create tech-free zones — Specific zones discussed: Mealtime — TV off, phones away, actual conversation The bedroom — phones stay out, use an analog/digital alarm clock instead; protects sleep and removes late-night temptation Ballgames and kids' activities — be present, not on your phone Family movie night — phone-free even during streaming ad breaks (use the break for a bathroom run, popcorn, or "a kissing break") Alternative approach: designate the family room (or one area) as the only place tech is allowed, making the rest of the house tech-free by default Discuss the changes needed — with your kids, not just for them — Ask questions rather than issue mandates: "Do you think you're on the internet too much?" "What would you do with your time if you weren't on TikTok?" Getting kids to buy in (rather than just enforcing rules) leads to better results. Consider one tech-free day a month as a family, agreed on together.

  • S7 · E332
    September 14 · 27 min

    Overcoming Technology Part 2

    In part two of the Overcoming Technology series, Dave and Bethlie continue unpacking how smartphones and social media quietly reshape our habits, relationships, and spiritual life — and what to do about it. Building on Tony Reinke's 12 Ways Your Phone Is Changing You, they walk through the specific ways technology damages attention, relationships, and reflection, then move into practical, doable changes. Recap the 12 ways phones change us (from Tony Reinke's book), continued from Part 1: - Phones constantly pull our attention away from the present moment (and the "seven-minute foundation" needed for meaningful conversation) - Digital interaction often replaces physical presence with people around us - Online metrics drive an unhealthy desire for affirmation (likes, followers, influencer culture) - Skimming digital feeds reduces deep reading comprehension - Endless entertainment is available at any second (the disappearance of boredom) - Online personas mask true self-understanding - Digital connectivity frequently leads to isolated lifestyles rather than true community - Screens provide private access to harmful or distracting imagery - An overload of trivia crowds out deep reflection - Constant checking stems from anxiety over being disconnected - Impersonal digital spaces lower our patience and kindness in communication - Constant notifications eliminate the silent spaces needed for prayer and calm thought The four-step framework for overcoming technology: Determine if you need to overcome technology (are you controlled by it? better because of it? how is it affecting your kids?) Educate yourself (read books, research — they recommend The Tech-Wise Family and 12 Ways Your Phone Is Changing You) Recognize the damage it can cause (the list above) Determine the changes needed — practical steps discussed: - Set time limits (using phone settings or a timer/Alexa) - Change habits (phones out of the bedroom, off the table at meals, a charging basket) - Replace with something better (a regular watch instead of a smart watch) - Silence notifications and check at scheduled times - Remove non-essential apps (or access certain platforms only on a computer) - Turn off notifications and keep the phone on silent

  • S7 · E331
    September 7 · 27 min

    Overcoming Technology Part 1

    Overcoming Technology Part 1 Is your phone running your house or are you running it? What about other forms of technology? Dave and Bethlie are back from their August break and kicking off a new stretch of the Overcoming series: Overcoming Technology. How do you overcome technology? We've listed a few suggestions: Determine if you need to do so Are you controlled by it? Are you better becausse of it? Where are you being negatively impacted by it? Are your children being negatively impacted by it? 68% of us admit that electronic devices keep us from having real conversations 50% of us see phones as a significant disruption to our family meals. Educate yourself Read and research 12 Ways Your Phone Is Changing You My Tech Wise Family The Tech Wise Family Recognize the damage it can cause Sleep disruption Reduced physical activity Social isolation Mental health issues Digital eye strain Shorter attention span Cyberbullying Loss of privacy Technology addiction Environmental damage

  • S7 · E330
    August 25 · 25 min

    7 Steps To Building A Christian Family Part 5

    Episode 330: 7 Steps to Building a Christian Family — Part 5 Text: Deuteronomy 6:6–12 (review of 6–9, new focus on 10–12) Recap of Steps So Far Underlying foundation: knowing God — building a real, living relationship with Him (not just a salvation moment). Fear God — reverent awe + healthy fear of consequences. Keep God First — requires ongoing self-examination ("Lord, am I keeping you first?"). This is similiar to the purpose of a revival: intentional, recurring evaluation of the heart. Love God with heart, soul, might/mind/strength — loving God with total, unguarded enthusiasm. Teach God's Word Diligently — not just memorization but application, so Scripture "pops up" in the heart in the moment of decision or conviction (Proverbs 6). Step 5 (this episode): Enjoy God's Blessings Wisely (Don't Forget God in Abundance) Deut. 6:10–12 — warns Israel that once they live in houses they didn't build, drink from wells they didn't dig, and eat from vineyards they didn't plant, and are "full," the danger is forgetting the Lord. This step "nails us as Americans" — most people live in homes they didn't build, eat food they didn't grow, and eat out of fullness/abundance rather than hunger. God is not against blessing/prosperity — the text itself promises houses, food, and abundance as gifts from God. Nice homes, cars, and possessions aren't inherently wrong or "spoiled." Caution: don't confuse God's blessing with the American Dream. Someone can have the bigger house, nicer car, or yacht and be completely unblessed if their family and relationship with God are falling apart. True blessing shows up as peace, joy, love, and gentleness in the home — not material markers. Scripture ties blessing to obedience/pursuit of righteousness (referenced the Deuteronomy blessings/curses passage and the pattern seen across Joshua vs. Judges) — but this isn't a strict formula; God remains gracious even amid failure. Practical Application: Enjoying Blessings "With Care" / Frugality Money has two purposes: to live, and to give — live more frugally (smaller home, older-but-nice car, lower payments) to free up margin for giving and to avoid overwork that outsources parenting to daycare/babysitters. Have a grateful heart as a discipline — actively resisting complaint over aging cars, food choices, etc., which the hosts frame as a subtle form of forgetting God. Practical family habit: praying before meals with genuine, unhurried gratitude rather than rote routine; teaching kids a thankfulness verse; verbally noting "isn't it amazing we get to eat like this?" as a repeated family phrase. How blessed are you? In your blessings, are you forgetting God?(e.g., packed schedules of travel/activities, expensive Christian schooling, but no family devotions, gratitude, or altar at home).

  • S7 · E329
    August 16 · 27 min

    7 Steps To Building A Christian Family Part 4 [Archive]

    Please pray for Dave and Bethlie as they continue this season of pause on the podcast. If you're a brand new listener or a orignal listener from 6 years ago, we're sure this series will be a blessing. Recap of Steps So Far Fear God — must first know God to stand in awe of Him. Host shared a personal illustration: praying as a family for a new RV, and God's provision through friends/supporters — using it to show their kids God's goodness firsthand. Keep God First Love God (heart, soul, might/mind/strength) Step 4 (this episode): Teach God's Word Diligently Deut. 6:4–9 1. It must be personally real first (v.6 — "shall be in thine heart") You can't teach what you don't know/live yourself — parents need their own regular time in God's Word before they can pass it on. There is value in a physical Bible over a phone/app: fewer distractions (notifications), and the ability to highlight, underline, and write notes Not legalistic about method (no requirement to read X chapters/day) — the goal is that Scripture is treasured and genuinely part of daily life, not just consumed on a screen. 2. It must be diligently taught (v.7 — "teach them diligently") Two forms: Formal family devotions — scheduling a set time (Dave and Bethlie do this in the evenings). Their practice: reading a passage, reviewing memorized passages (Ten Commandments, Beatitudes, Psalm 1, 19, 23, 100), closing in prayer. Informal/organic teaching — woven into daily life as Deut. 6:7 describes ("when thou sittest... walkest... liest down... risest up"): Using teachable moments from TV (example: an Andy Griffith episode with a drunk character as an opening to discuss what the Bible says about alcohol; also referenced a real story about alcohol contributing to an affair in a church). Correcting sibling conflict by quoting Scripture on the spot, and having kids write out Bible verses as a consequence/reinforcement. Attaching specific verses to recurring life moments — e.g., Psalm 19:1 ("The heavens declare...") for stargazing, Psalm 23 imagery for green pastures/lakes seen while driving, Ecclesiastes ("in all labor there is profit") for schoolwork motivation, Proverbs 11:16 ("a gracious woman retaineth honor") for daughters navigating "mean girl" dynamics, Job 31:1 ("I have made a covenant with mine eyes,") for teenage sons and purity of eyes. 3. It must be prominently displayed (v.9 — "write them upon the posts of thy house") Scripture decor/signs around the home Kids writing verse references or phrases on their own hands as personal reminders — modeled after a young evangelist who traveled with the family; framed as intentional and temporary, not a tattoo. 4. It must be reasonably explained (previewed, to be covered in a future episode) As kids get older, genuine "why" questions are an opportunity to explain Scripture's reasoning — distinguished from rebellious "why," which needs correction rather than explanation. As kids mature, ask them "What do you think we should do based on what the Bible says?" to build their own habit of returning to Scripture.

  • S7 · E328
    August 10 · 26 min

    7 Steps To Building A Christian Family Part 3 [Archive]

    Please pray for Dave and Bethlie as they continue this season of pause on the podcast. If you're a brand new listener or a orignal listner from 6 years ago, we're sure this series will be a blessing. Series Recap Fear God — To fear God, kids must first know God (can't stand in awe of someone unfamiliar). Keep God First — God takes priority over comfort, convenience, and blessing. A home can look put together (loving spouses, "good kids," active church attendance) and still fail at these principles. None of this happens by accident; it requires deliberate, daily practice. Parents can "perform" faith at church, but they cannot fool their own family — kids sense whether God is genuinely first. Step 3 (this episode): Love God with All Your Heart, Soul, Mind, and Strength "No one rebels against that which they love." What you love becomes obvious to others (illustrated humorously via sports team loyalty). How to Train Kids to Love God In the good times: Teach kids to be thankful. Teach them to be thankful for each other (birthdays, Father's/Mother's Day, graduations), and for God's provision through others (writing thank you notes). Prioritize church attendance even when life is comfortable — ease is often when people quietly deprioritize God. Invest financially/practically in opportunities for kids to encounter God (e.g., sending kids to summer camp despite the cost). In the dark times: Personal Example: loss of children (infant loss), loss of both of Bethlie's parents, church transitions, ministry conflicts/misunderstandings. Foundation matters: loving God consistently in good times prepares a family not to be "blown out of the water" by hard times. Framing for kids: hardship isn't God abandoning the family — it's the reality of living in a fallen/sin-cursed world; God remains good and can grow us through difficulty. Model consistency: continue church attendance, Bible reading, prayer, and kindness within the home even when discouraged — kids watch whether parents' faith holds up under pressure. Have honest, age-appropriate conversations with kids about what's happening and reaffirm the family's commitment to keep loving God through it. Serving others during hard times shifts focus off self and onto others — described as "powerful." Callback to Episode 1 theme: "serve the Lord with gladness" — serving happily in both good and bad times testifies to love for God. Caution on guarding the tongue (referencing James 1:26) — complaining/negativity undercuts a credible testimony of loving God, especially in front of children. Closing Thought "Love is never stagnant — it is either growing or declining. "Relationship with God requires ongoing, active pursuit, not a one-time declaration. Summary challenge to listeners: fear God, keep God first, and love God with heart, soul, mind, and strength — then train the next generation to do the same.

  • S7 · E327
    August 3 · 26 min

    7 Steps To Building A Christian Family Part 2 [Archive]

    Turn to Matthew 6:19-21 and Philippians 1:21 and join Dave and Bethlie as the continue their discussion on Building A Chrisitian Family. Here are some practical diagnostic questions for parents: When did you last skip an activity (beach, TV, a purchase, a look/fashion choice) because God comes first? Do your kids see you pray, read Scripture, and make decisions on the basis of faith rather than convenience? Personal example: host's daughter prayed for two years before the family took a scaled-back Disney trip, modeling "seek the Lord first" over just charging it to a credit card. "Priorities are demonstrated by actions (money, calendar, speech, treatment of others), not just by stated beliefs."

  • S7 · E326
    July 27 · 25 min

    7 Steps To Building A Christian Family [Archive]

    In this "From The Archives" episode, we revisit this popular series entitled Seven Vital Steps to Building a Christian Family, based on Deuteronomy 6. God charged Israel to live distinctly from surrounding culture and to actively pass that faith down to children and grandchildren. This is a multi-generational, slow-built process rather than a quick fix. Step One: The Fear of the Lord Psalm 33:8, Psalm 33:18, Psalm 34:7, Psalm 111:10, Proverbs 1:7, 1:29, 8:13, 10:27, 14:27 — Fearing God is tied to wisdom, knowledge, protection, and a fuller life. Practical ways to cultivate reverence in kids Congregational singing as an act of worship and awe Daily gratitude and prayer at meals Careful, deliberate use of God's name in the home Creating "awe" experiences

  • S7 · E325
    July 21 · 25 min

    Overcoming Challenging Events Part 2

    Dave and Bethlie finish up the second part of this Overcoming Challenging Events series. 3. Keep growing Only God can bring beauty out of ashes Satan wants to increase the ash heap God wants to grow beauty from the ash heap He does it as we grow in Him Stay in the Word Read it daily Listen to it read aloud You Version Blue letter bible Etc Pray a lot Keep trusting God Remind yourself of truth Sin is bad Sin is the reason for all the wrong in the world God is good God is continually working to enable us to overcome the wrong 4. Be prepared for people When they forget When they say the wrong thing When they let you down

  • S7 · E324
    July 13 · 24 min

    Overcoming Challenging Events Part 1

    In this episode, Dave and Bethlie launch a new mini-series on overcoming the challenging events of life. Whether it's the death of a loved one, a church split, a battle with cancer, or the pain of divorce we all encoutner challenging events. Part 1 of this mini series focuses on the importance of maintaining daily rhythms and staying connected both spiritually, and relationally, and through honest conversation. Even when everything in you wants to shut down. What do we mean by challenging events of life? A death A church split A cancer A divorce or betrayal Pastor Bill Prater call it How to get through what you can't get over So how do you overcome all of this? We can make these suggestions: Keep going Practically Remember to eat Remember to sleep Try to exercise Maintain responsibilities Work Chores Family Spiritually Stay in church Play psalms hymns and spiritual songs Relationally Keep talking Stay connected Seek counsel Illustration of Joseph in the OT Called by God to be a leader Sold into slavery by his brothers Leads Potiphar's household Winds up in prison unjustly Leads the prison (is there for 12-13 years) Keep talking Talk to God Be honest Be real Stay in the Psalms a lot They are raw They are honest They always point to truth Talk to each other God designed us to talk to each other Sharing our emotions with a trusted friend can help bring cleansing It allows our brain to process the emotions - especially if you are a man It cleanses our brain - especially if you are a woman Sharing our emotions with a counselor can allow them to point us to truth

  • July 7 · 24 min

    Overcoming The Pitfalls or Ministry & Family Part 2

    We're finishing this mini-series on Overcoming Pitfalls of Family and Ministry! 3. Please God wholeheartedly In ministry we were/are all in We served as a family We have gone soul winning as a family We have sung as a family We have worshiped as a family We have sat together as a family in church We have had family devotions We have had long talks about life and godliness We have prayed together and seen God do great things as a result In family we were/are all in We have Trained - it never stops until they are adults on their own We have done a ton of teaching - it never stops either We have played - we did a lot of this Games Walks Movies Fun Family Fridays Beach days Coffee shops We have been to Disney, Busch gardens, and Cedar Point We have hiked in Nevada, Arizona, California, Tennessee, Ohio, Michigan We have been to the Pacific Ocean, the Atlantic Ocean, The Gulf of America (or Mexico :)) and all of the Great Lakes Dr. Dave Teis - spend money having fun with your kids We also attended church some 300 nights each year in revival services, conferences, and camps

  • S7 · E322
    June 29 · 26 min

    Overcoming The Pitfalls of Ministry & Family Part 1

    So how do you overcome the pitfalls of family and ministry? Dave and Bethlie make three suggestions: Have ONE priority GOD IS EVERYTHING I know that we are taught that Family is First Bethlie and I perhaps take a different approach Seek ye first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, all these things will be added unto you. All these things: Refers to God's blessings and favor and provisions The kingdom of God encompasses all of our Christian lives and responsibilities Our walk with God - that is a priority Our family - that is a priority Our ministry - that is a priority This doesn't have to be about 1, 2, 3 It has to be about living our lives each day doing the right thing in the right way His righteousness: What does He want? What is right according to Him? Pursue all responsibilities passionately and intentionally Dr. Bob Jones Sr. famously said - Duties never conflict. Like any saying that can be challenged - it isn't the Bible But he has a point Duties must be fulfilled God doesn't want us to give up one for the other He wants us to live our life and win on all fronts Ministry is not above family Serve the Lord - with your family Family is not above ministry Serve the Lord - with your family Both are life and and both are God given responsibilities Win at both

  • S7 · E321
    June 22 · 22 min

    Overcoming Fear Part 3

    We're wrapping up this Overcoming Fear series! 6. Fear can be overcome It takes power It takes love It takes a sound mind

  • S7 · E320
    June 15 · 24 min

    Overcoming Fear Part 2

    Part 2 of our Overcoming Series! Don't forget to subscribe to our newsletter to receive our NEW KIY Magazine! Part 2 4. Fear is caused By Temperament traits By Childhood experiences Basic needs aren't met Love Understanding Acceptance Overprotective parents Dominating parents By a traumatic experience By Anger By Sin A guilty conscience By lack of Faith Unbelief is failing to trust God Unbelief is also trusting in something besides God Ultimately by Selfishness - the basic cause of fear Shyness (an expression of fear) - is a focus on self 5. Fear is sometimes good There is a good "fear" Recognize that there is a "fear" that is different from what we are talking about here Fear God Proverbs 1:7 In this passage fear is referring to having an awareness and a reverence for God Recognize that caution can be helpful, but is different from the fear we are talking about here: Caution leads an airline pilot to check the instruments carefully Caution can lead a pharmacist to check and recheck the medication he is giving Remember that Jesus told us to fear in Matthew 10:28 Fear the one who can destroy soul and body in hell Fear that which is deadly or trying to hurt you

  • S7 · E319
    June 8 · 25 min

    Overcoming Fear Part 1

    We're continuing our Overcoming series and beginning a new topic, fear. Fear is universal Adam and Eve experienced fear in the garden Farther we go from God and the more disobedient we are, the greater the fear that we experience Our world offers a continual diet of fear Economy World conditions Medical concerns See Reader's Digest illustration p. 82 LaHaye Joseph Fort Newton, former pastor of St. James Church, Philadelphia Had newspaper article called "A ministers mail" His column "everyday living" reached millions of people One article was about fear and he said that "fear leads to worry and worry is a tiny rivulet seeping into the mind like slow poison, until it paralyzes us and cuts a channel into which all other thoughts are drained." Fear is personal We fear failure We fear that our kids will be hurt We fear retirement We fear not having medical help Parents in our culture especially battle with fear Fear of leaving our kids in a church nursery Fear of letting our kids attend youth ministry Fear of losing our kids to the world Singles battle fear Fear of getting married to the wrong person Fear of being deceived by someone you marry Fear is costly 92% of our fears NEVER take place Emotionally - fear leads to any number of emotional issues Anxiety Doubts Timidity Indecision Superstition Withdrawal Loneliness Overagression Worry Inferiority Cowardice Suspicion Hesitancy Depression Haughtiness Social shyness Socially Fear keeps us from speaking Fear keeps us from serving Physically Fear affects our health in a variety of ways Spiritually Quenches the Holy Spirit Stifles our soul wining Compare Paul and Silas with the Philippian jailor Prevents us from pleasing God

  • S7 · E318
    June 1 · 27 min

    Overcoming Hurt Part 5

    Don't forget to sign up for the Keeping It Young Magazine! Enjoy this last episode of the Overcoming Hurt mini-series. Fruit That Can Result From A Hurt v. 14. God will use it to make you holy v. 17 God will use it to get you to the Father v. 21 God will use it to build your faith and hope v. 22 God will use it to purify your heart to fervent love V. 23 God will use it to get you saved

  • S7 · E317
    May 24 · 23 min

    Overcoming Hurt Part 4

    Part 4 and the final episode in this Overcoming series. Don't forget to sign up for the Keeping It Young Magazine! 4. Forgive the one who hurt you Forgiveness understands the wrong Forgiveness understands that it will always be wrong Forgiveness chooses to move on Forgiveness releases the debt that I am owed because of the wrong

  • S7 · E316
    May 18 · 25 min

    Overcoming Hurt Part 3

    Let's dive in on part 3! 5. Treat others with love 6. Guard your words 1. Speak truth - but always in love 2 Be honest - lying never works 3. Control your temper 1. The wrath of man never works the righteousness of God 3. Confront the hurt Biblically -Ephesians 4:30-31 1. Grow spiritually Ephesians 4:19-24 2. Be kind to those who hurt you 3. Be tenderhearted about the hurt 1. Put away bitterness 2. Put away anger 3. Refuse to speak hurtfully 4. Forgive the one who hurt you

  • S7 · E315
    May 11 · 26 min

    Overcoming Hurt Part 2

    Let's dive in! Part 2 3. Hurts can be overcome Consider our texts 1 Peter 1 v. 3. Lively hope v. 4 incorrupt inheritance v. 5 Keeping power v. 6 heavy burdens 1 Peter 4 Consider Biblical examples who overcame Joshua Daniel Hannah David Chosen to be king but ignored by his family Ridiculed and made fun of Threatened and hunted and had to run for his life Forced to leave his home and family Was mistreated But found healing These teach us that we are not alone when we are dealing with hurts These also teach us that we can overcome them Consider steps that are essential in overcoming Identify the hurt Do right in the hurt Think right about it Illustration of "the church hurt me" Stay in church Stay in the Word Stay faithful to God

  • S7 · E314
    May 4 · 25 min

    Overcoming Hurts Part 1

    Did you hear the big news?!?! Dave and Bethlie have a BIG announcement! We're continuing our Ovecoming series and this week we begin the focus on Ovecoming Hurts. 1 Peter 1:3-9 1 Peter 4:12-14 Hurts are a normal part of living in a sin-cursed world. Storms Trials (v. 7) Disappointments Discouragement Persecution Illustration - what is your story? Your parents divorce An unhappy home-life An absent father or mother A loss of a loved one A authority figure who let you down A health issue A person whose words were hurtful A personal struggle that you hate Hurts come from a variety of sources Outside sources Spiritual attacks from the enemy Sins committed against you Unkind people Unwanted circumstances Inside sources Our own spirit A sensitive spirit A wounded spirit Our own sin Our wrong responses to events, situations, and people

Showing 1–20 of 21 episodes