Shows
Treasure Box Books | Dads Building Relationships, Reading Great Books, Preparing Children for Life076 | Reviewing 2025, Anticipating 2026Hey Fellow Dads,
If we could sit down together and talk, I’d want to ask you…What books did you read this past year, either to your family or on your own? Which were your favorites? And what are your goals for the coming year? I hope my answers to these questions encourage you to make your own lists and continue in the good work of leading your family.
—Nathan
Terms
Semiquincentennial: lit. half of 500 years. 250th year.
Books I Read to My Family in 2025
The Cross Versus the Crescen...
2026-01-2334 minTreasure Box Books | Dads Building Relationships, Reading Great Books, Preparing Children for Life075 | Christmas Time Ideas for Dads - Bring Their Hearts Back to ChristHey Fellow Dads,
We want to continuously lead our families to think about Christ, to learn about Him, to love Him, to serve Him, and to share His gospel throughout the year. I think Christmas is a great time of year to recalibrate and refocus our attention on Him, especially as we prepare to step into a new year. Here are seven ways to help us do that.
—Nathan
Scriptures
📖 Genesis 3:15
📖 Genesis 49:8-12
📖 Micah 5:2
📖 Psalm 132:1-12
📖 Matthew 1-2
📖 Luke 1-2
📖 John 1
📖 Hebrews 10:25
Boo...
2025-12-1937 min
Treasure Box Books | Dads Building Relationships, Reading Great Books, Preparing Children for Life074 | Helps for Your Daily Walk (Part 3 - Which Devotional Books to Use)Hey Fellow Dads,
Looking for a good Christian devotional book? Amazon has over 90,000 options to wade through! But here are five great choices for classic devotional books that have stood the test of time and will continue to encourage you for years to come.
--Nathan
Books (with links)
📚 Daily Light on the Daily Path
https://www.wholesomewords.org/resources/bbagster.html
https://dailylightdevotional.org
📚 Morning and Evening, by Charles Haddon Spurgeon
📚 The Valley of Vision: A Collection of Puritan Prayers & Devotions, by Arthur Bennett
https://pu...
2025-11-2530 minTreasure Box Books | Dads Building Relationships, Reading Great Books, Preparing Children for Life073 - Helps for Your Daily Walk (Part 2 - How to Use Devotional Books)Hey Dads,
We’ve thought about several reasons why we ought to use devotional books to help us walk with God, but how do we actually put these tools to use in realistic ways? In this episode, I’ll give you six practical ways to make devotional books a genuine benefit to your fellowship with the Lord.
—Nathan
Scriptures
📖 Job 23:12 “Neither have I gone back from the commandment of his lips; I have esteemed the words of his mouth more than my necessary food.”
📖 Deuteronomy 33:25b “…and as thy days, so shall thy strength be...
2025-10-1825 minTreasure Box Books | Dads Building Relationships, Reading Great Books, Preparing Children for Life072 | A Champion for Life & Liberty (Charlie Kirk)Intro
Hey Dads,
A man was shot while exercising his first amendment right to free speech—because someone deemed what he said to be evil. What was this man’s message, and what should our response be as believers—and especially as Christian dads? How can we fight lies not with violence, but with truthful words?
- Nathan
Scriptures
📖 1 Timothy 4:12
📖 Hebrews 9:27
📖 Romans 8:28
Quotes
🎵 “And though this world with devils filled should threaten to undo us,
We will not fear, for God has willed his truth to triumph through us.”
2025-09-2146 minTreasure Box Books | Dads Building Relationships, Reading Great Books, Preparing Children for Life071 | Helps for Your Daily Walk (Part 1 - Why Use Devotional Books)Hey fellow dads,
What’s the difference between doctrinal and devotional books? Why are good devotional books so helpful in our spiritual walk? Join us for today’s episode, and let’s find out.
—Nathan
Scriptures
📖 Matthew 12
📖 Isaiah 42
📖 Proverbs 11:14
📖 Proverbs 15:22
📖 Proverbs 24:6
📖 Proverbs 2:20
Books
📚 Basic Theology: A Popular Systematic Guide to Understanding Biblical Truth, by Charles Ryrie
📚 Things Hard to be Understood: A Handbook of Biblical Difficulties, by David Cloud
📚 What Every Christian Ought to Know: Essential Truths for Growing Your Faith, by Adrian Rogers...
2025-08-1929 minTreasure Box Books | Dads Building Relationships, Reading Great Books, Preparing Children for Life070 | Only One Life…Hey fellow dads,
Only God knows how long we'll live, but He can “teach us to number our days, that we may apply our hearts unto wisdom.” What Scriptures and books might help us do that? Tune in today and find out!
—Nathan
📖 Scriptures
Psalm 103:2
Romans 16:4
Matthew 9:36
Jeremiah 3:15
Psalm 90
Genesis 1-11
Philippians 2
1 Corinthians 15:53
Proverbs 13:22
Proverbs 20:7
💡 Main Thoughts
We have only this one life to glorify God and serve our own generation.
How we think and live will affect our wives, our children, and future generations.
God only knows how long we will live.
God only knows the...
2025-08-0138 minTreasure Box Books | Dads Building Relationships, Reading Great Books, Preparing Children for Life069 | Four Ideas for the Fourth of JulyHey fellow dads,
Happy Fourth of July! As your family celebrates America’s birthday, have you thought about the ideas that formed the foundation for our nation and the first Independence Day? Join us today as we talk about a book that reveals the largely unknown true history of America’s independence and discuss how to teach our children a Christian patriotism.
—Nathan
Scriptures
📖 Proverbs 22:4 By humility [and] the fear of the LORD [are] riches, and honour, and life.
📖 Proverbs 14:34 Righteousness exalteth a nation: but sin [is] a reproach to any people.
2025-07-0429 minTreasure Box Books | Dads Building Relationships, Reading Great Books, Preparing Children for Life068 | Father’s Day Gifts—For Your FamilyHey Fellow Dads,
What’s on your Father’s Day wishlist? It’s pretty easy to find items for ourselves . . . but what if this year we chose some gifts for our family? Here are a few suggestions—and they don’t even cost a thing!
—Nathan
Scriptures
📖 Hebrews 5:1-2
📖 Proverbs 23:26
📖 Deuteronomy 11:19
📖 Ecclesiastes 3:4
📖 John 19:25-27
📖 1 Cor. 15:3-8
📖 Mark 7:24-30
Books
📚 How to Be Your Wife’s...
2025-06-1534 minTreasure Box Books | Dads Building Relationships, Reading Great Books, Preparing Children for Life067 | D-Day’s Principles for DadsHey Fellow Dads,
Many of us enjoy reading war stories—and I’ll recommend some great ones in today’s episode—but have you ever considered what needs and roles we might have in common with the heroes of those stories? Specifically, what principles can the history of D-day teach us for our roles as dads? That’s what I’ll discuss in today’s episode. —Nathan
Scriptures
📖 Ecclesiastes 9:10
📖 Proverbs 24:6
📖 Psalm 127:4
📖 Proverbs 13:22
📖 Proverbs 14:15
📖 1 Samuel 12:23
Books
📚 Three Days in January, by Bret Baier*
📚 The Boys of Pointe du Hoc: Ronald Reaga...
2025-06-0733 minTreasure Box Books | Dads Building Relationships, Reading Great Books, Preparing Children for Life066 | Celebrate Tyndale and His TranslationHey Fellow Dads,
This year marks the 500th anniversary since William Tyndale began publishing the first edition of his translation of the New Testament into English. Why should we celebrate William Tyndale and his 1525 English New Testament? In this episode, I want to pass along seven reasons we should become familiar with Tyndale, emulate his character, and appreciate his translation of the New Testament.
—Nathan
Why we should become familiar with William Tyndale, emulate his character, and appreciate his translation of the New Testament:
Tyndale was converted to Christ through the scripture itself.
His tr...
2025-05-2726 minTreasure Box Books | Dads Building Relationships, Reading Great Books, Preparing Children for Life065 | Hold Your Little OnesHey Fellow Dads,
What comes to your mind when you hold your baby? In this episode, I’ll share six lessons we can learn from holding our little ones.
—Nathan
Scriptures
📖 Isaiah 40:11
📖 Psalm 139:13-14
📖 2 Peter 1:10
📖 Ephesians 5:16
📖 Colossians 4:5
📖 Jude 3
📖 Exodus 33:11
📖 Proverbs 8:17, 34
Books
📖 The Holy Bible
📚 Witness, by Whittaker Chambers
Note: I have not read Witness, so I can’t recommend the book. I heard the quote in another book which I’m currently listening to and found the quote onlin...
2025-05-1918 minTreasure Box Books | Dads Building Relationships, Reading Great Books, Preparing Children for Life064 | Are You Ready for This Baby?Hey Fellow Dads,
How can you prepare to be a father to a new baby? What do your wife and older children need before and after the birth? Is there a book that could help you prepare to be a new dad? And does the Bible say anything about this? Join us for today’s podcast and find out!
—Nathan
Scriptures
📖 Ephesians 5:25
📖 1 Peter 3:7
📖 Galatians 3:26
📖 Psalm 119:105
📖 Psalm 18:6
📖 Hebrews 12:2
Suggestions to Get Ready for a New Baby
Love your wife intentionally in the months before and after birth.
Listen to her needs and feelings.
L...
2025-05-0225 minTreasure Box Books | Dads Building Relationships, Reading Great Books, Preparing Children for Life063 | Celebrate Our Risen LordHey Fellow Dads,
This coming Lord’s Day is Easter—Resurrection Sunday—when we who follow the Lord Jesus Christ celebrate the fact that nearly 2000 years ago, after a brutal death by crucifixion, He literally, physically, victoriously walked out of His grave. Do we dads have any special role to play in how our families celebrate this event?
As Christian dads, it’s our responsibility to lead our families to appreciate the importance of Jesus’ resurrection. Here are five ways you and I can do that for our families.
—Nathan
Scripture References
📖 Psalm 16
📖 Psalm...
2025-04-1932 minTreasure Box Books | Dads Building Relationships, Reading Great Books, Preparing Children for Life062 | Build Happy Memories TogetherHey Fellow Dads,
Whether or not we grew up building happy memories of home and family, one of our goals as dads should be to help the next generation to remember and rejoice in God and His blessings. How can we do that, and what are some good books that help us build those happy memories? Join us for today’s episode and find out!
—Nathan
Scriptures
📖 Deut. 6:12
📖 1 Chron. 16:11-15
📖 1 Samuel 17:37
📖 Prov. 10:7
📖 Prov. 22:1
📖 Prov. 5:18
📖 Prov. 23:24 -25
📖 Heb. 6:1
📖 Eph. 4:15
📖 1 Thes. 4:3
📖 ...
2025-04-1031 minTreasure Box Books | Dads Building Relationships, Reading Great Books, Preparing Children for Life061 | Do Audiobooks = Real Books? (Part 2—Advantages)Hey Fellow Dads,
Last time we looked at some disadvantages of audiobooks as compared to printed books. Today’s episode will discuss six advantages of audiobooks, along with a list of some of my favorite audiobooks—I hope you enjoy many of them!
—Nathan
Books
📚 🎧 The Hiding Place, by Corrie Ten Boom
📚 💻 Expository Thoughts on the Gospel of Mark, by J.C. Ryle, available to read online here in its original text:
https://archive.org/details/expository-thoughts-on-the-gospel-of-mark-j-c-ryle-scan/page/6/mode/2up?view=theater
📚 Jotham’s Journey, by Arnold Ytreeide
📚 🎧 💻 This...
2025-04-0129 minTreasure Box Books | Dads Building Relationships, Reading Great Books, Preparing Children for Life060 | Do Audiobooks Equal Real Books (Part 1 - Disadvantages)Hey Fellow Dads,
Have you ever wondered whether listening to audiobooks instead of reading is “cheating”? Today’s episode will cover six disadvantages of audiobooks, along with workarounds for each one. Enjoy, and stay tuned for next episode, when we’ll discuss six advantages of audiobooks!
—Nathan
Disadvantages of Audiobooks
They are often expensive
Audiobook subscription apps are overly complex
The selection of quality narrations (of free or inexpensive good books) is limited
Previewing books is difficult
Listening time for borrowed audiobooks is limited
Not all audio recordings are made equal
Books
These stories ar...
2025-03-2518 minTreasure Box Books | Dads Building Relationships, Reading Great Books, Preparing Children for Life059 | Alaskan Adventures! (Part 3) with Matt Ching, Sam ChingHey Fellow Dads,
Today we conclude a three-episode series introducing both true and fictional stories from Alaska—tales of heroism, survival, and faith that can inspire you and your family to follow wherever God leads.
In this episode, my sons Matt and Sam share their own stories of recent trips to Alaska, and I give ten reasons we all love the “Adventures of an Arctic Missionary” series of books. Don’t miss it!
--Nathan
Scriptures
📖 2 Cor. 1:8
📖 2 Cor. 1:9
📖 2 Cor. 4:3-5
📖 2 Cor. 4:6
📖 1 Cor. 6:11
📖 2 Cor. 4:16-18
📖 1 Cor. 1:2...
2025-03-0448 minTreasure Box Books | Dads Building Relationships, Reading Great Books, Preparing Children for Life058 | Alaskan Adventures! (part 2) with Jonathan FisherHey Fellow Dads,
Today we continue a three-episode series introducing both true and fictional stories from Alaska—tales of heroism, survival, and faith that can inspire you and your family to follow wherever God leads.
In this episode, my friend Pastor Jonathan Fisher shares how God called him to be the answer to his own prayers for needy communities in Alaska. He also talks about how serving the Lord is a privilege and joy—yes, even fun—and how we as husbands can lead our wives and children to know that joy in service to Christ...
2025-02-2043 minTreasure Box Books | Dads Building Relationships, Reading Great Books, Preparing Children for Life057 | Alaskan Adventures (Part I) with Bruce Hamilton
Hey Fellow Dads,
Today we begin a three-episode series introducing both true and fictional stories from Alaska—tales of heroism, survival, and faith that can inspire you and your family to follow wherever God leads.
In this episode, my friend Pastor Bruce Hamilton introduces his first book—God of the Brooks—before I give a few excerpts to whet your appetite. We also briefly discuss God of the Aurora, a modern missionary autobiography adventure, and give a preview of next week’s episode.
--Nathan
Scriptures
📖 Romans 1:16
...
2025-02-0536 minTreasure Box Books | Dads Building Relationships, Reading Great Books, Preparing Children for Life056 | Dads, Preside Over Your FamilyHey Fellow Dads,
“A man’s home is his castle”—so goes the saying. But what does the Bible say about dads presiding in their homes? How can we do that well—and how might it benefit our families if we do?
In this episode, my friend Wesley Waddle, a pastor and dad for over 20 years, shares lessons he’s learned from Bible examples and personal experience, offers us realistic hope, and suggests practical tools to do this job right. Hope you enjoy it!
--Nathan
Scripture References
📖 Genesis 12
📖 Genesis 13
📖 Genesis 21
2025-01-2135 minTreasure Box Books | Dads Building Relationships, Reading Great Books, Preparing Children for Life055 | Looking Back, Looking ForwardHey Fellow Dads,
Have you paused to think through the lessons you learned in 2024? In this episode, I’ll share several of mine, along with some goals to pursue and promises to hang onto as we follow God in 2025. And don’t miss out on my Top 10 Books from 2024!
Nathan
Scriptures
📖 Psalm 23
📖 1 Thessalonians 4
📖 1 Thessalonians 5:18
📖 Luke 10:39
📖 Luke 7:38
📖 Luke 8:41-42
📖 Luke 17:16
📖 Luke 8:35
Books
Ancient History
📚 Lost to the West: The Forgotten Byzantine Empire That Rescued Western Civilization, by Lars Brownworth, published by Three R...
2025-01-1141 minTreasure Box Books | Dads Building Relationships, Reading Great Books, Preparing Children for Life054 | Dads, Pray for Your FamilyHey fellow dads,
Many Christian books have been published in recent years about moms praying for their families, but does God expect us as dads to pray for our spouse and children as well? What might it mean to be a “priest” in our own home . . . and how do we fulfill this role practically, in the day to day? In this episode we talk about where to start, examples from Scripture, and some books that can grow our faith for prayer.
Nathan
Scriptures
📖 Hebrews 10:11-14
📖 1 Timothy 2:5-6
📖 Ephesians 2:18
📖 Hebrews 4:16
📖 1 Peter 2:9
📖 Genesis 8:20
📖 Genesis 18:22-23, 32-33
📖 Job 1:4-5
📖 John 4:46-53
📖 Psalm 51...
2024-12-1832 minTreasure Box Books | Dads Building Relationships, Reading Great Books, Preparing Children for Life053 | Dads, Teach Your FamilyHey fellow dads,
How do you “start where you are” to lead your family even when you know you aren’t the dad you ought to be? What hope do we have when greater men than us have not been able to raise godly children? Or is that even our goal? Join us today as we learn from my friend William Maricle about being the spiritual leader (teacher or prophet) for our families.
And, starting at 34:54, I have a special Thanksgiving weekend treat for you—an excerpt from Of Plimoth Plantation that the whole family can enjo...
2024-11-3044 minTreasure Box Books | Dads Building Relationships, Reading Great Books, Preparing Children for Life052 | Dads, Provide for Your FamilyHey Fellow Dads,
Have you ever wondered if you’re providing enough for your family? What kind of provider is God for us, and how should we illustrate Him in the way we provide for our wives and children? What pitfalls do we need to be careful to avoid? Join us as my friend Daniel shares how we need to provide for our children in more than just financial ways, and gives some great book recommendations to help us partner with God in providing for our families.
Nathan
Books & Authors
📖 Full Time: Work and th...
2024-11-1551 minTreasure Box Books | Dads Building Relationships, Reading Great Books, Preparing Children for Life051 | Dads, Protect Your FamilyHey Fellow Dads,
Do we really have a Scriptural mandate as fathers to protect our families, or is that just a Western cultural idea? How does ego play in? What if we’re not naturally strong or tough? What do we need to keep in mind as we learn to be protectors? What books can help? Listen in as my brother-in-law Pete, a very experienced protector, shares helpful principles for protecting our families both physically and spiritually.
Nathan
Insights
When Christ “gave himself” for the church, the word implies hazarding his life. Protecting others...
2024-11-1037 minTreasure Box Books | Dads Building Relationships, Reading Great Books, Preparing Children for Life050 | Dads, Know Your RolesHey Fellow Dads,
To be the husbands and fathers that God created us to be, we have to play the roles God has entrusted to us. What are those roles, and how do we face these ofttimes overwhelming responsibilities, especially when failure is so possible? What books can help?
Nathan
Books
Fourth Quarter: How to Finish Your Course with Joy, by Don Sisk
Mansfield’s Book of Manly Men, by Stephen Mansfield
The Bible
The Jungle Book, by Rudyard Kipling
Carry a Big Stick: The Uncommon Heroism of Theodore Roosevelt, by George Grant
The Su...
2024-10-1742 minTreasure Box Books | Dads Building Relationships, Reading Great Books, Preparing Children for Life049 | Foster a Happy Attitude at Home & Helping Flood VictimsHi, Fellow Dads,
Have you ever noticed that God delights in children playing and wants His people to have “merry” hearts? How can we foster a happy atmosphere in our homes? And how might books play a part?
Nathan
If you enjoyed this episode,
💡 See the show notes at https://refreshpublishing.com/049-foster-a-happy-attitude-at-home-and-helping-flood-victims, including...
Scriptures mentioned
Ideas to help keep “merriment” in your home
Books mentioned
Notes from the interview with Adam Steed about Hurricane Helene Relief and contact information for giving
🎙️Please subscribe to the podcast so you can listen again nex...
2024-10-0847 minTreasure Box Books | Dads Building Relationships, Reading Great Books, Preparing Children for Life048 | A Pastors' Roundtable & a Roundup of Recommended BiblesHi, Fellow Dads,
Are you or a family member looking for a new Bible? Here are a few different editions I’ve used, along with my thoughts on each…and a few other tips for dads from a recent pastor’s roundtable I attended. Hope they’re helpful to you!
Nathan
Recommended Bibles
Be sure to see the show notes page for photos and links to our favorite KJV Bibles. There's also a brief summary of my takeaways from the pastors' roundtable I recently attended.
If you enjoyed this episode,
💡 See the show no...
2024-10-0227 minTreasure Box Books | Dads Building Relationships, Reading Great Books, Preparing Children for Life047 | If You Had Only Five WordsHi, Fellow Dads,
If you had just a few minutes to speak on national television, what would you say? What if you had only five words? Come with us as we meet several men whose biographies show that they had a clear, brief, put powerful message for which they are known. This episode includes book recommendations as well as tips for finding your life message.
Nathan
Scriptures
1 Corinthians 14:19
John 3
Psalm 119:12, 26, 33, 64, 68, 124, 135
Hebrews 12:2
Ephesians 2
Hebrews 11
Quotes
“Because, ‘Ye must be born again.’”—George Whitefield...
2024-09-0630 minTreasure Box Books | Dads Building Relationships, Reading Great Books, Preparing Children for Life046 | Engrave the Gospel into Their HeartsHi, Fellow Dads,
A few weeks ago, something special happened in Washington, D.C.—and it’s probably not what you’re thinking!
A new statue was unveiled in the Capitol, engraved with a most unusual title: Preacher of the Gospel of Jesus Christ.
If someone were to make a statue of you, Dad, could they put the same title on it? Should they be able to? What is the gospel, anyway—and what books can help us and our families ground our lives in it?
Nathan
Seven Words Concerning the Gosp...
2024-08-2133 minTreasure Box Books | Dads Building Relationships, Reading Great Books, Preparing Children for Life045 | Every Dad a…What?!—Guest, Darin KelseyHi, Fellow Dads,
Every Christian dad has been appointed by God to be the shepherd of his own home. Does that thought overwhelm you as it does me? But God hasn’t left us alone in this! He has given us wise counsellors to walk alongside and share the wisdom and experience He’s given them. Join us today to hear from one of those wise counsellors—our guest, Pastor Darin Kelsey—as he shares some tips that helped him lead his children to love the Lord, and of course some book recommendations as well!
Learning...
2024-08-1137 minTreasure Box Books | Dads Building Relationships, Reading Great Books, Preparing Children for Life044 | Walking through Life Together—with BooksIntro
Hey Fellow Dads,
Imagine a bookshelf full of all the great stories you’ve ever read or heard about. What do most of them have in common? Once you’ve found that mystery link, how can you use it to strengthen family ties and lead your family to walk by faith?
Nathan
Scriptures
Genesis 2:18
Genesis 6-9
1 Corinthians 15:3-4
Ephesians 5:25
Books
The Odyssey, by Homer
Pilgrim’s Progress, by John Bunyan
Undaunted Courage, by Stephen Ambrose (contains some material not suitable for youth)
Hudson Taylor’s Spiritual Secret...
2024-08-0339 minTreasure Box Books | Dads Building Relationships, Reading Great Books, Preparing Children for Life043 | Lead Your Family to JoyHey Fellow Dads,
Are the struggles of life and the decline of society getting you and your family down? About 2500 years ago, a group of men in similarly troubled circumstances once led their families to rejoice in God——and we can still learn from their example. Today’s episode discusses how they did it and what books we might use to help our families on our journey to joy.
Nathan
Show Notes
Please excuse the grammatical error (I should have said “Would their wives and children have rejoiced . . . ”) I couldn’t correct it with the same voi...
2024-07-2825 minTreasure Box Books | Dads Building Relationships, Reading Great Books, Preparing Children for Life042 | Model Right Attitudes Toward AuthorityHey Fellow Dads,
How should we relate to our authorities? What does the Bible teach us? Are we modeling these right attitudes and actions for our families?
Nathan
Books
The Constitution of the United States of America and The Declaration of Independence, New, Revised Edition,published by Doubleday & Company, Inc.
Democracy in America, by Alexis de Toqueville
Pro-Life Kids, by Bethany Bomberger
America’s God and Country, by William Federer
The Bible Exposition Commentary, Vol. II, by Warren Wiersbe
Quotes
“We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal. That...
2024-07-2134 minTreasure Box Books | Dads Building Relationships, Reading Great Books, Preparing Children for Life041 | Cherish Our Exceptional CountryHi, Fellow Dads,
Is the USA an ordinary country, or is there something special about her? Does it matter? Should we care? In this episode, my firstborn joins me to discuss five misconceptions many Americans believe about our country, along with five books that answer those misconceptions.
Leaning on Jesus,
Nathan
Scriptures
Romans 13:1-2
1 ¶ Let every soul be subject unto the higher powers. For there is no power but of God: the powers that be are ordained of God.
2 Whosoever therefore resisteth the power, resisteth the ordinance of God: and t...
2024-07-0952 minTreasure Box Books | Dads Building Relationships, Reading Great Books, Preparing Children for Life040 | Lead Your Family through LossHi Fellow Dads,
At some point, we will all endure the loss of a loved one. How will our families make it through and maintain confidence in God and faith in His word? Here are some truths God has been teaching me to teach my family as we have been mourning the loss of a precious loved one.
Leaning on Jesus,
Nathan
Scriptures
James 4:14 Whereas ye know not what [shall be] on the morrow. For what [is] your life? It is even a vapour, that appeareth for a little time, and...
2024-05-3038 minTreasure Box Books | Dads Building Relationships, Reading Great Books, Preparing Children for Life039-of-men-and-their-mothersHey Fellow Dads,
How should wise, godly men relate to their mothers, mothers-in-law, and grandmothers? How do we lead our children—especially our sons—to do so? In this episode we'll think about four scriptural guidelines, along with a handful of helpful books, to help us relate to these important women as God intends us to.
—Nathan
Quotes
“When all is said and done, it is the mother, and the mother only, who is a better citizen than the soldier who fights for his country. … The mother who does her part in rearing and traini...
2024-05-1244 minTreasure Box Books | Dads Building Relationships, Reading Great Books, Preparing Children for Life038 | Why Bother with HistoryHey Fellow Dads!
Why should we bother with history? Isn’t it just facts about dates and dead people? Or is there some actual, as well as practical, value to learning the stories of the past?
In this episode, I share five reasons we as dads should know history ourselves, and then pass it on to our children!
—Nathan
Why bother reading history?
Because History is HIS story, reading history gives us a glimpse into how God is bringing His will to fruition amongst mankind.
Because knowing history gives us a clearer unde...
2024-05-0232 minTreasure Box Books | Dads Building Relationships, Reading Great Books, Preparing Children for Life037 | Lead Your Family Even When You're Not HomeIntro
Hey Dads,
Nothing can replace your voice speaking truth and stability into your children’s hearts, and no one can replace you being present in their lives. But is there a way they can continue to hear your voice when you have to be away for a time?
In this episode I discuss one way we can reach out to our children—even from afar—to influence them with truth, bind our hearts together with theirs, and simply show them we’re thinking about them and love them. This small project can be fun for you...
2024-04-2532 minTreasure Box Books | Dads Building Relationships, Reading Great Books, Preparing Children for Life036 | Remember Them That Are in BondsHey Dads,
Do you sometimes find yourself or your family becoming self-absorbed, forgetting the suffering of imprisoned and persecuted Christians around the world? Or do you even know how to find out about those who are suffering?
Today’s episode lists books and resources to keep your family informed and gives ways to take your stand for Christ and help them. Let’s follow God’s command to “remember them that are in bonds”—our brothers and sisters in Christ!
--Nathan
Scriptures
Hebrews 13:3 Remember them that are in bonds, as bound with them; a...
2024-04-1835 minTreasure Box Books | Dads Building Relationships, Reading Great Books, Preparing Children for Life035 | Rejoice in Jesus' VictoryHey Dads,
What are your plans for this Resurrection Sunday? Are you helping your family rejoice in Jesus’ victory over death? In this episode, we first explore what Christ’s death and resurrection mean for us today, then list ideas for Scriptures, books, music, and more to help your family celebrate the true meaning of this Easter season.
He is risen—let’s rejoice!
--Nathan
Scriptures
Hebrews 2:14-15
John 20:1-2, 11-21
1 Corinthians 15:3-4
1 Corinthians 1:18
Luke 18:31-34
Colossians 3:16
Romans 10:13-14
Books
📖 Simple Sermons on the Savior’s Last Words, by W. Herschel Ford
📖 ...
2024-03-2825 minTreasure Box Books | Dads Building Relationships, Reading Great Books, Preparing Children for Life034 | This Is My Father's World - Part 1Hey Dads,
We believe that God created the natural world . . . but how often do we get out in it? And are we leading our children to learn about nature as a way of growing their faith in the Creator? Tune in today to learn why and how nature stories can be an important part of your family culture and education.
--Nathan
Why should we as Christian dads read nature stories to and with our families?
Because the natural world (the creation) gives us real glimpses of God’s wisdom and power.
Because the natural wo...
2024-03-2022 minTreasure Box Books | Dads Building Relationships, Reading Great Books, Preparing Children for Life033 | Where Do You Find Good Books?Hey Dads,
You want to stock your family’s bookshelves with great books, but your time (and likely your budget) are limited. With so many millions of books to choose from and seemingly thousands of possible places to buy them, how do you decide where to look? Listen in for twelve of our favorite book sources. I'll also share some of the treasures we’ve found at each!
--Nathan
One Dozen Sources for Books
Betterworldbooks.com (Better World Books)
Free shipping on most books.
Thrift stores (Salvation Army, Goodwill, Save...
2024-03-1436 minTreasure Box Books | Dads Building Relationships, Reading Great Books, Preparing Children for Life032 | Read Interesting and Inspiring Books TogetherHey Dads,
What books might your child (especially those around the preteen years) enjoy reading alone or with the family--books that could both entertain and encourage them in their Christian faith?
In this episode my favorite daughter joined me for a conversation about an inspiring story she read recently, how we have weekly Daddy Times, favorite books, and a few favorite book series we hope you can enjoy, too!
Aloha,
Nathan
Books
📖 Stories of America, by Charles Morris (published by Simply Charlotte Mason)
📖 Amy and Her Brothers, author u...
2024-03-0337 minTreasure Box Books | Dads Building Relationships, Reading Great Books, Preparing Children for Life031 | Read the Old TestamentHey Fellow Dads,
Have you ever wondered if the Old Testament is really relevant for today? Is it worth studying with and reading to our families, or should we “unhitch” ourselves from the O.T. and focus only on the New? Today we ask ten questions about the Old Testament—and find the answers mostly in the New Testament.
Aloha,
Nathan
Outline
💡 For a full outline including Scriptures for each point below, see the show notes at https://refreshpublishing.com/031-read-the-old-testament
1. What does the New Testament say about why the Old Testa...
2024-02-2235 minTreasure Box Books | Dads Building Relationships, Reading Great Books, Preparing Children for Life030 | Secure Your Own Mask FirstHey Dads,
As Christian dads, we long for our children to follow God’s path with joy-filled hearts. We pray they will delight in God Himself. But is there something we need to make sure we ourselves are doing first?
In Ep. 30, my longtime friend Jonathan Ballou talks with me about how we as dads need to “secure our own mask first” to guide our families in the right way.
With Much Aloha,
Nathan
Scripture
Hebrews 7:27
Quotes
"The journey of missions has always had a strong connection to adv...
2024-02-1545 minTreasure Box Books | Dads Building Relationships, Reading Great Books, Preparing Children for Life029 | Care for Multiple Generations in Your FamilyHey Dads,
Do you have certain books that are so good you want everyone in your family to experience them? If you have multiple children in different age brackets, it’s easy to assume that what you’ve shared with one, they all should know. How do we record and remember our reading so that no one misses out on their part of the feast? Tune in today and find out!
Nathan
Scriptures
Psalm 23:5
Thou preparest a table before me in the presence of mine enemies: thou anointest my head with oil; my c...
2024-02-0716 minTreasure Box Books | Dads Building Relationships, Reading Great Books, Preparing Children for Life028 | Keep Daddy and Mommy TimesHey Fellow Dad,
Proverbs 23:26 instructs a son to “give” his heart to his father and to let his eyes “observe” his father’s ways. What a beautiful picture of an ideal father-son relationship!
We all hope our kids can emulate us. But are you, as a dad, intentionally leading your children to want to have that kind of relationship with you?
In this episode, my wife Kristin joined me to talk about a simple way for parents and children to build a weekly routine of one-on-one times together. (We also had an unexpected appearance...
2024-01-3125 minTreasure Box Books | Dads Building Relationships, Reading Great Books, Preparing Children for Life027 | When You're Stuck in the House with Guest Daniel YorkAcross the U.S., storms this winter have been brutal. Some of you might have even had to stay home. How do you ‘redeem the time’ on days like that? My guest in this episode knows all about it, and he’s found a great way to make those stuck-in-the-house days meaningful.
—Nathan
Quotes
“When the topic of…marriage comes up, say, ‘You know, find somebody that you can serve God with, someone that works hard, hopefully you’re working alongside each other.”—Daniel York
“We need dads like Daniel. Many of you are those kinds of dads...
2024-01-2416 minTreasure Box Books | Dads Building Relationships, Reading Great Books, Preparing Children for Life026 | Nourish Your Children's FaithHey Dads,
We hear about so many young people who have grown up in Christian homes but left the faith. We can’t guarantee that our children will follow God, but we can find ways to help encourage a thinking, vibrant faith in God’s word . . . including using books!
--Nathan
Quotes
Just as healthy plants need nourishment, our children need nourishment too. Specifically, their faith in God and His word needs nourishment. How do we, as fathers, provide that nourishment to their souls? In this episode, I list five practical tips to help you...
2024-01-1716 minTreasure Box Books | Dads Building Relationships, Reading Great Books, Preparing Children for Life025 | We Need You, DadThe data is in: dads are essential! We need you, Dad! Here's why, and even better, here's how!
—Nathan
Show Notes
💡 See the complete show notes at https://refreshpublishing.com/025-we-need-you-dad, including Scriptures referenced, recommended books, and more quotes from today's episode.
Books Mentioned
📖 The Holy Bible (read it yourself, read it and discuss it with your family).
📖 How To Be Your Little Man’s Dad, by Bolin & Sutterfield
📖 How to Be Your Daughter's Daddy: 365 Ways to Show Her You Care, by Dan Bolin
📖 The Homeschooling Father, by Michael Farris
...
2024-01-0918 minTreasure Box Books | Dads Building Relationships, Reading Great Books, Preparing Children for Life024 | Lead Your Family to and in the BibleHey Fellow Dads!
Do you ever listen to the news and feel like the world is one big bounce house—and you're trying to stand in it? I know I do. This is a rapidly changing world. Two words come to mind to describe this world: unpredictability and instability.
But there is something we as dads can do for our families throughout the year, that will give them a stability that just isn't found in this ever-changing world. We’ve got to lead them to the word of God and in the word of God.
2024-01-0235 minTreasure Box Books | Dads Building Relationships, Reading Great Books, Preparing Children for Life023 | Review the Year - Top 10 BooksIntro
Hey Dads,
Have you considered doing your own year-in-review? How could that help you lead your family?
What are the best books we’ve read in the last year? And how could we better keep track of our reading next year?
Tune in for answers!
--Nathan
Nathan's Top Ten Most Influential Books Read/Listened to in 2023
📖 10. The Five Love Languages: How to Express Heartfelt Commitment to Your Mate, by Gary Chapman
📖 9. How to Be Your Daughter's Daddy: 365 Ways to Show Her You Care, by Dan Bolin
📖 8...
2023-12-2936 minTreasure Box Books | Dads Building Relationships, Reading Great Books, Preparing Children for Life022 | Good Tidings of Great JoyHey Dads,
Merry Christmas!
While you clean up the wrapping paper or enjoy some fireside snuggles, listen to these Scripture selections to help your family focus on Him whose birthday we celebrate today—Emmanuel, God with us.
“I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people. For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, which is Christ the Lord.”
--Nathan
Scriptures
John 1:1-5
Hebrews 1:1-13
Luke 1:26-38
Luke 1:46-55
Isaiah 7:14
Matthew 1:18-25
Isaiah 9:6-7
Luke 2:1-14
Psalm 132:1-7
Luke 2:15-38
Mi...
2023-12-2530 minTreasure Box Books | Dads Building Relationships, Reading Great Books, Preparing Children for Life021 | How to Keep Christmas WellHey Dads,
Even old Ebenezer Scrooge learned to "keep Christmas well." Have you? And are you passing that on to your children? This episode lists six suggestions for keeping Christmas well and leading our children to do the same. Enjoy!
—Nathan
Outline
Know the message yourself.
The five essential truths about Jesus:
• Jesus' pre-incarnate existence
• Jesus' perfection
• Jesus' payment for our sins
• Jesus' power over death
• Jesus' promise of everlasting life for those who believe on Him
Teach this message to your kids!
Read stories that engage your children's interest in the story of Jesus' birth.
Becom...
2023-12-2422 minTreasure Box Books | Dads Building Relationships, Reading Great Books, Preparing Children for Life020 | Entertain to Educate with StoriesHey Dads,
Our English word amuse comes from an old French word amuser, which meant—are you ready for this? "To to stupefy, waste time, or deceive by distracting."
Often, our children’s entertainment is merely that kind of amusing—concerned only with keeping them occupied and out of trouble, even if it is a waste of time. But to entertain (which Webster defined as “to engage the attention and retain the company of one, by agreeable conversation, discourse or argument”) can actually have a redeeming quality—we as parents can use entertainment to educate our children...
2023-12-2024 minTreasure Box Books | Dads Building Relationships, Reading Great Books, Preparing Children for Life019 | Use Tools to Teach Your Children the BibleHey Dads,
We have to wear many hats as dads, but what is the one essential responsibility God has given us? In this episode, we’ll see what God said about this question, and I’ll mention some practical tools we can use to carry out that one essential responsibility for our children.
Whether you’ve yet to get started in teaching your children the Bible, or you’ve been doing it for years, this episode probably has at least a few treasures you’ll want to share with your family!
--Nathan
Main Ideas...
2023-12-1312 minTreasure Box Books | Dads Building Relationships, Reading Great Books, Preparing Children for Life018 | Tell Time-Tested StoriesHey Dads,
Do you enjoy telling your children time-tested stories, classics that families have enjoyed for centuries? Even if you never heard these stories growing up, you can be the one to pass them on to the next generation.
Listen in today as we share two fun stories from centuries past, with nuggets of wisdom hidden in each.
Let’s go find the treasures in books!
Nathan
Stories told in this episode
Bruce and the Spider
Other Wise Men of Gotham
Buy the Audiobook
RefreshPublishing.co...
2023-12-1015 minTreasure Box Books | Dads Building Relationships, Reading Great Books, Preparing Children for Life017 | Launch Out into Real Life AdventuresHey Dads,
What are some adventures you've had with your children? Have books played a part in those experiences?
This summer, my six-year-old son and I embarked on a 2000-mile road trip, and a good part of the ideas for that trip came from a book.
Come sit for a little while as my son and I discuss that trip and the book that helped launch us out into the adventure!
--Nathan
Books
📖 Paddle-to-the-Sea, by Holling Clancy Holling
Main Ideas
What do I mean when I say "look...
2023-12-0516 minTreasure Box Books | Dads Building Relationships, Reading Great Books, Preparing Children for Life016 | Visit Many Books But Live in the BibleHi, Dad,
Do you want to spend more time in the Bible, but find it difficult to be consistent in this habit? Do you want to give your children a heritage of honoring and studying God’s word, but you easily forget where you were reading, or don’t feel like you’re getting anything out of it?
Today I have a few simple, practical tips to help you live in God’s word by building little routines that will help you make Bible reading a habit. Enjoy!
—Nathan
P.S. We’ve been...
2023-12-0123 minTreasure Box Books | Dads Building Relationships, Reading Great Books, Preparing Children for Life015 | Why Stories Matter - Reasons to Read to Your FamilyHi, Fellow Dad!
It’s time to make sure we’re ready for the season with stories to read with our families…but are Christmas stories (or other stories) simply for the purpose of checking off a box on our to-do list? Sure, reading helps us build warm, fuzzy, enjoyable memories together . . . but are there other reasons to read, reasons that make it worth our while even when we’re busy or stressed? Listen while we give a quick run-through of six reasons to read stories together as a family.
—Nathan
Scriptures
Proverbs 24:3-4
Genesis 1...
2023-11-2719 minTreasure Box Books | Dads Building Relationships, Reading Great Books, Preparing Children for Life014 | Give Thanks unto the LORD - Scriptures and Songs for ThanksgivingIt's our American holiday, and it's a Christian holiday, and yet in our increasingly secular age, most of us seem to be forgetting the historic American roots and even more so the biblical Christian roots of this festival.
Now, in 2023, we're looking back over 400 years since the saga of our American Thanksgiving began; and, for all our faults and failures as Americans, we have so very, very much for which to give thanks to God.
So this week, as you gather with your family and friends to feast together, let me encourage you, fellow dad...
2023-11-2330 minTreasure Box Books | Dads Building Relationships, Reading Great Books, Preparing Children for Life013 | In Everything Give Thanks - Thanksgiving StoriesHi, Fellow Dad!
This is Thanksgiving week…but what if you’re going through a hard time, even suffering troubles and trials? Did the Pilgrims know some secret that we’ve forgotten?
Join me for an exciting taste of that first Thanksgiving as well as recommendations for some of our favorite Thanksgiving books. Start a new holiday tradition with these great family readalouds.
Happy Thanksgiving!
—Nathan
Scriptures
John 16:33
1 Thessalonians 4:17-18
Psalm 23:6
Genesis 50:20
Psalm 107:13
Books
Of Plymouth Plantation: Bradford's History of the Plymouth Settlement 1608-1650, by William Bradford
Squanto and the Miracle o...
2023-11-2215 minTreasure Box Books | Dads Building Relationships, Reading Great Books, Preparing Children for Life012 | Report from the Ground War & Raising Up Godly WarriorsHey, Dads,
Ever since the early days of man's history, war has been a reality, and never has another piece of real estate been fought over more than that parcel called "the Holy Land."
In this episode, Bro. Mo, my friend and a church-planter in Israel, joins me to report on what it's like on the ground right now, as well as to talk about raising up our children to be good soldiers of Jesus Christ.
This episode runs quite a bit longer than the usual, but I expect you will gain from...
2023-11-1658 minTreasure Box Books | Dads Building Relationships, Reading Great Books, Preparing Children for Life011 | Read about the Savior’s Birth - Christmas Books for FamiliesHi, Fellow Dads!
Looking for some ideas to make your family's Christmas season really focus on Jesus and not the peripherals? In this episode, we talk about some books my family has found enjoyable, entertaining, educational, and edifying, finding that some books
…are just so well-written in helping us meditate on and understand the wonder, the miracle, the mystery of God the Son coming into space and time and dwelling among us.
I hope you and yours will enjoy them too!
We also discuss family traditions and how reading one specific st...
2023-11-1424 minTreasure Box Books | Dads Building Relationships, Reading Great Books, Preparing Children for Life010 | God of the Aurora, Part 2 - A Modern-Day Missions StoryHi, Fellow Dad,
Have you as a dad ever wondered if God really can use you to help others know Him and walk in His truth? In TBB Podcast Ep. 10, Pastor Bruce Hamilton continues his conversation with me about how God has used him and his wife in some very unexpected ways, along with some powerful, practical instruction for how we can make ourselves available to God. Once again, I welcome your entire family to listen in to our conversation!
- Nathan
Quotes
"Our part is to be obedient to God's command, which...
2023-11-0833 minTreasure Box Books | Dads Building Relationships, Reading Great Books, Preparing Children for Life009 | God of the Aurora Part 1 - A Modern-Day Missions StoryHi, Fellow Dad!
Have you ever read any of the great missionary stories from past centuries and wondered whether God is still at work in the world today? Would you like to introduce your children to a tale of modern missions that takes place in just the last few years . . . and is still continuing today? Join me for part 1 of this interview with Bruce Hamilton, and get a taste of the stories told more fully in his book, God of the Aurora, along with some great Western book recommendations thrown in!
Let’s go find th...
2023-11-0627 minTreasure Box Books | Dads Building Relationships, Reading Great Books, Preparing Children for Life008 | Beware These Myths in Choosing BooksIntro
Hi, Fellow Dad!
Do you want to provide your children with good books, but you aren't sure where to start, or how to determine if a book is really good or not? As we prepared to launch this podcast, my family had a discussion around the dinner table about some of the myths people believe about books, and their comments sparked the outline for this episode.
If we're going to find the treasures in books, we've got to watch out for counterfeits!
—Nathan
Outline & Quotes
“The simple believeth every word: but the p...
2023-11-0210 minTreasure Box Books | Dads Building Relationships, Reading Great Books, Preparing Children for Life007 | Build a Place to ReadIntro
Hi, Fellow Dad!
Your house might have
A kitchen to cook in,
A bedroom to sleep in,
A living room to host guests.
All places to complete specific tasks.
But there's a special place every dad should have in his home, and it wasn't until I was a few years into being a dad that I realized I should have this place.
What is it, you ask?
Stay tuned!
—Nathan
Building Your Own Reading Place
Start simply.
Dedicate a pl...
2023-11-0108 minTreasure Box Books | Dads Building Relationships, Reading Great Books, Preparing Children for Life006 | Take Comfort in the PsalmsHave you ever been facing a problem or trial so big that there was nothing you could do but trust God?
We're publishing this episode one year after our youngest little guy went in for open heart surgery to correct his congenital heart defects. God once again showed Himself gracious, kind, and comforting to us through that weighty time, and a large part of that comfort came to us in the Psalms.
In this episode, we're sharing some of our favorite Psalms, and we hope the Lord will use these to bring comfort, strength, and...
2023-10-2910 minTreasure Box Books | Dads Building Relationships, Reading Great Books, Preparing Children for Life005 | It Felt Like We Were In . . .Hi, Fellow Dads,
I suppose you all watched a good bit of the news covering the wildfire that swept through and consumed the town of Lahaina, on the west coast of Maui, back in August. After over two months, it's still hard for me to wrap my mind around the magnitude of loss people there suffered, especially having acquaintances who lost their home, vehicle, and church building in the blaze.
I recorded this episode about a week after the Lahaina fire, discussing a Bible-based perspective and response to such tragedies.
...
2023-10-2425 minTreasure Box Books | Dads Building Relationships, Reading Great Books, Preparing Children for Life004 | Build, Maintain, & Use a Reading ListHi, Dad!
Do you have good intentions for reading to and with your family, but don't know where to start? Or maybe you have lots of ideas, but struggle to come up with a plan you can follow consistently? I don't know about you, but ever since I was a teenager, I have always felt that I had too many books I wanted to or needed to read, and since becoming a dad, too many books to read to my family.
Today I'm sharing a simple method for managing your books: creating a reading list...
2023-10-2411 minTreasure Box Books | Dads Building Relationships, Reading Great Books, Preparing Children for Life003 | Isn’t the Bible the Only Book We Need?Intro
"The law of the LORD is perfect, converting the soul…"
…so the Bible is enough, right? It's actually a waste of time to read or listen to any other books…right?
Listen to the episode to get the full explanation of each point below:
The Bible refers to other books for historical verification. See Joshua 10:13, 2 Samuel 1:18, 1 Kings 11:41.
Esther 2:23, 6:1-3 speak about the importance of the chronicles of the Medo- Persian kings in God's deliverance of His people.
“I Daniel understood by books” (Daniel 9:2). We don't know which b...
2023-10-2408 minTreasure Box Books | Dads Building Relationships, Reading Great Books, Preparing Children for Life002 | Spread a Feast of KnowledgeHi, Fellow Dad!
Wouldn't you feel great if you could spread a nutritious, delicious feast for your family several times a week? You can--but with something other than food. On this episode of Treasure Box Books Podcast, we discuss some practical, simple ways you can do that, using books!
We're publishing this episode about a month before Thanksgiving, and I'm already feeling excited about digging in to the smorgasbord we set out for our family and guests each year. Thankfully (pun sort-of intended), in Hawaii we don't have to wait until Th...
2023-10-2421 minTreasure Box Books | Dads Building Relationships, Reading Great Books, Preparing Children for Life001 | Introducing . . . Treasure Box Books! The Pilot EpisodeHi, Fellow Dad!
Have you ever scanned the shelves of a real or online bookstore and wondered where to begin? Have you ever prayed for someone to come alongside and be another voice of wisdom in your child's life?
In this pilot episode, my wife joined me at the mic to discuss what's ahead for you here on the Treasure Box Books Podcast!
We share how this podcast can help you search out the books that are just sitting on shelves waiting to be discovered and then share those bountiful riches with your...
2023-10-2421 minTreasure Box Books | Dads Building Relationships, Reading Great Books, Preparing Children for Life000 | Trailer - Come Find Treasures in Books!Hey, Dads!
⚔️ Do you want to inspire your children with stories of real heroes, and with characters from the greatest story ever told--the word of God?
🛠️ Do you want to equip your children with knowledge, wisdom, and understanding for life in the world, to face the challenges in whatever work God calls them to do?
👨👩👧👦 Do you desire to live and learn together with your family, using good books and real-life experiences to build relationships that will last a lifetime, all while serving others for the glory of God?
I'm your host, Nathan Ching...
2023-10-1702 min