As we started this show we were talking about how tired we were from all the Christmas celebrations we were involved in.  But our weariness doesn&apos;t compare to the many people that feel that weariness on a regular basis.  Day after day many people experience depression, loneliness, and even hopelessness as they peer into the future.  As we close out 2021 and come into 2022 it seems that there are many things trying to steal any possibility that we may have for joy.  Whether it&apos;s Covid, the economy, politics, racism or cultural divisiveness, we have no shortage of things trying to rob us of a peaceful 2022.  But, that is 100% not the truth if you learn about the joy and peace that we can all experience through Jesus Christ.  During this show we specifically tell how Jesus makes us promises that ensure us the opportunity for the best year we have ever had.  A year filled with a deep joy and a sense of peace that doesn&apos;t make sense to our human condition.  A joy we can experience even in times of chaos and tragedy.  It sounds crazy, but it is true.  Putting our trust in the provision of joy by Jesus tells us that no matter what happens in our time here on earth, we can have a promise of eternity with him.  Let&apos;s be clear, this does not mean that difficulty will not come our way.  But, what it does mean is that we will have a different mindset when we do walk through difficulty.  We will be able to view our life through abundance rather than lacking.  So, in this new year, take the time to truly dig into the freedom that Christ provides.  Make this the best year of your life. Support the show (https://www.paypal.com/donate/?token=0Gu_CU51XtrK1z7cJxUO4BlOgzML2iPZFzYxn5WvnE-59-sq_NHQrti0JG6z2k84mOVEWm&country.x=US&locale.x=US)

Rock Solid Radio

Rock Solid Radio - Finding Rest for the Weary - Episode 166

Could you image being one of three siblings and on Christmas morning both of your siblings received their regular share of gifts, and you received nothing?  Put that vision in your head for just a second.  What kinds of thoughts would be racing through your mind?  How would you feel about your other siblings or parents?  Let&apos;s take this one step farther and imagine this happening year after year.  This is not a scene that I hope any child ever has to experience, but in today&apos;s show we will explore something that can be just as bad in terms of neglect.  This show takes a closer look at what it means to treat your marriage like a person.  Meaning that as any person needs to be cared for, so too does the marriage.  It needs to be provided for and nurtured.  It needs to be protected and fed.  It needs attention and interaction in order to be healthy and able to give back.  Way too often the marriage is treated like the forgotten child.  We get busy in so many other things and priorities that we forget to care for the marriage.  Over time the marriage begins to withdrawal and the life begins to go out of it. This Christmas take the time to recommit to treating your marriage like any other person you  love.  Take care of make your marriage as a valued part of your family.  We promise that when you treat your marriage well, it will respond with all that it can give back to the individuals in the family.  Support the show (https://www.paypal.com/donate/?token=0Gu_CU51XtrK1z7cJxUO4BlOgzML2iPZFzYxn5WvnE-59-sq_NHQrti0JG6z2k84mOVEWm&country.x=US&locale.x=US)

Rock Solid Radio - Christmas and the Forgotten Child. Episode 165

Before you quickly excuse yourself from this show or the thought that you might be a jealous person, you might want to take a second look!  This show is a powerful lesson on what jealousy, envy, and coveting are all about.  We are quick to rationalize our behaviors but with a little reflection we can see how easily and often we fall into these ugly spaces. Jealousy and Envy have one major thing in common, YOU!  That&apos;s right!  These challenges are all about your selfish nature.  Your desire to have what you do not have.  When this is directed towards things we tend to call it envy.  When it is directed towards relationships, we tend to call it jealousy.  Either way, it is about you thinking about what you want; coveting.  As you listen in to this show, take a minute to assess your own approach to how you handle your wants.  Are you always in a state of "want", or are you able to limit your visits there?  Being stuck in a state of wants is due to our obsession of self and working from a deficit mindset.  Never having enough! Functioning on a regular basis in a deficit mindset is a sin because it is a slap in the face of God.  It is making the statement that what He provides for us is not enough.  This is why we can become more and more cynical of God.  We pray for what we want and often times it seems we never get what we want.  God&apos;s message may simply be: "You already have what you need." Support the show (https://www.paypal.com/donate/?token=0Gu_CU51XtrK1z7cJxUO4BlOgzML2iPZFzYxn5WvnE-59-sq_NHQrti0JG6z2k84mOVEWm&country.x=US&locale.x=US)

Rock Solid Radio - Are You A Jealous Person? Episode 164

You know the definition of insanity; doing the same thing over and over and expecting different results!  That&apos;s what many of our arguments with our spouse looks like.  Why do we keep fighting about the same issues?  This show is so powerful at giving you the tools to stop this insanity.  Couples seldom are arguing about what they appear to be arguing about.  Whether they are arguing about kids, money, in-laws, or even the color to paint the bathroom.  Recognizing that these are not actually the source of the arguments is the first step to stopping the insanity.  Arguing typically comes about when we are messing with something in the following areas, control, affection, trust, respect, and love.  When one of these areas is being handled improperly in the eyes of their partner, arguments ensue.  If we want to stop the arguing we have to drill down to what is happening at the base of the argument and do the work to restore and rebuild these areas. Make yourself a promise that you will never argue again with your spouse.  Instead, you will take the time to recognize what area is being stepped on and do the work to correct it.Support the show (https://www.paypal.com/donate/?token=0Gu_CU51XtrK1z7cJxUO4BlOgzML2iPZFzYxn5WvnE-59-sq_NHQrti0JG6z2k84mOVEWm&country.x=US&locale.x=US)

Rock Solid Radio - Insanity - Arguing About The Same Thing, Again! Episode 163

As we approach the Christmas Season we see many things around us that remind us of Christmas.  Between presents, Christmas trees, ornaments, music, and all the Christmas parties, there is no shortage of reminders; at least reminders of the secular version of Christmas.  That is why we have called this the season of stuff.  Every where you look you see Christmas stuff!Stuff is not all bad!  But, when we loose our focus on the main reason for Christmas, and set our focus on the stuff, we tend to become disappointed, frustrated, and often just feeling like the Christmas is a bit of a let down.  As Christians, this should not even be close to what our experience should be for Christmas.  This is the celebration of the greatest birthday in the history of mankind.  And, not only is it a birthday party, but we are the ones that receive the gift!During this season take some time to learn and recognize exactly what the gift of Christ means to you as an individual, but also, us as in all of mankind.  The gift of Christ is something that none of us could have ever bought on our own.  It is the single most valuable thing that  mankind has ever been given.  However, when we don&apos;t understand this and really don&apos;t know why it is so valuable, we cheapen the gift.  We cut the value in our own mind simply becuase we do not understand how valuable and rare the gift is.  This season when you are giving your children Christmas gifts, teach them the value of gifts.  Teach them what a gift is and what makes it valuable. Then you can begin to teach them about the rare but valuable gift of Christ. Support the show (https://www.paypal.com/donate/?token=0Gu_CU51XtrK1z7cJxUO4BlOgzML2iPZFzYxn5WvnE-59-sq_NHQrti0JG6z2k84mOVEWm&country.x=US&locale.x=US)

Rock Solid Radio - The Season of Stuff - Episode 162

Have you ever heard the song by Country Music Singer, Mac Davis, It&apos;s Hard to be Humble?  Merrill tries is talent at singing a portion of the song only to be derailed by Linda.  But, the point is how do we deal with being humble.  In this show, Linda and Merrill take on the conversation of humility and thankfulness as we come into the Thanksgiving Season.  These are terms that often get thrown around lightly, but the challenge of actually living this words is no light task.  Humility is not how many of us have been raised up.  We often see parents raising their children to be prideful leaders.  People who will answer to no one and should get whatever they desire.  A "me first" approach to daily living.  This seems to work, at least for a little while.  But, at some point, the rest of the world doesn&apos;t care so much to give you what you want or to please you.  That&apos;s when things begin to get dicey.  In John 13 :1-7 Jesus gives us the perfect example of what it means to act in humility.  To take on the heart of a servant.  He does this by washing the feet of his apostles.  Jesus did this to show us that even when a person is being referred to as a king, he must have his priorities straight in service to others.  He must understand what others mean to him and how he can give back to them for the service they have done for him.  In this life of daily challenges, we realize quickly that we are unable to go it alone. We must learn to walk in humility and thankfulness for first and foremost what God is and means to us. We must recognize our purpose as His servant and not the other way around.  He made us, we did not make Him.  For that reason, we are able to begin to celebrate our gifts and give the thanks and glory to Him that blessed us.  Teach your children early in life that they are unique and blessed with gifts from God.  Teach them to be thankful and to learn to use their gifts to glorify God by serving others.  Teach your kids that they are the hands and feet of Christ!   Support the show (https://www.paypal.com/donate/?token=0Gu_CU51XtrK1z7cJxUO4BlOgzML2iPZFzYxn5WvnE-59-sq_NHQrti0JG6z2k84mOVEWm&country.x=US&locale.x=US)

Rock Solid Families - Oh Lord, It's Hard to be Humble! - Episode 161

Adoption sounds like such a great thing!  Largely, because it is. Adoption can be an incredible experience in both the adopted child&apos;s life and the adoptive family&apos;s life.  But there is a reason that not everyone is doing it, nor should everyone do it.  Adoption can be very difficult.  It comes with many different challenges, some expected, many unexpected.  In this show, Linda and Merrill celebrate National Adoption Day by discussing the topic of adoption.  They refer to their own personal experience with adoption of their three children, and many others that helped by sharing their stories.  They discuss various types of adoptions from domestic to international.  They even talk about the bonding process between the child and the family. Depending on the situation this process of bonding can be relatively smooth, but it can also be a source of frustration and pain for all individuals involved. One thing is for certain, successful adoptions involved the heart.  The commitment is so deep and the work is plentiful.  If your heart is not fully open to this process, your logical mind will rationalize itself into failure.  In these cases, no one wins.  Prior to adopting children God needs to know your heart as you open up to Him and allow Him to lead your way.  God&apos;s hand will be needed on a daily basis as the road can sometimes be bumpy.  But, in the end, adoption is not just a great thing to do, it is what God calls many of us to do.  If you are interested in adoption or know someone that is, please share this show.  Feel free to reach out to us at rocksolidfamilies.org to ask questions or get more information. Support the show (https://www.paypal.com/donate/?token=0Gu_CU51XtrK1z7cJxUO4BlOgzML2iPZFzYxn5WvnE-59-sq_NHQrti0JG6z2k84mOVEWm&country.x=US&locale.x=US)

Rock Solid Radio - Have You Ever Thought About Adoption? Episode - 160

As more and more people look for solutions to their problems from mankind, there are fewer people using prayer as a resource.  Often, you hear of prayer use as the last resort.  "If all else fails, you can always pray."  This use of prayer as a last resort actually speaks a great deal as to what people really believe and understand about prayer and God.  We may ask the question, "Why should I have to pray to God? If he is all-knowing then wouldn&apos;t he give me what I need without me asking?"  On the surface, this sounds like a fair question.  But this is where we need to dig a little deeper in our understanding of God.  God has created the entire universe and every natural think in it.  In his creation all things work for a purpose.  We may not understand the purpose, but the more we study science, the more we learn about why certain things are vital to creation.  All things work together for God&apos;s good.  However, there is only one thing in all of creation that can deny and reject God.  This show is more about love and relationship than it is about prayer.  Listen in and learn exactly why we are called to pray and then how God responds to your prayer. Support the show (https://www.paypal.com/donate/?token=0Gu_CU51XtrK1z7cJxUO4BlOgzML2iPZFzYxn5WvnE-59-sq_NHQrti0JG6z2k84mOVEWm&country.x=US&locale.x=US)

Rock Solid Radio - Why Should I Pray If God Knows Everything? Episode 159

Many people do not believe in the idea of Spiritual Warfare.  When you bring it up they dismiss it or think of it as a mythical concept.  As much as we would like to dismiss it, you if call yourself a Christian, you can&apos;t dismiss, and in fact, you have a responsibility to learn more about it.  Scripture is very clear about the reality of Spiritual Warfare.  There is a saying about scripture that says, "if it is repeated it is important". This is the case with this idea.  Spiritual Warfare is spoken of frequently and described with great detail.  Furthermore, it is described as a warning to all of us.  It is so important and dangerous that we are given specific instructions and guidance to ward against it.  In this episode, Linda and Merrill discuss the truth of the warfare Christians fight and protect against.  They unpack Ephesians 6:10-18 to gain insight into the Armour of God.  The protection and weapons that God gives us to fight against the enemy.  When you read these scriptures you gain a clear vision of what God identifies as the enemy and exactly how you can protect yourself and family. We are called to be warriors for Christ just as he acts as a warrior on our behalf.  The battle for your soul is a hard fought battle.  You feel the impact on a daily basis.  If you begin to not recognize the danger or don&apos;t feel like you are under attack, it is because you are no longer a threat to the enemy.  In other words, you are doing nothing to get in the way of Satan&apos;s progress.  When you begin to stand against the ways of evil, you will feel yourself being attacked.  This is not the time to quit, but rather to buckle on the belt of truth and go to battle to win the war against evil.Support the show (https://www.paypal.com/donate/?token=0Gu_CU51XtrK1z7cJxUO4BlOgzML2iPZFzYxn5WvnE-59-sq_NHQrti0JG6z2k84mOVEWm&country.x=US&locale.x=US)

Rock Solid Radio - Are You Ready For Battle? Episode 158

This is not just a show about Halloween with ghost and goblins.  This is a show about the reality of The Dark Side.  The fact that there truly is a realm of life that tries to exist out of the light.  When we say, "The Dark Side", we mean that this a side that denies the presence of God. God is light and anything not of God is darkness.  The two dimensions are in constant battle to occupy, light vs dark.  Things of God vs things not of God.  God is the creator of all things good.  Love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control.   So to take God out of the picture you will experience the opposite; hate, sorrow, anxiety, impatience, meanness, harshness, distrust, abrasiveness, and recklessness.  This is the Dark Side!People will debate whether or not there is such a thing as evil or darkness, but it doesn&apos;t take much living to experience it first hand.  Spiritual Warfare is real and whether you recognize it or not, does not mean it doesn&apos;t exist.  God&apos;s Word is very clear about the difference between living a life of God and one without God.  Denial of God does not take away his existence. But, we are not to be afraid of the Dark.  God has given us the Light and has given us the means to protect ourselves from the Dark.  Ephesians 6:10-18.  Take this not to be just symbolic, but rather a practical means of protection from darkness.  If you are going through a difficult time of darkness, please don&apos;t let yourself sit there. Get help!  Contact Rock Solid Families at rocksolidfamilies.orgSupport the show (https://www.paypal.com/donate/?token=0Gu_CU51XtrK1z7cJxUO4BlOgzML2iPZFzYxn5WvnE-59-sq_NHQrti0JG6z2k84mOVEWm&country.x=US&locale.x=US)

Rock Solid Radio -The Dark Side - Do You Believe in Ghost - Episode 157

Middle School or Junior High life can be difficult. Those years of wanting to be an older with more privileges and opportunities, but then dealing with the responsibilities that come with them.  This is a difficult time in human development, both for the individual going through it and for the people helping them get through it.  In this show we invite special guest, Christy Andres, into the studio.  Both Linda and Christy have spent a large part of their career working with this age group.  The insights they have are incredibly helpful as parents and teachers navigate these sometimes choppy waters.  This time of development is critical.  Done well, and these young adults are confident and ready to take on the next phase of life.  Done poorly, and these young adults can be stuck or limping along for many years to come.  Listen in to see how you as parents and teachers can gain greater insight into helping your family through these times.Support the show (https://www.paypal.com/donate/?token=0Gu_CU51XtrK1z7cJxUO4BlOgzML2iPZFzYxn5WvnE-59-sq_NHQrti0JG6z2k84mOVEWm&country.x=US&locale.x=US)

Rock Solid Radio - Middle School Life - Special Guest, Christy Andres - Episode 156

There are many different learning styles in which people learn by.  But, the reality is, many of us have to learn the hard way!  We have to learn by the sometimes difficult path of actually doing.  In this episode of Rock Solid Radio, Merrill is kicked out of the studio and Linda invites in special guest, Monica Quintinalla.  Monica is a young lady that thought she had life figured out.  She was tough, smart, and full of energy, but she was angry!  No one could tell Monica anything.  She knew it all and thought she had everything figured out.  She had developed a mean spirit as things didn&apos;t always go her way and people often disappointed her.  In order to get through, she would just do things her way.  She began to realize that her way was not always producing as well as she thought it should.  God began to grab her attention and she began to feel broken.  A level of humility sank into her heart and she began to respond to God&apos;s hand in her life.  Monica shares her story of learning the hard way and how God has began to upper her mind and heart to something much better than she was ever able to produce on her own.  She has been able to experience a since of peace and joy that she never had in her emptiness.  God has softened her heart and her thoughts and words have followed. Listen to Monica&apos;s story to see what happens when you begin to surrender your ways to His.  True life transformation takes place and a since of peace covers you like never before. Support the show (https://www.paypal.com/donate/?token=0Gu_CU51XtrK1z7cJxUO4BlOgzML2iPZFzYxn5WvnE-59-sq_NHQrti0JG6z2k84mOVEWm&country.x=US&locale.x=US)

Rock Solid Radio - Learning The Hard Way! Special Guest - Monica Quintinalla - Episode 155

Most people would consider themselves coachable, to a degree.  Once we attain a certain level of experience and expertise we find that our level of coach-ability begins to wane. What happens?  In this show Linda and Merrill discuss their 4 year anniversary of Rock Solid Radio.  During this four years they had to learn a lot about coaching and actually putting together shows.  But the question is, are they now experts.  the easy answer is , NO!  After four years Merrill and Linda have grown significantly in their skills and approaches necessary for their coaching ministry. But one thing is for certain, they still have a long way to GROW!  Being coachable is the road to growing as a person.  It is easy to rest on our past experiences and begin to think that we know all there is to know. Yet, it is a daily occurrence for us to scratch our head and wonder about how to solve the next problem or what the next step should be in our work.  Linda and Merrill discuss the great coaches such as John Wooden and Jesus Christ.  Not that the two should be compared, other than the fact that John Wooden openly claimed that Jesus was his coach and continued to teach him throughout his life. The show is a reminder and call-out to all of us that we must stay humble and coachable.  We all have much to learn and even teach.  We carry a great responsibility to use to the fullest the gifts we have been given.  Take the time to challenge yourself to grow everyday.  Do not be content with what you did yesterday, but rather strive for a better tomorrow. Support the show (https://www.paypal.com/donate/?token=0Gu_CU51XtrK1z7cJxUO4BlOgzML2iPZFzYxn5WvnE-59-sq_NHQrti0JG6z2k84mOVEWm&country.x=US&locale.x=US)

Rock Solid Radio - Are You Still Coachable? Episode 154

Should you tell your kids who their friends should be?  Many parents would like to do this, and, yes, there may be a time when a parent needs to step in and give strong guidance on friendship.  But, there really is a better way!  How about as parents we teach our kids how to choose their friends well?  This is the message in today&apos;s show.  Teaching your kids how to select friends through the process of raising them with the knowledge and skills to carry this out.   If we begin early in the teachings of family values, skills for interacting with others, basic rights and wrongs, and an internal strength to stand up for what you believe, our kids will most likely to a better job than we could ever do at choosing friends.  Support the show (https://www.paypal.com/donate/?token=0Gu_CU51XtrK1z7cJxUO4BlOgzML2iPZFzYxn5WvnE-59-sq_NHQrti0JG6z2k84mOVEWm&country.x=US&locale.x=US)

Rock Solid Radio - Your Kids and Their Friends - Episode 153

Would you be okay with your adult grown children living with you indefinitely?  This is the question that we are facing more often as we see more young adults not leaving the home.  Often times the situation is that they left the home only to return sometime later due to circumstances rendering them homeless. As their parents we feel the need to help them through this difficult time, but when this time becomes undefined and begins to last longer than anyone anticipated, bad things often begin to happen. Relationships are strained, people are taken for granted, and often times what seemed like a helpful gesture turns into a dramatic mess. In this show, Merrill and Linda give helpful insights and tips to help parents through this difficult time. This is a show about boundaries, parenting, and respect for each other.  If you are in a situation in which you have house guests that have outstayed their welcome, this show will help you navigate the solution to benefit all parties involved.Support the show (https://www.paypal.com/donate/?token=0Gu_CU51XtrK1z7cJxUO4BlOgzML2iPZFzYxn5WvnE-59-sq_NHQrti0JG6z2k84mOVEWm&country.x=US&locale.x=US)

Rock Solid Radio - Will They Ever Leave? Episode 152

Rock Solid Radio is committed to helping educate, equip, and empower families to be all God created them to be! Merrill and Linda Hutchinson began Rock Solid Radio in October of 2018. They have over 60 years of combined experience in teaching, public speaking, counseling, ministry, and coaching. After much prayer, Merrill and Linda made the decision to step down from their full time positions in the church and public school to focus on strengthening families. Both believe that healthy schools, churches, and communities depend on strong and healthy families. This weekly podcast is made possible through the generous financial support of community partners, Mansfield Insurance Agency in Bright, Indiana and Maxwell Construction in Greendale, Indiana. With the help of local sponsors and the word spreading through listeners like you, Rock Solid Radio is helping to build stronger communities one family at a time!

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Rock Solid Radio

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