A 17th-Century Puritan Curriculum

A fascinating recent development among homeschoolers has been, our questioning of the curriculum handed down to us as the “essentials” of a good education. Many families are getting creative and re-shaping the curriculum. This heartwarming look at the 17th-century Puritans shows how different their education was from today‟s. Dennis designs to show today‟s homeschoolers what can be learned from Christians of previous eras, as they conscientiously taught their children.

A Hebrew Boy's Education in the Time of Christ

Most Westerners do not understand how Hebrew families looked at the essentials of education and how challenging it would be, to our curriculum, to consider the sort of education which “the boy Jesus” would have received in His times. Take a journey back to Nazareth‟s school, to see the unique perspectives and goals which His education would have revolved around. Parents can learn much from an ancient Hebrew schoolhouse!

Building a Good Conscience in Your Child

What the Bible calls “a good conscience” is vital for our children to form during their youth! Parents can strengthen a child‟s conscience, so the child becomes an adult of strong convictions and is compelled away from sinful living and towards righteous choices, even when parents are not present. Is “the goal of your instruction, a good conscience”, as 1 Timothy 1:5 says? A practical plan for achieving this is the subject of this seminar.

Courtship and Dating: So What's the Difference?

Families hear much about “courtship” these days, but often lack clear ideas as to the differences between a “dating” approach and the “courtship” concept. We want to spare our children the pitfalls of the modern “dating” tradition, but often don't know how to explain to them how “courtship” works! This seminar gives 6 easily-understood differences between the two approaches, to help any family apply the old approach in a modern era, but without arbitrary, Pharasaical rules. Dennis gives parents principles they can apply in all the varieties and unique diversities of homes and children.

Deadly Weakness in the Strong Man: Moral Lessons Fathers must Teach their Sons

An entertaining but challenging look at a bizarre and remarkable life: Samson! Learn why Samson failed big in relationships, and most of all, learn how not to repeat his blunders! This peculiar man, mighty and strong where it mattered least, and weak where it mattered most (character!) makes for a fascinating story, full of truths that fathers must pass on to our sons.

Doing Family Worship without being a Bible Scholar

Many godly fathers are becoming aware that, as family shepherd they should lead the household into a habit of family worship – time in the Word of God and prayer together. But many also tremble at the idea, feeling inadequate. “How on earth do I lead my children into understanding God’s Word, when I’m just an ordinary Christian man?” Dennis presents simple, practical ideas any Dad can put into practice. You can do this! You don’t have to be a Bible scholar.

Don't Scare the Children! Homeschooling and the Fear of the Lord

“The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom”, Proverbs tells us – often. And since our children start at the beginning, and we parents are with them from that beginning, it’s all too clear – they must learn the fear of the Lord from us. But most Christian parents have little idea how to impart this perspective on life to their children. We want to raise children who trust and love God, and certainly not children who withdraw from Him in terror! So what exactly is this fear of the Lord? Dennis shows how parents can make this a reality in life and raise children who learn to fear God – so that they won’t be afraid of anything else!

Go For the Goal! Shepherding our Children with Eternal Aims

What are you aiming for? This motivating message is based on the Apostle Paul’s summary of why he taught – 1 Timothy 1:5: “The goal of our instruction is, love from a pure heart, and a good conscience, and a sincere faith” – perfect goals for godly parents! The work of pastors and parents have this in common: both are "shepherding" souls! Dennis designs in this message to train and equip parents to raise up children whose lives overflow with love, from inner personal purity; guided by the moral discretion of a good conscience; and built on a sincere faith. Note: this message can be presented either as a single seminar, or can be brought as a 3-part series: * Love From a Pure Heart * Love From a Good Conscience * Love From a Sincere Faith

Homeschooling with a Broken Spirit

Homeschool Moms have a busy life! The comprehensive, multi-faceted work of it all can become overwhelming. If you, or a mother you know, have ever found yourself depressed, this is the workshop for you. As Don Francisco sang, “It ain’t sin to get the blues”, but it’s not pleasant either. Dennis has helped many a parent overcome depression and, just as importantly, find ways to still walking faithfully with God during that time of life.

Kindling a Passion for Missions in a Child's Heart

Dennis has led over a dozen short-term missions trips into Mexico and other nations, showing how to minister cross-culturally and even communicate in significant ways with people whose language you do not and cannot speak. Should your children or your family go on such a trip? How can you prepare them? Not everyone is meant to be a missionary, but we can all form a heart for the peoples of the world and use our gifts to serve them.

Serving With Love and Loving to Serve

Serving with Love and Loving to Serve A child who learns to serve others with joy is sure to become the kind of husband or wife who brings genuine joy into their own family. The servant spirit, which Jesus said makes a person “the greatest of all”, is better caught than taught—that is, one must pick it up by being around people who love serving others! Dennis and Naomi have raised four sons who find great delight in serving others and they know how that outlook and attitude is passed on to children.

The Place of Literature in Character Building

Homeschool families are often heard saying, “Older books are SO much better!” Is that true? If so, why? This seminar explains why Christian books from the 19th and 18th centuries were unique – richer in content and more prone to form godly character – and explains how parents can best use literature from that era - and any era - to strengthen Christian character in your children.

The Rejoicing of the Parents of the Righteous

Proverbs 23:24 says: “The father of the righteous greatly rejoices.” What brings a Christian parent more joy than knowing that my children walk in the truth? This inspiring, “keynote” message stirs parents to invest their time in training for righteousness, because that‟s what will one day bring us the greatest possible joy!

The Children's Character Building Collection Study Guide

The eleven children’s stories known as The Children’s Character Building Collection have been enjoyed by children for the last 150 to 200 years, and have been the delight of parents who know how vivid, challenging stories can impact the lives of their children and encourage and embrace of the gospel and a close walk with God. Now, for the first time ever, these stories have a Study Guide to accompany them, with which a parent can guide a child into deeper thinking about the contents of these rich and lively stories.

Grace and Truth Books 2017

Your Child's Profession of Faith

A unique treatment of a rarely-addressed subject that can make the difference between parents who participate in their children's deception and presumption, or parents who truly guide him to eternal life. If a small child tells us he thinks he's saved, do we take his words at face value? How do we help him examine his own profession, especially without seeming to doubt the child and discourage him? Many have found this book the most useful guide ever written on the topic.

Grace and Truth Books 2008

Courtship and Dating: So What's the Difference?

Families hear much about “courtship” these days, but often lack clear ideas as to the differences between a “dating” approach and the “courtship” concept. We want to spare our children the pitfalls of the modern “dating” tradition, but often don‟t know how to explain to them how “courtship” works! This book provides six (6) easily-understood differences between the two approaches, to help any family apply the old approach in a modern era, but without arbitrary, Pharasaical rules. Dennis gives parents principles they can apply, in varied household situations.

Grace and Truth Books 2006