After a couple weeks off for Christmas, we are back at it this week discussing Merry and Pippen's role in The Lord of the Rings. We also think through how and to what degree this is a coming of age story for the Hobbits and why Frodo and Sam can't be the only Hobbits in the story.

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Theme Music by Shane Caver: https://open.spotify.com/artist/6k3RLNvLhsuTtfmd6Jyt8z

This week we discuss the importance of pushing your kids to do hard things as an important part of giving them God's paideia. We outline some principles and biblical background but also jump into some of the nitty-gritty details.

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Substack: https://pintswithtreebeard.substack.com/

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Theme Music by Shane Caver: https://open.spotify.com/artist/6k3RLNvLhsuTtfmd6Jyt8z

This week we discuss the dad's role in the Christmas feasting and celebrations. We also talk about the importance of recovering Christmastide as a true 12 day festival in our homes as well as some practical ways to make that a reality.

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Substack: https://pintswithtreebeard.substack.com/

ETC Media: https://etc.framer.media/

Theme Music by Shane Caver: https://open.spotify.com/artist/6k3RLNvLhsuTtfmd6Jyt8z

This week we discuss the meaning and importance of the Advent season. We talk about how your Advent traditions pave the way for your family's understanding of Christmas and share some of our own traditions, old, new, and experimental.

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Substack: https://pintswithtreebeard.substack.com/

ETC Media: https://etc.framer.media/

Theme Music by Shane Caver: https://open.spotify.com/artist/6k3RLNvLhsuTtfmd6Jyt8z

This week we discuss the importance of festal communion as a family and how the father plays the important role of initiating, providing, and setting the tone during such seasons. Too often we can stymie the purpose of these celebratory times in either small-minded stinginess or self-centered laziness. Instead, we should strive to imitate God's self-sacrifice and lavish gift-giving to his children.

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Substack: https://pintswithtreebeard.substack.com/

ETC Media: https://etc.framer.media/

Theme Music by Shane Caver: https://open.spotify.com/artist/6k3RLNvLhsuTtfmd6Jyt8z

This week we discuss why you should strive to maintain discipline standards for your kids when outside your home, despite the logistical nightmare this can create. We also cover some of the practical lessons we've learned along the way to make this easier on you and on the kids and set everyone up for success.

Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/14326693/join

Substack: https://pintswithtreebeard.substack.com/

ETC Media: https://etc.framer.media/

Theme Music by Shane Caver: https://open.spotify.com/artist/6k3RLNvLhsuTtfmd6Jyt8z

This week we discuss why and how family dinners are the backbone of your family. We also explore the idea of family dinner as the covenant renewal meal for your household, as well as practical suggestions for making this time a joy that the entire family looks forward to.

Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/14326693/join

Substack: https://pintswithtreebeard.substack.com/

ETC Media: https://etc.framer.media/

Theme Music by Shane Caver: https://open.spotify.com/artist/6k3RLNvLhsuTtfmd6Jyt8z

This week we discuss the character of Boromir: his virtue, his faltering, and his repentance. Why does Boromir providentially find himself in Rivendell at the forming of the fellowship? What leads to his succumbing to the temptation of the Ring? Why does Tolkien give us this beautiful picture of repentance and redemption in this particular way?

Substack: https://pintswithtreebeard.substack.com/

ETC Media: https://etc.framer.media/

Theme Music by Shane Caver: https://open.spotify.com/artist/6k3RLNvLhsuTtfmd6Jyt8z