Christian Parent, Crazy World

When Life Unravels: Biblical Strategies for Life's Hardest Seasons (w/ Dr. Erin Barry) - Ep. 177

When Life Throws a Curveball: How to Stay Faithful When the Bottom Drops Out Few challenges stretch a parent’s faith and emotional reserves more than life’s unexpected curveball seasons—the plot twists that leave you wondering, “God, what are you doing?” How do you remain anchored in truth when the bottom drops out? This week on Christian Parent/Crazy World, Catherine welcomes back her very first guest and trusted friend, Dr. Erin Barry, to help parents not only survive, but find hope and stability in life’s most turbulent moments. Dr. Barry is a clinical Christian counselor, author, homeschool expert, and co-founder of inseparableLives.com. Her biblically grounded wisdom comes from over 30 years of walking families through the storms of life. In this transparent and practical episode, Catherine gets real about her own season of loss, uncertainty, and a series of shocking life upheavals—from parenting a prodigal, to family moves, to sudden job loss. Using these stories as a backdrop, Dr. Barry unpacks essential biblical strategies for clinging to faith and finding stability when life feels out of control. Key Insights & Takeaways Find Your Safe Circle Not everyone is equipped to carry the weight of your story. Dr. Barry urges listeners to seek out wise, mature friends or a counselor who can “sit in the ashes” with you—without minimizing, judging, or rushing your healing process. “For seven days Job’s friends sat in silence—sometimes, that’s all we need.” Grieve Without Comparison Your pain is valid, even if others have it worse. This episode addresses the tendency to minimize your own suffering and offers permission to mourn at your own pace. “Healing is not a competition—it’s a process.” Honor Different Grieving Styles Don’t expect everyone in your family to process pain the same way. Grace and patience protect relationships from being torn apart during crisis. Anchor in Truth, Not Fear When fear and catastrophic thinking take over, Dr. Barry encourages listeners to pause and return to “what is true today.” Worrying about every “what if” tomorrow is not God’s design. “God promises what we need for today—not for every ‘what if’ tomorrow brings.” Worship as a Weapon True perspective and peace are found in worship, not just on Sundays, but in everyday moments. Worship redirects your focus to God’s character and faithfulness. Embrace God’s Bigger Story Even when God doesn’t “remove the rocks”—the hardships—He can “raise the water” and carry you over them, bringing profound good out of suffering. Notable Moments Catherine shares how her perspective on parenting was upended by a prodigal child season and life transitions. Dr. Barry recounts her son’s diabetes diagnosis and how walking through pain has deepened her empathy and faith. Inspiring testimony of hope: The legacy of Ashley Averell and how God brings good from heartbreak, equipping and sending young people on mission. “The greatest human tragedy—the Cross—became the foundation of our hope. God is still good, even when the rocks don’t move.” About the Guest Erin A. Barry is an author, speaker, counselor, and educational consultant. She holds a bachelor’s degree in education, an NCCA Masters of Arts, and Doctor of Clinical Christian Counseling. Erin’s passion is to see people walking in wholeness, body, soul, and spirit as God designed. She is the author of Yes, You Can Homeschool! The Terrified Parent’s Companion To Homeschool Success and, alongside her husband Brett, is co-founder of inseparableLives.com, a ministry devoted to nurturing Christ-centered hearts dedicated to oneness with God, spouse, and community. Episode Resources inseparableLives.com – More about Dr. Erin Barry and her ministry. Yes, You Can Homeschool! The Terrified Parent’s Companion To Homeschool Success – Buy on Amazon catherinesegars.com – Catherine's free Christian parenting resources and newsletter. Christian Parent/Crazy World podcast archive Previous episodes: How Can a Good God Allow So Much Evil and Suffering in the World?(w/ Dr. Douglas Groothuis) Call to Action Are you in a season where your carefully written life script has been torn up? Do you wonder how to support your children when you yourself are shaken? Listen in for compassionate, biblically wise encouragement that brings both honesty and hope. How do you model to your children what it means to grieve, persevere, and worship in the midst of disappointment? Share your thoughts or experiences—your story might encourage another parent walking a similar journey. Don’t miss next week as Dr. Barry returns with more practical wisdom for navigating life’s greatest challenges—with faith, hope, and grace. Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

When We’ve Blown It: 7 Steps to Restore Connection With Our Kids (w/ Kirsten Vossler) - "Best of" Ep. 74

Every Christian parent will, at some point, “blow it” with their kids—but what you do next could be the difference between wounds that linger and relationships that deepen. In this special “Best Of” episode, host Catherine tackles one of the most universal and important questions in parenting: How do you reset when you’ve messed up with your kids? Whether it’s a moment of lost control, harsh words, or simply allowing daily stresses to overflow, the fallout can feel overwhelming. And yet, as Catherine reveals, these are the moments that matter most in shaping your child’s faith, resilience, and trust. To guide listeners through this minefield, Catherine welcomes Kirsten Vossler, a mother of nine (now ten!)—and host of the Rejoicing in Motherhood podcast—who has worn just about every ministry hat imaginable: children’s pastor, worship leader, writer, conference speaker. Most importantly, she’s a “real life, grace-filled, occasionally blown it, but willing to repair” mom who believes that even when the stage gets smaller, the impact gets deeper. In This Episode: Kirsten Vossler shares her “seven-step reset” for when relationships with your kids feel fractured, starting with the courage to just stop in the heat of the moment and physically remove yourself if needed. Both Catherine and Kirsten open up about their own imperfect moments—reminding listeners that every parent is in need of God’s grace and practical tools. Step-by-step, Kirsten offers ways to invite God into your frustration, humble yourself with heartfelt apologies (including the power of actually asking your child “Will you forgive me?”), and walk forward with tenderness, not guilt. They discuss the messy intersections of past wounds, present stressors, and the spiritual battle within, encouraging parents to invite the Holy Spirit to heal both their hearts and their children’s. Notable Moments and Quotes: “Time doesn’t heal all wounds. If we ignore these moments, our kids carry them into adulthood.” – Catherine “Sometimes, we feel like the only options are to give up or give in—but there’s a better way: to reset, reconnect, and model humility.” – Kirsten Vossler Kirsten Vossler offers the truth: “Perfection isn’t the goal. Even the best parents can’t save or heal their kids completely. But we can model turning to Jesus—the only One who can.” As Catherine sums it up, humility and repair don’t diminish your authority as a parent—they deepen trust and show your kids what grace looks like in real time. About the GuestKirsten Vossler is a mama of nine (make that ten!), former children’s pastor and worship leader, and the gentle, authentic voice behind the Rejoicing in Motherhood podcast. Her steps have been forged in the crucible of daily life with a big family—and a bigger heart for connection and growth. Parenting is crazy, but you don’t have to do it alone.This week, try Kirsten Vossler’s reset steps the next time you “lose it”—and notice how God meets you in your humility. How will you choose connection over perfection with your kids this week? EPISODE LINKS: Kirsten's Website & Podcast Subscribe and invite Catherine into your parenting journey at catherinesegars.com for free resources, encouragement, and faith-filled insight. Parenting as a Christian may be crazy, but you don’t have to do it alone. Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

8 Words That Can Transform Your Relationship with Your Child - "Best Of" Ep. 85

Nothing repairs a parent-child relationship—or models the heart of the gospel—more powerfully than eight humble words: “I’m sorry. I was wrong. Please forgive me.” In a world where authority is often prized over humility, Catherine shines a light on the crucial, yet challenging, words every parent must be willing to say. In this deeply practical “Best Of” episode, Catherine explores why these eight words are harder to say than most—and how they carry the potential to transform the atmosphere of our homes. With her trademark honesty and grace, Catherine tackles the barriers parents face in admitting fault and offers biblically-grounded wisdom for restoring trust when we inevitably get it wrong. What You’ll Hear in This Episode: The three critical objectives achieved when parents humbly apologize, including healing breaches in trust, modeling biblical repentance, and affirming your child’s growth and autonomy. Why saying “I’m sorry” isn’t always enough—and the importance of going beyond surface-level apologies to confessing, “I was wrong,” especially when our delivery lacks love. A breakdown of the four parenting phases—caregiver, cop, coach, and counselor—and how operating in the wrong one can damage relationships with older kids. Catherine’s actionable, eight bonus words: “What can I do to make it right?”—a powerful next step for restoration and collaboration with your child. Rooted in 1 Corinthians 13, Catherine reminds listeners that even “if I speak with human eloquence and angelic ecstasy, but I don’t love, I’m nothing but the creaking of a rusty gate.” She vulnerably shares her own journey toward quicker humility and confesses her husband models this with grace she’s always striving to emulate. Notable Quotes from This Episode: “Parenting really isn’t about perfection. It’s about formation—ours and theirs.” “Dictators last for a season. But at some point, there will be a citizens’ revolt.” “Our kids need to see humility and repentance from us.” If you want a legacy of trust, openness, and faith in your family, tune in to learn the eight essential words every parent should have in their relational toolbox. Ask Yourself:When was the last time you told your child, “I was wrong. Please forgive me”? What might change in your home if humility and grace defined your relationship repairs? Want more practical steps for rebuilding after mistakes? Don’t miss next week’s "best of" episode, where Catherine welcomes back Kirsten Vossler, host of the Rejoicing in Motherhood podcast, to share seven practical, grace-filled steps for resetting when you’ve blown it with your kids. Subscribe and invite Catherine into your parenting journey at catherinesegars.com for free resources, encouragement, and faith-filled insight. Parenting as a Christian may be crazy, but you don’t have to do it alone. Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

What the Bible Really Teaches about Money, Tithing, and Giving (w/ Clifton Payne Jr.) - Ep. 176

Few topics divide opinion in the church like money. But what if much of what we've been taught about giving isn't truly biblical? In this eye-opening episode, host Catherine welcomes Bible scholar and award-winning author, Clifton Payne Jr., to set the record straight on what the Bible really says about money, tithing, and generosity. They cut through decades of confusion and misinterpretation, addressing the guilt-driven giving, prosperity promises, and toxic church culture that have warped how Christians view their finances—and God's character. Clifton Payne Jr. reveals little-known truths from scripture (including the fact that there were actually three different tithes in ancient Israel, not just one!) and explains how biblical principles of stewardship are often misunderstood or misapplied today. What You Will Discover in This Episode: The deep mistrust many Christians have toward churches when it comes to money—and how church scandals, manipulation, and legalism fuel that distrust. Surprising discoveries like the three biblical tithes, special rules for ancient Israel, and what Jesus actually teaches about taxes, tithing, and giving. Why tithing is a model—not a requirement—for modern believers, and how generosity should flow from gratitude rather than obligation. The crucial principle of "first fruits": why giving God our best and first, not our leftovers, directly impacts the spiritual life of our families. The freedom found in New Testament giving, where the heart matters far more than the amount, and how generosity can be an antidote to materialism. Powerful stories—like the unforgettable account of Otzi, an African woman whose tiny, sacrificial gift became the greatest offering in the eyes of God. The conversation is both practical and pastoral, exploring how to talk about money with your kids, build healthy giving habits, and reclaim joy in generosity—even if you’ve been wounded by church abuse around this issue in the past. About the Guest:Clifton Payne Jr. is the author of What the Bible Really Says About Tithing and Giving: It's Different Than You Think, a book that has earned recognition from both the American Bookfest and International Book Awards. Drawing on years of pastoral ministry and biblical scholarship (including studies at Hebrew University in Jerusalem), Clifton untangles scripture from tradition, helping listeners return to the heart of God in their finances. Key Takeaways for Listeners: Don’t start with guilt or pressure—start with prayer and let giving flow from what God puts on your heart. Giving first is a spiritual discipline that breaks the grip of materialism and invites God’s faithfulness into your life. Teaching kids to give as a first priority (not last, as our culture encourages) will shape their lifelong habits and trust in God. Generosity has enormous power to heal wounds, restore faith, and transform communities when practiced in freedom and love. Episode Resources:What the Bible Really Says About Tithing and Giving: It’s Different Than You Think by Clifton H. Payne Jr. Catherine's Free Parenting Resources Other Episodes in This Series: EPISODE 175: When Leaders Exploit the Flock: A Biblical Response to Scandals ( w/ Clifton Payne Jr.) EPISODE 174: Finding Financial Freedom: Breaking Free from Debt and Anxiety (w/ Jade Durham) Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

When Leaders Exploit the Flock: A Biblical Response to Scandals ( w/ Clifton Payne Jr.) - Ep. 175

When spiritual heroes fall, what happens to our faith—and that of our children? Financial manipulation and abuse within the church can leave deep wounds, shaking the foundation of trust and faith for entire families. In this powerful episode of Christian Parent/Crazy World, host Catherine tackles one of the most urgent and painful issues affecting Christian families today: how to respond when trusted church leaders become charlatans, using their position for financial—or even sexual—exploitation. With real-life stories, audio clips, and biblical insight, this episode equips parents to guide their children through disappointment without abandoning the truth of the Gospel. Joining Catherine is featured guest Clifton Payne Jr., pastor, writer, Hebrew University scholar, and author of What the Bible Really Says About Tithing and Giving: It’s Different Than You Think. Having left the faith for fourteen years after witnessing financial abuse firsthand, Clifton Payne Jr. brings both scholarly expertise and personal experience to this heart-wrenching discussion. What You’ll Discover in This Episode: Financial Abuse—A Widespread Scandal: Hear stories of pastors manipulating the vulnerable, including Clifton Payne Jr.’s grandmother and infamous televangelists promising “seed money” blessings for thousand-dollar gifts. Charlatans Across Denominations: It’s not just one stream of Christianity; financial and sexual misconduct strike churches everywhere—from charismatic circles to mainline denominations to the Catholic church. The Impact on Faith and Family: Discover why these betrayals don’t just hurt individuals—they threaten the faith of the next generation. Catherine lays bare how hypocrisy often drives children and parents alike away from church and sometimes, from God. Biblical Wisdom for Difficult Days: Get to the heart of the Bible’s teachings on money, tithing, and generosity. Clifton Payne Jr. strips away manipulation, revealing how God’s desire for our hearts is profoundly different from the “prosperity gospel” sales pitch. Honest Conversations at Home: Learn how to talk with your children about church scandals—without letting cynicism win. Public harm requires public correction, and as Christian parents, we are called to shepherd our homes by telling the truth. Why This Matters:This episode will challenge, grieve, and encourage you to see beyond the headlines and scandals. It’s a reminder that our faith must be rooted in Christ, not in flawed messengers. When parents grapple honestly with church failures and model God-honoring generosity, they provide children with a foundation that lasts beyond any scandal. Modern Application:Christian parents, are you prepared to shepherd your children through disappointment in the church? Are you modeling discernment, generosity, and faith that isn’t shaken by human failure? About the Guest:Clifton Payne Jr. is a pastor, writer, and biblical scholar with advanced study at the Hebrew University in Jerusalem. His experiences with church financial abuse and long journey back to faith uniquely equip him to address manipulative money tactics and help families find biblical clarity in confusing times. His book, What the Bible Really Says About Tithing and Giving: It’s Different Than You Think, is available on Amazon and other major booksellers. EPISODE LINKS: Clifton Payne Jr.’s Book: What the Bible Really Says About Tithing and Giving: It’s Different Than You Think Subscribe to Catherine's resources for Christian parents on her website. Mike Winger’s Expose on Shawn Bolz & Bethel Church: The Skeletons in Bethel’s Closet Are Now Going to Speak Televangelists: Last Week Tonight with John Oliver Call to Action:How are you preparing your children to discern truth in a world full of spiritual counterfeits? What honest conversations could you start this week—even in the face of heartbreak—to root their faith in Jesus, not fallen heroes? Tune in next week as Catherine and Clifton Payne Jr. dig deeper into what the Bible really teaches about tithing and giving—setting your family free from confusion and manipulation. Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.