Christian Parent, Crazy World

Trying to find wholesome entertainment can feel like searching for a needle in a haystack. As Christians, the most we usually hope for is entertainment that doesn’t undermine what we believe. But finding entertainment that actually reinforces Biblical values while wrestling through tough issues, does that even exist? It does. In this episode, Catherine is joined by author Felicia Ferguson to explore the world of redemptive fiction, a genre that tackles real-life issues from a biblical perspective. Felicia's latest novel, When Secrets Come Calling, could be ripped from today's headlines. The story centers on a dark secret that threatens to destroy the lives of a former couple. Felicia's characters turn to each other and then to God for hope and answers. Catherine and Felicia also discuss the importance of finding inspiring stories that shine God's light, especially in a world where such content can be hard to come by. Together, they dive into the impact fiction can have in addressing tough topics and encouraging listeners to make a difference for God's kingdom. Join Catherine and Felicia for a laid-back conversation that offers a refreshing break from the usual tough topics discussed on the show, and find the perfect beach read for your summer vacation. BOOK GIVEAWAY!: Enter for a chance to win a copy of Felicia’s award-winning debut novel, The Choices She Made by subscribing HERE or responding to Catherine's Instagram post.     GUEST BIO: Felicia achieved master’s degrees in Healthcare Administration and Speech-Language Pathology, but has written since childhood and dreamed of authoring books that teach and inspire others. An award-winning fiction and non-fiction freelance writer, she has published several devotions and sweet romance short stories. Her passion, however, is writing women’s fiction and romantic suspense with strong female characters who work through their traumas and tragedies using biblical principles and counseling techniques. She is the past president of the Destin chapter of Word Weavers International, a member of the Pikes Peak Word Weavers chapter, the American Christian Fiction Writers Association, and incoming vice president of ACFW Colorado Springs. In 2024, she served as the conference coordinator for ACFW Colorado Springs’ Write in the Springs Conference. Her radio devotional, Build Faith for the Journey, airs Saturdays on Christian Mix 106. EPISODE RESOURCES Felicia Ferguson’s Website & Instagram When Secrets Come Calling The Choices She Made (debut novel) Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

As parents, we spend a lot of time and energy ensuring that our kids are safe in their physical spaces. We put up safeguards around hour homes. We go to great lengths to live in a safe neighborhood and send our kids to a safe school. But what about our kid’s digital spaces? The threats for our children are as significant in cyberspace as they are in their physical space. Catherine welcomes back Kristen Jenson, founder of Defend Young Minds, to discuss the threats our children face in cyberspace and how to protect them. Defend Young Minds creates powerful resources to protect children online. Our culture says that our children deserve privacy online, but no child deserves to face these threats alone. We may think that our child is just upstairs playing a video game, but there are dangers in digital spaces. You wouldn’t drop your child off in Central Park and say, “Have fun! I’ll see you in a few hours…” And yet we often leave our kids vulnerable to dangerous influences from around the world when we hand them an unprotected, unmonitored device. Some digital dangers that can ensnare kids include: Pornography Sexting Cyberbullying Sextortion Trafficking Tackling all the technology surrounding our kids may seem like an insurmountable task, but while our kids may have more tech savvy, we have wisdom. And we must use it to protect our kids. About the Guest: Kristen A. Jenson, MA is the founder of Defend Young Minds and #1 best-selling author of the Good Pictures Bad Pictures series of read-aloud books which have translations in 10 languages. She is also the executive producer of the Brain Defense: Digital Safety curriculum and the owner and CEO of Glen Cove Press, LLC. RESCOURCES MENTIONED: To enter the giveaway for a free set of Kristen’s books, SUBSCRIBE HERE. Defend Young Minds: All Articles Defend Young Minds: Tackle the Tech (section) 7 Essential Rules for New Tech to Safeguard Your ChildDo Kids Deserve Digital Privacy? 3 Myths Debunked for Smart ParentsBrain Defense: Digital Safety (curriculum) Good Pictures, Bad Pictures Book Series CPCW Episode 105: Social Media and Our Kids: What Every Parent Needs To Know Defend Young Minds Website How To Talk to Kids about Pornography (free guide) My Kids Saw Porn, Now What (guide)   TECH RESOURCES: Gryphon Parent Control Router Canopy Filtering Software The Ultimate Comparison of the Best Smartphones for Kids in 2023: Pinwheel, Gabb, Troomi, Bark and MMGuardian   Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

Few conversations make parents fill more ill-equipped and tongue-tied than discussing the topic of pornography with our kids. How do we even broach the subject? Catherine’s guest has created a book series that does all of the hard work for us. Kristen Jenson is the #1 best-selling author of the Good Pictures Bad Pictures series of read-aloud books, which have been translated into 10 languages. These books define pornography and warn against the threats, and then they provide parents and kids with a game plan to defend young minds against the dangers. In this episode, Kristen walks parents through the Defend Young Minds triple defense plan for parents: Get the facts. Arm your kids. Continue the conversation As parents, we must give our kids the proper vocabulary to discuss this threat while explaining the dangers lurking behind enticing pictures and videos. And we need to empower our children to resist the temptation. Pornography isn’t your child’s fault, but it is their problem. No child deserves to face the porn industry alone. They need to be educated and they need to have a strategy for the moment when they encounter pornography.  About the author Kristen A. Jenson, MA is the founder of Defend Young Minds and #1 best-selling author of the Good Pictures Bad Pictures series of read-aloud books which have translations in 10 languages. She is also the executive producer of the Brain Defense: Digital Safety curriculum and the owner and CEO of Glen Cove Press, LLC.   RESOURCES MENTIONED: To enter the giveaway for a free set of Kristen’s books, SUBSCRIBE HERE. Good Pictures, Bad Pictures Book Series Defend Young Minds Website How To Talk to Kids about Pornography (free guide) My Kids Saw Porn, Now What (guide)   How God Made Your Body by Jim Burns (ages 3-5) How God Makes Babies by Jim Burns (ages 6-9) Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

The Surgeon General came out with a very troubling report recently on social media usage among children that should concern us as parents. What are those warnings and what do we as parents need to know to safeguard our kids? Catherine has invited Dr. Walt Mueller back to break it all down for us. Covered in this episode: *Often overlooked good things to celebrate in the area of technology and social media. *The shocking statistics and serious warnings contained in the recent Surgeon General’s Report on children and social media usage. *Warning signs of device addiction. *Important questions to ask ourselves regarding our device and social media usage as parents. *How to have meaningful conversation with our kids on the topic of social media. *Vital guidelines for protecting our kids from social media and device addiction.   Bio: Dr. Walt Mueller is the founder and President of the Center for Parent/Youth Understanding, a non-profit organization serving schools, churches, and community organizations around the world in their efforts to strengthen families. Walt has been working with young people and families for over 35 years, and with a Masters of Divinity and a Doctorate in Postmodern Generation from Gordon Cromwell Theological Seminary, he has become a recognized authority on youth culture, family issues, and all things having to do with teens and their world. Walt is also the host of the Youth Culture Matters Podcast.   EPISODE RESOURCES & LINKS: The Center for Parent/Youth Understanding Youth Culture Matters Podcast Youth Culture Matters: Episode 179 “Teens, Tech, and Social Media – A Youth Worker Roundtable” Social Media and Youth Mental Health – The U.S. Surgeon General’s Advisory 2023 Pew Research Center: Teens, Social Media and Technology (2022) The Social Dilemma (Netflix) Tony Renke: 12 Ways Your Phone Is Changing You Greg Luukianoff & Jonathan Haidt: The Coddling of the American Mind Jean Twenge: IGen: Why Today’s Super-Connected Kids Are Growing Up Less Rebellious, More Tolerant, Less Happy—and Completely Unprepared for Adulthood CPYU Parent Prompt: Social Media & God’s Glory Unplugged (FOTF)Effective Strategies: Tips for Influencing Your Child’s Social Media Use     Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

Media is bombarding our children at every turn, and at the same time the generation gap is widening. Catherine’s special guest, Dr. Walt Mueller specializes in understanding the next generation—their thought processes, their challenges, and the many ways that entertainment and media are bombarding our kids’ lives with deeply concerning messages. As founder and president of The Center for Parent/Youth Understanding, Walt has worked as a cross generational liaison for more than 35 years.  Threats from the entertainment world have proliferated with endless internet and television inroads and influences. Walt and Catherine discuss concerning messages from: *Mr. Beast *Arthur *Madagascar *Chip & Potato *My Little Pony *Rugrats *Doc McStuffins *Ridley Jones As Walt wisely advises, we must read, listen to, and watch what is engaging the hearts and minds of our kids. We must not to be alarmist, but we must be aware. And we must speak first on all of these topics to establish a foundation of truth for our kids. Bio: Dr. Walt Mueller is the founder and President of the Center for Parent/Youth Understanding, a non-profit organization serving schools, churches, and community organizations around the world in their efforts to strengthen families. Walt has been working with young people and families for over 35 years, and with a Masters of Divinity and a Doctorate in Postmodern Generation from Gordon Cromwell Theological Seminary, he has become a recognized authority on youth culture, family issues, and all things having to do with teens and their world. Walt is also the host of the Youth Culture Matters Podcast.   EPISODE RESOURCES & LINKS: The Center for Parent/Youth Understanding Youth Culture Matters Podcast CPYU Blog The Latest on Teens and Social Media Feb. 23, 2024 EPISODE 81: Can Your Kids Be Whoever They Want to Be in Life? All Creatures Great and Small (Masterpiece Theater) Will Mr. Best ‘Indoctrinate Young Children with Trangender Propaganda?,’ SBC Leader Asks Romper List of Shows with LGBTQ+ Characters The No-Watch List: Guide to All the Kid’s Shows and Movies that Have LGBTQ Characters and Content (Scott Smith) FOTF: Plugged In TV & Movie Reviews Christian Courier: Guidelines for Children’s Entertainment The Social Dilemma (Netflix) FAITH BASED SUBSCRIPTION SERVICES FOR KIDS: Minno Pureflix Kids Yippie Shalom World Faithlife TV Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

The mental health crisis in our country is at critical mass. Children are struggling like never before and parents are concerned, as they should be. What foundation do we need to have in place to help our kids to be strong mentally? Catherine’s guest, Dr. Bill Senyard, shares some warning signs that a child is struggling and offers practical ways to establish a strong foundation for your child’s mental health. Attachment theory, the prevailing psychological theory in child development, emphasizes a child’s emotional bond with their primary caregiver. Dr. Senyard defines the four primary attachment styles that a child can exhibit. They are: Secure—confident, reciprocal, non-reactive, resilient. Anxious—emotional, reactive, volatile. Fearful—composite of anxious and avoidant. Avoidant—isolated, emotionally distant. One relational style is mentally healthy and strong, the other three are showing signs of distress., of a breakdown in mental health. In this episode, Dr. Senyard gives practical ways to help children who exhibit those unhealthy traits. Dr. Bill Senyard’s bio: Bill’s career has taken him from being a Chemical engineer, a strategic management consultant, and a co-owner of an Inc. 500 high-tech company to fulltime church ministry where he served multiple congregations as a Lead Pastor for over 35 years. He is a popular conference speaker in the US and Canada as well as abroad. He has written over a dozen non-fiction books and workbooks on a wide range of important topics including, how Christians can effectively and Biblically forgive others, how frustrated parents of teens can be “good enough parents” and most importantly, God’s love for the unlovable. Bill is the creator of The Good Enough Parent, a phenomenal curriculum that has a ton of free resources for parents. Bill’s Website Good Enough Parent Curriculum Attachment Theory For Teens Simplified (video) Bill’s Book: Tale of the Unlikely Prince   EPISODE RESOURCES:   Episode 85: 8 Words Every Parent Must Say To Their Child Beyond Consequences by Heather T. Forbes Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

May is Mental Health Awareness Month, and according to the CDC, our kids are facing a mental health crisis. Consider these recent statistics:   *Suicide & homicide rates in youth ages 10 to 24 are the highest they have been in decades, since 1968. *42% of adolescents are feeling sadness and hopelessness, up 50% from 2011 (57% are females). *22% of all students have considered attempting suicide, up from 36%. *Youth and young adults (ages 10-24) account for 15% of all suicides, an increase of 52.2% since 2000. *Suicide has become the second-leading cause of death for youth ages 10-24. *46% of adolescence ages 13 to 17 say that social media makes their body image worse.   Parents are justifiably concerned, and often they don’t know where to start when a child is struggling mentally. Catherine’s guest in this episode is Dr. Bill Senyard, a mental health expert who specializes in helping parents reconnect the critical bond with their child to address the foundation of their mental health. Every child has two primary needs from their parents: 1. They need to feel CONNECTED. 2. They need to feel like they are ENOUGH. A child must know that their parents have their back, and they must know that they are loved no matter what. If this critical foundation breaks down, a child will become disconnected from their parents and others. They will suffer in all of their relationships and in their mental health. Bill shares how to reestablish that connection through attunement. If one in every three interactions with our kids attune to their foundational emotional needs, we can reconnect with our child and build a strong mental foundation for life. Dr. Bill Senyard’s bio: Bill’s career has taken him from being a Chemical engineer, a strategic management consultant, and a co-owner of an Inc. 500 high-tech company to fulltime church ministry where he served multiple congregations as a Lead Pastor for over 35 years. He is a popular conference speaker in the US and Canada as well as abroad. He has written over a dozen non-fiction books and workbooks on a wide range of important topics including, how Christians can effectively and Biblically forgive others, how frustrated parents of teens can be “good enough parents” and most importantly, God’s love for the unlovable. Bill is the creator of The Good Enough Parent, a phenomenal curriculum that has a ton of free resources for parents. Bill’s Website Good Enough Parent Curriculum Attachment Theory For Teens Simplified (video) Bill’s Book: Tale of the Unlikely Prince EPISODE RESOURCES: John 3:16 Romans 8:1 Ephesians 3 Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

The problem of pain has plagued humanity since the beginning of time. Many great apologists have grappled with the reality of suffering, endeavoring to form a theologically sound answer to life’s hardest question. In this poignant exchange, a couple of moms wrestle with pain and suffering from a distinctly maternal point of view. Catherine and her guest from across the great pond, Ruth Jackson, have a conversation that is real, raw, and refreshingly honest. Miscarriage. Postpartum depression. Premature death. When suffering these heartbreaking realities, the temptation is to ask WHY… and yet answering the WHY doesn’t meet our deepest need. The Christian faith does offer an apologetic for suffering, but more importantly our faith tradition presents a God who came to earth and was broken on our behalf. He is intimately acquainted with suffering. He meets us in our grief. And when we weep, He weeps with us. As believers in Christ, we know who suffered for us. We know who suffers with us. And we know who will wipe away every tear and make all things new. RUTH JACKSON'S BIO: Ruth is a producer and youth specialist for Premier Christian Radio's Unbelievable radio programme and podcast, which brings Christians and non-Christians together for dialogue. ue. Ruth studied theology at Oxford University before working at the BBC’s flagship children’s television show Blue Peter. She then moved to the Oxford Centre for Christian Apologetics, where she helped set up the youth apologetics strand Reboot. Ruth contributed to Hope Rising 365, a book for young women. She also plays bass guitar in award-winning all-girl rock ‘n roll band The Daisy Chains. Ruth’s Instagram Premier Christian Radio’s Unbelievable Unapologetic Podcast   EPISODE RESOURCES: Episode 66: How Does a Good God Allow So Much Evil and Suffering in the World? w/ Dr. Douglas Groothuis Article: “Joy To The World” by Ruth Jackson Article: “God Is Good but This Isn’t” by Catherine Segars   SCRIPTURES REFERENCED: John 11:35 Isaiah 61 Isaiah 49 John 1 Habakkuk 3 Lamentations 3 Psalm 56:8 Psalm 84:4-7 Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

In the last episode, Catherine highlighted the five primary apologetic approaches for defending the Christian faith. While varying greatly on inception points, strategy, philosophy and subject matter, all of the approaches agree on the superiority of one defense. That is—EXPERIENCE. A person’s experience with God is powerful and preeminent. Offering a personal testimony of how God has transformed your life is the one defense that no one can dispute, because it is your experience. A personal encounter with God solidifies one’s faith, making it rational, robust, and enduring. So how can we have a practical encounter with God? Catherine walks us through 10 practical ways that we can experience God: Make God your priority (engage with God’s Word, worship, and prayer daily). Plant yourself in the local church. Practice honest reflection and repentance. Fast regularly. Shake up your schedule with sacrifice. Get involved with a mission or ministry. Go on a mission’s trip. Go on a nature walk. Start a spiritual journal. Read a biography on a missionary or great Christian leader. The items on this list are not revolutionary, but implementing them are. Start with the first three, which need to be a part of every believer’s daily discipleship, and then choose a few others to try. As you commit to prioritizing God, you will experience Him in new and exciting ways. EPISODE RESOURCES: Resource on church wounds: Episode 44 – Have You Or Your Kids Been Wounded in the Church? Driven By Eternity: Make Your Life Count Today and Forever by John Bevere Fasting: Open the Door To a Deeper, More Intimate, More Powerful Relationship with God by Jentezen Franklin The Hiding Place by Corrie ten Boon A Chance to Die: The Life and Legacy of Amy Carmichael by Elisabeth Elliott The Intercessor  (Reese Howell) by Norman Grubb The Heavenly Man by Brother Yun Hero Tales: A Family Treasury of True Stories from the Lives of Christian Heroes by Dave and Neta Jackson   SCRIPTURES REFERENCED: Matthew 6:21 & 33 Hebrews 20:25 Psalm 62:5-8 2 Tim. 1:6-7 Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

Catherine offers a powerful message worthy of CP/CW’s 100th episode by revealing the #1 factor in maintaining a vibrant, lifelong faith, which corresponds perfectly with the #1 prayer every parent should pray over their kids. The answer to this question should interest us as followers of Christ personally and as parents. In her apologetic studies, Catherine discovered one defense of the faith that every believer is qualified to employ. She begins by summarizing the five primary approaches for defending the Christian faith. They are the: 1. Classic Method – a 2-step approach that begins with natural theology (the knowledge we acquire about God without Scripture or special revelation) to prove Intelligent Design and then proceeds to establish God as that intelligent being. 2. Evidential Method – 1-step approach that relies heavily on evidence, in particular miracles, to prove the existence of God. 3. Cumulative Method – a flexible method that utilizes various arguments and approaches to present an overwhelming case for the existence of God. 4. Presuppositional Method – a method that presupposes God’s existence due to the effect that sin has on our capacity to think and reason. 5. Reformed Epistemological Method – a method that de-emphasizes proof or evidence and focusses on the way that people actually acquire beliefs. These approaches vary quite a bit, but they all agree on one very important factor—that is experience. Having an experience with God is reason enough for believing in Him. Every believer can have a rational, justified faith by experience alone. And every follower of Christ can offer a powerful apologetic by simply sharing their experience with God. So what is the #1 factor in maintaining a lifelong faith? Experiencing God. And what is the most important prayer every parent should pray over their kids? “Lord, please help my child to have a powerful encounter with You.” Tune in next when Catherine offers 10 practical ways that you and your kids can experience God. EPISODE RESOURCES: Five Views on Apologetics, Steven B. Cohen ed. Signature in the Cell by Dr. Stephen Meyers C.S. Lewis Quote Richard Dawkins Quote John 9 – Jesus heals the man born blind Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.