Few burdens weigh heavier on Christian parents than the relentless stress of financial uncertainty. How do we model faith, provide for our families, and cultivate peace amid mounting bills and pressure from every side?

With over 60% of Americans living paycheck to paycheck and credit card interest rates soaring to 20% and above, there’s never been a more vital time for families to find clarity, freedom, and a biblical approach to their finances. Catherine and Jade Durham—both Lee University grads—openly discuss how financial stress affects marriages, emotional health, and even our ability to be godly parents in an ungodly world.

In this episode of Christian Parent/Crazy World, host Catherine tackles one of the most pressing—and anxiety-inducing—challenges for families today: navigating debt, financial stress, and economic uncertainty with wisdom and hope.

Joining the conversation is Jade Durham, a certified personal financial counselor and vice president of Trinity Debt Management. With decades of experience guiding families toward clarity and freedom, Jade brings a comforting blend of empathy, practical advice, and spiritual perspective to the money challenges many listeners face.

What You’ll Discover in This Episode:

• The Hidden Weight of Money Stress
  Learn how financial worries go far beyond bank statements, influencing marriages, parenting, emotional health, and even spiritual well-being.
• Breaking the Debt Cycle—Gracefully
  Jade Durham explains why so many well-meaning parents find themselves buried in debt—and why there’s no shame in seeking help or making a fresh start.
• Real Stories, Real Freedom
  Hear moving anecdotes of clients who, facing eviction, medical bills, or family upheaval, have found hope, restored dignity, and practical pathways to financial recovery.
• Spiritual Roots of Financial Stewardship
  Explore Trinity’s unique, biblically grounded approach to debt management, including a commitment to prayerful compassion, nonprofit ethics, and keeping faith at the center of every financial plan.
• Tools for Change
  Get actionable steps for budgeting, teaching kids about money early, rebuilding credit, and setting goals that align with both spiritual and financial health.

Why This Matters:
Financial pressure can make Christian parenting feel impossible. But this episode reminds us: God cares about every area of our lives—including our wallets. With faith, support, and the right tools, it is possible to break free from anxiety, model true stewardship, and open up new dreams for your family’s future.

A Call to Action:
What steps can you take this week to invite God into your family’s finances? Is it time for an honest budget conversation, reaching out for help, or simply asking for God’s guidance and peace in seasons of stress?

About the Guest:
Jade Durham is a certified personal financial counselor and Vice President of Trinity Debt Management, a nonprofit agency helping thousands reclaim their financial future with integrity and biblical values. Her warm, client-centered approach has changed countless lives.

 

Resources & Next Steps:

• Visit trinitycredit.org to learn more about faith-based debt solutions
• Need support? Call Trinity at 1-800-793-8548
• Free Parenting Resources at Catherine Segars Website

This episode is sponsored by Trinity Debt Management. If you are struggling with debt call Trinity today.  Trinity's counselors have the knowledge and resources to make a difference. Our intention is to help people become debt-free, and most importantly, remain debt-free for keeps!" If your debt has you down, we should talk. Call us at 1-800-793-8548 | https://trinitycredit.org

TrinityCredit – Call us at 1-800-793-8548. Whether we're helping people pay off their unsecured debt or offering assistance to those behind in their mortgage payments. https://trinitycredit.org

 

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Letting Go Isn’t Losing—It’s Trusting God with Your Children’s Future

How do you faithfully release your children into the world while still nurturing connection and influence? In this profoundly honest episode, host Catherine is joined by Jaime Hampton of the Praying Christian Women Podcast to tackle one of the most challenging—and transformative—realities of parenting: letting go.

For Christian parents, “letting go” isn’t about giving up; it’s about surrendering control, deepening trust, and transferring ownership of our children’s faith from our hands into God’s. Drawing from personal experience and biblical wisdom, Catherine and Jaime explore four distinct phases of parenting, revealing how to step back while keeping communication and relationship strong.

What You’ll Discover in This Episode:

The Four Phases of Parenting

• Caregiver: From diapers to first steps, parents meet every need.
• Cop: Setting boundaries and keeping children safe before they fully understand.
• Coach: Explaining the “why” behind rules as children mature.
• Counselor: Giving advice only when asked, respecting your adult child’s autonomy while remaining a trusted source of wisdom.

Jesus as the Model for Letting Go: In a powerful discussion on John 17, Jaime and Catherine reflect on how Jesus prepared His disciples, equipped them, and ultimately sent them out, because “greater works than these you will do.” Christ’s example gives parents a biblical blueprint for releasing children in faith, not fear.

Prayer—The Invisible Influence: Letting go doesn’t mean the end of parental influence. As Catherine says, “Our greatest influence over the lives of our kids happens on our knees.” Whether praying through a prodigal season or releasing a child to public school, parents have spiritual authority to intercede for their children, guided by God’s wisdom and timing.

MEET THE GUEST: Jaime Hampton is a wife and mother of three who recently relocated from Alaska to Utah with her family, embracing the challenges of a new climate and culture. With her eldest in college and two younger kids in school, Jaime co-hosts the Praying Christian Women podcast with her longtime friend and prayer partner, Alana Terry. Their show began as an outgrowth of their honest coffee-time conversations about faith and prayer, offering encouragement for women to grow spiritually.

EPISODE RESOURCES:

The Praying Christian Women Podcast

Jaime’s Website, Instagram, Substack

Catherine’s Website & Resources

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Prayer can feel perplexing—especially for Believers who want their words to shape eternity for their children and families. But what if you learned that unanswered prayers aren’t a sign of God’s absence, but an invitation to “lay the tracks” for His will on earth?

In this episode, Catherine joins forces with prayer advocate and author Jaime Hampton, co-host of the Praying Christian Women Podcast, to explore the deepest mysteries and highest privileges of prayer, guided by the wisdom of Watchman Nee’s landmark book Let Us Pray.

Together, they uncover why some prayers feel fruitless, how to discern God’s heart, and what it takes to persevere through spiritual bottlenecks. Drawing from personal stories—including Catherine’s journey to miraculous parenthood and Jaime’s awakening to the power of partnership in faith—they offer honest, hope-filled wisdom for anyone longing to pray with purpose.

 

🔑 Key Takeaways

• Prayer is Partnership: Prayer isn't about persuading God to bless our plans—it's about joining in His will and agreeing with what He already wants to do.
• Persistence Matters: God “waits until men and women agree with Him, and then He will work.” Perseverance and faith-filled persistence can be the difference between breakthrough and missed opportunity.
• God’s Will—and Yours: There are prayers according to our will, and prayers according to God’s will. Discovering which is which comes through intimacy, listening, time in scripture, and honest reflection.
• Authority Against the Enemy: As Christians, we’re given authority to stand in prayer against the one who steals, kills, and destroys—the enemy, not God. Outrage directed at spiritual opposition fuels powerful prayer.
• Your Prayers Unlock Destiny: Anecdotes from Catherine’s own life show that prayer can literally change the trajectory of a family, bringing children and miracles that only God could author.
• Prayerlessness Is a Bottleneck: Prayerlessness hinders the movement of God’s “train”—His plans require the tracks our prayers lay. Will you be the bottleneck or the channel of grace?
• Real Spiritual Warfare: Effective prayer means entering the heavenly courtroom with God’s Word as our legal defense, standing firm for what He has promised.

 

"Prayer doesn’t alter God’s plans; it achieves what He’s already foreordained. Without persistent, faith-filled prayer, His resolutions may go suspended."
– Watchman Nee (Let Us Pray)

 

🎧 Tune In & Reflect

Are you willing to be God’s partner in prayer—laying the tracks for His will in your family’s life? Or will you let unanswered prayers and spiritual discouragement be the bottleneck to His miraculous work?

MEET THE GUEST: Jaime Hampton is a wife and mother of three who recently relocated from Alaska to Utah with her family, embracing the challenges of a new climate and culture. With her eldest in college and two younger kids in school, Jaime co-hosts the Praying Christian Women podcast with her longtime friend and prayer partner, Alana Terry. Their show began as an outgrowth of their honest coffee-time conversations about faith and prayer, offering encouragement for women to grow spiritually.

EPISODE RESOURCES:

 Let Us Pray by Watchman Nee

The Praying Christian Women Podcast

Jaime’s Website, Instagram, Substack

Catherine’s Website & Resources

Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

Want to memorize more Scripture with your kids this year than ever before? You don’t need a seminary degree, a flawless routine, or a photographic memory—just a melody, a little intention, and a willingness to make God’s Word a part of your family’s everyday life.

In this inspiring “Best Of” New Year’s episode of Christian Parent/Crazy World, Catherine welcomes special guest Zac Fitzsimmons, a gifted singer-songwriter and worship leader whose heart for God’s Word and knack for turning Scripture into unforgettable songs have helped countless families hide God’s Word in their hearts.

What You’ll Discover in This Episode:

• A Simple, Powerful Way to Memorize Scripture: Catherine reveals her family’s surprisingly simple—yet incredibly effective—method for learning Scripture together: setting Bible verses to music. No perfection or superhuman recall required; just sing along as you fold laundry, do dishes, or carpool.
• Meet Zac Fitzsimmons: Psalm Songwriter, Worship Leader, Dad: Guest Zac Fitzsimmons, whose musical talents began at age 15 and blossomed into a life of leading worship and setting entire psalms to melody, shares his journey and explains why full, word-for-word renditions of Scripture make such a powerful educational tool.
• Zac performs live acoustic versions of Psalm 1 and Psalm 8: This incredible artist offers a moving example of how entire chapters can be memorized, meditated upon, and made meaningful through melody.
• The Science & Soul Behind Singing the Bible: Learn why music is a “supersonic power” for memory—moving truths from short-term to long-term storage in the brain. Whether you’re a parent who’s forgotten where you put your phone (again!) or a child learning a new psalm, a good melody makes all the difference.

Tips for Busy, Imperfect Parents

• Take small “bites”—learn Scripture in short, daily repetitions.
• Use sign language or hand motions alongside melody to anchor memorization.
• Leverage idle moments—while driving, during chores, or winding down at bedtime.
• Reframe your expectations: even one verse a month adds up!

Notable Moments & Quotes:

• “If you can remember the theme song to The Beverly Hillbillies, you can remember God’s Word.”
• “Scripture flows deeper through a melody—first into our heads, then into our hearts.”
• The memorable “Jello” method: how repetition turns memory from liquid to solid.

Parents, what’s your first Scripture verse or passage you want to memorize together this year? Share your story and join the movement—because Christian parenting may be crazy, but you don’t have to do it alone.

EPISODE RESOURCES:

You can email Catherine to offer feedback and tell her about your Bible memory plan for the new year at [email protected].

Zac Fitzsimmons Bio: Zac is a Christian singer/songwriter from Minnesota, USA. He has led congregations in musical worship for over twenty years and is most known for his ongoing endeavor of writing music and melodies to the Psalms word for word from the English Standard Version of the Bible. These songs are being discovered by people worldwide as valuable tools for soaking in the scriptures in a new way and aiding in scripture memorization. You can find links to the audio, lyric videos and chord charts at www.psalmsongswordforword.com

You can also find Zac on YouTube and Instagram.

To receive downloads of Zac & Catherine’s live perform of Psalm 8, Zac’s performance of Psalm 1, and all of Catherine’s Scripture songs, and pro tips for memorizing the Bible, subscribe at Catherine’s website: https://catherinesegars.com/resources

See Catherine’s complimentary article on Crosswalk: “Learn More Scripture This Year with This #1 Proven Method”

SCRIPTURE SONG ARTISTS:

The Corner Room

Seeds Family Worship

King Things

Esther Mui

Benjamin NG

The Bigsby Show (for the books of the Bible and the 12 Disciples)

SIGN LANGUAGE RESOURCES:

Hands Speak,  Signs Savvy, ASL Dictionary

 

 

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Standing at the Edge of a New Year with Giants in Your Path? Discover Seven Biblical Strategies to Conquer Your Greatest Fears in 2026.

Few things unsettle a parent’s heart like the uncertainty and challenges a new year can bring. When the calendar flips and giants—finances, relationships, health issues, parenting worries—seem larger than life, how do we stand firm in faith and lead our families with confidence?

In this empowering New Year’s episode of Christian Parent/Crazy World, Catherine takes listeners on an honest and hope-filled journey, asking the crucial question: "How do you conquer the giants staring you down in the new year?" Drawing from her own season of transition—relocating her family, homeschooling five kids, navigating empty nesting, and facing financial mountains—Catherine shares seven unshakeable principles for slaying the giants in our lives, straight from Scripture and her own experience.

From recounting stories of friends facing enormous trials to sharing her own “embarrassing” moments of doubt and panic, Catherine models vulnerability and practical faith. She reminds parents: Your giant is real, but your God is bigger.

🌱 7 Principles to Slay Your Giants (And Find Peace This Year!)

1. Keep a Childlike Faith: Look to David, young and unjaded, who believed God could do the impossible. Jesus tells us, “Unless you change and become like little children, you will never enter the kingdom of God.” (Matthew 18)
2. Fear Not: Identify the specific lie that’s fueling your fear. Don’t gloss over your anxieties—journal them, talk to God about them, and let Him speak truth in their place.
3. Be Thankful: Shift your focus away from the giant by remembering God’s faithfulness. Thanksgiving isn’t just polite—it’s the bridge to supernatural peace (Philippians 4).
4. Don’t Complain: Just like Israel grumbled in the desert and missed the Promised Land, complaining focuses our hearts on the obstacle—not the God who overcomes it. Choose gratitude and see your perspective change.
5. Help Someone Else with Their Giant: Serving others shrinks your own problems. When your world feels small, intentionally loving and supporting another can break fear’s hold and invite fresh hope.
6. Persevere in Prayer: Pray specific scriptures over your situation, your children, your marriage—every single day. Prayer doesn’t just change circumstances; it changes us.
7. Remember God is With You (and For You): Whatever you’re facing, you never face it alone. God’s presence is your source of victory—He goes before you, fights for you, and He is for you.

Why This Matters Now: 2026 may bring uncertainty, but God is bigger than every giant we face as parents, spouses, and believers. By reclaiming these timeless principles—faith, gratitude, community, and prayer—parents can move from panic to peace and model resilience for their children.

Call to Action: What is the greatest giant looming over your family this year? Take hold of the principles from today’s episode and make them your daily practice—and watch what God will do!

Share your story or prayer requests with Catherine at [email protected] and join a community of Christian parents determined to walk in faith, not fear.

EPISODE LINKS:

• Matt Scott’s “Fear Not” sermon (The Gathering Place)
• Scripture playlists, prodigal prayers, and more at Catherine’s website

Giants may roar, but God’s promises thunder louder. Happy New Year—and remember, God’s got you, and He is bigger than your giant.

 

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Tired of searching for family-friendly Christmas movies, only to find options that clash with your values? Not sure which holiday films are actually worth gathering everyone around the TV for?

Catherine shines a light on the dilemma facing so many Christian parents today: how can we find Christmas movies that are both wholesome and engaging—not just repeats of worn-out classics, but films that affirm faith, family, and the real reason for the season?

In this special “best of” holiday edition of Christian Parent/Crazy World, Catherine steps into the critic’s seat to deliver her curated list of 5 Family-Centered Films for Christmas. After being shocked by the inclusion of edgy, agenda-driven titles in mainstream “best Christmas movie” lists, Catherine was inspired to seek out fresh, faith-forward options that won’t leave you cringing or hitting “stop.”

Here’s her handpicked lineup, designed to offer fresh options you likely haven’t already worn out—and to fill your home with joy and true Christmas meaning:

• Kids’ Pick: Journey to the Christmas Star – A Norwegian fairy tale adventure with wholesome themes and just a hint of magic, perfect for little ones.
• Guys’ Pick: Joyeux Noël – A moving, true WWI story about the Christmas Eve ceasefire, exploring big questions of faith, war, and reconciliation (best for teens and up due to mature content).
• Girls’ Pick: The Christmas Candle – A charming British period piece set in a candle-lit village, based on Max Lucado's novel, brimming with questions about miracles and faith.
• Date Night Pick: The Family Man – A romantic, funny exploration of priorities and purpose, reminding parents (and couples) of the value of family over fleeting worldly success.
• Family Pick: The Nativity Story –Catherine’s top recommendation, this beautifully faithful retelling of Mary and Joseph’s journey brings the original Christmas story to life—and into your living room.

For each film, Catherine shares why it matters, where you can watch it, and what to be aware of for younger viewers. She encourages listeners to use these films as a springboard for meaningful family conversations about faith, sacrifice, the supernatural, and what Christmas is truly about. She also invites families to discuss where these movies align—or deviate—from biblical truth, fostering discernment and depth.

Finish your holiday season feeling equipped, inspired, and ready to lead your family in a Christ-centered celebration.

Reflect and Respond:
Which Christmas film has sparked a meaningful conversation in your family about faith or values? After tuning in, share your own recommendations or thoughts with Catherine and the CPCW listeners—and make sure to check out her complete list with streaming links at www.catherineseagers.com.

Don’t miss out on the resources, encouragement, and conversations that set your family apart in a culture that often forgets Christ at Christmas. Tune in, and let’s put faith back at the heart of the holiday!

 

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Hope and faith are never more deeply tested than in seasons of loss—and the holidays can magnify the ache in ways we never expected. In this heartfelt and timely episode, Catherine shares her personal journey of holding on to faith when hope seems out of reach, inviting listeners into a story as raw as it is redemptive.

Christmas often conjures images of joy and togetherness, but for many families, it can also emphasize what's been lost—a loved one’s absence, a fractured relationship, or dreams that haven’t materialized. Catherine unpacks the question: How do you cling to faith when hope feels broken?

Through the moving account of her own experience, Catherine reveals:

• The intertwined nature of hope and faith—like sisters searching for one another in the darkest moments.
• The surprising ways God meets us in our grief and disappointment, even when prayers seem unanswered and dreams feel dead.
• Her journey through the miscarriage of a child named Hope and the birth of her daughter Evangeline Faith, illustrating how faith often rises from the ashes of dashed hope.
• The symbolic lesson of two tiny angels—Hope and Faith—and the divine timing and comfort they brought during times of loss and longing.

This episode acknowledges the realities of heartache during the holidays, while offering a message of profound encouragement: When hope feels lost, our faith can flourish in its place, anchored by the presence of Jesus—Emmanuel, God with us.

Key takeaways include:

• Faith isn’t just for the easy times; it’s forged in the waiting, the searching, and the grieving.
• Hope lives eternally anchored in Heaven, but faith is given for the here and now, carrying us through seasons of sorrow.
• God redeems suffering and restores hope, sometimes in ways we cannot yet see.

Resources and encouragement for parents:

• Free gifts for subscribers at com—including the ebook "Beyond the Lies," scripture songs, and a prodigal bundle for parents carrying extra burdens during the holidays.
• Sneak peeks for upcoming episodes, including a "Best Of" holiday film episode and a powerful New Year’s episode focused on biblical strategies for facing giants in 2026.

Join Catherine for this vulnerable conversation—where loss meets promise, hope anchors the soul, and faith breathes new life into even the hardest seasons.

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What if your healthcare choices could align with both your family’s budget and your faith?

In an era where medical bills climb higher and insurance offers less, Christian parents are left searching for answers. In this eye-opening episode, Catherine sits down with Dr. Ian Day, a practicing physician of more than 25 years and the Chief Medical Officer of Medishare, to explore a radical, Christ-centered alternative to traditional healthcare.

Healthcare is one of the greatest stressors for families today—unexpected bills, confusing coverage, and ethical compromises have made many believers feel helpless. But what if there was another way? What if solutions from the early church could provide both practical relief and spiritual support? Medishare is a not-for-profit healthcare sharing ministry, bringing Christians together to share medical bills and bear one another's burdens—both physical and spiritual.

What You’ll Discover in This Episode:

• Healthcare Sharing Ministries Demystified: Dr. Day explains the mission behind Medishare, how Christian care ministry works, and why it’s more than just a “healthcare product”—it’s a biblical community modeled on Acts 2 and 4, where believers share both financial and spiritual burdens.
• What is Biblical Wellness? Discover Dr. Day’s holistic approach to wellness—caring for body, mind, and spirit—and learn how Medishare members are encouraged to prioritize spiritual health right alongside physical and emotional well-being.
• The True Causes Behind Skyrocketing Costs: Dr. Day breaks down exactly why premiums, deductibles, and medical expenses are spiraling, from prescription costs and hospital consolidation to administrative complexity and the lingering effects of the pandemic.
• Practical Solutions for Christian Households: Listeners get actionable advice on navigating the coming years, including the role of telemedicine, the importance of stewardship and lifestyle choices, and crucial tips for evaluating healthcare sharing ministries.
• Values-Driven Coverage: Catherine and Dr. Day wrestle openly with the ethical dilemmas of traditional insurance—funding procedures that oppose biblical beliefs—and celebrate Medishare’s commitment to supporting adoption, maternity, and life-affirming care while excluding services contrary to Christian values.
• Real Hope, Real Stories: Dr. Day shares moving examples of families whose lives were transformed by Medishare’s practical support, long-term care, and prayerful partnership—highlighting the difference a faith-based approach can make in life’s hardest moments.

If you’ve ever wondered why your insurance seems to cover less and cost more—or questioned if your family’s healthcare can truly reflect your faith and values—this episode delivers understanding, clarity, and hope. Catherine closes with a reminder that believers are called to be the answer in a broken world, echoing the early church’s radical love and practical care.

Why This Matters:

As Catherine puts it, “For all the broken systems in our world, the church needs to be the answer. Believers need to be the answer.” If you’re a Christian parent wrestling with big questions about stewardship, wellness, and truly living your faith in every aspect of life—including those daunting healthcare decisions—this episode will both equip and encourage you.

 

Parenting Takeaway: What steps can you take to model biblical stewardship, community support, and faith-driven discernment in how your family approaches healthcare—body, mind, and spirit?

 

Meet the Guest: Dr. Ian Day is a dedicated leader in faith-based healthcare. Through Medi-Share, Dr. Day has championed a unique model where Christians come together to share medical bills and support each other spiritually, all in alignment with biblical values. With more than 30 years of proven service, Dr. Day has helped Medi-Share become the most trusted name in healthcare sharing, facilitating over $50 million in shared medical expenses each month. He is committed to providing Christian families with a compassionate, God-honoring alternative to traditional insurance, ensuring members are supported not just financially, but also with prayer and encouragement along their healthcare journey.

Episode Links:

• Learn more about Medi-Share and Christian Care Ministry
• Viral Video of Robby Witt being charged double for an ambulance with insurance than the uninsured rate
• Catherine Segars—Free Parenting Resources & Email List

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What if the greatest gift you give your kids this Christmas is a heart of generosity—and the chance to change someone else’s world?

This episode goes beyond stockings and wrapping paper to tackle one of the most pressing questions for believers during the holiday season: How do we practically teach our children the virtue of generosity, not just for the holidays, but for a lifetime—and in a way that makes a true, eternal difference?

Answer: Plant seeds of generosity in your family with Samaritan’s Purse Christmas Gift Catalog, a unique way for families to give gifts that can transform lives around the globe.

Browse the catalog and get involved at www.samaritanspurse.org/parent.

Catherine welcomes Kristy Graham, host of the On the Ground with Samaritan’s Purse podcast and wife to Edward Graham, part of the legacy family behind this renowned global relief ministry. With firsthand experience raising four children and witnessing God’s faithfulness in some of the most challenging corners of the globe, Kristy brings unmatched insight and compassion to this timely discussion.

What You’ll Discover in This Episode:

• Transformative Giving - The Samaritan's Purse Christmas Gift Catalog: Learn how families can open a new kind of catalog—one offering goats, honeybees, water filters, heart surgeries, and more—to provide desperately needed gifts to people across the globe.
• Real Stories, Real Impact: Kristy recounts emotional, hope-filled stories: families in Iraq whose lives are remade by a simple beehive; a mother shattered by tragedy in need of purpose and dignity, restored by a brood of baby chicks; and the power of a $9 donation to feed a hungry infant and spark the hope of the Gospel for a mother who feels forgotten.
• Generosity That Changes Hearts—Including Our Own: Discover practical ways to involve your kids in picking out gifts, writing cards for teachers in someone’s honor, or pairing a meaningful donation with something tangible.
• Biblical Parallels: Kristy and Catherine share how the work of Samaritan’s purse brings to life the stories of Ruth, who gleaned what benevolent benefactors left for those less fortunate, and Hagar, who met the God who saw her need.
• Seeds of the Gospel: Every gift given through Samaritan’s Purse meets physical needs—and intentionally opens doors for the life-changing message of Christ. Whether it’s a water well, a jar of honey, or a vital medical procedure, these gifts become vehicles for sharing hope and introducing recipients to the God who truly sees them.

Call to Action:

This Christmas, will your family give a gift that extends beyond your home?
Explore life-changing opportunities at samaritanspurse.org/parent as a family, and ask your kids: “How can we be part of God’s story of hope this Christmas?”
Let your generosity become a legacy of faith, planting seeds for eternity.

Episode Links:

• Samaritan’s Purse Gift Catalog: www.samaritanspurse.org/parent
• On the Ground with Samaritan’s Purse Podcast
• Catherine's Resources for Christian Parents

About the guest: Kristy Graham hosts On the Ground with Samaritan’s Purse, a show she launched in 2019 to highlight God’s faithfulness through the ministry’s work. Each week, she brings listeners close to the stories of staff and the people they serve—always pointing hearts to Christ. From missionary doctors in Kenya to military couples in Alaska to families receiving new homes after disasters, Kristy loves witnessing Samaritan’s Purse in action. At home, she and her husband, Edward, are raising their four children in the mountains of North Carolina.

 

Parents, what new tradition will you start this year to show your children the joy—and eternal impact—of generosity?

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Christmas is one of the most magical seasons for families—but in the midst of the bustle of parties, presents, and Pinterest-perfect traditions, how do we ensure our children keep Christ at the center of it all?

Catherine sits down with national TV host, actress, and best-selling author Megan Alexander to unwrap a timely question: How do Christian families actually keep Christ central during Christmas? Megan, who has been a familiar face on CBS’s Inside Edition for over two decades and the producer of UPTV’s “Small Town Christmas,” brings her unique insights in her newest book, The True Gifts of Christmas: Unwrapping the Meaning of Our Most Cherished Traditions. This beautiful Advent resource is designed to make celebrating the season both meaningful and manageable—especially for busy parents.

Key highlights from the episode include:

• Reclaiming Christmas Traditions – Megan shares fascinating stories behind beloved customs, revealing their hidden spiritual roots—from the Christian symbolism of candy canes to legends like the poinsettia. Listeners will discover how stockings, Christmas trees, gingerbread cookies, and even bells can point children (and parents!) back to Jesus.
• Making Christmas Memorable & Manageable – The book isn’t just a devotional, it’s a coffee table conversation starter, filled with vibrant visuals and historical nuggets accessible to all ages. Catherine Segars notes, “It’s not a sermon… it’s an invitation to consider,” making it a perfect gift, even for those who might not identify as Christian but need a positive encounter with Christ.
• Practical Family Ideas – From flashlight candy cane hunts to placing candles near loved ones’ pictures, Megan shares creative, simple ways to anchor faith in everyday family traditions. Each activity is an opportunity to discuss the deeper meaning behind symbols and stories—turning ordinary moments into spiritual conversations.
• Honoring Hope and Hardship – The episode thoughtfully addresses the reality that Christmas is not always “roses.” Stories like that of Henry Wadsworth Longfellow and the tradition of bells remind listeners that even in grief or difficulty, the hope of the gospel and the presence of Christ remain steadfast.

Notable quote:
“You’ll never listen to bells the same. People are gathering; God is alive and well. There is hope in this world.” — Megan Alexander

Listeners will walk away with:

• Fresh inspiration to slow down and celebrate Advent with their kids
• Easy ways to make faith tangible without adding stress to the holiday
• New eyes to see Christ woven through the fabric of their favorite traditions

About the guest:
Megan Alexander is a national TV correspondent, producer, and author. Her book, The True Gifts of Christmas: Unwrapping the Meaning of Our Most Cherished Traditions, is a heartfelt guide to making Advent meaningful for families. She is also a mom of three and an outspoken believer who brings decades of experience bridging faith and the mainstream entertainment industry.

Call to Action:
What tradition could you reclaim this Christmas to make Christ the focus? How can you use a simple story, object, or moment to share the reason for the season with your children? Tune in, unwrap these ideas, and start a new tradition that keeps Jesus at the heart of your family’s celebration!

Resources:

The True Gifts of Christmas: Unwrapping the Meaning of Our Most Cherished Traditions by Megan Alexander

Megan’s Website & Instagram

Catherine Website & Free Resources

Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.