Today we celebrated that 25 years ago, on August 16, 2000, I met Christ in this abortion clinic, Preterm Cleveland! God intervened, Courteney's life was saved, and my soul was saved! I am forever thankful to God for pursuing me, showing up in my darkest moment, and using His kindness to lead me to true repentance. Courteney was set apart for good works...made on purpose and for a purpose. What a perfect and great God we serve and love!

Today was interesting to say the least, as we encountered such darkness from the abortion clinic workers....making sexual gestures as I recorded, blaring music to drown out my voice, calling the police, and taking pictures and recording us as we loaded into our car and drove away. This was a first for us. But Satan knew....Satan knew the story that was being declared: the hope, the triumph, the victory, and Jesus. So it was a privilege to encounter such persecution. Bring it! God prevailed!

After a whirlwind of life, ministry, and miracles, I’m back behind the mic, and I’ve got stories to tell. In this heartfelt episode, I'm Still Here, I’m catching you up on the last four months that have been nothing short of incredible. From speaking engagements to travel adventures, disability ministry milestones to powerful moments of connection — it’s been busy, beautiful, and a little bit crazy (to say the least!).

Whether you’re a disability parent, a fellow advocate, a faith-filled friend, or someone just trying to keep going — this episode is for you. It’s a reminder that even when life feels like a blur, we’re still standing. Still showing up. Still here.

I’ll share highlights, behind-the-scenes moments, and encouragement for those of you who feel like you’ve been running on empty. God’s been moving, and I want you to hear about it.

In this episode, you’ll hear:

• What I’ve been up to since the last episode — and why the silence was actually sacred
• Stories from the road: speaking, advocating, connecting
• Beautiful moments of belonging in disability ministry
• A few vulnerable confessions (because life is real)
• And a whole lot of gratitude

If you’ve ever felt like life has swept you up and you don’t know where to begin again — press play. This is your invitation to breathe, smile, and be reminded that God is not done yet.

In this enlightening episode, we dive into the critical issue of disability and voting with Ohio Secretary of State Frank LaRose and ADA Coordinator Brett Harbage. Discover the remarkable efforts being made to ensure accessible voting for all, hear inspiring personal stories, and learn about the extensive accommodations available to voters with disabilities. We also discuss the process of starting nonprofits and businesses in Ohio.

Resources Referenced:

Secretary of State Office # - 877-SOS-OHIO

Secretary of State Website - www.OhioSOS.gov

To Register to Vote in Ohio: www.VoteOhio.gov

Youtube Video of Kevin Boyle being Honored in Congress!!: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=raFd4IadayE

In this episode, Christine is joined in Studio Court by her husband, Dan, and their best friends Nancy and Curtis Carnes. Nancy and Curtis have been long-time dear friends of the Boyle family and they are also the Godparents to Christine and Dan's kids, Courteney and Kevin.

Recording just days prior to the 3 year anniversary of Courteney Boyle's passing, these four close friends reminisce about Courteney's extraordinary life, and they ask the big question of who is really whole and who needs wholeness?

This episode reminds us how God promises to do His best and most powerful work in the lives of the weak, the broken, the humble and those who the world often overlooks.

You are Invited In!

In this episode, Christine is joined by her dear friend, co-worker, and fellow disability parent, Brad Mowry. Together they share raw and authentic perspectives on the topic of "Chronic Sorrow." Chronic sorrow is  a pervasive loss that comes in waves over time regarding the loss that happens at stages throughout life and milestones missed for the disabled child and parent. 

Brad and Christine are both long-term caregivers to adult children with disabilities and have almost 50 years of combined experience on this journey and this topic.

You are Invited In!

Night to Shine proms are just around the corner! On February 7, 2025, hundreds of churches worldwide will host Night to Shine proms. These proms are good if they lead to fruitful ministry with and alongside people with disabilities and to make disciples of people with disabilities.

Christine dives deep into how families affected by disability need so much more than just a prom, a one-night event. She shares the deep longing that people with disabilities and their families have to belong, to be known, to be invested in, to be in community, and to be needed in the local church. She gives practical solutions to churches on how they can accomplish this before and after Night to Shine.

You are Invited In!

Referenced In Episode:

The 5 Stages: https://www.wheaton.edu/wheaton-center-for-faith-and-disability/disability-foundations/stages-of-attitudes/

Tim Tebow Foundation - Night to Shine: https://timtebowfoundation.org/night-to-shine/

Dr. Erik Carter, the Luther Sweet Endowed Chair in Disabilities at Baylor University and Executive Director of the Baylor Center on Developmental Disabilities, joins Christine on this episode of Invited In.

Dr. Carter is well known for his research on the intersection between disability and faith. He often teaches and speaks about the 10 dimensions of belonging and what that practically looks like in the life of someone with a disability and their family.

He has co-authored seven books and written over 300 journal articles, chapters and other publications.

Christine and Erik discuss many topics under the overarching theme of belonging.

You are Invited In!

www.erikcarter.com

YouTube Video referenced:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sRZHwj6CarM&t=1802s

Christine interviews Dan Vander Plaats the creator of "The 5 Stages: Changing Attitudes," a resource used all over the world to teach about disability and attitudes toward disability.

This simple, but profound, one-page resource is one of the greatest tools to equip, educate, and encourage Christians on God's heart for the Church and for people with disabilities within the Body of Christ.

This can be life-changing and attitude-changing for you!

You are Invited In!

5 stages PDF English

Youtube - The 5 Stages of Disability Attitudes

December 4th is a day of celebration, remembering, and mourning. Christine reflects on and celebrates the completion of her first year of podcasting. Christine simultaneously celebrates and honors her daughter Courteney on her 24th birthday and that she is the reason and the "why" this podcast came to be. To God alone be the glory!

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On this episode of Invited In, Christine and Dr. Steve Grcevich of Key Ministry, discuss the mental health crisis outside of and within the Church. Steve believes and shares that people with a mental health disability are the most underserved population by the church in North America. He encourages and provides resources from Key Ministry and his childhood psychiatrist experiences to help the Church see the need for mental health ministry.

You Are Invited In!

Resources from this episode:

• www.keyministry.org
• Disability and The Church Conference - Washington D.C. at McLean Bible Church, May 29-April 1 . *Most Discounted Tickets will be on sale around Christmas!!*
• Special Needs and Disabilities Ministry Leaders Forum (SNAD) on Facebook