The holidays can bring joy and celebration, but they can also amplify struggles—whether it’s stress, loneliness, or old habits trying to creep back in. But here’s the good news: Christmas isn’t about surviving; it’s about thriving through the renewal, strength, and freedom Christ offers us.

In this episode, we’ll explore practical, Christ-centered steps to guard your heart, focus your mind, and lean on the One who came to set us free. So grab a cup of coffee, settle in, and let’s journey together toward thriving in purity and purpose this Christmas season.”

Here are the 5 ideas Chris mentioned to help reframe the season with your family.

1. DIY “Christmas Olympics”

Create a fun competition with holiday-themed events like a gingerbread house-building contest, snowman relay races, cookie decorating speed rounds, or a wrapping paper obstacle course. Award silly medals for “Best Decorator,” “Fastest Wrapper,” or “Snowball Toss Champion.”

1. “Reverse” Christmas Scavenger Hunt

Instead of finding things, hide small, meaningful notes or gifts (like handwritten memories or inside jokes) around the house. Each clue leads to the next, and everyone takes turns searching. End the hunt with hot chocolate and sharing favorite family memories.

1. Family Christmas Movie Reenactment

Pick a favorite holiday movie (like Home Alone or Elf) and have everyone act out funny scenes together. Use DIY props, costumes, and cameras to film it, then have a “premiere” night with popcorn. It’ll be a goofy family keepsake.

1. “Around the World” Christmas Dinner

Research how Christmas is celebrated in other countries and cook a dish or dessert from each. Set up “stations” in the kitchen or dining room, decorate accordingly, and let everyone learn something new while feasting together.

1. Holiday Camp-In by the Tree

Set up a cozy indoor camping experience next to the Christmas tree with blankets, pillows, and sleeping bags. Tell Christmas stories, play board games, make s’mores in the oven, and fall asleep under the glow of the lights.

If this episode encouraged you, share it with someone who needs to hear it, and be sure to subscribe for more Christ-centered recovery encouragement. Until next time, remember: through Him, you don’t just survive—you thrive. And as always, remember when you are walking on this journey through recovery, you are not walking alone.

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On today’s episode, Chris is joined by Deborah Schiller and Erick, where Erick will share his journey from an early childhood porn addiction that escalated into child sexual abuse images and his ultimate arrest. Deborah, has a Master of Science in Counseling, is a Licensed Professional Counselor, and Certified Sexual Addiction Therapist, and she’s here to help us flesh out the nature of this addiction and brings compassion and deep knowledge to this topic.

This is an important—yet difficult—topic. It’s one that doesn’t always get a lot of attention because of the shame that goes along with it.

I want to acknowledge up front that this conversation might be challenging, and if you’re listening and feel the need to pause or take a moment for yourself, that’s okay.

To connect with Deborah, please email her at [email protected].

To connect with Erick, please contact him at 334-400-2186.

If you have questions or want to reach out, please email us at [email protected], and remember that on this path of recovery, you are not walking alone.

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On the Purity Podcast today, Chris discusses theology as recovery with Mike. Mike is a regular recovery guy like you and me. He approached me with this topic as a result of his growth in recovery when he discovered that while books on recovery are fantastic and help change our behavior, we are missing out if we don’t study the word of God to see heart change take place. In addition to the book Chris mentions, The Good and Beautiful God, by James Bryan Smith, here are some resources mentioned in today’s podcast.

• Desiring God by John Piper (all books available digitally at https://www.desiringGod.org)

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Today I’m interviewing Chelsea and Layton Boovie of liberator podcast. Chelsea and Layton are on mission to help couples understand the impact of pornography and equip those couples to find restoration in their marriages. To learn more about Chelsea and Layton and their resources, go to liberatorpodcast.com. Through their podcast and mission, you will find truths through the lens of stories, science, and Scripture. I love this quote from their website which reads, “Your mind will not give up easily that which you have fed so regularly.”  You can also find their podcast at https://www.liberatorpodcast.com/episodes.

If you have questions or want to reach out, please email us at [email protected], and remember that on this path of recovery, you are not walking alone.

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Today Chris tackles a sensitive topic with the help of Kelton and Lynson. Today we’re exploring a topic that’s close to the hearts of many but can be difficult to discuss—same-sex attraction.

I know this subject can be deeply personal and complex, touching on issues of identity, acceptance, and love. Our goal is to create a safe and respectful space where we can have an open, honest conversation. Whether you’re seeking understanding, support, or simply curious, we’re here to navigate this journey together.

So, let’s take a deep breath, open our minds, and start this important conversation. Thank you for coming along with us on this path of understanding and connection.

Below are some resources mentioned in today’s podcast.

For the Body

A Therapist’s Guide: Assisting those with SSA and their loved ones

Gay Girl, Good God: The Story of Who I Was, and Who God Has Always Been

Unwanted: How Sexual Brokenness Reveals Our Way to Healing

The Secret Thoughts of an Unlikely Convert: Expanded Edition

Rethinking Sexuality: God’s Design and Why It Matters

Authentic Intimacy Podcast

Theology in the Raw Books

Thank you for joining the purity podcast. If you’d like to connect with Kelton, Lynson, or myself please send an email to [email protected].

On our next episode I have the privilege of interviewing Chelsea and Layton Boovie of liberator podcast. Chelsea and Layton are on mission to help couples understand the impact of pornography and equip them to find restoration in their marriages. For now, I’m Chris, thanks for listening to the purity podcast and remember, as you walk this journey of recovery, you are not walking alone.

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Remember that on this path of recovery, you are not walking alone.

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In today’s episode, Chris takes a break from sobriety and recovery topics to discuss the most important thing regarding sobriety and recovery…a relationship with Jesus Christ. Chris’s brother will be in Paris for about 10 days with International Sports Chaplains street witnessing using a “Salvation Pin” they will give out for free. The pin comes with a story that Chris will be sharing today. If you want to be a pin sponsor, please go to Venmo and give to @FICMin (Freedom In Chris Ministries). You can sponsor 5 pins for $10, 10 pins for $20, etc.

If you have questions or want to reach out, please email us at [email protected], and remember that on this path of recovery, you are not walking alone.

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Remember that on this path of recovery, you are not walking alone.

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I’m interviewing The Purity Coach, Steve Etner. He has a point of purity program that will equip and train you in how to overcome porn addiction. His plan is Bible based and Christ centered, and he can help you create a strategic plan for ongoing purity. To learn more about Steve and the coaching he provides go to thepuritycoach.com. He has a free purity app, helpful videos, a podcast and lots of books. He even has a section that will help you find a counselor in your area.

If you have questions or want to reach out, please email us at [email protected], and remember that on this path of recovery, you are not walking alone.

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