Mother’s Day Video – On Being a Spiritual Parent

Here’s what I shared last Sunday about being a spiritual parent, or a spiritual kid.  Your comments – especially the nice ones – are welcome!  If you don’t see the video below, click on “Mother’s Day Video” above.  

Pretty Darn Cool…

To see your own name in lights – or at least on a highway sign!  Mother’s Day message went great, was well received.  Hubby said I hit it out of the park in both services.  Video will be up soon, posted here and on YouTube, and will probably include some of the accompanying PowerPoint.  Thanks for your prayers and kind support!

Mother’s Day Gifts

Deep-tissue Swedish massage with hot stones.  Spa pedicure.  Manicure with moisture mask and paraffin dip.  Eyelash extensions.  Why are all Mother’s Day gifts found at the spa? If you’re like me, you’ve received emails in the past few days advertising these kinds of special treats designed to delight and pamper your Mom this Mother’s Day.  Sure, I love a good manicure like most gals I know, but none of these things would make my Mother’s Day special. What would make it special?  Joy.  And not just any joy. 3 John 1:4 says “I have no greater joy than this, to hear of my children walking in the truth.”  Nothing stirs my heart like knowing – not just guessing – but … Continue reading →

Gearing Up for Mother’s Day

Mother’s Day is a big day.  Wherever it is celebrated, in churches large and small, babies are dedicated, Moms are honored, flowers are worn and displayed.  Like the turning of seasons, from winter to spring, Mother’s Day conjures up images of growth and blooming stuff and new life. As I type, just outside my window a mother bird has been feeding insects to her babies.  Little birdie mouths have gobbled things I would never under any circumstances consider food, but somehow, this precious scene moved me to tears.  This Mother’s Day, I’m honored and delighted to be the guest speaker at my home church.  Yes, the topic will be about parenting, but no, it won’t be specific to just moms.  … Continue reading →

In the Spring of the Year, When Kings Go Off to War

April has become a crappy month to have a birthday.  But reality is – from a purely secular perspective, it’s been a crappy month for a very long time.  Pardon my language.  For many years, I have noticed and dreaded and thought about this time of year, when all hell seems to break loose in this country – and beyond.  A short perusal of http://www.history.com/this-day-in-history will give you a day-by-day list of many of the worst things that have happened here and around the world in April, going way back to the founding of Rome (April 21, 753 BC, FYI).   That seems a fitting time to start an organizational and military machine that literally grew up from blood-soaked lands that … Continue reading →

Mid-Life Crisis: Facelift or Tattoo?

Tomorrow is the annual day of dread in my world.  Yes, it’s my birthday. So many of you are so very nice to me on this day.  Lots of you send me emails and cards and social media greetings too.  My husband usually gets me something that I tell him I want.  I’d love for him to actually get me something I want without being told, just because he knows me so well after decades of togetherness, but on the big day, the important thing is the remembrance, right?  My kids are nice while I’m opening my present(s); I think they expect there will be a little something in it for them too, but don’t tell them I said so. … Continue reading →

Physical Therapy for My Heart

I confess to being something of an adrenaline junkie.  Not like you truly crazy humans who feel compelled to jump out of airplanes or ski down mountains with vertical slopes.  No, I like living from high to high in my daily life. Runners (like I used to be) get this kind of high after a great, demanding run.  And I get that same kind of high whenever my plans come together better than I imagined, or when someone really embraces the point I’m trying to make.  The things that rock my soul feed that dopamine or adrenaline or whatever combination of bodily chemicals that gives me a jolt of electric power. If I’m not completely careful, I can slip into the … Continue reading →

Four Tips for Great Presentations

The Association of Professional Christian Speakers posted this short article on some of my lessons learned as a speaker.  Here’s the link: http://professionalchristianspeakers.weebly.com/ Anything you’d like to share as a speaker, presenter or in sales?  As the old adage says, “We’re all in sales,” whether we’re selling toothbrushes or digital ideas or the importance of vegetables to a 4-year old.  I’d love to hear and share some of your presentation tips too!  And look for my Mother’s Day presentation in mid-May.  I’m honored to be the guest speaker at my home church on this important day.

Ode to Mother’s Day

Preparing to speak at my church on Mother’s Day, and I found this forgotten gem from my daughter.  She penned this timeless poem four years ago, in her pre-teen years.  Clearly she thinks differently of me now.  I added NOTHING to this poem. Enjoy! My mother is sweet, my mother is kind,She loves me all day, when the clock chimes nine.My mother is caring, my mother is sweet,She always offers the best things to eat.My mother is loving, cheerful and kind,and always tucks me in, even at half past nine.My mother loves me because she’s my mom,She will still love me if I kill her with a bomb (on purpose)If I have an ache and say please, She prays and … Continue reading →

Catherine Boyle Interview on Insight, Part 2 of 2

My interview on the Canadian television program “Insight,” found on The Miracle Channel, part 2 of 2.  This segment features email and caller questions and comments.  

Interview on Insight, Part 1 of 2

Here’s the first part of my hour-long interview about eating disorder and my book, Hungry Souls:  What the Bible Says About Eating Disorder, on Insight, a program on The Miracle Channel in Canada.  Your comments are welcome!

One Little Word

Here’s a funny but true story from my actual life.  There are way too many of these; it’s really kind of ridiculous. http://professionalchristianspeakers.weebly.com/2/post/2013/04/funny-friday-one-little-word.html “A happy heart is good medicine”  Proverbs 17:22. Happy Funny Friday!

Springtime Tisha B’Av

In just a few weeks, I “celebrate” (dread?  acknowledge? endure?) another birthday.  I’m not sure exactly when the mania leading up to my birthday began, but for at least 10 years I’ve faced the last few weeks before the Big Day with more than just a little angst and trepidation.  Part of it is because so many terrible things happen in this season each year.  The Oklahoma City Bombing, the tragedy at Waco, the Columbine High School shootings, Hitler’s birthday are all horribly intertwined with the remembrances of Passover and Jesus’ crucifixion and resurrection.  Satan does his best to take our focus off what we should be celebrating, that is, God’s power over death, by instead shoving the horrors of … Continue reading →

Unholy Trinity: Argentina, Eating Disorder and Pope Francis 1 – Part 2 of 2

Argentina, homeland of the newly consecrated Pope Francis 1, won independence from Spain in the early 19th century.  This makes the nation heavily influenced by the Roman Catholic church, and also means that the nation’s legal system was developed following European models.  Though Argentina technically does not have a state religion, the nation is about 90% Roman Catholic.  Roman Catholic bishops are paid a salary by the Argentinean federal government, roughly equal to the salary of federal judges.    While I contend that those who stridently screech about the separation of church and state in this country have gone way too far, resulting in schools that are often little more than part-time prisons for our nation’s children, having the church … Continue reading →

Eating Disorder, Argentina and Pope Francis 1 – Part 1 of 2

Chatting with the host of Insight on the Canadian television network The Miracle Channel (www.miraclechannel.ca), right before going on the air, he mentioned that the rate of eating disorder in Argentina was three times that of the United States.  This little bit of information grabbed me, in part because the United States seems to be the leader of so many things that are spiritually adrift.  The other reason this grabbed me is because just the day before, Pope Francis was inaugurated as the 266th pope of the Roman Catholic Church. Before I go any farther, let me say that I know there are many adherents of the Catholic tradition who are solid believers in and followers of Jesus Christ.  The … Continue reading →

Cultural Christian or Spiritual Pioneer?

I’ve added the audio and powerpoint from my presentation to a Richmond, VA area Community Bible Study group on my YouTube channel, shown below.   

Way of Life #4: Consistency

Like many of you, I started this year with some new goals, some resolutions.  Much to my dismay, several of my resolutions have not exactly panned out as planned. Doomed to failure from the start was the desire to complete  P90X (a Christmas gift) within 90 actual days.  Not epochs or millennia, but calendar days.  In a row.  In my humble but accurate opinion, the P90X people should seriously consider marketing a P180X or even a P365X for women.  The company now sells 10-minute exercise programs, which is more realistic for me, at least until all the humans in my Little House can drive themselves wherever they need to go.   I’ve worked through most of the P90X routines now.  … Continue reading →

It’s Amazing How Good You Feel When…

You can breathe.  Invention needed:  Nasal vacuum. You can sleep all night long.  Your loved ones are making good choices. You can run without pain. You can read books that challenge you to think deeply.  You can create something that is your own idea, or design, or handiwork. You can love without fear of rejection. You can enjoy life without needless criticism or pointless conflict. You can trust God, even when some of the stuff in your life doesn’t make your heart feel good. You can pray.  No invention needed, just intention.  Intention to devote oneself to Christ and His will.

Way of Life #3: Popular. It’s all about Pop-u-ler.

Given Pa’s love for the Wizard of Oz (he can quote every line, even those of the lesser-known munchkins, in perfect fortissimo voce), it’s no surprise that Wicked is one of our family’s favorite musicals.  We took our munchkins to see the show on Broadway six years ago, a performance that made a huge impression, in part because we had to run ten blocks to get to the theatre on time after taking the wrong bus, and also because we ate ‘dinner’ at intermission, which consisted of peanut M&M’s and soda.  It was pretty much the perfect kid night. In Wicked, Glinda and Elphaba trade barbs in the story and in song, revealing that little in their character is black … Continue reading →

Not Old and Wrinkly

Yesterday at the GRAP, I encountered a group of 6 and 7 year olds from a local private school enjoying PE class at the indoor pool.  Entering a stall to change into my swimsuit, two young ladies entered the two stalls beside mine.  What follows is an excerpt from their actual conversation: Girl 1:  There’s a lady beside you! Girl 2:  I know. Girl 1:  Is she old? Girl 2:  No, she’s not old. Girl 1: How do you know? Girl 2:   Look at her shoes.  Old ladies don’t wear shoes like that. Girl 1:  Some might! Girl 2:  Naaa, I saw her.  She’s not wrinkly. There you have it.  Contrary to the beliefs of my offspring, I am not … Continue reading →

Catherine’s Current Speaking Topics

Living a Spiritual Pioneer Life

The Care and Feeding of Your Hungry Heart

Why Am I Here?  And What Am I Supposed to Do Next?

“Your Mom!” Biblical Wisdom for Parents

Run to Win

From Survive to Thrive

What God Meant for Good – Catherine’s Testimony

Watch Catherine’s Online Ministry Videos

Learn More About Catherine

I was born and raised in Roanoke, Virginia – in the country.  Growing up in the country, one of my favorite places to retreat was the cow pasture behind my house.  These quiet moments led me on a journey to discover the grandeur of God and began my lifelong love of the written Word.

Catherine on Television

Watch one of my television interviews for Hungry Souls, a book and Bible study focusing on what the Bible says about the mindset and behaviors of eating disorder.

Catherine in the News

I am SO very honored to be listed as a ‘Be the Change’ alumni from James Madison University for my work with Northfield Ministries, May 24, 2012.

 http://jmubethechange.wordpress.com/

I had the terrific opportunity to be the featured blogger for Franklin Street Marketing’s healthcare blog, gojunto.com, January 13, 2012.

Read my CNN/Money Magazine interview (“Secrets of Couponing Pros”) about my couponing expertise and strategy.  Also available in the August 2011 print edition of Money Magazine.  Creative saving is a great way to be a suburban pioneer!

I was Correspondent of the Day in the July 13, 2011 Richmond Times-Dispatch, responding to columnist’s article promoting abortion as a means of population control.  

Catherine’s Audio Library

Cultural Christian or Spiritual Pioneer?  March 2013 presentation to Community Bible Study group, focusing on James 1.

A Story To Tell: In this presentation to elementary school students, I shared that God loves a good story, and to think about the stories He is writing in each of their lives.  They loved it!

“Stand and Deliver” – Marilyn McGee interviewed me about “Hungry Souls.”  This was my first author interview!

Feedback on Hungry Souls

Hungry Souls…has been used as source material for a master’s level seminary research paper.

…has been compared to the insights and wisdom of C.S. Lewis.

…received reader comments such as “One of the best written books I’ve ever read.”

“I read a lot of books; most people don’t know what they’re writing about. You obviously do. You should write more books” (television talk show host).

“What you wrote regarding God’s judgment is profound.”

…inspired a reader to write a poem of gratitude for helping him understand his loved one’s struggle.