#179: Katy Boatman: You Can Rest - Dealing with Anxiety in Tweens
Anxiety, rest, and stress - we talk about all of that and so much more.
If you have any kids in your life or want to look at some practical ways to deal with anxiety, this is a great conversation!
Links:
https://www.instagram.com/katyboat/
https://www.instagram.com/twmilt/
EP. 179
Tony: [00:00:00] Hey everybody. Welcome back to the reclamation podcast, where our goal is to help you reclaim good practices for following Jesus. My name is Tony and today's episode 179 of the podcast where I sit down with author and Christian thought leader. Katie boatman, Katie, I heard on any F downs podcast. That sounds fun. And she wrote a devotional called. A hundred devotions to calm your heart and mind you can rest. And it's designed, it's designed for tweens specifically tween girls eight to 12. So when I heard the interview with Annie, I immediately thought of my daughter Shiloh. I thought about how anxious sometimes she can be.
And I went out and bought the book and then I bought the book and she absolutely loved it. She being Shiloh. So I thought, you know, I've gotta get Katie on the podcast. We had a great conversation about [00:01:00] anxiety, about rest, about this age group of children. So if you wrestle with any kind of anxiety, you're gonna wanna listen to what she has to say.
Hey, and if you enjoy this podcast, do me a favor. Hit that subscribe button, wherever you listen, leave a rating or review on iTunes or Spotify and the highest compliment you can give us. Share this episode with a friend, maybe somebody who, you know, that has tween daughters, they need this. I promise you.
They need it. guys. I'm so thankful for you. And now, without any further ado, let's jump into my conversation with Katie. Hey everybody. Welcome back to the podcast. I'm excited today to have Katie boatman with us today, Katie. Thank you so much for being here.
Katie: I'm excited to be here. Thanks for having me, Tony.
Tony: So I heard you first on Annie downs' podcast and you were talking about your brand new resource so you can rest and then I bought it and immediately reached out to you [00:02:00] after I got it in my hands, because it is wonderful. And we're gonna jump into all sorts of things, including the impact it' of my daughter in just a short amount of time.
But I always love to start by asking people. Kind of a big question, which is how would you describe your calling?
Katie: That is a big question. You know, I think in my twenties, I was searching for that answer for a long time and trying to figure out this, like, you know, big light bulb moment, like what is my calling?
And honestly, I got some clarity in my thirties and it really went back to scripture that at or as, you know, Jesus. Comes back to life, right? He's resurrected. And before he leaves earth, he gives us a mission in the great commission. At the end of Matthew, he says, go and make disciples of all nations.
And I've come to realize that. At the end of the day, that really is my calling. And it's a calling for all of us that follow [00:03:00] Jesus. And yes, it looks differently in how that plays out day to day. And whether you're in a cubicle, in an office, or whether you're working in a church, whether you are teaching school, we all have this same calling to go and make disciples.
And we get to live that out wherever we.
Tony: I, you don't know this probably, but disciple making is my favorite thing to talk about in the planet. Yeah. Like, I, I absolutely love it. I think it's the next big revival in the church. I'm curious, how does that what does that look like in your life?
Because we, you know, around here, we always say that it's, it needs to be intentional, relational and reproducible. Good disciple making. How, how does it how does it play out for you? What's it look like? How do you decide who you're gonna pour into that sort of thing?
Katie: Yeah. It's always looked a little different season to season.
I have always had a passion for students and teenagers and just kind of pouring into the generation behind me. So for a lot of years it was leading small groups of [00:04:00] teenagers through my church, or I was a young life leader in college. So pouring into students that way. Some seasons it's been just one or two students who have had a close, close relationship with and inviting them in to, you know, study the Bible with me once a week at my house.
Recently it's been a group of girls that are my neighbors. I moved into a new house about a year ago, and I really felt God just. Leading me to love on my neighbors. And so I got to know them and I said, Hey, you know, I know this can be kind of awkward. Like, I don't know where everyone stands with church and Jesus and the Bible, but would you be interested in starting a study with me and we can do this together?
And I was shocked that every single one of them said yes, because I could tell that they were hungry and searching for something, especially coming off of such a hard couple of years. So I I'm big on discipleship too. I love to talk about it. And I [00:05:00] think it looks, it's not a formula, right? It looks different every right season of our lives.
But when we remember that our mission field is really where we're planted. It's it's right under our feet. Then it's just looking for those opportunities to build relationships with people and point 'em back to Jesus at the end of the.
Tony: Amen. That'll that'll preach any day of the week. I'm here for all of it.
I, I know that there's probably somebody listening. Who's like, okay, Katie, that sounds great. But you know, I don't feel like I'm ready to make disciples. So let me ask you this. How did you know when you, it was time to take up that burden to, to go there for, and make disciples? I
Katie: don't know that I ever had that like one light bulb moment.
Honestly, it. For me, I think it had to kind of grow through a confidence in who God is, which really happened a lot in my like college and [00:06:00] early 20 year, early twenties, years that as I grew in. My faith with him in an understanding of scripture, then I realized, oh, he really is who he says he is. And so for me, it was just beginning to have a little more comfortability with having conversations with people about him.
So it was never like this one day, you know, moment. But I knew that my life would really be hopeless if I didn't have him. and so I don't know how to not talk about him, you know, like I don't know how to navigate a life without the love of God and without that forgiveness and that grace and that hope.
And so it just kind of became a natural thing. And now I'm more passionate about it, obviously, and a little more fired up, but it's just been a confidence in who he is.
Tony: Yeah. I always think of it like having kids for me, like, I, if you would've said, are you [00:07:00] ready for kids? I would say never. Like I don't, I still don't feel equipped or prepared for what my kids bring home.
As a matter of fact, tomorrow, my oldest son's getting his driver's license. And my wife and I are slightly freaking out about it. He's 16. Wait, he's got a girlfriend. We're just, we're just praying a lot more now than we ever have. right. But the thing is you're never ready. Until you're in the season.
Are, are there any, like go to resources that you're like, okay, when I'm gonna disciple the neighborhood girls, is there a go-to kind of tool that you always like to pull out of the tool bag?
Katie: Honestly the Bible. I know that sounds so basic, but like, no, it's perfect. I like to start with the book of John, because I think it's a simple place to start to learn who Jesus is first, you know, and, and then walk through some of the other gospels and, and Romans is such a rich.
Place to be too. So I honestly start there because I also realize too, that I [00:08:00] think is, is people, at least for me, who grew up in the church, I got so used to kind of that like Christianese language that we can use sometimes. And just this assumption that people know what to do when they open the Bible.
and they don't, and we can so quickly get into this mode of like, let me throw out how much I know about this, this and this, and like my theology and all the things. And while I, I believe in an importance of understanding the Bible. . I also think that it's great to open our Bibles and say, Hey, you know, let me show you even where to start or let me show you.
Yeah. What it means when I'm referring to this scripture, what like the numbers mean and where these chapter and how these books all fit together, because it's intimidating. And I find it really refreshing to actually sit with people who are new to the Bible, because it reminds me of where to start and where to begin.
And so I never want someone to feel so [00:09:00] intimidated. By, you know, scripture that they won't pick it.
Tony: Yeah, I think I love the fresh eyes aspect of it too. Yeah. When working with somebody who's like, if I'm discipling somebody who's never really been in scripture before. There's a beauty to it. That is just so it reminds me of when Jesus talked about that childlike faith, because it's just.
There's there's a, there's no church hurt. There's no church baggage. There's no like cultural theology kind of baked in. It's just like, right. Oh, so this is what Jesus says. This is what we should do. And I'm like, why can't I ever think about that?
Katie: I know, I know. I get so caught up in all these tedious things and I'm like, wait, no, let me just go back to the basics here.
Yeah.
Tony: So in addition to being an author, you also do some work with the organization. That a lot of my listeners are gonna be familiar with. That has, has been instrumental. My, my wife's faith journey, the, the, if gathering, can you talk a little about what that, what that is for maybe our listeners who, who don't know the five of [00:10:00] them who don't know?
Sure.
Katie: Yes. We are a women's ministry really founded and based on discipleship, our, our goal and our mission is to equip women. with resources and events to help them go make disciples who will make disciples. So that's why I am so passionate about it. I have an incredible team that I get to be a part of and work under the leadership of Jenny Allen.
And we Mo most people know us because we put on an event once a year called if gathering. And we SED out to churches and small groups around the world. So we just had our most recent one back in the beginning of March. And then throughout the year, we are also putting out resources just to put in the hands of women and the local church to help them go make discipl.
Tony: Are, are you seeing anything different post COVID? I don't know if we can officially say post COVID, but tail end of COVID what's the vibe like now than it was one or two years [00:11:00] ago. How, how are things changing in people's hunger for community I'm I'm really curious about from your vantage point.
Yeah. I
Katie: think what we've seen. People a hundred percent are hungry for community. And they're also really tired. I think we said that, you know, last fall, like, man, people are so tired, but I think it's still true. We're still all collectively coming out of a really hard two years. And, you know, even though we are fired up to be back with people and we're excited to show up in person to churches and events again, and like even.
It, you know, it's spring and summer. There's so many end of the year things going on. I still am just sensing when I talk to people that were tired and it's like, we don't know how to go back to life as it was before, when it was so packed and busy, we're now exhausted by it. Right. And I think it's a little bit of pruning.
I think that needs to happen of us saying, yeah. Okay. So what [00:12:00] are the things that we don't need to go back to and where are we gonna prioritize our time? . And I know for me personally, I don't know that I see this like across the board, but for me personally, I think the past couple years has created this urgency in me that, you know, we don't know what the future holds.
And I know that we like to throw out that phrase of like, what if Jesus comes back tomorrow. But the last couple years really did put that in my mind. Like, what if Jesus really did come back tomorrow? Did I. did I tell people about this hope, you know, did I do the things that I felt called to do while I was here on earth?
So yeah. It's, it's so interesting. What this has all made us think about.
Tony: So I'm, I'm curious if you, or, or your team have found any ways to be less tired? are you ? Are you guys, did you guys come up with any, like, I mean, I, I know some pastors who are [00:13:00] gonna take sabbaticals this summer for the first time in a long time. I mean, obviously people aren't going back to work, everybody's doing a whole lot of things.
Meanwhile, you're over here cranking out a book, you know, like. How do we any thoughts on how to be less
Katie: tired? Well, my team actually is being more intentional about resting this summer. We've put in some extra rest time so that we can step back for a minute and just process what the last couple years have been.
And. really ask God, like, what do you want for this next season? And so even though we have some scheduled time in place, I'm also trying to challenge myself of like, how do I do that? Well, on the weekends or at night, like even carving away at like social media, like let's turn social media off for a day or two on the weekend or.
I'm trying to pick up more books. I know people assume that like writers and authors read all the time, but I spend so much work doing the writing that I'm not always reading other [00:14:00] things. . So I'm trying to do some reading just for enjoyment and fun in this like spring, summer season. And Yeah, just trying to be, you should start
Tony: a podcast.
they send lots of books. If you podcast, everybody sends books. They're so good. It's a great way to get books.
Katie: Yeah, that's what I hear. You got a whole stack of just things to go through, but yeah, honestly, I'm trying to also pick out the things that are life giving to me. Like I love being outside, going on a walk or I love to kayak and those kind of things that just fill me up.
So that's what I'm trying to add more of to my schedule this summer in order to just step back for a second. It
Tony: it's a this conversation's a great transition into this book. You can rest and I, I was hoping that you might be willing to share the, kind of the Genesis story of how this came to be.
And kind of the, the birthday present turned into huge project.
Katie: Yes, [00:15:00] of course. So in the summer of 2020, when we were smack in the middle of the pandemic, I was trying to think of a special gift for my niece, Shelby. She was turning 10 in August and she, and I have a close little relationship. And so I thought, you know, let, let me do something special for her 10th.
And at the same time, , it was also itching to write something that was a project for me because I do a lot of writing for work, but I needed something that was, you know, not work related. And so I was saying all this out loud to my mom on the phone one day and she said, you know, Shelby mentioned to me recently that she really loves to read something at night to calm her mind before she goes to bed.
Cuz there's just so much going on in her little brain. There's part of me that kind of stopped because it broke my heart a little bit to think yeah. That at 10 or nine, I guess she was about to turn 10. That that's what she needed. Cuz I know as an adult, [00:16:00] like yeah, my mind's spinning before bed, but I didn't think about her in that aspect.
And so as we talked about it more, I thought, you know, I could write something for her. Like that would be such a fun and special thing to do for her birthday. I started writing and I, I thought, you know, I'll do like a 30 day devotional for her. And then as the time ticked on, like her birthday was August the 21st, I was like, oh, I don't have time for 30 days.
So I wrote 10. I was like 10 devotions for her 10th birthday. This makes sense. And I have a background in book publishing. I used to work in on the marketing side of book publishing for about eight years. And because of that, I was like, I wanna do this. I wanna, you. Make a cute cover and have somebody edit it and just make sure it's done.
Right. And as I continued to work on it, I thought, well, maybe there's friends and family who want this as well. And so I decided to self-publish it. And I gave it to Shelby first, [00:17:00] before I put it up on Amazon. And she was so sweet. Like in her words, she says that she was in awe when I gave it to her and she jumped right in and started reading it that.
And then I started sharing the link with friends and family. And what I didn't expect is that there was, there was a great response to it. And so some of my publishing friends reached out and they were like, Hey, why didn't you send this over to us? And so we started having conversations about taking those 10 days and turning them into a hundred.
And so I started writing in I think it was October of 2020. I started writing the 100, a version of you can. and then it came out March 29th of this year, and it has just been an honor to get, to put it into the hands of more girls. And I went to Shelby's friends too, as I was writing. And I said, Hey, will you guys kind of be, I called them my unofficially official [00:18:00] board of directors.
I said, will you help me? Because I really wanted to know what it is that they were struggling with and worrying about so that I wasn't just making up my answers right. That I was actually writing something that would be helpful. And I took all of their answers to my questions. And put it in a giant spreadsheet and, and just started, you know, ticking away at like, okay, this is what they said they worried about.
So let me look at scripture and say, what's the promise here? What does God say? He promises, what does he say about fear and anxiety and worry? And how can I offer just a reminder of what's true when they truly are having trouble falling asleep, because they're worried. So that's really how this all came.
Tony: It's so good. So when I, when I message you, I, I mentioned my daughter Shiloh. She's she's the, the youngest of my three. Okay. She's my princess. Okay. And she's always been my princess. She will [00:19:00] always be my princess. I apologize to whoever she ends up marrying. Just, I just, it, it is what it is. We're here now.
Yep. So I, I, it breaks my heart. Like you said, that she's so stressed out and, and you know, my wife and I have studied the Enneagram. We think that she might be a one, we're not sure, but she's like, she's like all over kind of like, it's like, you're reading her mind in this devotional. What do you think?
is, is one, is this, is this normal with the, the, the twin girls that you're seeing? And two is this what, what do you think the impetus of all this is? Or is this just, I mean, were, were you this nervous as a 10 year old? I, I don't remember ever being nervous as a 10 year old, but right. I'm also a dude. So like, I, I don't know, like I'm trying to figure it out.
Right.
Katie: I also don't remember being this nervous as a 10 year. But part of that too, I think is my personality. I'm more of a, like laid back chill kind of [00:20:00] person. Now as an adult, I've definitely dealt with some anxiety, but I've talked to friends who say, yeah, I was a worried anxious kid, but I also know that this generation is dealing with more worry and anxiety than ever before.
I mean, when you look at the statistics, they're, they're off the charts, honestly. And I don't even know, like now that we're. Almost post COVID hopefully post COVID. I think we'll have to. Right, right. We'll have to dig in and see what the statistics look like even now. Because. What they're dealing with are things that we didn't have to deal with when I was 10.
I mean, I didn't know what a pandemic was. And then the fact that everything changed so quickly and everything changed like daily from. You know, schools like this to schools, changing up to be like this, to what we're required to do and not do. And then bigger things too, [00:21:00] of like some of the girls were saying, well, am I, is school safe?
Like, am I somebody gonna come into my school and harm me? Because that's a real thing these days. And I know for some girls, they don't even want to watch commercials or the news because it, you trigger something scary for them. and I just think the things that they're having to deal with and think about and worry about are a lot different and bigger than when I was a kid.
And so, yeah, that's the part that breaks my heart. And it definitely makes me wanna say like, okay, as adults, how do we come alongside them in this? And give them a reminder of like where their safe place is, but also give them tools to handle these big worries that we didn't have to deal.
Tony: So luckily I, I married up and my wife is incredible. Yeah. And so she's, she's developed some affirmations that we say with Shiloh [00:22:00] before bed. That, and that was before we got the devotional. I'm kind of curious on what your thoughts are. Is, is there any other tools or techniques that you've seen parents do?
Cuz I, I know that there are a lot of parents listening who are like, man, I've got, I've got an angsty teen or I've got an angsty tween or like. I mean anxiety and, and pressure is real. Do you have any thoughts in kind of what you've seen as you've talked to more and more kids?
Katie: Yeah, I think affirmations are incredible.
It's a great way to end the day. I also have seen a lot of parents take scripture cards and put them on mirrors or around the house, or let them stick it on their desk or something. Just to look. when they're needing a reminder of, you know, what the Bible says about their fear and their worry. I think that's a great thing to do.
And then two, like remembering the, that age, a lot of times they don't know how to verbalize what it is that they're truly feeling. And so [00:23:00] honestly, being really patient in having a conversation to kind of dig into okay. I'm seeing some irritability here or some anger, but what is at the root of that, right?
Like, is it that they're actually sad or they're actually scared? And I think patience is a big part of that and that, you know, we have to be careful to not always react to the big. Outburst, but get to the root of what's going on and realizing that, you know, they're, they're developing, their little brains are developing, but also they're dealing with really big things and not to brush that off.
Tony: Hey guys, just pause on this conversation with Katie to remind you that the reclamation podcast is part of the spirit and truth podcast network, which is a ministry of spirit and truth, spirit, and truth is a 5 0 1 C3 awakening and equipping. That walks alongside the local church in disciple making evangelism and the holy spirit.
If you [00:24:00] wanna learn more about spirit and truth, get connected to our ministry, sign up for our weekly blog, go to spirit and truth.life. Spirit and truth.life. We're also looking for monthly partners. If you would consider giving to us to support the ministry, all the, the gifts that you give, go back to podcasts like this one and all the work that we do in the local church, again, for more information, and to get connected spirit and truth.life.
I'm also curious, I, I would imagine writing a book like this about stressful things, about anxious, things like it. It could possibly pick off some own. Scabs in your own life. What did you learn about yourself in the writing process?
Katie: Yeah, that's such a great question. It definitely did. And I think writing this in the middle of a pandemic while also working a full-time job with, with a lot of responsibility, I never experienced as much anxiety as I did when I was writing it.
And [00:25:00] it was almost humorous because I was having to take the very things that I was writing about and, and decide if it was true. Right. So I was having to sit down and go, okay, God You gotta tell me that you've got this under control, cuz I'm just grasping here for reminders that this is gonna be okay.
Like not just the book, but like in general, what we were living through and that you are gonna take care of tomorrow and all these things. And so. I found myself really clinging to scripture. And one of the passages that I kept going back to is Psalm 23. And I know it's one that we recite or read a lot, but I kept going back to the first verse, which as a kid, I memorized the version that's the Lord is my shepherd.
I shall not want, but I had opened the CSB version, which said the Lord is my shepherd. I have what I need. And that just really stuck out to me at that point, cuz I [00:26:00] think that's what I was waking up with struggling with every day was, am I gonna have what I need to get through all of these things? And so I would just wake up and say it, you know, every morning the Lord is my shepherd.
I have what I need. The Lord is my shepherd. I have what I need and really cl to that. And just being reminded that like what I needed that day was Jesus. I needed a reminder that he was with me because day to day, you know, we were all trying to figure out what our lives looked like. Are we allowed to leave the house or not leave the house?
Are we gonna get sick? Are we gonna be okay? Are family's gonna be okay? All the things. And so. Instead of being like, God, today I need this. I didn't ever know what I needed. And so I had to remember, no, what I need is just a reminder that Jesus is with me and that, because he is that's, what's gonna change my day.
So yeah, it was, it was an interesting season for sure.
Tony: That's beautifully said. And I, I think that [00:27:00] there are probably some people listening, who you're like, you're really hitting their heart. They need, they know that they need Jesus. They want more of them. I love to drill down just a little bit on like one of the things that we always say around here, if you're not dedicated to your disciplines, you'll be destroyed by your distractions.
And so I, I love to ask people what are some of the disciplines that you do on a semi-regular or regular basis that keep you Jesus centered?
Katie: Mm. Sure. Well, I'll be honest with you. Discipline is not my strong suit. So honestly, , it's, it's something I struggle with, but the thing that I do. Is definitely starting my morning with Jesus.
It may look differently every day. Like I'm not the best at like, okay, I'm gonna have this structure every single morning, but I do something to connect with him every morning and it may be turning on worship music. First thing to kind of get my mind there. Cause I love I'm a big music girl. [00:28:00] So turning on worship music sometimes I'm picking up my own like devotional that I'm reading or.
Someone else's or, you know, whatever it may be. I'm picking up scripture. And at times I may be going through like a reading plan or at times I'm doing the whole thing where I just pick up the, the Bible and say, okay, God, where do you want me to lean today? Podcast are a big thing for me. I definitely listen to podcast and like sermons and that kind of thing.
So it looks differently. But I also know. That when I start my day, that way it definitely changes the day. And so I know I've had years where I'm like, oh, I'll just make time when I can, but I've tried to be very consistent about having that morning time, because I think it changes the day. Yeah. Yeah.
Those are some of my quote unquote disciplines. that aren't very disciplined.
Tony: Well, I, you know, this is what I'd say, is that what you've done really well? Is [00:29:00] it, it sounds like you've set some guardrails. Yeah, there you go. Right. And so you're yeah. You're, you're gonna make sure that you don't go off the road.
You're not gonna exactly talk about what vehicle you're gonna use to get down the road. Right.
Katie: Right. I just always really respect the people that do you know that they're like, this is my. This is my morning routine and it's always 30 minutes and I do this, this, and this. I'm like, man, that would, I wish I could be that consistent.
I just am not. But I also have found the grace in, like, I don't, I don't interact that way with other people. Like if I'm gonna go meet up with a friend every Wednesday for coffee, it might be a different place. We might talk about different things. and so I've had to be like, wait, when I meet with God, it doesn't have to be formulaic and, you know, precise in this amount of time and da, da, da.
He meets us in different ways with different times and all that sort of thing. And one thing I was gonna add to is I have a friend who we pray together once a week and we, a lot of times [00:30:00] can't be in person. So we've just decided, Hey, let's. 15 minutes on a Wednesday morning and call each other and you tell me, like, what are the things you're praying about and need prayer for this week and I'll do the same.
And then we, we pray for each other and then we're done. And it has been such a like basic, simple thing, but yet, so profound just to have that accountability, but also have someone. Praying on your behalf for the week. Cause then she comes back the next week and she says, so what happened with those things?
Right? And if it's something we're still praying for, we keep going. But that has been really special too.
Tony: That's great. I, I love the the intentionality behind the community. I think that that's something that a lot of us and I actually think for, for my kids too, right. That's an area where I, I need to make sure that I'm plugging them into the body of the church.
Sure. So that they have a. You know, people in their lives who can speak into them and other Christian kids to help walk alongside them. [00:31:00] Because eventually you're gonna, I mean, it's only a matter of time before they're gonna need somebody. And if, if you haven't introduced them to anybody, then you're gonna end up, they're gonna end up finding somebody you don't want.
I mean, and everybody, you know, I'm not, that didn't mean that sounded really judgemental as it came outta my mouth. I didn't mean it that way, but I just, I want everybody to be based in the same Christian values, if I could manage it. You know
Katie: what I mean? Yep. I hear.
Tony: So, so I want to you know, my daughter, Shiloh's going through the book and it she's, she's loving it.
And so I, I wanted to read something to you. And it's, it's the, the question is what have you learned about God so far that has been comforting to you? And this is I took her book today. I told her that I was going to talk to you and I was like, She was like, oh dad, dad, dad. And I was like, what's up babe?
And she's like, I have something really important. And I thought she was gonna have like this great question for you. And she was like don't lose my place in the book.
Katie: yeah, don't mess her up, dad. [00:32:00]
Tony: and I was like, well, do you have any, do you have any questions for Katie? And she's like, dad just don't lose my place.
I was like, oh, okay. . Oh,
Katie: that's amazing.
Tony: Yeah, she's an amazing girl. So. She wrote this. I have learned that even when I am nervous, I can still do things or when I'm scared that I know I'm not alone. Also, I learned that no matter how worried or scared I am, God is there no matter what, you
Katie: know, that's been my biggest prayer for this book is that though, like one thing, if they take away one thing.
It's that God is always there with them. And so that, that's incredible that that's what she's getting. So.
Tony: Well, I, I know that Shiloh's not alone in this response. H how has what has God showed? What has God showed you in the responses that you're seeing from these from these young ladies, cuz it, I just on your Instagram, [00:33:00] I, I get a little, I get a little weepy about the whole thing, you know, obviously cuz it's my princess and all that jazz.
Yeah. But like How has it, what's what's God been showing you in this
Katie: process? Yeah, it is overwhelming and in a good way, because every time somebody texts me a story or a picture of their girl with it, or, or anything, I'm just reminded. I think I reminded how much that this was needed, but I didn't even know it.
Like, I wish I had been that, you know, a futuristic of strategic yeah. Strategic and a visionary that was like, yes, they need this, but it really just started with money Shelby. And then out of it, God was like, no, we're going to take this farther. And so for me, I'm like, man, these girls. They're hungry for it too.
Like you telling me about Shiloh, not wanting to lose her place makes me laugh because I've had a lot of moms tell me, Hey, like my daughter keeps showing up late for breakfast because she's [00:34:00] upstairs reading her devotional and she won't miss a day. And I'm like, this is it's awesome. But I think it's because they truly just needed something to say, Hey, I see what you're feeling and going through.
and you're not alone in it because there's so many resources out there for kids and teenagers, which is incredible. But what I found is there's a lot for like the younger kind of preschool age. And there's a lot yeah. For like, you know, 15, 16 and above, but there's this gap and this gap of kind of like that eight to 12 ish range in, so.
I think they're feeling, I hope that they're being met like right where they are. And that's really special to get, to be a part.
Tony: Yeah. I, I mean, I listen as I see how it impacts Shiloh. What's really clear to me is that you let the holy spirit use you as you wrote the book. Yeah. [00:35:00] And that's a, that's a really powerful place to be.
I, I am curious. What's. What's next for your what's next for your writing? Do you have any are you already working on something? The only thing publishers love more than one book is two books.
Katie: I know, right? Yes, that is the golden question. I am. I'm not sure yet. There are a couple ideas that I'm processing with my publisher.
and honestly asking God, is this the right next step? Because I, because of my publishing industry background, I know that we can, like, as Christians kind of get really worked up into the business model of like, okay, gotta crank out the next thing. Right. And I wanna make sure that collectively as a team that we're stepping back and just asking, is it the right next thing?
And so I'm still in that process. There's I know the listeners can't see this, but there's like a little giant post-it note behind me in this [00:36:00] office space. And it's got a lot of ideas and notes on it. And this morning I kind of stepped back and I was staring at it and just asking God, Hey, what's my role in this?
Like, are these ideas on a piece of paper? Are they an Instagram post? Are they a book? Are they. just a lesson that I need to teach to a small group of kids, you know, I don't, I don't know. So we'll see. I will never stop, you know, pouring into the next generation cause I love them so much, but. We'll see what the, the book industry holds.
I'm not sure yet.
Tony: well, my son, Caleb wants to put in a request. I, I heard you. I listened to you, your podcast with Annie about tween boys and he's 11. Okay. So he's one year older, just a little bit. He turns 12 in June, so, okay. I was like, Hey Caleb, if I could convince Katie to write a devotional for tween boys, would you read it?
And he is. I don't know. And I was like, oh, that's the perfect response from [00:37:00] between boy
Katie: it's it's so typical. My nephew said the same thing. He was like, I mean, I guess, I don't know. Well, are, are you gonna make me read it? Yes, exactly. Yeah. I'm like the parents, moms and dads are like, yes, boy version.
Let's go. But then I'm like, well, will the boys actually read it? Is it useful? So that's where I'm, I'm just trying to be intentional about what format that content is in, because I want it to be helpful. Yeah, I'd love to know. I mean, if you're willing to share, do you feel like Caleb is, is struggling with the same things Shiloh, struggling with, I mean, I know that the feelings for boys and girls are different, but as far as like worry and anxiety as a whole, what does that look like?
Tony: So I coach a football team. I coach Caleb's football team. I'm I'm the assistant football coach. And since I'm the pastor, I was a, a former local church pastor for a lot of years. I don't actually know anything about [00:38:00] football. And so I'm just the culture coach. Yes. Yes. . And so we always talk about the two things you can control as attitude and effort.
Mm. And and so for him, it, it looks different. Caleb's never worried about failing. He's worried about losing.
Katie: Sure. And
Tony: that pressure for him is real. And, and there's a there's a, a feeling inside of him when something feels unjust. Right. Like, it's just different than like all of my football players, if there's a bad call will lose their mind.
Yeah. Like if they feel like they're, they're not getting, you know, that they're, if they're getting like, I can't think of an appropriate word, but you know what I mean? Right. Like if not treated fairly fairness and winning are, and, and being respected as a young man are super important for [00:39:00] them in this season.
Like what does it mean to be a man of God? Like, and when I tell CA like when Caleb got to sit in the front seat, that was a big deal. Like. because it, it's just a different kind of respect. It's a different kind of the way the world sees him and the way that he sees him. And so he also is he and I, I, most of my kids on my team have a very healthy bravado.
Yeah. Yeah. And so figuring that out would be an interesting that would be an interesting experiment. Sure.
Katie: Yeah. That's, that's interesting. I see that with my nephew loves football and it's playing on a flag football team and you're right when there's a bad call or something, mm-hmm not handling it, but.
Yeah, I think this is where I'm at is just asking a lot of questions of parents, of boys, of some [00:40:00] counselors that I know that work with young boys. Yeah. You know, going back to a lot of my student ministry, pastor friends, and, and just kind of asking, like, what is it that they really need? And how are they responding to worry?
Cuz I think, you know, young boys, a lot of times respond out of anger, but it's at the root of it is actually some anxiety. And so I'm just yeah. Asking a lot of questions. When I think about the next resource.
Tony: That's good. I, I think that that's that's a really good place to be the O the other thing is, is I, I have really seen a struggle with young men in transitioning officially into manhood and, and biblical manhood.
Yeah. Be because I get to talk to so many different people on the podcast, there's always some, some really good. Ideas or things that we've stolen from lots of different people, but figuring out how to create, how to form those young biblical men is an area that [00:41:00] I often think about because it's just, I want that for them so badly.
And I, I don't know how to put it in their hands in a, in a tangible way. Yeah. So if you could, if you could write that and make it really, you know, really actually in the next six months would be great. Cause he's, you know, his birthday's in June, so I don't think you'll make June, but maybe by Christmas.
Katie: Yeah. I can speed this thing up and really get it going. I know. Well, what's interesting is my nephew, Blake turns 10 in June, so I am writing a 10 day something for him because I have to right. Well, not because I want to, but.
Tony: You want to, but if you don't, you'll be actually, you know, pushed
Katie: out. Exactly. But it feels like a chance to actually, you know, test it out, see, see what he thinks.
Yeah. And and where we go from there. So it'll be interesting.
Tony: I, I would tell you that you could replace some of the journaling questions with a physical fitness challenge. Yes.
Katie: You're no you're spot [00:42:00] on. I was like, I cannot give boys a blank page of of notes just to fill in. So yeah, you're spot on.
Tony: Nope. And so if like memorizing scripture, while doing pushups feels on brand for
Katie: most of my team that's right. I love it. That's so good.
Tony: Well listen, I have one more question for you, but before I ask it, I, I know my listeners are gonna wanna follow what God is doing through you and how to connect with you.
Where's the best place to find all things, Katie. Yeah.
Katie: So I mostly hang out on Instagram. My Instagram handle is at Katie boat. It's K a T Y B O a T. Yeah. And you also can find out more about me@katieboatman.com, but those are the two places.
Tony: That's awesome. Okay. Last question. I always love to ask people.
It's an advice question. Except I'm gonna ask you to give yourself one piece of advice but I get the name the time and the place, so, oh, Tony, this is hardest you [00:43:00] mentioned. I know. You mentioned that you moved back to Nashville after a stint in Dallas and. And I'm, I'm wondering if you pull up a chair in front of that younger version of Katie and you sat need a knee with her and you held her hands and you looked her in the eye.
What's the one piece of wisdom that you're giving her.
Katie: I think I would tell her that she's going to be okay. I, because I think in my early twenties, my mind was very much. Thinking about kind of the natural life stages that the world tells us to go, like finding a husband and having children and wondering if those things don't happen in my twenties, then what, and now that I'm 35 and I'm not married yet and don't have children yet.
I [00:44:00] know, without a doubt that I'm okay. And that God still has a plan and it may not be, it may not ever be a husband or children for me. And that is okay. I feel so confident in just resting in him and life with him and ministry with him that it feels like at this point, Husband and children would just be a gift.
And I hope to still have that, but I think young Katie was just thinking about, that's the only thing I'm striving for and looking for. And I want her to know that she is gonna be okay. Yeah.
Tony: Amen. Amen. That's a good word for all of us, Katie. Thank you so much for your generosity today for this resource, for your heart and soul for the next generation and for being a committed disciple maker just really, really appreciate [00:45:00] it.
Katie: Absolutely. It was so fun to be with you. Thank you
Tony: guys. I'm so thankful for Katie and her ministry, having a twin girl. I know how important it is. They're just angsty little humans. I love my princess so much and I'm so thankful to have a devotional in her hands that has made a huge difference. Just being reminded of God's promises is so important for all of us.
So, Hey, if if this was helpful for you, maybe pick up a copy of Katie's book, leave a, a rating or review about the podcast on iTunes or Spotify and share this episode with a friend. It does go such a long way in helping people find the podcast. Guys, I'm thankful for each and every one of you. And I look forward to connecting with you later this week and our monologue episodes.
Remember guys, if you wanna follow Jesus, you must be willing to move.
