IN THIS EPISODE: There are moments in life that are so tragic, they can rock you to the core. In this episode, we asked our dear friends Jeff & Angela Atkins to tell their
family’s story and how they found that joy & grief can coexist in the same space.. Thanks for joining us!

We reference:

Psalm 30:11-12

You have turned my mourning into joyful dancing..

Philippians 4:4-7

Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice! Let your gentleness be evident to all. The Lord is near. Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by
prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in
Christ Jesus.

Jeremiah 17:7-8

But blessed is the one who trusts in the Lord, whose confidence is in him. They will be like a tree planted by the water that sends out its roots by the stream. It does not
fear when heat comes; its leaves are always green. It has no worries in a year of drought and never fails to bear fruit.

Your Turn...

Where you are now in your relationship with Christ prepares you for any hardship you’re getting ready to go through. Jeff mentioned holding things with an open hand. Isthere something you are holding on to & trying to control that you need to hold with an open hand?

Things we mentioned:

• CBS Interview with author, Elin Hildebrand
• Organ donation saves lives & honors your loved one: https://www.donatelifenc.org

Hey y’all! Thanks for joining us for episode 17 of the Rooted and Grounded podcast. We looked up and it’s suddenly July, which means we only got one episode done in June. We must have been on island time! Speaking of which, this episode ended up being a mish mash of a lot of riveting thoughts, everything from refinishing a table to grooming a dog to illegal fireworks. We do end up by talking about the true meaning of freedom to us, just in time for the 4th of July. To make up for the riveting content, I did include a funny blooper at the end. Hope you enjoy!

We reference:

Galatians 5:1

It is for freedom that Christ has set us free. Stand firm, then, and do not let yourselves be burdened again by a yoke of slavery.

2 Corinthians 3:17

Now the Lord is the Spirit, and where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is freedom.

Your Turn...

We only find true freedom and peace when we realize that God is sovereign and fully in control. Although He wants to use us to carry out His plan, He doesn’t need us tomake it happen AND he can work despite of us sometimes. What do we need to surrender to the Lord in order to experience true freedom?

Things we mentioned:

• Firework shenanigans in the country, summer nights on the back porch
• Books we’ve read: The Alice Network by Kate Quinn; Swan Song , Summer of ‘69, 28 Summers, & The Hotel Nantucket by Elin Hildebrand, Life’s Too Short by Darius
  Rucker
• Shows we’ve watched: Battle on the Beach-Oak Island (HGTV), College Baseball World Series (GO TENNESSEE VOLUNTEERS!), America’s Sweethearts on Netflix -
  DCC, Defending Jacob on Apple TV

IN THIS EPISODE: We share a lot about all the life we’ve lived since we last recorded and then go off on a tangent about getting older since it’s been birthday season for both of us. Also, if you’re looking for a makeover this might be the episode for you!

We reference:

2 Corinthians 4:16

Therefore we do not lose heart. Though outwardly we are wasting away, yet inwardly we are being renewed day by day.

Psalm 90:12

12 Teach us to number our days, that we may gain a heart of wisdom.

Your Turn...

Some of us worry about getting older and only focus on the negatives. God’s design is for us to enjoy new seasons of life and share the wisdom we’ve gained with others who aren’t as far along the road as we are yet. How are you resting in God’s promises as you get older?

Things we mentioned:

• Like to listen to audiobooks? Use the Alexa hack to turn your Kindle ebooks into audiobooks! Open the Alexa app on your phone or iPad where you also have your Kindle app. Tell Alexa, “Read (book title)”. You can adjust the speed of her narration and it will sync with your Kindle ebook to the most current page. Game changer!
• Books - Summer of Songbirds by Kristy Woodson Harvey, God Never Blinks: 50 Lessons for Life’s Little Detoursby Regina Brett, The Five Star Weekend by Elin Hildebrand, The Masterpiece by Francine Rivers, Tom Lake by Ann Patchett, Lineage of Grace series by Francine Rivers, The Hiding Place by Corrie Ten Boom
• Tarte BB Blur Tinted Moisturizer
• Shows we’ve watched: Battle on the Beach-Oak Island (HGTV), Abbott Elementary (Hulu & ABC), The Tattooist of Auschwitz (Peacock)

Welcome to Episode 15 of the Rooted and Grounded Podcast. Since school is getting out for summer, we wanted to honor all of the folks in education careers. Kim and I remember well that feeling when all our hard work culminated for the year and how great it felt to know a much needed break was ahead. Even if you’re not an educator, hopefully you will enjoy our funny stories as we reminisce over our careers. Thanks for joining us!

We reference:

Proverbs 22:6

Direct your children onto the right path, and when they are older, they will not leave it.

Your Turn...

Who was your favorite teacher? Can you find a way to let them know how much they meant to you?

Things we mentioned:

• The Pour Over & 1440 Daily Digest - unbiased news sources we’ve subscribed to via email
• Letter of Recs - @letterofrecs on Instagram, Amy’s Sister-in-Law, Karlie Marlowe, shares great recommendations
• Book: Tom Lake by Ann Patchett (Kim’s reading, Amy has read, and we are interested in what you think about it?)

• Amy’s Princess Diana wanna be wedding (lol!)
  

In this episode, we want to shout out and encourage all of the mamas out there! We interviewed our kids who are grown and asked them for some honest and authentic feedback on our parenting…what we did right and what they thought was ridiculous. Their answers both encouraged us and made us laugh. Send this episode to all of the moms you know so that they know we’re all in this hard work together, just trying to raise great humans! Thanks for listening!

We reference:

Proverbs 31:25

She is clothed with strength and dignity; she can laugh at the days to come.

Your Turn...

Hug and call your mama. You’ll miss that when she’s gone.

If you are a mama, give yourself some grace and don’t stress about being & doing what all the other moms are being & doing. Pray for wisdom, follow your gut, and just love your kids.

Things we mentioned:

• Water Walkers blog (Deborah Ard & Julie Wicker) https://waterwalkers29.com (Follow their blog, TikTok, YouTube). They shared their funniest moments on their Finally Friday video on YouTube & TikTok - @waterwalkers29 - ​​https://youtube.com/shorts/ZlizStm9JoM?si=sj2f9sMw3y_zyFrL
• Books we’ve read or listened to: Series by Jojo Moyes - Me Before You, After You, Still Me , The Stolen Marriage by Diane Chamberlain (set in Hickory, NC)
• @thegiftstagram unique gift ideas on Instagram

IN THIS EPISODE: We’ll talk about why we like to laugh so much, share some of our funniest moments, and talk about why it’s good to find the levity in your life. Thanks for joining us!

We reference:

Proverbs 17:22

A cheerful heart is good medicine, but a crushed spirit dries up the bones.

Your Turn...

Life is hard and sometimes it seems like there isn’t anything worthy of laughing at. Our challenge for you is to find the funny in life and try not to take everything so seriously. We don’t want to be the one who “dries up the bones” for the people around us. Bring the light and laughter to those around you. Send us your funny stories! We all need some good laughs!

Things we mentioned:

• Books: Tom Lake by Ann Patchett, The Summer of Songbirds by Kristy Woodson Harvey, Go As a River by Shelley Read
• Shows: The New Look on Apple TV, Unlocked on Netflix
• Leanne Morgan & Karen Mills Comedy (Watch Leanne’s Netflix special, “I’m Every Woman”

Research on laughter

How it helps health, mental well-being, relationships, & learning:

• https://news.harvard.edu/gazette/story/2023/01/a-laugh-a-day-keeps-the-doctor-away/
• https://www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/stress-management/in-depth/stress-relief/art-20044456
• https://www.cnn.com/2021/07/01/health/science-of-laughter-scn-wellness/index.html
• https://journals.physiology.org/doi/full/10.1152/advan.00030.2017

We're changing our color to blue this month, in honor of Autism Awareness Month. We are excited to have a special guest, Debra Lester, with us to discuss how to stay joyful as we experience challenges. Debra is a long time friend and colleague of Kim’s and has two sons living with Autism who have overcome the odds, much in part to Debra and her husband, Pete. We enjoyed hearing her perspective and hope you do, too! Thanks for joining us!

We reference:

Psalm 46:1

God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present in trouble.

Your Turn...

God always uses every part of each of our stories. Where can you find a glimmer of hope in a challenge you are facing? Is there someone else who is going through something similar that you can give hope & encouragement to?

Things we mentioned:

• Books: The Book of Lost Names by Kristen Harmel, Remarkably Bright Creatures by Shelby Van Pelt, Carnegie’s Maid by Marie Benedict
• Shows: 30 for 30 “Survive and Advance” about the 1983 NC State Basketball Championship team, Is it Cake? on Netflix
• Tasty Pickles by Carson (Debra’s son’s pickle company...YUM!)
• Click here to order rooted + grounded t-shirts before April 18th

In this episode, we’ll talk about our struggles with perfectionism and overthinking. We had to let go of our perfectionism in a big way when we started this podcast. Maybe you could tell! We’re embracing our imperfections and as always, we’re thankful you are sticking with us through it all. Also, Surprise - It’s Season 2. Stick around to the end to hear some bloopers from our very first recording session!

We reference:

Romans 12:2

Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind.

Your Turn...

Where can you give yourself more grace? Remember it’s about progress, not perfection.

Things we mentioned:

• Books: The Women by Kristin Hannah, Everything Beautiful in Its Time by Jenna Bush Hager, Under the Influence by Noelle Crooks,
• Shows: The Dynasty on Apple TV, Apples Never Fall on Peacock, 20/20 - Ruby Franke, Battle on the Beach on HGTV