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)