rooted + grounded

IN THIS EPISODE: In this episode, we are joined by Kellie Thompson, who is a friend of Kim’s who has become quite the expert on functional medicine. She is going to share her journey along with some tips we can use as we advocate for ourselves and work together with our own doctors to achieve optimal health and lifestyle. We do want to point out that we aren’t doctors, much like we have also said we aren’t theologians - just sharing some things we’ve learned along the way. Thanks for joining us! We reference: PROVERBS 4:7 The beginning of wisdom is this: Get wisdom. Though it costs you all you have, get understanding. Your Turn... What do you want your next decade to look like? What small step will you take to start focusing on YOU? Things we mentioned: Books we’ve read: Good Energy by Dr. Casey Means, Atomic Habits by James Clear, Here One Moment by Liane Moriarity, Before We Were Yours by Lisa Wingate, For Love of Country by Tulsi Gabbard, From Here to the Great Unknown by Lisa Marie Presley & Riley Keough Shows we’ve watched: Back in Action (Netflix) Resources: Dr. Thompson’s Facebook group: ‘Your Next Decade’ Podcast: The Dr. Hyman Show

IN THIS EPISODE: Welcome to episode 23 of the rooted and grounded podcast. In this episode, we enjoyed recapping 2024, as well as looking ahead to the coming year. Our big takeaway: Be rooted and grounded, but don’t stress out about it! We also take quite a while sharing things that have been bringing us joy. Hope all of our listeners have had some joy in your lives as well. Thanks for joining us! We reference: 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. They do not fear when heat comes; their leaves are always green. They have no worries in a year of drought and never fail to bear fruit. Your Turn... We want to encourage you as you go about your day to day busy life to be planted, grow, and bear fruit. Don’t try to be who others Just remember WHO you are and WHOSE you are. Book Club Launch Since we connect with so many of you about the books we all read, we’re launching a book club! Join the Facebook group - www.facebook.com/groups/rootedandgroundedpodcastbookclub/ (Rooted + Grounded Podcast Book Club). Our first book is “What in the World?” by Leanne Morgan. This will be easy and fun! Just read the book and chat about it in the group. Tune in next episode and we’ll chat about the book and things that stood out to us. We haven’t talked about it together yet either. Things we mentioned: Books we’ve read: The Wedding People by Alison Espach, The Well-Watered Woman by Gretchen Saffles, One True Loves & Malibu Rising by Taylor Jenkins Reid Shows we’ve watched: The Forge (Netflix), No Good Deed (Netflix), Your Friend, Nate Bargatze (Netflix), The Six Triple Eight (Netflix) Games we’ve played: Codenames

N THIS EPISODE: Since it’s been about two months since our last podcast, we have a lot of life to talk about. Kim had a joyous wedding to attend in Alaska at the same time our beloved North Carolina was being hit with Hurricane Helene. So sorry it’s taken us so long to get back to the podcast, but we’re excited to share about all that’s gone on! We missed you!!! We reference: ISAIAH 54:10 “For the mountains may depart and the hills be removed, but my steadfast love shall not depart from you, and my covenant of peace shall not be removed,” says the Lord, who has compassion on you. Your Turn... Continue to pray for the people of Western North Carolina. Recovery will be a long road for many communities. If you want to give, find an organization or individual, ask what current needs are, and funnel your support to and through your connections. Things we mentioned: Books we’ve read: Healing Wounds by Diane Carlson Evans (companion to The Women), The Masterpiece by Francine Rivers, Becoming Free Indeed by Jinger Duggar Vuolo, What Remains: A Memoir of Fate, Friendship, and Love by Carole Radziwell Shows we’ve watched: “The Undercovers” (Eli Manning & Baker Mayfield) on Prime, “Martha” on Netflix, “Monsters” on Netflix (mixed reviews from us)

IN THIS EPISODE: In this episode, meet Amy’s husband, BJ, and hear how he has made his work as a teacher, coach, principal, and now FCA rep, his ministry field. We’ll all reminisce about what we miss and don’t miss about our various roles as educators over the years. If you’re a school leader, teacher, or support students in any way, you’ll be encouraged by BJ! (Check the show notes below for the books he’s written.) We reference: MATTHEW 5:14-16 You are the light of the world. A city set on a hill cannot be hidden. Nor do people light a lamp and put it under a basket, but on a stand, and it gives light to all in the house. In the same way, let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father who is in heaven. Your Turn... When you think about it, every job is a ‘people’ job. Some are great evangelists, some can give money, some of us are nurturers, but all of us can point people to Christ right where He’s placed us. How can you be a light to others where God has placed you? Things we mentioned: Books by BJ Laughter: Worst to First, The Athlete’s Challenge, A Heart for Athletes Never Settle: Sports, Family and the American Soul by Marty Smith The Perfect Couple series on Netflix (and the book it originated from by Elin Hildebrand; SPOILER ALERT: 11 Differences Between the Book and the Show (Town & Country Magazine)

Welcome to episode 20 of the rooted and grounded podcast.  We’re sorry it’s been a while since you’ve heard from us, so we’re just doing a big catch-up episode about what’s been going on with us.  If you enjoy bouncing all over the place, this is the episode for you!  We will cover everything from selling some goats to solving a mystery to Little House on the Prairie.  Thanks for joining us! We reference: ECCLESIASTES 5:18 After looking at the way things are on this earth, here’s what I’ve decided is the best way to live: Take care of yourself, have a good time, and make the most of whatever job you have for as long as God gives you life. And that’s about it. That’s the human lot. Yes, we should make the most of what God gives, both the bounty and the capacity to enjoy it, accepting what’s given and delighting in the work. It’s God’s gift! God deals out joy in the present, the now. It’s useless to brood over how long we might live. (MSG: The Message) Your Turn... What are you doing to enjoy the now? And make the most of it? Things we mentioned: Books we’ve read: The Water Keeper, The Letter Keeper, & The Record Keeper by Charles Martin (Murphy Shepherd series), The Paris Daughter by Kristin Harmel The Bible Recap begins the New Testament on Oct. 1st if you want to jump in! Get more info. at https://www.thebiblerecap.com

N THIS EPISODE: We really go in a circle rambling about a lot of different topics on this episode, from the Olympics, to bodily fluids in the classroom, to so thank you in advance for sticking with us. We end up by talking about the type of legacy we are hoping to leave as we go about our day-to-day life and hope you can take a moment to ponder that for yourself. Thank you for spreading joy! We reference: “Carve your name on hearts, not tombstones. A legacy is etched into the minds of others and the stories they share about you.”  ~Shannon L. Alder Your Turn... What kind of legacy do you want to leave? Are there places in your life that you could be impacting people that you’ve overlooked? What stories do you want others to remember & tell about you? Things we mentioned: Books we’ve read: The Women by Kristin Hannah, Lessons in Chemistry by Bonnie Grams, Summer of ‘69, 28 Summers, & Endless Summer by Elin Hildebrand, Praying the Scriptures for Your Adult Children by Jodi Berndt Book we mentioned:  Healing Wounds: A Vietnam War Combat Nurse’s 10-Year Fight to Win Women a Place of Honor in Washington, DC by Diane Carlson Evans Podcast: “Wiser than Me” with Julia Louis Dreyfus (Kim mentioned the Carol Burnett episode) Click here for Amy’s hair dryer

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 theirfamily’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, byprayer 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 inChrist 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 notfear 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 DariusRucker 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

We are thrilled to be joined by one of Amy’s dearest friends, Wendy Mason, as we discuss how in the world we forgive when we would rather get in a cuss fight. Her story is so authentic and full of wisdom! Also, in case you haven’t guessed, we will be discussing cuss fights in our “Country as Cornbread’ segment. How’s that for a diverse episode? Thanks for joining us!

In this episode, we’ll talk about being judgy and both share our struggles with this. We’re issuing a challenge to ourselves and all of our listeners to be intentional about building others up instead of tearing them down.  Of course, we will also share what’s bringing us joy as we go about our daily lives.  Hope you enjoy episode 9!

In this episode we’ll share some stories about our valentines, Kent and BJ, and maybe get a little too sentimental and serious.  Don’t worry, we will mix in some entertaining stories as well, along with our usual update on all the things that are bringing us joy in the day-to-day.  We hope you enjoy episode 8!

In this episode, we talk about our recent media tour (yes, you heard that right - we were surprised too), our struggle with “stuff” and working to be content with what we have & the jeans that started it all, recent cold weather, and some new things we’ve decided to try. Thanks for listening!

In this episode, we catch up from the holidays, chat about some of our favorite moments of 2023, and talk about what we’re leaving behind and taking forward into the new year in order to stay rooted & grounded.  If you’re looking for shows to watch, books to read, or want our take on “The Crown” and the royals, this is the episode for you! We forgot to add your challenge at the end, so here it is:   Each year we learn more about God, ourselves, and His plan for us. What do you want to leave behind in 2023 and what do you want to take with you into 2024?

In this episode, you’ll get to meet our college roommate tribe and hear funny & heartwarming stories from our years at Mars Hill College, which we LOVED! We even recorded this episode sitting on the floor of a bedroom in the beach house we rented for our annual girls’ trip. We talk about throwing Amy a classy bridal shower in Applebee’s, our favorite restaurant in a gas station, and the fact that most of our stories from college belong in our “Country as Cornbread” segment for this episode. Our wonderful college roomies, Angela Atkins, Dawn Keel, Janet Spicer, & Michelle McCaleb share some beautiful wisdom about friendship that you won’t want to miss!

 In this episode, we’ll share our favorite Christmas traditions, gift ideas, & of course, talk about the reason we celebrate Christmas...the birth of Jesus. We will post these ideas on our website, rootedandground.com/live-fully. This episode is a little longer than usual because we have lots of good things to share, so grab a snack and your favorite drink and finish up your shopping list! 

In this episode, we’ll catch up on what’s been going on and talk about butter a lot more than we should. You’ll get to hear Amy get completely discombobulated when she realizes she never plugged in her microphone. We could have edited that part out, but decided to leave it in for your listening pleasure. We’ll also talk about how being grateful doesn’t always come easy, but God’s goodness can be found in the midst of challenges, and in the simplest of things all around us. Gratitude and thankfulness are keys to staying rooted & grounded in love.

I think we can all agree there’s a lot of “noise” in the world that can create anxiety, worry, & cause us to compare ourselves and our lives to others. To be honest, it’s something we both struggle with and we can’t hear God if we’re focused on the “noise”. Lately, we’ve read books and watched some shows that cause us to reflect on the good in our lives. Join us as we discuss being content and finding joy in the midst of it all. For fun, we’ll also reflect on our launch of episode 1 (& make fun of some of our rookie mistakes) and introduce a funny new segment called, “Country as Cornbread”.

Welcome to the Rooted + Grounded Podcast! We’ll talk about a little bit of nothing and a little bit of something, and all things that keep us rooted and grounded in love! In our first episode, we share our stories and how we gave birth to a podcast. Our purpose is to bring a little bit of joy to your day and remind you that we're all in the same boat, just trying to figure this journey of life out. Real talk about real life, and we’re so glad you’re here!