EPISODE SUMMARY

In this Bonus episode of the 'Rooted' podcast, hosts Josie and Symone Harms celebrate their 10th episode by addressing listener-submitted questions. Together they discuss the inspiration behind starting their podcast, predominantly influenced by their family life verse Psalm 1:3. They reflect on growing up in a small town, favorite childhood memories including traveling to all 50 states and spending summers at Camp Shetek, and share how camp has shaped their spiritual journeys.

Together, Josie and Symone delve into personal life advice, discussing the importance of focusing on the positive, living with courage and kindness, and practicing gratitude. Relationship topics such as love languages and the best relationship advice are explored. The episode concludes with Josie and Symone sharing what they love about each other and what they encourage listeners to be rooted in–truth and the acknowledgment of Jesus' constant presence.

00:00 Setting Up and Introduction

01:01 Why We Started a Podcast

03:25 Overcoming Fear and Taking the Leap

05:21 Growing Up in a Small Town

07:29 Favorite Childhood Memories

10:52 Christmas Traditions

11:46 Impact of Camp on Our Lives

12:59 Waves of Grace: A Spiritual Reflection

14:51 The Camp Experience: A Slice of Heaven on Earth

16:31 Life Advice: Focus on the Positive

19:41 Favorite Podcasts and Influences

20:43 Love Languages and Relationship Advice

24:12 Current Season of Life: Embracing Freedom

26:45 Final Thoughts and Encouragement

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NOTABLE QUOTES

• "The fear of failure almost held us back, but we can't live by fear, we have to live by faith." – Symone
• "We're not here to just sit and talk about shallow things. What truly matters is eternity." – Josie
• "The only thing holding us back right now is us. We had to focus on God, not ourselves." – Symone
• "Waves of grace never stop, even when we're asleep. Just like the ocean waves, God's grace is endless." – Josie
• "What you focus on will increase—when we focus on the good, our lives reflect that." – Symone
• "It's not about finding someone to complete you; it's about finding someone who compliments you." – Symone
• "We’re all on a race toward Jesus, and the right partner will run alongside us at the same pace." – Josie
• "Jesus is the truth, and the truth will set you free." – Symone

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RESOURCES MENTIONED

• Sadie Robertson’s Podcast – Whoa That’s Good
• Craig Groeschel’s Sermons - Life.Church Podcast
• Ben Stuart’s Book – Single, Dating, Engaged, Married
• Psalm 1:3 – Josie and Symone's Life Verse

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Support: https://bio.site/rootedtoprosper

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ABOUT THE GUEST:

Lydia Gessner recently graduated from Bethel University. Lydia is a creative writing major who harbors aspirations of becoming an author. Known for her resilience and joy, she has navigated personal grief with strength and faith, notably after losing her father to cancer during her adolescence. Lydia is set to step into the role of Development Coordinator at a nonprofit supporting children and families in foster care.

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EPISODE SUMMARY:

In this episode of “Rooted,” hosts Josie and Symone Harms sit down with Lydia Gessner to discuss navigating life, faith, and grief. Lydia shares her foundational roots in a Christian family, her early acceptance of Jesus, and the impactful experiences of her upbringing. Her deep, personal testimony reveals her journey through her father’s illness and passing, and how those events shaped her faith and understanding of God’s love.

Lydia delves into the importance of choosing joy, even amidst suffering, drawing on her own struggles and insights. She emphasizes the significance of gratitude lists, finding joy in simple pleasures, and seeking community support. The conversation also touches on vulnerability, the roles of different types of comfort, and how understanding one’s own and others’ grief processes can foster connection and healing. As Lydia transitions to her new role in supporting foster care families, she reflects on the lessons learned from her past and how she plans to apply them in her future endeavors.

• 00:00 Introduction to Rooted
• 00:35 Meet Lydia Gesner
• 01:01 Lydia's Early Faith Journey
• 02:08 Balancing Denominational Upbringings
• 04:05 High School Activities and Overcommitment
• 06:21 Navigating Grief and Finding Joy
• 15:16 The Power of Vulnerability
• 19:23 Supporting Others Through Grief
• 28:20 Looking Ahead: Lydia's Future Plans
• 34:17 Final Thoughts and Encouragement

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KEY TAKEAWAYS:

• Choosing Joy in Hardship: Lydia underscores that true joy can coexist with pain and emphasizes the power of choosing joy, especially on difficult days.
• Gratitude Practices: Cultivating gratitude through daily lists and finding contentment in small moments can significantly enhance one’s happiness.
• Power of Vulnerability: Sharing one’s struggles and being honest with close companions and community can be profoundly healing.
• Effective Support: Simply acknowledging someone’s grief and offering presence, rather than attempting to “fix” their pain, can be the most supportive act.
• Embracing Unexpected Paths: Lydia’s journey into her new role highlights that sometimes the best opportunities come unplanned, and passion can often outweigh qualifications.

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NOTABLE QUOTES:

• “We have a God who stepped down from a really comfortable place in heaven to a really uncomfortable place on earth. And that just shows the depth of his love for us.”
• “True joy can only come on the other side of pain.”
• “Choosing joy doesn’t always mean ignoring your pain.”
• “In order to choose joy and actually have true joy, you have to face your suffering.”

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FOLLOW & SUPPORT:

Instagram: https://instagram.com/rootedtoprosper

YouTube: https://youtube.com/rootedtoprosper

Support: https://bio.site/rootedtoprosper

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ABOUT THE GUEST:

Dr. Christine Osgood is a licensed marriage and family therapist with a Master’s of Divinity and a Doctorate of Ministry. She currently serves as the Director of Wellbeing Initiatives at Bethel University. With over 26 years of experience at Bethel, Dr. Osgood has dedicated her career to understanding the intersection between psychology and spirituality, focusing on human development and transformation.

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EPISODE SUMMARY:

In this insightful episode, Dr. Christine Osgood discusses the importance of establishing healthy roots to cultivate holistic wellbeing. She delves into the concept of renewal and transformation, highlighting the interconnected nature of intrapersonal and interpersonal wellbeing. By exploring the meaning of shalom as a justice-infused peace, Dr. Osgood encourages listeners to envision a world where all aspects of life flourish.

Key themes include the significance of renewing the mind for transformation, the practical steps to cultivate wellbeing, and the impact of loving God and loving others in shaping a meaningful life. As Dr. Osgood shares practical advice and personal insights, listeners are inspired to reflect on their thoughts, relationships, and purpose in fostering holistic wellbeing.

0:01 - Holistic Well Being: Integrating Mind, Body, and Soul

6:44 - The Interconnectedness of Physical Health and Emotional Well-Being

11:23 - Unconventional Sleep Aids: YouTube Videos and Bible Reading

15:19 - Finding Meaning and Purpose in Life Through Faith

23:13 - Influence and Growth Through Relationships and Community

26:10 - The Power of Renewing Your Mind and Transforming Your Life

31:04 - The Expansive Meaning and Practical Application of Shalom

35:34 - Practical Steps for Cultivating Well-Being and Spiritual Growth

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KEY TAKEAWAYS:

• Renewal of the mind leads to transformation and growth.
• Cultivating wellbeing involves a disciplined approach to curate resources and focus on positive habits.
• Shalom encompasses justice-infused peace and wholeness for all aspects of life.
• Loving God and loving others are foundational principles for a meaningful and purposeful life.
• Envisioning a world where all aspects of life flourish guides actions towards renewal and transformation.

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NOTABLE QUOTES:

• "One of the very first things is going back to our thoughts… What are the words that you put before your mind?”
• "The essence of who we are can be changed the more our mind is renewed."
• "I don't have to get filled with despair. I can be transformed. I can be renewed and become something new and different over the course of time."
• "When I think about wellbeing, I'm thinking about the intrinsic nature of a human and how it is thriving and flourishing in life today."
• “Actually, we can change our patterns of thinking, our patterns of feeling, all of those things, because of how we change our neural circuitry inside of us.”
• “Shalom is justice infused peace, wholeness, thriving for all of creation.”
• “Can you imagine this world being utterly consumed, filled with shalom, where everything is as it should be?”
• “Are we bringing about what God deeply desires that heaven would look like?”
• “A well-lived life is truly focused on loving God and loving others.”

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FOLLOW & SUPPORT:

Instagram: https://instagram.com/rootedtoprosper

YouTube: https://youtube.com/rootedtoprosper

Support: https://bio.site/rootedtoprosper

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Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.