In this heart-opening episode of Rooted, Christian recording artist and storyteller Jason Gray joins Josie and Symone for a deeply personal conversation about vulnerability, forgiveness, and how God uses our brokenness. Jason shares about his childhood, the absence of his father, the painful journey through divorce, and how these experiences shaped his relationship with God—and his music. We talk about how his speech impediment became one of the most powerful tools of his ministry, the healing power of language, and how “bringing it all” to Jesus changes everything. This episode is packed with rich insights about grief, joy, songwriting, and learning to listen to the Holy Spirit in the present moment. Jason also gives us a sneak peek into his upcoming book and children’s project—and throws in a few laughs (prosthetic leg air violin, anyone?). Don’t miss this one!

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[00:00] — Intro to Jason Gray and connection with Josie and Symone

[03:00] — Devotional story: worship through our actions

[07:00] — Relationship with his earthly father

[15:00] — Learning to forgive through suffering and failure

[20:00] — Writing songs from pain, compassion, and healing

[27:00] — Healing language & learning to speak kindly to ourselves

[31:00] — Backstory of “Bring It All” and using weaknesses in ministry

[35:00] — Overcoming insecurity in early performances

[38:00] — Why people connect more with our weaknesses than our strengths

[41:00] — Writing music for every door: joy, grief, vulnerability

[50:00] — Lightning Round: favorite song, weirdest concert moment, hidden talent

[54:00] — Final encouragement: the Holy Spirit speaks in the now

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• “God doesn’t use me in spite of my weakness. He uses me because of it.”
• “The Holy Spirit only speaks in real time. You have to be present to hear Him.”
• “Wisdom is healed pain.”
• “Our worship has more to do with how we treat people than the songs we sing.”
• “If you bring your brokenness to God, He will make something beautiful out of it.”
• “Our language matters—what we say to ourselves shapes how we see God and others.”
• “Clichés become clichés because they are so true they can’t be ignored.”
• “People admire your strengths, but they connect to your weaknesses.”
• “Be rooted in the Holy Now—that’s where the Spirit speaks.”

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• Jason's SongsSongs Referenced: “The Wound is Where the Light Gets In” | “Bring It All” | “Celebrate” | “Good to Be Alive” | “Laugh Out Loud” | “Glory Days”
• Jason's Devotional Book-in-Progress
• Jason's Children’s Book: Sparrows
• People Mentioned: Frederick Buechner | Elizabeth Kübler-Ross | Craig Groeschel

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Support: https://bio.site/rootedtoprosper

-------------------

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In this powerful episode of Rooted, we sit down with Jill Koopman, a woman of unwavering faith who has walked through addiction, deep grief, and illness—only to emerge with an unshakable joy in Jesus. Jill shares her 16-year sobriety journey, how she found Christ through a friend’s worship, and how Celebrate Recovery played a crucial role in her transformation. She also opens up about the devastating loss of her brother to suicide, her battle with breast cancer, and how God’s comfort sustained her through it all. Jill reminds us that forgiveness leads to freedom, that joy in Christ is not circumstantial, and that God truly is faithful in every season. Whether you're struggling with addiction, grief, or just need encouragement in your faith walk, Jill’s testimony will inspire you to keep trusting in God’s faithfulness. Don’t miss this life-changing conversation!

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[00:00] - Introduction to Jill Koopman

[02:00] - Jill’s passion for art and creativity

[04:00] - Her journey through alcoholism & finding Christ

[08:00] - Identity in Christ vs. addiction labels

[10:00] - How she protects herself from temptation

[12:00] - The tragic loss of her brother to suicide

[14:00] - Navigating deep grief and seeking therapy

[16:00] - God’s quiet presence during suffering

[18:00] - Being diagnosed with breast cancer shortly after losing her brother

[20:00] - Running a 10K after cancer & a powerful divine appointment

[23:00] - Forgiveness as the key to healing

[26:00] - The difference between temporary happiness & unshakable joy in Jesus

[30:00] - Jill’s advice: Make the Bible your best friend

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1. "I used to think alcohol was fun, but freedom in Christ is true joy."
2. "God wasn’t absent in my suffering—He was holding me the entire time."
3. "Forgiveness isn’t for them—it’s for you. It sets you free."
4. "God answered every one of my prayers—just not in the way I expected."
5. "Satan will use anything to pull you back into addiction, which is why we must stay on guard."
6. "Celebrate Recovery pointed me back to God. Every. Single. Day."
7. "Jesus didn’t take away my pain—He walked me through it."
8. "Joy in Christ is unshakable. It’s not about circumstances, it’s about knowing Jesus."
9. "Make the Bible your best friend. There is a verse for everything you’re going through."

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• Celebrate Recovery – Christ-centered recovery program: celebraterecovery.com
• Alcoholics Annonymous - www.aa.org

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Support: https://bio.site/rootedtoprosper

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In this episode of Rooted, we sit down with Temi Agbaje, the Associate Director of Salt Company in St. Paul, Minnesota, to talk about faith, evangelism, and how to live out the gospel daily. Temi shares his journey from growing up in a Nigerian household to his calling in ministry, the impact of his mother’s unwavering faith, and the lessons he's learned about self-righteousness, humility, and trusting in God’s faithfulness.

He also shares personal stories—including a stage dive gone wrong—and offers practical advice on staying rooted in God’s Word, deepening your prayer life, and overcoming insecurity when stepping into leadership. Whether you're new to faith or looking for encouragement in your walk with Jesus, this conversation is filled with wisdom, humor, and powerful insights.

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[00:00] - Introduction to the episode and guest, Temi Agbaje

[01:00] - What is Salt Company? The mission behind this college ministry

[03:00] - Temi’s journey from Nigeria to Iowa to Minnesota

[05:00] - How Temi came to faith as a child & the role his mother played

[07:00] - Learning faith through hardship: Losing his father at a young age

[09:00] - The importance of knowing and reminding yourself of the gospel daily

[12:00] - How to practically live a life rooted in faith

[14:00] - The discipline of spending time with God (prayer, scripture, community)

[18:00] - The difference between listening to Christian content & engaging with scripture

[20:00] - Personal faith lessons from the book of Job

[21:00] - Fighting self-righteousness and the lessons from the Prodigal Son

[25:00] - Why we must understand God’s love before we can truly love others

[27:00] - Temi’s early struggles with preaching & overcoming insecurity

[29:00] - The infamous stage dive story & how God’s comfort shows up in trials

[32:00] - Final words of encouragement: Trusting in God’s faithfulness

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1. "God is faithful. He never leaves you nor forsakes you."
2. "You can't love others if you don’t first understand that you are loved by God."
3. "We need the gospel every single day—not just once when we get saved."
4. "If you want to grow in faith, spend time with Jesus. You can’t love what you don’t know."
5. "Christianity isn't about performance. It's about knowing God and being transformed by Him."
6. "Self-righteousness sneaks in when we start comparing ourselves to others instead of looking at Jesus."
7. "Fear of man and insecurity can hold you back from stepping into your calling—trust that God has equipped you."
8. "The gospel isn’t just about getting to heaven—it’s about being set free in this life, too."
9. "God comforts us in our suffering so that we can comfort others in theirs."

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• Salt Company - https://www.salttc.com/
• Book of John - Recommended as a starting point for anyone new to reading the Bible - https://www.bible.com/bible/111/JHN.1.NIV
• Job 38 - The passage where God reminds Job of His power and sovereignty - https://www.bible.com/bible/111/JOB.38.NIV

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In this powerful episode of the Rooted Podcast, Josie and Symone Harms sit down with counselor and psychotherapist Tiffany Bose to explore the connection between faith, mental health, and true healing. Tiffany shares her journey into counseling, practical strategies for overcoming anxiety, and the importance of leaving our burdens at Jesus’ feet. From social media’s impact on mental health to how therapy can help reshape our thought patterns, this conversation is packed with biblical wisdom and professional insight. If you’ve ever struggled with anxiety, doubt, or carrying emotional burdens, this episode is for you.

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• Welcome & Introduction: Meet Tiffany Bose
• Tiffany’s Journey: How She Got into Christian Counseling
• What is Psychotherapy? Understanding the Role of Therapy in Mental Health
• The Burdens We Carry: The Log Analogy & Surrendering to God
• How to Recognize When You Need Therapy
• The Impact of Social Media on Anxiety & Mental Health
• Breaking the Cycle: How to Retrain Your Mind & Overcome Anxiety
• The Power of Prayer & Meditation in Mental Health
• How to Support Loved Ones Struggling with Anxiety or Depression
• Tiffany’s Favorite Resources for Mental Wellness & Christian Counseling
• Final Encouragement: Staying Rooted in Joy & Christ

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1. "The Lord is asking us to set our burdens down at His feet, but we struggle to leave them there."
2. "Healing isn’t about fixing yourself—it’s about allowing God to transform you."
3. "Anxiety and depression don’t come from the Lord—He calls us to peace and trust in Him."
4. "Therapy and faith are not separate—true healing happens when we integrate both."
5. "Your thoughts shape your reality. What are you feeding your mind?"
6. "Social media can be a major source of anxiety. We must be mindful of what we consume."
7. "It takes humility to seek counseling, but it’s one of the bravest steps toward healing."
8. "Mindfulness in prayer isn’t just talking to God—it’s listening to Him too."
9. "God is bigger than our struggles, and He is faithful to walk us through them."
10. "The enemy is always after our joy, but when we are rooted in Christ, we can stand firm."

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• Tiffany Bose Profile – https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/therapists/tiffany-bose-slayton-mn/943057
• Tiffany's Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/therapy.tiff?igsh=MTBidTR5bnZ0aTBuMQ==
• Elizabeth Elliot Podcast – Timeless wisdom on faith and perseverance
• The Reason Motherhood Podcast – Encouragement for Christian moms
• Now That We’re a Family Podcast – Biblical marriage and family insights
• Atomic Habits by James Clear – A practical guide to habit change

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Instagram: https://instagram.com/rootedtoprosper

YouTube: https://youtube.com/rootedtoprosper

Support: https://bio.site/rootedtoprosper

-------------------

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In this insightful episode of the Rooted Podcast, Josie and Simone Harms sit down with Pastor Bryan Anderson to unpack the keys to healthy, God-honoring relationships. From navigating singleness to building a strong marriage, Bryan shares wisdom gained from years of ministry, marriage counseling, and his own personal experiences. Discover why relationships aren’t about finding the perfect person but becoming the right person. If you’re single, dating, engaged, or married, this episode is packed with practical advice for every stage of relationship life.

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• Introduction: Welcome & Meet Pastor Bryan Anderson
• Bryan’s Calling to Ministry & How He Met His Wife
• The Myth of the Perfect Person: Becoming the Right Partner
• Dating with Purpose: Finding Red Flags & Green Lights
• Marriage Wisdom: Communication, Conflict, and Connection
• Personality Dynamics: Opposites Attract or Similarities Stick?
• The Power of Premarital Counseling: What You Need to Know
• Heartbreak & Healing: Navigating Breakups with Grace
• Contentment & Trust: Finding Peace in Singleness
• Community Matters: Building a Strong Support Network
• The Identity Factor: Knowing Your Worth in Christ
• Final Thoughts: The Truth to Stay Rooted In

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1. "It’s not about finding the right person; it’s about becoming the right person."
2. "Marriage isn’t built on perfection—it’s built on growth, grace, and God’s guidance."
3. "You can’t escape a prison you don’t know you’re in."
4. "Yellow flags mean slow down; red flags mean stop."
5. "Contentment isn’t about circumstances; it’s about trust in Christ."
6. "Healthy relationships begin with a healthy relationship with God."
7. "Community isn’t optional—it’s essential."
8. "Communication is a skill, and like any skill, it can be learned."
9. "Opposites attract, but similarities sustain."
10. "God created you with infinite value and purpose—you are His masterpiece."

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• The Tabernacle Church George Iowa – Pastor Bryan Anderson’s church community
• Single, Dating, Engaged, Married by Ben Stuart – A foundational book on relationships
• Prepare/Enrich Assessment Tool – For premarital counseling insights
• Isaiah 26:3 (NIV) – "You will keep in perfect peace those whose minds are steadfast, because they trust in you."

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Instagram: https://instagram.com/rootedtoprosper

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Support: https://bio.site/rootedtoprosper

-------------------

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In this special 20th episode of Rooted, Josie and Symone Harms take the mic solo for an engaging Q&A session, answering your most asked questions! From unforgettable adventures in Kauai to life-changing lessons about faith, gratitude, and commitment, this episode is packed with laughter, reflection, and heartwarming stories. The sisters share personal insights on prayer, trusting God in seasons of change, and how to live the lelepau life! Whether you’re here for travel tips, faith inspiration, or just a fun behind-the-scenes peek into their lives, this episode has something for everyone!

—----------------------

[00:00] – Welcome to Episode 20: Special Q&A with Josie and Symone

[02:15] – Memories from Hawaii: Sunrise hikes, beach adventures, and fancy sushi at Stevenson’s

[10:00] – Favorite Hawaiian foods: Lilikoi cheesecake, honey-cured steak, and baklava from B’s Kitchen

[15:30] – What we love about Kauai: The people, the spirit of generosity, and lelepau (being all in)

[22:00] – Life lessons from Hawaii: Slowing down and embracing God’s creation

[30:00] – Fun Q&A: Favorite colors, new habits for 2025, and random bear species love

[38:00] – Faith Reflections: How prayer shifted from speaking to listening, inspired by Living Fearless by Jamie Winship

[45:00] – Biggest Lessons of 2024: Trusting God in seasons of change and the power of gratitude

[52:00] – Favorite books, movies, and Bible verses that shaped our year

[01:00:00] – Who would we have dinner with? (Spoiler: Justin Bieber and George Washington made the cut!)

[01:05:00] – Closing: Encouragement to be rooted in God’s truth and gratitude

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1. "Lelepau means being all in—no more back and forth. It’s about committing fully to God and life."
2. "You can’t be grateful and grumpy at the same time. Gratitude changes everything."
3. "Life’s cliffhangers are the most exciting parts of the story. Trust God with the next chapter."
4. "The Lord giveth and the Lord taketh away—praise the name of the Lord in all seasons."
5. "Prayer isn’t just talking to God; it’s about sitting in silence and letting Him speak to you."
6. "Everything we have is from God, so let’s share it generously with others."
7. "Don’t procrastinate joy. Do the hard things early so you can enjoy the rest of the day."
8. "The spiritual part of life isn’t about perfection; it’s about being present with God in every moment."
9. "Trusting God doesn’t mean knowing the plan. It means believing His plan is better than ours."

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• Stevenson’s Library – A must-visit for amazing sushi in Kauai
• Kalaheo Café – Favorite breakfast spot after hikes in Kauai
• Polihale Beach – Remote, serene beach adventure in Kauai
• Living Fearless by Jamie Winship – A transformative book about identity and prayer.

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Instagram: https://instagram.com/rootedtoprosper

YouTube: https://youtube.com/rootedtoprosper

Support: https://bio.site/rootedtoprosper

-------------------

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In this heartfelt episode of Rooted, hosts Josie and Symone sit down with Tom Giese to explore his powerful story of overcoming addiction and finding freedom in Christ. Tom shares his journey through the highs and lows of substance abuse, his struggles with identity, and the transformative moment that led him to surrender to God. From the challenges of seeking treatment to the peace found in a faith-based recovery program, this episode offers hope and practical wisdom for those battling addiction and their loved ones. Tom’s testimony highlights the importance of community, faith, and perseverance. If you or someone you love is struggling, this episode is a must-listen.

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[00:00:00] – Welcome and introduction of Tom Giese

[00:03:15] – Tom’s early life, struggles with fitting in, and introduction to substance use

[00:10:45] – The evolution of addiction: relationships, work, and personal battles

[00:20:00] – The breaking point: a haunting blackout and a wake-up call

[00:30:30] – Seeking help: navigating barriers to treatment and finding New Life Treatment Center

[00:42:15] – The faith-based approach to recovery: surrendering to God

[00:50:00] – Tools for staying sober: daily devotionals, meditation, and community

[01:05:30] – Advice for families supporting loved ones in addiction

[01:15:00] – Final reflections on faith, redemption, and hope

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1. "To quit, I had to get on my knees and say, ‘God, I’ve had enough.’"
2. "The morning after using, your problems are still right there waiting for you."
3. "Addiction thrives in isolation, but healing happens in community."
4. "Don’t give up – barriers will come, but God makes a way."
5. "Faith-based recovery showed me that I couldn’t do it alone – I needed God’s strength."
6. "Meditation helps me refocus on God’s truth during moments of temptation."
7. "My emotional breakdown was God’s way of getting my attention."
8. "The spiritual part of recovery helps you fight the enemy’s lies."
9. "God’s redemption took the broken pieces of my life and made something beautiful."
10. "There’s only one God, and He is so good."

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• New Life Treatment Center (Woodstock, MN) – Faith-based recovery program specializing in addiction treatment.
• Tallgrass Recovery (Sioux Falls, SD) – Support for addiction recovery.
• Hazelden Betty Ford Foundation – Renowned recovery programs.
• Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) – Peer-support for sobriety.
• 24 Hours a Day Devotional Book – Daily meditations and prayers for recovery.

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Support: https://bio.site/rootedtoprosper

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In this inspiring episode of Rooted, Josie and Symone sit down with Nate Gustafson, Associate Dean for Campus Engagement at Bethel University. Nate shares his powerful journey of faith, exploring the transformational moments that shaped his calling. From his days as a pastor to his role in fostering community at Bethel, Nate offers practical wisdom on living a life rooted in Christ, serving others, and cultivating spiritual discipline. Tune in for conversations on prayer, the importance of daily surrender, and how small habits can lead to big spiritual breakthroughs.

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[00:00:00] – Welcome and Introduction to Nate Gustafson

[00:01:15] – Nate’s Role at Bethel and His Journey from Pastorship

[00:04:00] – Growing Up in a Pastor’s Home and Early Faith Influences

[00:06:30] – A Wake-Up Call: Wrestling with Identity and Video Games

[00:10:00] – Daily Practices of Faith: The Power of Time with Jesus

[00:14:00] – Meditation and The Lord’s Prayer: Diving Deep into Scripture

[00:18:30] – Building a Servant’s Heart Through Christ’s Example

[00:24:00] – The Mission Behind Welcome Week at Bethel University

[00:31:00] – Seeing Others Through God’s Eyes: A Call to Humility and Service

[00:39:00] – Palms Up, Palms Down: A Simple Prayer for Daily Surrender

[00:44:00] – Truth, Spiritual Practices, and Community: A Formula for Growth

[00:47:30] – Final Words: Being Rooted in Truth and Action

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1. "When you have power, you get low – that's how the world changes."
2. "God is not after our information, He’s after our transformation."
3. "You make time for the things you treasure. What you treasure shapes your life."
4. "The Lord’s Prayer isn’t a checklist; it’s a daily tuning of our hearts."
5. "I didn’t have time’ is rarely true – the reality is, ‘I didn’t make time.’"
6. "What you think about reveals what you value. Take every thought captive to Christ."
7. "God doesn’t give weekly bread – He gives daily bread. Trust Him daily."
8. "If you draw near to God, He will draw near to you. Test Him on that."
9. "True community is not ‘I’ but ‘y’all.’ We grow best when we grow together."

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• Sermon on the Mount (Matthew 5-7) – Deep dive into this core scripture.
• The Lord’s Prayer (Matthew 6:9-13) – Nate’s daily guide for centering prayer.
• Living Fearless by Jamie Winship – Explores asking God what we need.
• 2 Corinthians 10:5 – “Take every thought captive and make it obedient to Christ.”
• Philippians 2:5-8 – “Have the same mindset as Christ Jesus…”
• Romans 12:2 – “Be transformed by the renewing of your mind.”

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Support: https://bio.site/rootedtoprosper

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