Planted and Flourishing

What comes to mind when you talk about your "calling"? Is it something you have already identified or something you are still discovering? Beth and Corey Adkins have always made God's calling their mission. Their podcast formerly called "The Millenial Mission" reached for the millenial generation, challenging them and calling them up to live in the fullness of God's calling. Recently rebranded as "A Force to be Reckoned With" it's found them venturing into areas of ministry they'd said they would never be involved. There are close to 400,000 children in the foster care system in the United States of America. It's a need that once you've come face to face with it, you can't deny the daunting need. The Adkins felt the tug and answered by opening their home to families who are in a really difficult place. Showering the little ones who are placed in their care with the love of Jesus by providing a safe, loving place for them. You'll be inspired and challenged as you listen! To connect with Beth and Corey: linktr.ee/BethanyandCorey Foster Care Crisis Video To connect with Kristen: https://linktr.ee/KristenAndrus

Invisible. Unseen. Overlooked. Maybe you feel those words in the deepest part of your soul because that's been how you've described yourself for a really long time. Possibly, you're wondering if anyone else has felt that way and what to do about it. Today, Whitney Akin and I chat about her new book "Overlooked". After years of feeling invisible, Whitney began to understand her longing to be seen and the ways our society makes this hard on our hearts. We're chatting about personal experience, biblical examples, and the transformative power of living each day in the attention of a holy God. In this episode: getting real about the ways social media is hard on your soul understanding our longing to be seen Hagar, Moses, Paul and Jesus all felt overlooked You can connect with Whitney here: Whitney Akin You can connect with Kristen here: Kristen Andrus

Have you ever felt the tug? Maybe it was something small that didn't seem too big of an ask, but maybe you've felt that gentle and consistent prompting to relinquish something dear, deeply personal, or valued. Something big that to surrender might mean a whole new identity, way of doing life or new circle of friends. What was your answer? Today, Tracey Tiernan shares with us the journey she took to surrender and the joy that followed. Tracey is such a delight to talk to here's what we chat about: the unknown the familiar the ask the surrender the joy You can connect with Tracey on FB Tracey's podcast (https://www.brightfm.com/shine/your-day-brighter-with-tracey-tiernan/) You can connect with Kristen here

One in eight couples is currently struggling with infertility or loss. A staggering 19% of couples have been trying to start their family for at least a year. The statistics are there, the heartache is real, the pain palpable. The opportunity for the church to step up and minister to this group is glaring! I'm chatting with Nicole Clark about how God used her story of infertility and loss to be a connecting point for other women suffering silently who didn't have a tribe to support, encourage, and just offer the power of presence. Out of her difficulty, Nicole has allowed God to rewrite her story and redeem her pain by birthing a movement of compassion, intentionality, and community. Connect with Nicole and Twelve 12 Ministries: Twelve 12 Ministries Start a Group Get Involved Mother's Day Butterfly Boxes Twelve 12 Podcast Refined Bible Study Connect with Kristen here.

Raising teenagers can be a roller coaster gone wrong or the ride of your life. Whitney is a freelance writer, blogger, social media consultant and most importantly mom to 3 teenage girls. Join us as we chat about the good, the bad, and the vulnerable! In this episode: Navigating the why behind the behavior We are not our kids decisions Parenting illuminates work we need to do on ourselves Connect with Whitney: Facebook Website Whitney Fleming Writes Website Parenting Teens and Tweens Explore the Gratitude Journal for Moms and Teen Girls HERE Connect with Kristen here

Parenting is challenging on it's best day but, navigating those moments that make you question every aspect of your self and the offspring you are trying to raise can render us feeling hopeless and frustrated. Our guest today has just released his first book "We're Going To Make It - What parents need and want to know" and we chat about some of the principles he's implemented into his parenting to create connection with his kids - regardless of the stage of life. In this episode: challenges Consistent messaging Getting on our kids level speaking life over our families You can find Todd's book at the links below: Amazon ToddGaddy.com Todd is also active on FB and IG

It's a brand new year and most of us are wiping the slate clean and starting over in different areas of our lives. But are we just going through the motions, following social norms of "starting fresh" or are we really digging deep into our lives and making changes that will set us on a firm foundation?  The Ruthless Elimination of Hurry by John Mark Comer Kristen's contact info here Steven's contact info here

We have things. Stuff. Regardless of how long we have walked with Jesus, most of us carry baggage that prevents us from fully knowing Him.....or ourselves. Knowing ourselves is absolutely necessary if we truly want to walk in all that God has for us - seeing ourselves the way he sees us. So what is it? What is it that's keeping you from seeing yourself the way God sees you? know yourself to know God baggage after redemption my enneagram is not my identity The Gift of Being Yourself, by David Brenner (note, clicking this link will take you to a third party) Follow Kristen here Follow Steven here

Some days you'll be up and other days you'll feel like you're scraping bottom. It doesn't matter your beginnings or where you find yourself today, it's possible to live from a posture of joy even in difficulty. My guest, Katy Stephens, is one of the most joyful people you'll ever meet. Through the loss of a child and another of her children being diagnosed with cancer, she has been able to intentionally make joy a permanent fixture in every season. Episode highlights: joy after loss 50 and fabulous leaning in to the feelings paying attention to who God puts in your life and why how do I want to choose to spend my energy and time Katy Stevens FB https://www.facebook.com/katy.stevens.14 IG https://www.instagram.com/katystevens8/ The Mo and Katy Show FB Planted and Flourishing IG https://www.instagram.com/plant.flourish/ Resilient by John Eldredge (this link takes you to Amazon)

What's it like to rebuild after the life you knew has been shattered? When all you hold are fragments of the life you once loved. She had everything - a wonderful husband, thriving church, 3 beautiful boys, a new home and wonderful friends. Life was beautiful. Then, suddenly it wasn't. If someone you know has experienced loss through the death of a loved one, a dream that's been shattered or life that took a hard turn in another direction to the realization of a new normal, join us as we chat with Kayla Stoecklein. Episode Highlights: rebuild after tragedy suicide emphasis on mental health emphasis on self care More from Kayla/links mentioned in the episode: @Kaylastoecklein.com IG @Kaylasteck Never Alone Widows Amazon - order Rebuilding Beautiful Follow us: IG @kristendandrus FB Planted and Flourishing Planted and Flourishing Blog

Ever experienced a season when what you know with your heart doesn't match what you're seeing with your eyes? Some of us may be standing there right now - I know I am. So what do we do about it?! About the fear. The heaviness. The confusion. The frustration. The trap the enemy may set for us when he sees that we might be shaken in our faith. John 14-16 Psalm 73 Ephesians 6 A few things to help us shake ourselves out of the trappings of hardships and struggle Acknowledge Identity Armor up Follow Plant.Flourish on IG Follow Plantedandflourishing on FB Linktree

If you've ever felt that you were too far gone, made too many mistakes, and are unable to shake free from past abuse and tragedy in your life, you want to listen to my guest share her story. Tina Shockey is a woman of prayer and it's evident in her life in the way she serves in her local church and loves her community. Listen to her story of redemption, healing, and wholeness as she shares how Jesus reached for her - even when she thought she had gone too far! Follow Tina here (https://www.instagram.com/tina.michelle_/) Read Tina's blog here. (https://oaksofrighteousness.net/)

Today we're talking about the struggle that so many women face when they experience the devastation of infertility and loss through miscarriage. According to The March of Dimes 10% - 15% of pregnancies will end in miscarriage and 6 % of women will experience infertility according to the CDC My guest today is my friend Torie Boston. She is sharing the journey that she and her husband have been on surrounding infertility and a subsequent loss. ** Disclaimer- this episode is very much geared towards women in the audience. Guys- you might wanna skip this one. Connect with Torie here. (IG @TorieBoston) Connect with Kristen here. (https://linktr.ee/KristenAndrus) Resolve - The National Fertility Association (https://resolve.org/) Speak Endo - support for endometriosis sufferers ( https://www.speakendo.com/endometriosis-resources)

No. It's a word we hear from our earliest days. We learn to say it, expect it, repeat it and hate it. As we grow, we often find ourselves continuing in this pattern of self-denial throughout our adult life. Sometimes it's appropriate for the situation. Other times when we need to be gracious and kind to ourselves that word that we learned so long ago pops back up again. What would your life look like if you said "yes" to some things instead of "no". What keeps us from giving ourselves permission to have fun, dive in to new ventures, do something we've never done before? For some, it's a habit. No is the first and only thing we ever say. We pile on the guilt if we should dare do something we enjoy while our kids are in the watchful care of another adult. Let's talk about some ways we can give ourselves permission and ditch the guilt! To connect with Kristen If the link above isn't available - https://linktr.ee/kristenandrus To connect with Steven If the link above isn't available - https://www.instagram.com/stevenandrus/

Ever been walking through life, minding your own business when, suddenly, PIVOT!? The season you were walking through suddenly disappears and you find yourself thrust into unfamiliar territory. A record scratch. Mary experienced a course change of epic proportions in the season leading up to that first Christmas so long ago. The cultural implications alone, were enough to render any woman of that day terrified and confused. The appearance of an angel with a message that obliterated cultural norms, turned her current ordinary, predictable, arrangement into a new season of extraordinary and unimaginable. And now it can be part of your story too! Join me for a few minutes! Connect with Kristen here.

There are people that speak into your life without necessarily having to say anything. You may not even know them but, that's not always necessary. Maybe it's through a song they sing or a story you hear about them. The impact they make by walking out their faith in a way that others relate to is provoking. Our guest today, will speak life to you as she talks about her new book "Backwards" which launches November 17, 2021. The truths she has discovered about who she is in Jesus will inspire you to find truths for yourself. Truth about who Jesus is in our mess and the uncovering of distorted beliefs that we have somehow built our relational foundation on. Join us as we talk about the launch of "Backwards, Lose Your Life to Find It". ***The following links will take you to 3rd party sites. Depending on the platform you are listening from, the link may be absent. The URL is also listed to copy and past into your browser. Find Rachael's Book here (https://www.amazon.com/Backwards-Lose-Your-Life-Find/dp/B09JJ98MWN/ref=sr_1_1?keywords=Backwards+by+rachael+restrick&qid=1637010247&s=books&sr=1-1) Connect with Rachael here https://rachaelrestrick.com/ Connect with Kristen here https://linktr.ee/KristenAndrus

Ever walked through a tough season where you felt like you had assurance from God for that specific time; only to realize later in your journey you would need it again? Our guest on this episode is Alexis Slifer Butcher, worship leader and co-writer/author of the song Famous For (I Believe) (link is to the original version of the song). Alexis had previously recorded the original version of the song 6 years ago and thought the song had lived it's life and was done. Little did she know the journey she and her song were about to take. Famous For (I Believe) was re-recorded by Tauren Wells (link is to his Sunday morning mix of the song)and nominated for multiple awards including 2 Dove awards, a Grammy and a Billboard award. During this same period of time Alexis found out she was pregnant with her first baby and was also diagnosed with breast cancer during her pregnancy. God has literally shown Alexis what He is Famous For through her illness and the journey of a song written years before. Her faith in who Jesus is to her and what He's done in her life will inspire and encourage you to flourish whereever you find yourself today! To Connect with Alexis Slifer Butcher click here or visit linktr.ee/alexiskbutcher To connect with Kristen/Planted and Flourishing click here or visit linktr.ee/KristenAndrus

Did you know the average millenial will spend a cumulative total of 7 YEARS on social media over the course of their life? Seven. YEARS. The staggering numbers don't only apply to millenials. Our friends from the Millenial Mission podcast, Bethany & Corey Adkins join us to talk about the struggles the millenial generation faces when we talk about soul health. Beth & Corey are millenials themselves and have been studying the tendencies of their generation and even looking internally at their own rhythms and practices and making adjustments where they see the need. You'll be challenged and amazed at some of the information you'll hear in this challenging conversation. Listen in!   Connect with Bethany and Corey Adkins  Connect with Kristen  Connect with Steven

We all do it - ride out life seasons. It's part of the circle of life right? Sometimes we are really glad to see the shift to a new season and other times it feels confusing and uncertain. My guest today is Corrie Gerbatz, author and mom to 3 amazing littles. We're talking about balance in the daily grind without losing the ability to dream about the future, accepting hard when easy is much more enjoyable, and embracing seasons of life as they change. Connect with Corrie Gerbatz on IG Connect with Corrie Gerbatz on her blog! Connect with Kristen Andrus on IG Connect with Kristen Andrus on FB

We've all heard it - "Timing is everything!" But, when the timing isn't there, how do you embrace the pause and continue to flourish even when you aren't seeing the results you're wanting to right now.  Join me and my friend, Karla Osorno as we talk timing, permission to pause, and friendship and community. Karla recently started a new venture with her podcast, "The Commons with Karla" but, it wasn't a swift easy journey to get there. There was a pause. Karla now focuses on networking women through the connection of their stories. We all have them, so why not use what we've learned to build friendships and connections that can make us better. Karla is encouraging women everywhere to find their people and do life with them.  You can search Karla's podcast anywhere you listen to podcasts "The Commons with Karla" and also connect with her on the platforms below. **These links will take you outside this platform.  Connect with Karla on IG Connect with Karla on FB Connect with Kristen on IG Connect with Kristen on FB

We are living under the false assumption that our busyness is somehow helping us achieve more, be more productive, and get ahead. In reality, it's burying us under a load that is not sustainable for us to carry. The thought of slowing can make some of us panic - wondering if we have "margin" for extra things in our lives to help us bring some sense of sanity to our days.  Steven Andrus, MS, LCPC (and my husband) joins me again in this podcast to wrap up the 4 part series on the "Daily Desert". He shares some case studies of individuals he has helped implement principles to help develop a daily discipline of silence and solitude. He also shares his own journey and some resources he's used to assist in this "Daily Desert" journey. Some of these resources and links are listed below.  **Disclaimer -the links below will take you to 3rd party sites  Emotionally Healthy Spirituality By Peter Scazzero  Ruthless Elimination of Hurry by John Mark Comer  Get Your Life Back by John Eldridge  An Invitation to Solitude and Silence by Ruth Haley Barton  The Jesus Way by Eugene Peterson  Into the Silent Land by Martin Laird  Connect with Kristen on IG  Connect with Kristen on FB  Connect with Steven on IG

Silence & solitude is where we sit with those very real pieces of us and learn to surrender that to God. It's where the hard work is done as we settle our souls in the presence of God.  It's essential - not only our spiritual well-being but, our emotional health as well. Silence helps us to maintain healthy rhythms in life. Maintaining balance helps keep our perspective grounded in the knowledge that we are known and loved by God.  Where are you noticing that your life might be a little off balance? Work, school, family? It really doesn't matter where the imbalance is; what matters is that we recognize it and take the necessary steps to bring our lives to a healthy pace where our spirit, soul, and body can thrive.  Resources: Get Your Life Back by John Eldridge Invitation to Solitude & Silence by Ruth Haley Barton Connect with Steven Andrus on IG Connect with Kristen Andrus (Planted & Flourishing) on IG Planted & Flourishing on FB

"Hurry!" It's something we are all accustomed to hearing and saying. It's become our default, the norm, our predetermined speed. How's it working for you? If you're like most, hurry does not bring out our best; it robs us of the things in our lives that can impact us the most. So what do we do about it? How do we create space in our lives to follow Jesus' example and live by the principles He lived by? The more demands that life placed on Him, the more He saw the need to withdraw; to rest, and replenish His soul.  How's your soul?  If you haven't yet listened to part 1 of this series, hop back over and listen to that first so you won't miss any of this series.  Steven and I talk about: establishing healthy rhythms of life ways to incorporate space to allow time to acknowledge and realize God's working in your life intentionality vs. checking boxes Steven Andrus faced some incredibly dark moments when depression threatened to take control. Walking through some dark, ugly places, Steven realized that somewhere in his life, he had to incorporate intentional moments to ground himself back to his Creator to be able to live a life of joy and fulfillment. Stepping back from full-time ministry, Steven went back to school in his 30's to get his Masters in Marriage and Family Therapy, He is using his journey and his experience to encourage, equip and empower others in ministry/leadership who find themselves stuck without joy or purpose. Connect with Kristen on Facebook Connect with Steven on Facebook IG: @plant.flourish

If you could measure the speed of your life tangibly - what would that look like? Would it be off the charts insane or a leisurely stroll down 5th Avenue? Steven Andrus faced some incredibly dark moments when depression threatened to take control. Walking through some dark, ugly places, Steven realized that somewhere in his life, he had to incorporate intentional moments to ground himself back to his Creator to be able to live a life of joy and fulfillment. Stepping back from full-time ministry, Steven went back to school in his 30's to get his Masters in Marriage and Family Therapy, He is using his journey and his experience to encourage, equip and empower others in ministry/leadership who find themselves stuck without joy or purpose.  The Idea of the Daily Desert Just start The importance of Rhythms Connect with Kristen on Facebook Connect with Steven on Facebook IG: @plant.flourish

It's that special dynamic between moms and their girls. The early years bring the magic and giggles; when they're grown, it's the camaraderie of womanhood. But that space in between those times where you really don't know what it is or how to navigate can render even the most experienced, cool-headed, got-it-together mom a frazzled mess.  In this podcast, I sit down and chat with this dynamic mother/daughter duo, Helen and Lydia, about their journey through that time- not so long ago. Lydia was a headstrong teen who was determined to do her own thing until a trip to Australia on a Youth Mission program changed her thinking, her life, and her heart.  If you find yourself at this stage of life where the chaos of navigating is keeping your head spinning, you'll want to listen as Helen and Lydia share their story! #raisinggirls #teenagers #perseverance #podcast #moms #christianhome #growth #momsanddaughters

My husband and I recently sat down together and talked about the last 25 years. Twenty five! That's silver friends!!! WHAT!?! Let's be real though. Some days we feel every. single. day. of that 25. Other times, the joy and adventure we share makes us treasure the time we have together. Marriage is a journey that's complete with seasons and bumps, joy and laughter...and a bunch of other things. Today we want to share a few principles with you that might help when things are not all they could be. 

With all that is going on in the world, it's no wonder that people are reaching out for support through therapy in record numbers. It's been a hard, heavy season for a lot of people. But even when we reach the realization that support is essential, many of us still grapple with the idea that faith can be compatible with therapy. Is it wrong? Is it right? Will I have to lay on a couch? Does seeing a therapist change my beliefs? Is it weird? Does it even work? Today I talk with Steven Andrus, MS, LCPC about some of these common misconceptions. 

We talk a lot on this podcast about emotions and experiences and how to utilize them to their fullest potential. But, to live a life that flourishes in those areas, we must work on our physical health as well. I recently had a chat with my friend Brian Brister, a health coach who has incorporated a whole new way of life to become the healthiest version of himself and has experienced some pretty amazing results. 

We have all had times in our lives when we were looking for a miracle. But, sometimes the miracle that comes isn't in the form we were expecting. Sometimes, the bigger picture of what God has in store for us is so far beyond our imagination that it can feel like a complete disappointment. What do you do with a miracle that looks nothing like what you had planned. My friend and guest, Julee Ham chats with me about this after walking through some incredible God moments that were extreme highs only to be followed by unexpected disappointing and painful lows. You'll love her heart and the wisdom she shares with us about learning to walk with God - even when He takes you to places you never expected to go. 

Almost 21 million Americans struggle with some sort of addiction. The staggering fact that only 10% will receive treatment is indicative of the stigma associated with these issues. My friend and colleague, Jenny Miller, shares her story of triumph over addiction and shares practical tips and resources to help you or someone you love overcome the chains of addiction.  *This episode contains discussion of sensitive issues. Please use caution in allowing children to listen.

Almost 21 million Americans struggle with some sort of addiction. The staggering fact that only 10% will receive treatment is indicative of the stigma associated with these issues. My friend and colleague, Jenny Miller, shares her story of triumph over addiction and shares practical tips and resources to help you or someone you love overcome the chains of addiction.  *This episode contains discussion of sensitive issues. Please use caution in allowing children to listen. 

Join me as I talk with a few mom friends about some of the challenges of motherhood. A few of the things we talk about are the comparison trap, boundaries with others and our kids and managing the crazy that is 2020.  Grab a chair if you are somewhere you can do that, get some coffee and maybe a tissue and enjoy this raw, organic conversation for the next little bit. 

My friends, Jeff and Latalia Posey share their heart for marriage and some of the lessons they've learned during their 20 plus year marriage. Their journey has taken them through Jeff's success in the NFL, 2 consecutive miscarriages, multiple moves and 5 beautiful kids. Through the trials and the victories they were drawn to a place where they realized that Jesus had to be put back in the center for them to have a shot at making their marriage everything God wanted it to be. 

Have you felt it?  That overwhelming, suffocating, can't breath, heart racing, paralyzing anxiety that threatens to keep you hostage where you are? Feeling anxious is something we all experience at one time or another, but being plagued by anxiety and debilitating panic attacks is anxiety on a different level. Our guest today, Sherilyn Grissom shares her story with us and talks about the ways God has helped her to grow - even when she is paralyzed by anxious thoughts and fear. 

Looking around at the proverbial garden of your life - what do you see growing and are you ok with all the things? We have been created with everything we need to grow into our God-given purpose - it's up to each of us to nurture those things. Listen to this short introcast for a few tips to weed out the unnecessary, empty, stuff that's not pointing us to our purpose.