The Strong Roots Podcast

Gratitude is easy when life is going well—but what about when it isn’t? In this episode, we talk about the challenges that steal our gratitude and practical ways to develop a thankful heart. If you’ve been wrestling with negativity, disappointment, or unmet expectations, this conversation will help you refocus on God’s goodness and faithfulness.

Sharing your faith can feel intimidating—but it doesn’t have to be. This episode breaks down the fear, excuses, and misconceptions that hold us back from sharing Jesus, and offers simple, practical ways to step into it with confidence. If you’ve ever felt unqualified or unsure, this conversation will help you take your next step.

In this episode of the Strong Roots Podcast, we talk about how distraction, busyness, and self-focus can dull our awareness of who God really is—and how gratitude and intentional attention can help us see Him again.

We often want control—but Jesus calls us to deny ourselves and follow Him (Luke 9:23). In this episode, we unpack the tension between our way and God’s way, and how daily surrender leads to a life of deeper faith and joy.

In a culture that constantly says "make it about you," how do we resist the temptation to put ourselves at the center of everything? In this episode, we unpack what it means to lay down self-idolatry and live with Christ—not self—as the focus of our identity and purpose.

1 Corinthians 10:31 says, "Whatever you do, do it all for the glory of God." Sometimes, however, we can focus too much on the job we are doing instead of who we are doing it for. Today, Kristin sits down with Aubrey Toppen, and together they discuss the warning signs of career idolization and how to realign our hearts and minds to serve Christ.

Have you ever heard the phrase, "Pride comes before the fall?" Well it's true and Biblical (Proverbs 16:18)! Today, Kristin and Aleah talk about the idol of pride, how to recognize it, and how to live in humility!

Money can buy a lot of things, but can it truly buy happiness? Today, Kristin sits down with Alyce Wendt to discuss the idol of money and material things. Through personal stories and Biblical truths, learn how you can strive to destroy this idol in your life!

Children are a blessing from God, but they can so easily become the priority of our lives. Today, Kristin sits down with Pastor John and discuss the effects that idolizing your children can have on them, your marriage, and your relationship with God.

Marriage was created by God for our benefit, but is it taking the place of God in our lives? Today, Kristin talks with Meagan and together they look at the warning signs and potential pitfalls on putting your faith in your spouse rather than God.

Our God is confrontational, but are we willing to be? It is all too easy for us to become consumed with pleasing others and it is culturally considered the "right thing" to do. Join Pastor John and Kristin today as they break down the truth about people pleasing.

Sex was created by God for His glory, but lately society has redefined and reshaped the idea of sex and sexuality. Let's talk about it. Join us today as Pastor John and Kristin discuss God's design for sex and how we can fully submit this part of life to Him!

It has become cultural norm to take control of situations in our life. From our work life, to our at-home life, we want things our way, but is that really what we are called to? In today's episode, Kristin chats with Alyce and Maegan about relinquishing control to God and surrendering all things to His will!

We get it...it's a touchy subject, but the love or hate of your body could be controlling your life. Today Kristin sits down with Maegan and talks about the root of the negative feelings about your body.

It is all too easy to close ourselves off to people and become isolated from community and even God's word, but God wants more for us! Today, Aubrey Toppen joins Kristin to discuss ways to overcome our loneliness and gives practical tips that you can implement today!

Anxiety can be a downward spiral. Thoughts begin to change, habits begin to break, and before we know it, life seems pointless. God, offers us a way out. Through his love, peace, and joy, we can have life and have it to the fullest. Join us today as Kristin sits down with Aleah and Tori to discuss practical steps to overcome anxiety and depression!

No matter where you are, God is with you! In today's episode, Kristin sits with three generations of believers to discuss the feeling of loneliness. Watch and be encouraged by the fact that God is always by our side and we are not walking this life alone!

Forgiveness. Something that is hard to feel, but is offered to us freely by the grace of God. How do we come to comprehend this gift in our lives, but more importantly, how can we show it to others? Listen as Kristin sits with 3 generations of believers and gains their perspective on forgiveness.

Did you know that you are truly loved by God? Today, Kristin talks with three generations of believers on identity, and how to root yours in the love of Christ.

No we aren't talking about food! Today, we are talking about the media and content that we consume and why it's important to guard our hearts and eyes from the ungodly messages. Pastor John and Kristin dive into the effects of wrongful media consumption and present practical steps to protect against hurtful content.

Let’s be honest…words hurt. Whether it is a comment online, or through the mouth of another words can shape how we view ourselves and others; however, we may be idolizing the things that people say over what God says. In today's episode, Pastor John and Kristin discuss seeking truth and change when it comes to other’s words and opinions.

We have nearly 70,000 thoughts per day, but are all of them Godly truths? Today Pastor John and Kristin take a look at what the "salesman" of our mind tells us on a daily basis and offer advice about how we can win the battle of our minds!

Welcome to the season finale of our Holy Hustle season! As Christians, we have been called not to to place of complacency, but of a constant pursuit of God and people. On today's episode, Rich Heemstra and Kristin discuss the "Holy Hustle" of being part of a church and what it looks like to live like you have an eternal impact.

"Focusing on loving God and loving people is what makes our work valuable." In today's episode, Alyce and Kristin talk about having the "Holy Hustle" within any line of work. No matter where you work, this discussion will show you that you still have a God-given purpose in your situation!

We're back with a brand new season and topic!! This season we are talking about our day-to-day "Holy Hustle" as Christians in a secular world. Today, Candiss Teborg starts off our conversation by talking about her experience with the faith hustle in the home! Tune in to this insightful discussion to learn more about putting Jesus first as a family unit!