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Hospitality has taken a hit in the years since Covid. Many of us want to gather again—but the thought of opening our homes to a crowd can feel overwhelming. In this episode, Chrys shares five practical, tried-and-true tips for hosting a large gathering without losing your joy—or your mind. After recently welcoming 75 people into her home, Chrys walks listeners through what really works, what doesn’t matter nearly as much as we think, and how to create an atmosphere where guests feel relaxed, included, and cared for. From letting others help with the food to holding plans loosely, this episode is a gentle reminder that hospitality doesn’t have to be perfect—it just needs to be open-hearted. God calls us to be hospitable and relational. Maybe it’s time to dust off the extra chairs, open the door, and get back to doing life together. ⸻ In This Episode, Chrys and Shellie Share: • Why hospitality feels harder than it used to—and why it matters more than ever • The mindset shift that makes hosting doable (even joyful) • Five practical tips for hosting a large group without burnout • Why letting others help is a gift, not a failure • How flexibility can save your gathering (and your attitude) • Encouragement for anyone who feels intimidated by entertaining

What if the reason prayer feels hard isn’t because you’re doing it wrong—but because you’re trying to do it like someone else? In this special episode, Chrys turns the microphone toward her co-host, Shellie Tomlinson, to talk about her newest book, Don’t Try to Pray Like Her. Shellie openly shares how she once struggled when talking to God, feeling unsure, inconsistent, and even discouraged. But through that struggle, God gently led her into a deeper, more personal connection with Him. Along the way, Shellie discovered 15 prayer habits that helped her move past comparison and into a prayer life that felt honest, doable, and deeply meaningful. With her trademark Southern charm, humor, and honesty, Shellie invites readers—and listeners—on a grace-filled journey toward practical prayer support that meets you exactly where you are. ⸻ In This Episode, We Discuss: • Why comparing our prayer lives to others can be discouraging • Shellie’s personal struggles with prayer • How God used honesty—not perfection—to draw her closer • The 15 prayer habits that helped Shellie go deeper with God • Encouragement for anyone who feels “bad at praying” • How to develop a prayer life that fits your personality and season

Anxiety is no longer an “adult problem.” Study after study confirms what parents, grandparents, and teachers are already seeing—our children are struggling with worry, fear, and anxiety at unprecedented levels. In this heartfelt conversation, Chrys and Shellie sit down with poet, speaker, and author Blair Linne to talk about her newest children’s book, Yara the Brave and the Swirling Worry. After personally battling anxiety, Blair discovered that God is the only true refuge and help when worry begins to overwhelm us. She first explored this journey in her adult book Make the Tremble, and now she’s helping children face anxiety through the story of a brave young girl named Yara. This episode is an important conversation for parents, grandparents, caregivers, and anyone who loves a child—and wants to help them learn where true courage and peace are found. ⸻ In This Episode, We Discuss: • Why anxiety is affecting children at younger and younger ages • Blair’s personal journey with anxiety and faith • How Yara the Brave and the Swirling Worry helps children name and face their fears • How parents and grandparents can talk to children about worry without minimizing their feelings • What it looks like to point children to God as their refuge • Encouragement for adults walking through anxiety alongside the kids they love

Chrys and Shellie sit down for a fun and faith-filled conversation with Tammi Arrender, media personality, author, and Southern storyteller. Tammi shares about her ten moves between Nashville and Monroe, her life in broadcasting, and the moment she felt God’s call to shift directions. They dive into her new book, Dishes and Devotions: Make Every Day Delicious, and how one move to a freezing state inspired her to discover the joy of cookie decorating (because it was too cold to go outside!). This episode is a delightful mix of laughter, purpose, and encouragement for anyone finding God’s plan in unexpected places. #RockingItGrand #ChrysAndShellie #TammiArrender #DishesAndDevotions #FaithAndFood #SouthernStories #WomenOfFaith #ChristianPodcast #CookingWithFaith #PurposeAndJoy #GodsCalling #FaithFilledConversation #2MamaWisdom #RealLifeFaith #EncouragementForWomen #ChristianAuthors

Chrys and Shellie welcome counselor and author Leslie Lamb for an honest conversation about preparing our hearts for the holidays. Together they explore how to set healthy boundaries, choose perseverance over performance, and manage grief and expectations that often surface during this season. Leslie shares practical “holiday scripts” to help navigate difficult family dynamics and emotional moments with grace. Whether this time of year brings joy, stress, or both, this episode will help you enter the holidays with peace, purpose, and a heart centered on Christ. Leslie’s podcast is titled Sifted Wheat. Please check it out!  #RockingItGrand #ChrysAndShellie #LeslieLamb #FaithAndFamily #ChristianPodcast #HolidayPeace #SetHealthyBoundaries #GriefAndGrace #PerseveranceOverPerformance #HeartPrepForTheHolidays #FaithBasedPodcast #WomenOfFaith #HolidayHope #2MamaWisdom #RealLifeFaith #PodcastForWomen

Chrys and Shellie share an honest, hope-filled conversation about God’s view of aging versus the world’s view. With warmth and humor, they unpack how every season of life — from empty nest to retirement to caring for aging parents — can be repurposed for God’s purpose. Through real-life stories and biblical examples like Sarah and Caleb, they remind listeners that God doesn’t retire His people. He renews them! Whether you’re navigating health changes, rediscovering purpose, or simply wondering if your best years are behind you, this episode will remind you: you’re not past your prime — you’re right on God’s schedule. #RockingItGrand #ChristianWomen #FaithAndAging #EmptyNest #GodsTiming #PurposeOverPrime #ChristianPodcast #GrandparentingWithPurpose

In this nourishing episode, Chrys and Shellie dig into what it really means to “eat” and digest God’s Word. Just like our physical bodies depend on healthy food, our souls depend on Scripture for strength and growth. Shellie shares a recent health scare that landed her in the ER and how that experience taught her powerful lessons about both physical and spiritual digestion. Together, Chrys and Shellie explore how we can be more intentional about what we “feed” our minds and hearts. They remind us that while devotionals, books, and sermons can be wonderful supplements, no man or woman can bring more to God’s table than the Bible itself. Takeaway: Feed your soul with the truth that satisfies. God’s Word isn’t fast food—it’s soul food meant to be savored, meditated on, and lived out. Listen wherever you get your podcasts and join the conversation with #RockingItGrand!

In this heartfelt episode, Chrys and Shellie talk about something every one of us faces — waiting. Whether it’s waiting for answers, direction, healing, or change, waiting isn’t a season to simply endure. It’s a time of anticipation, knowing that God is still working behind the scenes. They discuss what we can learn during those in-between seasons:  Patience and trust  Preparation and growth  Character and humility  Reliance on God The conversation also looks at the story of Joseph — a powerful reminder that even when nothing seems to be happening, God is preparing everything. A waiting season never means God has forgotten you. Takeaway: Don’t rush the process. Waiting isn’t wasted when God’s the one in charge of the timeline. Listen wherever you get your podcasts and join the conversation with #RockingItGrand!

Rocking it Grand with Chrys & Shellie This week, Chrys and Shellie welcome bestselling author Jay Payleitner, who has written more than 40 books, including his newest release, A Grand Way to Live. Jay brings wisdom, humor, and encouragement for grandparents who want to make the most of their role without carrying the pressure of perfection. Together, we explore questions every grandparent wrestles with: What if I didn’t do everything right as a parent? What really matters most for my grandkids? How do I leave a legacy when life feels uncertain? Jay also introduces us to the idea of “prayable moments”—those everyday opportunities to add God to the conversation. What You’ll Hear in This Episode: • What if you didn’t “do it all right” as a parent? • The single most important thing grandparents can do for their families • How to recognize and embrace “prayable moments” • Practical encouragement from Jay’s new book, A Grand Way to Live Whether you’re a brand-new grandparent or years into the journey, this episode will remind you that influence isn’t about perfection—it’s about presence, purpose, and a little bit of grace. Don’t miss this encouraging conversation with Jay Payleitner—listen now wherever you get podcasts!

Rocking it Grand with Chrys & Shellie This week, Chrys and Shellie are joined by John Luke Robertson for a fun, faith-filled conversation that spans everything from family revival to farming life. John Luke gives us a behind-the-scenes look at Duck Dynasty: The Revival, shares about being on the Unashamed Podcast with his dad, cousins, and uncles, and reflects on what it’s like to carry faith and family values into a new generation. We also dig into some lighter (but just as fascinating!) topics—like why his generation doesn’t always respond to texts, what it’s really like to raise chickens and bees, and how he got into roasting his own coffee. It’s a mix of legacy, laughter, and life lessons you won’t want to miss. What You’ll Hear in This Episode: • John Luke’s thoughts on the heart behind Duck Dynasty: The Revival • Why sitting in on the Unashamed Podcast is equal parts wisdom and laughter • Honest insights into generational differences (yes, even unanswered texts!) • Everyday joys of living closer to the land—chickens, bees, and coffee beans • Encouragement for families navigating faith across generations If you love stories that blend faith, family, and a touch of farm life, this conversation will make you smile and inspire you at the same time. Be sure to subscribe so you never miss an episode of Rocking it Grand!

What do you see when you look in the mirror? For most of us, it’s easy to focus on wrinkles, weight, or what’s “not enough.” But Scripture reminds us that God sees beyond our reflection—He looks at the heart. In this episode, Chrys and Shellie unpack the difference between outer beauty that fades and inner beauty that grows richer with time. Through biblical truth, personal stories, and practical encouragement, you’ll discover how to balance caring for your appearance while cultivating a heart that shines for Christ. We’ll talk about: • Why culture gets beauty wrong (and why it’s exhausting) • Key Scriptures on God’s definition of beauty (1 Samuel 16:7, Proverbs 31:30, 1 Peter 3:3–4) • Practical ways to nurture inner beauty that lasts • How to care for your body without idolizing appearance • Encouragement to see yourself as God already sees you—chosen, loved, and beautiful If you’ve ever felt “not enough” in the world’s eyes, this episode is your reminder: in God’s eyes, you are radiant.

This week, Chrys and Shellie invite you into their world with a special lagniappe episode—a little something extra just for you. From the joy of summer camp fun to the excitement of travel adventures, and even the challenge of Shellie dealing with a fire at their farm, this episode is a reminder that life is full of both sunshine and storms. The truth is, no one is exempt from hard times. But as Chrys and Shellie share, what matters most is how we handle the hard times. With faith, humor, and a whole lot of honesty, they unpack the life lessons learned from a season of both blessings and trials. In this episode, you’ll hear:     •    Stories from summer camp and the joy of seeing God work in kids’ lives     •    Behind-the-scenes of travel and family adventures     •    Shellie’s honest account of walking through a fire on her farm     •    How faith anchors us when unexpected challenges come     •    A life lesson for every listener: hardship will come, but we can choose how we respond If you’ve ever felt weighed down by unexpected trials, this Christian podcast for women will remind you that God is faithful in every season.

Hey friends, today we’ve got something special for you: a bonus episode straight from the Pardon the Mess podcast! Every Monday, host Courtney DeFeo shares a short prayer to help you lift up your kids. This year’s series follows Christian Parenting’s brand new prayer journal, A Great Cloud of Witnesses.  Each week highlights a biblical hero of the faith, paired with Scripture-based prayers for your kids. Here is a sneak peek into week one: This first week is all about Noah—a man of incredible faith and obedience. While the world around him turned away from God, Noah walked in righteousness. Building the ark probably looked foolish to everyone else, but Noah trusted God’s word even when it didn’t make sense. That’s the kind of faith we want for our kids: to listen to God’s voice over any others and walk confidently with Him even when it means standing apart. If you love this episode and don’t have your copy of A Great Cloud of Witnesses yet, it’s not too late to get yours! Go ChristianParenting.org to get your copy and follow along. And don’t forget to tune in to Pardon the Mess every Monday for more prayer episodes.  Order A Great Cloud of Witnesses today Follow Pardon the Mess on Apple or Spotify Rocking it Grand is a part of the Christian Parenting Podcast Network. For more information visit www.ChristianParenting.org

Feeling overbooked and overwhelmed? In this episode, Chrys and Shellie sit down with author and podcast host Tara Sun to talk about her new book Overbooked and Overwhelmed. Together they explore the cost of distraction, biblical time management, and how to let God write your schedule. If you’ve been craving margin, longing for peace, or needing a reset on your faith and priorities, this conversation will help you slow down, choose wisely, and live a life devoted to God.

In this encouraging episode of Rocking It Grand, Chrys and Shellie dive into the beauty and simplicity of our higher calling—to reflect Christ to the world around us. Shellie shares reflections from her recent trip to Alaska, where the stunning landscapes reminded her of Psalm 19:1—“The heavens declare the glory of God.” But even with all the beauty God has created, 1 Corinthians 1:21 reminds us that people still need to hear about Jesus. That’s where we come in. God uses ordinary people—like you and us—to share His extraordinary message. It’s not about being perfect. It’s about being willing. Whether you’re heading into summer with big plans or quiet routines, this episode is a reminder that your willing heart can make an eternal impact.