Rocking It Grand with Chrys and Shellie - Christian Parenting, Spiritual Guidance, Godly Parenting Grandparent, Faith Based Advice, Christian Encouragement

In this episode, Chrys and Shellie welcome Randy Phillips, lead pastor of LifeFamily Church and founding member of the Christian trio Phillips, Craig & Dean. Randy joins the conversation to share about his new children’s book, Guppy and the Silvery Hook, a beautifully illustrated story that helps children understand the importance of respect, trusting wise guidance, and making thoughtful decisions. Through gentle storytelling and vibrant artwork, Randy offers families a tool for starting meaningful conversations with children about choices, consequences, and learning to listen to those who care for them most. In This Episode, We Discuss: • Randy’s journey as a pastor, musician, and now children’s author • The inspiration behind Guppy and the Silvery Hook • Teaching children about choices in a loving, memorable way • Why storytelling is such a powerful teaching tool for families • Helping children understand trust and guidance at an early age Key Takeaway: Simple stories often carry the deepest lessons. When children learn early to trust wise guidance and make thoughtful decisions, it helps set a foundation for a lifetime of good choices. For Families & Grandparents: This episode encourages parents and grandparents to use stories as opportunities to talk with children about respect, trust, and listening to those who love and guide them.

Artificial intelligence is everywhere—and it isn’t going away. In this timely and thoughtful conversation, Chrys and Shellie take on AI and the many tools now available to all of us, with one goal in mind: understanding it well enough to use it wisely. We don’t want to bury our heads in the sand—but we also don’t want to hand over discernment without asking important questions. If we, as adults, don’t understand tools like AI, we can’t help our children and grandchildren navigate them safely and responsibly. In this episode, Chrys and Shellie talk honestly about the benefits, concerns, and boundaries surrounding AI. They remind us that while technology can be a gift, it never replaces relationships, wisdom, or human connection. ⸻ In This Episode, We Discuss: • Why AI is something we need to understand—not fear or ignore • The rapid growth of AI tools and what that means for families • Why adult understanding matters before guiding kids • Healthy questions to ask before using new technology • The difference between helpful tools and unhealthy dependence • Why relationships, faith, and discernment still matter most Rocking it Grand AI Resource for Families

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

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 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

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!

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!

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.

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

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. 

In this adventurous episode of Rocking It Grand, Shellie and Chrys sit down with Rodney Ray—a gifted storyteller, award-winning filmmaker, and debut fiction author of the thrilling new novel More Valuable Than Gold. Shellie read the book and was hooked from page one. Think Indiana Jones with a faith-filled twist! While we can’t give away all the secrets, we dive into the heart of the story and the creative process behind it. Rodney shares what inspired him to write his first novel, how his filmmaking background shaped his writing style, and why More Valuable Than Gold is capturing the attention of readers who love adventure, mystery, and meaning. Resources & Links: • [Buy More Valuable Than Gold on Amazon] https://a.co/d/7WjpgcT • Connect with Rodney Ray at R2film.net  • Visit us at rockingitgrand.com or follow Rocking It Grand on [Instagram/Facebook]

Isabel Tom calls herself a “retired grandchild,” and for good reason—her grandmother lived with her family, shaping her beautiful perspective on generational living. In this conversation, Isabel shares insights from her book, The Value of Wrinkles, and discusses how we can cherish and learn from our elders. She even created an investigative kit to help grandchildren connect with their grandparents in meaningful ways. With her background in senior care, Isabel brings a loving and insightful take on honoring older generations. Whether you’re a child, teen, parent, or grandparent, this episode will inspire you to embrace the wisdom and value of aging. Freebie for our listeners - Get a free mission from Isabell's Grandkid Investigator Kit at valueofwrinkles.com/freemission