Little Shoots, Deep Roots

About Little Shoots, Deep Roots

Welcome to Little Shoots, Deep Roots, where we become faith gardeners, cultivating deep Christ-centered faith in our families one little habit at a time. Each month we'll dive into one spiritual habit. One is a solo show with Christie Thomas, digging into why that habit is important and how to realistically get it into your day, no matter what your family life looks like. The other episode is an interview with a parent who's seen fruit of starting LITTLE with that particular habit. Always check the show notes for additional resources from Little Shoots, Deep Roots.

Publisher

Christie Thomas

Category

religion & spirituality

Language

en

Explicit

No

First episode

18 Jan 2025

Latest episode

3 Oct 2026

Latest episodes

28 episodes in the feed.

1. 

   3 Oct 2026

   Faith, Fitness, and Family: Why Physical Health Matters, with David Donaghue

   How do you keep pouring into your kids’ faith and health when your own energy tank is empty? Christie Thomas is joined by personal trainer and coach, David Donaghue, to tackle the challenges of every tired parent. Discover why caring for your own body is not selfish, but a vital act of stewardship, and how the journey of physical wellness deeply connects with spiritual growth. You’ll find encouragement, down-to-earth advice, and practical steps to cultivate stamina, patience, and a joy-filled family life—no guilt or perfectionism required. ✨ IN THIS EPISODE The surprising spiritual importance of taking care of your body Overcoming parent guilt: why investing in your health actually blesses your family Practical strategies to boost energy, mood, and patience How your physical routines can teach kids perseverance, discipline, and faithfulness Small, sustainable wins for busy parents (that don’t require hours at the gym!) The gentle art of adjusting routines in hard seasons—without shame 📚 FOLLOW-UP RESOURCES: Roadmap to Food Freedom (free guide from David Donaghue): DM “food freedom” on Instagram @David_Donaghue  (https://www.instagram.com/david_donaghue/?hl=en ) “Little Habits, Big Faith (https://littleshootsdeeproots.com/little-habits-big-faith)” by Christie Thomas Join us every month for more practical tips, honest conversations, and inspiration for parents who want to love God with all your heart, soul, mind…and strength. #ChristianParenting #FamilyWellbeing #FaithAndFitness #SpiritualHabits #ChristianPodcast #ParentingPodcast #SelfCareForMoms #FamilyDiscipleship 00:00 Journey into Ministry and Burnout 05:55 Physical fitness in Christian spaces 08:48 Focusing on personal growth 12:07 Parenting requires stamina and patience 14:37 The mood-boosting power of exercise 20:08 Sustainable habits and weight loss 21:40 Discussing personal motivation and faith 25:09 Encouraging kids' active lifestyles 29:04 Planning and strategizing for success 32:31 Dealing with fitness setbacks 35:12 Instagram contact and free document offer faith gardening, parenting stamina, Christian discipleship, physical wellbeing, burnout, personal training, fitness coaching, Christ-centered fitness, work-life balance, nutrition habits, strength training, mental health, physical health stewardship, mood management, energy for parents, leading by example, family fitness, sustainability in habits, planning meals, overcoming guilt, time management, exercise routines, perseverance, discipline for kids, food freedom, self-mastery, parent self-care, resilience in difficult seasons, body image, spiritual growth

2. 

   17 Sept 2026

   Gently Tended Faith: Simple Spiritual Habits for Busy Parents with Elizabeth Santelman

   Welcome to Little Shoots Deep Roots, the podcast that equips busy parents to gently nurture faith in their families one simple habit at a time! In this episode, host Christie Thomas sits down with Elizabeth Santelman, author and podcaster, to explore practical, approachable spiritual disciplines for every season of family life. Feeling overwhelmed by perfectionism or "falling behind" in faith routines? Elizabeth Santelman shares her real-life strategies for remembering God's presence (even during the busiest or most exhausted days) and reveals why celebration is the most underrated (and joy-filled!) spiritual discipline of all. Whether you're a mom, dad, or caregiver, you’ll discover how little habits can create deep spiritual grooves in your family’s heart, no matter how hectic life gets. ✨ In this episode: How to tend the soil of your own heart without aiming for faith perfection Tiny practices for busy parents that fuel spiritual growth Why “remembering” (not striving) is the real purpose of spiritual disciplines The forgotten discipline that brings energy, connection, and delight to family faith A peek inside "Gently Tended," Elizabeth Santelman’s new Bible study crafted for women (and adaptable for teens) Making habits work for you: why flexibility and grace are key EPISODE PAGE (including transcript) (https://littleshootsdeeproots.com/podcast/practical-spiritual-disciplines-for-busy-parents-elizabeth-santelman) 📚 FOLLOW-UP RESOURCES: "Gently Tended (https://sunshineinmynest.com/gently-tended)" by Elizabeth Santelman – Preorder + free bonuses Start Little Guide (https://christiethomas.kit.com/3c03709bd3 ): 5 simple habits for family faith Book: "Little Habits, Big Faith (https://littleshootsdeeproots.com/little-habits-big-faith/)" by Christie Thomas: Join us bi-monthly for gentle encouragement, creative ideas, and real talk on growing lasting faith...one little shoot at a time!

3. 

   27 Aug 2026

   From Roommates to Lovers: Intentional Marriage Tips for Faithful Parents

   Monica Tanner draws from her own journey, as a child of divorce and now a mother of four, shares why intentionality in marriage matters, especially in the busy seasons of raising kids. Learn practical and doable habits, like the 3% rule for staying connected, reigniting curiosity for your partner, and navigating through "roommate syndrome." 🔗 Episode Webpage (with written summary) 📚 FOLLOW-UP RESOURCES: 🖥️ ⁠⁠Secrets of Happily Ever After (Monica's Podcast)⁠⁠ (https://www.monicatanner.com/contenthub) 📚 Book: ⁠⁠Bad Marriage Advice⁠⁠ (https://www.amazon.com/Bad-Marriage-Advice-Debunking-Miserable/dp/B0FQ46HG3S?crid=1U5F7KADMEOI1&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.VFPB6qBSegZdiQVFWpz0Ss5iRzuMEjpNcisJJspH4OYzKr5aXbxBn8d1ECe7Tt-1ZpxwuMjU3Ohus6gY3S4X3T8fDuywP0WU8mHV4gPRb3kbhptHSZ8xrJNQsvBxEj2xILF2IeiErHpga66ygDjbkth-LoGiW2zqhqTkux2eMP-IRoZfzW9p4KgfA5dX_tYfRGNdCdN81RtUVGelV4zZxzieDk5i4Mqf7Kv7beH73Ag.KPfvIjBQHRY_T-5WD_hx4IGnnaN5HJIrRd9IZV19GS4&dib_tag=se&keywords=bad+marriage+advice+monica+tanner&qid=1787773226&sprefix=bad+marriage%2Caps%2C332&sr=8-1&linkCode=ll2&tag=wisforsal-20&linkId=df7a9fcc0907bc67953fdb5b388ec8f5&language=en_US&gaOptInStatus=true&ref_=as_li_ss_tl) 📱Instagram & Facebook: @monitalksmarriage (https://www.instagram.com/monitalksmarriage/?hl=en) Summary: Why a strong marriage impacts parenting and sets the relational blueprint for children (02:18). The 3% rule for connection (07:34). How intentional curiousity and asking meaningful questions can reignite connection and spark, even after years together  (14:07). The importance of modeling emotional vulnerability, empathy, and accountability (12:10). Why it's not too late to invest in your marriage (24:29). #christianity #marriageadvice #christianparenting

Reach and audience

Public platform figures. Ratings count people who left a rating, not total listeners.

Apple Podcasts (US)

4.9 / 5

10 ratings

Spotify

5.0 / 5

3 ratings

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Guest appearances

Books guests

Based on episode analysis; this does not confirm that the show is currently accepting guests.

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