Gratitude isn’t just a nice idea, it’s a powerful habit that can transform your family, your outlook, and even your brain.

In today’s episode of Little Shoots Deep Roots, we dive into how practicing intentional gratitude (whether through simple daily lists or creative family rituals) truly reframes challenges and brings us closer to God and one another. The real magic happens when these small acts are modeled and repeated, turning thankfulness into a defining quality of your life and leadership.

Start simply, keep it real, and watch gratitude seep out of you and inspire those around you.

✨ In this episode:

• Why gratitude matters for your child’s spirit, brain, and relationships

• Real-life family struggles—plus hope for progress (not perfection!)

• Brain science and faith: how God designed gratitude to shape us

• A creative “thanks living calendar” tradition to try in your own home

• Tips for modeling and teaching gratitude, even when kids resist

• How grace and gratitude team up to reframe hard moments

⁠EPISODE PAGE (including transcript)⁠

📚 FOLLOW-UP RESOURCES:

Book: ⁠Little Habits, Big Faith by Christie Thomas

Podcast: Living the Grace Life, with Jennifer Sakata

When life feels like a storm—whether in your child’s heart or your own—gratitude can be the calm in the chaos.

Discover how developing simple gratitude habits can transform chaotic moments into opportunities for growth, and gain practical, gentle strategies for helping your kids (and yourself!) find joy and contentment...even on tough days. Listen to a heartfelt story from Christie’s own family and learn why gratitude is more than just polite words - it’s a lifeline during life’s storms.

✨ In this episode:

- How gratitude calms hearts, rewires anxious minds, and invites God’s peace

- A real-life story about shifting a child’s anxious meltdown with simple thankfulness

- The science and Scripture behind gratitude’s transformative power

- Easy, grace-filled ways to build thankful rhythms into your family life (daily, seasonal, and in tough moments)

- Breath prayers you can use right now to help your family relax and find hope

EPISODE PAGE (including transcript)

📚 FOLLOW-UP RESOURCES:

Book: Little Habits, Big Faith by Christie Thomas

Join us as we embrace practical, grace-filled habits and watch faith, peace, and joy take root in our families!

#ChristianParenting #FamilyGratitude #FaithHabits #ParentingPodcast #ChristianFamily #PeacefulParenting #AnxietyHelp #GratitudePractice

Welcome to Little Shoots Deep Roots, where we help parents cultivate deep faith in their families, one small habit at a time!

In this episode, host Christie Thomas sits down with special guest Sarah Ruth Owens to explore what it looks like to prioritize real family connection (both practically and spiritually) even in the midst of busy schedules and unconventional family rhythms.

Discover why togetherness matters for your children’s sense of belonging, how dads can step beyond the provider role to become central to family life, and hear simple but powerful tips that will help you connect intentionally with your kids every single day.

Whether your days feel jam-packed or you’re seeking meaningful ways to foster faith at home, you’ll leave this episode encouraged and equipped with ideas to deepen your family’s roots.

🔗⁠Episode page⁠ (including summary article)⁠

📚 FOLLOW-UP RESOURCES:

1. ⁠⁠⁠📚⁠ SarahRuth's book: Everyday Banquet
2. 📚⁠⁠ My book: Little Habits, Big Faith