What We Learned in 2025… with Grant Troutt

Summary

Stay True with Madison Prewett Troutt
Episode: What We Learned in 2025… with Grant Troutt
Date: December 22, 2025

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Overview

In this reflective and heartfelt episode, Madison Prewett Troutt is joined by her husband, Grant Troutt, to look back on the year 2025. They candidly share personal stories, spiritual growth, parenting milestones, and the lessons they've learned as a couple and young parents. Throughout, they provide practical advice and questions for listeners to reflect on their own year, with a focus on faith, identity, rest, and intentional living. The episode wraps with encouragement for the holidays and a prayer for those navigating both joyful and difficult seasons.

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Key Discussion Points and Insights

1. Kicking Off Christmas & Personal Life Updates

• Opening with excitement for Christmas and reflection on family traditions.
• Talking about their daughter Hosanna's first Christmas and the joy of experiencing the season through her eyes.
  • "It's the best day of my life because it's just so close to Christmas." (Madison, 02:44)
  • "We're decorating for Christmas… Trees going up, lights are going on the house. She's making hot chocolate." (Madison & Grant, 03:00)
• Reminiscing about Madison's pregnancy last Christmas and the shifts in their family dynamic.

2. Reflections on Stay True Live & Building Community

• Madison discusses the impact and emotional processing after hosting Stay True Live.
• Both reflect on the encouragement they received from community and feedback from listeners.
  • "Even posting about on social media, there were so many people that were, like, come to Dallas, Ohio, Atlanta… it gets me excited to think about, I don't know, what could be, man." (Madison, 06:29)
  • "It was all so good. It really was. I'm so proud." (Grant, 06:51)

3. Major Milestones: The Birth of Hosanna & Early Parenting

• Chronological walk-through of 2025 starting from New Year's (watching Braveheart because Madison was nearly due).
  • "We watched Braveheart alone because you were so pregnant. We had just moved into our house." (Grant, 09:26)
• Sharing the vulnerability and challenges of newborn life, including sleep deprivation, postpartum struggles, and shifting roles in marriage.
  • "Those first couple months were really hard. Hosanna did not sleep." (Madison, 13:52)
  • "I learned a whole new level of dependence on the Lord and also just what it looks like to sacrifice." (Madison, 15:16)

4. Spiritual Growth & Practices

• Both share how their faith grew through the year, emphasizing shifting spiritual routines with new parenthood.

  • Scripture Memorization: Madison shares how memorizing larger passages transformed her mind and deepened her faith.
    • "That's when I really started memorizing… books of the Bible. And that… literally renewed my mind." (Madison, 17:22)
    • "Anyone can do it, right? It will start with discipline… and all of a sudden you will see what it develops in you. And now it's a delight." (Grant, 22:00)
  • Practical Tip: Use accountability and set deadlines with friends for memorizing scripture (21:15).

• Grant’s Social Media Fast & Hiddenness:

  • Inspired by a question from Madison’s mom, Grant decided to step back from social media for the year to pursue a deeper, hidden walk with God.
    • "Give me your 29th year and see what I can do." (Grant, 24:40)
    • "I've never walked in more authority, never walked in more power of the Holy Spirit." (Grant, 25:56)
  • The beauty and biblical pattern of hiddenness are discussed, referencing the “iceberg equation”: 90% of Jesus’ life was hidden, with only 10% public ministry (38:50).

5. Themes for the Year: Words Chosen and Lessons Learned

• Grant’s words: Servant and fearless.
  • “To be a fearless servant, which is someone who has true God confidence and knows who they are in Christ, fears God, so that you don't fear the things that are not of God or from God.” (Madison, 26:56)
• Madison’s words: True worship.
  • Inspired by Mary and Martha (Luke 10); prioritizing being with God over doing for God (28:51).
  • "I want to be Mary who sits at your feet and worships you and doesn't miss you." (Madison, 29:16)
  • Reframing life from striving to resting in God’s presence.

6. The Call to Rest, Contentment, and With-ness

• Discussing the cultural and generational hunger for rest and the danger of defining identity by doing instead of being.

  • “He made us human beings, not human doings… He made us to be, not do.” (Grant, 36:31, 36:38)
  • “So many people want to experience true rest, true peace, true contentment, true joy.” (Madison, 37:15)

• Emphasizing the biblical call to hiddenness and humility, using stories from Jesus’ life (41:29).

• Grant’s acronym for humility, F.R.E.E. (42:19):

  • Fix your eyes on the cross
  • Remember your own mess
  • Encourage authentically
  • Enjoy hidden yeses to Jesus

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Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments (with Timestamps)

• “You cannot be prideful when you stand in front of that bloody, wooden, middle cross.”
  — Grant (01:43 & 42:19)
• “Memorizing scripture… literally renewed my mind. It healed parts of my mind I didn’t even know needed healing.”
  — Madison (17:22)
• "He made us human beings, not human doings."
  — Grant (36:31)
• "The way up is the way down."
  — Grant (41:29)
• "We can do a lot of good things, maybe even a lot of God things, but still miss God completely."
  — Madison (56:13)

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Reflection Exercises for Listeners

Madison’s End-of-Year Inventory (59:07):

• Ask yourself, “How would you rate this year out of 10?”
• Five key areas: Spiritual, Relational, Emotional, Mental, Physical.
• Encourage monthly or end-of-year reflection, possibly with friends or family:
  • “What were the goals and dreams that I set for this year? How did I do? Was I faithful?” (62:28)

Grant’s Practice:

• Choose a word for your coming year and keep it visible.
• Journal reflections or record video diaries of what God is doing in your life (64:09).

Gratitude:

• Take intentional time to thank God for ways He’s shown up in your year—small and big.

• “It’s so easy to jump to the next thing… take the time to just sit and thank God for all the ways He showed up.” (65:54)

• “We mistake emotion for devotion. We mistake adrenaline for anointing.” (Grant quoting Alicia Britt Chole, 68:01)

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Community, Accountability, and Honest Conversations

• The transformative value of real, local community and accountability:
  • “Our community is what has inspired me this year.” (Madison, 45:13)
  • “You don’t graduate from needing this… it takes two pieces of iron to continually sharpen each other.” (Madison & Grant, 50:10)
• Honest, loving confrontation: being "kind not just nice," and the willingness to speak truth in love (51:37–52:19).

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Pursuing the Spiritual Over the Superficial

• Encouragement to pursue God quietly and intimately, not just for the platform or public approval:
  • “What if there’s so much power, beauty, and the answer to everything that we’re looking for in tucking away with Jesus?” (Madison, 39:33)
  • “Who are you alone with Jesus? Do you worship him in gladness and thanksgiving?” (Madison, 69:18)
  • Practical Advice: “Lay on your back on some carpet, turn on some soaking worship music, put your phone away, and just think about God.” (Grant, 69:46)

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End of Year Encouragements & Challenges

• “Before we jump into a new year, take time to reflect. Be honest: What am I doing well? What needs to change? Where do I need to grow?” (62:24)
• “Rejoice always, pray continually, and give thanks in all circumstances. That is God’s will for your life.” (Madison, 73:00)
• Invitation to Pray and Invite the Holy Spirit: Don’t jump to others’ opinions first, but seek God’s counsel (69:58).

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Encouragement & Prayer for Listeners

(74:00–77:43)
Grant prays for listeners:

• For those who had a hard year: “What the enemy intended for evil, you work it for good…”
• For those who had a good year: “Sit in that gratitude that you’re a good God who delights to give good gifts.”
• Encouragement that God is faithful regardless of circumstances, and that He can turn pain into a testimony.

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Episode Takeaways

• Reflect with intention: Recall and celebrate God’s faithfulness, and be honest about areas for growth.
• Make space for God: Pursue hiddenness, rest, and intimacy with God above striving and performing.
• Practice humility: Walk out the F.R.E.E. acronym daily.
• Be with, not just do for: Value being in God’s presence over doing things for Him.
• Embrace community: Seek accountability, honest conversations, and invest in your local church or small group.
• Move at God’s pace: Don’t be afraid to say no to “good” opportunities to say yes to God’s specific call for your current season.

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Timestamps for Key Segments

• Christmas Traditions & Parenting Joys: 02:26 – 05:58
• Stay True Live & Community Reflections: 05:59 – 06:58
• 2025: Major Life Moments & Parenting: 09:24 – 15:37
• Spiritual Practices (Scripture Memory, Hiddenness): 16:59 – 25:42
• Themes & Words for the Year: 26:35 – 36:38
• The Call to Rest, Iceberg Equation, Hiddenness: 37:01 – 41:29
• Grant’s F.R.E.E. Acronym for Humility: 42:19 – 45:30
• Value of Community & Speaking the Truth: 45:13 – 53:26
• Reflection, Journaling, and Year-End Inventory: 59:07 – 65:45
• Encouragement, Worship, and Practical Spiritual Advice: 67:06 – 73:10
• Grant’s Closing Prayer: 74:00 – 77:43

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Conclusion

This episode weaves together real-life stories, deep spiritual lessons, and practical takeaways for living intentionally and faith-filled in every season. Madison and Grant invite listeners to pause, reflect, and reset with God—entering the new year with courage, humility, and a commitment to staying true.

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For more, connect with Madison and check out Stay True on YouTube and Instagram. Stay you, stay true!

Transcript

[Madison Pruitt Trout]

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[Mrs. Claus (Younger Sister)]

Guys, thanks for helping me carry my Christmas tree.

[Bridges]

Zoe, this thing weighs a ton.

[Grant Michael Trout]

Drew Ski, lift with your legs, man.

[Madison Pruitt Trout]

Santa. Santa, did you get my letter?

[Bridges]

He's talking to you, Bridges.

[Madison Pruitt Trout]

I'm not.

[Mrs. Claus (Younger Sister)]

Of course he did.

[Grant Michael Trout]

Right, Santa, you know my elf Drew Ski here. He handles the nice list.

[Bridges]

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[Mrs. Claus (Younger Sister)]

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[Grant Michael Trout]

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[Mrs. Claus (Younger Sister)]

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[Bridges]

Nice. My side of the tree is slipping.

[Grant Michael Trout]

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[T Mobile Announcer]

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[T Mobile Legal/Terms Announcer]

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[Madison Pruitt Trout]

Visit t mobile.com what is God's will for my life? To rejoice always, to pray continually and to give thanks in all circumstances.

[Grant Michael Trout]

He made us human beings, not human doings.

[Madison Pruitt Trout]

We have such a desperation for rest, peace and contentment.

[Grant Michael Trout]

The way up is the way down.

[Madison Pruitt Trout]

We just get to a place where we're resting in the presence of God. It's from there where he speaks our true identity over us.

[Grant Michael Trout]

You cannot be prideful when you stand in front of that bloody wooden middle cross.

[Madison Pruitt Trout]

What if there's actually so much power, beauty and the answer to everything that we're looking for in tucking away with Jesus?

[Grant Michael Trout]

Be someone that walks up and goes, who can I encourage in this room?

[Madison Pruitt Trout]

I think I talked about before that. You used to be really romantic.

[Grant Michael Trout]

Oh my goodness. I can't believe you said that.

[Madison Pruitt Trout]

What's up guys? Welcome back to another episode of Stay True podcast. I'm your host, Madison Pruitt Trout, and I have Grand Michael Trout in the place.

[Grant Michael Trout]

So good to be here, Maddie.

[Madison Pruitt Trout]

And I'm in red. Why am I in red?

[Grant Michael Trout]

Because it's December 22nd and it feels so good. You woke up this morning and the first words out of your mouth, it's.

[Madison Pruitt Trout]

The best day of my life.

[Grant Michael Trout]

And why. Why did you say not your. Not your marriage, not your baby?

[Madison Pruitt Trout]

Yeah.

[Grant Michael Trout]

Why is it the best day of your life?

[Madison Pruitt Trout]

Marriage, Baby Jesus, obviously. Obviously. Top. But it's the best day of my life because it's just so close to Christmas. And obviously we're recording this, like, a little bit before this episode's coming out.

[Grant Michael Trout]

And today we are.

[Madison Pruitt Trout]

Today we're decorating for Christmas.

[Grant Michael Trout]

Trees going up, trees going up. Lights are going on the house.

[Madison Pruitt Trout]

It's like, my favorite thing in the world.

[Grant Michael Trout]

She's making hot chocolate.

[Madison Pruitt Trout]

I got Christmas movies lined up, Christmas pajamas. It's Hosanna's first Christmas.

[Grant Michael Trout]

We're so excited.

[Madison Pruitt Trout]

She's the cutest thing in the world.

[Grant Michael Trout]

I don't know where you're at, but I know when this episode comes out at December 22, you're feeling so good, and we're just here with you in spirit. We're so pumped. It's Christmas.

[Madison Pruitt Trout]

We think they're feeling good.

[Grant Michael Trout]

Well, yeah.

[Madison Pruitt Trout]

I mean, it's holiday season.

[Grant Michael Trout]

Yeah, it's holiday season.

[Madison Pruitt Trout]

It brings up a lot of emotions, for sure, like, the good, the bad, the like.

[Grant Michael Trout]

But what I mean is, like.

[Madison Pruitt Trout]

But it's.

[Grant Michael Trout]

It's. Tis the season, the lights.

[Madison Pruitt Trout]

Yes.

[Grant Michael Trout]

You know what I'm saying?

[Madison Pruitt Trout]

Some hot cocoa, go for a drive, look at some Christmas lights.

[Grant Michael Trout]

Wow.

[Madison Pruitt Trout]

Yeah. You did that? We did that a couple of times on some of our, like, first little date. Because we started dating around December.

[Grant Michael Trout]

We did. We did.

[Madison Pruitt Trout]

Oh, I think I talked about before that you used to be really romantic.

[Grant Michael Trout]

Oh, my goodness. I can't believe you said that.

[Madison Pruitt Trout]

I'm going to take it back because.

[Grant Michael Trout]

Because your boy's always been romantic.

[Madison Pruitt Trout]

But I will say it is quite harder with a child.

[Grant Michael Trout]

Just different.

[Madison Pruitt Trout]

It is different because, listen, she hates the car. So if we tried to grab some hot chocolate with her in the car and drive around looking at Christmas lights.

[Grant Michael Trout]

But she's never seen Christmas lights before.

[Madison Pruitt Trout]

So maybe she would love it.

[Grant Michael Trout]

So maybe she'll love it.

[Madison Pruitt Trout]

Maybe she would love it.

[Grant Michael Trout]

Your eyes look so blue.

[Madison Pruitt Trout]

Wow. Thank you.

[Grant Michael Trout]

Like, really stunningly.

[Madison Pruitt Trout]

I also realized that I forgot to move this pillow behind me, and I feel like I have, like, the best posture of My life.

[Grant Michael Trout]

You do look upright.

[Madison Pruitt Trout]

I am very.

[Grant Michael Trout]

Remember you on the tricycles the other night where you were so upright? We rode tricycles for friend's birthday.

[Madison Pruitt Trout]

Yeah.

[Grant Michael Trout]

She had this posture that was, like, the definition of straight posture.

[Madison Pruitt Trout]

I can't believe, though, last Christmas I was about to pop. I was so large. So Hosanna was full grown.

[Grant Michael Trout]

Yep, yep, yep.

[Madison Pruitt Trout]

And now she is, like, 10 months old. 11 months old. That's crazy.

[Grant Michael Trout]

Crazy, man.

[Madison Pruitt Trout]

I can't believe that. She's so cute. She's got teeth coming in.

[Grant Michael Trout]

Yeah. Yeah.

[Madison Pruitt Trout]

I. I'm, like, so curious to see how she's gonna be on Christmas. Like, do you think she's gonna have, like, an understanding of what's going on?

[Grant Michael Trout]

I think she's gonna feed off our excitement, and I think she's gonna, like, be so. She loves lights right now. So, like, when she sees that tree, I think she's just gonna, like, put the little mouth open and look up and just.

[Madison Pruitt Trout]

Yeah, she's gonna be, like, super.

[Grant Michael Trout]

She'll, like, squint the eyes and reach for the. Reach for it.

[Madison Pruitt Trout]

We should bring her back on the podcast soon, actually.

[Grant Michael Trout]

Yeah, we should.

[Madison Pruitt Trout]

We actually should, because she's actually the best. And we had her on. I think the only time she's been on was her very first. Our first podcast back season two, when.

[Grant Michael Trout]

I was trying to remember when that.

[Madison Pruitt Trout]

Was, and we told our birth story.

[Grant Michael Trout]

Because I saw that in the Stay True Live, like, promo video.

[Madison Pruitt Trout]

Yeah.

[Grant Michael Trout]

When was that? When we brought her on?

[Madison Pruitt Trout]

I can't remember. March.

[Grant Michael Trout]

Crazy. By the way, Stay True Live was really so good.

[Madison Pruitt Trout]

It was really special.

[Grant Michael Trout]

It was so good.

[Madison Pruitt Trout]

I am still processing. Grant text me. And he was like, I just journaled for hours. Three pages of.

[Grant Michael Trout]

I had four pages of journaling.

[Madison Pruitt Trout]

And I was like, yes, it was amazing. I, like, haven't had, I think, the capacity.

[Grant Michael Trout]

For sure. For sure.

[Madison Pruitt Trout]

And I think we've talked about this, but when you're so in the details, you're just, like, all night. I'm like, okay, is this going right? Did this happen like we planned? Is that. What do I need to do? Do I need to go over here? And it's different. I feel like when you're like, when I just show up and speak somewhere, I'm, like, so present.

[Grant Michael Trout]

You're present.

[Madison Pruitt Trout]

And I think when you're hosting something, it's a little bit different, but it definitely got me excited. And even posting about on social media, there were so many people that were, like, come to Dallas, Ohio, Atlanta. I mean, there were Just, like, people really excited. So it just. I mean, it gets me excited to think about, I don't know, what could be, man.

[Grant Michael Trout]

The worship, your word, the prayer.

[Madison Pruitt Trout]

You gave a good gospel presentation moment.

[Grant Michael Trout]

It was all so good. It really was. I'm so proud.

[Madison Pruitt Trout]

Okay, so what are you getting me for Christmas?

[Grant Michael Trout]

Wow. Okay. You love PJs, but we can't do.

[Madison Pruitt Trout]

PJs for Christmas because I'm gonna guess.

[Grant Michael Trout]

You already have PJs. Yeah. You love your new headphones I just got you for the anniversary.

[Madison Pruitt Trout]

New, like the Big Mac, The Apple Mac girl. What am I saying? I don't know.

[Grant Michael Trout]

The Dell ones. Goodness.

[Madison Pruitt Trout]

The Apple headphones. And they're like, stay true blue.

[Grant Michael Trout]

They're stay true blue.

[Madison Pruitt Trout]

Which was really considered.

[Grant Michael Trout]

What if I had gotten the ST on it?

[Madison Pruitt Trout]

Wow.

[Grant Michael Trout]

Wow.

[Madison Pruitt Trout]

It's not too late.

[Grant Michael Trout]

It's not too late.

[Madison Pruitt Trout]

We're going to talk about on this episode as we reflect on 2025. We've grown a lot this year.

[Grant Michael Trout]

So much has happened.

[Madison Pruitt Trout]

I mean, at the beginning of this year, Hosanna was born.

[Grant Michael Trout]

Yeah.

[Madison Pruitt Trout]

January 20th.

[Grant Michael Trout]

January 20th.

[Madison Pruitt Trout]

How crazy is that? Like, we're coming up on her first birthday, which I haven't planned.

[Grant Michael Trout]

I'm stressed, man.

[Madison Pruitt Trout]

You have any. If you guys have any good ideas, let me know. I can't believe she's about to be one. I can't believe all that has happened this year. I mean, let's, like, go through it. I literally have my journal with me because we. We're talking about this episode and just wanting to really have an episode on, like, reflecting on the year, sharing how we've grown, also kind of providing you guys questions to ask yourself and reflect on this past year. Because I think before we step into a new year, we need to be really honest with where we're at and be really honest with how this year has gone. Like, what are things that we've done well? What are things we've not done well? What are habits we've created that we. We need to stop? What are habits we've created that need to carry into the next year? You know, what was the word for our year? The goals for a year? How. How have we been with those? And so I think this will be a really good time to just, you and I, really, vulnerably, like, kind of share our year, but also kind of bringing you guys into it so that you guys can ask yourself some of these same questions. And then also kind of touching on. We alluded to it earlier, very briefly, but the holiday Season can be, like, the best time ever. And it also can be really hard and challenging. I know that there's a lot of where it feels a little bit more like surviving the holidays. You actually did a whole message on that when we lived in Waco, Texas, one time. And it was a really good word. And so I just told him. I was like, you should share some of those things from that or just anything that comes to mind. So we'll kind of be touching on a few different things as we're wrapping up this year. But, yeah, let's talk through our year. So January 20, Hosanna Rose Trout was born.

[Grant Michael Trout]

Yeah.

[Madison Pruitt Trout]

And that's the best thing ever.

[Grant Michael Trout]

Start with New Year's. Let's start, like, Jan.1. What did we do for New Year's this year? Oh, we watched Braveheart alone. Because you were so pregnant. We had just moved into our house. Do you remember that?

[Madison Pruitt Trout]

Not really.

[Grant Michael Trout]

Freezing cold. We're watching. You don't remember Braveheart for the first time? What?

[Madison Pruitt Trout]

I'm so pregnant.

[Grant Michael Trout]

Okay. If you've never seen Braveheart, like, and I know it's more of a guys movie, it will change your life.

[Madison Pruitt Trout]

It is a really good movie. I do remember the movie.

[Grant Michael Trout]

So we. We watched Braveheart.

[Madison Pruitt Trout]

Why did we watch that in our.

[Grant Michael Trout]

No, that was the Patriot where I went to bed early and you came in and you were like, you didn't tell me that the son died. She, like, woke me up almost in tears. We watched Braveheart and then we watched fireworks from our back patio.

[Madison Pruitt Trout]

You're right. You don't remember that coming back to me. Okay, back to me. Gosh, that was really good.

[Grant Michael Trout]

So that was okay. Remember before that, we stayed at south hall and you went into Braxton Hicks and I thought you were gonna have Hosanna on the 30th. You thought you were going into labor.

[Madison Pruitt Trout]

That's right. So we had a good day. We had, like, a little. South hall is like, a place here where we went and stayed. Had, like, a little staycation. And we took that time to really reflect on our previous year and dream about 2025, set goals, come up with our words for the year. And that's when we kind of talked through, okay, I think these are, like, this is our word for the year. These are some of our goals and prayers for the year. Kind of talk through, like, what's the vision? Like, statements and mission statement for our family. Like, Hosanna's about to be born. And talked through all that stuff. But, yes, I definitely thought we were going into Labor. And. And we got in a big fight.

[Grant Michael Trout]

We were. We were in, like, a little fight. Maddie all of a sudden starts going back and forth to the bathroom, starts leaning over. She's making these noises. And I'm thinking, we're still in this tension, and she won't let me in. And I was like, maddie, I gotta be in this with you.

[Madison Pruitt Trout]

Pride become comes before the whole world. And she.

[Grant Michael Trout]

I'm thinking, this is our labor story. Like, so disunified. I made such a stupid comment before bed.

[Madison Pruitt Trout]

Yeah, it was.

[Grant Michael Trout]

And. And, like, two, three hours of this, and I'm like. I'm like, turn the other way. And I'm like, are you okay over there? No.

[Madison Pruitt Trout]

You, like, fall asleep, and I'm in your heavy breathing.

[Grant Michael Trout]

I'm in it with you.

[Madison Pruitt Trout]

You're not in it with me. Well, I didn't let you be in it with me.

[Grant Michael Trout]

You held me out. I was mad, and I was so sad. I was like, hosanna's gonna come. And, like, I'm not gonna feel one with you.

[Madison Pruitt Trout]

I'm like, yep.

[Grant Michael Trout]

And that became the illustration for my next message, which was, from that point on, no matter what I had in my day, I was like, baby can come at any moment. Me and Maddie got to be good.

[Madison Pruitt Trout]

Yeah.

[Grant Michael Trout]

And I was like, we got to live like that for Jesus. Like, if he can come back at any moment, how are you with the one that's coming back?

[Madison Pruitt Trout]

Yeah, you better be found. Ready.

[Grant Michael Trout]

Yeah. Be good and right.

[Madison Pruitt Trout (Ad Segment Speaker)]

Be good.

[Madison Pruitt Trout]

Be ready. Hey, you ain't got to get ready if you stay ready. You know what I mean?

[Grant Michael Trout]

So, anyways, New Year's Eve, January 1st. Okay. And then have Hosanna. January 20th.

[Madison Pruitt Trout]

Yeah. Yeah. Which she came on Inauguration Day.

[Grant Michael Trout]

She did.

[Madison Pruitt Trout]

What a crazy day to be.

[Grant Michael Trout]

She just said, new Year. New.

[Madison Pruitt Trout]

She's like, wow. New Year, new president, all the things. That was a wild experience, which we had a whole episode.

[Grant Michael Trout]

If you haven't listened to the birth story. One, like, it was actually really moving, like, listening to you rehash it. It was really beautiful.

[Madison Pruitt Trout]

I think I was also very postpartum, so I think I cried through a good amount of us retelling.

[Grant Michael Trout]

It was one of our most bonding moments ever. Yeah. If not the most bonding moment ever.

[Madison Pruitt Trout]

Honestly, other than, like, wedding and. Yeah. I mean, that I would say.

[Grant Michael Trout]

Yeah, it was.

[Madison Pruitt Trout]

It was crazy. I mean, just. Yeah. Anyways, that's a whole. We got. We already told the story with the birth story, but that was a wild experience. And then the first, like, two months of postpartum was really hard. And I've already told Grant, like, thinking about baby number two, like, we don't worry we're not pregnant, but we've started just, like, talking about it, and I'm like, I really. We have to, like, think through this. Obviously, we have. There's a lot we don't have control over, and we have no idea how long.

[Grant Michael Trout]

She's not controlling. She's not a planner. No. No issues with that. But here, she lets God be God all the time.

[Madison Pruitt Trout]

Here's the thing that I learned was it was really hard having a baby in the winter. Winter. Because postpartum, you're already, like, hormonal. You feel just like, what in the world is going on? Your body is changing so much. Like, anyways. And for it to be so cold outside, I just felt like I couldn't even step outside. And then I was so scared to go around people because it was, like, the sickest season of the year. And so I felt isolated and stuck in the house all the time. Like, I couldn't step outside and, like, get some sunshine. It was, like, 10 degrees outside.

[Grant Michael Trout]

That's hard.

[Madison Pruitt Trout]

So I have thought about that. But those first couple months of postpartum were really hard. Hosanna did not sleep. We were thinking about this last night. We were like, she was in our room for a while. And those first four months, sister did not sleep hard. It was hard. It was really hard. So many different beds for her. Like, we tried the snoo that, like, kind of moves her and rocks her automatically. That kind of helped. Maybe she just did not.

[Grant Michael Trout]

Like, she is strong. Let me tell you, this daughter, this little girl is just, like, passionate and.

[Madison Pruitt Trout]

Full of her own, which I did learn. That was also my story as well. So it adds up and makes sense. But that those first couple months were really hard. And then I feel like once it started getting a little warmer outside, once she hit three months, four months, I feel like that was the shift.

[Grant Michael Trout]

Yeah.

[Madison Pruitt Trout]

She started sleeping a little bit more. She felt more comfortable. Like, oh, I'm out of the womb.

[Grant Michael Trout]

Yeah.

[Madison Pruitt Trout]

Like, this is my new reality.

[Grant Michael Trout]

I know where I'm at now.

[Madison Pruitt Trout]

But those first, like, couple months, I would say, like, as we're just reflecting on what did this year teach us, how did we grow in our faith? What were just some things that the Holy Spirit did in us? I would say those first couple of months, I learned a whole new level of dependence on the Lord and also just what it looks like to sacrifice. Like, I already had to kind of learn that a little bit in marriage of just like, okay, serve and lay your life down and, you know, whatever. But I would say in becoming a mom, like, it's like I'm sacrificing in every way. Like, I'm literally giving up my body. I'm giving up my sleep, I'm giving up my time, I'm giving up my life. I mean, just everything changed. And I feel like I just learned a whole new level of sacrifice. And then my quiet time with Jesus changed.

[Grant Michael Trout]

So totally changed.

[Madison Pruitt Trout]

Hey, friends, it's Maddie. If you've read my new book, Dare to Be True, I would love to hear what you think. Your reviews mean so much to me. They help more people discover the message and the heart behind this book. So if this book has encouraged you, challenged you, or reminded you to live with benefits, bold faith and honesty, would you just take a minute to leave a review? It truly makes such a difference. And if you haven't gotten my new book yet, Dare to Be True, you can go and find it anywhere books are sold. Thank you so much for being a part of this journey and for daring to be true. Right alongside me. Stay True Merch Drop. We got a new Stay True Merch collection, you guys. And this is my favorite collection yet. I am wearing the jersey from the Stay True Merch collection. And you guys, it is so amazing. It says Stay True on the front, stay free on the back. It's got John 8:32. It is the coolest jersey you've ever seen. But we have sweatshirts, we got T shirts. This is seriously my favorite collection yet. This is the perfect Christmas gift, birthday gift, New year gift to yourself. You guys, you need to check out this new collection. I'm so excited about it. And you can go to Stay True podcast dot com. We'll also include the link to the exact merch landing page in the show notes. You guys got to go and check it out. Let me know what you think. If you rep it, tag us. We want to see it. Go and check it out, you guys.

[Grant Michael Trout]

And you know what's crazy is the quantity of your time with Jesus changed. And yet I feel like you've never been closer and more in love with the real relationship of Jesus. Yeah, that's a deep thing. You should really, like, talk about and uncover because, like, we would equate more time, more depth, and you're like, less time, but more depth because, like, I don't know. What would you say?

[Madison Pruitt Trout]

Well, I would say the biggest shift was memorizing scripture, which I've talked about on the podcast a ton. But that's when I really started memorizing, like, not just a verse or two verses, but like chunks of scripture, like books of the Bible. And that I feel, like, literally renewed my mind. Like Romans 12, 2 talks about it literally renewed my mind. It healed parts of my mind I didn't even know needed healing even. It sanctified. It talks about in John 17, like, be sanctified by the truth. It sanctified me. Like, the truth sanctified me just memorizing it. And I grew, like, more of a delight for it and it became easier. Like, I think I started memorizing scripture and I was like, how in the world do people do this? This is so hard. My. I'm like, not sleeping. Like, how am I supposed to remember what I just read? And it got easier and easier as I did it. And so, like, you're talking about. I didn't have these, like, long, extended, crazy, quiet times in a coffee shop anymore. It was like, okay, I'm up for 30 minutes, like, while Hosanna was eating, and I just am sitting here and maybe you're like asleep next to me. And I'm like, well, I don't know what else to do. I either am gonna scroll or I'm gonna sit here and like, meditate on scripture. And so. And I wasn't always perfect. Did I have moments of scrolling? Absolutely. But I really used that time, which was often. I mean, she woke up every, like two hours at the beginning. And so I used that time to, like, meditate on scripture, to pray. And. And it. It really did a. It really showed me, like, when it talks about in scripture, like, pray continually and, you know, delight in the Lord and meditate on the scriptures. I feel like I was literally living out that and you were watching it transform me totally. I feel like it was the only thing that gave me, like, the ability to not lose my ever loving mind. In those first few months when I.

[Grant Michael Trout]

Was getting no sleep, when you just said every two hours, it like, I like, felt that in my body.

[Madison Pruitt Trout]

Yeah.

[Grant Michael Trout]

Remember that? Remember every two hours we were up. That was insane.

[Madison Pruitt Trout]

Grant's like, so you want me to get up with you every time? Yeah.

[Grant Michael Trout]

I'm like, listen, hey, I want to be a present father. But, like, am I helpful right here? Because.

[Madison Pruitt Trout]

And honestly, I would say the first two weeks, it was so helpful because, I mean, I just didn't know what the heck I was doing. Please get up with me and just like, even if it's literally just to.

[Grant Michael Trout]

Stare at me, just know you're not alone.

[Madison Pruitt Trout]

But then after that it was like, no, please sleep. It's better for me for one of us to get some sleep. It's better if, if you get sleep for, to keep the sanity for the both of us. So, yeah, those first couple of months, I would say that was when scripture memorization started becoming like a huge part of my time with Jesus.

[Grant Michael Trout]

Man, you, I've watched you memorize the book of James, Romans 12, Romans 8. I've watched you memorize three chapters in First Peter, Psalm 16. I've like, I've watched you. And man, it's not even about the act of memorizing scripture. It's literally that it's supernatural.

[Madison Pruitt Trout]

Yeah.

[Grant Michael Trout]

It's sharper than any double edged sword. And it has changed you. Yeah, you are changed. You are changed. And like Connor Lanham, our great friend, just came into town and he is like, you're not the girl I knew in Waco. And it's not that some crazy like, but it's just like you're different, your posture is different, you're like, everything about you is different and it's better.

[Madison Pruitt Trout]

Yeah. Well, and that's what the word of God does. It says in the Word that scripture is useful for correcting, rebuking, encouraging, and training for righteousness. And I've just truly seen that play out in my life. Like every time I read the Word of God, every time I memorize the Word of God, it corrects me, it encourages me, you know, it trains me for sure. And so I think that is one of the biggest pieces of advice that I could give for those of you listening. I said, I've said it often on the podcast, but like finding scripture to memorize. And people keep asking me, they ask me at stage, real life, like, how.

[Madison Pruitt Trout (Ad Segment Speaker)]

Do you do it?

[Madison Pruitt Trout]

And I, I wish I had, like the perfect, like, this is how you do it. I think there's a lot of different ways you can do it. But I would say the thing that has been the most helpful for me in actually doing it is finding an accountability partner. Doing it together and doing it together and setting a deadline, like having a date where you're like, okay, by January 20th, we're gonna have, you know, Psalm 91 memorized. And you set a date and you give yourself three weeks and then you bring in two friends and you're like, hey, these three weeks. Like, we're gonna spend these three weeks memorizing Psalm 91. And then you just hold each other accountable. And by that date, you have to send Each other a video with your eyes closed, saying Psalm 91, or you have to say it together in person. Like, that is truly what I know.

[Grant Michael Trout]

And like, I want to speak life over you, but like, you, your memory was not the best. Like, I'm telling you, like, if, like, you would say that. No, it was so hard and like, it's not. Anyone can do it, right? It will start with discipline and it will start with, man, this doesn't really feel easy or good. And all of a sudden you will see what it develops in you. And now it's a delight. It's the same thing with reading your Bible where you start reading it and you're like, kind of boring, don't understand it, man. This is kind of what in the world. And all of a sudden, one day you wake up and your heart has changed and you're like, I got to get more of this. And now it's a delight. That's you with scripture memorization.

[Madison Pruitt Trout]

How would you say you've grown in your faith the most in 2025?

[Grant Michael Trout]

Oh, my gosh, man. So I had two words for the start of the year, servant and fearless. And I, in so many ways, it's hard to sum up the whole year because I feel like it's like in quarters. But I'll say this. Your mom came in, like right before the summer and she asked this question. She goes, where are the Billy Grahams? Where are the next Billy Grahams? And I, in no way am I saying I'm that. But this question pierced my soul. She goes, what would they be doing right now? And instantly in my heart I was like, they'd be off social media. They'd be hidden with the Lord. And I sensed from the Lord to get off social media for the summer. And I. There was no, like, crazy sin. It was not like, whoa. I looked at that and I got to get off. It was just like, I need to get off. And I remember being off, and halfway through the summer, the Lord was like, hey, let's go a year. And I was like, lord, not a year. And he reminded me that I had been disobedient. And I was in Maine with you on our two year anniversary last October. And I was in the shower and I like went into this weird vision and I was in an interview almost like this. And the person was like, what would you tell a young leader in the Christian faith right now? I was like, easy. Get off social media for a year. Devour your word. Learn the secret place of prayer. And I come out of that and the Lord was like, grant, why don't you do that? And I was like, lord, I did do that. 2019 to, like, 2021. No. No social media. I went to Branson over the porch. I said no to this and said yes to that. Like, I did do that. And he was like, are you afraid to go under for a year with me? And I just sensed the Lord say, give me social media for a year. Give me. Give me your 29th year and see what I can do. And what I want to tell somebody is like, I think every excuse in the book of I can't get off social media because of this, because of these relationships, because of these invitations. What if these things that come my way, what if I miss them?

[Madison Pruitt Trout]

Yeah. Like.

[Grant Michael Trout]

And the Lord was like, do you think I'm gonna miss you? Do you think I'm gonna forget about you?

[Madison Pruitt Trout]

And you think I'm limited?

[Grant Michael Trout]

Yeah. Do you think you need a social media for me to use you in your fullest capacity? And what I would tell you, I'm six months into no social media. I've never walked in more authority, never walked in more power of the Holy Spirit. And I don't think it's for everybody. I do think you gotta be sensitive to the whisper, that when he tells you to do it, you can do it. And I asked Maddie, I said, I'm six months in. And we talked about it, and I was like, do you think the answer is to get off or stay on? And I was like, I don't think it's to get off. Like, I don't think that's the answer for everybody. But I think what it's showing me is, like, man, if I get back on, there's just this, like, power and the hiddenness. And that's where I'm at right now is I'm just soaking in the life of David. I'm watching House of David 2.

[Madison Pruitt Trout]

Gosh, our favorite show ever.

[Grant Michael Trout]

I just read First Samuel. I just read the book A Tale of Three Kings, which is on the life of David. And what I want to tell you is man does not lift up. It's God. You do not have to get invited. Walk in a green room, be in a certain sphere of circles for God to lift you up. God will lift you up, not man. And as you submit to God, First Peter, five, six, as you humble yourself under his mighty hand, it says he'll exalt you in due time. And I think right now I'm in this season. I wouldn't say, like, totally hidden. But I'm. I am planted underneath the soil with God with no social media saying no to a lot of things right now, because I feel like God is just doing so much inside of me, getting ready for. I don't really. We don't really know what. But we know it's coming.

[Madison Pruitt Trout]

Yeah. Yeah. And you have been truly a fearless servant. You have led our. Like, I would say one of the biggest things I think one of the questions that I had on here, wanted to ask is, like, what is something that we learned about each other this year? And something I've seen you just really step into so beautifully. And you were already doing this before, but you were just such a incredible leader. And it's because you're such an amazing servant and because you're led by the spirit of God in all that you do. And just the way that you lead our family spiritually, the way that you, I mean, every single day, have a verse of the day for Hosanna, and you're just washing her in the Word. Every single day, you pray over me before we go to sleep. We have often been taking communion together. We are constantly talking about the Word. I am seeing you all the time, just meditating on scripture, closing your eyes in prayer, getting up really early just to watch the sunrise and sit in the presence of the Lord. And I'm watching you pour into and disciple these high school students. I'm watching you teach the Word of God, faithfully memorize the Word of God. And I'm just so thankful for the leader you are for our family. And I think you have stepped into what it looks like to be a fearless servant, which is someone who has true God confidence and knows who they are in Christ, fears God, so that you don't fear the things that are not of God or from God. And also the greatest leaders are the greatest servants. As scripture says, like the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve and to give his life as a ransom for many. And I've just seen you step into that of like, I'm here to wash feet. I'm here to serve. I'm here to wash feet. And I'm so grateful that that's the tone you set for our family. Hosanna. Seeing that. Hosanna's going to keep seeing that. But that's something that I've learned about you this year. And my word for the year was. Or words, I guess, was true worship. And I, if you remember, had the. It was. I think it's Luke, like Luke 10 is it Luke 10. It's the story of Mary and Martha.

[Grant Michael Trout]

Yeah.

[Madison Pruitt Trout]

And I just felt as I was getting close to having Hosanna. I remember sitting out on our back porch, and I felt so convicted from the Holy Spirit of, like, I don't want my daughter to see a mom who is running around stressed, anxious about many things, missing the most important thing. And I had this moment with the Lord, and I was like, I want to be a true worshipper.

[Grant Michael Trout]

Yeah.

[Madison Pruitt Trout]

I want to be Mary who sits at your feet and worships you and doesn't miss you. And so as I was sitting there with the Lord, thinking about my year, about to have a daughter, just what was 20, 25 going to look like? I just. I don't know. I really felt, from the Lord, true worship. And I was reminded of that song that's. It's like, I'm coming back to the heart of worship where it's all about you. It's all about you. And the. The version that I was listening to has this moment where it's like, well, I think all versions say, I'm sorry, Lord, for the things that I've made it. It's all about you. And. But then this version has, like, this, like, spontaneous worship moment. And it's like, I'm sorry that I've made it about the stages and the platforms and basically, like, what I can get and doing for you. And that's really where I felt led on my heart. Like, I don't want to just do a lot of things for God. Like, I want to be with him. I want to be in his presence, and I want to be so, like, in love with him and captivated by him. I want to behold him and then from that place, like, be sent out on mission. And I just wanted my daughter to see a mom who every single day, like, got in the presence of God and practiced the presence of God and lived her life as a true worshiper. And as John 4 tells us, what does it look like to be a true worshiper? To worship and to live a life of spirit and truth?

[Grant Michael Trout]

Yeah.

[Madison Pruitt Trout]

And so, like, being filled and empowered and led by the Holy Spirit, but also a life built on truth, a life built on the word of God, knowing the word of God, letting the word of God change me and, you know, be the answer to all the questions I have and the direction that I go and let it really be like a lamp into my feet and a light into my path. And so that was kind of my. I mean, that was my word. And thinking back now, I'm like, wow. I do feel, feel like I've been tested in those areas and I feel like I've grown in those areas so much and, and moments where I did not do it well. I mean, moments where I do feel like I definitely got stressed and I was doing a lot for God. I think every time I have, like a book launch, it always brings up a lot of feelings. It's just like vulnerable and all kinds of things.

[Madison Pruitt Trout (Ad Segment Speaker)]

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[Madison Pruitt Trout]

But what if we actually knew what.

[Madison Pruitt Trout (Ad Segment Speaker)]

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[Madison Pruitt Trout]

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[Grant Michael Trout]

I. I will say that has been one of the biggest transformations for you too is like, it's about him.

[Madison Pruitt Trout]

Yeah.

[Grant Michael Trout]

And I think there's seasons to do a lot and I think there's seasons to be.

[Madison Pruitt Trout]

Yeah.

[Grant Michael Trout]

With him. And I think if we're not careful, we just like slip into this like, God, I just want to keep doing stuff for you, you know, like, I.

[Madison Pruitt Trout]

Want to do big things for you. Right.

[Grant Michael Trout]

For you. And imagine if that was all Hosanna talked to you about, which was, hey, mom, can I have some more of your stuff so I can go do all this stuff for you? And at some point you're delighted, but then you're like, hey, no, no, no, not today, baby. Just, can you just stay with me?

[Madison Pruitt Trout]

Yeah.

[Grant Michael Trout]

Just spend time. You wouldn't just like go on a ride. And we're like, okay, but like. And I think if we're not careful, we just want to use God to do big things for God. Ultimately for the approval of man.

[Madison Pruitt Trout]

Yeah.

[Grant Michael Trout]

Hey, God, can you help me do this for you? So that ultimately they can say, I'm enough. And I think God is just like, hey, just be with me.

[Madison Pruitt Trout]

Yeah.

[Grant Michael Trout]

And out of that, you'll know exact. I think out of that, you learn the whisper of God, which is when you know the whisper of God, you know when to go, when not to go. And you're not always confused on, is this my own motive? Is this my own. You know. You know, you go slow, and I think that is where you're at right now, which is like, God, I want to be with you. And I think he's so delighted in that. He made that. He made us human beings, not human doings.

[Madison Pruitt Trout]

Wow.

[Grant Michael Trout]

You ever heard that?

[Madison Pruitt Trout]

No.

[Grant Michael Trout]

He made us to be, not do. Now, out of the being.

[Madison Pruitt Trout]

That's so good.

[Grant Michael Trout]

I've heard that bar again. Yeah. He made us human beings, not human doings. He made us to be his image, not just go do things for him. Now out of the being we're made to do.

[Madison Pruitt Trout]

Yeah.

[Grant Michael Trout]

But we start with the do and try and make that our be. And it's, like, all jacked up, man. That's why we're so insecure.

[Madison Pruitt Trout]

That's why we feel anxious.

[Grant Michael Trout]

Yeah. We're so.

[Madison Pruitt Trout]

We're, like, ambitious, but we're anxious because we're like, I want to do all these really big things. And then I think social media just creates a more snowball effect to that, because then you're comparing what doing. Everybody else is doing.

[Grant Michael Trout]

Yeah.

[Madison Pruitt Trout]

And it immediately makes you feel insecure. Less than. Or this. The pressure to, like, I need to do more, for sure. And I think in this season of motherhood, I've had more than ever this desire to do let. Like, I just want to be with Hosanna. I just want to be a cheerleader and a helper to my husband. I just want to be with my daughter. I want to disciple her and love her and point her in the way she should go. And I think that is. Honestly, what's so interesting is that I feel like the cry of our generation is, yes, like, what's my calling? What's my purpose? But I think even deeper than that. We have such a desperation for rest, peace, and contentment. And even my. One of my most popular podcasts is a podcast that I released a while ago on the power of a simple and quiet life, because I think so many people are hungry for a simple and quiet life. So many people want to experience true rest, true peace, true contentment, true joy. To know, like, oh, this is okay. Breath of fresh air. Like, this is what I was made to do. And I think yet we just find ourselves on this, like, striving, performing, doing cycle, because that's what's. That's what culture's doing. And if we're really honest, we're oftentimes more discipled by the world than by the word. If you look at the life of Jesus, you're reading a book on this right now. If you look at the life of Jesus, he had 30 years in hiddenness. He had 30 years of note, like, not seen, not public. He had three years of public ministry.

[Grant Michael Trout]

Yeah.

[Madison Pruitt Trout]

Three years.

[Grant Michael Trout]

That's the iceberg equation.

[Madison Pruitt Trout]

Yeah.

[Grant Michael Trout]

That Alicia Britt Sholey talks about. 10% of the iceberg is what you see. 90% is underwater, hidden. And that's the strength. That's why they say icebergs are almost indestructible like you, because so much of their mass is what you can't see. It's just that hidden foundation. She said Jesus had 30 years of anonymity and three years of public ministry. He had the iceberg equation. And we're flipping that, man.

[Madison Pruitt Trout]

Yeah.

[Grant Michael Trout]

We're like, let me get a little bit of hiddenness to go do a lot of bit of public. And it's like, you combust, you blow up, you cannot sustain. There's no lasting authority in that equation.

[Madison Pruitt Trout]

Yeah. And I think that I also see that life is seasonal. And I think I had, like, if I look back over my life, I had years of. I had years of hidden. And then I feel like I got kind of thrust into the public. And now I almost feel as if I'm kind of going back to this hidden space. And are there certain things like Stay True Podcast? It ain't going nowhere. I love Stay True Podcast, but what I love about Stay True Podcast is that it's in my home. Like, we do this in our house, and I'm still able to be home with Hosanna. I'm not having to travel all over. But we really feel led for this next year. We've said no to all speaking engagements for this next year. And. And there's other things that I'm praying through and processing through. But one of the biggest hearts of that is I really feel like this is a season that I'm kind of, like, stepping out of the public to kind of go back to the hidden a little bit. And I think so often we just want to stay so relevant, and we're so afraid of becoming irrelevant. We're so afraid of missing out like you were talking about with social media. And what if there's actually so much power, beauty and the answer to everything that we're looking for in becoming irrelevant and in becoming hidden and in just like tucking away with Jesus and retreating with him because you were talking about, you know, it's in. It's in that being, it's in that dwelling, it's in that resting in the presence of God where we find our true identity and our true purpose. Because so often, like you're saying, we're trying to do before we be. And so we're striving and trying to keep up with the rest of the world and wondering why we feel insecure, empty, confused, restless, you know, and all these other things. But if we just get to a place where we're resting in the presence of God, it's from there where he speaks our true identity over us and where we discover that and we also discover like our true God given purpose and he sends us out to do it.

[Grant Michael Trout]

The way up is the way down. Gosh, and I'm chopping so many points convinced of that. Like, that's God's formula. Man is just like, you want to climb up the ladder? Go ahead. It's all in your strife. It's all in your power. It's all in your energy. And guess what? At the end of that ladder is destruction and opposition from the God of the universe. Because the Bible says he opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble. He says, humble yourself under my mighty hand. So climb down the ladder. And guess what? My elevator is waiting there for you, and I'm about to lift you up.

[Madison Pruitt Trout]

Yeah, talk about. You just actually talked on this at a wago. You were teaching some high school students on first, Peter was talking about humility and pride. And you also gave like a acronym for it too. That I think is super helpful. So share that because it's really powerful.

[Grant Michael Trout]

We talked about, humility is the freest way to live. And so the acronym is free. How do I fight pride and walk in humility? Because I think we're always like, okay, if God, like Peter doesn't say be humble, he doesn't say go do humble things. And I think that's what we think of humility is like, how do I be more humble today? Okay, what's a humble act? That is not humility. Because was it, did it look humble for David to walk up to the Philistine army with Goliath and go, y' all won't fight him I got it. That looked prideful to people, but that was a deep humility in the Lord. Did it look humble when Jesus ran in the temple and flipped the tables and had his whip? So you can't judge humility by action, right? You don't watch someone's life and go, that right there. I just saw it, the way they moved that left arm and did that. That was humble. You just feel it, you know, when you're around humility. So Peter says, clothe yourself with humility. So put on, like a jacket. You're going to put on this posture, this mindset. And the acronym to do that is F is you start with. You fix your eyes on the cross. So if you want to be humble, it starts spiritually. You cannot be prideful when you stand in front of that bloody wooden middle cross, when you understand it was your sin and your mess that made Jesus go to that cross. You stand in front of that long enough, there's not pride left. So you start in a posture of spiritual humility, which says, you are God. I am not. I need you. The R is remember your own mess. So Jesus talks about before you're tempted to go, look at how prideful. Why would she. I bet they do it for. Jesus says, hold on, take inventory. Because you have blind spots in your life that you can't see. There are moments of pride that I don't see that are very clear to other people. You know what I'm saying? I don't see them, but they're very apparent to other people.

[Madison Pruitt Trout]

Because what is it we judge?

[Grant Michael Trout]

We judge other people off their actions, and we judge ourselves by our motives. Here's what I meant. Here's. Here's my intention. But we don't give other people that slack. And so remember your own mess. The E is encourage authentically, you want to be a humble person. You want to walk in humility. Like, be someone that walks up and goes, who can I encourage in this room?

[Madison Pruitt Trout]

Who can I serve?

[Grant Michael Trout]

Not flattery. Flattery is about getting them to like you, which is about you. Encouragement is to pour courage into somebody for their benefit. The last one is this. Enjoy. Hidden yeses to Jesus. I think the most beautiful, abundant, full of life life you can live is when you walk in a bathroom and there's toilet paper all on the ground. You go, jesus, you want to do this together? No one sees it. No one will ever thank you. But you made that space more beautiful, and you did it with Jesus.

[Madison Pruitt Trout]

Totally.

[Grant Michael Trout]

Hey, Grant, I want you to go give that person a $1 bill. Will they be offended by that? Grant, I just want you to go do it and you go do it. And they either said, I just prayed to God that someone would give me a $1 bill, or they say, huh, that was a little weird, but thank you regardless. You were obedient with Jesus in the small.

[Madison Pruitt Trout]

So free. F R E E so good. Fix your eyes on Jesus. Remember your mess. Remember who you are apart from Christ. Encourage authentically. Authentically. And enjoy. Enjoy. Hidden yeses. So good. Um, okay, who or what inspired you this year? I'll go first and maybe this is even your answer. But I would say our community, the people God has put around us, it's been such a gift and such a blessing because there are so many people around us that I learned from. Even at Stay True Live, I had on my panel some of my closest friends and our community group, the ladies from our community. And so Grant and I are in a married community group here in Nashville. And. And three of the. There's three other couples and three of the wives. The ladies were on the stage with me, along with also Angela Halili. And I was. I'm just so inspired by them. Like, I all got to. I got to ask all of them a question that I'm like, these are things that I learned from you on a day to day basis. And these are things that you do that inspire me. And the way you live and the way you love Jesus and the way you serve others, it inspires me. And so I would say Riley, the way she retreats and practices the presence of God, she continues, she takes the Sabbath so seriously. And she said something at Stay True Live, I think she said something like this. Like, the only sin that we brag about is busyness that we hype up. Like, oh, yeah, I'm just so busy. Such a busy season. Like, I'm just so busy. I'm so busy. And what if that is the one thing that is keeping you? It probably is the one thing that is keeping you from actually dwelling, resting, abiding in the presence of the Lord. And she just practices that so well, retreats with the Lord. I mean, we'll turn her cell phone off for like 48 hours. And I'm like, riley, answer my phone call. But she just does that so beautifully. And then Courtney does discipleship so well. And so Courtney and her husband Steve, she's been on the podcast before, but they have a ministry here called wago, which you teach at, which is where you gave the free acronym, but they just both do discipleship so well. And she has, I feel like, taught me so much. And she's also been, like, my biggest accountability partner in scripture memorization. And so we will send each other videos all the time of the, like, passages of scripture that we're memorizing and holding each other accountable and confessing to each other regularly. And so I'm so grateful for her and just inspired by the way she just disciples other people. And then Maddie. Maddie and Noah are the pastors of the church that we go to here way Church. And they just serve people so well. They live out the message that they. That they teach and that they preach and just really believe in the power of local church and local community. And I've just learned so much by the way she mothers, by the way she serves her husband, by the way they do local church and local ministry. And so I truly would say, like, our community is what has inspired me this year. And even, like, really showed up for us in those first few months of postpartum.

[Madison Pruitt Trout (Ad Segment Speaker)]

We're like, this is the church.

[Madison Pruitt Trout]

Like, this is the church rallying around us when I don't know what the heck I'm doing and when we're sad or when we're. We need a meal or whatever it may be. I mean, just we've really seen our church and our community show up for us.

[Grant Michael Trout]

That's so good. And it's why. It's why the entire. Every single analogy in the Bible given about the church is in community.

[Madison Pruitt Trout]

Yeah.

[Grant Michael Trout]

It says, you are the sheep with the good shepherd. You are the parts of the body. Jesus is the head. You are the living stones. Jesus is the cornerstone. Everything is, like, together, together. He's even like, the Lord's Prayer. Our Father.

[Madison Pruitt Trout]

Yeah.

[Grant Michael Trout]

Who art in heaven. It's like all of us as community and I. It's why we would push you so hard to join a community group. Because at some point, life's gonna hit you and you're gonna be on a mat. And it doesn't matter if these people are like you, like, the same team as you. It's like, if you both love Jesus, they will be there for you. That's why the church exists, is to have community. And we've seen that. Like, yeah, I'm pivotal.

[Madison Pruitt Trout]

Don't forsake giving up. Hebrews gathering together.

[Grant Michael Trout]

10, 24, 25. Yes. Do not neglect to meet together, as is the habit of some, but all the more come together and encourage one another. Hebrews 3 talks about it says, reprove one another daily so that you're not hardened by the deceitfulness of sin. Gosh, daily you got people going, hey, watch that. Watch that. So that why you're not suddenly deceitfully hardened by a little sin at a time.

[Madison Pruitt Trout]

That's why. It's iron. Sharpening iron. Like, it takes two pieces of iron to continually sharpen each other. Like, and I love that it's. It says that word daily. Because it's a continuous practice. Like, you don't stop it.

[Grant Michael Trout]

You don't graduate from.

[Madison Pruitt Trout]

I don't care who the heck you are.

[Grant Michael Trout]

You don't.

[Madison Pruitt Trout]

Every theologian. I mean, you're the Elijah.

[Grant Michael Trout]

Yeah, yeah. Put a little O on that, baby.

[Madison Pruitt Trout]

I'm like, wait a u. Something didn't.

[Grant Michael Trout]

The lodging.

[Madison Pruitt Trout]

Something felt wrong.

[Grant Michael Trout]

Golly.

[Madison Pruitt Trout]

Clearly I'm not.

[Grant Michael Trout]

You're gonna keep moving through that.

[Madison Pruitt Trout]

Clearly I'm not a theologian. No, but it's true. Like, no matter who you are, no matter how long you've believed in Jesus, like, none of us are immune to sin. You never arrive.

[Grant Michael Trout]

Remember when Paul rebuked Peter? Yeah. You know, right. It's Peter. Still needed that.

[Madison Pruitt Trout]

Right. Because we gotta have that.

[Grant Michael Trout]

You gotta have.

[Madison Pruitt Trout]

Gotta have people that will call you out and call you higher and not push you to sin, but push you to Jesus and aren't afraid to say the hard things. I think we just live in a time where we're so, like, scared to say something that's gonna hurt somebody's feelings. And it's like, no, no. Like, that's what you do when you love somebody. You still speak the truth in love. You do it lovingly. You do it with a heart posture to, like, correct them in a way that will push them closer to Jesus. You don't do it in a way of just like, you're a sinner. How messed up are you? You know, I've grown in that a lot. Grant's like, yeah. Are you preaching to yourself?

[Grant Michael Trout]

Yes, Lord.

[Madison Pruitt Trout]

No, but it's true. Like, you speak the truth in love. You're not afraid to say the hard things because you want to see your brothers and sisters in Christ grow, and you want to see them run their race.

[Grant Michael Trout]

Well, a quote I heard recently, Jesus was kind, not nice.

[Madison Pruitt Trout]

Yeah, I saw that.

[Grant Michael Trout]

And. And that's profound.

[Madison Pruitt Trout]

Yeah.

[Grant Michael Trout]

Because we have this. Like, Christians are supposed to be nice all the time. And that is not what Jesus looked like.

[Madison Pruitt Trout]

Yeah. Like, we're not affirming, dude.

[Grant Michael Trout]

You remember when they were like, hey, Pilate said this about you? And Jesus goes, you go tell that fox what I do.

[Madison Pruitt Trout]

Yeah.

[Grant Michael Trout]

And I'm like, you Remember what he said to some of the Pharisees? Like, kindness is full of truth.

[Madison Pruitt Trout]

Yeah.

[Grant Michael Trout]

And. And it's. It's foundational niceness is fluffness and flattery and hollow and empty. And it's like, man, we're supposed to be kind, which is full of truth.

[Madison Pruitt Trout]

Yeah. Kindness is like, I fear God.

[Grant Michael Trout]

Fear God, not you.

[Madison Pruitt Trout]

Nice is like, I fear people.

[Grant Michael Trout]

Yeah.

[Madison Pruitt Trout]

Like, I. I really care about what people think. So I'm gonna say these things. Like, I don't want to say.

[Grant Michael Trout]

I don't. Wrong.

[Madison Pruitt Trout]

I don't want to, like, step on. Step on your toes.

[Grant Michael Trout]

And I fall into that.

[Madison Pruitt Trout]

Totally. We all.

[Grant Michael Trout]

I'm tempted to run into that.

[Madison Pruitt Trout]

Yeah. No, I literally, I'll speak so much, like life over Hosanna daily. And I used to say, like, often, like, you're so nice. You're so nice. And then I was like, no, no, no, no, no. You're so kind. You have the fruit of this. You have the spirit of the living God on the inside of you. We don't live to please people. We live to please God. So you're going to be kind to one another. You're going to be compassionate. You're going to be. But we're not going to care more about what people think about us. We're not going to do things for the sake of being affirmed or liked by other people.

[Grant Michael Trout]

I read that book Bad Thoughts, and it said, one of the masks that I think I wear is compulsive niceness. It's something like compulsive niceness disorder, which is just like, you think you got to be nice to everyone because that's what the Christians do. And, like, then they'll like you.

[Madison Pruitt Trout]

Yeah.

[Grant Michael Trout]

And he's just like you. The only way to be really loved is to be authentic. It's not to be a people pleaser.

[Madison Pruitt Trout]

Wow.

[Grant Michael Trout]

And I just want that for myself and for people.

[Madison Pruitt Trout]

That's so good. Okay, we're wrapping up. Getting close to the end of this podcast, so we have a few more. Really few more questions. I know.

[Grant Michael Trout]

There's so much to talk about. We're in January still, right?

[Madison Pruitt Trout]

No, no, no, no. We've kind of moved on. We kind of stopped tree capping.

[Grant Michael Trout]

We didn't talk about my birthday. We didn't talk about the final. The final four that your dad went to at Auburn. We didn't talk about literally anything. Good things. There's a lot of good things.

[Madison Pruitt Trout]

A lot happened.

[Grant Michael Trout]

So. Hey, you briefly touch on this. I want to just say it real quick since you said it like, we both prayed this summer and we sensed the Lord say, we want you to be local. We want you to say no to every speaking engagement outside of what's local and what's family.

[Madison Pruitt Trout]

So, like, outside of unite.

[Grant Michael Trout]

Yeah. And so that's a big deal to go. We're gonna say no to the majority of what we do because the Lord was like, you need to be still and you need to be home and you need to be local. And it's almost like he's like, clear the Runway. There's something landing. And that's exciting and scary. And so I think you and I are stepping into this, like, posture of we will say no, and we want to be ready to say yes. And that's a really big deal for you guys.

[Mrs. Claus (Younger Sister)]

Thanks for helping me carry my Christmas tree, Zoe.

[Bridges]

This thing weighs a ton.

[Grant Michael Trout]

Drewski, live with your legs, man.

[Madison Pruitt Trout]

Santa. Santa, did you get my letter?

[Bridges]

He's talking to you, Bridges.

[Madison Pruitt Trout]

I'm not.

[Mrs. Claus (Younger Sister)]

Of course he did.

[Grant Michael Trout]

Right, Santa, you know my elf Drew Ski here. He handles the nice lift and elf.

[Bridges]

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[Grant Michael Trout]

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[Mrs. Claus (Younger Sister)]

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[Bridges]

Guys, my side of the tree is slipping.

[Grant Michael Trout]

Timber.

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[Madison Pruitt Trout]

NMLS 696891 yeah, being very intentional with our yeses. I think that's. That's one. I mean, we've. We've talked about this already on this podcast, but that's. I think just one of the things that we've learned is, like, we can do a lot of good things, maybe even a lot of God things, but still miss God completely. So what are the yeses that God has breathed on? What are the yeses that truly honor and glorify him? What are the yeses that are best for our family in this season right now? What are the yeses that are intentional and prayed over? And. And so that's kind of like coming back to this place where there are a lot of opportunities. But what are we anointed to do? What is the essential assignment God has put on our life? And I think just cultivating a posture in our home of, okay, we just want to give you this year, Lord. And, like, yes, we feel called to, like, travel and speak. We feel called to maybe post on social media and talk about Jesus. But, like, before any of those things, like, let's just lay it at your feet and say, lord, speak, Lord. Move, Lord. Show us what we are to do with this. Like, what do you want this of us? Is this. Is this taking a pause for a long period of time? Or do you want us to, like, pick it up and run? Like, what do you want with this? And I just think so often we don't take enough time and, like, I'm speaking for us. But it's probably true for a lot of you guys listening. We just often don't invite the Holy Spirit into our decisions like that. You know, it's just like, oh, yeah, like, I'm just gonna keep. Like, I'm trying to post on social media because that's what the Lord would want me to do. It's like, maybe. Or like, what if you're doing it with the wrong motive and intention and you need to just, like, get off because it's hurting you more than it's helping you, and it's not even really helping other people because it's not helping you. Like, you know what I mean? Like, it's like, have we actually taken time to ask the Holy Spirit, like, should I be doing this? Should I be in this relationship? Like, should I be on social media, like, and just inviting the Holy Spirit into those moments and those decisions, I think is. Is so huge. And that's really what we're kind of getting back to this next year is not that we haven't been doing that. But I think really just. Yeah. Before we just get into another, like, year where it's like, life is just happening to us, and it's like this trip, then this trip and this speak engagement, this speaking engagement, Traveling here, traveling there, doing this. It's like, before we get into that again, let's just, like, sit with Jesus for a year and be like, what would you have of us, Lord? Like, what do you want with us? Okay. Something that I think is really helpful to do is we're wrapping up the end of the year. A question I really like to ask myself. And I think this is a really good question even throughout the year. Something you could take into 2026 and ask yourself monthly. Monthly. As like a little monthly inventory. But something I love doing at the end of the year is, okay, how would you rate this year for you out of 10? And then you have your five categories, which is spiritually, relationally, emotionally, mentally, and physically. And asking yourself in a really honest way of, like, how would I rate myself? And so I'll go first. I would say spirit. Yeah.

[Grant Michael Trout]

Live. Wow.

[Madison Pruitt Trout]

Short. Short. I would say spiritually. I would give myself an 8 out of 10. I do feel like I have been in such a beautiful place with the Lord, and it's not been your fiery faith. You know, it's not been like my. In the past when I'm, like, pacing and praying and fired up and I got one revelation after another and I was one sermon ready to go in my pocket. And like, fiery faith. I would say it's been more of this, like, beautiful, like, slow burn, hidden moments with the Lord delighting in the word. Like, we've talked about cultivating community. Repenting often, confessing often. Like, that's what this season has been. And I truly feel healed. I feel free, and I just feel so good with the Lord. Like, I'm not working for his approval or love. Like, I'm not striving for his attention. I truly feel so beautiful, like, just in a beautiful place with him. Like a good, like, endurance kind of faith.

[Grant Michael Trout]

It's awesome.

[Madison Pruitt Trout]

I would say relationally, eight out of 10. We've talked a lot about, like, just the beautiful, like, place that we're in with our community. We're plugged into a local church. We're serving our local church with our gifts and talents. We have found a great community. I would say that the season before this was a really low number for me in this area. Just, like, really struggled with community. Had a couple friends that I had in my life, but I would Say at this point, like, we've really done community well, and I'm super grateful for that. And then I would say we're in a beautiful spot. I would say physically, though, I would give probably myself a 6 out of 10. I think having, like, being pregnant, having Hosanna coming out of that postpartum has just been tough and just a lot of different things. I think, like, getting back to one, just even finding time to work out, like, Hosanna is, like, wants me to hold her 24 7. And so anytime I'm with Hosanna, like, I laugh with Grant because I'm like, you actually can, like, set her down and, like, get stuff done around, like, if you wanted to. But, like, for me, when she's with me, like, I can't put her down. She starts screaming, crying, like I've abandoned her. She only wants me to hold her all the time. So, like, anytime I'm home with her, if I don't have you there, like, I literally can't work out. I can't. Like, it's hard to, like, work. It's hard to get anything done unless she's, like, napping.

[Grant Michael Trout]

Yeah.

[Madison Pruitt Trout]

And so. And that's usually my time where I'm like, you know, in the word or, like, getting a little bit of work done. And so I just would say physically, like, that's kind of taken, you know, been on the back burner a little bit more. I would say that we've been a lot more intentional, though, with our food and, like, what we've been eating. And so that's been still good. And then also just like, my body's changed so much since having a baby, and so I'm still just trying to figure that out. And then emotionally, mentally, I don't know, I'd say like, seven out of ten. I'd say it's, like, pretty good. I've really done a lot better at, like, confessing feelings. And, like, this is a lie I'm believing. This is, you know, like, catching, like, thought based sin, I guess before. It's like, action based sin. And so it's like, okay, this is, you know, a lie I'm believing, or I'm feeling comparison or jealousy or anger or pride or whatever it is. And, like, confessing those things and. Yeah, and I would say, like, memorizing scripture has just, like, helped my, like, anxious mind or restless mind a ton, man. So that was, like, short, quick version.

[Grant Michael Trout]

That's helpful. Everyone should do that.

[Madison Pruitt Trout]

Everyone should do that. And you, you can answer or you don't have to answer.

[Grant Michael Trout]

No, I'll think through it.

[Madison Pruitt Trout]

I think that's a really good inventory to do. Like, again, I said monthly, but even end of the year. And, like, maybe do it if you're married, like, with your spouse. If you're, you know, have some roommates, do it with your roommates, do it with some of your friends, your community group, your family. If you're, like, in high school, still at home with your family. I know at the beginning of every year, like, my family would always do, like, New Year's resolutions, but I think it's a really fun thing to also gather some people together and do, like, end of the year reflections. It's like, I don't want to just, like, have new year with a bunch of hopes. Like, I also want to take time to reflect on the past year of, like, what were the goals and the dreams that I set for this year? How did I do? Like, was I faithful with the things that I set out to do? Did I steward my year well? Did I. Did I give God my best? And how, like, what are the things I need to stop doing and the things I need to start doing? Okay, I would love to kind of, as we're ending this podcast, just like, some really practical. We've talked a lot in this podcast of similar things to share, but, like, some practical challenges of ways that they can reflect on this year and just the mindset to have towards the end of the year. And then also any just, like, encouragement that you would have headed into the holidays.

[Grant Michael Trout]

Totally. I would choose a word for your year. I would really ask God, what's a word you want me to hone in.

[Madison Pruitt Trout]

On this year for next year?

[Grant Michael Trout]

For next year.

[Bridges]

Yeah.

[Madison Pruitt Trout]

Okay. I was talking about reflecting on this year.

[Grant Michael Trout]

Yeah. Oh, reflections first. Well, yeah, year.

[Madison Pruitt Trout]

A word for the year is huge. And it's always cool to, like, go back and see. Like, it's cool. I mean, like, what we just did with Fearless Servant and True Worship, because.

[Grant Michael Trout]

I've got it on my desk and I see it daily. I'm like, fearless Servant. How am I doing at that?

[Madison Pruitt Trout]

Yeah.

[Grant Michael Trout]

Because I think we can choose a word for the year and totally. I'll ask you in October. And it's like, what was my word?

[Madison Pruitt Trout]

I know. I have been there.

[Grant Michael Trout]

It's good to, like, know your word.

[Madison Pruitt Trout]

Yeah.

[Grant Michael Trout]

Also, man, I like, there's something so powerful about the, like, like, you see in the Psalms, David journaled all the time reflections, and I think we just don't take the time to. To really write down or Make a little video and put it in a hidden folder of what God's doing in your life. And I like, I. I journal, but I'll make these videos. I'll, like, do a little selfie cam. But, hey, G, you're gonna watch this one day. I'm just letting you know right now on November 8th, bro, today you just got to do, unite whatever North Carolina State. And you were feeling this, and this happened, and I just get to pour it out. And I'm like, man, I've got probably 150 videos from four years of. It's a visual virtual journal.

[Madison Pruitt Trout]

When do you think you'll look at all those?

[Grant Michael Trout]

I don't know, but I have when I had my first panic attack in 2019, I have, like, a few days after that explaining what I felt, how distant I felt from God, how far I felt. And now in 2025, about to be 26, I can look back at that and be like, look what God has done.

[Madison Pruitt Trout]

Yeah, videos is crazy. And that's face. And. Yes.

[Grant Michael Trout]

And that's why God said, set up your stones of remembrance, because your kids will walk by that one day and go, why are those stones there? And you're like, God was faithful to lead us through the Jordan River. Like, that's why you should have those things that remind you of God's faithfulness.

[Madison Pruitt Trout]

Yeah. Like, really sit and journal. Like, take, I would say, set aside some time. As we talked about, we had, like, a little retreat for a day or two last year.

[Grant Michael Trout]

Yeah.

[Madison Pruitt Trout]

We've done this a little bit, even in prep for this podcast. And we'll probably do this, I mean, a couple more times as we get closer to the end of the year, because we're recording this, you know, mid November right now. And so we'll have a couple of days set aside where we'll do this as well. But I think that is so important to, like, really sit in the presence of the Lord and. And journal. And I think as you do that, so many things will be brought back to your. Your mind, which kind of leads into, like, gratitude. Like, have a moment of just, like, thanking Jesus for how he was saying faithful this year, for how he showed up for you this year. It's so easy to jump to the next thing. I'm the queen of doing that. It's like, okay, this is over now. I got this. And it's just like, you. You know, one year's down, another year's up. And it's like, take some time to just sit and thank God for all the Ways he showed up for you this year, for all of the moments, whether it's like he. He delivered you from that panic attack. He was there for you as you were going through that breakup. He provided for you financially when you didn't know how you were going to pay for your next meal. You know, he. Whatever. It was like, the littlest things, the biggest things, like the ways he. He showed up for you take time to. Really? Yeah. Like, be grateful and worship God for this year. Like, truly worship him and thank Him. I think he's another thing that I think goes with journaling.

[Grant Michael Trout]

Yeah. Yeah. It's really good. We're, like, so quick to look at the Israelites and be like, how did you forget?

[Madison Pruitt Trout]

Yeah. And I'm like, all the time.

[Grant Michael Trout]

If your book was written on paper and months were in sentences, like, how did you forget? Didn't God just. How did Maddie forget what God just did for her?

[Madison Pruitt Trout]

Yeah, that's.

[Grant Michael Trout]

You know, And David's always like, I remember the days when you led me into the massive congregation and I talked about you. He. He pulls from that for his strength in the present, you know? Gosh, he's like, when I feel distant, I remember what you did for me. And you gotta force that sometimes, man. We're always like, I don't feel him. I don't feel him. You got to stoke the feeling, you know, so good. You got to stoke the fire. God's faithfulness before you feel it. And this is what Alicia Britt Sholi said. We mistake emotion for devotion. We mistake adrenaline for anointing.

[Madison Pruitt Trout]

Wow.

[Grant Michael Trout]

She's like, everyone wants to be like that. Worship was crazy. Were you in the room when. And it's like, hey, man, was that any different than you alone with Jesus? Why was that crazy?

[Madison Pruitt Trout]

Wow.

[Grant Michael Trout]

Because you felt something. And she's like, that is the like. As I talk to my high school guys, I'm like, hey, I love that you feel it. I love that you're fiery. I love that that worship was quote, unquote, crazy. And yet.

[Madison Pruitt Trout]

Right.

[Grant Michael Trout]

Don't mistake emotion for devotion, adrenaline for anointing. Like, don't become obsessed with the feeling.

[Madison Pruitt Trout]

And that is, like, one of the biggest pieces of encouragement we could have for you guys.

[Grant Michael Trout]

Is the word steadfast?

[Madison Pruitt Trout]

A new year is like, what does your personal, intimate relationship with Jesus look like when you're not like, yes, don't. Don't forsake gathering together. Like, yes. Be plugged into a local church. Be like, take heed to the words that your pastor is saying. If he's Preaching biblically, if he has sound doctrine, like, yes, like, take heed to it. Follow it. Follow the word of God. You know, bring wise counsel. But, like, who are you alone with Jesus? Do you worship him in gladness and in thanksgiving? Are you, like, dancing like David before the Lord? Like, are you, like, in love with the word of God?

[Grant Michael Trout]

Do you.

[Madison Pruitt Trout]

Is. Is the presence of the Lord and sitting in his presence your favorite place to be? Like, David said, like, this one thing I ask is to dwell in your house, in your presence all the days of my life. I mean, that is, like, my greatest hope and desire for myself every year is like, I want to grow in that.

[Grant Michael Trout]

And I'm. What I would say is, like, how do I do that? Lay on your back on some carpet in a room that you can get some lights off and, like, turn on some soaking worship music.

[Madison Pruitt Trout]

Yeah.

[Grant Michael Trout]

And put your phone away from you and literally lay there.

[Madison Pruitt Trout]

Yeah.

[Grant Michael Trout]

And think about God, you know, and like, that's all it is.

[Madison Pruitt Trout]

And, like, turn to the word of God and the Holy Spirit. Spirit before. And I'm not saying don't go to other people. Yes. Go to wise counsel. But, like, before you text that person, what do you think about this? Or what should I do? Like, genuinely invite the Holy Spirit in. Hey, I'm feeling panic right now. Holy Spirit, will you comfort me? Your word says that you are my comforter. Okay. I don't know what to do. Okay, before I go to, like, this counselor that I'm paying. Okay. Your word says, Lord, that you are my counselor. So what should I do, Lord? And, like, have, like, invite the Holy Spirit and bring the Holy Spirit into, like, your mundane, everyday moments. Like, I think that's one of the biggest things we would say is, like, set aside that time, those private life moments, Sit with the Lord, get on your back, turn off the lights, turn off your phone, or turn on, like, put your phone far away from you and turn on instrumental music, light a candle, sit just in the presence of the Lord. Meditate on scripture study and devour the Word. But the. But then also from there, like. Like, continue to stay in that relationship posture, in that dependence posture with him throughout your day, like you're walking to a coffee shop. Holy Spirit, who can I encourage? Who needs encouragement right now? Like, who can I share the gospel with right now? Like, who? Like inviting the Holy Spirit into those everyday moments. You're walking into work before you send that text, before you send that email. Holy Spirit, does this glorify you? Does this honor you? Okay, this person Just offended me. Before I respond and react, like, is this. Is this what I should say? Is this how I should handle this? I mean, that's the, like, the best thing that we can all do to practice continually. And I would just say first, Thessalonians sums it up really well of rejoice always, pray continually, and always give thanks. Like, give thanks always in all circumstances. And it says, that is God's will for your life. Like, what is God's will for my life? To rejoice always, to pray continually, and to give thanks in all circumstances. And so no matter what your circumstances are, if it's been a really hard year, if it's been the best year of your life, as you're reflecting on this year, as you're wrapping up this year, take some time to rejoice in the Lord. To say, okay, maybe it's been a hard year, but here are the ways that God has produced things in me. Here are the things God has taught me and revealed to me. Here are the ways God showed up to me. Me. Maybe this was a year where I felt like I was put in the fire, but God showed me that he is my defender and my protector and my comforter and my peace in the midst of storms. Maybe this was the best year of my life. The Lord showed me that he was my provider, that he was my good shepherd, that he was my. You know what I mean? Like, take the time to really rejoice in the Lord. And then I would say, pray continually. Take some time to just, like, pray with the Lord and then give thanks. Just, like, thank him for all. All the. All the ways he showed up this year. That is a great thing. And then, like we said, just, like, taking time to evaluate yourself, like, really get honest. We can't grow and change if we're not first super honest with where we're at. And so take some time to get really honest with yourself, honest with the Lord, and then maybe bring in some accountability. Wow. Sometimes I look at you like, do you have anything to add on? And he's like, are you gonna keep going? He's like, I've nothing else to say. You just talk for two.

[Grant Michael Trout]

That was amazing.

[Madison Pruitt Trout]

Okay, well, this was a really good. A really, really good episode. I would love for you to just pray over those listening as we're finishing this podcast for two different groups of people. One, just over, like, we're wrapping up a year, we're headed into a new year. And then two, for those who are heading into holidays, whether that's Christmas, New Year's, Valentine's Day, I mean, any of the holidays. I don't know when people are going to be listening to this. But headed into holidays can oftentimes create a lot of anxiety in our heart. And I think sometimes as we go back to familiar spaces, it can pick up, you know, familiar old habits that maybe we thought we got rid of. And then we fall back into them again. Or, you know, in when we're apart from our families, like we feel like these set apart leaders and then we go back into our families and we kind of like fall back into that.

[Grant Michael Trout]

Role that you always were with your family.

[Madison Pruitt Trout]

And we don't know how to be like a set apart leader. We don't know how to like. So anyways, if you have a word of encouragement, but then just like prayer for those things, I feel like I.

[Grant Michael Trout]

Want to pull back up. Surviving the Holidays because it was such a powerful little series we did. It was like, man, it was. Because I think so many people go into it. Especially when you first start walking with Jesus, you're like, okay, I'm gonna go back, I'm gonna not drink, not gonna get upset when my dad starts saying that one thing, I'm going to hold strong this Christmas. And you go there and I think so many of us come back with our head down and we're like, I fell. How did I lose that? How did I lose? And so anyways, it was about Ephesians 6 and then surviving the holidays was like Galatians 5, putting on the fruit of the spirit. I'm going to pray for us. Dear Lord, thank you that you gave us this year. And Father, whether we would describe this victory in the physical as victory or this year as victory or failure, you are always working in the pain or in the the fulfilled promises. Father, you're always working. So I pray right now for the person who's looking at this year going, what a failure, God, that that word doesn't exist in your vocabulary because you say you work what the enemy intended for evil, you work it for good. So. So failure is not in your vocabulary, God. For those that follow God, we are always learning and growing and victory is on the horizon as we entrust it to you. So whether it's singleness or whether it's parents divorced, or whether it's an anxiety disorder, or whether it's an eating disorder, or whether it's just abuse that we can't seem to escape in our minds, Father, you promised to take our pain and make it a beautiful masterpiece, God. And so I Pray right now for those that are hurting that they would submit their pain to you. And like a master artist, God, you would take the broken pieces of glass and make a beautiful mosaic. God, that you would take what caused us the most pain and turn it into a testimony of your goodness. I pray that there are people who would look at this year and go, I don't know how I'm going to get over this. Would one day declare it from the rooftops that it was that year that God showed me he was faithful. Lord, I pray that for those that are looking at this year going, this is the best year of my life. Lord, I pray that they would just sit in that gratitude that you're a good God that delights to give good gifts. I think sometimes we can look around and go, is it too good to be true? And sometimes, God, you just are that beautiful. It's like we always assume that destruction is on the horizon. And it's like, no, God, you say in your word that the path of the righteous is like the light of dawn. It shines brighter and brighter until full day. That is our destiny, God, we declare that right now that we are going from one degree of glory to another as we behold you. Thank you, Jesus, that we are being conformed to the fullness of the image of the Son and that one day we will shine bright in full glory. So, God, while we were on this broken, dim, dark and stormy world, we say thank you that you died on the cross for our sins. We receive the power of your holy Spirit. And we say as we walk by the spirit, we will not gratify the desires of the flesh. We will walk in the fullness of your destiny. For us I pray, Lord, all these things in the powerful mighty name of Jesus. Amen.

[Madison Pruitt Trout]

Amen. So good. My goodness that blessed me. Well guys, I want to know how this episode spoke to you. I want to know what you took away from this. And be sure to check out our YouTube. Be sure to check out us on Instagram. And as always guys, be sure to stay you stay true. We love you.

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