Are you currently traversing a challenging season of life? Ever wondered why these trials exist and what purpose they serve in your spiritual journey? This episode, inspired by the wisdom of Ecclesiastes 3, explores the metaphorical Four Seasons of Life—planting, watering, growing, and harvesting—and their significance in our walk with Christ. We discuss the labor of breaking new ground and sowing seeds during the planting season, the nurturing and patience required in the watering season, the growth and maturity that blossoms in the growing season, and ultimately, the joy of reaping the harvest.

Jesus' vine and fruit-bearing parable from John 15 is the backbone of this enlightening discussion. We uncover the cyclical nature of bearing good fruit, how it mirrors the changing of seasons, and its dual purpose—to bless us and others. In the often painful seasons of being planted, uprooted, and pruned, we find encouragement and purpose. Rest assured, you are not alone in your season of struggle. This episode offers solace, reminding you that every hardship is a stepping stone toward bearing fruit in the Kingdom of God. Tune in, and embrace the season you're in.

Crooked STX Instagram: https://instagram.com/crookedstx?igshid=YmMyMTA2M2Y=

Gabriel Brown | Show Host and Creator: https://www.instagram.com/gabriel.b.planted?utm_source=ig_web_button_share_sheet&igsh=ZDNlZDc0MzIxNw==

Youtube: https://youtube.com/@Gabriel.B.Planted?sub_confirmation=1

Jassiem Akiva | Music Producer: https://instagram.com/jassiem.akiva?igshid=MzRlODBiNWFlZA==

Are trust in God and faith sounds like a foreign language to you? We've all been there. It's like a carpenter learning to hone his skills, trust and faith also need to be practiced and understood over time. In a moment of revelatory clarity, I realized that my walk with God is much like trusting everyday things like chairs and cars. My prayer, Bible study and faith are my tools, and they need sharpening the same way a carpenter refines his craft. Tune in as I share this very personal journey, with the hope of offering you comfort and motivation in your spiritual journey.

Do you find it challenging to seek God daily? You're not alone. I, too, find it a challenge. But let's turn that challenge into a daily commitment, to seek Him in small ways and marvel at how we grow in our faith over time. From discussing scriptures in James about unwavering belief, to exploring the concept of discipline in Hebrews, together we'll strive to grow closer to Him. Be bold and join me in this journey, let's see the difference a day, a week or a year can make in our spiritual growth.

Crooked STX Instagram: https://instagram.com/crookedstx?igshid=YmMyMTA2M2Y=

Gabriel Brown | Show Host and Creator: https://www.instagram.com/gabriel.b.planted?utm_source=ig_web_button_share_sheet&igsh=ZDNlZDc0MzIxNw==

Youtube: https://youtube.com/@Gabriel.B.Planted?sub_confirmation=1

Jassiem Akiva | Music Producer: https://instagram.com/jassiem.akiva?igshid=MzRlODBiNWFlZA==

Ever heard the saying, "God can't heal what you don't reveal?"

In Uphill Battles Part 3, James Sandoval and Stephen Casey sit down with me to discuss one of life's most taboo topics, especially in the church: p*rn addiction. Listen in on this heartfelt discussion where vulnerability helps pave the way for healing and deliverance.

Listen in on these heartwarming stories in the last episode of our 3 part series!

Crooked STX Instagram: https://instagram.com/crookedstx?igshid=YmMyMTA2M2Y=

Gabriel Brown | Show Host and Creator: https://www.instagram.com/gabriel.b.planted?utm_source=ig_web_button_share_sheet&igsh=ZDNlZDc0MzIxNw==

Youtube: https://youtube.com/@Gabriel.B.Planted?sub_confirmation=1

Jassiem Akiva | Music Producer: https://instagram.com/jassiem.akiva?igshid=MzRlODBiNWFlZA==

Life can be a series of uphill battles, but these battles can also lead to the most fulfilling moments. 

In Uphill Battles Part 2, James Sandoval and Stephen Casey sit down with me to discuss their struggles and how they have shaped them into the men they are today. Join us for an inspiring discussion on perseverance, discipline, and faith in the face of life's challenges. 

Listen in on these heartwarming stories in the first episode of our 3 part series!

Crooked STX Instagram: https://instagram.com/crookedstx?igshid=YmMyMTA2M2Y=

Gabriel Brown | Show Host and Creator: https://www.instagram.com/gabriel.b.planted?utm_source=ig_web_button_share_sheet&igsh=ZDNlZDc0MzIxNw==

Youtube: https://youtube.com/@Gabriel.B.Planted?sub_confirmation=1

Jassiem Akiva | Music Producer: https://instagram.com/jassiem.akiva?igshid=MzRlODBiNWFlZA==

James Sandoval and Stephen Casey have such a unique way the Lord brought them together in friendship. At the same time, these two individuals share something in common: a life marked by Uphill Battles. 

In this episode, we zero in on how life brings its challenges. The Christian walk cannot be viewed through rose-colored lenses. There are many ups and downs. If you're in a season of your life marked by trials, it's important we meet them with perseverance, discipline, and most of all, faith. Listen in on these heartwarming stories in the first episode of our 3 part series!

Crooked STX Instagram: https://instagram.com/crookedstx?igshid=YmMyMTA2M2Y=

Gabriel Brown | Show Host and Creator: https://www.instagram.com/gabriel.b.planted?utm_source=ig_web_button_share_sheet&igsh=ZDNlZDc0MzIxNw==

Youtube: https://youtube.com/@Gabriel.B.Planted?sub_confirmation=1

Jassiem Akiva | Music Producer: https://instagram.com/jassiem.akiva?igshid=MzRlODBiNWFlZA==

Having perspectives from all walks of life has been, and always will be a focal point of Crooked STX. Community. This episode will be a laid-back conversation exploring some common perceptions about religion and Christianity while involving some light-hearted fun.

Crooked STX Instagram: https://instagram.com/crookedstx?igshid=YmMyMTA2M2Y=

Gabriel Brown | Show Host and Creator: https://www.instagram.com/gabriel.b.planted?utm_source=ig_web_button_share_sheet&igsh=ZDNlZDc0MzIxNw==

Youtube: https://youtube.com/@Gabriel.B.Planted?sub_confirmation=1

Jassiem Akiva | Music Producer: https://instagram.com/jassiem.akiva?igshid=MzRlODBiNWFlZA==

Having perspectives from all walks of life has been, and always will be a focal point of Crooked STX. Community, I am excited to introduce Jess, who took the time to share her story as someone so much more than a woman known for her fitness. While the world may know her for her physical accomplishments in the gym, this charming, funny, and inspiring woman has such a unique side of her that she doesn't always get to share with others over Instagram. So, today she'll get to share them here! 

Crooked STX Instagram: https://instagram.com/crookedstx?igshid=YmMyMTA2M2Y=

Gabriel Brown | Show Host and Creator: https://www.instagram.com/gabriel.b.planted?utm_source=ig_web_button_share_sheet&igsh=ZDNlZDc0MzIxNw==

Youtube: https://youtube.com/@Gabriel.B.Planted?sub_confirmation=1

Jassiem Akiva | Music Producer: https://instagram.com/jassiem.akiva?igshid=MzRlODBiNWFlZA==

If you grew up in the church but struggle with identifying with the faith or making it your own, this episode is for you. This second episode in this two-part series will focus on the aspect of our faith that has often been overlooked: Love being a choice. It's our hope that this talk will encourage you to make your faith, YOUR FAITH. 

Crooked STX Instagram: https://instagram.com/crookedstx?igshid=YmMyMTA2M2Y=

Gabriel Brown | Show Host and Creator: https://www.instagram.com/gabriel.b.planted?utm_source=ig_web_button_share_sheet&igsh=ZDNlZDc0MzIxNw==

Youtube: https://youtube.com/@Gabriel.B.Planted?sub_confirmation=1

Jassiem Akiva | Music Producer: https://instagram.com/jassiem.akiva?igshid=MzRlODBiNWFlZA==

If you grew up in the church but struggle with identifying with the faith or making it your own, this episode is for you. This two-part series will take a deep dive into the struggles we've faced from being introduced to our faith at a young age and how we've taken certain steps to make our faith our own. It's our hope that this talk will encourage you to make your faith, YOUR FAITH. 

Crooked STX Instagram: https://instagram.com/crookedstx?igshid=YmMyMTA2M2Y=

Gabriel Brown | Show Host and Creator: https://www.instagram.com/gabriel.b.planted?utm_source=ig_web_button_share_sheet&igsh=ZDNlZDc0MzIxNw==

Youtube: https://youtube.com/@Gabriel.B.Planted?sub_confirmation=1

Jassiem Akiva | Music Producer: https://instagram.com/jassiem.akiva?igshid=MzRlODBiNWFlZA==

Faith: It's certainly easier said than done. In this episode, three college students unpack the trials and hardships of fully putting their trust in the Lord. Every now and then, our faith has the likelihood of being strengthened and refined in the fire. Simply put, your faith will be tested. Here's a sneak peek into our individual walks with the Lord that we hope you may find encouraging.

Crooked STX Instagram: https://instagram.com/crookedstx?igshid=YmMyMTA2M2Y=

Gabriel Brown | Show Host and Creator: https://www.instagram.com/gabriel.b.planted?utm_source=ig_web_button_share_sheet&igsh=ZDNlZDc0MzIxNw==

Youtube: https://youtube.com/@Gabriel.B.Planted?sub_confirmation=1

Jassiem Akiva | Music Producer: https://instagram.com/jassiem.akiva?igshid=MzRlODBiNWFlZA==