Draw Near

Why do THEY have a podcast?

May 11th, 2022  |  44 mins 22 secs

We recently heard a question about us. Someone asked another friend, "why do THEY have a podcast?" Instead of assuming their intentions behind the question, we prayed with the question. "Why?" In this episode we share why 2 nobodies, sinners, introverts, friends... felt led to begin a podcast. What are we trying to accomplish? What is the future of Draw Near? We also wanted to welcome our hundreds of new listeners, share more of our lives with everyone and answer a couple of common questions we hear.

Fr. Stu: A Story of Mercy

April 27th, 2022  |  40 mins 17 secs

catholic, father stu, movie, podcast, review

Yay of nay on Father Stu? With a recent Catholic movie hitting theaters, we thought we would throw our voices in the mix on whether it is worth watching.

Saints, Karate and Holy Week

April 13th, 2022  |  36 mins

cobra kai, easter, holy week, lent, reflection

In this episode, we spend some time reflecting on the past few weeks and what the Lord has been speaking to our hearts and doing in our lives as we have moved through the end of Lent and into Holy Week. We also discuss the Netflix series, Cobra Kai, and examine some lessons we can draw from it in light of our faith. Finally, Kara ends the episode with a prayerful meditation on the Sorrowful Mysteries as we prepare for Good Friday.

Spiritual Direction

March 30th, 2022  |  54 mins 40 secs

sister fidelis marie, special guests, spiritual direction

Having a spiritual director can be “trendy.” Nevertheless, there is great value in spiritual direction! We often need help in making decisions for ourselves in the light of faith and going deeper in our spiritual lives; in hearing the voice of the Lord and being accountable for what is or is not happening in prayer. So, who needs a spiritual director? When do we need one most? What can we do if we do not have one? In this episode we are joined by Sr. Fidelis Marie as we discuss the answers to all of these questions and share from our own experiences with spiritual direction.

Take Courage, I Have Overcome the World

March 16th, 2022  |  52 mins 34 secs

culture, heaven, vice and virtue, world

Doing Lent... Well?

March 2nd, 2022  |  1 hr 4 mins

ash wednesday, guests, lent, penance

In this episode we invite some of our friends to share some of their own thoughts and experiences of drawing near to the Lord during Lent. No one is good at Lent. Lent is often a challenge because it requires a letting go of things that hinder us in following the Lord. It requires taking up the cross and denying ourselves for something much greater and more beautiful: a deeper encounter with the love and person of Jesus Christ.

Leading Children to Christ

February 16th, 2022  |  48 mins 16 secs

family life, handing on the faith, praying with kids, teaching children

The Church teaches that parents are the primary evangelists and teachers of their children and goes so far as to refer to the family in the home as “the domestic church.” But what does this mean? Practically, how do we live this out? In this episode we share some experiences from our own families on how we share the love of Christ in our homes and how we strive to be witnesses and hand on the faith.

Come, Holy Spirit

February 2nd, 2022  |  52 mins 26 secs

charismatic, charisms, gifts, holy spirit, love

Who is the Holy Spirit? Why is a relationship with Him so important? In Scripture, Christ promises the gift of the Holy Spirit, the love of God poured out into our hearts (Rom 5:5). How can we learn to hear the voice of the Holy Spirit? How can we experience his promptings in our daily lives? What does this have to do with the love of God? And how has God gifted you in the power and grace of the Holy Spirit to renew the face of the earth? We will discuss all these things in this episode!

COVER SONG: "Amazing Grace"

January 19th, 2022  |  6 mins 26 secs

amazing grace, cover, fred and kara

We LOVE recording and playing music. Please enjoy our cover (with all original verses added) of Amazing Grace (My Chains Are Gone) by Chris Tomlin.

No Longer Slaves

January 5th, 2022  |  3 mins 22 secs

fred and kara, no longer slaves, worship cover

We LOVE recording and playing music. Please enjoy this cover of "No Longer Slaves" by Bethel Music that Fred and Kara recorded.

Christmas Bonus: Yes, Virginia There is a Santa Clause by Francis Church

December 24th, 2021  |  6 mins 55 secs

bonus, christmas, santa clause, virginia

Following up on our Christmas Spectacular episode, we invite you (and your family) to enjoy a timeless story that Fred reads to his children every year!

Draw Near Christmas Spectacular!

December 22nd, 2021  |  49 mins

advent, chit chat and banter, christmas, christmas traditions, family traditions, new year's, resolutions, shave your face off

Fred Shellabarger and Kara Kardell invite you into their friendship and family lives this Christmas season… sharing a few tears from laughing so hard, favorite Christmas memories, traditions, and ways to make this season and Christ’s light shine in the home. Come laugh with us, enjoy Advent and Christmas, and pick up some traditions for your family. Draw Near, Podcast, New Year's, Resolutions, Chit chat and banter, interview