Draw Near

Greatness Is... What you were made for

October 24th, 2023  |  22 mins 1 sec

encouragement, greatness, holiness, mission, purpose, reflection

Once again, Fred invites you into his morning routine. The obligatory coffee and a reflection on the call to holiness and mission, the purpose for which we were created, and how God desires to work in our lives. Drawing on the words of Pope Benedict XVI, Scripture, the Catechism, and the lives and teachings of the saints, we pray this reflection will help you to begin your day, the right way! Listen to find out what that means! :)

BONUS: The Book of Philippians

October 20th, 2023  |  16 mins 3 secs

encouragement, philippians, reading, scripture

As we have mentioned in the past, Fred's favorite Scripture passage... Literally, the Book of Philippians. We have teased posting a simple recording, reading the Philippians. So, as he sipped his coffee this morning, and prepared for the day, Fred thought, "Why not today!" So, we hope you enjoy!

Take some time to reflect on the wisdom the Lord offers us through St Paul; four simple chapters on living the Christian life well. And a great way to start the day.

Being the Right Kind of Ass: A Reflection on Num 22

October 17th, 2023  |  28 mins 59 secs

balaam's donkey, hearing god's voice, love, reflection, relationships

In this at times humorous, but always heartfelt (and honest) reflection, Fred brings our "Hearing God's Voice" series to a close by sharing some insights from the story of Balaam and his talking... @$$... er... eh... donkey. What can we learn about the Christian life, hearing the Lord's voice and the importance of relationships? Listen to find out!

Encountering Christ in Adoration w/ Tim Glemkowsi (MLMG Ep 3)

October 13th, 2023  |  25 mins 55 secs

eucharist, eucharistic revival, real presence, tim glemkowski

In this second part of a two part discussion, we are joined by Tim Glemkowski, who is helping to lead the Eucharistic Revival in the United States. In this episode, Tim shares his own profound encounter with Christ in the Eucharist and the very heart and foundation of the national Eucharistic Revival efforts led by the USCCB.

Eucharistic Revival w/Tim Glemkowski (MLMG Ep 2)

October 13th, 2023  |  22 mins 28 secs

eucharist, eucharistic revival, real presence, tim glemkowski

In this first part of a two part discussion, we are joined by Tim Glemkowski, who is helping to lead the Eucharistic Revival in the United States. What is the Eucharistic Revival? How did it come about and is it necessary? What does it have to do with the mission and identity of the Church? And, how can the average lay person get involved? These are some of the many questions we seek to answer as we sit down to discuss this generational moment and growing national movement.

The Still Small Voice: Finding God in Silence

October 4th, 2023  |  35 mins 50 secs

hearing god's voice, silence

Why are so many uncomfortable with silence? We live in a world where there is always noise. There's always something to consume. We are never without entertainment. However, God is found in the silence; the still small voice. Why is this both scary and amazing? How can we set aside silence in our lives?

An Invitation and a Challenge to Abide

September 30th, 2023  |  15 mins 17 secs

Surprise! We've got some Saturday morning bonus content for you! Fred provides an update on what is coming up in the next week, shares some news, and finally offers a reflection on what it means (well... at least SOME of what it means) to ABIDE!

Doubting Thomas (MLMG Ep. 1)

September 27th, 2023  |  24 mins 26 secs

doubting thomas, episode 1, my lord and my god

In our very first episode of My Lord and My God, we take some time to reflect on the words of St Thomas, "My Lord and My God." He speaks these words after his famous doubt... "Unless I stick my fingers in his wounds I will not believe." Why did Thomas say this? What can we learn from him? How is St Thomas' encounter with the risen Christ similar to what we are invited into every time we attend Mass and receive Communion? These are just some of the topics Fred Shallabarger and Kara Kardell will explore in this episode!

Trailer: My Lord and My God

September 27th, 2023  |  2 mins 53 secs

eucharist, my lord and my god, podcast trailer

The hosts of Draw Near, Fred Shellabarger and Kara Kardell, have a second show, My Lord & My God, focused on the Eucharist! This show is based on the words of St. Thomas. Over the next few months, this show will make it's way over to be hosted on the Draw Near podcast page, too! Enjoy this additional weekly content, and if you're already a MLMG listener, enjoy these re-runs!

One Year Later: What happened after quitting our jobs?

September 20th, 2023  |  32 mins 5 secs

What has this past year held for Fred, Kara, and their families? How has God worked and How has he spoken?

Four Steps to Hearing God's Voice

September 4th, 2023  |  24 mins 11 secs

god speaks, hearing god's voice, prayer, relationship, sheep, shepherd, steps, tips

This episode serves as a companion and follow up to our "Does God Speak to Me?" episode. Here we are joined by Julie Storr, from Lectio the Liturgy. Julie presented at our recent Draw Near Retreat in which the theme was, "Hearing God's Voice." Julie offers some great practical steps for not only hearing the Lord's voice, but also building a lifestyle in which a relationship with God characterized by talking with your loving Father is not just a wish, but an actual lived experience, rooted in prayer, in Scripture, and in the life of the Holy Spirit.

Our journey with the Lord is one that is lived step by step! So many effective spiritual disciplines that help us grow in the life of prayer and relationship with Christ walk us through a process of steps (e.g. Lectio Divina, Ignatian Discernment, the ACTS prayer method, etc). If you are looking for a way to grow deeper in your relationship with Christ, if you are not sure if you have ever heard the Lord speak, this may just be a great place to start!

Hearing God: Ask and You Shall Receive

September 2nd, 2023  |  16 mins 27 secs

hearing god's voice, shorty, tips

This shorty serves as a follow-up to the episode, "Does God Speak to Me?" Here, Kara offers two practical tips for your spiritual life to grow in your ability to hear God's voice and familiarity with his voice.