Kara Kardell

Advent Reflection: Already and Not Yet

December 18th, 2024  |  38 mins 2 secs

advent, christmas, draw near podcast, lectio divina, scripture

Jesus is coming... AGAIN!
Advent is a time of Preparation! In this Lectio Divina Reflection Fred and Kara talk about preparing for the coming of Jesus! He was born of a virgin in a manger and so has ALREADY come. BUT also... not YET, because Jesus will come again. Are we preparing ourselves for Jesus to return? What if Jesus returned tomorrow? Are you ready?

Best of “Dad Jokes”, Bloopers and Shenanigans

December 16th, 2024  |  49 mins 25 secs

Pure silliness and fun with great friends. In order to celebrate both our 200th episode, and the completetion of four years of Draw Near, we thought it would be fun to share some of our "best of" dad jokes, outtakes and bloopers' moments. We are joined by special guests, Phillip Grothus, Taylor Schroll, and John Paul Keane. Enjoy!

200th Episode Special: "Best of Guests"

December 13th, 2024  |  55 mins 37 secs

anniversary, bonus, catholic, draw near, guest, mash-up, podcast

Fred and Kara could think of no better way to celebrate the 200th Episode of the Draw Near Catholic Podcast, than spotlighting some "Best of Guests" moments. The truth is, there are too many to fit in one episode... but this is a good start! We have Catholic Speakers and friends: Matthew Leonard, Sonja Corbitt, Sister Fidelis Marie, Julie Storr, and Father Patrick Behm

Early Preview: Take, Lord, and Receive All That I Have and Possess (ISAM S4E4)

December 9th, 2024  |  48 mins 38 secs

In this early preview of the fourth episode of our I See A Movement podcast, Kara and Fred are joined by good friend and frequent collaborator, Eric Gallagher. We take a look at what Eric sees the Lord doing in his life and ministry and we discuss the nature of total surrender to the will of God in one's life. The joys, the struggles, the grounding in hope; this is sure to be an inspiring and uplifitng episode for those who are discerning possible new steps in their lives.

DN Classics: There's Something About Mary

December 6th, 2024  |  1 hr 1 min

blessed mother, catholic, catholic teaching, conversion, december 8, encouragement, full of grace, healing, identity, immaculate conception, mary, scripture, trauma

In the deeply personal first half of this episode, Fred and Kara reflect on their relationship with Mary, and how that has changed and grown over the years. Fred shares more of his testimony about converting to Catholicism and the role Mary played in that process. He also reflects on issues such as identity, childhood trauma, mistrust, and difficult family experiences and how these can effect our relationship with God; as well as with Mary. He shares the story of his relationship with Mary, and how she has helped him to find healing. Christ, while bleeding out and dying on the Cross, said to his Mother, “Behold your son;” and to his beloved disciple, “Behold your Mother.” Scripture then affirms that from that day, this beloved disciple “took her into his home.” We to, as beloved disciples must take her into our homes, and allow the love of the Mother of God to penetrate our hearts as only that of a faithful mother can. Her heart is to draw us near to the source of peace that surpasses all understanding: her son, our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.

In the second half, we return to Kara's teaching on the Immaculate Conception, which we celebrate on December 8. Kara dives into a scriptural study of key texts that point to Mary’s Immaculate Conception with hopes that each listener would be drawn deeper into the celebration of this Holy Day of Obligation.

"In the Desert, I Praise You:" Gratitude Reflection

November 20th, 2024  |  37 mins 37 secs

lectio divina, prayer, reflection, scripture, spirituality

With Thanksgiving fast approaching, it is common to be thankful for the good gifts, graces, love, or comforts of life. But, how often do we thank God for the thorn in our side, the pit we have fallen into, or the desert we simply cannot find a way out of? In this episode of the Catholic podcast, Draw Near, Fred and Kara reflect on 2 Scripture passages focusing on gratitude to God in the midst of difficulty.

The Future of Draw Near (ISAM S4E1)

October 30th, 2024  |  53 mins 17 secs

i see a movement, small ember, vision

Spoiler Alert! In this pre-release episode of "I See a Movement" Season 4, Fred and Kara share what has happened in their ministry, the new Non-Profit that has been established, and VERY exciting news about the a future Retreat and Formation Center that God called them to 5 years ago.
Please be sure to like/follow the "I See a Movement" podcast! Season 4 will begin to air Friday!

An Inside look at our Catholic Friendship: Fred and Kara Interview one another

October 2nd, 2024  |  1 hr 5 mins

get to know the hosts, interview episode, questions, special episode

In this fun light-hearted episode of the Draw Near Catholic podcast, hosts, Fred Shellabarger and Kara Kardell decided to interview one another and give listeners an inside look at our Catholic friendship. There are serious faith-driven questions as well as goofy opinion questions. Grab some coffee and join us as friends, as you listen to this highly caffeinated interview episode of Draw Near!

Draw Near Retreat (POSTPONED): New Date November 16th

September 11th, 2024  |  56 secs

a future, a hope, catholic spirituality, jeremiah 29, register today, retreat

You won't regret spending a day dedicated to prayer and your relationship with God! You're invited to the annual Draw Near Retreat on November 16th! The theme is "A Future and Hope." Do you struggle to surrender to God's plan for the future? How can we find hope in the midst of all that is going on? What is God asking of you for your life? This day is full of inspiring keynotes & breakout talks that will invite you to encounter God & grow deeper, & more resolute, in a life lived for Christ. Join Fred & Kara, of the Draw Near podcast, and many others for this retreat! Register TODAY

"If I were the devil"

September 4th, 2024  |  52 mins 4 secs

commentary, culture, if i were the devil, paul harvey

In a radio broadcast from 1965, Paul Harvey gave a famous address called "If I were the devil." What would be the devils tactics to draw people away from God and away from the Church? Has he won? Where is God when looking at the state of the world? In this Draw Near podcast episode, Fred and Kara offer commentary on this address.

"Reckless Love" (Cover by Fred and Kara)

August 30th, 2024  |  6 mins 25 secs

cover song, reckless love, worship music

Draw Near Cover of "Reckless Love" by Kara Kardell and Fred Shellabarger (Originally by Cory Asbury)

One Boat: Are We a Church Divided?

August 21st, 2024  |  48 mins 48 secs

division, one boat, scripture, the church

There is so much division in the world... but also in the Church! The Church has been described in the image of a "Boat" since the Early Church Fathers. We are all ONE BOAT. ONE Church. Why do our opinions divide us? In this episode of Draw Near, Fred and Kara touch on what causes division in the Church and how it can be healed.
What do we allow to divide us? Where is God in our opinions? Does pride divide us?