Draw Near

Helping each person to draw near to Christ and to one another.

About the show

“Jesus himself drew near.” (Lk 24:15)
God takes the initiative to draw near to us out of a deep and personal love for each one of us. This movement asks each of us for a response. There are so many beautiful ways we can respond to the work of God's grace and the power of the Holy Spirit at work in our lives. This is a journey we share together, drawing near to Christ as we draw near to one another. This shared journey toward Christ, rooted in the Catholic faith, is the focus of our podcast. Our goal is to be authentic, honest, humble, faithful, loving, passionate, real and vulnerable in each episode. We also like to keep it lighthearted. We are two best friends, sharing life together with our families. We invite you to join us as we Draw Near. Let's grow towards sainthood together!

Hosts: Fred Shellabarger and Kara Kardell
Learn more at: www.drawnear.me

Draw Near on social media

Episodes

  • Episode 19: Chit Chat and Banter

    May 26th, 2021  |  43 mins 58 secs

    In this episode of Draw Near, we step away from being hosts and turn the microphone over to our friend John Paul, as he asks us questions from listeners. In this fun, light hearted discussion, you will learn more about us, our favorite movies, why we alw...

  • Most Humble

    April 28th, 2021  |  15 mins 41 secs

    For all of time God had a beautiful and perfect plan for salvation. And St. Joseph was always a part of that plan! That is something to be particularly proud of, and yet he is one of the greatest examples of humility.
    May 1st is the Feast of St. Joseph t...

  • Made For Greatness

    April 14th, 2021  |  40 mins 45 secs

    St. Francis of Assisi, in hearing God say "rebuild my Church," began rebuilding himself in holiness... the people are the Church! The people are called to be rebuilt. St. Francis gave up worldly greatness to be great in the eyes of the Lord. He gave his ...

  • For You

    March 31st, 2021  |  41 mins 4 secs

    Holy Week is a time to celebrate and remember all Christ has done FOR YOU! His deep and endless love is shown in his willing sacrifice upon the cross. He did this all for you. 
    "I Thirst" reflection link
    Prayer at the end of episode: “To Be A Disciple of...

  • Discernment and Decision Making

    March 3rd, 2021  |  42 mins 51 secs

    If we are trying to love and serve the Lord, and interested in growing in holiness, we always want to make sure to make decisions according to the will of God. However, it is not always easy for us to make decisions. We can be tempted to become anxious a...

  • WHY Give Up?

    February 17th, 2021  |  29 mins 1 sec

    In this Ash Wednesday episode, we explore the "why" behind our Lenten sacrifices and devotion; as well as some tips on dealing with discouragement during Lent. We also offer some tips and suggestions from our own experience, on how to draw near to Christ...

  • 4 People You Need in Your Life

    February 4th, 2021  |  42 mins 20 secs

    We are made for relationship... and yet it seems so hard to find those intimate Catholic friendships. You know... the kind where you don't have to pretend to have it all together. The kind where you feel guided, supported, and loved! The friendships wher...

  • As We Forgive

    January 20th, 2021  |  41 mins 25 secs

    The Our Father prayer says, "Forgive us our trespasses AS we forgive those who trespass against us." Mt 6:12, 14-15. Each time we pray this, we acknowledge that we are forgiven to the measure we forgive. Listen to this episode to deepen your spiritual un...

  • Life of Prayer

    January 6th, 2021  |  25 mins 13 secs

    In a follow-up episode to Prayer: Intimate Friendship with God, we continue the conversation on prayer with friend and speaker Matthew Leonard. No matter where we are in our relationship with God, He is always calling us to grow in the spiritual life... ...

  • Prayer: Intimate Friendship with God

    December 23rd, 2020  |  47 mins 38 secs

    The spiritual IS the practical. Nothing in our spiritual lives (or lives in general) is more integral than a prayer life. This is where we grow in friendship with God! Listen for more on this topic, biblical examples and teachings, and tips to overcoming...

  • Why are you Catholic?

    December 9th, 2020  |  38 mins 42 secs

    There are many questions that we often may never intentionally reflect on. In this episode, we ask each other a couple of these questions and share parts of our testimonies. What led Fred to convert to Catholicism? What impacted Kara's faith in a dramati...

  • Come Follow Me

    November 25th, 2020  |  38 mins 6 secs

    "'Follow me, and I will make you fishers of men.' Immediately they left their nets and followed him." Mt 4:19-20
    We discuss the impact of this scripture passage and the practical applications for our lives.