web02.fireside.fm Sun, 05 Apr 2026 17:00:57 -0500 Fireside (https://fireside.fm) Draw Near - Episodes Tagged with “Advent” https://drawnear.fireside.fm/tags/advent Wed, 18 Dec 2024 01:30:00 -0600 At Draw Near, we explore the beautiful truth that God, out of His deep and personal love for each of us, takes the first step to draw near. But this divine movement calls for a response—a response that shapes our lives and transforms our hearts. Together, we embark on this journey of faith, discovering the many ways God's grace and the power of the Holy Spirit work within us. Rooted in the Catholic faith, our podcast is a space where authenticity meets joy. We’re two best friends navigating life, family, and faith with honesty, humility, and a lot of love. Each episode is a heartfelt conversation—sometimes deep, sometimes lighthearted, but always real. We strive to be vulnerable, faithful, and passionate, sharing insights and stories to inspire you on your path toward Christ. This is more than a podcast; it’s a shared journey toward sainthood. So come laugh with us, reflect with us, and grow with us as we Draw Near to God and one another. Let’s set out together on this adventure of faith, friendship, and grace. en episodic Helping each person to draw near to Christ and to one another. Fred Shellabarger and Kara Kardell At Draw Near, we explore the beautiful truth that God, out of His deep and personal love for each of us, takes the first step to draw near. But this divine movement calls for a response—a response that shapes our lives and transforms our hearts. Together, we embark on this journey of faith, discovering the many ways God's grace and the power of the Holy Spirit work within us. Rooted in the Catholic faith, our podcast is a space where authenticity meets joy. We’re two best friends navigating life, family, and faith with honesty, humility, and a lot of love. Each episode is a heartfelt conversation—sometimes deep, sometimes lighthearted, but always real. We strive to be vulnerable, faithful, and passionate, sharing insights and stories to inspire you on your path toward Christ. This is more than a podcast; it’s a shared journey toward sainthood. So come laugh with us, reflect with us, and grow with us as we Draw Near to God and one another. Let’s set out together on this adventure of faith, friendship, and grace. no Faith; Christ; Podcast; Catholic; Friends; Draw Near Fred Shellabarger and Kara Kardell drawnear.me@gmail.com Advent Reflection: Already and Not Yet https://drawnear.fireside.fm/203 61bb477c-39e1-48d2-8c85-e576054ba1e9 Wed, 18 Dec 2024 01:30:00 -0600 Fred Shellabarger and Kara Kardell full Fred Shellabarger and Kara Kardell 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? 38:02 no 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? Book Fred and/or Kara to speak by visiting the Draw Near "booking page (https://www.drawnear.me/booking)." Click here (https://www.drawnear.me/donate) to become a patron! Patrons are essentially "sponsors" and co-producers or Draw Near as it could not happen without them. "Like" and follow us on Facebook! (https://www.facebook.com/fredandkara). Follow us on Instagram (https://www.instagram.com/drawnear.me/)! Who are "Fred and Kara?" Find out by visiting our home page. (https://www.drawnear.me/) Like our podcast? Hit that “subscribe” button AND the notification button/bell to know when new episodes are posted! Give us a rating! Leave a review! Tell your friends! Even more, pray for us! Draw Near Theme © Fred Shellabarger & Kara Kardell Advent, Catholic, Reflections, Meditations, Lectio Divina, Jesus' Birth, Christmas, Podcast, Draw Near, Fred and Kara, Jesus' Second Coming, Baruch, Matthew 25, Matthew 7, 10 Virgins, 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?

Book Fred and/or Kara to speak by visiting the Draw Near "booking page."

Click here to become a patron! Patrons are essentially "sponsors" and co-producers or Draw Near as it could not happen without them.
"Like" and follow us on Facebook!. Follow us on Instagram!

Who are "Fred and Kara?" Find out by visiting our home page.

Like our podcast? Hit that “subscribe” button AND the notification button/bell to know when new episodes are posted! Give us a rating! Leave a review! Tell your friends! Even more, pray for us!

Draw Near Theme © Fred Shellabarger & Kara Kardell

Support Draw Near

]]> 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?

Book Fred and/or Kara to speak by visiting the Draw Near "booking page."

Click here to become a patron! Patrons are essentially "sponsors" and co-producers or Draw Near as it could not happen without them.
"Like" and follow us on Facebook!. Follow us on Instagram!

Who are "Fred and Kara?" Find out by visiting our home page.

Like our podcast? Hit that “subscribe” button AND the notification button/bell to know when new episodes are posted! Give us a rating! Leave a review! Tell your friends! Even more, pray for us!

Draw Near Theme © Fred Shellabarger & Kara Kardell

Support Draw Near

]]> Christmas Classic: Xmas and Advent Traditions https://drawnear.fireside.fm/155 1ab32d42-844c-4421-a270-513e41684b16 Mon, 18 Dec 2023 02:00:00 -0600 Fred Shellabarger and Kara Kardell full Fred Shellabarger and Kara Kardell Pulling from the Draw Near archive for this one, please enjoy this classic "Draw Near Christmas Spectacular" where we talk about our favorite Christmas memories and share some of our families' traditions. BONUS: hear all new year-end updates from Fred and Kara. 52:00 no Pulling from the Draw Near archive for this one, please enjoy this classic "Draw Near Christmas Spectacular" where we talk about our favorite Christmas memories and share some of our families' traditions. BONUS: hear all new year-end updates. Thank you to everyone for making this year one filled with blessings. Blessing this Advent, Merry Christmas, and a Happy New Year! Vision episode mentioned in the intro: I See a Movement (https://share.fireside.fm/episode/2wPRj5Ul+g1VDUiWo) *To learn more about the summer missionary mentorship program or to apply, contact us at drawnear.me@gmail.com * Book Fred and/or Kara to speak by visiting the Draw Near "booking page (https://www.drawnear.me/booking)." Click here (https://www.drawnear.me/donate) to become a patron! Patrons are essentially "sponsors" and co-producers or Draw Near as it could not happen without them. "Like" and follow us on Facebook! (https://www.facebook.com/fredandkara). Follow us on Instagram (https://www.instagram.com/drawnear.me/)! Who are "Fred and Kara?" Find out by visiting our home page. (https://www.drawnear.me/) Like our podcast? Hit that “subscribe” button AND the notification button/bell to know when new episodes are posted! Give us a rating! Leave a review! Tell your friends! Even more, pray for us! Draw Near Theme © Fred Shellabarger & Kara Kardell Christmas, episode, updates, archive, classics, Draw Near, podcast, Fred Shellabarger, Kara Kardell, catholic summer jobs Pulling from the Draw Near archive for this one, please enjoy this classic "Draw Near Christmas Spectacular" where we talk about our favorite Christmas memories and share some of our families' traditions. BONUS: hear all new year-end updates.
Thank you to everyone for making this year one filled with blessings. Blessing this Advent, Merry Christmas, and a Happy New Year!

Vision episode mentioned in the intro: I See a Movement
*To learn more about the summer missionary mentorship program or to apply, contact us at drawnear.me@gmail.com
*

Book Fred and/or Kara to speak by visiting the Draw Near "booking page."

Click here to become a patron! Patrons are essentially "sponsors" and co-producers or Draw Near as it could not happen without them.
"Like" and follow us on Facebook!. Follow us on Instagram!

Who are "Fred and Kara?" Find out by visiting our home page.

Like our podcast? Hit that “subscribe” button AND the notification button/bell to know when new episodes are posted! Give us a rating! Leave a review! Tell your friends! Even more, pray for us!

Draw Near Theme © Fred Shellabarger & Kara Kardell

Support Draw Near

]]> Pulling from the Draw Near archive for this one, please enjoy this classic "Draw Near Christmas Spectacular" where we talk about our favorite Christmas memories and share some of our families' traditions. BONUS: hear all new year-end updates.
Thank you to everyone for making this year one filled with blessings. Blessing this Advent, Merry Christmas, and a Happy New Year!

Vision episode mentioned in the intro: I See a Movement
*To learn more about the summer missionary mentorship program or to apply, contact us at drawnear.me@gmail.com
*

Book Fred and/or Kara to speak by visiting the Draw Near "booking page."

Click here to become a patron! Patrons are essentially "sponsors" and co-producers or Draw Near as it could not happen without them.
"Like" and follow us on Facebook!. Follow us on Instagram!

Who are "Fred and Kara?" Find out by visiting our home page.

Like our podcast? Hit that “subscribe” button AND the notification button/bell to know when new episodes are posted! Give us a rating! Leave a review! Tell your friends! Even more, pray for us!

Draw Near Theme © Fred Shellabarger & Kara Kardell

Support Draw Near

]]> Draw Near Christmas Spectacular! https://drawnear.fireside.fm/33 f6112ce7-67aa-47e6-bca5-c75b4ebfed6c Wed, 22 Dec 2021 02:00:00 -0600 Fred Shellabarger and Kara Kardell full Fred Shellabarger and Kara Kardell 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 49:00 no In this episode, we take a step back, relax, get a little bit silly, and invite you into our own lives and friendship. We discuss some of our favorite Advent traditions as well as some of our favorite Christmas memories and share how we celebrate this most beautiful time of year with our families. We also discuss New Year’s resolutions, what ours are, and offer some suggestions on how to approach the New Year. This episode was a lot of fun to record. We jokingly called it “Chit Chat and Banter: Christmas Edition,” but maybe “Christmas Spectacular” is better… a little? We invite you to sit down with a cup of hot chocolate… or eggnog if you prefer (see below for a great recipe) and enjoy our discussion! May the Lord bless you and keep you this holiday season and may his face shine upon you in the new year! Mentioned in this episode: Want to learn more about the Jesse Tree? (Isaiah 11:1): Jesse Trees- What Is It And How To Get Started (https://www.catholicicing.com/jesse-trees/) The Jesse Tree: Explanation for Catholic Families (https://catholicsprouts.com/jesse-tree-explanation-catholic-families/) Holy Heroes Advent Adventure Jesse Tree Ornaments (https://holyheroes.com/pages/jesse-tree?gclid=CjwKCAiAh_GNBhAHEiwAjOh3ZM22zAlvuUWJtYtcIShnxNHwLO7LkR9h7HNTzlzXxLtJWbA8gRCLnxoCfrwQAvD_BwE) Ornaments for the Jesse Tree (https://simplycatholic.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/11/Jesse_Tree.pdf) The Religion Teacher’s Jesse Tree Kit (https://www.thereligionteacher.com/jesse-tree-kit/) The book Fred reads to his kids from every Christmas: Saturday Evening Post Christmas Book (https://amzn.to/3Dgbs4n) The Gift of the Magi (https://americanenglish.state.gov/files/ae/resource_files/1-the_gift_of_the_magi_0.pdf) Yes, Virginia There is a Santa Clause (https://www.newseum.org/exhibits/online/yes-virginia-there-is-a-santa-claus/) Awesome Eggnog Recipe (https://www.foodandwine.com/recipes/homemade-eggnog) Need some help on making a good New Year’s Eve resolution, check these out! 10 Simple Spiritual Resolutions for the New Year (https://www.catholicdigest.com/amp/faith/spirituality/10-simple-spiritual-resolutions-for-the-new-year/) Holy Habits: 20 New Year’s Resolutions (https://www.ncregister.com/features/holy-habits-20-new-year-s-resolutions) 8 (Spiritual) New Year's Resolutions for Catholics (https://www.catholiccompany.com/magazine/eight-new-years-spiritual-resolutions-6309#) Support Draw Near Patreon (https://www.patreon.com/drawnear) Scripture Passages: * Isaiah 11:1 "There shall come forth a shoot from the stump of Jesse, and a branch shall grow out of his roots." * 1 Corinthians 13: 4-8 "Love is patient and kind; love is not jealous or boastful; it is not arrogant or rude. Love does not insist on its own way; it is not irritable or resentful; it does not rejoice at wrong, but rejoices in the right. Love bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things. Love never ends." Click to Donate (https://www.drawnear.me/donate) to become a supporter! Join the community by following the Draw Near Facebook page (https://www.facebook.com/fredandkara/). Like our podcast? Hit that “subscribe” button! Give us a rating! Leave a review! Tell your friends! Even more, pray for us! Draw Near Theme © Fred Shellabarger & Kara Kardell Draw Near, Podcast, Chit Chat, Banter, Christmas, Advent, Catholic traditions, Family traditions, Christmas Spectacular, New Year's, Resolutions, shave your face off In this episode, we take a step back, relax, get a little bit silly, and invite you into our own lives and friendship. We discuss some of our favorite Advent traditions as well as some of our favorite Christmas memories and share how we celebrate this most beautiful time of year with our families. We also discuss New Year’s resolutions, what ours are, and offer some suggestions on how to approach the New Year.
This episode was a lot of fun to record. We jokingly called it “Chit Chat and Banter: Christmas Edition,” but maybe “Christmas Spectacular” is better… a little? We invite you to sit down with a cup of hot chocolate… or eggnog if you prefer (see below for a great recipe) and enjoy our discussion!
May the Lord bless you and keep you this holiday season and may his face shine upon you in the new year!

Mentioned in this episode:
Want to learn more about the Jesse Tree? (Isaiah 11:1):
Jesse Trees- What Is It And How To Get Started
The Jesse Tree: Explanation for Catholic Families
Holy Heroes Advent Adventure Jesse Tree Ornaments
Ornaments for the Jesse Tree
The Religion Teacher’s Jesse Tree Kit

The book Fred reads to his kids from every Christmas:
Saturday Evening Post Christmas Book
The Gift of the Magi
Yes, Virginia There is a Santa Clause

Awesome Eggnog Recipe

Need some help on making a good New Year’s Eve resolution, check these out!
10 Simple Spiritual Resolutions for the New Year
Holy Habits: 20 New Year’s Resolutions
8 (Spiritual) New Year's Resolutions for Catholics

Support Draw Near Patreon

Scripture Passages:

  • Isaiah 11:1 "There shall come forth a shoot from the stump of Jesse, and a branch shall grow out of his roots."
  • 1 Corinthians 13: 4-8 "Love is patient and kind; love is not jealous or boastful; it is not arrogant or rude. Love does not insist on its own way; it is not irritable or resentful; it does not rejoice at wrong, but rejoices in the right. Love bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things. Love never ends."

Click to Donate to become a supporter! Join the community by following the Draw Near Facebook page.

Like our podcast? Hit that “subscribe” button! Give us a rating! Leave a review! Tell your friends! Even more, pray for us! Draw Near Theme © Fred Shellabarger & Kara Kardell

Support Draw Near

]]> In this episode, we take a step back, relax, get a little bit silly, and invite you into our own lives and friendship. We discuss some of our favorite Advent traditions as well as some of our favorite Christmas memories and share how we celebrate this most beautiful time of year with our families. We also discuss New Year’s resolutions, what ours are, and offer some suggestions on how to approach the New Year.
This episode was a lot of fun to record. We jokingly called it “Chit Chat and Banter: Christmas Edition,” but maybe “Christmas Spectacular” is better… a little? We invite you to sit down with a cup of hot chocolate… or eggnog if you prefer (see below for a great recipe) and enjoy our discussion!
May the Lord bless you and keep you this holiday season and may his face shine upon you in the new year!

Mentioned in this episode:
Want to learn more about the Jesse Tree? (Isaiah 11:1):
Jesse Trees- What Is It And How To Get Started
The Jesse Tree: Explanation for Catholic Families
Holy Heroes Advent Adventure Jesse Tree Ornaments
Ornaments for the Jesse Tree
The Religion Teacher’s Jesse Tree Kit

The book Fred reads to his kids from every Christmas:
Saturday Evening Post Christmas Book
The Gift of the Magi
Yes, Virginia There is a Santa Clause

Awesome Eggnog Recipe

Need some help on making a good New Year’s Eve resolution, check these out!
10 Simple Spiritual Resolutions for the New Year
Holy Habits: 20 New Year’s Resolutions
8 (Spiritual) New Year's Resolutions for Catholics

Support Draw Near Patreon

Scripture Passages:

  • Isaiah 11:1 "There shall come forth a shoot from the stump of Jesse, and a branch shall grow out of his roots."
  • 1 Corinthians 13: 4-8 "Love is patient and kind; love is not jealous or boastful; it is not arrogant or rude. Love does not insist on its own way; it is not irritable or resentful; it does not rejoice at wrong, but rejoices in the right. Love bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things. Love never ends."

Click to Donate to become a supporter! Join the community by following the Draw Near Facebook page.

Like our podcast? Hit that “subscribe” button! Give us a rating! Leave a review! Tell your friends! Even more, pray for us! Draw Near Theme © Fred Shellabarger & Kara Kardell

Support Draw Near

]]>