web01.fireside.fm Sat, 11 Apr 2026 12:52:42 -0500 Fireside (https://fireside.fm) Draw Near - Episodes Tagged with “Ash Wednesday” https://drawnear.fireside.fm/tags/ash%20wednesday Wed, 18 Feb 2026 06:00:00 -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 Penance: The Desert Where God Transforms Us https://drawnear.fireside.fm/238 43b7bed2-e457-46b8-bc62-e0584fec4c14 Wed, 18 Feb 2026 06:00:00 -0600 Fred Shellabarger and Kara Kardell full Fred Shellabarger and Kara Kardell Suffering is where transformation begins, but what does that have to do with Lent? In this Ash Wednesday episode of Draw Near, Fred and Kara explore the meaning of penance, the purpose of the desert season, and how suffering can become a place of spiritual growth that leads toward resurrection. Why does Lent begin with ashes and words about death? How does penance train the heart? And how does the journey through sacrifice open us to new life in Christ? 40:33 no Suffering is where transformation begins! What does that have to do with Lent? Many of us approach Lent thinking about what we have to give up. But what if Lent isn’t mainly about loss… but about what God wants to build within us? In this episode, we explore the deeper meaning of penance, suffering, and the desert season of Lent. Why does the Church begin with ashes and words about death? How does penance actually train the heart? And why does every sacrifice ultimately point toward resurrection? Journal Questions: 1. Where in my life right now feels like a desert, and how might God be inviting me to encounter Him there rather than escape it? 2. What comfort, habit, or attachment might God be asking me to surrender so He can build something deeper in me? 3. If resurrection always follows the cross, what “new life” might God be preparing in me through this season? For reflections, formation, and community, FOLLOW us on Social Media: YouTube (https://www.youtube.com/@fredandkara) Instagram (https://www.instagram.com/fredandkara/) Facebook! (https://www.facebook.com/fredandkara) Like our podcast? Hit that “follow” button and tell your friends. :) Click here (https://www.patreon.com/c/drawnear/membership) to become a patron! We wouldn't be "Draw Near" without your support! Who are "Fred and Kara?" Find out by visiting our home page. (https://www.drawnear.me/) Draw Near Theme © Fred Shellabarger & Kara Kardell Catholic podcast, Draw Near, Fred and Kara, Ash Wednesday, Lent, meaning of Lent, Catholic Lent, penance, suffering and transformation, spiritual transformation, desert season, wilderness spirituality, prayer fasting and almsgiving, Lenten sacrifice, Catholic podcast, Christian discipleship, spiritual growth, death and resurrection, Catholic spirituality, embracing the cross, suffering and faith, resurrection hope, fasting and prayer, Lent reflection, Christian formation, discipleship journey, new life in Christ, Catholic teaching on suffering, Lent preparation, desert spirituality, transformation through suffering, Jesus in the desert, Catholic faith journey Suffering is where transformation begins! What does that have to do with Lent?

Many of us approach Lent thinking about what we have to give up. But what if Lent isn’t mainly about loss… but about what God wants to build within us?

In this episode, we explore the deeper meaning of penance, suffering, and the desert season of Lent. Why does the Church begin with ashes and words about death? How does penance actually train the heart? And why does every sacrifice ultimately point toward resurrection?

Journal Questions:

  1. Where in my life right now feels like a desert, and how might God be inviting me to encounter Him there rather than escape it?
  2. What comfort, habit, or attachment might God be asking me to surrender so He can build something deeper in me?
  3. If resurrection always follows the cross, what “new life” might God be preparing in me through this season?

For reflections, formation, and community, FOLLOW us on Social Media:
YouTube
Instagram
Facebook!

Like our podcast? Hit that “follow” button and tell your friends. :)

Click here to become a patron! We wouldn't be "Draw Near" without your support!
Who are "Fred and Kara?" Find out by visiting our home page.

Draw Near Theme © Fred Shellabarger & Kara Kardell

Support Draw Near

]]> Suffering is where transformation begins! What does that have to do with Lent?

Many of us approach Lent thinking about what we have to give up. But what if Lent isn’t mainly about loss… but about what God wants to build within us?

In this episode, we explore the deeper meaning of penance, suffering, and the desert season of Lent. Why does the Church begin with ashes and words about death? How does penance actually train the heart? And why does every sacrifice ultimately point toward resurrection?

Journal Questions:

  1. Where in my life right now feels like a desert, and how might God be inviting me to encounter Him there rather than escape it?
  2. What comfort, habit, or attachment might God be asking me to surrender so He can build something deeper in me?
  3. If resurrection always follows the cross, what “new life” might God be preparing in me through this season?

For reflections, formation, and community, FOLLOW us on Social Media:
YouTube
Instagram
Facebook!

Like our podcast? Hit that “follow” button and tell your friends. :)

Click here to become a patron! We wouldn't be "Draw Near" without your support!
Who are "Fred and Kara?" Find out by visiting our home page.

Draw Near Theme © Fred Shellabarger & Kara Kardell

Support Draw Near

]]> DN Classics: Doing Lent... Well? https://drawnear.fireside.fm/168 bb29463e-223f-4ebe-bf42-65b8f1df941a Wed, 14 Feb 2024 00:00:00 -0600 Fred Shellabarger and Kara Kardell full Fred Shellabarger and Kara Kardell Reaching back into "the vault" from a couple of years ago, we share one of our most popular Lenten episodes. If you think you are good at Lent… You are not. No one is good at Lent. But there is a good reason for this. Lent is often a challenge because it requires 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. This helps us to begin to think more like Christ, to live more like Christ, to love more like Christ. But how do we do this? 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. 1:04:17 no Reaching back into "the vault" from a couple of years ago, we share one of our most popular Lenten episodes. If you think you are good at Lent… You are not. No one is good at Lent. But there is a good reason for this. Lent is often a challenge because it requires 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. This helps us to begin to think more like Christ, to live more like Christ, to love more like Christ. But how do we do this? 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. Special Guests: * Sonja Corbitt (https://www.biblestudyevangelista.com/) * Taylor Schroll (https://www.fortecatholic.com/) * Matthew Leonard (https://matthewsleonard.com/) Link to our previous Lent episode, Why Give Up? (https://www.drawnear.me/podcast/14) *Some of Kara and Fred’s tips: * * St John the Baptist: "he must increase, and I must decrease." * Pray to your guardian angel to "humiliate you interiorly" * Pray with this question: What is holding me back from growing in my relationship with Christ? * Hear more on this in our "Come Follow Me (https://www.drawnear.me/podcast/8)" episode. From the segment with Sonja: Sonja’s LOVE (https://www.biblestudyevangelista.com/wp-content/uploads/freeLTW22_2pg.pdf) method for prayerful Scripture study From the segment with Taylor: If you are not doing the basic fundamentals of living your faith, start there! Check out our "Made for Greatness (https://www.drawnear.me/podcast/17)" episode for more on this topic. From the segment with Matthew: Sign up for Matthew Leonard’s free Lenten study (https://www.scienceofsainthood.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 Lent, Ash Wednesday, Prayer, Fasting, Almsgiving, Matthew Leonard, Sonja Corbitt, Taylor Schroll, Forte Catholic Reaching back into "the vault" from a couple of years ago, we share one of our most popular Lenten episodes. If you think you are good at Lent… You are not. No one is good at Lent. But there is a good reason for this. Lent is often a challenge because it requires 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. This helps us to begin to think more like Christ, to live more like Christ, to love more like Christ. But how do we do this?

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.

Special Guests:

Link to our previous Lent episode, Why Give Up?

*Some of Kara and Fred’s tips: *

  • St John the Baptist: "he must increase, and I must decrease."
  • Pray to your guardian angel to "humiliate you interiorly"
  • Pray with this question: What is holding me back from growing in my relationship with Christ?
  • Hear more on this in our "Come Follow Me" episode.

From the segment with Sonja:
Sonja’s LOVE method for prayerful Scripture study

From the segment with Taylor:
If you are not doing the basic fundamentals of living your faith, start there!
Check out our "Made for Greatness" episode for more on this topic.

From the segment with Matthew:
Sign up for Matthew Leonard’s free Lenten study.

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

]]> Reaching back into "the vault" from a couple of years ago, we share one of our most popular Lenten episodes. If you think you are good at Lent… You are not. No one is good at Lent. But there is a good reason for this. Lent is often a challenge because it requires 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. This helps us to begin to think more like Christ, to live more like Christ, to love more like Christ. But how do we do this?

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.

Special Guests:

Link to our previous Lent episode, Why Give Up?

*Some of Kara and Fred’s tips: *

  • St John the Baptist: "he must increase, and I must decrease."
  • Pray to your guardian angel to "humiliate you interiorly"
  • Pray with this question: What is holding me back from growing in my relationship with Christ?
  • Hear more on this in our "Come Follow Me" episode.

From the segment with Sonja:
Sonja’s LOVE method for prayerful Scripture study

From the segment with Taylor:
If you are not doing the basic fundamentals of living your faith, start there!
Check out our "Made for Greatness" episode for more on this topic.

From the segment with Matthew:
Sign up for Matthew Leonard’s free Lenten study.

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

]]> Return to Me With Your Whole Heart https://drawnear.fireside.fm/99 05c78cf7-1e48-4e31-839a-015a653f3d91 Tue, 21 Feb 2023 22:30:00 -0600 Fred Shellabarger and Kara Kardell full Fred Shellabarger and Kara Kardell It's Ash Wednesday! Our Lenten journey has begun. In this "shortie" episode, Fred offers a reflection on the readings for the day: in particular, the words, “Return to me with your whole heart…” What do these words mean? What is the Lord calling us to and reminding us of? What can we learn from our tendencies in our human relationships? How do we avoid growing cold in our love and taking our beloved for granted? The answers to these questions are found in this reflection. As you begin your Lenten journey, we encourage you to listen and take up the challenge that Fred offers here: "This Lent, may we return to the Lord with our whole heart, so that the fire of his love may be enkindled in our hearts. May we be filled by that fire with the warmth of his grace; and may we inspire others to do the same." 8:46 no It's Ash Wednesday! Our Lenten journey has begun. In this "shortie" episode, Fred offers a reflection on the readings for the day: in particular, the words, “Return to me with your whole heart…” What do these words mean? What is the Lord calling us to and reminding us of? What can we learn from our tendencies in our human relationships? How do we avoid growing cold in our love and taking our beloved for granted? The answers to these questions are found in this reflection. As you begin your Lenten journey, we encourage you to listen and take up the challenge that Fred offers here: "This Lent, may we return to the Lord with our whole heart, so that the fire of his love may be enkindled in our hearts. May we be filled by that fire with the warmth of his grace; and may we inspire others to do the same." Who are "Fred and Kara?" Find out by visiting our home page. (https://www.drawnear.me/) Join the Draw Near Community Space on Suscipe.co (https://community.suscipe.co/share/M1CQceCQ6cMeBTIB?utm_source=manual) Click here (https://www.drawnear.me/donate) to become a supporter/patron! "Like" and follow us on Facebook! (https://www.facebook.com/fredandkara) You can even find us on Twitter. (https://twitter.com/fredandkara) Book Fred and/or Kara to speak by visiting the Draw Near "booking page (https://www.drawnear.me/booking)." 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 Ash Wednesday, Return, Lent, Reflection, Draw Near, Fred Shellabarger It's Ash Wednesday! Our Lenten journey has begun. In this "shortie" episode, Fred offers a reflection on the readings for the day: in particular, the words, “Return to me with your whole heart…” What do these words mean? What is the Lord calling us to and reminding us of? What can we learn from our tendencies in our human relationships? How do we avoid growing cold in our love and taking our beloved for granted? The answers to these questions are found in this reflection. As you begin your Lenten journey, we encourage you to listen and take up the challenge that Fred offers here: "This Lent, may we return to the Lord with our whole heart, so that the fire of his love may be enkindled in our hearts. May we be filled by that fire with the warmth of his grace; and may we inspire others to do the same."

Who are "Fred and Kara?" Find out by visiting our home page. Join the Draw Near Community Space on Suscipe.co

Click here to become a supporter/patron! "Like" and follow us on Facebook! You can even find us on Twitter. Book Fred and/or Kara to speak by visiting the Draw Near "booking 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

]]> It's Ash Wednesday! Our Lenten journey has begun. In this "shortie" episode, Fred offers a reflection on the readings for the day: in particular, the words, “Return to me with your whole heart…” What do these words mean? What is the Lord calling us to and reminding us of? What can we learn from our tendencies in our human relationships? How do we avoid growing cold in our love and taking our beloved for granted? The answers to these questions are found in this reflection. As you begin your Lenten journey, we encourage you to listen and take up the challenge that Fred offers here: "This Lent, may we return to the Lord with our whole heart, so that the fire of his love may be enkindled in our hearts. May we be filled by that fire with the warmth of his grace; and may we inspire others to do the same."

Who are "Fred and Kara?" Find out by visiting our home page. Join the Draw Near Community Space on Suscipe.co

Click here to become a supporter/patron! "Like" and follow us on Facebook! You can even find us on Twitter. Book Fred and/or Kara to speak by visiting the Draw Near "booking 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

]]> Doing Lent... Well? https://drawnear.fireside.fm/39 89b70130-4f19-4c5c-bc6f-e076ff1cc73c Wed, 02 Mar 2022 02:00:00 -0600 Fred Shellabarger and Kara Kardell full Fred Shellabarger and Kara Kardell 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. 1:04:17 no If you think you are good at Lent… You are not. No one is good at Lent. But there is a good reason for this. Lent is often a challenge because it requires 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. This helps us to begin to think more like Christ, to live more like Christ, to love more like Christ. But how do we do this? 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. Special Guests: * Sonja Corbitt (https://www.biblestudyevangelista.com/) * Taylor Schroll (https://www.fortecatholic.com/) * Matthew Leonard (https://matthewsleonard.com/) Link to our previous Lent episode, Why Give Up? (https://www.drawnear.me/podcast/14) *Some of Kara and Fred’s tips: * * St John the Baptist: "he must increase, and I must decrease." * Pray to your guardian angel to "humiliate you interiorly" * Pray with this question: What is holding me back from growing in my relationship with Christ? * Hear more on this in our "Come Follow Me (https://www.drawnear.me/podcast/8)" episode. From the segment with Sonja: Sonja’s LOVE (https://www.biblestudyevangelista.com/wp-content/uploads/freeLTW22_2pg.pdf) method for prayerful Scripture study From the segment with Taylor: If you are not doing the basic fundamentals of living your faith, start there! Check out our "Made for Greatness (https://www.drawnear.me/podcast/17)" episode for more on this topic. From the segment with Matthew: Sign up for Matthew Leonard’s free Lenten study (https://www.scienceofsainthood.com/). 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 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 Lent, Penance, Guests, Sonja Corbitt, Matthew Leonard, Taylor Schroll, Fred Shellabarger, Kara Kardell, Draw Near Podcast, Ash Wednesday, Catholic If you think you are good at Lent… You are not. No one is good at Lent. But there is a good reason for this. Lent is often a challenge because it requires 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. This helps us to begin to think more like Christ, to live more like Christ, to love more like Christ. But how do we do this?
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.

Special Guests:

Link to our previous Lent episode, Why Give Up?

*Some of Kara and Fred’s tips: *

  • St John the Baptist: "he must increase, and I must decrease."
  • Pray to your guardian angel to "humiliate you interiorly"
  • Pray with this question: What is holding me back from growing in my relationship with Christ?
  • Hear more on this in our "Come Follow Me" episode.

From the segment with Sonja:
Sonja’s LOVE method for prayerful Scripture study

From the segment with Taylor:
If you are not doing the basic fundamentals of living your faith, start there!
Check out our "Made for Greatness" episode for more on this topic.

From the segment with Matthew:
Sign up for Matthew Leonard’s free Lenten study.

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

]]> If you think you are good at Lent… You are not. No one is good at Lent. But there is a good reason for this. Lent is often a challenge because it requires 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. This helps us to begin to think more like Christ, to live more like Christ, to love more like Christ. But how do we do this?
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.

Special Guests:

Link to our previous Lent episode, Why Give Up?

*Some of Kara and Fred’s tips: *

  • St John the Baptist: "he must increase, and I must decrease."
  • Pray to your guardian angel to "humiliate you interiorly"
  • Pray with this question: What is holding me back from growing in my relationship with Christ?
  • Hear more on this in our "Come Follow Me" episode.

From the segment with Sonja:
Sonja’s LOVE method for prayerful Scripture study

From the segment with Taylor:
If you are not doing the basic fundamentals of living your faith, start there!
Check out our "Made for Greatness" episode for more on this topic.

From the segment with Matthew:
Sign up for Matthew Leonard’s free Lenten study.

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

]]>