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  <channel>
    <fireside:hostname>web02.fireside.fm</fireside:hostname>
    <fireside:genDate>Fri, 17 Apr 2026 07:59:32 -0500</fireside:genDate>
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    <title>Draw Near - Episodes Tagged with “Draw Near Podcast”</title>
    <link>https://drawnear.fireside.fm/tags/draw%20near%20podcast</link>
    <pubDate>Wed, 04 Mar 2026 06:15:00 -0600</pubDate>
    <description>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.
</description>
    <language>en</language>
    <itunes:type>episodic</itunes:type>
    <itunes:subtitle>Helping each person to draw near to Christ and to one another. </itunes:subtitle>
    <itunes:author>Fred Shellabarger and Kara Kardell</itunes:author>
    <itunes:summary>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.
</itunes:summary>
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    <itunes:explicit>no</itunes:explicit>
    <itunes:keywords>Faith; Christ; Podcast; Catholic; Friends; Draw Near</itunes:keywords>
    <itunes:owner>
      <itunes:name>Fred Shellabarger and Kara Kardell</itunes:name>
      <itunes:email>drawnear.me@gmail.com</itunes:email>
    </itunes:owner>
<itunes:category text="Religion &amp; Spirituality">
  <itunes:category text="Spirituality"/>
</itunes:category>
<itunes:category text="Religion &amp; Spirituality">
  <itunes:category text="Christianity"/>
</itunes:category>
<itunes:category text="Religion &amp; Spirituality"/>
<item>
  <title>Faith &amp; Fatherhood: A Conversation With My Dad</title>
  <link>https://drawnear.fireside.fm/239</link>
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  <pubDate>Wed, 04 Mar 2026 06:15:00 -0600</pubDate>
  <author>Fred Shellabarger and Kara Kardell</author>
  <enclosure url="https://aphid.fireside.fm/d/1437767933/e1ddec60-ea89-4a32-a14b-8340909d71a5/38cd713a-bcba-4490-9a30-45b9bc4efcae.mp3" length="62408320" type="audio/mpeg"/>
  <itunes:episodeType>full</itunes:episodeType>
  <itunes:author>Fred Shellabarger and Kara Kardell</itunes:author>
  <itunes:subtitle>Kara sits down with her dad to talk about faith, fatherhood, spiritual leadership, and the lessons learned along the way — with a few dad jokes mixed in.</itunes:subtitle>
  <itunes:duration>42:18</itunes:duration>
  <itunes:explicit>no</itunes:explicit>
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  <description>"I sat down with my dad to ask him what he has learned as a fatherhood."
In this special episode of Draw Near, Kara sits down with her dad for an honest and heartfelt conversation about faith and fatherhood.
Together they reflect on what it means to become a father, how faith shapes parenting, what we can learn from our parents and children, and the quiet ways children absorb what their fathers believe. Along the way, there are stories, wisdom earned over time, and yes — a few classic dad jokes.
Whether you are a father, have a father, or are still healing from that relationship, this conversation invites you to consider how earthly fatherhood reflects (imperfectly but beautifully) the heart of God the Father.
Topics include:
• Growing in faith through parenting
• Spiritual leadership in the home
• Lessons learned the hard way
• What children really notice
Psalm 103:13 reminds us:
“As a father pities his children, so the LORD pities those who fear him.” (RSVCE)
We pray this episode strengthens families, encourages dads, and helps all of us draw nearer to the Father who never fails.
For reflections, formation, and community, FOLLOW Draw Near 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 &amp;amp; Kara Kardell 
</description>
  <itunes:keywords>Catholic podcast, Draw Near, Fred and Kara, faith and fatherhood, Christian fatherhood, Catholic fatherhood, faith and parenting, Christian parenting, Catholic parenting, spiritual leadership in the home, fathers and faith, father daughter relationship, Christian family life, faith in the family, raising children in faith, role of a father in faith, God the Father and fatherhood, lessons from my dad, Christian dad advice, Catholic family spirituality, parenting and faith journey</itunes:keywords>
  <content:encoded>
    <![CDATA[<p>&quot;I sat down with my dad to ask him what he has learned as a fatherhood.&quot;<br>
In this special episode of Draw Near, Kara sits down with her dad for an honest and heartfelt conversation about faith and fatherhood.</p>

<p>Together they reflect on what it means to become a father, how faith shapes parenting, what we can learn from our parents and children, and the quiet ways children absorb what their fathers believe. Along the way, there are stories, wisdom earned over time, and yes — a few classic dad jokes.</p>

<p>Whether you are a father, have a father, or are still healing from that relationship, this conversation invites you to consider how earthly fatherhood reflects (imperfectly but beautifully) the heart of God the Father.</p>

<p>Topics include:<br>
• Growing in faith through parenting<br>
• Spiritual leadership in the home<br>
• Lessons learned the hard way<br>
• What children really notice</p>

<p>Psalm 103:13 reminds us:<br>
“As a father pities his children, so the LORD pities those who fear him.” (RSVCE)</p>

<p>We pray this episode strengthens families, encourages dads, and helps all of us draw nearer to the Father who never fails.</p>

<p>For reflections, formation, and community, <strong>FOLLOW Draw Near on Social Media:</strong> <br>
 <a href="https://www.youtube.com/@fredandkara" rel="nofollow">YouTube</a> <br>
 <a href="https://www.instagram.com/fredandkara/" rel="nofollow">Instagram</a><br>
 <a href="https://www.facebook.com/fredandkara" rel="nofollow">Facebook!</a></p>

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

<p><a href="https://www.patreon.com/c/drawnear/membership" rel="nofollow">Click here</a> to become a patron! We wouldn&#39;t be &quot;Draw Near&quot; without your support! <br>
Who are &quot;Fred and Kara?&quot; Find out by visiting our <a href="https://www.drawnear.me/" rel="nofollow">home page. </a></p>

<p>Draw Near Theme © Fred Shellabarger &amp; Kara Kardell</p><p><a rel="payment" href="https://www.patreon.com/drawnear">Support Draw Near</a></p>]]>
  </content:encoded>
  <itunes:summary>
    <![CDATA[<p>&quot;I sat down with my dad to ask him what he has learned as a fatherhood.&quot;<br>
In this special episode of Draw Near, Kara sits down with her dad for an honest and heartfelt conversation about faith and fatherhood.</p>

<p>Together they reflect on what it means to become a father, how faith shapes parenting, what we can learn from our parents and children, and the quiet ways children absorb what their fathers believe. Along the way, there are stories, wisdom earned over time, and yes — a few classic dad jokes.</p>

<p>Whether you are a father, have a father, or are still healing from that relationship, this conversation invites you to consider how earthly fatherhood reflects (imperfectly but beautifully) the heart of God the Father.</p>

<p>Topics include:<br>
• Growing in faith through parenting<br>
• Spiritual leadership in the home<br>
• Lessons learned the hard way<br>
• What children really notice</p>

<p>Psalm 103:13 reminds us:<br>
“As a father pities his children, so the LORD pities those who fear him.” (RSVCE)</p>

<p>We pray this episode strengthens families, encourages dads, and helps all of us draw nearer to the Father who never fails.</p>

<p>For reflections, formation, and community, <strong>FOLLOW Draw Near on Social Media:</strong> <br>
 <a href="https://www.youtube.com/@fredandkara" rel="nofollow">YouTube</a> <br>
 <a href="https://www.instagram.com/fredandkara/" rel="nofollow">Instagram</a><br>
 <a href="https://www.facebook.com/fredandkara" rel="nofollow">Facebook!</a></p>

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

<p><a href="https://www.patreon.com/c/drawnear/membership" rel="nofollow">Click here</a> to become a patron! We wouldn&#39;t be &quot;Draw Near&quot; without your support! <br>
Who are &quot;Fred and Kara?&quot; Find out by visiting our <a href="https://www.drawnear.me/" rel="nofollow">home page. </a></p>

<p>Draw Near Theme © Fred Shellabarger &amp; Kara Kardell</p><p><a rel="payment" href="https://www.patreon.com/drawnear">Support Draw Near</a></p>]]>
  </itunes:summary>
</item>
<item>
  <title>Penance: The Desert Where God Transforms Us</title>
  <link>https://drawnear.fireside.fm/238</link>
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  <pubDate>Wed, 18 Feb 2026 06:00:00 -0600</pubDate>
  <author>Fred Shellabarger and Kara Kardell</author>
  <enclosure url="https://aphid.fireside.fm/d/1437767933/e1ddec60-ea89-4a32-a14b-8340909d71a5/43b7bed2-e457-46b8-bc62-e0584fec4c14.mp3" length="58420430" type="audio/mpeg"/>
  <itunes:episodeType>full</itunes:episodeType>
  <itunes:author>Fred Shellabarger and Kara Kardell</itunes:author>
  <itunes:subtitle>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?</itunes:subtitle>
  <itunes:duration>40:33</itunes:duration>
  <itunes:explicit>no</itunes:explicit>
  <itunes:image href="https://media24.fireside.fm/file/fireside-images-2024/podcasts/images/e/e1ddec60-ea89-4a32-a14b-8340909d71a5/episodes/4/43b7bed2-e457-46b8-bc62-e0584fec4c14/cover.jpg?v=1"/>
  <description>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 &amp;amp; Kara Kardell 
</description>
  <itunes:keywords>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</itunes:keywords>
  <content:encoded>
    <![CDATA[<p>Suffering is where <em>transformation</em> begins! What does that have to do with Lent? </p>

<p>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?</p>

<p>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?</p>

<p><strong>Journal Questions:</strong></p>

<ol>
<li>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?</li>
<li>What comfort, habit, or attachment might God be asking me to surrender so He can build something deeper in me?</li>
<li>If resurrection always follows the cross, what “new life” might God be preparing in me through this season?</li>
</ol>

<p>For reflections, formation, and community, <strong>FOLLOW us on Social Media:</strong> <br>
 <a href="https://www.youtube.com/@fredandkara" rel="nofollow">YouTube</a> <br>
 <a href="https://www.instagram.com/fredandkara/" rel="nofollow">Instagram</a><br>
 <a href="https://www.facebook.com/fredandkara" rel="nofollow">Facebook!</a></p>

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

<p><a href="https://www.patreon.com/c/drawnear/membership" rel="nofollow">Click here</a> to become a patron! We wouldn&#39;t be &quot;Draw Near&quot; without your support! <br>
Who are &quot;Fred and Kara?&quot; Find out by visiting our <a href="https://www.drawnear.me/" rel="nofollow">home page. </a></p>

<p>Draw Near Theme © Fred Shellabarger &amp; Kara Kardell</p><p><a rel="payment" href="https://www.patreon.com/drawnear">Support Draw Near</a></p>]]>
  </content:encoded>
  <itunes:summary>
    <![CDATA[<p>Suffering is where <em>transformation</em> begins! What does that have to do with Lent? </p>

<p>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?</p>

<p>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?</p>

<p><strong>Journal Questions:</strong></p>

<ol>
<li>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?</li>
<li>What comfort, habit, or attachment might God be asking me to surrender so He can build something deeper in me?</li>
<li>If resurrection always follows the cross, what “new life” might God be preparing in me through this season?</li>
</ol>

<p>For reflections, formation, and community, <strong>FOLLOW us on Social Media:</strong> <br>
 <a href="https://www.youtube.com/@fredandkara" rel="nofollow">YouTube</a> <br>
 <a href="https://www.instagram.com/fredandkara/" rel="nofollow">Instagram</a><br>
 <a href="https://www.facebook.com/fredandkara" rel="nofollow">Facebook!</a></p>

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

<p><a href="https://www.patreon.com/c/drawnear/membership" rel="nofollow">Click here</a> to become a patron! We wouldn&#39;t be &quot;Draw Near&quot; without your support! <br>
Who are &quot;Fred and Kara?&quot; Find out by visiting our <a href="https://www.drawnear.me/" rel="nofollow">home page. </a></p>

<p>Draw Near Theme © Fred Shellabarger &amp; Kara Kardell</p><p><a rel="payment" href="https://www.patreon.com/drawnear">Support Draw Near</a></p>]]>
  </itunes:summary>
</item>
<item>
  <title>Guided Meditation: God Saw That It Was Good</title>
  <link>https://drawnear.fireside.fm/233</link>
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  <pubDate>Wed, 17 Dec 2025 05:00:00 -0600</pubDate>
  <author>Fred Shellabarger and Kara Kardell</author>
  <enclosure url="https://aphid.fireside.fm/d/1437767933/e1ddec60-ea89-4a32-a14b-8340909d71a5/8124cd21-bf08-48a1-b8b5-fbcd6eadeb85.mp3" length="25380054" type="audio/mpeg"/>
  <itunes:episodeType>full</itunes:episodeType>
  <itunes:author>Fred Shellabarger and Kara Kardell</itunes:author>
  <itunes:subtitle>In this guided Christian visualization meditation, Kara leads you into prayer to help you see yourself through God’s eyes: intentionally formed, fully known, and deeply loved. Rooted in Draw Near’s Surrender Journal, this reflection invites you to receive all that God has created in you—your gifts, personality, and even the parts you struggle to understand—with truth, purpose, and love.</itunes:subtitle>
  <itunes:duration>17:37</itunes:duration>
  <itunes:explicit>no</itunes:explicit>
  <itunes:image href="https://media24.fireside.fm/file/fireside-images-2024/podcasts/images/e/e1ddec60-ea89-4a32-a14b-8340909d71a5/episodes/8/8124cd21-bf08-48a1-b8b5-fbcd6eadeb85/cover.jpg?v=1"/>
  <description>God formed you carefully—every part of you. In this episode of Draw Near, Kara leads you through a guided visualization meditation designed to quiet the noise and open you to the depth of God’s love for you. 
This reflection is especially for anyone who struggles to see themselves as wholly good and loved... those who can appreciate their strengths but wrestle with their weaknesses, insecurities, or parts they wish were different. This meditation gently invites you to see yourself through God’s eyes and to receive yourself with the same love God offers.
Drawn directly from the Surrender Journal (https://www.drawnear.me/drawnearshop) we wrote and offer through our shop, this prayer experience is meant to be returned to again and again—especially in moments of self-doubt, comparison, or discouragement.
Find a quiet place, take a deep breath, and allow God to remind you: you are deeply known, carefully created, and lovingly held.
Questions to reflect on before you begin:
1. Where do you find value within yourself? When do feel valuable? Are there moments when you do not feel valuable but worthless? What are they?
2. What lies from the evil one do you listen to regularly regarding your life, identity, or value?
3. What does it mean to be made in the image of God? What does it mean to be in the likeness of God? 
The Surrender Journal: 
Find additional meditations in the Surrender Journal. Learn more or ORDER by clicking HERE (https://www.drawnear.me/drawnearshop)
Book Fred and/or Kara to speak by visiting the Draw Near "booking page (https://www.drawnear.me/booking)."
Click here (https://www.patreon.com/c/drawnear/membership) 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/fredandkara/)! 
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 &amp;amp; Kara Kardell 
</description>
  <itunes:keywords>Catholic podcast, Draw Near, Fred and Kara, Christian meditation, guided Christian meditation, guided prayer, Christian guided prayer, visualization prayer, Catholic meditation, Catholic prayer, encountering God’s love, God’s intentional design, identity in Christ, seeing yourself through God’s eyes, God’s gaze, prayer for self-worth, prayer for healing, spiritual reflection, contemplative prayer, surrender prayer, inner healing prayer, Christian mindfulness, resting in God’s presence, God’s love for you, personal prayer, Draw Near podcast, Surrender Journal</itunes:keywords>
  <content:encoded>
    <![CDATA[<p>God formed you carefully—every part of you. In this episode of Draw Near, Kara leads you through a guided visualization meditation designed to quiet the noise and open you to the depth of God’s love for you. </p>

<p>This reflection is especially for anyone who struggles to see themselves as wholly good and loved... those who can appreciate their strengths but wrestle with their weaknesses, insecurities, or parts they wish were different. This meditation gently invites you to see yourself through God’s eyes and to receive yourself with the same love God offers.</p>

<p>Drawn directly from the <a href="https://www.drawnear.me/drawnearshop" rel="nofollow">Surrender Journal</a> we wrote and offer through our shop, this prayer experience is meant to be returned to again and again—especially in moments of self-doubt, comparison, or discouragement.</p>

<p>Find a quiet place, take a deep breath, and allow God to remind you: you are deeply known, carefully created, and lovingly held.</p>

<p><strong>Questions to reflect on before you begin:</strong></p>

<ol>
<li>Where do you find value within yourself? When do feel valuable? Are there moments when you do not feel valuable but worthless? What are they?</li>
<li>What lies from the evil one do you listen to regularly regarding your life, identity, or value?</li>
<li>What does it mean to be made in the image of God? What does it mean to be in the likeness of God? </li>
</ol>

<p><strong>The Surrender Journal:</strong> <br>
Find additional meditations in the Surrender Journal. <a href="https://www.drawnear.me/drawnearshop" rel="nofollow">Learn more or ORDER by clicking HERE</a></p>

<p>Book Fred and/or Kara to speak by visiting the Draw Near &quot;<a href="https://www.drawnear.me/booking" rel="nofollow">booking page</a>.&quot;</p>

<p><a href="https://www.patreon.com/c/drawnear/membership" rel="nofollow">Click here</a> to become a patron! Patrons are essentially &quot;sponsors&quot; and co-producers or Draw Near as it could not happen without them. <br>
&quot;Like&quot; and follow us on <a href="https://www.facebook.com/fredandkara" rel="nofollow">Facebook!</a>. Follow us on <a href="https://www.instagram.com/fredandkara/" rel="nofollow">Instagram</a>! </p>

<p>Who are &quot;Fred and Kara?&quot; Find out by visiting our <a href="https://www.drawnear.me/" rel="nofollow">home page. </a></p>

<p>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! </p>

<p>Draw Near Theme © Fred Shellabarger &amp; Kara Kardell</p><p><a rel="payment" href="https://www.patreon.com/drawnear">Support Draw Near</a></p>]]>
  </content:encoded>
  <itunes:summary>
    <![CDATA[<p>God formed you carefully—every part of you. In this episode of Draw Near, Kara leads you through a guided visualization meditation designed to quiet the noise and open you to the depth of God’s love for you. </p>

<p>This reflection is especially for anyone who struggles to see themselves as wholly good and loved... those who can appreciate their strengths but wrestle with their weaknesses, insecurities, or parts they wish were different. This meditation gently invites you to see yourself through God’s eyes and to receive yourself with the same love God offers.</p>

<p>Drawn directly from the <a href="https://www.drawnear.me/drawnearshop" rel="nofollow">Surrender Journal</a> we wrote and offer through our shop, this prayer experience is meant to be returned to again and again—especially in moments of self-doubt, comparison, or discouragement.</p>

<p>Find a quiet place, take a deep breath, and allow God to remind you: you are deeply known, carefully created, and lovingly held.</p>

<p><strong>Questions to reflect on before you begin:</strong></p>

<ol>
<li>Where do you find value within yourself? When do feel valuable? Are there moments when you do not feel valuable but worthless? What are they?</li>
<li>What lies from the evil one do you listen to regularly regarding your life, identity, or value?</li>
<li>What does it mean to be made in the image of God? What does it mean to be in the likeness of God? </li>
</ol>

<p><strong>The Surrender Journal:</strong> <br>
Find additional meditations in the Surrender Journal. <a href="https://www.drawnear.me/drawnearshop" rel="nofollow">Learn more or ORDER by clicking HERE</a></p>

<p>Book Fred and/or Kara to speak by visiting the Draw Near &quot;<a href="https://www.drawnear.me/booking" rel="nofollow">booking page</a>.&quot;</p>

<p><a href="https://www.patreon.com/c/drawnear/membership" rel="nofollow">Click here</a> to become a patron! Patrons are essentially &quot;sponsors&quot; and co-producers or Draw Near as it could not happen without them. <br>
&quot;Like&quot; and follow us on <a href="https://www.facebook.com/fredandkara" rel="nofollow">Facebook!</a>. Follow us on <a href="https://www.instagram.com/fredandkara/" rel="nofollow">Instagram</a>! </p>

<p>Who are &quot;Fred and Kara?&quot; Find out by visiting our <a href="https://www.drawnear.me/" rel="nofollow">home page. </a></p>

<p>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! </p>

<p>Draw Near Theme © Fred Shellabarger &amp; Kara Kardell</p><p><a rel="payment" href="https://www.patreon.com/drawnear">Support Draw Near</a></p>]]>
  </itunes:summary>
</item>
<item>
  <title>If Jesus Is Lord, Life Looks Different</title>
  <link>https://drawnear.fireside.fm/232</link>
  <guid isPermaLink="false">4ff6e162-b80b-49e8-96fc-e409520f4796</guid>
  <pubDate>Wed, 03 Dec 2025 06:00:00 -0600</pubDate>
  <author>Fred Shellabarger and Kara Kardell</author>
  <enclosure url="https://aphid.fireside.fm/d/1437767933/e1ddec60-ea89-4a32-a14b-8340909d71a5/4ff6e162-b80b-49e8-96fc-e409520f4796.mp3" length="54032962" type="audio/mpeg"/>
  <itunes:episodeType>full</itunes:episodeType>
  <itunes:author>Fred Shellabarger and Kara Kardell</itunes:author>
  <itunes:subtitle>In a gentle (yet challenging) episode on Luke 6:46, Fred and Kara explore Jesus's words to his followers: "Why do you call me Lord Lord and do not do what I tell you?" This episode takes an honest look at what it means to actually live Jesus words from Scripture and his personal promptings to each of our hearts. We explore the freedom and difficulties in the promptings of the Spirit, real obedience even when teachings are hard, and how to discern the deeper “yes” God is inviting you into.</itunes:subtitle>
  <itunes:duration>36:43</itunes:duration>
  <itunes:explicit>no</itunes:explicit>
  <itunes:image href="https://media24.fireside.fm/file/fireside-images-2024/podcasts/images/e/e1ddec60-ea89-4a32-a14b-8340909d71a5/episodes/4/4ff6e162-b80b-49e8-96fc-e409520f4796/cover.jpg?v=2"/>
  <description>If we truly believe Jesus is Lord, then his words matter… even the ones that challenge us. In this week’s conversation, we reflect on Luke 6:46: “Why do you call me ‘Lord, Lord,’ and not do what I tell you?” Jesus does not rebuke here, but invites each of us personally to reflect on teachings, words from God, or passages of Scripture we truly believe. Let's also allow it to be an invitation to ask: which of Jesus's words and teachings have I forgotten or discarded because they are difficult. 
All of us have places where obedience feels costly or inconvenient. Yet Jesus never calls us to follow him on our own strength. Let's also look at what he does to help us? 
Throughout the episode, we also explore:
* how the Holy Spirit prompts us toward deeper faithfulness
* why some of Jesus’ teachings feel difficult and what that says about our spiritual growth
* how grace strengthens our weak places
* the invitation to reflect on areas where we’re not fully following him
* the simple, daily yes that forms real discipleship
Book Fred and/or Kara to speak by visiting the Draw Near "booking page (https://www.drawnear.me/booking)."
Click here (https://www.patreon.com/c/drawnear/membership) 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/fredandkara/)! 
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 &amp;amp; Kara Kardell 
</description>
  <itunes:keywords>Catholic podcast, Draw Near, Fred and Kara, Jesus is Lord, Luke 6:46, Christian discipleship, living your faith, obedience to God, following Jesus, Holy Spirit guidance, promptings of the Spirit, grace to follow Jesus, Catholic spirituality, Scripture reflection, deeper conversion, hearing God’s voice, living what you believe, spiritual growth, daily discipleship, challenging teachings of Jesus, building faith on the rock, saying yes to God, Lukewarm Faith</itunes:keywords>
  <content:encoded>
    <![CDATA[<p>If we truly believe Jesus is Lord, then his words matter… even the ones that challenge us. In this week’s conversation, we reflect on Luke 6:46: “Why do you call me ‘Lord, Lord,’ and not do what I tell you?” Jesus does not rebuke here, but invites each of us personally to reflect on teachings, words from God, or passages of Scripture we truly believe. Let&#39;s also allow it to be an invitation to ask: which of Jesus&#39;s words and teachings have I forgotten or discarded because they are difficult. </p>

<p>All of us have places where obedience feels costly or inconvenient. Yet Jesus never calls us to follow him on our own strength. Let&#39;s also look at what he does to help us? </p>

<p>Throughout the episode, we also explore:</p>

<ul>
<li>how the Holy Spirit prompts us toward deeper faithfulness</li>
<li>why some of Jesus’ teachings feel difficult and what that says about our spiritual growth</li>
<li>how grace strengthens our weak places</li>
<li>the invitation to reflect on areas where we’re not fully following him</li>
<li>the simple, daily yes that forms real discipleship</li>
</ul>

<p>Book Fred and/or Kara to speak by visiting the Draw Near &quot;<a href="https://www.drawnear.me/booking" rel="nofollow">booking page</a>.&quot;</p>

<p><a href="https://www.patreon.com/c/drawnear/membership" rel="nofollow">Click here</a> to become a patron! Patrons are essentially &quot;sponsors&quot; and co-producers or Draw Near as it could not happen without them. <br>
&quot;Like&quot; and follow us on <a href="https://www.facebook.com/fredandkara" rel="nofollow">Facebook!</a>. Follow us on <a href="https://www.instagram.com/fredandkara/" rel="nofollow">Instagram</a>! </p>

<p>Who are &quot;Fred and Kara?&quot; Find out by visiting our <a href="https://www.drawnear.me/" rel="nofollow">home page. </a></p>

<p>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! </p>

<p>Draw Near Theme © Fred Shellabarger &amp; Kara Kardell</p><p><a rel="payment" href="https://www.patreon.com/drawnear">Support Draw Near</a></p>]]>
  </content:encoded>
  <itunes:summary>
    <![CDATA[<p>If we truly believe Jesus is Lord, then his words matter… even the ones that challenge us. In this week’s conversation, we reflect on Luke 6:46: “Why do you call me ‘Lord, Lord,’ and not do what I tell you?” Jesus does not rebuke here, but invites each of us personally to reflect on teachings, words from God, or passages of Scripture we truly believe. Let&#39;s also allow it to be an invitation to ask: which of Jesus&#39;s words and teachings have I forgotten or discarded because they are difficult. </p>

<p>All of us have places where obedience feels costly or inconvenient. Yet Jesus never calls us to follow him on our own strength. Let&#39;s also look at what he does to help us? </p>

<p>Throughout the episode, we also explore:</p>

<ul>
<li>how the Holy Spirit prompts us toward deeper faithfulness</li>
<li>why some of Jesus’ teachings feel difficult and what that says about our spiritual growth</li>
<li>how grace strengthens our weak places</li>
<li>the invitation to reflect on areas where we’re not fully following him</li>
<li>the simple, daily yes that forms real discipleship</li>
</ul>

<p>Book Fred and/or Kara to speak by visiting the Draw Near &quot;<a href="https://www.drawnear.me/booking" rel="nofollow">booking page</a>.&quot;</p>

<p><a href="https://www.patreon.com/c/drawnear/membership" rel="nofollow">Click here</a> to become a patron! Patrons are essentially &quot;sponsors&quot; and co-producers or Draw Near as it could not happen without them. <br>
&quot;Like&quot; and follow us on <a href="https://www.facebook.com/fredandkara" rel="nofollow">Facebook!</a>. Follow us on <a href="https://www.instagram.com/fredandkara/" rel="nofollow">Instagram</a>! </p>

<p>Who are &quot;Fred and Kara?&quot; Find out by visiting our <a href="https://www.drawnear.me/" rel="nofollow">home page. </a></p>

<p>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! </p>

<p>Draw Near Theme © Fred Shellabarger &amp; Kara Kardell</p><p><a rel="payment" href="https://www.patreon.com/drawnear">Support Draw Near</a></p>]]>
  </itunes:summary>
</item>
<item>
  <title>The Hemorrhaging Woman: Desperate for Healing</title>
  <link>https://drawnear.fireside.fm/227</link>
  <guid isPermaLink="false">9a3126d6-9291-49be-83a7-2bd9c717f620</guid>
  <pubDate>Wed, 22 Oct 2025 05:00:00 -0500</pubDate>
  <author>Fred Shellabarger and Kara Kardell</author>
  <enclosure url="https://aphid.fireside.fm/d/1437767933/e1ddec60-ea89-4a32-a14b-8340909d71a5/9a3126d6-9291-49be-83a7-2bd9c717f620.mp3" length="37592160" type="audio/mpeg"/>
  <itunes:episodeType>full</itunes:episodeType>
  <itunes:author>Fred Shellabarger and Kara Kardell</itunes:author>
  <itunes:subtitle>A Lectio Divina reflection on the hemorrhaging woman in Mark 5. In this Catholic podcast episode of Draw Near, we reflect on her desperate faith, twelve years of suffering, and the moment Jesus stops everything to heal her and call her out of shame.</itunes:subtitle>
  <itunes:duration>26:06</itunes:duration>
  <itunes:explicit>no</itunes:explicit>
  <itunes:image href="https://media24.fireside.fm/file/fireside-images-2024/podcasts/images/e/e1ddec60-ea89-4a32-a14b-8340909d71a5/episodes/9/9a3126d6-9291-49be-83a7-2bd9c717f620/cover.jpg?v=1"/>
  <description>Imagine Jesus stopping everything just to find you and heal you. That’s exactly what happens in the story of the hemorrhaging woman. In this Lectio Divine episode, Fred and Kara pray with this passage and reflect on the woman's need to "touch" Jesus and how her circumstances during 12 years of suffering would have led to her "desperate" faith. In addition to spiritual themes, this episode also talks about Jesus' initiative to seek the woman and invite her out of her hiding place of shame and into healing.
Book Fred and/or Kara to speak by visiting the Draw Near "booking page (https://www.drawnear.me/booking)."
Click here (https://www.patreon.com/c/drawnear/membership) 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/fredandkara/)! 
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 &amp;amp; Kara Kardell 
</description>
  <itunes:keywords>Catholic podcast, Draw Near, Fred and Kara, hemorrhaging woman, bleeding woman in the Bible, Mark 5 reflection, Jesus who touched me, desperate faith, Jesus healing stories, Lectio Divina podcast, Catholic Bible study, shame and healing, Jesus stops for the broken, faith and suffering, Jewish purity laws, Jairus’ daughter and hemorrhaging woman, spiritual healing in scripture, Catholic podcast on healing, Jesus and interruptions, encountering Jesus in suffering</itunes:keywords>
  <content:encoded>
    <![CDATA[<p>Imagine Jesus stopping <em>everything</em> just to find you and heal you. That’s exactly what happens in the story of the hemorrhaging woman. In this Lectio Divine episode, Fred and Kara pray with this passage and reflect on the woman&#39;s need to &quot;touch&quot; Jesus and how her circumstances during 12 years of suffering would have led to her &quot;desperate&quot; faith. In addition to spiritual themes, this episode also talks about Jesus&#39; initiative to seek the woman and invite her out of her hiding place of shame and into healing.</p>

<p>Book Fred and/or Kara to speak by visiting the Draw Near &quot;<a href="https://www.drawnear.me/booking" rel="nofollow">booking page</a>.&quot;</p>

<p><a href="https://www.patreon.com/c/drawnear/membership" rel="nofollow">Click here</a> to become a patron! Patrons are essentially &quot;sponsors&quot; and co-producers or Draw Near as it could not happen without them. <br>
&quot;Like&quot; and follow us on <a href="https://www.facebook.com/fredandkara" rel="nofollow">Facebook!</a>. Follow us on <a href="https://www.instagram.com/fredandkara/" rel="nofollow">Instagram</a>! </p>

<p>Who are &quot;Fred and Kara?&quot; Find out by visiting our <a href="https://www.drawnear.me/" rel="nofollow">home page. </a></p>

<p>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! </p>

<p>Draw Near Theme © Fred Shellabarger &amp; Kara Kardell</p><p><a rel="payment" href="https://www.patreon.com/drawnear">Support Draw Near</a></p>]]>
  </content:encoded>
  <itunes:summary>
    <![CDATA[<p>Imagine Jesus stopping <em>everything</em> just to find you and heal you. That’s exactly what happens in the story of the hemorrhaging woman. In this Lectio Divine episode, Fred and Kara pray with this passage and reflect on the woman&#39;s need to &quot;touch&quot; Jesus and how her circumstances during 12 years of suffering would have led to her &quot;desperate&quot; faith. In addition to spiritual themes, this episode also talks about Jesus&#39; initiative to seek the woman and invite her out of her hiding place of shame and into healing.</p>

<p>Book Fred and/or Kara to speak by visiting the Draw Near &quot;<a href="https://www.drawnear.me/booking" rel="nofollow">booking page</a>.&quot;</p>

<p><a href="https://www.patreon.com/c/drawnear/membership" rel="nofollow">Click here</a> to become a patron! Patrons are essentially &quot;sponsors&quot; and co-producers or Draw Near as it could not happen without them. <br>
&quot;Like&quot; and follow us on <a href="https://www.facebook.com/fredandkara" rel="nofollow">Facebook!</a>. Follow us on <a href="https://www.instagram.com/fredandkara/" rel="nofollow">Instagram</a>! </p>

<p>Who are &quot;Fred and Kara?&quot; Find out by visiting our <a href="https://www.drawnear.me/" rel="nofollow">home page. </a></p>

<p>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! </p>

<p>Draw Near Theme © Fred Shellabarger &amp; Kara Kardell</p><p><a rel="payment" href="https://www.patreon.com/drawnear">Support Draw Near</a></p>]]>
  </itunes:summary>
</item>
<item>
  <title>Surrender: Trusting God in the Waiting</title>
  <link>https://drawnear.fireside.fm/225</link>
  <guid isPermaLink="false">262512f0-31ac-4593-8ba0-52be42c2e70b</guid>
  <pubDate>Wed, 08 Oct 2025 06:00:00 -0500</pubDate>
  <author>Fred Shellabarger and Kara Kardell</author>
  <enclosure url="https://aphid.fireside.fm/d/1437767933/e1ddec60-ea89-4a32-a14b-8340909d71a5/262512f0-31ac-4593-8ba0-52be42c2e70b.mp3" length="110744610" type="audio/mpeg"/>
  <itunes:episodeType>full</itunes:episodeType>
  <itunes:author>Fred Shellabarger and Kara Kardell</itunes:author>
  <itunes:subtitle>What does it mean to truly surrender to God? In this episode of Draw Near, we explore how surrender isn’t giving up. It’s stepping out in faith like Peter on the water and trusting God’s slow, faithful work of grace. So, how can we actually begin to surrender?</itunes:subtitle>
  <itunes:duration>46:08</itunes:duration>
  <itunes:explicit>no</itunes:explicit>
  <itunes:image href="https://media24.fireside.fm/file/fireside-images-2024/podcasts/images/e/e1ddec60-ea89-4a32-a14b-8340909d71a5/episodes/2/262512f0-31ac-4593-8ba0-52be42c2e70b/cover.jpg?v=2"/>
  <description>What does it mean to actually surrender to God?... and how do we begin to do it? There are seasons when God feels silent, when prayers go unanswered, or when our hearts wrestle with waiting. In those moments, surrender can sound like a nice idea but feel nearly impossible. So, where do we begin?  
To continue your journey to total surrender to God, check out The Surrender Journal (https://www.drawnear.me/drawnearshop/p/the-surrender-journal) on the Draw Near Shop (https://www.drawnear.me/drawnearshop). It shares 30 uniquely crafted meditation exercises that will bring you to a place of surrender. 
Reflection Questions from this episode:
What does it look like for you to actively surrender to God’s timing right now?
What truths or promises do you cling to when waiting feels hard?
Can you recall a time when waiting brought unexpected grace, growth, or healing?
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 &amp;amp; Kara Kardell 
</description>
  <itunes:keywords>surrender to God, trusting God, active surrender, waiting on God, Fred and Kara, Catholic meditations, Surrender journal, God’s timing, faith in hard times, Catholic spirituality, Christian surrender, hope in suffering, prayer and trust, faith journey, trusting God’s plan, divine timing, letting go and letting God, spiritual growth, Catholic faith, Christian podcast, peace in waiting, Jesus I trust in You, God’s faithfulness, finding peace in the storm, how to surrender to God, waiting with hope, spiritual surrender, discipleship, prayer in hard times, Catholic teaching on surrender, faith and patience, trust and obedience, surrender and peace, waiting for God’s answer</itunes:keywords>
  <content:encoded>
    <![CDATA[<p>What does it mean to actually surrender to God?... and how do we begin to do it? There are seasons when God feels silent, when prayers go unanswered, or when our hearts wrestle with waiting. In those moments, surrender can sound like a nice idea but feel nearly impossible. So, where do we begin?  </p>

<p>To continue your journey to total surrender to God, check out <a href="https://www.drawnear.me/drawnearshop/p/the-surrender-journal" rel="nofollow">The Surrender Journal</a> on the Draw Near <a href="https://www.drawnear.me/drawnearshop" rel="nofollow">Shop</a>. It shares 30 uniquely crafted meditation exercises that will bring you to a place of surrender. </p>

<p><strong>Reflection Questions from this episode</strong>:<br>
What does it look like for you to actively surrender to God’s timing right now?<br>
What truths or promises do you cling to when waiting feels hard?<br>
Can you recall a time when waiting brought unexpected grace, growth, or healing?</p>

<p>Book Fred and/or Kara to speak by visiting the Draw Near &quot;<a href="https://www.drawnear.me/booking" rel="nofollow">booking page</a>.&quot;</p>

<p><a href="https://www.drawnear.me/donate" rel="nofollow">Click here</a> to become a patron! Patrons are essentially &quot;sponsors&quot; and co-producers or Draw Near as it could not happen without them. <br>
&quot;Like&quot; and follow us on <a href="https://www.facebook.com/fredandkara" rel="nofollow">Facebook!</a>. Follow us on <a href="https://www.instagram.com/drawnear.me/" rel="nofollow">Instagram</a>! </p>

<p>Who are &quot;Fred and Kara?&quot; Find out by visiting our <a href="https://www.drawnear.me/" rel="nofollow">home page. </a></p>

<p>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! </p>

<p>Draw Near Theme © Fred Shellabarger &amp; Kara Kardell</p><p><a rel="payment" href="https://www.patreon.com/drawnear">Support Draw Near</a></p>]]>
  </content:encoded>
  <itunes:summary>
    <![CDATA[<p>What does it mean to actually surrender to God?... and how do we begin to do it? There are seasons when God feels silent, when prayers go unanswered, or when our hearts wrestle with waiting. In those moments, surrender can sound like a nice idea but feel nearly impossible. So, where do we begin?  </p>

<p>To continue your journey to total surrender to God, check out <a href="https://www.drawnear.me/drawnearshop/p/the-surrender-journal" rel="nofollow">The Surrender Journal</a> on the Draw Near <a href="https://www.drawnear.me/drawnearshop" rel="nofollow">Shop</a>. It shares 30 uniquely crafted meditation exercises that will bring you to a place of surrender. </p>

<p><strong>Reflection Questions from this episode</strong>:<br>
What does it look like for you to actively surrender to God’s timing right now?<br>
What truths or promises do you cling to when waiting feels hard?<br>
Can you recall a time when waiting brought unexpected grace, growth, or healing?</p>

<p>Book Fred and/or Kara to speak by visiting the Draw Near &quot;<a href="https://www.drawnear.me/booking" rel="nofollow">booking page</a>.&quot;</p>

<p><a href="https://www.drawnear.me/donate" rel="nofollow">Click here</a> to become a patron! Patrons are essentially &quot;sponsors&quot; and co-producers or Draw Near as it could not happen without them. <br>
&quot;Like&quot; and follow us on <a href="https://www.facebook.com/fredandkara" rel="nofollow">Facebook!</a>. Follow us on <a href="https://www.instagram.com/drawnear.me/" rel="nofollow">Instagram</a>! </p>

<p>Who are &quot;Fred and Kara?&quot; Find out by visiting our <a href="https://www.drawnear.me/" rel="nofollow">home page. </a></p>

<p>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! </p>

<p>Draw Near Theme © Fred Shellabarger &amp; Kara Kardell</p><p><a rel="payment" href="https://www.patreon.com/drawnear">Support Draw Near</a></p>]]>
  </itunes:summary>
</item>
<item>
  <title>Finding God in the Least Likely Movies</title>
  <link>https://drawnear.fireside.fm/223</link>
  <guid isPermaLink="false">c3bda484-dc26-45be-844c-f5a7b816700b</guid>
  <pubDate>Wed, 01 Oct 2025 05:30:00 -0500</pubDate>
  <author>Fred Shellabarger and Kara Kardell</author>
  <enclosure url="https://aphid.fireside.fm/d/1437767933/e1ddec60-ea89-4a32-a14b-8340909d71a5/c3bda484-dc26-45be-844c-f5a7b816700b.mp3" length="107661458" type="audio/mpeg"/>
  <itunes:episodeType>full</itunes:episodeType>
  <itunes:author>Fred Shellabarger and Kara Kardell</itunes:author>
  <itunes:subtitle>Join us for a lighthearted conversation on discovering Christian themes in the most unexpected movies and shows. From wizards to zombies to fantasy adventures, we’ll show you how faith can shine through the movies we love in this Draw Near podcast episode.</itunes:subtitle>
  <itunes:duration>1:14:45</itunes:duration>
  <itunes:explicit>no</itunes:explicit>
  <itunes:image href="https://media24.fireside.fm/file/fireside-images-2024/podcasts/images/e/e1ddec60-ea89-4a32-a14b-8340909d71a5/episodes/c/c3bda484-dc26-45be-844c-f5a7b816700b/cover.jpg?v=1"/>
  <description>What do Dungeons &amp;amp; Dragons, Harry Potter, the Walking Dead, and A Quiet Place have in common? 
In this episode, we have some fun exploring how even the most unlikely movies and shows can open doors to deeper conversations about faith. From unlikely heroes and the battle of good and evil, to themes of sacrifice, friendship, and courage... we discover that God can shine through stories we never expected.
This isn’t about forcing a religious lens where it doesn’t belong. It’s about learning to see with eyes of faith, and enjoying the creative ways truth, beauty, and goodness can break through, even in secular media.
Pull up some popcorn and join us for this lighthearted conversation where we share some of our favorite shows and movies, laugh a little, and give you new eyes for the next time you hit “play.”
What You’ll Hear in This Episode:
How secular stories can echo the Gospel when we learn to look deeper
Why Christian themes show up in unexpected places (and why that matters)
The power of sacrifice, courage, and friendship on screen
A few of our favorite movies and shows (and why we like them!)
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 &amp;amp; Kara Kardell 
</description>
  <itunes:keywords>God in movies, Christian themes in film, faith and pop culture, Harry Potter, Christian, dungeons and dragons, Stranger Things, faith, A Quiet Place, spirituality, Dungeons and Dragons, Christian, finding God in culture, secular movies, faith, faith in film, pop culture and faith</itunes:keywords>
  <content:encoded>
    <![CDATA[<p>What do Dungeons &amp; Dragons, Harry Potter, the Walking Dead, and A Quiet Place have in common? </p>

<p>In this episode, we have some fun exploring how even the most unlikely movies and shows can open doors to deeper conversations about faith. From unlikely heroes and the battle of good and evil, to themes of sacrifice, friendship, and courage... we discover that God can shine through stories we never expected.</p>

<p>This isn’t about forcing a religious lens where it doesn’t belong. It’s about learning to see with eyes of faith, and enjoying the creative ways truth, beauty, and goodness can break through, even in secular media.</p>

<p>Pull up some popcorn and join us for this lighthearted conversation where we share some of our favorite shows and movies, laugh a little, and give you new eyes for the next time you hit “play.”</p>

<p><strong>What You’ll Hear in This Episode:</strong><br>
How secular stories can echo the Gospel when we learn to look deeper<br>
Why Christian themes show up in unexpected places (and why that matters)<br>
The power of sacrifice, courage, and friendship on screen<br>
A few of our favorite movies and shows (and why we like them!)</p>

<p>Book Fred and/or Kara to speak by visiting the Draw Near &quot;<a href="https://www.drawnear.me/booking" rel="nofollow">booking page</a>.&quot;</p>

<p><a href="https://www.drawnear.me/donate" rel="nofollow">Click here</a> to become a patron! Patrons are essentially &quot;sponsors&quot; and co-producers or Draw Near as it could not happen without them. <br>
&quot;Like&quot; and follow us on <a href="https://www.facebook.com/fredandkara" rel="nofollow">Facebook!</a>. Follow us on <a href="https://www.instagram.com/drawnear.me/" rel="nofollow">Instagram</a>! </p>

<p>Who are &quot;Fred and Kara?&quot; Find out by visiting our <a href="https://www.drawnear.me/" rel="nofollow">home page. </a></p>

<p>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! </p>

<p>Draw Near Theme © Fred Shellabarger &amp; Kara Kardell</p><p><a rel="payment" href="https://www.patreon.com/drawnear">Support Draw Near</a></p>]]>
  </content:encoded>
  <itunes:summary>
    <![CDATA[<p>What do Dungeons &amp; Dragons, Harry Potter, the Walking Dead, and A Quiet Place have in common? </p>

<p>In this episode, we have some fun exploring how even the most unlikely movies and shows can open doors to deeper conversations about faith. From unlikely heroes and the battle of good and evil, to themes of sacrifice, friendship, and courage... we discover that God can shine through stories we never expected.</p>

<p>This isn’t about forcing a religious lens where it doesn’t belong. It’s about learning to see with eyes of faith, and enjoying the creative ways truth, beauty, and goodness can break through, even in secular media.</p>

<p>Pull up some popcorn and join us for this lighthearted conversation where we share some of our favorite shows and movies, laugh a little, and give you new eyes for the next time you hit “play.”</p>

<p><strong>What You’ll Hear in This Episode:</strong><br>
How secular stories can echo the Gospel when we learn to look deeper<br>
Why Christian themes show up in unexpected places (and why that matters)<br>
The power of sacrifice, courage, and friendship on screen<br>
A few of our favorite movies and shows (and why we like them!)</p>

<p>Book Fred and/or Kara to speak by visiting the Draw Near &quot;<a href="https://www.drawnear.me/booking" rel="nofollow">booking page</a>.&quot;</p>

<p><a href="https://www.drawnear.me/donate" rel="nofollow">Click here</a> to become a patron! Patrons are essentially &quot;sponsors&quot; and co-producers or Draw Near as it could not happen without them. <br>
&quot;Like&quot; and follow us on <a href="https://www.facebook.com/fredandkara" rel="nofollow">Facebook!</a>. Follow us on <a href="https://www.instagram.com/drawnear.me/" rel="nofollow">Instagram</a>! </p>

<p>Who are &quot;Fred and Kara?&quot; Find out by visiting our <a href="https://www.drawnear.me/" rel="nofollow">home page. </a></p>

<p>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! </p>

<p>Draw Near Theme © Fred Shellabarger &amp; Kara Kardell</p><p><a rel="payment" href="https://www.patreon.com/drawnear">Support Draw Near</a></p>]]>
  </itunes:summary>
</item>
<item>
  <title>Life's Interruptions or Divine Invitations?  </title>
  <link>https://drawnear.fireside.fm/219</link>
  <guid isPermaLink="false">b6e70add-f0f1-4ec5-b3e6-0cdfdc2ff1ff</guid>
  <pubDate>Wed, 02 Jul 2025 10:00:00 -0500</pubDate>
  <author>Fred Shellabarger and Kara Kardell</author>
  <enclosure url="https://aphid.fireside.fm/d/1437767933/e1ddec60-ea89-4a32-a14b-8340909d71a5/b6e70add-f0f1-4ec5-b3e6-0cdfdc2ff1ff.mp3" length="25976884" type="audio/mpeg"/>
  <itunes:episodeType>full</itunes:episodeType>
  <itunes:author>Fred Shellabarger and Kara Kardell</itunes:author>
  <itunes:subtitle>What if the interruptions in your day aren’t distractions… but invitations?
When Jesus was interrupted, he didn’t push people away—he welcomed them. In this short podcast episode of Draw Near, Kara reflects on how embracing life’s interruptions can lead us to unexpected grace. What if the distractions are actually divine invitations?

</itunes:subtitle>
  <itunes:duration>18:02</itunes:duration>
  <itunes:explicit>no</itunes:explicit>
  <itunes:image href="https://media24.fireside.fm/file/fireside-images-2024/podcasts/images/e/e1ddec60-ea89-4a32-a14b-8340909d71a5/episodes/b/b6e70add-f0f1-4ec5-b3e6-0cdfdc2ff1ff/cover.jpg?v=1"/>
  <description>What if the interruptions in your day aren’t distractions… but invitations? In this reflective "shorty," Kara shares a personal insight drawn from her own life and the life of Christ in Scripture. Jesus never pushed people away because they weren’t part of “the plan.” He embraced them as the plan.
This episode invites you to rethink the way you see the unexpected moments in your own life—those small or inconvenient interruptions—as potential encounters with God’s grace. 
This week, when you’re interrupted: Stop. Breathe. Reflect: “Lord, is this an invitation from you? Help me to embrace this moment and invite grace.”
Click to REGISTER  (https://www.drawnear.me/)for the Draw Near Retreat Aug. 9th
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 &amp;amp; Kara Kardell 
</description>
  <itunes:keywords>Jesus, Interruptions, Christian reflections, divine invitations, podcast, Catholic, Christian, Draw Near podcast, Kara Kardell, God's plan, How Jesus responds to People, Grace, Christian Encouragement, everyday faith, living the faith, holiness</itunes:keywords>
  <content:encoded>
    <![CDATA[<p>What if the interruptions in your day aren’t distractions… but invitations? In this reflective &quot;shorty,&quot; Kara shares a personal insight drawn from her own life and the life of Christ in Scripture. Jesus never pushed people away because they weren’t part of “the plan.” He embraced them as the plan.</p>

<p>This episode invites you to rethink the way you see the unexpected moments in your own life—those small or inconvenient interruptions—as potential encounters with God’s grace. </p>

<p>This week, when you’re interrupted: Stop. Breathe. Reflect: “Lord, is this an invitation from you? Help me to embrace this moment and invite grace.”</p>

<p><a href="https://www.drawnear.me/" rel="nofollow">Click to REGISTER </a>for the Draw Near Retreat Aug. 9th</p>

<p>Book Fred and/or Kara to speak by visiting the Draw Near &quot;<a href="https://www.drawnear.me/booking" rel="nofollow">booking page</a>.&quot;</p>

<p><a href="https://www.drawnear.me/donate" rel="nofollow">Click here</a> to become a patron! Patrons are essentially &quot;sponsors&quot; and co-producers or Draw Near as it could not happen without them. <br>
&quot;Like&quot; and follow us on <a href="https://www.facebook.com/fredandkara" rel="nofollow">Facebook!</a>. Follow us on <a href="https://www.instagram.com/drawnear.me/" rel="nofollow">Instagram</a>! </p>

<p>Who are &quot;Fred and Kara?&quot; Find out by visiting our <a href="https://www.drawnear.me/" rel="nofollow">home page. </a></p>

<p>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! </p>

<p>Draw Near Theme © Fred Shellabarger &amp; Kara Kardell</p><p><a rel="payment" href="https://www.patreon.com/drawnear">Support Draw Near</a></p>]]>
  </content:encoded>
  <itunes:summary>
    <![CDATA[<p>What if the interruptions in your day aren’t distractions… but invitations? In this reflective &quot;shorty,&quot; Kara shares a personal insight drawn from her own life and the life of Christ in Scripture. Jesus never pushed people away because they weren’t part of “the plan.” He embraced them as the plan.</p>

<p>This episode invites you to rethink the way you see the unexpected moments in your own life—those small or inconvenient interruptions—as potential encounters with God’s grace. </p>

<p>This week, when you’re interrupted: Stop. Breathe. Reflect: “Lord, is this an invitation from you? Help me to embrace this moment and invite grace.”</p>

<p><a href="https://www.drawnear.me/" rel="nofollow">Click to REGISTER </a>for the Draw Near Retreat Aug. 9th</p>

<p>Book Fred and/or Kara to speak by visiting the Draw Near &quot;<a href="https://www.drawnear.me/booking" rel="nofollow">booking page</a>.&quot;</p>

<p><a href="https://www.drawnear.me/donate" rel="nofollow">Click here</a> to become a patron! Patrons are essentially &quot;sponsors&quot; and co-producers or Draw Near as it could not happen without them. <br>
&quot;Like&quot; and follow us on <a href="https://www.facebook.com/fredandkara" rel="nofollow">Facebook!</a>. Follow us on <a href="https://www.instagram.com/drawnear.me/" rel="nofollow">Instagram</a>! </p>

<p>Who are &quot;Fred and Kara?&quot; Find out by visiting our <a href="https://www.drawnear.me/" rel="nofollow">home page. </a></p>

<p>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! </p>

<p>Draw Near Theme © Fred Shellabarger &amp; Kara Kardell</p><p><a rel="payment" href="https://www.patreon.com/drawnear">Support Draw Near</a></p>]]>
  </itunes:summary>
</item>
<item>
  <title>Advent Reflection: Already and Not Yet</title>
  <link>https://drawnear.fireside.fm/203</link>
  <guid isPermaLink="false">61bb477c-39e1-48d2-8c85-e576054ba1e9</guid>
  <pubDate>Wed, 18 Dec 2024 01:30:00 -0600</pubDate>
  <author>Fred Shellabarger and Kara Kardell</author>
  <enclosure url="https://aphid.fireside.fm/d/1437767933/e1ddec60-ea89-4a32-a14b-8340909d71a5/61bb477c-39e1-48d2-8c85-e576054ba1e9.mp3" length="55670402" type="audio/mpeg"/>
  <itunes:episodeType>full</itunes:episodeType>
  <itunes:author>Fred Shellabarger and Kara Kardell</itunes:author>
  <itunes:subtitle>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? </itunes:subtitle>
  <itunes:duration>38:02</itunes:duration>
  <itunes:explicit>no</itunes:explicit>
  <itunes:image href="https://media24.fireside.fm/file/fireside-images-2024/podcasts/images/e/e1ddec60-ea89-4a32-a14b-8340909d71a5/episodes/6/61bb477c-39e1-48d2-8c85-e576054ba1e9/cover.jpg?v=1"/>
  <description>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 &amp;amp; Kara Kardell 
</description>
  <itunes:keywords>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</itunes:keywords>
  <content:encoded>
    <![CDATA[<p>Jesus is coming... AGAIN! <br>
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. <br>
Are we preparing ourselves for Jesus to return? What if Jesus returned tomorrow? Are you ready? </p>

<p>Book Fred and/or Kara to speak by visiting the Draw Near &quot;<a href="https://www.drawnear.me/booking" rel="nofollow">booking page</a>.&quot;</p>

<p><a href="https://www.drawnear.me/donate" rel="nofollow">Click here</a> to become a patron! Patrons are essentially &quot;sponsors&quot; and co-producers or Draw Near as it could not happen without them. <br>
&quot;Like&quot; and follow us on <a href="https://www.facebook.com/fredandkara" rel="nofollow">Facebook!</a>. Follow us on <a href="https://www.instagram.com/drawnear.me/" rel="nofollow">Instagram</a>! </p>

<p>Who are &quot;Fred and Kara?&quot; Find out by visiting our <a href="https://www.drawnear.me/" rel="nofollow">home page. </a></p>

<p>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! </p>

<p>Draw Near Theme © Fred Shellabarger &amp; Kara Kardell</p><p><a rel="payment" href="https://www.patreon.com/drawnear">Support Draw Near</a></p>]]>
  </content:encoded>
  <itunes:summary>
    <![CDATA[<p>Jesus is coming... AGAIN! <br>
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. <br>
Are we preparing ourselves for Jesus to return? What if Jesus returned tomorrow? Are you ready? </p>

<p>Book Fred and/or Kara to speak by visiting the Draw Near &quot;<a href="https://www.drawnear.me/booking" rel="nofollow">booking page</a>.&quot;</p>

<p><a href="https://www.drawnear.me/donate" rel="nofollow">Click here</a> to become a patron! Patrons are essentially &quot;sponsors&quot; and co-producers or Draw Near as it could not happen without them. <br>
&quot;Like&quot; and follow us on <a href="https://www.facebook.com/fredandkara" rel="nofollow">Facebook!</a>. Follow us on <a href="https://www.instagram.com/drawnear.me/" rel="nofollow">Instagram</a>! </p>

<p>Who are &quot;Fred and Kara?&quot; Find out by visiting our <a href="https://www.drawnear.me/" rel="nofollow">home page. </a></p>

<p>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! </p>

<p>Draw Near Theme © Fred Shellabarger &amp; Kara Kardell</p><p><a rel="payment" href="https://www.patreon.com/drawnear">Support Draw Near</a></p>]]>
  </itunes:summary>
</item>
<item>
  <title>Love Builds the Church: a Lectio of 1 Cor 13</title>
  <link>https://drawnear.fireside.fm/156</link>
  <guid isPermaLink="false">478a5a9f-eec1-4669-a274-0c1758f3d29b</guid>
  <pubDate>Wed, 20 Dec 2023 01:30:00 -0600</pubDate>
  <author>Fred Shellabarger and Kara Kardell</author>
  <enclosure url="https://aphid.fireside.fm/d/1437767933/e1ddec60-ea89-4a32-a14b-8340909d71a5/478a5a9f-eec1-4669-a274-0c1758f3d29b.mp3" length="51103192" type="audio/mpeg"/>
  <itunes:episodeType>full</itunes:episodeType>
  <itunes:author>Fred Shellabarger and Kara Kardell</itunes:author>
  <itunes:subtitle>LOVE is the root of renewal of heart, renewal in the Church, and renewal in the world. "Love" builds the Church. This is a topic Fred and Kara have wanted to take up for a LONG time on the Draw Near podcast. We share personal reflections or this passage and how God has been moving in our hearts and lives recently. </itunes:subtitle>
  <itunes:duration>34:33</itunes:duration>
  <itunes:explicit>no</itunes:explicit>
  <itunes:image href="https://media24.fireside.fm/file/fireside-images-2024/podcasts/images/e/e1ddec60-ea89-4a32-a14b-8340909d71a5/episodes/4/478a5a9f-eec1-4669-a274-0c1758f3d29b/cover.jpg?v=2"/>
  <description>LOVE is the root of renewal of heart, renewal in the Church, and renewal in the world. "Love" builds the Church. This is a topic we have wanted to take up for a LONG time. We share personal reflections or this passage and how God has been moving in our hearts and lives recently. 
_Come, Holy Spirit, fill the hearts of Thy faithful and kindle in them the fire of Thy love. Send forth Thy Spirit and they shall be created. And Thou shalt renew the face of the earth.
_
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 &amp;amp; Kara Kardell 
</description>
  <itunes:keywords>Lectio Divina, 1 Corinthians 13, What is Love, Love is patient, Love is kind, Draw Near podcast, Fred and Kara, Catholic</itunes:keywords>
  <content:encoded>
    <![CDATA[<p>LOVE is the root of renewal of heart, renewal in the Church, and renewal in the world. &quot;Love&quot; builds the Church. This is a topic we have wanted to take up for a LONG time. We share personal reflections or this passage and how God has been moving in our hearts and lives recently. </p>

<p>_Come, Holy Spirit, fill the hearts of Thy faithful and kindle in them the fire of Thy love. Send forth Thy Spirit and they shall be created. And <strong>Thou shalt renew the face of the earth.</strong><br>
_<br>
Book Fred and/or Kara to speak by visiting the Draw Near &quot;<a href="https://www.drawnear.me/booking" rel="nofollow">booking page</a>.&quot;</p>

<p><a href="https://www.drawnear.me/donate" rel="nofollow">Click here</a> to become a patron! Patrons are essentially &quot;sponsors&quot; and co-producers or Draw Near as it could not happen without them. <br>
&quot;Like&quot; and follow us on <a href="https://www.facebook.com/fredandkara" rel="nofollow">Facebook!</a>. Follow us on <a href="https://www.instagram.com/drawnear.me/" rel="nofollow">Instagram</a>! </p>

<p>Who are &quot;Fred and Kara?&quot; Find out by visiting our <a href="https://www.drawnear.me/" rel="nofollow">home page. </a></p>

<p>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! </p>

<p>Draw Near Theme © Fred Shellabarger &amp; Kara Kardell</p><p><a rel="payment" href="https://www.patreon.com/drawnear">Support Draw Near</a></p>]]>
  </content:encoded>
  <itunes:summary>
    <![CDATA[<p>LOVE is the root of renewal of heart, renewal in the Church, and renewal in the world. &quot;Love&quot; builds the Church. This is a topic we have wanted to take up for a LONG time. We share personal reflections or this passage and how God has been moving in our hearts and lives recently. </p>

<p>_Come, Holy Spirit, fill the hearts of Thy faithful and kindle in them the fire of Thy love. Send forth Thy Spirit and they shall be created. And <strong>Thou shalt renew the face of the earth.</strong><br>
_<br>
Book Fred and/or Kara to speak by visiting the Draw Near &quot;<a href="https://www.drawnear.me/booking" rel="nofollow">booking page</a>.&quot;</p>

<p><a href="https://www.drawnear.me/donate" rel="nofollow">Click here</a> to become a patron! Patrons are essentially &quot;sponsors&quot; and co-producers or Draw Near as it could not happen without them. <br>
&quot;Like&quot; and follow us on <a href="https://www.facebook.com/fredandkara" rel="nofollow">Facebook!</a>. Follow us on <a href="https://www.instagram.com/drawnear.me/" rel="nofollow">Instagram</a>! </p>

<p>Who are &quot;Fred and Kara?&quot; Find out by visiting our <a href="https://www.drawnear.me/" rel="nofollow">home page. </a></p>

<p>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! </p>

<p>Draw Near Theme © Fred Shellabarger &amp; Kara Kardell</p><p><a rel="payment" href="https://www.patreon.com/drawnear">Support Draw Near</a></p>]]>
  </itunes:summary>
</item>
<item>
  <title>I Never Thought I'd Be a Yelling Mom</title>
  <link>https://drawnear.fireside.fm/63</link>
  <guid isPermaLink="false">f88d96c2-7159-40fe-a8c9-264ee2ca8a13</guid>
  <pubDate>Wed, 09 Nov 2022 02:00:00 -0600</pubDate>
  <author>Fred Shellabarger and Kara Kardell</author>
  <enclosure url="https://aphid.fireside.fm/d/1437767933/e1ddec60-ea89-4a32-a14b-8340909d71a5/f88d96c2-7159-40fe-a8c9-264ee2ca8a13.mp3" length="38805204" type="audio/mpeg"/>
  <itunes:episodeType>full</itunes:episodeType>
  <itunes:author>Fred Shellabarger and Kara Kardell</itunes:author>
  <itunes:subtitle>"They never told you in marriage preparation that some days, you won't like each other very much." Continuing our series on marriage and family life, Kara is joined by speaker, musician, podcaster, wife and mom, Noelle Garcia! Sharing from the heart and the "realness" of daily life as Catholic wives and moms, Kara and Noelle discuss the hardest and the greatest things about marriage and motherhood. What advice is there for those who struggle with mom guilt (or guilt in general)? How do you handle different parenting styles and different approaches to home life between spouses? What are the biggest challenges and joys of motherhood and how do we approach these and maintain joy? All of these questions are answered in this episode!  

Trigger Warning: Noelle also shares her testimony of faith in the midst of the grief of a miscarriage. </itunes:subtitle>
  <itunes:duration>45:38</itunes:duration>
  <itunes:explicit>no</itunes:explicit>
  <itunes:image href="https://media24.fireside.fm/file/fireside-images-2024/podcasts/images/e/e1ddec60-ea89-4a32-a14b-8340909d71a5/episodes/f/f88d96c2-7159-40fe-a8c9-264ee2ca8a13/cover.jpg?v=1"/>
  <description>"They never told you in marriage preparation that some days, you won't like each other very much." Continuing our series on marriage and family life, Kara is joined by speaker, musician, podcaster, wife and mom, Noelle Garcia! Sharing from the heart and the "realness" of daily life as Catholic wives and moms, Kara and Noelle discuss the hardest and the greatest things about marriage and motherhood. What advice is there for those who struggle with mom guilt (or guilt in general)? How do you handle different parenting styles and different approaches to home life between spouses? What are the biggest challenges and joys of motherhood and how do we approach these and maintain joy? All of these questions are answered in this episode!  
Trigger Warning: Noelle also shares her testimony of faith in the midst of the grief of a miscarriage. 
NOTE FROM FRED: "This is by far one of the most beautiful episodes of Draw Near. Although I am not a mother, I found my heart deeply touched, moved and inspired by the discussion. Noelle's testimony, having recently undergone the same trial with my family, was very healing. I encourage all dads, all Catholic men desiring to live the faith and follow Christ, listen to this episode. We have much to learn from our sisters in Christ."
Learn more about David and Noelle Garcia McHugh by visiting their website. (https://www.mqministries.net/) Listen to their podcast here! (https://somehowimarriage.podbean.com/) Check out the Fingers Under the Door comic on Instagram (https://www.instagram.com/fingers_under_the_door_comic/)!
Interested in reading one of our favorite books? You can purchase I Believe in Love here! (https://amzn.to/3swlYhH) Sign up to join the book study on Suscipe.co (https://community.suscipe.co/share/kbcM_yulxWmAaX5Y?utm_source=manual) Watch us share a little about what to expect with the book study here! (https://youtu.be/RtraP1itZes) Subscribe to our channel while you are there as we will have more content coming soon.
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 &amp;amp; Kara Kardell
*As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases. 
</description>
  <itunes:keywords>Wives, Catholic, Motherhood, Marriage, Draw Near podcast, Fred and Kara, faith at home, miscarriage, healing, guilt, Noelle Garcia</itunes:keywords>
  <content:encoded>
    <![CDATA[<p>&quot;They never told you in marriage preparation that some days, you won&#39;t like each other very much.&quot; Continuing our series on marriage and family life, Kara is joined by speaker, musician, podcaster, wife and mom, Noelle Garcia! Sharing from the heart and the &quot;realness&quot; of daily life as Catholic wives and moms, Kara and Noelle discuss the hardest and the greatest things about marriage and motherhood. What advice is there for those who struggle with mom guilt (or guilt in general)? How do you handle different parenting styles and different approaches to home life between spouses? What are the biggest challenges and joys of motherhood and how do we approach these and maintain joy? All of these questions are answered in this episode!  </p>

<p><strong>Trigger Warning</strong>: Noelle also shares her testimony of faith in the midst of the grief of a miscarriage. </p>

<p>NOTE FROM FRED: &quot;This is by far one of the most beautiful episodes of Draw Near. Although I am not a mother, I found my heart deeply touched, moved and inspired by the discussion. Noelle&#39;s testimony, having recently undergone the same trial with my family, was very healing. I encourage all dads, all Catholic men desiring to live the faith and follow Christ, listen to this episode. We have much to learn from our sisters in Christ.&quot;</p>

<p>Learn more about David and Noelle Garcia McHugh by visiting their <a href="https://www.mqministries.net/" rel="nofollow">website.</a> Listen to their podcast <a href="https://somehowimarriage.podbean.com/" rel="nofollow">here!</a> Check out the Fingers Under the Door comic on <a href="https://www.instagram.com/fingers_under_the_door_comic/" rel="nofollow">Instagram</a>!</p>

<p>Interested in reading one of our favorite books? You can purchase <em>I Believe in Love</em> <a href="https://amzn.to/3swlYhH" rel="nofollow">here!</a> Sign up to join the book study on <a href="https://community.suscipe.co/share/kbcM_yulxWmAaX5Y?utm_source=manual" rel="nofollow">Suscipe.co</a> Watch us share a little about what to expect with the book study <a href="https://youtu.be/RtraP1itZes" rel="nofollow">here!</a> Subscribe to our channel while you are there as we will have more content coming soon.</p>

<p>Who are &quot;Fred and Kara?&quot; Find out by visiting our <a href="https://www.drawnear.me/" rel="nofollow">home page. </a> Join the Draw Near Community Space on <a href="https://community.suscipe.co/share/M1CQceCQ6cMeBTIB?utm_source=manual" rel="nofollow">Suscipe.co</a></p>

<p><a href="https://www.drawnear.me/donate" rel="nofollow">Click here</a> to become a supporter/patron! &quot;Like&quot; and follow us on <a href="https://www.facebook.com/fredandkara" rel="nofollow">Facebook!</a> You can even find us on <a href="https://twitter.com/fredandkara" rel="nofollow">Twitter.</a> Book Fred and/or Kara to speak by visiting the Draw Near &quot;<a href="https://www.drawnear.me/booking" rel="nofollow">booking page</a>.&quot;</p>

<p>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! </p>

<p>Draw Near Theme © Fred Shellabarger &amp; Kara Kardell</p>

<p>*As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases.</p><p><a rel="payment" href="https://www.patreon.com/drawnear">Support Draw Near</a></p>]]>
  </content:encoded>
  <itunes:summary>
    <![CDATA[<p>&quot;They never told you in marriage preparation that some days, you won&#39;t like each other very much.&quot; Continuing our series on marriage and family life, Kara is joined by speaker, musician, podcaster, wife and mom, Noelle Garcia! Sharing from the heart and the &quot;realness&quot; of daily life as Catholic wives and moms, Kara and Noelle discuss the hardest and the greatest things about marriage and motherhood. What advice is there for those who struggle with mom guilt (or guilt in general)? How do you handle different parenting styles and different approaches to home life between spouses? What are the biggest challenges and joys of motherhood and how do we approach these and maintain joy? All of these questions are answered in this episode!  </p>

<p><strong>Trigger Warning</strong>: Noelle also shares her testimony of faith in the midst of the grief of a miscarriage. </p>

<p>NOTE FROM FRED: &quot;This is by far one of the most beautiful episodes of Draw Near. Although I am not a mother, I found my heart deeply touched, moved and inspired by the discussion. Noelle&#39;s testimony, having recently undergone the same trial with my family, was very healing. I encourage all dads, all Catholic men desiring to live the faith and follow Christ, listen to this episode. We have much to learn from our sisters in Christ.&quot;</p>

<p>Learn more about David and Noelle Garcia McHugh by visiting their <a href="https://www.mqministries.net/" rel="nofollow">website.</a> Listen to their podcast <a href="https://somehowimarriage.podbean.com/" rel="nofollow">here!</a> Check out the Fingers Under the Door comic on <a href="https://www.instagram.com/fingers_under_the_door_comic/" rel="nofollow">Instagram</a>!</p>

<p>Interested in reading one of our favorite books? You can purchase <em>I Believe in Love</em> <a href="https://amzn.to/3swlYhH" rel="nofollow">here!</a> Sign up to join the book study on <a href="https://community.suscipe.co/share/kbcM_yulxWmAaX5Y?utm_source=manual" rel="nofollow">Suscipe.co</a> Watch us share a little about what to expect with the book study <a href="https://youtu.be/RtraP1itZes" rel="nofollow">here!</a> Subscribe to our channel while you are there as we will have more content coming soon.</p>

<p>Who are &quot;Fred and Kara?&quot; Find out by visiting our <a href="https://www.drawnear.me/" rel="nofollow">home page. </a> Join the Draw Near Community Space on <a href="https://community.suscipe.co/share/M1CQceCQ6cMeBTIB?utm_source=manual" rel="nofollow">Suscipe.co</a></p>

<p><a href="https://www.drawnear.me/donate" rel="nofollow">Click here</a> to become a supporter/patron! &quot;Like&quot; and follow us on <a href="https://www.facebook.com/fredandkara" rel="nofollow">Facebook!</a> You can even find us on <a href="https://twitter.com/fredandkara" rel="nofollow">Twitter.</a> Book Fred and/or Kara to speak by visiting the Draw Near &quot;<a href="https://www.drawnear.me/booking" rel="nofollow">booking page</a>.&quot;</p>

<p>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! </p>

<p>Draw Near Theme © Fred Shellabarger &amp; Kara Kardell</p>

<p>*As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases.</p><p><a rel="payment" href="https://www.patreon.com/drawnear">Support Draw Near</a></p>]]>
  </itunes:summary>
</item>
<item>
  <title>Wives and Wine</title>
  <link>https://drawnear.fireside.fm/61</link>
  <guid isPermaLink="false">f17d2819-a61c-4902-ad46-5de0f8e9b466</guid>
  <pubDate>Wed, 12 Oct 2022 02:00:00 -0500</pubDate>
  <author>Fred Shellabarger and Kara Kardell</author>
  <enclosure url="https://aphid.fireside.fm/d/1437767933/e1ddec60-ea89-4a32-a14b-8340909d71a5/f17d2819-a61c-4902-ad46-5de0f8e9b466.mp3" length="34717233" type="audio/mpeg"/>
  <itunes:episodeType>full</itunes:episodeType>
  <itunes:author>Fred Shellabarger and Kara Kardell</itunes:author>
  <itunes:subtitle>The ladies had to get their 2 cents in on this family series! If you enjoyed the husband/dad episodes, you'll love this one more. Tune in to hear Kara chat with her good friend (and Fred's wife) Krystal Shellabarger about marriage and motherhood.</itunes:subtitle>
  <itunes:duration>45:39</itunes:duration>
  <itunes:explicit>no</itunes:explicit>
  <itunes:image href="https://media24.fireside.fm/file/fireside-images-2024/podcasts/images/e/e1ddec60-ea89-4a32-a14b-8340909d71a5/episodes/f/f17d2819-a61c-4902-ad46-5de0f8e9b466/cover.jpg?v=1"/>
  <description>The ladies had to get their 2 cents in on this family series! If you enjoyed the husband/dad episodes, you'll love this one more. Tune in to hear Kara chat with her good friend (and Fred's wife) Krystal Shellabarger about marriage and motherhood.
"We basically sat down with wine and recorded things we talk about all the time! We chat about being a wife, and the good, the difficult, and the proud moments of motherhood."-Kara
Click to Donate (https://www.drawnear.me/donate) to become a supporter/patron! Join the community by following the Draw Near Facebook page (https://www.facebook.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 &amp;amp; Kara Kardell 
</description>
  <itunes:keywords>Wives, Catholic, Motherhood, Marriage, Draw Near podcast, Fred and Kara, recipes, faith at home</itunes:keywords>
  <content:encoded>
    <![CDATA[<p>The ladies had to get their 2 cents in on this family series! If you enjoyed the husband/dad episodes, you&#39;ll love this one more. Tune in to hear Kara chat with her good friend (and Fred&#39;s wife) Krystal Shellabarger about marriage and motherhood.</p>

<p>&quot;We basically sat down with wine and recorded things we talk about all the time! We chat about being a wife, and the good, the difficult, and the proud moments of motherhood.&quot;-Kara</p>

<p><a href="https://www.drawnear.me/donate" rel="nofollow">Click to Donate</a> to become a supporter/patron! Join the community by following the Draw Near <a href="https://www.facebook.com/fredandkara" rel="nofollow">Facebook page</a>. Book Fred and/or Kara to speak by visiting the Draw Near &quot;<a href="https://www.drawnear.me/booking" rel="nofollow">booking page</a>.&quot;</p>

<p>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! </p>

<p>Draw Near Theme © Fred Shellabarger &amp; Kara Kardell</p><p><a rel="payment" href="https://www.patreon.com/drawnear">Support Draw Near</a></p>]]>
  </content:encoded>
  <itunes:summary>
    <![CDATA[<p>The ladies had to get their 2 cents in on this family series! If you enjoyed the husband/dad episodes, you&#39;ll love this one more. Tune in to hear Kara chat with her good friend (and Fred&#39;s wife) Krystal Shellabarger about marriage and motherhood.</p>

<p>&quot;We basically sat down with wine and recorded things we talk about all the time! We chat about being a wife, and the good, the difficult, and the proud moments of motherhood.&quot;-Kara</p>

<p><a href="https://www.drawnear.me/donate" rel="nofollow">Click to Donate</a> to become a supporter/patron! Join the community by following the Draw Near <a href="https://www.facebook.com/fredandkara" rel="nofollow">Facebook page</a>. Book Fred and/or Kara to speak by visiting the Draw Near &quot;<a href="https://www.drawnear.me/booking" rel="nofollow">booking page</a>.&quot;</p>

<p>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! </p>

<p>Draw Near Theme © Fred Shellabarger &amp; Kara Kardell</p><p><a rel="payment" href="https://www.patreon.com/drawnear">Support Draw Near</a></p>]]>
  </itunes:summary>
</item>
<item>
  <title>God's Ways are Desert Ways: An interview with Sonja Corbitt on her book "Just Rest"</title>
  <link>https://drawnear.fireside.fm/30</link>
  <guid isPermaLink="false">53dbd36d-f302-42f2-b5f9-84faa01817d1</guid>
  <pubDate>Wed, 24 Nov 2021 02:00:00 -0600</pubDate>
  <author>Fred Shellabarger and Kara Kardell</author>
  <enclosure url="https://aphid.fireside.fm/d/1437767933/e1ddec60-ea89-4a32-a14b-8340909d71a5/53dbd36d-f302-42f2-b5f9-84faa01817d1.mp3" length="61070663" type="audio/mpeg"/>
  <itunes:episodeType>full</itunes:episodeType>
  <itunes:author>Fred Shellabarger and Kara Kardell</itunes:author>
  <itunes:subtitle>Fred Shellabarger and Kara Kardell speak with guest, Catholic speaker, author, and podcaster, Sonja Corbitt! Sonja is the Bible Evangelista! This episode unpacks some content in her book, "Just Rest." What does the Exodus teach us? How are God's ways desert ways? God's ways are ALWAYS desert ways. He shows us this throughout the Scriptures, specifically through the Exodus. 
God wants to bring us to the promised land! But before the promised land comes the desert. There are lessons to be learned and "dew" to be given within the desert. Listen to this episode to hear this in depth discussion of "Just Rest" and some profound experiences of Fred and Kara in reading this book. </itunes:subtitle>
  <itunes:duration>55:59</itunes:duration>
  <itunes:explicit>no</itunes:explicit>
  <itunes:image href="https://media24.fireside.fm/file/fireside-images-2024/podcasts/images/e/e1ddec60-ea89-4a32-a14b-8340909d71a5/episodes/5/53dbd36d-f302-42f2-b5f9-84faa01817d1/cover.jpg?v=2"/>
  <description>In this episode, we speak with guest, Catholic speaker, author, and podcaster, Sonja Corbitt! You won't want to miss it!!
Sonja is known as the "Bible Evangelista" and that she is! Her knowledge and incorporation of the Scriptures is exactly what we need more of in the Church! Our spiritual growth and knowledge of the faith should not be based on opinion, but rooted in the Word of God! Sonja does this. 
This episode unpacks some content in her book, "Just Rest." God's ways are ALWAYS desert ways. He shows us this reality throughout the Scriptures, specifically through the Exodus. We will undergo trials and struggles, but God is working within us in the midst of the deserts!
God wants to bring us to the promised land! But, as seen with the Israelites, before the Promised Land comes the desert. There are lessons to be learned and "dew" to be given within these deserts. Listen to this episode to hear this in depth discussion of "Just Rest" and some profound experiences of Fred and Kara in reading this book. 
*Included in this episode: *
"Just Rest (https://amzn.to/3F7Zif8)" by Sonja Corbitt
Sonja's Lectio Method (https://www.biblestudyevangelista.com/learn-to-love-the-word/)
"How to Pray Like Mary (https://amzn.to/3MQcHL1)" by Sonja Corbitt
Click to Donate (https://www.drawnear.me/donate) to the BeardRazer! If we reach our goal TODAY, Kara will shave Fred’s beard off live on our 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 &amp;amp; Kara Kardell 
</description>
  <itunes:keywords>Sonja Corbitt, Draw Near, Podcast, Bible Evangelista, Just Rest, Discussion, Fred Shellabarger, Kara Kardell, God's Ways are Desert Ways, Exodus Study</itunes:keywords>
  <content:encoded>
    <![CDATA[<p>In this episode, we speak with guest, Catholic speaker, author, and podcaster, Sonja Corbitt! You won&#39;t want to miss it!!<br>
Sonja is known as the &quot;Bible Evangelista&quot; and <em>that</em> she is! Her knowledge and incorporation of the Scriptures is exactly what we need more of in the Church! Our spiritual growth and knowledge of the faith should not be based on opinion, but rooted in the Word of God! Sonja does this. <br>
This episode unpacks some content in her book, &quot;Just Rest.&quot; God&#39;s ways are ALWAYS desert ways. He shows us this reality throughout the Scriptures, specifically through the Exodus. We will undergo trials and struggles, but God is working within us in the midst of the deserts!<br>
God wants to bring us to the promised land! But, as seen with the Israelites, before the Promised Land comes the desert. There are lessons to be learned and &quot;dew&quot; to be given within these deserts. Listen to this episode to hear this in depth discussion of &quot;Just Rest&quot; and some profound experiences of Fred and Kara in reading this book. </p>

<p>*<em>Included in this episode: *</em><br>
&quot;<a href="https://amzn.to/3F7Zif8" rel="nofollow">Just Rest</a>&quot; by Sonja Corbitt<br>
Sonja&#39;s <a href="https://www.biblestudyevangelista.com/learn-to-love-the-word/" rel="nofollow">Lectio Method</a><br>
&quot;<a href="https://amzn.to/3MQcHL1" rel="nofollow">How to Pray Like Mary</a>&quot; by Sonja Corbitt</p>

<p><a href="https://www.drawnear.me/donate" rel="nofollow">Click to Donate</a> to the BeardRazer! If we reach our goal TODAY, Kara will shave Fred’s beard off live on our Draw Near <a href="https://www.facebook.com/fredandkara/" rel="nofollow">Facebook page</a>.</p>

<p>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 &amp; Kara Kardell</p><p><a rel="payment" href="https://www.patreon.com/drawnear">Support Draw Near</a></p>]]>
  </content:encoded>
  <itunes:summary>
    <![CDATA[<p>In this episode, we speak with guest, Catholic speaker, author, and podcaster, Sonja Corbitt! You won&#39;t want to miss it!!<br>
Sonja is known as the &quot;Bible Evangelista&quot; and <em>that</em> she is! Her knowledge and incorporation of the Scriptures is exactly what we need more of in the Church! Our spiritual growth and knowledge of the faith should not be based on opinion, but rooted in the Word of God! Sonja does this. <br>
This episode unpacks some content in her book, &quot;Just Rest.&quot; God&#39;s ways are ALWAYS desert ways. He shows us this reality throughout the Scriptures, specifically through the Exodus. We will undergo trials and struggles, but God is working within us in the midst of the deserts!<br>
God wants to bring us to the promised land! But, as seen with the Israelites, before the Promised Land comes the desert. There are lessons to be learned and &quot;dew&quot; to be given within these deserts. Listen to this episode to hear this in depth discussion of &quot;Just Rest&quot; and some profound experiences of Fred and Kara in reading this book. </p>

<p>*<em>Included in this episode: *</em><br>
&quot;<a href="https://amzn.to/3F7Zif8" rel="nofollow">Just Rest</a>&quot; by Sonja Corbitt<br>
Sonja&#39;s <a href="https://www.biblestudyevangelista.com/learn-to-love-the-word/" rel="nofollow">Lectio Method</a><br>
&quot;<a href="https://amzn.to/3MQcHL1" rel="nofollow">How to Pray Like Mary</a>&quot; by Sonja Corbitt</p>

<p><a href="https://www.drawnear.me/donate" rel="nofollow">Click to Donate</a> to the BeardRazer! If we reach our goal TODAY, Kara will shave Fred’s beard off live on our Draw Near <a href="https://www.facebook.com/fredandkara/" rel="nofollow">Facebook page</a>.</p>

<p>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 &amp; Kara Kardell</p><p><a rel="payment" href="https://www.patreon.com/drawnear">Support Draw Near</a></p>]]>
  </itunes:summary>
</item>
<item>
  <title>What Am I Supposed to Do?</title>
  <link>https://drawnear.fireside.fm/28</link>
  <guid isPermaLink="false">2904481a-3db3-4388-b57a-f1d2188b72d5</guid>
  <pubDate>Wed, 10 Nov 2021 02:00:00 -0600</pubDate>
  <author>Fred Shellabarger and Kara Kardell</author>
  <enclosure url="https://aphid.fireside.fm/d/1437767933/e1ddec60-ea89-4a32-a14b-8340909d71a5/2904481a-3db3-4388-b57a-f1d2188b72d5.mp3" length="40530028" type="audio/mpeg"/>
  <itunes:episodeType>full</itunes:episodeType>
  <itunes:author>Fred Shellabarger and Kara Kardell</itunes:author>
  <itunes:subtitle>Fred Shellabarger, Kara Kardell, and guest-Sister Fidelis Marie talk about living holiness in our every day lives on this episode of the Draw Near podcast. It's easy to get bogged down discerning the future options, vocations, or the many choices placed in front of us. Sister Fidelis gives wonderful, spiritually balanced, guidance on discerning where God calls us. We also talk about making decisions in life, consolation and desolation, wounds, and the importance of living out the call to holiness each day. We shouldn't wait until a future date to become who God created us to be! Simply say yes to God. </itunes:subtitle>
  <itunes:duration>54:26</itunes:duration>
  <itunes:explicit>no</itunes:explicit>
  <itunes:image href="https://media24.fireside.fm/file/fireside-images-2024/podcasts/images/e/e1ddec60-ea89-4a32-a14b-8340909d71a5/episodes/2/2904481a-3db3-4388-b57a-f1d2188b72d5/cover.jpg?v=1"/>
  <description>In this episode, we talk about living holiness in our every day lives with special friend and guest, Sister Fidelis Marie of the Missionary Benedictine Sisters.
It's easy to get bogged down discerning the future options, vocations, or the many small choices placed in front of us.
How do we know what we are supposed to do? What happens if we get off the path God wants for us? What if I'm not living in my big "V" Vocation, yet? 
Sister Fidelis gives wonderful, spiritually balanced, guidance on discerning where God calls us... DAILY! We also talk about making decisions in life, consolation and desolation, wounds, and the importance of living out the call to holiness each day. We shouldn't wait until a future date to become who God created us to be! Simply say yes to God. 
We will be leading a book study of "I Believe in Love" with our patrons/supporters! Interested? Pray about supporting the mission of Draw Near.
Click to Donate (https://www.drawnear.me/donate) to the BeardRazer! If we reach the goal of Patrons, Kara will shave Fred’s beard off live on our Draw Near Facebook page (https://www.facebook.com/fredandkara)! 
</description>
  <itunes:keywords>Holiness, Vocations, discernment, Sister Fidelis Marie, Guest, Draw Near Podcast, Fred and Kara, Catholic</itunes:keywords>
  <content:encoded>
    <![CDATA[<p>In this episode, we talk about living holiness in our every day lives with special friend and guest, Sister Fidelis Marie of the Missionary Benedictine Sisters.<br>
It&#39;s easy to get bogged down discerning the future options, vocations, or the many small choices placed in front of us.<br>
How do we know what we are supposed to do? What happens if we get off the path God wants for us? What if I&#39;m not living in my big &quot;V&quot; Vocation, yet? <br>
Sister Fidelis gives wonderful, spiritually balanced, guidance on discerning where God calls us... DAILY! We also talk about making decisions in life, consolation and desolation, wounds, and the importance of living out the call to holiness each day. We shouldn&#39;t wait until a future date to become who God created us to be! Simply say yes to God. </p>

<p><strong>We will be leading a book study of &quot;I Believe in Love&quot; with our patrons/supporters! Interested? Pray about supporting the mission of Draw Near.</strong><br>
Click to <a href="https://www.drawnear.me/donate" rel="nofollow">Donate</a> to the BeardRazer! If we reach the goal of Patrons, Kara will shave Fred’s beard off live on our Draw Near <a href="https://www.facebook.com/fredandkara" rel="nofollow">Facebook page</a>! </p><p><a rel="payment" href="https://www.patreon.com/drawnear">Support Draw Near</a></p>]]>
  </content:encoded>
  <itunes:summary>
    <![CDATA[<p>In this episode, we talk about living holiness in our every day lives with special friend and guest, Sister Fidelis Marie of the Missionary Benedictine Sisters.<br>
It&#39;s easy to get bogged down discerning the future options, vocations, or the many small choices placed in front of us.<br>
How do we know what we are supposed to do? What happens if we get off the path God wants for us? What if I&#39;m not living in my big &quot;V&quot; Vocation, yet? <br>
Sister Fidelis gives wonderful, spiritually balanced, guidance on discerning where God calls us... DAILY! We also talk about making decisions in life, consolation and desolation, wounds, and the importance of living out the call to holiness each day. We shouldn&#39;t wait until a future date to become who God created us to be! Simply say yes to God. </p>

<p><strong>We will be leading a book study of &quot;I Believe in Love&quot; with our patrons/supporters! Interested? Pray about supporting the mission of Draw Near.</strong><br>
Click to <a href="https://www.drawnear.me/donate" rel="nofollow">Donate</a> to the BeardRazer! If we reach the goal of Patrons, Kara will shave Fred’s beard off live on our Draw Near <a href="https://www.facebook.com/fredandkara" rel="nofollow">Facebook page</a>! </p><p><a rel="payment" href="https://www.patreon.com/drawnear">Support Draw Near</a></p>]]>
  </itunes:summary>
</item>
<item>
  <title>Praying the Catechism and God's Incredible Love for You</title>
  <link>https://drawnear.fireside.fm/25</link>
  <guid isPermaLink="false">57719251-886f-45c1-b17a-a83839698f49</guid>
  <pubDate>Sat, 09 Oct 2021 02:00:00 -0500</pubDate>
  <author>Fred Shellabarger and Kara Kardell</author>
  <enclosure url="https://aphid.fireside.fm/d/1437767933/e1ddec60-ea89-4a32-a14b-8340909d71a5/57719251-886f-45c1-b17a-a83839698f49.mp3" length="3934182" type="audio/mpeg"/>
  <itunes:episodeType>bonus</itunes:episodeType>
  <itunes:author>Fred Shellabarger and Kara Kardell</itunes:author>
  <itunes:subtitle>In this Shorty, Fred Shellabarger shows us how to not only pray with Scripture, but also how to pray with the Catechism of the Catholic Church, which is itself filled with Scripture. This book, a summation of the Catholic faith, is not merely a reference book. The Church teaches Truth, and we are invited to not simply learn this truth, but pray with it! Fred presents a method for praying the Catechism, and reflects on the profound truth and beauty that is revealed in the process. </itunes:subtitle>
  <itunes:duration>7:40</itunes:duration>
  <itunes:explicit>no</itunes:explicit>
  <itunes:image href="https://media24.fireside.fm/file/fireside-images-2024/podcasts/images/e/e1ddec60-ea89-4a32-a14b-8340909d71a5/episodes/5/57719251-886f-45c1-b17a-a83839698f49/cover.jpg?v=1"/>
  <description>In this "shorty," in honor of our website (www.drawnear.me) launch week, Fred builds on the previous discussion about the importance of Scripture study, and the how praying the Scriptures helps us to walk and talk with God. 
In this segment, Fred explores the Catechism of the Catholic Church, which is itself filled with Scripture. This book, a summation of the Catholic faith, is not merely a reference book. One can explore its rich depths in a variety of ways. Here, Fred presents a method for praying the Catechism, and reflects on the profound truth and beauty that is revealed in the process. 
Catechism of the Catholic Church
Paragraph 1
God, infinitely perfect and blessed in himself, in a plan of sheer goodness freely created man to make him share in his own blessed life. For this reason, at every time and in every place, God draws close to man. He calls man to seek him, to know him, to love him with all his strength. He calls together all men, scattered and divided by sin, into the unity of his family, the Church. To accomplish this, when the fullness of time had come, God sent his Son as Redeemer and Saviour. In his Son and through him, he invites men to become, in the Holy Spirit, his adopted children and thus heirs of his blessed life.
How might we pray this passage? Like this:** Insert your name in the blanks**
God, infinitely perfect and blessed in himself, in a plan of sheer goodness freely created _____________ share in his own blessed life. For this reason, at every time and in every place, God draws close to ______________. He calls ______________ [and all men] to seek him, to know him, to love him with all his strength. He calls ____________ [and] together all men, scattered and divided by sin, into the unity of his family, the Church. To accomplish this, when the fullness of time had come, God sent his Son as Redeemer and Saviour. In his Son and through him, he invites ____________ [and all] men to become, in the Holy Spirit, his adopted children and thus heirs of his blessed life.
Click to Donate (https://www.drawnear.me/donate) on Patreon to the BeardRazer! If we reach the goal of $1,000 in monthy support, Fred will shave his beard live on our Draw Near Facebook (https://www.facebook.com/fredandkara) page! Thank you! 
</description>
  <itunes:keywords>Prayer, Scripture, Catholic, Catechism of the Catholic Church, Reflection, God's Love</itunes:keywords>
  <content:encoded>
    <![CDATA[<p>In this &quot;shorty,&quot; in honor of our [website](<a href="http://www.drawnear.me" rel="nofollow">www.drawnear.me</a>) launch week, Fred builds on the previous discussion about the importance of Scripture study, and the how praying the Scriptures helps us to walk and talk with God. </p>

<p>In this segment, Fred explores the Catechism of the Catholic Church, which is itself filled with Scripture. This book, a summation of the Catholic faith, is not merely a reference book. One can explore its rich depths in a variety of ways. Here, Fred presents a method for praying the Catechism, and reflects on the profound truth and beauty that is revealed in the process. </p>

<p>Catechism of the Catholic Church<br>
Paragraph 1<br>
God, infinitely perfect and blessed in himself, in a plan of sheer goodness freely created man to make him share in his own blessed life. For this reason, at every time and in every place, God draws close to man. He calls man to seek him, to know him, to love him with all his strength. He calls together all men, scattered and divided by sin, into the unity of his family, the Church. To accomplish this, when the fullness of time had come, God sent his Son as Redeemer and Saviour. In his Son and through him, he invites men to become, in the Holy Spirit, his adopted children and thus heirs of his blessed life.</p>

<p>How might we pray this passage? Like this:** Insert your name in the blanks**</p>

<p>God, infinitely perfect and blessed in himself, in a plan of sheer goodness freely created _____________ share in his own blessed life. For this reason, at every time and in every place, God draws close to ______________<strong><em>. He calls _</em></strong>_____________ [and all men] to seek him, to know him, to love him with all his strength. He calls ____________ [and] together all men, scattered and divided by sin, into the unity of his family, the Church. To accomplish this, when the fullness of time had come, God sent his Son as Redeemer and Saviour. In his Son and through him, he invites ____________ [and all] men to become, in the Holy Spirit, his adopted children and thus heirs of his blessed life.</p>

<p>Click to <a href="https://www.drawnear.me/donate" rel="nofollow">Donate</a> on Patreon to the BeardRazer! If we reach the goal of $1,000 in monthy support, Fred will shave his beard live on our <a href="https://www.facebook.com/fredandkara" rel="nofollow">Draw Near Facebook</a> page! Thank you!</p><p><a rel="payment" href="https://www.patreon.com/drawnear">Support Draw Near</a></p>]]>
  </content:encoded>
  <itunes:summary>
    <![CDATA[<p>In this &quot;shorty,&quot; in honor of our [website](<a href="http://www.drawnear.me" rel="nofollow">www.drawnear.me</a>) launch week, Fred builds on the previous discussion about the importance of Scripture study, and the how praying the Scriptures helps us to walk and talk with God. </p>

<p>In this segment, Fred explores the Catechism of the Catholic Church, which is itself filled with Scripture. This book, a summation of the Catholic faith, is not merely a reference book. One can explore its rich depths in a variety of ways. Here, Fred presents a method for praying the Catechism, and reflects on the profound truth and beauty that is revealed in the process. </p>

<p>Catechism of the Catholic Church<br>
Paragraph 1<br>
God, infinitely perfect and blessed in himself, in a plan of sheer goodness freely created man to make him share in his own blessed life. For this reason, at every time and in every place, God draws close to man. He calls man to seek him, to know him, to love him with all his strength. He calls together all men, scattered and divided by sin, into the unity of his family, the Church. To accomplish this, when the fullness of time had come, God sent his Son as Redeemer and Saviour. In his Son and through him, he invites men to become, in the Holy Spirit, his adopted children and thus heirs of his blessed life.</p>

<p>How might we pray this passage? Like this:** Insert your name in the blanks**</p>

<p>God, infinitely perfect and blessed in himself, in a plan of sheer goodness freely created _____________ share in his own blessed life. For this reason, at every time and in every place, God draws close to ______________<strong><em>. He calls _</em></strong>_____________ [and all men] to seek him, to know him, to love him with all his strength. He calls ____________ [and] together all men, scattered and divided by sin, into the unity of his family, the Church. To accomplish this, when the fullness of time had come, God sent his Son as Redeemer and Saviour. In his Son and through him, he invites ____________ [and all] men to become, in the Holy Spirit, his adopted children and thus heirs of his blessed life.</p>

<p>Click to <a href="https://www.drawnear.me/donate" rel="nofollow">Donate</a> on Patreon to the BeardRazer! If we reach the goal of $1,000 in monthy support, Fred will shave his beard live on our <a href="https://www.facebook.com/fredandkara" rel="nofollow">Draw Near Facebook</a> page! Thank you!</p><p><a rel="payment" href="https://www.patreon.com/drawnear">Support Draw Near</a></p>]]>
  </itunes:summary>
</item>
<item>
  <title>The Word is Alive</title>
  <link>https://drawnear.fireside.fm/24</link>
  <guid isPermaLink="false">dc2a7683-6968-43ba-8613-03ae0084eb43</guid>
  <pubDate>Thu, 07 Oct 2021 02:00:00 -0500</pubDate>
  <author>Fred Shellabarger and Kara Kardell</author>
  <enclosure url="https://aphid.fireside.fm/d/1437767933/e1ddec60-ea89-4a32-a14b-8340909d71a5/dc2a7683-6968-43ba-8613-03ae0084eb43.mp3" length="22564689" type="audio/mpeg"/>
  <itunes:episodeType>bonus</itunes:episodeType>
  <itunes:author>Fred Shellabarger and Kara Kardell</itunes:author>
  <itunes:subtitle>Scripture is the Living Word of God. It is there, in Scripture, that we encounter Christ. It is through study and prayer of the Word that we walk with God and speak with Him. </itunes:subtitle>
  <itunes:duration>28:30</itunes:duration>
  <itunes:explicit>no</itunes:explicit>
  <itunes:image href="https://media24.fireside.fm/file/fireside-images-2024/podcasts/images/e/e1ddec60-ea89-4a32-a14b-8340909d71a5/episodes/d/dc2a7683-6968-43ba-8613-03ae0084eb43/cover.jpg?v=1"/>
  <description>Scripture is the Living Word of God. It is there, in Scripture, that we encounter Christ. It is through study and prayer of the Word that we walk with God and speak with Him. God is alive in the Word!
We might struggle to hear God's voice. Maybe it's hard to grow in holiness. But the one thing that is absolutely essential to grow closer to God is time with Scripture! 
In this "shorty," Fred and Kara talk about the importance of Scripture. They share life-changing passages in their own lives, give tips to study Scripture, and teach how to pray with Scripture. It truly is a MUST!
How to pray Lectio Divina (https://hallow.com/2020/01/09/how-to-pray-lectio-divina/)
Click to Donate (https://www.drawnear.me/donate) on Patreon to the BeardRazer! If we reach the goal of $1,000 in monthy support, Fred will shave his beard live on our Draw Near Facebook (https://www.facebook.com/fredandkara) page! Thank you! 
</description>
  <itunes:keywords>Scripture, Word of God, Prayer, Bible Study, Jesus in the Bible</itunes:keywords>
  <content:encoded>
    <![CDATA[<p>Scripture is the Living Word of God. It is there, in Scripture, that we encounter Christ. It is through study and prayer of the Word that we walk with God and speak with Him. God is alive in the Word!<br>
We might struggle to hear God&#39;s voice. Maybe it&#39;s hard to grow in holiness. But the one thing that is absolutely essential to grow closer to God is time with Scripture! <br>
In this &quot;shorty,&quot; Fred and Kara talk about the importance of Scripture. They share life-changing passages in their own lives, give tips to study Scripture, and teach how to pray with Scripture. It truly is a MUST!</p>

<p>How to pray <a href="https://hallow.com/2020/01/09/how-to-pray-lectio-divina/" rel="nofollow">Lectio Divina</a></p>

<p>Click to <a href="https://www.drawnear.me/donate" rel="nofollow">Donate</a> on Patreon to the BeardRazer! If we reach the goal of $1,000 in monthy support, Fred will shave his beard live on our <a href="https://www.facebook.com/fredandkara" rel="nofollow">Draw Near Facebook</a> page! Thank you!</p><p><a rel="payment" href="https://www.patreon.com/drawnear">Support Draw Near</a></p>]]>
  </content:encoded>
  <itunes:summary>
    <![CDATA[<p>Scripture is the Living Word of God. It is there, in Scripture, that we encounter Christ. It is through study and prayer of the Word that we walk with God and speak with Him. God is alive in the Word!<br>
We might struggle to hear God&#39;s voice. Maybe it&#39;s hard to grow in holiness. But the one thing that is absolutely essential to grow closer to God is time with Scripture! <br>
In this &quot;shorty,&quot; Fred and Kara talk about the importance of Scripture. They share life-changing passages in their own lives, give tips to study Scripture, and teach how to pray with Scripture. It truly is a MUST!</p>

<p>How to pray <a href="https://hallow.com/2020/01/09/how-to-pray-lectio-divina/" rel="nofollow">Lectio Divina</a></p>

<p>Click to <a href="https://www.drawnear.me/donate" rel="nofollow">Donate</a> on Patreon to the BeardRazer! If we reach the goal of $1,000 in monthy support, Fred will shave his beard live on our <a href="https://www.facebook.com/fredandkara" rel="nofollow">Draw Near Facebook</a> page! Thank you!</p><p><a rel="payment" href="https://www.patreon.com/drawnear">Support Draw Near</a></p>]]>
  </itunes:summary>
</item>
  </channel>
</rss>
