Draw Near - Episodes Tagged with “Encouragement”

Still Here

Fred Shellabarger and Kara Kardell — Wed, 21 Jan 2026 06:00:00 -0600

Draw Near is still here—and this episode is all about returning to our "why."

After a season of being in and out, adjusting rhythms, and letting life take its course, we wanted to speak honestly about where Draw Near is right now and how God has been gently guiding us forward. This episode invites you into our discernment, hope, and trust.

Rooted in Isaiah 42:3, we reflect on the image of the Servant who does not break a bruised reed or extinguish a dimly burning wick. These words have shaped how we understand this season; It has not been a failure or fading, but as a time of careful tending. Jesus knows how to work with what is fragile. He repairs without rushing and restores without pressure.

We share how this passage has helped us see the recent shifts in Draw Near as an invitation to listen more closely, allowing the Spirit to breathe life into the work in more sustainable ways. The mission remains. The vision endures. What’s changing is the rhythm.

If you’ve ever wondered whether something good was slipping away—or whether a quieter season meant God was less present—this episode is for you.

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Friend Day: Want to Join?

Fred Shellabarger and Kara Kardell — Wed, 05 Nov 2025 05:00:00 -0600

Sometimes, we all just need a friend day! Grab your favorite drink and join us today for our much needed friend day chat. In this relaxed episode of Draw Near, let's cut throught the stresses and weariness. Fred and Kara catch up, asking each other questions that spark joy, honesty, and laughter. Want to join us?

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

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Do Whatever He Tells You

Fred Shellabarger and Kara Kardell — Sun, 05 Oct 2025 00:00:00 -0500

Imagine building a thriving career, only to hear a call so strong you can’t ignore it. That’s exactly what happened to Rob “Mr. Theology” Reynolds and Shevin McCullough. In this episode, the founders of Studio 316 share how they traded corporate success for a life of ministry—and how they’re using creativity and media to lead kids to Christ.

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

Click here to become a patron! Patrons are essentially "sponsors" and co-producers or Draw Near as it could not happen without them.
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Who are "Fred and Kara?" Find out by visiting our home page.

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Unbind Him: Finding Resurrection in the Midst of the Cross

Fred Shellabarger and Kara Kardell — Wed, 16 Apr 2025 00:00:00 -0500

Is it possible to feel joy in the midst of sorrow? Can we call Holy Week happy even while meditating on the suffering of Jesus? In this short and heartfelt Holy Week reflection, Fred and Kara share a deeply personal and spiritually rich meditation on John 11—the raising of Lazarus.

Together, we explore what it means for Jesus to stand before our tombs and call us by name, how we’re invited into community to help “unbind” one another from the grave clothes of fear, shame, and sin, and how the resurrection is not just something we believe in—it’s something we’re called to live.

Whether you're walking through grief, wrestling with God's timing, or just longing for renewal, this episode is a companion for your journey toward Easter joy. You’ll also hear stories from our own lives, encouragement for your spiritual walk, and a Holy Week challenge to invite God into your deepest burdens.

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

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

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

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

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DN Classics: There's Something About Mary

Fred Shellabarger and Kara Kardell — Fri, 06 Dec 2024 00:00:00 -0600

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

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

Questions answered in the second half:

How do we know Mary was special or set apart?
What is the Immaculate Conception?
What is Original Sin? Where is that in Scripture?
Where is Mary’s Immaculate Conception found in Scripture?

Purchase the book, Hail Holy Queen by Scott Hahn here.
Book Fred and/or Kara to speak by visiting the Draw Near "booking page."

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

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

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

Draw Near Theme © Fred Shellabarger & Kara Kardell

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New Day's Resolution

Fred Shellabarger and Kara Kardell — Wed, 10 Jan 2024 03:30:00 -0600

In this episode, we reflect on New Year's Resolutions... Or, more accurately, "New Day's Resolutions" and the idea that the Lord's mercies are new every morning. While there is great value in in resolutions for a new year, should we also place an emphasis on the hope of a new day, every day? How do we evaluate the "success" of our resolutions? How do we avoid the temptation to be overly hard on our selves when we believe we fall short? Listen to find out!

*The Quote That Inspired This Episode: *
“The beginning of a new year is an opportunity to make a new start in our lives.”
― St. Josemaria Escriva

Scriptures Mentioned in This Episode:
Psalm 5:3
O Lord, in the morning thou dost hear my voice;
in the morning I prepare a sacrifice for thee, and watch.

Isaiah 43:18-19
“Remember not the former things,
nor consider the things of old.
Behold, I am doing a new thing;
now it springs forth, do you not perceive it?
I will make a way in the wilderness
and rivers in the desert.

Eph 4:21-23
assuming that you have heard about him and were taught in him, as the truth is in Jesus. 22 Put off your old nature which belongs to your former manner of life and is corrupt through deceitful lusts, 23 and be renewed in the spirit of your minds,

Jer 29:11-13
For I know the plans I have for you, says the Lord, plans for welfare and not for evil, to give you a future and a hope. 12 Then you will call upon me and come and pray to me, and I will hear you. 13 You will seek me and find me; when you seek me with all your heart,

Phil 3:13-15
Brethren, I do not consider that I have made it my own; but one thing I do, forgetting what lies behind and straining forward to what lies ahead, 14 I press on toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus. 15 Let those of us who are mature be thus minded; and if in anything you are otherwise minded, God will reveal that also to you.

Isa 40:31
but they who wait for the Lord shall renew their strength,
they shall mount up with wings like eagles,
they shall run and not be weary,
they shall walk and not faint.

Prov 23:17-18
Let not your heart envy sinners,
but continue in the fear of the Lord all the day.
Surely there is a future,
and your hope will not be cut off.

Lam 3:22-23
The steadfast love of the Lord never ceases,
his mercies never come to an end;
they are new every morning;
great is thy faithfulness.

Rev 21:5
And he who sat upon the throne said, “Behold, I make all things new.” Also he said, “Write this, for these words are trustworthy and true.”

Col 3:9-17
Do not lie to one another, seeing that you have put off the old nature with its practices and have put on the new nature, which is being renewed in knowledge after the image of its creator. Here there cannot be Greek and Jew, circumcised and uncircumcised, barbarian, Scythian, slave, free man, but Christ is all, and in all.
Put on then, as God’s chosen ones, holy and beloved, compassion, kindness, lowliness, meekness, and patience, forbearing one another and, if one has a complaint against another, forgiving each other; as the Lord has forgiven you, so you also must forgive. And above all these put on love, which binds everything together in perfect harmony. And let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, to which indeed you were called in the one body. And be thankful. Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly, as you teach and admonish one another in all wisdom, and as you sing psalms and hymns and spiritual songs with thankfulness in your hearts to God. And whatever you do, in word or deed, do everything in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him.

Phil 4:6
Have no anxiety about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God.

John 13:34-35
A new commandment[a] I give to you, that you love one another; even as I have loved you, that you also love one another. 35 By this all men will know that you are my disciples, if you have love for one another.”

James 1:17
Every good endowment and every perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of lights with whom there is no variation or shadow due to change.

1 Peter 5:7
Cast all your anxieties on him, for he cares about you.

Psalm 20:4
May he grant you your heart’s desire,
and fulfil all your plans!

2 Cor 5:17
Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; the old has passed away, behold, the new has come.

Prov 3:5-6
Trust in the Lord with all your heart,
and do not rely on your own insight.
In all your ways acknowledge him,
and he will make straight your paths.

Serenity Prayer:
O God, grant me the serenity to accept the things I cannot change the courage to change the things I can and the wisdom to know the difference.
Living one day at a time, enjoying one moment at a time. Accepting hardships as the pathway to peace. Taking, as he did, the sinful world as it is, not as I would have it. Trusting that he will make all things right if I surrender to His will; that I may be reasonably happy in this life, and supremely happy with Him forever.

*Prayer from Fred's Journal: *
Blessed is the man who delights in the Lord. In all your ways acknowledge him and he will make your paths straight. Lord, help me to delight in you today. When my strength is fading, be my strength. Lord, stay with me for I am weak and without you I can accomplish nothing. Lord, I know you will be with me; for I know you will never leave me nor forsake me; and nothing can separate me from your love. But, very often I will forget this today. I will forget you. But, thank you Lord that you do not forget about me! Lord, this day, help me to see you in the frustrations; in the joys, in the sufferings; in the situations that require patience, that require a gentle response. Keep me from my anger; help me to love those you have given me to love today.

Prayers Mentioned in This Episode:
Litany of Humility

St Patrick's Breastplate

Stay With Me

Get Imitation of Christ here!

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

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

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

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

Draw Near Theme © Fred Shellabarger & Kara Kardell

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The God Who Sees: Lectio of Genesis 16

Fred Shellabarger and Kara Kardell — Wed, 15 Nov 2023 00:00:00 -0600

We are back! (Again)! We are back in the studio TOGETHER with a new episode! Here we share some updates on our lives, where we are and what God has been doing in our hearts and in our lives over the last month and a half. Very much the fruit of prayer, in this episode, we return to our Lectio Divina series and reflect on Genesis 16, the story of Hagar, and what we can be sure of in our relationship with God during dark, difficult and dry seasons.

One thing we are sure of... We don't know who needs to hear this, but if you are finding yourself in a place of feeling like life has just happened to you, maybe right now circumstances have presented themselves that leave you feeling bruised and broken, maybe even through no fault of your own, feeling like it's hard to get up, maybe you are tired, things seem too hard to fix, you are losing hope... If that is you, take courage! Take comfort. THERE IS A GOD WHO SEES!

He sees. He is with you. You may think He is far, but He has never been closer. Call out to Him!

Pray this prayer with us:
"Heavenly Father, I know you see. You see my hurts, my scars, my falls. Help me to know and believe that you are with me. Help me to know your love. That I am your beloved child and you see me. Lord, you say, "Come to me all who are burdened and heavy ladened and I will give you rest." Lord, I give you all my burdens. I lay them at your feet. You see it all. You know me. Lord, stay with me. Fill me with your love and help me to know your peace."

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

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

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

Draw Near Theme © Fred Shellabarger & Kara Kardell

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Greatness Is... What you were made for

Fred Shellabarger and Kara Kardell — Tue, 24 Oct 2023 05:00:00 -0500

Once again, Fred invites you into his morning routine. The obligatory coffee and a reflection on the call to holiness and mission, the purpose for which we were created, and how God desires to work in our lives. Drawing on the words of Pope Benedict XVI, Scripture, the Catechism, and the lives and teachings of the saints, we pray this reflection will help you to begin your day, the right way! Listen to find out what that means! :)

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

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

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

Draw Near Theme © Fred Shellabarger & Kara Kardell

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BONUS: The Book of Philippians

Fred Shellabarger and Kara Kardell — Fri, 20 Oct 2023 07:00:00 -0500

As we have mentioned in the past, Fred's favorite Scripture passage... Literally, the Book of Philippians. We have teased posting a simple recording, reading the Philippians. So, as he sipped his coffee this morning, and prepared for the day, Fred thought, "Why not today!" So, we hope you enjoy!

Take some time to reflect on the wisdom the Lord offers us through St Paul; four simple chapters on living the Christian life well. And a great way to start the day.

The reading comes from the RSVCE.

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

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

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

Support Draw Near

I Will Give You Rest

Fred Shellabarger and Kara Kardell — Wed, 15 Mar 2023 00:00:00 -0500

In this episode, we take a different approach than usual, by doing a Lectio Divina together on Matthew 11:28-30. What we offer in this episode is a much deeper, personal and more vulnerable reflection on our walk with Christ and how He is working in our lives during this season; in and through the launch of our full time apostolate work, and especially during Lent. We discuss the things that are weighing on our hearts as well how the Lord is calling us to rest and trust in Him. We pray this conversation will be a blessing in your own lenten journey.

Matthew 11:28-30
"Come to me, all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, and learn from me; for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light.”

Bar 3:9; 37-41
Hear the commandments of life, O Israel;
give ear, and learn wisdom!
Afterward she appeared upon earth
and lived among men.
She is the book of the commandments of God,
and the law that endures for ever.
All who hold her fast will live,
and those who forsake her will die.

Acts 15:10
Now therefore why do you make trial of God by putting a yoke upon the neck of the disciples which neither our fathers nor we have been able to bear?

Gal 5:1
For freedom Christ has set us free; stand fast therefore, and do not submit again to a yoke of slavery.

Mat 5:48
You, therefore, must be perfect, as your heavenly Father is perfect.

John 14:16
And I will pray the Father, and he will give you another Counselor, to be with you for ever...

Phil 2:1-8
So if there is any encouragement in Christ, any incentive of love, any participation in the Spirit, any affection and sympathy, complete my joy by being of the same mind, having the same love, being in full accord and of one mind. Do nothing from selfishness or conceit, but in humility count others better than yourselves. Let each of you look not only to his own interests, but also to the interests of others. Have this mind among yourselves, which was in Christ Jesus, 6 who, though he was in the form of God, did not count equality with God a thing to be grasped, but emptied himself, taking the form of a servant, being born in the likeness of men. 8 And being found in human form he humbled himself and became obedient unto death, even death on a cross.

1 Cor 13:4-8
Love is patient and kind; love is not jealous or boastful; it is not arrogant or rude. Love does not insist on its own way; it is not irritable or resentful; it does not rejoice at wrong, but rejoices in the right. Love bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things. Love never ends...

*Come, Follow Me: *
https://drawnear.fireside.fm/8

Virtuous Friendships:
https://drawnear.fireside.fm/21

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

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

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

Support Draw Near

There's Something About Mary

Fred Shellabarger and Kara Kardell — Wed, 07 Dec 2022 00:15:00 -0600

Questions answered in the second half:

How do we know Mary was special or set apart?
What is the Immaculate Conception?
What is Original Sin? Where is that in Scripture?
Where is Mary’s Immaculate Conception found in Scripture?

Purchase the book, Hail Holy Queen by Scott Hahn here.

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

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

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

*As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases.

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Saying Goodbye

Fred Shellabarger and Kara Kardell — Tue, 30 Aug 2022 21:00:00 -0500

Exciting news! Major life changes! And the future of Draw Near. All these are discussed in this episode. We also take a few moments to consider the problems with the way we typically say goodbye and the need to encourage one another. Why should we express gratitude and not take for granted that those closest to us know how much we love and care for them.

Mentioned in this episode:

Hebrews 10:24-25
and let us consider how to stir up one another to love and good works, not neglecting to meet together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another, and all the more as you see the Day drawing near.

Romans 15:2
let each of us please his neighbor for his good, to edify him.

1 Thessalonians 5:11
Therefore encourage one another and build one another up, just as you are doing.

Romans 15:5
May the God of steadfastness and encouragement grant you to live in such harmony with one another, in accord with Christ Jesus,

St Pauls examples of praise and thanksgiving for others:
I thank my God every time I remember you.
I thank my God always, making mention of you in my prayers.

St Therese on edifying others:
Miss no single opportunity of making some small sacrifice, here by a smiling look, there by a kindly word; always doing the smallest right and doing it all for love.

A word or a smile is often enough to put fresh life in a despondent soul.

Click to Donate to become a supporter/patron! Join the community by following the Draw Near Facebook page. Book Fred and/or Kara to speak by visiting the Draw Near "booking page."

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

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