web02.fireside.fm Sat, 11 Apr 2026 07:10:44 -0500 Fireside (https://fireside.fm) Draw Near - Episodes Tagged with “Family Life” https://drawnear.fireside.fm/tags/family%20life Wed, 04 Mar 2026 06:15:00 -0600 At Draw Near, we explore the beautiful truth that God, out of His deep and personal love for each of us, takes the first step to draw near. But this divine movement calls for a response—a response that shapes our lives and transforms our hearts. Together, we embark on this journey of faith, discovering the many ways God's grace and the power of the Holy Spirit work within us. Rooted in the Catholic faith, our podcast is a space where authenticity meets joy. We’re two best friends navigating life, family, and faith with honesty, humility, and a lot of love. Each episode is a heartfelt conversation—sometimes deep, sometimes lighthearted, but always real. We strive to be vulnerable, faithful, and passionate, sharing insights and stories to inspire you on your path toward Christ. This is more than a podcast; it’s a shared journey toward sainthood. So come laugh with us, reflect with us, and grow with us as we Draw Near to God and one another. Let’s set out together on this adventure of faith, friendship, and grace. en episodic Helping each person to draw near to Christ and to one another. Fred Shellabarger and Kara Kardell At Draw Near, we explore the beautiful truth that God, out of His deep and personal love for each of us, takes the first step to draw near. But this divine movement calls for a response—a response that shapes our lives and transforms our hearts. Together, we embark on this journey of faith, discovering the many ways God's grace and the power of the Holy Spirit work within us. Rooted in the Catholic faith, our podcast is a space where authenticity meets joy. We’re two best friends navigating life, family, and faith with honesty, humility, and a lot of love. Each episode is a heartfelt conversation—sometimes deep, sometimes lighthearted, but always real. We strive to be vulnerable, faithful, and passionate, sharing insights and stories to inspire you on your path toward Christ. This is more than a podcast; it’s a shared journey toward sainthood. So come laugh with us, reflect with us, and grow with us as we Draw Near to God and one another. Let’s set out together on this adventure of faith, friendship, and grace. no Faith; Christ; Podcast; Catholic; Friends; Draw Near Fred Shellabarger and Kara Kardell drawnear.me@gmail.com Faith & Fatherhood: A Conversation With My Dad https://drawnear.fireside.fm/239 38cd713a-bcba-4490-9a30-45b9bc4efcae Wed, 04 Mar 2026 06:15:00 -0600 Fred Shellabarger and Kara Kardell full Fred Shellabarger and Kara Kardell 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. 42:18 no "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 & Kara Kardell 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 "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
Instagram
Facebook!

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

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

Draw Near Theme © Fred Shellabarger & Kara Kardell

Support Draw Near

]]> "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
Instagram
Facebook!

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

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

Draw Near Theme © Fred Shellabarger & Kara Kardell

Support Draw Near

]]> Fatherhood: Baptism by Fire (Wives and Whiskey) https://drawnear.fireside.fm/59 53650265-a797-4043-b4c2-3f960862af6b Wed, 28 Sep 2022 02:00:00 -0500 Fred Shellabarger and Kara Kardell full Fred Shellabarger and Kara Kardell Kara is back in this episode!!! We are continuing the series on family life, and joined by none other than Kara's husband Beej, as well as our friend Taylor Schroll. In this episode three dads share from their own experience and offer some perspective on the struggles and the joys of being a father. Complete with a few sports analogies, whiskey sipping, and Kara poking fun (in love of course), we hope you enjoy this lighthearted discussion on fatherhood. 1:08:04 no Kara is back in this episode!!! We are continuing the series on family life, and joined by none other than Kara's husband Beej, as well as our friend Taylor Schroll. In this episode three dads share from their own experience and offer some perspective on the struggles and the joys of being a father. Complete with a few sports analogies, whiskey sipping, and Kara poking fun (in love of course), we hope you enjoy this lighthearted discussion on fatherhood. 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 & Kara Kardell fatherhood, Catholic, family, family life, being a dad, dad, Kara is back in this episode!!! We are continuing the series on family life, and joined by none other than Kara's husband Beej, as well as our friend Taylor Schroll. In this episode three dads share from their own experience and offer some perspective on the struggles and the joys of being a father. Complete with a few sports analogies, whiskey sipping, and Kara poking fun (in love of course), we hope you enjoy this lighthearted discussion on fatherhood.

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!

Draw Near Theme © Fred Shellabarger & Kara Kardell

Support Draw Near

]]> Kara is back in this episode!!! We are continuing the series on family life, and joined by none other than Kara's husband Beej, as well as our friend Taylor Schroll. In this episode three dads share from their own experience and offer some perspective on the struggles and the joys of being a father. Complete with a few sports analogies, whiskey sipping, and Kara poking fun (in love of course), we hope you enjoy this lighthearted discussion on fatherhood.

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!

Draw Near Theme © Fred Shellabarger & Kara Kardell

Support Draw Near

]]> Embracing Fatherhood https://drawnear.fireside.fm/58 ce5dbdf3-3b06-49bd-b609-a3c06de5ea64 Wed, 28 Sep 2022 02:00:00 -0500 Fred Shellabarger and Kara Kardell full Fred Shellabarger and Kara Kardell Becoming a father, and the reality of being a father in the day to days of life can be both stressful, terrifying and joyfully rewarding all at once! Phillip Grothus joins us once again for an authentic, reflective, but lighthearted look at being a dad. Sharing both the highs and the lows, Fred and Phillip share from their own experience, how their relationship with Christ and the faith they profess shapes the kind of fathers they strive to be. They also discuss perceptions, experiences, and cultural norms that tend to make being a father a challenge some times and offer some advice on overcoming these obstacles. 48:02 no Becoming a father, and the reality of being a father in the day to days of life can be both stressful, terrifying and joyfully rewarding all at once! Phillip Grothus joins us once again for an authentic, reflective, but lighthearted look at being a dad. Sharing both the highs and the lows, Fred and Phillip share from their own experience, how their relationship with Christ and the faith they profess shapes the kind of fathers they strive to be. They also discuss perceptions, experiences, and cultural norms that tend to make being a father a challenge some times and offer some advice on overcoming these obstacles. 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 & Kara Kardell fatherhood, Catholic, family, family life, being a dad, dad, take up your cross, silas Becoming a father, and the reality of being a father in the day to days of life can be both stressful, terrifying and joyfully rewarding all at once! Phillip Grothus joins us once again for an authentic, reflective, but lighthearted look at being a dad. Sharing both the highs and the lows, Fred and Phillip share from their own experience, how their relationship with Christ and the faith they profess shapes the kind of fathers they strive to be. They also discuss perceptions, experiences, and cultural norms that tend to make being a father a challenge some times and offer some advice on overcoming these obstacles.

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!

Draw Near Theme © Fred Shellabarger & Kara Kardell

Support Draw Near

]]> Becoming a father, and the reality of being a father in the day to days of life can be both stressful, terrifying and joyfully rewarding all at once! Phillip Grothus joins us once again for an authentic, reflective, but lighthearted look at being a dad. Sharing both the highs and the lows, Fred and Phillip share from their own experience, how their relationship with Christ and the faith they profess shapes the kind of fathers they strive to be. They also discuss perceptions, experiences, and cultural norms that tend to make being a father a challenge some times and offer some advice on overcoming these obstacles.

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!

Draw Near Theme © Fred Shellabarger & Kara Kardell

Support Draw Near

]]> Don't Go to Bed Angry? - With Taylor Schroll https://drawnear.fireside.fm/53 946ce09d-b76b-4548-9d18-0c1c5e847434 Wed, 14 Sep 2022 02:00:00 -0500 Fred Shellabarger and Kara Kardell full Fred Shellabarger and Kara Kardell Beginning a series on marriage and family life, Fred is joined by friend and co-host of the Forte Catholic Podcast, Taylor Schroll for a fun and lighthearted discussion on marriage. What have they learned? What advice would they give themselves on their wedding day? How much more do they still need to grow? Why does Fred insist on mentioning Cobra Kai in every episode of Draw Near? Find out in this episode! 40:20 no Beginning a series on marriage and family life, Fred is joined by friend and co-host of the Forte Catholic Podcast, Taylor Schroll for a fun and lighthearted discussion on marriage. What have they learned? What advice would they give themselves on their wedding day? How much more do they still need to grow? Why does Fred insist on mentioning Cobra Kai in every episode of Draw Near? Find out in this episode! *What are some resources we recommend? Just Married: The Catholic Guide to Surviving the First Five Years of Marriage by Greg and Lisa Popcak (https://amzn.to/3Sl9ZOL) Love & Respect: The Love She Most Desires, The Respect He Desperately Needs by Dr Emerson Eggerichs (https://amzn.to/3CUhVk6) The Five Love Languages by Gary Chapman (https://amzn.to/3TmBmcl) Three to Get Married by Fulton Sheen (https://amzn.to/3TzBqFe) The 21 Undeniable Secrets of Marriage: Taking Your Relationship to the Next Level by Dr Allen Hunt (https://amzn.to/3VIPQ86) For Your Marriage (https://www.foryourmarriage.org/) St Francis of Assisi Parish in West Des Moines (http://saintfrancischurch.org/) 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 & Kara Kardell *As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases. marriage, Catholic, advice, tips, family life, wedding, wedding day, growing, learning, husbands, love your wife, don't go to bed angry Beginning a series on marriage and family life, Fred is joined by friend and co-host of the Forte Catholic Podcast, Taylor Schroll for a fun and lighthearted discussion on marriage. What have they learned? What advice would they give themselves on their wedding day? How much more do they still need to grow? Why does Fred insist on mentioning Cobra Kai in every episode of Draw Near? Find out in this episode!

*What are some resources we recommend?

Just Married: The Catholic Guide to Surviving the First Five Years of Marriage by Greg and Lisa Popcak

Love & Respect: The Love She Most Desires, The Respect He Desperately Needs by Dr Emerson Eggerichs

The Five Love Languages by Gary Chapman

Three to Get Married by Fulton Sheen

The 21 Undeniable Secrets of Marriage: Taking Your Relationship to the Next Level by Dr Allen Hunt

For Your Marriage

St Francis of Assisi Parish in West Des Moines

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!

Draw Near Theme © Fred Shellabarger & Kara Kardell

*As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases.

Support Draw Near

]]> Beginning a series on marriage and family life, Fred is joined by friend and co-host of the Forte Catholic Podcast, Taylor Schroll for a fun and lighthearted discussion on marriage. What have they learned? What advice would they give themselves on their wedding day? How much more do they still need to grow? Why does Fred insist on mentioning Cobra Kai in every episode of Draw Near? Find out in this episode!

*What are some resources we recommend?

Just Married: The Catholic Guide to Surviving the First Five Years of Marriage by Greg and Lisa Popcak

Love & Respect: The Love She Most Desires, The Respect He Desperately Needs by Dr Emerson Eggerichs

The Five Love Languages by Gary Chapman

Three to Get Married by Fulton Sheen

The 21 Undeniable Secrets of Marriage: Taking Your Relationship to the Next Level by Dr Allen Hunt

For Your Marriage

St Francis of Assisi Parish in West Des Moines

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!

Draw Near Theme © Fred Shellabarger & Kara Kardell

*As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases.

Support Draw Near

]]> Husbands, Love Your Wives - With Phillip Grothus https://drawnear.fireside.fm/54 c9a25930-9d79-4bc0-9fbc-e9e3e0e56dfc Wed, 14 Sep 2022 02:00:00 -0500 Fred Shellabarger and Kara Kardell full Fred Shellabarger and Kara Kardell Beginning a series on marriage and family life, Fred is joined by Draw Near listener and fellow Cobra Kai super fan, Phillip Grothus for a discussion on marriage. What have they learned? What advice would they give themselves on their wedding day? How much more do they still need to grow? Find out in this episode! 40:41 no Beginning a series on marriage and family life, Fred is joined by Draw Near listener and fellow Cobra Kai super fan, Phillip Grothus for a discussion on marriage. What have they learned? What advice would they give themselves on their wedding day? How much more do they still need to grow? Find out in this episode! *What are some resources we recommend? Just Married: The Catholic Guide to Surviving the First Five Years of Marriage by Greg and Lisa Popcak (https://amzn.to/3Sl9ZOL) Love & Respect: The Love She Most Desires, The Respect He Desperately Needs by Dr Emerson Eggerichs (https://amzn.to/3CUhVk6) The Five Love Languages by Gary Chapman (https://amzn.to/3TmBmcl) Three to Get Married by Fulton Sheen (https://amzn.to/3TzBqFe) The 21 Undeniable Secrets of Marriage: Taking Your Relationship to the Next Level by Dr Allen Hunt (https://amzn.to/3VIPQ86) For Your Marriage (https://www.foryourmarriage.org/) St Francis of Assisi Parish in West Des Moines (http://saintfrancischurch.org/) 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 & Kara Kardell *As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases. marriage, Catholic, advice, tips, family life, wedding, wedding day, growing, learning, husbands, love your wife Beginning a series on marriage and family life, Fred is joined by Draw Near listener and fellow Cobra Kai super fan, Phillip Grothus for a discussion on marriage. What have they learned? What advice would they give themselves on their wedding day? How much more do they still need to grow? Find out in this episode!

*What are some resources we recommend?

Just Married: The Catholic Guide to Surviving the First Five Years of Marriage by Greg and Lisa Popcak

Love & Respect: The Love She Most Desires, The Respect He Desperately Needs by Dr Emerson Eggerichs

The Five Love Languages by Gary Chapman

Three to Get Married by Fulton Sheen

The 21 Undeniable Secrets of Marriage: Taking Your Relationship to the Next Level by Dr Allen Hunt

For Your Marriage

St Francis of Assisi Parish in West Des Moines

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!

Draw Near Theme © Fred Shellabarger & Kara Kardell

*As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases.

Support Draw Near

]]> Beginning a series on marriage and family life, Fred is joined by Draw Near listener and fellow Cobra Kai super fan, Phillip Grothus for a discussion on marriage. What have they learned? What advice would they give themselves on their wedding day? How much more do they still need to grow? Find out in this episode!

*What are some resources we recommend?

Just Married: The Catholic Guide to Surviving the First Five Years of Marriage by Greg and Lisa Popcak

Love & Respect: The Love She Most Desires, The Respect He Desperately Needs by Dr Emerson Eggerichs

The Five Love Languages by Gary Chapman

Three to Get Married by Fulton Sheen

The 21 Undeniable Secrets of Marriage: Taking Your Relationship to the Next Level by Dr Allen Hunt

For Your Marriage

St Francis of Assisi Parish in West Des Moines

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!

Draw Near Theme © Fred Shellabarger & Kara Kardell

*As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases.

Support Draw Near

]]> Leading Children to Christ https://drawnear.fireside.fm/38 2102a903-40eb-4406-83bf-e1c0115448ed Wed, 16 Feb 2022 02:00:00 -0600 Fred Shellabarger and Kara Kardell full Fred Shellabarger and Kara Kardell The Church teaches that parents are the primary evangelists and teachers of their children and goes so far as to refer to the family in the home as “the domestic church.” But what does this mean? Practically, how do we live this out? In this episode we share some experiences from our own families on how we share the love of Christ in our homes and how we strive to be witnesses and hand on the faith. 48:16 no The Church teaches that parents are the primary evangelists and teachers of their children and goes so far as to refer to the family in the home as “the domestic church.” But what does this mean? Practically, how do we live this out? The Church also places a great emphasis on the role adults play in helping children encounter the love of Christ. In many ways, the Christ children know, the love of God they experience, is that which we model for them. In this episode we share some experiences from our own families on how we share the love of Christ in our homes and how we strive to be witnesses and hand on the faith. Whether single or unmarried, parents, aunts, uncles, or just someone who works with children, we believe our discussion can benefit anyone who wants to help the little ones in their lives come to know the love of Christ. *Some of the tips we discuss: * * Living as a witness: demonstrate the life of prayer and devotion and invite them into that experience. Be authentic: sometimes the life of faith can be challenging. Its okay to talk about that. Apologize and seek forgiveness when its needed. Demonstrate God’s mercy and the need to both extend and seek forgiveness. Use every moment as a teaching moment. Recognize the great faith children have. Allow God to teach you through them and draw near to the Lord. Give the reading of Scripture a pride of place in your home. This is how we come to know the Lord most profoundly, in Sacred Scripture. Help to form older children to become examples to, and in their own way, teachers of their younger sibling. Embrace the liturgical calendar and incorporate significant dates into the rhythm of family life. Create a sacred space in your home for prayer and devotion. Teach you kids how to pray! We recommend the ACTS method for children: a. (A)doration b. (C)ontrition c. (T)hanksgiving d. (S)upplication https://hallow.com/2020/06/20/how-to-pray-acts/ Deuteronomy 6:4-9 “Hear, O Israel: The Lord our God is one Lord; and you shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, and with all your soul, and with all your might. And these words which I command you this day shall be upon your heart; and you shall teach them diligently to your children, and shall talk of them when you sit in your house, and when you walk by the way, and when you lie down, and when you rise. And you shall bind them as a sign upon your hand, and they shall be as frontlets between your eyes. And you shall write them on the doorposts of your house and on your gates.” The Paradoxical Commandments by Kent M. Keith https://www.goodreads.com/quotes/6396-the-paradoxical-commandments-people-are-illogical-unreasonable-and-self-centered-lo Click to Donate (https://www.drawnear.me/donate) to become a supporter! Join the community by following the Draw Near Facebook page (https://www.facebook.com/fredandkara). Like our podcast? Hit that “subscribe” button AND the notification button/bell to know when new episodes are posted! Give us a rating! Leave a review! Tell your friends! Even more, pray for us! Draw Near Theme © Fred Shellabarger & Kara Kardell Catholic, Draw Near, Handing on the Faith, Teaching kids, reading scripture with children, praying as a family, podcast, Fred and Kara, being a witness The Church teaches that parents are the primary evangelists and teachers of their children and goes so far as to refer to the family in the home as “the domestic church.” But what does this mean? Practically, how do we live this out? The Church also places a great emphasis on the role adults play in helping children encounter the love of Christ. In many ways, the Christ children know, the love of God they experience, is that which we model for them.

In this episode we share some experiences from our own families on how we share the love of Christ in our homes and how we strive to be witnesses and hand on the faith.

Whether single or unmarried, parents, aunts, uncles, or just someone who works with children, we believe our discussion can benefit anyone who wants to help the little ones in their lives come to know the love of Christ.

*Some of the tips we discuss: *

  • Living as a witness: demonstrate the life of prayer and devotion and invite them into that experience.

  • Be authentic: sometimes the life of faith can be challenging. Its okay to talk about that.

  • Apologize and seek forgiveness when its needed. Demonstrate God’s mercy and the need to both extend and seek forgiveness.

  • Use every moment as a teaching moment.

  • Recognize the great faith children have. Allow God to teach you through them and draw near to the Lord.

  • Give the reading of Scripture a pride of place in your home. This is how we come to know the Lord most profoundly, in Sacred Scripture.

  • Help to form older children to become examples to, and in their own way, teachers of their younger sibling.

  • Embrace the liturgical calendar and incorporate significant dates into the rhythm of family life.

  • Create a sacred space in your home for prayer and devotion.

  • Teach you kids how to pray! We recommend the ACTS method for children:
    a. (A)doration
    b. (C)ontrition
    c. (T)hanksgiving
    d. (S)upplication
    https://hallow.com/2020/06/20/how-to-pray-acts/

Deuteronomy 6:4-9
“Hear, O Israel: The Lord our God is one Lord; and you shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, and with all your soul, and with all your might. And these words which I command you this day shall be upon your heart; and you shall teach them diligently to your children, and shall talk of them when you sit in your house, and when you walk by the way, and when you lie down, and when you rise. And you shall bind them as a sign upon your hand, and they shall be as frontlets between your eyes. And you shall write them on the doorposts of your house and on your gates.”

The Paradoxical Commandments by Kent M. Keith
https://www.goodreads.com/quotes/6396-the-paradoxical-commandments-people-are-illogical-unreasonable-and-self-centered-lo

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

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

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]]> The Church teaches that parents are the primary evangelists and teachers of their children and goes so far as to refer to the family in the home as “the domestic church.” But what does this mean? Practically, how do we live this out? The Church also places a great emphasis on the role adults play in helping children encounter the love of Christ. In many ways, the Christ children know, the love of God they experience, is that which we model for them.

In this episode we share some experiences from our own families on how we share the love of Christ in our homes and how we strive to be witnesses and hand on the faith.

Whether single or unmarried, parents, aunts, uncles, or just someone who works with children, we believe our discussion can benefit anyone who wants to help the little ones in their lives come to know the love of Christ.

*Some of the tips we discuss: *

  • Living as a witness: demonstrate the life of prayer and devotion and invite them into that experience.

  • Be authentic: sometimes the life of faith can be challenging. Its okay to talk about that.

  • Apologize and seek forgiveness when its needed. Demonstrate God’s mercy and the need to both extend and seek forgiveness.

  • Use every moment as a teaching moment.

  • Recognize the great faith children have. Allow God to teach you through them and draw near to the Lord.

  • Give the reading of Scripture a pride of place in your home. This is how we come to know the Lord most profoundly, in Sacred Scripture.

  • Help to form older children to become examples to, and in their own way, teachers of their younger sibling.

  • Embrace the liturgical calendar and incorporate significant dates into the rhythm of family life.

  • Create a sacred space in your home for prayer and devotion.

  • Teach you kids how to pray! We recommend the ACTS method for children:
    a. (A)doration
    b. (C)ontrition
    c. (T)hanksgiving
    d. (S)upplication
    https://hallow.com/2020/06/20/how-to-pray-acts/

Deuteronomy 6:4-9
“Hear, O Israel: The Lord our God is one Lord; and you shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, and with all your soul, and with all your might. And these words which I command you this day shall be upon your heart; and you shall teach them diligently to your children, and shall talk of them when you sit in your house, and when you walk by the way, and when you lie down, and when you rise. And you shall bind them as a sign upon your hand, and they shall be as frontlets between your eyes. And you shall write them on the doorposts of your house and on your gates.”

The Paradoxical Commandments by Kent M. Keith
https://www.goodreads.com/quotes/6396-the-paradoxical-commandments-people-are-illogical-unreasonable-and-self-centered-lo

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Draw Near Theme © Fred Shellabarger & Kara Kardell

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