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.

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This week on Draw Near, Kara is joined by a very special guest: her husband, BJ!! Join a recorded at-home date centered on one of the most important (and challenging) aspects of marriage: communication.

The date follows one of the intentional at-home dates from Draw Near's soon-to-be-released marriage resource, Near to You, a collection of ten guided dates designed to help married couples draw nearer to God and to one another at any stage of marriage.

Set at the kitchen table (in sweats, with homemade cocktails), Kara and BJ invite you into a relaxed evening that includes prayer, Scripture, reflection, meaningful conversation, and a goofy game to close the night. Along the way, they talk honestly about how communication styles develop over time, how conflict and silence can affect intimacy, and how words or actions can become instruments of love within marriage.

Whether you’re newly married, years into marriage, or simply curious about building a healthy faith-filled relationship, this episode offers encouragement, honesty, and practical ideas you can bring into your own relationship.

For more information on this resource or to Pre-Order "Near to You" today CLICK HERE!

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Click here to become a patron! Patrons are essentially "sponsors" and co-producers or Draw Near as it could not happen without them.

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

Draw Near Theme © Fred Shellabarger & Kara Kardell

Support Draw Near

Help us grow by following the Draw Near podcast on your favorite platform.

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

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

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

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

Draw Near Theme © Fred Shellabarger & Kara Kardell

Support Draw Near

You can read the story of Balaam in: Num 22:22-35

Matt 22:36-40 Love God. Love Neighbor

1 John 4:20 Love of God and love of neighbor go hand in hand.

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

No greater love: John 15:12-13

Thes 5:11 Therefore encourage one another and build one another up…

Eph 4:29 Let no evil talk come out of your mouths, but only such as is good for edifying, as fits the occasion, that it may impart grace to those who hear.

Heb 3:12-13 Take care, brethren, lest there be in any of you an evil, unbelieving heart, leading you to fall away from the living God. 13 But exhort one another every day, as long as it is called “today,” that none of you may be hardened by the deceitfulness of sin.

Heb 10:23-24 And let us consider how to stir up one another to love and good works, 25 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.

Gal 6:2 “Bear one another’s burdens, and so fulfill the law of Christ.” What is that law? Love God. Love neighbor.

Prov 27:17 As iron sharpens iron, so one man sharpens another.

Listen to the "Saying Goodbye" episode 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!

Draw Near Theme © Fred Shellabarger & Kara Kardell

Support Draw Near