web02.fireside.fm Sun, 05 Apr 2026 17:00:57 -0500 Fireside (https://fireside.fm) Draw Near - Episodes Tagged with “Suffering” https://drawnear.fireside.fm/tags/suffering Wed, 18 Feb 2026 06:00:00 -0600 At Draw Near, we explore the beautiful truth that God, out of His deep and personal love for each of us, takes the first step to draw near. But this divine movement calls for a response—a response that shapes our lives and transforms our hearts. Together, we embark on this journey of faith, discovering the many ways God's grace and the power of the Holy Spirit work within us. Rooted in the Catholic faith, our podcast is a space where authenticity meets joy. We’re two best friends navigating life, family, and faith with honesty, humility, and a lot of love. Each episode is a heartfelt conversation—sometimes deep, sometimes lighthearted, but always real. We strive to be vulnerable, faithful, and passionate, sharing insights and stories to inspire you on your path toward Christ. This is more than a podcast; it’s a shared journey toward sainthood. So come laugh with us, reflect with us, and grow with us as we Draw Near to God and one another. Let’s set out together on this adventure of faith, friendship, and grace. en episodic Helping each person to draw near to Christ and to one another. Fred Shellabarger and Kara Kardell At Draw Near, we explore the beautiful truth that God, out of His deep and personal love for each of us, takes the first step to draw near. But this divine movement calls for a response—a response that shapes our lives and transforms our hearts. Together, we embark on this journey of faith, discovering the many ways God's grace and the power of the Holy Spirit work within us. Rooted in the Catholic faith, our podcast is a space where authenticity meets joy. We’re two best friends navigating life, family, and faith with honesty, humility, and a lot of love. Each episode is a heartfelt conversation—sometimes deep, sometimes lighthearted, but always real. We strive to be vulnerable, faithful, and passionate, sharing insights and stories to inspire you on your path toward Christ. This is more than a podcast; it’s a shared journey toward sainthood. So come laugh with us, reflect with us, and grow with us as we Draw Near to God and one another. Let’s set out together on this adventure of faith, friendship, and grace. no Faith; Christ; Podcast; Catholic; Friends; Draw Near Fred Shellabarger and Kara Kardell drawnear.me@gmail.com Penance: The Desert Where God Transforms Us https://drawnear.fireside.fm/238 43b7bed2-e457-46b8-bc62-e0584fec4c14 Wed, 18 Feb 2026 06:00:00 -0600 Fred Shellabarger and Kara Kardell full Fred Shellabarger and Kara Kardell Suffering is where transformation begins, but what does that have to do with Lent? In this Ash Wednesday episode of Draw Near, Fred and Kara explore the meaning of penance, the purpose of the desert season, and how suffering can become a place of spiritual growth that leads toward resurrection. Why does Lent begin with ashes and words about death? How does penance train the heart? And how does the journey through sacrifice open us to new life in Christ? 40:33 no Suffering is where transformation begins! What does that have to do with Lent? Many of us approach Lent thinking about what we have to give up. But what if Lent isn’t mainly about loss… but about what God wants to build within us? In this episode, we explore the deeper meaning of penance, suffering, and the desert season of Lent. Why does the Church begin with ashes and words about death? How does penance actually train the heart? And why does every sacrifice ultimately point toward resurrection? Journal Questions: 1. Where in my life right now feels like a desert, and how might God be inviting me to encounter Him there rather than escape it? 2. What comfort, habit, or attachment might God be asking me to surrender so He can build something deeper in me? 3. If resurrection always follows the cross, what “new life” might God be preparing in me through this season? For reflections, formation, and community, FOLLOW us on Social Media: YouTube (https://www.youtube.com/@fredandkara) Instagram (https://www.instagram.com/fredandkara/) Facebook! (https://www.facebook.com/fredandkara) Like our podcast? Hit that “follow” button and tell your friends. :) Click here (https://www.patreon.com/c/drawnear/membership) to become a patron! We wouldn't be "Draw Near" without your support! Who are "Fred and Kara?" Find out by visiting our home page. (https://www.drawnear.me/) Draw Near Theme © Fred Shellabarger & Kara Kardell Catholic podcast, Draw Near, Fred and Kara, Ash Wednesday, Lent, meaning of Lent, Catholic Lent, penance, suffering and transformation, spiritual transformation, desert season, wilderness spirituality, prayer fasting and almsgiving, Lenten sacrifice, Catholic podcast, Christian discipleship, spiritual growth, death and resurrection, Catholic spirituality, embracing the cross, suffering and faith, resurrection hope, fasting and prayer, Lent reflection, Christian formation, discipleship journey, new life in Christ, Catholic teaching on suffering, Lent preparation, desert spirituality, transformation through suffering, Jesus in the desert, Catholic faith journey Suffering is where transformation begins! What does that have to do with Lent?

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

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

Journal Questions:

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

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

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

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

Draw Near Theme © Fred Shellabarger & Kara Kardell

Support Draw Near

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

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

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

Journal Questions:

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

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

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

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

Draw Near Theme © Fred Shellabarger & Kara Kardell

Support Draw Near

]]> The Cross Isn’t the End of the Story: Holding Onto Hope in Grief https://drawnear.fireside.fm/209 c4667005-e899-4d01-a174-0d15d1272406 Tue, 18 Feb 2025 17:15:00 -0600 Fred Shellabarger and Kara Kardell bonus Fred Shellabarger and Kara Kardell What happens when you endure the Cross, but joy feels impossibly far away? In this episode, we explore the mystery of suffering, the hope of unseen joy, and the strength we find in Christ to carry us through life’s heaviest trials. 8:51 no What happens when you endure the Cross, but joy feels impossibly far away? In this episode, we explore the mystery of suffering, the hope of unseen joy, and the strength we find in Christ to carry us through life’s heaviest trials. Book Fred and/or Kara to speak by visiting the Draw Near "booking page (https://www.drawnear.me/booking)." Click here (https://www.drawnear.me/donate) to become a patron! Patrons are essentially "sponsors" and co-producers or Draw Near as it could not happen without them. "Like" and follow us on Facebook! (https://www.facebook.com/fredandkara). Follow us on Instagram (https://www.instagram.com/drawnear.me/)! Who are "Fred and Kara?" Find out by visiting our home page. (https://www.drawnear.me/) Like our podcast? Hit that “subscribe” button AND the notification button/bell to know when new episodes are posted! Give us a rating! Leave a review! Tell your friends! Even more, pray for us! Draw Near Theme © Fred Shellabarger & Kara Kardell suffering, grief, carrying the cross, Catholic faith, hope in suffering, trusting God, enduring trials, unseen joy, resurrection, faith in Christ, redemptive suffering, cross of Christ, Catholic spirituality, finding peace, Christian hope What happens when you endure the Cross, but joy feels impossibly far away? In this episode, we explore the mystery of suffering, the hope of unseen joy, and the strength we find in Christ to carry us through life’s heaviest trials.

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

]]> What happens when you endure the Cross, but joy feels impossibly far away? In this episode, we explore the mystery of suffering, the hope of unseen joy, and the strength we find in Christ to carry us through life’s heaviest trials.

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

]]> Why do bad things happen to good people? https://drawnear.fireside.fm/179 faa8fb29-1acd-4d98-a252-611080c962cf Wed, 03 Apr 2024 00:30:00 -0500 Fred Shellabarger and Kara Kardell full Fred Shellabarger and Kara Kardell As we celebrate the Resurrection of Jesus at the beginning of this Easter season, we revisit the topic of suffering and reflect on its relationship to the Resurrection; and the experience of resurrection in our own lives. Why do we suffer? What purpose does it serve? How should we approach it? Why does the Lord allow it? And can anything good come from it? In this episode we pull ALOT from Scripture, get a little personal and honest, and reflect suffering in our own lives, and the life of Job, in reflecting on the answers to these questions. 57:18 no - Book Fred and/or Kara to speak by visiting the Draw Near "booking page (https://www.drawnear.me/booking)." Click here (https://www.drawnear.me/donate) to become a patron! Patrons are essentially "sponsors" and co-producers or Draw Near as it could not happen without them. "Like" and follow us on Facebook! (https://www.facebook.com/fredandkara). Follow us on Instagram (https://www.instagram.com/drawnear.me/)! Who are "Fred and Kara?" Find out by visiting our home page. (https://www.drawnear.me/) Like our podcast? Hit that “subscribe” button AND the notification button/bell to know when new episodes are posted! Give us a rating! Leave a review! Tell your friends! Even more, pray for us! Draw Near Theme © Fred Shellabarger & Kara Kardell suffering, catholic, why do bad things happen, pain, redemptive suffering, Job, the book of job, scripture on suffering -

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

]]> -

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

]]> One Hour with Our Son https://drawnear.fireside.fm/98 38f869c1-5ed8-453a-afcd-ef6b56414377 Wed, 01 Feb 2023 00:15:00 -0600 Fred Shellabarger and Kara Kardell full Fred Shellabarger and Kara Kardell *** Trigger Warning: Infant Loss and Miscarriage *** In this episode we are joined by our friends Danny and Ashley Swalve as we discuss their journey of coming to a deeper faith in Christ and how that has shaped their marriage and helped them to find great hope even through otherwise overwhelmingly difficult circumstances. At the heart of their testimony is their story of surrender and trust in God's will for their lives; a desire to be used by Him to help bring healing to others who have faced similar challenges. 52:42 no Trigger Warning: Infant Loss and Miscarriage In this episode we are joined by our friends Danny and Ashley Swalve as we discuss their journey of coming to a deeper faith in Christ and how that has shaped their marriage and helped them to find great hope even through otherwise overwhelmingly difficult circumstances. At the heart of their testimony is their story of surrender and trust in God's will for their lives; a desire to be used by Him to help bring healing to others who have faced similar challenges. *Looking for resources on infant loss? Here are some that we recommend: * This article (https://aleteia.org/2018/10/21/here-are-places-that-can-help-if-youve-had-a-miscarriage-or-stillbirth/?fbclid=IwAR2MLVQwqAzJ1lqBZdReODEK--SYDjTNGYLaMx-7JljU_5YNNhYrTswrWE8) helped Fred and his wife, Krystal, in the immediate days and weeks following their own miscarriage Elizabeth Ministry (www.elizabethministry.org) Springs in the Desert (www.springsinthedesert.org) Rachel's Vineyard (https://www.rachelsvineyard.org/) (a ministry for those needing healing from abortion) Learn more about Danny's Podcast: https://feeds.buzzsprout.com/2115328.rss The book Ashley mentions, "Don't Give the Enemy a Seat at Your Table: https://amzn.to/3X5Z0Lg Who are "Fred and Kara?" Find out by visiting our home page. (https://www.drawnear.me/) Join the Draw Near Community Space on Suscipe.co (https://community.suscipe.co/share/M1CQceCQ6cMeBTIB?utm_source=manual) Click here (https://www.drawnear.me/donate) to become a supporter/patron! "Like" and follow us on Facebook! (https://www.facebook.com/fredandkara) You can even find us on Twitter. (https://twitter.com/fredandkara) Book Fred and/or Kara to speak by visiting the Draw Near "booking page (https://www.drawnear.me/booking)." Like our podcast? Hit that “subscribe” button AND the notification button/bell to know when new episodes are posted! Give us a rating! Leave a review! Tell your friends! Even more, pray for us! Draw Near Theme © Fred Shellabarger & Kara Kardell Catholic, Marriage, Infant Loss, Suffering, Surrender, Draw Near, Fred Shellabarger, Kara Kardell, Fred and Kara, Danny Swalve, Ashley Swalve, Miscarriage Trigger Warning: Infant Loss and Miscarriage
In this episode we are joined by our friends Danny and Ashley Swalve as we discuss their journey of coming to a deeper faith in Christ and how that has shaped their marriage and helped them to find great hope even through otherwise overwhelmingly difficult circumstances. At the heart of their testimony is their story of surrender and trust in God's will for their lives; a desire to be used by Him to help bring healing to others who have faced similar challenges.

*Looking for resources on infant loss? Here are some that we recommend: *

This article helped Fred and his wife, Krystal, in the immediate days and weeks following their own miscarriage

[Elizabeth Ministry](www.elizabethministry.org)

[Springs in the Desert](www.springsinthedesert.org)

Rachel's Vineyard (a ministry for those needing healing from abortion)

Learn more about Danny's Podcast: https://feeds.buzzsprout.com/2115328.rss

The book Ashley mentions, "Don't Give the Enemy a Seat at Your Table: https://amzn.to/3X5Z0Lg

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

]]> Trigger Warning: Infant Loss and Miscarriage
In this episode we are joined by our friends Danny and Ashley Swalve as we discuss their journey of coming to a deeper faith in Christ and how that has shaped their marriage and helped them to find great hope even through otherwise overwhelmingly difficult circumstances. At the heart of their testimony is their story of surrender and trust in God's will for their lives; a desire to be used by Him to help bring healing to others who have faced similar challenges.

*Looking for resources on infant loss? Here are some that we recommend: *

This article helped Fred and his wife, Krystal, in the immediate days and weeks following their own miscarriage

[Elizabeth Ministry](www.elizabethministry.org)

[Springs in the Desert](www.springsinthedesert.org)

Rachel's Vineyard (a ministry for those needing healing from abortion)

Learn more about Danny's Podcast: https://feeds.buzzsprout.com/2115328.rss

The book Ashley mentions, "Don't Give the Enemy a Seat at Your Table: https://amzn.to/3X5Z0Lg

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

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