In a world that often values the extraordinary and the sensational, it can be easy to overlook the profound beauty and grace that can be found in the simple, ordinary moments of our lives. Yet, as the speaker in this podcast episode so eloquently reminds us, it is precisely in these everyday encounters and experiences that we can discover the presence of the divine, the healing power of God's love, and the deep joy that comes from living a life fully present and attuned to the present moment. The Gift of Tears: Embracing Emotion as a Pathway to Healing The speaker highlights the transformative effect of expressing emotions, especially through tears of joy and gratitude. She discusses the evolution of her prayer life and connection with God, moving from a focus on "pain and supplication" to an enriched experience of awe, love, and thankfulness. Instead of viewing her intense emotions and profound wounds as hurdles, she now sees them as divine gifts that allow her to deepen her relationship with God and find significant healing. The speaker's personal story of weeping with joy after touching the head of the infant Jesus statue in the Shepherd's Field in Bethlehem serves as a poignant illustration of this truth. In that moment, she was able to fully receive and be transformed by the grace that flowed through a simple, ordinary encounter. As she shares, "it was an instrument of profound Grace in my life in the Holy Land." Patience and the Presence of God Patience and presence emerge as vital elements in the spiritual journey. The speaker contemplates her journey, acknowledging that her healing and growth have unfolded slowly and subtly, underpinned by the Lord's steadfast love and perseverance. She notes that true transformation often does not result from sudden, dramatic events but rather from the quiet, hidden workings where God gently guides us, unveiling the ever-present, yet often overlooked, divine beauty. The narrative emphasizes the significance of the present moment and the value of fully immersing ourselves in the interactions with people and the circumstances we encounter.The story unfolds through moments like the speaker's young daughter clutching the statue of the Blessed Mother and the speaker's profound embrace of God's will throughout Advent.The core message is clear:Often, it is within the most mundane places that we experience sacred and transformative moments. Cultivating Sensitivity to the Divine At the heart of the speaker's message is a profound yearning to nurture an attunement to the sacred and to sharpen awareness of the divine intricacies woven into everyday existence. She recounts her journey towards embracing stillness, resisting the urge to hurry through life, and instead observing and genuinely perceiving the individuals and events that constitute her world. Embracing this ethos of mindfulness and honoring the commonplace is admittedly challenging, she concedes. We frequently find ourselves attracted to the extraordinary, yearning for experiences that are both striking and deeply spiritual.. Yet she emphasizes that we encounter genuine restoration and change through modest, consistent acts of devotion and affirmation—through a steadfast "yes" to the divine in the routine. Embracing the Patience of the Lord Contemplating her life's path, the speaker marvels at the Lord's enduring patience and the steadfast guidance provided during the most difficult times. She acknowledges that healing may not have come quickly or with fanfare, but it is the persistent patience and love from God that stand as the greatest gift. She extends an inspiring call to action: to accept the Lord's patience, trust in His divine timing, and find holiness in the mundane. It's in the ordinary moments that we can truly connect with God's essence and experience the joy, serenity, and restoration He eagerly wishes to bestow upon us. Conclusion: Cultivating a Life of Presence and Reverence This podcast episode invites us to introspect and consider how we interact with the present. It encourages us to adopt the Lord's patience and to trust His workings in mundane moments, for it's in these instances that we might find His generous grace and healing. Embracing a life filled with presence, respect, openness, and faith may reveal the precious gems hidden in our daily routines. We come to realize that the Kingdom of Heaven is not situated in a far-off domain but is woven into the ordinary moments that create the fabric of our lives.The Promise of Peace E-Book // 21 Day Devotional to True Peace - Blessed Is She

As we enter the season of Lent, there is a profound invitation from the Lord to let Him transform us—not through our own striving but through His gentle, lavish love. In this blog, we'll explore how we can open our hearts to receive His love and allow it to shape us, one step at a time. The Struggle of Virtue Striving for virtue can sometimes feel like an uphill battle, a sentiment our friend Jenna knows all too well. During a heartfelt confession, she received profound guidance from her chaplain, Father Michael. He insightfully pointed out that the true adversary seeks to turn Jenna against herself, weaponizing her strengths to foster self-contempt. Father Michael expressed sympathy for those who think virtue comes easily to them, as it may lead to the belief that they don't require God's help in their spiritual journey. However, he emphasized the reality that we all rely on divine grace. He reassured Jenna by saying, "You are not flawed; you are reliant." Letting God Love Us During Lent, we are called to embrace God's love. It's time to cease striving and just accept His generous love. A friend recounted her struggles with prayer, feeling disconnected from God. However, she discovered that elaborate prayers aren't necessary; Jesus is already waiting in the Eucharist.  Her commitment this Lent is to simply be in the chapel, open to God's love. She's not aiming for grand gestures, but to rest in His presence. She's learned that being receptive is more important than attempting to shower him with love. Seeing God's Winks of Grace Our friend is finding solace in the love of God, feeling drawn to recognize the divine signs that grace her day—those subtle "winks of grace" or "signal graces" that manifest before her. Whether it's through the beauty of a sunset, a well-timed text message, or the innocent words of a child, she is training her heart to acknowledge the presence of God's love in the simple moments of life. This change in outlook—from a constant state of doing and giving to one of receiving and observing—is life-changing. It relieves stress, allowing for a welcome acceptance of our reliance on God's strength rather than our own. Simplicity and Presence Reflecting on the notion that God's love is "hidden in plain sight," our friend is touched by the simple ways through which He seeks to engage with us. It is through mundane tasks, such as Mary diligently doing laundry or the Eucharist's wonder shrouded in bread and wine, that God beckons us to discover sanctity in the routine. In this Lenten period, let us seize the opportunity to slow down, to notice, and to receive God's love. Rather than focusing on self-enhancement, we ought to allow His profound, abundant love to transform us bit by bit. Featured Products: Risen: 50 Ways to Live EasterBorn of Fire Devotional for Men

In our Catholic Faith, we often encounter paths that diverge from our expectations. Unexpected shifts in our careers, relationships, or life situations may disorient and unsettle us. In these moments, the Good Shepherd draws us nearer, urging us to perceive the nuances of His presence and to delve into the profound relationship He desires to forge with us. Seeing the Face of the Good Shepherd Many find their first profound connection with the Lord in the solemn reflection on Christ's crucifixion. This pivotal moment offers a transformative glimpse into the depths of His love and the price paid for our salvation. As we follow the Good Shepherd, He invites us to explore the rich complexity of His presence. The Lord, like a dear friend or companion, desires to reveal the fullness of His being to us. The genuine laughter, the gentle creases framing His eyes, and the vibrant smile revealing His authentic essence—these nuanced elements of His being captivate us, deepening our connection with Him. Navigating the Unexpected Path Encountering a path that veers from what we anticipate can be unsettling, reminiscent of the writer of Psalm 23's reflections. It prompts us to consider if we are indeed being led down the "right paths" by the Good Shepherd. In these moments, it's vital to cling to the faith that His designs are inscrutable, leading us to His glory and our ultimate good. Cultivating a Humble, Reliant Heart As we journey through life's unexpected twists, humility and trust in the Good Shepherd are essential. This involves regular self-examination, acknowledging our sins, and seeking purification from the Lord. The Sacrament of Confession, with its grace, can revive our spiritual awareness and align us with the Holy Spirit's guidance. Moreover, our quest for holiness should be constant, weaving our faith into all facets of life—relationships, media choices, conversations, and routines. True discernment and alignment with the Good Shepherd come from this comprehensive embrace of God's grace. Embracing the Joy of Intimacy The unexpected journey invites us to deepen our bond with the Good Shepherd. Just as lambs recognize their shepherd's voice, we too can find comfort in His presence, confident that He will guide us on the right paths for His honor. Therefore, let's welcome the unforeseen, believing that the Good Shepherd is guiding us toward closer communion and profound change. Let us be brave enough to follow, even if the route is not as we envisioned, for in these instances, we experience the full splendor of companionship with the One who understands us completely and loves us unconditionally.

In a world that frequently leaves us feeling dry and unfulfilled, the Lord presents Himself as the Fountain of Life, satisfying our deepest thirst. When we view the world through the lens of faith, we start to discern the significant ways in which God is actively working to heal and renew every part of our existence. The Thirst Within We all harbor an innate desire for something greater, a quest for a deeper connection, a sense of purpose, or a path to healing. This longing underscores a profound aspect of our existence: we are meant for more than earthly offerings. As expressed in Psalm 36:9, "With you is the fountain of life; in your light we see light," indicating a divine source of fulfillment. Frequently, we seek to quench this thirst on our own—chasing after social media approval, immersing ourselves in entertainment, or trying to dull our inner pain. However, these fleeting solutions only intensify our longing, leaving us yearning for the eternal sustenance that only the divine can provide. Encountering the Good Shepherd It is in this place of thirst and lack that the Good Shepherd meets us. Jesus, the one who "leads us beside still waters" and "restores our soul" (Psalm 23:2-3), invites us to come to Him and find the fulfillment we so deeply desire. But to do so, we must be willing to open our eyes and see—not just with our physical sight but with the eyes of faith. Embracing spiritual vision involves a deep sense of vulnerability and trust. It's about recognizing our inner wounds and frailties, the aspects of ourselves that feel incomplete, and inviting Him to fill those spaces. In this process, we often find that it is precisely through our brokenness and yearning that we become conduits for the healing power of the Lord. The Transformative Power of Vulnerability Whether it's the absence of a loving father, the pain of fractured friendships, or the longing for a spouse, these places of lack and longing are where the Lord desires to reveal Himself most intimately. When we have the courage to open our hearts and let Him in, we find that He is not only able to heal our wounds but to make all things new (Revelation 21:5). This process is not always easy but as we do so, we discover that the Lord's restoration goes beyond simply bringing us back to our former state. Instead, He makes us more than we could have ever been on our own, weaving our brokenness into a beautiful tapestry of redemption. Seeing with the Eyes of Faith We must learn to see our wounds and limitations not as liabilities but as opportunities for God's grace to be shown—as a way for Him to demonstrate His strength, love, and path for our lives. It entails turning away from the world's diversion and deceptive promises and toward the reality of God and His purposes for us.   Quenching the Thirst The Good Shepherd is ever-present, longing to lead us beside the still waters and restore our souls. But to drink from the Fountain of Life, we must be willing to acknowledge our desire, to vulnerably open our hearts, and to see with the eyes of faith. In doing so, we discover that the very places we felt most lacking become the wellsprings of God's transformative power, as He makes all things new. So let us come to the Lord, the true and lasting source of living water, and allow Him to quench our deepest need. For in His light, we see light—a light that illuminates the beauty, meaning, and purpose in every aspect of our lives.

In the midst of life's ups and downs, it's easy to become overwhelmed by our circumstances and lose sight of the broader perspective. However, as discussed today, our circumstances don't determine our identity or the depth of our faith. Ultimately, what's crucial is our outlook and readiness to trust in God's plan. The Difficulty of Seeing Beyond the Circumstances Feeling overwhelmed by tough situations like health issues, financial woes, or relationship troubles is a common human experience. These problems can monopolize our focus, making us overlook the positive aspects and opportunities that remain. It's not unusual to question our faith or wonder why we're faced with such trials. Yet, these moments can also remind us that our lives are not defined solely by our challenges. Although we cannot command every aspect of our lives, fostering a sense of gratitude and acceptance can reveal how God moves in our lives, especially during challenging times. Cultivating a Mindset of Restoration The central theme of this episode emphasizes the significance of restoring our faith in God's purpose.  To cultivate this shift in perspective, this episode encourages us to focus on the following: Practice Gratitude: Take time each day to reflect on the blessings in your life, no matter how small they may seem. This can help shift your perspective and remind you of the abundance that still surrounds you. Trust in God's Plan: Acknowledge that while you may not understand the reasons behind your current circumstances, God has a greater purpose in mind. Surrender your worries and fears to Him, and trust that He will guide you through the storm. Seek Support: Surround yourself with a community of believers who can lift you up, offer encouragement, and pray for you during difficult times. Connecting with others who share your faith can be a powerful source of strength and restoration. Focus on the Present: Rather than dwelling on the past or worrying about the future, make a conscious effort to be present in the moment. Appreciate the small joys and blessings that are available to you right now. Embracing the Transformative Power of Restoration When we adopt a mindset of restoration, we open ourselves up to the transformative power of God's love and grace. Instead of being defined by our circumstances, we can find our identity in our relationship with the Lord.  "It's not about our circumstances, it's about our perspective. When we choose to trust in God's plan and focus on the blessings in our lives, we can find the strength to restore our faith and overcome the challenges we face." Conclusion: Embracing the Journey of Restoration The journey towards restoration may be arduous, but it is essential for those seeking to deepen their relationship with God and achieve true fulfillment. Cultivating a mindset of gratitude, belief, and awareness helps us recognize God's active role in our lives, especially during difficult periods.Therefore, let us heed the call to rejuvenate our faith and confidence in God's design. Let us be open to altering our viewpoint, obtaining support from our community, and concentrating on the current moment. By doing this, we may uncover the transformative influence of God's tranquility and presence, regardless of the obstacles we encounter. https://cdn.shopify.com/s/files/1/0674/0626/6664/files/rooted-blessed-conversations-study-on-the-catechism-books-901784.jpg?v=1718998219

God's Goodness in Uncertain Times In a world that often feels chaotic and unpredictable, it can be challenging to maintain a steadfast trust in God's goodness. Yet, as followers of Christ, we are called to cling to the unwavering truth that our Heavenly Father is inherently good, loving, and worthy of our complete trust. This belief, rooted in the very nature of God, can provide us with a profound sense of comfort, security, and hope, even in the midst of life's most trying circumstances. His Unwavering Goodness At the heart of our faith lies the fundamental truth that God is good—not just occasionally or conditionally, but consistently and eternally. This attribute of God's character is woven throughout the pages of Scripture, from the opening chapters of Genesis to the final book of Revelation. Time and again, we are reminded that the Lord is "good and upright" (Psalm 25:8), that "his steadfast love endures forever" (Psalm 136:1), and that "every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of lights" (James 1:17). This unwavering goodness of God is not merely an abstract concept but a living reality that we can experience and cling to in our daily lives. Whether we are facing personal trials, navigating uncertain circumstances, or wrestling with doubts and fears, the knowledge that the Lord is inherently good can provide us with the assurance and stability we so desperately need. Trusting God's Goodness in the Midst of Suffering One of the most challenging aspects of the Christian life is reconciling our belief in God's goodness with the reality of suffering and pain in the world. How can a loving and all-powerful God allow such hardship and heartache to exist? This question has perplexed believers throughout the ages, and there are no easy answers. All we have to hold on to, though, is the indisputable fact that God's kindness is inherent in Himself and not determined by the conditions surrounding us. Even in the midst of our darkest valleys, we can trust that God's goodness is present, working in ways that may not be immediately visible to us. As Scripture declares, "The Lord is good, a stronghold in the day of trouble; he knows those who take refuge in him" (Nahum 1:7). While we may not understand the reasons behind our suffering, we can find solace in the knowledge that He is with us, guiding us, and using even the most difficult experiences to shape us and draw us closer to Himself. Cultivating a Mindset of Trust Trusting in God's goodness is not always easy, especially when our circumstances seem to contradict this truth. It requires a deliberate shift in our mindset, a conscious choice to focus on the character of God rather than the challenges we face. This can be a daily, even moment-by-moment, practice of surrendering our fears and doubts to the Lord and choosing to believe that He is good, even when we cannot see or understand His ways. One practical way to cultivate this mindset of trust is to regularly reflect on the many ways God has demonstrated His goodness in our lives and in the lives of others. By keeping a gratitude journal, meditating on Scripture passages that highlight God's goodness, and sharing testimonies of His faithfulness, we can train our hearts and minds to focus on the truth of who God is rather than the circumstances that may try to shake our faith. Finding Rest in God's Goodness When we truly embrace the goodness of God, we can find a deep and abiding sense of rest and security in His love. No matter what storms may rage around us, we can take comfort in the knowledge that the Lord is in control, working all things together for our good and His glory (Romans 8:28). This does not imply that we will escape hardships, but rather that we can overcome them knowing that God is with us, guiding us, and utilizing even the most trying situations to mold us into the individuals He has called us to be. As we navigate the complexities of life, let us cling to the truth that our God is good—not just in theory but in the very depths of our being. By trusting in His goodness, we can find the courage to face our fears, the strength to endure our struggles, and the hope to persevere in our faith, knowing that the Lord is always working for our ultimate good and His eternal glory.

The Comfort and Complexity of Jesus as the Good Shepherd As we enter the Advent season, the image of Jesus as the Good Shepherd takes on a renewed significance. This beloved title, familiar to us from childhood, holds a depth and richness that can transform our relationship with the Lord. While the Good Shepherd may initially seem like a simple, comforting image, there are profound layers to unpack as we come to know Jesus more intimately under this title. From a young age, we are drawn to the idea of Jesus as the Good Shepherd, gently leading and caring for His flock. The Catechesis of the Good Shepherd program taps into this innate human desire to be led, protected, and nurtured by a loving shepherd. However, as we mature in our faith, we begin to realize that there is so much more to the Good Shepherd than meets the eye. Discovering the Depths In Psalm 23, we are introduced to the Lord as our Shepherd, who leads us beside still waters, restores our soul, and walks with us even through the darkest valleys. This imagery evokes a sense of comfort and security, but it also reveals the profound depths of God's care and provision for His people. As we dive deeper into the Good Shepherd imagery, we discover that it is not just about being led and cared for, but also about being found and restored. The Good Shepherd is not content to leave even one sheep behind, but will actively seek out the lost, the wounded, and the exiled parts of our hearts, bringing them back into the fold with tenderness and purpose. The Mutuality of Being Found and Finding One of the insights that has emerged in our exploration of the Good Shepherd is the mutuality of being found and finding. The title Found for our Advent devotional beautifully captures this truth – that the Good Shepherd not only finds us, but also desires for us to find Him. It is a reciprocal relationship, where the Shepherd's love and pursuit meets our own longing to be known and loved. Just as the bride and the Bridegroom in the Song of Songs mirror each other's words and desires, so too does the Good Shepherd and His flock engage in a dance of mutual love and discovery. We are found by the One who knows us intimately, and in that finding, we are empowered to seek and find Him in return. Surrendering to the Good Shepherd's Leadership As we come to know the Good Shepherd more deeply, we are invited to surrender ourselves to His leadership. This is not a passive surrender, but an active choice to trust the One who knows the way and desires our good. It means allowing Him to lead us, even through the dark valleys, with the confidence that He is working all things together for our ultimate flourishing. For many of us, this surrender is a daily, sometimes moment-by-moment, choice. We may struggle with control, anxiety, or a desire to forge our own path, but the Good Shepherd gently and persistently calls us to trust Him, to let go, and to follow where He leads. Encountering His Goodness At the heart of the Good Shepherd imagery is the fundamental truth that the Shepherd is good. It is not enough to simply know that Jesus is the Shepherd; we must also come to experience His goodness, His kindness, and His unwavering love for us. As we allow the Holy Spirit to reveal the depths of the Good Shepherd's character, our understanding and appreciation for this title will deepen, and our relationship with the Lord will be transformed. Whether we are in a season of deep trust and surrender, or one of feeling lost and wounded, the Good Shepherd is there, extending His hand and inviting us to walk with Him. He is the One who will not rest until every part of our hearts is found, healed, and restored to wholeness. Embracing the Both/And of the Good Shepherd As we journey with the Good Shepherd this Advent, we are invited to embrace the both/and of this profound title. We are both the found and the finding, the led and the following, the wounded and the healed. The Good Shepherd meets us in the depths of our brokenness and our wholeness, calling us to surrender and to trust, to receive and to seek. In the midst of the busyness and distractions of this season, may we take the time to pause and allow the Lord to find us, to lead us, and to reveal the depths of His goodness. For it is in this encounter with the Good Shepherd that we will find the rest, the peace, and the joy that our hearts so deeply desire. Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life, and I shall dwell in the house of the Lord my whole life long. (Psalm 23:6) As we dwell in the house of the Father, may we experience the fullness of His love, His grace, and His transformative power in our lives. For in the Good Shepherd, we find the one who will never leave us, never forsake us, and who will lead us home to the eternal pastures of His kingdom.

In this YouTube clip, Beth and I share our concern about people who don't know about God's love and how their lives could be radically changed if they knew. We share about Father Parks' idea of using virtual reality technology like Oculus or Meta to connect with people online and share the gospel. However, we realize the more important approach is to love people, be patient, and allow the Holy Spirit to guide opportunities to share one's faith through personal experiences and relationships. We recognize the need for perseverance, as it often takes time for people to receive God's love, just as it has taken time in our own lives. WATCH THE FULL EPISODE

In this YouTube clip, Beth and Jenna discuss the importance of showing love and unity towards others, even when they are acting in a sinful or frustrating manner. We emphasize the need to resist the temptation to retreat from those who are behaving poorly, and instead to actively put love and mercy into the situation, as God does for us. We reflect on the struggle between preferring division or unity and the call as Christians to choose unity and mercy. Let's be Christians who intentionally show love, even when it is difficult, as a way to bring about unity and reflect God's heart. WATCH THE FULL EPISODE

Thank you so much for praying with us through Rescued, our Lent devotional for 2024. It was an incredible gift to be rescued alongside you. This is our last podcast episode from this Lenten season, and we are so grateful to each one of you who has listened and prayed and commented and walked with us. We're especially grateful to each of you who joined us LIVE every single weekday in the Blessed is She App. It was a great joy to enter into this Lenten season alongside you in such an intimate way. We can't wait to live Easter with you as well, using our Risen book and praying every weekday with you in our App. Right after you purchase your book, you'll get instant access to the App to get started with us 🌻 Get Risen

Join us as we conclude our podcast series on our 2023 devotional, New Wine!

Join us this Lenten season as we dive into our 2023 devotional, New Wine!

  Beth and Jenna discuss Week 5 in the Lent devotional. Get your devotional right here!

Join us this Lenten season as we dive into our 2023 devotional, New Wine!

Beth and Jenna discuss Week 4 in the Lent devotional. Get your devotional right here!

Beth et Jenna discutent de la semaine 1 de la dévotion du Carême. Obtenez votre dévotion ici !

Beth et Jenna discutent de la semaine 1 de la dévotion du Carême. Obtenez votre dévotion ici !