For Such a Time as This

In this episode, we are tackling the question of why we believe, as St. Peter called us to do: "Always be prepared to make a defense to any one who calls you to account for the hope that is in you, yet do it with gentleness and reverence." (1 Peter 3:15)

We talked about the ways we can come to know His existence through reason, and shared our personal faith experiences.  

Resource we mentioned:

The Five Ways of St. Thomas Aquinas

Scripture we mentioned:

"Ever since the creation of the world, his invisible attributes of eternal power and divinity have been able to be understood and perceived in what he has made." - Romans 1:20

How do you account for the hope that is in you?  Journaling the ways God has made His presence known to you can be so helpful to turn to in times of your own doubt and when others ask you why you believe.

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We're continuing our conversation about dreams!

Resources we mention:

Your Blue Flame by Jennifer Fulwiler

The Dream Manager by Matthew Kelly

 - The Twelve Dream Categories: physical, emotional, intellectual, spiritual, psychological, material, professional, financial, creative, adventure, legacy, character

Scriptures we mention:

Amen, amen, I say to you, whoever believes in me will do the works that I do, and will do greater ones than these, because I am going to the Father. 

- John 14:12

Are you ready to start dreaming? What is holding you back? Find someone you trust and share your dreams!

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Ok, we're not talking about California, but in this episode we are discussing dreams!  This is a topic we've become passionate about over the last few months and we were so excited to talk about it, we decided we needed a two part episode. 

In Part 1, we talk about how dreaming is necessary to keep hoping, some obstacles that keep us from dreaming, and how God places dreams on our heart as our own unique way to bear fruit. 

Resources we mention: 

Your Blue Flame by Jennifer Fulwiler 

The Dream Manager by Matthew Kelly

“Our deepest fear is not that we are inadequate. Our deepest fear is that we are powerful beyond measure. It is our light, not our darkness that most frightens us. We ask ourselves, 'Who am I to be brilliant, gorgeous, talented, fabulous?' Actually, who are you not to be? You are a child of God. Your playing small does not serve the world. There is nothing enlightened about shrinking so that other people won't feel insecure around you. We are all meant to shine, as children do. We were born to make manifest the glory of God that is within us. It's not just in some of us; it's in everyone. And as we let our own light shine, we unconsciously give other people permission to do the same. As we are liberated from our own fear, our presence automatically liberates others.”

- Marianne Williamson

Scriptures we mention:

"Ask for a sign from the LORD, your God; let it be deep as Sheol, or high as the sky!  But Ahaz answered, “I will not ask! I will not tempt the LORD!”  Then he said: Listen, house of David! Is it not enough that you weary human beings? Must you also weary my God?  Therefore the Lord himself will give you a sign; the young woman, pregnant and about to bear a son, shall name him Emmanuel."

- Isaiah 7:11-14

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In this episode, we finish up our series on the tree of life, as we discuss the fruit that we are all called to bear in the Christian life.  This fruit naturally flows out of secure attachment to God and Christian maturity.  We discuss the obstacles to bearing fruit, such as when we try to do the things we aren't called to do and our own woundedness, and how important it is to discover the fruit we each are uniquely called to bear.  

Resources we mentioned: 

John Henry Newman Quote

Henri Nouwen Quote

Catherine of Siena Institute - Spiritual Gifts Inventory 

Your Blue Flame by Jennifer Fulwiler

Scriptures we used:

"For once you were darkness, but now you are light in the Lord; walk as children of light (for the fruit of light is found in all that is good and right and true)." (Ephesians 5:8-9)

"I am the vine, you are the branches. Whoever remains in me and I in him will bear much fruit, because without me you can do nothing."  (John 15:5)

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Continuing the discussion we started in our last episode, we shared our thoughts on what maturity looks like to us, from surrender and trust to wholeness and detachment. 

Resources we mentioned:

33 Days to Merciful Love

101 Conversation Starters for Couples by Gary Chapman

Scripture from this episode:

Ephesians 4:1

"I therefore, a prisoner for the Lord, beg you to lead a life worthy of the calling to which you have been called."

1 Corinthians 13:11

"When I was child, I spoke like a child, I thought like a child, I reasoned like a child; when I became a man, I gave up childish ways."

John 10:10b

"I came that they may have life, and have it abundantly."

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In this episode, we wanted to share with you the times in our lives when we felt that God wasn’t answering our prayers and the way He has restored those times and brought good out of them.  

*Please note, in this episode we talk about our experiences with depression, anxiety and miscarriage.  

Resources we mentioned: 

A Sunday on La Grande Jatte by Georges Seurat  

Brene Brown on Empathy 

Pope Frances Easter Homily 

Scriptures from this episode: 

Genesis 37-50: The Story of Joseph 

“Even though you meant harm to me, God meant it for good” (Genesis 50:20) 

Lamentations 3: 17, 21-22

 “My soul is bereft of peace, I have forgotten what happiness is… but this I call to mind and therefore I have hope: The steadfast love of the Lord never ceases, his mercies never come to an end.”

Romans 8:15-17 

"For you did not receive the spirit of slavery to fall back into fear, but you have received the spirit of sonship.  When we cry, "Abba, Father!" it is the Spirit himself bearing witness with our spirit that we are children of God, and if children, then heirs, heirs of God and fellow heirs with Christ, provided we suffer with him in order that we may also be glorified with him."  

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In this episode, we're talking about attunement and attachment: what it is in relation to our children, our spouse, and our God. 

What Toni Morrison Taught Me About Parenting 

Romans 8:15-16

Ephesians 3:14-19

Out of Hiding by Steffany Gretzinger 

John Paul II Healing Center

Questions or comments? Email us at [email protected]!

Today we’re talking about triggers - what they really are, why we have them, and how they can lead us to greater healing! 

Books we mentioned:

Be Healed by Bob Schuchts 

Hold Me Tight by Sue Johnson 

The Whole-Brain Child by Dan Siegel 

Using your triggers to lead you to healing:  

1) Ask yourself: what triggers have I noticed in my day? (ie: What caused an emotional outburst of anger, sadness, self-protection, etc.?) 

2) Ask God for guidance and use SIFT (Sensations, Images, Feelings, Thoughts) to discover any memories that might be tied to that trigger. 

3) Invite God into that memory.  Ask Him to reveal himself there and bring His healing presence.  It is helpful to talk to someone about your memory and seek therapy, if needed.

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In this episode of For Such a Time as This, we take on Self-Care.  We discuss what lies keep us from taking care of ourselves, how to recognize self-care counterfeits, and how to find restoration and rest in life-giving self-care.   

Our challenge questions: 

1. What is keeping me from taking care of myself?  

2. What do I need to step back from?  

3. Where do I feel rest? 

4. What counterfeits are taking the place of genuine self-care? 

5. Who do I need to talk to about carving out time for self-care? 

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Welcome to For Such a Time as This!  In this episode, we discuss the practice of mindfulness and how it can lead us to an encounter with God in the present moment. We discuss what mindfulness is from a Christian perspective, why we need it, and offer some tips on how to use it both emotionally and spiritually. 

Resources we mentioned: 

The Mindful Catholic by Dr. Gregory Bottaro  

Sitting Like a Saint by Dr. Gregory and Barbra Bottaro 

Hallow App

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