Higher Ground by Elevated Parish Missions

Send us Fan Mail

Summary
In this episode of Higher Ground, Brian Hough and Martin Watjen discuss the importance of making space for Jesus in our lives amidst the hustle, bustle, and chaos of our holiday preparation activities. They emphasize that while festivities and gifts have their place, true peace comes from intentionally creating room in our hearts for Jesus... He who is the King of Peace.

Takeaways

• We often fill our schedules with distractions.
• Jesus came to bring order amidst confusion.
• Inviting Jesus requires making space for Him.
• Festivities are good, but they shouldn't overwhelm us.
• Spirituality needs intentionality in our lives.
• Confusion arises when everything is scattered.
• Clarity comes from prioritizing our spiritual lives.
• Creating room for Jesus leads to a more fulfilling life and one full of peace.

Send us Fan Mail

Summary
In this episode of Higher Ground, Martin Watjen and Brian Hough explore the importance of focusing on spiritual preparation for Christmas, emphasizing the need to balance worldly expectations with a deeper sense of joy and hope in anticipation of the Lord's birth.

Takeaways

• The anticipation of joy and hope is essential during Christmas.
• Focusing on spiritual preparation can enhance the Christmas experience.
• Worldly distractions can detract from the true meaning of Christmas.
• It's important to make the Lord the focus of our days.
• Balancing expectations with spiritual focus is crucial.
• The joy of Christmas should not be overshadowed by anxiety.
• Preparation for Christmas should be rooted in spirituality.
• The hullabaloo of the season can lead to losing sight of joy.
• True joy comes from anticipation and hope in the Lord.
• Christmas should be a time of reflection and spiritual growth.

Send us Fan Mail

Summary

In this episode of Higher Ground, Martin Watjen and Brian Hough explore the meaning of evangelization and emphasize the importance of witnessing in teaching others. The hosts note that people are more likely to listen to those who genuinely care and understand them and discuss how forcing beliefs or debating often alienates people, while relational approaches rooted in empathy and humility foster genuine connection. They highlight Christ’s example of meeting people where they are, using relatable stories, and prioritizing love over judgment. Practical advice includes asking open-ended questions, understanding others’ perspectives, and witnessing through authentic relationships rather than arguments. The goal is for others to be known, seen, and loved...

Takeaways

• Evangelization is more effective through listening and relationship-building than through forceful debate.
• People respond better to witnesses than to teachers who impose beliefs.
• Christ modeled evangelization by speaking in relatable stories and meeting people where they were.
• The Socratic method—asking questions to guide reflection—can be a gentle way to engage in faith conversations.
• Winning souls is more important than winning arguments; empathy and charity should guide interactions.
• Understanding someone’s background and hardships helps foster compassion and dialogue.
• Hospitality and love create opportunities for authentic encounters with Jesus.
• Avoid judgment; focus on making others feel known, seen, and loved.

Send us Fan Mail

Summary
In this conversation, Brian Hough and Martin Watjen explore the concept of perfection from a spiritual perspective, contrasting worldly ideals with the divine call to authenticity and emulation of Jesus. They emphasizes that true perfection is not found in material success or societal standards. True perfection is only found in Christ.  We must constantly strive for His standards, not those of the world.


Takeaways

• Many people seek perfection in worldly things.
• True perfection is not about material success.
• Jesus exemplifies the perfect nature of the Father.
• We are called to emulate Jesus, not worldly ideals.
• The Father and Jesus are one in purpose.
• Reflecting the Father is our true calling.
• Worldly standards of success are misleading.
• Spiritual growth is about inner transformation.

Send us Fan Mail

Summary
In this episode of Higher Ground, Martin Watjen and Brian Hough explore themes of manhood, spirituality, and personal growth. They discuss the importance of nurturing one's spiritual life, using the analogy of a dull axe to illustrate the need for preparation and prayer. The conversation emphasizes the value of being active participants in life, rather than mere spectators, and encourages listeners to take steps towards personal and spiritual development.


Takeaways

• Spiritual growth is a priority over achievements or accolades.
• Chopping wood serves as a metaphor for tackling life's challenges.
• A dull axe represents a lack of spiritual preparation.
• Spiritual nourishment is essential for personal strength.
• Criticism of others is easy; our action in the arena of life is what counts.
• Preparation is key to facing life's giants.
• Prayer can rejuvenate and empower one's daily life.
• We are all called to personal "greatness" in our own lives.
• Taking time daily to 'sharpen' our spiritual tools is crucial.

Send us Fan Mail

Summary

In “The Reality 'Bubble',” hosts Martin Watjen and Brian Hough explore the profound spiritual dimensions that often go unnoticed in everyday life. They reflect on how faith reveals deeper truths beneath the surface of our experiences, encouraging listeners to see beyond the material and embrace the mystery of God's presence. Through Scripture, personal insight, and theological reflection, the episode invites believers to awaken to the hidden workings of grace and divine reality. The conversation culminates in a call to live with greater awareness, humility, and trust in God's plan. 

Takeaways

• Reality is layered—what we see is only part of the story; faith reveals deeper spiritual truths.
• God is always working behind the scenes, even when we feel distant or confused.
• Scripture helps us uncover hidden spiritual patterns in our lives and the world.
• Mystery is central to faith—we’re invited to trust even when we don’t fully understand.
• Humility opens our eyes to the divine presence in ordinary moments.
• Spiritual growth requires attentiveness to the subtle movements of grace.
• Faith is not just belief—it’s a lens through which we interpret reality.
• We’re called to live with intentionality, recognizing that every moment holds spiritual significance.

Send us Fan Mail

Summary

In this episode of Higher Ground, Martin Watjen and Brian Hough explore the concept of charisms, or spiritual gifts, that are given by the Holy Spirit to every baptized person. They discuss the difference between natural talents and charisms, emphasizing that charisms are meant to be used for the common good and to build up the church. The hosts share personal experiences and insights on how to recognize and cultivate these gifts, encouraging listeners to discover their own unique spiritual paths.

Send us a text

Summary:

In this episode of Higher Ground, Martin Watjen and Brian Hough explore the concept of charisms, or spiritual gifts, that are given by the Holy Spirit to every baptized person. They discuss the difference between natural talents and charisms, emphasizing that charisms are meant to be used for the common good and to build up the church. The hosts share personal experiences and insights on how to recognize and cultivate these gifts, encouraging listeners to discover their own unique spiritual paths.

Takeaways

• Charisms are spiritual gifts given by the Holy Spirit to every baptized person.
• These gifts are meant for the common good and to build up the church.
• Charisms differ from natural talents; they are supernaturally effective.
• Recognizing charisms involves looking for effectiveness, joy, and affirmation.
• Charisms can include teaching, administration, hospitality, and more.
• The Holy Spirit is often overlooked but is integral to our spiritual life.
• Personal experiences can reveal the presence and impact of charisms.
• Charisms are not earned; they are freely given by God.
• Using charisms can lead to profound personal and communal growth.

Send us Fan Mail

Summary
In this episode of Higher Ground, hosts Brian Hough and Martin Watjen explore the themes of childhood, the transition to adulthood, and the importance of maintaining a childlike spirit in faith. They reflect on personal experiences with Halloween, the innocence of youth, and the lessons learned from children, including the significance of thankfulness and the Beatitudes. The conversation emphasizes the need to embrace childlike qualities in our relationship with God and to live out these values in daily life.


Takeaways

• Halloween evokes memories of childhood innocence and joy.
• The transition from childhood to adulthood can be abrupt.
• Thankfulness is a key aspect of childlike faith.
• Children exhibit unique personalities that enrich family life.
• The Beatitudes reflect childlike qualities we should embody.
• Children are trusting and dependent on their parents.
• Innocence and purity are hallmarks of childhood.
• It's important to teach children to share and apologize.
• Children can teach adults valuable lessons about life.
• Maintaining a childlike spirit is essential for spiritual growth.

Send us Fan Mail

Summary:

In this episode of "Higher Ground," hosts Martin Watjen and Brian Hough explore the profound impact of faith and community on personal growth and mission work. Broadcasting from Texas, they share their excitement for the Pentecost Today USA National Catholic Charismatic Conference and their enriching encounters with fellow believers in Dallas. The conversation delves into the balance between self-reliance and divine trust, emphasizing the importance of humility and surrender to God's will. Through personal anecdotes and scriptural reflections, Martin and Brian inspire listeners to embrace faith as a guiding force in their lives.