The Springs in the Desert Podcast: Catholic Accompaniment Through Infertility

Today on the podcast, Cassandra is joined by Katie (our blog manager!) and Matthew Summers. We talk about how important it is for couples to discern their mission, and for husbands and wives to support each other in their careers and goals. Listen in for Katie's beautiful witness of praying for Matthew in a special way during the workday.

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Blog

Blogcast

Even on the path of infertility and loss, your marriage has a mission! Join Cassandra for a quick prayer break where we offer to God our petitions. It is our honor to walk with you!

Links:

• Subscribe to the Weekly Well
• Submit a Prayer Request

Some episodes are just so good we have to air them twice! Tune in to this week's episode, a replay with one of our favorite guests!

During National NFP Awareness Week, we thought it a great idea to welcome back a close friend of this ministry, Chris O'Neill, the Director of Marriage and Family Life for the Archdiocese of New Orleans. Chris helps articulate why those carrying the cross of infertility may have mixed feelings about NFP, charting, etc., then helps us refocus on how to build deep, strong relationships with our spouse.

Links

• ⁠What's the Issue with IVF? podcast episode

During NFP Awareness Week, Jillian is joined by her groom, Jesse for a Desert Reflection! They discuss ways to connect with your spouse — mind, body, and soul — when charting feels like a chore. They share ideas about how to incorporate prayer, physical movement, and interesting discussions into your daily routines to ensure moments of intimacy are the foundation of your marriage. Whether you are feeling reinvigorated to refocus on charting or needing to set the chart or conversations around NFP to the side, we hope this conversation gives you a few ideas about how to reconnect with your spouse in this season!

If you are an NFP Instructor, on a Marriage Prep Team, or serving engaged and married couples at the diocesan level, this one is for you! In preparation for National NFP Awareness Week, Jillian shares a resource that the Springs in the Desert Team created to help equip you to serve the 1 in 5 couples who may also be struggling to conceive or may experience infertility or loss during their NFP journey. Thank you for your yes in serving the Body of Christ, and it is an honor to walk alongside you!

P.S. If you know someone who would benefit from this episode, please forward this to them and connect them to our team!

Links:

• Springs Website

Eileen Tully joins Jillian to discuss how to navigate reapproaching intimacy and NFP after experiencing pregnancy loss. They share tips about how to take every thought captive and encouragement to recognize and reframe our understanding of God after such a devastating event. From temptations and repentance, to healing and grieving, Eileen and Jillian have an honest conversation about the many challenges faced after loss. Biggest takeaway? God is not disappointed in you; God loves you, and so do we!

Links:

• Changing Your Mindset with Eileen Tully Podcast
• Eileen Tully Website
• Feminine Genius Ministries
• Litany for Couples Using NFP
• Litany of Trust

If you are needing a refresh to your day, a minute to recalibrate, or a guided prayer for your morning devotions, listen to this episode! Whether you are in your prayer corner, on the drive to work, or on an evening walk, join Jillian in praying a summertime litany!

Links:

• Submit a prayer request!

The desire for healing is often part of conversations on the path of infertility. Your podcast host, Jillian, is joined by Lisa Martinez from Little With Great Love for a discussion about the topic of healing. What does healing mean? Where does healing begin? What does it look like to be healed? What if I feel God is withholding healing from me? Listen to this episode to explore the answers to these questions and more!

Links:

• Little With Great Love Website
• Little With Great Love Facebook
• Little With Great Love Instagram
• Little With Great Love Pinterest
• Little With Great Love YouTube
• Asking God For Healing Blog Post
• Eucharistic Healing Blog Post
• The Healing Beauty of Creation Blog Post

Adoption is a beautiful pathway for fruitfulness, whether or not a couple struggles with infertility. When a couple decides to explore adoption and go through the process, they invite a child into their hearts and their families, which is a beautiful fruit of their love. But adoption is not guaranteed to go according to a couple’s desired plan for their family. Today, therapist and Springs professional Contributor Clare Kane joins Ann to talk about what happens when the process stalls or stops, and how couples can manage the pain of an interrupted (or failed) adoption.

Links:

• Springs of Love
• Blog Post: Gratitude and Adoption
• Blog Post: Nothing Simple About It
• Blog Post: Adoption Redeemed
• Blog Post: Who Does This Child Belong To?

Our very special guest today is Megan Hjelmstad, author, speaker, and mentor. She joins Ann to impart wisdom regarding suffering, learned from her own story of suffering she shares with us listeners.  She will leave you enlightened and encouraged, reminding us that God redeems everything, as you walk your own road of suffering. 

Links:

• Offer It Up
• St. Paul Center Instagram: @stpaulcenter
• Emmaus Road Publishing Instgram: @emmausroadpublishing
• Megan Hjelmstad's Instagram: @positively__imperfect
• Megan's Website