Real ministry is not built on polished content... it is built when we are willing to share our very selves. In this roadside reflection episode, Kara finally shares what Fred and her recent writing project has been (with Ascension Press) and reflects on a personal passage from St. Paul in 1 Thessalonians 2:8–9: “So, being affectionately desirous of you, we were ready to share with you not only the gospel of God but also our own selves…” This conversation dives into vulnerability, discipleship, authentic ministry, loving others even when it is difficult, and what it means to hope for others. Also, the audio quality is a little different this episode. Life and family obligations have made studio recording difficult lately, so I pray this “roadside reflections” is okay! Enjoy some Brother Francis and Veggie Tales in the background. Follow Draw Near on social media and join us as we continue building a community centered on prayer, authentic faith, discipleship, and drawing near to God and one another. For reflections, formation, and community, FOLLOW Draw Near by Grace on all 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 KardellSupport Draw Near

What if being united to God begins with being cut open? In this episode of Draw Near, we explore Romans 11 and the powerful image of being “grafted” into God. Using the biblical metaphor of the olive tree, St. Paul reveals something profound about the spiritual life: union with God is living, dependent, and deeply transformative. Grafting is no gentle process. It requires cutting, exposure, and vulnerability before new life can take hold. And the same is true in our relationship with God. He does not simply improve us from the outside; he works within us, cutting away what is hardened so that we can receive his life more fully. We reflect on how God is the root who sustains us, how we are invited to remain in him, and what it means to bear interior fruit fruit that comes not from our own strength, but from grace. Drawing connections to Ezekiel 36 and the promise of a new heart, this episode invites you to consider how God may be at work in the hidden places of your life; and what areas of your own life have you hardened? If you’ve ever wrestled with vulnerability, struggled to trust God in the midst of difficulty, or wondered how real transformation actually happens—this conversation is for you. 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 KardellSupport Draw Near

St. Patrick’s story is one of suffering, conversion, and mission. Enslaved as a teenager, he encountered God in hardship and later returned to Ireland to preach Christ. This episode reflects on the Lorica of St. Patrick—a powerful prayer of spiritual strength and protection—and its invitation during Lent: to rise each day not by our own strength, but through the strength of the Trinity and the life of Christ. Rooted in the Cross, surrounded by the communion of saints, and sustained by Christ’s presence, we are reminded: we do not walk alone. For reflections, formation, and community, FOLLOW Draw Near 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 KardellSupport Draw Near

"I sat down with my dad to ask him what he has learned as a fatherhood." In this special episode of Draw Near, Kara sits down with her dad for an honest and heartfelt conversation about faith and fatherhood. Together they reflect on what it means to become a father, how faith shapes parenting, what we can learn from our parents and children, and the quiet ways children absorb what their fathers believe. Along the way, there are stories, wisdom earned over time, and yes — a few classic dad jokes. Whether you are a father, have a father, or are still healing from that relationship, this conversation invites you to consider how earthly fatherhood reflects (imperfectly but beautifully) the heart of God the Father. Topics include: • Growing in faith through parenting • Spiritual leadership in the home • Lessons learned the hard way • What children really notice Psalm 103:13 reminds us: “As a father pities his children, so the LORD pities those who fear him.” (RSVCE) We pray this episode strengthens families, encourages dads, and helps all of us draw nearer to the Father who never fails. For reflections, formation, and community, FOLLOW Draw Near 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 KardellSupport 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: 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? What comfort, habit, or attachment might God be asking me to surrender so He can build something deeper in me? 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 KardellSupport Draw Near

BJ and Kara go on a date, and they invite you to listen in. This week on Draw Near, Kara is joined by a very special guest: her husband, BJ!! Join a recorded at-home date centered on one of the most important (and challenging) aspects of marriage: communication. The date follows one of the intentional at-home dates from Draw Near's soon-to-be-released marriage resource, Near to You, a collection of ten guided dates designed to help married couples draw nearer to God and to one another at any stage of marriage. Set at the kitchen table (in sweats, with homemade cocktails), Kara and BJ invite you into a relaxed evening that includes prayer, Scripture, reflection, meaningful conversation, and a goofy game to close the night. Along the way, they talk honestly about how communication styles develop over time, how conflict and silence can affect intimacy, and how words or actions can become instruments of love within marriage. Whether you’re newly married, years into marriage, or simply curious about building a healthy faith-filled relationship, this episode offers encouragement, honesty, and practical ideas you can bring into your own relationship. For more information on this resource or to Pre-Order "Near to You" today CLICK HERE! 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! "Like" and follow us on Facebook!. Follow us on Instagram! Click here to become a patron! Patrons are essentially "sponsors" and co-producers or Draw Near as it could not happen without them. Who are "Fred and Kara?" Find out by visiting our home page. Draw Near Theme © Fred Shellabarger & Kara KardellSupport Draw Near

How do you actually share your faith—without fear, awkward moments, or feeling like you have to have all the answers? In this short episode, Fred reflects on a simple, ordinary moment that became a doorway for grace. What started as a late-night stop for ice cream after church turned into months of prayer, presence, encouragement, and quiet fidelity—and ultimately, a life gently redirected toward healing, hope, and the Church. This story reminds us that sharing our faith doesn’t usually begin with arguments or explanations. It begins with noticing, listening, and having the courage to say a simple “yes” when the Holy Spirit nudges. Because sometimes, the most powerful witness of the Gospel sounds like this: “We’re about to pray. Is there anything we can pray for you about?” 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 KardellSupport Draw Near

Clear answers to common misconceptions about Catholicism... In this episode of Draw Near, we begin clearing up some of the most common Catholic misunderstandings or assumptions. Misconceptions explained in this episode: Catholicism is about rules and rituals, not a personal relationship with Jesus. Catholics don’t read the Bible and rely on tradition instead of Scripture. Catholics believe you earn salvation by works instead of being saved by grace. Throughout the episode, we look at key biblical passages and show how the Catholic Church has faithfully taught the fullness of Christ’s message. This episode isn’t a deep dive into every question; it is an invitation to understand what the Catholic Church truly teaches, where those teachings come from, and why they matter. If there’s a specific misconception or teaching you’d like explored further, submit it here—we’d love to continue the conversation. 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 KardellSupport Draw Near

Draw Near is still here—and this episode is all about returning to our "why." After a season of being in and out, adjusting rhythms, and letting life take its course, we wanted to speak honestly about where Draw Near is right now and how God has been gently guiding us forward. This episode invites you into our discernment, hope, and trust. Rooted in Isaiah 42:3, we reflect on the image of the Servant who does not break a bruised reed or extinguish a dimly burning wick. These words have shaped how we understand this season; It has not been a failure or fading, but as a time of careful tending. Jesus knows how to work with what is fragile. He repairs without rushing and restores without pressure. We share how this passage has helped us see the recent shifts in Draw Near as an invitation to listen more closely, allowing the Spirit to breathe life into the work in more sustainable ways. The mission remains. The vision endures. What’s changing is the rhythm. If you’ve ever wondered whether something good was slipping away—or whether a quieter season meant God was less present—this episode is for you. 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! Subscribe to Draw Near YOUTUBE Channel Here. 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 KardellSupport Draw Near

God formed you carefully—every part of you. In this episode of Draw Near, Kara leads you through a guided visualization meditation designed to quiet the noise and open you to the depth of God’s love for you. This reflection is especially for anyone who struggles to see themselves as wholly good and loved... those who can appreciate their strengths but wrestle with their weaknesses, insecurities, or parts they wish were different. This meditation gently invites you to see yourself through God’s eyes and to receive yourself with the same love God offers. Drawn directly from the Surrender Journal we wrote and offer through our shop, this prayer experience is meant to be returned to again and again—especially in moments of self-doubt, comparison, or discouragement. Find a quiet place, take a deep breath, and allow God to remind you: you are deeply known, carefully created, and lovingly held. Questions to reflect on before you begin: Where do you find value within yourself? When do feel valuable? Are there moments when you do not feel valuable but worthless? What are they? What lies from the evil one do you listen to regularly regarding your life, identity, or value? What does it mean to be made in the image of God? What does it mean to be in the likeness of God? The Surrender Journal: Find additional meditations in the Surrender Journal. Learn more or ORDER by clicking HERE 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 KardellSupport Draw Near