encountered & embraced: Recent Episodes
byesther414._
Podcast by esther - (Formerly known as 'cars & conversations')
Join Mary in her conversations with others about life, faith, femininity, friendship, love and more!
And don't forget to subscribe to our blog for more! https://byesther414.wixsite.com/blog
HAPPY EASTER EVERYONE!!
Hope you are all celebrating this spectacular weekend with our Lord finally being risen! To also celebrate this joyous weekend, we have our final episode from our 4-part "Journey Through Lent" series! Woot Woot!
In today’s episode, we have two wonderful best friends and by esther sisters, Nica and Via, joining us in our conversation.
We share our experiences and how we feel we have been changed and transformed through our Fiat challenge. In this conversation we talk about some of the difficulties we experienced this Lent as well as the aspects we particularly enjoyed of our lenten challenges. We talk about how our faith journeys and particularly our relationships with God.
(Unfortunately due to unforeseen circumstances we had to record this podcast via video call and experienced some technical issues).
So, sit back, relax and encounter Christ!
by esther,
mary.
Resources mentioned:
Fiat 90 - https://fiat-90.com/ or http://www.holyandhealthycatholic.com/fiat-90
Follow & subscribe:
Blog
- http://www.byesther414.wixsite.com/blog
Etsy
- https://www.etsy.com/au/shop/MadebyestherAU
Instagram:
- @byesther._
- @madebyestherau
Facebook:
- https://www.facebook.com/madebyestherau
Hello everyone,
We are back again with another episode of our Lenten series! Woot Woot!
In today’s episode, my special guest and by esther sister, Rin and I will talk about the third pillar of Lent - almsgiving.
Almsgiving is an important aspect of Lent because just as Jesus served others, we too are called to serve our neighbours. In our conversation, we share our own thoughts and the things we are currently doing for our almsgiving this Lenten season. Furthermore, we will discuss the reasons why us Catholics practise almsgiving including how being in service to others can change us internally and externally.
So, sit back, relax and encounter Christ!
by esther,
mary.
Resources mentioned:
Fiat 90 - https://fiat-90.com/ or http://www.holyandhealthycatholic.com/fiat-90
(Video) 4 Reasons for Almsgiving by Fr. Mike Schmitz - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xODJuXGUyzQ&t=191s
Follow & subscribe:
Blog
- http://www.byesther414.wixsite.com/blog
Etsy
- https://www.etsy.com/au/shop/MadebyestherAU
Instagram:
- @byesther._
- @madebyestherau
Facebook:
- https://www.facebook.com/madebyestherau
“Fasting is directed to two things: the deletion of sin, and the raising of the mind to heavenly things” - St Thomas Aquinas
Hello everyone!
Welcome to the first official podcast of Encountered & Embraced!
So for this season, we will be discussing the journey of Lent! It will be broken down into four episodes where we will be focusing on the three pillars of Lent - fasting, prayer and almsgiving as well as a surprise episode to end off the series! So you better keep your ears out when it will come out hahah.
In this episode, my special guest and lovely by esther sister, Janz and I will be talking about the act of fasting. We will share our thoughts, struggles and the meaning of fasting in our own lives - how the sacrifice can bring us into deeper intimacy with Jesus. Furthermore, we will discuss some ways to battle a loss of motivation during Lent.
So, sit back, relax and encounter Christ!
by esther,
mary
Resources mentioned:
Fiat 90 - https://fiat-90.com/ or http://www.holyandhealthycatholic.com/fiat-90
The Poco a Poco Podcast - https://www.franciscanfriars.com/pocoapoco
(Book) Restore by Sr Miriam James Heidland, SOLT - https://www.avemariapress.com/products/restore
(Video) Rending Our Hearts Through Prayer, Fasting and Almsgiving (Lent 2022) by Fr Mark-Mary - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pJNVxjuV7dM
Follow & subscribe:
Blog
- http://www.byesther414.wixsite.com/blog
Etsy
- https://www.etsy.com/au/shop/MadebyestherAU
Instagram:
- @byesther._
- @madebyestherau
Facebook:
- https://www.facebook.com/madebyestherau
“Prayer is in fact the recognition of our limits and our dependence: we come from God, we are of God, and to God we return” - St John Paul II
As we go through our own deserts, like Jesus, we experience many temptations and challenges. It is in such challenging times that we need to remain steadfast in our Lord and trust in Him. What better way to do that than through deep prayer with Him?
In today’s episode, I will be talking to another by esther sister Maya about the second pillar of Lent - prayer. In this conversation, we talk about the importance of prayer during Lent and how prayer has the power to transform hearts. There is no simple formula for prayer, nor a single structure. So, we will share about our personal prayer lives and the encounters we have experienced through prayer.
So, sit back, relax and encounter Christ!
by esther,
mary.
Resources mentioned:
Fiat 90 - https://fiat-90.com/ or http://www.holyandhealthycatholic.com/fiat-90
Hallow App - https://hallow.com/
(Book) Consoling the Heart Of Jesus - By Fr. Michael Gaitley https://www.lighthousecatholicmedia.org/store/title/consoling-the-heart-of-jesus-premium-edition
Babel to Pentecost with Anyhtony D’Ambrosio - https://watch.formed.org/videos/babel-to-pentecost-with-anthony-d-ambrosio
Follow & subscribe:
Blog
- http://www.byesther414.wixsite.com/blog
Etsy
- https://www.etsy.com/au/shop/MadebyestherAU
Instagram:
- @byesther._
- @madebyestherau
Facebook:
https://www.facebook.com/madebyestherau
‘The woman said to him, 'I know that Messiah -- that is, Christ -- is coming; and when he comes he will explain everything. Jesus said, 'That is who I am, I who speak to you.' John 4:25-27 Hello my beautiful sisters…& awesome brothers, With the brand new year upon us, I thought it would be great to freshen up our podcast series to something a bit new and different! As a group, we decided to change our podcast name from “Cars & Conversations” to “Encountered & Embraced”! If you want to know more about it, listen to this short introduction podcast, explaining the idea behind the name as well as the new direction of this series! So, sit back, relax and encounter Christ! by esther, mary
Resources mentioned: Cars & Conversations Podcast: That’s a wrap: https://byesther414.wixsite.com/blog/post/cars-and-conversations-season-2-ep-09 The Chosen Series - https://watch.angelstudios.com/thechosen
Follow & subscribe: Blog http://www.byesther414.wixsite.com/blog Etsy https://www.etsy.com/au/shop/MadebyestherAU Instagram: @byesther._ @madebyestherau Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/madebyestherau
Hello my beautiful sisters!
Long time no see! I hope everyone had an amazing Christmas filled with joy, love and laughter!
So before we end off this year, we thought it would be an awesome idea to dedicate this episode to look back on our year: 2021. We discuss what God has shown us, our personal achievements and goals throughout the past year. In this podcast, we will also reveal our new “word for the year” and what we personally look forward to in 2022.
I hope you enjoy the podcast, so sit back, relax and join us in our conversation! Have a Happy New Year!
By esther,
mary.
Ps: If you want to know what your “word of the year” is for 2022 click here.
Other resources:
The Bible in a Year Podcast
Consecration to St Joseph
Follow & subscribe:
Blog
- http://www.byesther414.wixsite.com/blog
Etsy
- https://www.etsy.com/au/shop/MadebyestherAU
Instagram:
- @byesther._
- @madebyestherau
Facebook:
- https://www.facebook.com/madebyestherau
I think we can all agree that we face many hardships and challenges in life. Sometimes, we can even fall into the same old traps and habits again and again. So, why is it that we continually fall? How can we ensure it doesn’t happen again?
In today’s podcast, the graceful by esther sister Maya and I will have a conversation on "temptations" whilst addressing these questions. We will discuss the personal challenges that we fall into as well as the effects it has on our relationship with God. Furthermore, Maya and I will talk about the presence of God during hard times and the many graces he blesses us with, even when we feel trapped.
I hope you enjoy the podcast, so sit back, relax and join us in our conversation!
by esther,
mary.
Follow & subscribe:
Blog
- http://www.byesther414.wixsite.com/blog
Etsy
- https://www.etsy.com/au/shop/MadebyestherAU
Instagram:
- @byesther._
- @madebyestherau
Facebook:
- https://www.facebook.com/madebyestherau
Do you ever have times when you feel stressed and tired in life? Or do you ever experience feeling unmotivated or distant from God and those around you?
Like you, I too have fallen into that trap many times and to be honest with you my beautiful sisters, I am experiencing it right now. So I thought, what better way to overcome and work through these feelings and situations than to have a conversation about it.
In today’s podcast, my lovely by esther sister Rin and I will discuss these emotions and concerns we continually fall into. We will share with you our own experiences and the ways in which we can overcome them by the beauty of God's help and saving grace.
I hope you enjoy the podcast, so sit back, relax and join us in our conversation!
by esther,
mary.
Follow & subscribe:
Blog
- http://www.byesther414.wixsite.com/blog
Etsy
- https://www.etsy.com/au/shop/MadebyestherAU
Instagram:
- @byesther._
- @madebyestherau
Facebook:
- https://www.facebook.com/madebyestherau
Hello my beautiful sisters
Can you believe it is our 1 year anniversary of ‘made by esther’! HAPPY ONE YEAR TO US!!
To celebrate our 1st anniversary, we decided to have a special Q&A (Question & Answer) episode where we share with you our journey, thoughts, processes, and hardships since the creation of 'made by esther'! Unfortunately, due to the pandemic, my by esther sisters and I could not record the podcast together in one room. Thankfully, with technology, we were able to video call one another and answer all of your questions. So thank you to those who sent in some questions! We hope that you are safe and well. We also like to acknowledge everyone else who is also suffering through this pandemic. We are praying for you all and we can get through this together with God’s loving help and saving grace!
I hope you enjoy the podcast and sit back, relax and join us in our conversation!
mary.
Follow & subscribe:
Blog
- http://www.byesther414.wixsite.com/blog
Etsy
- https://www.etsy.com/au/shop/MadebyestherAU
Instagram:
- @byesther._
- @madebyestherau
Facebook:
- https://www.facebook.com/madebyestherau
Hi Everyone! Before the month ends, we have another awesome episode of cars and conversations! Woot Woot! In today’s podcast, we have a special guest: Reg - which some of you may know from a previous episode (“through thick and thin”). Reg is a beautiful and God-fearing woman that we by esther sisters were fortunate enough to grow up with. We talk about loving and appreciating our families as well as the importance of faith within the family. We discuss that although every family goes through hardships and challenges, they also experience good times and make precious memories together. So sit back, relax and join us in our conversation!
by esther mary.
Resources mentioned: cars and conversations - through thick and thin: https://open.spotify.com/episode/5K9QOt89X3T3BkdR9EROQy
Follow & subscribe: Blog
http://www.byesther414.wixsite.com/blog
Etsy
https://www.etsy.com/au/shop/MadebyestherAU
Instagram:
@byesther._
@madebyestherau
Facebook:
https://www.facebook.com/madebyestherau
Hello Beautiful Sisters!
Welcome back to another episode of cars and conversations!!
In this month’s podcast, my lovely by esther sister Via, and I will be talking about moderation and self-control! I think we can all agree that we can excessively indulge in items and food that consume maybe a bit too much time out of our everyday life. So Via and I will share with you some of our indulgences and habits we’ve fallen into and how we strive to overcome them. We will also discuss how these can affect our faith and will share some of the tips we use to maintain our self control.
So sit back, relax and join us in our conversation!
Mary.
Resources mentioned:
Poco a Poco Podcast - https://www.franciscanfriars.com/pocoapoco
Follow & subscribe:
Blog
- http://www.byesther414.wixsite.com/blog
Etsy
- https://www.etsy.com/au/shop/MadebyestherAU
Instagram:
- @byesther._
- @madebyestherau
Facebook:
- https://www.facebook.com/madebyestherau
Has there been in a time in your life where God has called you to a new direction? Well, I can tell you that we know how you feel! In today’s podcast, my by esther sister Janz and I will be sharing our own experiences about listening to the Holy Spirit and trusting in His plan on where to go next. In our conversation, you will also hear about the Saints who inspired and helped us during our journey as well as the many blessings and discoveries we had along the way. So sit back, relax and join us in our conversation! byesther, mary Resources mentioned: Consecration to Saint Joseph - https://www.consecrationtostjoseph.org/introduction.html Follow & subscribe: Websites http://www.byesther414.wixsite.com/blog https://www.madebyesther.com/ Instagram: @byesther._ @made_byesther Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/madebyesther.414
I think we can all agree that not everybody walks the same journey during the Lenten season. Some experience hardships, while others experience growth in their faith, prayer life and virtues. With all of these different paths and journeys in mind, we thought it would be a great idea to share with you how Lent has transformed us this year.
In this episode, my dear by esther sister Rin, and I talk about our personal Lenten experiences. We share about the hardships and struggles we've needed (and are still trying) to overcome. We talk about the many joys and realisations we have discovered through our fasting and prayer this year. Interestingly enough, our Lenten journeys have been completely different from one another!
We want you to know that no matter what your experience may have been this Lent, always remember Jesus Christ's presence in your life. He knows your heart and wants to transform you over and over again. If you weren't able to stick to your promises and fasting during Lent it does not mean He loves you any less. And even though it is already Holy Week, it's not too late to start again, it's not too late to keep trying!
If you've had a fruitful and grace-filled Lent, don't let it end here! Keep persevering and growing in faith, take all that you've learnt into the Easter season and the rest of the year. We want to remind you that God loves you!
So, sit back, relax and join us in our conversation!
by esther,
mary.
Follow & subscribe:
Websites
- http://www.byesther414.wixsite.com/blog
- https://www.madebyesther.com/
Instagram:
- @byesther._
- @made_byesther
Facebook:
- https://www.facebook.com/madebyesther.414
Happy New Year Everyone!
Can’t believe 2020 is finally over (and that we are already one month into 2021)! Hahaha time flies too quickly!
To begin our podcast in this brand new year, the by esther sisters: Maya, Rin, Nica, Janz, Via and I, Mary, talk about goals for 2021. In this episode, we share some of the resources that helped inspire our new year's resolutions, what this year means for us and our hopeful transformation.
So sit back, relax and join us in our conversation!
Mary.
Links:
Word of the Year Quiz - https://www.dayspring.com/yourwordquiz#/home
Saint & Virtue for 2021 - https://www.instagram.com/reel/CJhM4ztASyE/
Fiat 90 - http://www.holyandhealthycatholic.com/fiat-90
Nica’s blog - https://byesther414.wixsite.com/blog/post/_fiat
The Bible in a Year - https://open.spotify.com/show/4Pppt42NPK2XzKwNIoW7BR?si=sjXlXE8kTtCEHO-ZU1qpoA
Consecration to Saint Joseph - https://www.consecrationtostjoseph.org/introduction.html
“God sends us friends to be our firm support in the whirlpool of struggle. In the company of friends we will find strength to attain our sublime ideal.”
St. Maximilian Kolbe
Friendships are an integral part of a person's life and they aren't easy to maintain - they come with struggles and require hard work.
In today’s episode we have three beautiful guests - Reg, Kathleen and my by esther sister Janz - sharing their journey of friendship. They talk about the joys, laughs, sorrows and struggles they have faced. They share about how they have overcome their obstacles together and how God played an important role in their relationship.
So sit back, relax and join us in our conversation!
byesther
mary.
Follow & subscribe:
Websites
- http://www.byesther414.wixsite.com/blog
- https://www.madebyesther.com/
Instagram:
- @byesther._
- @made_byesther
Facebook:
- https://www.facebook.com/madebyesther.414
I think that we can all agree that we have faced many difficulties in our lives. We can often find ourselves feeling lost and disconnected from others and sometimes even from God.
In today’s episode my lovely sister, Shahani and I discuss our struggles of finding God in times of trials and hardships. We share about particular times where we felt lost and where we persevered, as well as those who have helped us along our journey.
So sit back, relax and join us in our conversation!
mary.
Follow & subscribe:
Websites
- http://www.byesther414.wixsite.com/blog
- https://www.madebyesther.com/
Instagram:
- @byesther._
- @made_byesther
Facebook:
- https://www.facebook.com/madebyesther.414
Have you ever felt like you couldn't be bothered to do the things you’re meant to do?
If you have ever felt like this or you’re experiencing this feeling at this very moment, this podcast is for you.
Our by esther sister, Nica, and I will be sharing our moments of laziness and the challenges we face in changing habits and priorities. In this episode, we also discuss the ways we can overcome them and can get closer to Christ!
So sit back, relax and join us in our conversation!
mary.
Follow & subscribe:
Websites
- http://www.byesther414.wixsite.com/blog
- https://www.madebyesther.com/
Instagram:
- @byesther._
- @made_byesther
Facebook:
- https://www.facebook.com/madebyesther.414
Hello Beautiful Sisters!!
How are you all? It's been awhile!
So we are back with another episode of Cars and Conversations! In this podcast, I have my wonderful by esther sisters discuss the creation of “Made By Esther” - the process, struggles, inspiration and how God led us (and continues to lead us!) through this journey.
So, sit back, relax and join us in our conversation!
by esther.
mary.
Follow & subscribe:
Websites
- http://www.byesther414.wixsite.com/blog
- https://www.madebyesther.com/
Instagram:
- @byesther._
- @made_byesther
Facebook:
- https://www.facebook.com/madebyesther.414
Hello everybody!
Welcome to another episode of Cars & Conversations! So, as you may already know from Part 1 of this episode, we decided to split this episode into two parts!
In this episode, Ayah and I will be sharing our own disappointments, the feeling of shame and how we have dealt with our hardships. We talk about how shame and disappointments have affected our lives, and how important it is to acknowledge them in order for us to overcome them. And of course, we cannot do it alone, not by our own strength, but by the grace of God.
So, sit back, relax and join us in our conversation!
mary.
Hello everybody!
Welcome to another episode of the Cars & Conversations podcast! In today’s episode the very talented and lovely sister Andrea (aka ayah) and I will be talking about two topics - sisterhood and disappointment. Originally we planned for it to be one episode, but we thought it was better to split into two parts.
In this first part, we will be talking about sisterhood and what it means to us. We will also discuss the beauty of sisterhood, the hardships and challenges we have faced, and our overall sisterhood journeys. We know many of you sisters out there will be able to relate!
So, sit back, relax and join us in our conversation!
Mary.
How are you my dear sisters? I hope you are all excited because we are back with another podcast! Woot Woot!
You won't want to miss this! In today’s episode, we decided to talk about a topic that most of us can relate to: work and our careers. My special guest Cass, a Police Officer, and I, a Nurse, will be sharing our journey to our current jobs – how God led us there and why we do what we do. But not only that - we also discuss the many struggles and challenges we face in our chosen fields and the setbacks we had in discerning what God is calling us to do in our lives.
Maybe you are working already, maybe you already know what you want to do with your life or maybe you're still figuring out - whatever circumstance you may be in, I'm sure you can relate to this episode!
So, sit back, relax and join us in our conversation!
Mary.
Hey Sisters!
We are back again with another episode of Cars & Conversations! Today, my special guest Mary (aka Frankie) will be focusing on a very relatable topic that many of us women often struggle with: insecurities and self-love. We will be sharing with you our own journeys of loving ourselves for who God created us to be - flaws and all! So join us in our conversation as we uncover our true identities as daughters of God!
by esther.
Mary
Have you ever faced a problem and just asked “Why me?” If you have asked this question or if you are at this very moment facing a problem - this podcast is for you! In this episode, my amazing by esther sister Rin, and I are going to share with you our challenging times, the emotions and hardships we felt and how we overcame them! We know that there is a lot happening in the world today - we are experiencing many challenges, we are being faced with uncertainties and we are having to adjust to these changes in our lives. But know that you are not alone, and we are praying for you! Get comfy and join us in our conversation!
Resources mentioned in the podcast: Forgiveness blog - "waiting to heal." Forgiveness - Fr Mike Schmitz (video)
Follow and subscribe: Website - https://byesther414.wixsite.com/blog Instagram - @byesther._ Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/byesther.414/
Heyyyyy my dear sisters!
Back at it again with another episode of Cars and Conversations! Woot woot!
Since we are still in the month of love, we thought it would be a great idea to touch upon the love in friendship. In today’s podcast we have two beautiful by esther sisters - via and nica - who are also BFFs, to discuss their friendship! Get your headphones ready and join our conversation!
mary.
Hello my dear friends,
Welcome to another episode of Cars and Conversations! Woot woot!
So, in today’s podcast I will be sharing with you my name ‘queen of talk’ and the gift of conversation.
So get comfy and enjoy!
mary.
This is by esther - the Year That Came to Be.
Hello, hello, hello Everyone! Welcome back to Cars and Conversations (with Mary)! I hope you’re all excited because we just released the second podcast!! Woot woot! But before I talk about the podcast, I just wanted to let you know that this episode was not recorded in the car because sadly my car can only hold five people and we didn’t want to put anyone in the boot…Hahahah. Although, my car was outside of our office so it still counts!
Anywho… today’s conversation is with my dear by esther sisters! Since it is our one year anniversary, we thought it would be a good idea to just chat with you all about how far our awesome sisterhood has come – creating new content, discussing our spiritual growth, our new members, and most importantly how God has really worked in our lives.
So get comfortable, put some headphones on and join us in our conversation! Thank you for listening!
mary.
Watching Planes, and Finding God Through Stressful, Overwhelming Times.
And here it is - our podcast: Cars and Conversations (with Mary)!
The idea of Cars and Conversations is to simply talk to one another, get to know one another and share our faith and everyday experiences. We invite you to join us in these conversations and take a bit of a break from our busy lives. Mary’s first conversation is with another of our very own by esther sisters - Maya!
In this first episode, we simply talk about what brought about this podcast and where we are in life. As our mission is to empower other women of faith and encourage more women to share their faith and use their talents, we hope to invite many other women to sit down and chat! We hope you enjoy listening and getting to know us a little more!
As mentioned in the podcast - we need your opinions! Let us know if you like/dislike the name “Cars and Conversations” or if you have any other suggestions.
And we’d also love to know what you think about our podcast series! Feel free to share a sentence or a word that stood out to you from the podcast. You can comment below or DM (direct message) us through email, Instagram or Facebook. We’d love to hear from you!
Resources mentioned in the podcast:
Searching for and Maintaining Peace - Father Jacques Philippe
The Imitation of Christ - Thomas À Kempis
Abandonment to Divine Providence - Jean Pierce De Caussade
Thank you for listening!