nourishthesoul: Recent Episodes
Nicole
Sarah Jane Lim, joins us on this exciting new collaboration between Nourishthesoul and Lux Veritas where we embark on a series which explores the spirituality of waiting. We embark on a 4 part series - 'The spirituality of waiting' and explore how many spiritual lessons are contained within seasons of waiting and uncertainty and how we can lean on God as we discern the way forward.To wait well is to wait with faithfulness and hope, no easy task for sure. It also means seizing opportunities and not waiting for an imagined time in the future to try something new or take risks. God calls us to live a life of fullness and if we are able to shift from a mindset of scarcity to abundance, we begin to live the life intended for us.
Sarah Jane Lim, joins us on this exciting new collaboration between Nourishthesoul and Lux Veritas where we embark on a series which explores the spirituality of waiting. We embark on a 4 part series - 'The spirituality of waiting' and explore how many spiritual lessons are contained within seasons of waiting and uncertainty and how we can lean on God as we discern the way forward. We get to the heart of waiting itself - how long will we wait and are we guaranteed the thing we desire at the end of all this waiting? Waiting can feel a lot like feeling around in the darkness but it can also speak a lot about faithfulness. Maybe the difficulty in waiting arises when we start to idolise our desires above God Himself.
Sarah Jane Lim, joins us on this exciting new collaboration between Nourishthesoul and Lux Veritas where we embark on a series which explores the spirituality of waiting. We embark on a 4 part series - 'The spirituality of waiting' and explore how many spiritual lessons are contained within seasons of waiting and uncertainty and how we can lean on God as we discern the way forward.
We get real on how our present season of waiting is difficult in many ways. Whether its discerning the path ahead in a new career or discerning a new relationship, God places us in seasons of waiting to continue to allow us to depend on Him. We share honestly about the present season and how it is ok to struggle - in fact that’s what makes us human!
Sarah Jane Lim, joins us on this exciting new collaboration between Nourishthesoul and Lux Veritas where we embark on a series which explores the spirituality of waiting. We embark on a 4 part series - 'The spirituality of waiting' and explore how many spiritual lessons are contained within seasons of waiting and uncertainty and how we can lean on God as we discern the way forward.
We talk about urgency culture and how a lot of the time, we feel restless in our current waiting season. We reflect on how waiting can build endurance, refine our desires and allow us to depend wholly on God and His providence. A relationship with God allows us to reframe our perspective of waiting and affirms our belief that God has good plans that are still unfolding as we speak.
Talya Jane Shelley, founder of Mind In The Mountains, joins us on this exciting new collaboration between Nourishthesoul and Lux Veritas where we embark on a series which explores the ideas of creativity and the Gospel. We embark on a 5 part series - 'God is Beauty' and explore the role of the artist and the divine in creating works of Beauty in our very own lives. St John Paul II notes that ‘not all are called to be artists in the specific sense of the term, but as Genesis has it; all men and women are entrusted with the task of crafting their own life..to make of it a work of art.’ We come full circle and recognise our inherent creative nature, beyond the conventional sense. In our ordinariness, when we start to see the eyes of an artist, we can co-create with God and create the masterpiece of our lives. How can you too co-create with God and create things of beauty in your everyday life?
Talya Jane Shelley, founder of Mind In The Mountains, joins us on this exciting new collaboration between Nourishthesoul and Lux Veritas where we embark on a series which explores the ideas of creativity and the Gospel. We embark on a 5 part series - 'God is Beauty' and explore the role of the artist and the divine in creating works of Beauty in our very own lives. If we believe that everything has traces of Beauty itself, is there really a divide between the secular and the Divine? St John Paul II notes that “the stream of beauty runs through each of us” and we do not exist apart from the vine. We need not compose a song, paint a sunset or write a poem to be considered a creator. Saints offer models for ‘artists’ who recognise Jesus in brokenness, by looking at each person and situation with the eyes of Jesus. How can you also access your innate creative spirit and create things of beauty?
Talya Jane Shelley, founder of Mind In The Mountains, joins us on this exciting new collaboration between Nourishthesoul and Lux Veritas where we embark on a series which explores the ideas of creativity and the Gospel. We embark on a 5 part series - 'God is Beauty' and explore the role of the artist and the divine in creating works of Beauty in our very own lives.
As creators, there is the temptation to idolise the self instead of directing the viewer towards the source of Beauty. We begin to realise that we are co-creators of beauty with God and that the works of our hands allow others to encounter Him in unexpected ways. Are you too drawn into the rabbithole of likes and affirmation? How can the works you create exist beyond your immediate self and concerns and touch others too?
Talya Jane Shelley, founder of Mind In The Mountains, joins us on this exciting new collaboration between Nourishthesoul and Lux Veritas where we embark on a series which explores the ideas of creativity and the Gospel. We embark on a 5 part series - 'God is Beauty' and explore the role of the artist and the divine in creating works of Beauty in our very own lives. We are attracted to things of beauty, not just by how it appeals to our senses but by an inherent quality - slivers of absolute Beauty. To create beauty with our lives, we need to plant the seeds with goodness. The beautiful encounters we have everyday point us to the goodness of the Author of Beauty Himself. Do you see yourself in the woman washing the feet of Jesus? How can instances of vulnerability allow others to encounter Him too?
Talya Jane Shelley, founder of Mind In The Mountains, joins us on this exciting new collaboration between Nourishthesoul and Lux Veritas where we embark on a series which explores the ideas of creativity and the Gospel. We embark on a 5 part series - 'God is Beauty' and explore the role of the artist and the divine in creating works of Beauty in our very own lives. St John Paul II defines beauty as “that which attracts and delights”, which is very different from our conventional understanding of a surface level quality. Beauty can be glimpsed too in suffering and brokenness. What is the incense under the door for you? What are you drawn to? The Mystery of Beauty itself?
Fr David Garcia, OP joins us on this exciting new collaboration between Nourishthesoul and Lux Veritas where we embark on a series which builds on themes from the earlier Love and Responsibility series. We embark on a 6 part series - 'Love, sex and everything in between' and tap on Fr Garcia's insights in this refreshing conversational style where we go deep into the difficult questions. In a society where we prefer to ‘test-drive’ the vehicle before purchase, we learn that loving people involves accepting them for who they are instead of breaking down a person into the parts we like and do not like. The challenge of loving well is very real, yet we realise it is the only worthwhile one, where we give of ourselves totally for our beloved and work to build a life orientated towards a common aim - good of the other.
Fr David Garcia, OP joins us on this exciting new collaboration between Nourishthesoul and Lux Veritas where we embark on a series which builds on themes from the earlier Love and Responsibility series. We embark on a 6 part series - 'Love, sex and everything in between' and tap on Fr Garcia's insights in this refreshing conversational style where we go deep into the difficult questions.
Our fear of commitment dissolves into a reduced understanding of freedom to the availability of choice. We go into the difference between freedom of choice and freedom for excellence. Borrowing the analogy of the piano and the pianist, life is less about finding a different piano, but learning how to play well with the piano given to us.
Fr David Garcia, OP joins us on this exciting new collaboration between Nourishthesoul and Lux Veritas where we embark on a series which builds on themes from the earlier Love and Responsibility series. We embark on a 6 part series - 'Love, sex and everything in between' and tap on Fr Garcia's insights in this refreshing conversational style where we go deep into the difficult questions.
We discuss the fear of commitment prevalent today and yet a desire to ‘enjoy’ the benefits of a committed relationship. Beyond love, it is commitment that defines marriage. We fear a loss of freedom and personal autonomy and lose sight of the freedom to venture into the depths of desire for the good of the beloved.
Fr David Garcia, OP joins us on this exciting new collaboration between Nourishthesoul and Lux Veritas where we embark on a series which builds on themes from the earlier Love and Responsibility series. We embark on a 6 part series - 'Love, sex and everything in between' and tap on Fr Garcia's insights in this refreshing conversational style where we go deep into the difficult questions.We go into why casual sex bears moral implications and delve into the intrinsic connection between body and soul in the Catholic understanding. If my body is something I am rather than something I have, then the way I treat the intimacy of my body is tied to how I treat my intimacy. The connection between body and soul frames our understanding of sexuality.
Fr David Garcia, OP joins us on this exciting new collaboration between Nourishthesoul and Lux Veritas where we embark on a series which builds on themes from the earlier Love and Responsibility series. We embark on a 6 part series - 'Love, sex and everything in between' and tap on Fr Garcia's insights in this refreshing conversational style where we go deep into the difficult questions. Beyond the first threshold of affection, love entails responsibility and a commitment to the good of the beloved. We draw upon the wisdom of St John Paul II who notes that ‘we should love people and use things’, where the concept of human dignity is front and centre. We learn that consent does not justify use of another person, as inherently use is not tied to the good of the person.
Fr David Garcia, OP joins us on this exciting new collaboration between Nourishthesoul and Lux Veritas where we embark on a series which builds on themes from the earlier Love and Responsibility series. We embark on a 6 part series - 'Love, sex and everything in between' and tap on Fr Garcia's insights in this refreshing conversational style where we go deep into the difficult questions.
What distinguishes marriage from other types of unions between persons? We go into the exclusivity of love enshrined in marriage where it arises from the totality of romantic love. We learn what marriage is through natural association rather than decide what we think marriage should be.
We begin an exciting series unpacking the wisdom of St John Paul II in his celebrated text, Love and Responsibility. Nicole delves into the 9th sub-chapter, Marriage and Vocation. St John Paul II highlights the indissolubility of the marriage bond as a sacrament within the church and how each and every man and women possesses an innate spiritual paternity and maternity that transcends being a biological parent. Marriage is an institution as much as vocation to which some are called to in a unique way. Episode coverage: Chapter 4, Justice towards the creator/Marriage and Vocation
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We begin an exciting series unpacking the wisdom of St John Paul II in his celebrated text, Love and Responsibility. Nicole delves into the 8th sub-chapter, The problems of continence. St John Paul II highlights that chastity is intrinsically linked with the idea of self-control and that 'moderation is not merely mediocrity but the ability to maintain one's equilibrium amid the stirrings of concupiscence'. In a world where it can seem more natural to follow one's urges and instincts, we discover that 'virtue can only come from spiritual strength'. To love the person in front of us means moderating sexual urge to behold the value of the person, beyond his/her sexual value. A tough but worthy calling which authentic love calls us to.Episode coverage: Chapter 3, The Person and Chastity/The problems of continence
Get a copy of the book now and join our book club!
We begin an exciting series unpacking the wisdom of St John Paul II in his celebrated text, Love and Responsibility. Nicole delves into the 7th sub-chapter, The metaphysics of shame. St John Paul II notes that shame arises from the desire to conceal and is closely related with sexual morality. He notes the 'absorption of shame by love' and how authentic love removes the shame associated with the sexual instinct and act. Episode coverage: Chapter 3, The Person and Chastity/The metaphysics of shame
Get a copy of the book now and join our book club!
We begin an exciting series unpacking the wisdom of St John Paul II in his celebrated text, Love and Responsibility. Nicole delves into the 6th sub-chapter, The rehabilitation of chastity. St John Paul II highlights the current state of chastity and the resentment that surrounds it. It may appear counter-cultural to uphold chastity in society today but St John Paul II reminds us that chastity enables us to look beyond the sexual value of the person towards full integration. Episode coverage: Chapter 3, The Person and Chastity/The rehabilitation of chastity
Get a copy of the book now and join our book club!
We begin an exciting series unpacking the wisdom of St John Paul II in his celebrated text, Love and Responsibility. Nicole delves into the 5th sub-chapter, The Ethical Anaylsis of Love. St John Paul II highlights that love itself is a virtue and entails a sense of responsibility for the other. He notes that "love between man and woman is not ready made, it is a becoming and what it becomes depends on the depth of commitment of the persons involved". In an era of low commitment relationships, St John Paul II challenges us to this higher call of learning the value of sacrifice and to seek love in the way God intended.
Episode coverage:
Chapter 2, The Person and Love/The Ethical Analysis of Love
Get a copy of the book now and join our book club!
We begin an exciting series unpacking the wisdom of St John Paul II in his celebrated text, Love and Responsibility. Nicole delves into the 4th sub-chapter, The Psychological Anaylsis of Love. St John Paul II highlights the difference between sensuality, a response to the bodily value of a person and sentimentality, feelings of affection for the person we love. He warns that often sensuality is concealed and disguised as sentimentality which results in disillusionment. He points to integration of body and person such that we treat the person we love with respect and honour.
Episode coverage:
Chapter 2, The Person and Love/The Psychological Analysis of Love
Get a copy of the book now and join our book club!
We begin an exciting series unpacking the wisdom of St John Paul II in his celebrated text, Love and Responsibility. Nicole delves into the 3rd sub-chapter, The Metaphysical Anaylsis of Love. St John Paul II highlights love as attraction which evolves into desire and which is anchored in goodwill. He notes that we are attracted to an inherent value in another person and that desire is borne of an feeling of lack which may find partial fulfillment in another. As he says, "to love is to will the good of the other", where genuine love is associated with selflessness.
Episode coverage:
Chapter 2, The Person and Love/The Metaphysical Analysis of Love
Get a copy of the book now and join our book club!
We begin an exciting series unpacking the wisdom of St John Paul II in his celebrated text, Love and Responsibility. Nicole delves into the 2nd sub-chapter, Interpretation of the Sexual Urge. St John Paul II notes that the sexual urge is an attribute of the individual and the complementarity between men and women gives rise to procreation. He describes sexual intercourse as the 'cosmic stream by which existence is transmitted'.
Episode coverage:
Chapter 1, The Person and the Sexual Urge/Interpretation of the Sexual Urge
Get a copy of the book now and join our book club!
We begin an exciting series unpacking the wisdom of St John Paul II in his celebrated text, Love and Responsibility. Nicole delves into the 1st sub-chapter, The analysis of the verb 'to use'. St John Paul II highlights the key difference between loving and using and that when 2 people work towards a common aim and good, this precludes the possibility of subordination of one will to the other, avoiding the situation of 'use'. As he notes, 'the only proper and adequate way to relate to another is love'.Episode coverage: Chapter 1, The Person and the Sexual Urge/The analysis of the verb 'to use'. Get a copy of the book now and join our book club!
We begin an exciting series unpacking the wisdom of St John Paul II in his celebrated text, Love and Responsibility. Nicole provides an overview of the text and the key themes in this introductory episode. Get a copy of the book now and join our book club!
Nicole and Sarah conclude the series with the passage of the rising of Lazarus and how very often we find ourselves bound in our personal tombs, instead of venturing out into a life of restoration. We examine our own areas of struggle, learn that there is much grace to being soft in a world that tends to harden our hearts and that the Lord has walked these paths of rejection, abandonment and betrayal before. We learn what it means to forgive those who hurt us and know it and move from a place of being 'bound' to a place of 'freedom', where we surrender our hurt to the Lord who alone can heal.
Nicole and Sarah reflect on what defines our identity and realise that much of how we see ourselves is shaped by others' perception of us. Rather the Lord sees us in a different light and with the eyes of Love and we are reminded that only with grace can we start to see ourselves in that way too.
Nicole and Sarah delve into the importance of boundaries and why they are necessary for us to be authentic and to be able to love others well. We talk about the struggles we face in asserting our personal boundaries and why it takes a lot for us to say "No" when we are used to saying "Yes".
Nicole and Sarah delve into Henri Nouwen's 'The Return of the Prodigal Son' and shed light on a lesser known quality of what it means to be 'prodigal' - to be lavish and wastefully extravagant. Too often we fix our attention on the figure of the younger and older son and fail to realise that we are also called to the father and to offer a seemingly wasteful love to those around us.
Nicole and Sarah delve into why we find it difficult to forgive others, what it can look like and how it sets us free from the chains of resentment. We recognise that choosing to respond in love, whether that means loving ourselves or loving the other is what we are called to, as part of courageous Christian living. When we live with a free spirit, we are free to live life in its fullness.
Nicole and Justin chat over coffee about the distance we feel from God sometimes and how in essence, He is actually in all things. As how 'God is in the rain' in Diana's poem, as how we admire the created world, as how we create social poetry a la Pope Francis' Fratelli Tutti. Discovering His inherent presence in all things and circumstances opens up a new way of thinking and living, knowing that everything we encounter is suffused with divine grace. Ubi caritas et amor, ubi caritas, Deus ibi est - where there is love and desire, God is there.
Nicole and Justin chat over coffee about friendship and realise that the basic building block is simple - love! Natasha Lunn offers insights through her volume - Conversations on Love on the many different forms that love can take. We realise that true friendship allows us to stand outside of ourselves and to experience 'ecstasy' - of being totally involved and going deep with those we love. It's scary, risky but well worth it!
Nicole and Justin chat about the current age of disconnection and examine the iterative quality of true friendship - being able to complete each other's sentences and to continue weaving the shared narrative. We delve into what friendship means, how we maintain friendships and why it is so important to the broader social poetry at work. We look at the poetry of Mok Zining - 'a word is a cutting, a sentence a bouquet' and consider how the different ways in which we construct language give rise to different meaning each time we use words as a form of connection with those we love.
Nicole and Justin chat over coffee about what 'secular' really means and are not surprised to discover Diana's references to 'God' in her poem. She recalls something her sister had said about the rain in California - 'God is in the rain' and we start to see that much of our human experience can be reduced to how we relate to each other. Our relationships make us who we are and knit our common narrative. We realise that Diana and Pope Francis are in fact looking at different sides of the same coin - of what friendship really means and that is where, the true dialogue begins.
Nicole and Justin chat over coffee and discuss the idea of 'social poetry', a term popularised by Pope Francis to refer to how decentralised agents can effect social change. Just as how poetry is a string of words that create meaning, the amalgamation of individuals can create an impact. The beauty about poetry is how we all have the same toolkit and yet the sentences that emerge are so varied and beautiful in their own right. In this way, we can also be social poets, collectively creating ripples whereever we find ourselves in and riding a larger wave.
Nicole and Justin have a chill conversation over coffee and examine the ongoing dialogue sparked by Pope Francis' Fratelli Tutti. What does an Asian American female poet have to say to Pope Francis and how can one little spark fan a larger flame? We let grace flow, pour coffee and reflect on how the everyday can hold much power and significance as the 'bigger' things we may be called to. Diana Fu is at once dialogue partner to Pope Francis on the subject of friendship and a source of inspiration to Nicole to self-publish her own poetry, a reminder that it only takes a small spark to start little fires eveywhere - a testament to the generative power of true dialogue.
Nicole takes a solo trip in this 3rd week of Lent as she reflects on the encounter between the Samaritan woman and Jesus at the well. She delves into the paralysis of shame and how our fear (and desire) to be seen as who we are drives us into the shadows. She realises that there is a lot of freedom in being seen by Him and that radical dependence involves a lot of letting ourselves be seen in our vulnerable states, so that we can allow Him to heal our areas of woundedness. May you also have an encounter with Him at the well, He is waiting!
Nicole and Beatrice find that between the two ends of indulging and full abstinence, there is also a middle way of being intentional and confronting the sources of our temptation head on. Maybe the desert isn't an escape or a place of isolation, but a place where we can journey with others in their specific struggles. When we align our suffering with that of Christ, we begin to see the purpose of our present suffering and to re-experience the deep love of God that He knows so intimately the condition of our human existence. Before we jump into our Lenten practices, let's stop for a moment to consider the intention behind our actions and examine how we are being led closer to the Cross.
Nicole catches up with Maureen about Lent as we start this liturgical season and how more than 'removing' things from our lives, Lent also creates space for us to live for intentionally for others and to place the needs of others at the centre. Rather than a solo trip into the desert, Lent can also be a call to communion, to reach out to those in our midst who need our presence. If we start to view penance not as something we dread but as something that we do out of love and for Love itself, we shift our perspective of what 'giving up' really means. We venture deep into our interior space to examine our desires in the desert and allow Him to reorient our hearts towards Him.
Praying for us all as we venture into the next 40 days and beyond!
Nicole concludes the series on healing by taking a closer look at the importance of persistence in prayer. Indeed, "God wants you to be free. He wants to heal you - spirit, soul and body. However, we can never be completely free and healed until we forgive." Prayer is the gateway to healing and letting God love us in the places where we feel most vulnerable and dependent. Moving from self-reliance to dependence on God is a lifelong process, but it allows us to glimpse His movement in our lives and in our interior journeys of healing.
As Father Robert Cantalamessa says "We can compare the sacraments to electrical switches for electrical current that allows the healing power of Jesus to touch each and every Christian in specific ways". Nicole delves into what the sacraments are - a tangible participation in His life, death and resurrection and how the divine graces within the sacraments require our "YES!" for the fruits to be fully released. Let us pray for continued receptivity to allow the sacraments to have their full effect on our lives as we invite Him into our deepest wounds.
Nicole reflects on the redemptive nature of suffering and reflects on the rejection and abandonment experienced by Jesus in His passion. She is reminded that Jesus knew all too well the depth of human suffering and he too cried out to the Father "My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?" Perhaps you have also felt this way, alone in your suffering. May you be reminded that He understands and sees the depth of your pain and desires to heal you. May our suffering be an instrument of redemption too.
Nicole delves into the wounds, beliefs and inner vows that we find ourselves struggling with. The trauma we experience, whether it is through the deprivation of love or via actions that violate our personal boundaries, shape our beliefs on our personal identity and how we relate to others. If we are not careful, deep beliefs become inner vows which form the defense mechanism we use to deal with chaos. Therein lies the challenge to true healing. Healing requires us to invite Him into our deepest wounds and to let Him restore us to wholeness. It stings, but the pain is necessary to allow us to start the interior journey of deep and lasting healing.
Nicole reflects on how in order to eradicate sin, we must go to the source (the tree). Unlike the tree of life in which we have an abiding relationship with the Father and bear good fruit, the tree of knowledge and evil is based on our ideas of self-sufficiency. We wage a daily internal battle between the desires of the 'flesh' and the 'Spirit' and if we are not careful, we will allow footholds (the small reactions to hurts) morph into strongholds. Let us look deeper at our own wounds and shine light on the patterns we find ourselves trapped in.
Nicole delves deeper into the journey of healing as she reflects on the identity of Jesus as teacher, healer and Beloved. He who knew intimately what it meant to suffer is no stranger to our pain. He desires to heal and restore us to wholeness, but he requires our cooperation. More than restoring us, He sees us for who we are, His beloved children. It is the penetrating gaze of love that can melt our self-protection and defense mechanisms. If we allow Him to enter into the tender places of our hearts, He can make the impossible, very much possible.
Nicole delves into Bob Schuchts's "Be Healed" and considers the difficult question of healing. She reflects on the barriers to healing, including our paralysis of helplessness. Perhaps we are bound by fear and do not "ask" for deep healing. In fact, we are very close to the source of our healing and restoration. He can only heal with our consent and cooperation. When He asks, "Do you want to be healed", will you say, "Yes!"?
Nicole reflects on 2022, a year of tears in her book. She delves deep into how tears are a gift which allow us to access the deep desires and knots in our heart. She contemplates on how struggle is an invitation to stay near the Cross and how each difficulty we face is a reminder that we need God. She is inspired by @scottthepainter's "Ugly cry", the image of the Christ child crying as He was born into this world. Our tears give way to our fears and they are a reminder that we are fully participating in the messiness of life. May you also let your tears illuminate the tender places in your heart and may you let His light shine the way forward into 2023.
We are all too familiar with the hymn - "O Come, O Come, Emmanuel", but really, what does it mean for God to be with us? Perhaps you have also struggled to recognise God's presence in your life this year. We talk about deserts, isolation and how despite the personal darkness we may be living through, He is very much with us. He who became man, experiences the gritty parts of being human. He is not far from us. He chose to came down to us, out of love for us. May the coming week leading up to the Nativity of our Lord be a peaceful one, as we wait with anticipation for Him.
Nicole's recent experience at an Advent retreat reminded her of the nature of hope, which some of us find difficult to pin down. St Paul reminds us that "But if we hope for what we do not see, we eagerly wait for it with perseverance." Nicole delves into what it means for us to be in holy darkness, much like how the various figures of the Advent story did not see the fullness of the larger story but trusted anyway in His plans. Whatever darkness you have walked through this year, may you rediscover the gift of Hope, this Advent!
Nicole reflects on a slightly different Christmas song on Instagram - "O come all you unfaithful" as she considers the sparseness and poverty of our own hearts, not too different from the manger which Jesus was born in. She considers the mystery of the Incarnation, of God's great love for us that He would assume our imperfect human condition and how it is our very weakness that disposes us to His great love and mercy. Indeed, "O come barren and waiting, you are not alone." Let us pray for the grace to invite Him into our poverty and weakness this Advent and to desire nothing more than to sit at the manger, in adoration.
Nicole ventures into video podcasting and reflects on what it means to "stay awake" for the coming of Christ this Advent. In what ways have we fallen asleep and in what ways have we been shaken wide awake? Let's reflect on this theme of anticipation and prepare the room of our hearts to welcome Christ as Christmas draws near. Will we never be satisifed (as Hamilton sings) or will we find true rest and joy in the Lord made flesh and who dwelled among us?
Nicole catches up with Tricia, an American lay missionary with a heart for Asia. She shares about what got her started on evangelisation, the many grace-filled encounters and adventures she has had in her time in Asia and how the Spirit truly guides and leads her into new waters. She invites each and every one of us to respond to the call to bring the Gospel to all those who hunger and thirst for it and may her example inspire you too!
Nicole catches up with Tricia, an American lay missionary with a heart for Asia. She shares about what got her started on evangelisation, the many grace-filled encounters and adventures she has had in her time in Asia and how the Spirit truly guides and leads her into new waters. She invites each and every one of us to respond to the call to bring the Gospel to all those who hunger and thirst for it and may her example inspire you too!
We hear more from Fra Gerald, a friar making waves on social media, ministering to those who sit in his hairdressing chair and speaking to the hearts of young people. Fra Gerald shares with us how he went from a human "doing" to a human "being" and encountered the Lord in a very tangible way. He reminds us that the journey of discernment has many twists, turns and unexpected waves of enlightenment and shares his gift of presence with all of us. May we also have the courage to explore and discover the vocation only we can call by name and as Fra Gerald was instructed, "go do what you must"!
Nicole catches up with Jon, a fellow poet whose body of work is a testimony of the richness and fullness of the life we are all called to. Jon shares with us what inspires his creative practice, how poetry is both a form of exploration and clarification of belief as well as a way of seeing and understanding the world around us. He reminds us that poetry is a connection with the Divine and that all creative pursuits are an imprint of the Creator Himself. We share about our favourite poets, glimpse beauty in things great and small and share life on how poems are truly a prayer in itself, expressing the unsayable and illuminating the truth that lies beneath.
Check out the poems shared by Jon and share sacred space with us:
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ICU by Spencer Reece/ https://www.poetryfoundation.org/poetrymagazine/poems/53296/icu
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A Portable Paradies by Roger Robinson/ https://www.theguardian.com/books/2019/nov/02/a-portable-paradise-roger-robinson-poem-of-month
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love by Jonathan Chan/ https://www.a-given-grace-christian-anthology.com/mark-s-burrows-jonathan-chan
Antonia shares with us the moments of grace that led to her discovering her vocation to motherhood and how the journey to where she is now has been full of a lot of unexpected turns and invitations from the Lord. She reflects on the key role that Mother Mary and St Joseph has played in her life and how beyond the joys and struggles of motherhood, lies the everyday lived experience. For ladies also discerning motherhood and what lies in store, listen to Antonia's wisdom as she reminds us that a lot of being a mother is providing the safe space for others to unfurl and to discover their relationship with God the Father.
What does it mean to be human and how does our faith play a role in our lives? Sean shares his personal story of returning to the Catholic faith and reflects on the personal relationship we have with God. He shares about his journey, how he got there and where he's headed. Sean reminds us to return to the source of all goodness and how reconnecting with faith is very much a "soft landing".
Have you ever felt like an imposter? Like you don't deserve the love that you receive? Many of us struggle to receive God's love because we have been used to "performing" to get the love we think we deserve. We keep doing in the hopes of convincing others that we are deserving of their love when the one who loved us first never needed us to do, anything. We may think we didn't earn not do we deserve His love, but He doesn't need us to prove our worth. He just desires for us to rest in Him and to be with Him.
I wonder what the shape of God's love is like. And no, I'm not talking about Ed Sheeran's Shape of You. Would His love be malleable like clay? What does the shape of the love we have for others reveal about the state of our hearts and how we love? I delve deeper into the form that love takes and the overflowing love He has for us.
We often ask God 'Why me?' when confronted with difficulties and wonder why the gate before us is narrow. Our pain, struggle and discomfort is sometimes not the obstacle we envision it to be. Instead, perhaps, as Andrea Gibson writes, it is a "window to see what we could not see before" and an opportunity to let struggle refine us and to see His plan for us more clearly.
Inspired by Richard Rohr's book, 'Falling Upwards', I reflect on how the spiritual life is much about unlearning and returning to a childlike faith. How often have we been in survival mode, opting for self reliance instead of trust? I take a closer look at why we self-protect and choose to steer the ship. I discover the beauty of the trust of a child in her Father to provide for her and to embrace her in her darkest moments. Let's go back to the beginning and be like a child again, letting Him take the lead.
I speak about the struggles and doubt that we experience when we fear coming across as too 'deep' into our faith and how we feel going deeper means being less 'desirable' to others. I unpack the anxieties we feel, the cycle of heartbreak and invite us to be bold and on fire for the faith. Maybe it's time to start the next conversation with "Yes, I'm Catholic and proud!"
How many times have we tried to take over the wheel? How often has doubt crept into our hearts and led us to despair? I know it's a struggle to let Him take the lead (I'm pretty stubborn myself!). But I challenge you (and me) to surrender the timelines and plans you have and to let Him move in ways that will amaze you.
So maybe you've been broken, battered or bruised as of late and your heart feels like it won't come back to life. I want to remind you that it's perfectly possible to learn to love again and to keep our hearts soft and supple when we feel tempted to self-protect. I share about the beauty of vulnerability, what Love really entails and how we learn to love from Love itself.
We go back to basics in this Spirit-filled episode delving into the big questions on our hearts as we excavate and bring to light the good, the broken and the holy. In this episode, I talk about the seemingly impenetrable silence we sometimes encounter with God, look deeper at the value of silence and what it may reveal to us about our desires. At some point, we have all said 'Why so silent, God?'. I invite you to consider where He's leading you, deeper into your heart.
Nicole and Ann delve into an exciting 8 part bite-sized series on emotionally healthy spirituality. To round off the series, Ann shares some key resources to get us started on the journey of emotionally healthy spirituality.
Check out the resources listed below:
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Emotionally Healthy Discipleship by Pete Scazzero - https://www.emotionallyhealthy.org/
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Boundaries For Your Soul by Dr Allison Cook - https://www.dralisoncook.com/boundaries-for-your-soul-book/
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Try Softer by Aundi Kolber - https://aundikolber.com/guidedjourney/
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Becoming Me podcast by Ann Yeong - https://www.becomingmepodcast.com/
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The Place We Find Ourselves by Adam Young - https://adamyoungcounseling.com/podcast/
Nicole and Ann delve into an exciting 8 part bite-sized series on emotionally healthy spirituality. Ann introduces us to various practices we can try, including contemplative practice, which allows us to slow down and to be more intentional with our words and actions. The ability to slow down allows us to process our emotions more effectively and to be more aware of their impact on how we react to situations.
Nicole and Ann delve into an exciting 8 part bite-sized series on emotionally healthy spirituality. We consider how we can put emotionally healthy spirituality into practice and what it can look like, from being gentle with ourselves to setting boundaries with those we love.
Nicole and Ann delve into an exciting 8 part bite-sized series on emotionally healthy spirituality. We examine our own patterns of behaviour and are reminded of the importance both of "serving" as well as giving time to nurturing strong and healthy relationships with those we serve with. As Ann notes, the human is "not a means to an end" but "made for love" and we are reminded to consider the humanity of each other, in our zealousness to spearhead yet another new project. We are called to be stewards both for ourselves and others.
Nicole and Ann delve into an exciting 8 part bite-sized series on emotionally healthy spirituality. We take a closer look at "spiritual bypassing", a way of hiding behind spirituality or spiritual practices. We realise how prevalent it is and the harmful effect it has on ourselves and others, when we are prevented from acknowledging what we truly feel. We begin to honour our emotions when we confront their complexity and intensity and prioritise our emotional health, not as a "good to have" but as an essential complement to our spirituality.
Nicole and Ann delve into an exciting 8 part bite-sized series on emotionally healthy spirituality. We come to realise that God is not afraid of our emotions, even those we consider "bad" and is in fact actively inviting us to explore these areas of woundedness such that we can come away with greater awareness and emotional maturity.
Nicole and Ann delve into an exciting 8 part bite-sized series on emotionally healthy spirituality. We examine the differences between healthy and unhealthy spirituality and how we are often wired to suppress "negative" emotions like anger, envy and lust instead of allowing ourselves the freedom to fully process and experience them. They point towards a deeper sense of disorder that may flag out areas in our lives that we need to pay closer attention to.
Nicole and Ann delve into an exciting 8 part bite-sized series on emotionally healthy spirituality. We delve into what emotionally spirituality means and why it's so important. We learn how our emotional health forms an important part of the whole person and how spirituality and emotional health inform one another. Perhaps this is the first step we can take towards greater integration and wholeness!
Nicole and Laura come face to face with the passage of time as they delve into the poetry of RS Thomas and Wendell Berry. Both poets use nature as a vehicle to examine the passage of time, with Thomas grappling with the difficulties of waiting in this present season while Berry highlights the inherent seasonality of life and the promise it brings. Thomas reminds us that instead of stepping backward from struggle, we can choose to turn aside to seek God in prayer and in the quiet. Pulling ourselves out of the relentless linear forward moving narrative can be difficult, but we are reminded to step aside and to abide with Him, where we are right now. Berry delves into the rejuvenation that is inherent in death, just as how seasons change, from spring to summer to autumn and then to winter. We are filled with hope as we are reminded that "its hardship is its possibility", that with struggle and "death" to self, there is the promise of renewal and the "wisdom to survive".
Check out the full texts of the poem discussed in this episode at this link and use it in your own contemplative practice!
Aside by RS Thomas
https://ramblingatthebridgehead.wordpress.com/2017/09/19/aside-by-r-s-thomas/
A Vision by Wendell Berry
https://www.journeywithjesus.net/poemsandprayers/1742-a-vision
Nicole and Laura delve into Dylan Thomas' breakthrough poem, "Light breaks where no sun shines" which sheds light on the difficulties we face and the sheer impossibility of hope. Drawing on various images of light and darkness, Thomas' poem invites us into deeper contemplation of what having hope means and how it sometimes feels audacious to harbour hope, especially in difficult times. We lean into the uncertainty that marks much of our lived experience and into the sustaining and animating force that is hope. To hope is also an act of faith, of placing our trust in the unseen and knowing that indeed "light breaks where no sun shines."
Check out the full texts of the poem discussed in this episode at this link and use it in your own contemplative practice!
Light breaks where no sun shines by Dylan Thomas
https://poets.org/poem/light-breaks-where-no-sun-shines
Nicole and Laura look through the eyes of faith as they examine the poetry of Louis Gluck and David Whyte. Where Gluck focusses on the struggle of the narrator with understanding her friend's faith, Whyte invites us to look at the "colours you have never seen before". To see with the eyes of faith entails not only glimpsing the light, but also the darkness, as Gluck invites us to consider the "unpleasantness" and the banality of tragedy. We are urged to watch in earnest, with eyes wide open, just as Whyte invites us to "see" the world as how God sees. The beauty of looking at the world through different prisms reminds us also that sometimes faith is like "brides leaping to a great height" just as how we can "fly free". To be fully known and seen as beloved, is what we long for and how beautiful it is to consider that He too looks on at us with gentleness and expansiveness of heart. We begin to see what a difference it makes when one looks through the eyes of faith and lives deeply rooted in one's identity as the beloved.
Check out the full texts of the poems discussed in this episode at these links and use them in your own contemplative practice!
- Celestial Music by Louis Gluck
https://www.poemhunter.com/poem/celestial-music/
- Second Sight by David Whyte
https://mindfulnesscourse.ie/second-sight-by-david-whyte/
Nicole and Laura delve into the mesmerising poetry of Mary Oliver and David Whyte, poets that use the natural world as a starting point to invite us into greater contemplation into the bigger questions of life. Laura shares her first contact with Mary Oliver and how her words act as a soothing balm to the confusion that surrounds us. She delves into the beauty of Mary Oliver's defiance who herself did not identify herself explicitly with any specific religion but which speaks of her identity as an authentic artist who relentlessly questions the world as it is. This is echoed in David Whyte's poem which Nicole finds surges forward with a similar relentlessness and which contrasts both the night and the light which co-exists. Nicole finds that the overarching imagery of the tree and the "forest of our own inner night" resonates with many who are confronting our own traumas and areas of woundedness. We both learn to take a step away from the maddening flow of daily life, to "pay attention" as Mary Oliver said and to live "eyes opened, mouth opened, attempting the song of your unspeakable gifts and grace" at David Whyte's gentle invitation.
Check out the full texts of the poems discussed in this episode at these links and use them in your own contemplative practice!
- The Summer Day by Mary Oliver
https://www.loc.gov/programs/poetry-and-literature/poet-laureate/poet-laureate-projects/poetry-180/all-poems/item/poetry-180-133/the-summer-day/
- Unutterable Name by David Whyte
https://micknailspoetry.wordpress.com/category/david-whyte/
Nicole and Laura launch a brand new series on the intersection between faith and creativity as we reflect on our shared love for poetry and how it lends itself so well to the spiritual life. We contemplate the traditional Psalms, a vehicle of a range of emotion, from lamentation to ecstasy as an example of how poetry reflects the rich inner life of people across time as well as our connection to the Divine. We marvel at the obliqueness of poetry and trade in symbols and metaphors to arrive at different interpretations of poems we know and love. How beautiful it is that poetry itself need not be inherently religious to invite anyone into deeper contemplation as we will see through the range of poets we will delve into, in this series. Laura reminds us that "art is like a hand outstretched into darkness", where poetry moves our hearts to feel connection and a deep sense of consolation. We lend wisdom from Mary Oliver who remarks in her A Poetry Handbook, where she describes poetry as “a life-cherishing force. For poems are not words, after all, but fires for the cold, ropes let down to the lost, something as necessary as bread in the pockets of the hungry.”
Nicole and Nathalie conclude the Lenten season with a closer look at what makes Good Friday good, circling back to the "why" behind the cross. We reflect on the various characters we are familiar with in the Passion narrative, from Judas, to Simon Peter, to John the Beloved and to Barabbas. Beyond just characters, we ourselves identify with these very human people and catch a glimpse at our human weakness and frailty. As we journey deeper into the Triduum, may we take the time to contemplate on the road to Calvary and to sit at the foot of the cross as well as outside the open tomb, knowing that He has conquered the last enemy - death itself and is the resurrected Christ who reigns.
Nicole and Nathalie journey into Holy Week as they reflect on the psalm's piercing cry "My God, My God, why have you forsaken me?" We catch a glimpse of Jesus' humanity and His love for us - in that He glimpsed what awaited Him in the Garden of Gethsemane and still chose to die for us. Let us remain close to His heart as we welcome Him with palms this Palm Sunday, knowing also that the procession into the city will soon turn into His walk to Calvary.
Nicole and Nathalie delve into the familiar parable of the return of the prodigal son and reflect on the sheer breadth of God's mercy for each of us. Nat likens mortal sin to breaking our connection with the Father, much like the Jewish Kezazah ceremony where the breaking of a pot symbolises a man leaving his community. We go deep into how the Father's love for us means running to meet us when He sees us returning in the distance. He who is willing to cover the distance and to offer His mercy in such abundance, is ready to embrace us too. Also, a reminder to go and meet Him too in confession this Lent, He is waiting!
Nicole and Nathalie get to the root of sin itself and reflect on how disordered desires are sometimes the sign of unmet needs, unhealed wounds and harmful patterns. We get to the heart of "why" we sin and challenge each other not to settle for "easy" explanations of some of our own unhealthy behaviours. Understandind why we do what we do and examining the root of our behaviours is the first step to sorting out the desires we have. Inherently, desires in and of themselves are not bad, the disorder arises when we do not attempt to sort them. Let us take our desires to prayer and invite the Lord to show us our roots, so that we may begin to uproot, replant and cut off anything that is decaying. May we not fear the intensity of our desires but let our desires be reordered to glorify Him instead.
Nicole and Nathalie reflect on the Sacrament of Reconciliation as Nathalie shares her recent experience in the confessional and a timely reminder that maybe it's also about adopting the disposition of a child sharing with his or her father what has been on his or her heart. Many of us struggle with getting to the door of the confessional, we say we aren't prepared (Nicole attests to that), we say we are confessing the same sins - in short, we place a lot of barriers between us and our Father. Yet, we start to realise that the Sacrament itself is the gateway opened to us to return, to turn around and to start walking back to Him. At this point in Lent, you may feel stagnant, running around in circles or isolated in the desert. We invite you to take that first step towards returning to Him, that tentative step towards the confessional and to share with Him what's been on your heart.
Nicole and Nathalie journey deeper into Lent as they share about the "desert" experience - a time in which one sheds earthly desires and attachments, a time of purification and also a time of listening for the voice of God. Often going into the "desert" means to step away from the noise and distractions of the everyday and to enter into a space of solitude and sparseness, such that we can allow ourselves to grow in trust. Maybe you're feeling lost too in the desert at this time in Lent. Let yourself be led into the open space and let Him speak to you. As Nathalie shares, find the sweet spot or the "zone of spiritual proximal development" and start from there, slowly inching towards Christ. He sees the steps we are taking towards Him and He can't wait to meet us in the desert itself!
Nicole and Nathalie embark on the journey of Lent in unprecedented times as Nathalie shares her experience in Poland amidst the ongoing Ukrainian invasion. She shares what the start of Lent looks like for her and how moving from our own individual notions of what Lent means, it is also a deeper call to encounter our fellow brothers and sisters. Nicole reflects on how Lent is not just about the outward practices of prayer, fasting and penance but that Lent is also a time of deeper repentance and an outward manifestation of the tender mercy of the Father. St Therese encapsulates this beautifully when she says "You know well enough that our Lord does not look so much at the greatness of our actions, nor even at their difficulty, but at the love with which we do them." Let us journey into the struggle this Lent and sit with the struggle that lies ahead.
Nicole and Mariah delve into a spirit-filled series as we meditate on what love means to us, with the help of some of our favourite books! This week, we share our thoughts on a read we love - All About Love by bell hooks. We come full circle as bell invites us to "give love words" and to refine our understanding of what it means to love, realising that faulty definitions may prevent us from loving well. We go deep into the fear of being alone and how love itself is borne of peaceful solitude. Mariah shares about St Teresa of Avila's yearning for closeness with the Beloved and how vulnerability allows us to access places of authenticity. We grapple with our own angels, ala Jacob and learn that desire itself is not a bad thing. Rather, the desire and longing in our hearts for intimacy is something beautiful that can bring forth abundant grace. So yes, 4 episodes later, we may not know "all about love" but we have learned and relearned what we do know (and not) about this thing called love!
Nicole and Mariah delve into a spirit-filled series as we meditate on what love means to us, with the help of some of our favourite books! This week, we share our thoughts on a read we love - Love by Jeanette Winterson. We explore the difficulties of faith echoed with Jeanette's relationship with faith as she finds that the "overarching story about God is love". There is beauty in her struggles as she invites us to navigate the losses in our lives as specific and tender. She reminds us that to be known by name is a truly beautiful thing as it belies an intimacy and closeness not unlike our relationship with God. She breaks open the concept of love where "love demands expression" and reminds us that love will "not stay silent" but is actively lived out in our everyday decisions to love those around us fiercely and boldly.
Nicole and Mariah delve into a spirit-filled series as we meditate on what love means to us, with the help of some of our favourite books! This week, we share our thoughts on a read we love - The Inner Voice of Love by Henri Nouwen. We get into the humanity of Nouwen who shares his struggles with loving so beautifully and authentically. We swap our favourite quotes from this series of journal entries in which Nouwen gently leads us from the source of love to the ongoing pilgrimage we are collectively on and finally to the courage to keep loving. We return to the First Love and how it is this Love that informs our ability to love those around us, with a love that is at once secure and reckless. We learn that conversion is an ongoing process that involves an intimate participation with the Lord and that the true act of courage today is to choose to love and to keep on loving.
Nicole and Mariah delve into a spirit-filled series as we meditate on what love means to us, with the help of some of our favourite books! This week, we share our thoughts on a read we love - Conversations on Love by Natasha Lunn and have our own conversation about what it means to find and sustain love. We talk about the difference between fantasy and reality, how we find love in different contexts beyond the romantic and return to the Divine Author of Love itself. We share our love for St John Paul II's exhortation to both love AND responsibility - even Esther Perel says that “Love is not a state of enthusiasm. It’s a verb. It implies action, demonstration, ritual, practices, communication, expression." We quote from the Psalms, tread the unbearable unknown and come away with insights into what it really means to love in an active sense. So yes, let's have conversations on love and let Love change us from within - to be fully known, seen and loved for who we are.
Nicole catches up with a good friend (and young medical doctor here in Singapore), Alvona in this new series to start off 2022. Social media is a part of daily life yet for some of us it can become a source of obsession or unhealthy dependence. We examine the purpose of social media and its effects on our psychological well-being, noting that intentional use of social media is the key to ensuring that we are the true masters of social media itself.
Nicole catches up with a good friend (and young medical doctor here in Singapore), Alvona in this new series to start off 2022. Mental health has entered public discourse and we delve deep into the stigma surrounding discussing the topic itself. We examine the challenges that people face in seeking the necessary help and support they need and we challenge society to develop greater empathy. Mental health matters and it's time for us to have honest conversations as to how we can move forward to create an inclusive society.
Nicole catches up with a good friend (and young medical doctor here in Singapore), Alvona in this new series to start off 2022. We dive deep into societal notions of beauty, examine how the concept of beauty itself is fluid and reflect on how we can move beyond the exterior to the intrinsic beauty that resides deep in each and every one of us.
Nothing says 2022 like the act of creation! We delve deep into the intersection of faith and creativity as we invite Eric and Desmond, established poets whose inspiration comes from the Creator Himself! Co-editors of A Given Grace Anthology, they were inspired to celebrate the beauty of the creative spirit and to provide a platform for poets to explore the topic of faith. We discuss how our faith informs our creative practice, the spaces in which we allow grace to enter and work in and how we draw strength and inspiration from the Divine Author. Eric and Desmond read some of their luminous works and invite us into a sacred space of contemplation where we transcend our human reality to glimpse the glory of the Divine.
Nicole comes full circle as she reflects on her favourite song (the one she started 2021 with) - Goodness of God. She delves into the epiphanies, the dark nights and also His faithfulness. Yes, even in 2022 He is still a good God, a good Father and may you also allow yourself to be loved and known by Him.
Nicole and Clara share life on the Advent season of the podcast as we journey the next 4 weeks together towards Christmas. In this week's episode, we go deep into "the manger". Nicole emerges from her Advent retreat (momentarily) to profess her new found love for candles and how the light of Christ burns brightly in the person of the child Jesus in the manger. Clara ponders on the poverty Jesus inhabited and how He desires to be with us in the struggle and messiness of our lives. We discover that we are all called to "come, all ye faithful" even if we don't feel fully ready for Christmas and learn to centre our gaze on the real meaning of Christmas - Christ Himself nestled in the manger. Let us also come and adore Him and allow Him to enter into our hearts. Truly, He is the ever-present Messiah, God is with us! Merry Christmas to you and see you in 2022 :)
Nicole and Clara share life on the Advent season of the podcast as we journey the next 4 weeks together towards Christmas. In this week's episode, we go deep into the central idea of "the incarnation". Clara shares about her Visio Divina experience as she reflects on the person of Jesus in the baby in the manger and how our inherent belovedness is not tied to what we do, but who we are. Nicole reflects on how Jesus takes on flesh both through His birth and into the future as He continues to take on flesh in those in need. Truly, He is present, He is with us and He continues to dwell with us here - but is that enough for us? We invite Him to arrive, to come into our hearts - O Come O Come Emmanuel!
Nicole and Clara share life on the Advent season of the podcast as we journey the next 4 weeks together towards Christmas. In this week's episode, we go deep into what it means to be "in need of a Saviour". We confront our own "saviour" tendencies, of wanting to rely on our own strength and relegating God to specific areas of our lives. Instead we begin to see the beauty of leaning into our weakness and letting God take His time with us. To acknowledge that we are in need of the Saviour is a truly humbling thing and requires us to let go of the shackles of self-control and determinacy. To live free in the knowledge that His ways are better than our ways and that He enters into the difficult and dark spaces in our lives - what a Saviour we have! As Clara shares beautifully, He comes to bridge the chasm between us and the Divine, such that we can share in the glory of His Kingdom.
Nicole and Clara share life on the Advent season of the podcast as we journey the next 4 weeks together towards Christmas. In this week's episode, we go deep into what it means to be "in the waiting." So yes, we know Advent as a season of waiting - for the long awaited Messiah, but we ask some hard questions. What really are we waiting for and how are we living this season of waiting? Far too often we realise we are waiting in fear and anxiety instead of the joyful anticipation that we are called to. Clara encourages us not to just "tahan" but to let God walk us through the struggles. Nicole ventures into the readiness of our hearts as we begin the season of Advent and we talk about everything from empty rooms to open windows to let Him enter into our lives. Let's wait in expectation of what He has promised for us and turn this season into a fruitful one that reinvigorates our hope and trust in Him!
We conclude this power-packed 3 episode series on prayer with the question - HOW do we even get started? Nicole and Bea reflect on the different forms of prayer that we have practiced over the years - from praise and worship, to Lectio Divina to Taize to Liturgy of the Hours. We look at the different forms prayer can take in different seasons of our lives and focus on a prayer dear to both of us - The holy Rosary! Bea shares with us the story behind @thismybuddy, a Spirit-filled initiative aimed at encouraging everyone and anyone to pray with, and for each other. You may have seen the aesthetic wooden rosaries on IG, but tune in to hear the story behind these powerful beads and how Bea's own spiritual life has been shaped by her bold venture to make Our Lady known! Be edified as you venture forth in your own prayer life and take some bold steps today to ignite the Power of Prayer (you never know where He may lead you, so buckle up and let Him lead you there!)
In the 2nd episode of the power-packed series, we ask the big questions - WHY do we pray? For most of us, prayer may seem like a means to an end, a pathway to get what we want. Yet, our image of God as an ATM changes as we go deeper into our spiritual lives and realise that often prayer is not so much about getting answers to the questions on our hearts, but an opportunity for us to mould our hearts to receive what He has in store for us. We tackle the tough question - "why pray when everything is hopeless?" and Bea reminds us of the necessity of hope, a hope that is deeply rooted in His promises to us that He will make all things good in His time (and not our own).
We start a brand new, power-packed 3 episode series on prayer as Nicole catches up with prayer warrior and bea-utiful sister in Christ Bea! We delve deep into what is prayer to us and take a moment to reflect on how our own relationships to prayer has changed as we enter new seasons. We also ponder on the place and role of prayer in a secular age and how it really starts with prayer as the deepening of a relationship with the Creator.
In this episode, I reflect on what it means to be Holy and how praying for clarity will bring us to unexpected places. May we desire to be saints for our times, not carbon copies of those who have gone before us but unique vessels of His love. Let us learn to love well and see the difficulties we face as an opportunity to grow in love for others and to work always, for the greater glory of God!
Nicole and Therese spill some truths on love, relationships and everything that makes our hearts sing in this brand new series - Loved(d) Actually. In the last episode of this exciting series, Therese shares with us the beautiful model that Joseph and Mary provide for us to model our relationships on. In their union, we glimpse restored masculinity and femininity and see a partnership of equals, both committed to the co-creation of a loving and healthy relationship. In a world where gendered roles persist, Nicole and Therese explore the necessity of complementarity and a willingness to put in the 80% when one's partner is down to their 20%. True love takes work and true love isn't like the movies - sometimes it's less about #equality and more about #equity. Communication is key to making our needs known to the ones we love, so that they can learn to give and we can also learn to receive - reciprocity and openness form the strong foundations of lifelong partnerships. So yes, do remember that YOU are love(d) actually!
Nicole and Therese spill some truths on love, relationships and everything that makes our hearts sing in this brand new series - Loved(d) Actually. It may seem like an intense season of #fomo as you view engagement and marriage updates on social media. No fear, Nicole and Therese shed some light on the difference between settling in our relationships out of fear of being alone and rediscovering our own worth. It isn't easy in a culture where romantic relationships are placed on a pedestal, but we contend that real love is about taking your time to prayerfully discern about where you're going and to reflect more deeply about whether the partnership you are in is one of safety and personal growth. You deserve a love that embraces you as the person you are and we invite you not to #settle but to #waitfortherealthing.
Nicole and Therese spill some truths on love, relationships and everything that makes our hearts sing in this brand new series - Loved(d) Actually. We explore what it means to communicate our personal boundaries as a pathway to a clearer sense of self, all the while recognising that this may prove uncomfortable for some of us. It may be a fear of losing someone, it may be a fear of rejection - the thing is, a relationship built on fear is simply a house of cards! To build strong and lasting connections, we must dare to articulate our personal boundaries, trusting that those who truly care will respect and honour them. In this vein, we also delve into the idea of "emotional dumping" and discover that empathy is also necessary to respect others' desire for emotional space. Moving from fear to freedom is scary, but let's take one step closer to knowing ourselves and allowing others to also know us more deeply and intimately!
Nicole and Therese spill some truths on love, relationships and everything that makes our hearts sing in this brand new series - Loved(d) Actually. We wonder whether we can truly be ourselves or if we are resigned to society's expectations of us. The unhealthy pressures placed on both men and women have morphed many of us into yes-men and yes-women (people-pleasing tendencies kicking in!) and distanced us from our true sense of self. Though it's scary to accept ourselves and others as fundamentally imperfect, embracing our imperfection is the first step to having realistic expectations of ourselves and the relationships we find ourselves in. Learning to accept ourselves is a long process but it sets us up for greater authenticity and helps us to better see ourselves and others as the gifts they are!
Nicole and Therese spill some truths on love, relationships and everything that makes our hearts sing in this brand new series - Loved(d) Actually. We delve deeper into the contemporary term "ghosting" and unpack why we tend to shy away from the idea of commitment. We realise its a complex mix of insecurities, a lack of personal boundaries and a distorted sense of self that causes us to leave at the first sign of things getting serious. In an era of infinite browsing and sometimes swiping, we get caught in between desiring and fearing commitment. The key to unlocking this commitment we crave is the 3Cs - certainty, communication and connection and the reminder that commitment is nothing to be feared, but something to be welcomed and embraced!
Nicole and Therese spill some truths on love, relationships and everything that makes our hearts sing in this brand new series - Love(d) Actually. In this pilot episode, they reflect on what love really means in an era of attraction. Whether its the superficiality of dating apps or our collective obsession with what we see rather than the person deep inside - we pose a question - is attraction really love? Am I really loving the person in front of me, ala Love and Responsibility (cue JPII and his wisdom) or am I in love with my idea of the person? We dig deep, get inspired by St Paul in his famous letter to the Corinthians and gear up for what love really means. So, is this really love? Let's find out!
BONUS EPISODE ALERT! Nicole concludes this exciting series on Vatican documents with a chat with Professor Justin Tse, a member of the Greek Catholic Church in Singapore. He shares about his relationship to these documents and highlights the contemporary insights that they present to us, even today. Nicole and Justin exchange views on the continued relevance of these documents (8 are discussed in this series!) and consider the role of the Church in an age of secularism. More than a passive document, these documents motivate and steer each of us to action - a faith that is lived in the challenges of the everyday. To the everyday Catholic or curious reader, these documents are more #relatable than we think!
Nicole delves deeper into the universal call to holiness with Maureen as they reflect on Gaudete et exsultate - the apostolic exhortation of Pope Francis which calls on everyone, yes everyone to a life of holiness. Holiness is not just for a privileged few or an elite in-club - everyone can desire for holiness. We get real on the inherent human weakness that seems to hinder our path to holiness and realise that it is this weakness that allows God's grace to enter into these spaces - where we allow Him to work through us to work wonders in our everyday lives.
Link to Gaudete et exsultate: https://www.vatican.va/content/francesco/en/apost_exhortations/documents/papa-francesco_esortazione-ap_20180319_gaudete-et-exsultate.html#BOLDNESS_AND_PASSION
Link to article on hisBeloved: https://geniusfeminine.wixsite.com/hisbeloved/post/relatable-ep8-gaudete-et-exsultate
Nicole shares about the creative process with fellow artist, Mariah as they delve deeper into St John Paul II's Letter to Artists - a letter that acknowledges the necessity of beauty and creation. We reflect on the Genesis of creation in the hands of the master craftsman - how each and every person is a unique, unrepeatable masterpiece and what scares and also pushes us to keep creating, as His co-creators. We realise that beauty is very much a "value", as Mariah puts it - one that our world desperately needs as we renegotiate our understanding of what it means to stand in awe in the beauty of the world and its created beings. Beauty is truly in the eye of the One who beholds us and maybe it's time for us to put on the lens of Beauty too!
Link to Letter to Artists: https://www.vatican.va/content/john-paul-ii/en/letters/1999/documents/hf_jp-ii_let_23041999_artists.html
Link to article on hisBeloved: https://geniusfeminine.wixsite.com/hisbeloved/post/relatable-ep7-letter-to-artists
We delve deeper into another Vatican document this week - Humanae Vitae, literally translating to "Of Human Life" and tackle some of the most contentious issues of our time! Written in 1968, it sheds a light on the brokenness of society and our collective distortion of love and sex. Nicole and Carlos explore the complex issues of personal autonomy and a love that is free, total and inexplicably human in nature. Carlos shares practical tips on how we can heal these areas of brokenness in our society and how better relationships and marriages start with the fundamental call to love the whole human person.
Link to Humanae Vitae: http://www.vatican.va/content/paul-vi/en/encyclicals/documents/hf_p-vi_enc_25071968_humanae-vitae.html
Link to article on hisBeloved: https://geniusfeminine.wixsite.com/hisbeloved/post/relatable-ep6-humanae-vitae
In a divided world, fraternity is ever more necessary. Anne and Nicole delve deep into Pope Francis' encyclical, Fratelli Tutti - a document for our times, as they examine the roots of divisiveness in society. Anne shares the familiar parable of the Good Samaritan and comes away with new insights into what the "stranger on the road" means to us all. We realise that the key to authentic social dialogue goes beyond the pseudo-connectedness made possible via online means and a passive approach to charity. The heart of fraternity lies in encounter with our fellow brothers and sisters, whose human dignity prefaces any form of division. To see Christ in our neighbour challenges us all to move from fear and isolation to social friendship, where we move beyond ourselves to be of service to others - fellow brothers and sisters all (in the words of St Francis).
Link to Fratelli Tutti: https://www.vatican.va/content/francesco/en/encyclicals/documents/papa-francesco_20201003_enciclica-fratelli-tutti.html
Link to associated article on hisBeloved: https://geniusfeminine.wixsite.com/hisbeloved/post/relatable-ep5-fratelli-tutti
Nicole shares the heart of femininity with Michelle (a woman of God in her own right!) as they delve deeper into the wisdom of St John Paul II's apostolic letter on the dignity and vocation of women. In an era where the very idea of femininity is being questioned, the document sets itself apart as a reminder of the inherent feminine qualities each of us possess and how the expression of the feminine genius takes a variety of forms in each of our lives. We share our love for our Blessed Mother and invite her to intercede for us as we rediscover what it means to be a woman today.
Link to Mulieris Dignitatem: https://www.vatican.va/content/john-paul-ii/en/apost_letters/1988/documents/hf_jp-ii_apl_19880815_mulieris-dignitatem.html
Link to article on hisBeloved: https://geniusfeminine.wixsite.com/hisbeloved/post/relatable-ep4-mulieris-dignitatem
We delve deeper into another Vatican document this week - Gaudium et spes, literally translating to "Joy and Hope", something that we are in dire need of in these times! Written in 1965, it contains much wisdom for the present day and Nicole and Travis exchange views on some issues that plague the modern world and consider the role of the Church amidst these complex times.
Link to Gaudium et spes: http://www.vatican.va/archive/hist_councils/ii_vatican_council/documents/vat-ii_const_19651207_gaudium-et-spes_en.html
Link to article on hisBeloved: https://geniusfeminine.wixsite.com/hisbeloved/post/relatable-ep3-gaudium-et-spes
We start an exciting new series where I engage friends in conversation about Vatican documents as we examine how #relatable the wisdom presented really is! We start off with Evangelii Gaudium, fittingly as Theo and Nicole look at the Joy of the Gospel and what it means to be evangelising and missionary amidst the challenges of the modern world. Let us also rediscover the newness of the Gospel and take the first step to bringing His word to those we meet.
Link to Evangelii Gaudium: http://www.vatican.va/content/francesco/en/apost_exhortations/documents/papa-francesco_esortazione-ap_20131124_evangelii-gaudium.html
Link to article on hisBeloved: https://geniusfeminine.wixsite.com/hisbeloved/post/relatable-ep2-evangelii-gaudium
We start a new series - #relatable as we delve deeper into Church documents that some of us may have read or heard about, but never really got around to reading (and no it's not the 80 pages..). Nicole discusses the relevance of these documents to the everyday Catholic with Garrett who explains the context in which these documents were written and how they shine a light for everyone to better understand the faith. We highlight some #relatable ideas that you can take into your everyday life and invite you into deeper reflection on Lumen Gentium (translated as Light of the Nations) as we contemplate on He who is the true Light indeed! Challenge yourself, grab a coffee and don't suffer from FOMO, cos this is #relatable.
Link to Lumen Gentium: https://www.vatican.va/archive/hist_councils/ii_vatican_council/documents/vat-ii_const_19641121_lumen-gentium_en.html
Link to article on hisBeloved: https://geniusfeminine.wixsite.com/hisbeloved/post/relatable-ep1-lumen-gentium
I tread the intersection of creativity and faith as Julia Cameron reminds me in The Artist's Way that we all have the inherent ability to create. We often think we cannot be creative but I realize that the innate potential welling inside of us just needs to be activated. We glimpse beauty in everything and more than traditional artistic pursuits, we are all called to co-create the masterpiece of our lives with the supreme Artist Himself!
I revisit the idea of Kintsugi and wonder why we are so afraid of our inherent brokenness - is it the fear of not being loved or not being good enough? These are thoughts on our hearts and they cripple us from loving fully. The Lord desires to enter into this painful spaces, if only to restore us from our brokenness into the beautiful vessels speckled with gold. Will you let Him into these areas of your life for Him to do His healing work? Will you let Him rejoice in you as His daughter and son and let the ruins come to life? Rediscover the beauty of broken things and let the healing begin.
For far too long, we have wanted to belong to someone, to be someone's (insert relevant identifier). Yet is true love really about being possessed or can we actually glimpse the freeing nature of His love? I jam to Terrian's Stayed on Him https://open.spotify.com/track/3n6Y6eZ1PIq8DOBcQJHVkK?si=3UZEo7WxSi2dqU67rqu4Bg&utm_source=copy-link and realise that we all belong to Him, the one who really matters.
Bruno Mars knew what it was all about when he encouraged us to love people "just the way (they) are". A feel good pop hit, it also got me thinking, do I believe that I am loved for who I am or am I struggling to claim that truth? I delve into the facades we create and how God loves us as the imperfect people we are, flaws and all and how we too can love the people placed in our lives wholeheartedly for the gifts they are! As Bruno said, if perfect's what you're searching for, then just stay the same :) you do you brothers and sisters and let the right ones love you!
I delve deep into the well of vulnerability as inspiration strikes upon reading Brene Brown's book - Daring Greatly, How the Courage to Be Vulnerable Transforms the Way We Live, Love, Parent and Lead. I realise that authentic relationships - the ones we desire so much, are borne out of vulnerability and unpack why we are so afraid of the uncertainty, risk and emotional exposure. Let's feel all the feelings and dare to show up and let ourselves be seen, my loves!
Do you find it hard to go "all in" in your relationships? Maybe it's a fear of rejection or a fear of judgement for caring too much. We suffer wounds when we are not known and loved for who we are. Yet He invites us to a radical trust to go "all in" out of love for Him. This is only possible when we realise that He has always been "all in" for us - redeeming us with His death. He has never held anything back from us, why should we?
Are you living life in the waiting room? Nicole knows how it feels - the anxiety and tension, the feeling that you'll never leave this state of uncertainty. She finds beauty in Emma Fradd's letter on The Catholic Woman - https://thecatholicwoman.co/letterstowomen/stop-living-in-the-waiting-room-emma-fradd and realised that the waiting room is not a place of desolation and fear, but a place of trust and hope!
Sometimes it feels like God has left us on bluetick "read" and He doesn't seem to be there. We have all wrestled with the idea that God has forgotten us when we compare our personal life paths to those around us. It's very tempting to think we are alone in the challenges we face but I reflect on how He is ever abiding and His "silence" is sometimes an invitation to deeper trust in His plans, which are being revealed everyday.
So really, who are you dating at the moment? Nicole delves into Dating God, Live and Love in the way of St Francis and discovers that our relationship with God is not too different from dating itself - an intentional decision to spend time with and to know the heart of another. Enriched by the wisdom of St Francis, we discover what it means to centre ourselves on our first Love and to let ourselves be pursued by He who loved us into being.
We round up this short series on the Feminine Genius, popularised by St John Paul II in his Letter to Women as Michelle and Nicole reflect on the challenge of being a woman today. We reflect on what it means to be a wonder woman, reflecting these feminine gifts of maternity, receptivity, sensitivity and generosity and how every woman is called to claim her own unique identity as a precious daughter of Him. If you're struggling with your identity as a woman, we want you to know that you are not alone sister and that we are here to hold you in this safe and sacred space. We pray that we will be awakened to our own brand of #femininegenius and be women for God!
Nicole and Mariah delve deep into the beauty of generosity and its essential nature in our invidualised culture. They explore the challenges of being generous and the need for this feminine softness in a world that can wear us thin. To be generous is to humble oneself like how Jesus Himself washed the feet of His disciples. How are we called to go beyond ourselves to give to the people in our midst?
Check out the associated article on hisBeloved at: https://geniusfeminine.wixsite.com/hisbeloved/post/feminine-genius-ep5-generosity
In a world that is trying to numb us or guilt us for feeling emotion, our radical feminine genius calls on us to be sensitive. Nicole muses on this uniquely feminine gift with Niki as she shares how sensitivity allows us to be more aware of the needs of those around us, such that we can reach out to them with love and generosity.
Check out the associated article on hisBeloved at: https://geniusfeminine.wixsite.com/hisbeloved/post/feminine-genius-ep4-sensitivity
We delve deeper into the aspect of "receptivity" as Nicole shares space with Lizzie this week. We look at what it means to be both receptive to God and to others and how this openness of heart has shaped our roles as Catholic women. We look to our Blessed Mother as an example of the "yes" we women find ourselves saying in our daily lives and how this sets in motion a uniquely feminine desire to receive those who come to us.
Check out the associated article on hisBeloved at: https://geniusfeminine.wixsite.com/hisbeloved/post/feminine-genius-ep3-receptivity
We explore the idea of maternity on a deeper level as Nicole catches up with fellow educator Isabel who works with special needs children in Spain. They reflect on what it means to nurture and how the Feminine Genius is at play as they "mother" their charges, just as God loves us with a deeply maternal love.
Check out the associated article over at hisBeloved here: https://geniusfeminine.wixsite.com/hisbeloved/post/feminine-genius-ep2-nurture
We delve deeper into the "Feminine Genius" that St John Paul II speaks about in his "Letter to Women" as we explore the various aspects that define the feminine identity. Nicole catches up with Gaby, a mother of a beautiful baby boy on what it means to be a mother and the beauty of the feminine heart to shelter, protect and bring forth new life - both in biological and spiritual motherhood. Gaby shares with us the human nature of motherhood and reminds us that every women has the innate capacity to mother and love those around her.
Check out the associated article over at hisBeloved here: https://geniusfeminine.wixsite.com/hisbeloved/post/feminine-genius-ep1-maternity
As we enter into the Triduum, Nicole and Clara look to Good Friday - and wonder how can death end in anything good at all? We look back at the past 7 weeks in the desert, how we have struggled and fallen, how we have turned to Him in prayer, how we have learned the art of detachment and how we have learned to glimpse the needs of others. As we walk with Him towards Calvary, we reflect on His obedience to the will of the Father and as Clara puts it beautifully "it was His love, and not the nails that kept Him on the cross". We meditate on what the Cross means to us and how He invites us to take up our own crosses and follow Him. We pray that you have emerged from this season of Lent, with a firm resolve to venture forward boldly and to let Lent transform your relationship with Him.
We conclude our reflection on the 3 pillars of Lent this week by delving into the practice of almsgiving (nothing to do with arms at all apparently ;) ). Nicole notes the busyness of Lent has shifted our focus away from those around us to our individual needs as Clara reminds her that in Matthew 25, we are called to clothe the naked, give water to the thirsty and to glimpse Christ in our midst. We confront some of the cynicism we feel in reaching out to those who need our help and are awed by how He multiplies what we offer in love of Him, much like the five loaves and two fish. Let us pray for this holy courage to reach out to those who need us in radical generosity and to as Mother Teresa says, give until it hurts.
We delve deeper into the 2nd pillar of Lent - fasting in this episode, as Nicole dishes on her struggles with fried chicken and Clara shares a radical new way of fasting. Beyond the conventional fasting from food or social media, Clara invites us to go deeper into the WHY of fasting and how fasting can allow us to wait with anticipation for the true Paschal Feast that comes in Holy Week. We reflect on what detachment really means, how you know when you're getting too attached to something and how inviting the spirit to reveal these areas allows us all to refocus our gaze on the Cross this Lent.
We are half way through Lent, how are you holding up? Nicole realises that her prayer life has been non-existent, Clara reminds her that it's never too late to start again, even right now. We share about what prayer means to us and how sometimes it's not about having the perfect words but the desire to develop a relationship with God the Father. We delve deeper into the 3 pillars of Lent in the subsequent episodes - prayer, fasting and almsgiving, venturing into this relationship with Him in the long haul. Don't worry, we're here with you every step of the way, always ready to lend(lent - pun intended) you a helping hand and we are keeping you in prayer :)
How can something broken be so beautiful? Nicole shares her love for Kintsugi, the art of mending broken items with gold and Clara reminds her the gold paint is none too different from the love that flows through us from Him. We go deep in this episode into the areas of brokenness in our lives and how the Lord desires to heal us - for even our broken selves are beautiful in His eyes.
Are you scared of going to Confession too? Nicole knows what that feels like but no fear, Clara is here to remind us that there's nothing all too scary about it at all. It's sometimes hard to fathom that the Father wants to forgive us again and again and we tend to shy away from this unmerited mercy. Nicole and Clara drop some truth bombs in this episode, trade their stories in the Confessional, find God in secular TV and realise that all God really wants is for us to come as we are, sweatpants and all.
Feeling a little alone and lost as we journey into the season of Lent? I am joined by my dear friend Clara, who I will be journeying with this Lenten season and I am so grateful. We dish on how we feel about Lent, whether we've got our bags ready to go into the desert and spill some tea and truths about how this Lent may look pretty different for all of us! We invite you on this journey of sisterhood with us into the desert - where wild things grow and bloom.
Happy Valentine's Day to you! A bonus episode this week. It is completely normal to desire for intimacy and connection. I dispel some myths, spread some love and remind you that you are well and truly loved 🥰
As we round off this series, Nicole reflects on the journey Jesus has led her on to discover her personal mission and how He has called her by name, to hold space for others and to invite them to know and love Him.
Nicole catches up with her university chaplain, Fr Stephen Wang and revisits her time in Newman House. Fr Stephen shares with us his story of vocation, where his desire to connect with others and to engage with them on a personal level led him to his present vocation of reaching out to countless people via new media. His is the friendly face university students can always count on as he assists in chaplaincy work and his is the warm and welcoming voice on Pause for Faith (https://www.youtube.com/c/PauseforFaith/featured) Maybe you will also be inspired to engage the people around you in conversations and to be truly His hands, feet and heart for others!
Nicole catches up with university mate and now proud father and husband, Carlos as he reflects on his personal mission in its many forms. He reminds us that at every step of the way, Jesus walks with us and guides us to be missionary, both within our roles in the home and to the rest of the world. Carlos has been involved in many projects assisting priests in the Catholic Church in Ecuador and his experiences have shaped his unique call to mission to serve the wider body of the church, always remembering that the Spirit guides him.
Nicole is schooled again in the Divine school of love as she catches up with fellow university mate Agata. They discuss how their professions are an opportunity to be His hands and feet and how remaining open to His will for our lives can liberate us to live a life of openness and freedom to be loved for who we are.
In the second episode of the series, we delve deeper into what it means for Him to live in us. Fr Joe Evans shares with us how he seeks to activate young people to discover their faith in a very personal way and how building bridges for dialogue and conversation can allow the people we interact with to see Christ in us. Be prepared for an episode that may stir you deeply and move you to also witness to Him in your everyday life- as St Josemaria Escriva puts it - for the greater glory of God! Check out Fr Joe's beautiful labour of love at https://adamah.media/
2021 marks the 200th anniversary of the Catholic Church in Singapore and this also marks the start of a new series - On A Mission, where I take a closer look at the different areas that people are called to as they fulfill their "mission" for Him. St John Paul II highlights the missionary impulse each of us has in his encyclical - Redemptoris Missio and I am awed at the stories I will tell in the upcoming episodes - stay tuned as we see how He calls each and everyone of us to be "On A Mission"! #catholic200SG
What an adventure 2020 has been! We tread lightly as we enter a new year and sometimes come away feeling like nothing is really different. It's just another year of the same challenges and struggles. Yet even amidst these times, let us remember that He is still good. He is still a good God that has good plans for us as we run the race of this present life and His goodness pursues us. Happy new year to you and may you always remember that even on the bad days, He is still good.
We round off the Advent series with one of my favourite Christmas hymns - O Come O Come Emmanuel and reflect on what it truly means to say - God is with us! A blessed Christmas to you 😊
In a nod to their favourite Disney song, Nicole and Bea muse over what it means to "feel the love" this Advent. We consider the nature of God's love in the child lying in the manger and how we catch a glimpse of His love in our everyday encounters. We certainly feel "His love" tonight, do you?
Peace seems elusive in these times which are fraught with uncertainty. Yet do not fear, the prince of peace is here! Nicole catches up with Katie as they muse on how different this Advent will be for all of us and what it means to find the Divine peace only He can give.
Nicole and Michelle share a joyous conversation on what they are doing in preparation of Advent as they reflect on the Divine joy that we find in Christ alone. Be prepared for some truth bombs and revelations as we uncover what it means to find joy in these uncertain times! And of course, look forward to some familiar Christmas songs as we welcome "Joy to the world!"
It beginning to look a lot like... CHRIST-MAS! We start this blessed season of Advent as Nicole catches up with Therese about one of their favourite hymns - O come all ye faithful. They ponder about what faith means in this season of Advent and how this Christmas may be a very different one! Get set for some attempts at singing and a little reflection on Our Lady too. Wishing you a blessed start to the Advent season! May you also find the Christ in Christmas 😘
So what exactly does holiness look like for you and me? We conclude this short series with a reminder that holiness is a personal experience that cannot be duplicated and that it doesn't always mean the "big things" - holiness is best lived out in the small gestures and decisions we make to love and serve Him in our everyday circumstances. To live out the Beatitudes today is to be #thesaintnextdoor (let's make this trend!).
Need a little inspiration on your journey to holiness? No fear, we have many who have gone before us in history - think of all the saints that you pray to for different intentions. The beautiful thing is that every saint is different and holiness looks different too! Keep that in mind as you meditate on their lives and struggles and realise how their lives mirror much of our own.
Holiness seems like a far off idea for many of us and we often think that we are not meant to be holy - it's too difficult, too unrealistic or simply impossible. Yet, I challenge you to reframe your perspective and to realise that we are all called to holiness - as Pope Francis writes of 'The Universal Call to Holiness' - we indeed CAN be holy. Let me show you why!
On All Saint's Day, we look up to holy men and women as examples of holiness and wonder whether holiness is for us too? In this short series, I answer a few questions we might have on what it means to be holy today and get a little help from our favourite saints! Look out for a short 3 episode series to take you on your path to holiness.
As we enter a new normal, some of us are finding it difficult to stay rooted in Christ. Nicole breaks bread with Maria, all the way from Indonesia as they reflect on how we can stay rooted in Him and deepen our relationship with Him.
Calling all "Chosen" fans! I reflect on how He calls us all as His disciples even as we may feel we are Simon Peter, Mary Magdalene or Matthew. He calls us all in our unique ways and chooses us to follow Him. I'm excited about the next season and I'm sure you are too!
Nicole catches up with old friend Therese as they muse on the effects of isolation on our mental health and how seeking Him in the silence can bring much needed healing.
You are not too far from Him, you are redeemed. I sing a beautiful worship song in this episode, Death was arrested by North Point Worship - "ash was redeemed, only beauty remains, my orphan heart was given a name" and remind us that He has redeemed us for we are His valued children.
What does it mean to take a year off your job to travel the world and be with Him? We find out this week as Nicole catches up with avid globetrotter Katie who did just that! She shares with us her experiences of different cultures and how going on this journey was a lesson in trust and surrendering every step to His divine plan! Perhaps you are dreaming of your next holiday, why not take a trip round the world with us?
It's difficult to believe sometimes that you and I are also called to "holiness". Isn't that something reserved for saints? How can a sinner like you and me desire for it? In fact, Lumen Gentium published by the Vatican reminds us that "the path of love" is the fundamental for holiness and that all of us are called to live it out in our everyday lives.
How has your spiritual life been? Has it started to droop or is it flourishing? Nicole catches up with an old friend Steph as they recount University days and also Steph's love for succulents. They muse over how the spiritual life mirrors that of a lovely garden tended to by the Divine gardener Himself and how we can also grow daily towards His light!
We take a closer look at the Vatican document - Christifideles Laici and reflect on how we do not live separate lives - the spiritual and secular but how the Church invites us to live a fully integrated life. Nicole muses over the difficulty of living out her faith in everyday life and how we may negotiate the grey areas and discomfort of being known as His follower. Are you #proud2bCatholic?
Are you also in the process of discerning your vocation? Nicole catches up with university mate, Br. Philip Gerlomes on how he has been discerning his vocation with the Dominican order at Holy Name Provence in California. We explore the difficulty of discovering and living out one's vocation in the face of societal pressures and reflect on how He reveals His plan for us all in His perfect timing. This is a powerful episode that may just be what you need to ignite that spark within you, may the blessed conversation move you!
Our Lady is our spiritual mother - she loves us with tenderness and invite us to enter into a deeper relationship with her son. Nicole reflects on the deep significance of Our Mother of Perpetual Help and recalls her experiences with our Blessed Mother. Let us also make her known, as is the mission of the Redemptorists!
Oh how we marvel at the beauty of creation - but what really is the relationship between faith and art? Nicole catches up with artist and sister in Christ, Laura who reflects on her personal journey with Christ through her art. You may be familiar with Laura's deeply beautiful art - shout out to fellow Treasure 11 participants! She takes us deeper into the contemplative role of art as prayer and how the work of our hands can communicate our own intimacy with Him.
You may be feeling the ache of loneliness too in this season. Single or not, we all feel these deep pangs at some point. Henri Nouwen offers much wisdom to us today as I mediate on what it means to move "From Loneliness to Solitude" and to see the current season not as a destination but an ongoing journey towards Him!
In this special episode, we have a special guest, James who knows what it means to be a pilgrim, both on the way to Santiago de Compostela and in the spiritual life. Join us as we reflect on how we are also pilgrims, treading the uneven road of discovering our own unique calling.
Even in the valley, He is faithful. Let us be reminded that even when we are faithless, He is faithful and He has good plans for us. Let us learn from His example, to be faithful in the small things, for as He says "Well done, my good and faithful servant"!
In the noise of this world, we find it hard to "listen". There are many voices telling us how to act, what to think and what kind of life we should lead. Beyond all the chaos, the Lord speaks to us in a still, small voice and invites us to "listen" to His voice. Maybe it's time to cut out all that white noise and to hear what He has to say to you today!
Are you finding it hard to be 'still' in these turbulent times? Perhaps you are in a season of life where there are many changes, many uncertainties and you feel swept up in the daily hustle and bustle. The Lord invites you gently to "Be Still" and to soak up His presence. He invites you to slow down a little, shift gears a little and to simply abide. Let Him speak to you in the stillness and silence of your heart!
What does Jesus mean when He tells us "Take up your cross and follow me"? Perhaps He is calling us to turn to Him in trust, to bear our daily crosses with grace and to see our difficulties as an opportunity for santification. As Josemaria Escriva says “Work and any other activity, carried out with the help of grace, is converted into a means of daily sanctification.”
St John Paul II encourages us to 'put out into the deep' and sometimes we fear of the deep waters He calls us to. We are overtaken by fear and prefer to stand near the shoreline. Yet we are made for more, we are made for a live deeper than what seems important to us. Let us pray for the courage to go into the deep, where feet may fail, where each tentative step takes us closer to a life rooted in Him.
Jesus says to Peter "Be not afraid". How often have you been paralysed by fear? Do you feel like Peter, sinking amidst the waves? Jesus stretches out His hand to us and whispers gently "Courage". This week's song is one of my favourites - Confidence by Sanctus Real, do check it out and unleash your inner David against the Goliaths you are facing!
Are you feeling restless in this season of your life? Or maybe it's the effects of the lockdown? Let's meditate on the restlessness that plagues us and consider how we can as St Augustine puts it, rest in Him!
Deep down, we desire to be pursued, seen, known and loved. Do you know that the Father has always been searching for your heart? Let us bask in His endless pursuit.
No, that's not background noise, that's the Spirit blowing through the caverns of our souls! Blessed Feast of Pentecost to you as I reflect on the role of the Spirit in our lives and how we can renew our commitment to bringing Christ to all those we meet.
Here's a special episode of the series - I'll be speaking at a webinar for World Communication Sunday and the theme is stories! Pope Francis reflects on how "stories" are a vehicle for bringing Christ to others, inviting them into a shared space to encounter Him through our lived experience. I am blessed to be able to share mine and others stories on this podcast. May we be vessels of the Most High in all that we do, for yet not I, but Christ in me!
I explore our struggles with vanity and how we can think less of how others perceive us and more of how God perceives us. Let us glorify God with our everyday struggles!
Perhaps you are also battling with dryness of the spiritual life. I invite you to start the difficult but necessary conversation with Him again.
Let us speak our unique language of faith as we discover the beauty of the "New" the Risen Lord desires for us to experience!
Alleluia He is Risen! He has vanquished sin and death and desires to resurrect you as well from your tomb :)
Hope the start to the Holy Week has been a good one! Here's a short bonus episode for Good Friday as I reflect on directing our gaze back to the cross.
Welcome to the 6th episode of my Lenten series - Walking with Him as I contemplate the Stations of the Cross and consider how we may also walk with Him on the road to Calvary in the next 40 days of Lent.
Welcome to the 5th episode of my Lenten series - Walking with Him as I contemplate the Stations of the Cross and consider how we may also walk with Him on the road to Calvary in the next 40 days of Lent.
Welcome to the 4th episode of my Lenten series - Walking with Him as I contemplate the Stations of the Cross and consider how we may also walk with Him on the road to Calvary in the next 40 days of Lent.
Welcome to the 3rd episode of my Lenten series - Walking with Him as I contemplate the Stations of the Cross and consider how we may also walk with Him on the road to Calvary in the next 40 days of Lent.
Welcome to the 2nd episode of my Lenten series - Walking with Him as I contemplate the Stations of the Cross and consider how we may also walk with Him on the road to Calvary in the next 40 days of Lent.
Welcome to the 1st episode of my Lenten series - Walking with Him as I contemplate the Stations of the Cross and consider how we may also walk with Him on the road to Calvary in the next 40 days of Lent.
How are you preparing your heart for Ash Wednesday? Perhaps instead of "giving up" something we love, let us pray for a sense of detachment from our desires and affections such that we may purify our hearts and intentions and live in a state of interior freedom!
Rediscover the Father's Love for you as we meditate on 1 Corinthians 13:4-8. For this week's episode, we explore "Love always protects, hopes, trusts, perseveres, love never fails". Listen as I reflect on the unchanging love of the Father.
Rediscover the Father's Love for you as we meditate on 1 Corinthians 13:4-8. For this week's episode, we explore "Love does not delight in evil, but rejoices in the truth". Listen as I reflect on the knots in our hearts and how He alone seeks to undo the chains that bind us.
Rediscover the Father's Love for you as we meditate on 1 Corinthians 13:4-8. For this week's episode, we explore "Love is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered". Listen as I rediscover a selfless love and meditate on Jesus' ultimate sacrifice for us all.
Rediscover the Father's Love for you as we meditate on 1 Corinthians 13:4-8. For this week's episode, we explore "Love is not proud, it does not dishonour others". Listen as I share struggles we face on respecting the ones we love with our words and actions as celebrate this festive season & some thoughts as we journey towards 14 Feb :)