Of Sound Mind and Spirit - Podcast for Catholic Women

In today's episode we dive deep into the world of women's ministry with our wonderful guest, Kelly Wahlquist. Kelly, the founder of Women In the New Evangelization (WINE), brings a vibrant mix of humor, faith, and community spirit to our discussion.  Kelly passionately talks about her ministry, WINE, which blends joy and spirituality, encouraging women to deepen their faith through invitation, fellowship, and engaging events. Join us as we talk about upcoming events like the "Wine and Shrine" tour to Italy in October 2025 and discover how WINE's various conferences and book clubs are creating strong sisterhood bonds. Don't miss out on this engaging conversation that combines deep spiritual insights with a joyful approach to faith. So, grab a glass of your favorite beverage, sit back, and let's journey together in faith and fellowship with Kelly Wahlquist!

Join Shelly Kelly and special guest host Cameron Kelly, as they unravel the miraculous story of Our Lady of Guadalupe, Juan Diego, and the glorious apparitions that transformed faith and culture in the Americas. They'll discuss the miraculous image revealed on his tilma, the deep connections to Aztec culture, the tilma's scientific mysteries, and the enduring impact of Our Lady of Guadalupe on faith and conversion across the Americas.

Ever wondered how praying with Saints could help you achieve virtues and positively transform your life? In today's episode, Belinda Terro Mooney, joins us to discuss the transformative power of intercessory prayer and her latest book, "Pray with Us, A Saint for Every Day."  Throughout the conversation, you'll hear Belinda's compelling insights on praying for virtues like those of St. Charles Borromeo, the significance of collective Catholic prayer, and the miraculous impact of praying with Saints on their feast days. You'll also get to know historical Saints such as St. Gertrude and learn about the power of personal and communal prayer for bishops, religious orders, and the holy souls in purgatory. Belinda also shares heartwarming personal stories of family support and a profound connection with saints like St. Bernadette and St. Therese.  **Find the full video of this episode on our ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠YouTube channel ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ and don’t forget to subscribe!**🎥 Drop us a line, leave a review, or connect with us on social media. Your engagement means the world to us and helps shape future episodes! We'd love to hear from you! Email us at ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠soundmindandspirit@gmail.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Visit our webpage at ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Of Sound Mind and Spirit ⁠⁠⁠

Is Advent adding stress instead of bringing you peace? As the hustle and bustle of the holiday season ramps up, you might find yourself struggling to maintain your spiritual focus and sense of calm. Advent is meant to be a time for preparation and mindfulness, but for many, it becomes just another source of stress and anxiety. In this episode of "Of Sound Mind and Spirit” podcast, hosts Shelly Kelly and Lisa Jones explore how you can experience Advent more simply and meaningfully. They share insights and practical tips to help you connect with God, find joy, and lessen the seasonal pressure. Three benefits you’ll discover from this episode: Practical tips for Spiritual Engagement: Learn about various ways to incorporate prayer and scripture into daily life using resources like the "Hallow" app and unique personal practices that can be seamlessly integrated into your routine. Strategies for Stress-Free Advent: Discover ways to simplify your Advent season, turning it into a time of reflection and joy rather than a period fraught with overwhelming to-do lists and expectations. Embracing Rest and Sabbath: Understand the importance of rest, not just on Sundays but any day that fits your schedule, and why making space to breathe can enhance your spiritual well-being during this reflective season. Tune in now to find out how you can transform your Advent experience and enter the holiday season with a renewed sense of peace and joy. **Find the full video of this episode on our ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠YouTube channel ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ and don’t forget to subscribe!**🎥 Drop us a line, leave a review, or connect with us on social media. Your engagement means the world to us and helps shape future episodes! We'd love to hear from you! Email us at ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠soundmindandspirit@gmail.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Visit our webpage at ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Of Sound Mind and Spirit ⁠⁠⁠

Have you ever wondered how you can make a meaningful difference in the lives of the priests who guide your spiritual journey? In this episode, we'll delve into the vital importance of praying for our priests, guided by our guest Tina Jost’s personal experiences and the profound insights in her book, “One Hour for My Priest, A Prayer Companion.” We'll also discuss the inspiring Seven Sisters Apostolate, an initiative dedicated to ensuring priests around the world are continually uplifted in prayer. Hit play now to learn how you can become a prayer warrior for your priests and make a lasting spiritual impact.  📕 “One Hour for My Priest, A Prayer Companion” by Tina Jost 📕 **Find the full video of this episode on our ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠YouTube channel ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ and don’t forget to subscribe!**🎥 Drop us a line, leave a review, or connect with us on social media. Your engagement means the world to us and helps shape future episodes! We'd love to hear from you! Email us at ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠soundmindandspirit@gmail.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Visit our webpage at ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Of Sound Mind and Spirit ⁠⁠⁠

Have you ever wondered why serving in the church feels more like a calling than just volunteering? In this episode of "Of Sound Mind and Spirit," hosts Lisa Jones and Shelly Kelly dive deep into the essence of serving within the church community as we ask the question, why do we serve God? With personal anecdotes and historical insights, they explore how small acts of service can build a stronger faith and a more connected parish life. Whether you're feeling the overwhelm of busy or seeking ways to get more involved, this episode provides practical advice and heartfelt reflections that resonate with anyone looking to harmonize faith and action. Listeners will discover: 1. Actionable ways to serve the church without overcommitting: Learn how even simple acts, such as participating in a "wish upon a star" initiative, can make a meaningful impact.2. 2. Inspiration from personal stories: Hear Lisa and Shelly's experiences running Vacation Bible School and teaching faith formation classes, illustrating the rewarding journey of faith through service. 3. Balancing service and self-care: Find out how to thoughtfully manage your commitments and avoid burnout, ensuring that your service remains a joyful and fulfilling endeavor. Tune in now to be inspired to define what service means to you, where you are in life, and what ways you can consider serving your church. **Find the full video of this episode on our ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠YouTube channel ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ and don’t forget to subscribe!**🎥   Drop us a line, leave a review, or connect with us on social media. Your engagement means the world to us and helps shape future episodes! We'd love to hear from you! Email us at ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠soundmindandspirit@gmail.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Visit our webpage at ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Of Sound Mind and Spirit ⁠⁠⁠

Have you ever wondered how does God speak to me?  How do I know it’s God? Spiritual communication is deeply personal and part of your unique journey with God. In this episode you’ll learn how to discern God’s voice amidst the noise of daily life as Julie Storr walks us through the four ways God communicates with us, with practical examples and biblical references that make these concepts relatable and easy to understand. Julie also shares remarkable stories about taking leaps of faith, and embracing everyday spirituality. Whether you're a "knower," "seer," "hearer," or "feeler," there's something in this episode for you. We want to know:  How do YOU experience God's voice in your life?  **Find the full video of this episode on our ⁠⁠⁠⁠YouTube channel ⁠⁠⁠⁠ and don’t forget to subscribe!**🎥   Drop us a line, leave a review, or connect with us on social media. Your engagement means the world to us and helps shape future episodes! We'd love to hear from you! Email us at ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠soundmindandspirit@gmail.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Visit our webpage at ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Of Sound Mind and Spirit ⁠⁠⁠

Welcome back to "Of Sound Mind and Spirit"! In this episode, "Why Catholics Pray to the Saints," your hosts Lisa Jones and Shelly Kelly delve into the profound and sometimes misunderstood role of Saints within Catholicism. Together, they explore the reasons Catholics look to Saints as role models alongside Jesus, emphasizing the relatable human experiences and personal redemptions that Saints exemplify. From the impactful journey of St. Augustine to the miracles attributed to modern-day figures like St. John Paul II and Mother Teresa, Lisa and Shelly highlight the extraordinary examples of holiness found in ordinary lives. Join us as we discuss the inspiring transformations of individuals like St. Ignatius and St. Paul, the concept of intercessory prayer, and the biblical foundations that support it. We'll also share personal stories of miracles, the process of canonization, and reflect on the universal call to holiness that resonates with believers today. Stay tuned for thoughtful insights, heartwarming stories, and a deeper understanding of how the Saints can guide us on our own spiritual journeys. You won't want to miss this enriching conversation! We want to hear from you! Share your thoughts and suggestions for future episodes with us on Facebook, Instagram, or our website, https://soundmindandspirit.com/. Don't forget to subscribe and join us visually on YouTube for a more interactive experience.   WE WANT TO KNOW:   How has a specific Saint influenced your spiritual journey?   **Find the full video of this episode on our ⁠⁠⁠YouTube channel ⁠⁠⁠ and don’t forget to subscribe!**🎥   Drop us a line, leave a review, or connect with us on social media. Your engagement means the world to us and helps shape future episodes! We'd love to hear from you! Email us at ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠soundmindandspirit@gmail.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Visit our webpage at ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Of Sound Mind and Spirit ⁠⁠⁠

Dive deep with us into what it means to leave a Legacy of Faith. Discover how to let your inner light shine, not for personal glory but as a testament to God’s presence in your life. Gain insights on building and maintaining faith through patience, persistence, and consistency. Reflect on the concept of leaving a faith-based legacy that transcends material inheritance. Explore the importance of continuous learning and the impact of relationships over possessions in your faith journey. What do you want your legacy to be?  Snippet from the Show: “What you want is that love of Christ to start coming out in you in little ways, just so your light must shine before others. And not for any. Not to glorify you, not to build you up, not for them to see you, but for them to see your heavenly father working in your life and radiating out to them.” - Shelly Scripture & Quotes: “Great occasions for serving God come seldom, but little ones surround us daily” – St. Francis de Sales Joshua 1:9   I command you: be strong and steadfast! Do not fear nor be dismayed, for the LORD, your God, is with you wherever you go.  Why is faith our greatest legacy? Because the memory of what we were like—not just our personalities but our character and our faith—has the potential to influence others for Christ. - Billy Graham Matthew 5:16  “Just so, your light must shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your heavenly Father.”   We want to hear from you! Share your thoughts and suggestions for future episodes with us on Facebook, Instagram, or our website, https://soundmindandspirit.com/. Don't forget to subscribe and join us visually on YouTube for a more interactive experience.   WE WANT TO KNOW:   What do you want your faith legacy to be?    **Find the full video of this episode on our ⁠⁠YouTube channel ⁠⁠ and don’t forget to subscribe!** 🎥   Drop us a line, leave a review, or connect with us on social media. Your engagement means the world to us and helps shape future episodes! We'd love to hear from you! Email us at ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠soundmindandspirit@gmail.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Visit our webpage at ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Of Sound Mind and Spirit ⁠⁠⁠

Welcome back to another inspiring episode of "Of Sound Mind and Spirit." I'm Lisa Jones, joined by my co-host & sister, Shelly Kelly, and today we're talking about ways to deepen your faith and grow spiritually. In this episode titled "Know and Grow in Faith," we challenge you to try one new thing this week to elevate your faith journey. Whether it's reconnecting with an old spiritual practice or stepping out of your comfort zone, we believe growth is vital for a fulfilling faith life. We want to hear from you! Share your thoughts and suggestions for future episodes with us on Facebook, Instagram, or our website, https://soundmindandspirit.com/. Don't forget to subscribe and join us visually on YouTube for a more interactive experience. So, grab a cup of coffee, settle in, and let's explore new ways to know and grow in faith together.   WE WANT TO KNOW:   What new thing do you plan to try this week to grow in your faith?   **Find the full video of this episode on our ⁠YouTube channel ⁠ and don’t forget to subscribe!** 🎥   Drop us a line, leave a review, or connect with us on social media. Your engagement means the world to us and helps shape future episodes! We'd love to hear from you! Email us at ⁠⁠⁠⁠soundmindandspirit@gmail.com⁠⁠⁠⁠ Visit our webpage at ⁠⁠⁠⁠Of Sound Mind and Spirit ⁠⁠⁠

Hey Moms, we know it’s difficult to find good Catholic based teen fiction for our middle grade and older teens. That’s why we’re so excited about our conversation with Leslea Wahl, an award-winning author renowned for her Catholic teen mystery novels. In this episode, you'll discover resources for finding adventurous mysteries with elements of humor, faith, and clean romance, making them perfect for young adults seeking engaging and faith-based stories. Leslea is one of seven contributors to Shadows: Visible & Invisible, an anthology of family-friendly spooky Halloween mysteries from Catholic Teen Books. This book explores the traditions of Hallowtide and the significance of All Souls Day to help reclaim the religious meaning of these celebrations. We'll also discuss her conversion journey, how writing helps her clarify misconceptions about Catholic practices and beliefs, and sibling relationships. What can we say? This episode is packed fuller than a trick-or-treat bag on Halloween! Snippets from the Show: Engaging with Different Authors' Styles: "I think they're a great way for families and teens to get a little taste of different authors styles because some of the stories have characters from their previous books there and so people can kind of, oh, I like that story." - Leslea The Perfect Family Reads for October Nights: "Each of these are short stories that families can read together. So they can kind of be like the spooky stories in the dark, but they're not scary. There's a difference, I think, between spooky and scary at this time of year." - Shelly CONTACT US Thank you for listening to this episode. We invite you to ⁠subscribe to our email list HERE ⁠to be notified weekly of new episodes and content. We'd love to hear from you! Email us at ⁠⁠soundmindandspirit@gmail.com⁠⁠ Visit our webpage at ⁠⁠Of Sound Mind and Spirit ⁠⁠

Welcome back to another episode of "Of Sound Mind and Spirit." Today, we dive into an enchanting tale that will whisk you away to the timeless city of Rome with our special guest, Rebecca Martin. Rebecca, a talented author and passionate lay Dominican, joins us to discuss her delightful new romance novel, "Love in the Eternal City." This "romcom" explores themes of love, faith, and personal growth against the backdrop of the Eternal City's stunning landmarks. Rebecca shares her unique journey to writing, influenced by her own adventurous semester in Rome. We explore how her experiences and faith shape her storytelling, offering readers a heartfelt and authentic depiction of Christian life and relationships. Whether you're a fan of young adult romance novels, a Rome enthusiast, or simply curious about the intersection of faith and storytelling, this episode promises to inspire and entertain. So, sit back, relax, and let us take you on a journey through the eternal city with Rebecca Martin’s vivid narrative and deep reflections on love and life. Enjoy the episode! Link to "Love in the Eternal City" by Rebecca Martin CONTACT US Thank you for listening to this episode. We invite you to ⁠subscribe to our email list HERE ⁠to be notified weekly of new episodes and content. We'd love to hear from you! Email us at ⁠⁠soundmindandspirit@gmail.com⁠⁠ Visit our webpage at ⁠⁠Of Sound Mind and Spirit ⁠

Are you looking to deepen your faith and find a consistent prayer routine that fits into your daily life? In this episode we discuss Hallow, a Christian prayer app designed for prayer, meditation, and connecting with faith. Shelly’s been using it for years and Lisa finally signed up!  We’ll discuss the app’s features based on our personal experiences, likes and dislikes, and content we’ve discovered. ( Lisa plays Daily Trivia live!) From guided reflections and prayer routines to discovering new spiritual music and saints' biographies, this app has something for everyone. Snippet from the Show: "I'm actually really happy for you because you're giving such a beautiful example of why I wanted to talk about Hallow and why I've wanted you to listen to it before, because it's just another step in knowing and growing in our faith." - Shelly In this Episode: Lisa’s seven-day journey with St. Elizabeth Ann Seton's biography. How to navigate the wealth of content in the Hallow app. Tips for setting up prayer routines and notifications. Discover new music from artists like Brother Isaiah and Matt Maher. Practical features like downloads for offline listening and customizable settings. Special promotion—get three months of Hallow for free with our exclusive code! CONTACT US Thank you for listening to this episode. We invite you to subscribe to our email list HERE to be notified weekly of new episodes and content. We'd love to hear from you! Email us at ⁠soundmindandspirit@gmail.com⁠ Visit our webpage at ⁠Of Sound Mind and Spirit ⁠

Have you ever walked into a church and discovered bones on display? Today on the podcast we’re diving into the world of sacred relics, including what they are, why we have them in our churches, and how they’re classified. Understanding and venerating relics may seem unfamiliar to some, but they offer a beautiful way to connect with the saints and deepen our faith. Whether through personal mementos or sacred relics, these connections keep the spirit of our faith alive and ever-present. In this episode you’ll learn: How relics serve as meaningful, tangible connections to saints and their experiences, offering comfort and inspiration to believers. The fascinating history behind relics, such as the tradition of placing relics in church altars, a practice dating back to the early days of Christianity. Where you can see relics—from St. Jude's arm relic in Rome to major collections in the US, like the Maria Stein Shrine in Ohio and the St. Maximilian Kolbe Shrine in Chicago. WHERE TO SEE RELICS: Holy Crib at the Papal Basilica of St. Mary Major St. Jude at Santuario di San Salvatore in Lauro National Shrine of St. Maximilian Kolbe Treasures of the Church National Relics Tour 4 Shrines for Saints' Relics in the US (National Catholic Register) St. Bernadette - Convent of St. Gildard in Nevers, France WE WANT TO KNOW: Have you visited any significant relic sites or have stories about relics that have touched your faith? We invite you to share your own personal experiences with relics! **Find the full video of this episode on our YouTube channel and don’t forget to subscribe!** 🎥 Drop us a line, leave a review, or connect with us on social media. Your engagement means the world to us and helps shape future episodes! We'd love to hear from you! Email us at ⁠⁠⁠soundmindandspirit@gmail.com⁠⁠⁠ Visit our webpage at ⁠⁠⁠Of Sound Mind and Spirit ⁠⁠ ---- #Podcast #Relics #StJude #Saints #NewEpisode

Ever wondered what it feels like to walk in the footsteps of your ancestors? We’re excited to share our latest episode  #59 "From Sicily to America: Understanding Family Roots and Preserving Heritage," with you, our wonderful community of listeners. Join us, your hosts, Shelly Kelly and Lisa Jones, as we embark on a journey through personal history, cultural connections, and the powerful ties of heritage. From childhood recollections of Italian festivals to the emotional journeys of exploring familial lands, this episode is a tribute to our rich heritage and cultures that shape who we are.  Join us as we reflect on how understanding our past helps us build a stronger future and sense of belonging.    5 Keys You’ll Learn: 1. Cultural Festivals and Traditions 2. Genealogy and Legacy 3. Personal Connections 4. Practical Tips for Collecting Family Stories 5. Identity and Belonging CALL TO ACTION: We’d love to hear your stories and thoughts! Have you ever visited your ancestral homeland? Felt that deep connection to your roots? Drop us a line, leave a review, or connect with us on social media. Your engagement means the world to us and helps shape future episodes! **Find the full video of this episode on our YouTube channel https://www.youtube.com/@soundmindandspirit and don’t forget to subscribe!** 🎥 CONNECT WITH US: We invite you to⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ sign up for our email list HERE⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ to keep in touch! We'd love to hear from you!   Email us at ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠soundmindandspirit@gmail.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Visit our webpage at ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Of Sound Mind and Spirit ⁠ --- #Podcast #ItalianHeritage #FamilyRoots #Genealogy #NewEpisode

Welcome to the latest episode of "Of Sound Mind and Spirit." Join hosts Shelly Kelly and Lisa Jones as they recount their unforgettable family adventure to Sicily and tell you if they Dodged the Drama as discussed in Episode 50: Dodging Drama on Family Vacation. In this episode, Lisa and Shelly share the joys and challenges a trip for 17 family members, all while exploring their family history and fulfilling their mother's lifelong dream. From navigating complex logistics to battling extreme heat, they reveal the ups and downs of their journey. Through laughter and reflection, the Shelly & Lisa share valuable lessons learned from their trip – the importance of having a plan while staying flexible, the power of visualizing potential challenges, and the need for downtime amidst the excitement. They also highlight heartwarming moments that made the trip truly special – the unwavering love and unity between their parents, and the support and care shown by the grandchildren. Join us for this heartfelt and humorous episode as Shelly and Lisa take you along on their Sicilian adventure, revealing the true essence of family, food, and embracing new experiences. Did your family travel this summer? Did You Dodge the Drama? CONNECT WITH US: We invite you to⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ sign up for our email list HERE⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ to keep in touch! We'd love to hear from you!   Email us at ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠soundmindandspirit@gmail.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Visit our webpage at ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Of Sound Mind and Spirit

Are you feeling stuck or in need of direction? Maybe you need a Life Coach! What is a life coach? How does it differ from spiritual direction? How do you find a life coach? What does a life coaching session look like? In this episode, Certified Life Coach, Marge Steinhage Fenelon answers all our questions – as she shares her expertise on getting unstuck, setting goals, and finding possibilities in life. SNIPPET FROM THE SHOW: "I love the way you describe that, Marge, as helping you to get unstuck, because I think a lot of women, and I'll say our age, Lisa and I, you know, we're in the transition of life, and we get stuck, and we don't know where to go next." - Shelly "...Life coaching is most definitely self care, and it's something that we should grow and learn and take care of ourselves so that we can do what we're called to do." - Lisa The Impact of Life Coaching: "The fact that they entrust to me their dreams and goals is just phenomenal. And I just love seeing when a client gets to that goal or the light bulb goes on and they see something that they had never seen before, and you just see their face light up, and you just know they have just. They got it and they're ready to move on." - Marge Fenelon CONNECT WITH MARGE Marge Fenelon Simply Holy Coaching ITEMS MENTIONED Know Thyself: The Game of Temperaments The Temperament God Gave You by Art and Laraine Bennett CONNECT WITH US: We invite you to⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ sign up for our email list HERE⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ to keep in touch! We'd love to hear from you!   Email us at ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠soundmindandspirit@gmail.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Visit our webpage at ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Of Sound Mind and Spirit ⁠

Summer is here, and we’re diving into our favorite summer reads on this week's episode of "Of Sound Mind and Spirit"!  Join us, hosts Lisa Jones and Shelly Kelly, as we dive into our favorite reads, from thrilling mysteries to inspiring spiritual books. Whether you’re lounging on a tropical beach or enjoying a staycation, we've got the perfect book recommendations to keep you company.    - Shelly's interest in history and likely reads: short history of Sicily, epic adventure about the American West.    - Lisa’s enjoyment of the Baztan trilogy and books inspiring TV shows like "Shetland" and "Vera."    - Shelly’s upcoming reads: mystery novel set in Calabria and "Save Me the Plums" by Ruth Reichel. We share personal stories, reading tips, and even some hilarious reading achievements (trophy-worthy, of course!) 🏆 Don't miss out on the valuable insights and bookish humor! SNIPPET FROM THE SHOW: 12 Books Challenge: “I do a twelve books challenge every year where I invite twelve friends to recommend to me a book that they’ve read and loved and I have not read it.”  - Shelly Kelly 👉 Have a favorite summer read or an incredible reading tip? Share with us in the comments or connect with us on social media.  CONNECT WITH US: We invite you to⁠⁠⁠⁠ sign up for our email list HERE⁠⁠⁠⁠ to keep in touch! We'd love to hear from you!   Email us at ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠soundmindandspirit@gmail.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Visit our webpage at ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Of Sound Mind and Spirit ⁠ **Book Recommendations** Chick Lit - Irene Hannon – her ⁠Hope Harbor series⁠ Beach Reads -  ⁠Jenny Colgan⁠ – the Bookshop on the corner, The Christmas Bookshop, Little Beach Street Bakery, Bookshop on the Shore… Escape Read - ⁠Kristin Hannah's books⁠  ⁠https://amzn.to/3Ve3S2d⁠  Vacation Spot - The Baztan Trilogy by Delores Redondo ⁠https://amzn.to/3yPhwkI⁠  Book Set where I’d like to Visit: ⁠The Lost Boy of Santa Chionia⁠ – coming out in July! By Juliet Grames A Short History of Sicily by Santi Correnti  Short chapters broken out by inhabitants – Ancient Sicily, Greek Sicily, Roman, Arab, etc.  (86 pages)  OUT OF PRINT Self-Improvement - Your CORE Strength: A Young Woman's Go-To Guide to Eating, Exercise and Empowered Health by Amy Connell   ⁠https://amzn.to/3VvraSz⁠  Based on TV Shows  The Vera Stanhope Mystery Series by Ann Cleeves ⁠https://amzn.to/4ebZo4u⁠  the basis for the long running “Vera” tv series  The Shetland Island Mystery Series by Ann Cleeves – the basis for the “Shetland” tv series on PBS.  ⁠https://amzn.to/3VdjHpz⁠  12 Books Challenge -  ⁠Save Me the Plums by Ruth Reichl⁠   - a Goodreads award winner, this book is about food writer and restaurant critic – when she became the editor in chief of Gourmet magazine.   Learn Something ⁠Throne of Grace: A Mountain Man, An Epic Adventure and the Bloody Conquest of the American West⁠.  adventurer Jedediah Smith and the Mountain Men who explored the American frontier  (collaborative team of Bob Drury and Tom Clavin.  Favorite book not read in a while - Anne of Green Gables by L.M. Montgomery ⁠https://amzn.to/4e3FA3v⁠  Classics to Reread (or read for the first time) Any book by Ernest Hemingway ⁠https://amzn.to/3X6c3jy⁠  A Tale of Two Cities by Charles Dickens ⁠https://amzn.to/45gjzu7⁠  Inspirational/Learn Something ⁠This Present Paradise -  Claire Dwyer⁠. Pray for Us: 75 Saints Who Sinned, Suffered, and Struggled on Their Way to Holiness by Meg Hunter-Kilmer ⁠https://amzn.to/4e3FA3v⁠  Other Books Mentioned ⁠No Two Persons – Erica Bauermeister⁠ – if you haven’t read this yet, highly recommend. ⁠Natalie Jenner⁠ -  Everytime we say goodbye – just came out.  Post war Italy (10 years) and lots of healing from the past, refugees, wartime memories, and lost loved ones. Popular Fiction - Cormoran Strike Novels (crime fiction) by Robert Galbraith (aka JK Rowling) ⁠https://amzn.to/4aVkxNE⁠ 

We're honored to welcome Maria Gallagher, the executive director of the Pennsylvania Pro Life Federation. Listen as we discuss the challenges and triumphs of the pro-life movement post-Roe v. Wade, the importance of personal involvement, and how leveraging your talents can make a significant impact in education, advocacy, and community based approaches to counter the misinformation in the abortion debate. SNIPPET FROM THE SHOW: As many as 60% of abortions are coerced, meaning women are being pressured by boyfriends, husbands, parents, even grandparents to abort their children." – Maria Gallagher "How many times is the message being promoted that if you have a child, it will derail your career and your life? And that is a falsehood?" – Shelly "And we hope that you enjoyed this topic and that you will take Maria's suggestions and find ways to be involved in the pro-life movement and also to pray for all pregnant women and their children." - Lisa CONNECT WITH MARIA: Website, Books, Speaking Pennsylvania Pro-Life Federation CONNECT WITH US: We invite you to⁠⁠⁠⁠ sign up for our email list HERE⁠⁠⁠⁠ to keep in touch! We'd love to hear from you!   Email us at ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠soundmindandspirit@gmail.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Visit our webpage at ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Of Sound Mind and Spirit ⁠

Shrines, Saints, and Summer Break! For our first anniversary of the podcast - and the beginning of summer break - we're highlighting one of our earlier episodes. Summer vacation doesn’t mean you take a break from your faith! No matter where your family travels, you can still find opportunities to connect with and grow in your faith on the road. Snippet from the Show: “…what we’re doing is considered a pilgrimage. I never thought of just visiting a church as a pilgrimage before.” - Shelly  The Spiritual Significance of Historical Sites: "I just sat there and looked and thought, how much did they love you, God, that they built this amazing church? Because everywhere I looked, I felt love for Christ." - Lisa Places Mentioned: ⁠Mother Cabrini Shrine⁠ (Golden, CO) ⁠Shrine of the Blessed Sacrament⁠ (Hanceville, AL) ⁠Bread of Life Mural⁠ (Houston, TX) ⁠Basilica of the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception⁠ (Washington, DC) ⁠The National Shrine of Our Lady of Champion ⁠(New Franken, WI) ⁠National Shrine of our Lady of La Leche⁠ (San Augustine, FL) ⁠The National Shrine of St. Maximilian Kolbe at Marytown⁠ (Libertyville, IL) ⁠Basilica of the National Shrine of the Little Flower⁠ (San Antonio, TX) ⁠The Loretto Chapel⁠ (Santa Fe, NM) ⁠The Cathedral Basilica of St. Francis of Assisi⁠ (Santa Fe, NM) ⁠Painted Churches of Texas⁠ (Schulenburg, TX) ⁠Blessed Stanley Rother Shrine⁠ (Oklahoma City, OK) If this topic makes you curious about other pilgrimage sites in the US – we invite you to check out these two books: ⁠My Queen, My Mother A Living Novena. A Marian Pilgrimage Across America by Marge Steinhage Fenelon⁠ ⁠A Catholic Pilgrimage through American History: People and Places that shaped the Church in the United States by Kevin Schmiesin⁠ “…truly nothing happens by accident or luck, but everything by God’s wise providence.”  St. Juliana Norwich (Revelations of Divine Love, 1393) We want to know! Where’s a sacred place you’ve been? Or someplace you’ve always wanted to go?  We'd love to hear from you! Email us at ⁠⁠soundmindandspirit@gmail.com⁠⁠ Visit our webpage at ⁠⁠Of Sound Mind and Spirit ⁠⁠ PS: For a special treat, visit the ⁠Kakawa Chocolate Shop⁠ (Santa Fe, TX) – yeah, we know it’s not a sacred site but you’ll enjoy this stop!