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!

Ever feel hesitant to start something new in your spiritual journey? You're not alone! Join us as we dive deep into the transformative experience of spiritual direction with our guest, Certified Spiritual Director Deanna Bartalini. In this episode, Deanna shares her rich experience and practical advice on: The Role of a Spiritual Director Overcoming common challenges in prayer and finding stillness Understanding what to expect from spiritual direction sessions Practical advice on choosing the right spiritual director Feeling eager to start but unsure where to begin? Deanna has the guidance you need! SNIPPET FROM THE SHOW: "But my purpose is to listen, to make connections, and to ask questions, to help people figure out what God wants from them." - Deanna Bartalini "Sometimes people come to me, and they've never prayed with scripture, and when I ask them, how often are you quiet during prayer time? It's like, what? What do you mean, quiet? I have to talk to God. Yes, but when do you listen to him?" - Deanna Bartalini WHERE TO FIND DEANNA? Live Not Lukewarm 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 in a mixed-faith marriage? How do you navigate the challenges of being married to a non-Catholic? How do you stay strong in your own faith while respecting your spouse's spiritual journey? In this deeply personal and inspiring discussion, we share our own personal stories, struggles, and successes, offering invaluable insights and encouragement. Whether you’re married to someone of a different faith or just curious about how faith impacts relationships, this episode is packed with wisdom and practical advice. SNIPPETS FROM THE EPISODE: "The next thing I had to learn and respect was that we each had our own faith journey. And the way that we live our faith in Christ could be different. It didn't have to be the same to be good." - Lisa “Lord, take away this desire for me to want him to accept the church. Lord, give me the grace to accept where he is on knowing you better.” - Shelly FROM THE CATECHISM: This difference between the spouses does not constitute an insurmountable obstacle for marriage. Sincere married love, the humble and patient practice of the family virtues, and perseverance in prayer can prepare the non-believing spouse to accept the grace of conversion. CCC 1634 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 ⁠

We need to stop feeling guilty for taking time to take care of ourselves! As middle-aged women juggling numerous roles, we're discussing our personal self-care strategies, the pervasive guilt associated with taking "me" time, and why it's crucial to overcome these feelings for our mental and spiritual well-being. From massages to meditation, and from making time for hobbies to embracing silence, join us as we share insights, laugh over misconceptions, and support each other in our quest to prioritize wellness unapologetically. So, tune in, unwind, and let's get inspired together. SNIPPETS FROM THE SHOW: "What is wrong with doing something that inspires me, works my mind, that helps me grow closer to God, that lights me up and makes me a better person so that I can take care of the things I need to take care of. Why should I feel guilty about that?" ~ Lisa "Do you not know that you are the temple of God and that the spirit of God dwells in you? I say that to remind you that whatever you're going through, whatever anxiety you have, however you are listening to this and thinking, I'm not taking care of myself. Right. Start somewhere!" ~ Shelly We want to know! What ways do you practice self-care? (Bonus points if you do it without feeling guilty!) 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 ⁠

We're gearing up for a significant family trip that involves not just the immediate but extended family members as well, totaling 17 people! From young adults to the eldest in the family, managing such a diverse group brings its unique set of challenges and opportunities for growth. In this episode titled "Dodging Drama on Family Vacation” Shelly and Lisa share their personal experiences and tips on navigating the complexities of family dynamics during travel. You'll hear about the importance of flexibility—whether it's about mealtimes or dealing with postponed plans—and we'll discuss the essential strategies for mitigating conflicts and ensuring that everyone, across ages and personalities, finds joy and relaxation on the trip. From setting realistic boundaries to incorporating down-time, practicing forgiveness, and remembering to take moments for personal peace, this episode is packed with valuable advice. Our hosts also highlight the spiritual aspect, emphasizing scriptures that promote patience and love in family relationships. So, whether you’re planning a small getaway or a grand family expedition, tune in as we explore making the most of these precious moments together, ensuring the vacation is memorable for all the right reasons. And don’t forget, we want to hear from you too—send in your family travel stories and song recommendations for our special vacation playlist! QUOTE: Faith and Family Dynamics: "This is going to be a really good exercise in putting into practice all the things regarding faith and surrender and trust that we often talk about. I mean, it's one thing to read these spiritual books and to hear the readings and talk about it. It is another to put it into practice." ~ Shelly on Dodging Drama on Family Vacations What are your tips for Dodging Drama on Family Vacations?

We love our local neighborhood parish, our priests, and our community. But sometimes our schedule requires that we meet our Sunday obligation by attending Mass away from home - in a different parish! How great is our beautiful Catholic faith! No matter where we attend, the Mass is the same; same structure, same readings, same holy prayers. This episode is more than a reflection on traditions; it's an invitation to rediscovery. Our individual parishes are part of a magnificent mosaic, where each piece—no matter how distinctly shaped or colored—fits perfectly into the grand design of the Catholic Church. Discover five benefits of visiting a different parish! SNIPPET FROM THE EPISODE: "Having that different experience makes you look at your Parish sometimes with different eyes, maybe from the eyes of a visitor, and then, okay, how am I serving in a way to help others have that great experience?" - Lisa SCRIPTURE: “…for through him we both have access in one Spirit to the Father. So then you are no longer strangers and sojourners, but you are fellow citizens with the holy ones and members of the household of God, built upon the foundation of the apostles and prophets, with Christ Jesus himself as the capstone.” - Ephesians 2:18-20 We Want To Know: What are some of the benefits you've discovered when attending a different parish church? 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 ⁠

We recently said goodbye to a beloved aunt and are reminded of the cycle of life and death that touches every family. In this episode we discuss the importance of family bonds, the evolving roles we play as we step into the shoes of those who came before us, and the surprising lessons that grief teaches us about reconnecting with our loved ones. **Highlights from the Episode:** - **The 'End of An Era':** The passing of elders, who were central to our childhood, heralds a shift in family dynamics and a poignant reminder of time's swift progression. - **Step Up, Step Forward:** With the loss of a generation, Lisa and Shelly reflect on the 'passing of the torch' to their generation, a call to become the new guiding force within the family. - **Gratitude Amidst Sorrow:** Despite the sadness that accompanies loss, there's profound gratitude for the time spent with those who lived full lives. Snipped From the Show: "...we're celebrating a life, we're honoring a beloved family member, and in that, what do we take away? And part of this, I would say [is] rededication on my part to wanting to be close to cousins and family." - Lisa We Want To Know: If you've had an experience with death in the family and something positive like reconnecting with family grew out of that, check in with us on social media or send us an email. 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 ⁠

In this episode, we're honored to welcome a very special guest, Allison Gingras, who brings a wealth of experience and insights from her own faith journey, a testament to the ever-evolving nature of prayer and presence with God. Lisa and Shelly share bits of our own spiritual experiences, discussing how simple practices like praying the rosary have left indelible marks on our family legacies and influenced our understanding of God's profound love. We explore the beauty of tradition and the significance of visual symbols and activities. Throughout this candid conversation, Allison enlightens us about her favorite saint, Venerable Patrick Payton, and how his advocacy for family prayer can still echo in our lives today. We also touch on the use of sacramentals and the incredible way in which our journey of faith is intertwined with the global church. So settle in and join us for a heartfelt discussion on the continuous learning, embracing traditional practices, and the importance of good Christian Women friendships.

In this heartwarming episode, we're getting up close with Clara, Lisa’s Spanish exchange student turned family. From soccer fields to kitchen showdowns, and the bonds formed over shared meals and Young Life meetings, join us as we explore the joys, challenges, and unexpected lessons of welcoming a new culture into the heart of home. Stay tuned for laughter, a touch of culture shock, and a story that bridges continents right here on Episode 046. Want to learn more about hosting a Foreign Exchange Student in the US? Visit PAX - Program of Academic Exchange for more. Would you take a moment and subscribe to our email list? Join our email list HERE to be notified weekly of new episodes and content.  Email us at ⁠⁠⁠soundmindandspirit@gmail.com⁠⁠⁠ Visit our webpage at ⁠⁠⁠Of Sound Mind and Spirit ⁠

We're embracing Holy Week by sharing our experiences with Palm Sunday and the days leading up to Easter. "Unless there is a Good Friday in your life, there can be no Easter Sunday.” – Ven. Fulton Sheen Snippet from the Show: "They [the Triduum] were just things that were going on for people more devout and catholic than me. I was busy, you know, being mom, I was busy, like you said earlier, at the Easter dresses and making sure did we have the Easter baskets and what time would we go to church on Sunday? Because Sunday is a holy day of obligation, whereas the triduum is not." – Shelly "Our real purpose for Lent, for triduum, for holy week, all of this is so that we're changed on Easter morning... The point is to have changed you as a person and grow closer to Christ, like a little step forward of being more holy." - Lisa HALLOW: Pray joyfully during the Easter season with three months access to Hallow ⁠(three months free for new subscribers) SONGS: There Will Be Joy In the Morning (Tauren Wells / Elevation Worship) Sunday Is Coming (Phil Wickham) 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 ⁠

In the second part of "Lessons From the Field", we flip the persepctive from our kids to ourselves, diving into lessons that we as parents learned from supporting our young athletes! Snippet from the Show: "Your relationship is not with the sport. Your relationship is with your child. And one day, they are not going to play that sport anymore." "What happens when that sport is not there anymore? Do they still know that you love them for who they are, not for the sport they play?" — Shelly Kelly Read the book Lisa mentioned!: Changing the Game: The Parent's Guide to Raising Happy, High Performing Athletes, and Giving Youth Sports Back to our Kids QUOTE: "Sport, properly directed, develops character, makes a man courageous, a generous loser, and a gracious victor;” Pope Pius XII WE WANT TO KNOW! How do you parent your athletes? - or if you played sports as a youth, what tips do you have for how we as parents can do better for our kids today? 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 ⁠⁠

As the Texas wildflowers color the sides of our highways, it's time to tend not only to our gardens but also to the growth of our inner faith. Join us as our special guest, Margaret Rose Realy, explores the parallels between tending to your garden and enriching your spiritual life. The author of "A Garden Catechism", Margaret helps us discover how to create meaningful spaces for prayer and contemplation through the language of plants. SNIPPET FROM THE SHOW: "But I had realized that I could no longer do what God had called me to be. I was a gardener, and everything about me was about gardening, being in the dirt, pulling the weeds, feeling the soil in my hands, and I could no longer do that. [...] And I remember sitting in adoration, and I was just weeping, and like, Lord, you made me a gardener. Now what am I going to do? I'm not who you made me anymore. And just sobbing. And I heard so clearly in my heart the words, you will write." - Margaret Rose Realy WE WANT TO KNOW!: We would love to hear how your own gardens—both earthly and spiritual—are blossoming this season. Write to us, share photos of your sacred spaces, or simply spread the word about how 'Of Sound Mind and Spirit' has inspired you. 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 ⁠

As the hustle and bustle of sports seasons pick up pace, we're excited to tap into lessons we've learned from years of raising young athletes! In this first of two parts, we delve into the reasons behind encouraging our children to play sports —from promoting healthy lifestyles to the essential life skills learned on the field. Snippet from the Show: "Sports are a school of loyalty, courage, endurance, resoluteness, universal brotherhood—all natural virtues, but which provide the supernatural virtues with a solid foundation, and prepare us to bear the burden of the most serious responsibilities without weakness." – Pope Pius XII “They are called to make sports an opportunity for meeting and dialogue, over and above every barrier of language, race or culture. Sports, in fact, can make an effective contribution to peaceful understanding between peoples and to establishing the new civilization of love.” – St. Pope John Paul II "Jubilee of Sports People" October 29, 2000 Resource: Mind Gym: An Athlete's Guide to Inner Excellence 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 ⁠