Hearts Wide Open

Your gift is not an accident. God put something specific in you on purpose, for a purpose. The thing that feels totally normal and easy to you is probably someone else's mystery. Each person is skillful in their own work. You cannot copy and paste someone else's calling. You have to find your unique. Your gifts are not just for you. They are meant to be shared. If you are a great artist, s...

We are all busy. But are we busy with God or just busy? Rest is not a reward for finishing everything. It was built into the design from the very beginning. If God rested, what makes us think we do not need to? Working hard without God at the center is just spinning your wheels. The hustle means nothing if he is not in it. Busyness becomes a master fast. The gut check is not how much you are doing...

Distraction Part 2 Scriptures: • Galatians 1:10 • James 1:5 In Part Two of our conversation on distraction, we keep unpacking what pulls our attention away from God — especially people-pleasing, social media, comparison, expectations, and the pressure to prove ourselves. We talk honestly about chasing likes, wanting to know if we’re making a difference, motherhood, feeling behind, and learning to...

Distraction Part 1 Scriptures: • Isaiah 26:3 • Luke 10:41–42 • Colossians 3:2 • Hebrews 12:1–2 In Part One of our conversation on distraction, we talk about the restless mind, the pull of technology, the pressure to do all the things, and how easily even good things can pull our attention away from God. Together we reflect on what it means to keep our minds fixed on Him, choose the “better part” l...

Part Two of our conversation on overwhelm continues as we dive deeper into what Scripture says when life feels heavy, exhausting, or uncertain. Together we reflect on: • Matthew 11:28 • 2 Corinthians 12:9 • Psalm 46:10 In this episode, we talk about dry seasons of faith, learning to rest in God’s strength instead of our own, motherhood in different seasons, gratitude, being present, and how overwh...

We’re switching things up a little! Instead of walking chapter by chapter through Scripture, we’re choosing a topic and diving into Bible verses that speak directly into it. Part One of this conversation is all about overwhelm. The mental load, anxiety, motherhood, responsibilities, and those moments where life simply feels like too much. Together we reflect on: • 1 Peter 5:7–8 • Philippians 4:6–7...

We’re back after a little New Year pause, a new baby, and some time to reflect on where this podcast is going. Happy New Year in MAY! Ha! We're so back in the swing and recorded this because we wanted to keep going then got a NEW idea again, which we're very excited about! Next week we will officially start what felt so good to record and we trust that you'll like it too! In this episo...

In this final episode of our James series, we wrap up Chapter 5 with a powerful conversation about patience, prayer, generosity, and what it means to live with eternity in mind. James gives us a strong reminder not to cling too tightly to wealth, comfort, or control, but to examine how we use what God has given us. We talk about giving, teaching our children generosity, waiting patiently like the...

We're so excited to finally be back with you! We tried using some microphones where we both could sit a little more distant and we THOUGHT it sounded good, until I got home to edit only to hear the sound wasn't what we're use to. So sorry, bear with us for a few more episodes and then we'll be back to normal! In this episode, we dive into James Chapter 4 and unpack the hidden strug...

DAY 25 — CHRIST IS HERE Merry Christmas! The wait is over — but the journey continues. 📖 John 1:9 The true light has come into the world. Let His light move with you into every ordinary day ahead. Today’s Challenge: Carry today’s peace into the rest of the season. Ask Jesus to stay close in every moment.

DAY 24 — O HOLY NIGHT The night Jesus was born, everything changed. 📖 Luke 2:11 A Savior is born for you. Jesus comes into our ordinary moments — even the messy ones — with love and peace. Today’s Challenge: Whisper the angel’s words when stress rises: “Do not be afraid.”

DAY 23 — THE JOURNEY TO BETHLEHEM Hard journeys often lead to holy places. 📖 Luke 2:4–5 Joseph and Mary traveled to Bethlehem. Some of our most uncomfortable seasons bring us right where we need to be. Today’s Challenge: Pause today and ask God: “What are You preparing me for on this journey?”

DAY 22 — MARY’S SONG Praise shifts the heart from fear to faith. 📖 Luke 1:46–47 My soul magnifies the Lord. Mary’s humility and praise are models for us — pointing everything back to God. Today’s Challenge: Do one humble act today solely for God’s glory.

DAY 21 — LIGHT BEARERS You carry the light of Christ within you — let it be seen. 📖 Matthew 5:14–16 You are the light of the world. Even the smallest act of love can brighten someone’s day. Today’s Challenge: Do one small act today that shines Christ’s light — a kind word, help, or encouragement.

DAY 20 — GOOD NEWS OF GREAT JOY The Gospel is good news for every day — not just Christmas. 📖 Luke 2:10 “Be not afraid… I bring good news of great joy.” Trust. Good news. Joy. This is the rhythm of the Christian heart. Today’s Challenge (Prayer): Jesus, silence my fears. Fill me with Your joy. Send me forward to announce Your love to the world. Amen.

DAY 19 — LET EVERY HEART REJOICE Gratitude shifts our focus from what’s missing to Who is present. 📖 Psalm 98:4 Shout with joy to the Lord! Rejoicing invites God’s peace into our hearts — especially during busy seasons. Today’s Challenge: At Mass this week, sing with joy — truly sing.

DAY 18 — THE WONDER OF THE MANGER God meets us in the ordinary. 📖 Luke 2:16 They found the child lying in the manger. The manger shows us that holiness hides in humble places. Today’s Challenge: Identify a “manger moment” — an ordinary place where God might be present today.

DAY 17 — THE PROMISE FULFILLED God’s timing is perfect — always. 📖 Galatians 4:4–5 In the fullness of time, God sent His Son. God never acts too soon or too late. His timing always has purpose. Today’s Challenge: Write down one time God answered differently than expected — and thank Him for His perfect timing.

DAY 16 — PEACE ON EARTH Peace begins inside us before it flows around us. 📖 Luke 2:14 Peace on earth to those with whom He is pleased. Call on the Holy Spirit when overwhelm rises — He brings inner calm. Today’s Challenge: When anxiety comes, pause and pray: “Holy Spirit, be my peace.”

DAY 15 — GIVING FROM THE HEART The best gifts come from love, not obligation. 📖 2 Corinthians 9:7 God loves a cheerful giver. Everything we have is a gift from God — and generosity reflects His heart. Today’s Challenge: Make one Family Dollar Dinner and donate it to someone in need.

DAY 14 — SILENT NIGHT MOMENTS Stillness makes space for God to speak. 📖 Psalm 46:10 Be still and know that I am God. Stillness may feel impossible — but it’s where God’s peace settles in. Today’s Challenge: Begin your day with one minute of silence. If possible, spend time in adoration this week.

DAY 13 — EMMANUEL — GOD WITH US You are never alone — not for a moment. 📖 Matthew 1:23 God is with us. His presence is the gift that steadies us when life feels heavy. Today’s Challenge: Read “Footprints in the Sand” and return to it whenever you feel alone.

DAY 12 — THE STAR STILL SHINES The wise men followed the light — and so can we. 📖 Matthew 2:10 They rejoiced with great joy. God still places guiding lights in our lives — subtle, steady, full of joy. Today’s Challenge: Ask God to show you a “star sign” a moment of joy He’s giving you.

DAY 11 — SHEPHERD HEARTS The shepherds hurried to Jesus — no hesitation. 📖 Luke 2:15–16 They went in haste to see Him. What if we hurried toward Jesus before anything else? Today’s Challenge: Tomorrow morning, open your Bible before your phone.

DAY 10 — ANGELS' SONG Heaven rejoiced — and we’re invited to join the praise. 📖 Luke 2:14 Glory to God in the highest. Christ’s birth brings glory, peace, and purpose. Let His peace settle wherever division exists. Today’s Challenge: Choose one act of peacemaking today — listen without judgment, forgive, or offer help.