Universal Sisterhood Podcast

Beth Davis from Blessed is She was a guest speaker on The Shine Retreat in Sydney on the 7th May. Here is her beautiful talk she gave to the women on how she came to trust God.  Below you will also find the incredibly healing meditation on forgiveness given by Sister Miriam Heidland which was also heard at the Shine Retreat. https://open.spotify.com/episode/6Ta8DOmYXYT2XzZqxoA7lq?si=lXekKr9UTZu4K0hthK9KRw&context=spotify%3Ashow%3A4xAjvHSqEPEXTcpTnIIctD

For the FULL talk hop into episode 79b. You’re going to love her.

Jess Bond is a New Zealand artist, wordsmith and owner of Salt & Gold Collection. She grew up in North Canterbury, NZ but currently lives in Perth, Australia.  Salt & Gold was brought to life during the COVID-19 global pandemic; it was a way of bringing beauty in the midst of chaos. Jess and I discuss her introduction to the concept of God as an 11 year old and  how the earthquakes in Christchurch as a 17 year old opened her eyes to who God really was. Check out her collection here. https://saltandgoldstore.com/

Holy Week can be daunting- choose one person from the story of the Passion of Christ and stay with them throughout the whole ordeal- they will always lead you to the empty tomb- the beginning of everything.

Did you know that one in three women in Australia will have a unplanned pregnancy?  Up to one-third of Australian women will face an unplanned pregnancy at some point in their lives.  Research shows that the most common reason for terminating a pregnancy will terminate their pregnancy because they lack the support they need for parenting.  Research also shows that the most common reason given by women for deciding to terminate a pregnancy is their lack of readiness & support for parenthood.  This significant concern that women voice—Diamond Women helps overcome. Diamond Women empowers women & their families through a comprehensive approach to holistic care, creating a wraparound service that is personalised & unique to their needs.  And as the proverb says, it takes a village to raise a kid, well, we know it takes a village to support a women.  Diamond has been the village to over 1700 women over the past 15 years. And now it's OUR turn... (to become their Village).  The Village is a community of people who are willing to donate not just once, but who will commit to supporting local Australian women, each month. stick with Diamond, month after month. We subscribe to things all the time—Netflix, Spotify, the gym. We subscribe to these things because they benefit our lives.  The Village is a subscription that benefits others' lives. Diamond is looking for 200 of us to join us now. And when we get there, we'll go to 2000. And then 200,000—until the day we can say that no Australian woman ever has to face an unplanned pregnancy alone. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=k2so-DNXd9M https://www.diamondwomen.com.au/

When we discover who we are and whose we are our approach to everything changes. Come on over and check out  Sweaty Saints here. https://www.sweatysaints.ca/ Ecclesiastes 3:1–22English Standard Version A Time for Everything 3 For everything there is a season, and la time for every matter under heaven: 2  a time to be born, and a time to die; a time to plant, and a time to pluck up what is planted; 3  a time to kill, and a time to heal; a time to break down, and a time to build up; 4  a time to weep, and a time to laugh; a time to mourn, and a time to dance; 5  a time to cast away stones, and a time to gather stones together; a time to embrace, and a time to refrain from embracing; 6  a time to seek, and a time to lose; a time to keep, and a time to cast away; 7  a time to tear, and a time to sew; a time to keep silence, and a time to speak; 8  a time to love, and a time to hate; a time for war, and a time for peace.

Stephanie Weinert shares her story of love, loss, surrender and joy. Come take a listen. You can find her on Instagram @stephanieweinert

Our mindset plays a huge role in how we react to all situations as our thoughts preceded and help shape our actions. Monica from Wholehearted Fiat is a Catholic mindset coach who can help by giving you the tools to change your mindset. Check her out at https://wholeheartedfiat.wixsite.com/coaching You can also find her on face book https://www.facebook.com/wholeheartedfiat and Instagram https://www.instagram.com/wholeheartedfiatcoaching/ She is running a Frustration Free Lent over on Instagram. https://www.subscribepage.com/lentcommunity

Liv and I chat openly about the lessons we leaned from taking a party of 14 on a tropical holiday in the middle of a world wide pandemic. Go follow over at @universalsisterhood_  or @surprisedbyjoyeveryday

In this episode Megan makes the beautiful point that "Our emotions are like a compass that points toward something that has or hasn't yet been healed. They point to something historical."  It's so important to listen to what our emotions are telling us. We need to stop and ask ourselves, why am I responding this way?  Be gentle on the 'Eve' parts of yourself that need to be heled and restored back to life.

"Nothing here below is profane for those who know how to see" Pierre Teilhard de Chardin. Let's start a revolution by find joy in the most mundane of places.  Take a picture,  upload it to instagram with the hashtag #surprisedbyjoy and #heonlygivesgoodgifts Let's start to see Him everywhere. 1 picture, everyday for a year,  of something that brought you joy that day. Can't wait to see where I find Him. Watch this beautiful clip below -  Hailey Bartholomew TED Talk 365 Grateful Project. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zaufonUBjoQ

In this episode I sit down with three other women to discuss where we find ourselves today, in the world of covid and all it has brought with it. Here are the two links that Liv mentioned during the podcast. https://opusdei.org/en-au/article/saint-severinus-martyr/ https://ncc.org.au/newsweekly/

Weaning your children into adulthood often resembles weaning a baby - it requires repeated behaviours, some tears, many hard, often scary at times, sleepless nights, a lot of letting go and lots of trust in letting God be God. Chantal Howard has done just that- come and listen to our conversation where we discuss allowing our children to exercise their freedom which will inevitably lead them to choices where they will fail, but how can we help them to fail forward? Our children have freedom- it's not our job to be their redeemer- it's His, give them the tools and leave it up to Him. Check out Chantal over @catholic.oil.mom and @aromarosary

As women we are life bearers and life givers- When we truly live out of this gift as women we not only bring life to ourselves but to others and in this case to whole communities. Donna Power is such a woman. She has founded a charity that provides kindergartens to hundreds of Malawi children where they can receive food, community an education and ultimately dignity. If Malawi is known as the Warm Heart of Africa, Donna and the Canossian Sisters are beautiful examples of the warm heart of femininity. Donate today and bring life to another little life which will in turn bring life to a whole community. https://projectkindy.com/donate/

In today's episode I chat with Eva Van Strijp, she talks about essential oils  and how they can boost our immune system, detox our homes and  bodies and the wonderful psychological effects they can have on our brains. Where Eva Sources her oils. https://www.youngliving.com/en_AU Where I source my oils. https://heirloombodycare.com.au What brought me joy this week. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pz5t7XTCxNE  

When Teresa's son was less than 2 days old his mother noticed he was becoming less and less responsive and his body temperature was getting colder. Armed with mobile phone, his blue book and a pair of rosary beads she was rushed off to hospital. Take a listen to her story of fighting for her son's life and accepting the cross she has been handed. Teresa shows that the impact of the trauma we face is largely dependent on the way we respond to it.

Where do you turn we things feel out of control? In this episode Liv and I talk about what life looks like for us at the moment and how we are dealing with it. 

Escape this lockdown with a great read here are our picks. Jessica's Picks Hilly Billy Elegy- J.D Vance Boy Swallows Universe- Trent Dolton America Dirt- Jeanine Cummins Where the Crawdads Sing- Delia Owens Personal Prayer- A Guide to Receive the Father's Love- Fr Bonifice Hicks & Fr Thomas Aklin He and I - Gabrielle Bossis Clare's Picks- Live your Life- Amanda Hicks Cheaper by the Dozen- Ernistine Gilbreth Call the Midwife- Jennifer Worth Is it just Me? Miranda Hart The Word Is Murder- Anthony Horowitz My Sister's the Saints- Colleen Carrol Campbell. Consecration to St Joseph- Fr Don Calloway. Daphne's Picks Peace Like a River- Leif Enger A Bloody Habit- Eleanore Bourg Nicholson My Family and Other Animals- Gerald Durrell Dune- Frank Herbert Searching For and Maintaining Peace- Jaques Phillippe Jesus and the Jewish roots of Mary- Brant Pitre.

I chat with Gemma Howard. She is an teen mum to sweet little Jospehine. Gemma graciously shares her story of finding herself pregnant in a toxic relationship at the age of 17. She humbly seeks help from her family and finds forgiveness, mercy and the face of God in her sweet little Josephine. Gemma is such a beautiful witness to what walking humbly looks like. We are all human, and with this we have freedom to choose right from wrong. We all make choices that are not in our best interest but that doesn't mean that God is not interested in us. God is for us, no matter what we choose. Shame is what stops us from reaching out to him when we make choices that turn our hearts from Him. This is where the enemy wants to keep us. The enemy delights in knowing that we feel alone, hopeless and forgotten. Come and take a listen to Gemma, as she unashamedly talks about being human, and becoming holy. This song is such a beautiful song which captures the beauty of Gemma and the beauty in her story. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uHz0w-HG4iU Great Are You Lord. You give life, You are love You bring light to the darkness You give hope, You restore Every heart that is broken And great are You, Lord It's Your breath in our lungs So we pour out our praise We pour out our praise It's Your breath in our lungs So we pour out our praise to You only You give life, You are love You bring light to the darkness You give hope, You restore (You restore) Every heart that is broken Great are You, Lord It's Your breath in our lungs So we pour out our praise We pour out our praise It's Your breath in our lungs So we pour out our praise to You only It's Your breath in our lungs So we pour out our praise We pour out our praise It's Your breath in our lungs So we pour out our praise to You only And all the earth will shout Your praise Our hearts will cry, these bones will sing Great are You, Lord And all the earth will shout Your praise Our hearts will cry, these bones will sing Great are You, Lord And all the earth will shout Your praise Our hearts will cry, these bones will sing Great are You, Lord It's Your breath in our lungs So we pour out our praise We pour out our praise It's Your breath in our lungs So we pour out our praise to You only It's Your breath in our lungs So we pour out our praise We pour out our praise It's Your breath in our lungs So we pour out our praise to You only.

In this episode I chat with Britt Fisk and mother of eight,  who discovered soon after the birth of her eighth baby, and the middle of the pandemic the she had breast cancer and her baby girl had a tethered spin and was to facing life threatening surgeries. Britt displays great faith and trust in what God's plan is for her life and that of her family. She shows how grace and suffering play a role in our life. https://shop.bellroadbeef.com/ He and I - Gabrielle Bossis.

Meree choose to love the alcoholic not the alcoholism and that made all the difference.  Please if you are living with or are experiencing dependency on alcohol please reach out. Visit aa.org.au for your nearest AA meeting. https://aa.org.au/ What brought me joy this week: Interview with Sr Miriam James Heidland and Matt Frad https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MHdKh2I8eUw

" A breakdown in our common understanding of words leads to a society in chaos and frustration, inevitability miscommunicating and plagued by distrust. We become suspicious not only of eachother but ourselves and our ability to grasp reality. Rather than a fallible people struggling imperfectly toward a harmonious common good, we are a cacophony screaming across a chasm for recognition and moving through the world without a destination." https://www.amazon.com/Awake-Not-Woke-Christian-Progressive/dp/1505118425 Theology of Home https://theologyofhome.com

"Let yourself be vulnerable. Let your walls down, your carefully constructed fortresses breached, your fiercely guarded heart laid bare. Let your wounds be touched, your fears revealed, your deepest desires, damaged dreams, and most daring hopes unveiled before the Bridegroom, who has the power to redeem, restore, and resurrect them. Drop your independence and the idea- which you clutch so tightly- that you can do anything to protect and save yourself. And let HIM LOVE YOU." St Elizabeth of The Trinity. Pick up Claire's book:  This Present Paradise, Claire Dwyer. https://www.sophiainstitute.com/products/item/this-present-paradise

In today's episode I chat with Anne Galea. She is a wife and mother who has experienced what many mothers do with teenagers, rebellion. By the time her son was 16 he had got in with the wrong crowd, he was addicted to drinking, drugs and had gotten involved in violence and gangs. He was hiding in fear for his life for 8 weeks, when he had a profound encounter with Jesus that changed the trajectory of his life.  This is a remarkable story, but what is most remarkable is what was going on behind the chaos. The quiet, steady prayers of a mother. A mother who had every reason to despair and become hopeless surrendered her son to God and allowed Him to change his heart.  Anne's story is ultimately one of faith and hope. She was a delight to speak to, I'm sure you'll enjoy her wisdom too. Father Rob's Story https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uebcVjpOgf4

In today's episode I chat with Dr Marguerite Harb. She details her story of love, loss, hope and total surrender to how God is writing her story. Only with Christ at the centre does suffering truly make sense. "Knowing that Christ has gone ahead of us and awaits us there gives us courage to face the darkness and enter into the silence. In fact,after we endure the trial of silence and experience the depths of our own weakness, we come to a deeper faith in God and the power of His strength to protect us and sustain us. What appeared to us to be silent absence turns out to be silent presence, and we discover that God is always closer to us that what we dreamed possible. What appeared to be silence to us was in fact deafeningly loud and what appeared dark to us was in fact blindingly bright." Pope Benedict XVI. The Book that has brought me joy this week. Personal Prayer- a guide to receiving the Father's Love. https://www.amazon.com/Personal-Prayer-Guide-Receiving-Fathers/dp/1645850234#:~:text=Personal%20Prayer%3A%20A%20Guide%20for%20Receiving%20the%20Father's%20Love%20brings,Acklin%2C%20OSB%2C%20and%20Fr.

In this episode I chat with Jeni Bonell. She is a woman who knows how to love with her whole body, mind and soul. She has one of Australia's largest families with 16 children. Jeni shares her life with us as we discuss life with a big family, faith and her two battles with cancer.  If you want to follow Jeni and her family go on over to @thebonellfamily on instagram, or their youtube channel. The Bonell Family - YouTube https://www.youtube.com › channel

Today I chat with the beautiful Renee Doyle. She unpacks what it means to have our own gifts and talents and how we can use them to bless others and in doing so bless ourselves as well. We all have unique gifts and talents and it is up to us to use them for building up the Kingdom of God around us.   Your Blue Flame - Jennifer Fulwiler  https://www.amazon.com/Your-Blue-Flame-Guilt-Makes/dp/031034977X Sarah Kroger- Belovedness. Belovedness - Sarah Kroger (Official Lyric Video) - YouTube

Alyssa is a the co-host from Catholic influencers podcast and a member of the duet from The SAGA. She has sung at World Youth Day in Panama alongside Fr Rob Galea to a crowd of 40,000 people and is an inspired song writer, singer and musician. In todays episode we talk about her journey back to really living her  Catholic faith, the power of music as prayer and the movement of the Holy Spirit in our lives. Psalm 98:4 "Shout with joy to the Lord, all the earth; break into song song;sing praise." Alyssa's Music Recommendations:                                                        Jessica's Recommendations: For King and Coutnry.                                                                           Maverick City Music We are Messengers                                                                                Steffany Gretzinger                                                                Unspoken                                                                                              Come Now - Mack Brock We The Kingdom                                                                                  Bethel Music Cory Ashbury                                     Lauren Daigle Matt Maher Sarah Kroger Also check out: https://www.frgministry.com/podcast www.thesaga.com.au

Blessed Is She: Home blessedisshe.net

In this episode I chat with Lizzy @justahandmaiden, who courageously shares her story of overcoming an addiction to pornography. Lizzy is a testament to the power of healing, mercy and grace through the sacrament of confession.  Resources that you might want to check out. https://justahandmaiden.wordpress.com/  On instagram@justahandmaiden Mary Magdalene- Prophetess of Eucharistic Love. Fr Sean Davidson. https://purityispossible.com/ https://fightthenewdrug.org/ Matt Fradd: 10 Myths About Pornography - YouTube www.youtube.com › watch https://youtu.be/JpUbaMa8wBo

Wholeness is when the whole body is integrated- We are made up of body, mind and soul. For wholeness all three things have to be balanced. Theresa Coyle is a young exercise physiologist who understands this and tries to not only make the body well through exercise and healthy habits both physically and nutritionally but also spiritually. She has started a new youtube channel dedicated to the Catholic Faith, with her target audience Catholic millennials.  Check out her chanel here: my channel! | RUN WITH TC - YouTube www.youtube.com › channel Check out these 5 Extraordinary Eucharistic Miracles that Left Physical ... churchpop.com › 2015/06/28 › 5-extraordinary-euchar...

In this episode Liv and I chat about the year that was, the new year and the importance of the now! @saltandgoldcollection

In this episode I chat with Jenny Gurry, the director and founder of Diamond Women.  Diamond women is a grass roots not for profit, that provides a compassionate and caring place where women are given the chance to explore their options and find the support that they need when they are faced with an unplanned pregnancy Please go check out their website to see what they offer. You, or somebody you know might benefit from their services. https://www.diamondwomen.com.au/ What brought me joy is this song by Maverick City Music, check it out. https://youtu.be/muEqwtYjdB0

Christine Watkins is an inspirational Catholic speaker and author of many books all of which can be found in the link below. http://www.queenofpeacemedia.com/ Christine mentions and recommends looking at this website for more information on The Illumination of Conscience and reading the signs of the times in which we all live. https://www.countdowntothekingdom.com/

In this  episode I sit down with Leila Abdallah. On the first of February 2020 four of Leila's children and three cousins went off to buy ice cream. The children were hit by a speeding, drunk driver. Four of the children were killed, three were her's.  Leila shares how this tragedy has affected her family, her faith and perfect strangers. Leila captivated the hearts of thousands of people as she spoke from her heart the day after her children were killed. She spoke of forgiveness, of justice and of faith. Faith is a gift, one that is freely given. But for a gift to be given we have to receive it, otherwise it is just an imposition. When you listen to Leila you get a glimpse of just how freeing that gift is. Faith doesn't take away the pain but it gives meaning and purpose to it. Thank you Leila for showing the world that earth has no sorrow that heaven can't heal. RESOURCES JP2 Document on the Salvifii-doloris http://www.vatican.va/content/john-paul-ii/en/apost_letters/1984/documents/hf_jp-ii_apl_11021984_salvifici-doloris.pdf How to pray the Holy Rosary. https://youtu.be/zATQjuyk4Qg

We all have a personal story and we are all connected by the story of salvation. How does one engage the broken parts of their story  with the salvation story to bring about restoration and healing and begin to live fully alive just as God intended. Here is the link to the painting that Heather talks about.  https://akiane.com/product/prince-of-peace/ Here is a link to Heathers cooking tutorial that Brough me so much joy. https://youtu.be/2PjGKXI7eW4

In todays episode I chat with Katrina Alvir a trained teacher and mentor and developer of the REAL program. This program looks at developing character and virtue in teenager girls between the ages of 12-16. Never before have girls been so pressured to be 'PERFECT'. We now more than ever need to teach our daughters to cherish, love and respect their bodies. We need to teach them how to lift and champion other girls. We need to teach them that comparison only brings anxiety and they should not compare their bodies, looks or talents. We need to teach them that beauty comes all sorts of shapes, colours and sizes. We need to teach them that their own inherent dignity, worth and value can only be fully recognised as a beloved daughter of God. We need to teach them that human love, just like God's love cannot be bought or earned- it is freely given. We need to teach them that they are enough, they are loveable, just the way they are. BUT to teach them this we need to believe it OURSELVES. Christopher Peterson  - Positive Psychology. http://www.positivepsychology.com Viktor Frankl- Man's Search for Meaning. The Chosen

It is never too late to ask The Lord to bring people into your life who will accompany you towards heaven.  Look Out for Beth and Jenna and all the wonderful things they are doing to bring women together right here. https://blessedisshe.net/ The thing that brought me joy this week was The Middle, a cover by Audrey Assad https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=W2BhUgA13Pk

Sr Mary Grace was looking for something more- She found it in the Bronx. As a Sister of Life Sr. Mary Grace is in love with Love. She left her family and the beautiful beaches of Sydney for the hustle of New York. She was not running away from anything but was running towards the biggest love of her life- Jesus.  I can't wait for you to listen to her joyful heart for Jesus, women and Life. For all you need to know about them click on the link below. https://sistersoflife.org

In this episode I chat with my big sister Anna. We talk about trust. How do we trust when we are faced with situations that are out of our control? The Litany of Trust by the Sisters of Life  https://sistersoflife.org/wp-content/uploads/2019/07/Mobile-Litany-of-Trust.pdf FOREVER AMEN- Stephanie Gretzinger  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xV2Ng16KImw

In this episode I talk with Kristine Mauss. She shares her story of  bad health and lifestyle decisions left her feeling restlessness with her life. She knew in her heart God was calling her to simplify her life. shortly after is downsizing, her family are struck with another blow- brain cancer.     Kristine lives her faith, trusting that God is good all the time even if she can't see it.  You can follow her on instagram @thefutureisfamily

Liv and I chat about my time in the desert, the amazing witness faith shown by Leila Abdullah, the Colour Conference and the corona virus. In times like these we need to have child like trust in the one who knows all things. He will not let you down. In the words of St Theresa of Calcutta- 'Go home and love your family.'

Sarah Fiddelaers is a wife, mother, chiropractor and writer. She talks about how having children not only gave her the permission to pursue her dream of writing but that it actually fast tracked it! Easter Promises- Historical Anthology.  Clare Griffin, Sarah Fiddelaers, Ava January & Nancy Cunningham. Recommended Books- Ultimate Makeover- The Transforming Power of Motherhood. Carrie Gress The Anti -Mary Exposed: Rescuing the culture from toxic femininity. Carrie Gress My Sisters The Saints- Colleen Carroll Campbell. Women to follow on Instagram- @onehailmaryatatime @Leah.darrow @jenniferfulwiler @lisacanning

Liv and I chat about 2020. How it started, our word for the year and what ever has been on our minds. find your word for the year - https://www.wordoftheyear.me Sisterhood National Catholic Women's conference. 20-22 March 2020 https://www.sisterhood.org.au

Jo talks about how reliving the memories of her mother's death allowed her heart to begin to heal.  Our own memories of a event are unique to each person. They are imprinted differently within each individuals mind. They are almost as unique as our finger prints.  How are we intentional about creating memories that will shape our children?  Do we unwittingly take photos of everything as a way of making memories and miss out and not actually feel them? Theology Of The Home - Finding the Eternal in the Everyday.  Carrie Gress, Noelle Mering and Megan Schrieber.

God uses the smallest brushes to create the most magnificent masterpieces. Nothing is left to chance in this life. Every opportunity is here to bring about a greater good. Lets allow His glory to shine through our lives. The Heart Of Perfection- Colleen Carroll Campbell Captivating- Unveiling the Mystery of a Woman's Soul. John & Stasi Eldgredge. All the Generations- From Genesis To You.  Blessed is She Advent 2019

In this episode we chat about what her life looks like being twenty three, single and Catholic. What makes a good relationship? Why would you choose to leave a good relationship? When does peace come? Take Courage- Bethel Music-(Kristene DiMarco) My Identity as a Daughter of God.  (Pray this prayer daily until you believe it deep within your heart.) I am a Daughter of the Most High God! I am a Princess in my Father's House! I am made in the image and Likeness of God! Jesus is my Beloved and I am His! I am Beautiful and Precious in His eyes! He has given me my Dignity, value and worth! I will place my hope in Him and the power of His resurrection! I am greatly Loved and greatly Blessed! The Holy Spirit has chosen to dwell within my heart! The Spirit of God lives in me! I have a Blessed Mother who loves me with a mother's heart! I will walk in this Truth! I claim this identity as my own! I claim this identity as my own! I claim this identity as my own today, tomorrow and the rest of my life! AMEN!

What is the Feminine Genius?  How can I live it out? How have women spoke truth into your life? https://w2.vatican.va/content/john-paul-ii/en/letters/1995/documents/hf_jp-ii_let_29061995_women.html www.fireupministries.com Discovering the Feminine Genius- Every Woman's Journey- Katrina. J. Zeno. In Sinu Jesu - When Heart Speaks to Heart - The journal of a priest at prayer.

I was blown away by the enthusiasm, passion and commitment of the younger generations at the rally outside Parliament House a few weeks ago and got in contact with a few of them.  We sat down and chatted about Abortion. What it is. Who it affects. How do we change the narrative that says, women can't be mothers and have a career. How do we support women? Resources: https://lifechoice.org.au https://diamondwomensupport.com https://rachelsvineyard.org https://opendoors.com.au liveaction.org Pregnancy Counselling Australia 1300 737 732

In this episode Liv and I chat about the last two weeks. Our big sister underwent major heart surgery and through her suffering and vulnerability she  showed us what it was like to live totally surrendered to the will of God and it was captivating. Casting Crowns- Here's My Heart. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qkSBmRAVXNc The Other Side of Beauty- Leah Darrow Dare to Lead- Brene Brown

Its easy and natural to go along when things are pleasant and relatively easy. But when things in life get difficult, hard and ultimately make us suffer its hard to choose and accept what we don't want. Listen to Joan as she tells her story of accepting a life of hardship and ultimately during this process found out who she was and whose she was which brought  her such joy, love and acceptance.

In This episode I talk about my story. Its a story of God's relentless pursuit of my heart from the most unexpected places. He is constantly challenging my perception from who I think He is to who He really is. A kind, loving, faithful and merciful father. He loves me in all my brokenness. Resources: Dan Allender- The Healing Path- How the hurts in your past can lead you to a more abundant life.

In this episode I chat with Rocio. She is a 25 year old woman who loved deeply and lived courageously along side her husband as he battled esophageal cancer.  Through their love for each other during the suffering, they discovered true Love. They got to experience the heart of Jesus through their sacrificial love. God is love. and because He is love that means He defines love. If out of love He died for us on a cross, does this not mean that love means dying to oneself for the good of another?  RESOURCES On Life and Death- Elisabeth Kubler-Ross I Surrender-  Hillsong  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6071nk4xfzo

In this episode Liv and I chat about some of the things I have learned over the past twelve months. Things mentioned in the podcast. Be Brave In The Scared - Mary Lenaburg You Know my Name- Natasha Cobbs Leonard House on the Hill Amanda Cook https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JVHT2zaxQeg

This episode looks at mothers on Mother’s Day- all types, whether you are a biological mother, a spiritual mother, an adoptive mother and a foster mother, even a God mother. Jenny talks about her journey on being a foster mother to becoming an adoptive mother to four adorable, unrepeatable girls. What is Motherhood? Motherhood is learning to let go of control. It is an identity change. It’s learning to love your new body. Motherhood is sometimes raising them alone. It’s about being honest if you need advice. It’s rediscovering wonder and seeing everything as an adventure. Motherhood is giving your whole life to care for orphans. Motherhood is deeply loving the child that looks nothing like you but has all of you. Motherhood holds your hardest and most rewarding days. It’s the woman who spends years in prayer while waiting for her child. Motherhood is selflessness. Motherhood is unconditional joy and love. Motherhood is daring to trust God.

In this episode I get the great pleasure of chatting with Mary Lenaburg. She talks about her new book Be Brave in the Scared. It is an incredible story of her adult life and how her daughter Courtney showed her what real surrender, abandonment to Devine providence and acceptance looks like. Her story is raw, honest, vulnerable and extremely brave. You are going to just love her! https//www.marylenaburg.com @marylenaburg Be brave in the Scared - Mary Lenaburg You can buy this book where all good books are sold. Ave Maria Press, Amazon, Dymocks. Oceans (where my feet may fail) https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dy9nwe9_xzw

In this episode I chat with Karen Doyle. She is the co-founder of a national Catholic women's ministry called Sisterhood.  Saint John Paul II calls women experts in relationship, experts of the heart.  It is our gift as women to be in-tuned with our heart and those of others. After all,  life comes through the heart. To live fully alive we must be heart people.  We are all yearning to be loved. We are not a problem to be solved or fixed we are a person to be loved. The only person who can FULLY do that is Jesus. He loves us unconditionally right where we are. To strengthen this relationship with Him I strongly encourage you to look into the Sisterhood movement or other similar ones like Blessed Is She. lets journey together. http://www.sisterhood.org.au http://blessedisshe.net Miracles Do Happen. Sr Briege McKenna The Mercy of God- Fr. Ken Barker.

In this episode I chat with Amelia Burfitt, a 29 year old mother of two. She gives an informed, articulate and honest account of discovering  that her little boy had Down Syndrome.  She talks with such delight, hope and encouragement for those who may be experiencing the same fate and helps others to understand what Down Syndrome actually means to her.  Off all babies diagnosed with Down Syndrome: 100% are aborted in Iceland. 98% are aborted in Denmark 70-75% are aborted in the USA 95% are aborted in Australia Our World Is Being Striped Of LOVE, JOY and BEAUTY. This lethal DISCRIMINATION must END. You can find Amelia @forwantofwonder                                       http://www.forwantofwonder.net/blog/category/by-amelia-burfitt/ Other Resources: The End of the Road by Deanna.J.Smith You will discover the art work of Amelia's cousin Bridget here. http://m.facebook.com/1456077424614008 Learn more about the incredible work of Dr Jerome Le Jeune here http://youtube.be/D_QjrZY4WP4 downsyndrome.org.au World Down Syndrome day is march 21st

In today's episode I chat with Cassie Kent. She has been inspired to create a community that is committed to living out our marriage vows everyday. She is full of hope, encouragement and practical ways that this can be lived out. Ann Voskamp has been quoted as having said:  "Healthy relationships have a healthy relationship with breaking and changing, with dying and rising, with the status quo shell breaking and steadily new emergings. The suffering of a breaking seed is what grows growth" I think this quote is such a good reminder of what growth is. It's so important to be reminded of that because in todays age where breaking or suffering is seen as a failure and staying, rather than leaving, is seen as being weak, shameful and more often than not discouraged. I am completely aware that all relationships are very different and we all bring into a marriage past hurts, fears and insecurities. These add to the complexity and dynamics of the marriage. If you are feeling totally overwhelmed please reach out and seek help. Confide in a trusted friend, a family member or seek professional help. I do not endorse domestic violence both physical or emotional. This is not the suffering I am referring to in this podcast. This is not growing. Nothing will grow from abuse. Marriage isn't as much as staying happy, as much as marriage is about staying growing.  You can find Cassie on instagram @thevowsproject                                             Facebook - The Vows Project Lets start having honest conversations about marriage. 

Episode 21: My experience at the Blessed Is She, womens retreat in Phoenix, Arizona.  Blessed is She is a Catholic community of women who are devoted to daily prayer and sisterhood. It was a privilege, honour, and source of great nourishment attending this retreat. It showed me that there are so many ways to be Catholic and that was ok, in-fact that is necessary.  There is room for everyone at His table. To receive the daily devotions to your email go to BLESSEDISSHE.NET/SUBSCRIBE To find out all the ways to be connected with the Blessed Is She sisterhood go to BLESSEDISSHE.NET/COMMUNITY What brought us joy this week: Olivia~  To the End, the story of sacrificial love- The Blessed is She Lenten journal. Go to their website to download a digital version Jessica~ Lauren Daigle- You Say (piano/vocal) Other Worship music worth your ears! Great Are You Lord- All Sons and Daughters So will I (100 bILLION) Hillsong worship You Know my name- Tasha Cobbs Leonard Oceans (Where feet may fail) Hillsong United Lord, I need  You- Matt Maher Come Follow Me- Brother Isaiah

When my 7 year old daughter saw a nun for the first time she exclaimed, "Mum, is that one of those ladies from the Sound of Music?" It was then when I realised that religious people, especially sisters where not something that you see a lot of these days. Nuns, were something you probably only saw in movies and if you and even then you would not be wrong in assuming that they probably don't even exist anymore, and IF they did, they would be old and cranky or walked around singing with a guitar! Sr Mary Julien will show you that they do in fact exist and not only that, but they are a necessary and needed part of our community. If you want to know more about her religious community you can find them at www.rsmofalma.org

In this first episode Liv and I just have a chat about books we have read over the summer, words for the year, resolutions and what's in store for 2019. Books that we have read this Summer. Nine Perfect Strangers- Liane Moriarty The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe- C.S.Lewis The Seven Story Mountain- Thomas Merton Boy Swallows Universe- Trent Dalton The Sacred Journey- Brian and Candice Simmons One Thousand Gifts- Ann Voskamp Inside the Lindt Cafe Siege- Deborah Snow The Little Book of Hygge- Meik Wiking Show notes. Rachel Balducci- Make my Life Simple-Bringing Peace to Heart and Home Jennifer Fulweiler- www.wordfortheyear.me

Briony Mowbray shares her story of how she and her husband experienced the sorrow, pain and emptiness of infertility to truly and courageously live out the prayer, 'Lord, let your will be done'. From this acceptance, they were able to birth many fruits of their love through their witness of courage, faith, commitment and unity. Resources: http://www.faithfeed.com.au http://fertilitycare.com.au Abiding Together podcast. Nov 19 th Interview with Fr Josh Johnson.

In this episode Kristina beautifully and honestly talks about her precious little boy Ezekiel who has autism. She speaks with love, humour and with such trust in God's devine plan. The Sacred Journey- Brian and Candice Simmons Song of Solomon Skincare http://songofsolomon.com.au Resources: https://autismawareness.com.au http://ndis.nsw.gov.au Your local community health centre Riding for the disabled.

In this episode Liv and I chat with Janet Smith, a wife of one, mother to 9 earthly children and a lover of Christmas. She has an infectious joy for Christmas which you will hear. Let's make this Christmas the best one yet by making our homes and hearts ready to receive the perfect gift of baby Jesus. Resources to help keep Christ in Christmas. Unwrapping the Greatest Gift- Ann Voskamp The Advent of Christmas - Matt Maher's new album The Giving Manger https//thegivingmanger.com R.A.C.K- Random Acts of Christmas Kindness Writing to missionaries or service men and women overseas.

In todays episode I chat with the author of Only For Me. This book is a delightful rhyming book, which empowers and teaches young children about protecting their body and their privacy. onlyforme.com.au $11.94 +(postage$4) https://kiddipedia.com.au/author/only-for-me/ What brought me joy this week blessedisshe.net

In todays episode my close girlfriends, Olivia, Jo and Annemarie discuss what friendship means to them, how to be a good friend and how to cultivate good friendships. 8 Ways to cultivate good friendships. 1- Pursue - be the initiator, reach out to them. 2- Hear- we may listen to them but are we really hearing what they are telling us. Be an active listener. 3- Reliable- keep our word. Be reliable in the small things as well, not just when crisis hits. 4- Humour- be silly, have fun, let your hair down- LAUGH. 5- Vulnerable- Do we let them see the deepest parts of our heart? Vulnerability sounds like truth and feels like courage. Truth and courage aren't always comfortable but they are NEVER weakness. 6- Encourage- champion your friends on, speak words of affirmation to them. Celebrate their wins and morn their loses. 7- Serve- use your talents to serve your friends. 8- Prayer- be an active prayer partner with your friend. Fountains of Carrots 079 How to Fight Loneliness and build meaningful relationships with Rebecca Frech. The Dunbar number. The Art of Kindness by Meredith Gaston

In this episode Yvonne speaks candidly about her battles with postnatal depression. She has experienced it twice and is a surviver. She is now studying psychology, running a busy household and is an active member of her community. Beyond Blue www.beyondblue.org.au Postnatal Depression Treatment www.sjog.org.au/ ph.97159200 How are you going? www.ramhp.com.au

Cate Kensey shares her heart about her four miscarriages, and how to mother her grieving heart through it. Resources: Mothering Spirit- Blog Grieving Together: A Couple's Journey through Miscarriage. Laura Kelly Fanucci. Things that brought me joy: Poco a Poco- Is an album by Brother Isaiah of the Franciscan Friars of the Renewal. Watch the youtube video of Struggler. Its so cool!

During this episode I speak with Josephine who talks about her personal experience with the suicide of her son. She shares insight into her heart and the hope she holds for the future. - I am struck by how sharing our weakness and difficulties is more nourishing to others than sharing our qualities and successes. Jean Vanier. In Roman Catholic moral theology, a mortal sin requires that all of the following conditions are met: -Its subject matter must be grave. - It must be committed with full knowledge(and awareness) of the sinful action and the gravity of the offence. - It must be committed with deliberate and complete consent. Help lines- www.beyondblue.org.au www.lifeline.org.au TWLOHA is a non profit movement dedicated to presenting hope and finding help for people struggling with depression, addiction, self- injury and suicide. Tomorrow needs you.

In this episode Penny Jaye talks about her new novel Out of The Cages. It is a story about two young girls who are trafficked into the brothels of Mumbai. Meena escapes and we see that it is now when she realises that escaping the brothel is only the beginning of what it means to be free. To get your hands on a copy you can buy it from booktopia: https://www.booktopia.com.au/out-of-the-cages-penny-jaye/prod9781925563412.html Penny's website- https://www.pennyjaye.com.books.html What you can do to make a difference. The Starfish Project- starfishproject.com stopthetraffik.com.au/ Ethical Fashion Guide - Can be found at baptistworldaid.org.au To help you look for fair-trade tea, coffee and chocolate go to fair-trade.com.au for a list of suppliers.

In this episode Liv and I discuss marriage with Kris. She has been married for 20 years and 6 kids, we thought we would pick her brain on tips, wisdom and her take on this thing called marriage. Psychologist William James said that possibly the deepest human need is the need to feel appreciated. By knowing our spouses love language we will show them how much we appreciate them. The Five Love Languages- Gary Chapman Brooke Castillo- Life coach- How to be a good mate.

This is part two of my conversation with Jovi James. Her honest, raw account of her journey through the loss of her son, to the letting go of control and allowing God to come into the pain and brokenness and bring her peace. The Weaver B.M.Franklin Litany Of Trust - Sisters of Life

In this episode Dr. Jovina James tells her heartfelt story of losing her precious 8 month old son. Her experience, although extremely painful, has brought her joy in the knowledge that he is safe in his heavenly home waiting to embrace her again. Jovi shares how the letters of St Zelie, helped her make sense of his passing. Call to a Deeper Love: The Family Correspondence of the Parents of St Therese of the Child Jesus. by louis Martin & Zelie Martin

Saint Teresa of Calcutta has been quoted as saying, "The reason why there is so much war is because we have forgotten that we belong to one another." The rescue of the soccer team and their coach in Thailand demonstrated that when we come together as one we can achieve great things. We discuss in this episode how hope, faith, love and trust can play a huge part in living out our best lives. Hope has to be our default position, even when things seem hopeless. Garth Brooks- Some of God's greatest gifts are unanswered prayers.

How Julie overcame her turbulent teenage years of drug use, depression, and an absent father- to become a loving mother of 10 who welcomes women facing abortion into her home. Show Notes: One Beautiful Dream- Jennifer Fulwiler Giving Sorrow Words- Melinda Tankard Reist Pregnancy counselling Australia- 24 Hour hotline -1300 737 732 Rachel's Vineyard- Therapy for the soul. People who have been trapped in anger toward themselves or others, experience forgiveness. Peace is found. Lifeline AUSTRALIA- 13 11 14 Suicide Prevention Beyond Blue- 1300 22 4636- National helpline for depression and anxiety.

In this episode we discuss how we as mothers need to speak intentional truths over our children so they learn who they are and most importantly who's they are. We need to be the ones who speak life to their hearts so they don't believe the lies that this culture is telling them. Here are some examples you can use to speak truths over them. -You are a gift from God. (James1:17) - God has a good plan for your life. (Jeremiah 29:11) - I love you and Jesus loves you more. - You are brave, you are courageous, you are kind. - You are fearfully and wonderfully made. (Psalm 139:14) - You are loved no matter what. There is nothing you can do that will ever change that. (Romans 5:8) - I am so happy/proud/honoured/blessed that God made me your mum. What brought us joy this week. Liv- Proverbs 22:6 Train up a child in the way he should go, even when he is old he will not depart from it. Jess- No Longer Slaves- Bethel Music. Jonathan David and Melissa Helser

Today in the podcast we discuss what life is like with little kids. It can seen overwhelming, exhausting, isolating and often unrelenting but this time will pass,it wont last forever, it is just a season. We talk to Catherine, a mum of seven littles under the age of ten. She tells us what gets her through. By the sound of the interview, I think laughter was a key to getting us all through. Everybody Always by Bob Goff - Becoming LOVE in a world full of setbacks and difficult people.

'As stewards of Gods creation we are called to make the earth a beautiful garden for the human family' Pope Francis In this episode we chat with Joanna, who talks about how to live a simple, mindful life, doing without the distractions of modern living yet still having a full life. Enjoy!

Welcome to the very first episode of Universal Sisterhood. Today Olivia and I talk about what it means to have true connections with others, seeing God's hand in the beauty of the spectacular and the mundane and reminding ourselves to find joy in all of this.