Skip to main content
The Better Part - Intentional Living for Christian Moms with a Bible-Loving Catholic Mama

The Better Part - Intentional Living for Christian Moms with a Bible-Loving Catholic Mama

By Jenna Scott

"The Lord said to her in reply, 'Martha, Martha, you are anxious and worried about many things... Mary has chosen the better part and it will not be taken from her.'" Luke 10:41-42

How do we choose "the better part" in the unpredictable and sometimes chaotic days of motherhood? How do we know when God is calling us to set down the laundry so that we can pray, and when we need to set down our Bibles to love the crying child right in front of us?

This podcast delves into all aspects of Christian motherhood, trying at its core to point all listeners to Jesus and His loving plan for us.
Available on
Apple Podcasts Logo
Castbox Logo
Google Podcasts Logo
Overcast Logo
Pocket Casts Logo
RadioPublic Logo
Spotify Logo
Currently playing episode

62. So How Are Things REALLY Going? // Motherhood Self-Assessment

The Better Part - Intentional Living for Christian Moms with a Bible-Loving Catholic MamaJun 25, 2020

00:00
08:01
Prayer: A Conversation with Marci

Prayer: A Conversation with Marci

For the last episode of this series, Marci Combo and I discuss what prayer looks like for each of us. We answer a couple of questions that listeners have asked about: how our relationships with each person of the Holy Trinity (God the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit) work in our prayer lives, and what our daily prayer routines tend to look like.


We also touch on topics that haven't yet been discussed in this series including: the sacraments, praise and worship, the value of friends who are like-minded in faith, parts in our lives where prayer has been more difficult, and more! We hope you enjoy this candid conversation!


After this episode, The Better Part will be taking a break! Keep subscribed to this podcast, and look forward to the next series coming up in a couple of months. Follow @thebetterpartpod on Instagram to be kept up-to-date on when and what that series will be! Can't wait to see you then!


Please share your feedback for future episodes and series through this form: https://forms.gle/Wb1svgcskrxQaCoP8

Mar 19, 202441:59
Prayer: Scriptural Rosary

Prayer: Scriptural Rosary

Join in for a rosary that follows along with verses from God's Holy Word! The rosary is a beautiful, effective prayer that allows you to meditate on "mysteries" while repeating rote prayers. If you've never prayed the rosary, check out this thorough and helpful page from Hallow. It gives an explanation of what the rosary is, why we pray it, and how to pray it. https://hallow.com/blog/how-to-pray-the-rosary/#why For more scriptural rosaries, check out Kate and Mike, Catholic Crusade on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/track/2kswYgBvPQMOvzn4Z3Yi5Q?si=CjBIpjhhTXmsN6o6x-adjg&context=spotify%3Aplaylist%3A5uz4hhJ2QYtsIJ7Xf4pb32 Lastly, if you'd like to give feedback for the next series of this podcast, please fill out this form: https://forms.gle/Wb1svgcskrxQaCoP8
Mar 12, 202429:49
Prayer: Meditation about Your Creation

Prayer: Meditation about Your Creation

Whether we show up nice and neat or as a big ol' mess, God is 100% present to us! Reflect about how He loves us despite our mess and then join in for another led meditation.


This meditation comes from the book An Introduction to the Devout Life by St. Francis de Sales. It prompts you to consider how you were created fully by God and not by your own doing. The world would have gone on without you, but God deemed to create you out of love for this time in particular. In gratitude, we offer our praise and thanks to Him and apologize for when we forget this fact!


This amazing book has more wonderful meditations as well as simple, short chapters that can prompt your heart toward God. I receive absolutely nothing if you buy this book, I just truly think it is wonderful! Check it out here: https://a.co/d/fSr2kp5

Mar 05, 202418:04
Prayer: Scripture Meditation/Imaginative Prayer

Prayer: Scripture Meditation/Imaginative Prayer

Let's talk about Lent and then meditate on scripture together! This episode uses imaginative prayer, which is a beautiful way to dive deeper into a narrative passage of the Bible and pick up on details you may have missed in a simple reading.


If you want to do more imaginative prayer on your own and would like a guide, check out this website:

https://campusministry.nd.edu/pray/ways-to-pray/imaginative-prayer-with-scripture/


Sometimes this type of imaginative prayer is called Lectio Divina, but there is also another form of Lectio Divina where you read a part of scripture several times and allow it to affect you deeper each time. This can be used with passages that aren't necessarily narrative, like Psalms, verses from epistles of the New Testament, or other verses from the Bible. If you'd like some directions on how to do this type of meditation, check out this link:

https://campusministry.nd.edu/pray/ways-to-pray/lectio-divina/


If you like led meditations on scripture, check out the Pray as You Go Podcast:

https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/podcast-pray-as-you-go/id1447749598

Feb 27, 202420:01
Prayer: Discernment of Spirits

Prayer: Discernment of Spirits

This episode goes through some of St. Ignatius' Rules for Spiritual Discernment. This is huge for understanding God's voice and voices of evil spirits in your life. Sometimes feeling God's presence and understanding his voice is easy and sometimes it is really hard! Sometimes our prayer feels fueling, refreshing, and like deep communion with God, and sometimes prayer feels dry and like we are just wandering along.


In his rules for discernment of spirits, St. Ignatius helps us understand 1) how God's voice sounds depending on our spiritual state (AKA how much sin or virtue rules our lives), 2) what to do when God doesn't feel near, and 3) what to do when we are feeling particularly close to God and living on a spiritual high.


Listen in to hear the basics of these rules for discernment and then check out the written rules here:

https://scepterpublishers.org/blogs/scepter-blog-corner/14-rules-for-the-discernment-of-spirits-by-st-ignatius-of-loyola

Feb 20, 202428:12
Prayer: When Prayer is Hard

Prayer: When Prayer is Hard

Sometimes, despite our best efforts, prayer is just hard. Sometimes it is due to logistical difficulties. If that is you, go back and check out the "Prayer: Practicals" and "Prayer: Troubleshooting & Tips" episodes.


But sometimes, it's just hard because of stuff we are going through in our personal lives. Major financial difficulties, depression, difficult diagnoses, and more can all affect our every day state, and this can be a huge barrier to prayer. Though we may have nothing to say to God, or seemingly nothing to offer Him, God is no further away. In fact, He has the tendency to come in closer to the broken hearted, the hungry, the lowly. Whether you are feeling His presence or not, know that you are HIS and He has not forgotten you.


If you are struggling to find anything to say to God, that is OK. I encourage you to (1.) find a guided prayer to lead you through. Continue to attempt daily prayer as an anchor in your life. Putting yourself in His word daily will remind you of truth and will help you remember His presence. (2.) Try to see how He is working in your life through little blessings and miracles. And (3.) remind yourself of the truth. You are His beloved. He will never forsake you. Psalm 139 can remind you that you are always His.


If you know of someone in a tough state, share this episode with them! They may need some encouragement that God is still there, even if they aren't able to be fully present with Him.


Prayer: Practicals - https://spotifyanchor-web.app.link/e/SpjjOLXXLGb


Prayer: Troubleshooting & Tips - https://spotifyanchor-web.app.link/e/AcYPZewLtGb

Feb 13, 202419:55
Prayer: Contemplative Prayer

Prayer: Contemplative Prayer

Let's talk contemplative prayer! Many saints before us have thrived with hours of contemplative prayer every day, "sitting in the room with Jesus."


If vocal prayer is us talking to Jesus and meditative prayer is us focusing on Jesus, contemplative prayer is us listening to Jesus. It is not about our actions, but about God's actions and listening to what He wants to say to us.


This is easier said than done, though. Our world is LOUD, BUSY, and DISTRACTING. And our brains are trained to flit from thought to thought, struggling to quiet ourselves enough to hear the still, quiet voice of the Holy Spirit. In this episode, I share some tips about how to attempt contemplative prayer, with the knowledge that in the end, it will be God's decision to speak to us. We can trust that He knows what we need to hear and when we need to hear it.


Though it is hard, contemplative prayer is so worth it because:

  1. God is real and He is good
  2. He wants good things for us
  3. It is good for us to learn to be quiet and listen
  4. When we know God's voice well, we will be able to recognize it in other parts of our lives.


"My sheep hear my voice; I know them, and they follow me. I give them eternal life, and they shall never perish. No one can take them out of my hand." John 10:27-28

Feb 06, 202425:44
Prayer: Meditative Prayer

Prayer: Meditative Prayer

This episode dives into MEDITATIVE prayer, which takes a little more focus, discipline, and time than vocal prayer. Meditative prayer is beautiful for growing our virtues of patience and helping us develop more intimacy with Jesus! You can meditate on all kinds of things, including: scripture, prayers, pictures, nature, or even just a word. By training our bodies to slow down and focus, we can go much deeper into a portion of the Bible or into a truth that God wants to reveal to us.

Since we are physical people, don't skimp on preparing your body to meditate. Remove all distractions, get comfortable, and take some slow breaths before trying to dive into meditation. And remember that we are seeking a deep relationship with Jesus, not just the good feelings that may come from prayer. Feelings come and feelings go, and we'll talk about that more in a couple of episodes!


Some resources to look into for meditation are:

  • The Rosary
  • Lectio Divina
  • Introduction to the Devout Life by St. Francis de Sales
  • Ignatian Audio Meditations


Try to take some time this week to meditate! I recommend taking a gospel story that you know well. Read the story a few times and try to picture the elements involved. Then, after asking the Holy Spirit to help you, try to "dive into" the story. Either picturing yourself as a character or "watching" it as a movie. Take the story SLOWLY and linger on any elements that stand out to you. Afterwards, journal about anything that stood out to you or surprised you from your meditation.


Some ideas are:

  • Luke 5:1-11 - Jesus calling Peter
  • John 11 - Jesus raising Lazarus
  • Luke 8:43-48 - The Hemorrhaging Woman
  • Mark 4:35-41 - Jesus calms the storm
Jan 30, 202421:20
Prayer: Vocal Prayer

Prayer: Vocal Prayer

Once we have established a solid routine of prayer, we can work on deepening our prayer so that we can grow closer to Jesus! This episode speaks on many different types of vocal prayer (any time you are speaking to God either out loud, in your heart, or written words). I encourage you to open your heart and ask the Holy Spirit to draw out one type of prayer you can work on. OR you may just choose to just start ordering your prayer according to an acronym I share about:


(A)doration

(C)ontrition

(T)hanksgiving

(S)upplication


Regardless of what our prayers look like, remember that God looks at the heart. A short, simple prayer said from the depths of your soul is more meaningful than a long, eloquent prayer said without presence of mind and heart. Let us never be like the people from Matthew 15:8, "These people honor me with their lips, but their hearts are far from me." Let us be women who say what we mean and mean what we say, especially when it comes to speaking to Jesus!



Theme music written and produced by Jeffrey Azar.

Jan 23, 202426:07
Prayer: Troubleshooting & Tips

Prayer: Troubleshooting & Tips

When life is inconsistent, it can be really hard to find consistency in your prayer! In this episode, we’ll do some troubleshooting. I’ll share the experiences of a few different women that can help you figure out how to make the time for prayer even when life changes. I’ll also give some overall tips that might be helpful! In the next three episodes, we will focus on deepening our prayer lives and therefore our relationships with Jesus!


Theme music written and produced by Jeffrey Azar.
Jan 17, 202415:29
Prayer: Practicals

Prayer: Practicals

In this episode, Jenna defines what she means by consistent, daily prayer and goes through an acronym that lists aspects of a good prayer life. Use this acronym to look at your own prayer and see if there are any ways you can improve the environment in which you pray! Next week, she’ll discuss troubleshooting, which can help you if you struggle to find the time of your day to devote to prayer, plus give some more tips from her experience and that of others. The acronym to think about before next episode is: (A)rea (D)uration (E)xclusivity (P)lan (T)ime of Day




Theme music written and produced by Jeffrey Azar.

Jan 16, 202418:40
Prayer: Perspective

Prayer: Perspective

Join me for the first episode of our "Prayer" series! This series will hit on some practicals for bringing prayer into daily life as a mom and will go through different types of prayer for each of us to grow in our walks with Jesus. A daily prayer life is essential to developing a relationship with Jesus, and a relationship with Jesus is essential to living a life of peace! He wants to provide you with all that you need! Go to him regularly, and find the love, guidance, and grace that your soul longs for.


This episode sets the perspective for the series by giving you some background information on me and encouraging you to look into your personal prayer life. Think about where you have been, and where you are now!


Consider these three questions before we meet again for episode 2:

  1. What was prayer like when you were growing up? Can you think of someone who modeled prayer for you?

  2. Has there been a time in your life when you felt particularly connected to the Lord? Try to remember as many details about that time as possible.

  3. Where are you at now? Do you have set aside prayer time daily? Weekly? What do you do during that time? If you had a question that you wanted to ask Jesus, how would you go about finding that answer?



    Theme music written and produced by Jeffrey Azar.

Jan 16, 202415:26
What is the BETTER PART? Learn from Jenna and get excited for WHAT’S NEXT on the podcast!
Dec 05, 202333:35
I’m BACK with a SUPER SPECIAL Guest and an EXCITING ANNOUNCEMENT!

I’m BACK with a SUPER SPECIAL Guest and an EXCITING ANNOUNCEMENT!

I am BACK and I’m excited to not only share about how life has been lately and what’s next on the podcast, but to also introduce you to my special guest today. My sweet mom, Jennifer Fisch Lemp, is on the podcast today to share about her new book! It’s called Resting on a Pillow of Prayers: Poems of Loss, Hope and Healing. I am SO excited for you to learn from her. She’s going to share about how God drew her closer to Himself through a very aggressive and rare cancer diagnosis. God only wants our good and His ways are mysterious. My mom is such an example of trust in God no matter what. I hope you leave encouraged and uplifted to pursue God and let Him pursue you always! No matter what, God is FOR you. To grab my mom’s book, click here👉 https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/resting-on-a-pillow-of-prayers-poems-of-loss-hope-and-healing-jennifer-fisch-lemp/1144158866?ean=9798888516805 OR HERE👉 https://www.amazon.com/Resting-Pillow-Prayers-Poems-Healing/dp/B0CK9NHKCV/ref=mp_s_a_1_1?crid=32N9MF8HDZ3C8&keywords=resting+on+a+pillow+of+prayers&qid=1697667514&sprefix=resting+on+a+pillow+of+prayers%2Caps%2C121&sr=8-1 ☺️ Email me with any questions! 500secondstojoy@gmail.com XOXO Stephanie
Nov 28, 202333:08
Bye For Now // I’m Taking A Break From The Podcast…Let Me Explain Why [EP 298]

Bye For Now // I’m Taking A Break From The Podcast…Let Me Explain Why [EP 298]

I’m taking a break and I want to thank you for listening and explain why I’m taking this break. God bless you and your family! Xoxo Stephanie [email me at 500secondstojoy@gmail.com if you’d like to connect] [Here are the podcasts I mentioned to go check out: Latte and Laundry, Her Pursuit, The Joy Filled Podcast, Read-Aloud Revival, The Homeschooling Journey, and Abiding Together]
Apr 04, 202308:18
Sitting At The Feet Of Jesus...While Managing A Busy Household // Interview with Suzanne from the Latte + Laundry Podcast [EP 297]
Mar 28, 202321:35
How’s Your Lent Going? Permission To “Begin Again” [EP 296]
Mar 21, 202303:25
There’s No Such Thing As Doing It All // Interview with Amy Eilers from House of Eilers [EP 295]
Mar 14, 202326:31
Encouragement For Young Moms + The Power of Bedtime Reading // with author Nancy Sanders [EP 294]
Mar 07, 202311:22
Loving God Well + Loving Others Well // Interview with Jenna Guizar from Blessed Is She [EP 293]

Loving God Well + Loving Others Well // Interview with Jenna Guizar from Blessed Is She [EP 293]

How do we love our families well? We start with loving God well. I’m talking with Jenna Guizar today and we are chatting about growing in closeness with our Lord. We chat about pursuing God in prayer and it’s so good, friends! Jenna is the Founder + Creative Director of Blessed is She Women's ministry + community. Head over to www.blessedisshe.net to learn more about what they do and to grab a copy of their newest devotional, “Loving God, Loving Others: 52 Devotions to Create Connections That Last”. Let’s spend this Lent drawing closer to our Lord and learning to love Him better and therefore love others better, too. God bless you and your family! Xoxo Stephanie [here’s the song Jenna + I talk about in today’s episode: m.youtube.com/watch?v=uJVi0j6Zr4k ] [email me at 500secondstojoy@gmail.com if you’d like to connect]
Feb 28, 202326:00
Raising Amazing Kids // Interview with Monica Swanson [EP 292]
Feb 21, 202320:07
“Draw Near To Me” [BONUS #64]
Feb 20, 202308:47
MAMA DEVOTIONAL: How Is Your HEART? [EP 291]
Feb 14, 202311:41
CONTENTMENT Right Where God Has Placed You [EP 290]
Feb 07, 202309:18
MAMA DEVOTIONAL: Single-Tasking + Focusing On What Matters Most [EP 289]
Jan 31, 202309:41
Why Do I Get So Angry + Triggered As A Mom? Encouragement + Insights [EP 288]
Jan 24, 202313:01
MOMS WHO PRAY: Jesus, Help Me! [EP 287]
Jan 17, 202306:18
It’s Not What You Do That Makes You Worthy, It’s WHO You Are + WHOSE You Are [EP 286]
Jan 10, 202305:52
Making Space For SILENCE and my WORD OF THE YEAR [EP 285]
Jan 03, 202309:47
Thank You For Your Sacrifice [EP 284]
Dec 27, 202205:41
Mary’s YES To God [EP 283]
Dec 20, 202213:04
Rest Your Weary Heart And Sit At The Feet Of Jesus Today [EP 282]
Dec 15, 202209:12
Let’s SLOW DOWN This Advent + Soak In God’s Peace + Joy Found In Scripture [EP 281]
Dec 06, 202209:50
ENCOURAGEMENT For Figuring Out God’s Will [Week 5 of Special Discernment Series with Jenna]
Nov 29, 202211:08
Ready To Feel CONVICTED About Your Decision-Making? [Week 4 of Special Discernment Series w/ Jenna]
Nov 22, 202214:52
Find Out How CONSISTENCY Is Related To Making Decisions [Week 3 of Discernment Series with Jenna]
Nov 15, 202214:41
Do You Need Help Making DECISIONS? Listen In! [Week 2 of Discernment Series with Jenna]
Nov 08, 202211:04
What Is God’s Will For Me? What Does God Want Me To Do? [Week 1 of Discernment Series with Jenna]
Nov 01, 202208:51
EXCITING ANNOUNCEMENT [Bonus]

EXCITING ANNOUNCEMENT [Bonus]

I have an exciting announcement for y’all! Press play to learn what it is! Email me at 500secondstojoy@gmail.com with any questions you may have or if you’d like to connect. May you be blessed today and every day! Xoxo Stephanie
Oct 28, 202205:02
When Prayer Feels Hard or Dry [Ep 280]
Oct 25, 202211:16
The Little Things You Do Matter. How To Embrace Your Hidden Home Life. [ EP 279 ]

The Little Things You Do Matter. How To Embrace Your Hidden Home Life. [ EP 279 ]

It ALL Matters To God. Play this on the days you’re doubting your value as a mother or on a day you need some extra encouragement. I promise you that it all matters to God. The little things, the big things, the in between things - He sees it all and He is so proud of you! When you seek Him and do your best to love your family well, He is so pleased with you. Rest in that love today. I pray this short episode encourages you right where you’re at, sweet friend. I need these words too, don’t we all? May God bless you and your family in a special way today. Xoxo Stephanie
Oct 18, 202210:26
The book of James on WISDOM // Let’s Meditate Together [EP 278]
Oct 11, 202207:42
How To Honor Your Spouse + Protect Your Marriage: Faith + Finances with author Gary Thomas [EP 277]

How To Honor Your Spouse + Protect Your Marriage: Faith + Finances with author Gary Thomas [EP 277]

Oct 04, 202232:16
Psalm 27: Let’s MEDITATE Together [EP 276]
Sep 27, 202207:17
The Power of Saying “I GET TO” [EP 275]
Sep 20, 202206:48
A Real Relationship with Jesus + Raising Biblically Grounded Kids with author Jodi Mockabee [EP 274]
Sep 13, 202232:13
This Is Important Work! You’re Forming Young Hearts And Minds [EP 273]
Sep 06, 202207:30
GOD IS CARRYING US // Guest: Children’s Book Author Amy Kavelaris [Bonus #65]
Sep 02, 202223:19
What it REALLY Means to Sacrifice in Marriage with Catholic Author + Speaker Danielle Bean [EP 272]
Aug 30, 202234:08
Clean Like Martha, Pray Like Mary // Advice For Busy Moms with Claire McGarry [EP 271]

Clean Like Martha, Pray Like Mary // Advice For Busy Moms with Claire McGarry [EP 271]

Today’s guest is Claire McGarry and she’s bringing us a lot of wisdom to ponder as we discuss the gospel story of Martha and Mary. Claire writes on her blog: “I’m finding that motherhood is impacting my faith in ways I never would have imagined, and my faith is doing the same to my motherhood.” Isn’t that the truth? Our motherhood stretches us in unimaginable ways and it’s how God is helping us to look more like Him! Press play on today’s interview and meditation, and learn what this familiar gospel story can teach us mamas. Claire McGarry is the author of Grace in Tension: Discover Peace with Martha and Mary, as well as the Lenten family devotionals With Our Savior and Abundant Mercy. [ click here to grab her newest book that we talk about today - https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/1681926431?pf_rd_r=C0G72FKYEFEFMVQ61M9G&pf_rd_p=1ab92b69-98d7-4842-a89b-ad387c54783f&pd_rd_r=5e18d71d-e1de-4a19-80ae-55efd27360ee&pd_rd_w=Mws5i&pd_rd_wg=GRdWx&linkCode=sl1&tag=shiftin-20&linkId=0d8e201b1c49981f45118178467452cc&language=en_US&ref_=as_li_ss_tl ]. She contributes regularly to Living Faith, CatholicMom.com, and blogs at ShiftingMyPerspective.com. God bless you and may this conversation (and meditation) bless your day and your prayer life! Thank you for being here. Xoxo Stephanie [email me at 500secondstojoy@gmail.com if you’d like to connect]
Aug 26, 202231:48