Learning to Flourish Podcast

051 Being Rooted in Your Identity

Mon, 11 Aug 2025 11:00:00 +0000

Join Kelsey and Laura Jean in discussing the role that being rooted in your true identity plays in your life. As well as practical ways of how to meet yourself in that identity.

050 Would You Rather Be Remembered for Your Wisdom or For Your Joy?

Mon, 04 Aug 2025 12:40:47 +0000

We are back this week with a this or that episode where we invite you to play along with us!

049 Custom Built Home vs Crumbling Foundation

Mon, 07 Jul 2025 19:36:21 +0000

Hey, Laura Jean here on a solo episode talking about the custom home of your marriage and the benefits of good marriage prep.

Dearly Beloved, the pre-cana experience from Let's Be Saints Co. Is officially launching on July 12th Sts. Louis and Zelie Martin's feast day!

Join the waitlist and learn more

048 Living A Hidden Life

Mon, 30 Jun 2025 11:00:31 +0000

Join Kelsey and Laura Jean as we discuss living a hidden life and all that comes with it. Transitions, seasons of life, choices, etc.

047 Characteristics That Are Important In a Spouse

Mon, 23 Jun 2025 11:00:01 +0000

Kelsey and Laura Jean chat about different characteristics that are important in a spouse and some that the world told us that were important that just aren't...

Tune in to join in the conversation!

https://letsbesaintsco.com/

046 The Let Them Theory

Mon, 16 Jun 2025 11:00:00 +0000

We're Back! Join Kelsey and Laura Jean for an episode talking about something that has literally changed our lives, the Let Them theory.

Join in the fun and let us know any other books that you want to hear our thoughts on!

045 Enjoying the Process with Karla Fitz

Mon, 09 Jun 2025 11:00:00 +0000

This week Laura Jean is joined by Karla Fitz, The Catholic Life Coach to talk about all things having to do with our mindset, the process, and our dreams.

Listen into our conversation and visit Karla @thecatholiclifecoach everywhere

044 To the One Who Feels God has Forgotten Them in the Waiting

Mon, 05 May 2025 11:00:00 +0000

This week, Kelsey and Laura Jean talk about the periods of our lives that can leave us feeling like we are left behind, comparison, and despair.

Listen for some truth and encouragement.

Let's Be Saints Co. Website

Single & Thriving Masterclass

Let's Be Saints Co. on YouTube

043 Lent Updates and Praying for the Church

Mon, 28 Apr 2025 11:00:00 +0000

We are back! After taking a break during Lent we are back in your ears with an update episode.

Links:

Let's Be Saints Co. Website

Single & Thriving Masterclass

Let's Be Saints Co. on YouTube

042 What To Do When Life Isn't What You Hoped

Mon, 24 Feb 2025 12:00:00 +0000

Join us for this episode where we talk about a quote from John Piper and how it calls us to have a good balance and be present.

041 When Do You Feel The Most Feminine?

Mon, 17 Feb 2025 12:00:00 +0000

Join us on this episode where we talk about when we feel the most feminine and dive into some of the misconceptions around femininity.

040 Online Dating Tea and Being Present

Mon, 03 Feb 2025 12:00:00 +0000

This episode takes a turn when we start spilling the piping hot tea on online dating. Tune into this episode as we talk about ways we can flourish in our day to day lives.

039 Ins and Outs for 2025

Mon, 13 Jan 2025 12:00:00 +0000

Join us in this episode as we share our ins and outs for 2025

038 Word of the Year and Lessons from 2024

Mon, 06 Jan 2025 12:00:00 +0000

Join Kelsey and Laura Jean in this episode where they talk about the biggest lessons they learned in 2024 and reflect on their word of the year.

Learn more and join the Dating for Marriage Challenge

https://letsbesaintsco.com/

037 Merry Christmas Eve Eve

Mon, 23 Dec 2024 18:25:33 +0000

Welcome friends to this special holiday episode of the podcast! This Christmas week we thought it would be nice to share our Christmas Traditions.

Merry Christmas and happy listening!

036 Birth Story, Rebrand, & All Things Catch Up

Mon, 16 Dec 2024 12:00:00 +0000

We're back!

Join us this week as we share what we've been up to in the mean time!

035 We're Taking a Break... For the BEST Reason

Mon, 30 Sep 2024 11:00:00 +0000

We're taking a break... but for the BEST reason!

Enjoy this episode as we talk about some of our favorite episodes so far.

The BLVED Collective Website

Kelsey's Instagram

Laura Jean's Instagram

034 Last Call for Made BLVED this Year

Mon, 23 Sep 2024 11:00:00 +0000

In this episode Laura Jean invites you to consider joining Made BLVED a proximate marriage preparation program beginning on October 1st. Listen to this episode to get all the insights into what it is and why you should join!

Made BLVED

The BLVED Collective Website

Kelsey's Instagram

Laura Jean's Instagram

033 Noticing the Little Things and No Room for Comparison

Mon, 16 Sep 2024 11:00:00 +0000

In this episode Kelsey and Laura Jean talk about the Dating for Marriage Challenge happening this September 24-26th. If you're a Catholic navigating the dating world today - this challenge is for you! Sign up with the link below.

The Dating For Marriage Challenge

The BLVED Collective Website

Kelsey's Instagram

Laura Jean's Instagram

032 On Dreaming

Mon, 09 Sep 2024 11:00:00 +0000

This week Kelsey and Laura Jean talk about dreaming, the importance of it, and how to go about reestablishing a practice of dreaming.

The BLVED Collective Website

Kelsey's Instagram

Laura Jean's Instagram

031 How to Be A Friend To Yourself

Mon, 02 Sep 2024 11:00:00 +0000

In this episode Kelsey and Laura Jean talk about what it means to be a friend to yourself and how to do that in different seasons of life.

The BLVED Collective Website

Kelsey's Instagram

Laura Jean's Instagram

030 TOB Can Change Everything

Mon, 26 Aug 2024 11:00:00 +0000

In this episode Kelsey and Laura Jean talk about Theology of the Body and how its teachings can help us transform the way we go about life.

Join the Theology of the Body Part 2 Study beginning on September 2nd!

Join the Study

The BLVED Collective Website

Kelsey's Instagram

Laura Jean's Instagram

029 We Can't Do Nothing - The Key to Flourishing

Mon, 19 Aug 2024 14:09:09 +0000

We're back! And in this episode learn the key to flourishing - actively doing something to achieve your goals.

Enrollment opens for the Theology of the Body Study Part 2 Friday! Get on the wait list to be notified by email when you can sign up!

TOB Part 2 Waitlist

The BLVED Collective Website

Kelsey's Instagram

Laura Jean's Instagram

028 Investing in Yourself

Mon, 15 Jul 2024 11:00:00 +0000

This week on the podcast Laura Jean and Kelsey talk about investing in yourself. And invite you into the new offer from The BLVED Collective: Forever BLVED. Listen for more information

Apply for Forever BLVED on the BLVED Collective Website:

The BLVED Collective Website

Kelsey's Instagram

Laura Jean's Instagram

Song: Flowers

027 Faith and Fitness with Sydney Tanner

Mon, 08 Jul 2024 11:00:00 +0000

In this weeks episode Kelsey and Laura Jean are joined by guest Sydney Tanner. In this episode we talk about faith, fitness, and jewelry.

Sydney Tanner is the owner and creator behind Darling & Divine. Her sole focus is to create jewelry that is uniquely designed like you. When not hustling on the business she is hanging at a coffee shop, going to the gym or enjoying the outdoors. You can find all of her links here as well as use code: BLVED10 for 10% off your order at DarlingandDivine.co

DarlingandDivine.co

IG: @DarlingDivine.co

Personal IG:

@Sydney.Tanner

The BLVED Collective Website

Kelsey's Instagram

Laura Jean's Instagram

026 Kingdom Body Mindset

Mon, 01 Jul 2024 11:00:00 +0000

In this episode Kelsey and Laura Jean talk about having a Kingdom Body Mindset. What it is, how to start the journey, and why it matters so much. Listen to this episode and share it with someone you think would benefit from it!

Be Held Playlist

The BLVED Collective Website

Kelsey's Instagram

Laura Jean's Instagram

025 The One About Confession and Being in Our Own Way

Mon, 24 Jun 2024 11:00:00 +0000

Man oh man this episode is a good one! Listen as Kelsey and Laura Jean talk about confession and being in our own way when it comes to receiving forgiveness and love.

The BLVED Collective Website

Kelsey's Instagram

Laura Jean's Instagram

024 Living From a Place of Knowledge of Self > Everything Else

Mon, 10 Jun 2024 11:00:00 +0000

Kelsey and Laura Jean are back with an episode on self knowledge. Each of us have had our own journeys arriving at where we are today. We share these and more as we discuss the benefits of doing the work to get to know yourself.

Don't forget to sign up for the Theology of the Body Part 1 Study!

The BLVED Collective Website

Kelsey's Instagram

Laura Jean's Instagram

TOB Study

023 Debunking the Pressure to Have It All Together

Mon, 03 Jun 2024 11:00:00 +0000

This week Kelsey and Laura Jean talk about the pressure to have it all together and how we can just throw it out the window. So many good moments in this episode - have a listen!

The BLVED Collective Website

Kelsey's Instagram

Laura Jean's Instagram

The TOB Study

022 Why the In-Between: Kelsey's Story

Mon, 20 May 2024 11:00:00 +0000

Join the gals this week talking about Kelsey's story and why the in-between is important to her.

The BLVED Collective Website

Kelsey's Instagram

Laura Jean's Instagram

021 Why the In Between: Laura's Story

Mon, 13 May 2024 11:00:00 +0000

Join the gals this week talking about Laura's story and why the in-between is important to her. And stay tuned for next week as they discuss Kelsey's story!

The BLVED Collective Website

Kelsey's Instagram

Laura Jean's Instagram

020 Experiences Bringing People Together

Mon, 29 Apr 2024 11:00:00 +0000

This week Kelsey and Laura Jean talk about how experiences bring people closer together than time just spent talking. Plus hear about St. Catherine of Siena and the Karol Project!

The BLVED Collective Website

The Karol Project - open now through April 30th

Kelsey's Instagram

Laura Jean's Instagram

019 5 Ways to Catch the Sun with Friends

Mon, 22 Apr 2024 11:00:00 +0000

It is getting warmer out so here are 5 ideas to get together with your friends and enjoy the warmer temps!

The BLVED Collective Website

Kelsey's Instagram

Laura Jean's Instagram

The Karol Project Wait list

018 What if God's Plan Wasn't Only The Destination?

Mon, 15 Apr 2024 11:00:00 +0000

Friends, this episode is a conversation that we needed 100%. There are times in everyones lives where our expectations and the realities of our situations don't align. And it is frustrating to say the least. In this episode Kelsey and Laura Jean go beyond the surface level advice of "God's timing is different than outs, be patient" and we talk about the real struggle and what we can in those moments.

Show notes:

Shop Sacrament Cards and more at BLVED Co Shop

The BLVED Collective Website

Kelsey's Instagram

Laura Jean's Instagram

017 Describe Your Perfect Day

Mon, 08 Apr 2024 11:00:00 +0000

In this Episode Kelsey and Laura Jean answer questions such as describe your perfect day, and what is something extra that you pack for a trip that is not a "need" but a NEED?

We had a blast recording this! Tune in for some giggles and get to know us more!

The BLVED Collective Website

Kelsey's Instagram

Laura Jean's Instagram

016 How Suffering Can Draw Us Closer To Christ

Mon, 25 Mar 2024 11:00:00 +0000

As we enter Holy Week we wanted to talk about suffering and how our suffering, united to Christ's on the cross, can draw us even closer to Him. If you are going through something now, or need a little motivation going into Holy Week - Listen in friend

The BLVED Collective Website

Kelsey's Instagram

Laura Jean's Instagram

015 Pull Back the Curtain on Made BLVED

Mon, 04 Mar 2024 12:00:00 +0000

Today we are pulling back the curtain on Made BLVED. Talking about all the things. I so hope you join in wether this is something you can see for yourself or are interested in learning more for those in your life who may benefit. I am so glad you are here.

The BLVED Collective Website

Kelsey's Instagram

Laura Jean's Instagram

Rescue by Lauren Daigle - Laura's God Wink

Quiet by Diana Trout - Kelsey's God Wink

014 How Important Friendship is Especially in the Christian Life

Mon, 26 Feb 2024 14:20:00 +0000

Coming to your earbuds is a discussion about friendship, how we all need and crave it, and even some practical tips to communicate among friends!

Listen in

The BLVED Collective Website

Kelsey's Instagram

Laura Jean's Instagram

013 5 Tips to Thrive in the Getting to Know You Phase

Mon, 19 Feb 2024 12:00:00 +0000

If you're single in todays world you understand how difficult dating can be today. The dreaded getting to know you phase is hard enough - so we came up with 5 tips to help make that time a bit easier for you!

The BLVED Collective Website

Kelsey's Instagram

Laura Jean's Instagram

Workshop for Single Catholics

012 Self Care

Mon, 12 Feb 2024 12:00:00 +0000

This week Kelsey and Laura Jean talk about self care - the worlds version vs the Christian view.

Join us as we discuss what true self care is and what it is not.

The BLVED Collective Website

Kelsey's Instagram

Laura Jean's Instagram

011 Preparing for Lent

Mon, 05 Feb 2024 12:00:00 +0000

Join us this week as we discuss preparing for lent. We talk about things to watch out for as we choose what we are sacrificing this lenten season, as well as some practical tips to help us choose!

Show notes:

Lent Sacrifice Freebie

The BLVED Collective Website

Kelsey's Instagram

Laura Jean's Instagram

010 Living An Ordered Life

Mon, 22 Jan 2024 12:00:00 +0000

Living an ordered life doesn't not mean living an organized life. Catch Kelsey and Laura Jean as they discuss ordering your priorities, what to do when those start slipping, discipline and so much more!

The BLVED Collective Website

Kelsey's Instagram

Laura Jean's Instagram

009 Consuming Too Much Social Media? What To Consume Instead

Mon, 15 Jan 2024 12:00:00 +0000

Hello friends! Join us this week as we discuss the dangers of consuming too much social media and what we can replace it with aka what else we can consume.

Much love to you all

Website: theblvedcollective.com

Laura Jean's Instagram

008 7 Ideas to Build Community

Mon, 08 Jan 2024 12:00:00 +0000

Did someone say community? We are coming at you this week with 7 ideas for building community that aren't the typical advice you hear.

Tune in for this great chat!

The BLVED Collective Website

Kelsey's Instagram

Laura Jean's Instagram

007 Word of the Year & Looking Ahead to 2024

Mon, 01 Jan 2024 12:00:00 +0000

Happy New Years friend!

Today we are chatting about our word of the year and looking ahead to 2024. Tune in as we debunk the worlds idea of New Year resolutions and reclaim who we are in the here and now.

The BLVED Collective Website

Kelsey's Instagram

Laura Jean's Instagram

006 Ruthless Elimination of Hurry Part 3

Mon, 18 Dec 2023 12:00:00 +0000

Join us for our Advent book study on the book: Ruthless Elimination of Hurry.

Today we tackle part 3 of the book: 4 Steps to Unhurrying your life

Join us for Advent as we go through this book

The BLVED Collective Website

Kelsey's Instagram

Laura Jean's Instagram

005 Ruthless Elimination of Hurry Part 2

Mon, 11 Dec 2023 12:00:00 +0000

Join us for our Advent book study on the book: Ruthless Elimination of Hurry.

Today we tackle part 2 of the book: The Solution

Join us for Advent as we go through this book

The BLVED Collective Website

Kelsey's Instagram

Laura Jean's Instagram

004 Ruthless Elimination of Hurry Part 1

Mon, 04 Dec 2023 12:00:00 +0000

Join us for our Advent book study on the book: Ruthless Elimination of Hurry.

Today we tackle part 1 of the book: The Problem

And oh boy is it a big one.

Join us for the next 3 weeks as we go through this book and tie it with our journey through advent

The BLVED Collective Website

Kelsey's Instagram

Laura Jean's Instagram

003 Not Losing Yourself in Helping Others

Mon, 27 Nov 2023 12:00:00 +0000

ooh friends! This is an episode where we dive into not losing yourself in helping others - a topic that is crucially important and not talked about often enough. We are very much on the journey with you in this episode.

Enjoy!

The BLVED Collective Website

Kelsey's Instagram

Laura Jean's Instagram

002 Giving Thanks in All Circumstances

Mon, 20 Nov 2023 12:00:00 +0000

You know around this time of year, specifically the week of Thanksgiving when we hear about how thankful everyone is? It is great and all, but what if we strove to be grateful all year round?

This episode is jammed packed with nuggets of truth surrounding practices of gratitude and how we can be grateful in all circumstances.

Give this one a listen, friend, and happy thanksgiving!

The BLVED Collective Website

Kelsey's Instagram

Laura Jean's Instagram

001 Getting to Know Your Hosts

Mon, 13 Nov 2023 12:00:00 +0000

In this episode we are asking each other rapid fire questions to help introduce ourselves to you!

If you liked any of these questions, please share your answer with us! We would love to hear it!

Our instagram handles are:

@kelsey_dannehl

@theblvedcollective

The Learning To Flourish Trailer

Mon, 06 Nov 2023 12:00:00 +0000

Welcome to the learning to flourish podcast - we are your hosts, Kelsey Dannehl and Laura Jean Tremblay. This is a place to stop waiting, and learn to flourish exactly where we are - right in the in-between.

Join us each week as we discuss topics that pertain to daily life and how we can flourish in the here and now

This Podcast is presented by The BLVED Collective

44 Blessed Pier Giorgio Frassati and Announcing BLVED Workshops

Mon, 03 Jul 2023 11:00:00 +0000

The news is out! Introducing BLVED Workshops!

We were designed to thrive. To flourish in the vocations we are called to.

But, let’s face it, it is incredibly hard to do that with so many distractions coming at us from every side, not to mention all the lies that tell us we do not deserve to flourish or thrive.

Here’s the truth: you are made good.

You were designed with a purpose

You are capable and worthy of flourishing

But as with many things, we need to learn skills in order to grow. That is why I have created these workshops to equip you to take action in the areas and ways that will make a difference in your life.

These workshops are tailor made for those who:

Are ready to step up and make changes

Want clarity in knowing what steps to take

Are committed to becoming the person they were created to be

In these workshops you will learn how to clear out the noise and distractions, and walk away with a unique plan for growth that is designed by you and for you. Workshops are a great tool to digest information, while at the same time making it immediately applicable to your life.

The topics are:

Let's Be Saints!
Longing transformed workshop: Channeling the single longing into growth
Foundations for forever: Intentional marriage preparation workshop

Registration opens July 5th! Look at the website for more information

Show notes:

Website: theblvedcollective.com

BLVED Co Shop

BLVED Digital Shop

Made BLVED Waitlist

Instagram: @theblvedcollective

43 Why Saying "You're Doing Fine" Isn't Communicating What You Think

Mon, 26 Jun 2023 11:00:00 +0000

In todays episode we are tackling two things I hear said often that don't quite communicate what the person saying them thinks they do

Here are the cliff notes:

Saying #1 You’re doing fine

Allows people to stay where they are - even if they are exhibiting destructive behavior or vices
No invitation to grow and be better
Giving up on them in a way

Instead say: I see you and your effort, keep going

Gives real encouragement
Invites them further
Gives them purpose and lets them know you’re in their corner

Saying #2 It should be easy if its meant to be

Mathew 16:24-26

24 Then Jesus told his disciples, “If any want to become my followers, let them deny themselves and take up their cross and follow me. 25 For those who want to save their life will lose it, and those who lose their life for my sake will find it. 26 For what will it profit them if they gain the whole world but forfeit their life? Or what will they give in return for their life?

What is right will always take work

There is a difference between hard and hard work

Neither should stop you

Eternal life is worth every discomfort we think we will experience

Show notes:

Website: theblvedcollective.com

BLVED Co Shop

BLVED Digital Shop

Made BLVED Waitlist

Instagram: @theblvedcollective

42 Entrepreneur Corner with Mari Wagner of West Coast Catholic

Mon, 19 Jun 2023 11:00:00 +0000

We are welcoming back Mari Wagner - co founder of West Coast Catholic to talk all about her entrepreneurial journey

Website: theblvedcollective.com

BLVED Co Shop

BLVED Digital Shop

Made BLVED Waitlist

Instagram: @theblvedcollective

Westcoastcatholic.co

Marian Rosary Collection

Use code BLVED10 for 10% off!

41 Growing Through the Summer

Mon, 12 Jun 2023 11:00:00 +0000

Summer does not have to be a time where we lose our progress on our goals whether that is in our prayer life or life in general

Resources to continue to grow through the summer

Prayer:

Mass / the sacraments
Journal
Rosary
Take a pilgrimage
Take a prayer walk

Intentional growth:

Set goals
Create routines
Read books
Do something creative each day
Do something toward your goals each day

Website: theblvedcollective.com

BLVED Co Shop

BLVED Digital Shop

Made BLVED Waitlist

Instagram: @theblvedcollective

40 Cultivating Community with Mari Wagner

Mon, 05 Jun 2023 11:00:00 +0000

Tune is as we welcome Mari Wagner - co founder of West Coast Catholic to talk all about community

Website: theblvedcollective.com

BLVED Co Shop

BLVED Digital Shop

Made BLVED Waitlist

Instagram: @theblvedcollective

West Coast Catholic Website

Marian Rosary Collection

Use code BLVED10 for 10% off!

39 Let's Be Saints Together

Mon, 29 May 2023 11:00:00 +0000

This week we celebrate the feast of the visitation

The visitation is one of my favorite mysteries to meditate on because it is just so human. It is all about community and coming together supporting each others needs.

Mary went up in haste to the hill country

Let’s be saints together!

Let’s go in haste to help our fellow men

Let’s be good examples for each other

Let’s hold on to the truth

Let’s support each other in the good, bad, and ugly

Let’s call each other on and up towards heaven

Website: theblvedcollective.com

BLVED Co Shop

BLVED Digital Shop

Made BLVED Waitlist

Instagram: @theblvedcollective

38 The BLVED Collective Turns 3

Wed, 24 May 2023 15:38:24 +0000

I can't believe that The BLVED Collective is 3!

Tune into this episode to hear all about the journey getting to this point

Show notes:

Website: theblvedcollective.com

BLVED Co Shop

BLVED Digital Shop

Made BLVED Waitlist

Instagram: @theblvedcollective

37 Honoring Work and Rest

Mon, 15 May 2023 11:00:00 +0000

Work and rest both have their places

The key is to keep them all in moderation - practicing the virtue of temperance

Tips for working well:

Start work time with intentionality
Be focused and give 100%
Practice gratitude

Tips for resting well:

Seek true leisure
Be present - let yourself rest
Practice gratitude

Website: theblvedcollective.com

BLVED Co. Shop

Made BLVED Waitlist

Instagram: @theblvedcollective

36 Celebrating 1 year of the Dear BLVED Podcast

Mon, 08 May 2023 14:30:00 +0000

We are celebrating the 1 year anniversary of the Dear BLVED podcast!

For all those listening, thank you for being here and making all it all worth while!

How long have you been here? Are you just tuning in? Have you been here from the beginning? I’d love to know! Send me a dm or leave a review so I can see how long you’ve been here!

What a gift it has been for me this past year to be able to show up here for you. I love listening to podcasts myself and never could have imagined that one day I would have one of my own! God is so good and his plans are better than I could have imagined!

Why did I start this podcast in the first place? - listen to find out!

My 3 favorite things about the podcast:

Guests- Getting to interview and have amazing conversations with guests
You guys! You the listener are what keeps me going! I love when people are interested when I say I have a podcast!
Having a long form way to connect with you!

I’d love to hear what you want to hear from the podcast in the future - guests, topics, questions, you name it! I want to hear it!

Send me a DM with recommendations - I can’t wait to hear from you!

Website: www.theblvedcollective.com

BLVED Co Shop: Sacrament cards

Instagram: @theblvedcollective

Youtube: The BLVED Collective

35 We are an Easter People

Mon, 10 Apr 2023 11:00:00 +0000

“We do not pretend that life is all beauty. We are aware of darkness and sin, of poverty and pain. But we know Jesus has conquered sin and passed through his own pain to the glory of the Resurrection. And we live in the light of his Paschal Mystery - the mystery of his Death and Resurrection. “We are an Easter People and Alleluia is our song!”. We are not looking for a shallow joy but rather a joy that comes from faith, that grows through unselfish love, that respects the “fundamental duty of love of neighbor, without which it would be unbecoming to speak of Joy”. We realize that joy is demanding; it demands unselfishness; it demands a readiness to say with Mary: “Be it done unto me according to thy word”.”

John Paul II

“We are an Easter People and Alleluia is our song!”

This quote is often attributed to John Paul II who was in fact quoting St. Augustine when he said it. I love looking at how John Paul II used it. Reading a larger piece that he said brings more depth to how he is using it

It is true - we are an Easter People and Alleluia is our song!

But it is also true that it was at great cost that we are able to be Easter people. It is at great cost to others and to ourselves. It is demanding to get and stay there

Does that make it too distant for us? It shouldn’t. We are an Easter people, we must stand tall in that truth

Website: www.theblvedcollective.com

BLVED Co Shop: Sacrament cards

Instagram: @theblvedcollective

Youtube: The BLVED Collective

34 Running After the Lord with Maria Spears Mumaugh

Mon, 27 Mar 2023 11:00:00 +0000

In this episode I welcome Maria Spears Mumaugh to the podcast and we discuss running after the Lord, especially in the single season.

Website: theblvedcollective.com

BLVED Co. Shop

Instagram: @theblvedcollective

@mariaspears

The Intentional Single Website

33 Entrepreneur Corner with Shalini Blubaugh

Mon, 20 Mar 2023 11:00:00 +0000

In this episode I invited Shalini Blubaugh founder of Pray, Train, Grow on the podcast to talk about following peace. This is not one you want to miss friend!

Website: theblvedcollective.com

BLVED Co. Shop

Instagram: @theblvedcollective

@praytraingrow

32 What Are You Waiting For?

Mon, 13 Mar 2023 11:00:00 +0000

Quick question for you, what are you waiting for?

Website: theblvedcollective.com

Made BLVED

BLVED Co. Shop

Instagram: @theblvedcollective

31 Virtue: Just Do It

Mon, 06 Mar 2023 12:00:00 +0000

We can overcomplicate our lives so easily

But when it comes to living out our faith into our daily life and becoming a saint - just do it

It will look different for everyone, as the saints can attest. We can also learn from each other, but don’t let that “learning” turn into not doing

Just do it

Website: theblvedcollective.com

BLVED Co. Shop

Instagram: @theblvedcollective

30 Schedule With Intention

Mon, 27 Feb 2023 12:00:00 +0000

Quick question, what drives the way you schedule your life?

Is it your responsibilities?

Your goals?

Is it by importance?

Is it first come first serve?

Is it the lifestyle you want?

Is it your family?

Is it your life with the Lord?

It is a simple yet complex question. We all do it. We have to keep some sort of schedule if we want to keep any friends. But do we even think about how we curate our schedules? Does it even matter?

I believe it does.

If we build our lives and our schedules with intention and make sure to include the most important things to us on the schedule first, we ensure we get them in. If not, even the most important things can be left off.

Website: theblvedcollective.com

BLVED Co. Shop

Instagram: @theblvedcollective

29 Entrepreneur Corner with Sammy Parker

Mon, 20 Feb 2023 12:00:00 +0000

I welcome Sammy Parker, founder of Unshaken Wellness on the podcast today and we chat about knowing when it's the right time to take action!

Website: theblvedcollective.com

BLVED Co. Shop

Instagram: @theblvedcollective

Unshaken Wellness Website

@unshaken_rnbirthcoach

28 Letter Writing: A Lost pastime?

Mon, 13 Feb 2023 12:00:00 +0000

Is handwriting letters a lost pastime? In my opinion, it shouldn't be! Tune into the episode to learn about how to cultivate this practice in your life!

Website: theblvedcollective.com

BLVED Co. Shop

Instagram: @theblvedcollective

BLVED Co. Shop

27 Leaning Into Peace

Mon, 06 Feb 2023 14:25:24 +0000

In this episode, Laura Jean dives into the topic of peace. Peace is healing and restorative. As a pure gift from God, peace can be an answer to so many prayers.

Website: theblvedcollective.com

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26 Be Satisfied With Me Prayer

Mon, 09 Jan 2023 12:00:00 +0000

As we dive into 2023 I invite you to start off on the right foot and let God into the drivers seat. He has a beautiful plan for you.

I first came across this prayer in College and it has been such a beautiful prayer. I pray that if you are hearing this and you're struggling with God's timing, that this is like balm to your soul

Website: theblvedcollective.com

BLVED Co. Shop

Instagram: @theblvedcollective

25 3 Best Pieces of Advice I Received in 2022

Mon, 02 Jan 2023 12:00:00 +0000

Here are the 3 best pieces of advice I received in 2022 and that I'm taking with me into 2023

Show notes:

Website: theblvedcollective.com

BLVED Co Shop

BLVED Digital Shop

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24 Its Happens in the Middle With Michaela Robinson

Mon, 21 Nov 2022 12:00:00 +0000

Today I chat with Michaela Robinson about her story and specifically how the growth happened in the middle. If you are in a time in your life that its not looking like you always imagined, that is totally normal! This episode will give you a really practical look into a story that didn't go as planned but what came out of it was even better.

Meet our guest:

Michaela has worked in college ministry for the past six years, both in the US and abroad, and is currently a campus minister at a university in Northern Virginia. She is a wife to her wonderful husband Dan and the founder of a vintage re-sale shop called Thrifted and Threaded that she runs with her identical twin sister. You can find her reading a C.S. Lewis book, scouring the nearest thrift store, or having a passionate conversation about Jesus.

IG: @michaelarachel

website: www.thriftedandthreaded.com

Website: https://theblvedcollective.com

Made BLVED: https://theblvedcollective.com/made-blved

BLVED Co Shop: https://blved-store.myshopify.com

Instagram: @theblvedcollective

Youtube: The BLVED Collective

23 My Saint Tribe

Mon, 14 Nov 2022 12:00:00 +0000

In November we honor the saints! There are so many great saints but we all have a couple we know well. Today I want to introduce you to my saint tribe!

Website: www.theblvedcollective.com

Shop the BLVED Co Shop: https://blved-store.myshopify.com

Instagram: @theblvedcollective

Youtube: The BLVED Collective

22 John Paul II and the New John Paul II Collection

Mon, 24 Oct 2022 11:00:00 +0000

In this episode we celebrate John Paul II who's feast we recently celebrated.

Introducing the John Paul II Collection at the BLVED Co Shop

Featuring two new products inspired by John Paul II

The Seeking Tote Bag

and the Sacrament of Matrimony Card

Website: https://theblvedcollective.com

Made BLVED: https://theblvedcollective.com/made-blved

BLVED Co Shop: https://theblvedcollective.com/blved-co-shop

Instagram: @theblvedcollective

Youtube: The BLVED Collective

21 Boundaries with Lisa Gormley

Mon, 17 Oct 2022 11:00:00 +0000

In this episode I welcome Lisa Gormley to the show to talk about Boundaries.

Have you ever wondered about boundaries and if they are helpful or harmful? If so, this episode is for you! We chat all things boundaries from what is it, to how to create them, to effectively conveying them

Website: https://theblvedcollective.com

Made BLVED: https://theblvedcollective.com/made-blved

BLVED Co Shop: https://theblvedcollective.com/blved-co-shop

Instagram: @theblvedcollective

Youtube: The BLVED Collective

Lisa Gormley's Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lisarosegormley/

20 Made BLVED Enrollment is Open

Mon, 19 Sep 2022 15:14:27 +0000

Enrollment is OPEN for this fall round of Made BLVED

This round begins Oct. 1st!

Snag your spot today!

https://theblvedcollective.com/made-blved

https://theblvedcollective.com

https://theblvedcollective.com/blved-co-shop

19 Cultivating Community With Sarah Frigon

Mon, 12 Sep 2022 11:00:00 +0000

We talk all about cultivating community in different life transitions in this episode. We have both had moves where we moved somewhere totally new where we knew no one - and also back to a place we had been and had to reconnect or make new friendships. Navigating this all is hard and lonely, so we are telling our stories so you know you're not alone and practical tips to cultivate community around you.

Website: https://theblvedcollective.com

BLVED Co Shop: https://theblvedcollective.com/blved-co-shop

Made BLVED: https://theblvedcollective.com/made-blved

@theblvedcollective on instagram

Our guest: @bysarahkay on instagram

18 Mother Teresa & my love for letters

Mon, 05 Sep 2022 11:00:00 +0000

Today's episode talks a little about saints, intentionality, and the meditation from Mother Teresa "I Thirst"

Find the products I spoke about: https://theblvedcollective.com/blved-co-shop

Website: https://theblvedcollective.com

BLVED Co Shop: https://theblvedcollective.com/blved-co-shop

@theblvedcollective on instagram

17 Relationships with the Sumereau's

Mon, 29 Aug 2022 11:00:00 +0000

I got to interview my first couple on the podcast and this conversation is incredible. I am talking to the Sumereau's and let me tell you, this conversation is so applicable for our time!

We talk about their relationship from the very beginning, what they did before dating that helped their relationship, and what unexpected things they experienced once married. This conversation is so life giving and I am so happy to bring it to you!

Links:

BLVED Website

BLVED Co Shop

Stacey's Website

16 Seasons - What to Look Forward To

Mon, 22 Aug 2022 11:00:00 +0000

As seasons change around us we recognize a change in ourselves. We have different seasons of life much like our environment around us but not as predictable.

You may have heard the phrase - the grass is greener on the other side

We take that phrase and apply it to seasons of our lives except we take a better version - the grass is greener where you water it

theblvedcollective.com

@theblvedcollective

15 Mary Our Example With Anne Marie Stroud

Mon, 15 Aug 2022 11:00:00 +0000

Today on The Assumption of Mary, Anne Marie Stroud and I talk about how Mary can be our example and friend in the every day!

Our guest:

Anne Marie Stroud is a Catholic wife & mother, writer, & speaker. She's passionate about the transformative intimacy with Jesus that changes everything. She's spoken to groups of hundreds & written for prominent Catholic blogs, such as Blessed Is She & The Young Catholic Woman. You can connect with her on Instagram (@thecatholichypewoman) or her blog (https://thecatholichypewoman.wordpress.com/).

https://thecatholichypewoman.wordpress.com/

https://www.instagram.com/thecatholichypewoman/

BLVED Website

BLVED Co Shop

Instagram

14 St. Edith Stein & BLVED CO Shop

Mon, 08 Aug 2022 11:00:00 +0000

Tomorrow is the feast of St. Edith Stein! Also known as St. Teresa Benedicta of the Cross

St. Edith Stein is a personal saint friend of mine and also one of the patron saints of The BLVED Collective. I chose her to be one of the patrons because I have been formed through her writings on femininity and she’s really been an influential thinker on those topics for the church. I see my work, not as so new and different, but really sharing the work of those who came before me who were much smarter and closer to the Lord. I simply am handing on what I have been given, either through the thoughts of others or from my walk with the Lord Himself. St. Edith Stein is one of those saints who I really want to hand on her work.

If you have followed along with The BLVED Collective for any amount of time you’ll know that I love to launch new things, open enrollment, and announce things on Saint’s feasts days. And you better believe that I save some really exciting things for our patron saint’s feast days! So tomorrow on the feast of St. Edith Stein we are officially opening our BLVED CO shop! A physical product shop filled with intentionally curated products to aid you in becoming a saint today and prepare you well for your future.

Let’s talk about the products launching tomorrow.

First up are note cards! I love getting real mail in the mail. Letters are some of my favorite things and in todays world with how lonely we can feel, I am excited to now offer beautiful notecards that you can use to write to those you love. Community is so darn important but the reality is is that we have people we love spread all over the country or even all over the world that we’d love to stay in touch with and writing a letter is the perfect way to do that when you can’t show up at their door in person. Or even to the friend down the street you can write a note that tells them how much you appreciate their friendship and drop it off in person, or mail it to their house - who doesn’t love getting a good ole fashioned letter?

Then are the note pads! Gosh I am excited about these! Who doesn’t love lists? I haven’t met anyone that I can think of who doesn’t love or want or need to make a list ever - so I created a minimal list notepad. With 50 sheets this note pad will last through 22 weeks of groceries, 7 trips, 18 to do lists, and 3 dream sessions. Or how ever you want to use them.

And last but not least, we have the weekly planing pad. Also with 50 sheets it will last you just about a year of planning out each week by the day, to do lists, how you will pray, rest, and move that week. And never forgot a feast day again! With a spot to write the feast of the day, you can plan intentionally with the liturgical calendar. I personally have loved planners in the past but they don’t fit my lifestyle at the moment so this weekly pad is perfect for what I need. And I know planners aren’t everyone’s jam so maybe this will be perfect for you as well!

These are the products I am launching tomorrow, but I have lots more in the works, don’t you worry! I am so thrilled to finally get these out to you so don’t forget to check out the BLVED CO shop tomorrow for its grand opening at theblvedcollective.com

theblvedcollective.com

@theblvedcollective

13 Dating in the Modern World With Caroline Rose Owens

Mon, 01 Aug 2022 11:00:00 +0000

Caroline Rose Owens is a midwest native who brought her passion for content creation to the nation’s Capitol to work with forward-thinking female entrepreneurs as an Account Manager at RINGLET.

Caroline’s passion for empowering women goes beyond her 9-5, and is best showcased through her online community and podcast, @shebelievedpodcast, where she aims to inspire, motivate and encourage women to answer their individual callings. She finds great joy in sharing the glory of God through other’s stories and helping women become more fully who they were created to be.

When she’s not working on client accounts or dreaming about building the She Believed Community, you can find Caroline on a picnic with friends, dancing with her boyfriend, or trying a new recipe.

Allow Caroline to be your personal cheerleader by following her @carolineroseowens on Instagram.

carolineroseowens.com

@carolineroseowens on IG

theblvedcollective.com

@theblvedcollective

12 Find Your People by Jennie Allen part 3

Mon, 25 Jul 2022 11:00:00 +0000

Our 3rd and final episode on Find Your People by Jennie Allen

theblvedcollective.com

@theblvedcollective

11 Find Your People by Jennie Allen Part 2

Mon, 18 Jul 2022 11:00:00 +0000

Join us for a book study on Jennie Allen's book titled: Find Your People

July 4th Part 1

July 18th Part 2

July 25th Part 3

We dive into part 2 today

Website: www.theblvedcollective.com

Instagram: @theblvedcollective

Youtube: The BLVED Collective

Book: Find Your People by Jennie Allen

10 Find Your People By Jennie Allen Part 1

Mon, 04 Jul 2022 11:00:00 +0000

Join us for a book study on Jennie Allen's book titled: Find Your People

Week 1: July 4th Part 1

Week 2: July 11th Part 2

Week 3: July 18th Part 2

Week 4: July 25th Part 3

We dive into part 1 today

Website: www.theblvedcollective.com

Instagram: @theblvedcollective

Youtube: The BLVED Collective

Book: Find Your People by Jennie Allen

9 John Paul II's Letter to Women part 2

Mon, 27 Jun 2022 11:00:00 +0000

Dear BLVED, let us pick back up where we left off with John Paul II’s letter to women.

In this section there are 3 main themes JP II talks about that we will dive into.

The basis of the dignity of women

After going through the long history of humanity, John Paul II says that “the secret of making speedy progress in achieving full respect for women and their identity involves more than simply the condemnation of discrimination and injustices, necessary though this may be. Such respect must first and foremost be won though an effective and intelligent campaign for the promotion of women, concentrating on all areas of women’s life and beginning with a universal recognition of the dignity of women.”(6) He mentions that reason and the word of God are what help us understand and grasp the “anthropological basis of the dignity of women, making it evident as a part of God’s plan for humanity.”(6)

As John Paul II often does, he goes right back to the beginning, with creation. God creates man in His image - this tells us what is distinct about the human being. Then we are told that man was created “male and female” (Gen 1:27). The first man Adam was created but he was alone. “The creation of woman is thus marked from the outset by the principle of help; a help which is not one-sided but mutual. Woman complements man, just as man compliments woman: men and women are complementary. Womanhood expresses the “human” as much as manhood does, but in a different and complementary way.(7) He also mentions that this help, that man is to each other, is not merely acting, but also being.

The request by God to “fill the earth and subdue it” (Gen 1:28) is spoken to both man and woman. “In this task, which is essentially that of culture, man and woman alike share equal responsibility from the start.”(8) The theme of the upcoming conference on women is “Action for Equality, Development and Peace”(8) and John Paul II says that the progress that has happened is largely by the hands of women.

2 Progress

Progress, although usually measured according to science and technology, JP II states that the more important measurement should be that of the social and ethical dimension. “In this area, which often develops in an inconspicuous way beginning with the daily relationships between people, especially within the family, society certainly owes much to the ‘genius of women’”.(9) He goes on to share his appreciation for all those women who have dedicated themselves to education in every such way.

3 Service

Mary as our example of the genius of woman put herself in God’s service and a the service of others. John Paul II calls this “a service of love”(10) “For her, ‘to reign’ is to serve! Her service is ‘to reign’! This is the way in which authority needs to be understood, both in the family and in society and the Church.”(10)

“In this perspective of ‘service’-which, when it is carried out with freedom, reciprocity and love, expresses the truly ‘royal’ nature of mankind- one can also appreciate that the presence of a certain diversity of roles is in no way prejudicial to women, provided that this diversity is not the result of an arbitrary imposition, but is rather an expression of what is specific to being male and female.”(11) Thus women’s role in the church is not the same as all men, which does not detract from their dignity at all. Rather, it tells of the plan of God in the sacramental economy. There is much to be learned from the Gospel that will make clear this point further, but it in no way hinders women from making a big impact in the Church and in the world. JP II mentions St. Catherine of Siena and St. Teresa of Avila who were instrumental in the life of the Church both institutionally and to the individual members during their lifetimes.

John Paul II concludes this letter by again stating his hopes for the upcoming conference on women and says: “Necessary emphasis should be placed on the ‘genius of women’, not only by considering great and famous women of the past or present, but also those ordinary women who reveal the gift of their womanhood by placing themselves at the service of others in their everyday lives. For in giving themselves to others each day women fulfill their deepest vocation. Perhaps more than men, women acknowledge the person, because they see persons with their hearts. They see them independently of various ideological or political systems. They see others in their greatness and limitations; they try to go out to them and help them. In this way the basic plan of the creator takes flesh in the history of humanity and there is constantly revealed, in the variety of vocations, that beauty-not merely physical, but above all spiritual-which God bestowed from the very beginning on all, and in a particular way on women.”(12)

This wraps up our discussion on John Paul II’s Letter to Women. If you liked these ’study’ episodes and would like to see more of them - let me know. And send me a DM, email, or leave a comment if you want to recommend a specific book or writing to study next!

8 The Three Relationships We Need For Community

Mon, 20 Jun 2022 11:00:00 +0000

We are made for community - yet we live in a really lonely culture. Communities have existed since God created Adam and Eve. That was the way that God designed it. But somewhere we got caught up in progress and “making the world a better place” that we actually left what is really important behind.

It’s important to recognize though, that we are not alone in this struggle. You are not alone in feeling alone. Literally everyone is in the same boat.

Social media gives the illusion of connection and the occasional real connection and community. Don’t get me wrong it can bring forth really strong community and connection, but that is often the exception, and not the rule.

This Sunday I heard a homily that really stuck with me on this theme of community. Among other things, he said to have community you need to lead people, you need to follow people, and you need to be walking arm in arm with people. This three fold explanation of community makes total sense! We fall short of even understanding community if we are so focused on only one of these three components.

The homily really helped me see that there are different roles that each of us play. We do not have community when we are only leading. We do not have community when we are only following. We do not have community when we are only walking arm in arm with others. Which is what we normally think of when we think of community.

We are all at different points in our lives. Even those we are linking arms with can be ahead of us and we can be learning from them as well. It does not have to be so black and white that we can never lead or learn from someone just because that isn’t their “normal” role. That’s the great thing about community, it comes up around each other and gives everyone what they need.

So I leave you with the question, who are you leading? Who are you following? And who are you linking arms with?

There is a disparity between the need for community and what is actually happening in the world today. And the only way that is going to change is if we build up our own communities. There is a new book by Jennie Allen called “Find your People”. It’s about the need for community but also the practical implementation that you need to start building community! I have really been enjoying the read and been so inspired to implement these changes in my own life. For the month of July on the podcast we are going to do a book study of this book. I invite you to go get the book, and join us here on the podcast so that we can learn and implement it together. We all need some accountability and what better place than to start building up community?!

Join me this July reading “Find your people” by Jennie Allen.

Here is the schedule:

July 4th - Part 1 We Need Each Other

July 11th - part 2 The Path to Connection, chapters 5&6 Close and Safe

July 18th - Part 2 The Path to Connection, chapters 7-9 Protected, Deep, and Committed

July 25th - Part 3 Fighting for Your Village

You have two weeks to get the book and read part 1. I can’t wait to grow in this season with you

Book: https://liketk.it/3HOUf

Website: https://theblvedcollective.com

Made BLVED: https://theblvedcollective.com/made-blved

Instagram: @theblvedcollective

Youtube: The BLVED Collective

7 John Paul II's Letter to Women part 1

Mon, 13 Jun 2022 11:00:00 +0000

Welcome to the first ‘study’ episode. My hope for these episodes are that we are able to dive into important works, whether books, letters, or quotes, and discuss them together.

Up first is John Paul II’s Letter to Women

This letter is often quoted and referred to as an important work of John Paul II and the Church’s approach to women and women’s issues. Let’s dive in to see why.

This letter was written in June of 1995 and was addressed to ‘women throughout the world’. It is the first letter from a pope addressed specifically to women. The occasion for the letter was stated by JP II as being the eve of the United Nations Organization Fourth World Conference on Women. This letter comes after a document that he sent to the Secretary General of the conference stating some basic points of the Church’s teaching regarding women’s issues.

He now shifts his focus and speaks “directly to every woman” on the topic of “the essential issue of the dignity and rights of women, as seen in the light of the word of God.” And he begins this discussion with a word of thanks. This often quoted part of the letter goes through each category of women and thanks them for their role and the work that they do.

“Thank you, women who are mothers!… Thank you, women who are wives!… Thank you, women who are daughters and women who are sisters!… Thank you, women who work!… Thank you, consecrated women!… Thank you, every woman, for the simple fact of being a woman!”

After these deep and concrete thank you’s, he goes on to say that he recognizes that saying thank you is not enough. “Women’s dignity has often been unacknowledged and their prerogatives misrepresented; they have often been relegated to the margins of society and even reduced to servitude. This has prevented women from truly being themselves and it has resulted in a spiritual impoverishment of humanity.” (3) He goes on to say that the Church herself is not entirely faultless in this and apologizes on behalf of the Church and calls for a “renewed commitment of fidelity to the Gospel vision”.(3) Taking Christ and the Gospel as the example.

Examining the past in order to assign responsibility where it is due, John Paul II goes on to say: “Women have contributed to that history as much as men and, more often than not, they did so in much more difficult conditions. I think particularly of those women who loved culture and art, and devoted their lives to them in spite of the fact that they were frequently at a disadvantage from the start, excluded from equal educational opportunities, underestimated, ignored and not given credit for their intellectual contributions… To this great, immense feminine ‘tradition’ humanity owes a debt which can never be repaid. Yet how many women have been and continue to be valued more for their physical appearance than for their skill, their professionalism, their intellectual abilities, their deep sensitivity; in a word, the very dignity of their being!”(3)

What is important to note here is that this is not just a historical problem - there are still ways where women are being treated shy of their dignity. “We need only think of how the gift of motherhood is often penalized rather than rewarded, even though humanity owes its very survival to this gift. Certainly, much remains to be done to prevent discrimination agains those who have chosen to be wives and mothers.” (4) John Paul II goes on to predict the role of women in the solution of serious problems that we face, such as: “leisure time, the quality of life, migration, social services, euthanasia, drugs, health care, the ecology, etc.”(4)

Then he shifts his focus to speak about the dark history of violence agains women in the area of sexuality. He condemns this history and calls for the defense by law for women who find themselves treated this way. Going further and speaking about the pressure and often choice to abort a child conceived in such circumstances he says something incredibly important. “But before being something to blame on the woman, it is a crime for which guilt needs to be attributed to men and to the complicity of the general social environment.”(5) Why is this statement so important? 1) It is important that this is said by the pope because so often the “religious” argument against abortion is equated to punishment for the woman who finds herself in this situation. And 2) because not only does he call men to take responsibility for their actions, he calls upon the “general social environment”. If such societies continue to do nothing about violence in this way, they too are held accountable. To this he says “My word of thanks to women thus becomes a heartfelt appeal that everyone, and in a special way States and international institutions, should make every effort to ensure that women regain full respect for their dignity and role.”(6)

With that we will end here, stay tuned for part 2!

Website: www.theblvedcollective.com

Instagram: @theblvedcollective.com

Youtube: The BLVED Collective

6 The Gift of Singleness with Elizabeth Hince

Mon, 06 Jun 2022 11:00:00 +0000

Today on the show we have our next guest, Elizabeth Hince

Elizabeth Hince is from Texas, but currently living in Rome, Italy, while her husband is pursuing a License in Theology. As a wife and mother she enjoys playing along with the antics of her 1 year old daughter while preparing to welcome baby #2 this fall! She loves to host friends and travel, especially to countries off the beaten path, and in her "free" time, she is pursuing a Masters of Psychology. You can follow her along on Instagram: @a_joyfilled__life

Today we dive into the topic of the gift of singleness!

Give it a listen!

Website: https://theblvedcollective.com

Made BLVED: https://theblvedcollective.com/made-blved

Instagram: @theblvedcollective

Youtube: The BLVED Collective

5 Advice for Waiting Seasons From Joan of Arc

Mon, 30 May 2022 11:00:00 +0000

There is a lot of advice out there for the waiting season. Many women are told to wait - seemingly endlessly. I don’t believe that is good advice.

Disclaimer* there are seasons where we are explicitly called to wait and in those seasons passive waiting may be what you are called to

I invite you to reframe how you think of waiting, and if you are not explicitly called to wait than you are called to do, live, love, as you were created by God. This is active waiting. He made the world, He sent His Son to show us how to live rightly, holy people have followed, Mary and other saints that we can look up to - we have no excuse not to know what to do. If we do not move forward nothing will ever happen.

Story: I got sick a couple years back - I had to leave grad school. It was a long and weary time. And I found myself putting my life on hold - I can’t pursue this dream until, I am better, until I finish grad school, until, until, until… That was a huge lie I was telling myself.

At one point I stopped myself and had this realization that this is reality. It is not some bad dream I am automatically going to wake up from and everything be better again. I had to do something about it. So slowly but surely I stoped putting my life on hold. Its a little thing but I changed my living space around, started doing things towards my goals. I started my business during that time, yes even before I finished grad school! And because I was doing all of those things I had the courage to reach out to different schools because it was clear that I wasn’t able to finish the way I had started. I called other schools and figured out a way that I could finish up my last semester here in the States.

Now I have been graduated for almost a year, my business is two years old, I am living a life I never thought possible in a good way. But I am not better from my illness. I am still sick. And sometimes I think and I wonder if I had never stepped out, started making moves in my life where would I be? And that is a scary thought.

A lot of times I think of this story and many other stories others have shared with me about their own lives that had they listened to all the advice to just wait - their lives would look so different.

Joan of Arc is a woman who also advocated for doing. So today we are going to get some advice from her on this topic. I have picked 3 quotes of hers that I think represent this idea of what to do in waiting periods.

“If I am not, may God put me there; and if I am, may God so keep me.”

In this quote she is taking herself out of control - recognizing that trusting God in these moments requires us to let go of some control. She is humble, yet moving. She is not stagnant. Holding. Waiting. She is actively waiting, and constantly pursuing God’s will.

From her here I think we can glean that active waiting requires a humility and trust. It doesn’t mean that the way that you do show up and act is void of God and His plan, but in harmony with it

“One life is all we have and we live it as we believe in living it. But to sacrifice what you are and to live without belief, that is a fate more terrible than dying.”

What a power punch! She is not holding back here!

A life not lived according to God’s plan or your beliefs is far worse than dying. Can you imagine that? This quote reminds me to remain close to God in all the acting. To constantly harken back to His will, my values, my why behind things because if that isn’t constantly checked sometimes we can get off track. Start chasing things we aren’t meant to chase.

“Act, and God will act.”

This quote is probably my favorite of hers - although she has many great ones.

But this right here is what I am talking about. Act. Step up to the plate, answer the Lord’s call, do the thing you’ve been waiting on, take messy action, because in those moments you will not be left alone. God will show up. God will act. He will be with you in a BIG way.

We are the body of Christ, His hands and His feet. If we do not serve others, or do things here on this earth, how will His will, His love be known and shown on this earth?

And I leave you with one more quote as I like to end these episodes with a quote to chew on,

“Go forward bravely. Fear nothing. Trust in God; all will be well.”

St. Joan of Arc

Website: www.theblvedcollective.com

Instagram: @theblvedcollective

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4 Friendship With Samantha Barton

Mon, 23 May 2022 11:00:00 +0000

On today’s episode I am chatting with my long time best friend about friendship. Samantha is a wife, daughter, and an aspiring home chef. She works in new construction real estate by day, but loves to cook, travel, and spend time with family by night. You can follower her @sam-kbarton on instagram.

We met in college but it wasn’t best friends at first… We were in the same household at our university, similar to a sorority, and she was my big. We got along but didn’t really click as besties until she got sick with phenomena. After that we were pretty much inseparable.

In the summers we would call each other every day, even just for 5 minutes at a time. Back at school everyone knew us as Sam and Laura - that’s how often we were together.

Our time together gave us a great base in which our friendship could flourish because at this point we have been long distance friends longer than we have been in person. At points we were just across the country, at others across the world. It is much easier to maintain a friendship long distance these days with all the technology that is available to us.

Having been friends for 7 years we have seen each other through a lot of different life seasons. Student, on our own, dating, engagement, marriage - we’ve been all the places together. There are some friendships that are meant for a season, but there are also friendships that transcend seasons and are with you through life, and that is a very sweet kind of friendship.

Because people change and mature over time, friendships also have to change. The reason our friendship has been so “successful” over a long amount of time has been because we adapt to our new life stages. At one point we were free enough to talk every day. That looks different now, and it’s not a bad thing because it is not what we need any more.

Sometimes it happens that one friend is going through a life change while the other isn’t. Or a stage of life has more to do with another than with that friend. It can be difficult trying to navigate these seasons because on one hand the needs of one friend changes, while the needs of the other stays the same. What can be done here? Communication is the key, and understanding where each other is coming from and making an effort to be there for your friend in their season. Friendships that are selfish won’t last. Friendship is a relationship and in relationships they need to be reciprocal to thrive. Think about the other, and communicate your needs clearly.

We had so much fun recording this episode together for you! Let us know if you enjoyed it and would like to have Samantha come back!

Website: www.theblvedcollective.com

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3 John Paul II's Legacy

Mon, 16 May 2022 11:00:00 +0000

Today’s short episode is all about John Paul II, his legacy, and what I am doing to carry on his work!

John Paul II what a guy! He was a huge adventurer, loved sports, and his mind was incredible. He didn’t have an easy life but he made the best of it. Writing plays to perform with his friends, writing poetry, taking youth on camping adventures, his adventures knew no bounds.

He was influential in a lot of ways but in particular, his mind was a huge gift. He spend a lot of time contemplating with the Lord. This influenced everything he did and all his writing and work. He had such draw to the real presence in the Eucharist that he would stop what ever he was going as he passed a chapel and he would go in and pray for hours. This became a logistical problem when he was pope, so much that he would be guided away from chapels so that he could stay on task and on time. Removing himself from what was going on the world to contemplate the Lord led him to his reflections on the topics in his writing and teaching.

He was influential to two groups of people in particular: before his pontificate there was no pope or any really official writings from the Church specifically addressed to women. His writings to women were monumental for the Church’s understanding of women. Similarly his love for and words directed toward young people made a huge impact on the world and each young person in it.

He is widely known for his work on the theology of the body and how those reflections have deepened so many people’s understanding of our human bodies. There are even people who have converted to the faith after encountering his reflections on theology of the body. Incredible.

I speak about his theology of the body in my proximate marriage preparation program, Made BLVED. We dive deep into some of the main points of the theology of the body during the program. Enrollment is open now for a limited time! https://theblvedcollective.com/made-blved

John Paul II’s legacy is incredible. I love JP II for so many reasons but I feel especially close to him in my work. I also have dedicated my life and work to young people and women, and knowing that I am such good company is comforting.

He wrote a whole lot but this quote of his in particular I love. I even send it out to all of my clients! If you enroll in my program you’ll get one too.

“It is Jesus that you seek when you dream of happiness; He is waiting for you when nothing else you find satisfies you; He is the beauty to which you are so attracted; it is He who provoked you with that thirst for fullness that will not let you settle for compromise; it is He who urges you to shed the masks of a false life; it is He who reads in your heart your most genuine choices, the choices that others try to stifle.

It is Jesus who stirs in you the desire to do something great with your lives, the will to follow an ideal, the refusal to allow yourselves to be ground down by mediocrity, the courage to commit yourselves humbly and patiently to improving yourselves and society, making the world more human and more fraternal.”

John Paul II

Enrollment for Made BLVED is open now for a limited time. Enroll today: https://theblvedcollective.com/made-blved

Website: www.theblvedcollective.com

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2 What We Are Made For With Sarah Frigon

Mon, 09 May 2022 11:00:00 +0000

Today we have our very first guest here with us as we talk about what we are made for. In order to answer that question we have to start wide and narrow in. So first we need to understand where we are coming from and to where we are going.

The answer to both is God. We come from God and we are living our lives to get back to Him in heaven. From this wide angle we can put into perspective all of the things.

We can see what we are made for from this perspective. There are many answers here and we spoke about 3 in particular.

We are made for relationship - daughter, friend, wife, mother

There are 4 fundamental relationships that man has, between man and God, between man and himself, between man and other men, and between man and the earth. These are fundamental to who we are as humans.

We are made for beauty - especially as women, the crown of creation we emulate beauty to the world and to men. Beauty is all around us in this world and women have a great gift to be able to recognize it, make it flourish, and cultivate it in many areas.

We are made for service - not “submissive” in the societal way that is assumed today, but always aiming to give of ourselves and putting others first like Christ at the last supper. Christ shows us that it is not weak to serve, in face it is the role of each of us. No one is above it.

All of these things are great to recognize, and it can be beautiful to hear about the plan of God from this perspective, but we live in a fallen world. What do we do when “reality” seems so far from this? How do we strive to live out this truth when no one else is? Simply don’t give up or give in. Often the easy way out is consists of sin or falling short of the truth. Don’t take the easy way out. It sounds easy enough, but in reality it is not. But take heart, Christ has conquered the world.

Our guest:

Sarah Frigon is a Catholic photographer based in Phoenix, AZ. She is a cradle Catholic, but only began delving deep into the meaning of Catholicism in college, and since has had her life transformed by the truth of the Catholic faith. As an artist, she aims to reveal truth through beauty, striving to exemplify God's love and goodness through her work and relationships.

You can find her at:

sarahkayphoto.com

@bysarahkay

Website: www.theblvedcollective.com

Instagram: @theblvedcollective

Youtube: The BLVED Collective

1 Battle In The Culture

Mon, 02 May 2022 11:00:00 +0000

There is no question that there is a battle going on in our culture today. It is a battle between lies and the truth. It is a big topic and there are so many individual battles going on within this massive battle. One topic in particular is what we are talking about today: the lies and the truth surrounding marriage and the family.

Even this is a HUGE topic. Between what marriage is and what is not is even vast. It is a huge topic because, as most people will get married, it effects everyone. Society is built on the backbone of the family. Tear down the family and society crumbles. This battle effects everyone.

Married couples are navigating the battle from one perspective, but the question I want to pose is: how does this battle impact those who aren’t yet married? It effects them in a very specific and confusing way.

The confusion that surrounds this battle is the work of the devil. The devil does two things - he makes so much noise in the culture that it becomes really confusing and hard to navigate and find the truth. With so much noise, it can be hard to hear the truth even if its right in front of you. The other thing that the devil does is he creates an illusion of isolation so that if you happen to find the truth, you feel like you’re the only one who believes it. Living the truth in this culture is difficult enough, but when you believe that you are the only one striving for these things, then it becomes infinitely more difficult.

There is an obvious need to learn how to decipher the truth and I wish it was as easy as follow these 3 steps. But it’s not. The truth is that it takes a life time of honing your truth meter and constantly striving to stay aligned to the truth.

Once the truth is found however, the battle is not over! We need perseverance, accountability and community to come up around us and champion us on. We need to struggle towards the truth with others, we are social creatures after all. We need the outlet to discuss our thoughts and hearts with others. We need to be seen in the struggle. As humans we are not perfect, we mess up. We need to be seen as human, as erring. In the world of social media it is nearly impossible not to feel like you can’t show the messy parts of your life to others.

Even with all of this we cannot do it alone. We need true human community but also we need Christ. We need His truth, and His example. He is the way, the truth, and the life.

What do we do with all of this now? First we need to find human community and run together toward Christ and His truth. I hope you all have supportive communities around you but if not, please reach out! I would love to support you in any way that I can.

Website: www.theblvedcollective.com

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Trailer Episode - Behind The BLVED Collective

Fri, 29 Apr 2022 11:00:00 +0000

Welcome to Dear BLVED!

The Dear BLVED podcast is a place to dive deep into relationships, femininity, and the stages leading up to marriage. Conversations rooted in the truth and doing our part in carrying on the work of John Paul II.

In this trailer episode get to know me, your host, Laura Jean, founder of The BLVED Collective, and learn about the ways that I am serving you.

I fell in love with theology from a young age. There is something about the truth that convicts and piques your interest. I was introduced to John Paul II and his teaching on Theology of the Body and loved that theology has so much to say on the human person and our experience here on this earth. With this hunger to learn everything I could about these topics I studied Theology in college and went on to study marriage and family Theology in graduate school at the International Theological Institute.

It was in grad school that I was struck with profound gratitude, not only for the things I was learning but because I was learning them as a young single woman. I knew that being formed in this way as a single person would impact every relationship I had moving forward and that is an incredible gift. I started thinking of ways that I can use my education to form young people in a similar way in the stages before marriage - and thats how I started The BLVED Collective.

The BLVED Collective exists to form young Catholic’s in the truth. I bring together Theology, philosophy, and practicality in this formation which makes it unique and approachable. In order to do this I enlisted some help of some great saints who have done their own work much better than I ever can imagine I might in this field. The patron saints of The BLVED Collective are John Paul II, Sts. Louis and Zelie Martin, and Edith Stein.

There is a lot of confusion in todays world about what is true and what is not. Sifting through the lies and devious plans of the devil is not an easy task, nor one that we can handle alone. It is something that we need Christ and our communities to come up around us and help us in our journey towards the truth.

The battle is not just a battle for marriages, other vocations are also effected. But what is crazy is that the preparations for other vocations is much longer than the preparation for marriage. Most people will get married, it is the natural vocation after all. However on average a young man will have 4-6 years of formation before he is ordained a priest and a young woman has about 4-8 years of formation before becoming a religious sister. This time of formation serves them well for their vocations and the duties that it entails. However marriage is not given the same formation period. On average the Church requires 6 weeks of formation for a couple before they can be married. That is simply not enough.

Preparation for marriage should be something that happens from day 1. And it does as John Paul II notes in familiars consortio. But he also mentions different kinds of marriage preparation, some more intentional than others. This intentional formation is what I am doing to help this preparation deficiency in the Church today. I have created Made BLVED which is a proximate marriage preparation program designed with single and dating young people in mind. To give them a similar formation to what I was able to receive as a single person studying Theology in graduate school. This 12 week program is both intellectual and practical formation for the young person who would like to be married one day.

In addition to Made BLVED which is the bread and butter here at The BLVED Collective, I also offer life formation coaching for young women and mentorship programs. Check out my website at www.theblvedcollective.com to learn more and to download some freebies to help you on your journey towards truth.

Website: www.theblvedcollective.com

Instagram: @theblvedcollective.com

Youtube: The BLVED Collective