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The Well is reading, reflecting on, and discussing the book Searching for and Maintaining Peace by Fr. Jacques Philippe throughout the 2019 Lenten season. In this episode, we discuss pages 37-50 covering chapters 5-10.
Fr. Jacques states the measure of our interior peace will be that of our abandonment in God. So what do we do when we’re unable to abandon ourselves? “Abandon yourself anyway!” Fr. Jacques implores.
Well … how?! What does that look like?
In this episode, the podcast team talks about how abandonment is not natural, yet it is a grace to be asked of from God. The ladies share on a variety of topics from opening “dirty laundry rooms” for Jesus, allowing the Good Shepherd to lead us to the restful waters from Psalm 23, how to journey with loved ones who are suffering, and rendering our hearts at the foot of the cross.
This Week’s Prayerful Invitation
One of the most beautiful expressions in the Bible of confident abandonment into the hands of God is found in Psalm 23. By using guided imagery prayer as discussed in this episode, this week’s invitation is to pray with Psalm 23 (or listen to this passage set to music shared below) and allow the Good Shepherd to lead us to those restful waters where we shall not want for anything but God.
Podcast Team
 | Julie Nelson is a self described ambient introvert and Catholic “passionista.” Loving God’s sense of humor, Julie is a former nurse who now is Co-Host of Catholic Women Now weekly radio program. Speaking at the 2017 summer Well gathering, Julie is now building a speaking ministry. Her happy place is being surrounded with her family, especially by a beach or a lake. Julie lives out her childhood dream of being a fashion designer in her sewing room while binging on Fashion Runway. Julie is a member of Sacred Heart in West Des Moines, Iowa. |
 | Bonnie Shaw is wife to Chris, mother of four perpetually hungry offspring, and in continual anticipation of summer and hot weather. An educator by degree and lifelong learner by habit, she consumes stacks of books, inhabiting both her imagination and contemplation as she seeks connection with truth, ideas, and the laughter of friends traveling the same road. In relentless pursuit of more perfectly trusting in the Lord’s divine mercy, she is so very thankful for His grace and the peace and shelter of His presence as well as the example of others who love Him. |
 | Rebecca Bahl is a wife and mother of three. Her family lives in Urbandale, Iowa and attends St. Francis of Assisi parish. She works part-time for her parish as a Nursery Coordinator but spends a majority of her time being a jack of all trades and a master of none including CGS catechist, ministry volunteer, Burn boot camp survivor, and one of the last traditional scrapbook holdouts. She loves to read, travel, and soak up God’s good graces. |
 | Christine Hilbert, a mixed media painter and jewelry designer based in Winterset, Iowa. She combines vintage treasures of all kinds to create artwork and jewelry that echoes the past. Christine earned a Bachelor of Fine Arts from Iowa State University and studied painting at the Savannah College of Art & Design. She was the Artist in Residence for Ballet Des Moines Winter 2016 season and also designs for her accessory line, Bean & the Sprout. Christine is married to Jeremy and together they have two energetic boys and one adorable girl. |
 | Lisa Schmidt has a heart for building community. With a Bachelor of Family Services and Master of Public Administration, her career has been devoted to improving the quality of life for others. Currently on hiatus from the professional workforce to care for the needs of her family, Lisa has become steadily immersed in freelance work through writing, speaking, and founding The Well women’s ministry. Along with her husband Deacon Joel and their four children, the Schmidts are parishioners at St. Pius X in Urbandale, Iowa. |