Image copyright 2019, Christine Hilbert. All rights reserved.
The Well is reading, reflecting on, and discussing the book Searching for and Maintaining Peace: A Small Treatise on Peace of Heart by Fr. Jacques Philippe throughout the 2019 Lenten season. Come, join and follow along with The Well this Lent. More information about the study can be found here.
In this second week of Lent, we are reading and discussing pages 23-36 covering chapters 1-4. Humans have lost confidence in God, trying to find happiness on our own and consequently becoming unhappy in the process. We must regain our lost confidence by believing in Divine Providence. In his book, Fr. Jacques brings to light two principal obstacles preventing us from regaining confidence. The podcast team discusses these two obstacles in this episode.
This Week’s Prayerful Invitation
Fr. Jacques writes the only way to Jesus’ heart is through the habit of contemplative, meditative prayer. Through that, in the midst of our trials, we can experience “delicacies of Love” (consolations from God). So our invitation this week is to begin, or recommit, spending fifteen minutes a day with Jesus in quiet mental prayer. In what ways has faith in Divine Providence manifested itself in your life recently? As you begin to enter into a deeper relationship with Him, make note in a prayer journal of the delicacies of Love you see Him gifting you.
Learn more about the 1% Prayer Challenge discussed on this episode by heading over here.
The Painting
Finally, a word about the watercolor image above. It was painted by Christine Hilbert who also painted “The Well,” our signature image. After we recorded the first podcast, the podcast team talked about how we all were so moved by Becca’s use of imagery during her prayer time. Inspired by this, Christine woke up early one morning last week and created the painting during her prayer time. She says it’s the peaceful place to go when visiting with our Lord. Indeed, it is! Let’s head there together.
To listen to this first episode in our Lenten series, push play in the audio player above. You can also subscribe to The Water Jar via iTunes or Stitcher and listen from your smartphone.
 | 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. |