Hearts Wide Open

DAY 25 — CHRIST IS HEREMerry Christmas!The wait is over — but the journey continues.📖 John 1:9The true light has come into the world.Let His light move with you into every ordinary day ahead.Today’s Challenge: Carry today’s peace into the rest of the season.Ask Jesus to stay close in every moment.

DAY 24 — O HOLY NIGHTThe night Jesus was born, everything changed.📖 Luke 2:11A Savior is born for you.Jesus comes into our ordinary moments — even the messy ones — with love and peace.Today’s Challenge: Whisper the angel’s words when stress rises: “Do not be afraid.”

DAY 23 — THE JOURNEY TO BETHLEHEMHard journeys often lead to holy places.📖 Luke 2:4–5Joseph and Mary traveled to Bethlehem.Some of our most uncomfortable seasons bring us right where we need to be.Today’s Challenge: Pause today and ask God:“What are You preparing me for on this journey?”

DAY 22 — MARY’S SONGPraise shifts the heart from fear to faith.📖 Luke 1:46–47My soul magnifies the Lord.Mary’s humility and praise are models for us — pointing everything back to God.Today’s Challenge: Do one humble act today solely for God’s glory.

DAY 21 — LIGHT BEARERSYou carry the light of Christ within you — let it be seen.📖 Matthew 5:14–16You are the light of the world.Even the smallest act of love can brighten someone’s day.Today’s Challenge: Do one small act today that shines Christ’s light — a kind word, help, or encouragement.

DAY 20 — GOOD NEWS OF GREAT JOYThe Gospel is good news for every day — not just Christmas.📖 Luke 2:10“Be not afraid… I bring good news of great joy.”Trust. Good news. Joy. This is the rhythm of the Christian heart.Today’s Challenge (Prayer): Jesus, silence my fears. Fill me with Your joy. Send me forward to announce Your love to the world. Amen.

DAY 19 — LET EVERY HEART REJOICEGratitude shifts our focus from what’s missing to Who is present.📖 Psalm 98:4Shout with joy to the Lord!Rejoicing invites God’s peace into our hearts — especially during busy seasons.Today’s Challenge: At Mass this week, sing with joy — truly sing.

DAY 18 — THE WONDER OF THE MANGERGod meets us in the ordinary.📖 Luke 2:16They found the child lying in the manger.The manger shows us that holiness hides in humble places.Today’s Challenge: Identify a “manger moment” — an ordinary place where God might be present today.

DAY 17 — THE PROMISE FULFILLEDGod’s timing is perfect — always.📖 Galatians 4:4–5In the fullness of time, God sent His Son.God never acts too soon or too late. His timing always has purpose.Today’s Challenge: Write down one time God answered differently than expected — and thank Him for His perfect timing.

DAY 16 — PEACE ON EARTHPeace begins inside us before it flows around us.📖 Luke 2:14Peace on earth to those with whom He is pleased.Call on the Holy Spirit when overwhelm rises — He brings inner calm.Today’s Challenge: When anxiety comes, pause and pray:“Holy Spirit, be my peace.”

DAY 15 — GIVING FROM THE HEARTThe best gifts come from love, not obligation.📖 2 Corinthians 9:7God loves a cheerful giver.Everything we have is a gift from God — and generosity reflects His heart.Today’s Challenge: Make one Family Dollar Dinner and donate it to someone in need.

DAY 14 — SILENT NIGHT MOMENTSStillness makes space for God to speak.📖 Psalm 46:10Be still and know that I am God.Stillness may feel impossible — but it’s where God’s peace settles in.Today’s Challenge: Begin your day with one minute of silence.If possible, spend time in adoration this week.

DAY 13 — EMMANUEL — GOD WITH USYou are never alone — not for a moment.📖 Matthew 1:23God is with us.His presence is the gift that steadies us when life feels heavy.Today’s Challenge: Read “Footprints in the Sand” and return to it whenever you feel alone.

DAY 12 — THE STAR STILL SHINESThe wise men followed the light — and so can we.📖 Matthew 2:10They rejoiced with great joy.God still places guiding lights in our lives — subtle, steady, full of joy.Today’s Challenge: Ask God to show you a “star sign” a moment of joy He’s giving you.

DAY 11 — SHEPHERD HEARTSThe shepherds hurried to Jesus — no hesitation.📖 Luke 2:15–16They went in haste to see Him.What if we hurried toward Jesus before anything else?Today’s Challenge: Tomorrow morning, open your Bible before your phone.

DAY 10 — ANGELS' SONGHeaven rejoiced — and we’re invited to join the praise.📖 Luke 2:14Glory to God in the highest.Christ’s birth brings glory, peace, and purpose. Let His peace settle wherever division exists.Today’s Challenge: Choose one act of peacemaking today — listen without judgment, forgive, or offer help.

DAY 9 — A HUMBLE KINGGreatness isn’t found in power — but in humility.📖 Philippians 2:7–8He emptied Himself and became obedient.Humility is honesty. It’s stepping out of comfort, serving those who are overlooked, and remembering we all need Jesus.Today’s Challenge: Reach out to a shelter, prison ministry, or recovery home.Serve, donate, or write a note of encouragement.

DAY 8 — THE LIGHT IN THE DARKNESSJesus shines brightest when life feels heavy.📖 John 8:12“I am the light of the world.”His light exposes, heals, and guides. Even silence becomes holy when we let His light in.Today’s Challenge: Sit in stillness. Picture a candle and pray: “Jesus, You are the light of the world.”

DAY 7 — JOSEPH’S OBEDIENCEObedience often happens in the quiet, unseen places.📖 Matthew 1:24Joseph did as the angel commanded.Joseph obeyed without applause, without clarity — simply because he trusted God. We’re invited into the same quiet faithfulness.Today’s Challenge: Reflect honestly: “If God has a bigger plan, why do I fight so hard for control?”Let the Holy Spirit speak.

DAY 6 — FAITH LIKE MARYMary said yes before she understood the outcome — that’s real surrender.📖 Luke 1:38“Let it be done according to your word.”Mary’s yes was trust, bravery, and wholehearted openness to God’s plan. May her surrender inspire our own.Today’s Challenge: Whisper Mary’s words today: “Lord, let it be done according to Your word.”

DAY 5 — LOVE CAME DOWNGod didn’t stay distant — He stepped right into our story.📖 John 1:14The Word became flesh and dwelt among us.Jesus came close on purpose. Not to condemn, but to reveal grace and truth. He chose humility, humanity, and nearness — the same nearness He offers you today.Today’s Challenge: Write down one way you saw God show up this week.

DAY 4 — JOY THAT LASTSReal joy isn’t dependent on how good life looks — but on how close Jesus is.📖 Philippians 4:4Rejoice in the Lord always.Joy rooted in Jesus remains steady, even when life isn’t. Ask yourself today: Is my joy coming from circumstances… or from Christ?Today’s Challenge: Notice one moment of joy today and thank Jesus for it — big or small.

DAY 3 — THE GIFT OF PEACETrue peace isn’t the absence of noise — it’s the presence of Christ.📖 John 14:27Jesus gives a peace the world cannot give.Peace isn’t found in a quiet house, a perfect schedule, or a finished to-do list. It’s found in Christ’s steady presence. When we focus on Him, our reactions change, our hearts soften, and the chaos loses its grip.Today’s Challenge: Take 30 seconds today, breathe deeply, and whisper: “Jesus, You are my peace.”

DAY 2 — HOPE IN THE WAITINGAdvent reminds us that God’s timing is never rushed, never delayed — always perfect.📖 Romans 15:13May the God of hope fill you with peace and joy as you trust Him.Our busy lives often make us feel like we must create hope, joy, and peace on our own — but Scripture calls God the God of Hope. Meaning: He is the source, not us. Instead of exhausting ourselves, what if we turned back to Him and simply asked?Today’s Challenge: Ask God directly for hope today. Whisper, “Lord, I receive the hope that comes from You.”

Day 1 — Prepare Him RoomToday we begin our Advent journey with Luke 2:7: “She wrapped him in swaddling clothes and laid him in a manger, because there was no room for them in the inn.”Before we celebrate His birth, Advent invites us to make room, not in our homes, but in our hearts. Together we reflect on what might be crowding out space for Jesus, why He chose to enter the world in such humility, and how the manger reminds us to rely completely on God.Today’s simple challenge:Choose one small way to prepare Him room. Clear a moment in your schedule, release a frustration, pause in prayer, or choose kindness when it’s hard. Whisper, “Jesus, I’m making room for You.”We end with a short prayer asking God to clear the clutter in our hearts and fill us with His peace. Let Him meet you in the simple places, just like He met Mary and Joseph in theirs. See you tomorrow!❤️‍🔥✨

In this episode, we dive into James 3 and the power of our words. How the tongue can either build up or tear down, and why that matters so deeply in our homes, our churches, and our everyday conversations. We talk about what it really means to be a “teacher” of the faith (yes, even as parents and friends), why our words carry a spiritual ripple effect, and how true wisdom from above looks peaceful, gentle, and rooted in God’s heart, not comparison or chaos.We also share a powerful confession analogy involving a donkey in a hole (you’ll never forget this one 🫏) and how repeated confession actually lifts us closer to freedom rather than shaming us for our repeated struggles.And… we have exciting news! 🌟We are pausing James because...we’re stepping into a simple daily Advent series and challenge for December! Short, beautiful, 2-3 minute episodes designed to fit into real life while drawing your heart closer to Christ. Think of it as a gentle, intentional pause in the middle of a busy month. We invite you to join us for our upcoming Advent journey, right here, every morning!Takeaways○The words we say can either tear or build up those around us○Earthly Wisdom VS. Heavenly Wisdom○Peacemakers are God’s WorkersPonder Like Mary○Which type of words come easiest for me-encouraging or critical? Why?○What practical take can I take this week to pause before responding to atriggering situation?○What do my recent words reveal about the state of my heart?○In my home, am I creating peace or tension with my words?

In James 2, we get called out, in the best way. James reminds us that we can’t say we love Jesus and then treat people differently based on what they wear, what they drive, or how “put together” they look. He also tells us straight-up: faith without works is dead.In this episode we talk about:favoritism in the Church (and how it sneaks in)why God chose the poor to be rich in faithhow mercy and judgment are connectedwhy just believing isn’t the same as followingand that line… “are there areas I’ve settled for belief but not obedience?”Ponder like MaryWhat would it look like to truly “love my neighbor as myself?What does my life reveal about my faith-do my actions reflect what I say I believe?Are there areas where I’ve been content with belief but not obedience?How can I live out my faith more boldly through love, service, and trust in God?

Every line in James feels like a gem! Challenging, sharpening, and calling us to live out our faith. In this episode, we dive into James 1 and talk about steadfastness, prayer, trials, and what it really means to be doers of the Word, not just hearers. Expect laughter, conviction, and those Holy Spirit goosebumps we’ve all come to love! Ponder like MaryIf you are going through a hard season what is God trying to teach you right now?When I ask for clarity on things with God, am I truly ok if the outcome isn’t the way I have intended it to be?

We wrap Ephesians by getting practical and personal: the tug on our hearts about “one Lord, one faith, one baptism” (Eph 4:5), what godparents are really for, and how to parent without provoking, guiding from love instead of control. Then we step into the heart of chapter 6: the Armor of God for the everyday spiritual battles we face (and our kids face), from bedtime meltdowns to teen moods to the lies that hit our minds at 3 a.m.We talk honest discipline, safe spaces for confession (the kid kind!), praying at every opportunity, and serving from the heart, not for affirmation. If you need a gentle reset on family culture and a courage boost to “stand firm,” this one’s for you.Ponder Like MaryWhat is one practical way I can create a safe space for my child to confess mistakes without fear of judgement?Am I giving my kids the same expectations that I expect of myself?How can I serve each member in my family today without expecting anything back?

In Ephesians 5, we dive into what it really means to walk in love as God’s children, imitators, and light-bearers. We talk about forgiving the way God forgives, catching ourselves when we idolize busyness or the scroll, and remembering that faith isn’t a checkbox; it’s a lifestyle.I share stories from the farm, real-life lessons on family, and the gentle ways God nudges us to slow down, bring our dark parts into His light, and make our days count. From social-media boundaries and gratitude games with the kids to music that brings us back to His presence, this episode is about living awake present, thankful, and anchored in grace.Ponder Like MaryIs there anyone in your life you need to forgive? How can you be more aware of how you are spending your day? Can you take some of the unhealthy habits and turn them into habits that serve the Lord?Are you showing your spouse the same respect you would want to receive both in your tone and attitude?

In Ephesians 4, we talk about what it means to live worthy of the call, with humility, gentleness, patience, and practical rhythms that keep us grounded in God’s presence when life gets loud. We share how we’re recognizing our God-given gifts, “putting off the old self,” and choosing habits that help (gratitude drives, sticky-note Scripture, the Rosary, Christian music) alongside heart checks that heal (anger without sin, speaking life, letting go of grudges, and not stealing others’ joy).This episode is equal parts encouragement and gentle conviction: unity over comparison, peace over hurry, and everyday holiness that starts right where we are.Ponder Like Mary:How can you recognize Christ’s presence throughout the day?Examine your heart at the end of each day before you go to bed!

In this heartfelt conversation on Ephesians 3, we open up about what it means to feel unworthy yet chosen , just like Paul. We share honest stories about teaching faith to our kids, staying grounded in chaotic seasons, and remembering that God often calls the ones who don’t feel qualified.With laughter, raw honesty, and a farm story in this episode we explore the depth of Christ’s love. A love that stretches higher, deeper, and wider than we can comprehend. Together, we reflect on the power of confession, humility, and learning to walk into every space like you were meant to be there...because you were!Ponder Like Mary:When was the last time you went to confession, or simply confessed your sins out loud to God?Find a quiet moment today to release what’s been heavy on your heart and make room for His peace.

In this episode, we invite you to draw closer to Christ through the Litany of Humility and St. Paul’s vision of charity. Together, we reflect on what it means to let go of worldly desires, embrace love that endures, and sit in silence with God. 💫Take a moment this week to ponder:What are your gifts?Where do you seek peace — in the world, or in Christ?When was the last time you sat quietly with God?Come as you are, leave filled with grace.

In this very first episode, we open the book of Ephesians, Chapter 1 and discover what it means to be chosen, adopted and sealed by God's love. This is a letter of identity and hope and it's where our podcast begins!Take a moment to ponder:Are you touching the hearts of those around you before you speak?We're so glad you're here. Come as you are, leave filled with grace!

This is our "Intro" we just take some time each of us to tell you who we are, and what were feeling called to do in this moment! We’re Kylee and Chelsey two Catholic women, moms, and question askers. We’re not theologians. We’re not perfect. But we are women who love Jesus, wrestle with real life, and believe there’s grace waiting for all of us… even in the chaos!Each episode, we open our Bibles (and our hearts), pray together, reflect on Scripture, and have honest conversations about faith, family, Catholic life, and how to stay grounded when you don’t have it all figured out.Whether you’re Catholic, curious, or somewhere in between, You’re welcome here.Come as you are. Leave filled with grace.