Olive Branch Mom

Pray the Sorrowful Mysteries of the Rosary through Sacred Scripture in this peaceful, guided audio meditation. Walk with Jesus through the Agony in the Garden, the Scourging at the Pillar, the Crowning with Thorns, the Carrying of the Cross, and the Crucifixion. Each decade is rooted in the Gospel, helping you enter more deeply into Christ’s Passion and His infinite mercy. Perfect for: • Friday Rosary prayer • Lenten meditation • Divine Mercy devotion • Catholic moms and families • Prayer during quiet moments or daily tasks Bring your burdens to the Cross. Unite your suffering to His. Let Our Lady lead you into the heart of Christ’s redeeming love. If this episode blesses you, please follow and leave a review to help others rediscover the beauty of the Scriptural Rosary.

Pray the Luminous Mysteries of the Rosary through Sacred Scripture in this peaceful, guided audio meditation. Journey through the Baptism of Jesus, the Wedding at Cana, the Proclamation of the Kingdom, the Transfiguration, and the Institution of the Eucharist. Each decade is rooted in the Gospel, helping you encounter Christ — the Light of the World — in a deeper way. Perfect for: • Daily Rosary prayer • Thursday meditation • Eucharistic devotion • Catholic moms and families • Prayer during commute or chores Slow down. Listen to the Word. Let Our Lady lead you closer to Jesus. If this episode blesses you, please follow and leave a review to help others rediscover the beauty of the Scriptural Rosary.

Pray the Glorious Mysteries of the Rosary through Sacred Scripture in this peaceful, guided audio meditation. Meditate on the Resurrection, the Ascension, the Descent of the Holy Spirit, the Assumption, and the Coronation of Mary. Each decade is rooted in the Gospel and invites you to enter the joy, victory, and eternal hope of Christ. Perfect for: • Sunday and Wednesday Rosary prayer • Lent and Easter season meditation • Marian devotion • Catholic moms and families • Prayer during your commute or daily tasks Be renewed in hope. Be strengthened in faith. Let Our Lady lead you to the glory of her Son. If this episode blesses you, please follow and leave a review to help others grow deeper in the Scriptural Rosary.

Pray the Joyful Mysteries of the Rosary through Sacred Scripture in this peaceful, guided audio meditation. Enter into the Annunciation, the Visitation, the Nativity, the Presentation, and the Finding in the Temple. Each decade is rooted in the Gospel, helping you encounter the humility, trust, and quiet joy of the Holy Family. Perfect for: • Monday and Saturday Rosary prayer • Advent and Christmas meditation • Marian devotion • Catholic moms and families • Prayer during your commute or daily tasks Rediscover childlike faith. Rest in the joy of Christ’s coming. Let Our Lady lead you closer to her Son. If this episode blesses you, please follow and leave a review to help others grow in the beauty of the Scriptural Rosary.

Amy and Bridgette discuss Chapters 14-15: "The Word of Praise" and "The Word of Entreaty" of "Meditations Before Mass" by Romano Guardini. Topics include praise in prayer, the nature of God's love, and the power of being fully present. How can we know God better through our own preparation and participation? How does history relate to the words we speak at mass? Does God meet us wherever we look?  Mentioned in this episode:  Powers and Thrones: A New History of the Middle Ages Meditations Before Mass by Romano Guardini  

How can sacred acts–spontaneous or instituted--draw us deeper into connection with Christ? Amy and Bridgette discuss chapters 12 and 13: The Sacred Act and the Executory Word of "Meditations Before Mass" by Romano Guardini. Could allowing yourself to be drawn into the natural rhythms of life inspire greater participation in your faith life? What is the role of children as our guides? How can sacred words connect you to all believers, across time, while bringing you more fully into participation in the mass? How does the priest, acting in his office, "execute" the word and will of God? 

Amy and Bridgette discuss Chapters 10 and 11: Holy Day and The Holy Day and the Sacred Hour of "Meditations Before Mass" by Romano Guardini. How can keeping a Sabbath day help us nurture a sense of wonder and connection to God? Can a holy day give us a space to safely dealing with negative feelings? We also discuss the mass as a brief moment in time that encompasses eternity and briefly touch on the Montessorian concept of Cosmic Education. Is science just another religion...ie set of beliefs?    Meditations Before Mass by Romano Guardini Would You Baptize an Extraterrestrial? and Other Questions from the Astronomers' Inbox at the Vatican Observatory by Guy Consolmagno and Paul Mueller 

Amy and Bridgette discuss Chapters 8-9: "The Altar as Threshold" and "The Altar as Table" of "Meditations Before Mass" by Romano Guardini. Topics include prayer and mass as a means of contact and encounter with God. How can we come to know God better through His Son? What is "mystery" and what are the benefits of pondering the mysteries of our faith? How does our own human nature help but also detract from our relationship with God?  Meditations Before Mass by Romano Guardini

Amy and Bridgette discuss Chapters 6 and 7: "The Offertory" and "The Sacrifice" of "Meditations Before Mass" by Romano Guardini. How can mindfulness and being "in the moment" lead to an enhanced level of participation in mass and in life? We discuss spontaneous gratitude vs routine thanksgiving and the soul benefits of service. Can negative opinions about the word "obedience" hamper our ability for true freedom?  Meditations Before Mass by Romano Guardini

Amy and Bridgette discuss Chapters 4-5: "Composure" and "Composure and Action" of "Meditations Before Mass" by Romano Guardini. How is composure related to mindfulness and what can it teach us about being fully present? What is the value of work and how can creativity increase our daily joy and lessen anxiety?    Meditations Before Mass by Romano Guardini

Amy and Bridgette discuss "Meditations Before Mass" by Romano Guardini. This episode covers chapters 1-3: "Stillness", "Stillness and the Word", and "Silence and Hearing". How are stillness and silence much more than the absence of sound? How can thinking of stillness in a positive manner add to our ability to be fully present? Does attentiveness reveal hidden depths? How are silence and speech intertwined? How can the spoken word increase our connection to God?  Meditations Before Mass by Romano Guardini

Wrapping up our Stillness Diet series, Bridgette and Amy provide final thoughts on the everyday use of stillness, presence and mindfulness going forward in life. Features special advice to new moms!

Practical advice and tips on managing your thoughts to alleviate anxiety and increase mindfulness. 

How can exploring your creative side lead to more inner peace? Practical ideas, advice and inspiration on how creativity can help you be more present in the moment and increase your joy! 

Controlling your news consumption can help overall anxiety levels. Practical advice for reducing anxiety and increasing inner peace. 

Pray the Chaplet of the Divine Mercy with Bridgette from Ponder & Praise, and Olive Branch Mom. Follow along with this inspiring recording and, in just under 9 minutes, the Chaplet is complete. Thanks for listening!

We discuss the importance of prayer towards inner peace. Features practical tips to enhance your prayer life and grow deeper in your relationship with God. Includes discussion from a Catholic perspective contrasted with an opinion on prayer/meditation from a non-religious stance. 

We discuss monotasking and it's benefits towards calming anxiety. Includes strategies for moms to move from constant multi-tasking to a calmer monotasking approach. 

In our inaugural podcast episode, co-host Amy Strauss and I discuss practical strategies and advice for a healthy and balanced relationship with our phones. It's your weekly dose of inspiration and support for moms of all ages!