Reclaim-App Podcast

Welcome Friends, we're so glad you're here! In this episode, we continue our conversation around the invitation to More with the themes of lack and abundance, but in Part 2 we’re using the language of empty (emptied) and full (filled, fullness). This language reminds me of when my daughters were in preschool. They learned at a young age, this idea of ‘filling up your bucket,' with the things (including people and places) that make us feel good and help us experience fullness. When your bucket is empty, it refers to being depleted, tired and feeling not so good. This isn’t just for children. As adults we too need to fill up our buckets and sometimes that can feel impossible! So, no matter where you’re listening from today. A place of depletion or from a place of overflowing - or maybe somewhere in the middle - the invitation to More is for you! Many BlessingsReferences:Ruth Haley BartonMarianne Willamson (excerpt from Return to Love) Alexei Nalvalny (quotes from the National Catholic Register) Heather CowieDan Allender and Tremper Longman III (The Cry of the Soul) Biblical References:Hebrews 12:1-3Philippians 2:3-8

I trust God, but I don't always trust God. Yikes, that feels vulnerable to say out loud! So glad you're here for a great conversation about how we are invited to a life of More (i.e., peace, love, connection) and yet, so often we find ourselves living from a place of lack (i.e., resources, time, energy). Grace and mercy abound as we talk about the hard stuff in our newest episode. Blessings Friends!References: Kate Bowler (Blog, 2019, When Lent Prepares Us for What is Lost)Kate Bowler and Jessica Richie (Good Enough - 40ish Devotionals for a Life of Imperfection) Ruth Haley-Barton (Lenten Questions) Psalm 23:1Psalm 139:13

New Years Blessings Friends!  Great to be back with you for another Reclaim-App episode. For those of you who may be listening in for the first time. I’m Cari, the founder of Reclaim-App…which isn’t an App yet but I’m confident will be this year! Right now you can also find us on Instagram,  Facebook, Buzzsprout or wherever you listen to your podcasts. :) Our intention is to create calm and safe spaces of connection with God, our neighbours and ourselves.I’m an ordained pastor and trained yoga teacher. My lovely friend and co-podcaster Liz, is a compassionate counselling therapist, working both in private practice and the public sphere. And our podcast aims to combine Christian spirituality with mental health and life strategies that aid in connection.In our professions, we get asked a lot of questions, often from people seeking advice. So, today, we’re going to have a conversation around giving and receiving advice…looking at the best and worst advice we’ve received, answering some of your questions and provide some strategies…with the hope of creating clearer and calmer communication. References:Brené Brown - Atlas of the HeartCarl Jung (1875 - 1961) Michael Nichols - The Lost Art of Listening Henry Nouwen (1932 - 1996) John O’Donohue - For Presence - Eternal Echoes. Exploring our hunger for belonging. Scripture References: Romans 12:15, Mark 3  

As we (Liz and Cari) were sitting down to start preparing for this episode, we were both feeling nudged to have a conversation around hope. In part, because we are entering the Advent season, preparing for Christmas which is meant to be a time of hope. Yet, as we look at the world around us, hope feels fragile and the emotions of hopelessness and despair perhaps more prevalant. So, we’re going to wrestle with this tension while we wonder how to hold on to hope in a weary world. Holding the following questions loosely as we sit in this tension together. Thanks for listening! Blessings Friends. Questions:What is hope and are there different kinds of hope? Is hope fragile? Or is it something we can trust and hold onto?Where (and maybe how) can we experience and extend hope to ourselves and our world; when we are weary, and many feel hopeless, helpless, and wrecked with despair? References:  Brene Brown - Atlas of the Heart  Henry Nouwen  C.S. Lewis  Job 19:25-27 John 1:5 Hebrews 11:1  Frozen 2 - song - Next Right Thing - by Kristen Bell  Brian Simmons - I Hear His Whisper 

Hello Friends! In this episode, we have a great conversation on a topic that can be hard to talk about. We're looking at intimacy; what it means, how we learn about it and how it plays out in our everyday lives. So grateful for this calm space of connection where we hold one another's stories in love. Blessings. Please don't forget to subscribe, like, share and donate. Thank you!#podcast #intimacy #vulnerability

Hello Friends and Welcome to the Reclaim-App Podcast. Thank you for being here!  We’re looking forward to our conversation today on The Wisdom of Emotions/Head and Heart Connection. A favourite topic of both Liz and Cari :) As we begin this new podcast season, our deepest hope continues to be, creating space for connection, while experiencing faith and life together. So emotions seemed like a good place to start since emotions are something we all experience throughout our life as human beings. They immediately connect us to our “human sameness” (Henry Nouwen). And they have huge impacts on our choices, relationships, how we are in the world and who we perceive God to be.In her chapter, entitled, Try Softer with your Emotions, Aundi Kolber helps frame our conversation today, writing, “You are not weak for having feelings. You are not less than because you react to the world around you. Your grief, joy, anger, disgust or fear does not define you, but it is a clue to what’s going on inside you - and this is where the beauty happens. As we honour our experiences, we gain more freedom to move through our emotions rather than become stuck in them.”Through our conversation we hope to invite a relationship with our emotions. Even the hard ones. A relationship that promotes flourishing, maybe even healing. Not only for ourselves but for each other and the world we live in. Many Blessings. Book References: ACT Made Simple 2nd Ed. - Russ HarrisPermission to Feel - Mark BrackettTry Softer - Aundi KolberAtlas of the Heart - Brene BrownGospel of Luke 22:39-46 (Jesus in the Garden of Gethsemane)#podcast #emotions #feelings

Today we start a new series entitled, Questions People Ask Jesus. What’s so amazing to me is that the questions people asked Jesus over 2000 years ago are still questions we ask today. How do we live in the tension of these questions that never seem to go away? In this episode we’re asking...Who Is My Neighbour? Liz, beautifully helps us to understand more fully, the Imago Dei, which is the Latin translation of the English “image of God.” Or as she describes, “the immaterial or spiritual fingerprint of God on us.” So lovely! We invite you to listen anywhere you find your favourite podcasts or watch us on YouTube. Blessings FriendsEpisode13 - ReferencesLuke 10:25-29, NIVGenesis 1:26-27, NIVJames 3:9-10, NIVHoward Thurman (1899-1981)Prentis HemphillHenry Nouwen (1932-1996)

Today, we invite you on a journey through some light-hearted questions to give a glimpse into our stories - as a way to know us better. Who are Liz and Cari? Or, Cari and Liz? We’re going to share with you, not only a bit about who we are, but also why we do what we do and what has shaped us and our stories. Don’t worry if you’d prefer to have a conversation about the tougher stuff - we’ll be back to asking the hard questions in our next episodes.We pray there will be moments where you resonate and find connection in this episode to our shared humanity. We are meant to do this life together and the more we share in one another’s stories, the more this seems possible, in a way that is life-giving and brings unity. Many Blessings Friends!ReferencesHenry Nouwen (1932-1996)

Hello Friends and welcome to our final episode in our Lenten Series, Soul Feast. We have a great conversation in store as we travel on the road to Easter this weekend; through Good Friday, Holy Saturday, and Easter Sunday.Although this tends to be a time of year primarily marked by celebration, the first Easter wasn’t very celebratory. Rather it was quite dark and deeply painful.Christ is Risen! We say this triumphantly, yet, as we look around at our world and the messiness of our own lives, I’m not sure how triumphant we feel, a lot of the time?Can our souls still cling to, feel and know the hope these days are meant to point to?Please join us! ReferencesHenri Nouwen, Life of the BelovedAundi Kolber, Leaning into HopeBrian Zahnd - Author and Pastor - Beauty Will Save the WorldPhilip Yancy - PrayerMatthew 26, 27, NIVLuke 24:13-35, The Road to Emmaus (TPT)Romans 5:5, NIVPsalm 22:1, NIVJohn 6:66-69, NIVJohn 11:25,26, NIVColossians 3:12, 1:27, NIVRevelations 22:20-21, Come, Lord Jesus, NIV

In our third episode of Soul Feast, we’re exploring the ideas of guilt and confession - wondering, what is at the root of our experience of feeling “guilty”? Another way of asking this is: “What is your emotion of “guilt” communicating to you?  "Guilt is an emotion that we experience when we fall short of our own expectations or standards." - Brené BrownWhat about when our emotion of guilt is felt as falling short of God's expectations or standards?Liz & CariReferencesBrené Brown - Atlas of the HeartMark McMinn - Psychology, Theology, and Spirituality in Christian CounsellingRichard Foster - Celebration of DisciplineS. Bruce Marramore - Religious PsychologistWorship Sourcebook 2nd Edition - CRC Worship Planning and Leading2 Corinthians 7:10, NIVLuke 22:34, NIVMatthew 27:3, NIV

In our Lenten series, Soul Feast, we’re using the dual lens of Counselling Therapist (Liz Kahle) and Christian Spirituality (Pastor Cari) in hopes of gaining a deeper understanding of what our soul is, how to become more aware of our soul, and what it may be communicating to us right now.The basic definition we’re using for the soul comes from the work of Ruth Haley-Barton who defines the soul as the core of our very selves. Which we would add, points to our truest identity.It’s within this context that we’re going to try to tackle the big topics of sin and shame as they are deeply interwoven into the very fabric of life, and deeply impact our connections.Before we dive in, we’d like to take a moment to ground our conversation in the love and hope we are moving toward in this season of Lent. Richard Foster writes,“At the heart of God is the desire to give and to forgive. Because of this, He set the entire redemptive process that culminated on the cross and was confirmed in the resurrection. The usual notion of what Jesus did on the cross runs something like this: people were so bad and so mean and God was so angry with them that he could not forgive them unless something big enough took the rap for the whole lot of them. Nothing could be further from the truth. Love, not anger, brought Jesus to the cross. Jesus knew that by his vicarious suffering he could actually absorb all the evil of humanity and so heal it, forgive it, redeem it.”It's from this place of greatest love, and the movement toward healing, forgiveness and transformation - that we talk about sin and shame in the second episode of Soul Feast  - A Lenten Series by Counselling Therapist Liz Kahle and Pastor Cari Fydirchuk.  References:Richard Foster - Celebration of DisciplineBrene Brown - Altas of the Heart Mark McKinnon - Counselling Therapist and Christian lens Gregory Boyle - The Whole Language - The Power of Extravagant Tenderness Genesis 3:15, NIVGenesis 1:26-28Luke 5:16, NIVLuke 15 - The Prodigal Son Ignatian Spiritual Exercises 

What is the soul? How would you describe it?How is your soul right now?Join us as we consider these questions alongside the practice of fasting, in the first episode of Reclaim’s Lenten series Soul Feast. Available now, on YouTube and wherever you listen to your podcasts!As we begin Lent, this quote from Henri Nouwen caught my eye and seems to encompass a good deal of our conversation today...He writes, “Whether we give alms, pray, or fast, we are to do it in a hidden way, not to be praised by people but to enter into closer communion with God. Lent is a time of returning to God. It is a time to confess how we keep looking for joy, peace, and satisfaction in many people and things surrounding us, without really finding what we desire. Only God can give us what we want…Lent is a time of refocusing, of re-entering the place of truth and reclaiming our true identity.”Henri Nouwen (1932-1996) from Sabbatical Journey: The Diary of His Final Year as recounted in Lent and Easter Wisdom from Henri J.M. Nouwen, comp. by Judy Bauer (Liguori: Liguori Publications, 2005) 8.Episode References:*Special Guest, Lesley McClure - Intermittent Fasting (IT) and Spirituality Over the past couple of years, Lesley has been on a journey with intermittent fasting, finding a deep connection to God through this practice. We are so blessed to hear from parts of her story in this episode! Along with being Cari's beautiful mom, Lesley is also an accomplished artist. You can learn more about her and check out her artwork at her Etsy shop called MixedMediaMum. Richard Foster - Celebration of DisciplineHenri Nouwen - Sabbatical Journey: The Diary of His Final Year Jay, W., Richards, (Jason Fung - forward): Eat, Fast, Feast - Heal Your Body While Feeing Your Soul - A Christian Guide to FastingRuth Haley Barton Marjorie Thompson  - Soul Feast (Thank you for the great title :))Mark 8:36, NIVMatthew 6:16-18, NIVMatthew 4:1-11, NIVPsalm 139:23,24

In this episode, we continue to look at spiritual rhythms and God in the Ordinary, as we have a conversation about mindfulness and meditation. These two practices invite us into a non-judgemental place of awareness. Helping us grow and transform our capacity for connection as well as compassion of self, others, and our Creator.We are God’s beloved. This is our truest self. That’s often easier to say than it is to believe and know - and maybe hardest to allow that truth to sink into our bones and be our breath.If we pause for a moment and consider the ways we engage with ourselves on a daily basis, reflecting on our relationship with ourselves - it’s probably pretty shocking. No? The overwhelming amount of negative self-talk, thoughts, doubts, and perceptions we are burdened with; the things we say, think and do to ourselves that we would never repeat or want to intentionally say, think, and do, to another person, especially someone we love.Join us, as we look at how mindfulness and meditation invite us to see ourselves and others as God sees us.ReferencesRichard Foster - Celebration of DisciplineDavid G. Benner - The Gift of Being YourselfBrené Brown - Atlas of the HeartHenri Nouwen - "Three Identity Lies"How to Practice Mindfulness Mediation (Worksheet) Ignatius Spirituality (Daily Examen)Matthew 22:37-40, NIV

Welcome back friends! Once again, we're dancing our way through a conversation on spiritual rhythms, as we seek to find connection with God in the Ordinary. The “unforced rhythms of grace” that flow from our lives are meant to feel as natural as breathing. Yet, rarely is creating healthy and long-lasting habits, patterns or rhythms - quick and easy. Even getting started can be a struggle!Join us as we consider the blessings and challenges of two spiritual rhythms that are near and dear to our hearts...Prayer and Solitude.Lots of references this week! :) 50 Was to Pray - by Teresa A. BlytheCelebration of Discipline - Richard FosterPrayer: Does It Make Any Difference? - Philip Yancey Clinging: The Experience of Prayer - Emilie GriffinMartin Luther KingMatthew 6:9-13, NIV Curt Thompson, M.D., The Soul of Shame and Anatomy of the SoulAugustine of Hippo (13 November 354 – 28 August 430)John 10:10, NIV Ruth Haley-Barton, Invitation to Solitude and Silence 

In this episode, we discuss 'rhythms' - looking specifically at spiritual rhythms (or spiritual disciplines).Rhythms are the ways we intentionally seek spaces of connection with God, each other, and ourselves. The new year is always a good time to pause, reflect and consider how our habits, patterns, routines, and ways of being are serving us or not.Sometimes, rather than sensing growth, transformation, joy and peace - the rhythms of our life can feel like a burden, obligation, and duty. Leaving us spinning in discouragement and even self-condemnation. Words like disciplines, exercises, and behaviours can bring forth a sense of legalism: we want to stress that we are not talking about a set of religious obligations. As Richard Foster notes in his book, Celebration of Discipline, “The life that is pleasing to God is not a series of religious duties. We have only one thing to do, namely, to experience a life of relationship and intimacy with God.”References:Matthew 11:20-30 - The Message Richard Foster - Celebration of DisciplineMark Buchanan - Spiritual Rhythms: Being with Jesus Every Season of Your SoulJames Clear - Atomic HabitsPoem - Patient Trust, Written by Pierre Teilhard de Chardin, SJ, excerpted from Hearts on Fire

Happy New Year from all of us at Reclaim-App! "He has made everything beautiful in its time. He has also set eternity in the human heart; yet no one can fathom what God has done from beginning to end."-Ecclesiastes 3:11

Christmas Blessings from all of us at Reclaim-App! "The light shines in the darkness and the darkness has not overcome it!" 

During the season of Advent, joy is an important part of our waiting and anticipation for Jesus’ coming – to restore – to heal – to save.However, if we’re honest, joy may not be as easy to cultivate or as comfortable as we’d like it to be – or think it should be. Joy can often feel fleeting and imaginary. Even in the midst of some of our most joyous moments – we can find ourselves cautiously waiting for the other shoe to drop.It’s this strange tension that we’re going to talk about today as we look at the idea of joy in darkness, and see if we can point to the ways we may be able to anchor our joy in something real, tangible, and long lasting!References:Inside Out - Pixar Films (movie)Brene Brown - Atlas of the Heart - Foreboding JoyHenry Nouwen (1932-1996)John 1:14, NIVNehemiah 1:8, NIVPsalm 62:11, TPT

In this 3rd episode of our series, we look at the difficult emotion of grief and share how grief has been experienced in our stories. Although grief is a natural human response to loss and something we will each experience in our lifetime; we may not always be aware of it and may find more often than not that it surprises us.What makes grief especially hard is that it’s a journey and not a short sprint, but often more like a marathon - with twists and turns and unexpected bumps along the way.  How can we give ourselves permission to process this difficult emotion while also moving towards healing and maybe even transformation?ReferencesHenry Nouwen (1932-1996)Alan Wolfelt, Understanding Your Grief - Ten Essential Touchstones For Finding Hope And Healing Your Heart (2nd edition).Isaiah 9:2, NIVJohn 11:35, NIV 

Last week we sat with the difficult and uncomfortable space of 'loneliness.' In this episode, we’ll continue to share in one another's stories as we look at how we can create spaces of solitude in our everyday life - as a way of finding greater connection.References from today's episode:Quote by Brene Brown from her newest book - Atlas of the Heart, Mapping Meaningful Connection and the Language of Human Experience, pgs 144/145Luke 5:16 (NIV) BibleJob 33:4 (NIV) Bible 

For the next two weeks, we're going to look at the difficult and often uncomfortable space of 'loneliness'. In this episode Liz and Cari will share their stories around where they have experienced loneliness while identifying the places of connection in their stories, and the ways we can be assured that we are never alone. References from today's episode:Quote by Paul Tillich (August 20, 1886 - October 22, 1965)Quote by Brene Brown from her newest book - Atlas of the Heart, Mapping Meaningful Connection and the Language of Human Experience, pg 179Joshua 1:9 (NIV) Bible