During the holiday season, there can be SUPER high anxiety. If you dread the holidays, or can’t wait for them to be over, then this Say Yes to Holiness podcast episode is definitely for you.

Christina Semmens sits down for a deep conversation with Rachael Popcak Isaac, a Pastoral Counselor and Mental Performance Specialist of Success and Performance Coaching at CatholicCounselors.com.

Dr. Rachael (Popcak) Isaac, LCSW, CPT is the founder and director of the Success and Performance Coaching Program at CatholicCounselors.com. She holds a Psychology degree from Franciscan University of Steubenville and a Master’s in Clinical Social Work from the University of Pittsburgh. With a focus on success and sports psychology, Rachael has coached individuals, teams, and organizations from high school to the professional level.

Together, Christina and Rachael explore the integration of faith with mental performance, the importance of understanding confidence and humility, and effective strategies for managing stress and anxiety. Rachael also shares her personal journey and insights on how a faith-based approach can enhance counseling and personal growth, emphasizing the significance of recognizing one’s worth and purpose in life.

Their discussion concludes with highlighting transformative practices and mindsets that can lead to a more fulfilling and peaceful existence.

Takeaways

• Rachel Isaac is a Pastoral Counselor and Mental Performance Specialist.
• She integrates faith with mental performance in her counseling.
• Confidence is about knowing who you are, not comparing yourself to others.
• Stress and anxiety management are common struggles for clients.
• Faith is integral to personal identity and counseling effectiveness.
• Understanding our worth is crucial for personal growth.
• Connecting with our passions and desires is essential.
• Practicing mindfulness and emotional regulation is important.
• Visualization techniques can enhance performance and reduce anxiety.
• Building a supportive community is key to emotional well-being.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Pastoral Counseling and Mental Performance

04:46 Integrating Faith and Mental Performance Counseling

09:54 Understanding Confidence and Humility

14:58 Managing Stress and Anxiety

20:09 The Importance of Faith in Counseling

24:53 Finding Peace and Purpose in Life

29:57 Transformative Practices and Mindsets

34:59 Conclusion and Resources

For more information on Dr Rachael and her work, go to: https://catholiccounselors.com/success-and-performance-coaching/

In this podcast, Christina Semmens reflects on the significance of the Advent season, emphasizing the importance of preparation, silence, and the role of Mary in guiding us towards Jesus.

She encourages listeners to embrace the waiting period of Advent, to be present in their lives, and to cultivate a deeper awareness of God’s presence. The discussion also highlights the need for silence in order to hear God’s voice and the importance of responding with kindness and love during the holiday season. Ultimately, Christina calls for a joyful and peaceful approach to Christmas, focusing on the true meaning of the season.

Takeaways

• Advent is a time of waiting and preparation for Christmas.

• Being present is essential to receiving God’s gifts.

• Silence allows us to hear God’s voice more clearly.

• Mary plays a crucial role in leading us to Jesus.

• We should focus on experiences rather than material gifts.

• Joy comes from a deep awareness of God’s presence.

• Responding with kindness can prevent misunderstandings.

• The rosary helps us connect with Jesus through Mary.

• We must open our hearts to receive the Lord.

• Christmas should be celebrated with peace and joy.

Sound Bites

• “We have to be present in order to receive.”

• “Take a beat before responding.”

• “Mary always points us to her Son.”

Chapters

00:00 Advent: A Time of Waiting and Preparation

02:32 The Importance of Presence and Silence

08:10 Joy in Advent: Embracing Silence and Awareness

12:36 The Power of Silence in Communication

17:39 Mary’s Role in Advent and Discipleship

In this episode of the Say Yes to Holiness podcast, Christina Semmens interviews Raquel Rose, founder of The Little Rose Shop. Raquel shares her transformative journey from a broken past to becoming a single mother and entrepreneur. She discusses the inspiration behind her faith-based products designed to help families integrate spirituality into everyday life. The conversation explores the challenges of running a growing business, the importance of community support, and the spiritual practices that guide Raquel in her work and personal life.

Takeaways

• Raquel’s journey illustrates how brokenness can lead to transformation.

• Faith can be integrated into daily life through creative expressions.

• The Little Rose Shop was born out of a desire to support her daughter and others.

• Community support is vital for personal and business growth.

• Creative outlets can help individuals connect with God.

• Raquel emphasizes the importance of visual reminders for prayer.

• The business aims to provide resources for families to celebrate their faith.

• Challenges in business often lead to personal growth and deeper faith.

• The Ignatian Examen is a powerful tool for spiritual reflection.

• Saying ‘yes’ to God can lead to unexpected and fulfilling paths.

Sound Bites

• “What would I need?”

• “Created to create.”

• “I can do this.”

Chapters

00:00 Raquel’s Journey of Transformation

09:04 The Birth of The Little Rose Shop

18:02 Creative Philosophy and Community Engagement

23:24 Vision for Impact and Growth

25:39 Challenges and Rewards on the Journey

30:00 Spiritual Practices and Daily Reflections

Introduction:

In the hustle and bustle of life, especially as we approach the Thanksgiving holiday, it is essential to pause and reflect on what it truly means to achieve greatness and holiness. In this episode, Christina Semmens invites us to rethink our values and consider the profound importance of gratitude, honesty, and kindness in our journey toward true fulfillment.

Main Content:

**The Foundation of Greatness**

Christina Semmens opens the podcast by sharing her recent experiences, including the challenges of home repairs that temporarily disrupted her recording schedule. This relatable scenario sets the stage for deeper reflections on life’s priorities. As we near Thanksgiving, she emphasizes that true greatness is not measured by worldly standards such as wealth or power, but rather through our spiritual growth and connection with God.

**Three Pillars to Holiness**

Through prayer and contemplation, Christina identifies three essential qualities that contribute to our journey toward greatness: gratitude, honesty, and kindness. Each of these traits serves as a stepping stone to deeper relationships with ourselves, others, and God.

1. **Gratitude:**

Thanksgiving often brings us back to our homes and families, stirring feelings of longing for connection and acceptance. Christina reminds us of St. Augustine’s words, urging us to be grateful for the love and presence of those around us, despite any past grievances. This holiday season, let’s appreciate the people at our table for who they are today rather than who they used to be.

2. **Honesty:**

Being honest about our experiences and feelings is crucial for fostering genuine connections. Christina highlights the importance of sharing our true selves with our loved ones, even when difficult conversations are necessary. By embracing honesty, we create an environment where deeper understanding can flourish, allowing for more meaningful interactions during family gatherings.

3. **Kindness:**

Kindness extends to ourselves as well as to others. Christina encourages us to be gentle with ourselves as we navigate the complexities of relationships and life. She shares insights from Dr. Ralph Martin’s book, "The Fulfillment of All Desire," emphasizing that just as personal relationships require care and attention, so does our relationship with God.

**Preparing for the Advent Season**

As we transition from Thanksgiving to the Advent season, Christina calls on us to reflect on our spiritual habits. Have we been neglecting our relationship with God? Now is the time to recommit to practices that nurture our faith, whether through attending Mass, reading scripture, or simply spending quiet time in prayer. Christina emphasizes that spending time with God is essential to recognizing His love and presence in our lives.

**Conclusion and Key Takeaways:**

In this enlightening episode, Christina Semmens reminds us that true greatness lies in our ability to cultivate gratitude, honesty, and kindness in our lives. As we gather with loved ones this Thanksgiving and prepare for Advent, let us embrace these virtues to foster deeper connections and a more profound relationship with God. Remember, it’s not about striving for perfection but about the journey toward holiness and love.

In this 1:1 episode of the Say Yes to Holiness podcast, host Christina Semmens engages in a profound conversation with author Jenny Dubay. They explore Jenny's journey from a spiritual but not religious phase back to her Catholic faith, inspired by the life of St. Catherine of Siena. Jenny discusses her book, 'World Between Worlds,' which delves into the mystical experiences of Caterina and the challenges of living out God's will. The conversation also touches on the importance of community, trauma healing, and the intersection of faith and fiction in her writing.

Takeaways

• Jenny Dubay's journey reflects a return to faith through the life of St. Catherine of Siena.

• The title 'World Between Worlds' symbolizes Katerina's mystical experiences.
• Katerina's story serves as an inspiration for following God's will despite challenges.
• Healing from trauma requires a Christ-centered approach.
• Community plays a vital role in healing and support.
• Adoration is essential for spiritual growth and clarity.
• Doubt and questioning are part of the faith journey.
• Writing fiction can convey deep truths about faith and healing.
• Jenny's trauma coaching informs her writing and outreach.
• The Catholic perspective on domestic abuse is crucial for healing.

Sound Bites

• "I am she who is not."
• "There is no healing without Him."
• "God will multiply our time."

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Jenny Dubay and Her Journey

02:46 Faith Journey and Return to the Church

05:50 Exploring the World Between Worlds

09:09 The Significance of Katerina's Story

12:03 The Intersection of Faith and Fiction

14:59 Trauma Coaching and Its Influence

17:54 Writing Nonfiction and Addressing Domestic Abuse

20:56 Community and Support in Writing

23:47 Challenges in Writing About St. Catherine

26:53 Key Practices for Living Out God's Will

30:02 Final Thoughts and Resources

In this conversation, Christina Semmens explores the theme of responding to God's invitation to holiness and the importance of preparation for the spiritual journey. She emphasizes the significance of virtues, the Eucharist, and community in living a Christian life. The discussion also touches on the challenges of forgiveness and compassion, urging listeners to embrace these qualities as they prepare for the ultimate wedding feast with God.

Takeaways

• God has rolled out the red carpet for us to respond to His invitation.
• We must prepare ourselves for the wedding feast by embodying Christian virtues.
• The Eucharist is essential for spiritual nourishment and community.
• Responding to challenges with grace helps us grow spiritually.
• Forgiveness and compassion are crucial for our spiritual journey.
• We should treat those who challenge us with kindness and respect.
• Daily Mass can provide the intimate experience we need for spiritual growth.
• Our actions should reflect the virtues of Christ in our daily lives.
• We must be intentional about our spiritual preparation.
• Living in community enhances our relationship with God and each other.

Sound Bites

"How do we respond to God's invitation?"

"God has provided it for us."

"We need to forgive now."

Chapters

00:00 The Invitation to Holiness

07:51 Nourishment Through the Eucharist

13:06 Responding to Challenges with Virtue

20:41 Preparing for the Wedding Feast

In this episode of the Say Yes to Holiness podcast, Christina Semmens interviews Chance Olivas, who shares his journey of faith and the mission behind ActsSocial, a Christian social media platform. They discuss the challenges of traditional social media, the importance of community, and how ActsSocial aims to provide a positive, faith-centered alternative.

Chance reflects on his personal experiences, the significance of prayer, and the encouragement he finds in his work, emphasizing the need for believers to unite and support one another in their faith journeys.

Takeaways

• Chance's journey of faith began with family struggles and confusion about God.
• He found grace and mercy through his faith during challenging times.
• ActsSocial aims to create a positive, faith-based social media platform.
• The platform seeks to unite believers and non-believers around Christ.
• ActsSocial is designed to counteract the negativity of traditional social media.
• Users are encouraged to engage positively and support one another.
• Transitioning to a new platform can be challenging due to existing habits.
• Prayer and connection with God are vital for overcoming discouragement.
• The platform offers free services to churches and nonprofits.
• Chance emphasizes the importance of community and reaching out to others.

Sound Bites

• "What does God have in store?"
• "I realized there was more to life."
• "We want to unite around Christ."
• "We’re flipping social media on its head."
• "You’re not perfect and that’s okay."
• "Jesus loves you, accept that gift."

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Act Social and Faith Journeys

03:11 Chance's Journey of Faith and Ministry

06:05 Understanding Act Social's Mission and Vision

09:10 The Functionality of Act Social

12:05 The Challenge of Transitioning to a New Platform

15:01 Overcoming Discouragement and Building Community

18:01 Engaging Churches and Nonprofits

21:08 Challenges and Rewards in the Journey

24:00 The Importance of Prayer and Connection

27:04 Advice to the Younger Self and Closing Thoughts

In this episode of Say Yes to Holiness podcast, Christina Semmens reflects on the importance of simplifying our lives, pursuing inner peace, and recognizing the role of guardian angels in our spiritual journey. She draws inspiration from various saints, emphasizing the need to trust in God's guidance and grace while living out our daily lives with love and intention.Takeaways

• Jesus helped me to simplify my life by learning what you want me to be.
• We have to simplify our lives to become who God created us to be.
• Pursuing peace is essential in a world filled with anger.
• Our guardian angels are eager to help us in our struggles.
• Trusting in God's love allows us to overcome our mistakes.
• Doing little things with great love leads us to heaven.
• We must carve out quiet time to hear God's voice.
• Filling our lives with noise can prevent us from receiving grace.
• Asking for our guardian angel's help is crucial in resisting temptation.
• God desires for us to receive all the graces He offers.

Sound bites

• "Pursue peace in our hearts."
• "Invoke your angel."
• "God loves us so much."

Chapters00:00 Introduction and Reflection on Saints02:03 Simplifying Life and Discovering Purpose07:25 Pursuing Inner Peace13:22 The Role of Guardian Angels18:07 Trusting in Divine Guidance and the Little Way