Season 2, Episode 4: Comparison

Comparison has been called the thief of joy—but what if it's also stealing our peace, our purpose, and our trust in God's goodness?

In this episode, we're diving into what Scripture says about comparison and why Jesus' words to Peter still speak directly to us today: "What concern is it of yours? You follow me." (John 21:22)

This Week's Glory & Grind

Grind: June was expensive! We share the stress of budgeting, unexpected expenses, and learning to trust God even when finances feel overwhelming.
Glory: Discovering that it's okay to ask God for whatever is on your heart. He isn't bothered by our desires—He delights in hearing from His children.

In This Episode

After Peter's beautiful moment of reconciliation with Jesus, he immediately looks at John and asks, "What about him?" Jesus responds:

"What if I want him to remain until I come? What concern is it of yours? You follow me." (John 21:22)

It's a reminder we all need: our focus belongs on following Christ—not comparing our path to someone else's.

We also discuss:

• Why comparison pulls our hearts away from Jesus.
• How comparison can cause us to question God's goodness.
• The Parable of the Workers in the Vineyard (Matthew 20:1–16).
• Why someone else's blessing is never a loss for you.
• How envy distorts our understanding of our own calling.
• Why love and envy cannot coexist (1 Corinthians 13:4).

Raleigh's Four Takeaways

1. Stop looking sideways. Your calling is yours alone.
2. God's generosity toward others is not a threat to you.
3. Greatness is found in service, not in status.
4. A heart fixed on Christ has no room for envy.

Quote of the Episode

"Be who you are and be that well."
— St. Francis de Sales

Reflection Question

Read Matthew 20:1–16, the Parable of the Workers in the Vineyard.

What is your first reaction to the owner's decision, and why? What might that reveal about your view of God's generosity?

Quick Disclaimer

As always, we encourage you to hold everything we share up against the teachings of the Church through Sacred Scripture and Sacred Tradition. If something doesn't sit well with you, let it become an invitation to pray, study, and seek the truth. We're learning alongside you, and while we strive to be faithful, we're human too.

Coming Next

Next episode, we're talking about dating and discerning a spouse—because choosing a lifelong partner is a little more important than getting picked first on the playground.

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Through the grind and the grace, we're praying for you—pray for us too.

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Season 2, Episode 3: Discipline

What does it really mean to be disciplined as a Christian? Is discipline simply about having more willpower—or is it something much deeper?

In this episode, Carly and Raleigh explore discipline through the lens of Catholic discipleship. Drawing inspiration from The Way of a Pilgrim, they discuss how a lack of discipline often reveals something deeper than poor habits: where our hearts are truly directed. Together they unpack how discipline is rooted in following Christ, pursuing holiness, building a life of prayer, and persevering even when we fall short.

This Week's Glory & Grind

Grind: The distractions and addictive pull of technology.

Glory: The gift of making a silent retreat and creating space to hear God's voice.

God's Promise: "I have competed well; I have finished the race... From now on the crown of righteousness awaits me." -2 Timothy 4:7–8

In This Episode

• Why recognizing a lack of discipline is the first step toward growth.
• Carly shares reflections from The Way of a Pilgrim and a powerful examination of conscience that challenges what it truly means to love God.
• How the word discipline is inseparable from discipleship.
• Why holiness—not productivity—should be the ultimate goal of every Christian.
• The essential role of prayer in developing lasting spiritual discipline.
• Overcoming perfectionism and embracing steady, faithful progress instead of an "all-or-nothing" mindset.

Four Takeaways for Growing in Discipline

1. Discipline Begins with Discipleship

• The root of discipline is being a disciple—a student who follows Christ.
• Ask yourself: Who is really teaching me? What is shaping my habits and worldview?

2. Discipline Is Ordered Toward Holiness

• Every worthwhile goal requires discipline, but for Christians the ultimate goal is sainthood.
• Consider whether other ambitions have quietly taken priority over becoming holy.

3. Prayer Is the Foundation

• Consistent prayer forms the heart for spiritual battle.
• Deepening your relationship with God requires intentional time in Scripture, prayer, and the life of the Church.

4. Progress Is Better Than Perfection

• Don't let one missed day become a reason to quit.
• As St. Francis de Sales reminds us, be gentle with yourself, get back up, and keep moving toward Christ.
  
  

A quote from, "Redirect to Prophets of a Future Not Our Own"
"We water seeds already planted, knowing that they hold future promise."
A quote from "Hamilton" the musical by Lin-Manuel Miranda "It's planting seeds in a garden you never get to see".

Reflection Questions

• Do I truly see Christ as my Teacher and Master?
• What goals have I placed ahead of holiness?
• Is prayer a priority or simply an obligation?
• Where does perfectionism keep me from spiritual growth?
• What is one small discipline God is inviting me to practice this week?

Coming Next

Next episode: Comparison

We'll be talking about one of the easiest traps to fall into—comparing ourselves to others—and how to recognize and resist that temptation through the eyes of faith.

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Have questions or ideas for future episodes? We'd love to hear from you!

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If this episode encouraged you, please subscribe, leave a review, and share it with someone who could use the reminder that holiness is built one faithful step at a time.

Through the grind and the grace, we're praying for you—pray for us too.

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Have a “grind” you want us to discuss in future episodes? Send us an email or DM on social media!

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Friendship & Faith Levels

In this episode of Glory & the Grind, we're talking about navigating friendships and family relationships when people are at different places in their faith journey. What do you do when you're growing closer to Christ, but the people around you aren't? How do you love well without compromising your convictions? And how can God use those relationships for His glory?

Carly’s Glory & Grind of the Week

Grind: Brain Fog
Glory: Humility & Trust

God's Promise “But if we walk in the light as He is in the light, then we have fellowship with one another, and the blood of His Son Jesus cleanses us from all sin.” -1 John 1:7

Main Topic: Being on Different Levels of Faith with Family & Friends

Raleigh's Story

• During a high school junior retreat, Raleigh prayed for holy friendships.
• God answered that prayer—but not necessarily in the way she expected.
• As her faith grew, she found herself developing a false sense of spiritual superiority. What began as a desire for holy friendships slowly became a temptation to judge others who weren't where she was spiritually.

Through that experience, God taught an important lesson:

• Holiness isn't about comparing ourselves to others. It's about becoming more like Christ.
• Not Every Friendship Has to Be the Deepest Friendship. One of the biggest mistakes we can make is expecting every friendship to fulfill every need.

What to Do with Friends Who Aren't There Yet.

• If you have friends or family members who aren't pursuing Christ the way you are: continue loving them, continue praying for them, and continue showing up for them.

Feeling Alone in Your Faith.

• Many Christians experience seasons where they feel spiritually isolated.Sometimes that loneliness is an invitation.
• God may be calling you to seek deeper community, stronger accountability, or friendships rooted in a shared pursuit of holiness.
• Spiritual friendships are rarely found accidentally. They often require intentional effort and a willingness to seek Christ-centered communities.
• When you pursue Jesus first, He has a way of bringing the right people alongside you.

Reflection Questions

• If your current friendships were the only witness others had to Jesus Christ, what would they see?
• Does your love for friends and family stem from your love for Christ, or does your love for Christ sometimes take a backseat to your love for others?

Coming Next Episode: Lack of Discipline

• Next week, we're discussing something many of us struggle with: discipline. We'll talk about practical ways to overcome spiritual laziness, build healthy habits, and stay faithful in the small things.

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Have a “grind” you want us to discuss in future episodes? Send us an email or DM on social media!

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