Called and Caffeinated

The human heart plans the way, but the Lord directs the steps. -Proverbs 16:9 I WROTE A BOOK! Introducing Adventure Awaits: How to Interpret Your Desires and Hear God's Voice publishing soon and available for preorder NOW with Ave Maria Press. Learn how to find the deepest desires of your heart, how they intersect with God's desire for you, and how to hear his voice. Have you ever struggled with the timing of a dream and wondered why God isn't giving you the good desires in your heart? I'm no stranger to that. In 2020 I longed to write a book, but the circumstances weren't working out. This is the story of how surrendering my dream to God made it work out SO MUCH BETTER than I could have planned. Thank you so much to everyone who has preordered it already and for all the encouragement- I SO appreciate your kind comments! Resources Preorder Adventure Awaits here! Watch episode on YouTube here Watch The Sisterhood: Becoming Nuns Reality Docuseries 10-year Cast Reunion Find tons of other discernment resources and contact Stacey for press interviews here.

If you're like me, you've read headlines the last 5 years and thought, "How in the WORLD did we get here?" Rising depression and anxiety, gender confusion en masse, and Marxist ideology on college campuses characterize American culture today. This episode will take you on a tour of the philosophers who laid the groundwork, and how we can pull out of the mess we're in. Bobby Angel, author of The Postmodern Predicament, returns to Called and Caffeinated. We discuss: Rarely-taught ideals of the Medieval Period that can resurrect and restore a God-centered culture Do "cottagecore aesthetic" and women wearing prairie dresses indicate that Gen Z is hungry for a return to tradition? Deconstructionism: What is it and how do we fight it? Resources PREORDER MY BOOK! Adventure Awaits: How to Interpret Your Desires and Hear God's Voice Read about my latest pregnancy adventure and near-miraculous healing  Order The Postmodern Predicament: And a Roadmap for Restoration and Recovery by Bobby Angel  Your support means so much to me- please LIKE, SUBSCRIBE and SHARE! Find tons of FREE resources on my website. Follow me on Instagram: @staceysumereau Watch this video on YouTube Shop my handmade beeswax candle collection with the Catholic All Year Marketplace Need a community? Come join my Patreon community for monthly video chats with Catholics from around the USA, and other perks! Your support starting at just $5/mo will help support the continued provision of my unique discernment content.   

“God didn't come to be our personal assistant; he came to save us and bring us into communion with him, so that we might have access to his divine life and power and live from the truth that we are children of a good and capable Father.” Are you ready for the best Advent ever?? As a lifelong Catholic, I feel like I've done ALL the Catholic things. Yet I still fear surrendering to God, I still care what other people think too much, I still struggle to get off my phone, and a million other things. Why? Because there are parts of me that haven't met Jesus yet.  I know you'll love Heather Khym's insights from her new book Encountering Emmanuel that will make this your best Advent ever! Achievable hospitality: How doing life together engenders authenticity and vulnerability A peek into Heather's experience of God speaking and her personal prayer routine The ONLY thing you need to focus on in busy seasons (especially Advent!) Does Jesus truly want to satisfy our desires, or want us to sacrifice them? Making God the Lord of your life, not your personal assistant What is God up to when it feels like he's giving you the “silent treatment”? Identifying the parts of yourself that haven't met Jesus yet Resources Buy Encountering Emmanuel by Heather Khym God's “tone of voice” How God's voice “Sounds” Thank you to today's sponsor, CWCNFP (Catholic Women and Couples Natural Family Planning.) They offer FREE virtual NFP courses in the Billings ovulation method. English and Spanish courses offered! Find CWCNFP on Instagram @cwcnfp and on Facebook at www.facebook.com/cwcnfp   Need a community? Come join my Patreon community for monthly video chats with Catholics from around the USA, and other perks! Your support starting at just $5/mo will help support the continued provision of my unique discernment content. Check out my full line of handmade beeswax candles in partnership with the Catholic All Year Marketplace! Thank you to everyone who supports my ministry with the purchase of a candle. I'm so grateful!

“God did not create you so that you could work to acquire more possessions and then be a slave to them.” Your space tells a story about you. Do you like the story it's telling? If not, how do you start (and persevere) in clearing clutter to reclaim your space? If you're tired of giving too much space and time to clutter (or it drains your energy but you don't know what to do about it,) then this episode will make a huge difference in your life. Best of all, this episode will equip you to spend MORE time and energy on your God-given purpose. Settle in with a cup of coffee and get motivated! Topics Discussed 3 rules of an orderly home Hidden costs of clutter: Space, time, energy and money Stewardship rather than ownership: What it means and how it's practically lived out How to get started decluttering to avoid overwhelm, exhaustion and burnout How to streamline and rework decluttering processes Decluttering and setting boundaries around your technology use Resources Find Jennifer here Shop Jennifer's book Make Room Thank you to today's sponsor, CWCNFP (Catholic Women and Couples Natural Family Planning.) They offer FREE virtual NFP courses in the Billings ovulation method. English and Spanish courses offered! Find CWCNFP on Instagram @cwcnfp and on Facebook at www.facebook.com/cwcnfp Need a community? Come join my Patreon community for monthly video chats with Catholics from around the USA, and other perks! Your support starting at just $5/mo will help support the continued provision of my unique discernment content.

HANG OUT WITH ME ON YOUTUBE! “God's voice is a voice that has a horizon, whereas the voice of the evil leads you to a wall- it backs you into a corner.” If God spoke to you, how would his “tone of voice” sound? In a little concise teaching from Pope Francis, here four different hallmarks unique to God's tone of voice. I love how this teaching both meshed perfectly with the writings of St. Teresa of Avila and St. Faustina, and also expanded and universalized them!  If you've ever mistaken God's voice for the worst voice in your head (or wonder whether you're discerning it correctly,) you'll love this episode! Resources Come drop me a line and let me know what resonated with you in this episode! Are you daunted by the costs and options involved in learning Natural Family Planning? Connect with Catholic Women and Couples Natural Family Planning for FREE NFP training and personalized instruction in either English or Spanish! Also find them on Instagram @cwcnfp and Facebook here  Check out my full line of handmade beeswax candles in partnership with the Catholic All Year Marketplace, including my new scented Advent taper candles and fir tree scented Christmas tapers! You can also see the new Assisi candle in honor of Sts. Francis and Clare. Read the full text of Pope Francis's teaching on the characteristics of God's voice on the Vatican website.  

Spinning your wheels and overwhelmed? Erin Ingold is here to help! She reminded me every action starts in our thoughts. Managing our minds means we can heal the root of problems, decide well and confidently, and develop lasting habits of virtue. In this episode we cover: The importance of curiosity in change and healing How to stop making harmful snap judgements How to move forward when you're overwhelmed  The core GOOD desires that motivate every action- even sins! How to move from self-judgement to self empathy and ultimately freedom I love Metanoia's ideology and method so much that I'm joining their next training and becoming a certified Catholic life coach as of Spring 2025! I know you'll be helped by Erin's wisdom, as I have. Resources Catholic Coaching Program- Deadline to sign up is September 21st! Get all the info and sign up here FREE Webinar "Our Favorite Coaching Strategy Revealed"  Thank you so much to everyone who has supported my ministry with the purchase of one of my beeswax candles! See my new Assisi candle and my whole collection with the Catholic All Year Marketplace here. Need a community? Come join my Patreon community for monthly video chats with Catholics from around the USA, and other perks! Your support starting at just $5/mo will help support the continued provision of my unique discernment content.

WATCH ON YOUTUBE HERE   Father Timothy Gallagher OMV is one of the top experts on Ignatian Discernment. He was a part of the God's Adventure Awaits Summit back in the Summer of 2020 and I am so excited to have him back on now! Father Timothy shares his priestly discernment story with me and together we talk about the role of desire in discernment. He also goes over the process of discernment, gaining counsel, judging, and executing a decision with peace and in relationship with Christ. We talk about what should be discerned, little every day decisions vs. big decisions. Also discussed is what true peace is and how to know the difference. Join us as we talk about how what God wants for you is to uncover the deepest layers of what you want, so that He can show you what his will is through those desires.   Topics Discussed What is worth discerning? Vocational Discernment and the importance of Come & Sees The Ignatian Spiritual Exercises 30 day silent retreat using meditations on the life of Christ to draw you deeper in to make decisions with Christ. The importance of desire and attraction in discernment Does God really want what we want? Why we need to trust in God's will for us, even if we are experiencing fear in Discernment. The Colloquy, a conversation with Christ as a friend to a friend. What prayer is, how to dispose ourselves properly to it, and who is the primary actor in it. Spiritual Consolation and Desolation and how to respond to both. How to use the virtue of prudence in your life for natural/non spiritual matters. How to discern peace correctly. It's more than a good feeling. Resources St. Ignatius of Loyola Venerable Bruno Lanteri Book on Ignatian Discernment Book on Prayer Book on Rule #2 Podcasts-Discerning Hearts Father Gregory Pine episode on Prudence Seekdirection.app Spiritualdirection.com Lanteri Center for Ignatian Spirituality What am I to do? Series on daily decisions.  Website: www.frtimothygallagher.org Facebook: Fr. Timothy Gallagher For a film on Venerable Bruno: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZTmqtQv7SbM   Sponsors: CWCNFP-Catholic Women and Couples Natural Family Planning Free virtual NFP courses using the Billings method. English and Spanish courses offered. Website: www.cwcnfp.org Instagram: @cwcnfp  Facebook: www.facebook.com/cwcnfp   Metanoia Catholic-Matt & Erin Ingold The Catholic Coaching Podcast Catholic Coaching Program- Deadline to sign up is September 20th, only 10 spots left! Free "What type of coach are you?" Discernment Quiz: https://metanoiacatholic.typeform.com/coach-type Metanoia Catholic Coaching Brochure: https://www.metanoiacatholic.com/catholic-coaching-certification   Thank you so much to everyone who has supported my ministry with the purchase of one of my beeswax candles! See my full collection with the Catholic All Year Marketplace here. Need a community? Come join my Patreon community for monthly video chats with Catholics from around the USA, and other perks! Your support starting at just $5/mo will help support the continued provision of my unique discernment content.

JOIN THE FREE SURRENDER NOVENA CHALLENGE HERE!  We start May 30 until June 7! Show Notes Do you feel like it's hard to be totally real with God? Do you have trouble calming your mind and letting go of your to do list to pray? Do you feel frustrated with yourself and wish you could just be better? Enter the Colloquy, a fancy word for “conversation” in St. Ignatius of Loyola's formula. It's a simple formula- literally 3 quick steps- anyone can use to have an authentic connection to the Lord. In the first few minutes I explain how to make a colloquy, then I move onto my own experience of making a colloquy. Jesus's love is unreal. In reading The Interior Castle I've had the good (hard) realization of how far I have to go before I'm ready for sainthood. Honesty is good, but I've felt so frustrated with myself lately. Jesus totally changed my heart and my outlook with his response. I hope my testimony gives you hope and encourages you to try making a colloquy Topics Discussed Ignatius of Loyola's Spiritual Exercises Sharing 3 of My Visions… What It's Like to Experience Visions  How Does God's Voice Actually “Sound”? St. Teresa's Rules for Discerning Whether Voices Come From God, Our Imagination, or the Devil  Thank you so much to everyone who has supported my ministry with the purchase of one of my beeswax candles! See my full collection with the Catholic All Year Marketplace here- my newest candle is called Ex Cathedra, based on St. Peter's Bascillica. With scents of lily, jasmine & seasalt, it's perfect as we head into summer! Come on over to my website for more resources for your spiritual life. Need a community? Come join my Patreon community for monthly video chats with Catholics from around the USA, and other perks! Your support starting at just $5/mo will help support the continued provision of my unique discernment content. 

Join the FREE Surrender Novena + Stretch Challenge here- we start May 30! Kick off your day with something good for your body and for your soul!   ADULT THEMES DISCUSSED! Morgan Swartz is my podcast guest today, folks! She was a participant on my True North Discernment group that I led back in the Fall of 2020 with people who wanted some extra discernment guidance after The God's Adventure Awaits Summit. Morgan is a bold and joyful woman for the Lord! She and I talk about being free in order to choose well and to really be able to seek the voice of God. We also discuss dating, listening to God/the Holy Spirit's inspirations in prayer, and what it means to trust God even in our struggle with brokenness and addictions. Morgan has a ministry called JoyinHope and a book called Out of Darkness, Into Light about her struggle with pornography and masturbation. Grab your new favorite brew and brace yourself for some deep, honest discussion about what it's like to go through addiction and healing, and hearing God's voice call you to do great things!   WATCH ON YOUTUBE HERE   Topics Discussed Online dating Developing a relationship with each person of the Blessed Trinity: How the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit heal us by showing us who we are Morgan's story of becoming addicted to porn and masturbation + her healing process from sin, shame and lies of the enemy Physical boundaries in dating The vital importance of an accountability partner and daily rosary Gaining bravery to share your story-even and ESPECIALLY the hard parts Resources Book: Out of Darkness, Into Light by Morgan Swartz Movie: The Shack Prayer: “God, show me who I am to You” Mini Lesson: Pope Francis' Discerning the Voice of God Morgan's Ministry: JoyinHope Morgan's Youtube: JoyinHope Morgan's YouTube Healing Playlist Our Lady of Fatima Ascension Presents: Mari Pablo   Thank you so much to everyone who has supported my ministry with the purchase of one of my beeswax candles! See my full collection with the Catholic All Year Marketplace here- my newest candle is called Ex Cathedra, based on St. Peter's Basilica. With scents of lily, jasmine & sea salt, it's perfect as we head into summer! Need a community? Come join my Patreon community for monthly video chats with Catholics from around the USA, and other perks! Your support starting at just $5/mo will help support the continued provision of my unique discernment content.

Hi Friends! God wants to speak to you, each of you. Because each of you are special to Him. Today I'm going to share a few of my experiences in prayer so that you know what is possible! I really hope that you enjoy my bold vulnerability in this episode in sharing a glimpse into some moments with the Lord where He was very clear with me (Because I need Him to be!) I hope this helps you to listen with expectation that Jesus will speak to you! Get all settled in with your favorite new mug and get ready to learn more about how God can speak to you! BUY THE PAINTING BY MY HUSBAND REFERENCED IN THIS EPISODE HERE WATCH ON YOUTUBE HERE Topics Discussed Rediscovering boldness in faith by our expectations of how God will speak to us in prayer. Saint friends: How they pray and what we can learn from them. How the Mercy of God meets us in prayer and helps us heal. Prayer visions and what they can look like. Growth through suffering: Why it's a gain! Resources St. Faustina St. Paul-Acts Ch. 9 Hebrews 13:5 St. Teresa of Avila Father Ripperger Last episode on God's Voice John's Painting in the YouTube Video-at 4:20 Nora 7 Sorrows of Mary Ephesians 6:12 Sacred Heart Our Lady Undoer of Knots Thank you so much to everyone who has supported my ministry with the purchase of one of my beeswax candles! See my full collection with the Catholic All Year Marketplace here- my newest candle is called Ex Cathedra, based on St. Peter's Bascillica. With scents of lily, jasmine & seasalt, it's perfect as we head into summer! Need a community? Come join my Patreon community for monthly video chats with Catholics from around the USA, and other perks! Your support starting at just $5/mo will help support the continued provision of my unique discernment content.

Topics Discussed How to hear God when He speaks to us and what He "sounds" like (it may surprise you!) What are locutions? Where/who locutions come from: imagination, God or the devil 5 reasons from St. Teresa of Avila to know that a locution is an authentic communication from God Resources Interior Castle by St. Teresa of Avila Father Chad Ripperger Mike Creavey Episode Depression Episode Thank you so much to everyone who has supported my ministry with the purchase of one of my beeswax candles! See my full collection with the Catholic All Year Marketplace here- may I recommend an Alleluia candle for Easter? Lemon and lily of the valley mingle to make your home smell like pure joy! Need a community? Come join my Patreon community for monthly video chats with Catholics from around the USA, and other perks! Your support starting at just $5/mo will help support the continued provision of my unique discernment content.

Psalm 34: “Trust in the Lord and he will give you the desires of your heart” January Donovan is a force of nature and walking proof of what we can accomplish when we undertake God's invitation to a massive dream. She's the founder of the highly successful Woman School and Wholeness School, wife, and mom of eight kids. She was so impactful that in the week since we recorded, I'm seeing enormous fruits in my life: I finally got motivated to hire an assistant so I can put out more content regularly, I'm cranking out a huge and exciting project (that'll be announced in the coming months) with zero self-doubt, AND I'm running my household with more discipline. All that from just one conversation, and I can't wait to hear the effects of our conversation in your life! Whether you consider yourself a dreamer or a practical person, you'll gain irreplaceable wisdom from January.   Topics Discussed: January's daily routine as a mom of 8 and CEO How God calls us through OUR action The #1 qualities single women should look for in a man How to form the desires of your heart and find your dream for this season Growth mindset vs. fixed mindset Resources The Woman School website Carol Dweck: Fixed vs. growth mindset Thank you so much to everyone who has supported my ministry with the purchase of one of my beeswax candles! See my full collection with the Catholic All Year Marketplace here- may I recommend an Alleluia candle for Easter? Lemon and lily of the valley mingle to make your home smell like pure joy! Need a community? Come join my Patreon community for monthly video chats with Catholics from around the USA, and other perks! Your support starting at just $5/mo will help support the continued provision of my unique discernment content.

"Why doesn't God help me in my suffering? Why does he feel farther away right at the time when I need to feel him closest? Why is he rejecting me?" These are the questions I found myself asking in 2023 when beset by my son's extended health crisis: I barely slept more than an hour at a time for FIVE MONTHS. I quickly discovered why sleep deprivation has been used as a form of torture! In this difficult season I wrestled with big questions about what God's provision through hardship means. I hope this episode can support and encourage anyone who needs it today. Most of the content I produce is totally free of charge. If you'd like to help support my ministry and family, please consider one of the following:  Purchase a candle from my collection with the Catholic All Year Marketplace- they make great Valentine's Day gifts as enhancing your Lent and Easter prayer! Join my Patreon Community for monthly video chats with me and a great community of Catholics from around the USA! Visit my YouTube channel (where I have free full-length workout videos) and subscribe and hit the bell so you don't miss an episode! Share this episode with a friend and leave me a review on Apple Podcasts :)

Thanks for tuning in! Today I have 6 strategies you can implement right now to help you quit the win/lose mentality with other women.  Please consider supporting my work either by joining my Patreon community (starting at just $5/month with great perks!) ... ...and purchasing handmade beeswax candles from my collection with the Catholic All Year Marketplace. They make fantastic gifts for Lent, Easter, and Valentine's Day!

How do you handle the emotional rollercoaster when God appears to open and then almost immediately shut a door? Mary Clare had this question and I was so glad she asked! In this episode I'll be sharing how I handle the ups and downs, as well as the perfect parenting principle God uses on us, for our good. (Because TBH I need to be parented :) ) Find all episodes of my show as well as full-length Scripture-inspired workout videos on my website. I hope you enjoy the episode! You can watch it ON YOUTUBE HERE. (and if you susbcribe, like and share while you're at it you'll make my day!)   Thanks for considering purchasing one of my handmade beeswax candles. They smell amazing and the jars are gorgeous! Check out my line of products available on the Catholic All Year Marketplace here!   Do you need a community of like-minded Christians? Join my Patreon community- pledges start at just $5/month! You'll also be supporting ongoing provision of my unique discernment content. Thanks so much for considering!

I've not yet talked about homeschooling on my show yet, but today's the day! I'm not a veteran homeschool mom by any means, but I've done enough to make a plan to tackle my 3 biggest pain points in homeschooling. They are: Keeping patience when things get frustrating What to do with your littles while you're doing schoolwork with your bigs Keeping a tidy (enough) house to stay sane when everyone is home all day I hope you enjoy the episode! You can watch it ON YOUTUBE HERE. (and if you susbcribe, like and share while you're at it you'll make my day!) Thanks for considering purchasing one of my handmade beeswax candles. They smell amazing and the jars are gorgeous! Check out my line of products available on the Catholic All Year Marketplace here! Do you need a community of like-minded Christians? Join my Patreon community- pledges start at just $5/month! You'll also be supporting ongoing provision of my unique discernment content. Thanks so much for considering!

Thank you for tuning in! Please subscribe and share with anyone you know who needs to hear this episode. In this episode, Shannon and I detail our eating disorders and how scripture and understanding how God sees us freed us from our underlying self-image issues. Packed with practical tips and support for anyone struggling to love themselves. Resources Buy Shannon's Book See Yourself As God Does Hear Dr. Andrew Whitmore's episode on Called and Caffeinated Join Stacey's Patreon Community here! Buy Stacey's handmade beeswax prayer candles. They make amazing gifts.

Thank you so much for tuning in! Do you feel like you're stuck in a rut? Can't get out of the same old bad habits (and you're sick of thinking about how you can't just kick them once and for all?) My good friend Dr. Andrew Whitmore will spell out strategies from his new book that are sure to give you tons of motivation and immediate progress. If you listen to my show regularly you know I love actionable strategies, and Dr. Whitmore will not disappoint. Resources Buy Dr. Whitmore's Book, Saintly Habits, here! Stacey's Called and Caffeinated interview with Fr. Gregory Pine, O.P. on the virtue of prudence Check out Stacey's handmade prayer candles and tallow lotion bars for sale on the Catholic All Year Marketplace here! They make wonderful gifts as well as companions for your prayer time to elevate your heart and soul. Want to chat with Stacey and fellow wonderful Catholics from around the country? Join Stacey's Patreon community. Your pledge supports this channel and gains you access to twice-monthly chats to support you in your walk with God. Click here to learn more!

Happy Feast Day of St. Joseph!! I have a newfound devotion to this incredible Saint and, since I have promised to spread awareness of his amazingness, I'm keeping that promise today. It's been an extremely eventful year for the Sumereau family, and one other Saint has also been instrumental for us. Yes God does answer prayers, and he loves to do it in a way that will blow your mind! Also in this episode is a concept that's been buzzing around in my brain for YEARS that I've never yet been able to articulate. When we're discerning something we often want to rush to an answer. However, the Lord may want to HEAL us first. How to begin understanding that, getting to the root of the problem, and re-framing our understanding of discernment so we can approach it correctly? Listen to find out. (My 2-month-old son was a very noisy sleeper in this episode, so my apologies for some background "extras"! If I wait for perfection, nothing will happen these days!) Resources Amber VanVickle's article A Mother Finds Love at the Foot of the Cross  St. Joseph's Cloak Novena St. Therese of Lisieux Novena

In my years in discernment ministry, I've noticed that most people look for God's voice in two specific ways: A voice in one's head, or a sign. As my spiritual life has matured, I've mostly stopped asking God for a sign in discernment. Why? I have four reasons: Signs can be ambivelent: How do you know what the sign means? God may not want to tell you because he may want you to choose Signs are limiting: God often wants to work far more creatively! Asking for a sign can make you hyper-focused on the sign when discernment is rather a relationship So how should we pray in discernment? There are many ways, and I'll finish the episode with four very practical ways to help you get unstuck and pray well. Two are from St. Ignatius “The Man” of Loyola. Enjoy! Resources Get the Prayer of Surrender mentioned in this episode when you subscribe to https://www.staceysumereau.com . You'll instantly get a packet called “How to Make the Right Choice” and inside that is the Prayer. Leah Darrow's episode on Called and Caffeinated Fr. Gregory Pine O.P.'s episode on Called and Caffeinated Thank you to everyone who has purchased on of my handmade prayer candles! Check out the whole line here! To join my Patreon Community for lively discussions and prayer twice a month! Pledges start at just $5/month and support the ongoing provision of this unique discernment content. Thank you for your support! 

Are you in a phase of life where you lost your motivation to pray? For me, pregnancy is a season where I totally fall off the wagon in my prayer life. Then when I lose the habit of prayer I lose the motivation. And it's really hard to get back into the habit. Today I'm sharing 5 fail-safe strategies to revive my mostly-defunct prayer life: Make your busy life a prayer Make a plan Tithe your time Prioritize your best way to connect with God Recall God's past providence I've begun making 100% beeswax candles with crackling wooden wicks to enhance your prayer time and for many occasions! I'm thrilled to be selling my candles on the Catholic All Year Marketplace- get yours here. (If the candle you want is sold out, never fear! It'll be back in stock within the week!) Join the Called and Caffeinated Patreon community starting at  just $5/month to support this show and join our bi-monthly video chats with community members around the country and internationally. Your support is SO appreciated!

“Self-knowledge is so important that, even if you were raised right up to the heavens, I should like you never to relax your cultivation of it.” -St. Teresa of Avila In this episode I'm joined by famed author of many books, including The Temperament God Gave You, Laraine Bennett. If you're like me, you get a little annoyed when someone references the temperaments because it feels just a tad... simplistic. Or you never read a book about them before. Never fear! We break down each temperament into manageable explanations and after hearing them, I think you'll agree with me that they're an enormously helpful tool for increasing self-knowledge. My favorite part of our interview was discussing something I've never heard talked about before: Pitfalls to avoid discernment for each temperament, as well as how to use your particular temperament to discern God's will well. As always on this show, we discuss discernment for every single decision in your life- not just your vocation. Topics Discussed What is temperament? How it differs from personality Where the concept of temperaments comes from, and an overview of each Thinking correctly about temperament: Avoiding both navel-gazing and unjust judgement Discernment advice for each temperament type Are certain temperament types more compatible with others in marriage? Resources Know Thyself! Board Game by Laraine Bennett The Temperament God Gave You by Laraine Bennett Laraine's Temperament Quiz The Little Way of Living With Less- Laraine's newest book Brennan and Audra Nakane: The Nakane CAPS temperament system on Called and Caffeinated Need a community? Check out the Christian Family Movement. Find a group or start one in your area backed by their 70+ years of experience strengthening couples and families! Your support on Patreon helps power these episodes. Thank you to our amazing patrons who make this unique content possible! Consider joining and gain access to Coffee Sips, Stacey's secondary podcast, as well as twice-monthly video chats with the community. Pledges start at just $5/mo.

My heart went out to a listener named Victoria, who wrote to me of her eating disorder. Her discomfort with her looks pushed her toward perfectionism and an extreme fear of failure. As I read her words, I knew exactly how she felt, because for years I was there as well. You can't discern your true purpose when you're living in fear of failure and self-dislike. Even after your body heals and you begin eating normally again, long-term healing of your heart and your outlook is absolutely essential. If you're stuck in that in-between, this one's for you. In this episode, I'm sharing my experience and then reducing my entire healing journey down to just ONE simple question. Answering that one question broke me out of years of spiraling self-hatred and anxiety. How you answer this question will hopefully do exactly the same for you.  Resources Watch on YouTube HERE! Stacey's episode with Dr. Scott Hahn includes the topic of fasting for people recovering from body image issues. Need a community? Check out the Christian Family Movement. Find a group or start one in your area backed by their 70+ years of experience strengthening couples and families! If you're looking for more discernment advice, consider joining the True North Course. This self-paced, 5-module Course is a comprehensive guide to help you discern any decision to live with purpose, passion and peace. Stacey Sumereau has guided people from 13 countries through True North- discover your purpose today! Your support on Patreon helps power these episodes. Thank you to our amazing patrons who make this unique content possible! Consider joining and gain access to Coffee Sips, Stacey's secondary podcast, as well as twice-monthly video chats with the community. Pledges start at just $5/mo.

My heart went out to a listener named Victoria, who wrote to me of her eating disorder. Her discomfort with her looks pushed her toward perfectionism and an extreme fear of failure. As I read her words, I knew exactly how she felt, because for years I was there as well. You can't discern your true purpose when you're living in fear of failure and self-dislike. Even after your body heals and you begin eating normally again, long-term healing of your heart and your outlook is absolutely essential. If you're stuck in that in-between, this one's for you. In this episode, I'm sharing my experience and then reducing my entire healing journey down to just ONE simple question. Answering that one question broke me out of years of spiraling self-hatred and anxiety. How you answer this question will hopefully do exactly the same for you.  Resources Watch on YouTube HERE! Stacey's episode with Dr. Scott Hahn includes the topic of fasting for people recovering from body image issues. Need a community? Check out the Christian Family Movement. Find a group or start one in your area backed by their 70+ years of experience strengthening couples and families! If you're looking for more discernment advice, consider joining the True North Course. This self-paced, 5-module Course is a comprehensive guide to help you discern any decision to live with purpose, passion and peace. Stacey Sumereau has guided people from 13 countries through True North- discover your purpose today! Your support on Patreon helps power these episodes. Thank you to our amazing patrons who make this unique content possible! Consider joining and gain access to Coffee Sips, Stacey's secondary podcast, as well as twice-monthly video chats with the community. Pledges start at just $5/mo.

“So, what then is life about? To what — to whom — will we entrust our heart? There are plenty of suitors, but only one worthy spouse. For, as we'll find, a human life is a weighty thing, and some goals simply can't bear the burden of our whole heart's love.” If there's one thing I crave in all my decision-making, it's confidence. If I knew for sure what the right thing was, I would be so happy and choose it immediately! Sadly, there's usually no burning bush or angel appearing in a dream to tell me. Developing the virtue of prudence is the best guide. The brilliant Fr. Gregory Pine is on the pod to discuss the 8 parts of prudence, formulating a vision for who I want to be on the other side of each decision, why we call prudence the "charioteer of the virtues," and so much more. Thank you to this episode's sponsor, the Christian Family Movement. To join or start a community in your area, click here! Looking for in-depth discernment advice? Join the True North Discernment Course, available for a limited time! Looking for community and want to support this channel? Join Stacey's Patreon community for twice monthly video chats with amazing people from around the Country! Your monthly pledge helps support this show.

There are a million parenting advice books, homeschooling books, how-to's on organizing, and spiritual books. Much, much more rare is a book helping us parents know when to work and when to put your feet up, how to make your marriage last with boisterous youngsters claiming your every ounce of energy, how to form a philosophy for educating your children, and how to keep one million tasks in balance... or discern when to cut down the list! Leila Lawler, founder of the popular blog Like Mother Like Daughter and now author of the aptly (and cheekily) named Summa Domestica, has been on my 'hit list' for quite some time. She channels the collective memory every family needs to navigate those decisions, both large and small, no one else talks about. I recommend this episode for any parents but also those who feel called to marriage and want to benefit from early preparation for family life.  Resources Buy the Summa Domestica here Leila's blog Like Mother Like Daughter Join the True North Discernment Course, open for a limited time! Click this link for the self-paced Course aimed at helping you make all your life choices with purpose, passion and peace. Thank you to this episode's sponsor, the Christian Family Movement. To find or start a group in your area click this link. Keep your family Catholic and strong by forming intentional community right where you are! Thank you to our other sponsor, Catholic Match! CM has worked for me and for countless others and it's the largest Catholic dating platform anywhere. To start your FREE profile, click this link.  

Anyone else totally lose steam at this point in Lent? It's not Holy Week yet and the "smells and bells" of special liturgies haven't arrived. And TBH I'm busy and the excitement of growth at the outset of Ash Wednesday wore off weeks ago. If you're like me, you will absolutely LOVE my interview with the inimitable Dr. Scott Hahn. There's so much more to fasting than giving up: It will increase our JOY. It unites us in brotherhood to the millions of people in our Universal Church who have fasted throughout the centuries. Give this a listen to gear you up for Holy Week; it won't disappoint! Topics Discussed How to find joy in fasting Discerning when you've taken your resolutions too far (or not far enough) Fasting for those suffering from body image anxiety Collectively building the Kingdom of God through fasting Does fasting "prove" our faith to God? Looking for more discernment guidance? Consider signing up for the True North Discernment Course. Great for any life decisions, big or small, this Course is rooted in rich Catholic discernment tradition. 5 self-paced modules including worksheets, video teaching sessions, and personalized coaching with Stacey! Join the Called and Caffeinated Patreon Community for twice-monthly video chats and to support this unique content! Thank you to this episode's sponsor, the Christian Family Movement. For over 70 years CFM has been building strong communities to help keep families strong! Check it out here.

VIEW ON YOUTUBE HERE "God does not reject the places even we reject within ourselves." I've never thought of Lent as a time for healing, but my conversation with Sr. Miriam James Heidland changed that. Prayer, fasting and almsgiving: the purpose of these is not to do them for their own sake, but in order to enter into the desert with the Lord. To let him heal the places that most hurt us. If that scares the living daylights out of you... it should. It will. But only in exposing our wound to the healer can he truly heal us. If you've followed Sr. Miriam's heart-centered ministry as I have and have loved her Abiding Together Podcast, this one is absolutely for you. Be sure to listen right to the end as I share a healing image from my own testimony of post-NICU recovery. Topics Discussed Seeing our sins as wounds How to achieve deep, intimate prayer What to expect when we are truly vulnerable with God Ongoing healing: When the road feels never-ending Fasting so that you can feast on something else Resources Buy Sr. Miriam's Book Restore here- and study along with the Abiding Together Facebook group The Abiding Together Podcast Looking for community? Join the Called and Caffeinated Patreon Community where we join in prayer and conversation twice a month. Pledges start at just $5/mo and support the provision of this unique content!  Thank you to our episode sponsor Catholic Match! Join the largest Catholic online dating platform with a FREE profile by March 15, 2022 and you'll automatically entered to win a 6-month membership!

WATCH ON YOUTUBE HERE! “If you do not know how to feast, you do not know how to feast.” -GK Chesterton Not gonna lie… as a teen I usually weighed my Lenten resolution options against how good I'd look in a swimsuit by Easter. To be honest, I never “got” fasting. I still don't know if I do, but this year I've received a few great new books that completely transformed my outlook on Lent and fasting and, dare I say, made me look forward to this penitential season!? Today I'm going way beyond the McDonald's fish sandwich and Mardi Gras in New Orleans. I'm interviewing one of the editors of Sophia Institute Press's The Lenten Cookbook. Kristen Van Uden is a wealth of knowledge regarding how Lent and different fasting traditions came together over the centuries. You'll also learn about the TRUE purpose of fasting and how to do it well, and the continuity of fasting traditions throughout the centuries. Topics Discussed Fasting as preparation and reparation Importance of integrating our physical bodies and spiritual souls Overview of the history of Lent Early fasting traditions: The Black Fast, Xerophagia, Collations, Ember Days, Rogation Days The Church's current fasting requirements Resources Buy The Lenten Cookbook here!  Catholic Icing- Great resources for Catholic families  Thank you to this episode's sponsor, Catholic Match! Start your Catholic love story with a FREE profile. Use this link by March 15, 2022 and you'll automatically be entered to win a 6-month membership! Also follow on Instagram @CatholicMatch Do you need discernment skills for life? Join the True North Course, now open for a limited time! A self-guided course based in the discernment tradition of the Church with videos, worksheets and personal coaching from Stacey Sumereau.  

My dad had aggressive cancer in 2019 that almost killed him. Watching him go through chemo was an extremely intense experience for my whole family. When I heard about Sr. Diana Marie's mission of dedicating her life to caring for terminally ill cancer patients, my first reaction was "How do you DO that?" Not only does she spend her days loving people in their last days, but she's also young, full of joy, and hilarious (sarcasm is her love language.) We cover a whole range of topics from her conversion from Mormonism to Catholicism in grad school, her discernment process, and her falling in love with the life of the Dominican Sisters of Hawthorne. If you need a relatable story of someone who didn't feel "holy enough" and struggled with all the big questions, this one's for you. WATCH ON YOUTUBE HERE! Topics Covered Navigating religious life discernment as a convert Why Sr. Diana Marie chose a nursing order even though she didn't see herself as a nurse Handling anxiety about life choices When to know you should seriously discern religious life Telling your family you're entering religious life when you know they'll be disappointed Charism and life of the Dominican Sisters of Hawthorne Resources Dominican Sisters of Hawthorne website  Schedule a Come and See here (Vocations chat coming up April 2 and retreat May 21 in Macon GA!) NEW video about the Sisters here Stacey's interview with Fr. Gregory Pine Do you need discernment skills for life? Join the True North Course, now open for a limited time! A self-guided course based in the discernment tradition of the Church with videos, worksheets and personal coaching from Stacey Sumereau. Thank you to this episode's sponsor, Catholic Match! Start your Catholic love story with a FREE profile. Use this link by March 15, 2022 and you'll automatically be entered to win a 6-month membership! Also follow on Instagram @CatholicMatch

Did you know C&C is a YouTube show too? Watch here! We discuss the following saints and their virtues: Faith exemplified by St. Bassa Courage exemplified by St. Perpetua Forgiveness and mercy exemplified by St. Gladys Perseverance exemplified by St. Theneva Detachment exemplified by St. Frances of Rome Generosity exemplified by Bl. Marianna Biernacka Resources Kelly's website  (Purchase Saintly Moms directly from her for a signed copy!) Stacey's workout series Catholic Strong Thank you to this episode's sponsor, Catholic Match! Start your Catholic love story with a FREE profile. Use this link by March 15, 2022 and you'll automatically be entered to win a 6-month membership! Also follow on Instagram @CatholicMatch Do you need discernment skills for life? Join the True North Course, now open for a limited time! A self-guided course based in the discernment tradition of the Church with videos, worksheets and personal coaching from Stacey Sumereau

Watch on YouTube here! Well, well, well. My husband John actually asked to come up with the ideas for this episode and I was like 'YES thank you honey.' I always feared as a single person that my husband and I would fall out of love and out of like, and 5 years in, I'm happy to report we're more into each other than when we got married! We're sharing today our top tips for maintaining a healthy marriage:  The importance of surrendering everything in marriage to God How to make your suffering fruitful What to do when your spouse sins or irritates you How to keep spiritually healthy The importance of making love as often as possible And more! Mentioned in this episode: Get the life-changing Prayer of Surrender FREE when you subscribe at StaceySumereau.com. It's inside a packet called "How to Make the Right Choice." Looking for community? Join our wonderful Patreon group for twice monthly chats! Patreon is a monthly pledge program that helps create sustainable income for creatives. When you make a low monthly pledge you gain a great group of friends AND support the provision of my unique discernment content! Thank you to today's sponsor, Catholic Match! Get your Catholic love story started FREE by clicking this link!

The Holy Spirit is... a dove?? Anyone else feel like the third Person of the Blessed Trinity is just a little inaccessible the way he's usually described?    He's so much more than that. In fact, the Holy Spirit is no less than the ACTUAL antidote to literally everything wrong in the world. A relationship with the Holy Spirit is essential to good discernment, and if you don't know how to get started then this is the perfect episode for you.   For some time I've wanted to delve deeper into understanding this Person. Sr. Mary Ann Fatula is a true scholar and her book Drawing Close to the Holy Spirit compiles insights and images of this Divine Person from Saints through the ages. She's also the sweetest person I've ever met... you can practically hear the Holy Spirit speaking through her!   Topics Discussed Images to help us understand the Holy Spirit :) Holy Spirit as the "Impulse of Love," the "Kiss of Love," and ultimate "Friend." How to begin praying to the Holy Spirit Allowing the Holy Spirit to pray in us Resources Buy Drawing Close to the Holy Spirit  Watch this episode on YouTube here! Be my guest! Join Stacey on the Wisdom App JAN 2 at 8:30pm EST for a live podcasting event. Download the app and find Stacey at @Stacey Sumereau   Join the Called and Caffeinated Patreon Community! We have a twice monthly video chat. Our community is an amazing opportunity for you to build authentic friendships with people of faith around the Country!   

WATCH ON YOUTUBE HERE Faith helps us get through challenges, yes, but when we have extended trials that press on us we can sometimes falter and lose heart. If we can't hear God speak or feel his comfort, It can leave us questioning “why has God abandoned me? Where was he when I needed him? Does he really love me if he's letting me go through this?” I experienced all those things in the trauma and trial an emergency C-section where my daughter almost died, followed by her 126 days in the NICU. It was the scariest, most painful, most uncomfortable time of my life. I've shared a lot on it and I'll link a summary of her journey and homecoming. In this video, I want to share my deeply personal internal journey which I haven't yet shared. I also want give it a framework or a loose process to give you or anyone who needs to heal their relationship with God, in hopes that maybe it'll give you a way forward. Resources Honora's Journey and Homecoming Fr. Mark Goring's Interview Stacey on Ascension Presents Today's episode is sponsored by the Hallow App. Hallow is the #1 Catholic Prayer App with over 500 prayer sessions. Learn to meditate, deepen your prayer life, pray with your community, and set your prayer goals. Get a FREE premium 90-day trial when you click this link! Looking for community? Join Stacey's Patreon community for live Google Meet prayer and chats twice monthly . Patreon is a platform that allows creatives to make sustainable income, so your small monthly pledge makes a big difference in the continued creation of Stacey's unique discernment content!

So things are opening up again (Yay!) And suddenly you're back to juggling a busy schedule and your prayer life is slipping. You're not alone. In this episode I'm answering a question from Julie who's feeling frustrated by her lack of ability to maintain the 4-times-daily structure to her prayer life she had in quarantine. I'll be discussing: The #1 obstacle in your spiritual life (it's NOT faltering in your prayer life!) How to get back into a prayer routine once you've fallen off the horse Why quality over quantity is important Identifying your best style of prayer Overcoming perfectionism Finding creative ways to pray when you don't have much time 7 practical strategies to ensure consistency in prayer Resources Overcoming Spiritual Discouragement by Fr. Timothy Gallagher Get Stacey's prayer of surrender free when you subscribe (in "How to Make the Right Choice" packet) by clicking here Enjoy and thank you so much for listening! Today's episode is sponsored by the Hallow App. Hallow is the #1 Catholic Prayer App with over 500 prayer sessions. Learn to meditate, deepen your prayer life, pray with your community, and set your prayer goals. Get a FREE premium 90-day trial when you click this link! Looking for community? Join Stacey's Patreon community for live Google Meet prayer and chats twice monthly . Patreon is a platform that allows creatives to make sustainable income, so your small monthly pledge makes a big difference in the continued creation of Stacey's unique discernment content!  

Watch on YouTube here!  Show Notes Day after day, as I tearfully left my baby and away from the NICU, I would cry out to God, “how much longer?” It's hard to believe that Nora was only in the hospital 126 days. It felt like 126 years. Why do the deserts of our lives feel so long, and what do you do when your faith begins to waver? Are you supposed to just get through it, or can you learn something when you're deprived of legitimate needs? Sonja Corbitt's new book, Just Rest, came to me at the perfect time as I struggled to process my hell ride of 2021. It parallels the deserts of our lives with the Israelites' 40 years of wandering in the desert before entering the Promised Land. Just as they, we must learn the lessons of our deserts in order to take possession of our promised rest. If you've struggled to see the point in your suffering (I have,) this episode is for you. Sonja and I discuss the tremendous hope and healing waiting in the desert if only we can open our eyes and our hearts and let God stand in the void. Topics Discussed How the desert is a seemingly contradictory “fertile emptiness” and “fruitful wasteland” Seeing the “dew” to refresh and sustain us Two methods to identify how God is working on you Disciplining your thoughts and habits Seeing past the immediate deprivations and identifying the deeper issues that God wants to heal in your desert Resources Buy Just Rest and see all of Sonja's offerings, including her podcast, here Subscribe FREE on Stacey's website and receive a packet called "How to Make the Right Choice" instantly in your inbox Many thanks to this episode's sponsor, Catholic Match! Start your love story on the internet's largest Catholic dating website by clicking here. Also follow for dating inspiration on Instagram @CatholicMatch! Join fellow Catholics across the nation in the Called and Caffeinated Patreon Community! Join our monthly video chats with Stacey and friends starting at just $5/month.

I got a note from Kim asking how to keep trusting God in her season of very extended singlehood. I sympathize 1000% with the struggle but I also FIRMLY believe no one has to stay in a place of sadness, loneliness, and scarcity.  Topics Discussed My 3 hopes for anyone struggling with singlehood 3 strategies for achieving and living those hopes Resources Emily Stimpson Chapmans episode on the Called and Caffeinated Podcast on extended singlehood Fr. Mike Schmitz's episode on the Called and Caffeinated Podcast on the 3 levels of our callings 2-Step plan for entrusting God with your future (and how to be okay with doing that) Have a question? Click here and drop me a line to have it answered! Thank you to today's episode sponsor Catholic Match! Start your Catholic love story with a FREE profile by clicking this link. Also follow on Instagram @catholicmatch Thank you to our other sponsor Chews Life Rosaries. Click here and get 10% off their beautiful handmade Catholic gifts (including their signature teething rosaries for babies) with the code CAFFEINATED10.

You know when a woman walks by who looks absolutely fabulous and confident? Is that woman you, or do you wish you could feel more comfortable in your own skin? Until recently, I was the latter. Between years of self-image issues, changing shape constantly from three pregnancies in five years, and hanging on to hand-me-downs I don't like because I feel guilty giving away free stuff, I've rarely felt fabulous in my clothing. Enter Nicole Caruso, former writer for Verily Magazine and author of Worthy of Wearing. Nicole's worthiness movement is taking the Catholic Instagram corner by storm, pioneering an outside-in approach to recognizing your self-worth. Dressing well isn't vain, and showing your personal style is an opportunity for evangelization. I've been on my own personal style journey this year, and I could not be more excited to share how it's a major part of my healing experience! If you feel you have nothing to wear despite a closet full of clothes, or like you're overdue for a style upgrade, this one's for you. Topics What is the Worthy of Wearing movement? Reclaiming style from the fashion industry What is personal style, and how do you begin to develop yours? Editing your closet Shopping strategies to get a great closet that fits your budget The modern, integrated Catholic woman, and how to be one What to do if you often feel like “I can't wear that” Resources Follow along with Stacey's style journey on IG: @staceysumereau Buy Worthy of Wearing Nicole's website with TONS of resources Worthy of Wearing on Pinterest: @worthyofwearing Nicole on Pinterest: @nmcaruso Audrey Coyne's YouTube channel Thank you to today's episode sponsor Chews Life Rosaries! Get 10% off using code CAFFEINATED10 and spoil all the cute babies in your life with beautiful handmade gifts! Thank you to our other sponsor Catholic Match! CM is the largest Catholic dating platform. Start your love story by clicking here and creating a free profile.

You know when a woman walks by who looks absolutely fabulous and confident? Is that woman you, or do you wish you could feel more comfortable in your own skin? Until recently, I was the latter. Between years of self-image issues, changing shape constantly from three pregnancies in five years, and hanging on to hand-me-downs I don't like because I feel guilty giving away free stuff, I've rarely felt fabulous in my clothing. Enter Nicole Caruso, former writer for Verily Magazine and author of Worthy of Wearing. Nicole's worthiness movement is taking the Catholic Instagram corner by storm, pioneering an outside-in approach to recognizing your self-worth. Dressing well isn't vain, and showing your personal style is an opportunity for evangelization. I've been on my own personal style journey this year, and I could not be more excited to share how it's a major part of my healing experience! If you feel you have nothing to wear despite a closet full of clothes, or like you're overdue for a style upgrade, this one's for you. Topics What is the Worthy of Wearing movement? Reclaiming style from the fashion industry What is personal style, and how do you begin to develop yours? Editing your closet Shopping strategies to get a great closet that fits your budget The modern, integrated Catholic woman, and how to be one What to do if you often feel like “I can't wear that” Resources Follow along with Stacey's style journey on IG: @staceysumereau Buy Worthy of Wearing Nicole's website with TONS of resources Worthy of Wearing on Pinterest: @worthyofwearing Nicole on Pinterest: @nmcaruso Audrey Coyne's YouTube channel Thank you to today's episode sponsor Chews Life Rosaries! Get 10% off using code CAFFEINATED10 and spoil all the cute babies in your life with beautiful handmade gifts! Thank you to our other sponsor Catholic Match! CM is the largest Catholic dating platform. Start your love story by clicking here and creating a free profile.

The Nakanes couldn't believe it when they discovered a personality typing system that maps not only to reality, but also to scripture! It's not just a fun Facebook quiz; this system is a powerful key to understanding the Triune God, the personality you were given, other people, motivations, and free will. Brennen and Audra Nakane have been researching, developing, and writing about Nakane CAPS for over a decade. This is one of the longest C&C episodes, but it's the audio equivalent of a page-turner. Enjoy! Topics Discussed The 7 motivants and how body language expresses them How the motivants map to scripture and to God Using the motivants to deepen your prayer life Increasing relationships and communication using Nakane CAPS Resources Find Brennen and Audra's Nakane CAPS System Many free trainings and resources on the Nakane's YouTube channel Subscribe to Stacey's website here and receive your FREE discernment tool called "How to Make the Right Choice" when you click here! Many thanks to today's episode sponsors! Start your Catholic love story by setting up a free Catholic Match profile! Also follow them on Instagram for great dating advice @CatholicMatch. Use code CAFFEINATED10 to get 10% off your order of beautiful baby teething rosaries, rosary bracelets, teething necklaces, downloadable coloring pages, and much more from Chews Life Rosaries!

Never be overwhelmed by discerning religious life again! In this Q&A episode, follow this simple method to narrow down your search from the entire universe to the communities you're going to visit in person. Questions for journaling included in this episode: Do I see myself in a cloistered or an active community? Why? Is wearing a habit as part of religious life important to me? Why? Do I want to travel and serve in many places, or would I prefer to stay in one location? (I included this one because certain orders may station you around the world in several different convents!) What are my unique talents? (If you don't know, think about what people often tell you you're good at, or what people often ask you for help with.) What forms of prayer am I most attracted to- charismatic praise and worship? Rote prayers like the rosary? Lectio Divina? Who are the particular groups I feel called to serve? (The elderly, homeless, mothers in need, children?) Where do my gifts particularly shine? (teaching, nursing, cooking, writing, hospitality, etc?) What service experiences have I found most satisfying in the past, and why? When I envision myself in religious life, what do I picture myself doing? Are there any particular orders whose spirituality I'm attracted to- Dominican, Carmelite, Franciscan, etc. Questions for Zoom conversations: What do you love about your life? What does the schedule of a normal day look like? What do your community members do for fun and recreation? What's the story of your founder? What do you most love about your charism? Resources The God's Adventure Awaits Summit: 40+ Talks on Vocation and Catalog of 56 Religious Communities and Mission Organizations (Get 50% off using code DISCERNMENT50) Vision Vocation Network Matching Quiz This episode is sponsored by Chews Life Rosaries. Get 10% off their Christmas in July sales happening NOW using code CAFFEINATED10 (please note, this code doesn't apply to 1-day sales, but will apply to everything else!)  

“Listening with a capital L is the secret to life, the secret to love, because you can't love what you don't understand, and you can only understand if you listen.” What if it were your actual job to contemplate? To perceive deeply? That's how Dony MacManus sees his calling as an artist. He spent three weeks just drawing Michaelangelo's Pieta, and he shares how that experience healed and changed him. Living in our distracted world, I know it's a struggle to concentrate enough to enter into authentic contemplation. Dony's artistic perspective will help you counteract fast culture with slow gratitude, appreciation, and relationship. Perception is the “grammar” of contemplation How Dony vacillates between conceptual (“architectural”) and perceptual (“musical”) realities when he begins a work of art, and how it relates to Christian prayer life What "Forward in tradition" means, and how that creates great culture How to begin to contemplate using sacred art Why contemplation is like dating How to concentrate in a distracted world Resources Dony's website Dony MacManus Studios Worthy of Wearing by Nicole Caruso Theology of Home by Dr. Carrie Gress The Fundamental Secret of Happiness by Dominick Albano Come on Pilgrimage to the Holy Land! Jan 17-25, 2022. Come walk the sites of Christ's life on Earth and eat the world's best hummus! This episode is sponsored by Chews Life Rosaries. Click here to shop and use code CAFFEINATED10 for 10% off your order. Don't miss their Christmas in July sales happening now! (Please note, discount code does not apply to one-day sales in July.)

A little while back I got a message from Kathryn who's struggling to surrender to God's will for vocation, career, and living situation. She wrote, “Every time I surrender what I want to God I just get sad, like I'm giving up. How can I surrender my desires God when I don't even think he cares, when I don't think he wants to give me what I want?” My heart went out to Kathryn and I knew right away I wanted to devote an entire episode to her question. During my vocational discernment journey, I did many ugly cries in adoration struggling with exactly this same issue. In this first-of-its-kind Q&A episode, I'm sharing how to build your trust in God for true peace and an unstoppable faith. Leaning into this massive question is scary, hard, and uncomfortable. But I'm absolutely stoked for Kathryn and anyone in this particular struggle because it's the threshold of an entirely new, authentic life. In this episode: 2 journaling prompts to diagnose the cause of a lack of trust in God Practical steps to take to see God's faithfulness and providence in your life How to give God your “down payment of trust,” even if you're nervous about it The moment that made me love surrender (I hated it at first!) Resources Visit StaceySumereau.com: Subscribe and instantly get “How to Make the Right Choice” packet (Surrender prayer on p. 3) While you're there, click the Pilgrimage tab to check out Stacey's 9-day Holy Land pilgrimage in 2022, and consider joining! Get a FREE premium 3-month trial to Hallow, the #1 Catholic mediation and prayer app by following this link: hallow.com/staceysumereau Surrender Novena by Fr. Dolindo Rubino  Trustful Surrender to Divine Providence: The Secret to Peace and Happiness by Bl. Claude de Colombiere and Fr. Jean-Baptiste Saint-Jure https://www.amazon.com/Trustful-Surrender-Divine-Providence-Happiness/dp/0895552167 Thank you to today's sponsor, Chews Life Rosaries! Massive Christmas in July sales are happening now. Use code CAFFEINATED10 for 10% off your order (Please note: code does not apply to one-day sales.)

“The Holy Spirit is moving now- he doesn’t want to wait five years until you’ve got your life together.” It was my honor to share a beverage with the incredibly down-to-earth and inspiring gal pal Ali Hoffman. From discussing grieving your dreams to awkward parties and how to host them, Ali and I are your cheerleaders in living out today well, whatever God's calling you to right now. Show Notes Finding your personal charism How to get started prayer doodling, especially if you judge your own art abilities Praying in a time of desolation Letting go of perfectionism Grieving lost dreams well and accepting difficulties Your questions for Ali answered! Resources Find Ali on social @theoodlesofdoodles Ali's website and shop Be Not Afraid Conference talks featuring Stacey, Ali and 40+ other Catholic speakers and musicians- FREE! Searching for and Maintaining Peace by Fr. Jacques Philipe Join the Called and Caffeinated Patreon Community! Monthly video chats with Stacey and friends, and access to Stacey's faith and lifestyle podcast, Coffee Sips! Pledges start at just $5/month.  This episode is sponsored by Catholic Match. Don't miss the chance to win a FREE premium 6-month subscription when you click THIS link and set up a free profile (it only takes a few minutes!) Nothing else required- just sign up before May 30!

Life is mushy. It’s exhausting living in the gray. That’s why tuning into our inner compass- conscience- and learning what the voice of the Holy Spirit sounds like, are vital in discerning everyday decisions. God doesn’t care what color shoes we choose. But many small decisions are important because they add up to the big moments. The more we’re attuned to the ‘quickening’ of the Holy Spirit, the better we can make each little decision (and the quicker we'll know!) The nerd in me loved learning Greek words associated with discernment from my guest in this episode, author Tim Ferrara. Discernment is both a gift and a muscle that you build and exercise, and today’s episode provides everything you need to form your discernment training plan. I recorded this episode back in November. At that point I was a week into an unplanned but necessary two-month social media hiatus. If you sometimes wonder why you keep scrolling, I think this one will be great for you.  Topics Discussed Diakrisis- the Greek origin and meanings of discernment How studying a dollar bill teaches us to identify counterfeit truth “Living your best life:” New age or authentically Christian? The Holy Spirit as ‘family lawyer’ Kronos vs. Kairos: How these Greek descriptions of 2 different kinds of time help us discern 3 questions to discern whether you’re called to be on social media Why the Israelites had to kill a sheep to leave Egypt, and what it means for us Learn to tune into how events, things and people affect your spirit Resources Everyday Discernment Book and podcast Find Tim on Social @discerningdadd St. Ignatius of Loyola’s Spiritual Exercises Come on pilgrimage with me to the Holy Land! January 2022. This episode is sponsored by Catholic Match. Don't miss the chance to win a FREE premium 6-month subscription when you click THIS link and set up a free profile (it only takes a few minutes!) Nothing else required- just sign up before May 30!

It's been the wildest ride of our lives. At publishing time we're on day 93 in the NICU. John and I took listener questions and I think this episode will speak to anyone going through a hard time. Topics Discussed How have John and I supported each other? How have we reconciled the human negative emotions with being a faithful Christian? How do we deal with the vulnerability of the situation around strangers and sharing this experience? Will this experience prevent us from having more kids? How can people support parents of babies in the NICU? How has the experience been for Raffy and Zelie? Where have we seen God? Resources Come on pilgrimage with us! Jan 2022 we are taking flight to the Holy Land and we'd love to have you along for the adventure! Stacey's blog on our family's journey Fr. James Brent's video- Offer It Up Trustful Surrender to Divine Providence This episode is sponsored by Catholic Match. To start your Catholic love story with a FREE profile click here!

“People will listen to whoever steps in front of the mic. Why aren’t we proclaiming the Gospel? There’s people who are hungry and thirsty, who want to be spoken words of truth. It takes boldness, courage, and a certain humility to step in front of the crowd and share what’s on your heart.” This episode is several seemingly opposite things- half my super vulnerable struggles with my premature daughter's NICU journey (which is 2 1/2 months long and counting!) and half Fr. Mark Goring's wonderful YouTube ministry.  Topics Discussed The charism and community life of Fr. Mark’s order, the Companions of the Cross Stacey’s struggle with her daughter’s NICU journey Why do bad things happen to innocent people? Iron sharpens iron: Why your vocation should not be comfortable Why do bad things have to happen to us? Building a bonfire to enkindle each other: The importance of community Having confidence in God through difficulties How do you trust God after you’ve been hurt? How to discern whether or not to speak up about particular issues Mark’s method for making a YouTube video every day Resources Come on Pilgrimage with Stacey to the Holy Land, January 2021! Fr. Mark’s YouTube channel The Companions of the Cross Blessed Carlo Acutis’s website on Eucharistic miracles A Call to a Deeper Love by Sts. Louis and Zelie Martin Book- Eucharistic Miracles of the World This episode is sponsored by Catholic Match. To start your FREE profile click here! Join the Called and Caffeinated Patreon Community! Monthly video chats with Stacey and friends, and access to Stacey's faith and lifestyle podcast, Coffee Sips! Pledges start at just $5/month. 

“We have nothing to prove and everything to share.” Anyone else feel simultaneously like the weird Catholic in their artist’s circle, and also the weird artist in their Catholic circle? I firmly believe people of faith are called to creativity. One of my most commonly asked questions is, “How did you keep your faith during your Broadway career?” I knew immediately I wanted to record an episode on this with the Mitchell sisters. Melissa and Madison are NYC actor friends who not only survived, but thrived in their faith while performing in Les Miserables and Cats on Broadway. If you’ve ever wondered what it’s like to perform on Broadway, feel called to a creative life, or want to crush an unhealthy competitive mindset, this one’s for you! Please be a friend and share with anyone who needs to hear this episode. Topics Discussed Melissa’s story of surrendering her career/passion for theater before she found success on Broadway How to keep motherhood and creativity compatible Why creative women shouldn’t be afraid of motherhood Letting go of the need to prove yourself Replacing competition with teamwork How to grow and nurture your faith in a secular city/profession Handling conversations/comments you don’t want to partake in Resources Join the God's Adventure Awaits Holy Land Pilgrimage, Jan 17-25 2022! Be Not Afraid Conference: “Take Courage” by Melissa and Stephen Davies Catholic NYC- great resources for Young Adult Catholics in NYC! Catholic Artist Connection NYC This episode is sponsored by the Hallow prayer app. For a FREE 30-day trial of the premium subscription and to support this show, click HERE! You're invited to join the Called and Caffeinated Patreon Community! Starting at just $5/mo you get access to cool perks like monthly video chats with Stacey and community members around the country, as well as Stacey's Faith and Lifestyle show Coffee Sips. Thanks for supporting the show!

“You might have talents that are weird, like maybe you could work in the Yankee Candle lab to find what scents best induce Christmas cheer. And if you have the best nose, then I say get after it! Get after the candles!” When I was a kid, I got sculpey clay one Christmas. Sculpting became one of my fun little childhood hobbies. In high school, my mom found a book at the library on making clay caricatures of people. For a 10th grade school project, I made a doll of my teacher and left it on his desk. Mr. Westhoff was so excited he carried it around the school interrupting other teacher's classes to show them his "mini me!" Years later, my weird hobby turned into a nice side business sculpting keepsake replicas of my castmates on the Beauty and the Beast National tour in costume.  When my little sculpting hobby turned into a business, many of my friends and family weren't surprised at all. The standard reaction was, "Oh yeah, I can totally see you doing that." I wondered, what took me so long to see it? So often in my life, it seems everyone else can see me better than I see myself. God wants us to use all our odd, specific, unique talents. Sometimes learning to recognize them and giving them air is the hardest part. It's easy to write off those individual talents because they don't fit into a neat little box. My guest today, Fr. Gregory Pine (of Godsplaining and Pints with Aquinas fame,) will help instill confidence into following your unique path. Fr. Gregory is one of the smartest, funniest people I've ever met, and he brings incredible wisdom from a contemplative soul. Topics Discussed The art of savoring life through the senses: Good food, company, alcohol, etc. Discernment is living in what is real Gregory’s vocational discernment story Finding God’s will through your desires How to stop “analysis paralysis” Your vocation is “testimony” and what that means God breaking you down, and how it’s actually necessary Do you get all virtues when you acquire one? How to know which virtues you’re called to manifest specifically Resources Gregory’s Godsplaining podcast on Instagram, Twitter, and Facebook @Godsplaining Come on the God’s Adventure Awaits Pilgrimage to the Holy Land in Jan 2022!  This epsiode is sponsored by Catholic Match, the largest dating platform specifically for Catholics. It's how I met my husband! In a world where it's becoming harder to find fellow Catholics, I recommend all my single friends give it a try! Clicking this link will allow you to create a FREE profile AND support my show. Join the Called and Caffeinated Patreon Community! Starting at just $5/month, get access to cool perks like my secondary podcast Coffee Sips and monthly video chats with our awesome community. Your support allows me to continue creating unique content for your spiritual journey!

This year I’ve been shadowbanned for being pro-life. I've received dozens of the nastiest comments attempting to shame and insult me for being a conservative and a Catholic. It got me thinking of my visit to Rome a few years ago when I visited the Church of Santo Stephano Rotondo. 34 gory, stomach-turning murals line the walls depicting the most unpleasant torture and death of early Christians. After getting over my initial “ouch ouch ouch” reaction, I began to notice that the martyr’s faces looked serene and even joyful. I'll never forget deeply realizing that, if pain and even death can’t overpower Christ and his followers, literally nothing can. As censorship on social media ramps up and mainstream media outlets persistently ignore or twist truth, I think of the Apostles. One moment they cowered in the Upper Room; the next they boldly preached to the whole world. God’s opinion of them and his Kingdom were all that mattered. Maybe it won't mean literal martyrdom, but like them, I believe we’re being called to extraordinary heroism in 2021. I firmly believe that God is waiting to strengthen us in supernatural ways to meet the demands of these dark times, if we ask him to. New Year’s Resolutions…most years I could take ‘em or leave ‘em. But in these unusual times I believe it’s essential to survey the battleground, size up what we’re facing, and form an action plan. In my first ever solo podcast I’m sharing 5 goals that’ve been percolating in my mind and heart to prepare for 2021. Topics Discussed Setting your expectations: the battle has begun Identifying the people, places and things that nourish and strengthen you Forming an actionable plan Which virtues to specifically pray for Identifying your unique call Resources Come on Pilgrimage to the Holy Land with me! (and see the gorgeous new promo video HERE) Murals in the Church of Santo Stefano Rotondo in Rome 8 Questions to Determine Whether God or Satan is Speaking This episode is sponsored by the Hallow App, my favorite way to pray. It's an authentically Catholic version of other meditation apps. Get a free 30-day trial of the premium version by clicking here! Join the Called and Caffeinated Patreon Community- starting at a $5 pledge per month, get access to my faith and lifestyle podcast Coffee Sips as well as monthly video chats with the other community members and me! Your support of my continual provision of unique content is much appreciated!

ANNOUNCING THE JAN 2022 GOD'S ADVENTURE AWAITS PILGRIMAGE TO THE HOLY LAND! Join me and fellow pilgrims to walk in the places where Jesus walked, discern your God-given mission and purpose, and experience the food and culture of Israel. Celebrate mass afloat on the Sea of Galilee and see Bethlehem, Jerusalem, Nazareth, Mt. Tabor, the Mount of the Beatitudes, and much more!  “God doesn’t just give you one call…he insists on changing your life and your heart.” As a native of the little town of Bethlehem, growing up just a five-minute walk from where Jesus was born, Khaled Jacoub was imbued with a sense of mission from his earliest days. He's the founder of Nativity Pilgrimage, the company I'm proud to partner with for the God's Adventure Awaits Pilgrimage in 2022. Jacoub hosts more than 200 groups from the USA to visit his beloved native Holy Land. Since I began this podcast it's been on my heart to do an episode on pilgrimages. They're not just a vacation; they're a time-honored tradition recommended by the Church since the Middle Ages as a way to discern your personal mission and purpose. I'm delighted to speak with Jacoub about what it was like growing up in the Holy Land, and how to make an effective pilgrimage. WATCH ON YOUTUBE HERE Topics Discussed What is a pilgrimage and how it’s different from a vacation How people in Bethlehem feel their mission is to make everyone feel at home The FOOD in Israel (very important to pregnant Stacey lol) Why Christians are leaving the Holy Land in droves, and the role Nativity Pilgrimage is playing to help keep them there How to approach a pilgrimage to get the most spiritual benefit The best sites in the Holy Land to visit (there are many!)