Simply Holy with Marge Fenelon

 It's been happening since Adam and Eve. The woman issues an observation, and the guy asks her to prove it. But she can't. She just knows it. That's called woman's intuition and it's been the source of misunderstandings between men and women for thousands of years. This episode gives sound advice for guys and gals in avoiding misunderstandings and growing to appreciate how God has made the opposite gender.

 Ministering to others isn't just for priests, nuns, spiritual directors, and counselors. It's for every disciple of Christ. Whether you realize it or not, you minister to others at all times wherever you go. Here's how to effectively minister to others in your everyday life situations.

 Do you have trust issues? Do you find it difficult to trust other people in relationships? Do you have trouble trusting God in tough situations? There are clues for tackling trust issues in both the Old and New Testaments. Listen as Marge gives sound guidance for learning to trust God in every circumstance. Check out Marge's website at: https://www.margefenelon.com to see her books and subscribe to her weekly inspirations.

 Chastity means much more than abstaining from sex. In fact, you can live in the spirit of chastity and engage in a physical relationship at the same time. Chastity is about having profound reverence for the human body and respect for God's magnificent creation for yourself and others. Listen as Marge explains how to live in the spirit of chastity no matter your state of life. Check out Marge's website: www.MargeFenelon.com for more great content.

 Mary often is described as docile, which people tend to equate with being a doormat. But she certainly was not a doormat. Docility is completely different, and Mary is the perfect example. We should strive to imitate her in this regard. Listen as Marge gives five key facets of Mary's docility and explains how we can – and should – imitate them in our daily lives.

 There's a bad way to grieve, and a good way to grieve. The method you choose will make a big difference in your emotional, spiritual, and physical health.  Listen as Marge shares the lessons she's learned from personal experience.

 What is the most famous marriage in history? The marriage of Princess Diana and Prince Charles? Grace Kelly and Prince Rainier of Monaco? Beyonce and Jay-Z? The Kardashians? None of the above. Rather, the most famous marriage in history is the marriage at Cana! Even though it's the most famous because Mary and Jesus were there and it's the scene of our Lord's first public miracle. Funny, this marriage is the preeminent in all of time, and we don't even know anything about the couple who got married! Listen for more intriguing observations of this monumental event and what it has to do with your relationship with the Blessed Mother.My Website: https://www.MargeFenelon.comMy GiveSendGo Campaign: https://givesendgo.com/simplyholy?utm_source=sharelink&utm_medium=copy_link&utm_campaign=simplyholy

 If you're longing for peace – in the world, your life, or your heart – this episode of Simply Holy is a must listen. The dove who bore the olive branch to Noah after the flood is a prefigure of Mary, the Great Peacemaker. Like the dove in the Bible story, Christ's mother approaches God on our behalf and brings his peace back to us. Here's how.

I call it The Great Post-Resurrection Adventure. The Scripture readings from Easter to Pentecost are some of the most exciting of the entire year and they read like an adventure novel. They are stories of courage, heroism, daring, defiance, love, and conversion and they are all true. Not only are they enjoyable, but we have much to learn from them.

 Do you think you know the answer to that question? Think again. The answer – and the question itself – is more complicated than you realize. Join Marge as she delves into the question we all should ask ourselves, “Who am I to God?” and the corresponding question, “Who are you to me, God?” You'll be surprised at the answers that rise in your heart and soul.

 Charity means donating to a humanitarian organization or taking a carload of gently used household items to the thrift shop, right? Those are charitable actions, but they are only a small part of charity itself. Real charity is loving God for himself and loving others for God's sake. Learn more about real charity and how you can live it in your life.

 Recent news has included articles about the removals of Bishop Daniel Fernandez Torres of the Diocese of Arecibo, PR from his office by Pope Francis and the removal of Fr. Peter Williams from his Burlington, Vt parish by Bishop Christopher Coyne. These two items have given way to thought about Jesus as a rebel in his time. What's the difference? We, too, are called to be rebels in the way we live our faith. Learn what made Jesus a holy rebel and how you can answer his call to become one as well. 

 Everyone hits a roadblock in their prayer life at one time or another. Sometimes the block is temporary and inconsequential. But sometimes the roadblock is more like a concrete wall built across the roadway. The basis for these types of seemingly insurmountable roadblocks are assumptions we make about God, ourselves, and prayer itself. Learn how to remove the roadblock in your prayer life regardless of it size.

 Having her speedometer break while on the highway is one of the best things that could have happened to Marge Steinhage Fenelon. Trying to gauge how fast she should go based on the speeds of the other cars on the road taught her a valuable lesson about her spiritual life. Judging the speed of your spiritual striving by that of others is not only fruitless, but detrimental to your spiritual growth. Learn how to find your personal MPH (Miles Per Hour) and how to make God your ultimate speedometer this Lent.

 Who is the one person your heart refuses to forgive? We all have that one. It's that one person who you feel has wronged you to the point that forgiveness seems out of the question. Sometimes it can be a whole group of people.  Whether it's one person or many, the only way to real forgiveness is by seeing each of them as a valued child of God. Once you get to that point, the rest will come naturally. Listen as Marge shares her own experience and leads you through the process to forgiving the person your heart refuses to forgive.

 Why would anyone want to have an empty heart? Empty hearts are cold, lonely, and miserable. That's true if you're talking only about emotions and human desires. But if you're talking about humility and God's grace, an empty heart is exactly what you need. Spiritually speaking, an empty heart is one that is completely empty of self and fully open for God's grace. Once we open our emptied hearts to God's grace, we'll be able to follow his will perfectly. When we follow his will perfectly, great things happen. Listen as Marge shares wisdom from Ven. Fulton Sheen and the real meaning – and necessity – of an empty heart.

When something goes wrong, do you immediately try to tackle the situation yourself and remember to ask God for help later? Do you bemoan hardship, suffering, and loss without first seeking Divine intervention? For many, God is an afterthought – someone to call on only after human efforts have failed? In this episode, Marge explains why your first response in any circumstance should be to praise God and offer prayers of gratitude. Listen as she demonstrates using examples from her own life. This practice has changed her life and it will change yours, too! 

 Barbara Lee is a practicing spiritual director who lives in New York City. She is a retired attorney, a former US magistrate judge, and a long-serving member of the Ignatian Volunteer Corps – an organization of retired people inspired by Ignatian spirituality who perform volunteer work among the poor. She is the author of God Isn't Finished with Me Yet and Answering God's Call: A Scripture-Based Journey for Older Adults. In this episode, Barbara chats with Marge about the workings of the Holy Spirit in her life and how she was led to start a ministry for the aging.

 Paul (Saul) believed he was doing the right thing by rounding up Christians and executing them out on the streets. They were blasphemers and idolaters. They dishonored God and needed to be destroyed. Then one day Jesus appeared and literally knocked him off his high horse, blinding him and rendering him powerless. Paul had two questions for this Being who spoke to him: “Who are you, Sir?” and then, finally, “What shall I do, Sir?” These two questions should be the guidelines for our lives in imitation of St. Paul.

 In this first podcast of 2022, Marge shares updates and exciting news, explains why it's taken SO long to do a New Year episode, and delves into the real issue at hand on January 22: Every body belongs to God.

Did you know that God has a unique blueprint for everything he has created or ever will create? That's right. He has a unique blueprint for every tree, flower, cloud, mountain, river, bush, blade of grass and human being. He has a unique blueprint for you – even if you have an identical twin! His blueprint was made with the utmost love and wisdom just for you. Because of the effects of original sin, the reality doesn't match the blueprint. Discover God's blueprint for you and learn how to more closely resemble it.

Do you feel like you keep striving but never arriving? Do you struggle with feeling inadequate and emotionally depleted? Listen to this episode as Marge chats with Leah A. Jacobson, MA, IBCLC, founder of The Guiding Star Project that helps girls and women to see their female contributions in a new light, find common ground, connect with other women, and celebrate sisterhood not competition. Guiding Star centers offer a wide range of counseling and provide healthcare from qualified medical professionals. Through her ministry, Leah works with women to heal the crisis caused by the Women's Movement, realize their worth, and set realistic expectations for themselves. This is what she calls the Next Gen Feminism and she's written about it in her new book, “Wholistic Feminism”, published by Lumen Press. Find out more about Leah and The Guiding Star Project at GuidingStarProject.com.

This week editor and author Heidi Saxton joins Marge to chat about her new book, “Ave Prayer Book for Catholic Mothers.” With contributions from 72 spirit-filled Catholic authors, the Ave Prayer Book is a meaningful collection of hope and consolation for Catholic moms of all types – biological, adoptive, and spiritual. Heidi shares some of the book's wisdom with us in light of the recent tragedy in Waukesha, Wisconsin. She also tells us about her Pray Across America road trip adventure with her husband, bringing peace and inspiration to parishes throughout the US. Find out more about Heidi at HeidiSaxton.com.

As we celebrate the Feast of the Kingship of Christ, Marge considers its origin and meaning. She explores the concept of kingship gone awry in today's society and political sphere. Finally, she guides you through a brief meditation to discern the question, “Who is my king?”

St. Augustine once wrote that “singing belongs to one who loves.” Singer-Song Writer Anna Nuzzo certainly spreads her love through her music. Anna is an acclaimed international Catholic singer, songwriter and recording artist.  She is well known for elevating prayer through her music, which she has performed across the US and abroad. But before 2012, she was a part-time local church singer with her own Interior design business in Wisconsin.  What happened 9 years ago? On the Feast Day of Our Lady of the Rosary in 2012, she consecrated her life to Jesus through Mary and her life has never been the same! Learn more about Anna's music and ministry in this lively interview.

Leslea Wahl is an award-winning Catholic author of adventurous teen mysteries. Leslea not only writes for teens but she also has become a reviewer of Catholic teen fiction and is one of the founding members of CatholicTeenBooks.com. Leslea's journey to become an author came through a search for value-based fiction for her own children. She now strives to be an advocate for other families who are battling against society's secular messages through her writing and by offering book suggestions that reflect Christian values.

Marriage is a vocation, but it also is a covenant. Covenant is more than a contract or a vow, it's all-consuming and a complete giving of self. This covenantal way of life can be compared to holy Mass in three ways: orientation, reverence, and love. In this episode, Marge explains the parallel between holy Mass and the marriage covenant. She also outlines how this covenantal relationship holds true for singles, religious, and clergy as well.

It takes discipline and dedication to become a master of any discipline – martial arts, education, cooking, for example. Masters take their art seriously and work at it with diligence and focus. Becoming a master of prayer takes discipline and dedication as well. We don't practice prayer because we feel like it; we practice prayer because it's something we need. In this episode, Marge outlines how to become a master of prayer with the help of the Holy Spirit and the example of the Blessed Virgin Mary.

Clean Catholic fiction seems like a paradox. Is it possible to write compelling fiction that is void of risqué innuendos, sensational violence, or occult characters? It certainly is possible, and award-winning author Amanda Lauer has done it with skill and finesse. Lauer has written a trilogy of young adult historical fiction that became so popular that a fourth book in the series will be published October 7, 2021. And there's a fifth book in the works right behind it! In addition, she's an accomplished journalist, screen writer, actress and model. Listen as Lauer shares about both her professional and spiritual journey, shows us how good Catholic fiction can be an instrument of holiness for readers, and what holiness means to her. To find Lauer online, go to AmandaLauer.com.

Do you feel as though God is asking too much of you? Are you having trouble meeting the demands and needs placed on you? There's a valuable lesson for you in the story of Jesus feeding the five thousand with five barley loaves and two fish. The little boy in the story doesn't have much, but he gives everything he has to Jesus. From his meager gift, Jesus miraculously feeds more than five thousand people – with twelve baskets of leftovers! If you bring your basket of fish and loaves to Jesus, he will do the same for you. Here's how.

St. Paul tells us, “See to it that no one captivate you with an empty, seductive philosophy according to the tradition of men, according to the elemental powers of the world and not according to Christ.” There are a host of dangerous philosophies hovering out there, waiting to entrap us. They endanger our spiritual and physical well-being and are of man, not God. What's more, our hearts radiate an electromagnetic energy that reflects the state of our hearts affect the states of other people's heart. Simply by changing our own hearts, we can change the hearts of others and turn the tides away from empty, seductive philosophies. Here's how to stand strong in Christ.

Stress and anxiety getting to you? Need to get away from it all? Here's where you can go to relax, refresh, and renew – a spiritual oasis right in your own home! It's easy to do and will bring you untold peace and joy. Here are four simple step to make that happen.

What does it mean when we say that Mary is the Christ-bearer? Likely you think about Mary bearing Christ in her womb prior to his Birth, and that's correct. But there are multiple ways that Mary was and continues to be a Christ-bearer for all of humankind. A look at how Mary bore Christ to others in Biblical times, through history, and today. We need Mary now more than ever to bear Christ in the hearts of humankind!

Are you floundering in the sea of misinformation, hostility and fear that surround us? Here's how to apply the three levels of knowledge – knowledge of the senses, knowledge of the intellect, and knowledge of faith – in these critical times. Listen to examples from Mary's life and learn how to become the Marian person who isn't tossed by the waves.

Marge chats with author and speaker, Erin McCole Cupp about her new book, “All Things New: Breaking the Cycle and Raising a Joyful Family” and healing through holiness. Erin explains how to break the cycles of bondage to destructive patterns in our relationships, especially in our relationships with ourselves. Plus, get the inside scoop of the writing and production of this marvelous and refreshing new book!

Becoming a Marian person is not the same as having devotion to the Virgin Mary. Do you know the difference? Why should it matter? In this episode, Marge tackles common misconceptions about Mary, explains what a Marian person is (and it not) and why it's vital that you become one.

Things not working out for you?  Nothing's going right, and it seems like all you do is run into brick walls. Most likely you've become side-tracked from the purpose God has for you. But what is that purpose? Here's how to discover your God-given purpose and get back on track quickly the next time you find yourself heading off course.

Marge chats with author, speaker, and retreat leader Danielle Bean about her new book, “Whisper: Finding God in the Everyday” published by Ascension Press. Get a behind-the-scenes peek at how the book came about and surprising things that happened along the way. Danielle shares some insights from her personal life, gives a summary of the contents and sound advice for how “Whisper” can help you to grow in holiness.

The Pharisees accused Jesus of casting out demons by the power of the devil, but he countered them by explaining that it is impossible for Satan to cast out Satan. “Whoever is not with me is against me, and whoever does not gather with me scatters,” he said. A rotten tree can only produce rotten fruit, while a good tree produces good fruit. It can be difficult to tell the difference – at least initially. How do you know who are the “good trees” and who are the “bad trees” in your life?

Are we facing the end times? Some say we are others say we are not. In actuality, it doesn't matter. What matters is reading the signs of the times and acting on them according to God's will for you. Here's how.

Are you easily perturbed? Are there certain people or situations that disturb your peace of mind, heart, and soul? There's a great work around for that! Learn how to set up your own “Perturbability Meter” and remain serene in any situation. In this episode, Marge shares some wit and wisdom from St. Thomas Aquinas.

Society emphasizes physical fitness, but what about spiritual fitness? We need to get spiritually strong to meet the challenges of life. Here are three simple ways to get spiritually strong.

To be sure, these are uncertain times. It seems we're surrounded by lawlessness and that can lead to confusion and despair. Violations of civil law, authentic Church law, natural law, and God's law surround us. Even with that going on, we have great reason for hope and optimism. Here's how to cope with lawlessness, hold your head high, and walk forward with confidence.

With the country beginning to re-open, mandates and capacity restrictions are being peeled away, including in our churches. Sadly, far too many people have become accustomed to missing Sunday Mass. Perhaps you've become complacent as well. This is a Pentecostal time for the Church. This is your moment, our moment, to catch the fire of Pentecost and set the Church ablaze with fervor!

More and more, I'm feeling betrayed by people in my life who have become cold or hostile because I don't think and behave as they do. I bet you've had that experience, too. Here's what to do about it and how to come away from it in hope and joy.

Easter is over, the Easter Bunny has hopped away into the sunset and now it’s back to normal, right? Wrong. This post-Resurrection time is the most exciting time of the year for the Church. It’s like an adventure novel except that it’s true and there’s an important part for you to play in it.

The statistics are staggering. Sunday Mass attendance has been in decline for decades. Now projected numbers indicate that the numbers may further diminish as consequence of the long-term pandemic restrictions. Our bishops and priests can only do so much to bring the faithful back to the sacraments. Now more than ever, the Church needs heroic Catholics who will lead the way back by their faith and example. Will you be one of them?

Have you ever observed a situation absolutely convinced you knew exactly what was going on? And then you find out later that what you thought happened wasn’t at all what actually happened? Marge shares a personal (and embarrassing) time when this happened to her and then shows how easily this can happen to anyone and how it applies to life in general.

How many pairs of shoes do you own? Your answer can tell you a lot about yourself and your relationship with Christ. A lively, thought-provoking episode wherein Marge explains why she once owned three (working) coffee makers at the same time. Letting go of the material world, simplifying our lives and finding life and peace in the Spirit. That’s what seeking simplicity in Christ is all about!

Even in the darkest times, even amidst losing a loved one, we have reason for hope. A personal message of hope amid grief as our family prepares to say our final goodbyes to a cherished aunt. The God of hope will fill us with joy and peace even in our grief. As people of faith, we believe there is a reason for everything and a greater good will come of it according to God’s mercy and perfect will.

Have you ever heard the voice of Jesus? Those who have had that experience are quite fortunate. But some of us, seem never to heart his voice. Whether it be audibly, symbolically, or intuitively, we never seem able to perceive what God is saying to us either through circumstances, “coincidences,” or the still small voice within us. For a period of time, I was convinced that our Lord spoke to everyone else but me. In a moment of discouragement, he proved me wrong and brought me to an amazing realization. In this episode, I share my experience with listeners and show them how they, too, can hear the voice of Jesus even when he seems to be keeping silent.