Is it hard for you as a busy mother and modern woman to grow in faith and find peace in the chaos? Go from surviving to abiding with Catholic mom of 4 and religion teacher Bridgette Adler from Ponder & Praise, and her spiritually focused co-host Amy Strauss, as we discuss fresh perspectives and practical advice for modern moms of all ages.
Scriptural Rosary – The Sorrowful Mysteries (Guided Catholic Prayer)
Pray the Sorrowful Mysteries of the Rosary through Sacred Scripture in this peaceful, guided audio meditation.
Walk with Jesus through the Agony in the Garden, the Scourging at the Pillar, the Crowning with Thorns, the Carrying of the Cross, and the Crucifixion. Each decade is rooted in the Gospel, helping you enter more deeply into Christ’s Passion and His infinite mercy.
Perfect for:• Friday Rosary prayer• Lenten meditation• Divine Mercy devotion• Catholic moms and families• Prayer during quiet moments or daily tasks
Bring your burdens to the Cross.Unite your suffering to His.Let Our Lady lead you into the heart of Christ’s redeeming love.
If this episode blesses you, please follow and leave a review to help others rediscover the beauty of the Scriptural Rosary.
11 Feb 2026
Scriptural Rosary: The Luminous Mysteries
Pray a Scriptural Rosary of the Luminous Mysteries with Bridgette from Ponder & Praise, and Olive Branch Mom. Follow along with this inspiring recording and, in just about 20 minutes, the Rosary is complete. Thanks for listening!
9 Feb 2026
Scriptural Rosary: The Glorious Mysteries
Pray a Scriptural Rosary of the Glorious Mysteries with Bridgette from Ponder & Praise, and Olive Branch Mom. Follow along with this inspiring recording and, in just about 18 minutes, the Rosary is complete. Thanks for listening!
2 Feb 2026
Scriptural Rosary: The Joyful Mysteries
Pray a Scriptural Rosary of the Joyful Mysteries with Bridgette from Ponder & Praise, and Olive Branch Mom. Follow along with this inspiring recording and, in just under 23 minutes, the Rosary is complete. Thanks for listening!
29 Jul 2022
”Meditations Before Mass” Part 7
Amy and Bridgette discuss Chapters 14-15: "The Word of Praise" and "The Word of Entreaty" of "Meditations Before Mass" by Romano Guardini. Topics include praise in prayer, the nature of God's love, and the power of being fully present. How can we know God better through our own preparation and participation? How does history relate to the words we speak at mass? Does God meet us wherever we look?
Mentioned in this episode:
Powers and Thrones: A New History of the Middle Ages
Meditations Before Mass by Romano Guardini
23 Jul 2022
”Meditations Before Mass” Part 6
How can sacred acts–spontaneous or instituted--draw us deeper into connection with Christ? Amy and Bridgette discuss chapters 12 and 13: The Sacred Act and the Executory Word of "Meditations Before Mass" by Romano Guardini. Could allowing yourself to be drawn into the natural rhythms of life inspire greater participation in your faith life? What is the role of children as our guides? How can sacred words connect you to all believers, across time, while bringing you more fully into participation in the mass? How does the priest, acting in his office, "execute"the word and will of God?
15 Jul 2022
”Meditations Before Mass” Part 5
Amy and Bridgette discuss Chapters 10 and 11: Holy Day and The Holy Day and the Sacred Hour of "Meditations Before Mass" by Romano Guardini. How can keeping a Sabbath day help us nurture a sense of wonder and connection to God? Can a holy day give us a space to safely dealing with negative feelings? We also discuss the mass as a brief moment in time that encompasses eternity and briefly touch on the Montessorian concept of Cosmic Education. Is science just another religion...ie set of beliefs?
Meditations Before Mass by Romano Guardini
Would You Baptize an Extraterrestrial? and Other Questions from the Astronomers' Inbox at the Vatican Observatory by Guy Consolmagno and Paul Mueller
11 Jul 2022
”Meditations Before Mass” Part 4
Amy and Bridgette discuss Chapters 8-9: "The Altar as Threshold" and "The Altar as Table" of "Meditations Before Mass" by Romano Guardini. Topics include prayer and mass as a means of contact and encounter with God. How can we come to know God better through His Son? What is "mystery" and what are the benefits of pondering the mysteries of our faith? How does our own human nature help but also detract from our relationship with God?
Meditations Before Mass by Romano Guardini
1 Jul 2022
”Meditations Before Mass” Discussion Part 3
Amy and Bridgette discuss Chapters 6 and 7: "The Offertory" and "The Sacrifice" of "Meditations Before Mass" by Romano Guardini. How can mindfulness and being "in the moment" lead to an enhanced level of participation in mass and in life? We discuss spontaneous gratitude vs routine thanksgiving and the soul benefits of service. Can negative opinions about the word "obedience" hamper our ability for true freedom?
Meditations Before Mass by Romano Guardini
28 Jun 2022
”Meditations Before Mass” Discussion Part 2
Amy and Bridgette discuss Chapters 4-5: "Composure" and "Composure and Action" of "Meditations Before Mass" by Romano Guardini. How is composure related to mindfulness and what can it teach us about being fully present? What is the value of work and how can creativity increase our daily joy and lessen anxiety?
Meditations Before Mass by Romano Guardini
26 Jun 2022
”Meditations Before Mass” Discussion Part 1
Amy and Bridgette discuss "Meditations Before Mass" by Romano Guardini. This episode covers chapters 1-3: "Stillness", "Stillness and the Word", and "Silence and Hearing". How are stillness and silence much more than the absence of sound? How can thinking of stillness in a positive manner add to our ability to be fully present? Does attentiveness reveal hidden depths? How are silence and speech intertwined? How can the spoken word increase our connection to God?
Meditations Before Mass by Romano Guardini
26 Jun 2022
Stillness Diet: Techniques for Life
Wrapping up our Stillness Diet series, Bridgette and Amy provide final thoughts on the everyday use of stillness, presence and mindfulness going forward in life. Features special advice to new moms!
26 May 2022
Managing Your Thoughts
Practical advice and tips on managing your thoughts to alleviate anxiety and increase mindfulness.
31 Mar 2022
Creativity and Inner Peace
How can exploring your creative side lead to more inner peace? Practical ideas, advice and inspiration on how creativity can help you be more present in the moment and increase your joy!
30 Mar 2022
News Consumption and Inner Peace
Controlling your news consumption can help overall anxiety levels. Practical advice for reducing anxiety and increasing inner peace.
2 Mar 2022
Pray the Chaplet of Divine Mercy
Pray the Chaplet of the Divine Mercy with Bridgette from Ponder & Praise, and Olive Branch Mom. Follow along with this inspiring recording and, in just under 9 minutes, the Chaplet is complete. Thanks for listening!
25 Feb 2022
Stillness and Prayer
We discuss the importance of prayer towards inner peace. Features practical tips to enhance your prayer life and grow deeper in your relationship with God. Includes discussion from a Catholic perspective contrasted with an opinion on prayer/meditation from a non-religious stance.
24 Feb 2022
Monotasking and Inner Peace
We discuss monotasking and it's benefits towards calming anxiety. Includes strategies for moms to move from constant multi-tasking to a calmer monotasking approach.
18 Feb 2022
You and Your Phone
In our inaugural podcast episode, co-host Amy Strauss and I discuss practical strategies and advice for a healthy and balanced relationship with our phones. It's your weekly dose of inspiration and support for moms of all ages!
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