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In a world where levels of despair are rising, we need more than mindfulness or positive affirmations. We need a lifeline we can count on. Join Lisa Brenninkmeyer, Walking with Purpose founder and CEO, and her friend, Laura Phelps, Catholic author and speaker, as they set out to help you dispel the darkness and become a woman grounded in hope. Each week you’ll dive into Scripture, learning how to connect God’s Word with your everyday life. No matter where you are on the spiritual journey, if you’re searching for hope, this podcast is for you! Get ready to open your heart…open your Bible…and invite God in.
Episodes

Dec 2, 2024
Dec 2, 2024
36 min
Join Lisa and Laura for our new 4-week Advent series, House of Gold. The Virgin Mary is called the House of Gold because she was Jesus’ resting place: the one who threw the doors wide open with her YES. Mary made room for Jesus, and she has room in her heart for each one of us, too. This Advent we will prepare our hearts for the birth of our Savior by diving into a new title of Mary each week. Today, Lisa and Laura are excited to kick us off with a conversation about Mary, Cause of Our Joy. Have you ever struggled to find joy at Advent? Do you long for quiet preparation but always find yourself getting sucked into the constant doing? If so, you are in the right place. Grab some hot chocolate, a cozy blanket, and let Mary be your guide to true Advent joy.
Open your Heart to our key Scripture.
Luke 2:46: My soul magnifies the Lord, and my spirit rejoices in God my Savior.
Open your Bible to other Scriptures referenced in this episode.
Luke 1:35: And the angel said to her in reply, “The holy Spirit will come upon you, and the power of the Most High will overshadow you. Therefore the child to be born will be called holy, the Son of God.”
Ephesians 2:14: For he is our peace, who has made us both one, and has broken down the dividing wall of hostility.
Luke 1:29: But she was greatly troubled at the saying, and considered in her mind what sort of greeting this might be.
2 Maccabees 6:30: I am not only enduring terrible pain in my body…but also suffering it with joy in my soul because of my devotion to him.
1 Samuel 2:1-10: Hannah’s Prayer
Luke 1:38: Behold, I am the handmaid of the Lord, let it be to me according to your word.
Invite Him in with this episode’s questions for reflection.
God wants to do something to you this Advent. Ask yourself: where is my focus? Is it in doing or receiving? In what area am I being asked to cooperate with the Holy Spirit?
Show mentions.
Caitlin Bean and Laura Phelps, House of Gold: A Walking with Purpose Advent Reflection
Pope Francis, The Joy of the Gospel
Liguorian Magazine
Dr. Edward Sri, The Advent of Christ: Scripture Reflections to Prepare for Christmas
Caryll Houselander, The Reed of God
Our presenting sponsor is Hallow. Hallow is the #1 prayer and meditation app dedicated to helping you grow closer to God and find peace with thousands of guided prayers and meditations. This Advent, join Hallow’s Advent Pray25 prayer challenge for an incredible way to experience the healing and transformational power of God. Featuring Jonathan Roumie, Bear Grylls, and Pastor Francis Chan. And enjoy Christmas music from Gwen Stefani, Lauren Daigle, Sarah Kroger, and Matt Maher. Visit hallow.com/walkingwithpurpose to get 3 months of Hallow free!
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We are committed to creating content that is free and easily accessible to every woman—especially the one looking for answers but unsure of where to go. If you've enjoyed this podcast, prayerfully consider making a donation to support it and other WWP outreach programs that bring women closer to Christ.
Learn more about WWP on our website.
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Nov 18, 2024
Nov 18, 2024
49 min
Join Lisa and Laura for the next Real Women, Real Stories interview. Today you are in for some serious FIRE. Our guest Sharon Sisbarro, a retired Marine and ACTS XXIX board member, has a unique and powerful way of looking at the spiritual battle. Her story of deep hurt, despair, and fighting her way out of the pit is an inspiration and witness to the power of God. We cannot wait to share her wisdom with you. There isn’t a single soul who cannot benefit from the gold in this episode!
Open your Heart to our key Scripture.
Exodus 14:14: The Lord will fight for you; you have only to keep still.
Open your Bible to other Scriptures referenced in this episode.
1 Timothy 6:12: Fight the good fight of the faith.
Job 1:21: The Lord gave and the Lord has taken away; blessed be the name of the Lord.
Jeremiah 29:11: For I know the plans I have for you, says the Lord, plans for welfare not evil, to give you a hope and a future.
Invite Him in with this episode’s questions for reflection.
Use the journaling worksheet, Estimate of the Situation, in adoration or any place you can get quiet and wrestle with it. Join our Facebook group to share your thoughts and questions.
Show mentions.
Prepare your heart for Advent and Christmas with our beautiful digital download, House of Gold: A Walking with Purpose Advent Reflection. Daily throughout Advent and the Octave of Christmas, you'll meditate on a title of our Blessed Mother. You’ll be drawn deeper into her beautiful and holy, yet profoundly simple, life through carefully selected Scripture, beautiful reflections , journal questions, and guided prayer. With your end-of-year donation to our apostolate, you'll receive this exclusive digital download as a thank you.
Our presenting sponsor is CB Jewelry. Faith is beautiful—and it's your best accessory. If you are looking for stunning and stylish pieces that communicate your faith, look no further! CB Jewelry is known for its modern and beautiful pieces that are sure to start conversations wherever you go. Whether you're searching for a meaningful gift or a new way to express your faith, CB Jewelry has you covered. Use the code Hopefornow, (all one word at checkout) for free shipping and a portion of your purchase will go to Walking with Purpose. Offer ends November 30, 2024! Shop CB Jewelry today at cbjewelryfaith.com.
Let’s stay connected.
Don’t miss an episode. Subscribe to our podcast on your favorite platform.
Want to keep the conversation going? Join our private Facebook community.
Stay in the know. Connect with us today.
We are committed to creating content that is free and easily accessible to every woman—especially the one looking for answers but unsure of where to go. If you've enjoyed this podcast, prayerfully consider making a donation to support it and other WWP outreach programs that bring women closer to Christ.
Learn more about WWP on our website.
Our Shop.
Follow us on Instagram, Facebook, X, and YouTube.

Nov 11, 2024
Nov 11, 2024
46 min
In today’s episode, Lisa and Laura sit down to continue their conversation with their dear friend, JoAnn Crouse. (If you haven’t heard JoAnn’s incredible story, be sure to go back and listen to episode 30.) JoAnn dives deeper into her story and talks about the stuff so many of us struggle with but are too ashamed to bring to the light: things like what happens to your identity when you find yourself suddenly single and what true forgiveness requires. Time spent listening to JoAnn is never wasted time. Her open heart and vulnerability are gifts. So go on and grab a cup of coffee and settle in; you will be grateful you did.
Open your Heart to our key Scripture.
Ephesians 1:4–5: In love, (God) destined us for adoption to himself through Jesus Christ.
Invite Him in with this episode’s questions for reflection.
Is there a person in your life you need to forgive? What measuring stick are you holding? How are you loving others well?
Show mentions.
Comunità Cenacolo America, https://www.hopereborn.org
Mallory Smyth, Walking with Purpose, Reclaiming Friendship
Catholic Psychotherapy Association
Lisa Brenninkmeyer, Walking with Purpose, Living in the Father’s Love
Four Phases of Forgiveness (for complete descriptions, see Lesson 5 in Living in the Father’s Love):
Uncovering: You face the reality that you’ve been hurt and are angry.
Decision: Will you do this your way or God’s way?
Work: Just as its name implies, this phase often requires a lot of effort. This is where we put God’s way into action.
Deepening: In this phase, we choose mercy.
Our presenting sponsor is CB Jewelry. Faith is beautiful—and it's your best accessory. If you are looking for stunning and stylish pieces that communicate your faith, look no further! CB Jewelry is known for its modern and beautiful pieces that are sure to start conversations wherever you go. Whether you're searching for a meaningful gift or a new way to express your faith, CB Jewelry has you covered. Use the code Hopefornow, (all one word at checkout) for free shipping and a portion of your purchase will go to Walking with Purpose. Offer ends November 30, 2024! Shop CB Jewelry today at cbjewelryfaith.com
Let’s stay connected.
Don’t miss an episode. Subscribe to our podcast on your favorite platform.
Want to keep the conversation going? Join our private Facebook community.
Stay in the know. Connect with us today.
We are committed to creating content that is free and easily accessible to every woman—especially the one looking for answers but unsure of where to go. If you've enjoyed this podcast, prayerfully consider making a donation to support it and other WWP outreach programs that bring women closer to Christ.
Learn more about WWP on our website.
Our Shop.
Follow us on Instagram, Facebook, X, and YouTube.

Nov 4, 2024
Nov 4, 2024
28 min
On today’s final episode of Ordering Your Priorities, Lisa and Laura discuss Talk 2: To the Heights. Notice that in this study and discussion we didn’t give a time management system to help you get every single priority done all the time. Why? Because we can’t get it all done! There will always be more expected of us than we are able to give, but now, we’ve hopefully got some new principles that we can apply to all sorts of different situations, ensuring that in the end, our time is given where it matters most. So grab your coffee and your study guide, and let’s dive in!
Open your Heart to our key Scripture.
Colossians 3:2: Set your minds on things that are above.
Open your Bible to other Scriptures referenced in this episode.
1 Timothy 5:6: For she that liveth in pleasures, is dead while she is living (Douay-Rheims).
She who is self-indulgent is dead even while she lives (RSVCE).
Matthew 6:24: You cannot serve God and serve mammon.
Invite Him in with this episode’s questions for reflection.
- Make a commitment—your non-negotiables or you might call it your “rule of life” or “plan of love.” Write out the commitment and keep it in your Bible or prayer journal.
- Ask the Lord for the grace and strength you need to fulfill your commitment.
- Tell a friend (a holy friend) what you are doing and ask her to hold you accountable.
Show mentions.
Blessed Pier Giorgio Frassati
Josemaría Escrivá, The Way
Norbertines of St. Michael's Abbey, The Great Fast
St. Francis de Sales, “The enemy nevertheless stands more in awe of those whom he knows can fast.”
Michael E. Gaitley, MIC, 33 Days to Merciful Love
Let’s stay connected.
Don’t miss an episode. Subscribe to our podcast on your favorite platform.
Want to keep the conversation going? Join our private Facebook community.
Stay in the know. Connect with us today.
We are committed to creating content that is free and easily accessible to every woman—especially the one looking for answers but unsure of where to go. If you've enjoyed this podcast, prayerfully consider making a donation to support it and other WWP outreach programs that bring women closer to Christ.
Learn more about WWP on our website.
Our Shop.
Follow us on Instagram, Facebook, X, and YouTube.

Oct 28, 2024
Oct 28, 2024
39 min
In today’s episode, Lisa and Laura discuss Lesson 7 of Ordering Your Priorities, Priority 6: The World Outside. After we have given attention to God, our heart, our spouse, our kids, and our homes, we are left with all those other priorities: people and commitments. For some of us, prioritizing is easy, but for others, not so much. Do you struggle with people-pleasing, setting boundaries, or maintaining a healthy work-life rhythm? If so, there is a way to cultivate a heart and home saturated with the peace that comes from ordering your priorities.
Open your Heart to our key Scripture.
2 Corinthians 5:20: So we are ambassadors for Christ, God making his appeal through us. We beg you on behalf of Christ, be reconciled to God.
Open your Bible to other Scriptures referenced in this episode.
Genesis 2:24: Man shall leave his father and his mother and shall cleave to his wife; and they shall become one flesh. (NASB)
Exodus 20:12: Honor your father and your mother so that you may live long in the land the Lord your God is giving you. (NIV)
Invite Him in with this episode’s questions for reflection.
Who or what got most of your time this week? Who or what got your leftovers? Make a list of your non-negotiables and stay accountable.
Show mentions.
Dr. Henry Cloud, Boundaries
Jonathan Haidt, The Anxious Generation: How the Great Rewiring of Childhood Is Causing an Epidemic of Mental Illness
Timothy Keller, Gospel in Life Podcast, Work and Family episode
Fr. John Riccardo, The Rescue Project
Prepare for the next week’s episode by watching Talk 2: To the Heights.
Using code OYPBOGO, purchase one Ordering Your Priorities and get a second one at 50% off. Limit one use per customer. This offer ends October 31, 2024.
Let’s stay connected.
Don’t miss an episode. Subscribe to our podcast on your favorite platform.
Want to keep the conversation going? Join our private Facebook community.
Stay in the know. Connect with us today.
We are committed to creating content that is free and easily accessible to every woman—especially the one looking for answers but unsure of where to go. If you've enjoyed this podcast, prayerfully consider making a donation to support it and other WWP outreach programs that bring women closer to Christ.
Learn more about WWP on our website.
Our Shop.
Follow us on Instagram, Facebook, X, and YouTube.

Oct 21, 2024
Oct 21, 2024
37 min
In today’s episode, Lisa and Laura discuss Lesson 6 of Ordering Your Priorities, Priority 5: Your Home. Home means something different to each of us, but as Lisa and Laura dive into today’s priority, one thing is clear: we all ache for a place to call home. In the words of Maya Angelou, “The ache for home lives in all of us, the safe place where we can go as we are and not be questioned.” Today’s conversation dives into more than wraparound porches and fresh flowers on the kitchen island. It’s about the feeling we all long to create. So get cozy, friends; put on some coffee, grab a cozy blanket, click play, and make yourself at home.
Open your Heart to our key Scripture.
Song of Solomon 2:15: Catch us the foxes, the little foxes, that spoil the vineyards, for our vineyards are in blossom.
Open your Bible to other Scriptures referenced in this episode.
2 Corinthians 4:7: We have this treasure in earthen vessels, to show that the transcendent power belongs to God and not to us.
Invite Him in with this episode’s questions for reflection.
Look at your home and what it feels like to be there. What’s one thing you’re learning right now? What are you learning about what is important to you? What are you learning about what you need to change? What are you learning about the needs of the people who are within your house or crossing your threshold?
Show mentions.
Liz Bell Young. Let There Be Havens: An Invitation to Gentle Hospitality
Dan and Stephanie Burke, Divine Intimacy Retreat
Let’s stay connected.
Don’t miss an episode. Subscribe to our podcast on your favorite platform.
Want to keep the conversation going? Join our private Facebook community.
Stay in the know. Connect with us today.
We are committed to creating content that is free and easily accessible to every woman—especially the one looking for answers but unsure of where to go. If you've enjoyed this podcast, prayerfully consider making a donation to support it and other WWP outreach programs that bring women closer to Christ.
Learn more about WWP on our website.
Our Shop.
Follow us on Instagram, Facebook, X, and YouTube.

Oct 14, 2024
Oct 14, 2024
40 min
In today’s episode, Lisa and Laura discuss Lesson 5 of Ordering Your Priorities, Priority 4: Your Children. If you’re confused because it was your understanding that children come first, you are in good company—most of us feel that way. All the more reason to grab some coffee and settle in…this truly is a conversation you don’t want to miss. Lisa and Laura get honest about the stress parents are under, misguided goals for our children, and challenges we are facing in today's world. Whether you have children or not, there is an important takeaway for you today!
Open your Heart to our key Scripture.
Philippians 1:6: And I am sure that he who began a good work in you will bring it to completion at the day of Jesus Christ.
Open your Bible to other Scriptures referenced in this episode.
Luke 1:37: For with God nothing will be impossible.
Invite Him in with this episode’s questions for reflection.
Ask yourself, “What’s my number one goal for my children? Is it to make them happy or is it to have a relationship with the Lord?”
How am I modeling an authentic Christian life to my children?
Show mentions.
U.S. Surgeon General, Advisory on the Mental Health and Well-Being of Parents, August 28, 2024, https://www.hhs.gov/about/news/2024/08/28/us-surgeon-general-issues-advisory-mental-health-well-being-parents.html
Jonathan Haidt, The Anxious Generation
Margaret Munzer Loeb and Eden Wurmfeld, Chasing Childhood, https://chasingchildhooddoc.com/
Dr. Becky Kennedy, author
Walking with Purpose, “I Declares”
Using code OYPBOGO, purchase one Ordering Your Priorities and get a second one at 50% off. Limit one use per customer. This offer ends October 31, 2024.
Today’s sponsor: Follow My Camino
Follow My Camino is excited to offer women-only Camino experiences along the historic Camino de Santiago, The Way of St. James. Through daily walking and prayer, you'll discover a unique path to address life's challenges. As St. Augustine said, “It is solved by walking.” Caminos include opportunities for morning and evening prayer, quiet reflection, and Mass along the way, culminating at the Cathedral in Santiago. Learn more at https://www.followmycamino.com.
Let’s stay connected.
Don’t miss an episode. Subscribe to our podcast on your favorite platform.
Want to keep the conversation going? Join our private Facebook community.
Stay in the know. Connect with us today.
We are committed to creating content that is free and easily accessible to every woman—especially the one looking for answers but unsure of where to go. If you've enjoyed this podcast, prayerfully consider making a donation to support it and other WWP outreach programs that bring women closer to Christ.
Learn more about WWP on our website.
Our Shop.
Follow us on Instagram, Facebook, X, and YouTube.

Oct 7, 2024
Oct 7, 2024
56 min
On today’s episode, Lisa and Laura sit down with their husbands—Leo Brenninkmeyer and Nick Phelps—to continue the discussion on Lesson 4 of Ordering Your Priorities, Priority 3: Your Marriage. Hear what the men in their lives have to say about marriage, as the couples dive right into topics like faith, suffering, the five love languages, and more. These men have no problem talking, getting vulnerable, and making their wives laugh. Who knows, maybe they will be inspired to start their own podcast! Sit back, relax, and enjoy the episode.
Open your Heart to our key Scripture.
Ephesians 5:33: However, let each one of you love his wife as himself, and let the wife see that she respects her husband.
Invite Him in with this episode’s questions for reflection.
If you’re married, think about the biggest challenge your spouse may be facing. In the next week, what could you do, with God’s help, to support your spouse in that challenge?
If you’re not married, think about the biggest challenge someone close to you may be facing. In the next week, what could you do, with God’s help, to support this person in that challenge?
Show mentions.
Matt Haig, The Comfort Book
Dan and Stephanie Burke, Divine Intimacy Retreat
The Five Love Languages
Using code OYPBOGO, purchase one Ordering Your Priorities and get a second one at 50% off. Limit one use per customer. This offer ends October 31, 2024.
Let’s stay connected.
Don’t miss an episode. Subscribe to our podcast on your favorite platform.
Want to keep the conversation going? Join our private Facebook community.
Stay in the know. Connect with us today.
We are committed to creating content that is free and easily accessible to every woman—especially the one looking for answers but unsure of where to go. If you've enjoyed this podcast, prayerfully consider making a donation to support it and other WWP outreach programs that bring women closer to Christ.
Learn more about WWP on our website.
Our Shop.
Follow us on Instagram, Facebook, X, and YouTube.