Episode Details

Writer, retreat leader, and spiritual director Mary de Turris Poust joins Melissa to unpack how ordinary moments—oatmeal breakfasts, folding laundry, school drop-offs—become encounters with God. From the domestic church and parenting to gratitude practices, silent retreats, and learning to “stop striving” (Psalm 46), Mary offers simple, doable rhythms for busy women who want a deeper spiritual life without guilt or overwhelm.

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Highlights

• The pivot from “business of the Church” to truths of the faith
• How the domestic church forms kids—then learning to let go as they launch
• Why gratitude shifts us from lack to abundance (Mary’s journal is 9,000+ entries!)
• Easy family practices: gratitude jar, numbered nightly “3 things”
• Praying in the everyday: mindful meals, pots & pans spirituality (St. Teresa of Ávila)
• A gentle path into silence: start with five minutes, silent breakfasts, car quiet
• What silent retreat is (and isn’t): removing crutches (no reading/writing/eye contact!)
• Retreats Mary leads: silence, scripture, art & music, collage prayer, “puzzle as meditation”
• When you “can’t hear God”: trust, begin again, and embrace the journey as the goal

Scripture & Wisdom Mentioned

• Psalm 46:10 — “Be still… / Cease fighting… / Stop striving and know that I am God.”
• St. Teresa of Ávila — “God walks among the pots and pans.”
• St. Catherine of Siena — “All the way to heaven is heaven.”

Try This Week

• Create a small sacred space (chair, candle, scripture/holy card).
• Practice five minutes of silence once a day (car, kitchen prep, early morning).
• Start a gratitude habit: write and number 3 daily thanks or use a family gratitude jar.

Resources & Links

• Mary DeTurris Poust — https://notstrictlyspiritual.com/ 
• Mary’s Advent book (Liturgical Press) - https://litpress.org/Products/6872/Waiting-in-Joyful-Hope

Calls to Action

• If this encouraged you, share it with a friend and leave a rating/review.
• Tag us with your gratitude jar or quiet-time space!