henrinouwensociety

What if the ordinary moments of our day are where God most wants to meet us? In this episode, Wendy VanderWal Martin talks with author Marla Stewart Conrad about Henri Nouwen's lasting influence, the life-changing truth of belovedness, and the inspiration behind Marla's new children's book, God in My Day. Together they explore the Daily Examen, helping children pray through their everyday experiences, and how simple practices of gratitude, reflection, and awareness can shape hearts of every age. This conversation is a gentle invitation to slow down, pay attention, and discover God's presence in the rhythms of daily life.

Marla Stewart Konrad is an award-winning author of several picture books for children. She is dedicated to creating books that foster love, kindness, and connection. Her most recent book, God in My Day, was inspired, in part, by the work of Henri Nouwen. The book gives children an opportunity to talk about the ordinary occurrences of their day through interactive prayer, helping them recognize God’s love and presence in every moment. Marla loves reading books of all kinds with a hot cup of tea in one hand and her exuberant dog, Zoey, at her feet.

Links
Free printables and free curriculum are available to go alongside the book.

https://www.penguinrandomhouse.com/books/762911/god-in-my-day-by-marla-stewart-konrad-illustrated-by-linhan-huang/
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Book Discussed:
God In My Day

https://www.penguinrandomhouse.com/books/762911/god-in-my-day-by-marla-stewart-konrad-illustrated-by-linhan-huang/ (US)

https://www.penguinrandomhouse.ca/authors/90046/marla-stewart-konrad (CA)
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What does it mean to find home in a wounded world?

In this deeply moving episode of Now and Then ...Again, host Wendy VanderWal Martin welcomes Dr. Carlos Thompson, professor of Christian Ministry and Disability at Western Theological Seminary and steward of the Friendship House Fellows Program. Fresh from his keynote address at the Henri Nouwen Society’s international conference, Longing for Home: The Prophetic Witness of Henri Nouwen in a Wounded World, Carlos reflects on the enduring wisdom of Henri Nouwen and the surprising places where God meets us.

Drawing from Nouwen’s vision of the “wounded healer,” Carlos explores why our deepest longings cannot be fulfilled through achievement, expertise, or self-sufficiency. Instead, home is something we receive—not create. Through stories of community, disability, friendship, and faith, he offers a powerful invitation to embrace vulnerability, honor our human neediness, and become fellow travelers with one another.

This conversation challenges the myth of independence and reveals how belonging is discovered in relationship—with God and with others. Thoughtful, honest, and hope-filled, it is a rich exploration of what it means to slow down, “waste time” with Jesus, and discover that the very needs we try to hide may be the doorway to divine belonging.

If you long for deeper connection, this episode is for you.

Resources & Links

Western Theological Seminary: https://www.westernsem.edu/

Friendship House: https://www.westernsem.edu/beyond-the-classroom/friendship-house/

Bio and Contact for Carlos: https://www.westernsem.edu/faculty/thompson/

Book Discussed:

Wounded Healer

Finding Our Way Home

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In this episode of Now and Then Again, host Wendy Vanderwal Martin speaks with Meagan Harkins, a participant in the Henri Nouwen Society’s “30 Under 30” program. Meagan shares her journey from early encounters with Henri Nouwen’s writings to her current work in foster care and social work. Together, they explore themes of identity, belonging, and spiritual formation—reflecting on what it means to be human, to embrace limitation, and to find “home” in both God and self. Through honest conversation about transition, community, and the wisdom of Nouwen, this episode offers a hopeful vision for living with presence and purpose in a wounded world.

Links:
2026 Conference Website - https://www.conference.henrinouwen.org/

Sponsor 30 > 30 https://www.henrinouwen.org/give
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Book Discussed:
Way of the Heart
(US) https://amzn.to/2MZHLcX
(CAD) https://amzn.to/2AxEi2y
Return of the Prodigal Son
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The Inner Voice of Love
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(CAD) https://amzn.to/37kJJOm
Community
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(CAD) https://amzn.to/39mZMgk
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henrinouwen.org/meditation/

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In this episode of Now and Then Again, host Wendy VanderWal Martin speaks with Jenna Calabrese, a member of the Henri Nouwen Society’s 30 Under 30 cohort and newly licensed occupational therapist. Jenna shares how her encounter with Henri Nouwen’s writings and her experience at L’Arche shaped her vocation, spiritual life, and understanding of presence and participation in a wounded world. Together, they reflect on mentorship, generational faith, and how young leaders are embodying Nouwen’s prophetic witness today. 

2026 Conference Website - https://www.conference.henrinouwen.org/
Sponsor 30 > 30 https://www.henrinouwen.org/give
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Book Discussed:

Adam: God’s Beloved
https://amzn.to/3fsJxiS (US)
https://amzn.to/2MP02tq (CAD)
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SUPPORT THIS PODCAST: henrinouwen.org/donate/

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henrinouwen.org/meditation/

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In this episode of Now & Then… Again, Wendy VanderWal Martin sits down with Matthew Vaccaro, a Divinity student, youth minister, and member of the Henri Nouwen Society’s 30 Under 30 cohort. Matthew reflects on his journey from an anxiety-filled rapture theology to the spacious, compassionate spirituality of Henri Nouwen. Together, they explore loneliness, community, Gen Z’s exhaustion with productivity culture, and the healing power of rest, ritual, and belovedness—offering a hopeful vision of what it means to find “home” in a wounded world.
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Resources & Links

2026 Conference Website - https://www.conference.henrinouwen.org/
Sponsor 30 under 30 https://www.henrinouwen.org/give
https://www.retreathousecommunity.org/
https://www.gilmont.org/

Book Discussed:

Reaching Out
https://amzn.to/37BuyjZ (US)
https://amzn.to/2AxxCBJ (CAD)
___________

SUPPORT THIS PODCAST: henrinouwen.org/donate/

SIGN UP FOR FREE DAILY E-MEDITATIONS:
henrinouwen.org/meditation/

MORE FREE RESOURCES:
henrinouwen.org/

FOLLOW US ON SOCIAL MEDIA:
INSTAGRAM: www.instagram.com/henrinouwensociety/
FACEBOOK: www.facebook.com/nouwensociety/