Amy grew up a devoted cradle Catholic with a strong formation in scripture and the sacraments. But during college, a relationship with a fundamentalist Christian family led her into confusion, fear, and deep questioning about salvation and the Catholic faith. She describes this as a season where God felt distant and she didn’t know how to find answers.

Everything changed through a simple, profound moment with her mother—a moment that brought her back into the heart of the Church and set her on a new path.

Over time, God continued to nudge Amy gently but persistently:

• to lead Bible studies
• to write spiritually rich fiction
• to create a Bible study for Catholic women
• to speak at retreats and conferences
• and ultimately—to lead pilgrimages around the world

A transformative trip to the Holy Land in 2016 crystallized her mission. Watching the sunset over the Sea of Galilee, she realized her calling: to reflect God’s light to others.

Memorable Quote from Amy

“I realized my story is to do whatever He tells me.”

(Reflecting on Mary’s words at the Wedding at Cana, John 2:5)

Amy’s Favorite Scripture

John 2:5 — “Do whatever He tells you.”

A verse she sees as Mary’s second fiat, guiding us to trust Jesus even when we don’t fully understand what He’s asking.

About Amy Schisler

Amy is an author, retreat leader, speaker, and pilgrimage guide. Her work includes:

• Inspirational fiction
• Devotional and meditation books
• Pocket-sized saints books (co-authored with her mother)
• A Catholic women’s Bible study
• Online Bible studies
• Parish retreats and national speaking
• Pilgrimages to the Holy Land and beyond

Learn more about her books, retreats, pilgrimages, or online Bible study at: amyschislerauthor.com

When life didn’t go the way she planned, Maria discovered that God’s hand was still at work—in ways she never imagined. From devastating miscarriages and opening her home to foster children to standing in the holy presence of the Eucharistic Miracle in Fatima, Maria’s story is one of surrender, healing, and transformation.

Now a Catholic author and mom of four, Maria shares how God turned heartbreak into blessing and how she learned to pray without ceasing, even in the darkest seasons.

This conversation will remind you that even when you can’t see Him, God is moving.

In This Episode

• Maria’s early faith life and lifelong connection to the Mass
• How her husband’s conversion to Catholicism became part of their family’s story
• Facing the pain of four miscarriages and finding hope through foster care and adoption
• Learning to recognize God’s presence in hindsight
• The miraculous pilgrimage to Fatima that transformed her heart and faith
• How Maria channels her journey into writing faith-filled stories for children and moms

Favorite Scripture

“Pray without ceasing.” — 1 Thessalonians 5:17

Learn More About Maria Riley

• Website: MariaRileyAuthor.com
• Instagram & Facebook: @MariaRileyAuthor
• Books: Adventures with the Saints series (Books 1–4 available now; Book 5 coming in 2026)

Connect with the God Is Good Podcast

Subscribe wherever you listen to podcasts and share this episode with a friend who needs encouragement today. Because no matter what you’re facing… God is good.

Welcome to The God Is Good Podcast, where we share real stories of God’s transforming love. In today’s episode, our newest storyteller, Rose, shares her journey from spiritual confusion to deep Catholic faith. Her story reveals how God gently guides us back to Him. From her early childhood faith to a life-changing encounter with St. Thérèse of Lisieux, Rose discovered the beauty of surrender, virtue, and a prayer life rooted in love. Her story reminds us that God never stops pursuing our hearts—and that His grace can turn even our cracks into beautiful mirrors that reflect His light.

Guest: Rose Folsom, founder of VirtueConnection.com and spiritual guide at RoseFolsom.com

Summary:

In this episode, Rose shares her powerful journey from childhood faith to spiritual searching—and the moment she finally understood who Jesus truly is. Her transformation began when a simple book by St. Thérèse of Lisieux awakened her heart and drew her home to the Catholic Church. From there, Rose dove deeply into the study of virtue, the Dominican tradition, and the power of personal prayer. Today, she helps others develop joyful, customized prayer lives that anchor them in peace and purpose.

Topics Covered:

• Growing up with faith—but not yet knowing Jesus
• Finding healing after emotional and spiritual brokenness
• A life-changing encounter with St. Thérèse of Lisieux
• Conversion to Catholicism and Dominican spirituality
• The journey from virtue to prayer—and how both transform the soul
• How to build a prayer life that fits your heart and leads to joy

Favorite Scripture:

“Blessed is she who believed that the Lord’s promises to her would be fulfilled.”

—Luke 1:45

Connect with Rose:

🌐 Website: rosefolsom.com

📧 Email: Rose@rosefolsom.com

🕊️ Free resource: available on her website