Abiding Together (Heather Khym, Michelle Benzinger, Sister Miriam James Heidland)

In our third part of our Advent series we discuss how to find stillness in the busy chaos of life. God speaks in the stillness and its there that we meet him and find the answers to our restless souls.

One Thing We Love This Week: 

• Sr. Miriam's One Thing -  "Song of Solomon" - by Jesus Culture with Martin Smith
• Heather's One Thing - Family Daily Advent Reflections - Unwrapping the Greatest Gift by Ann Voskamp
• Michelle's One Thing - Love is Christmas - Sara Bareilles   I don't care if the house is packed, Or the strings of light are broken. I don't care if the gifts are wrapped, Or if there's nothing here to open.

Love is not a toy, and no paper will conceal it. Love is simply joy that I'm home.   I don't care if the carpet is stained; we have food upon the table. I don't care if it's gonna rain, our room is warm and stable. Love is who we are, and no season can contain it. Love would never fall for that.   Let love lead us, love is Christmas.   Why so scared that you'll mess it up? Imperfection keeps you haunted. All you need is your best my love, that's all anyone ever wanted. Love is how we do, let no judgment over- rule it. Love I look to you, and I sing.   Let love lead us, love is Christmas. Let love lead us, love is Christmas.   Discussion Questions:

1. God wants to give us good things, but often we don’t have room. Where can you make room this week for God?
2. When are you going to take time to “pause” this week and hear the whisper of His voice?
3. What is my spiritual and emotional diet looking like right now?

Journal Questions:

1. What in your life do you need to loosen your grip on so that you can trust God more deeply?
2. Have you stilled my heart to hear God’s opinion and wisdom about the things you’re concerned and worried about?   Quote to Ponder:

"If you can’t be still and wait, you can’t become what God created you to be.” - Sue Monk Kidd

Unity and Charity

In this last episode of Season 7, we look back at our favorite moments and highlight important conversations from the season. We also talk about unity, using social media wisely, taking a holy pause before we speak, and the invitation to be peacemakers. We must begin with ourselves if we want to be a person of peace and unity. We also check in about how we are doing with our word of the year. Our new season will begin September 14.

Sister Miriam’s one thing - Our benefactors and Patreon supporters

Michelle’s one thing - Our Abiding Together “village,” and everyone who makes our Facebook group such a refuge of graciousness and kindness!

Heather’s one thing - Also our Patreon supporters, and the Abiding Together team.

Discussion questions:    

1. What struck you from the podcast?
2. What is one area in your life that you need to work on so that you can be a person of unity and peace?
3. How are you doing with your word of the year?
4. What will you do this summer to continue on the journey and stay close to Christ?

Journal Questions:

1. Reflect and journal about this scripture: Matthew 5:9. What does it speak to you personally?
2. What theme from this season is the Lord inviting you to dive deeper into?
3. In what way might the Holy Spirit be nudging you to invite him into you, not just a situation?
4. Where are you sowing seeds of peace and where are you sowing seeds of discord?

Quote to Ponder - Jesus can demand a great deal from us. It is precisely in those instances when He demands a great deal from us that we should give Him a beautiful smile.” St. Mother Teresa

Scripture for Lectio Divina - Matthew 5:9 - “Blessed are the peacemakers"

Sister Miriam’s one thing - Soaking in His Presence - William Augusto Bethel 

Heather’s one thing - The Life on Purpose Series by Alpha

Michelle’s one thing - The Gift of Brother Priests 

Discussion Questions:    

1. What stood out to you from this week’s episode?
2. What traditions have been helpful to your family to enter into Holy Week and prepare for Easter?
3. How can we make this week different, entering into the suffering, death and resurrection of Jesus? 
4. As we celebrate Easter, how will you live the reality of resurrection power in your daily life? 
5. As we prepare for Pentecost, how can you allow the Lord to use you by being more open and receptive to the Holy Spirit? 

Journal Questions:

1. Research the Holy Week liturgies at your local parish. Ask Jesus how He wants you to experience one of the extraordinary liturgies this week. 
2. Read Matthew 26:6-13. Put yourself in the scene as Mary of Bethany and take time to imagine what it smells like, what it feels like, and how Jesus looks at you. What does Jesus want to reveal to you through this? 
3. Read Matthew 26: 69-75. Imagine yourself as Peter and allow Jesus to see you even in your betrayals. What does Jesus want to say to you through this?

Quotes to Ponder: “He will provide the way and the means, such as you could never have imagined. Leave it all to Him, let go of yourself, lose yourself on the Cross, and you will find yourself entirely.” - St. Catherine of Siena

Scripture for Lectio Divina: “Hosanna to the Son of David, blessed is He who comes in the name of the Lord.” -Matthew 21:9

This episode is sponsored by Pilgrimage to Beauty.

Pilgrimage to Beauty’s (@guatehickman) sole aim is to give you a unique once-in-a-lifetime experience that transforms and renews your spirit, no matter your vocation or state in life. Join them on a pilgrimage to the breathtaking shores of Lake Atitlan, Guatemala this December 2022, and rest, pray, and experience beauty. Mention Abiding Together and get $100 off registration.

Welcome to the season 16 kickoff with our annual tradition of the Word of the Year episode! Each year, we ask God to give us a theme to focus on for the new year and invite you to do the same. After personal prayer and reflection, we share what our words for 2025 mean to us and chat about the Saints journeying with us this year. We are excited to be back and look forward to seeing what this season will bring.

Heather’s One Thing - This Strange Land Podcast

Sister Miriam’s One Thing - Jubilee Year podcast episode from the Poco a Poco Podcast 

Michelle’s One Thing - Notre Dame Football and Marcus Freeman and time with Heather and Sister at the 2025 SEEK Conference in DC

Other Resources Mentioned: 

• Word of the Year video from Blessed is She
• Beautiful Holiness Beautiful Holiness: A Spiritual Journey With Blessed Conchita to the Heart of Jesus by Kathleen Beckman 
• Under the Gaze of the Father by Archbishop Martinez (A retreat written for Blessed Conchita)

Journal Questions:

• If you’ve been selecting a word of the year for a few years now, reflect on how the words have built on each other over time.
• Through what golden lens does God want me to see my year?
• How can I approach this new year with a spirit of integration rather than novelty?
• In what circumstances of your life do you feel like God isn’t showing up?

Discussion Questions:

• How did you experience your word for 2024?
• What is the Lord doing for you this year?
• How is the Lord inviting you to greater faithfulness in 2025?
• Do you feel like any particular saints have been chosen to journey with you this year?
• What is your word for 2025?

Quote to Ponder:

“The object of a new year is not that we should have a new year, but rather that we should have a new soul.” (G.K. Chesterton) 

Scripture for Lectio:

“And a word spoken in due season, how good it is.” (Proverbs 15:23)

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Timestamps:

00:00 - Rooted for Good 

01:31 - Intro

02:23 - Welcome

04:01 - Guiding Quote and Scripture Verse

04:34 - What is a Word of the Year?

08:24 - Michelle’s Word(s)

14:10 - Heather’s Word

24:10 - Sister’s Word

32:15 - One Things

In this episode we talk about advice and words of truth we wish we could give to our young adult selves. We speak about places of identity, calling, that your vocation is not the finish line, and the importance of allowing people with wisdom to speak into your life.

One Thing We Love This Week:

• Heather Khym's One Thing - Brene Brown
• Michelle Benzinger's One Thing - Blessed is She Advent Journal
• Sr. Miriam's One Thing - Yeti Cup

Group Questions

1. What advice would you give to your younger self or to yourself right now?
2. How can you incormporate one thing talked about in the podcast into your life?
3. Who are the people you rely on to speak wisdom and truth into your life?

Journaling Questions

1. How can I grow in self awareness?
2. Where do I often try to find my identity other than God? Work? Attention from others? Vocation? Labels?

Quote to Ponder "Be who God meant you to be and you will set the world on fire" - St Catherine of Sienna

In this episode, we begin our Lenten series as we journey through Sister Miriam’s book Restore. It’s not too late to join us! You can find your copy today at Ave Maria Press. We share our own perspectives entering this new season of Lent before diving into the first section on prayer. We speak about the healing power of the disciplines of Lent: prayer, almsgiving and fasting as a means to lean into our desire and God’s desire for us. We remind one another of the true goal of Lent: union with Christ. We pray that it blesses you.    Sister Miriam’s one thing - Restore the Glory Podcast episode with Archbishop Sample

Heather’s one thing - Reconnecting with dear friends and community

Michelle’s one thing -  Dig to the Roots - Reform 

Discussion Questions:    

1. What stood out to you from this week’s episode?
2. What is your disposition as we enter the season of Lent? How is God inviting you to receive restoration rather than to white knuckle your way through fasting, prayer and penance? 
3. What does God want to strip away during this season to create space and expose idols that you may be keeping?
4. How can we approach Lent through the lens of love rather than the lens of fear?
5. What does it mean to allow Jesus to be your guide this Lent?

Journal Questions:

1. As we begin Lent, are you aware of anything that is blocking your gaze towards Jesus? How can you create space to get into the Lord’s gaze again?
2. Have you taken time to ask the Lord: What would you like to give me this Lent? What would you like to talk to me about this Lent? Where would you like to invite me into deeper intimacy and union?
3. How can you allow yourself to experience desire and God’s desire for you during this season? 

Quotes to Ponder: “For me, prayer is a surge of the heart; it is a simple look turned toward heaven, it is a cry of recognition and of love, embracing both trial and joy.” - St Therese 

Scripture for Lectio Divina: “But you are merciful to all, for you can do all things, and you overlook men’s sins that they may repent…you spare all things, for they are yours, O Lord who love the living.” Wisdom 11: 23,26

Check out the Abiding Together Shop and Heather’s new book!

Check out the Abiding Together Shop and Heather’s new book!

Did you know that we have our very own Abiding Together shop filled with very cute mugs, t-shirts print stickers, scripture cards, and much more. Michelle has designed most of these items and they each reflect saints, quotes, and inspirations that have been a part of our podcast discussions over the years.A couple of my favorites are the quit talking to the dang snake. And our coffee is the eighth sacrament mug. This Easter we'd like to highlight the Saint story cards that would be great for your Easter baskets. Michelle created these in collaboration with the Franciscan Friars of the Renewal and Our Sunday Visitor. They feature Saint John Paul the second, Mother Teresa, Saint Therese, and St. Francis of Assisi. These story cards offer a new way to learn, pray, and play together while deeply reflecting on your own journey towards sainthood, you can order these using the code abide10 for 10% off. Just head over to abidingtogetherpodcast.com/shop.

Also Heather just finished writing a book called Abide: A Pathway to Transformative Healing and Intimacy with Jesus. This book asks questions like what if God's promises are real? What if we truly could live the abundant life that Jesus is offering to us? Through my personal stories, scriptural truth, church teaching and practical tools. You'll be invited to break through the barriers that prevent you from trusting and experiencing the deep love of Jesus and to be transformed by the freedom that comes when we vulnerably bring our entire selves to Jesus, the divine healer, restorer and miracle worker. You can use code abide22 at avemariapress.com for 20% off today.

Eucharist Amazement: May We Never Lose Our Wonder

In this episode we talk about the new pew report that shows only ⅓ of American Catholics believe in the real presence of Jesus in the Eucharist. We share about how we need to renew Eucharistic amazement in tangible ways and share our own experiences of the power of the Eucharist in our lives. 

Sister Miriam’s one thing - The Homesick Candle  Heather sent to me for my birthday.

Michelle’s one thing - A new worship playlist called Crossing Over

Heather’s one thing - My teenagers, I love them so much!

Extra Resources

Ecclesia De Eucharistia by Pope John Paul II

http://www.vatican.va/holy_father/special_features/encyclicals/documents/hf_jp-ii_enc_20030417_ecclesia_eucharistia_en.html

Link to Lanciano miracle

http://www.therealpresence.org/eucharst/mir/lanciano.html

Discussion questions:    

1. What struck you from the podcast?
2. If you’ve had a powerful moment with Jesus in the Eucharist, briefly share that with your group.
3. How can I/do I enter more fully into the mystery of the Eucharist and liturgy?
4. What are some tangible ways you can make the Eucharist the source and summit in your life and the life of your family?

Journal Questions:

1. In what ways have I become “too familiar” with sacred things, sacred spaces, and the Eucharist?
2. How can I further prepare my heart to receive Jesus in the Eucharist?
3. In what places of your heart do you need God to open your eyes to see who He is?
4. What does the “spousal language” we used in the podcast, stir in your heart? Are there any parts that you need to ask Jesus to heal?

Quote to Ponder - “I would like to rekindle this Eucharistic “amazement”- Saint John Paul II

Scripture for Lectio Divina -  John 6:35-36 “Jesus said to them, “I am the bread of life. Whoever comes to me will never be hungry, and whoever believes in me will never be thirsty. But I said to you that you have seen me and yet do not believe.”

In this episode, we continue our Lenten book study and focus on chapter 9 and the conclusion. We reflect on the goodness of God and why we need not be afraid even when we do not understand what He is doing or how He is working in our lives. We also talk about how the Holy Spirit is like a salve to the wounds in our life, the importance of taking the authority we’ve been given by God, and why hungering and thirsting for God allows us to grow in intimacy with Him.

Heather’s One Thing - Healing Prayers and Renunciations by Dr. Bob Schuchts

Sister Miriam’s One Thing - Mango Salsa Recipe

Michelle’s One Thing - The Way of Love by Marie Miller

Journal Questions:

• How can I make Jubilee a lifestyle?
• How does my heart respond to the unexpected works and movements of the Holy Spirit?
• Where in my life do I need to welcome the Holy Spirit?
• Where does the Lord want to liberate me?

Discussion Questions:

• How can you embrace the spirit of Jubilee and not the letter of Jubilee?
• How will you embrace the sacraments, pilgrimages, and indulgences this year?
• Where in your heart do you feel like you need to be cautious and protective with the Lord?
• What are the things in your life filling you with a false satiation?
• What are the graces you’ve received this Lent?

Quote to Ponder:

“For that reason, the Jubilee 2025 is a highly appropriate time for individuals and communities to enter more deeply into the life of the Holy Spirit.” (Jesus and the Jubilee, John Bergsma, Page 111)

“What are some practical steps to bring jubilee into our hearts? How do we embrace the Spirit of jubilee and not the letter of jubilee? How do we make good use of 2025 and the years following? How do we make jubilee a lifestyle? How do we sustain liberty? There are three simple answers: sacraments, pilgrimages, and indulgences.” (Jesus and the Jubilee, John Bergsma, Page 113)

Scripture for Lectio:

"Now the Lord is the Spirit, and where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is freedom.” (2 Corinthians 3:17)

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Timestamps: 

00:00 - West Coast Catholic

01:30 - Intro

02:06 - Welcome

05:20 - Scripture Verse and Guiding Quote

06:20 - The Holy Spirit

08:40 - A Salve to Our Wounds

10:28 - He is Good

12:28 - In the School of the Holy Spirit

14:23 - Sacraments, Pilgrimages, and Indulgences

18:31 - Taking Authority

20:30 - Are We Hungry Enough?

22:44 - Stirring Up Hunger

24:44 - The Price of Liberation

27:40 - Graces Received During Lent

29:09 - One Things

Today on the Abiding Together Podcast, Sister Miriam, Michelle, and Heather continue the conversation in week three of Lent on Fr. Jacques Philippe’s book Searching for and Maintaining Peace. We talk about how fear often causes us to self protect or hustle to escape suffering instead of trusting God. We discuss the power of making space for God and his providence in our lives and how we can trust him when we experience suffering.

Visit www.ascensionpress.com/abidingtogether to subscribe to the shownotes and receive them in your email every Monday!

One Thing We Love This Week
Sister Miriam’s one thing: The song "Open Space” by Housefires
Michelle’s one thing: The song “Awakening” by Amanda Cook
Heather’s one thing: Peace playlist

Discussion Questions

1. What is the biggest thing you fear will be lacking or absent in your life?
2. Where do you think you need to make space for God to show his abundance and his providence?
3. St John of the Cross says that God gives in the measure that we expect. Discuss that quote and how you can grow in expectation of God’s goodness.

Journal Questions

1. What area have you been acting as though you and your own power are the answer to the problem? How can you begin to open your heart to God there?
2. Where in your life do you need to experience how capable and powerful God is?
3. Why don’t you have confidence in God?

Quote to Ponder
“The Lord can leave us wanting relative to certain things (sometimes judged indispensable in the eyes of the world), but he never leaves us deprived of what is essential: his presence, his peace and all that is necessary for the complete fulfillment of our lives, according to his plans for us.” —Fr. Jacques Philippe

Scripture for Lectio Divina - Matthew 6:31-33
“Therefore do not worry, saying, ‘What will we eat?’ or ‘What will we drink?’ or ‘What will we wear?’ For it is the Gentiles who strive for all these things; and indeed your heavenly Father knows that you need all these things. But strive first for the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well.”

In this episode we talk about the scripture from John 15 where Jesus invites us to abide in Him and remain in His love. We discuss the importance of being rooted in Christ and the stumbling blocks that get in the way of that. We particularly explore the concept of littleness vs striving and self reliance.

One Thing We Love This Week:

Sr. Miriam's One Thing - Working in her mom’s garden!

Michelle's One Thing - Haley Stewart’s new book “The Grace of Enough” - https://www.amazon.com/Grace-Enough-Pursuing-Throwaway-Culture-ebook/dp/B07CXFQQ3L/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1537561852&sr=8-1&keywords=the+grace+of+enough+haley+stewart

Heather's One Thing - “Late Have I Loved You” by Gungor - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3WoCwuPXhvM

Discussion Questions:

What holds you back from being vulnerable with people in your life?
What might God be asking you to say no to so that you can be more present with those in front of you?
Authentic Christianity is not lived in isolation. What is one way you can breakthrough the isolation and connect with your community more regularly?

Journal Questions:

    1. The little things are really the big things in the spiritual life. What are the little things that God is asking you to be faithful to?     2. What parts of your heart do you need to surrender in vulnerability to God today?     3. Where are your roots planted?  

Quote to Ponder:

“All things must come to the soul from its roots, from where it is planted” - St Teresa of Avila

In our last episode before we break for summer, we talk about the highlights of the season and revisit some of the themes that we loved. We had a lot of joking and laughter as we shared some of our personal experiences and we also checked in about our word for the year.

One Thing We Love This Week:

• Sr. Miriam's One Thing - School of Greatness Podcast-Lewis Howes
• Sr. Miriam's other one thing - Steubenville Conferences
• Michelle's One Thing - Sarah Kroger’s new album kickstarter campaign
• Heather's One Thing - Worship leader Michael Ketterer’s audition on America’s Got Talent. Here is one of his worship songs

Quote to Ponder:

"We never grow closer to God when we just live life. It takes deliberate pursuit and attentiveness" - Francis Chan

In this episode, we talk about living a healthy and integrated physical and spiritual life with special guest Jackie Mulligan of Reform Wellness. We discuss the importance of acknowledging our weaknesses and holes, so Christ can make us whole and place us on the path to holiness. We chat about the idea of Christ-centered wellness where health is more than a number on a scale but a step-by-step renewal that leads to an abundant life. You can find out more about Jackie and Reform Wellness online at reformwellness.co and on Instagram @reform_wellness. 

Jackie’s one thing- Interior Castle - St. Theresa of Avila

Heather’s one thing - Take Heart Again - Hillsong United

Michelle’s one thing - Bold Blooming - Jill Simmons

Sister Miriam’s one thing - Rejoice Advent: Meditations with Mary and Joseph - Fr. Mark Toups and Ascension Press. Use the code ABIDE10 to receive 10% off any of the gorgeous custom artwork that goes along with the series!

Discussion questions:    

1. What struck you from this week’s episode?
2. Jackie mentioned the first step in living an integrated health is awareness. Of the nine pillars - faith, nutrition, sleep, stress management, community, personal growth, movement and play - what is one area you recognize you are living a healthy life and one area you acknowledge you need healing and wellness? 
3. What keeps you from living a healthy, integrated life? - fear of failure, fear of exposure, fear of change, busyness/distraction?  
4. Where have you seen Jesus bring “holes” into wholeness in your life and the lives of people you care about? 

Journal Questions:

1. The first step to integrated living is making space for the Lord and being Christ centered. What is one way you can make space for the Lord this week? What else might be in the center of your life instead of Jesus?
2. Just like you would to prepare for confession, take a moment to make an examination. What's the state of your body? What's the state of your soul? Where the areas are in your health that you haven't invited the Lord into? Where do you lack discipline?
3. Invite the Lord to reveal to you the area of your wellbeing where you are in need of focus and the presence of Jesus. Pray “Jesus re-form me.”

Quote to Ponder: “To reform. A little each day. This must be your constant concern if you really want to become a saint.” - St. Josemaría Escrivá

Scripture for Lectio Divina -  “Do you not know that your bodies are temples of the Holy Spirit, who is in you, whom you have received from God? You are not your own;  you were bought at a price. Therefore honor God with your bodies.” - 1 Corinthians 6:19-20

In the School of the Holy Spirit Part 3: Chapter Three and Conclusion

In this episode we wrap up Part 3 of our book study on Fr. Jacques Philippe’s book In the School of the Holy Spirit. We discuss how to discern between the voice of the Lord and our own voice or the enemy’s voice. We also talk about practical tools for wielding the sword of truth as well as discernment in vocation, ministry, and life.

Sister Miriam’s one thing - The new Bible study from Ascension on the book of Hebrews (Available now for preorder!)

Michelle’s one thing - Men’s podcasts for Father’s Day (see below!)

Heather’s one thing - The Archdiocese of Vancouver’s new website, Behold.

Additional Resources

Prayer by Cardinal Mercier -

Holy Spirit, soul of my soul, I adore Thee.
Enlighten me, guide me,
strengthen and comfort me.
Tell me what I ought to do
and order me to do it.
I promise to submit
to anything you requirest of me,
and to accept everything
that Thou allowest to happen to me.
Just show me what Thy will is.

Kapaun’s Men is dedicated to building up men as bands of brothers to help us fight the spiritual battle that rages around us.  Their model is the heroic Catholic Priest and Army Chaplain, Servant of God Emil Kapaun, who spent himself tirelessly on the battlefields and in the prison camps of North Korea until his death at the hands of his captors.  They offer 4 original video series inspired by the life of Father Kapaun and our fellow men and women around us, which can be found on Formed.org or can be ordered directly from us.  They also recently started a weekly podcast called “The Foxhole with Father Kapaun” to help give a boost of encouragement to everyone out there fighting the good fight, whether it be in the family, in the workplace, or in the community at large. 

Chris Stefanick’s Awesome 5 minute Father Kapaun video

A few other podcasts to recommend to the men in your life. 

Poco a Poco Podcast  - The Franciscan Friars of the Renewal 

Restore the Glory Podcast  -Dr. Bob Schuchts, Ph.D and Jake Khym, MA

The Paul George Show  - Paul George (also his book Rethink Happiness)

Ask Father Josh - Father Josh Johnson 

Discussion questions:    

1. What struck you from the podcast?
2. What are the telltale signs in your own life that the voice you’re listening to is the Lord?
3. What is one time that you’ve followed the inspirations of the Holy Spirit, and you’re glad you did?
4. Where are you struggling to discern the voice of the Lord? How can you put into practice Fr. Jacques’ advice for greater discernment?

Journal Questions:

1. Reflect and journal about this scripture: John 10:4-5. What does it speak to you personally?
2. Do you feel that God is elusive or “never speaks to me”? How do you feel about what Heather said about how God is in fact trying to speak to you?
3. How can you equip yourself better with “the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God”? (Ephesians 6:17)
4. Where are you feeling a sense of haste? Do you need to take a “holy pause” and discern what God is saying to you?

Quote to Ponder - “A tree is known by its fruit.” An inspiration from God, if we follow it, will produce sound fruit: the fruits of peace, joy, charity, communion, and humility. - Fr. Jacques Philippe

Scripture for Lectio Divina - John 10:4-5 - When he has brought out all his own, he goes before them, and the sheep follow him, for they know his voice. A stranger they will not follow, but they will flee from him, for they do not know the voice of strangers.

In this episode we continue out 4 part series on the Feminine Genius as we discuss the topic of "Sensitivity". We reference the Apostolic Letter Mulieris Dignitatem on the Dignity and Vocation of Women

One Thing We Love:

• Poets and Saints by All Sons and Daughters
• The Young Catholic Woman - web instagram

Joan of Arc said “I am not afraid, I was born to do this”

We are in a world at war and as women we are called and empowered to fight for truth, beauty, and goodness. Join us as we have a conversation about practical ways to spiritually battle and wear the armor of God.

In this episode, we begin a mini-series on four women in scripture with the story of Hannah. We discuss the importance of acknowledging our desires and the ache of longing much like Hannah’s desire for a child. We chat about the temptation to compare our areas of barrenness to other people’s fruitfulness and the freedom of surrender and keeping our eyes on Christ. We acknowledge the importance of remembering that union with God is the promise, not the things we desire, and how God’s delayed response is sometimes a great mercy. Sister Miriam closes this episode with a prayer inviting the Lord to meet you in the places of fear, despair and longing. 

Sister Miriam’s one thing -  Bible in a Year Podcast with Fr. Mike Schmitz featuring Jeff Cavins  from Ascension Press

Heather’s one thing - The 2021 Passion Conference

Heather’s other one thing - Promises - Maverick City Music

Michelle’s one thing - The Given Forum 

Discussion questions:    

1. What struck you from this week’s episode?
2. When have you experienced the Lord allowing you to journey through a season of physical, spiritual or emotional barrenness?
3. Where have you allowed yourself to focus on other people’s fruitfulness and allowed yourself to believe that God has forgotten about you?
4. Desperation and surrender can draw us closer to God that we may bear fruit. How have you experienced this in your life?
5. Do you trust God to write a good story in your life even when things are not how you expected? Are there areas where you still need to surrender control?

Journal Questions:

1. Where have you felt that God has not answered, fulfilled, listened to or given you a desire that you longed for? What has your reaction been in these situations? What lies are you believing because of this? 
2. What are the areas of barrenness in your life? How is the Holy Spirit asking you to acknowledge your longing and bring it to him?  
3. What is the posture of prayer you want to place yourself in before the Lord through this season?

Quotes to Ponder: “To limit your desires and your hopes is to misunderstand God’s infinite goodness.” - St. Therese 

Scripture for Lectio Divina -  

“Daughter, the God of Israel has granted your petition as you have asked of Him.” - 1 Samuel 1:17  

“My heart exults in the Lord, my horn is exalted in my God. I have swallowed up my enemies; I rejoice in my victory. There is no Holy One like the Lord; there is no Rock like our God.” - 1 Samuel 2:1-2

This episode is sponsored by Walking With Purpose.

Do you long for healing and wholeness? Would you like to be rooted and grounded in a love that will never fail you? Fearless and Free, a Catholic Bible study from Walking with Purpose, will allow you to experience healing and wholeness in Christ. In this transformational study, you'll journey through the book of Ephesians to gain a firm Biblical foundation to stand on no matter what life throws your way. The six-lesson format of Fearless and Free makes it an ideal Bible study for Lent, and a free leader's guide can be downloaded from the Walking with Purpose website. Use code abide15 for 15% off Fearless and Free, now through Ash Wednesday, February 17.

We also announce our 2021 Lenten Book Study - This Present Paradise - Claire Dwyer. 

In this episode we complete the four part mini-series Herstory on women in Scripture with the story of Esther. We discuss the providence in the behind the scenes work of God and how God’s call on one person’s life can cause a ripple effect within a nation. We chat about God’s design and plan for each of us and how he desires to use your unique influence to build the kingdom right where you are. We pray that you would receive God’s courage to live out your feminine genius to bring about God’s glory today.

Michelle’s one thing -   Magdelena Kyne and the Lorien art prints that she created for me

Sister Miriam’s one thing - WoodWick Candles

Heather’s one thing - Employees and volunteers at my diocese in Vancouver

Other Links mentioned in this episode: The Feminine Genius Series on the Abiding Together Podcast

Discussion questions:    

1. What struck you from this week’s episode?
2. What do you think of the idea that you were born for a time such as this? What do you think God’s purpose for your life is in this particular time?
3. Where is an area the Holy Spirit is inviting you to speak or act on behalf of others? Where is he inviting you to wield your influence?
4. Can you recognize times you have listened to the enemy’s out of tune song over your life with themes like diminishing your role or over-emphasizing your sin and when you have listened to God’s song over your life speaking of the truth of who God is and who you are?

Journal Questions:

1. How does your personal Fiat affect others? How do the small and simple yeses everyday build up the kingdom of God here and now?
2. What grace do you need most - courage to speak or act, prudence to know which battles to fight, wisdom to know what to do next - to act upon God’s call on your life?
3. Where is the influence God has given you and where is he calling you to use your influence to bring about his kingdom?

Quote to Ponder:  "The feminine genius is needed wherever we make important decisions.” - Pope Francis

Scripture for Lectio Divina: “Perhaps you were born for such a time as this.” - Esther 4:14

The Power of Christian Unity

In this episode we have the pleasure of chatting with our dear friend Matt Maher! As a devout Catholic in the world of Christian music industry, Matt shares his heart for unity and God’s desire that we would all be one. Matt also talks about his marriage and how he and his wife do life together as a Catholic and Methodist. We also discuss practical steps of how to be a bridge builder with people of other faiths and the gift of the sacraments.

Sister Miriam’s one thing - The litany The Magnificat with Mary from the Sisters of Life

Michelle’s one thing - The Sanctifier (Amazon US, Amazon Canada, Amazon UK) by Archbishop Luis Martinez, and my husband Chris

Heather’s one thing - The podcast Restore the Glory from my husband Jake and Dr. Bob Schuchts, and the song Promises from Maverick City

Matt’s one thing - The Consecration to St. Joseph by Fr. Donald Calloway (Amazon US, Amazon Canada, Amazon UK) and the Holy Family as a whole.

Additional Resources:
Michelle also mentions the book retreat Under the Gaze of the Father by Archbishop Luis Martinez (Amazon US, Amazon Canada, Amazon UK)

Discussion questions:    

1. What struck you from the podcast?
2. What blessings and displays of God’s glory have you seen?
3. What is a moment you’ve had of awareness of God’s presence?
4. Do you experience a sense of entitlement when it comes to faith?
5. How can you pray and work in your own life to build unity?

Journal Questions:

1. Reflect and journal about this scripture: John 17: 20-24. What does it speak to you personally?
2. What is your reaction to this call for Christian unity?
3. Are there relationships in your life that require reconciliation? How can you contribute to unity?
4. Are you playing a role in Christ reconciling the Church, or how are you playing a role in the Church being more divided?

Quote to Ponder -  “Christian unity was Christ's dearest desire. He expressed it in his last testament as he walked toward his tragic destiny: the Cross. He prayed in his priestly prayer ‘that they may all be one; even as you, Father, are in me, and I in you, that they also may be in us, so that the world may believe that you have sent me.’” (John 17:21) - Cardinal Nasrallah Pierre Sfeir (Cardinal’s Symposium - October 2003)

Scripture for Lectio Divina - John 17: 20-24 

“I ask not only on behalf of these, but also on behalf of those who will believe in me through their word, that they may all be one. As you, Father, are in me and I am in you, may they also be in us, so that the world may believe that you have sent me. The glory that you have given me I have given them, so that they may be one, as we are one, I in them and you in me, that they may become completely one, so that the world may know that you have sent me and have loved them even as you have loved me. Father, I desire that those also, whom you have given me, may be with me where I am, to see my glory, which you have given me because you loved me before the foundation of the world.”

Today’s episode is Part 3 of our series on the women doctors of the Church, on the life of St. Teresa of Avila. We talk about the great gift of her spiritual writings, her humor, her practical wisdom and her reforming spirit. We talk about growing in self awareness and how we can move through spiritual pitfalls.

One Thing We Love This Week:

Sr. Miriam's One Thing - Song “Fear Not” by Kristene DiMarco
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=g0GQp-vTqOw

Michelle's One Thing - Blessed Is She advent Journal
https://blessedisshe.net/product/bearing-light-advent-devotional/

Also the new Ascension Series coming soon called “Rejoice”
Heather's One Thing - The movie Les Miserable with Hugh Jackman and Anne Hathaway - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tD53IYJlot8

Discussion Questions:

1) What struck you from the podcast this week?
2) What areas of comfort do you cling to that may be causing resistance in growing deeper in your relationship with God?
3) What is one practical “little by little” choice that you can make to grow this week?
4) In what places do you need more healing in your life? How can you open the door to healing in one practical way?

Journal Questions:

1) What are the areas that I tolerate and give in to sin in my life, instead of going deeper?
2) Think about your week. To grow in self awareness, journal about your reactions to a situation or person and why you responded the way you did?
3) What young parts of your own heart need to encounter the love of God?
4) Do you believe that God will be there, as your Healer, if you open the door to past wounds?

Quote to Ponder:

“Either we are brides of so great a King or we are not.” - St. Teresa of Avila

Scripture for the Week - Zephaniah 3:16-20

In that day it will be said to Jerusalem: “Do not be afraid, O Zion; Do not let your hands fall limp. “The LORD your God is in your midst, A victorious warrior. He will exult over you with joy, He will be quiet in His love, He will rejoice over you with shouts of joy. “I will gather those who grieve about the appointed feasts—They came from you, O Zion; The reproach of exile is a burden on them. “Behold, I am going to deal at that time with all your oppressors, I will save the lame and gather the outcast, and I will turn their shame into praise and renown in all the earth. At that time I will bring you in, even at the time when I gather you together; Indeed, I will give you renown and praise among all the peoples of the earth, when I restore your fortunes before your eyes”

*Listen to our Doctors of the Church Spotify Worship Playlist *- https://open.spotify.com/user/12184473750/playlist/6uqQ8RwDh4xkDP0IxB9O65?si=GD4CrGUPTR2xbqDzA_ybTg

Reading Recommendations:

Interior Castle - St Teresa of Avila https://www.amazon.com/Interior-Castle-Dover-Thrift-Editions/dp/0486461459/ref=sr_1_1_sspa?ie=UTF8&qid=1540866080&sr=8-1-spons&keywords=interior+castle&psc=1

The Way of Perfection - St Teresa of Avila https://www.amazon.com/Way-Perfection-St-Teresa-Avila-ebook/dp/B07JKNDT67/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1540866028&sr=8-1&keywords=the+way+of+perfection+by+st.+theresa+of+avila

The Four Teresas - Gina Loehr https://www.amazon.com/Four-Teresas-Gina-Loehr-ebook/dp/B004HKJ8PM/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1540865886&sr=8-1&keywords=Four+teresas

Becoming the Father

In this episode, we continue with Part 5 of our book study on The Return of the Prodigal Son and discuss “Becoming the Father”. Many of us have heard the invitation to live as daughters and sons of God, but most of us haven’t heard the invitation to become the father/mother. We will always be children of God, but we are simultaneously invited to mature into becoming a spiritual mother and father, providing, comforting, nurturing others in selfless ways. We also discuss how God wants to heal our idea of who He is and the places we didn’t get what we need so that we can be a more pure example of His love for others.

Sister Miriam’s one thing - The Heart: An Analysis of Human and Divine Affectivity by Dietrich von Hildebrand (Link for Canada. Link for UK.)

Michelle’s one thing - True Devotion to the Holy Spirit by Archbishop Luis Martinez (Link for Canada. Link for UK.), Shannon from ChewsLife

Heather’s one thing - My new Return to the Father's Love playlist on Spotify. Floodgates by The Sations

Additional Resources

Heather loves you, so she made a playlist for you! This is to help accompany you in your prayer with the book study - Return to the Father's Love playlist on Spotify.

Announcements!

The Abiding Together Lenten Book Study is The Return of the Prodigal Son by Henri Nouwen. You can still join us! Purchase the book via US Amazon Link, a Canada Amazon link, and a UK Amazon link. (As an Amazon Associate, Abiding Together earns from qualifying Amazon purchases.)

The Abiding Together shop has new items! We have a new journal and a new mug inspired by Henri Nouwen, created just for this Lenten book study!

An online conference for all those who are anxious, afraid, bored, spiritually starving, or isolated. An opportunity to turn isolation into a fruitful retreat. Building deeper trust in God instead of a Netflix binge. A chance to grow spiritually this Lent, even for those without Mass. 

This is the Be Not Afraid Conference! Sister Miriam, Heather, and Michelle are three of the amazing speakers who will be giving talks and reflections, starting March 20th, 2020. Sign up now!

Discussion questions:    

1. What struck you from the podcast?
2. What are the masks that I have put on God the Father?
3. What is paralyzing you from coming close to the Father, or letting him come close to you?
4. What does it look like when you yourself live out the qualities of “the Father”?

Journal Questions:

1. Reflect and journal about this scripture: Luke 15:11-32. What does it speak to you personally this time? 
2. What do the eyes of the Father look like when He looks at you?
3. What is it that you need to grieve?

Quote to Ponder - "Be compassionate as your Father is compassionate." - Henri Nouwen

Scripture for Lectio Divina - Luke 15:11-32 - The Parable of the Prodigal Son

Sister Miriam’s one thing - Kale Salad

Heather’s one thing - The Hidden Life Playlist on Spotify

Michelle’s one thing - Redeeming Love - Francine Rivers 

Discussion Questions:    

1. What stood out to you from this week’s episode?
2. How have you witnessed a bride and groom give themselves freely to one another? 
3. How can you grow in a commitment to continue to grow in the school of love?
4. How do you experience God as a lover? 

Journal Questions:

1. How are you a gift to God? How can you exercise freedom in choosing to love God and give yourself to Him? 
2. If married - how do you allow your spouse into your inner garden to bring your hearts to the Lord together? How do you love your spouse with your whole heart and God with your whole heart- bringing deeper communion in both relationships? 
3. For those that are hard to love - ask “how is this person a gift to me?””

Quotes to Ponder:  “Limitation of one's freedom might seem to be something negative and unpleasant, but love makes it a positive, joyful and creative thing. Freedom exists for the sake of love.” 

― John Paul II, Love and Responsibility

Scripture for Lectio Divina: “Then the Lord God said, “It is not good that the man should be alone; I will make him a helper as his partner.” So out of the ground the Lord God formed every animal of the field and every bird of the air, and brought them to the man to see what he would call them; and whatever the man called every living creature, that was its name. The man gave names to all cattle, and to the birds of the air, and to every animal of the field; but for the man[a] there was not found a helper as his partner. So the Lord God caused a deep sleep to fall upon the man, and he slept; then he took one of his ribs and closed up its place with flesh. And the rib that the Lord God had taken from the man he made into a woman and brought her to the man. Then the man said, “This at last is bone of my bonesand flesh of my flesh; this one shall be called Woman, for out of Man this one was taken.” Therefore a man leaves his father and his mother and clings to his wife, and they become one flesh. And the man and his wife were both naked, and were not ashamed.

- Genesis 2:18-25 

This episode is sponsored by Chews Life. 

The mission of Chews Life is to equip all Catholics with Rosaries for life. How do they do that? By creating Rosaries for every age group and every person. For little ones, they have soft silicone rosaries. These rosaries are strung on durable organic cotton chord and have food grade silicone for the beads. These Rosaries are a beautiful way to bring your little ones to Mary and also offer something to soothe and delight them. For slightly older kids, Chews Life offers their Shepherd Kids Rosaries. These Rosaries are also made with silicone beads but are slightly smaller and have more space between beads so that kids learning their Rosary can slide each bead as they pray. Finally, for adults Chews Life has beautiful Rosary Bracelets. With many different styles and colors, the Rosary Bracelets are a great tool for someone trying to form the daily habit of praying the Rosary. Not only is it very accessible on your wrist, but it also features a “bookmark” crucifix medal that can be used to keep your spot in your Rosary. So if you only have a minute here and there to pray throughout your day, no worries, hold your place with the crucifix medal and continue when you have your next chance. Chews Life aims to provide beautiful and durable tools to help you pray the Rosary every single day. You can find their Rosaries and a number of other wonderful products on their website: www.chewslife.com. Use the code ABIDE10 to get 10% off your next order.

Today we begin our 5 part series on the women Doctors of the Church by first exploring the life of St. Catherine of Siena. St. Catherine was a preacher, influencer, writer, miracle worker, and mystic. In this episode, we chat about Catherine’s example of intimacy with God, her fiery heart and voice of conviction, how her hidden life fueled her passion for the Church and restoration, and how we can follow her example in specific ways.

One Thing We Love This Week:

• Sr. Miriam's One Thing - The Divine Mercy Shrine in Poland
• Michelle's One Thing - Brother Isaiah’s new song - https://aleteia.org/2018/10/17/brother-isaiahs-love-song-for-the-bride-is-balm-for-a-wounded-church/ and check out his album Poco a Poco
• Michelle’s other one thing - Rosary bracelet - https://chewslife.com/new-siena-rosary-bracelet-dalmatian-jasper/
• Heather's One Thing - The St. Francis of Assisi Movie “A Sign of Contradiction” by Fr. Dave Pivonka and 4pm Media https://www.signofcontradiction.com/

Discussion Questions:

1. What does restored femininity look like in your life?

2. Where can you see God in your childhood? Where do you need to ask Him to reveal Himself?

3. What do you love? What burns your heart? Where is Christ calling you to true love that radiates from within?

Journal Questions:

1. How is God inviting you to bring your feminine genius to your world?

2. What suffering in your life is God asking you to unite with His, that He wants to restore and heal?

3. How has the enemy come into my life to seek, kill, and destroy things that God wants to use to bring life and glory to the world?

4. What areas in your hidden life within, need to experience mercy and transformation so that you can be a witness of restoration to the Church?

Quote to Ponder:

“I promise you, that, by this means, her beauty will be restored to her, not by the knife nor by cruelty, but peacefully, by humble and continued prayer, by the sweat and the tears shed by the fiery desire of My servants” - Jesus to St. Catherine of Siena

*Scripture for the week - Ezekiel 37:1-7 *

The hand of the Lord was on me, and he brought me out by the Spirit of the Lord and set me in the middle of a valley; it was full of bones. He led me back and forth among them, and I saw a great many bones on the floor of the valley, bones that were very dry. He asked me, “Son of man, can these bones live?” I said, “Sovereign Lord, you alone know.”Then he said to me, “Prophesy to these bones and say to them, ‘Dry bones, hear the word of the Lord! This is what the Sovereign Lord says to these bones: I will make breath enter you, and you will come to life. I will attach tendons to you and make flesh come upon you and cover you with skin; I will put breath in you, and you will come to life. Then you will know that I am the Lord.’” So I prophesied as I was commanded. And as I was prophesying, there was a noise, a rattling sound, and the bones came together, bone to bone.

In this episode we discuss chapter 3 of Pope Francis's "Evangelii Gaudium - The Joy of the Gospel". We focus on the importance of love as the heart of the Gospel and how we need to have an ongoing personal encounter with this Love before we can evangelize. We also talk about the Pope's thoughts on the maternal dimension of evangelization.

One Thing We Love This Week:

• Heather's one thing - "It is Well" Kristene DiMarco
• Michelle's one thing - Essays On Woman by Edith Stein
• Sr. Miriam's one thing - "Wonder Woman" movie

In this episode we begin part 1 of our 5 part series on Pope Francis's apostolic exhortation "Evangelii Gaudium - The Joy of the Gospel". We discuss the first chapter and what it means to be a missionary disciple who first encounters Christ personally.

One Thing We Love This Week:

• Sr. Miriam's one thing - Debbie Herbeck's ministry Be Love Revolution
• Michelle's one thing - Darling Magazine ​* Heather's one thing - Experience a priest's ordination

In our final episode of Season 12, we dive deep into how the Lord has been working in our lives since we began the season in January. We acknowledge how easy it is to get caught up in the struggles of life and forget to take time to stop, pause, and remember the blessings we have received. We open up about the seeds the Lord has planted in our hearts, the areas in our lives He is re-awakening, and the spiritual fruit we have seen blossoming. Through our vulnerability, we hope you are inspired this summer to reflect on how the Lord has been working in your life and share it with someone you’re close to. Friends, we have enjoyed every moment of season 12 and are excited for where the Lord takes us next. Thank you for being on this journey of life with us. We hope you join us for our summer study that begins July 17 and our next season beginning in September. 

Heather’s One Thing - The song Tend by Bethel and my fruit salad tree

Sister Miriam’s One Thing - The song Detour by Sarah Kroger (lyric video) or (live performance) 

Michelle’s One Thing - The song - Benediction (Live) + Before, Behind, Beside (Spontaneous) by Rachel Morley & Kory Miller

Discussion Questions:

• What is the spirit saying to you? Where is He blowing? What is being reawakened? 
• What seeds have been planted in this past season?
• Where do we see choice fruit in your life?
• What desires has God placed on your heart?

Journal Questions:

• How has the Lord been awakening my heart in this season?
• What needs to be nurtured and tended to in my heart?
• What needs to be pruned?
• What have I been learning about how God made me?

Quote to Ponder:

Holy Spirit, making life alive, moving in all things, root of all creative being, cleansing the cosmos of every impurity, effacing guilt, anointing wounds. You are lustrous and praiseworthy life. You waken and re-awaken everything that is. - St. Hildegard 

Scripture for Lectio: 

“Awake, north wind, and come south wind! Blow on my garden, that its fragrance may spread everywhere. Let my beloved come into his garden and taste its choice fruits.” - Song of Songs 4:16 

Sponsor - Chews Life:

At Chews Life, it is their mission to equip all Catholics with Rosaries for life. Chews Life believes that even the youngest Catholic can develop a devotion to the Rosary and come to know our Mother Mary. Their silicone Rosaries make this possible. Children discover through their senses, especially touch. Just as a baby knowingly caresses their mother’s face, so too their little hands will come to know the Rosary and cherish it.

Chews Life also makes Rosaries for adults! Chews Life’s Rosaries are actually rosary bracelets, tha are designed to be with you all day and easily accessible. Each Rosary bracelets also feature a “bookmark” crucifix charm so that if you don’t have time to get through a whole Rosary at once, you can use this charm to hold your place until you can continue your prayer. These and so much more are available at www.chewslife.com!

Divine Mercy

In this episode we talk about the incredible gift of Divine Mercy! We talk a little bit about St. Faustina and our Lord’s revelations to her about his ocean of mercy. We also discuss what a lack of trust looks like and what the stumbling blocks are to trusting in the heart of Jesus.

Sister Miriam’s one thing - Tacos! 

Michelle’s one thing - The Diary of St. Faustina (links below)

Heather’s one thing - The Be Not Afraid Conference from Stacey Sumereau

Resources:

Purchase The Diary of St. Faustina via US Amazon Link, a Canada Amazon link, and a UK Amazon link. (As an Amazon Associate, Abiding Together earns from qualifying Amazon purchases.)

Discussion questions:    

1. What struck you from the podcast?
2. What does a lack of trust look like for you?
3. Do you trust the Lord with yourself? Do you trust him with the people you love?
4. Where do you feel difficulty depending or relying on others?
5. How trustworthy are you? How can you grow in being trustworthy?

Journal Questions:

1. Reflect and journal about this scripture: Jeremiah 17:7-8. What does it speak to you personally?
2. Inviting the Lord to come with you, look at the places where you find it difficult to trust? What lies did you believe that made trust difficult for you?
3. What new way is Jesus trying to show you? How can you cooperate with him?
4. What does it mean to say, “Jesus, I trust in You”? Where do you say “Jesus, I trust in You, except…”

Quote to Ponder - “There is nothing more man needs than Divine Mercy – that love which is benevolent, which is compassionate, which raises man above his weakness to the infinite heights to the holiness of God.” - St. John Paul II

Scripture for Lectio Divina - "But blessed is the one who trusts in the Lord, whose confidence is in him. They will be like a tree planted by the water that sends out its roots by the stream. It does not fear when heat comes; its leaves are always green. It has no worries in a year of drought and never fails to bear fruit." - Jeremiah 17:7-8

In this episode, we continue a mini-series on four women in scripture with the story of Deborah. We discuss the story of the prophetess Deborah who takes a posture of receptivity as she collaborates and mothers the people of Israel. We consider Deborah's magnificat and the ways we can give God praise for what he has done in our own lives. We chat about the importance of being attuned and attentive to God’s voice and where he may be inviting us to call others on to who they were meant to be. We pray that you would hear God’s invitation to rise up this week and allow the Holy Spirit full access that God may bring about his kingdom through you.

Sister Miriam’s one thing - Beholding Beauty: Mary and the Song of Songs - Fr. Gregory Cleveland, OMV 

Heather’s one thing -  My daughter Maria and the blessings of spiritual fathers like Fr. Dave Pivonka, TOR at Franciscan where she is going off to University.

Michelle’s one thing - Set a Fire for Kids Lent Journal - Blessed is She

Discussion questions:    

1. What struck you from this week’s episode?
2. How does God want to use us to be a voice to call others into their fullness, into their becoming, and to the glory God intends for each of us? 
3. What do you need to repent of in order to bring God’s kingdom here and now? Who is God inviting you to link arms with, in peace, to help bring about His Kingdom here and now? 
4. What would it mean in your life for you to arise? Where specifically is God calling you to arise in your own motherhood to mother yourself and other people after that? 

Journal Questions:

1. Take a moment to reflect on the ways you have seen God move in your life, bring about breakthroughs, heal, restore, or make a way where there was no way. 
2. Read Judges 5 as an inspiration then write down a personal Magnificat: a song or poem of praise to God for what He has done in your life.
3. What are the places in your life where you seek out your own glory instead of God's glory? In these moments, who are your most honest relationships with that remind you this is not the glory that you were made for?
4. What are your idols that God is asking you to leave, repent, and turn back to him? What is the captivity that your idols keep you trapped in? 

Quotes to Ponder: “Women of the entire universe, whether Christian or non-believing, you to whom life is entrusted at this grave moment in history, it is for you to save the peace of the world.” - Saint Paul VI

Scripture for Lectio Divina -  “Villagers in Israel would not fight; they held back until I, Deborah, arose, until I arose, a mother in Israel.” - Judges 5:7 

Abiding Together Podcast 2021 Lenten Book Study Announcement

The Abiding Together Podcast will be reading and discussing This Present Paradise by Claire Dwyer. You can find the reading plan, discussion questions and where to buy your book at www.abidingtogetherpodcast.com/this-present-paradise.

Today on the Abiding Together Podcast, Sister Miriam, Michelle and Heather continue the conversation on Fr. Jacques Philippe’s book Searching for and Maintaining Peace.

They discuss the importance of learning to fight the right battles and how often the enemy distracts us by enticing us to live small stories and fight the wrong battles, which we often lose or exhaust us. We also talk about being anchored in the identity as children of God, the power we gain from keeping our eyes fixed on Jesus, and where our true home is.

Visit www.ascensionpress.com/abidingtogether to subscribe to the shownotes and receive them in your email every Monday!

One Thing We Love This Week:

Sister Miriam’s one thing - Pope Francis’s Lenten letter

Michelle’s one thing - Lauren Daigle - Love Like This

Heather’s one thing - Documentary movie about Mr. Rogers “Won’t You Be My Neighbor”

Discussion Questions:

1.) Do you notice in your life that you are putting energy into small stories (battles) rather than the bigger stories that are led by the Holy Spirit?

2.) What does true healing and forgiveness look like?

3.) Am I fighting my battles from a place of my identity being anchored in a beloved daughter/son of God or do I try to fight battles on my own?

4.) What are some practical ways you can you keep in the gaze of God in the busyness of life?

Journal Questions:

1.) What are you doing in the area of growing in personal holiness?

2.) Where are you coping out of fear rather than surrendering to the Father?

3.) The psalm say, my home is by your altars. Where do you often make your home instead of by His altars?

Quote to Ponder:

“Spiritual combat consists precisely in this; defending one's peace of heart against the enemy who attempts to steal it from us” -Fr. Jacques Philippe

Scripture for Lectio Divina - John 16:33

“I have told you these things so that you will have peace in Me. In the world you will have trouble, but take courage! I have conquered the world”

In this episode, we reconnect after an extended winter break to continue our annual tradition, sharing our Word of the Year! Each year we each ask God to give us a theme to focus on for the new year and invite you to do the same. After personal prayer and reflection, we share our words for 2022 and how our words of the year have been connected. We discuss the importance of claiming this year for Christ and invite you to join us on the journey again! 

Sister Miriam’s one thing - Christmas Cards 

Heather’s one thing - Peace Vol. II - Bethel Music

Michelle’s one thing - Word on Fire Bible Volume 2 

Michelle’s other one thing - Born of Wonder Podcast

Michelle’s other other one thing - Revelations 19 - Maverick City Music 

Discussion Questions:    

1. What stood out to you from this week’s episode?
2. Who’s word - Heather: Increase, Michelle: Jubilee, Sister Miriam: Secure - resonated most with you and why?
3. After prayer and reflection, what’s your word of the year? 
4. How can you see your spiritual progress through the evolution of your words of the year over the past few years? How have these words or themes built upon each other? 

Journal Questions:

1. Take some time to reflect on what God desires to reveal to you as your word of the year. Ask the Holy Spirit to reveal this to you. Make sure to write it down and memorialize it in a way that will keep it at the forefront of your mind throughout the year. 
2. What would it look like to “live a different life, closer to God” this year ?
3. Are there specific scriptures, saints, or quotes that will serve as a guide or reminder of your word during the year?

Quotes to Ponder: “During this new year I resolve to begin a new life. I do not know what will happen to me during this year. But I abandon myself entirely to you, my God. And my aspirations and all my affections will be for You. I feel so weak, dear Jesus, but with Your help I hope and resolve to live a different life, that is, a life closer to You." - Saint Gemma Galgani 

Scripture for Lectio Divina - “...to proclaim the year of the Lord’s favor… ” - Isaiah 61:2

This episode is sponsored by Pink Salt Riot.

To keep your Word of the Year top of mind all year long, we encourage you to check out the custom word of the year pieces from Pink Salt Riot. They offer a variety of pieces, from jewelry to keychains, that are totally customizable - not only with your word, but your personal style as well. But hurry! They only make their custom word of the year pieces through February 15, so order ASAP.  Abiding Together listeners can get an exclusive 15% discount on all regularly priced items in their order with the code abide15.

Announcing our 2022 Lenten Study!

This year we will be journeying through the season of Lent with a six-part series based on Restore: A Guided Lent Journal for Prayer and Meditation written by our very own Sister Miriam James Heidland. You can pre-order your copy from Ave Maria Press here or pre-order from Amazon here. We look forward to journeying with you this Lent!

We Are Family: Jesus the Son

In this episode we talk about Jesus Christ as the one who brings us into intimacy with himself. We find in him the one to whom our hearts belong, who brings healing and restores hearts. We talk about who Jesus is to us and how to grow in relationship with him.

Sister Miriam’s one thing - 

Bible Study on Romans by Dr. Andrew Swafford and Jeff Cavins
Holy Land Pilgrimage with the Swaffords, Cavins’ and Fr. Mike Schmitz

Michelle’s one thing -

Amazon Greenhouse Storefront LinkOasis Song by Kalley 

Heather’s one thing -

See the Light - Hillsong Worship
No One But You - Hillsong Worship

Discussion questions:    

1. What struck you from the podcast?
2. Have you experienced an encounter with Jesus in a personal way? Share about that.
3. Building a relationship with Jesus takes time and space. Where can I create that time and space this week? 
4. What are some of the titles of Jesus that resonate with you? 

Journal Questions:

1. Reflect and journal about this scripture: Hebrews 4:15. What does it speak to you personally? 
2. Who is Jesus to me?
3. What are some of the desires in my heart that I’m afraid Jesus can’t fulfill? What do I hear Jesus say to me there?

Quote to Ponder - "It is Jesus that you seek when you dream of happiness; He is waiting for you when nothing else you find satisfies you." - Saint Pope John Paul II

Scripture for Lectio Divina - Hebrews 4:15 "We do not have a high priest who is unable to sympathize with our weaknesses, but we have one who has been tempted in every way, just as we are."

In this week's episode, we reflect on how to prepare for Advent. During this busy season, it is easy to spend more time preparing our home than our hearts and we chat about the need for slowing down, quieting our hearts and surroundings, and becoming attentive to God’s presence in our daily lives. We also share practical ways we prepare and wait for the coming of our Lord at Christmas.

Heather’s One Thing - The songs Holy Forever (YouTube) and The Story I’ll Tell (YouTube)

Sister Miriam’s One Thing - The Carmellite Sisters (View their upcoming events here)

Michelle’s One Thing -  The song You Know My Name by Tasha Cobbs and This “Full of Hope” Advent Mug from Blessed is She

Announcement:

Our Advent study begins next week! Be sure to subscribe to our weekly email to receive each episode, discussion questions, and videos to your inbox.

Journal Questions:

• Ask the Holy Spirit: What do you want me to be present to this season?
• Where do I need hope in my life?
• Where do I lack peace in my life?
• Where do I need joy in my life?
• Where do I need to birth joy in my life?

Discussion Questions:

• What practices do you incorporate in Advent to embrace the season of preparation?
• When will you take time for prayer this week and throughout Advent?
• How can you better embrace Advent rather than just tolerate it?
• How can you slow the interior pace of your heart in Advent?

Quotes to Ponder:

“The liturgy of Advent…helps us to understand fully the value and meaning of the mystery of Christmas. It is not just about commemorating the historical event, which occurred some 2,000 years ago in a little village of Judea. Instead, it is necessary to understand that the whole of our life must be an ‘advent,’ a vigilant awaiting of the final coming of Christ. To predispose our mind to welcome the Lord who, as we say in the Creed, one day will come to judge the living and the dead, we must learn to recognize him as present in the events of daily life. Therefore, Advent is, so to speak, an intense training that directs us decisively toward him who already came, who will come, and who comes continuously.” (St. John Paul II)

Scripture for Lectio: 

“Therefore, prepare your minds for action, keep sober in spirit, fix your hope completely on the grace to be brought to you at the revelation of Jesus Christ.” (1 Peter 1:13)

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Timestamps:

00:00 - The Little Rose Shop

01:31 - Intro

02:24 - Welcome

04:44 - Guiding Quote and Scripture Verse

05:54 - Stillness

07:20 - Preparing Our Hearts

11:29 - Distractions

14:16 - Intentional and Incarnational

17:25 - Slowing Down

18:57 - Finishing Well

20:16 - Practical Ideas

25:59 - Announcement

27:36 - One Things 

30:08 - Closing Prayer

In this episode we discuss the power of Christ to untie the knots of bitterness and unforgiveness in our life as we grow in holiness. We discuss the lies that come from our wounds and cause us to make agreements and judgements because of our hurt. We chat about the simple, but sometimes hard path towards greater freedom in Christ. We close our time together with a beautiful prayer led by Sister Miriam. We pray you would allow the Lord to untie the knots in your life this week!

Michelle’s one thing - Rosemary Fig Sauce

Heather’s one thing -  Loved As I Am - Sister Miriam James Heidland

Sister Miriam’s one thing - Forgiveness Meditation and Talk on Forgiveness by Fr. John Burns and Sr. Miriam 

Other Episodes on This Topic: 

S05 E24: Forgiveness 

S05 E15: Healing the Whole Person - An Interview with Dr. Bob Schuchts

Discussion questions:    

1. What struck you from this week’s episode?
2. What does it mean for you to be tenderhearted? Are there particular situations or experiences that have caused you to close your heart?
3. What is the biggest or most visible knot in your life? Are you ready to be honest, open and willing to address this area with the Lord? Why or why not?
4. What is an area that you struggle with forgiveness?

Journal Questions:

1. What agreements have you made - I am… I’m not… I will never… I will always… - when you have been hurt? Take a moment to practice forgiveness and breaking these agreements and untying these knots.
2. What beliefs about yourself or judgements about others are acting as a knot in your life? What is the origin of these beliefs and judgements and what does the Lord say is true?

Quote to Ponder: “Everyone thinks forgiveness is a lovely idea until he has something to forgive.” - C.S. Lewis

Scripture for Lectio Divina: “All bitterness, fury, anger, shouting, and reviling must be removed from you, along with all malice. And be kind to one another, compassionate, forgiving one another as God has forgiven you in Christ.” - Ephesians 4:31-32

This episode is sponsored by MyCatholicDoctor.

Our sponsor for today’s episode is MyCatholicDoctor. For more than 2000 years, the Catholic Church has led the world in healthcare, answering the call of Jesus Christ to heal the sick and proclaim the kingdom of God is near. At MyCatholicDoctor, they answer that call by providing evidence-based, holistic Catholic healthcare to all of God’s people. 

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To find out more about the services they provide, meet their providers, and schedule an appointment, visit mycatholicdoctor.com. As a special thank you to our Abiding Together listeners, they are offering $25 off for your first appointment through May 30th. Please visit mycatholicdoctor.com/abide25 to claim your gift certificate.

Today on the Abiding Together Podcast, Sister Miriam, Michelle and Heather talk with special guest, Dr. Bob Schuchts. Dr. Bob has been a marriage and family therapist for 40 years and is the founder of the JP II Healing Center. He shares about the five areas of intimacy in marriage and the role of healing and restoration in the places that have hurt that intimacy.

Check out more info about Dr. Bob’s ministry

Check out his books:

“Be Healed”

“Be Transformed”

“Real Suffering”

Visit www.ascensionpress.com/abidingtogether to subscribe to the shownotes and receive them in your email every Monday!

One Thing We Love This Week:

Sister Miriam’s One Thing - The playlist “Peaceful Classical Music”

Michelle’s One Thing - The Netflix series “Call the Midwife”

Heather’s One Thing - Jake taking me to see Justin Timberlake! So fun.

Dr. Bob’s One Thing - The book “The Same Kind of Different As Me”

Discussion Questions:

1) Which one of the 5 areas of intimacy do you struggle with the most? If you’re not married this still applies. (spiritual unity, emotional intimacy, daily companionship, cooperative teamwork, sexual intimacy)

2) What are the places that you need to work at keeping your heart open in relationships, when you feel the fear of being hurt?

3) How do you need to be more honest in your closest relationships?

4) What is the next right thing you need to do in your marriage (or closest friendship or personal life)?

Journal Questions:

1) What issues from your childhood and dating relationships did you bring into your marriage (or will bring into your marriage or future vocational calling)?

2) How can I become more receptive to the love of God, so that I can share that more easily in my marriage or close relationships?

3) If you’re married, consider having the conversation Dr. Bob suggested. “What is the state of our union”? And use the 5 areas of intimacy as a guide.

4) Where do you need to offer forgiveness?

Quote to Ponder:
"Our most natural tendency is to try to get the other person to be what we need so that we can be loved well. Rather, to let go of that and just honestly love somebody, is when God becomes present." - Dr Bob

Scripture for Lectio Divina - Ephesians 4:2-3
“Be completely humble and gentle; be patient, bearing with one another in love. Make every effort to keep the unity of the Spirit through the bond of peace”

Next week we will begin our Lenten series on the themes of “Searching for and Maintaining Peace” by Fr. Jacques Philippe. This book is super small, but jam packed with wisdom. You don’t need to read the book to follow the podcasts, but if you’d like to read it, you can purchase it on Amazon.

In this week's episode we wanted you to hear the final talk from our Royal Women’s retreat. Mary Bielski talks about our inheritance as children of God, who is the King of Kings. She passionately shares about what it means to operate in authority, how to become more aware and strengthened by the cloud of witnesses, and how to live out our calling and purpose and receive provision from God.

Here is the video Mary shows during the talk: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HEiSF8HpyDg

Discussion Questions:    

1. You have a royal inheritance as a child of God, the King of Kings. What does this mean to you?
2. We have authority as daughters of the King. How can you begin to walk in this authority in the way you act and pray?
3. The orphan spirit can keep us from experiencing the inheritance that God has for us because we aren’t ready for it. In what areas does God desire you to grow in maturity so that you can receive His inheritance?

Journal Questions:

1. How can you pray with more authority?
2. How do you need to grow in self care so that you are filled up and can offer more to those God has entrusted to you?
3. Where do you need to give God your fiat?

Quote to Ponder:

“The message of the gospel isn’t about just getting into heaven, its about heaven getting into us” - Mary Bielski

In this bonus episode, Heather is joined by Fr. Dave Pivonka, TOR live at the National Eucharistic Congress (NEC) for a special Abiding Together and They that Hope podcast mashup. They reflect on their experiences at the NEC and share how they hope God will transform the lives of not only those in attendance, but also those at home. Heather and Fr. Dave also discuss finding Jesus in our daily lives and the importance of feasting on God instead of earthly things. This episode is a production of Franciscan University and OSV. Special thanks to MAX Studios for recording and hosting the live podcast stage.

Heather’s Highlight from the NEC - Adoration with Floriani 

Heather’s One Thing - Receiving a copy of her new book:  Encountering Emmanuel (A Guided Advent Journal for Prayer and Meditation)

Fr. Dave’s Highlight from the NEC - His time spent with the young people at the Congress

Fr. Dave’s One Thing - Deep friendships

Other Resources Mentioned: 

• Msgr. James Shea’s Full Speech at the National Eucharistic Congress

Announcement:

• Season 15 begins September 2024 - join our email list to receive updates!

Journal Questions:

• How have I experienced Eucharistic revival this year?
• Have you allowed the stress of your duties and burdens take your eyes off Christ in this season?
• How can I shift my gaze from my inner world to Christ?

Discussion Questions:

• How has Christ encountered you personally when you felt lost in the crowd?
• What obstacles cause you to miss Him when He’s right in front of you?
• How can you put yourself back into the reality that God is sovereign and in control?

Quote to Ponder:

“The One whom the Father has sent into our hearts, the Spirit of his Son, is truly God. Consubstantial with the Father and the Son, the Spirit is inseparable from them, in both the inner life of the Trinity and his gift of love for the world. In adoring the Holy Trinity, life-giving, consubstantial, and indivisible, the Church's faith also professes the distinction of persons. When the Father sends his Word, he always sends his Breath. In their joint mission, the Son and the Holy Spirit are distinct but inseparable. To be sure, it is Christ who is seen, the visible image of the invisible God, but it is the Spirit who reveals him.” (CCC 689)

Scripture for Lectio: 

“When he was at table with them, he took the bread and blessed, and broke it, and gave it to them. And their eyes were opened and they recognized him; and he vanished out of their sight. They said to each other, “Did not our hearts burn within us while he talked to us on the road, while he opened to us the scriptures?” (Luke 24:30-32)

Today on the Abiding Together Podcast, Sister Miriam, Michelle and Heather have another heart to heart conversation with our good friend Dr. Bob Schuchts. Dr. Bob is a family and marriage counsellor for 40 years and founder of JPII Healing Center. Dr. Bob shares about the 7 universal wounds in the human person that affect how we relate to others, ourselves, and God. He teaches about how those present themselves in our lives and how we can begin the healing journey that leads to freedom.

You can find more about Dr. Bob’s ministry at https://jpiihealingcenter.org/

Dr. Bob’s book “Be Healed” - https://jpiihealingcenter.org/product/be-healed-dr-bob-schuchts-copy/

All his other books - https://jpiihealingcenter.org/shop/

Visit www.ascensionpress.com/abidingtogether to subscribe to the shownotes and receive them in your email every Monday!

One Thing We Love This Week
Sister Miriam’s one thing - Song “Come out of Hiding” Steffany Gretzinger
Michelle’s one thing - Song “You Don’t Miss a Thing” by Amanda Cook
Heather’s one thing - Shredded Buffalo Chicken Recipe (see recipe below)

For the instant pot:

• Add to pot - 3 lbs frozen chicken, 1 packet of powdered ranch dressing,
• ½ - ¾ of a 17.5 fl oz bottle of Franks buffalo wing sauce (must be buffalo flavor)
• Manual cook for 20 min.
• When it’s done, do a natural steam release for 10 min, then manual steam release the rest.
• Drain excess liquid if you don’t want it.
• Add 3 tablespoons of butter
• Shred chicken with 2 forks
• Serve on buns or tortilla wraps with all the extras you enjoy.

If using a slow cooker, add the chicken, buffalo sauce, and ranch package, cook on low for 6-7 hours, shred, then add butter and cook for one more hour.

Discussion Questions

1. What struck you from the podcast this week?
2. How can we cooperate with the healing that God wants to bring into our lives?
3. Who is a safe person around you who can speak truth to you, encourage you, and lift your gaze to the Father?
4. Which of the 7 wounds do you resonate the most with in this season of your life?

Journal Questions

1. What is something you often overreact about that may be revealing a deeper area of woundedness?
2. What mindsets or negative beliefs do you think you have brought from your childhood into your adulthood?
3. Write down the 7 wounds that Dr. Bob mentioned. What is your first memory of when each of those wounds entered your life? Ask Jesus what He wants to speak to you about that.

Quote to Ponder

“Life comes through the heart” - Dr. Bob Schuchts

Scripture for Lectio Divina - Isaiah 53:5
“By His wounds we are healed."

In this week's episode we break open John 21, where Peter goes back to his old way of life, encounters Jesus, and reconciles with him. We discuss how we often go back to our old ways after Lent, but that God is calling us to deeper intimacy and transformation.

One Thing We Love This Week:

• Sr. Miriam's One Thing - “Find Me” - Jonathan Helser
• Michelle's One Thing - “What a Beautiful Name” - Hillsong
• Heather's One Thing - “Nothing Without You” - Will Reagan

Discussion Questions:    

1. What are some reasons why you go back to old ways of living, like Peter did in John 21?
2. What struck you about the story of Peter during the podcast?
3. How can you specifically open yourself up to the grace of the Easter season and Pentecost?

Journal Questions:

1. How do you picture God looks at your when you have sinned and messed up? Does this image need to be redeemed?
2. How can you unveil your heart more to God?
3. What is God speaking to you this Easter season?

Quote to Ponder:

“The invitation this Easter season is to come out of hiding and really let the Lord see us” - Heather Khym

Today on the Abiding Together Podcast, Sister Miriam, Michelle, and Heather begin Lent with reflections on the book Searching For and Maintaining Peace by Fr. Jacques Philippe. They chat about the truth that without God we can do nothing and that searching for peace isn’t about doing more, but opening to the action of the Holy Spirit in our lives. We are challenged by our calling to be peacemakers and we can’t do that if we don’t have the peace of God first within us. We also ask, what is taking our attention away from the gaze of God this Lent?

Visit ascensionpress.com/abidingtogether to subscribe to the shownotes and receive them in your email every Monday!

One Thing We Love This Week:

Sister Miriam’s one thing - St. Faustina’s book Way of the Cross
Michelle’s one thing - The book The Contemplative Rosary with St. John Paul II and St. Teresa of Avila by Dan Burke
Heather’s one thing - The Blessed is She Shine Retreat and the reliquary at St. Tim’s parish in Phoenix, Arizona

Discussion Questions:

1.) What area of life do you struggle with the most to maintain peace?
2.) How can I let Jesus act in me? What are the stumbling blocks that hinder Him from acting in me?
3.) God speaks in the quiet places. What are the places where you can get quiet enough to hear God?
4.) Can you be a peacemaker without having peace within yourself first? Discuss.
5.) What’s the one thing that keeps us from staying in the Father’s gaze?

Journal Questions:
1.) Is life too much for you or too much for the Lord? Ponder and reflect on where a lie might be in this.
2.) Where have you given the enemy ground to assault your heart and mind and steal your peace? How can you take that ground back with the power of God?
3.) What area do you need God to draw you close and minister to you this Lent?

Quote to Ponder:
“It would be more efficacious to remain peacefully before the gaze of God and to allow Him to act and work in us with His wisdom and power” - Fr. Jacques Philippe

Scripture for Lectio Divina - John 15:4-5
“Abide in me as I abide in you. Just as the branch cannot bear fruit by itself unless it abides in the vine, neither can you unless you abide in me. I am the vine, you are the branches. Those who abide in me and I in them bear much fruit, because apart from me you can do nothing.”

In this episode we move beyond the idea of personal holiness and discuss the practicals of how to grow in holiness. Holiness is a unique path of surrender to God and He has provided all that we need to be holy right where we are. We chat about the importance of the will, surrender, fasting, prayer, and being sober and alert. Starting today, we are invited to make the pursuit of holiness - growing towards intimate union with God - a priority.

Sister Miriam’s one thing - The sculpture A Quiet Moment by Timothy P. Schmalz

Michelle’s one thing - Praying the Rosary for Inner Healing by Fr. Dwight Longenecker

Michelle’s other one thing - Praying the Rosary for Spiritual Warfare by Fr. Dwight Longenecker

Michelle’s other other one thing - Mighty is Her Call - A Mother’s Rosary Guide

Heather’s one thing - Abide in Me - Chris August 

Discussion questions:    

1. What struck you from this week’s episode?
2. Holiness is more about being than doing. Who is someone you would describe as “holy” and why?
3. Michelle spoke about our attachment to our phones, especially at the start and end of the day. How does this affect you and what is a practical change you can make to give your “first fruits” to the Lord? 
4. After listening to this week’s episode, how have you been challenged to pursue holiness by pursuing union and intimacy with God? 

Journal Questions:

1. Sr Miriam described holiness as the fullness of Christ being made present through us. What is one specific thing that is blocking Jesus from being present in and through you?
2. Heather shared about the importance of fasting and strengthening the “will muscle.” What is one tangible way you could do to choose something difficult to strengthen your will?
3. What is the Lord inviting you to root out of your life - gossip, resentment, bitterness, grudges, judgment, self-righteousness, self-pity, selfishness - in order to cultivate the fruits of the Holy Spirit and grow in holiness?
4. Spend some time in prayer today to recommit to pursuing holiness and union with Jesus.

Quote to Ponder - “Holiness is the most attractive face of the Church” - Pope Francis

Scripture for Lectio Divina - 1 Peter 1:15-16 “Instead, as He who called you is holy, be holy yourselves in all your conduct; for it is written, ‘You shall be holy, for I am holy.’”

This episode is sponsored by CORDA candles. 

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Today on the Abiding Together Podcast, Sr. Miriam, Michelle, and Heather discuss how to have fruitful and authentic small group discussions that provide safety and opportunities for deep connection with others. We give insights into how to talk in a vulnerable way, how to sit at one another’s feet and listen, and what the ingredients are for meaningful conversations. We hope this offers some helpful insights for going deeper in your friendships and small faith groups with other women.

One Thing We Love this Week

• Sister Miriam’s one thing - Heather’s Greek Salad (diced cucumber, grape tomatoes, bell peppers, sweet onion and feta (you can get it without goat milk if you like) and the amazing Abbotsford Greek Islands restaurant dressing.

• Michelle’s one thing - Reading books aloud with her daughter. She is using this website to read The Secret Garden.

• Heather’s one thing - Making an awesome charcuterie board. Here’s a link with a video of how to make one. Also, you can pinterest this and find other cool ideas. I love including a raised bowl with some little chocolates in it as well. Dried apricots, mixed nuts, sliced pepper salami, Boursin, baby dills, cheese, brie, are some of my favorites.

Discussion questions

1. What blesses you the most in good conversation?
2. What makes you feel safe in conversation and what makes you feel uncomfortable?
3. What is bringing you joy right now in your life?
4. What is a theme going on in your life this year?
5. What does restored femininity (masculinity) look like?

Journal Questions

1. Do you spend more time sharing or listening in conversations? How can you grow in the area that you're not as strong in?
2. Who is someone in your life that you need to make time to sit at their feet more often?
3. What holds you back from sharing your heart?

Quote to Ponder
“We cultivate love when we allow our most vulnerable and powerful selves to be deeply seen and known, and when we honor the spiritual connection that grows from that offering with trust, respect, kindness and affection.” - Brene Brown

Scripture for lectio divina - Sirach 14-16
“Faithful friends are a sturdy shelter: whoever finds one has found a treasure. Faithful friends are beyond price; no amount can balance their worth. Faithful friends are life-saving medicine; and those who fear the Lord will find them.”

In this episode we begin our Lenten book study of “Life of the Beloved by Henri Nouwen. We begin with an introduction of who Henri Nouwen is and the Prologue.

Join the Facebook discussion group here

One Thing We Love This Week:

• Sr. Miriam's One Thing - Superbowl
• Michelle's One Thing - Eli Manning/Odell Beckham Jr commercial
• Heather's One Thing - St. Francis Xavier's arm relic

Discussion Questions:

1. Mark 10:21 says “He was moved for compassion for him” Has there been a time when God put someone on your heart to journey with them?
2. Have there been dreams in your life that you have surrendered that God may want to resurrect?
3. Do you have someone in your life to help you midwife your dreams? Could you offer that to someone in your life?

Journal Questions:

1. Where are you settling in your life for less than what God desires for you?
2. What is life all about? Why do you do what you do?
3. Was there one quote or phrase that stood out to you from this chapter?

Quote to Ponder:

“Your story, is the story with which you can come to know God’s story better, and it is his story that makes your story worth living.”

In this week's episode, we begin our seven week Lenten study of the book “A Time of Renewal” by Mother Mary Francis P.C.C. In this episode we cover the introduction and the sections on the first four days of Lent. We discuss how Lent is an opportunity for us to grow in intimacy with God and how viewing fasting as a time of renewal, not suffering, can help us encounter a deeper transformation. We also reflect on our ability to help others grow in holiness, why Lent is the Springtime of the liturgical year, and how we can allow ourselves to bloom this Lenten season. 

Heather’s One Thing - Aspire to Live a Quiet Life by Francis Chan

Sister Miriam’s One Thing - the women at the Trini-tea fundraiser (pictures here)

Michelle’s One Thing - ABBA by Johnathan Helser and the people of Louisiana

Journal Questions:

• Take inventory of your heart: where are you? Where do I need to reflower?
• What areas of my life does the Lord want to prune?
• Am I approaching this Lent like “just another Lent”? How can I accept this Lent as a unique season and invitation from the Lord?
• What practices put me back in the gaze of the Father? How can I incorporate them into my Lenten plan?

Discussion Questions:

• Which fruits in my life are good fruits? Which fruits are bad fruits?
• How can you be more conscious of your responsibility for one another’s holiness?
• Whose growth in holiness is God inviting you to be conscious of? Who can you offer your Lenten prayers and fasts up for?
• How close are you to the Lord today?

Quotes to Ponder:

“I hope we will not allow ourselves to think of it as “just another Lent”. There is a very deep sense in which there is not another Lent and then another and another after that. This Lent is unlike any other. It is this acceptable time. We do not know if there will be another Lent for us, but we do know God has brought us to this acceptable time, to this prolonged day of salvation.” (Mother Mary Francis P.C.C. A Time of Renewal. Kindle Edition. Page 19)

Scripture for Lectio: 

“Is not this the fast that I chose: to loose the bonds of wickedness and to undo the thongs of the yoke, to let the oppressed go free and break every yoke?” (Isaiah 58:6)

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In this week's episode, we begin our book study on The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe (Chapters 1-4). We dive into the themes of this chapter such as innocence, faith, temptation, sin, and shared adventure. We hope you will continue to join us on the journey into this wonderful story, which we hope will help us reflect more deeply on our relationship with Christ, our own story of faith and redemption, and the invitation to adventure with God. 

Heather’s One Thing - Her Into the Deep Playlist

Sister Miriam’s One Thing - The song “Pieces” (the live version) by Amanda Cook 

Michelle’s One Thing - The song “Electricity” by Ellie and Drew Holcomb 

Other Resources Mentioned: 

• Audiobook on YouTube

Journal Questions:

• How has the enemy spoken things in my life that bring about shame?
• What are the parts of Edmund that I see in myself? What parts of Lucy do I see?
• What is my Turkish delight (sin or temptation) that keeps me bound?
• Where are the places I hide from the Lord and others?
  

Discussion Questions:

• What stood out to you in the reading for this week?
• Where in my life has the enemy taken a place and I need "Christmas" to come?
• Discuss the difference of femininity between Lucy and the witch. How have different examples of femininity affected your life?
• When we numb our heart and our identity, we numb our wonder and our inheritance. How have you seen this truth in your life?
• Where are the places and spaces that you can find wonder that leads to God?

Quote to Ponder:

"And what wonderful adventures we shall have, now that we are all in it together." - (Lucy) C.S. Lewis

Scripture for Lectio: 

“Truly, I say to you, unless you turn and become like children, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven.” (Matthew 18:3)

Timestamps:

(00:00) - Introduction

(01:39) - Welcome

(4:00) - History of Narnia

(9:48) - Lucy in the Beginning

(16:37) - Edmund in the Beginning

(22:38) - Winter vs Christmas

(26:00) - Living like Lucy and Learning from Edmund

(30:21) - Final Reflections

(33:13) - One Things

(36:54) - Photo Challenge

Today on the Abiding Together Podcast, Sr. Miriam, Michelle, and Heather talk about the gift of God's mercy. In light of the diary of St. Faustina, they discuss how often we don't turn to God in our weakness and sin because of shame or a belief that we are not worthy. The truth is that God's mercy is a free, inexhaustible gift that our loving Father wants to give to us in abundance.

Visit www.ascensionpress.com/abidingtogether to subscribe to the shownotes and receive them in your email every Monday!

One Thing We Love This Week
Sister Miriam’s one thing - Springtime and flowers
Michelle’s one thing - Her trip to Dallas
Heather’s one things - Free 50 day Easter Devotional “Arise”

The new Hillsong Young & Free acoustic album
Easter Playlist - Hallelujah Is Our Song

Discussion Questions:

1. What struck you from the podcast this week?
2. What has been a stumbling block for you in receiving God’s mercy?
3. Often we think of God as a harsh Father, but in fact he shows us His vulnerability as He pours out His heart to us naked on the cross. Share you thoughts on this.
4. What is one main area that you need to trust God?

Journal Questions:

1. What is your heart response to God’s gift of complete vulnerability, naked on the cross, giving His heart to you?
2. What do you really want to ask God for, confident that He knows best and He is good?
3. Why is it hard for you to trust God?

Quote to Ponder:
“Jesus I trust in You!” - St. Faustina

Scripture for Lectio Divina - Hebrews 4:16
“Let us therefore approach the throne of grace with boldness, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help in time of need”

In this episode we talk about the power of connection and the shared human desire to be connected to one another. We discuss how authentic Christianity is not lived in isolation, the importance of vulnerability, being present to the present moment, and learning to love well and grow out of unhealthy patterns of relating to others.

The Younger Son

In this episode we continue with Part 2 of our book study on The Return of the Prodigal Son by Henri Nouwen. We talk about the places within ourselves that, like the younger son, are living in a distant land, far from the love of God the Father. We discuss how often we search for unconditional love outside of God and are left heartbroken. We long to hear His voice speak healing to our souls that we are His beloved on whom His favor rests.

Sister Miriam’s one thing - Joan of Arc

Michelle’s one thing - Ruah Storytellers podcast

Heather’s one thing - Patreon patrons and our listeners around the world!

Announcements!

The Abiding Together Lenten Book Study is The Return of the Prodigal Son by Henri Nouwen. You can still join us - we're just getting started! Purchase the book via US Amazon Link, a Canada Amazon link, and a UK Amazon link. (As an Amazon Associate, Abiding Together earns from qualifying Amazon purchases.)

The Abiding Together shop has new items! We have a new journal and a new mug inspired by Henri Nouwen, created just for this Lenten book study!

Discussion questions:    

1. What struck you from the podcast?
2. What are the ways you experience longing for Heaven?
3. Where have you gone looking for “distant countries”?
4. What are the voices you listen to that call you from home?
5. What are the vulnerable places, where your faith in being Beloved is fragile?

Journal Questions:

1. Reflect and journal about this scripture: Luke 15:11-32. What does it speak to you personally this time? 
2. What do you think about the idea that Heaven is your home?
3. Where, right now, do you need God to speak into? Where are you still striving or self-protecting?
4. Recall the confidence and security of Henri Nouwen’s “litany” of what it means to be the Beloved. Create your own Litany of the Beloved! “As the Beloved, _____”
   
   

Quote to Ponder - “Home is the center of my being where I can hear the voice that says: ‘You are my Beloved, on you my favor rests.’” - Henri Nouwen

Scripture for Lectio Divina -  Luke 15:11-32 - The Parable of the Prodigal Son

In this episode, we continue our annual tradition of the word of the year! Each year we each ask God to give us a theme to focus on for the new year and invite you to do the same. After personal prayer and reflection, we share our word for 2021 and how God has led us on a journey from year to year. After a difficult 2020, we discuss the importance of hope, not in a thing, but in the Person of Jesus. We chat about how sometimes a new yes to the Holy Spirit requires saying no to something else, to make room in our lives for something new that God is doing. We encourage you to pray, reflect and ask the Lord to reveal to you a new word of hope and renewal for this new year!

Sister Miriam’s one thing -  The new year!

Heather’s one thing - Sunday dinners with her family

Michelle’s one thing - Rooted Skincare - Brooke Summers

Michelle’s other one thing - The One Who Gave Myrrh - Kate Capato and Visual Grace

Discussion questions:    

1. What struck you from this week’s episode?
2. What is your word for the year? How do you want this word to allow God’s grace to take root in you this year? How do you want this word to allow God’s grace to bear fruit in you this year? 
3. What do you need to say no to or release - old mindsets, agreements or beliefs about yourself or God - so you can fully receive what God has for you in this new word?
4. Discuss how your group can share your words and keep interceding for one another throughout this year.

Journal Questions:

1. In the midst of the difficult things that happened in 2020, take some time to reflect on how God worked in your life in the past year. Identify a couple of key moments in your spiritual journey and write down your hopes for the new year.
2. Ask the Holy Spirit to reveal a new word for you in this new year. Are there any specific themes, images, songs, or scriptures that have been standing out to you recently? Once you hear a word, remember that it’s okay to wait with an open heart for God to confirm this new word for you.
3. Look at your word of the year - does this word help create conditions conducive for the spiritual growth God desires for you? Is there anything that you may need to pause or say no to, so you can say yes to God fully in this season? 

Quotes to Ponder:  “A new beginning! We must learn to live each day, each hour, yes, each minute as a new beginning, as a unique opportunity to make everything new. Imagine that we could live each moment as a moment pregnant with new life. Imagine that we could live each day as a day full of promises. Imagine that we could walk through the new year always listening to a voice saying to us:  “I have a gift for you and can’t wait for you to see it! Imagine!”
 — Henri Nouwen, You Are the Beloved: Daily Meditations for Spiritual Living

Scripture for Lectio Divina -  “You crown the year with your bounty,  and your carts overflow with abundance” - Psalm 65:11 

This episode is sponsored by Pink Salt Riot.

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In the School of the Holy Spirit Part 2: Chapter Two

In this episode we continue the 2nd part of our book study on Fr. Jacques Philippe’s In the School of the Holy Spirit. We discuss the practical elements of fostering an environment where the Holy Spirit can inspire and direct us. We also talk about inviting the Holy Spirit to speak the truth into false narratives we believe and to baptize our thought processes.

Sister Miriam’s one thing - The podcast Poco a Poco from the CFRs. Thai Green Curry recipe. Meat and quinoa can be added rather than rice or just vegetarian. Super Yummy! 

Michelle’s one thing - The CFRs’ new podcast, Poco a Poco with Fr. Mark-Mary, Fr. Innocent, and Fr. Angelus

Heather’s one thing - The CFR’s podcast Poco a Poco! And the album Peace by Bethel

And collectively... we love you, Fr. Jacques Philippe!

Book Study

Join this Summer Book Study! We’re spending the next few weeks with In the School of the Holy Spirit by Fr. Jacques Philippe. 

This book is going to help you to be more attentive to the movements of the Holy Spirit in your life as you learn to value the third person of the Trinity as the Sanctifier of your soul. Fr. Jacques explains the rewards of being attentive to the Holy Spirit and provides simple and concrete ways to grow in this inner sensitivity. In his clear and simple style, he illustrates his points with many examples from modern life. In the School of the Holy Spirit is a valuable aid in your own spiritual journey.

We began June 1 and will go till June 15, but you can do this at any time that suits your schedule; maybe in the middle of the summer or in the future works best for you.

We will have questions available for you on our website as well as hearty discussions in our private facebook group, which you are welcome to join.

We hope you will grab your copy of In the School of the Holy Spirit and join us. You can buy a hard copy or kindle version on Amazon (Amazon US) (Amazon Canada) (Amazon UK), or check your local Catholic book store. 

(As an Amazon Associate, Abiding Together earns from qualifying Amazon purchases: Amazon US, Amazon Canada, Amazon UK. If you are not in one of those three countries, you can always purchase the book through your ordinary Amazon channel.)

Get your copy today and follow along with us. 

Reading Schedule:
June 1st - Introduction & Chapter One
June 8th - Chapter Two
June 15th - Chapter Three, Conclusion, and Appendices

Discussion questions:    

1. What struck you from the podcast?
2. Sr. Miriam used the analogy of cultivating the right environment for a garden to grow and that the principles are the same in the spiritual life. What does this mean to you?
3. How do you usually hear the Lord speak to you?
4. Which one of Fr. Jacques’ suggestions stuck out to you? Which one will you choose to dive into this week?
5. What comes to mind when you honestly ask yourself the question “Is God enough for me?” Where do you doubt that He will satisfy you?

Journal Questions:

1. Reflect and journal about this scripture: Romans 15:13. What does it speak to you personally?
2. What is the narrative you’re believing about your life right now? Is that the voice of the Lord?
3. Where are you struggling to trust God’s goodness? 
4. Take a few moments to place everything in your heart before God, the good and bad. Invite God to speak and bring His fire to purify your desires.

Quote to Ponder - The Spirit of God is a spirit of peace, and he speaks and acts in peace and gentleness, never in tumult and agitation - Fr. Jacques Philippe

Scripture for Lectio Divina - Romans 15:13 May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, so that you may abound in hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.

In this week's episode, we continue our discussion on communion and focus on the practical aspects of living out in community. We reflect on the four main pillars of building a community: intentionality, vulnerability, proximity, and organically. We also talk about community as a journey and that we learn to love others by experiencing the love of God ourselves. This experience brings communion within us, which bears fruit, and then we are then able to give that love away to others. 

Heather’s One Thing - Friends of the Bridegroom

Sister Miriam’s One Thing - What Vegetable are You? Quiz

Michelle’s One Thing - Monk Manual

Announcement:

Check out our new Small Group Resource page!

Journal Questions:

• How can I express more mercy and curiosity within my community?
• Who in my local community can I extend an invitation to?
• Is there variety in my family’s community (vocations, ages, stages of life, etc)?
• For those not currently in an Abiding Together small group: Consider praying about starting an Abiding Together small group or study group. What fears or concerns do I have about starting a group?

Discussion Questions:

• When do you feel more tempted to speak out harshly instead of conversing gently with those you’re in conflict with?
• What repeating strains and roadblocks have you observed in your relationships over the years? What do you think God may be teaching you through those strains?
• Throughout the episode, we covered four different aspects of community (intentionality, vulnerability, proximity, and organic engagement). Which of these aspects is hardest for you within your relationships?
• How can you initiate moments of organic community in your current season? Set a goal for yourself this week and check back in with each next time you connect.

Quotes to Ponder:

"God is love and in himself he lives a mystery of personal loving communion. Creating the human race in his own image .... God inscribed in the humanity of man and woman the vocation, and thus the capacity and responsibility, of love and communion." (CCC 2331)

“The person who loves their dream of community will destroy community, but the person who loves those around them will create community.” (Dietrich Bonhoeffer, Life Together: The Classic Exploration of Christian Community)

Scripture for Lectio: 

“And fear came upon every soul; and many wonders and signs were done through the apostles. And all who believed were together and had all things in common; and they sold their possessions and goods and distributed them to all, as any had need. And day by day, attending the temple together and breaking bread in their homes, they partook of food with glad and generous hearts, praising God and having favor with all the people. And the Lord added to their number day by day those who were being saved.” (Acts 2:43-47)

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Timestamps:

00:00 - Nazareth Organics

01:31 - Intro

02:23 - Welcome and Recap

03:23 - Judgement vs Curiosity

06:36 - Bearing Fruit in Community 

08:43 - Jesus as a Model of Community

11:05 - Aspects of Community

18:28 - Good Community Takes Time to Build

19:17 - Abiding Together Small Group Resources

22:22 - One Things

Words Have Power

In this episode we talk about how words have incredible power to either bless or curse, to build up or tear down. We talk about how social media can be a place of connection, but also a place where we quickly forget to treat people with dignity. The truth that our words have power to restore, heal, be prophetic is something that can challenge us to be more discerning about how we speak and take the lead by being people who bless others.

Sister Miriam’s one thing - A gift of a handmade journal made by Magdelena. Thank you so much!

Michelle’s one thing - The Steubenville Encounter Conference in Dallas

Heather’s one thing - The podcast “Every Knee Shall Bow” on the Ascension website 

Discussion questions:    

1. What struck you from the podcast?

2. When have you witnessed the desire to be right as more important than caring for and respecting another person? Is this something you have struggled with?

3. What would it look like if we all started intentionally offering life giving words to those around us instead of criticism, negative humor, and harshness?

4. How might God be calling you to speak goodness and blessing to someone in your life?

Journal Questions:

1. What type of patterns have you gotten into with not using your words to bring life?

2. Is the Holy Spirit asking you to go back and ask forgiveness from someone who you have hurt with your words?

3. Take time to reflect on how you speak to others, your tone and your words. How do you think other people feel when you speak to them?

Quote to Ponder: “Do not accept anything as truth that lacks love and do not accept anything as love that lacks truth.  One without the other is a destructive lie” - St Teresa Benedicta of the Cross

Scripture for Lectio Divina - Proverbs 16:24 “Pleasant words are like a honeycomb, sweetness to the soul and health to the body.”

Welcome to Season 6! To kick off our new season, we dive in deep and talk about how we are all called to live a life of holiness. We discuss that in the midst of difficulty all around us, we are called to pursue a disciplined spiritual life and live radical holiness. We also talk about the tension between accepting our weakness, but not justifying our sin. The truth is that we have to be willing to go down to the depths, so that God can truly raise us from the dead to new life.

Sister Miriam’s one thing - Fr. Jacques Phillipe’s book/guided retreat “The Way of Trust and Love” 

Michelle’s one thing - Maverick City Music “Real Thing”

Heather’s one thing - Bishop Robert Barron’s book “Letter to a Suffering Church” 

Discussion questions:    

1. What decisions do you need to make in this season to grow in holiness?
2. How does our Catholic theology move from understanding to becoming an everyday reality for you and your family?
3. What is one area that you need to grow in discipline and self control that will lead to a good fruit in your life?
4. What is holding you back from going “all the way down” to the depths of your own heart, where we need to experience the power of the Holy Spirit and His freedom?
5. What would be your theme song right now in this season of life?

Journal Questions:

1. Try to journal out a spiritual plan for this year. What are the main areas that you want to focus on? What places of laziness, hardness of heart, discipline, do you want to grow in?
2. What is one relationship you are struggling with that you need to ask yourself, “how can I respond in love to this person”?
3. What is one sin that you try to justify in your life? How can you surrender this to God and the power of His grace today?
4. What are some survival techniques that have helped you to get through previous seasons, but are not going to work for you in this new season?

Quote to Ponder: “instead of viewing your poverty as a handicap, and obstacle, accept it and welcome it as a grace” - Jesus to St. Thérèse (from The Way of Trust and Love)

Scripture for Lectio Divina - 2 Corinthians 12:9 “but he said to me “My grace is sufficient for you, for power is made perfect in weakness.” So, I will boast all the more gladly of my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ may dwell in me.”

Stories are powerful ways to communicate deep things of the human experience in a way that touches us and makes us more human. Jesus is the perfect example of being a master storyteller, making His truth and teachings relatable and personal. We discuss how we can open our spiritual eyes to stories and movies to see how they speak of the bigger story of salvation and the longings of the human heart. We also share about how our owning our stories is key.

Visit www.ascensionpress.com/abidingtogether to subscribe to the shownotes and receive them in your email every Monday!

One Thing We Love This Week:

Sr. Miriam’s One thing - Clemson crushing Alabama in the National Football Championship

Michelle’s other one thing - Fr. Mike Schmitt’s talk from the Focus SEEK Conference. Watch it here at minute 45:35 - https://youtu.be/ZcBidOcLUsc

Heather's One Thing - Song “Highs and Lows” by Hillsong Young & Free https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gEBOJMXqSdQ

Discussion Questions:

1) What is your favorite story or movie that has parallels with the story of Salvation? Why do you love it so much?

2) Do you relate to the quote “for most of us, life feels like a movie we’ve arrived at 45 minutes late”? How connected to you feel to the larger story of Salvation in your daily life?

3) Have you ever wanted to take the pen out of God’s hand and write your own story? How do you need to grow in trust that He writes the best stories?

Journal Questions:

1) What do you think is your role to play right now in the story of Salvation?

2) What movies or books do you love? How do those relate to the Story of Salvation?

3) How are you pursuing truth, beauty, and goodness in the stories and movies you consume?

4) What are three themes of your life story? What does God want to say about that?

Quote to Ponder:

“A story is a way to say something that can't be said any other way." - Flannery O'Connor

Scripture for Lectio Divina - Psalm 139:13-16

For you formed my inward parts; you knitted me together in my mother's womb.
I praise you, for I am fearfully and wonderfully made.
Wonderful are your works; my soul knows it very well.
My frame was not hidden from you, when I was being made in secret,
intricately woven in the depths of the earth.
Your eyes saw my unformed substance; in your book were written, every one of them,
the days that were formed for me, when as yet there was none of them.

In this month of May, dedicated to mothers, we wanted to talk about our Lady, our Mother Mary. In this episode we chat about the calling of all women to spiritual motherhood and how we relate to Mary as our mother. We also discuss how Mary can be a powerful model for us of openness to the will of God and filling of the Holy Spirit and how she can assist us in our journey closer to Jesus.

One Thing We Love This Week:

• Sr. Miriam's One Thing - Art “Mary and Eve by Sr. Grace Remington, 2013”
• Michelle's One Thing - Love Good Culture
• Heather's One Thing - Fish Taco’s (defrost frozen Mahi Mahi from Costco, sprinkle with Montreal Chicken spice (or whatever you have) and grill for a few minutes each side until it flakes. Serve with a buffet of chopped cilantro, black beans, tortilla chips, salsa, grated cheese, sliced lime, jasmine rice, and soft tortillas) YUM!

Discussion Questions:

1. Who is Mary in your life?
2. Mary has various titles such as Refuge of Sinners, Star of the Sea, Blessed Mother. What is your favorite title for Mary? Why?
3. Have you had anyone in your life that you’ve experienced as a spiritual mother or who you have been a spiritual mother to?

Journal Questions:

1. How could you grow in your relationship with Mary this month?
2. How can you follow the model of Mary in openness to the Holy Spirit?
3. What can Mary show you about what it means to be a woman?

Quote to Ponder:

“Mary, she existed in the divine mind as an eternal thought before there were any mothers. She is the mother of mothers she is the world's first love” -Fulton Sheen

In this episode we wrap up our 5 part series on Pope Francis’s “Joy of the Gospel”. Sr. Miriam shares about her experiences at the USCCB Convocation that just finished in Orlando. We also discuss chapter 5, which is all about being Spirit filled evangelizers. This is our last episode of this season. We hope you’ll catch up on any previous episodes you missed and join us for a brand new season 2 on September 18, 2017!

One Thing We Love This Week:

• Heather’s one thing - the album “Wonder” by Hillsong United
• Michelle’s one thing - our awesome listeners!
• Sr. Miriam’s one thing - book “Let the Fire Fall” by Fr. Michael Scanlan

We Are Family: God the Father

With this episode we start a 3-part series on the persons of the Trinity. This week, we talk about God as Father and what it means that he cares for us as a Father. It is through connecting to how the Father sees us that we will discover the truth of who we are, especially in the profound reality that God sees us through the lens of love. 

Sister Miriam’s one thing - Request for prayers for an upcoming trip to the Philippines where I will be leading a retreat for our sisters there.

Michelle’s one thing - The women at the Blessed is She Shine Retreat in Baltimore. Also, Awake My Soul from Hillsong 

Heather’s one thing - My Acoustic Worship Spotify Playlist

Discussion questions:    

1. What struck you from the podcast?
2. Have you experienced God’s fatherhood in a personal way? Share about that.
3. Trust in God the Father often looks like letting go and resting. How can you surrender self-reliance and rest in God in your everyday life?
4. What is your favorite attribute of God the Father and why?

Journal Questions:

1. Reflect and journal about this scripture: Romans 8:14-17. What does it speak to you personally? 
2. Am I willing to consider that my view of God might not be true? Where can I seek healing in my relationship with the Father?
3. What is God trying to say to you as a Father?

Quote to Ponder - We are not the sum of our weaknesses and failures, we are the sum of the Father's love for us and our real capacity to become the image of His Son Jesus. - St. John Paul II

Scripture for Lectio Divina -  Romans 8:14-17 "For those who are led by the Spirit of God are the children of God. The Spirit you received does not make you slaves, so that you live in fear again; rather, the Spirit you received brought about your adoption to sonship. And by him, we cry, “Abba, Father.” The Spirit himself testifies with our spirit that we are God’s children. Now if we are children, then we are heirs—heirs of God and co-heirs with Christ, if indeed we share in his sufferings in order that we may also share in his glory."

In this episode, we conclude our four part Advent series on the nature and character of Mary, our Mother. We chat about the nurturing. protecting motherhood that Mary wants to offer each of us this Christmas season. We discuss how Mary is the perfect model of loving excellently, even through suffering, and that love is always worth the risk of birth. We pray that our hearts would stay open like Mary to be able to see the joy of the resurrection on the other side of our crosses. Thank you for a great season 8 and we will see you in January!

Sister Miriam’s one thing - Pride and Prejudice - Jane Austen

Sister Miriam’s other one thing - Little Women - Louisa May Alcott 

Michelle’s one thing - Ascension’s Bible in a Year podcast hosted by Fr. Mike Schmitz 

Michelle’s other one thing - The Crown season 4 

Heather’s one thing - Noel - Chris Tomlin featuring Lauren Daigle

Discussion questions:    

1. What struck you from this week’s episode?
2. How have you received God’s grace to bring new life this advent? 
3. How can you invite trustworthy “spiritual midwives” to be with you and help you to birth new things in your life?
4. When Mary’s heart was pierced, she kept her heart open instead of choosing bitterness. Where are areas that God is inviting you to keep your heart open in the midst of suffering?

Journal Questions:

1. How is Jesus inviting you to receive the gift of his Mother this advent? 
2. What is a situation where you have a choice to allow something beautiful to birth or not? Take a moment to pray for the grace to say yes to Christ this Christmas season.
3. Where have you taken arrows in relationships for the benefit of someone else. Take some time to reflect on these situations and how Mary was with you in them. 

Quotes to Ponder: 

 "Hear me and understand well, that nothing should frighten or grieve you. Let not your heart be disturbed. Do not fear that sickness, nor any other sickness or anguish. Am I not here, who is your Mother? Are you not under my protection? Am I not your health? Are you not happily within my mantle? What else do you wish? Do not grieve nor be disturbed by anything. ― Our Lady of Guadalupe to Juan Diego

Scripture for Lectio Divina -  Standing by the cross of Jesus were his mother and his mother’s sister, Mary the wife of Clopas, and Mary of Magdala. When Jesus saw his mother and the disciple there whom he loved, he said to his mother, “Woman, behold, your son.” Then he said to the disciple, “Behold, your mother.” And from that hour the disciple took her into his home. After this, aware that everything was now finished, in order that the scripture might be fulfilled,* Jesus said, “I thirst.” There was a vessel filled with common wine.* So they put a sponge soaked in wine on a sprig of hyssop and put it up to his mouth. When Jesus had taken the wine, he said, “It is finished.” And bowing his head, he handed over the spirit. - John 19:25-30

This episode is created under the patronage of Our Lady of Guadalupe. Learn more about Our Lady of Guadalupe here or pray a novena to Our Lady of Guadalupe here.

In this week's episode, we continue with “Week Three” in our 4 part Advent study of Heather’s new book Encountering Emmanuel. We meditate on the vulnerability of Jesus as a baby and how He comes as one who is little so we can know that we are loved in our littleness. We also reflect on what it looks like to have hope, how to love with an open heart, and the deeper meaning of incense. Jesus’ heart is an open place of refuge where we find the comfort and relief we so desperately need this Advent season.

Heather’s One Things - The upcoming women’s conference at Franciscan June 6-8  (registration opens January 29, 2025) Sponsored by Abiding Together and Deacon Bob Rice’s new Scriptural Rosary Cards

Sister Miriam’s One Thing - Restore the Glory Podcast episodes on redemptive suffering (Carrie Archual) (Part 1) (Part 2)

Michelle’s One Things - This mug from Deacon Bob Rice, Trader Joe's winter peonies, and The Portal of the Mystery of Hope by Charles Peguy

Other Resources Mentioned: 

• Encountering Emmanuel Resources Resources
• The Hidden Meaning of Incense w/ Fr. Boniface Hicks

Journal Questions:

• What does abundant life look like in my life at this time?
• How can I lean into Hope today?
• When did I become so serious?
• How can I allow the Lord to transform my woundedness into a sweet fragrance for the Lord?

Discussion Questions:

• How do you conflate abundant life with perfection?
• Where are you holding onto hopelessness?
• How can you live more openly even in the midst of pain?
• How can you embrace more play in your life?

Quote to Ponder:

“To love at all is to be vulnerable. Love anything, and your heart will certainly be wrung and possibly be broken.” (C.S. Lewis, The Four Loves)

Scripture for Lectio:

“I led them with cords of human kindness, with bands of love. I was to them like those who lift infants to their cheeks. I bent down to them and fed them.”  (Hosea 11:4)

Sponsor - Catholic Women & Couples NFP:

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Timestamps:

00:00 - Catholic Women and Couples NFP

01:30 - Intro

02:22 - Welcome

04:20 - Vulnerability and Hope

08:12 - Loving with an Open Heart

11:41 - Incense

16:06 - The Language of Play

22:22 - Thoughts for the Third Week of Advent

24:37 - One Things

As we approach Pentecost this week, we thought it would be awesome to have a conversation about the Holy Spirit with Fr. Dave Pivonka TOR. Fr. Dave created the “Wild Goose” project with 4PM Media and has a deep devotion to the Holy Spirit. We had the pleasure of hearing Fr. Dave’s story and chatted with him about how to have a relationship with the Holy Spirit and practical ways to open our hearts to a new Pentecost in our own hearts. We were moved and inspired by this conversation and hope that you will be too. You can check out the free Wild Goose Series

One Thing We Love This Week:

• Sr. Miriam's One Thing - "Til We Have Faces” Audiobook
• Michelle's One Thing - Personal Retreat with a cool priest - Father Nathan Halloran,SJ and LSU students.
• Heather's One Thing - New podcast for ministry leaders My Life In Ministry
• Heather's Other One Thing - "Closer" by Lifepoint Worship
• Fr. Dave’s One Thing - The scripture this week
• Fr. Dave’s Other One Thing - The guy who climbed El Capitan

Discussion Questions:

1. Have you ever pondered the idea that the Holy Spirit never leaves us? Discuss how this truth could change the experience of how you go through daily life?
2. Scripture says, “where the Spirit of the Lord is there is freedom”. What area do you need the Holy Spirit to bring freedom to in your life right now?
3. How are you going to prepare for a deeper encounter with the Holy Spirit as we approach Pentecost this Sunday?

Journal Questions:

1. How could you open your heart to the Holy Spirit in a deeper way this Pentecost?
2. Fire illuminates what we cannot see. Take some time to pray for the Holy Spirit to come and illuminate those areas in your heart?
3. Fr. Dave said that free people make the world nervous. How would your life look differently if you truly lived in freedom? 

Quote to Ponder: "The Holy Spirit brings people into divine life as children of God where they can live, as true children, in a relationship of intimacy, freedom, and faith in the love and mercy of God." - Pope Francis

In this episode, we conclude our series on the identity of Bride: Fruitful Love. We discuss the truth that love was designed to be life generating and to bear good fruit that will last. Although this occurs through biological children within family, it also applies to community and beyond the boundaries of biological ties in the discipleship of others. We also talk honestly about how tenderness, vulnerability, and intimacy are intertwined and what is needed to feel safe and open up. Our body has meaning and was made for an other. We all are invited to grow from brokenness to wholeness in our sexuality. This conversation has some mature content so please be sensitive to little ears listening.

Sister Miriam’s one thing - Our Listeners, Spirit Juice, and Michelle for her vision of the content from this series

Heather’s one thing - Best Ever Roasted Brussel Sprouts

Michelle’s one thing - Our listeners and everyone behind the scenes making this podcast happen

Discussion Questions:    

1. What stood out to you from this week’s episode?
2. In what ways can you see that love is fruitful in your life and the lives of those around you?
3. If you’re married, do you make space for intimacy in all of it’s forms within your marriage? What more can you do to make space for intimacy? If you’re not married, what is your ideal view of what intimacy should look like in marriage or the consecrated life?
4. “Every woman wants to be attended to and to be a partner on a great adventure”. Discuss your desire for this within marriage and/or relationship with Christ. How is this desire being met and in what ways are you still longing for this?

Journal Questions:

1. How are you responding to Christ’s invitation to intimacy in practical ways?
2. All of us are called to make disciples of all nations. Who might the Lord be asking you to disciple in the faith and journey alongside?
3. Ponder how you can support your married friends and be “for” their marriage. How have you participated in gossip and maybe disunity in your own marriage or of a friend’s?
4. Sex is holy and beautiful. Notice what this provokes in your own heart. Ask the Lord to bring healing to the areas in your life that need to be restored by this truth.

Quotes to Ponder: "Love is never something ready made, something merely given to man and woman. It is always at the same time, a task, which they are set. Love should be seen as something which is in a sense never is, but is always becoming. And what it becomes depends upon the contribution of both persons and the depth of their commitment." Saint Pope John Paul II, “Love and Responsibility.”

Scripture for Lectio Divina: “Then the Lord God said, “It is not good that the man should be alone; I will make him a helper as his partner.” So out of the ground the Lord God formed every animal of the field and every bird of the air, and brought them to the man to see what he would call them; and whatever the man called every living creature, that was its name. The man gave names to all cattle, and to the birds of the air, and to every animal of the field; but for the man there was not found a helper as his partner. So the Lord God caused a deep sleep to fall upon the man, and he slept; then he took one of his ribs and closed up its place with flesh. And the rib that the Lord God had taken from the man he made into a woman and brought her to the man. Then the man said, “This at last is bone of my bones and flesh of my flesh; this one shall be called Woman, for out of Man this one was taken.” Therefore a man leaves his father and his mother and clings to his wife, and they become one flesh. And the man and his wife were both naked, and were not ashamed. - Genesis 2:18-25 

This episode is sponsored by Soul Core.

SoulCore is an invitation to nourish body, mind and soul through prayer and functional movement. SoulCore began from a simple “yes” to an inspiration of the Holy Spirit and is a movement all its own. 

Engaging all of the senses, SoulCore incorporates scripture, sacred art, music, candlelight, and movement; a gentle path to grow in virtue and interior peace. Participants often say it feels like they’ve been on a “mini-retreat” after a SoulCore class. 

There are several ways to experience SoulCore. Live classes are offered across the country, as well as DVDs, Digital Downloads and an Online Streaming Studio, which offers a wide variety of Leaders and classes.

You can take advantage of their Online Streaming Studio FREE 14-day trial at soulcore.com/signup. In addition, SoulCore is extending a 20% savings to all Abiding Together listeners in their Online Shop (shop.soulcore.com)  Enter promo code: ABIDE20 at checkout. 

Discover the beauty and transforming power of the rosary. Visit SoulCore.com to begin your SoulCore journey today!

In this episode we discuss how to be a people of hope and not give into despair amidst the tragedy that we experience in the world. If we can keep the hope of heaven in our hearts, we can answer God's invitation to be a beacon of hope to a hurting world.

One Thing We Love This Week:

• Michelle's one thing - "Let it Be" by Alicia Keys and John Legend
• Sr. Miriam's one thing - Matt Maher "Into Your Hands" from the album Echos
• Heather's one thing - Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Muffins by Mel's Kitchen Cafe (see the recipe at bottom)

Group Questions 1. Do you find it hard to have hope in times of hardship? 2. What would it look like to speak hope into the life of someone that is hurting? 3. How can you grow the virtue of hope in your life?

Journaling Questions 1. What are some the negative beliefs you have about God when you don’t see Him intervene in our problems the way that we think He should? 2. Do I believe that God can bring life to dead places?

Quote to Ponder “Do not be dismayed but the brokenness of the world. All things break. And all things can be mended. Not with time, but with intention. So go. Love intentionally, unconditionally. The broken world waits in darkness for the light that is you” - L.R. Knots

Ingredients:

• 1 2/3 cup flour
• 1 cup sugar
• 1 tbsp. pumpkin pie spice
• 1 tsp. soda
• 1 tsp. baking powder
• 1/4 tsp salt
• 2 eggs, slightly beaten
• 1 cup (15oz can) canned pumpkin puree
• 1/2 cup butter, softened​​
• 1 cup chocolate chips

Instructions:

1. Mix dry ingredients. In separate bowl whisk butter, sugar, eggs, and pumpkin puree. Add dry ingredients, mix till combined, then add chocolate chips. Pour into greased muffin tin (or use muffin liners).
2. Bake at 350 degrees for 20-25 minutes. Don’t over bake or they will be dry!

In this week's episode, we continue our Lenten study on the book “A Time of Renewal” and focus on how life is a continual process of refinement and how true learning comes through the healing found in suffering and communion. We also talk about the feelings of shame that accompany situations where we fall short, the importance of recognizing our limitations in humility, and how God desires to redeem our deepest wounds to help us grow in communion and love. 

Heather’s One Thing -  Sarah Kroger’s new song No Filter 

Sister Miriam’s On Thing - Heather Khym’s Lenten Playlist (AGAIN!!)

Michelle’s One Thing - Floret Flowers

Announcement:

We will be taking a two week break for Easter beginning on 4/1/24. Season 14 will continue on 4/15/24!

Journal Questions:

• What learning curves in my life do I react to with shame or fear?
• Where in my life do I feel like I need to figure it out?
• What are my most frequent complaints? How do they wound the Heart of Christ?
• How can I honor the Lord this upcoming Holy Week?
  

Discussion Questions:

• What lessons are you learning this Lent?
• What blocks and walls do you experience when learning new lessons?
• How is the Lord inviting you to put in effort in learning the lessons of this season?
• How can you show loving and attentive devotion to the Lord in your daily life?

Quote to Ponder:

“Let us think for a few minutes about the process of learning. All real learning requires a great effort….One could perhaps define the greatest scholars as those who have put forth the most effort with the equipment that God gave them. There is always some form of suffering in all learning because there must be patience, and patience is suffering. There is always humility in learning. It is the great scholars who realize how little they know…”

(Mother Mary Francis P.C.C. A Time of Renewal. Kindle Edition. Page 175)

Scripture for Lectio: 

“He said to his apostles, “I have yet many things to say to you, but you cannot bear them now.”” (John 16:12)

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In this episode, we discuss what happens in our lives during the summer, through the lens of the four mysteries of the rosary: joyful, sorrowful, luminous, and glorious. We chat about how each of our lives are a pilgrimage and how even when we cannot feel or see it, God is continuously working. Today, we invite you to reflect upon your recent faith journey and discover the beautiful ways God has been shaping your soul. 

Heather’s One Thing - My revised prayer space

Sister Miriam’s One Thing - The book: Wisdom of the Heart by Dr. Peter Kreft 

Michelle’s One Thing - Two songs: Joy by Ben Rector & The Choir Room and Mannasseh by Anna Golden 

Discussion Questions:

• Which Mystery of the Rosary has resonated with you most in this chapter of your life?
• Which Mystery of the Rosary has been the hardest for you to resonate with in this chapter of your life?
• What does it mean for your body to be a temple of the Holy Spirit? Where in your body are you experiencing healing?
• Where in your life are you looking for resuscitation from God when He wants to offer you resurrection?

Journal Questions:

• When I hear the word “pilgrimage,” what areas of my life come to mind?
• Where in my life am I experiencing delight?
• Where in my life am I experiencing sorrow?
• Where in my life am I experiencing God’s glory?
• Where in my life am I experiencing illumination?
• Where in my body are you experiencing healing? Where in my body am I in need of healing?
  

Quotes to Ponder:

When we enter the desert of doubts, let us stop and pause and understand that we are on a pilgrimage. This moves our soul and our hearts ever closer to God. And that strange mystery, of believing when there is nothing to believe in, is the key to complete trust in God and the dissolution of doubt.” (Catherine Doherty)

Scripture for Lectio: 

“By faith Abraham, when called to go to a place he would later receive as his inheritance, obeyed and went, even though he did not know where he was going.” (Hebrews 11:8)

Sponsor - Ave Maria Press

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LIving the Seasons will help you discover that the liturgical calendar, which follows the seasons of a year in the life of the Church, is a tool that can draw you—individually, as a family, or as a community—closer to God in the midst of a fast-paced and ever-changing world.

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In this episode, for the first time ever, we answer questions submitted by our listeners! We answer questions like: How have we healed in our identity as mother, daughter, sister, and bride? How to handle the pressure of people relying on you for spiritual improvement? How to cultivate a life that reflects beauty? How to heal from childhood sexual trauma? How has our faith evolved over the different seasons in our lives? The difference between being too nice and choosing mercy? And more! 

Heather’s One Thing - Her daughter’s art and the beauty of Catholic artists building each other up and rejoicing in the talent of others. 

Heather’s Other One thing - Tammy Peterson’s Rosary Testimony 

Sister Miriam’s One Thing - Sausage, Potato, and Kale Soup

Michelle’s One Thing - All the Light We Cannot See by Anthony Doerr and the new Netflix series based on the book

Other Resources Mentioned: 

• Be Healed and Be Restored by Dr. Bob Schuchts
• The Wounded Heart by Dan Allender
• Restore the Glory Podcast
• The Forgiving Life by Dr. Robert Enright
• Forgiveness Meditation from Sr. Miriam
• Seeking Healing Through Forgiveness SEEK 2019 with Sr. Miriam and Fr. John Burns
• The Deepest Place: Suffering and the Formation of Hope by Curt Thompson
• Anatomy of a Soul by Curt Thompson
• The Midnight Library by Matt Haig
• Way of the Heart Podcast
• Wild at Heart Podcast

Journal Questions:

• What area of your identity (daughter, sister, mother, bride) has the Lord done the most healing in your life?
• Who do I feel unable to forgive?
• Who can I make myself more available to as a friend?

Discussion Questions:

• How can you intentionally bring beauty into your everyday life?
• How does God want to meet you with prayer that aligns with the rhythms of your current season?
• What boundaries do you sense a need to implement?

In this episode, we complete our four part series on the identity of daughter. This episode is now offered in video on youtube! We discuss the full redemption God desires for his daughters emotionally, spiritually, sexually, and in a particular way as women, physically through our bodies and beauty. We chat about the practice of repentance and declaring the truth about ourselves, body and soul. We pray you would allow Christ to bring your whole self into communion with him in your identity as daughter so you may grow into a sister, a mother and a bride. Be sure to subscribe to the Abiding Together Podcast on YouTube to watch our video podcasts! 

Sister Miriam’s one thing -  Healing Wounds Meditation with Dr. Bob Schutchts on the Hallow App. You must subscribe to Hallow to listen! 

Michelle’s one thing - The Every Sacred Sunday Mass Journal

Heather’s one thing - The Metanoia Series - Fr. Dave Pivonka, TOR and 4pm media

Other Books Mentioned - 

The Inner Voice of Love: A Journey Through Anguish to Freedom - Henri Nouwen

Discussion questions:    

1. What stood out to you from this week’s episode?
2. Where do you feel at war with your body and where do you feel at home in your body? How is God inviting you to see your body as a blessing rather than a burden?
3. What beliefs about yourself have you felt inspired to renounce and repent of after today’s episode? What truth does Jesus desire to speak into your heart to fill this space.

Journal Questions:

1. Have you cursed your body or believed the lie that your body is too much or not enough? Take a moment to practice repentance and ask God to speak his truth into your body.
2. Can you imagine your body as a temple where the Holy Spirit is dwelling and what kind of temple does it look like? What is the Holy Spirit doing in this temple? Where is He illuminating? Where is He healing? Where's He moving? 
3. Are there areas brought up in the past few weeks that you would rather avoid than allow Jesus to redeem and restore? Take a moment to commit to moving through the cross towards the resurrection with trust that Christ desires your redemption.

Quotes to Ponder: 

Because their shame was twofold

and disgrace was proclaimed their portion,

They will possess twofold in their own land;

everlasting joy shall be theirs.

 Isaiah 61:7

Scripture for Lectio Divina -  “For this reason I kneel before the Father, from whom every family in heaven and on earth derives its name. I pray that out of his glorious riches he may strengthen you with power through his Spirit in your inner being, so that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith. And I pray that you, being rooted and established in love, may have power, together with all the Lord’s holy people, to grasp how wide and long and high and deep is the love of Christ, and to know this love that surpasses knowledge—that you may be filled to the measure of all the fullness of God. Now to him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to his power that is at work within us, to him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, for ever and ever! Amen.” - Ephesians 3:14-21

This episode is sponsored by Every Sacred Sunday.

The Every Sacred Sunday Mass journal is designed to help you intentionally prepare and engage with the Mass each week. It contains the readings for each Sunday and Holy Day of Obligation for one liturgical year with a simple journaling template after each reading. Other features include thick quality paper, a durable hardbound cover, original illustrations, and key prayers of the Mass. This journal is lovingly & thoughtfully designed by hand, and we hope that it invites you to say yes to God, one Sunday at a time. Use the promo code abide5 for $5 off your next purchase! Available now on our website, www.everysacredsunday.com/shop.

In this episode we welcome back Fr Boniface Hicks, OSB, a Benedictine monk and spiritual director at Saint Vincent Archabbey, to talk about the discernment of spirits. We chat about the reality of spiritual warfare, why we need not be afraid, and how to practically discern God’s voice versus our own thoughts. Fr. Boniface also defines the difference between spiritual desolation and psychological depression as well as clarity on whether we should seek spiritual direction or counseling. 

Heather’s One Thing - Why Not Become Totally Fire Shirts

Sister Miriam’s One Thing - The song Godhead Here in Hiding - Luke Spehar

Michelle’s One Thing - Pumpkin Olive Oil Cake 

Fr. Boniface’s One Thing - His St. Bernard Honeybee Story

Other Resources Mentioned:

Fr. Timothy Gallagher’s Podcast, Books, and Resources

Journal Questions:

• Where do I see division within my heart and seek the Holy Spirit’s bond of love?
• When have I experienced spiritual consolation?
• When have I experienced spiritual desolation?
• Is there anything I am discerning in this season? How can I listen for the movements of the Lord?

Discussion Questions:

• How have you experienced the closeness of the Lord?
• What questions stirred in your heart while listening to this episode?
• What obstacles do you experience in noticing the movements of your heart?
• Have you been able to distinguish the Lord’s voice and movements? How did you identify His voice?
  
  

Quotes to Ponder:

"Our only desire and our one choice should be this: I want and I choose what better leads to God's deepening life in me."- St. Ignatius Loyola

“Lay all of your cares about the future trustingly in God’s hands, and let yourself be guided by the Lord just like a little child” - St Teresa Benedicta of the Cross

Scripture for Lectio: 

“Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will.” -Romans 12:2

Sponsor - The Ember Collective

“Holistic wellness in light of eternity.”

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In this episode, we continue the 4 part “Herstory” mini-series focusing on women in scripture with the Easter story of Mary Magdalene. We discuss how Jesus taught Mary a new way to live and how her audacious love led her to be called the “apostle of hope”, announcing his resurrection to the apostles. We chat about the power of naming the areas of grief, shame, or sin in our lives so that we can experience the resurrection Jesus desires for us this side of heaven and in eternity. Join us next week as we dive into the last of four women in scripture: Esther. 

Heather’s one thing - No Longer Slaves - Zach Williams

Michelle’s one thing -  The Technicolor of Spring!

Sister Miriam’s one thing - The lovely people at St Mary’s Parish in Mokena, IL. Esp the ladies group! 

Discussion questions:    

1. What struck you from this week’s episode?
2. What would you like God to resurrect in your life this Easter season?
3. How does Jesus desire to be “Rabboni” (teacher) for you this Easter and teach you a new way to live?
4. In your life, what desires need to be named, what sin needs to be named, what sorrow needs to be named?

Journal Questions:

1. Have you allowed yourself to hear the voice of the Lord, call you by name, especially in areas where you are broken, ashamed and sinful?
2. Imagine yourself in the garden with Jesus. As He calls you by name and asks you ‘why are you crying?’, what would you like to talk to Jesus about?

Quote to Ponder: Most of all I imitate the behavior of Mary Magdalene, for her amazing – or, rather, loving – audacity which delighted the heart of Jesus, has cast its spell upon mine. – St. Therese of Lisieux

Scripture for Lectio Divina:  Early on the first day of the week, while it was still dark, Mary Magdalene went to the tomb and saw that the stone had been removed from the entrance.  So she came running to Simon Peter and the other disciple, the one Jesus loved, and said, “They have taken the Lord out of the tomb, and we don’t know where they have put him!” So Peter and the other disciple started for the tomb.  Both were running, but the other disciple outran Peter and reached the tomb first.  He bent over and looked in at the strips of linen lying there but did not go in. Then Simon Peter came along behind him and went straight into the tomb. He saw the strips of linen lying there,  as well as the cloth that had been wrapped around Jesus’ head. The cloth was still lying in its place, separate from the linen. Finally the other disciple, who had reached the tomb first, also went inside. He saw and believed. (They still did not understand from Scripture that Jesus had to rise from the dead.) Then the disciples went back to where they were staying. Now Mary stood outside the tomb crying. As she wept, she bent over to look into the tomb  and saw two angels in white,seated where Jesus’ body had been, one at the head and the other at the foot. They asked her, “Woman, why are you crying?” “They have taken my Lord away,” she said, “and I don’t know where they have put him.” At this, she turned around and saw Jesus standing there, but she did not realize that it was Jesus. He asked her, “Woman, why are you crying? Who is it you are looking for?” Thinking he was the gardener, she said, “Sir, if you have carried him away, tell me where you have put him, and I will get him.” Jesus said to her, “Mary.” She turned toward him and cried out in Aramaic, “Rabboni!”(which means “Teacher”). Jesus said, “Do not hold on to me, for I have not yet ascended to the Father. Go instead to my brothers and tell them, ‘I am ascending to my Father and your Father, to my God and your God.’” Mary Magdalene went to the disciples with the news: “I have seen the Lord!” And she told them that he had said these things to her. - John 20:1-18

This episode is sponsored by SoulCore.

SoulCore integrates the prayers of the rosary with core strengthening, stretching and functional movements; inviting participants to nourish body & soul and encourage deeper reflection on the virtues. A sensory experience, classes incorporate scripture, sacred art, music, candlelight, and movement. Live classes are offered across the country, as well as digital offerings on DVD, download and our Online Streaming Studio. Check out SoulCore.com to learn more, sign up for our Online Streaming FREE 14-day trial or shop SoulCore. Abiding Together listeners receive a 20% discount in the SoulCore online shop through April 30, 2021 with promo code: abide20 at checkout. Visit SoulCore.com today to discover the beauty and transforming power of the rosary in body & soul!

In this episode, we continue with part two of our study on Christifideles Laici. We chat about unity within the Catholic Church, the role of your local parish, and the importance of community. We reflect on how easy it is to focus on the differences we encounter instead of the beauty of its complementarity and rich diversity. We discuss the need to restore the culture and how participation in our parish communities can build communion and encourage others to develop an authentic love of Jesus.

Heather’s One Thing - Family photos taken by Laura-Anne

Heather’s Other One Thing - The song Pure Abbie Gamboa from Upper Room

Sister Miriam’s One Thing - The Godsplaining Podcast with Fr. Gregory Pine

Michelle’s One Thing - Lavender Lemonade and Lavender Lemonade Cupcakes (Gluten Free Version Here). This is the lavender syrup I used. 

Discussion Questions:

• What is your investment in your local parish?
• How have you engaged with the Church with a consumerist mentality?
• Where in my heart do I fall into divisive thinking about the Church?
• What gifts and charisms is God inviting you to use in service of the Church?

Journal Questions:

• How have I experienced communion with my parish and the Body of Christ at large?
• Am I allowing the gifts and preferences of others to be seen in the lens of complementarity?
• Am I praying for communion and revival within the Church?

Quotes to Ponder:

'Communion' speaks of a double, lifegiving participation: the incorporation of Christians into the life of Christ, and the communication of that life of charity to the entire body of the Faithful, in this world and in the next, union with Christ and in Christ, and union among Christians, in the Church" (Christifideles Laici Paragraph 19)

A member of the lay faithful "can never remain in isolation from the community, but must live in a continual interaction with others, with a lively sense of fellowship, rejoicing in an equal dignity and common commitment to bring to fruition the immense treasure that each has inherited. (Christifideles Laici Paragraph 20)

Scripture for Lectio: 

“Abide in me and I in you” John 15:4

Sponsor - Endow

Endow seeks to educate women toward a more profound understanding of their God-given dignity through study in small group communities of faith and friendship. John Paul II once said: “Woman has a genius all her own which is vitally essential to both society and the Church.” The Church needs you to be empowered to cultivate the feminine genius in every aspect of life and society. There are women just like you looking for friendship and who are looking to learn from the intellectual tradition of the Church. Be transformed by studying John Paul II’s On the Dignity and Vocation of Women in an 8, 10, or 12-week Endow group. Start or join a group with other women to ponder the anthropology of man and woman, God’s intention for their relationship, woman’s vocation to motherhood, and the Church as Bride of Christ. Visit endowgroups.org for more resources on how to join or start your own Endow group. 

In this episode, we reconnect after our summer break to discuss the ways God has grown us this summer and our hopes for the season to come. We marvel together at how the Lord continues to heal us, remind us of His truth, and invite us to abide deeper in who He is and who He says we are. We chat about how the maturation that comes with repentance and the willingness to start over again with God. We pray that God will do a new thing in you as you join us on the journey this season!

Sister Miriam’s one thing - Separate Vocations of Man and Woman - Edith Stein from Essays on Woman (The Collected Works of Edith Stein) - Edith Stein

Heather’s one thing - Speak the Unspoken Podcast S02 E02: The power of story with Heather Kyhm

Michelle’s one thing - Fr. Dave Pivonka, Dr. Bob Rice, and the entire orientation team at Franciscan University of Steubenville

Discussion questions:    

1. What stood out to you from this week’s episode?
2. What areas did you learn you needed to grow over this summer? How did God stretch you, humble you, invite you to abide more?
3. In what ways would you like to begin again today? What must you repent of? What must you turn your eyes away from to be able to see Christ looking at you?

Journal Questions:

1. How did you see the Lord using events or memories of your past to grow you, mature you and heal you this summer?
2. What desires would you like to name for the Lord to fulfill as we move into a new season? 
3. How can you let the Lord love you where you are most vulnerable and dependent?

Quotes to Ponder: “Always, we begin again.” - St. Benedict 

Scripture for Lectio Divina -   “It is not that I have already taken hold of it or have already attained perfect maturity,  but I continue my pursuit in hope that I may possess it, since I have indeed been taken possession of by Christ Jesus. Brothers, I for my part do not consider myself to have taken possession. Just one thing: forgetting what lies behind but straining forward to what lies ahead, I continue my pursuit toward the goal, the prize of God’s upward calling, in Christ Jesus.” - Philippians 3:12-14

In this episode, we conclude our six-part Lenten series on the book “This Present Paradise” by Claire Dwyer. Claire joins us as we discuss the hidden way St. Elizabeth of the Trinity chooses us and draws us closer to God. We chat about St. Elizabeth’s delayed canonization and her prophetic messages: the call to love and be loved, the universal call to holiness, and God’s desire for deep intimacy that moves us to union and receptivity to the Holy Spirit. Thank you for joining us on the journey this Lent!

Claire’s one thing - A Personal Guide for Receiving the Father’s Love - Father Thomas Acklin and Fr. Boniface Hicks 

Heather’s one thing - Heather’s Easter Playlist: Hallelujah Is Our Song

Michelle’s one thing -  A place to belong - Letters from Catholic Women - Corynne Staresinic or buy directly from Pauline Press and receive a free tote!

Sister Miriam’s one thing - Ginger Tea: Boiled water, fresh ginger and fresh turmeric. Other add-ins: Honey, Lemon, Apple Cider Vinegar, (and black pepper too if you wish!)

Other books discussed in this episode -

Let the Fire Fall - Father Michel Scanlan 

Two Sisters in the Spirit: Therese of Lisieux and Elizabeth of the Trinity - Hans Von Balthasar 

Discussion questions:    

1. What struck you from this week’s episode?
2. How have you experienced St. Elizabeth drawing you into a more intimate union with God this Lent? How can we continue to live our lives as a “praise of glory” as we move into the Easter season?
3. How do we become more of ourselves when we leave this life and this earth?
4. What has been the greatest fruit of allowing yourself to be loved by God?

Journal Questions:

1. How is God calling you to ‘take your seat’ at the table with the communion of Saints? What is your place at the table? What is your unique call to be a part of the Church?
2. When have you struggled with false humility? How do you understand God’s call to sanctity and greatness?
3. How is God inviting you to be a part of the spiritual renewal of the Church?

Quote to Ponder:  “Let yourself be loved” - St. Elizabeth of the Trinity

Scripture for Lectio Divina:  “We who first hoped in Christ have been destined and appointed to live for the praise of his glory.” - Ephesians 1:12

Abiding Together Podcast 2021 Lenten Book Study Announcement: The Abiding Together Podcast is reading and discussing This Present Paradise by Claire Dwyer for Lent. You can find the reading plan, discussion questions, additional resources and where to buy your book at www.abidingtogetherpodcast.com/this-present-paradise. 

This episode is sponsored by SpiritualDirection.com.

SpiritualDirection.com is the largest website dedicated to authentic Catholic spirituality in the world.  An Apostolate of the Avila Foundation, SpiritualDirection.com is a source of all things good, true and beautiful the Church today: webinars with best-selling authors, powerful reflections, teachings, videos and podcasts on scripture, the saints, spiritual warfare, and discernment of spirits, as well as news about upcoming courses in spiritual theology—including some on your favorite Carmelite saints! Right now, for a limited time, if you go to spiritualdirection.com/Elizabeth,  you can get a free download of St. Elizabeth of the Trinity’s most beautiful quotes. Print them, frame them, share them—and be reminded of God’s immense and unfailing love.

In this episode, we continue with part two of our Lenten book study Be Transformed by Dr. Bob Schuchts. We discuss the power of God’s blessings and how curses block our ability to receive His blessings. We dive into the seven types of deadly wounds that distort our identity and how each Sacrament restores a specific wound. In particular, we discuss how Baptism heals the wound of rejection and share how we have allowed God to speak the truth in our own lives that we are His beloved daughters. If you find a tender place in your heart, remember, it isn’t because God wants to hurt you. It is because He wants to set you free.

Hey friends! We know that Be Transformed is packed with incredible things, so we encourage you to not feel the need to rush. We want this to be a place where you can rest and be with the Holy Spirit. If you find yourself stuck on a chapter, we invite you to take the time you need and join us again when ready. May God bless you and bring you healing through His Sacraments!

Heather’s One Thing - The Song Holy by Martin Smith

Heather’s Other One Thing - Her Playlist - Only Jesus 

Sister Miriam’s One Thing - The National Eucharistic Revival and Congress. Sign up for the newsletter here. Learn more about the pilgrimage here. Register for the pilgrimage here. Get involved on social media: Facebook, Instagram, or YouTube.

Sister Miriam’s Other One Thing - The Song -  Break Every Chain

Michelle’s One Thing - Young Moms

Discussion Questions:

• Where in your life is the Lord inviting you to go to the roots? 
• Where in my life am I keeping the Lord at an arm’s length? 
• How is Jesus teaching you how to love and be loved? 
• What lies have you been identifying with in this season of my life?

Journal Questions:

• Where is my connection broken with the Father? 
• Where do I not trust the Lord? 
• Where in my heart do I earnestly need and desire the Father’s blessing? 
• Where in my life, my heart, and my story do I experience the most wounds and the most spiritual attack? 
• What do I believe about myself? What do I believe about the Lord?

Quotes to Ponder:

“The seven sacraments touch all the stages and all the important moments of Christian life: they give birth and increase, healing and mission to the Christian’s life of faith” (CCC, 1210). 

“From the very beginning, God blessed all living beings, especially man and woman” (CCC, 1080).

This is why St. John Paul II concludes, “At the root of human sin is the lie which is a radical rejection of the truth contained in the word of the Father.”  - Be Transformed, Page 25

Baptism is a public blessing declaring that you and I are precious and unrepeatable gifts of the Father. By restoring our relationship with God, Baptism fundamentally heals the wounds of rejection that have plagued the human race since our fall from grace.  - Be Transformed, page 37

The goal of our spiritual life is to be transformed into the image of Christ so that we share in the divine intimacy that He enjoys with the Father and the Holy Spirit.  - Be Transformed, page 17

“Catholic theology can help us understand how a sacrament can be valid and legal but ‘unreleased’ . . . if its fruit remains bound or unused. . . . Sacraments are not magic rites that act mechanically, without people’s knowledge or collaboration. . . . The fruit of the sacrament depends wholly on divine grace, however this divine grace does not act without the ‘yes’—the consent and affirmation—of the person.” (Fr. Raniero Cantalamessa)  - Be Transformed, page 39

In the exercises, Ignatius identifies two opposing spirits that he says are always at work in our lives and in the world. He simply calls them the “good spirit” (which represents our hearts attuned to the Holy Spirit) and the “evil spirit” (which refers to our fallen human nature influenced by the father of lies and subject to the world’s influences).  - Be Transformed, page 46

Scripture for Lectio: 

“Behold, I make all things new.” (Revelation 21:5)

Sponsor - Word of Life:

Word of Life is a religious education curriculum created in partnership by the Augustine Institute and Ignatius Press to help Catholic schools and parishes meet the challenges and opportunities of proclaiming the Gospel.

Word of Life uses four key themes to awaken an authentic Catholic identity and demonstrate how the truths of the faith speak to the human heart. Through activities, videos, and other digital resources, students and parents can interact with faith formation materials in the classroom and at home.

The Word of Life curriculum explores who we are as human persons, what our purpose in life is, why the faith is relevant in our modern culture, and how to live a truly integrated life of virtue through the grace offered by the Church.

Word of Life is proud to serve over 50,000 students in more than 700 schools and religious education programs across the United States. Learn more about Word of Life and how to bring it to your parish or school by visiting wordoflifeseries.org.

If you’d like to join us for our next study, it starts May 28th - “Gaudete Et Exsultate - On the Call to Holiness in Today’s World” by Pope Francis. If you’d like to read it, you can find it at your local Catholic book store or order it on Amazon

In this episode we talk about how to thrive during the summer, when we aren’t in our normal schedules. We chat about some strategies to continue growing in our relationship with God and flourish in whatever situation we are in. We focus on the categories of rest, play, prayer, connection, beauty, self care, and community. We hope you enjoy this conversation.

If you'd like to host a coffee time, lunch, or dinner with a few women, here are some questions to put on the table to spark some good conversation.

One Thing We Love This Week:

• Sr. Miriam's One Thing - “Awakening Love: An Ignatian Retreat with the Song of Songs”
• Michelle's One Thing - The Royal Wedding sermon
• Michelle's Other One Thing - Steph Curry’s momma correcting him for using bad language at a game :)
• Heather's One Thing - “Where You Are” by Bethel and “Pieces” by Bethel

Discussion Questions:

1. How can I more deeply connect with the people God has entrusted to me and with the Lord this summer?
2. What is most important to me to have as foundations that will rightly order the rest of my day?
3. How does God want you to play this summer in ways that feed your heart and allow you to receive His joy?
4. How can you cultivate the discipline of pausing for beauty and holy wonder?

Journal Questions:

1. What is my spiritual plan this summer?
2. Where am i growing with the Lord?
3. What does it look like for me to have ongoing fellowship with the Holy Spirit?
4. What do I need to do for self care this summer?

Quote to Ponder:

“Vacation time offers the unique opportunity to pause before the thought-provoking spectacles of nature, a wonderful ‘book’ within reach of everyone, adults and children. In contact with nature, a person rediscovers his correct dimension, rediscovers himself as a creature, small but at the same time unique with a ‘capacity for God’ because interiorly he is open to the infinite”- Pope Benedict XVI

In this episode, we talk about how we can receive graces by making a spiritual pilgrimage to Nazareth. We reflect on the Holy Family, how they teach us to love well, and how they show us how to build a family that heals and transforms its members. We also discuss the sanctification of the ordinary, how life is found in doing our daily duty well, and how to dialogue with others. Nazareth is a place of love, and we invite you to use your imagination and make the journey with us. 

Heather’s One Thing - Discovering your God-given Identity Course 

Heather’s Other One Thing - Memorize Scripture by Jackie Angel

Sister Miriam’s One Thing - Last Paragraph of Pope Benedict XVI’s Inaugural Homily

Michelle’s One Thing - Everyone who experienced the loss of home from a natural disaster. We are praying for you.

Other Resources Mentioned: 

For any alumni of the JPII Healing Center’s Holy Desire retreat, Jake Khym is offering a free online course “The Freedom Series: Journeying with Holy Desire”

Announcement:

Join us for our Lenten Study beginning March 5th, 2025 as we journey through “Jesus and the Jubilee: The Biblical Roots of the Year of God’s Favor“ by Dr. John Bergsma. We look forward to sitting at the feet of a leading scholar as we unpack what the Lord has in store for us in the year of Jubilee.

Order your copy at the St. Paul Center with promo code “ABIDE15” for 15% off. Amazon has very limited copies, so we recommend you order from St. Paul Center to ensure you receive your copy before Lent begins!

Journal Questions:

• Have I ever prayed about life in Nazareth?
• How can I experience Nazareth in an ordinary way?
• Where do I need to be transformed in family life?
• Spend time this week meditating on life in Nazareth. How did I encounter the Holy Family in my meditation?
• When are the times that I want to rebuke and accuse others? Do I want holiness and transformation more than being right?

Discussion Questions:

• What renewal and transformation do you need to experience in Nazareth?
• How do you see ordinary life as the path to sanctification?
• How do you see ordinary life as an obstacle to sanctification?
• Where are you in bondage within family life? How can you allow an encounter of Nazareth to set you free from that bondage?

Quote to Ponder:

“Pilgrimages are a call to return to the roots of our faith. Nazareth, where Jesus lived His hidden life, is a place that invites us to reflect on our own journey. It is not only a place of memory but also a place of renewal and transformation.” (Pope Francis, Homily, Mass at the Basilica of the Annunciation, 2014)

Scripture for Lectio:

“And he went and lived in a town called Nazareth. So was fulfilled what was said through the prophets, that he would be called a Nazarene.” (Matthew 2:23)

Sponsor - CMF CURO:

Embrace the Wholeness God Desires for You

Are you looking for a community of Catholics that is open to Christ’s healing love, prays together and is striving for excellence in spirit, mind and body? We know it can be hard to find that. That’s why CURO offers its Belong, Thrive and Share communities.  

As a listener of Abiding Together, we’re excited to offer you a free session of Catholic spiritual direction or personalized wellness coaching. 

We’re confident that you’ll love your time with our trained and experienced coaches and spiritual directors. Our members can’t stop saying how grateful they are to grow closer to Christ, form new habits and progress in virtue. 

If online is your thing, then check out the Belong wellness portal with a free 30-Day trial. It’s designed to help you learn your strengths, discover areas to grow in, and lets you sync with your smart device to seamlessly track your progress towards your goals. 

To sign up or learn more just visit: cmfcuro.com/abiding. 

Timestamps:

00:00 - CMF CURO

01:37 - Intro

02:30 - Welcome

04:30 - Rest in Nazareth

06:45 - How Do We Go to Nazareth?

11:57 - Spiritual Pilgrimage of Hope

13:31 - The Sanctification of Ordinary Life

15:34 - We Find a Love that Heals

18:00 - A Place to Dialogue

20:39 - Bringing Our Littleness to Nazareth

24:07 - An Encouragement to Try

24:37 - A Place of Astonishment and Wonder

28:50 - One Things

In this episode we talk about the quote "Beauty will Save the World" by Dostoevsky. We discuss how true beauty leads you outside of yourself to humanity and to the Divine Creator, whereas the counterfeits lead us away. We address how paying attention to our life allows us to experience epiphanies of beauty.

One Thing We Love This Week:

• Sr. Miriam's One Thing - Don’t Believe the Lie, Bill Johnson
• Michelle Benzinger's One Thing - Examen Journal
• Michelle Benzinger's Other One Thing - CreatingToLove.com
• Heather Khym's One Thing - Nurses and doctors who offer care for people in need. You rock!
• Heather Khym's Other One Thing - Bring Him Home by the Canadian Tenors

Group Questions

1. What is one way that you commonly experience the beauty of God?
2. How can we call beauty out in other people?
3. What are the beauty counterfeits that have affected your life in a negative way?

Journaling Questions

1. How can I co-create with the Holy Spirit to bring beauty into the world?
2. What am I consuming in my world? Is it true beauty of not?
3. When and how can I create space/pause to encounter beauty?

Quotes to Ponder “We do not want merely to see beauty... we want something else which can hardly be put into words- to be united with the beauty we see, to pass into it, to receive it into ourselves, to bathe in it, to become part of it."- CS Lewis

“Deep in his heart, every man longs for a battle to fight, an adventure to live, and a beauty to rescue.” ― John Eldredge, Wild at Heart: Discovering the Secret of a Man's Soul

In this episode we discuss the mystery and gift of the Church in the midst of scandals, disappointments, heartaches and failures. We discuss the “both and” nature of the Church that delivers the grace of the sacraments and is made up of only sinners. We chat about the family of the Church and our role as women to help reconcile and restore the broken places through transparency and repentance. We pray you would notice the Holy Spirit working a new thing within your heart this week. 

Michelle’s one thing -  Be Transformed - Dr. Bob Schuchts

Heather’s one thing - Restore the Glory Podcast with Dr. Bob Schutchts and Jake Khym

Sister Miriam’s one thing - Broken gods: Hope, Healing, and the Seven Longings of the Human Heart - Dr. Gregory Popcak

Other Episodes on This Topic: 

Season 4, Episode 1: On Summer and Scandal

Season 4, Episode 10: Joint Restoration: An Interview with Fr. Josh Johnson

Discussion questions:    

1. What struck you from this week’s episode?
2. Have you ever felt like you didn’t want to continue being a part of the Church? What experiences brought you back into communion? Where do you still need to experience reconciliation and restoration with the Church?
3. How do we, especially as women, create safe places for people to repent and for victims to be reconciled to the Church?
4. What areas does God want to redeem, restore and make new in your own life to bring restoration to the Church?

Journal Questions:

1. What trauma have you experienced at the hands of the Church and have you been able to forgive? What wounds have you caused to others within the Church and have you been able to repent?
2. What wounds is God inviting you to bring to the foot of the cross this week? Take a moment to ask Jesus to meet you there and do for you what you cannot do for yourself.

Quote to Ponder: “How baffling you are, oh Church, and yet how I love you! How you have made me suffer, and yet how much I owe you! I would like to see you destroyed, and yet I need your presence. You have given me so much scandal and yet you have made me understand what sanctity is. I have seen nothing in the world more devoted to obscurity, more compromised, more false, and yet I have touched nothing more pure, more generous, more beautiful. How often I have wanted to shut the doors of my soul in your face, and how often I have prayed to die in the safety of your arms.” - Carlo Carretto, Letters from the Desert

Scripture for Lectio Divina: “When the Lord saw her, he was moved with pity for her and said to her, ‘Do not weep.’ He stepped forward and touched the coffin; at this the bearers halted, and he said, ‘Young man, I tell you, arise!’ The dead man sat up and began to speak, and Jesus gave him to his mother.’ Luke 7:13-15

This episode is sponsored by Chews Life.

At Chews Life, it is their mission to equip all Catholics with Rosaries for life. Chews Life believes that even the youngest Catholic can develop a devotion to the Rosary and come to know our Mother Mary. Their silicone Rosaries make this possible. Children discover through their senses, especially touch. Just as a baby knowingly caresses their mother’s face, so too their little hands will come to know the Rosary and cherish it.  

Chews Life also makes Rosaries for adults! However, Chews Life’s Rosaries are designed in such a way that no one can make the excuse that they don’t have time to pray the Rosary. Chews Life’s Rosaries are actually Rosary bracelets so that they are with you all day and easily accessible. These Rosary bracelets also feature a “bookmark” crucifix charm so that if you don’t have time to get through a whole Rosary at once, you can use this charm to hold your place until you can continue your prayer. These and so much more are available at www.chewslife.com! Use code ABIDE10 to receive 10% off your purchase (not valid with other discounts).

In this episode, we celebrate eight years of abiding together with you! We want to celebrate what God has done and is doing in not only our lives, but also in yours. We reflect on why we started the podcast and how our hearts still echo with a desire to help women grow closer to our Lord through communion with others. We share why we surrender the podcast to the Holy Spirit, how we’ve navigated supporting each other through different seasons of life, and what our hopes are for the future of the podcast. Most of all, we want to thank you for how you’ve received our vulnerability, your openness to us and the Lord, and your steadfastness in journeying with us along the way.

Heather’s One Thing - Jubilee Spotify Playlist

Sister Miriam’s One Thing - Our very first episode - Coffee, Unity, and Companionship

Michelle’s One Thing - Our listeners! We are so grateful for you!

Announcement:

Join us for our Lenten Study beginning March 5th, 2025 as we journey through “Jesus and the Jubilee: The Biblical Roots of the Year of God’s Favor“ by Dr. John Bergsma. We look forward to sitting at the feet of a leading scholar as we unpack what the Lord has in store for us in the year of Jubilee.

Order your copy at the St. Paul Center with promo code “ABIDE15” for 15% off. There are also bulk discounts available. While “Jesus and the Jubilee” is currently backordered, the St. Paul Center expects a new shipment of books later this week and plans to fulfill your orders by late February.

Journal Questions:

• Have I experienced friendships and relationships that have been anointed by the Lord?
• How can I steward my relationships, gifts, time, and opportunities well?
• When have I seen the difference between success and fruitfulness?

Discussion Questions:

• When did you first start listening to the podcast?
• Do you have a favorite episode, season, series, or study? How did it bless you?
• What areas of your life can you surrender to the Lord to give growth?

Quote to Ponder:

"To be grateful is to recognize the Love of God in everything He has given us - and He has given us everything. Every breath we draw is a gift of His love, every moment of existence is a grace, for it brings with it immense graces from Him. Gratitude therefore takes nothing for granted, is never unresponsive, is constantly awakening to new wonder and to praise of the goodness of God. For the grateful person knows that God is good, not by hearsay but by experience. And that is what makes all the difference." (Thomas Merton)

Scripture for Lectio:

"Then Samuel took a stone and set it up between Mizpah and Shen. He named it Ebenezer, saying, 'Thus far the Lord has helped us.'" (1 Samuel 7:12)

Sponsor - The Little Rose Shop:

Discover the beauty of integrating faith into your everyday life with The Little Rose Shop. Our Morning Offering Prayer Mug the perfect companion for your morning routine, allowing you to start each day with a heartfelt prayer, focusing your thoughts on Christ. Plus, explore our Quiet Books collection, including the Mass Quiet Book, Rosary Quiet Book, the Where is Jesus Quiet Book, and Wrapped in Mary’s Mantle Quiet Book. These engaging books are designed for babies and toddlers, making it easy to introduce them to the wonders of faith in a quiet and interactive way—perfect for adoration or Mass. As a special treat for Abiding Together listeners, use promo code ABIDING15 for an exclusive 15% discount at checkout. Enrich your spiritual journey and bring the joy of faith into your home with The Little Rose Shop.

Timestamps:

00:00 - The Little Rose Shop

01:17 - Intro

02:09 - Lenten Book Announcement

02:54 - Welcome

04:40 - Guiding Quote and Scripture Verse

05:53 - Born Out of Friendship

09:19 - Surrendering Everything Back

10:39 - Honest Conversations

12:05 - Stewarding Well

15:22 - Thankfulness

18:23 - Hearing from Listeners

20:35 - A Collaboration

22:47 - Your Starting Point

24:26 - Hope for the Future

28:29 - One Things

31:12  - Lenten Book Study Reminder

In this episode we talking about spiritual pruning and how its a difficult part of the process, but necessary to bring about growth and good fruit.

One Thing We Love This Week:

• Sr. Miriam's One Thing - Safe
• Sr. Miriam's Other One Thing - Beyond The Blue
• Michelle's One Thing -  Print from Katie Fitzgerald - Sr. Miriam quote
• Heather's One Thing - Lifepoint Worship "Closer"

Discussion Questions:                                        

1. What areas in your life is God pruning or wanting to prune right now?
2. Fruit can be good or bad. What are the fruits that are growing in your life?
3. What areas do you need to let God shift your perspective that you are not a victim, rather you are a "strugglers" and with God we are "overcomers"?

Journal Questions:

1. What areas do you distrust that God has your good in mind?
2. What are the motives behind the choices you make in the big areas of life?
3. What areas do you need to repent and begin again?

Quote to Ponder: "I am the true vine, and my Father is the keeper of the vineyard. He cuts off every branch in me that bears no fruit, and every branch that does beat fruit he prunes to make it even more fruitful." - John 15:1-2 

Follow the Leader - Jesus, The Good Shepherd

In this episode, we begin a 3 part series on the Person of Jesus as revealed in Scripture. We break open Psalm 23 and discuss how we are personally invited to experience the comfort, provision, protection, restoration, correction, and leadership of the Good Shepherd. We also talk about the failure of some of our shepherds on earth and how God wants to restore us. Jesus the Good Shepherd wants us to experience Him personally. 

Michelle’s one thing - Her new nephew, Quinn David, and all mothers of young children

Heather’s one thing - Our listeners and passing the 5 million downloads threshold

Heather’s other one thing - The Search - Chris Stefanick and FORMED. You can also access the panel discussions on each episode at beholdvancouver.org starting on November 5 from 7:00-8:30 Pacific Time

Sister Miriam’s one thing -  The Great Adventure Catholic Bible - Ascension Press 

Discussion questions:    

1. What struck you from this week’s episode?
2. Read Psalm 23 together. What word or phrase speaks to you on how God has been a shepherd to you in this season? 
3. The catechism reminds us that it is Christ alone who unfailingly nourishes and leads us. Where have you looked to man-made ways and earthly leaders to shepherd you instead of Jesus, the Good Shepherd? 
4. The rod and and staff are used to protect the flock and snatch back the sheep who are prone to wander. How have you seen God’s rod and staff at work in your life? Where do you need God to shepherd you by wielding his rod and staff?

Journal Questions:

1. What does it mean, for you personally, that Jesus is the Good Shepherd? Reflect on a time that God has shown his providence, protection and leadership in your life.
2. Who are the shepherds - priests, pastors and leaders - who have imaged for you the face of Christ as the Good Shepherd? Take a moment to express gratitude for the gift of their lives and vocations.
3. Who are the shepherds - priests, pastors and leaders -  who have disfigured the face of Christ as the Good Shepherd due to their failures and sins. Take a moment to invite God into your hurt and ask that He would restore those places. 
4. Spend some time reading and praying through the shepherd imagery in John 10, Psalm 23, or Luke 15:3-6. Allow the Holy Spirit to reveal who Jesus says He is. 

Quote to Ponder - “I am like the sick sheep that strays from the rest of the flock. Unless the Good Shepherd takes me on His shoulders and carries me back to His fold, my steps will falter, and in the very effort of rising, my feet will give way.” - St. Jerome

Scripture for Lectio Divina - Psalm 23: 1-6

The LORD is my shepherd there is nothing I lack.

In green pastures he makes me lie down; to still waters he leads me; he restores my soul.

He guides me along the right paths for the sake of his name.

Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for you are with me; your rod and your staff comfort me.

You set a table before me in front of my enemies; You anoint my head with oil; my cup overflows.

Indeed, goodness and mercy will pursue me all the days of my life; I will dwell in the house of the LORD for endless days.

Other Scripture to Pray With - 

• Isaiah 40:11
• Isaiah 53:6
• Ezekiel 34:11-16
• Luke 15: 3-7
• John 10: 1-42

This episode is sponsored by Walking With Purpose. 

Learn more about your faith while you build meaningful relationships in a Walking with Purpose Bible study group. Hundreds of parishes are offering WWP Bible studies right now, and you can search by location to find a group near you. What's more, most parish-based Bible study groups are virtual this fall, so you may join up with your Sisters-in-Christ from the comfort of home. We are not meant to journey alone! Search for a parish program or start your own WWP Bible study group today.

Today we begin a short Advent series on the Fellowship of the Feminine Genius. We break open what happens in the power of community and what it means to come together in a circle and champion one another and to offer a place to be seen, known, and celebrated. We use the relationship of Mary and Elizabeth as the model and share our own story of how we met, how God has used our fellowship to encourage and fight for one another and how to offer true friendship and love for one another.

One Thing We Love This Week:

Sr. Miriam’s One thing - Heather’s Advent Playlist

Michelle’s other one thing - The book by Madeline L'Engle - And it was Good: Reflections on Beginnings

Heather's One Thing - Advent book by Ann Voskamp “[Unwrapping the Greatest Gift - A Family Christmas Celebration ]"(https://amzn.to/2QlPSE9)

Also the song “Noel” by Lauren Daigle

Discussion Questions:

1) What stands out to you about Mary and Elizabeth's friendship?
2) When have women spoken into your life in life giving ways?
3) What does a safe circle of friends look like for you?

Journal Questions:

1) How do you need self-care this week? This year?
2) In what ways do you need to grow in your ability to be a good friend to others?
3) When was one time that you were hurt, leaving you feeling wary and hurt in future relationships with women?
4) What is god asking you to risk so that something can be birthed in you this advent season?

Quote to Ponder:

"Love still takes the risk of birth" - Madeline L'Engle

*Scripture of the Week *- Luke 1:39-56

“At that time Mary got ready and hurried to a town in the hill country of Judea, where she entered Zechariah’s home and greeted Elizabeth. When Elizabeth heard Mary’s greeting, the baby leaped in her womb, and Elizabeth was filled with the Holy Spirit. In a loud voice she exclaimed: “Blessed are you among women,and blessed is the child you will bear! But why am I so favored, that the mother of my Lord should come to me? As soon as the sound of your greeting reached my ears, the baby in my womb leaped for joy. Blessed is she who has believed that the Lord would fulfill his promises to her!”

In this episode, we continue our four part Advent series revisiting the women Doctors of the Church with a discussion on praise through the life of St. Hildegard of Bingen. We discuss the value of praise: speaking the truth about who God is and who we are and reflect on how all creation was made to praise the Creator. We chat about Advent as a particular time to create space to hear God’s voice and the unique ways each of us enter into praise of God. We pray this week you would hear the voice of God over you and join in the joyful praise of all creation.

For further listening, check out Restore the Beauty, a five part series on the women doctors of the church from Season 4 and be sure to subscribe to the Abiding Together Podcast on YouTube to watch our video podcasts! 

Sister Miriam’s one thing - The Litany of Self-Love - Micole Amalu

Michelle’s one thing - Breath of Heaven - Amy Grant

Heather’s one thing - Deliverance Prayers: For Use by the Laity - Fr. Chad A Ripperger PhD

Discussion questions:    

1. What stood out to you from today’s episode? 
2. What are some ways you enter into praise of God? How has this changed throughout different seasons in your life? 
3. How have you seen praise of God change the atmosphere, relationships, or situations? Take a moment to share these stories. 
4. How can we continue to cultivate the “inner place” for God to speak to us and for us to praise God this Advent? 

Journal Questions:

1. Do you believe you were created to praise? How can you begin to live out this calling in practical ways and particularly during this Advent season?
2. Many times we cannot hear God because something else is overshadowing his voice? Ask the Lord “Tell me what I am not hearing?” 
3. Take a moment to imagine yourself with Mary singing praises over the child Jesus in her womb or as an infant. What words of praise do you want to speak to Jesus? What does he want to say back to you?

Quotes to Ponder: 

“Sometimes when we hear a song we breathe deeply and sigh. This reminds the prophet that the soul arises from heavenly harmony. In thinking about this, he was aware that the soul itself has something in itself of this music...” - St. Hildegard of Bingen

Scripture for Lectio Divina:

In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. He was in the beginning with God. All things came into being through Him, and without Him, not one thing came into being. What has come into being in Him was life, and the life was the light of all people. The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness did not overcome it. - John 1:1-5

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In this week's episode, we continue our conversation about leading with our God-given authority, particularly in our spiritual or biological motherhood. We talk about how God has blessed us with the Sacraments, Scripture, and prayer to fight spiritual battles. We reflect on the importance of rooting our identity in Christ, how Our Lady modeled feminine leadership, and practical ways to do spiritual warfare. We also discuss generational bondage, repairing trust, and the power of an apology given and received. 

Heather’s One Thing - Her Battle Cry playlist and her friendship with Michelle and Sister Miriam and the way they have helped her through dark seasons in life

Sister Miriam’s One Thing - Having Heather visit and The Litany of the Waiting Woman

Michelle’s One Thing - Bee Still a Catholic Jewelry Company

Other Resources Mentioned: 

• Priscilla Shirer’s talk on the Armor of God and the schemes of the devil
• Sr. Miriam and Fr. John Burn’s talks on forgiveness (Healing Through Forgiveness and Seeking Healing Through Forgiveness)
• Sr. Miriam’s  Forgiveness Meditation
• Renouncing Lies and Announcing Truth – 7 Deadly Wounds
• Scripture Verses on Identity

Journal Questions:

• What areas does the enemy often attack me in this area? What are my frequent sins?
• What are the deeper longs behind my frequent sins?
• Am I tempted to under-spiritualize or over-spiritualize the sufferings, temptations, and attacks in my life?
• When did I last go to confession? When am I planning to go next?
• What battles have I inherited from my family? How can I take responsibility for those battles?

Discussion Questions:

• How can you apply the invitation to worship rather than worry in your current season?
• What are the prayers and tools God has given you out of love to help you on this journey?
• Who has been entrusted to you? How can you pray for them and do battle?
• Where in my life can I invite Christ’s Precious Blood into my life and family?
• What are some of Jesus’ promises in response to the attacks you face?

Quote to Ponder:

“Stand therefore, having fastened on the belt of truth, and having put on the breastplate of righteousness, and, as shoes for your feet, having put on the readiness given by the gospel of peace. In all circumstances take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming darts of the evil one; and take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God, praying at all times in the Spirit, with all prayer and supplication.” (Ephesians 6:10-18)

Scripture for Lectio: 

“Only be careful, and watch yourselves closely so that you do not forget the things your eyes have seen or let them fade from your heart as long as you live. Teach them to your children and to their children after them” (Deuteronomy 4:9)

Sponsor - Leanne Bowen:

Today’s sponsor is Leanne Bowen Fine Art. Leanne is a Catholic Artist and a stay at home mom. She has released a beautiful collection of candles, prints, and gifts just in time for Mother's Day, Confirmations and all the upcoming Sacraments! She has an incredible Holy Spirit candle and a baptism candle that smells just like Chrism. These are beautiful gifts intentionally curated for those receiving their Sacraments. Her most popular print, Sacrifice of Love, depicts a married couple embracing the cross on their wedding day. It is bound to be the most intentional gift your friends or family will receive for their wedding. 

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In this episode we recap the beautiful retreat we were blessed to lead March 31-April 2 in British Columbia. We were joined by 200 women from Canada and the US who journeyed with us into the deep realities of God’s unfailing love, healing from shame, fixing our gaze on Jesus and being equipped (and sometimes uncomfortable!) by the Holy Spirit.

One Thing We Love:

• Michelle's one thing: "Walking on Water - Reflections on Faith and Art" - Madeline L'Engle
• Sr. Miriam’s one thing: Raising Great Girls by Dr. Meg Meeker and guest Dr. Leonard Sax *warning: mature content*
• Heathers one thing: The Crown on Netflix

In this episode, we conclude our conversation on motherhood focusing on the feminine genius of maternity. We speak about how to grow in spiritual maternity to allow new life and lasting fruit to come forth through us. We discuss the need to continue to allow others to mother us, as well as the importance of showing up for ourselves and tending to our own needs. We revisit the ideas of abiding in the Lord and living a right-ordered life in community in order to live our vocations as mothers. We pray this week you would bring forth the life God desires to birth in you.

Sister Miriam’s one thing - Prayer from Mother Mary Francis

“Our Lady is a home where people are helped to be what they can be, to grow to the maturity for which God has destined them. Like her, the family is called to be a place where someone helps me to rise when I stumble. Always a hand reaches out to sustain me, and my hand goes out to help the stumbling one. All these appellations that the Church heaps upon Our Lady show her as both homemaker and the home.  When we are homemakers, we are ourselves a home. We must be all these things to one another: a lookout tower, a place of beauty, a refuge, a help, a strength and a consolation. Let us be engaged more earnestly than ever before in being homemakers. Despite the word being used in a somewhat condescending term in our time, to be a homemaker is the greatest glory of woman. It is essentially the mission of the Church, the Bride of Christ. She is the home and the homemaker. She is the home for us all. Our Lady is essentially the first physical home of God himself, and always our home. We must strive to make a home for one another: a home of peace, of love, of worship, and of focus on God.” 

Heather’s one thing - Cinnamon Roll Cake Recipe from Mel’s Kitchen 

Michelle’s one thing - Amazing Grace - Aretha Franklin 

Discussion Questions:    

1. What stood out to you from this week’s episode?
2. After listening to this series - what does the expansive view of motherhood look like to you? What does authentic motherhood look like? 
3. What does it look like to put your own needs first (in right order),  to show up for yourself and allow others to mother you?
4. Who is one woman who has mothered you well that you would like to thank?

Journal Questions:

1. How is the Holy Spirit asking to collaborate with you to re-mother yourself? 
2. Are you still open to God creating new life through you? 
3. With mindfulness of the difference between productivity and fruitfulness - where  is God inviting you to be fruitful? What may need to be pruned to create fruit that lasts? 

Quotes to Ponder: “For an understanding of our unique feminine nature, let us look to the pure love and spiritual maternity of Mary. This spiritual maternity is the core of a woman’s soul. Wherever a woman functions authentically in this spirit of maternal pure love, Mary collaborates with her. This holds true whether the woman is married or single, professional or domestic or both, a Religious in the world or in the convent. Through this love, a woman is God’s special weapon in His fight against evil. Her intrinsic value is that she is able to do so because she has a special susceptibility for the works of God in souls — her own and others. She relates to others in His spirit of love.” - Edith Stein

Scripture for Lectio Divina - “The word of the Lord came to me, saying, “Before I formed you in the womb I knew ] you,before you were born I set you apart; I appointed you as a prophet to the nations.” - Jeremiah 1:4-5 

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Announcing our 2022 Lenten Study

This year we will be journeying through the season of Lent with a six-part series based on Restore: A Guided Lent Journal for Prayer and Meditation written by our very own Sister Miriam James Heidland. You can pre-order your copy from Ave Maria Press here or pre-order from Amazon here. We look forward to journeying with you this Lent!

Sister Miriam’s one thing - The Hobbit Audiobook

Heather’s one thing - Lent playlist: Songs in the Desert

Michelle’s one thing - On Earth as it is Heaven - Father Josh Johnson 

Discussion Questions:    

1. What stood out to you from this week’s episode?
2. How has your understanding of fasting changed since beginning this study? 
3. What are the tendencies within yourself that you notice when you are fasting?
4. How has fasting allowed you to see areas of woundedness and experience God’s healing this Lent?

Journal Questions:

1. As you enter into fasting - what has the Lord revealed that he still wants to heal? What’s your Kraft Mac and’ Cheese?
2. “Behind every disordered desire is a good and holy desire, an unmet need, an unhealed wound, or a hidden pattern of sin”. How have you seen this present in your life this Lent? 
3. Pray with the image of God holding your face and seeing your wounds. What does he want to say to you in that moment.

Quotes to Ponder: “Jesus, may I hunger more deeply for you today. May my aches lead me to call out to you, so you can fill me.” - Sister Miriam James Heidland

Scripture for Lectio Divina: “I will sprinkle clean water upon you, and you shall be clean from all your uncleannesses…and I will put my spirit within you.” Ezekiel 36:25, 27

This episode is sponsored by Chews Life.

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In this episode, we break open the scripture of the Visitation as we begin a four part series on the identity of sister - biological and spiritual. This episode is now offered in video on youtube! We discuss the model of speaking blessing into one another’s lives as we confirm and affirm each other’s truest identity. We chat about how Mary and Elizabeth needed one another’s story and resisted the temptations of comparison and competition in choosing celebration. We pray God would be the center of your relationships and sisterhoods! Be sure to subscribe to the Abiding Together Podcast on YouTube to watch our video podcasts! 

Sister Miriam’s one thing - ’Sisters’ from White Christmas 

Michelle’s one thing - My front porch in Fall and the season of Fall!

Heather’s one thing - Chicken Carnitas Recipe

Other Books Mentioned - 

Friendship in the Lord - Fr. Paul Hinnebusch 

Discussion questions:    

1. What stood out to you from this week’s episode?
2. What does it mean to you to be a sister? What stirs in your heart as we begin this series? What needs to be healed in your heart to open up to the identity of sister?
3. Take a moment in your groups to identify and share what the Holy Spirit is doing in your life. Is sharing the work of the Holy Spirit a habit in your small groups and community?
4. What does it mean to be a sister who speaks blessing and affirms the truest identity of another with our words?

Journal Questions:

1. Do you proclaim a magnificat when the Lord has done great things in your life? Who do you celebrate with and share the good news with?
2. Have you ever felt like you had to fight for your seat at the table because of comparison or competition among women? How have you experienced a celebration mindset when it comes to your relationship with other women? 
3. Take a moment to pray and ask for sisterhood where you need it. Take a moment to pray and repent for areas that you need to own wounding others in the area of sisterhood. 

Quotes to Ponder: “All members of the family, each according to his or her own gift, have the grace and responsibility of building day by day the communion of persons, making the family ‘a school of deeper humanity’ “ - Gaudium et Spes, 52 

Scripture for Lectio Divina -  At that time Mary got ready and hurried to a town in the hill country of Judea, where she entered Zechariah’s home and greeted Elizabeth.  When Elizabeth heard Mary’s greeting, the baby leaped in her womb, and Elizabeth was filled with the Holy Spirit.  In a loud voice she exclaimed: “Blessed are you among women, and blessed is the child you will bear!  But why am I so favored, that the mother of my Lord should come to me? As soon as the sound of your greeting reached my ears, the baby in my womb leaped for joy.  Blessed is she who has believed that the Lord would fulfill his promises to her!”

And Mary proclaimed: My soul glorifies the Lord, and my spirit rejoices in God my Savior, for he has been mindful of the humble state of his servant. From now on all generations will call me blessed, for the Mighty One has done great things for me—  holy is his name. His mercy extends to those who fear him, from generation to generation. He has performed mighty deeds with his arm ;He has scattered those who are proud in their inmost thoughts.  He has brought down rulers from their thrones but has lifted up the humble. He has filled the hungry with good things but has sent the rich away empty. He has helped his servant Israel, remembering to be merciful to Abraham and his descendants forever,  just as he promised our ancestors.  Mary stayed with Elizabeth for about three months and then returned home. - Luke 1:39-56

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In this episode, we discuss how God meets us where we are rather than where we pretend to be and invites us into a never-ending love. We chat about acknowledging the deeper desires and longings in our hearts with a holy curiosity and responding to God’s pursuit of us. We also share a sneak peek of the depths we have planned for the rest of this season! We pray you would experience the peace of floating in the deep love he has for you this week through the grace of surrender, trust, and receptivity!

Sister Miriam’s one thing -   The Carmelite Sisters of Alhambra

Heather’s one thing - Will and Walker from Rings of the Lord and their handmade rosaries

Michelle’s one thing - The Given Forum. Applications for the 2022 Given Forum will be released on November 1, 2021.

Other Books Mentioned -

The Fulfillment of All Desire: A Guidebook for the Journey to God Based on the Wisdom of the Saints -  Dr. Ralph Martin

Broken Gods: Hope, Healing, and the Seven Longings of the Human Heart - Gregory K. Popcak

Discussion questions:    

1. What stood out to you from this week’s episode?
2. What are some ways you allow God and others to only meet you where you pretend to be rather than where you truly are?  
3. In the times you have been called out into the deep - what has been the difference between feeling like you are drowning in problems and feeling like you are floating in God’s love and mercy? 
4. What identity are you most looking forward to exploring the depths of this season - daughter, sister, mother, bride?

Journal Questions:

1. What is one area of your life where you feel the need to pretend in front of the Lord? What stands in the way of you trusting God’s love for you right where you are?
2. What are the deeper desires, aches, and longings beneath the areas of your life that you are managing well on your own? What fears or insecurities keep you from surrendering these desires to the Lord? 
3. Where have you already seen Christ fulfill deep desires and longings in your life? Remember and write down the ways the Lord has already moved and take courage for the next season.

Quotes to Ponder: “The feeling remains that God is on the journey, too.” - St. Teresa of Avila

Scripture for Lectio Divina -  “Deep calls to deep in the roar of your torrents, and all your waves and breakers sweep over me.” - Psalm 42:8

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In this episode, we continue our four part Advent series revisiting the women Doctors of the Church with a discussion on joy through the life of St. Thérèse of Lisieux. We discuss trust, simplicity and self surrender as the keys to experiencing the beauty of Christmas and the miracle of Christ’s birth. We share our own personal stories of God bringing radical transformation in our lives, doing things for us and in us that we could not do ourselves. We pray that this Advent you would be able to joyfully accept the gifts God desires to give to you.  For further listening, check out Restore the Beauty, a five part series on the women Doctors of the Church from Season 4 and be sure to subscribe to the Abiding Together Podcast on YouTube to watch our video podcasts!

Sister Miriam’s one thing - The National Shrine and Museum of Saint Thérèse - Darien, Illinois

Michelle’s one thing - Behold: The Luminous Mysteries Visio Divina Book 

Heather’s one thing - Forever, Amen - Steffany Gretzinger

Other Books Mentioned - The Story of a Soul: The Autobiography of St. Therese of Lisieux 

Discussion questions:    

1. What stood out to you from today’s episode? 
2. What kind of miracle are you desiring this Christmas season? What do you hope Jesus will transform into something new?
3. Where is God inviting you to greater self surrender this Advent? What situations/relationships is He inviting you to ask “How can I surrender it?” instead of asking “How can I fix it?”
4. How is Mary inviting you to embrace and accept your hiddenness, littleness and poverty this Advent?

Journal Questions:

1. Take some time to reflect on your own ‘Christmas miracles’. Ask the Lord to call to mind a time when He did something for you, that you could not do for yourself. 
2. Do you entrust your hiddenness and littleness to God like St. Therese? Why or why not?
3. Where have you over-complicated your spiritual life, vocation, and relationship with God? How can you reintroduce simplicity this Advent?

Quotes to Ponder: 

“Jesus, help me to simplify my life by learning what you want me to be and becoming that person.” - St. Therese

Scripture for Lectio Divina:

The spirit of the sovereign Lord is on me because the Lord has anointed me to proclaim good news to the poor. He has sent me to bind up the brokenhearted, to proclaim freedom for the captives and release from darkness for the prisoners. To proclaim the year of the Lord's favor and the day of vengeance of our God. To comfort all who mourn and provide for those who grieve in Zion. To bestow on them a crown of beauty, instead of ashes, the oil of joy instead of mourning, and a garment of praise, instead of a spirit of despair. They will be called oaks of righteousness, a planting of the Lord for the display of his splendor. - Isaiah 61:1-3

This episode is sponsored by Reform Wellness.

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In this week's episode, we continue our Lenten study on the book “A Time of Renewal” and focus on the theme of being in conversation with Jesus. We reflect on the importance of reserving space for dialogue with God, surrendering to Him our own plans and desires, and allowing Him to love us in our poverty. The process of dying to self is always accompanied with the hope in the promise of resurrection and new life that Jesus offers.  

Heather’s One Thing - In thanksgiving for Deacon Bob and Fr Dave Pivonka letting her use their studio to record this episode and for being asked to be a guest on their podcast called They That Hope.

Sister Miriam’s One Thing - The book How to Know a Person: The Art of Seeing Others Deeply and Being Deeply Seen by David Brooks

Michelle’s One Thing - Her household sisters at Francisan University

Journal Questions:

• Am I in conversation with God or in a monologue with myself?
• How can I create more space for dialogue with God?
• What Isaacs (idols) do I have?
• How do I self-sabotage in order to confirm my deepest fears?

Discussion Questions:

• What does it look like for you to be a new creation in Christ?
• Have you ever felt like God contradicts Himself? How did He resolve that apparent contradiction?
• What littleness in your life do you tend to hide and run away from? How can you be more open with the Lord in your littleness?
• What holds me back from entering into prayer honestly or making a confession regularly?

Quotes to Ponder:

“Then, a word about the Tabor Gospel. I was newly impressed by the fact that Moses and Elijah were in conversation with Jesus. Let us be occupied always in being in conversation with Jesus. We know the deepest conversations are the wordless ones. We love that simple and profound word of Pope Saint John Paul II, “Let Jesus be the one to whom you talk the most.””

(Mother Mary Francis P.C.C. A Time of Renewal. Kindle Edition. Page 76)

Scripture for Lectio: 

“Here am I, Lord!” (Genesis 22:1)

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If you know someone getting married or having a baby, CORDA also offers special bulk discounts for wedding favors, bridal showers, and baby showers! 

CORDA is a Catholic small business run by a husband-and-wife team, and they'd love to gift you a free tealight sampler with your next order of $35 or more - thar's 6 free mini candles! To receive your special gift, be sure to go to cordacandles.com/abiding and follow the steps on that page (good now through April 30, 2024).

How to Accompany Someone Through A Hard Season

In this episode we talk about how to journey with each other through hardships and offer the powerful gift of presence. Walking through suffering with each other is sacred ground, so we need to learn how to become a compassionate presence and honor the vulnerability in others, while also being vulnerable ourselves. We talk about how to discern what we are able to offer to others and how we need to ask the Holy Spirit how to respond instead of falling into codependency or taking on the problems of others.

Sister Miriam’s one thing - Surrender Prayer 

God, my Father, I thank you for all that you are, and all that you do for me through your son Jesus Christ. I praise you for my life, for your mercy and for your Eucharist. 

 In Jesus’ name, Father, I place myself entirely in your Heart. I surrender to you my whole self, my heart, my mind, my memory, my imagination, my will, my emotions, my passions, my desires, my body, my sexuality, my desire for human approval, my weaknesses, my sins.

 I surrender every person in my life to you. I surrender every situation in my life to you. I surrender every relationship I am in to you. I surrender every concern I have to you. I surrender every fear I have to you. I surrender every doubt I have to you. I surrender all confusion I have to you. I surrender all sadness I am experiencing in my heart to you. I surrender all my wounds to you. I surrender all anxiety and worry I have to you. I surrender all that deceives me in my heart to you. I trust you to care for me and others in a perfectly loving way.

As I have emptied myself, and surrendered everything to you, I ask you now, Father, to fill me with your Holy Spirit and all the gifts and fruits of your Spirit. Holy Spirit you are the source of love, hope, joy, peace, patience, goodness, gentleness, tenderness, faithfulness, humility, and self-control. Purify my desires. Help me to open my heart to you. Help me to become perfectly receptive as a pure child. Help me to believe in your love for me. Help me to hope in your love. Help me to receive from the Most Sacred Heart of Jesus all grace and virtues necessary for me to become the person you created me to be. I ask this in the Name of Jesus Christ, Your son, God Almighty Father.

O Most Holy Immaculate Virgin Mary. I entrust this prayer to your Heart, and ask you to press it to your sorrowful and immaculate heart and intercede for me to your Son Jesus. Please help me to be as you are, a loving disciple, an obedient servant, a true child of God. Amen.

Michelle’s one thing - A new St. Therese shirt design “I Choose All” and story card from Michelle’s Meaningful Market store. It comes out on St. Therese’s feast day October 1. Enjoy 15% off with code - ABIDE15

Heather’s one thing - Hannah Van Noort, Heidi Bouwman, and Lisa Marquis for their work behind the scenes at our men’s retreat.

Extra Resources

Evangelli Gaudium Section on Accompaniment #169-173

Discussion questions:    

1. What struck you from the podcast?
2. What does it look like to make space for each other?
3. What is the difference between loving someone well and becoming codependent?
4. Why is the gift of presence so healing and powerful?

Journal Questions:

1. Is there someone in your life that needs your heart and presence right now?
2. What is a hard place in your own life that you need the presence of someone close to you? How can you ask them for that?
3. Are there relationships where you are trying to be the savior instead of letting Jesus be Savior.

Quote to Ponder - “I am struck by how sharing our weakness and difficulties is more nourishing to others than sharing our qualities and successes.” - Jean Vanier

Scripture for Lectio Divina -  2 Corinthians 9-10 “but he said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for power is made perfect in weakness.” So, I will boast all the more gladly of my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ may dwell in me. Therefore I am content with weaknesses, insults, hardships, persecutions, and calamities for the sake of Christ; for whenever I am weak, then I am strong.”

This week, we have a very special episode that was recorded live from the FOCUS SEEK 2023 Conference in St. Louis! Here we discussed the importance of surrendering to God the tender and wounded places of our soul. Just as salt can flavor a dish from the inside out, so must we allow God’s abundant love to transform our hearts. Only once we do this, can we be a light to others. This transformation can sometimes be a painful process. Many times, when we see the struggle ahead, we can be tempted to turn away from the good. But friends, pain is part of the process, and it makes us love the outcome even more. As you listen to today’s episode, ask yourself, “if you just said yes to God, what would your light look like if you let it shine?”

Heather’s One Thing- Glass Canvas 

Sister Miriam’s One Thing - Michelle and Heather’s kids

Michelle’s One Thing - Everyone at the SEEK conference and all our listeners

Michelle’s Other One Thing - the FOCUS staff

Michelle’s Other Other One Thing - Pope Benedict XVI

Michelle’s Other Other Other One Thing - College Football (especially SEC University of Georgia)

Discussion Questions:

• What is the Lord calling you to in this season?
• How are you responding to the Lord’s calling in your life?
• How has Christ conquered you with Love? How is He conquering you with Love now?
• What do you think Jesus believes about you in your weaknesses?

Journal Questions:

• Where in my life am I choosing lukewarmness or mediocrity over abundant life?
• How do you experience your own weaknesses?
• What do you believe about yourself in your own weaknesses? 
• What do you think Jesus believes about you in your weaknesses?
• How do you experience other people’s weaknesses?

Quotes to Ponder:

“Each of you has a personal vocation which He has given you for your own joy and sanctity. When a person is conquered by the fire of His gaze, no sacrifice seems too great to follow Him and give Him the best of ourselves. This is what the saints have always done, spreading the light of the Lord ... and transforming the world into a welcoming home for everyone.” 

― Pope Benedict XVI

“Fear not; rise, He is calling you.” 

 ― Mark 10:49

“I have called you by name & you are mine.”

 ― Isaiah 43:1 

“God came into the world to reawaken the thirst for great things in us.”

― Pope Benedict XVI

“Holiness never goes out of fashion.”

― Pope Benedict XVI

Scripture for Lectio: 

“You are the salt of the earth. But if the salt loses its saltiness, how can it be made salty again? It is no longer good for anything except to be thrown out and trampled underfoot. You are the light of the world. A town built on a hill cannot be hidden. Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a bowl. Instead, they put it on its stand, and it gives light to everyone in the house. In the same way, let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven.” (Matthew 5:13-16)

Sponsor - Walking with Purpose:

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Merry Christmas, friends! In this episode, we conclude our four part Advent series on the book The Reed of God by Caryll Houselander. Today, we focus on part four and discuss the sections on Our Lady Seeking, Our Seeking, The Way, and The Assumption. We reflect on the beautiful reality that when Mary looks at us, she sees her Son and how we are also called to not only become aware of Christ’s presence within ourselves but also to seek His presence within those around us. In order to do this, we need to first prepare our hearts to fully accept Christ and we chat about the different ways we can become more receptive to His love. Thank you for journeying with us this Advent season. We look forward to seeing you on January 15th for the start of Season 14!

Heather’s One Thing - The moment when no one else is awake and getting to sit with a cup of coffee and enjoy the Christmas tree lights

Heather’s Other One Thing - The movie The Boy, the Mole, the Fox, and the Horse (watch the trailer here)

Heather’s Other Other One Thing - The Rescue Project especially Fr. John Ricardo’s videos on the Kerygma

Sister Miriam’s One Thing - Nourishing White Bean and Lemon Soup

Michelle’s One Thing - Charlie Brown Christmas Special

Journal Questions:

• How can I bring light into the darkness this Christmas season?
• How can I make a gift of myself this Christmas season?
• What painful memories or grief has surfaced for me this Christmas and Advent season? Where is God in those memories and grief?
• What is the most unsuspecting place where Christ wants to reveal Himself to me?

Discussion Questions:

• How were you present to the present moment this Advent?
• How were you not present to the present moment this Advent?
• In what ways are you tempted to block the Holy Spirit throughout the Advent and Christmas seasons?
• How has our Blessed Mother encountered you throughout this book study?
• What is the Holy Spirit prompting you to do this season to more freely receive the Holy Spirit?

Quote to Ponder:

“It was another Advent, a withdrawing and folding upon the Life within her life; but a withdrawing that did not separate her from other people but only brought her closer to them; for she had found her Christ in them all.” (Houselander, Caryll. The Reed of God, page 66)

Scripture for Lectio: 

"I will arise now and go about the city through the streets and squares. I will seek the one I love. So I sought him but did not find him."  (Song of Songs 3:2)

Sponsor - Walking with Purpose:

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Welcome to season 8! In this episode we talk about what the Lord has been teaching us over the summer and how we are invited to find our peace by fixing our eyes on Jesus and resting in the gaze of God. If we can look higher to find a kingdom perspective, we can find security in His Sovereignty. We talk about the deep realization that in all that has happened and has been taken away in 2020, there is no other answer, no other way forward, than Jesus Christ himself.

Sister Miriam’s one thing - Turn Your Eyes Upon Jesus - Lauren Daigle

Michelle’s one thing -  The Life of Elise Angelette: watch her Funeral Mass (homily starts around minute 46) or read more about her life 

Heather’s one thing - The One Minute Pause App

Book mentioned: Get Your Life Back - by John Eldridge 

Discussion questions:    

1. What struck you from the podcast?
2. What does it mean to “fix your eyes on God” every day? What areas have you done this in the last three months and what are areas you have found yourself searching for peace elsewhere?
3. Sr. Miriam described our spiritual poverty as the places where we are vulnerable and dependent on the Lord. Where have you experienced this kind of poverty in the last three months?

Journal Questions:

1. What has been your prayer to the Lord the last three months? What has been the Lord’s message to you in the last three months? 
2. What areas is the Lord inviting you to pray “Lord, do for me what I can’t do for myself.” ? Make a small act of surrender. Pray “Jesus, I surrender … please do for me what I cannot do for myself.”

Quote to Ponder - “Yesterday is gone. Tomorrow has not yet come. We have only today. Let us begin.” – Mother Teresa

Scripture for Lectio Divina - 2 Corinthians 4:16-18 “Therefore we do not lose heart. Though outwardly we are wasting away, yet inwardly we are being renewed day by day. For our light and momentary troubles are achieving for us an eternal glory that far outweighs them all. So we fix our eyes not on what is seen, but on what is unseen, since what is seen is temporary, but what is unseen is eternal.”

In this episode we talk about the second chapter of Pope Francis's "Evangelii Gaudium - The Joy of the Gospel". We discuss some of the challenges of today's world and of pastoral worker and how to not be a sour puss :)

One Thing We Love This Week:

• Michelle's one thing - VisualGrace.org
• Sr. Miriam's one thing - water with lemon
• Heather's one thing - gathering with other women

In this episode, we dive into part three of our six-part Lenten series on the book “This Present Paradise” by Claire Dwyer. We chat about the importance of silence in a noisy, distracting world and how God is always present to us. We discuss the truth that God knows us by name, that we are always before him, and that He desires to restore what the enemy has stolen. We also talk about St. Elizabeth’s motto of ‘God in me and I in him’ and reflect on our own life mottos. We pray you may live a presence driven life this Lent and we will continue our journey with St. Elizabeth next week!

Heather’s one thing - Soaking in His Presence (Instrumental Worship) - William Augusto

Michelle’s one thing - Anna from CORDA candles

Sister Miriam’s one thing - The Way of the Cross with the Carmelite Saints - Sr. Joseph Marie, CHT on Amazon or through the Carmelite Publishing Company ICS Publications

Other links mentioned in the episode:

Institute of Carmelite Resources for books about St. Elizabeth of the Trinity

You can also find more St. Elizabeth of the Trinity resources including a Carmelite Examen and a book list on our website at www.abidingtogetherpodcast.com/this-present-paradise.

Discussion questions:    

1. What struck you from this week’s episode?
2.  What practical ways can we practice silence in a noisy world full of distractions? How can we begin to cultivate silence and recollection in our lives this Lent?
3. Looking at your life and losses, where have you seen God be a redeemer, restorer and rescuer? Thinking of the last year, what is a situation or loss that you would like to pray for God’s redemption?
4. What is the motto of your life? 

Journal Questions:

1. Take some time to think about your life motto. Sister Miriam describes this as “an expressed summary of intimacy with God or how he sees us and how we see him.” How can you remind yourself of this each day?
2. Reflect on the past year and some of the big and small losses you have experienced. Pray with Psalm 18:19 and have a conversation with God about your desires for redemption and restoration. 
3. What is one area of woundedness you would like to invite Christ to come close to and kiss? Take a moment of prayer to allow Christ to do this.

Quote to Ponder: “God in me, I in him.” - St. Elizabeth of the Trinity

Scripture for Lectio Divina: “You have found favor in my sight, and I know you by name” - Exodus 33:17

Abiding Together Podcast 2021 Lenten Book Study Announcement: The Abiding Together Podcast is reading and discussing This Present Paradise by Claire Dwyer for Lent. You can find the reading plan, discussion questions, additional resources and where to buy your book at www.abidingtogetherpodcast.com/this-present-paradise. 

Join us for the 2021 National Catholic Women’s Conference on March 12-14, 2021. We will have a live session with the ladies of the Abiding Together Podcast on Saturday March 13 at 6:00 pm Eastern. You can register for free online here.

Word of the Year

In this episode we reveal and discuss our word of the year. A few years ago, we each began the practice of praying and listening for the Lord to give us one word to focus on for the new year. It’s an opportunity to dive in to what God is speaking in our individual lives and respond in intentional ways. 

Sister Miriam’s one thing - Love Come To Life - Melissa Helser & Molly Skaggs

Michelle’s one thing - Divine Romance - Phil Wickman, Jill Simons at Pink Salt Riot

Heather’s one thing - Every Sacred Sunday

Sponsor:

This episode is sponsored by Pink Salt Riot. Check out their jewelry, print pieces, gifts, and more! Order your own custom Word of the Year pieces to keep a personal reminder close to you every day. 

Definitely also check out the quarterly subscription box, The Joy Box, which is designed for sharing.

Abiding Together listeners get 10% off the whole shop (including quarterly subscriptions, excluding yearly subscriptions) with code: abidewithme

Discussion questions:    

1. What struck you from the podcast?
2. Did you have a Word of the Year this past year? How did it shape you and your relationship with God?
3. What is your Word of the Year for the upcoming year? If you don’t have one yet, how can you make time to talk to God about it this week?
4. How do you ask God to reveal your Word of the Year to you?
5. Which saints are choosing you this year?

Journal Questions:

1. Reflect and journal about this scripture: Isaiah 43:19. What does it speak to you personally? 
2. What “new thing” do you hear God calling you into this year?
3. What spiritual journey has been the Lord been taking you on through your past Words of the Year?

Quote to Ponder - “Yesterday is gone. Tomorrow has not yet come. We have only today. Let us begin.― Saint Mother Teresa

Scripture for Lectio Divina -  Isaiah 43:19: Behold, I am doing a new thing; now it springs forth, do you not perceive it? I will make a way in the wilderness and rivers in the desert.

In this week's episode, we reflect on suffering and love. We all have deep and tender places in our hearts where we suffer. Sometimes we feel alone in these sorrows and because of this, turn inwards into our pain. But the reality is, we are never alone in our suffering; God is always with us. We also reflect on fear in suffering, suffering in isolation vs suffering in communion, and how to allow God’s light to shine into these sorrowful places.

Heather’s One Thing - The Liturgy of the Hours subscription and Providential Co. (especially this Sacred Heart candle)

Sister Miriam’s One Thing - Magnificat (particularly a recent excerpt from Spe Salvi paragraphs 37-40)

Michelle’s One Thing -  “Home: A Blessed Conversations Study on the Virtues of Mary” from Blessed is She and all the women in her small group (use link or code MICHELLE10 for 10% off)

Announcement: Friends, we are excited to announce our 2024 Advent Study will be the book Encountering Emmanuel by Heather Khym!

Journal Questions:

• What suffering am I running from?
• Take some time to identify your current fears. How can you let these fears bring you into an encounter with Love Himself?
• Do I have a friend I can invite into my suffering? How can I be present to her suffering as well?
• How has Jesus transformed injury into compassion in my life?

Discussion Questions:

• Are you suffering in communion or in isolation?
• How can you suffer more like Jesus in this season?
• What habits in your spiritual toolbox protect your heart in moments of suffering and desolation?
• How can you love well when your heart is broken?

Scripture for Lectio: 

“For everything there is a season, and a time for every matter under heaven: a time to be born, and a time to die; a time to plant, and a time to pluck up what is planted; a time to kill, and a time to heal; a time to break down, and a time to build up; a time to weep, and a time to laugh; a time to mourn, and a time to dance; a time to throw away stones, and a time to gather stones together; a time to embrace, and a time to refrain from embracing; a time to seek, and a time to lose; a time to keep, and a time to throw away; a time to tear, and a time to sew; a time to keep silence, and a time to speak; a time to love, and a time to hate; a time for war, and a time for peace” (Ecclesiastes 3:1-8)

Sponsor - Laura-Anne:

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Timestamps:

00:00 - Laura-Anne

01:28 - Intro

02:20 - Welcome

06:57 - Scripture Verse and Guiding Quote

09:02 - Fear in Suffering

12:13 - Suffering in Communion

19:28 - Choosing to Love

27:41 - Transformation in Freedom

29:23 - Prayer

34:20 - Advent Study Announcement

36:13 - One Things

Today’s episode we dive into the life of St. Hildegard of Bingen, part 2 of our series on the women doctors of the Church. We talk about how amazing this woman was, her many talents and how she used the power of her voice and influence to help restore the Church. We also discuss places that we have lost our voice, the trap of self doubt, and letting God be strong in our weakness.

One Thing We Love This Week:

Sr. Miriam's One Thing - The Anonymous 4 album “The Origin of Fire”
https://www.amazon.com/Origin-Fire-Visions-Hildegard-Bingen/dp/B00B3SPEQI/ref=sr_1_20?ie=UTF8&qid=1540407535&sr=8-20&keywords=anonymous+4

Michelle's One Thing - The Ministry of Ordinary Places - Shannan Martin
https://www.amazon.com/Ministry-Ordinary-Places-Waking-Goodness-ebook/dp/B07BB665J5/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1540413147&sr=8-1&keywords=shannan+martin

Heather's One Thing - The song “New Wine” by Hillsong https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QbJaM_EneMw

Discussion Questions:

1. Have you ever believed the lie that its too late for certain dreams or callings to come to fruition in your life?

2. In what ways do you diminish who you are and fall into self doubt?

3. How can you open the door wider to the Holy Spirit to use your gifts, not just as your own talents, but to help build his Kingdom of love?

4. How can we cultivate friendships that we feel free to be vulnerable without judgement?

Journal Questions:

1. How has self doubt crippled you in your story?

2. What is Christ calling me to for a time such as this?

3. How can you begin to accept your weakness as an opportunity to draw close to God and receive His strength?

4. Where in my life do I answer to others opinions instead of my identity in God?

Quote to Ponder:

“We cannot live in a world that is not our own, in a world that is interpreted for us by others. An interpreted world is not a home. Part of the terror is to take back our own listening, to use our own voice, to see our own light.” - St. Hildegard of Bingen

Scripture for the week - Proverbs 15:2,4-5,7

The tongue of the wise makes knowledge acceptable, but the mouths of fools spout folly. A soothing tongue is a tree of life, but perversion in it crushes the spirit. A fool rejects his father’s discipline, but he who regards reproof is sensible. The lips of the wise spread knowledge, but the hearts of fools are not so.

Here's a worship playlist we created to go along with the Doctors Series. We pray it blesses you.
https://open.spotify.com/user/12184473750/playlist/6uqQ8RwDh4xkDP0IxB9O65?si=qOkfzpk8SduajrCESN-LfQ

To order the prayer/study journal accompaniment for the Doctor series head over to Meaningful Market Shop - https://meaningfulmarketshop.com/collections/doctors

Reading Recommendations:

Secrets of God

https://www.amazon.com/Secrets-God-Writings-Hildegard-Bingen-ebook/dp/B00HEN3IXW/ref=sr_1_12?ie=UTF8&qid=1540407704&sr=8-12&keywords=st+hildegard+of+bingen

Hildegard of Bingen-Doctor of the Church

https://www.amazon.com/Hildegard-Bingen-Doctor-Church-2013-01-02/dp/B01FIVV50O/ref=sr_1_6?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1540407917&sr=1-6&keywords=hildegard+of+bingen+doctor+of+the+church

In this episode, we discuss the importance of cultivating silence and solitude in a world full of distractions. Our Lord speaks to us in the still small voice of our hearts and we talk about how the goal of silence is ultimately communion with God. We also chat about the difference between solitude versus isolation, reasons why we may be afraid of silence, and provide practical ways to cultivate silence in our daily lives. Jesus is the rest our souls yearn for and it is in the quiet where we meet Him most deeply.

Heather’s One Thing - International Justice Mission -  IJM’s mission is to protect people in poverty from violence by rescuing victims, bringing criminals to justice, restoring survivors to safety and strength, and helping local law enforcement build a safe future that lasts.

Sister Miriam’s One Thing -  The Greatest Philosopher Who Ever Lived by Dr. Peter Kreeft

Michelle’s One Thing - Poco a Poco Podcast

Announcement:

We are so excited to announce our Advent book study will be:

 The Reed of God by Caryll Houselander

You can find it on Amazon, Ave Maria Press, and Kindle (for just $1.99!). Your local Catholic bookstore may also carry the book!

Click here to subscribe to the study on our website and be the first to receive updates!

Journal Questions:

• What are the sources of interior and exterior noise in my life?
• What forms of silence is God inviting me to?
• Have I ever been wounded by silence? Have I ever been healed by silence?
• Do I approach silence with fear or trust?

Discussion Questions:

• What is real solitude?
• What scares you most about silence?
• Who in your life practices silence excellently? What can you learn from her/him?
• What needs do you need to meet before you can enter into silence (childcare, rest, food, movement)?

Quote to Ponder:

“Without solitude, it is virtually impossible to live a spiritual life.... We do not take the spiritual life seriously if we do not set aside some time to be with God and listen to him.” (Henri Nouwen) 

Scripture for Lectio: 

He said, “Go out and stand on the mountain before the Lord, for the Lord is about to pass by.” Now there was a great wind, so strong that it was splitting mountains and breaking rocks in pieces before the Lord, but the Lord was not in the wind; and after the wind an earthquake, but the Lord was not in the earthquake; and after the earthquake a fire, but the Lord was not in the fire; and after the fire a sound of sheer silence. When Elijah heard it, he wrapped his face in his mantle and went out and stood at the entrance of the cave. (1 KIings 19:11-13)

Sponsor - Saintly Heart and Brother Francis

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Introduce children to the beauty of our faith while they are developing key cognitive, physical, and language skills with prayerfully and intentionally designed toys at www.saintlyheart.com and www.BrotherFrancis.com and use code TOGETHER  for 15% off

In this week's episode, we reflect on the themes of resurrection, grief, and hope in Pope Francis’ Easter Vigil homily. We chat about the sadness of unfulfilled dreams and the tender places in our hearts where we are afraid to hope and want to stay in the tomb. We also talk about the anxieties and worries that can come with trying to figure things out on our own and the importance of surrendering our plans to God. Just like Christ, we are called to walk through the sufferings of this life with Him into the Resurrection.

Heather’s One Thing -  Her Easter playlist

Heather’s Other One Thing - The book Becoming Wife: Saying Yes to More than the Dress by Rachel Bulman (or on Amazon here)

Sister Miriam’s On Thing - The book Beloved Daughter by Carrie Daunt 

Michelle’s One Thing - The book Befriending Your Inner Child: A Catholic Approach to Healing and Wholeness by Brya Hanan (or on Amazon here)

Other Resources Mentioned: 

The Restore the Glory Podcast series on Parts Work (Parts Work (Part 1) w/ Gerry Crete; Parts Work (Part 2) w/ Brya Hanan; Parts Work (Part 3) w/ Bishop Andrew Miller)

Journal Questions:

• What hopes have been dashed by the sorrowful mysteries of my life?
• Where are the places that I am afraid to hope?
• Do I believe my dreams are doomed to fail?
• What anxieties in my heart are preventing me from hoping?

Discussion Questions:

• How are you still living in winter during the spring of Easter?
• Do you know how to practice Resurrection?
• In what ways do you believe your dreams rely on you for their fulfillment?
• How do you intellectualize or explain away your dreams?

Quote to Ponder:

“Yet the same women who bore this darkness in their hearts tell us something quite extraordinary. When they looked up, they saw that the stone, which was very large, had already been rolled back. This is the Pasch of Christ, the revelation of God’s power: the victory of life over death, the triumph of light over darkness, the rebirth of hope amid the ruins of failure. It is the Lord, the God of the impossible, who rolled away the stone forever. Even now, he opens our hearts, so that hope may be born ever anew. We too, then, should “look up” to him.” (Pope Francis, Easter Vigil Homily)

Scripture for Lectio: 

“When they looked up, they saw that the stone, which was very large, had already been rolled back.” (Mark 16:4)

Sponsor - Farm of the Child:

Farm of the Child is a Catholic children's home, school and clinic in Trujillo, Honduras where children receive healing care from a team of Honduran staff, Franciscan sisters, and international missionaries. Each year, the Farm of the Child attracts dedicated missionaries who make a 2 year commitment of service. Missionaries come from all different walks of life in order to serve in a variety of functions such as teaching, nursing, project management and community outreach. After spending 6 weeks in Antigua, Guatemala learning Spanish, missionaries travel to the children’s home where they live together and are guided by the four pillars of community, spirituality, simplicity and service.  Short term immersion trips, remote and summer service opportunities are also available. 

If you think you might be called to serve in the capacity of an international missionary, email missions@farmofthechild.org. Want to learn more about how to get involved in the mission in the US? Check out farmofthechild.org and sign up for our monthly newsletter here: https://www.farmofthechild.org/contact-us

In this episode, we continue with part five of our Lenten book study Be Transformed by Dr. Bob Schuchts. We discuss how Reconciliation heals the wound of shame. We chat about how we all have wounds that make us feel unlovable and send us into isolation, which opens the door for the enemy to attack us with doubts and lies about these tender places. When we go to Confession, these places are brought out of shame, into the light, and restored to the truth that we are deeply and tenderly loved by God. This Lent, we encourage you to allow God’s mercy to restore you in the sacrament of confession. 

Heather’s One Thing - Jordan Peterson

Heather’s Other One Thing - The song Communion by Maverick City (feat. Steffany Gretzinger & Brandon Lake)

Sister Miriam’s One Thing - Springtime! Yay!

Michelle’s One Thing - Holy Grit - Paul George (you can find on Amazon here)

Discussion Questions:

• How have you experienced healing in the Sacrament of Reconciliation?
• How do you hide in your shame and sinfulness?
• In what ways do you desire to more deeply experience the power of the sacrament?

Journal Questions:

• In what ways am I hiding my sinfulness when I confess my sins?
• Where do I experience shame that the Lord is inviting me to bring to Him for healing?
• Have I been hurt by the brokenness of priests in the Sacrament of Reconciliation? What does Jesus say to me in that wound?
• When was the last time I made a good confession?

Quotes to Ponder:

The sacrament of Reconciliation is one of the Church’s primary means of communicating this incredible and completely underserved gift of God’s compassion and forgiveness. Through the sacrament, the Holy Spirit is capable of reaching the deepest areas of our heart that keep us in degradation and separation. - Be Transformed, pg 123

“The whole power of the sacrament of Penance [Reconciliation] consists in restoring us to God’s grace and joining us with him in an intimate friendship” (CCC, 1468). As such it heals the wounds of shame (dis-grace) and restores us to our true identity in Christ, as pure and undefiled children of the Father (see 1 Jn 3:1–3). - Be Transformed, pg 123 

Scripture for Lectio: 

“Neither do I condemn you. Go, and from now on, do not sin anymore.” John 8:11

Sponsor - House of Joppa:

This week’s episode is sponsored by House of Joppa.  If you are looking for beautifully curated Catholic home décor, jewelry, art, rosaries, and other gifts, look no further than House of Joppa.  Each product is designed to draw you deeper into your faith and help you to fall more in love with Christ and His Church. Whether you are looking for something for yourself or a special gift for a friend, you will love House of Joppa.  My favorite products are their Vintage Sacred Heart Medallion which opens to reveal a place for prayer intentions, and their Last Supper print is so unique.

Abiding Together listeners receive 15% off their purchase at checkout with discount code: ABIDE15.  Visit them online at https://www.houseofjoppa.com or on Instagram @houseofjoppa.