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 this episode, we complete part 3 of our series on the Person of Jesus revealed in Scripture and what it means to personally know Jesus as the Way, the Truth and the Life. We chat about how relevant this is for us right now as we struggle to see a way forward in the craziness of the world and struggle to know what the truth really is amidst the enemy’s lies. We discuss how living the Paschal Mystery over and over is the Way to experience new life. Jesus invites us to an abundant life: the life that longs to be lived in us. It is not a riddle to be solved, but an invitation to stay with Him.

Heather’s one thing - I Believe - Damascus Worship. You can also find out more about the mission of Damascus and their missionary school online here. 

Michelle’s one thing - Something Has To Break - Kierra Sheard and Tasha Cobbs Leonard 

Michelle’s other one thing - The Advent Prayer Cards on sale now! 

Sister Miriam’s one thing - The Best Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Cookies

Discussion questions:    

1. What struck you from this week’s episode?
2. How have the themes of trust and dependence in this season of life prepared you to receive Jesus, the Way, the Truth, and the Life?
3. What has been your personal experience of Jesus creating a way where you felt like there was no way? Is there a place that you need Him to make a way right now?
4. Jesus is not playing hide and seek with us, he desires us to know the way. How is Jesus inviting you to stay close to him in order to experience Him as the way, truth and life for you personally?

Journal Questions:

1. What is a situation in your life where you feel like there is no way forward? Take a moment to pray the words “Jesus you are the way.”
2. The way Jesus shows us in scripture is the Paschal Mystery - the cycle of suffering, dying and rising again. How is Jesus inviting you further up and further in to living the Paschal Mystery in this season of your life? 
3. Is the life you are living, the life that longs to be lived in you? 
4. How have you made agreements with lies or false beliefs about who you are? Take a moment and invite Jesus the Truth into those areas and ask him to speak truth. 

Quote to Ponder - “If, then, you are looking for the way by which you should go, take Christ, because he himself is the way: This is the way; walk in it. If you are looking for a goal, hold fast to Christ, because he himself is the truth, where we desire to be. My mouth shall reflect on the truth. If you are looking for a resting place, hold fast to Christ, because he himself is the life. Whoever finds me finds life, and receives salvation from the Lord.” - St Thomas Aquinas

Scripture for Lectio Divina -  John 14:5-6 “Thomas said to him, “Lord, we do not know where you are going. How can we know the way?” Jesus said to him, “I am the way, and the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.”

Other Scripture to Pray With - 

• Isaiah 30:21
• John 8:31-32
• Isaiah 43:16
• Exodus 15:1-22

This episode is sponsored by The Little Catholic.  

The Little Catholic empowers women through hand-crafted, meaningful pieces that cultivate deeper faith and evangelization through beauty. Our impact extends beyond jewelry and empowering women. We also empower and partner with non-profits around the globe, designing beautiful pieces unique to their cause and donating a portion of all proceeds back to their mission. Giving back is one of our fundamental values.

In this episode, we continue with part 2 in our series on the Person of Jesus as revealed in Scripture. We break open one of our favorite topics: abiding in the vine. We talk about the freedom that comes from dependence on Jesus and the patience required to allow fruit to mature. When we can let down our defenses of self-protection and allow ourselves to be crushed as grapes, God can transform us into a new wine that is good and sweet, even if it hurts. Jesus is inviting us into a maturation process, a continual surrender that will ultimately bear good fruit, fruit that lasts, for the kingdom. 

Heather’s one thing - They That Hope Podcast - Fr. Dave Pivonka and Dr. Bob Rice

Michelle’s one thing - Know You - Koryn Hawthorne featuring Steffany Gretzinger

Michelle’s other one thing - How Great - Koryn Hawthorne 

Sister Miriam’s one thing - Life Model: Living from the Heart Jesus Gave you - James Friesen

Discussion questions:    

1. What struck you from this week’s episode?
2. Read John 15 together. What word or phrase speaks to you on how God desires for you to abide in and be dependent on him
3. Heather shared about times that she felt like she had to be the vine- the life source, the provider, and security, for her branches- her people, family, and community. Have you ever felt like you had to be the vine? How have you experienced the freedom of dependence by surrendering these people and circumstances back to the Lord?
4. Michelle reminded us ‘new wine isn’t quick.’ What is one fruit in your life that has required time and patience to fully mature? What is one area that you are still waiting for maturation?

Journal Questions:

1. What is an area you may be resisting the crushing or where you are settling for ‘old stale grape juice’ when God is  wanting to create new wine out of you?
2. Reflect on how you have seen fruitfulness when allowing God to crush you and create something good and sweet.
3. Take some time to reflect on the questions posed by Michelle and Heather: Is my heart growing colder or warmer towards others? Am I moody or constantly in a bad mood? Do I get fixated on offenses or I'm willing to overlook most? Are the fruits of the Holy Spirit active and visible in my life?
4. We never know when change is around the corner, when breakthrough is about to happen, when the promise is about to come to fruition. Where is God inviting you to lean into the vine and trust in his promise?

Quote to Ponder - “To be living branches in the vineyard of the Church means above all to be in living communion with Christ the vine. The branches are not self-sufficient; they are totally dependent on the vine. In the vine is the source of their life.”- JPII

Scripture for Lectio Divina -  John 15:5  “I am the vine; you are the branches. If you remain in me and I in you, you will bear much fruit; apart from me you can do nothing.

Other Scripture to Pray With - 

• Galatians 4:4
• Galatians 5:22 
• John 15: 1-17

This episode is sponsored by The Little Catholic.  

The Little Catholic empowers women through hand-crafted, meaningful pieces that cultivate deeper faith and evangelization through beauty. Our impact extends beyond jewelry and empowering women. We also empower and partner with non-profits around the globe, designing beautiful pieces unique to their cause and donating a portion of all proceeds back to their mission. Giving back is one of our fundamental values.

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.

In this episode we chat with Dr. Andrew Swafford, associate professor of theology at Benedictine College. We talk about encountering the Person of Jesus in scripture and the power of connecting the head and the heart. We also discuss the beauty of Scripture, how to connect the dots between the old and the new, and how Scripture is always relevant to every time and culture.

Dr. Andrew Swafford’s one thing - his wife, Sarah

Dr. Andrew Swafford’s other one thing - The Glories of Divine Gracie - Fr. Matthias Scheeben

Heather’s one thing - Victory - Jay and Jo

Michelle’s one thing - The Impact of God - Fr. Iain Matthew

Michelle’s other one thing - Fr. Mark Mary and Fr. Innocent CFR and their visit to Pensacola

Sister Miriam’s one thing - Butternut Squash and all Fall recipes 

Books Mentioned -  All the titles mentioned by Dr. Swafford can be found online here.  

Here are the three recommendations to get your started:

1. Mystery of the Kingdom - Dr. Edward Sri
2. God with us - Dr. Edward Sri
3. A Father Who Keeps His Promises - Scott Hahn

You can also receive 20% off any studies in the Hebrews collection by Dr. Andrew Swafford through Ascension Press with the code Abide20. Check out all Hebrews has to offer! 

Discussion questions:    

1. What struck you from this week’s episode?
2. What has been your experience with the Holy Scriptures? Did you grow up reading the Bible often, have you just recently discovered the living Word of God or are you still not sure where to begin?
3. Dr. Swafford mentioned the threat of Catholic Deism - where faith becomes about an idea and not about a person. How have the scriptures fostered your relationship with the person of Jesus?
4. Dr. Swafford said “theology is really about intellectual discipleship.” How do/can your bible studies, discussion groups and personal study create disciples around you? 

Journal Questions:

1. Dr. Swafford’s journey began with an intentional mentorship from Dr. Sri. Pray about who God is inviting you to intentionally disciple and what would that look like.
2. Dr. Swafford encouraged us to start small. What’s one small daily scripture exercise you can commit to this week?
3. Take some time to reflect on your favorite scripture verse or one that has impacted your life. Ask the Holy Spirit how God wants to speak this word over your life in a new way. 

Quote to Ponder - “Learn the Heart of God from the Word of God.” - Pope St. Gregory 

Scripture for Lectio Divina - Joshua 1:8 “This book of the law shall not depart out of your mouth; you shall meditate on it day and night, so that you may be careful to act in accordance with all that is written in it. For then you shall make your way prosperous, and then you shall be successful.” 

The Power of Poverty & The Beauty of Mercy - Part 2

In this episode we continue with Part 2 of our interview with Fr Mark-Mary CFR. We discuss the invitation to encounter the presence of Jesus in the poor, our fears that can get in the way, and living the corporal works of mercy with those who are among us. 

Fr. Mark Mary’s one thing - All the lovely women in his life and their amazing feminine genius, most especially Michelle Benzinger

Sister Miriam’s one thing - Cause of our Joy - Mother Mary Francis, P.C.C 

Michelle’s one thing - The friendship of Heather, Sister Miriam, and Fr. Mark Mary

Heather’s one thing - Canadian Thanksgiving, eh? 

Heather’s other one thing -  Maverick City, Vol. 3 Pt. 2- Maverick City Music 

Discussion questions:    

1. What struck you from this week’s episode?
2. What are some fears or hesitancies that have kept you from encountering Jesus in the poor?
3. In Matthew 25, Jesus invites us to feed the hungry, clothe the naked and welcome the stranger. Where do the opportunities to respond to this call already exist in your everyday life? How did this episode change the way you look at your response to Mathew 25?
4. Jesus asked St. Francis to rebuild his church and Fr. Mark Mary invited us to rebuild the church through prayer. How can we continue becoming a people of prayer who allow the Holy Spirit to operate in and through us?

Journal Questions:

1. In Matthew 26, Jesus said, “the poor you will always have with you.” Who are the poor among you? If no one comes to mind initially, pray for the Holy Spirit to open your eyes to see those who are in material need and those are unloved, unwanted or unnoticed. 
2. Fr. Benedict often said the poor are the eighth sacrament - reflect on how you have received the grace of God in seeing, knowing and serving the materially and spiritually poor among you.
3. What is the grace you need most to respond to Jesus’s invitation and live out the corporal works of mercy in your everyday life?

Quote to Ponder - “We think sometimes that poverty is only being hungry, naked and homeless. The poverty of being unwanted, unloved and uncared for is the greatest poverty. We must start in our own homes to remedy this kind of poverty.” - Mother Teresa

Scripture for Lectio Divina - Matthew 25: 31-46 “When the Son of Man comes in his glory, and all the angels with him, he will sit upon his glorious throne, and all the nations will be assembled before him. And he will separate them one from another, as a shepherd separates the sheep from the goats. He will place the sheep on his right and the goats on his left. Then the king will say to those on his right, ‘Come, you who are blessed by my Father. Inherit the kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world. For I was hungry and you gave me food, I was thirsty and you gave me drink, a stranger and you welcomed me, naked and you clothed me, ill and you cared for me, in prison and you visited me.’ Then the righteous will answer him and say, ‘Lord, when did we see you hungry and feed you, or thirsty and give you drink? When did we see you a stranger and welcome you, or naked and clothe you? When did we see you ill or in prison, and visit you?’ And the king will say to them in reply, ‘Amen, I say to you, whatever you did for one of these least brothers of mine, you did for me.’ Then he will say to those on his left, ‘Depart from me, you accursed, into the eternal fire prepared for the devil and his angels. For I was hungry and you gave me no food, I was thirsty and you gave me no drink, a stranger and you gave me no welcome, naked and you gave me no clothing, ill and in prison, and you did not care for me.’ Then they will answer and say, ‘Lord, when did we see you hungry or thirsty or a stranger or naked or ill or in prison, and not minister to your needs?’ He will answer them, ‘Amen, I say to you, what you did not do for one of these least ones, you did not do for me.’ And these will go off to eternal punishment, but the righteous to eternal life.’”

In this episode we begin a two part podcast with our friend Fr. Mark-Mary of the Franciscan Friars of the Renewal (CFR)! In part 1, Fr. Mark-Mary shares his journey from growing up in a wealthy family to joining the CFR’s and taking a vow of radical poverty. He talks about his love for the sacrament of confession and shares how spiritual poverty makes room for God to be a Father to us and show us His love and providence. We often spend so much energy hiding our weakness, but freedom is to be found when we allow God and others to love us in our littleness.

Fr. Mark Mary’s one thing - Be mindful of the poor - Galatians 2:10

Sister Miriam’s one thing - Today If You Hear Him - Taylor Leonhardt

Michelle’s one thing - The Saint Story Cards of Mother Teresa, St. John Paul II, St. Therese of Lisieux, and St. Francis of Assisi created by Greenhouse Collective, The Franciscan Friars of the Renewal and Our Sunday Visitor

Heather’s one thing - The Dumpster Fire and the Garden - Brad Montague

Heather’s other one thing - Blessed Carlo Acutis 

Discussion questions:    

1. What struck you from this week’s episode?
2. What is one specific moment in your life that you have experienced God’s providence by being open to receive?
3. Where is God inviting you to make space in your life in order to make room for Him to Father you and show His providence?
4. Share a time when you have been loved in your weakness? How did that impact you?

Journal Questions:

1. How have you made your poverty about you, rather than about God’s providence?
2. How is God inviting you to accept spiritual poverty and seek material simplicity? How would you be more free if you said this yes?

Quote to Ponder - “A saint is someone who, fascinated by the beauty of God, gives up everything, even himself, and enters into the great movement of return to the Father that was initiated by Christ. We are all called to it.” - Cardinal Sarah 

Scripture for Lectio Divina - Matthew 6: 25-33 “Therefore I tell you, do not worry about your life, what you will eat or drink, or about your body, what you will wear. Is not life more than food and the body more than clothing? Look at the birds in the sky; they do not sow or reap, they gather nothing into barns, yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are not you more important than they? Can any of you by worrying add a single moment to your life-span? Why are you anxious about clothes? Learn from the way the wildflowers grow. They do not work or spin. But I tell you that not even Solomon in all his splendor was clothed like one of them. If God so clothes the grass of the field, which grows today and is thrown into the oven tomorrow, will he not much more provide for you, O you of little faith? So do not worry and say, ‘What are we to eat?’ or ‘What are we to drink?’ or ‘What are we to wear?’ All these things the pagans seek. Your heavenly Father knows that you need them all. But seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be given you besides.”

In this episode we talk about the importance of growing in self awareness and understanding our temperament and personality traits. We chat about how understanding the temperament God has given to us can help us see our tendencies, areas we need to grow, and how to embrace those who are different from us. We also talk about the pitfalls in personality tests that turn into excuses for bad behavior or labels that don't allow for grace and the power of God to change us and restore our brokenness.

Sister Miriam’s one thing - Sister Miriam’s Green Drink: Combine any quantity of kale, spinach, celery, cucumber, carrots, sliced apple or pear and ice in a blender. Add 1 scoop chia seeds and/or superfood powder if you want. Blend until smooth and enjoy!

Michelle’s one thing - Take the World by JOHNNYSWIM

Heather’s one thing - Heather's Greek Pasta Salad Recipe

Books Mentioned:

The Temperament God Gave You by Art Bennett, Laraine Bennett 

The Temperament God Gave your Kids by Art Bennett 

The Temperament God gave your Spouse by Loraine Bennett 

Basic Temperament Definitions: Discover your temperament with this online test. 

Choleric: You are a natural leader and energetic go-getter, the classic "type A" personality. You are usually extraverted, which means that your energy is focused externally, actively, and socially. You are a "can do" person, energetic, determined and confident.

Phlegmatic: You are calm, easy-going, and good-natured. To the ancient Greeks, phlegmatic were like water: calm, cool, going with the flow. You are dependable, polite, and even-tempered. You feel more comfortable in a small group of friends or even spending a quiet evening relaxing at home.

Melancholic: Yours is a thoughtful, sensitive, artistic temperament, with noble aspirations. You are very likely artistic, romantic, and attentive to detail. Quiet and introverted (except with very close friends and family) you will need to recharge your batteries by spending time alone. 

Sanguine: You are friendly, fun-loving, and optimistic--always up for something new and exciting. You love a spur-of-the-moment adventure and being spontaneous.Sanguines are the most extraverted of all the temperaments: active, inquisitive, and energized by being with people.

Discussion questions:    

1. What struck you from this week’s episode?
2. After reading the basic definitions, which temperament resonates most with you? How can you see your own temperament as a gift and a blessing? 
3. In the podcast we talked about how we can’t use our temperament/personality as an excuse for poor behavior. What is one way that you need the grace of God to overcome a negative tendency you have?
4. After reading the basic definitions, which temperament would describe your spouse, roommate or child? How can you see their temperament as a gift and a blessing? 
5. How can we better honor those who are different than us? 

Journal Questions:

1. What would you like to thank God for when it comes to how he made you and your temperament? 
2. Who has God given you that is different and complementary to you? Think of the blessing of your children, coworkers, roommates, and friends. How can you honor the differences these individuals bring to your life? 
3. Are there any patterns of behavior or thought in your life that you have been told are part of your temperament, but may be a result of woundedness? Ask the Lord to help reveal these places and then surrender them to Jesus. 

Quote to Ponder - “Self-knowledge is so important that, even if you were raised right up to the heavens, I should like you never to relax your cultivation of it.” - St Teresa of Avila

Scripture for Lectio Divina - Luke 6:43-45 “No good tree bears bad fruit, nor again does a bad tree bear good fruit; for each tree is known by its own fruit. Figs are not gathered from thorns, nor are grapes picked from a bramble bush. The good person out of the good treasure of the heart produces good, and the evil person out of evil treasure produces evil; for it is out of the abundance of the heart that the mouth speaks.” 

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 thoughtfully designed to invite you to say yes to God, one Sunday at a time. Get $5 off your next purchase with the code abide5.

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. 

CORDA brings the light of the saints to the domestic church. Each handcrafted candle has a custom scent directly inspired by saints and the faith, such as Our Lady, Bl. Pier Giorgio Frassati, St.Therese, and Night Prayer. And they’re made with an all-natural coconut wax blend, which is cleaner and burns longer than soy wax.  

Explore all the scents at www.cordacandles.com and receive 10% off with promo code ABIDE10. 

In this episode we talk about how we are finding the Lord and clinging to Him in a time that is uncertain and wrought with suffering and isolation. We discuss how these times of difficulty expose how strong our root systems are and the difference between isolation vs solitude . We also chat about the importance of learning to lament and offer our sorrow to God instead of shutting it down or wallowing in self pity. The invitation is for us to build our foundation on our unshakeable God.

Sister Miriam’s one thing - Heather’s new backyard pool! 

Michelle’s one thing - Mary's Mantle Consecration by Christine Watkins

Michelle’s other one thing - Marian Consecration for Families with Young Children by Colleen Pressprich and illustrated by Rebecca Gorzynska

Heather’s one thing - I Surrender - Hillsong and Lauren Daigle 

Discussion questions:    

1. What struck you from the podcast?
2. What are you lamenting right now? And if you're not lamenting, is it something you feel free to do? Why or why not?
3. We are the church. What do you wish you saw or experienced in the Church right now and how can you be, do, and make real those attributes?
4. Pope Benedict says “the one who hopes, lives differently.” How do our lives look different because of  our knowing hope? 

Journal Questions:

1. Where have you placed your hope in something other than Jesus? 
2. Heather spoke of those watching you and modeling their responses after you - how would you allow a loved one to lament hard things and can you allow yourself the same grace to lament?
3. What is bringing you the greatest hope in this season?

Quote to Ponder - “The cross means there is no shipwreck without hope; there is no dark without dawn; nor storm without haven.”  Pope John Paul II 

Scripture for Lectio Divina - Psalm 62:1-2 “My soul finds rest in God alone; my salvation comes from him. He alone is my rock and my salvation; he is my fortress, I will never be shaken.”

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.”

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"

Spiritual Fatherhood (with Fr. Dave Pivonka)

In this episode we interview our dear friend Fr. Dave Pivonka, creator of the Wild Goose Series and President of Franciscan University of Steubenville. We discuss the importance of spiritual fathers, our need for restoration of the image and experience of fatherhood, and a deepening in our understanding of God as Father. We also discuss the characteristics of a good spiritual father.

Sister Miriam’s one thing - Black bean and roasted vegetable salad

You can add:

Quinoa

Fresh lime juice instead of the suggested lemon juice dressing

Cumin/Chili power or taco seasoning 

Fresh diced jalapeño 

All yummy things! 

Enjoy! 

Michelle’s one thing - My front porch!

Heather’s one thing - Zach and Abby Vestnys on Instagram and Youtube, and an app with deliverance prayers from the St. Michael Center for Spiritual Renewal (Apple) (Google)

Father Dave’s one thing - Baseball. Bring baseball back!!

Discussion questions:    

1. What struck you from the podcast?
2. What does the word “Father” mean to you?
3. Who are some of the faces in the mosaic of fatherhood in your life?
4. Share a time that your dad, a priest, or another figure in your life fathered you well!

Journal Questions:

1. Reflect and journal about this scripture: Galatians 4:6-7. What does it speak to you personally?
2. How has the face of God been disfigured for you by earthly fathers? How is the Lord trying to restore your image of him?
3. How comfortable are you with opening up to the Fatherhood of God?
4. How can you grow in becoming a son or daughter of the Father?

Quote to Ponder - “God chooses ordinary men for fatherhood to accomplish His extraordinary plan.” - G.K. Chesterton

“The language of faith thus draws on the human experience of parents, who are in a way the first representatives of God for man. But this experience also tells us that human parents are fallible and can disfigure the face of fatherhood and motherhood. We ought therefore to recall that God transcends the human distinction between the sexes. He is neither man nor woman: he is God. He also transcends human fatherhood and motherhood, although he is their origin and standard: no one is father as God is Father.” - CCC 239

Scripture for Lectio Divina - Galatians 4:6-7 And because you are sons, God has sent the Spirit of his Son into our hearts, crying, “Abba! Father!” So through God you are no longer a slave but a son, and if a son then an heir.”

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 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 the School of the Holy Spirit Part 1: Introduction and Chapter One

In this episode we begin our 3 week book study on In the School of the Holy Spirit by Fr. Jacques Philippe. We talk about how holiness is not something to be gained by human effort, rather it is a complete surrender to the work of the Holy Spirit in us. We also discuss how we should seek to love God with our whole heart because He is good, not because of what we want Him to give us in return. 

Sister Miriam’s one thing - good old-fashioned thunderstorms!

Michelle’s one thing - a Father’s Day gift guide (see below!), mainly the new Bible from Word on Fire: the beauty, the commentary, the art!

Heather’s one thing - The show This Is Us, and musician Sarah Kroger.

Additional Resources

Michelle’s Father's Day Gift Guide 

Books for Dad:

• Lift Up Your Heart: A 10-Day Personal Retreat with St. Francis de Sales by Father John Burns 
• Consecration to St. Joseph: The Wonders of Our Spiritual Father (paperback) by Fr Donald Calloway
• The Word on Fire Bible (releases June 15) - Click here for more information

Gifts for Fathers and Spiritual Fathers - Please take 15% off your purchase from the Greenhouse Collective Shop with discount code: Abide15

Book Study

Join this Summer Book Study! We’re spending the next few episodes 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 will begin today and 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. What excites you about learning to live in the School of the Holy Spirit?
3. How have you approached holiness? Have you seen it as something to be achieved or received as a gift?
4. Where do you feel the tension between Kingdom living and the messages of the world?
5. Who has been an example to you of what it looks like to live in the school of the Holy Spirit?

Journal Questions:

1. Reflect and journal about this scripture: Luke 6:38. What does it speak to you personally?
2. Where do you feel you are in your desire for the Holy Spirit: do you “want it”, or do you “want to want it”?
3. Spend some time asking the Lord how you can love Him more purely and to hear what he says to you.
4. Where can you take the next step toward openness and surrender to the Holy Spirit?

Quote to Ponder - God is very generous and does not refuse His grace to anyone. He gives even more than we ask for. The shortest road is faithfulness to the inspirations of the Holy Spirit. - St. Faustina’s Diary 

Scripture for Lectio Divina - Luke 6:38 
“Give, and it will be given to you. A good measure, pressed down, shaken together, running over, will be put into your lap; for the measure you give will be the measure you get back.”

The Fruit of the Holy Spirit

In this episode we prepare for Pentecost by discussing the importance of the fruits of the Holy Spirit being manifest in our life. A life in the Spirit must go beyond an experience of spiritual consolation and move to an openness to the refiner’s fire that will burn away all that is not holy. God promised that He would always be with us and sent the Holy Spirit to be our counselor, advocate, and life giver. We are invited to open wide the doors to the Holy Spirit in a new way this Pentecost.

Sister Miriam’s one thing - the song Better than a Hallelujah by Amy Grant

Michelle’s one thing - Fr. Josh Johnson’s podcast on the Rosary and racial reconciliation.

Heather’s one thing - the show Songland

Additional Resources:
Michelle’s booklist on racial reconciliation

Join our Summer Book Study! We’re spending June with In the School of the Holy Spirit by Fr. Jacques Philippe! Get your copy today and follow along with us. (Amazon US) (Amazon Canada) (Amazon UK)

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. How would you describe your relationship with Holy Spirit?
3. Where have you felt yourself be “reawakened” lately? Where do you desire an awakening?
4. Where have you seen God bring light out of darkness?
5. What makes it harder or easier to hear the whisper of the Holy Spirit?

Journal Questions:

1. Reflect and journal about this scripture: Galatians 5:22-23. What does it speak to you personally?
2. Where do you need to invite the Holy Spirit into a specific situation in your life??
3. Consider the Refiner’s Fire. Where is the Holy Spirit trying to burn away what is not holy in your life? How are you responding?
4. What kind of fruits are you growing?

Quote to Ponder -  “The Holy Spirit, making life alive, moving in all things, root of all created being, cleansing the cosmos of every impurity, effacing guilt, anointing wounds. You are lustrous and praiseworthy life, You waken and reawaken everything that is.” - St. Hildegard of Bingen

Scripture for Lectio Divina - 

The fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, generosity, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control. - Galatians 5:22-23

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.”

Things We Learned From Our Moms

In this episode we honour Mother’s Day and talk about some essential things we learned from our mothers. We discuss what they have taught us about joy and suffering, and how they revealed the face of God to us. We also chat about how God wants to heal and restore broken relationships with our mothers. 

Sister Miriam’s one thing - Esther Marie Angel! Congratulations to Jackie and Bobby!

Michelle’s one thing - The Given Forum is doing a 4-day Online Conference! Discover the Gift, June 10-14th

Heather’s one thing - Salmon Wellington, so you can have one, simple, awesome-looking meal!

Ingredients:

1 package puff pastry, softened to room temperature
1 salmon fillet no skin, bones removed (I get mine from Costco)
salt & pepper to taste
Fresh lemon juice
Optional fresh dill
1 egg, beaten

Instructions:

Preheat oven to 425

Rinse salmon and pat dry.

Lightly flour a large cutting board bigger than the salmon.

Roll out the puff pastry wide enough that it will cover both sides of the salmon. (Or use puff pastry sheets)

Place the salmon in the middle of the pastry (the best side facing down) and season both sides with salt and pepper (optional dill) and squeeze fresh lemon juice over one side of the salmon. 

Fold the edges of the puff pastry over the salmon starting with the longer sides and gently press together to seal. Trim any excess pastry from the ends, then fold the ends on top of the salmon. Flip the puff pastry-wrapped salmon over and transfer for a baking sheet lined with parchment paper if you have it. 

Brush the beaten egg on the top and sides of the pastry. If you feel fancy, score the top of the pastry with a knife, cutting shallow diagonal lines to create a crosshatch pattern, but do not cut through. You need the pastry to be sealed with no holes if possible. 

Brush the top again with the egg wash.

Place on middle rack of the oven.

Bake for 20-25 minutes, until pastry is golden brown.

I love to make this with a warm lemon dill sauce on the side, roasted potatoes and a Greek salad. 

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Fearless and Free helps you identify the lies that mess with your identity, and to replace them with the truth of Scripture. You’ll discover how to get a grip on your thoughts and develop emotionally healthy habits. This is an invitation to bring your tangled, complex heart into an encounter with God’s healing touch. Learn more at http://wwp.today/fearless.

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Discussion questions:    

1. What struck you from the podcast?
2. What have you learned from your mother that you are grateful for?
3. How has your mother taught you to suffer or handle sorrowful things?
4. What has your mother revealed to you about the face of God?
5. Who are other people in your life who have shown you Motherhood?

Journal Questions:

1. Reflect and journal about this scripture: Proverbs 31:30-31 What does it speak to you personally?
2. How well do you honor your mother? 
3. In the places where your mother has not revealed the face of God to you, what is the truth of who God is?
4. Are there places in your relationship with your mother that need to be restored?

Quote to Ponder -  “Honor your father and your mother, so that you may live long in the land the Lord your God is giving you.” Exodus 20:12

Scripture for Lectio Divina - Proverbs 31:30-31

Charm is deceptive, and beauty is fleeting;
but a woman who fears the Lord is to be praised.
Honor her for all that her hands have done,
and let her works bring her praise at the city gate.

Seized by Beauty (with Bishop Robert Barron)

In this episode, we have the distinct pleasure of having Bishop Robert Barron as our guest. We talk about everything from how he takes his coffee to experiences of beauty that lift us beyond the natural to a transcendent encounter with God. We also discuss how to engage with the culture and extract what is good, true, and beautiful, so that we can not only relate, but be relevant in our mission of evangelization.  

Sister Miriam’s one thing - Friends of the Bridegroom: For a Renewed Vision of Priestly Celibacy by Marc Cardinal Oullet (Amazon US, Amazon Canada, Amazon UK)

Michelle’s one thing - St. Catherine of Siena: The Mystic by Fr. Paul Murray (Amazon US, Amazon Canada, Amazon UK), and the NFL draft. One of my favorite players went #7 in the draft - Derrick Brown, Auburn 

Heather’s one thing - My dear parents and having them move in next door.

Bishop Barron’s one thing - The ESPN documentary on the Chicago Bulls: The Last Dance

Additional Resources:

Civilisation - Kenneth Clark (Amazon US, Amazon Canada, Amazon UK)

Portrait of the Artist as a Young Man - James Joyce (Amazon US, Amazon Canada, Amazon UK)

Meeting with Artists - Pope Benedict XVI

Heather Khym will be a featured speaker at the TOB Virtual Conference, happening free online May 8-10! Register today to get a Premium Pass and have access to the talks after the conference is over.

Discussion questions:    

1. What struck you from the podcast?
2. What is your first memory of encountering beauty?
3. Share some experiences of beauty you’ve encountered in the culture!
4. What secular movie scene made you think about the Christian life or God?
5. What are you most passionate about right now?

Journal Questions:

1. Reflect and journal about this scripture: Ecclesiastes 3:11 “He has made everything beautiful in its time. He has also set eternity in the human heart; yet no one can fathom what God has done from beginning to end.” What does it speak to you personally?
2. How can you make time each day to pause and look for beauty?
3. What are some things you find beautiful? What do they teach you about Who God is?

Quote to Ponder - The truly beautiful doesn't submit to our little whims and our little preferences. The truly beautiful stops you in your tracks and seizes you and takes control of you and doesn't let you go. - Bishop Robert Barron

Scripture for Lectio Divina - Ecclesiastes 3:11 “He has made everything beautiful in its time. He has also set eternity in the human heart; yet no one can fathom what God has done from beginning to end.”

Living in the Light of Victory (with Fr. Justin Brady)

In this episode we have brought back special guest Fr. Justin Brady to talk about how to live in the victory of the resurrection. Fr. Justin is a priest and exorcist and shares some wonderful insights into how to live from a place of friendship with God and find victory in our relationship with Jesus as friend and savior. We also discuss aligning our hearts with the truth of who we are in light of God’s merciful love.

Sister Miriam’s one thing - The garden

Michelle’s one thing - Beautiful weather! (and walks)

Heather’s one thing - The best sticky buns ever.

These sticky buns are amazing! The recipe is from our local bakery Duft and Co. It's a commitment of time, but so worth it. Would love to see a photo of these in our facebook group if you make them.

Here are photos from when my son made them.

To watch the tutorial click here.

For the dough

3 3/4 cup Flour
2 tsp Salt
1/2 tsp Baking Powder
1/2 tsp Baking Soda
1/2 cup Sugar
2 Eggs
1 cup Milk
1/4 cup Vegetable Oil
1/2 cup Butter (soft)
1 tsp Vanilla Extract
1 pkg (8g) Active Dry Yeast
2 tbsp Water
2 tbsp Sugar
A greased 9x13 glass baking dish

Mix dry yeast, 2 tbsp of sugar and 2 tbsp of lukewarm water in a small bowl. Let sit to bloom for 10 minutes.

Using your stand mixer and dough hook, mix all dry ingredients until combined, then add all of the remaining ingredients including the yeast mixture.

Mix on medium speed for 7 minutes, and a smooth dough forms.

Put your dough in an oiled bowl and cover with cling film or a tea towel, and leave to proof for 1 - 2 hours (until doubled in size) in a warm area.

After it has risen, make your caramel.

Sticky Bun Caramel (goes in the bottom of the glass baking dish before the rolls go in)

3 tbsp Cream
1 cup Brown Sugar
1/4 cup Butter
1/4 cup Maple Syrup
Salt to taste

Bring all ingredients to a boil over medium heat.

Boil for 2 minutes while stirring continuously. After 2 minutes, remove from heat and allow to cool slightly before using.

Then pour into the bottom of your glass baking dish
(I added a bunch of chopped pecans after pouring in the caramel - yum!)

Sticky Bun Filling (goes on top of the dough before you roll it)

1/3 cup Butter (melted and cooled slightly)
1/2 cup Sugar
3/4 cup Brown Sugar
Cinnamon to taste

After the dough has risen, place it on a lightly floured large cutting board or counter. It's pretty soft dough, so add a bit of flour on top. Roll it out with a rolling pin into a rectangle, about 3/4inch thick. approximately 2 hands high x 3 hands wide. Pour melted/cooled butter over the dough completely. Keep the top inch with only butter for sealing the roll later. Sprinkle white sugar over it all, then the brown sugar, then sprinkle very generously with cinnamon and press it down gently all over.

Start rolling the dough along the long side, the buttered inch should be at the top and rolled last. Roll it tightly, by pulling the dough slightly toward you as you roll. Get a serrated knife and cut the ends off, not needed. Cut the roll dough in half, then each of those pieces into half, then each of those pieces into thirds. Place rolls on top of the caramel mixture in your glass dish, 4x3. 

Cover with plastic wrap and let this sit for 1 hour.

Then bake at 350F for approx 30 - 40 mins. Take them out of the oven and let them cool for about 20 minutes, then flip them out onto a cookie sheet or large cutting board with parchment for easy clean up.

Fr. Justin’s one thing - (Besides The Mustache) The Communio I’ve experienced in isolation

Discussion questions:    

1. What struck you from the podcast?
2. What does friendship with God look like for you? How can you grow in friendship with Him? 
3. What do you focus on more often, what you’ve been deprived of or what you have? 
4. How can you practice remembering what God has done, in your life and in the world?
5. Where is the Fiat God is inviting you to make  today?

Journal Questions:

1. Reflect and journal about this scripture: 1 Cor 15:55-57. What does it speak to you personally?
2. How can you spend time to deepen your friendship with Jesus?
3. Take a moment to answer God’s question: Where are you? Are you with me?
4. Where can you take authority in your life to claim the victory?

Quote to Ponder - "No one, however weak, is denied a share in the victory of the cross. No one is beyond the help of the prayer of Christ." —St. Pope Leo the Great

Scripture for Lectio Divina - “Where, O death, is your victory? Where, O death, is your sting?” The sting of death is sin, and the power of sin is the law. But thanks be to God! He gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ. - 1 Cor 15:55-57

Pope Francis’ Easter Message

In this episode we talk about Pope Francis’s Easter homily. We discuss the themes of not being paralyzed in the midst of fear, overcoming self protection, the power in choosing to do the next right thing, and practicing resurrection in our lives. Small acts of love and receiving the gift of hope can be the game changers we need in this season.

Sister Miriam’s one thing - Heather Khym’s playlist, “Hallelujah is our Song”

Michelle’s one thing - The series The Chosen (Watch the trailer)

Heather’s one thing - Stephanie Gretzinger’s new song, “Center of all History”. The song “Peace” by Bethel

Resources:

The text of Pope Francis’ Easter Vigil Homily

Discussion questions:    

1. What struck you from the podcast?
2. What was a little hidden “Easter egg” that you found this year?
3. In this cloistered time, how will you take silence to hear God speak to you, so you can emerge a resurrected person?
4. What are small gestures of care, affection, and prayer that you can make this week?
5. What are the stones you place in front of hope?

Journal Questions:

1. Reflect and journal about this scripture: Matthew 28:1-7. What does it speak to you personally?
2. Put yourselves in the position of one of the women throughout the Passion narrative. How do you react?
3. What is the mountain that overwhelms you? How can you focus on the next right step?
4. What are the places that you self protect and possibly miss out on a gift that God wants to give you?

Quote to Ponder - “Jesus’ hope is different. He plants in our hearts the conviction that God is able to make everything work unto good, because even from the grave he brings life.” - Pope Francis

Scripture for Lectio Divina - Matthew 28:1-7

When the sabbath was over,
Mary Magdalene, Mary, the mother of James, and Salome
bought spices so that they might go and anoint him.
Very early when the sun had risen,
on the first day of the week, they came to the tomb.
They were saying to one another,
"Who will roll back the stone for us
from the entrance to the tomb?"
When they looked up,
they saw that the stone had been rolled back;
it was very large.
On entering the tomb they saw a young man
sitting on the right side, clothed in a white robe,
and they were utterly amazed.
He said to them, "Do not be amazed!
You seek Jesus of Nazareth, the crucified.
He has been raised; he is not here.
Behold the place where they laid him.
But go and tell his disciples and Peter,
'He is going before you to Galilee;
there you will see him, as he told you.'”

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

Holy Week: The Stations of the Cross

In this episode we decided to pray through the Stations of the Cross, found in St. Faustina’s Diary. During Holy Week, we wanted to take this opportunity to quiet our hearts and reflect on our Lord’s suffering and death, so we can enter in more fully. We hope that you will use this as a prayer resource and pray with your families or on your own.

Sponsor: The Hallow app

Hallow is a Catholic prayer and meditation app that helps us deepen our relationship with Christ through 5-30 minute, audio-guided contemplative prayer sessions. Think Headspace or Calm, but authentically Catholic.

The app includes everything from Lectio Divina on the daily Gospel, to the Rosary, to daily Examens, to meditations focused on preparing for bed in the evening (including Night Prayer from the Liturgy of the Hours), to minute meditations for moments of temptation or thanks, and much more.

In the app, you'll find a session focused on spiritual communion for the many separated from physical Mass during a time of crisis, as well as praylists for a variety of spiritual needs, like being "Stuck at Home", or seeking patience or healing. 

Hallow currently offers daily Lenten meditations, and is currently producing meditations for Palm Sunday and the Easter Triduum. You'll find lectio divina with Mass readings, Spiritual Communion, Holy Hours, chant, and more.

Get an extended free trial of the app for 3 months! using promo code: Abide

Resources

St Faustina’s Way of the Cross

Chaplet of Divine Mercy

The Divine Mercy Novena

Discussion questions:    

1. What part of the Stations of the Cross spoke to you?
2. How can you enter into Holy Week in a new way this year?
3. What does it mean to you, that Jesus suffered and died for you, so that you could be with Him in heaven forever?

Journal Questions:

1. Reflect and pray on Mt 26:40 “Then he came to the disciples and found them sleeping; and he said to Peter, “So, could you not stay awake with me one hour?” 
2. How can you keep watch with Jesus during Holy Week?

Quote to Ponder - “Do not be afraid of sufferings; I am with you.” - The Diary of St. Faustina (151)

Scripture for Lectio Divina - “Then he came to the disciples and found them sleeping; and he said to Peter, “So, could you not stay awake with me one hour?” Mt 26:40

Epilogue: Living the Painting

In this episode we finish up our 6 part series on the book The Return of the Prodigal Son and talk about “Living the Painting”. We talk about how much of our healing happens in the context of community and relationship. We also discuss the process of bringing home parts of ourselves that live far away from God. Each of us have places that need to be welcomed home and as we heal, we are able to offer a home coming to the lost places in others.

Sister Miriam’s one thing - Unbreakable Heart by JJ Heller

Michelle’s one thing - Mother by JJ Heller, The Greenhouse Collective, and my really big keychain!

Heather’s one thing - You Alone by Lauren Daigle

Sponsor: Monk Manual

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The Monk Manual is built off the idea that Monks are the most productive people in the world. Monks know that productivity isn’t about doing more things, it’s about doing the most important things well. As foreign as the way of a monk may seem, it turns out to be a highly practical path to a fulfilled life.

The Monk Manual helps you bring the way of the monk into your daily life by focusing you on the most important things so you can live each moment with greater purpose, productivity, and presence. Whereas most planners emphasize doing, the Monk Manual is designed to help you grow in both being and doing every day. 

The daily, weekly, and monthly pages each serve a specific purpose to help you:

- Focus on the truly most important things.
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- Find and achieve your higher purpose.

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Announcements!

The Abiding Together Lenten Book Study is The Return of the Prodigal Son by Henri Nouwen. With this episode, we’re wrapping up, but you can do this book study any time! 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 journal and a mug inspired by Henri Nouwen, created especially 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 are giving talks and reflections. Sign up today!

Discussion questions:    

1. What struck you from the podcast?
2. What places do you feel uncertain and need the reassurance of God the Father?
3. Can you relate to the experience of having parts of you that you don’t “welcome home”? How can you begin to care for those parts of you?
4. What is a “sophisticated defense” you may need to leave behind?
5. What titles are you called to live further into (sister, mother, wife, daughter etc)? What does growth in those areas look like?

Journal Questions:

1. Reflect and journal about this scripture: Luke 15:11-32. What does it speak to you personally this last time?
2. How vulnerable are you allowing yourself to be in relationships? Are you opening up to the point that the ugliness can come out, and you can begin to receive healing within the safety of a community?
3. Where are you unwelcoming to yourself? Ask Christ to reveal to you how He sees you. What does he say?
4. What younger part of yourself is lost and needs to be welcomed home?
   
   

Quote to Ponder - “Everything in me yearned to be received in the way the prodigal son was received. That encounter turned out to be the beginning of my own return.” - Henri Nouwen

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

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

The Father

In this episode, we continue with Part 4 of our book study on The Return of the Prodigal Son and talk about God the Father. We discuss the failure of earthly and spiritual fathers and how God wants to restore our understanding of His fatherhood. We also talk about the mercy of the Father, the invitation to receive His blessing, and how the Father's heart burns for us to come home to Him.

Sister Miriam’s one thing - Come Out of Hiding - Stephanie Gretzinger and Celebrate Me Home - Kenny Loggins 

Michelle’s one thing - Marie Miller’s New Album - Little Dreams (Watch the video here!) and the Mother Teresa sticker from @redeemed_free

Heather’s one thing - Family and community

(And hey, Louisiana!!)

Sponsor: ChewsLife

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Additional Resources

Heather loves you, so she made a playlist for you! 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!

Discussion questions:    

1. What struck you from the podcast?
2. How can you create space to hear the Father speak blessing to you?
3. What are the words of blessing God wants you to hear in this moment?
4. In light of all the abuses in the Church, how can you yourself “lean in in love” rather than letting discouragement drive you away from God?
5. How does God need to restore your understanding of Him as a loving, faithful 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 are areas of your life where you believe the lie thatGod must be irritated with you?
3. Do you imagine God as speaking blessing or condemnation toward you?
4. When your models of fatherhood have failed you, how has that affected your sense of God as Father? What is God trying to tell you about himself as Father?

Quote to Ponder - “As Rembrandt approached death, he chose to portray a very still Father who recognizes his son not with the eyes of the body, but with the inner eye of his heart.” - Henri Nouwen

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

The Elder Son

In this episode we continue with Part 3 "The Elder Son", from our book study on The Return of the Prodigal Son by Henri Nouwen. We discuss how the elder son is also lost and in need of a homecoming because in his heart, he too is far away from the father. The struggles of the elder son are within all of us when we compare, feel like we are owed something, consider ourselves worthy because of our religious actions or adherence to the rules, and when we resist the loving embrace of God the Father. 

Sister Miriam’s one thing - Prenatal Development video

Michelle’s one thing - Auburn’s men’s basketball

Heather’s one thing - Our Quit Talking to the Dang Snake mug!

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!

Discussion questions:    

1. What struck you from the podcast?
2. Which son do you identify with more?
3. What are the signs in your own life that show that you’re living fully alive in the Lord? What about when you’re not?
4. What practical things help you grow in the discipline of gratitude and trust?

Journal Questions:

1. Reflect and journal about this scripture: Luke 15:11-32. What does it speak to you personally this time? 
2. Do you feel God is holding out on you in some area? How can you trustingly surrender that to him?
3. What are the bitter places you hear in your speech? What deeper issue are they pointing to?

Quote to Ponder - “Joy and resentment cannot coexist.” - Henri Nouwen

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

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

The Story of Two Sons and Their Father

In this episode, we kick off our 6-part Lenten book study on The Return of the Prodigal Son by Henri Nouwen, beginning with the Prologue and Introduction. We chat about our identity as children of God, the mercy of the Father, and how God uses art and beauty to speak to us. We explore the idea of home and a homecoming, which speaks of our deep desire for heaven. We also talk about how often fear and self protection keeps us from experiencing the healing love of the Father. 

Sister Miriam’s one thing - Dentists! The unsung heroes.

Michelle’s one thing - The Instagram accounts @OodsofGlutes (from Allie at @Oodlesofdoodles) and @Oodsofflutes

Heather’s one thing - Ruth Stricklin from New Jerusalem Studios

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 does the idea of “home” mean to you?
3. Have you ever had an experience where beauty led you to the divine? Share about it!
4. How are you taking steps on the journey toward the embrace of the Father?

Journal Questions:

1. Reflect and journal about this scripture: Luke 15:11-32. What does it speak to you personally? 
2. Does the thought of vulnerability and the embrace of God make you feel at peace or uneasy? 
3. Do you find yourself to be an observer in your own story? Where and how can you “dare to step into the center, kneel down, and let [yourself] be held by a forgiving God?”

Quote to Ponder -  “‘Coming home’ meant, for me, walking step by step toward the One who awaits me with open arms and wants to hold me in an eternal embrace.” - Henri Nouwen 

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

The Power of Holy Hour

In this episode we have our dear friend Fr. Josh Johnson back on the podcast to discuss how to have a fruitful Holy Hour. Through his humor and reflections, Fr. Josh shares practical tools as well spiritual insights about how to pray in silence and grow in intimacy with Jesus. 

Fr. Josh’s one thing - The Liturgy of the Hours

Sister Miriam’s one thing - Calming Christian playlist on Spotify

Michelle’s one thing - Priscilla at The Little Catholic shop

Heather’s one thing - The movie The Peanut Butter Falcon

Sponsor:

This episode is sponsored by The Little Catholic shop.

The main objective of The Little Catholic shop is to evangelize through beauty. The medals are handmade in Southern California. Beauty has a powerful ability to draw people to the Church, whether it be the sound of prayers, the beautiful stained glass windows of a church, or the kindness of another person. The Little Catholic Shop wants to provide the kind of beauty that heals to each person who sees or wears their pieces.

Use promo code Abide15 for 15% off the store.

Additional Resources

The Pocket Guide to Adoration by Fr. Josh Johnson. Listeners in Canada, shop here. Listeners in the UK, shop here.

Announcements!

The Abiding Together Lenten Book Study will be The Return of the Prodigal Son by Henri Nouwen. 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 is open! Take a peek at some of the fun new things we have for you, including the “Quit talking to the dang snake” mug!

Discussion questions:    

1. What struck you from the podcast?
2. Do you make adoration a regular practice? Why or why not?
3. What has been your experience of adoration?
4. What are some ways you’ve learned to avoid distraction in adoration?
5. What are some ways you like to pray in adoration?

Journal Questions:

1. Reflect and journal about this scripture: Jeremiah 19:12-14. What does it speak to you personally? 
2. Take some time in adoration this week: What do you hear the Lord saying to you while you spend time with Him?
3. What’s holding you back from spending time in adoration? How do you think the Lord wants to respond to that?

Quote to Ponder - "Spend one hour each day in adoration of your Lord. Never do anything you know is wrong. Follow this and you'll be fine." ― St. Teresa of Calcutta to Henri Nouwen

Scripture for Lectio Divina - Jeremiah 19:12-14: "Then you will call on me and come and pray to me, and I will listen to you. You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart. I will be found by you,” declares the Lord.

Gathering People

In this episode we discuss how to gather people and lead a fruitful discussion. We are meant to live in community and have depth and joy in our relationships, but sometimes we don’t know where to start or how to go deeper. We chat about how to have meaningful conversations and live in an open-hearted way with others. We also discuss lots of practicals and how to grow in the gift of hospitality.

Sister Miriam’s one thing - The Bridegroom by Rivers and Robots

Michelle’s one thing - my husband Chris

Heather’s one thing - The Ungame

Sponsor:

This episode is sponsored by The Little Catholic shop.

The main objective of The Little Catholic shop is to evangelize through beauty.
The medals are handmade in Southern California. Beauty has a powerful ability to draw people to the Church, whether it be the sound of prayers, the beautiful stained glass windows of a church, or the kindness of another person. The Little Catholic Shop wants to provide the kind of beauty that heals to each person who sees or wears their pieces.
Use promo code Abide15 for 15% off the store.

Announcements!

The Abiding Together Lenten Book Study will be The Return of the Prodigal Son by Henri Nouwen. 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 is open! Take a peek at some of the fun new things we have for you, including the “quit talking to the dang snake” mug!

Discussion questions:    

1. What struck you from the podcast?
2. What are your hesitations in extending invitations or offering hospitality to others?
3. What are the questions you need people to ask you about your journey?
4. How can you be more intentional in creating space for the people in your life?

Journal Questions:

1. Reflect and journal about this scripture: Hebrew 10:24-25. What does it speak to you personally? 
2. Who have you been neglecting in your life, or what friendship can you invest in more fully?
3. How well do you listen to the people around you? How attentive are you? How can you grow in that?

Quote to Ponder - “We have all known the long loneliness and we have learned that the only solution is love and that love comes with community.” ― Dorothy Day

Scripture for Lectio Divina -  Hebrew 10:24-25 - and let us consider how to stir up one another to love and good works, not neglecting to meet together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another, and all the more as you see the Day drawing near.

Made For Mission - Recorded Live from FOCUS SLS Conference

This week is a special episode of Abiding Together that we recorded in front of a live audience at the FOCUS SLS conference in Phoenix, Arizona. This episode is packed full of wisdom, inspiration, and a challenge to personal holiness. We chat about leadership, mission, making a whole hearted yes, regaining your voice, falling in love with Jesus, and living an unmasked life.

Sister Miriam’s one thing - all of our listeners live at SLS!

Michelle’s one thing - SLS and Curtis Martin’s “Yes”, and all the great apostolates out there.

Heather’s one thing - Like a Fire by Sean Feucht & Steffany Gretzinger and the movie Little Women

Sponsor:

This episode is sponsored by The Given Institute.

Learn more about the 2020 GIVEN Catholic Young Women's Leadership Forum taking place June 10-14, 2020 in Washington, D.C. at the Catholic University of America!

The GIVEN Forum provides leadership training, faith formation, and mentoring to young adult Catholic women, ages 21-30, with a heart for mission and an aptitude for leadership. It is designed to help them identify their particular gifts and find practical pathways to put them in the service of the Gospel through their profession or vocation. 

Applications for young adults are now open! The early bird deadline is February 3, 2020 at midnight.  Extended deadline for Round 2 Review, as well as for Mentor applications for lay leaders and religious sisters, is March 1, 2020.

Discover the gift that only you can give, because of the gift that you are!

Announcements!
The Abiding Together Lenten Book Study will be The Return of the Prodigal Son by Henri Nouwen. 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.)

Discussion questions:    

1. What struck you from the podcast?
2. Do you have trustworthy friends who you can be authentic with? Are you that friend for others?
3. What would it look like for you to live an unmasked life?
4. Where do you feel Satan has tried to steal your voice?
5. Where are you feeling lost or afraid, and how can you “put yourself in a position to be found” by God?

Journal Questions:

1. Reflect and journal about this scripture. Jeremiah 1: 4-9 - What does it speak to you personally? 
2. What false layers do you need to take off? 
3. Where are you wrestling with something that’s too big for you (but not for God)?
4. Where is the Lord asking you to be brave this year?

Quote to Ponder - “We do not want a church that will move with the world. We want a church that will move the world.”- G.K. Chesterton

Scripture for Lectio Divina -  Jeremiah 1:4-9 

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.”
“Alas, Sovereign Lord,” I said, “I do not know how to speak; I am too young.”
But the Lord said to me, “Do not say, ‘I am too young.’ You must go to everyone I send you to and say whatever I command you. Do not be afraid of them, for I am with you and will rescue you,” declares the Lord.
Then the Lord reached out his hand and touched my mouth and said to me, “I have put my words in your mouth. See, today I appoint you over nations and kingdoms to uproot and tear down, to destroy and overthrow, to build and to plant.”

The Barrenness of Winter

In this episode we talk about the barrenness of winter and how the seasons are often reflected in our spiritual and emotional lives. We explore how to have hope and perspective in times when things are hidden and dormant and how to allow our roots to go deeper into our relationship with Christ. 

Sister Miriam’s one thing - Trader Joe’s

Michelle’s one thing - If You Want Me To by Ginny Owens 
Endow - Edith Stein (St. Teresa of Benedicta): Seeker of Truth Book Study 

Heather’s one thing - You Make Me Brave (Acoustic Version) by Josie Buchanan
Nothing Else by Cody Carnes

Announcements!

The Abiding Together Lenten Book Study will be The Return of the Prodigal Son by Henri Nouwen. 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 is open! Take a peek at some of the fun new things we have for you, including the all new “quit talking to the dang snake” mug!

Discussion questions:    

1. What struck you from the podcast?
2. What parallels do you see between the natural seasons and the seasons of the spiritual life?
3. How do you take a “holy pause”?
4. What are the places you’re afraid are too barren for God to make fruitful?

Journal Questions:

1. Reflect and journal about this scripture: Proverbs 31:25. What does it speak to you personally? 
2. Has there been a time when you tried to cling to something that had run its course?
3. What are the barren places in your life that you can pour out before the Lord like Hannah?

Quote to Ponder - “For just as the body is clothed in its garments, and the flesh in its skin, and the bones in their flesh, and the heart in its body, so too are we, soul and body, clothed from head to foot in the goodness of God.”

—Julian of Norwich, Revelations of Divine Love

Scripture for Lectio Divina -  Proverbs 31:25 - She is not afraid of the snow for her household, For all her household are clothed with scarlet.

Good Soil

In this episode we break open the parable of the sower and the seeds. We chat about how we can cultivate good soil in our hearts where seeds can grow and bear good fruit. We also talk about the practicals of what makes up rocky ground that chokes out goodness and what makes up the fertile soil, where God can bring forth life and abundance.

Sister Miriam’s one thing - Undone: Freeing Your Feminine Heart from the Knots of Fear and Shame by Carrie Schuchts Daunt 

Michelle’s one thing - Higher Love - Kygo, Whitney Houston 

Heather’s one thing - The team building my house from Tundra Developments

Announcements!

The Abiding Together Lenten Book Study will be The Return of the Prodigal Son by Henri Nouwen. 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 is open! Take a peek at some of the fun new things we have for you, including the all new “quit talking to the dang snake” mug!

Sponsor:

This episode is sponsored by Pilgrimage to Beauty. Their mission is to create a transformative experience of true rest and retreat, for couples or individuals wired for adventure.

Pilgrimage to Beauty believes that traversing the world, cultures and even our own street can teach us so much. Gaining knowledge of other peoples and lands gives us a genuine curiosity to learn and experience even more of what the world has to offer. 

Their 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. Their next trip is to Guatemala in March 2020, so check it out quickly!

Discussion questions:    

1. What struck you from the podcast?
2. What is the terrain of your heart? What does the soil in your life look like right now?
3. Where do you need to dig in the dirt and let God bring in His light and cultivate the soil?
4. What do I need to steward well in my life and what do I need to prune back?
5. What are the weeds that need to be pulled out in my heart?

Journal Questions:

1. Reflect and journal about this scripture: Matthew 13. What does it speak to you personally? 
2. What are the thorns that choke the good seed in your life? Where do you need to seek the true face of Jesus?
3. What is the fruit being born in your life? What do you think God is trying to show you about your soil?

Quote to Ponder - “Learn the lesson that, if you are to do the work of a prophet, what you need is not a sceptre but a hoe.” ― St. Bernard of Clairvaux

Scripture for Lectio Divina -  Matthew 13: The Parable of the Sower

That same day Jesus went out of the house and sat by the lake. Such large crowds gathered around him that he got into a boat and sat in it, while all the people stood on the shore. Then he told them many things in parables, saying: “A farmer went out to sow his seed. As he was scattering the seed, some fell along the path, and the birds came and ate it up. Some fell on rocky places, where it did not have much soil. It sprang up quickly, because the soil was shallow. But when the sun came up, the plants were scorched, and they withered because they had no root. Other seed fell among thorns, which grew up and choked the plants. Still other seed fell on good soil, where it produced a crop—a hundred, sixty or thirty times what was sown. Whoever has ears, let them hear.”

The disciples came to him and asked, “Why do you speak to the people in parables?”

He replied, “Because the knowledge of the secrets of the kingdom of heaven has been given to you, but not to them. Whoever has will be given more, and they will have an abundance. Whoever does not have, even what they have will be taken from them. This is why I speak to them in parables:

“Though seeing, they do not see;  though hearing, they do not hear or understand. In them is fulfilled the prophecy of Isaiah:

‘You will be ever hearing but never understanding;

  you will be ever seeing but never perceiving.

For this people’s heart has become calloused;  they hardly hear with their ears,

  and they have closed their eyes. Otherwise they might see with their eyes,

    hear with their ears,  understand with their hearts and turn, and I would heal them.’

But blessed are your eyes because they see, and your ears because they hear. For truly I tell you, many prophets and righteous people longed to see what you see but did not see it, and to hear what you hear but did not hear it.

“Listen then to what the parable of the sower means: When anyone hears the message about the kingdom and does not understand it, the evil one comes and snatches away what was sown in their heart. This is the seed sown along the path. The seed falling on rocky ground refers to someone who hears the word and at once receives it with joy. But since they have no root, they last only a short time. When trouble or persecution comes because of the word, they quickly fall away. The seed falling among the thorns refers to someone who hears the word, but the worries of this life and the deceitfulness of wealth choke the word, making it unfruitful. But the seed falling on good soil refers to someone who hears the word and understands it. This is the one who produces a crop, yielding a hundred, sixty or thirty times what was sown.”

Repost: Striving vs. Abiding

We chose to repost this episode from Season 1 because it is a message at the heart of the Abiding Together Podcast. Many of us live a life of striving and struggle, rather than accepting the invitation of abiding and trust. We take time to reflect on the scripture John 15:4-5, where Jesus invites us to abide in His love. We also chat about how we can recognize the pitfalls of striving and how to learn to trust that God is a good Father.

Sister Miriam’s one thing - Daring Greatly by Brene Brown

Michelle’s one thing - the movie Hidden Figures

Heather’s one thing - signs from The House of Belonging

Additional Resources: 
Shepherd by Bethel
Undivided by Stu Garrard (feat. Amanda Cook)
Present Over Perfect by Shauna Niequist

Sponsor:

This episode is sponsored by Pilgrimage to Beauty. Their mission is to create a transformative experience of true rest and retreat, for couples or individuals wired for adventure.

Pilgrimage to Beauty believes that traversing the world, cultures and even our own street can teach us so much. Gaining knowledge of other peoples and lands gives us a genuine curiosity to learn and experience even more of what the world has to offer. 

Their 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. Their next trip is to Guatemala in March 2020, so check it out quickly!

Discussion questions:    

1. What struck you from the podcast?
2. What do the terms abiding and striving mean to you?
3. What seed do you hear God calling you to cultivate slowly right now?
4. What motivates you to strive and grasp instead of abiding and trusting in God?
5. What is one thing you can do this week to abide more deeply in God?

Journal Questions:

1. Reflect and journal about this scripture: John 15:4-5. What does it speak to you personally? 
2. Where are you striving and where are you abiding?
3. Where do you struggle with self-reliance?

Quote to Ponder - This self-reliance was what destroyed me. - St. Teresa of Avila

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.

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.

The Good News

In this episode, the fourth part of our Advent series, we interview our friend Sarah Kaczmarek. Sarah is the Assistant Director of Alpha Catholic USA, as well as the Pastoral Director of Encounter School of Ministry. We chat about the call we have as Catholics to share the Good News of the Gospel and the stumbling blocks we often run into. We also discuss how essential it is to be an authentic witness and how to grow in having the Father's heart for the lost.

Sarah’s one thing - Whole Heart - Hillsong United

Sister Miriam’s one thing - Winter Snow by Audrey Assad
The Shadow Can’t Have Me by Arthur Alligood

Michelle’s one thing - The song Into the Unknown from Frozen 2

Heather’s one thing - The song Noel by Lauren Daigle 

Additional Notes:

Abiding Together will be at Focus SLS2020!

Abiding Together Podcast will be recording live at SLS on December 31st at 12:30pm.

Discussion questions:    

1. What struck you from the podcast?
2. What are some of the stumbling blocks that you experience in sharing what God has done in your life?
3. Are there areas of your life where you’re afraid to share yourself authentically?
4. What is one way you can bring good news to the lost?
5. Where can you set aside time this week to pray for the grace to love with the Father’s heart?

Journal Questions:

1. Reflect and journal about this scripture:  Isaiah 61:1. What does it speak to you personally? 
2. We can’t selectively numb the bad without numbing the good. Where are you numbing your life and not living fully awake?
3. Where do I need to say “Yes” to the Lord, so he can bring restoration and good news?

Quote to Ponder - “This is our mission: to give pure and fresh air to those immersed in the pollution of our world; to bring to earth that peace which fills us with joy whenever we meet Jesus on the mountain in prayer; to show by our lives, and perhaps even by our words, that God loves everyone and never tires of anyone” Pope Francis

Scripture for Lectio Divina - Isaiah 61:1

“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.”

He’s in the Waiting

In this episode, the third part of our Advent series, we interview our friend Beth Davis from Blessed is She. We talk about the theme of having hope in seasons of waiting, trusting God when we can't see what He's up to, and being transformed by the renewal of our minds.

Beth’s one thing - Consecration to Jesus through St. Joseph: An Integrated Look At the Holy Family by Dr. Gregory Bottaro and Jennifer Settle

Sister Miriam’s one thing - A Beautiful Day in the Neighborhood (trailer)

Michelle’s one thing - The Auburn vs. Alabama game. 
The Simplicity of Christmas

Heather’s one thing - The song Shepherd by Bethel.
Our dear friends Mary and Simon Kyne

Additional Resources:

You can find more information about Beth Davis and Blessed is She at https://blessedisshe.net

Abiding Together will be at Focus SLS2020! Abiding Together Podcast will be recording live on December 31st at 12:30pm

The Abiding Together shop will be closed from Dec 13th-Jan 1.

Sponsor:

This episode is sponsored by Pink Salt Riot. Check out their jewelry, print pieces, gifts, and more! Definitely also check out the quarterly subscription box, The Joy Box, which is designed for sharing. Keep an eye out for custom Word of the Year pieces starting Dec 28th. Abiding Together listeners get 10% off the whole shop (including quarterly subscriptions, excluding ) with code: abidewithme

Discussion questions:    

1. What struck you from the podcast?
2. What was a time when you felt a verse from Scripture was given to you for that particular moment in your life? What was the Scripture?
3. How do you stay hopeful in moments of your life when you’ve been waiting for the Savior to arrive?
4. What’s one way you can practice reminding yourself who God is - “preach to yourself”?
5. Who are the patron saints - the “cloud of witnesses” - you turn to for intercession? Why?

Journal Questions:

1. Reflect and journal about this scripture: Psalm 27:14. What does it speak to you personally? 
2. What season do you feel the Lord has you in right now?
3. How do you resist the enemy’s suggestions in seasons of waiting that are sometimes very long?

Quote to Ponder - “People are made for happiness. Rightly, then, you thirst for happiness. Christ has the answer to this desire of yours. But he asks you to trust him.” Pope Saint John Paul II 

Scripture for Lectio Divina - Psalm 27:14 “Wait for the Lord; be strong, and let your heart take courage; wait for the Lord!” 

Making Room for Others

In the second part of our Advent series, we interview Ennie Hickman, our good friend and founder of Del Rey Collective. We talk in depth about what it means to actually love our neighbor and how to make “room at the inn” for strangers and people in the periphery of our lives. We also talk about hospitality and making our hearts ready for guests before making our homes ready.

Ennie’s one thing - The Wingfeather Saga by Andrew Peterson

Sister Miriam’s one thing - Silicone Tea Cover

Michelle’s one thing - Easy White Chicken Chili

Heather’s one thing - Heather's Mom's Coconut Jam Tarts 

Ingredients:
2 eggs
3/4 cup sugar
1 tsp cornstarch
Pinch of salt
1/4 cup melted butter
1 tbsp lemon juice
1 tsp vanilla
1 1/2 cups shredded unsweetened coconut
Raspberry jam
18-20 frozen regular size tart shells

Instructions:

Preheat oven to 375 degrees.
Lay frozen tarts out on a foil lined cookie sheet.

In a bowl combine sugar, cornstarch and salt.

In a separate bowl beat eggs, then add combined sugar, cornstarch and salt. 

Add cooled melted butter, lemon juice and vanilla. 

Stir in coconut.

Add approximately 1/2 tsp (or a bit more) of raspberry jam to the middle of the frozen tart shell, then cover till 3/4 full with coconut mixture.

Fill all the tarts like this. Bake at 375 for about 23 minutes or until golden brown on top.

Eat, enjoy, and try not to be swept away in ecstasy. 

Discussion questions:    

1. What struck you from the podcast?
2. How have you encountered Jesus through your neighbors or people in your life?
3. Have you ever considered a “love experiment” that you can practice?
4. What’s one way you can practice “crazy” generosity?
5. What holds you back from reaching out to your neighbors and strangers?

Journal Questions:

1. Reflect and journal about this scripture: Matthew 25:35. What does it speak to you personally? 
2. Living the Gospel is simple, but it’s not easy. Where can you “begin before you’re ready”?
3. Ask the Holy Spirit where he wants you to zoom in - what is He saying to you?

Quote to Ponder - "I want you to be concerned about your next door neighbor. Do you know your next door neighbor?" - Saint Mother Teresa

Scripture for Lectio Divina - Matthew 25:35  “I was hungry and you gave me food, I was thirsty and you gave me drink, I was a stranger and you welcomed me.”

The Light Shines in the Darkness

In this episode we have a fascinating interview with Fr. Justin Brady, priest and exorcist. We talk about the battle between the light and the dark and how the enemy attempts to keep us far from God. We often forget that God has won the battle and has given us all that we need through the sacrifice of Jesus and the ministry of the Church to overcome darkness in our lives and experience healing and peace.

Sister Miriam’s one thing - Peaceful Christmas playlist

Michelle’s one thing - Adorning the Dark by Andrew Peterson 

On the Edge of the Dark Sea of Darkness (The Wingfeather Saga) by Andrew Peterson 

Heather’s one thing -  Advent playlist on Spotify and the music video Refiner by Maverick City Music

Fr. Justin’s one thing - Heather Khym

Additional Resources:

Go on pilgrimage to the Holy Land with Fr. Justin Brady and Christopher West! 

Get your Quit Talking to the Dang Snake mug from our Abiding Together Shop!

Discussion questions:    

1. What struck you from the podcast?
2. Have you ever experienced a time when God defeated the darkness in your life and brought you into light?
3. What are some of your favorite spiritual weapons for combating darkness in your life? 
4. Do you ever ask the saints and angels for help and support in living in the light?
5. What is a daily “prayer prescription” you can start to implement in your everyday life?

Journal Questions:

Quote to Ponder - There is light in this world, a healing spirit more powerful than any darkness we may encounter. - Saint Mother Teresa

Scripture for Lectio Divina - John 1:5 The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it.

Gratitude

In this episode we talk about the power of gratitude and how it can dramatically change our perspectives and transform our experience of the world. Gratitude helps us to change the focus from ourselves or the things we don't have to a heart that is thankful, humble and open to all the good things God is blessing us with. The truth is that if we can worship and give thanks to God in the midst of trials, it can spiritually break through bitterness and birth a new hope.

Sister Miriam’s one thing - My SOLT community! Our website

Michelle’s one thing - For the Greenhouse Girls, my kids, and my husband

Heather’s one thing - Heather's Carrot Cake

Ingredients
2 cups flour
2 teaspoons baking soda
2 teaspoons cinnamon
1 1/4 teaspoons salt

4 eggs
2 cups sugar
1 cup oil or melted butter
2 cups grated carrots
2 cups pureed canned pineapple in juice

Cream Cheese Frosting

8oz cream cheese
1/2 cup butter softened
2 cups icing sugar sifted
1 tsp vanilla

Instructions
Sift dry ingredients together in bowl

In separate bowl mix eggs, oil, and sugar - mix well. Add grated carrots and pureed pineapple.

Add sifted dry ingredients and use electric mixer until combined. Do not overmix.

Pour into a greased and floured 13 x 9 inch glass pyrex dish.

Bake at 350 degrees for about 40 minutes. Done when toothpick comes out clean.

Let cool completely and then frost with cream cheese frosting.

Other Things

Even When it Hurts by Hillsong United 

A Thousand Gifts by Ann Voskamp

Use code ABIDE25 for 25% off on the Abiding Together Shop from Black Friday through Cyber Monday!

Discussion questions:    

1. What struck you from the podcast?
2. Have you ever been through a time when practicing gratitude changed your experience or your perspective?
3. What do you think of the connection between a spirit of gratitude and overcoming an orphan spirit?
4. How can you practically cultivate gratitude in your everyday life?

Journal Questions:

1. Reflect and journal about this scripture: Thessalonians 5:16-19. What does it speak to you personally? 
2. It takes humility to experience gratitude. Where do you struggle to be humble and to receive what is being offered to you?
3. Bitterness is often an obstacle to gratitude. Where are you holding on to bitterness?

Quote to Ponder - Jesus does not demand great action from us, but simply surrender and gratitude.” - St. Thérèse of Lisieux

Scripture for Lectio Divina -  Rejoice always, pray continually, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus. Do not quench the spirit. - Thessalonians 5:16-19

The Gift of Wonder

In this episode we discuss the importance of having a sense of wonder in our lives. Too often we get so focused on the tasks and pressures of life that we miss the moments that God is revealing His majesty and beauty to us in personal ways. It is these moments that keep our hearts aware of the greater things, that we are made for heaven and that our lives are held in the capable hands of a God who wants to show His great love for us.

Sister Miriam’s one thing - Breakfast of champions!

Oatmeal recipe:
1/2 cup whole fashioned oats lightly cooked
Handful of walnuts
1/2 an apple
1 teaspoon cinnamon
1 tablespoon coconut oil (yay yummy fat!)
Splash of 1/2 and 1/2

Eat and then stay full for the next 5 hours or so!!!

Michelle’s one thing - The Given Forum

Heather’s one thing - All of our patrons on Patreon!

Discussion questions:    

1. What struck you from the podcast?
2. What does the idea of wonder evoke for you?
3. What are some things that have always made you stop and wonder?
4. How can you change your rhythm to allow God space to speak into your life?
5. What is the main thing that causes wonder to get lost in your experience of life?

Journal Questions:

1. Reflect and journal about this scripture: Psalm 72:18-19. What does it speak to you personally? 
2. Are you open daily to allowing the Lord to amaze you in big and small ways? 
3. How do you feel God is calling you to cultivate wonder?

Quote to Ponder - Wonder is the characteristic feature of children. An old man is no longer astonished by anything, no longer enchanted by anything.... The inability to wonder is the sign of a civilization that is dying.  - Cardinal Sarah

Scripture for Lectio Divina -  Psalm 72:18-19 Blessed be the Lord God, the God of Israel, who alone works wonders. And blessed be His glorious name forever; and may the whole earth be filled with His glory. Amen and Amen.

The Holy Spirit - We are Family Series Part 3

In this episode we wrap up our 3-part series on the Trinity with the Holy Spirit. We talk about how the Holy Spirit is the love between the Father and the Son and is our Advocate and Comforter. We are invited into a dynamic relationship with the Person of the Holy Spirit, Who desires to empower, strengthen, guide, and comfort us in personal ways. We also chat about the invitation to let go of our misconceptions about who the Holy Spirit is so we can experience who He really is. When we give Him full access, like Mary did, we grow in sensitivity to His movements and can operate in the power of God in new ways.

Sister Miriam’s one thing - Toy Story 4

Michelle’s one thing - Blessed Is She Advent Journal
Sign up for the Blessed Is She gathering hosted by Michelle Benzinger

Heather’s one thing - Banana bread recipe

Makes 2 loaves.

1 cup butter softened (250 mL)
1 1/2 cups granulated sugar
3 cups pureed ripe bananas (about 6)
4 eggs, well beaten
2 1⁄2 cups all-purpose flour (625 mL)
2 tsp baking soda (10 mL)
1 tsp salt (5 mL)
1 tsp ground cinnamon (5 mL)
1 1/2 cup semi sweet chocolate chips

Instructions

Preheat oven to 350°F. Cream butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Add bananas and eggs and beat until well mixed. Mix dry ingredients in separate bowl and gradually blend with banana mixture, but do not overmix. Pour into two lightly greased loaf pans or a 10-inch (25 cm) Bundt pan. Bake for 55 to 60 minutes; test for doneness (toothpick inserted in middle comes out clean) and cool on a rack for 10 minutes before removing from pans. Freezes beautifully.

(adjusted from Best of Bridge)

Check out the Flannery O’Connor mugs from Meaningful Market!
Take 15% off your purchase with the discount code - Abide15

Some suggestions if you want to start reading Flannery O'Connor!

Discussion questions:    

1. What struck you from the podcast?
2. Have you experienced the Holy Spirit in a personal way? How?
3. What is your favorite characteristic of the Holy Spirit?
4. What are some misperceptions you have had about the Holy Spirit? What is the truth?
5. The Holy Spirit is the comforter. Where do you need His comfort now?

Journal Questions:

1. Reflect and journal about this scripture: John 14:16-17 What does it speak to you personally? 
2. How can you grow in sensitivity and openness to the Holy Spirit? Where have you resisted giving him full access?
3. What is the Holy Spirit trying to teach you today?

Quote to Ponder - The Spirit comes with the tenderness of a true friend and protector to save, to heal, to teach, to counsel, to strengthen, to console. - St. Cyril of Jerusalem

Scripture for Lectio Divina -  John 14:16-17 “And I will ask the Father, and he will give you another Advocate to help you and be with you forever – the Spirit of truth”.

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."

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."

The Power of Scripture

In this episode we talk about the power of scripture, the Word of God. It is through delving into the Word of God that we encounter the heart of God, we find out who we are, and we proclaim the truth of who He is. We talk about scriptures that have impacted us and new scripture cards you can buy in our new shop. 

Sister Miriam’s one thing - All of our listeners in Ireland!

Michelle’s one thing - Morning walks with my husband. Also the book “Live Big, Love Bigger” by Kathryn Whitaker 

Heather’s one thing - The song “Heart of God” - by Hillsong Young and Free

Purchase our Abiding Together Scripture Cards 

Extra Resources

Walking with Purpose Bible Studies

Jeff Cavins Bible Timeline

Andrew Swafford bible study on the book of Romans 

Blessed is She

Discussion questions:    

1. What struck you from the podcast?
2. Have you experienced the scriptures speaking to you in a personal way? Share about that.
3. The word of God is the sword of the Spirit. How can you use this weapon in your everyday life?
4. How can you bring scripture into your everyday life?

Journal Questions:

1. Reflect and journal about this scripture. Isaiah 43:2-4 What does it speak to you personally? 
2. How do you feel when you hear that the scriptures are a love letter from God to you?
3. What is your favorite scripture and why?

Quote to Ponder - In Sacred Scripture, the Church constantly finds her nourishment and her strength, for she welcomes it not as a human word, "but as what it really is, the word of God". "In the sacred books, the Father who is in heaven comes lovingly to meet his children, and talks with them."  - Catechism of the Catholic Church #104

Scripture for Lectio Divina -  Isaiah 55:11 “so is my word that goes out from my mouth:It will not return to me empty, but will accomplish what I desire and achieve the purpose for which I sent it.

Renewal of Religious Life - Interview with Fr. John Burns

In this episode we talk with Fr. John Burns about the importance of the renewal of religious life as a huge part of how the Church will heal and be restored. We discuss how important it is for us to have a visible sign of a religious sister who lives her vocation as the bride of Christ and shows us that our hearts are made for God. We also discuss vocation as a calling to love and how restored femininity and masculinity is essential for fully living our calling.

Sister Miriam’s one thing - Fall Feels Playlist

Michelle’s one thing - Awakening Love- An Ignatian Retreat with the Song of Songs - Gregory Cleveland, OMV 

 Heather’s one thing - Brandt Jean forgives his brother’s killer and invites her into relationship with Christ. 

 Fr. John’s one thing -  The gift of shared ministry at parish mission with Sr. Miriam 

Extra Resources

Pope Francis’ Homily (the end of the doc on brideship) - 

http://w2.vatican.va/content/francesco/en/homilies/2019/documents/papa-francesco_20190202_omelia-vitaconsacrata.html

Discussion questions:    

1. What struck you from the podcast?
2. How do religious sisters speak to the realities of the relationship that Christ desires with all of us?
3. Our vocation is to love. How is God calling you to fully live that out in this season of life?
4. Fr. John said  that the consecrated heart blesses all of femininity by reminding the world what it looks like to be claimed and spoken for by the King of Kings. How do you feel about the truth that you are claimed and spoken for by God. How should this change your life?

Journal Questions:

1. We are all the bride. How does that language of being the bride of Christ make you feel?
2. What can you learn about your relationship with God from the visible sign of religious sisters?
3. Where does your idea or current reality of your vocation/calling need to be healed and restored?

Quote to Ponder - “there is nothing a woman cannot do when she knows that she is perfectly understood at all times and that she is loved” - Mother Mary Francis

Scripture for Lectio Divina -  Revelation 22:17 “The Spirit and the bride say, “Come!” And let the one who hears say, “Come!” Let the one who is thirsty come; let the one who wishes take the free gift of the water of life.”

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.”

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.”

I Choose You

In this episode we talk about the beautiful words of Jesus in John 15:16 where he tells us that He has chosen us and that his desire is that we bear fruit that will last. It’s the deepest desires of every heart to be known, to be chosen, and to belong, but often we don’t believe the truth of our belovedness in the core of our being. We chat about the difference between fruit that lasts and success and how being rooted deeply in Jesus is essential for good fruit in our life.

Sister Miriam’s one thing - The Song by NEEDTOBREATHE “A Place Only You Can Go”

Michelle’s one thing - The most wonderful time of the year...College Football is back!

Heather’s one thing - The first class relic of St. Therese the Little Flower, sent to me by Fr. Josh Johnson. You can also check out his podcast Ask Fr. Josh

Also Jesse and Kathleen of A Guy and a Girl cover NEEDTOBREATHE

Discussion questions:    

1. What struck you from the podcast?
2. How do you feel when you imagine God saying to you “ I choose you”.
3. What is one wound that you need Jesus to speak into. To speak His words of healing that you belong?
4. Discuss the difference between fruit that lasts and success? Where do you hope to see good fruit in your life?

Journal Questions:

1. Do you know deep in your gut that you belong to God? Why or why not?
2. Where are you striving to find your identity outside of God?
3. Do you love to be loved or do you love because you’ve first received it?

Quote to Ponder - “Let's remind one another that what brings true and healing joy is not successfulness, but fruitfulness" - Henri Nouwen

Scripture for Lectio Divina - John 15:16 “You did not choose me but I chose you. And I appointed you to go and bear fruit, fruit that will last”

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.”

This is our final episode of season 5! We revisit some of our favorite episodes and talk about the beautiful moments we have experienced with our community of listeners and Facebook discussion group. We also talk more about what restored femininity and masculinity looks like and our desire to see women fully live out their calling in the Church.

One Thing We Love this Week

• Sister Miriam’s one thing - Our awesome listeners!
• Michelle’s one thing - All of the young adult missionaries!
• Heather’s one thing - The “Shine” retreat with Blessed is She

Discussion Questions

1. What stuck out to you from Season 5? How has that impacted your spiritual walk with God?
2. What are you most grateful for this year?
3. What do you think is necessary to have good and hard conversations where differences of opinion are present?

Journal Questions

1. How has your word of the year born fruit so far this year?
2. Write out the graces you have received during this first half of the year. How have you seen God move? Where do you still need God to act in your life?

Quote to Ponder
“I would maintain that thanks are the highest form of thought, and that gratitude is the happiness doubled by wonder” - G.K. Chesterton

Scripture for Lectio Divina - 2 Corinthians 4:15
“Yes, everything is for your sake, so that grace, as it extends to more and more people, may increase thanksgiving, to the glory of God.”

In this episode of the Abiding Together Podcast, we discuss the power of living a forgiving life, especially when it comes to parenting children, and how unforgiveness in our life can keep us in bondage, and stems from a wound that needs healing. We talk about how sometimes forgiveness feels like we are letting people off the hook, instead of it being a willingness to release our grasp and open ourselves up to God's grace.

One Thing We Love this Week

• Sister Miriam’s one thing - Seeking Healing Through Forgiveness SEEK Talk with Fr. John Burns
• Michelle’s one thing - Endow - Discovering the Doctors
• Michelle’s other one thing - Story of forgiveness
• Heather’s one thing - Blessed is She daily devotional for children ages 8-12 called Rise Up

Discussion Questions

1. What is one area where you are finding it hard to offer forgiveness?
2. Sister Miriam quotes this “resentment is like drinking a little bit of poison every day and hoping the other person dies.” Discuss this truth in your own life.
3. How can you model a life of forgiveness? If you have children, how can you teach your children about forgiveness?
4. How have you experienced the mercy of God in your life?

Journal Questions

1. Who in your life do you need to offer forgiveness to? What is holding you back from this?
2. Journal about how you have felt God’s mercy in your own life
3. How have I hurt people in my life and need to ask for forgiveness? In what ways can I restore the relationship?

Quote to Ponder
“Forgiveness is the restoration of freedom to oneself, it is the key held in our own hand to our prison cell” - Saint Pope John Paul II

Scripture for Lectio Divina - Matthew 6:12
“Forgive us our trespasses, as we forgive them that trespass against us”

In this episode of the Abiding Together Podcast, we had the pleasure of interviewing Fr. Mike Schmitz! Fr. Mike is a wonderful speaker and evangelist, but more than that, he is a beautiful witness of what it looks like to be a spiritual father. We discuss spiritual fatherhood in the priesthood and some of the stumbling blocks in our relationship with God the Father. We also discuss what restored masculinity and the family looks like.

One Thing We Love this Week
Sister Miriam’s one thing - The book The Life Model: Living from the Heart Jesus Gave You
Michelle’s one thing - Summer hospitality and potlucks!
Heather’s one thing - The music video for “Fall On Me” by Andrea and Matteo Bocelli
Fr. Mike’s One things - Boys Adrift by Leonard Sax and The Heart of Perfection by Colleen Campbell

Discussion Questions
Do you feel like you can trust God? What makes you distrust his heart at times?
What is your experience of fatherhood in your life? How has this impacted your relationship with God the Father positively or negatively?
What does a rebirth or renaissance of the family look like in our world today?

Journal Questions
Sit with the words, as if said from God the Father, “I am proud of you”. What stirs in your heart?
Who in your life has revealed the heart of God the Father to you?
In what areas do you need to experience restoration in your relationship with your earthly father and with God the Father?

Quote to Ponder
“I know I can trust God the Father as my dad” - Fr. Mike Schmitz

Scripture for Lectio Divina - 1 John 3:1
“See what love the Father has given us, that we should be called children of God; and that is what we are.”

As we approach Pentecost this week, we thought it would be awesome to re-release our conversation from last year about the Holy Spirit with our dear friend, Fr. Dave Pivonka TOR. Fr. Dave created the popular series on the Holy Spirit called “The Wild Goose” with 4PM Media and he was just named the new President of Franciscan University.

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 up 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 here.

One Thing We Love This Week

• Sr. Miriam’s One Thing – Meaningful Market’s Father’s Day print and postcards! find them here. 15% your entire order at Meaningful Market with discount code - Abide15
• Michelle's One Thing - New study from Blessed Is She “Blessed Conversations study on the Corporal and Spiritual Works of Mercy called Misericordia”
• Heather's One Thing - This new Pentecost playlist I created.

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

Scripture for Lectio Divina - 2 Corinthians 3:17
“Now the Lord is the Spirit, and where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is freedom”

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.”

Today on the Abiding Together Podcast, Sr. Miriam, Michelle, and Heather discuss their own personal prayer lives and how it has changed through seasons and vocation. They also chat about how to develop a rhythm of prayer, cultivating spiritual disciplines, and how to pray with your spouse.

One Thing We Love this Week

• Sister Miriam’s one thing - The beautiful hike at Heather’s house
• Michelle’s one thing - Devotion to the Sacred Heart
• Heather’s one thing - Our friend of the podcast Michael Corcoro

Discussion Questions

1. What form of prayer do you find easiest? What is the most challenging for you?
2. How can you experience the gift of prayer in this season of your life?
3. What ushers you into the presence of God quickly?
4. Discuss the idea of a daily conversation with God throughout your day.
5. If you're married, how can you pray with your spouse this week?

Journal Questions

1. How is God inviting you to make time with Him?
2. What is most on your heart right now to speak with God about?
3. What devotions are you drawn to and why?
4. What are the things that distract you in prayer?
5. What spiritual disciplines do you need in your life right now?

Quote to Ponder
“Love to pray. Prayer enlarges the heart until it is capable of containing God’s gift of Himself” - St Teresa of Calcutta

Scripture for Lectio Divina - Jeremiah 29:12
“Then you will call on me and come and pray to me, and I will listen to you.”

Today on the Abiding Together Podcast, Sr. Miriam, Michelle, and Heather recap their conference on restoring the beauty with special guest Fr. Josh Johnson. We talk about the four themes of our weekend and how this applies to all of us at every stage in our spiritual journey. We also discuss what it looks like to have restored hearts, femininity, hope, relationships.

One Thing We Love this Week

• Sister Miriam’s one thing - Book by Dr. Conrad Bars I Will Give Them a New Heart
• Michelle’s one thing - Being together
• Heather’s one thing - Her husband Jake (also the incredible Hannah Van Noort)
• Fr. Josh’s one thing - Fr. Lucio Choi & Heather’s family

Discussion Questions

1. Fr. Josh said that when we allow Jesus into our painful places that he will not hurt us, he will only love us. What does this stir in you?
2. Sometimes we can brood and focus on our pain or lies more than the truth. What does this do to your heart when you do this? How can you change this pattern?
3. The word restore means to stand again. What is a part of your life that you would like the Lord to raise you up, to stand again?
4. Where in the garden of our souls is Christ present, but we don’t recognize him?
5. What is one area from your childhood that God wants to restore in you?
6. What does it mean to restore the beauty in the Church?

Journal Questions

1. God asks us, “would you let me love you in your deepest shame and vulnerability?” Journal your own prayer response to this question.
2. If we are in relationship with Jesus and know his voice, we can better perceive where he is in challenging moments in our life. Pause and reflect on where Jesus is right now in the difficulties of your life.
3. How is God asking you to restore the beauty in yourself and the Church?

Quote to Ponder
“How many times in our life is Christ present in our garden, in our soul, but we think he is the gardener?” - Sister Miriam

Scripture for Lectio Divina - Lamentations 5:21
“Restore us to yourself, Lord, that we may return; renew our days as of old.”

Today on the Abiding Together Podcast, Sr. Miriam, Michelle, and Heather talk about the gift and calling of motherhood. Whether it be biological or spiritual motherhood, every woman is called to offer her maternity. Motherhood stretches our hearts to love more deeply and give new life to others. We talk about adoption and spiritual motherhood, which allows others to be born in our hearts as we image the gift of adoption that God has given to us.

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 - the beauty of Bowling Green, Kentucky
Michelle’s one thing - weekend getaways with her spouse
Heather’s one thing - two songs from the new Hillsong United album, “People”: Clean
and Highlands (Song of Ascent)

Discussion Questions

1. Where do you experience the joy of maternity and femininity?
2. What would you like Jesus to heal in your maternity and femininity?
3. How is God inviting you to expand your heart to love others?
4. What does it mean to be a life giver?

Journal Questions

1. Is there someone that God is placing on your heart to offer your gift of maternity to?
2. How does God need to expand your view of motherhood?
3. Reflect on your relationship with Our Blessed Mother. How can you grow in this?

Quote to Ponder
“If we have no peace, it is because we have forgotten that we belong to each other” - Mother Teresa

Scripture for Lectio Divina - John 19:26-27
When Jesus saw his mother and the disciple whom he loved standing beside her, he said to his mother, “Woman, here is your son.” Then he said to the disciple, “Here is your mother.” And from that hour the disciple took her into his own home.

Today on the Abiding Together Podcast, Sr. Miriam, Michelle, and Heather talk about Pope Francis' Easter message and how we can truly live in the Resurrection. We discuss the power of God that can roll away even the hardest stones in our heart and what the common blocks are to hope in Jesus.

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 - Seminarians at Mundelein Seminary
Michelle’s one thing - Writings of Fr. Padro Arrupe, SJ
Heather’s one thing - The Song “Healer” by Upperroom worship and in case you missed it, here’s Heather’s Easter Playlist - Hallelujah Is Our Song

Discussion Questions

1. What is the stone that I need to remove, what is the name of this stone?
2. Am I expecting to find the Risen Jesus in the most painful parts of my heart and story?
3. Where am I giving into discouragement and where have I lost hope?
4. What struck you from Pope Francis' message or the podcast and why?

Journal Questions

1. What practical things do I need to do to live in the new life God has brought to me instead of the old way?
2. Where am I looking? At graveyards or looking for the Living One?
3. What place in my heart do I need to invite the resurrected Jesus?
4. Spend some time remembering the good things God has done in your life.

Quote to Ponder
“Human history does not end before a tombstone, because today it encounters the “living stone”, the risen Jesus. We, as Church, are built on him, and, even when we grow disheartened and tempted to judge everything in the light of our failures, He comes to make all things new” - Pope Francis

Scripture for Lectio Divina - John 11:25-26
"Jesus said to her, ‘I am the resurrection and the life. The one who believes in me will live, even though they die; and whoever lives by believing in me will never die.’ Do you believe this?”

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”

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."

Today on the Abiding Together Podcast, Sister Miriam, Michelle, and Heather finish up their Lenten series on Fr. Jacques Philippe’s book Searching for and Maintaining Peace. They talk about how God wants to build a house where he dwells within us and how we are invited to be receptive and open instead of self protective. They dig into what causes us to lose peace and ask how are we letting the Prince of Peace take care of our difficult situations in life.

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 - Bishop Barron Presents with Leah Libresco (Facebook link)
Michelle’s one thing - Think Like a Tree - Live Oaks
Heather’s one thing - Story behind the song “As You Find Me” by Hillsong United

Discussion Questions:

1. What makes me lose my peace?
2. What are the things that are keeping God from creating the house that he wants to build in us?
3. Is my interior house (in my heart) a place where other people can flourish in my presence?
4. Where am I not receptive? Where is there a block in my heart and why?

Journal Questions:

1. Am I really allowing Christ to be the Prince of Peace over the difficult situations or busyness in my life or am I trying to manage it all?
2. What are other people’s experience of being around me? Do they feel safe? Do they feel loved and at peace? (Ask a close friend who loves you and then journal and pray about it.)
3. What are the ways that you self protect and why?

Quote to Ponder:
“Keep your soul at peace” - St. François-Marie-Jacob Libermann

Scripture for Lectio Divina - John 14:27

Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid.”

Today on the Abiding Together Podcast, Sister Miriam, Michelle, and Heather continue the conversation in week five of Lent on Fr. Jacques Philippe’s book Searching for and Maintaining Peace. We talk about how we often cover up our weakness and sin in attempts to make ourselves more presentable to God, but that God wants to draw near to us in our weakness and receive every part of us. We also talk about some rules of discernment and how to abandon our will to God in total trust.

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 “Build My Life” by Housefires
Michelle’s one thing: Beautiful Easter plates designed by Erica Tighe at beaheart.com
Michelle’s other one thing: This new Alleluia cake topper
Heather’s one thing: The Abiding Together small groups that are meeting together!

Discussion Questions:

1. Do you ever feel like you need to “cover up” before approaching God? Do you feel an unhealthy sense of guilt that keeps you from coming to Jesus vulnerably?
2. Why do you think it’s hard for you to look at your own weakness and sin?
3. What struck you about Fr. Jacques rules of discernment? How can you apply this to your life?

Journal Questions:

1. How can I grow in self awareness?
2. How can I remain faithful and trusting when I’m in the desert?
3. Do I really want to live the full life that Jesus is offering with raw vulnerability instead of fear and hiding?

Quote to Ponder:
“Love is able to profit from everything, the good as well as the bad that It finds in me, and to transform it into Itself.” —St. John of the Cross

Scripture for Lectio Divina - Romans 8:28
“We know that all things work together for good for those who love God, who are called according to his purpose.”

Today on the Abiding Together Podcast, Sister Miriam, Michelle and Heather continue the conversation in week 4 of Lent with Fr. Jacques Philippe’s book Searching for and Maintaining Peace. We talk about the frequent human experience of wishing that we had a different life or circumstance than the one we really have. We discuss how the enemy can block us from understanding where God is in our suffering and that the key is to allow the Holy Spirit to change our hearts and open our eyes to a new perspective.

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 documentary “Free Solo”
Michelle’s one thing: Prayer of Abandonment
Michelle’s other one thing: Be Brave in the Sacred, Mary Lenaburg
Heather’s one thing: The song “Confident” by Steffany Gretzinger and Bobby Strand

Discussion Questions

1. Where is the enemy trying to make you believe that real life is elsewhere?
2. We are not called to do life on our own. Where do you need to invite the Holy Spirit into your life to be your comforter and guide?
3. What is one situation where you need a new perspective, given by God, on your life circumstances?

Journal Questions

1. Do I pay attention to see how God is providing for me? How can I pay attention to my life in a deeper way and not just go through the motions?
2. Take some time to delight in God and his movement in your life. Journal about what comes to mind.
3. In the main circumstances in your life right now, what is your heart really longing for? Take time this week to invite God into that longing.

Quote to Ponder
“We often live with this illusion, but it’s often an error. It’s not the exterior circumstances that must change, it’s above all our hearts.” —Fr Jacques Philippe

Scripture for Lectio Divina - John 10:10
“The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy. I came that they may have life, and have it abundantly”

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.”

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”

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.”

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.

Today on the Abiding Together Podcast, Sister Miriam, Michelle and Heather talk about living with the reality of depression, anxiety and hardships in life. We have some vulnerable conversation about our personal journeys and share the things we have learned along the way that have anchored our hearts in the hope of Jesus and allowed for healing and growth.

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 - Adam Young- The Purpose of Counseling

Michelle’s One Thing - Tasha Cobbs - Queen of Soul

Heather’s One Thing - “Even When It Hurts” by Hillsong United

Discussion Questions:

1) What stood out to you in this podcast?

2) Where are the places that you struggle to rest in God and believe He is trustworthy?

3) What has helped you have hope in times of trial?

4) What allows you to rest, receive, and not isolate when you’re struggling?

Journal Questions:

1) What might be stunting your emotional and spiritual growth?

2) What are two scriptures that you can memorize to anchor you in the midst of trial?

3) Jesus longs to heal us. What is the area that He is putting His finger on right now?

Quote to Ponder:

"Depression doesn't define who I am. It's a part of my story, as a lot of broken parts are, but Jesus is the one who gives me my identity and tells me who I am and that's where we need to look to him and hear his voice in all the parts of our story" Heather Khym

Scripture for Lectio Divina - Lamentations 3:21-24
"But this I call to mind, and therefore I have hope: The steadfast love of the Lord never ceases, his mercies never come to an end; they are new every morning; great is your faithfulness. “The Lord is my portion,” says my soul “therefore I will hope in him.”

**Special Lenten Announcement!

We will be doing a book study together beginning on March 4! The book will “Searching for and Maintaining Peace” by Fr. Jacques Philippe **

Today in the Abiding Together Podcast, we wrap up our book study on the Lion, The Witch, and the Wardrobe Part 4 (chapters 13-18). We chat about the resurrection, what it means to be restored and reconciled, and making space for childlike wonder. We hope you’ve enjoyed this book study with us.

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

One Thing We Love This Week:

The “Abiding” Women’s Conference in Louisiana

Discussion Questions:

1) When have you had an experience of mercy?

2) Who is someone that you need to offer mercy to?

3) What do you experience when God has you in a process or journey? Are you able to be patient or are you filled with unrest and anxiety?

4) Do I live life in grey, stone cold, or do I live life in technicolor?

5) Where am I dying and need Christ to bring life and make things new?

Journal Questions:

1) Where do you need to ask God for mercy in your life right now?

2) Where is my heart hard?

3) How can I allow time and space for playfulness, joy and childlike wonder?

Quote to Ponder:

“We are not on earth to guard a museum, but to cultivate a flowering garden of life” - Pope John XXIII

Scripture for Lectio Divina - Romans 6:4-5
“Therefore we have been buried with him by baptism into death, so that, just as Christ was raised from the dead by the glory of the Father, so we too might walk in newness of life. For if we have been united with him in a death like his, we will certainly be united with him in a resurrection like his.”

Special Lenten Announcement!

*We will be doing a book study together beginning on March 4! The book will “Searching for and Maintaining Peace” by Fr. Jacques Philippe *

Today in the Abiding Together Podcast, Sr. Miriam, Heather, and Michelle progress with the book study on the Lion, The Witch, and the Wardrobe (chapters 9-12). They continue to relate the story concepts with our spiritual life by discussing themes like the false narrative of the enemy, the dynamic of stoney hearts that God wants to restore and turn to flesh, true living of the paschal mystery, and the power of God’s resurrection power in our lives. We hope you enjoy this episode!

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 - Fire Within- Fr. Thomas Dubay

Michelle’s One Thing - The movie “Gifted”

Heather's One Thing - The Abiding Together small groups! We love you!

Discussion Questions:

1) What is one of the false narratives that the enemy has been telling in your life?

2) What do you think the Father wants to say about that?

3) What area of your heart do you feel has been turned to stone or has been hardened? Why?

4) “Hurting people, hurt people”. Discuss this concept and how we can offer a response of healing.

5) Where have you settled for the dry bread from the enemy instead of the banquet that God is offering to you?

Journal Questions:

1) Instead of being child like, we can be childish with God. What is the difference between those two dynamics that you can see in your own life?

2) The enemy makes empty promises. What is one that you can see he has made to you in your life?

3) What is one promise of God and His faithfulness that you have seen at work in your life?

4) “Battle looks like surrender”. What is one battle that you need to move into a disposition of surrender to God?

Quote to Ponder:

"Aslan is on the move” - C.S. Lewis - The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe

*Scripture for Lectio Divina - Ezekiel 36:26 *

“A new heart I will give you, and a new spirit I will put within you; and I will remove from your body the heart of stone and give you a heart of flesh.”

Today we continue our book study on the Lion, The Witch, and the Wardrobe Chapters 5-8. We reflect deeper on the story and how it relates to our spiritual lives. Themes such as the battle of light and darkness, jealousy and making others feel small, the power of the name of Jesus, surrender vs control and how the story of Narnia is an echo of what our hearts long for in Christ.

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 - The women from the “Undone” retreat https://jpiihealingcenter.org/events/undone-womens-conference-tallahassee-fl/

Michelle’s other one thing - The book “Just Mercy” by Bryan Stevenson

https://www.amazon.com/Just-Mercy-Story-Justice-Redemption/dp/081298496X/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1548091113&sr=8-1&keywords=just+mercy

Heather's One Thing - Evangelization Ministry of Catholic Christian Outreach https://cco.ca/resources/faith-studies-series/

Discussion Questions:

1) What is one truth about God that you can see in your story?

2) Where do you need to grow into your royal identity as a daughter/son of God?

3) Discuss the truth about how the name of Jesus contains His presence. How could this change how you pray?

4) “He isn’t safe, but He’s good.” Discuss this quote and surrender vs. control.

Journal Questions:

1) Who can you go to who can speak wisdom into your life?

2) Like Edmund, are there any places of your life that you feel fear when you think about God?

3) What parts of your heart have been turned to stone and need the warmth of God’s hand to bring them back to life?

Quote to Ponder:

"Safe?" said Mr Beaver ..."Who said anything about safe? ‘Course he isn't safe. But he's good. He's the King, I tell you.” - C.S. Lewis - The Lion, The Witch, and the Wardrobe

Scripture for Lectio Divina - Revelation 21:4-7

He will wipe every tear from their eyes. There will be no more death' or mourning or crying or pain, for the old order of things has passed away. He who was seated on the throne said, "I am making everything new!" Then he said, "Write this down, for these words are trustworthy and true. He said to me: "It is done. I am the Alpha and the Omega, the Beginning and the End. To the thirsty I will give water without cost from the spring of the water of life. Those who are victorious will inherit all this, and I will be their God and they will be my children.

Today 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.

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 - The song “Pieces” (the live version) by Amanda Cook https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Sg4O5dqzN68

Ascension would like to offer you a 20% discount through the month of February on Fr. Josh Johnson’s book Broken and Blessed. Just go to www.shop.ascensionpress.com click on Broken and Blessed and enter the promo code fatherjosh (for US residents only)

Michelle’s other one thing - New song “Electricity” by Ellie and Drew Holcomb https://www.drewholcomb.com/news/2019/1/11/electricity-new-music-from-drew-amp-ellie-holcomb

Heather's One Thing - New Worship Playlist “Into the Deep” https://open.spotify.com/user/12184473750/playlist/4gHBMwlnndJaBp4jjYxpAQ?si=uQs5kI_-RQCHiso29p3hRg

Discussion Questions:

1) What stood out to you in the reading for this week?

2) Where in my life has the enemy taken a place, where I have lost hope and need Christmas to come?

3) For the women - Discuss the difference of femininity between Lucy and the witch. How has this affected your life?

4) When we numb our heart and our identity, we numb our wonder and our inheritance. Discuss this.

5) Where are the places and spaces that you can find wonder that leads to God?

Journal Questions:

1) How has the enemy spoken things in your life that bring about shame?

2) What are the parts of Edmund you see in yourself? What parts of Lucy do you see?

3) What is your Turkish delight (sin or temptation) that keeps you bound?

4) Where are the places you hide from the Lord and others?

Quote to Ponder:

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

Scripture for Lectio Divina - Matthew 18:3

“Truly, I say to you, unless you turn and become like children, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven.”

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.

Welcome back for Season 5! In this episode, Sr. Miriam, Michelle, and Heather kick off the new year by discussing the concept of a “word of the year”, a word given to us by God to help shape our heart, mind, and direction for 2019. They each share what they believe God has spoken to them for this year, how to cultivate it, and how we can listen to the voice of God and His guidance.

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 - A Wonder Woman fridge magnet, gift from our friend Mary

Michelle’s One Thing - The movie Pride and Prejudice

Heather's One Thing - The new movie Mary Poppins Returns! - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-3jsfXDZLIY

Discussion Questions:

1) What is your word of the year? If you don’t have one, how might you make room for God to speak to you about this coming year?

2) What practical things do you need to help this word take root and bear fruit in your life?

3) How could this be fruitful in your spiritual life?

4) What struck you from this week’s podcast?

Journal Questions:

1) What does God want you to know through that word right now?

2) If you don’t have a word of the year, what is happening in your heart when you think about the concept?

3) How will you make room for your word of the year from God?

Quote to Ponder:

“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

Scripture for Lectio Divina - Isaiah 61:1-3

“The spirit of the Lord God is upon me, because the Lord has anointed me; he has sent me to bring good news to the oppressed, to bind up the brokenhearted, to proclaim liberty to the captives, and release to the prisoners; to proclaim the year of the Lord’s favor, and the day of vengeance of our God; to comfort all who mourn; to provide for those who mourn in Zion— to give them a garland instead of ashes, the oil of gladness instead of mourning, the mantle of praise instead of a faint spirit. They will be called oaks of righteousness, the planting of the Lord, to display his glory.”

Merry Christmas from Sister Miriam, Michelle, and Heather! Today the ladies of Abiding Together bring you a special minisode: A Christmas Blessing.

In this weeks episode we finish up our Advent series, the Fellowship of the Feminine Genius, with a wonderful conversation with special guest Debbie Herbeck. Debbie is a wife, mother, and grandmother who disciples young women and lives radical love in action. She shares with us her journey from Judaism to Catholicism, the cost of the Gospel in her own family, and her life changing encounter with Saint Mother Teresa of Calcutta. She also shares how Mary has been pivotal in her life and challenges us to open our hearts to love. To find out more about Debbie you can check out beloverevolution.com and you can check out her three books: Safely Through the Storm, Love Never Fails, Firmly on the Rock.

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 - The character “Clara” from The Nutcracker and the Four Realms

Michelle’s One Thing - Spirit Break Out - Kim Walker Smith

Michelle’s other one thing is experiencing the masculine genius with Fr. Josh, her husband Chris, and Paul George.

Heather's One Thing - Debbie’s Husband Peter Herbeck (listen to one of his talks )
Heather’s other one thing was her visit to St. Joseph’s Oratory in Montreal

Debbie’s One Thing - The phrase “Mission Impossible” - Reflecting on God’s call for us love an impossible person.

Discussion Questions:

1) Who is Mary in your life?

2) When have women spoken into your life in a way that brought forth life in you?

3) What is God asking you to speak into other women’s lives?

4) In what area of your life do you need to hear God tell you that you have value and an important role to play?

Journal Questions:

5) In what areas to you feel hidden in your life? How might God want to be present to you there?

6) Who in my life is God calling me to be present to and love really well?

7) What is one of the basics of the spiritual life and Gospel message that God wants you to get back to?

Quote to Ponder:

“Do small things with great love” - Saint Teresa of Calcutta

Scripture for Lectio Divina - 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!”

We continue our Advent mini series on the Fellowship of the Feminine Genius and interview the lovely Ali Hoffman! Ali is also known as “theoodlesofdoodles” on instagram where she creates beautiful quotes and art and is also a full time youth director. We chat with Ali about women being able to celebrate one another’s gifts and live in community over competition and much more!

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 - Art piece Bouguereau-Song of the Angels

Michelle’s other one thing - Love is Christmas - Sara Bareilles
https://youtu.be/LIODr_RWwEc

Heather's One Thing - Matt Maher “Jingle Bells” https://youtu.be/AcPdRWNP00M

Ali’s One Thing - Blessed is She Advent Journal https://blessedisshe.net/product/bearing-light-advent-devotional/

Discussion Questions:

1) What does it look like to relate as community instead of as competitors?

2) What do people need to safely share their gifts with other people without feeling threatened or insufficient?

3) What is one thing that God is speaking to you this Advent?

Journal Questions:

1) How can I grow in my friendships and offer love more freely?

2) Do you believe like Mary that God will fulfill His promises?

3) How can you slow done this Week of Advent?

Quote to Ponder:

"Advent is a time for this arising." - Catherine Doughtery

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!”

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 today’s episode of the Abiding Together Podcast, we talk about the Lordship of Jesus and what it means to truly submit our lives to Him. It’s often easy to fall into the trap of doing good religious works, without truly giving our whole life to the Lord. We chat about the truth of how it’s in losing your life that we find it, what submission practically looks like, and how to encourage one another to look at the areas that are incongruent in our lives.

One Thing We Love This Week:

1. Sr. Miriam's One Thing - Taking time to reflect on the graces of the last year and writing them down to grow in gratitude

2. Michelle's One Thing - Stephan Colbert - Liturgical Dance "The King of Glory" https://youtu.be/oASYa-Wkroc

3. Heather's One Thing - The worship song “Sails” by Pat Barrett https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rC7mNAsx7Vw

Discussion Questions:

1. What areas is God calling you to submit under His Lordship?
2. What does it look like to live life like a daughter of the King and what does it look like to live life as an orphan?
3. What is a false impression you have of God? How can you reencounter Jesus for who He really is?
4. Do you believe and trust in God’s abundance?

Journal Questions:

1. What areas do I hold onto to my own life and refuse to give it to God?
2. Look honestly into your heart and ask the Holy Spirit to reveal to you an area that you don’t trust God.
3. When are you going to make time to encounter and abide in Jesus each day this week?

Quote to Ponder:

“We pray that the whole creation, set free from slavery, may render your majesty service and ceaselessly sing your praise” - Collect from the Solemnity of Christ the King

Scripture of the Week - Philippians 2:9-11

“Therefore God also highly exalted him and gave him the name that is above every name, so that at the name of Jesus every knee should bend, in heaven and on earth and under the earth, and every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.”

In today’s episode of the Abiding Together Podcast, we interview the wonderful Fr. Josh Johnson! Fr. Josh shares with us his insights about how the feminine genius complimenting masculinity is meant to restore the Church. He shares about his personal encounters with Christ in the deepest places of his wounds and how that changed his life and shaped his ministry. We also talk about how all of this impacts the current scandals in the Church and our response to our own sin, hiding, and pursuit of personal holiness.

One Thing We Love This Week:

Fr. Josh’s One Thing - His book “Broken and Blessed: An Invitation to My Generation”
https://shop.ascensionpress.com/products/broken-and-blessed-an-invitation-to-my-generation
His other one thing - Book “In Sinu Jesu” When Heart Speaks to Heart” by A Benedictine Monk
https://www.amazon.com/Sinu-Jesu-Speaks-Journal-Priest/dp/1621382192

Sr. Miriam's One Thing - This series on “The Place We Find Ourselves” podcast.
How Healing Happens-Part 1 https://adamyoungcounseling.com/24-how-healing-happens-part-1/
How Healing Happens-Part 2 https://adamyoungcounseling.com/25-how-healing-happens-part-2/
How Healing Happens-Part 3 http://theplacewefindourselves.libsyn.com/26-how-healing-happens-part-3

Michelle's One Thing - The Greatest Showman - Re-imagined
https://open.spotify.com/user/atlanticrecords/playlist/21KCZhsVe5JZCEWpQWiKIl
The book Mother Angelica: The Remarkable Story of a Nun, Her Nerve, and a Network of Miracles by Raymond Arroyo - https://www.amazon.com/Mother-Angelica-Remarkable-Network-Miracles/dp/0385510934/ref=tmm_pap_swatch_0?_encoding=UTF8&qid=1541622157&sr=8-1

Heather's One Thing - Fr. Josh’s podcast “Ask Fr. Josh” https://media.ascensionpress.com/category/ascension-podcasts/askfrjosh/
Also the song “It is Well” by Kristine DiMarco https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YNqo4Un2uZI

Discussion Questions:

How can your femininity compliment masculine hearts in healthy ways?
Fr. Josh said that you can’t take a vacation from your vocation. How can you embrace your vocation in a deeper way?
Share your thoughts about the concept of fasting from talking so you can listen more to people around you (lectio divina of the person).
When is a time that you have experienced the tenderness of God?

Journal Questions:

How can you be more tender with people you are walking with in your life?
Where is a room in your heart that God asked to enter that you have said “no” to Him?
What would it look like to give God total access into your heart and life?

Quote to Ponder:

“Womanhood and manhood are complementary not only from the physical and psychological points of view, it is only through the duality of the "masculine" and the "feminine" that the "human" finds full realization.” Saint John Paul The Great, Letter to Women

Scripture of the Week - Luke 1:78-79

“By the tender mercy of our God, the dawn from on high will break upon us, to give light to those who sit in darkness and in the shadow of death, to guide our feet into the way of peace.”

Today's Abiding Together Podcast is part 4 of our series on the women doctors of the Church. This episode is on St. Thérèse of Lisieux. We talk in depth about her “little way”, a path of deep trust in God that allowed her to love in small and courageous ways and led to her sainthood. We chat about the universal call to holiness, the acceptance of our weaknesses, and how to grow in deeper trust.

One Thing We Love This Week:

Sr. Miriam's One Thing - Undone Women’s Retreat:
https://jpiihealingcenter.org/event/undone-womens-conference-tallahassee-fl/
Michelle's One Thing - A Light So Lovely - The spiritual legacy of Madeline L' Engle - by Sarah Arthur
https://www.amazon.com/Light-So-Lovely-Spiritual-Madeleine-ebook/dp/B07B6DCPJT/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1541443431&sr=8-1&keywords=a+light+so+lovely+the+spiritual+legacy+of+madeleine+lengle
Music by Marie Miller
https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=OLAK5uy_nIm-_SUJsuOulFZtyjCXh0HYMQ0wpjCX8
Heather's One Thing - Book “The Way of Trust and Love” - by Fr. Jacques Philippe
https://www.amazon.com/Way-Trust-Love-Retreat-Therese/dp/1594171653/ref=tmm_pap_swatch_0?_encoding=UTF8&qid=1541451900&sr=8-1

Discussion Questions:

1) St. Thérèse surrendered in trust to God, in what ways do you need to grow in trust?
2) St. Thérèse embraced small sacrifices to love God and her neighbor, how can you make small sacrifices this week for love?
3) God is drawn to our weakness. Have you or how have you allowed yourself to experience God’s deep love in your areas of weakness?
4) God works miracles in the mundane moments of life, if we open our hearts to grace. How can you become more aware of God’s presence in the simple places of normal life?

Journal Questions:

1) How is God calling you to become “little” and more dependent on God in your life?
2) What areas of brokenness do you need to invite the Savior to come in to today?
3) St. Thérèse talked about the importance of all the flowers being different. How is God calling you to let go of jealousy and comparison and embrace your gifts?

Quote to Ponder:

“God would never inspire me with desires which cannot be realized; so in spite of my littleness, I can hope to be a saint.” - St.Thérèse of Lisieux

Scripture for the week - Psalm 23

The Lord is my shepherd, I shall not want. He makes me lie down in green pastures; He leads me beside quiet waters. He restores my soul; He guides me in the paths of righteousness for His name’s sake. Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I fear no evil, for You are with me; Your rod and Your staff, they comfort me. You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies; You have anointed my head with oil; My cup overflows. Surely goodness and loving kindness will follow me all the days of my life, and I will dwell in the house of the Lord forever.

We have a discussion group on Facebook that you are most welcome to join. If you have a Facebook account, just request access by clicking here https://www.facebook.com/groups/147228892631737/

We did a little spontaneous video podcast a couple of weeks ago, which we posted on our Facebook Abiding Together Podcast page. Here it is in case you missed it https://vimeo.com/298429907

Reading Recommendations about St. Therese:

The Way of Trust and Love - by Fr. Jacques Philippe

The Story of a Soul - by St. Therese

I Believe in Love: A Personal Retreat Based on the Teaching of St. Therese of Lisieux - by Jean D'Elbee

33 days to Merciful Love - Fr. Micheal Gaitley

Shirts of Flame - A year with St. Therese of Lisieux - by Heather King

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

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

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.

Learning how to pray is one of the topics Christians are continually striving to learn more about. In this episode we talk in depth about a couple of forms of prayer and also share some of our personal experiences and insights from our own prayer life. We hope that this conversation blesses you and encourages you to pray and encounter Christ more deeply. 

One Thing We Love This Week:

Sr. Miriam's One Thing - Her best pals Heather and Michelle!
Michelle's One Thing - The Examen Prayer: Ignatian Wisdom for Our Lives Today by Fr. Timothy Gallagher
Heather's One Thing - Bishop Barron Video “Christ Call You To Mission.” Also the song “Speak to Me” by Kari Jobe

Discussion Questions: 

What tends to distract you from taking time to pray each day? How can you prevent it?
What type of prayer do you find most fruitful in your life?
What is your experience with Lectio Divina?
Do you believe that God wants to speak to you, personally?

Journal Questions:

If you don’t have one, make a prayer plan for each day of your week.
Spend some time in the gaze of God, what do you believe He is speaking to your  heart?
Where have you seen God’s truth today? Where did you see a lie?

Quote 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 of Lisieux

In this episode we talk about how to begin dreaming about the things God is calling us to, which is very different than the cheesy instagram notion. We also share about dreams being deep desires that God places in our hearts to build up the kingdom and how to invite the Holy Spirit to restore the broken place so that new life can come forth.

One Thing We Love This Week:

Sr. Miriam's One Thing - Torin Wells “Known” - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gbQ6Lfh5L14

Michelle's One Thing - Reese Witherspoon’s book “Whiskey in a Tea Cup https://www.amazon.com/Whiskey-Teacup-Growing-Taught-Biscuits-ebook/dp/B07CL96ZWB/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1537585554&sr=8-1&keywords=reese+witherspoon+whiskey+in+a+tea+cup
And the LIFEWATR video about art in schools - https://youtu.be/86Yr9rMV-GY

Heather's One Thing - My kids!

Discussion Questions:

1. What dreams do you believe that God has placed in your heart?
2. Do you trust that God has good things in store for your future or is this a place of doubt? What is the doubt tied to?
3. What are the little things that God is calling you to be faithful to right now?
4. How can your close friends encourage you to pursue your dreams and God’s calling on your life?

Journal Questions:

1. What is lacking in the world around you that God could be calling you to respond to?
2. What dreams are lying dormant in your heart?
3. Invite the Holy Spirit to stir up dreams again in your heart. Write down what you think He is speaking to you.
4. What is something you sued to love when you were younger that God may want to redeem and restore?

Quote to Ponder:

“The place God calls you to is the place where your deep gladness and the world’s deep hunger meet” - Frederick Buechner

Extra scriptures for this episode

"And afterward, I will pour out my Spirit on all people. Your sons and daughters will prophesy, your old men will dream dreams, your young men will see visions” - Joel 2:28

“The LORD answered me: “Write down this vision and clearly inscribe it on tablets, so that a herald may run with it. 3 For the vision awaits an appointed time; it testifies of the end,and will not lie. Though it lingers, wait for it, since it will surely come and not delay. - Habakkuk 2:3

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 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.

Welcome to Season 4! We are so excited to start our new season in collaboration with Ascension. In our first episode we talk about our summer, introduce ourselves to our new listeners, but most importantly we share our perspective and our journey through the ongoing news of the scandals within the Church.  

One Thing We Love This Week:

Sr. Miriam's One Thing - The Place We Find Ourselves Podcast 
Michelle's One Thing - Blog post by Shannon Evans 
Heather's One Thing - Where You Are - Leeland with Bethel Music 
Extra Resources - Response by Fr. Mike Schmitz
Extra Resources - Response by Bishop Robert Barron

Discussion Questions:    

1. What do you think is your role to play in restoring beauty in the Church?

1. In your stages of grieving the scandals in the Church, how can you invite Jesus in to heal and restore your heart?

2. What are some practical ways you can pray for the victims of abuse and the restoration of the Church?

Journal Questions:

1. What is holding you back from something that God is calling you to do?

1. Who is someone that you can encourage to offer their gifts in a specific way?

2. How is God calling you to be a part of the renewal of the Church?

Quote to Ponder:

“Hope has two beautiful daughters. Their names are anger and courage; anger at the way things are, and courage to see that they do not remain the way they are.” - St. Augustine 

While the ladies are taking the summer off here is a bonus episode where we get the chance to get to know Michelle Benzinger a little better.

Subscribe to the podcast: Apple Podcast | Android Phone | Spotify | RSS

Michelle Benzinger - Michelle Benzinger is a national women’s speaker, creative entrepreneur, and advocate for marginalized women and children. She is the visionary leader of Greenhouse Collective and the creative director of Meaningful Market. She co-hosts a podcast, Abiding Together with Sr. Miriam Heidland and Heather Khym. Michelle and her husband, Chris, have served in global and domestic missions for the past 15 years with their six children (two adopted from Haiti) and now reside in Pensacola, Florida.

Greenhouse Collective: facebook | instagram | website Meaningful Market: facebook | instagram | website

While the ladies are taking the summer off here is a bonus episode where we get the chance to get to know Sr. Miriam James Heidland a little better.

Sr. Miriam James was raised in Woodland, WA and is a graduate of the University ofNevada-Reno where she played volleyball on a scholarship and majored in Communications.

Upon graduation, she joined the Society of Our Lady of the Most Holy Trinity (SOLT), a missionary community that serves global areas of deepest apostolic need. Sr. Miriam has served at various SOLT missions including Rome, Seattle and Texas. In addition to speaking, her apostolates have included working with elementary school students, parish ministry, coaching high school volleyball and co-hosting a Catholic radio program.

Her story has been featured in the Seattle Times, The National Catholic Register and heard on Relevant Radio, Sirius XM, Catholic Answers Live and EWTN’s Life on the Rock, as well as Steubenville conferences, the Share Jesus campaign and international conferences and retreats. She holds a Master’s degree in Theology from the Augustine Institute and often attends courses at the Theology of the Body Institute. Her book titled Loved As I Am was released in 2014 from Ave Maria Press.

The ladies are off for the summer, but we have a bonus interview so you can get to know Heather Khym a little more.

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 wrap up our study of Gaudete Et Exsultate with chapters 4 & 5. We talk about everything from bullying on social media, the pitfalls of gossip, discernment, and how we can get rid of the poser and experience freedom in humility and poverty of spirit. We also talk about the gift of joy in the midst of struggle and living holiness in the small things.

One Thing We Love This Week:

• Sr. Miriam's One Thing - Return of the Prodigal Son by Henri J. M. Nouwen
• Michelle's One Thing - That the Golden State Warriors won the State Championship!
• Heather's One Thing - Interview with Bishop Barron on The Gathering Place Podcast by Blessed is She
• Heather’s other one thing -16 year old worship leader Payton Allen from Bethel

Discussion Questions:

1. How is God calling you to grow in having beautiful speech in relationships and on social media?
2. Discuss how humility and acceptance of your own poverty can increase your dependence on God?
3. Pope Francis says that “unless you let him warm you more and more with His love and tenderness you will not catch fire and how will you be able to set the hearts of others on fire”. Are you experiencing a dynamic encounter with God? If not, how could you begin this relationship?
4. Am I excluding God from any area of my life because of fear?

Journal Questions:

1. What am I passing on to people through my witness? Is it rule following, a good way to live, or a vibrant and personal relationship with God?
2. Am I spending time listening to the heart of God and giving to others from that place? Spend some time with God, what is He saying to you this week?

Quote to Ponder:

“Let us ask the Holy Spirit to pour out upon us a fervent longing to be saints for God’s greater glory and let us encourage one another in this effort. In this way we will share a happiness that the world will not be able to take from us.” - Pope Francis

In this episode we discuss chapters 2 & 3 of “Gaudete Et Exsultate (Rejoice and Be Glad)” by Pope Francis. We talk about our tendencies to fall into judgmentalism or self reliance and how these creep into our spiritual life. We also talk about the beauty of the Beatitudes and our call to get honest with ourselves about our pride and embrace poverty of spirit so as to fully live the Christian life and embrace grace more fully.

One Thing We Love This Week:

• Sr. Miriam's One Thing - A Meditation on Givenness by John Paul II
• Michelle's One Thing - Celebrating Good and Faithful Priests especially the newly ordained
• Heather's One Thing - Craig Groeschel Leadership Podcast

Discussion Questions:

1. Do you tend to struggle more with an intellectual approach to your spirituality that leads to judgment or with acting more on your own power and not relying on grace?
2. What is your favorite Beatitude and why?
3. What do you think about when Pope Francis says "the Beatitudes are like the Christian's identity card"?
4. Pope Francis says we can only live the Beatitudes with the power of the Holy Spirit. What is one Beatitude that you need the power of the Holy Spirit to help you live today?

Journal Questions:

1. What holds you back from loving the poor in a personal way?
2. Who do I need to show mercy to this week?
3. How is my life working for other people?

Quote to Ponder:

"Yes I have many human faults and failures...But God bends down and uses us, you and me, to be his love and his compassion in the world; he bears our sins, our troubles and our faults. He depends on us to love the world and to show how much he loves it. if we are too concerned with ourselves we will have no time left for others” - St. Teresa of Calcutta

In this episode we begin our 3 part study of “Gaudete Et Exsultate (Rejoice and Be Glad)” by Pope Francis. We start with a discussion of Chapter 1, “The Call to Holiness”, and that this call is not for the elite, but for everyone to live out in their own unique way. We talk about the misconceptions of what holiness looks like, share some personal stories of how God brought freedom to areas we felt pressure to live a certain way, and how God wants us to come alive.

One Thing We Love This Week:

• Sr. Miriam's One Thing - The Prayer of Release
• Michelle's One Thing - “One Beautiful Dream: The Rollicking Tale of Family Chaos, Personal Passions, and Saying Yes to Them Both” by Jennifer Fulwiler
• Michelle’s Other One Thing - “My Reading Life” by Pat Conroy
•  Heather's One Thing - Bishop Robert Barron’s talk to Google staff
• Heather’s other One Thing - Corn and bean salsa Recipe

One can of sweet corn whole kernel drained One can black beans drained Juice of one fresh lime A handful or two of chopped cilantro (to your taste) Half a jar of salsa (your choice) 1 cup (ish) grated medium or sharp cheddar cheese A little shake of salt Stir together and serve with corn tortilla chips If it needs more flavor add more salsa and/or lime juice

Discussion Questions:

1. Discuss the quote, “Holiness is the most attractive face of the Church"?
2. Holiness is lived out in the little things and flows out to the big things. What are some ways that you choose to live out holiness in little ways?
3. How have you possibly misunderstood what holiness is "supposed to look like" in your life, vocation, and work and how have you felt pressured by this?
4. Where is God trying to make you come more alive this week?

Journal Questions:

1. Am I more interested in having more followers on social media than making disciples of Jesus?
2. What areas do you feel pressure in your life to be and live a certain way? How might God want to bring freedom?
3. How do you think that you are called to live out your holiness in a personal way, that is specific to your unique gifts and personality?

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

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 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

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 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 weeks episode we reflect on the theme of our Royalty and how we are adopted daughters and sons of the King and therefore we are royal. We discuss the themes from the women’s retreat we did together in British Columbia last week and share about God’s invitation to us, our identity, how to grow in intimacy with Him, and our royal inheritance.

One Thing We Love This Week:

• Sr. Miriam's One Thing - The Bloom Tulip Festival
• Michelle's One Thing -The film "Embracing the Unknown"
• Michelle's Other One Thing - Steffany Gretzinger - Oxygen
• Heather's One Thing - Hillsong - “New Wine”
• Heather's Other One Thing - Hillsong - “Touch of Heaven”

Discussion Questions:

1. God invites us to come to Him as children. What does it mean, and look like, to approach the throne of God boldly?
2. What is home for you and what makes it home? How does this relate to our desire for God and how He reveals His love?
3. How did you feel when Michelle said, “your vocation and your calling are not at war with each another?

Journal Questions:

1. How do you usually approach God? Fearful, boldly, only when you need something?
2. What is the narrative in your heart and mind about your identity? Is it God’s narrative?
3. Most of us come from a defeated mindset, but what would it look like to operate from a place of victory in your life?

Quote to Ponder:

“For Zion’s sake I will not keep silent, and for Jerusalem’s sake I will not rest, until her vindication goes forth as brightness, and her salvation as a burning torch. The nations shall see your vindication, and all the kings your glory; and you shall be called by a new name which the mouth of the Lord will give. You shall be a crown of beauty in the hand of the Lord, and a royal diadem in the hand of your God. You shall no more be termed Forsaken, and your land shall no more be termed Desolate; but you shall be called My delight is in her, and your land Married; for the Lord delights in you, and your land shall be married.” - Isaiah 62:1-5

There is good news and bad news.

The bad news is Michelle, Sr. Miriam, and Heather planned on recording a podcast while at the Royal Retreat held this last weekend in British Columbia. Because Michelle's flight was over 3 hours late they didn't have time to record a new podcast.

The good news is we have a recording of Heather's talk from Saturday of the retreat on intimacy.

Here are the two videos Heather used in her talk:

• Adoptions
• Wedding first looks

Discussion Questions:    

1. How does it make you feel when God says the words “you are mine”?
2. Do you believe that you are delightful to God, even in your brokenness

3. What do you think blocks your intimacy with God?

Journal Questions:

1. What ways do you bond with God and what are the ways you need to open the door to?

2. Journal about what the veil is in your life?

3. What broken parts of the parent child relationship or marriage relationship analogies affect your relationship with God?

Quote to Ponder:

“There can be no intimacy – emotional intimacy, spiritual intimacy, physical intimacy – without vulnerability. One of the reasons there is such an intimacy deficit today is because we don’t know how to be vulnerable. It’s about being honest with how we feel, about our fears, about what we need. Vulnerability is a glue that holds intimate relationships together” - Brene Brown

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

We thought we would have a little fun this week with a light hearted conversation about some of our favorite things from movies to saints and everything in between. We have learned that in order to have thriving relationships, its so important to never stop learning about the other. Laughing and chatting about things we love, bonds people. We hope you'll take an opportunity to discuss your favorite things with a few friends over a coffee or glass of wine.

In this weeks podcast we finish our Life of the Beloved book study with “Living as the Beloved” and the epilogue. We discuss how God is Love and He desires to be loved by us. All that God has done for us deserves a response, a personal response to His goodness, His love, and His sacrifice. Thank you for joining us for the book study and we look forward to continuing the journey with you each week with the podcast.

Join the Facebook discussion group here.   One Thing We Love This Week:

• Sr. Miriam's One Thing - the Easter Vigil Mass, so beautiful
• Michelle's One Thing - Starburst Jelly beans...Alleluia! Lent is over!

• Heather's One Thing - Easter playlist   Discussion Questions:    

1. How can you respond to the gift of God’s love in a personal way?
2. Discuss your thoughts on this quote “the world is evil only when you become its slave”.
3. How do you or can you bring the light of Christ into your world in a specific way?
4. Do I present and witness to the Gospel as “Good News” and witness with joy?

Journal Questions:

1. What does it look like for me to live out of my belovedness in the mission field God has me in?
2. How have I slipped into living a small story instead of living in the larger story, God’s story?
3. What area of my life do I need to bring into the light and love of Christ?   Quote to Ponder:

“The unfathomable mystery of God is that God is a lover who wants to be loved” - Henri Nouwen

In this weeks podcast we reflect on the next chapter in Life of the Beloved, “Given”. We talk about the greatest gift we can offer another is not our talents, but our very selves. This allows for the deep connection and intimacy we all long for, but to give ourselves we need to first possess ourselves and know our identity as beloved.

Join the Facebook discussion group here.

One Thing We Love This Week:

• Sr. Miriam's One Thing - Steffany Gretzinger - Reckless Love
• Michelle's One Thing - Lisa Brenninkmeyer’s son Jonny Brenns is on American Idol! Here’s his audition!
• Heather's One Thing - Magnolia Journal

Discussion Questions:    

1. When faced with an opportunity to give to another, we often will count the cost. What are the things that make you turn down opportunities to offer yourself to others?
2. What are the gifts that you receive when you are willing to share your life with others?
3. What are specific ways you can go beyond offering your talents to people, to giving of yourself?

Journal Questions:

1. How do I live like an orphan in regards to giving?
2. In what relationships do I take more than I give? How can I practically begin to change this dynamic in those relationships and offer more to the other?
3. Judgement of others can often cause us to pull away from people, but when we remember we are loving Christ when we love that person it changes us. Who in your life can you do a better job of loving today?

Quote to Ponder:

“Our real gift is not so much what we can do, but who we are” - Henri Nouwen

This week we continue our book study of “Life of the Beloved” chapter 5, “Broken”. We talk about how our brokenness is unique to our story and that God wants to bring healing and restoration to us. We discuss the ways that we can often numb out to the pain and how God is inviting us to live a more full and abundant life by living our identity as beloved.   One Thing We Love This Week:

• Sr. Miriam's One Thing - “I’ll Keep You Safe” - Sleeping At Last
• Michelle's One Thing - Mary Williams “Behold”
• Michelle's Other Thing - Quote by Brennan Manning "When I am aware of my belovedness, I am more compassionate and playful, I take myself less seriously, I become aware that the breath of the Father is on my face and that my countenance is bright with laughter in the midst of an adventure I thoroughly enjoy.”
• Heather's One Thing - “Closer Than You Know” - Hillsong United  

• Heather's Other Thing - “Here Now” - Hillsong United     Discussion Questions:    

1. What stands out to you as you read the quote “The first step to healing is not a step away from the pain, but a step toward it.”
2. Have you ever considered your brokenness as being unique and not something to compare to other peoples?
3. Where do you tend to bring your brokenness and numb out instead of bringing it to God? How can you make a change this week in this area?

Journal Questions:

1. What area does God want to bring deeper healing into my life?
2. How can I “befriend” my brokenness and bring it under “the blessing”?
3. How can I practically pursue more healing in my life today?

Quote to Ponder:

“The first step to healing is not a step away from the pain, but a step toward it” - Henri Nouwen

This week we continue our book study  “Life of the Beloved” chapter 4, “Blessed”. We talk about how the deepest affirmation of our being comes from God who desires to bless us. Many of us have experience so many words of destruction and negativity that need to be restored by true blessing from God and one another. Hope you enjoy this weeks podcast!

One Thing We Love This Week:

• Sr. Miriam's One Thing - The gift of the priesthood giving their lives in the service of their bride
• Michelle's One Thing - "Better is one day' by Trey McLaughlin
• Heather's One Thing - My sweet mom. Nothing like the love of a good mother when you're sick.

Discussion Questions:    

1. What stands out to you as you read the quote “To give someone a blessing is the most significant affirmation we can offer.”
2. Have you ever received a blessing from someone that really resonated with you? What was it like to receive it?
3. How do I experience prayer as coming into God’s blessing?

Journal Questions:

1.  Where can I start blessing people in my life today?
2.  Have I ever had someone speak words to me or over me that were not blessings? Have I ever felt cursed or stuck because of what someone said to me or about me?
3.  How can I concretely be more attentive to the blessings that come to me day after day and year after year?

Quote to Ponder:

"To give someone a blessing is the most significant affirmation we can offer" - Henri Nouwen

This week we dive into part 4 of “Life of the Beloved” chapter 3, “Taken”.

We talk about how being chosen by God does not exclude others, rather it is personal and includes everyone. We also discuss how to unmask the world, declare truth over our lives, and cure the critical heart with gratitude. Hope you enjoy this weeks podcast!

One Thing We Love This Week:

• Sr. Miriam's One Thing - “Fearless and Free” study on Ephesians - by Lisa Brenninkmeyer of Walking With Purpose
• Michelle's One Thing - Gratitude for the life and legacy of Billy Graham
• Heather's One Thing - The Instant Pot. Frozen chicken breasts in 12 minutes people!

Discussion Questions:

1. God looks upon each of us as unique and chooses us personally. How can you make space to understand this truth more deeply?
2. Do you sometimes feel like you have to hustle or strive for God’s favor and attention?
3. Gratitude is the cure for complaining and criticism. How can you grow in gratitude?
4. Do you surround yourself with people that speak goodness, truth, and beauty into your life?

Journal Questions:

1. We become what we focus on. What is blooming in the garden of your heart these days?
2. Have you ever felt left out in the Church community? This is not how the Church is meant to be. Consider opening your heart to God’s healing and restoration in this area.
3. In what area of your life do you need to declare and claim God’s truth right now?   Quote to Ponder:

"When we keep claiming the light, we will find ourselves becoming more and more radiant” - Henri Nouwen

In this episode we discuss “Life of the Beloved” chapter 2, “Becoming the Beloved”

We chat about how we can allow the knowledge of being the Beloved to become infused in our daily life, moment by moment. We also talk about living the abundant life and allowing our hearts to desire heaven.

One Thing We Love This Week:

• Michelle's One Thing - Defender by  Rita Springer
• Heather's One Thing - Your Love Defends Me by Matt Maher  
• Sr. Miriam's One Thing - The Winter Olympics Cross Country Skiing

• Sr. Miriam's Other One Thing - Heather's Lenten Worship Playlist   Discussion Questions:

1. What does it looks like in my life to become the Beloved in all that I think say and do?
2. Are there areas in my life where I am listless and bored even though I am busy? What’s happening in those areas?
3. What is the process God has me in to become the beloved? What steps is He taking to open up my heart to Him?

Journal Questions:

1. How do you use being “busy” as an excuse for growing in your relationship with God and being present to your own life.
2. When your heart is restless, where or what do you turn to in the world in attempt to satisfy it?
3. How can you practically make space to listen to the voice of God speaking the truth of your Belovedness?   Quote to Ponder:

“Becoming the Beloved means letting the truth of our Belovedness become enfleshed in everything we think, say, or do.” - Henri Nouwen

In this episode we discuss the first chapter of our book study “Life of the Beloved” called Being the Beloved. We talk about what it means to be Beloved and the voices that come against that truth.

Join the Facebook discussion group here

One Thing We Love This Week:

• Sr. Miriam's One Thing - “Agape” by Bear’s Den
• Michelle's One Thing - “The home is not the one tame place in a world of adventure; it is the one wild place in a world of rules and set tasks.” by G.K. Chesterton
• Heather's One Thing - “I Surrender” - by Hillsong

Discussion Questions:                                        

1. What are the voices that try to keep you from living your life as the beloved?
2. How can we live out being the beloved concretely in our day to day life?
3. Nouwen says, you can’t give the gift of being beloved if you haven’t received it. How can we receive this truth more deeply.

Journal Questions:

1. What is your interior response to hearing that you are the beloved?
2. What are your thoughts about Henri Nouwen’s assertion that being the beloved expresses the core truth of our existence.

Quote to Ponder:

“Being the beloved expresses the core truth of our existence” - Henri Nouwen

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 episode we discuss the prayer of Jesus for unity, that we would all be one. We chat about how this is the heart of God and how we can grow in unity among denominations with our Christian brothers and sisters as the body of Christ.

One Thing We Love This Week:

• Sr. Miriam's One Thing - The Sacrament of Marriage and good married couples
• Michelle's One Thing - This video about Matt Maher's thoughts on Christian unity
• Heather's One Thing - "Now and At the Hour" - by the Brilliance

Discussion Questions:                                        

1. What barriers and mentalities do you need God to purify and remove in your heart, in regards to unity?
2. In what relationships, with people of other faiths, do you need to listen more instead of share your opinion?
3. In our society, people of good will must unite. What is one practical way that you could participate in this type of unity?

Journal Questions:

1. What can I learn from other Christian denominations?
2. Are there areas in your life and relationships where you focus more on being "right" that being charitable?
3. Where does Jesus want to encounter you this week?

Quote to Ponder: "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 sent Me"