Abiding Together

In this episode, we talk about what it means to live an authentically human life in an increasingly digital world. Technology is reshaping the way we live and it affects more than just how we work and play. We reflect on how our thoughts, relationships, and emotions are being influenced, and why we need to be intentional about making space for real, human connection. We share how beauty, creativity, and wonder draw us out of an artificial reality and remind us of the goodness of being human. We also offer practical ideas for finding balance with technology, learning to savor rather than simply consume, and allowing the Lord to rightly order our lives.

Heather's One Thing - Humanality's Digital Detox Program

Heather's Other One Thing - Ave Maria Press and Spoonful of Comfort

Sister Miriam's One Thing - Therese of Lisieux: Secrets of Joy by Fr Pierre Descouvemont

Michelle's One Thing - Ella Langley Shirt from her friends in Auburn and Farmers Markets

Journal Questions:

Discussion Questions:

Quote to Ponder:

"The deeper a soul is bound to God, the more completely surrendered to grace, the stronger will be its influence on the form of the Church. Conversely, the more an era is engulfed in the night of sin and estrangement from God the more it needs souls united to God. And God does not permit a deficiency. The greatest figures of prophecy and sanctity step forth out of the darkest night." (Edith Stein)

Scripture for Lectio:

"I keep asking that the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the glorious Father, may give you the Spirit of wisdom and revelation, so that you may know him better." (Ephesians 1:17)

Sponsor - Camp Wojtyla:

Are you looking for a transformative experience for your middle school or high school student? Camp Wojtyla helps young people fall more in love with Jesus Christ and His Church through epic adventures in the Colorado mountains, awesome community, and huge fun. Camp Wojtyla helps kids learn they are stronger than they thought, and that God is bigger than they could ever have imagined.

Camp Wojtyla is nestled in the Rocky Mountains of Colorado on a beautiful, 1200-acre wilderness property, and offers fourteen different single gender programs, giving campers a unique opportunity to LIVE LIFE TO THE FULL!

We have a God of adventure. He has a story and a plan for each of us. Camp Wojtyla teaches about God and the Catholic Church through authentic and life-changing adventures in creation. In a culture that inundates us with noise, unplugged time on the mountain helps us understand who God is and who He has made us to be. While at Camp Wojtyla, campers experience expertly designed and sequenced programming that helps them understand that they are called to sainthood...and how they can achieve it! Our carefully selected, and highly trained team of staff and counselors are joyful and faithful role models who can't wait to help give your camper their best summer ever!

Come check us out at www.camp-w.com. We can't wait to offer you or your child a transformative adventure! The lottery for 2027 programming is open now through October 26th. Sign up today for a chance to experience Life to the Full at Camp Wojtyla this summer!

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Timestamps: 00:00 Camp Wojtyla

01:31 Intro

02:13 Welcome

03:37 What Does it Mean to Embrace Our Humanity?

07:14 AI Will Change the Way We Live

10:40 Embodied Living

15:38 Experiencing Community in Person

20:13 Beauty is an Antidote to Artificiality

23:16 Making Time for Human Experiences

25:40 Recapping Practical Ways to Live Humanly

27:33 One Things

In this episode, we reflect on how to integrate the rhythms of the liturgical year into our everyday lives. We talk about the different graces available to us in each liturgical season, and how by living these seasons year after year, we are slowly being taught how to thrive. We also reflect on the value of our attention, what it means to be human, and how sacramentals can help call our attention back to God. Living liturgically is not simply another thing to do, but an invitation to become the women God created us to be.

Heather's One Thing - Catholic Artists

Sister Miriam's One Thing - All Our Abiding Together Sponsors

Michelle's One Thing - Brie and Cheddar Beer Soup

Other Resources Mentioned:

Ascension 2027 Planner

Journal Questions:

Discussion Questions:

Quotes to Ponder:

"All we have to decide is what to do with the time that is given us." (J.R.R. Tolkien, The Fellowship of the Ring)

"Some believe it is only great power that can hold evil in check, but that is not what I have found. It is the small everyday deeds of ordinary folk that keep the darkness at bay. Small acts of kindness and love." (J. R. R. Tolkien, Hobbit Movie)

"The word "liturgy" originally meant a "public work" or a "service in the name of/on behalf of the people." In Christian tradition it means the participation of the People of God in "the work of God." Through the liturgy Christ, our redeemer and high priest, continues the work of our redemption in, with, and through his Church." (CCC 1069)

Scripture for Lectio:

"For everything there is a season, and a time for every matter under heaven." (Ecclesiastes 3:1)

Sponsor - Rooted for Good:

Radiant Skincare. Wholesome Living. A Greater Mission.

Rooted For Good specializes in all-natural skincare and essential oils carefully crafted to nourish your skin while aligning with your values. Founded by a Catholic cosmetologist and mom of six, Rooted was built on the conviction that clean beauty should be affordable and faithful to Goodness, Truth, and Real Beauty.

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What the AT Community has to say:

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Special Community Offer:

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Timestamps: 00:00 Rooted for Good

01:17 Intro

02:18 Welcome

05:36 The Circular Rhythm of Life

09:07 We Need Holy Order

13:04 What Does it Mean to Be Human?

15:32 God is Meant to Be at the Center

19:15 The Gift of Attention

23:17 Sacramentals to Help Us Remember the Divine

26:58 Where is the Holy Spirit Calling Us?

28:11 One Things

In this episode, we continue our reflection on the mysteries of our lives by exploring our luminous and glorious mysteries. We talk about how God has been inviting us to trust His plans, especially when they look different from our own. We also share how God has been restoring relationships in our lives, reminding us that He is faithful even when we cannot see the full picture of what He is doing. Through these reflections, we are reminded that when God brings something to light, He is inviting us into a deeper relationship with Him. And that His glory is often revealed through quiet moments of restoration and redemption.

Luminous - Something the Lord brought to the light to and an area of pruning, a longing, and ache

Glorious - Something you see the Lord redeeming and restoring (it can still be in process)

Heather's One Thing - The Good Life Hallow Series on Hallow

Sister Miriam's One Thing - Oremoose

Michelle's One Thing - Dolly Parton and Wendell Berry

Journal Questions:

Discussion Questions:

Quote to Ponder:

"I often think that the ideal of our perfection that we set up, and often go through torture to achieve, may not be God's idea of how He wants us to be at all. That may be something quite different that we never would have thought of, and what seems like a failure to us may really be something bringing us closer to His will for us." (Caryll Houselander)

Scripture for Lectio:

"I sought the Lord, and he answered me; he delivered me from all my fears. Those who look to him are radiant; their faces are never covered with shame." (Psalm 34: 4-5)

Sponsor - The Abiding Together Shop:

Sweater season is here, and the holidays will be here before we know it! The Abiding Together shop is officially back, and we're celebrating with a special shop sale. Whether you're shopping for yourself or getting a head start on your Christmas list, there's something for every Abiding Together listener—from cozy sweatshirts and long- or short-sleeved shirts to saint story cards, mugs, and leather keychains.

We have so many new styles making their debut in the shop, along with some of your favorite products that are finally back in stock. And for a limited time, you can get free shipping on orders over $75!

One of the best ways you can support Abiding Together is simply by spreading the word. Wearing your Abiding Together merch out and about is a fun way to share the podcast with the people around you and let others know about the community we're building together.

And with free shipping on orders over $75, this is the perfect time to place a group order for your sisters, friends, or small group!

Head over to the shop (abidingtogetherpodcast.com), find something you love, and get ready to show off your Abiding Together spirit. We can't wait to see you out there in your Abiding Together merch!

Timestamps: 00:00 The Abiding Together Shop

01:37 Intro

03:00 Luminous Mysteries

12:53 Glorious Mysteries

19:02 One Things

Welcome to Season 19! In this episode, we continue our tradition of reflecting on the mysteries of our lives through the mysteries of the Rosary. In every season of our lives, God invites us to grow in charity, receive His grace, and allow Him to work more deeply in our hearts. It's important to pause from time to time and reflect on how God has been moving in and through our lives. We model what this reflection can look like and share about our joyful and sorrowful mysteries.

Joyful - A delight, an area of gratitude

Sorrowful - A hurt or obstacle

Heather's One Thing - Abiding Together and Ascension 2027 Planner

Sister Miriam's One Thing - The Good News Conference and everyone who plans events

Michelle's One Thing - College Football and Summer Camps

Journal Questions:

Discussion Questions:

Quote to Ponder:

"I often think that the ideal of our perfection that we set up, and often go through torture to achieve, may not be God's idea of how He wants us to be at all. That may be something quite different that we never would have thought of, and what seems like a failure to us may really be something bringing us closer to His will for us." (Caryll Houselander)

Scripture for Lectio:

"I sought the Lord, and he answered me; he delivered me from all my fears. Those who look to him are radiant; their faces are never covered with shame." (Psalm 34: 4-5)

Sponsor - CORDA:

Bring the coziness of candlelight and beautiful scents to your home with CORDA's Catholic candles. These candles are made with clean coconut wax and custom fragrances directly inspired by saints and the faith, and are handcrafted by a husband-and-wife team.

Each candle comes beautifully packaged and ready for gifting, with the story behind the scent inspiration on the box. The timeless design of the candle leads with beauty, helping you share the faith in a lovely and meaningful way.

Explore CORDA's beautiful Catholic candles and, through November 15, save 10% with code ABIDING10 at cordacandles.com/abiding

Timestamps: 00:00 CORDA

01:21 Intro

02:03 Welcome

05:00 Scripture Verse and Quote to Ponder

09:53 Joyful Mysteries

20:38 Sorrowful Mysteries

37:44 One Things

40:32 Closing Prayer

To read Sr. Miriam's Letter, visit the Friends of the Bridegroom's website.

In this episode, we conclude our book study on Friendship in the Lord and welcome Fr. John Burns, Founder of Friends of the Bridegroom, to the podcast. We reflect on our deep longing to be known and loved and the ways fear can cause us to cling to others or settle for lesser goods. We talk about hoping for the possibility of beautiful friendship, even when our own experience has been marked by loneliness, disappointment, or suffering. We also discuss the beauty of celibate friendship as a witness to the primacy of God's love, the role of feedback in relationships, and how the limitations we encounter in friendship ultimately reveal the deeper truth that we were made for God.

Friends, we feel so blessed to have been able to journey with you this summer. We will see you on September 28th for the start of Season 19! Sign up for our newsletter or follow us on Instagram to receive updates!

Announcement:

You can buy your copy of Friendship in the Lord from Ave Maria Press (or Amazon).

Journal Questions:

Discussion Questions:

Quote to Ponder:

"There is no true love without reverence. And reverence is always tender." (Friendship in the Lord, Page 115)

Scripture for Lectio:

"He who has the bride is the bridegroom. The friend of the bridegroom, who stands and hears him, rejoices greatly at the bridegroom's voice. For this reason my joy has been fulfilled." (John 3:29)

Sponsor - Ave Maria Press:

Enjoyed reading Friendship in the Lord this summer? Ave Maria Press has even more spiritual titles you'll love. Explore more Christian classics, find your next small group book study or daily Advent companion, and discover guides to deeper healing and spiritual confidence. Ave Maria Press has curated a collection specifically for Abiding Together listeners—encounter your next meaningful read at avemariapress.com.

Timestamps: 00:00 Ave Maria Press

01:24 Intro

03:03 Scripture Verse and Guiding Quote

06:10 Appreciation and the Fear of Being Alone

10:19 Hope for What Friendship Can Be

14:01 The Fear of Suffering

20:14 Becoming Who We Are Meant to Be

28:05 Self-Knowledge in Friendship

30:24 The Beauty of Celibate Friendships

38:47 Encountering Loneliness

43:52 Seeing Another's Potential

48:17 Closing Prayer

In this episode, we continue our book study on Friendship in the Lord and reflect on the gift of friendship as a foretaste of heaven and a living image of God's love. We talk about how we are meant to journey through life with each other, how God bonds us together along the way, and how these friendships are meant to last forever. We also discuss the gift of praising God for our friends, what it means to behold and not possess beauty, and how focusing on gratitude allows us to hold joy and sorrow in tension.

Announcement:

You can buy your copy of Friendship in the Lord from Ave Maria Press (or Amazon).

Journal Questions:

Discussion Questions:

Quote to Ponder:

"Friends in the Lord always turn one another toward the Lord. They are not forever gazing at each other, but together they look to the Lord and to their brothers and sisters in the Lord." (Friendship in the Lord, Page 101)

Scripture for Lectio:

"We must no longer be children, tossed to and fro and blown about by every wind of doctrine, by people's trickery, by their craftiness in deceitful scheming. But speaking the truth in love, we must grow up in every way into him who is the head, into Christ, from whom the whole body, joined and knit together by every ligament with which it is equipped, as each part is working properly, promotes the body's growth in building itself up in love." (Ephesians 4:14-17)

Sponsor - Word on Fire's new film, Heaven in Stone and Glass, produced in partnership with Spirit Juice Studios:

Beauty has the power to draw us beyond ourselves and point us toward something more.

One of our favorite places in the United States is the Basilica of the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception. When we are there, beauty has a way of speaking to the ache that we can't name. It is as though our soul knows where it belongs. It feels like a homecoming.

Word on Fire's Heaven in Stone and Glass is a new film exploring the beauty, meaning, and evangelizing power of sacred architecture.

Journey across France with Bishop Barron as he explores five of the world's most iconic Gothic cathedrals: Chartres, Notre-Dame, Reims, Amiens, and Saint-Denis. Through soaring arches, stained glass, sacred imagery, and centuries of history, Bishop Barron reveals the theological meaning embedded within these extraordinary spaces and explores why their beauty continues to stir something deep within the human soul.

Heaven in Stone and Glass invites believers and skeptics alike on a cinematic pilgrimage and asks us to consider what these sacred spaces have proclaimed for centuries: that beauty can reveal something about God and awaken us to the transcendent.

Word on Fire's Heaven in Stone and Glass, a production of Spirit Juice Studios, is coming to theaters nationwide on September 20th and 23rd.

Get tickets for yourself or a group here: https://heaveninstoneandglass.com

Timestamps:

00:00 Heaven in Stone and Glass

01:38 Intro

02:42 Scripture Verse and Quote to Ponder

05:07 Friendship is Meant to Last Forever

10:13 Faith as the Foundation of Friendship

12:05 Mature Love Gives Deepened Life to Others

13:39 Praising God for Your Friendships

17:20 Beholding Beauty in Others

20:11 Asking God for Gratitude

24:28 Closing Prayer

In this episode, we continue our book study on Friendship in the Lord and discuss how friendship with others leads us into deeper intimacy with God. We talk about our longing for both human and divine communion, how healthy friendships free us from self-preoccupation, and why learning to receive feedback is essential to our growth. We also reflect on how unmet desires in friendship are signs of our longing for the Trinity and the importance of releasing lesser goods so that we can be free to receive God's greater gifts.

Announcement:

Journal Questions:

Discussion Questions:

Quote to Ponder:

"In a special way, Christian friendship is meant to help us grow in our relationship with the Lord, as one intimately loved by him. It is meant to give us some small experience of what it means to be at home in communion with the Holy Trinity. Only in intimacy with the Lord are we the deepest "who we are." Only in communion with him are we our truest selves." (Friendship in the Lord, Page 77)

Scripture for Lectio:

"I no longer call you servants, because a servant does not know his master's business. Instead, I have called you friends, for everything that I learned from my Father I have made known to you." (John 15:15)

Timestamps: 00:00 Intro

01:00 Scripture Verse

02:37 Human Friendship Helps Us Grow In Relationship with God

05:06 Freedom from Self-Preoccupation

07:47 Cultivating Self Awareness

10:15 Giving and Receiving Honest Feedback

14:36 Pain in Friendship is a Symbol of Our Longing for God

19:12 What Should We Do with Our Ache?

22:48 Resting in the Enjoyment of Lesser Gifts

25:05 A Call to Make Room

27:22 Closing Prayer

In this episode, we continue our book study on Friendship in the Lord and reflect on how loving appreciation and reconciliation are the places where friendship matures. We talk about why healthy adult friendships draw us closer to the Lord, how the unique gifts of women and men reveal different facets of God's love, and how learning to behold another's beauty without trying to grasp or possess it calls forth our true identity. We also discuss the importance of recognizing how we've hurt others, expressing sincere sorrow, and allowing others to do the same. As we bring our wounds, suffering, and sin into the love of Christ, we discover that the very places we fear most can become the biggest places of resurrection.

Other Resources Mentioned:

Restore the Glory Podcast on Confession (Parts 1-3)

S18 Forgiveness Meditation (with questions from the book Forgiving as Unity with Christ)

S11 Forgiveness Meditation with Sister Miriam

Announcement:

You can buy your copy of Friendship in the Lord from Ave Maria Press (or Amazon).

Journal Questions:

Discussion Questions:

Quote to Ponder:

"The intimacy of adult friendship in the Spirit can teach us to aspire to the fullest possible intimacy with the Lord himself. The tenderness of one friend toward another is the image of God's own tenderness, when the friends truly love each other in the Spirit." (Friendship in the Lord, Page 62)

Scripture for Lectio:

"Therefore as God's chosen people, holy and dearly beloved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience. Bear with each other and forgive one another if any of you has a grievance against someone. Forgive as the Lord forgave you. And over all these virtues, put on love, which binds them all together in perfect unity." (Colossians 3:12-14)

Timestamps: 00:00 Intro

01:10 Scripture Verse and Quote to Ponder

02:03 Am I Maturing as A Friend?

07:57 Our Different Gifts Reveal Facets of God

11:45 Appreciating Beauty Without Grasping

14:28 Upholding the Dignity of Another

16:03 Receiving Ourselves as A Gift

18:37 Judgement Makes Us Blind

20:30 Exposing Our Weaknesses to the Light

22:00 Remaining Faithful to Our Friends

25:50 Reconciling with God and Others

In this episode, we continue our book study on Friendship in the Lord and reflect on the ways God invites us to grow through the relationships He has entrusted to us. We talk about the importance of rightly ordered love, why true friendship always draws our gaze toward Christ, and the beauty of virtuous friendships between men and women. We also talk honestly about the fears, wounds, and misunderstandings that can arise in friendship, and the importance of repair in deepening a friendship. Friendship is not about finding someone to complete us, but about walking together toward holiness while helping one another become who God created us to be.

Other Resources Mentioned:

Restore the Glory Podcast on Confession

Announcement:

You can buy your copy from Ave Maria Press (or Amazon).

Journal Questions:

Discussion Questions:

Quote to Ponder:

"Just as love for neighbor proceeds from love for God, so does faith concerning creatures proceed from this love, whether it be general faith or special faith. As there's a general faith corresponding to the love which we ought to feel in general to every creature, so there is a special faith belonging to those who love one another more intimately, like the faith which has established a close particular love between us two." (St. Catherine of Siena)

Scripture for Lectio:

"Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ! By his great mercy he has given us a new birth into a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, and into an inheritance that is imperishable, undefiled, and unfading, kept in heaven for you, who are being protected by the power of God through faith for a salvation ready to be revealed in the last time. In this you rejoice, even if now for a little while you have had to suffer various trials, so that the genuineness of your faith—being more precious than gold that, though perishable, is tested by fire—may be found to result in praise and glory and honor when Jesus Christ is revealed. Although you have not seen him, you love him; and even though you do not see him now, you believe in him and rejoice with an indescribable and glorious joy, for you are receiving the outcome of your faith, the salvation of your souls." (1 Peter 1:3-9)

Timestamps: 00:00 Intro

03:35 Scripture Verse and Quote to Ponder

05:11 The Friendship of St. Catherine and Bl. Raymond

08:57 The Order of Friendship

11:40 Can Men and Women Have Virtuous Friendships?

16:43 Friendship Ordered Towards Christ

19:24 Why Friendship with God Comes First

23:51 Growing Through Different Stages of Friendship

28:02 Rupture and Repair in Friendship

31:48 Closing Prayer

In this episode, we continue our book study on Friendship in the Lord and reflect on what it means to be truly known, deeply loved, and fully at home with another. We talk about why we must first learn to abide in the love of God, how appreciation helps others become who they were created to be, and what it looks like to grow in friendship over time. Whether friendship feels life-giving or challenging in this season of your life, we invite you to bring every desire, wound, and longing before the Lord, who first calls you His friend.

Announcement:

You can buy your copy of Friendship in the Lord from Ave Maria Press (or Amazon).

Journal Questions:

Discussion Questions:

Quotes to Ponder:

"The mission of joy and friendship within the Christian community is even more fundamental than the Church's mission to the poor and needy, because love and joy are the source from which all ministry to the sorrowing must flow." (Friendship in the Lord, Page 7)

"The wonderful mystery which is you is not complete until you are appreciated." (Friendship in the Lord, Page 19)

Scripture for Lectio:

"My command is this: Love each other as I have loved you. Greater love has no one than this: to lay down one's life for one's friends. You are my friends if you do what I command. I no longer call you servants, because a servant does not know his master's business. Instead, I have called you friends, for everything that I learned from my Father I have made known to you." (John 15:12-15)

Sponsor - Ascension:

For the first time in more than 50 years, the Church in the United States will begin praying with a new translation of The Liturgy of the Hours starting in 2027. This long-awaited update marks a historic moment in the life of the Church and offers the opportunity for a renewed encounter with her daily prayer.

Chosen by the USCCB as one of the official publishers, Ascension has carefully crafted an edition designed to serve the Church's prayer for generations. Every detail has been thoughtfully considered to provide exceptional readability, lasting durability, and beauty worthy of this sacred tradition.

Ascension's Edition features:

Available in both Standard and Large Print formats, with three cover materials to choose from, The Liturgy of the Hours, Second Edition may be preordered as individual volumes or as the complete four-volume bundle. Volume II will begin shipping on January 1, 2027, in time for use beginning on Ash Wednesday, February 10, 2027.

Experience the beauty of the Church's daily prayer in an edition thoughtfully crafted to support prayer for generations. Preorder The Liturgy of the Hours, Second Edition at www.AscensionPress.com/Abiding.

Timestamps: 00:00 Ascension

01:32 Intro

02:18 Welcome

02:37 Scripture Verse and Quote to Ponder

03:31 Mission Comes from Community

05:26 Abiding in God's Love First

10:42 The Feeling of Belonging

14:18 Appreciation is Necessary in Friendship

17:22 We Help Others Become Themselves

20:09 Intimacy is Being at Home with Someone

25:49 Being Attentive to Fear

26:59 Closing Prayer

In this episode, we begin our summer book study on Friendship in the Lord by Fr. Paul Hinnebusch, OP. We focus on the foreword and prologue and reflect on the difference between prudence and fear, the ways we self-protect in relationships, and our longing for authentic communion. We also talk about what it means to love without possessing, how to receive others as a gift, and why friendship is a foretaste of heaven.

Other Resources Mentioned:

Announcement:

If you'd like a copy of Friendship in the Lord, you can buy your copy from Ave Maria Press (or Amazon).

Journal Questions:

Discussion Questions:

Quotes to Ponder:

"A true friend is a sort of icon of God, an other through whom the Lord's kindness and mercy shine in a manner that binds up and anoints our brokenness." (Forward to Friendship in the Lord, Fr. John Burns, xv)

"As Fr. Hinnebusch says so well, "What a Christian friend wants above all else for the loved one is his or her communion with the Lord. The one I love, my wife, my husband, my friend, belongs first of all to the Lord. And in that sense, I am only the friend of the Bridegroom. He alone is true Spouse of each and every human heart. He must increase, while I must decrease."" (Forward to Friendship in the Lord, xvii)

"A friendship is two lives joined in love and lived as one. But friendship in the Lord is never two people closed in upon themselves. Each of the friends is fully open to the Lord and open to other friends in such a way that the friendship is always part of a larger community. The Christian community is a cluster of many friendships knit together." (Preface to Friendship in the Lord, xix)

Scripture for Lectio:

"Now the birth of Jesus the Messiah took place in this way. When his mother Mary had been engaged to Joseph, but before they lived together, she was found to be with child from the Holy Spirit. Her husband Joseph, being a righteous man and unwilling to expose her to public disgrace, planned to dismiss her quietly. But just when he had resolved to do this, an angel of the Lord appeared to him in a dream and said, "Joseph, son of David, do not be afraid to take Mary as your wife, for the child conceived in her is from the Holy Spirit. She will bear a son, and you are to name him Jesus, for he will save his people from their sins." All this took place to fulfill what had been spoken by the Lord through the prophet:

"Look, the virgin shall conceive and bear a son, and they shall name him Emmanuel,"

which means, "God is with us." When Joseph awoke from sleep, he did as the angel of the Lord commanded him; he took her as his wife, but had no marital relations with her until she had borne a son; and he named him Jesus." (Matthew 1:10-25)

Sponsor - Ascension:

For the first time in more than 50 years, the Church in the United States will begin praying with a new translation of The Liturgy of the Hours starting in 2027. This long-awaited update marks a historic moment in the life of the Church and offers the opportunity for a renewed encounter with her daily prayer.

Chosen by the USCCB as one of the official publishers, Ascension has carefully crafted an edition designed to serve the Church's prayer for generations. Every detail has been thoughtfully considered to provide exceptional readability, lasting durability, and beauty worthy of this sacred tradition.

Ascension's Edition features:

Available in both Standard and Large Print formats, with three cover materials to choose from, The Liturgy of the Hours, Second Edition may be preordered as individual volumes or as the complete four-volume bundle. Volume II will begin shipping on January 1, 2027, in time for use beginning on Ash Wednesday, February 10, 2027.

Experience the beauty of the Church's daily prayer in an edition thoughtfully crafted to support prayer for generations. Preorder The Liturgy of the Hours, Second Edition at www.AscensionPress.com/Abiding.

Timestamps: 00:00 Ascension

01:32 Intro

02:19 Welcome

07:06 Scripture Verse and Quote to Ponder

08:32 Becoming an Icon of God

10:21 Self Protection in Relationships

12:40 Adult Friendships Must Be Cultivated

15:11 One Person Cannot Satisfy All Our Desires

19:55 Christian Community is a Cluster of Friendships

23:39 The Temptation to Possess

27:42 Closing Prayer

In this episode, we conclude season 18 by reflecting on the grace-filled moments this past season and the quiet ways the Lord continues to invite us into deeper communion with Him. We share who our favorite guests were, which episodes deeply ministered to us, and what we are hoping for in this next season.

Thank you for spending this season with us, friends. It has been such a gift to walk alongside you in every conversation, prayer, and story shared. We'll be holding you close in prayer over the summer and look forward to gathering with you again on July 6th, 2026 for our summer book study.

Heather's One Thing - Our Abiding Together Team: Kristina, Camille, and Kate!

Heather's Other One Thing - The team for a Healing the Whole Person Retreat in England

Sister Miriam's One Thing - Seeing Abiding Together listeners in the wild!

Sister Miriam's Other One Thing - The Dignity of Dependence by Lea Libresco Sargeant

Michelle's One Thing - Timothy Shriver's Laetare Address and Eric Church's Commencement Address

Other Resources Mentioned:

Announcement:

Journal Questions:

Discussion Questions:

Quote to Ponder:

"Above all, trust in the slow work of God. We are, quite naturally, impatient in everything to reach the end without delay. We should like to skip the intermediate stages. We are impatient of being on the way to something unknown, something new. And yet it is the law of all progress that it is made by passing through some stages of instability—and that may take a very long time." (Pierre Teilhard de Chardin)

Scripture for Lectio:

"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." (Ecclesiastes 3:11)

Sponsor - BeeStill Design:

BeeStill Design is a handcrafted Catholic jewelry and art brand founded by Louisiana artist and entrepreneur Holly Klock. A wife and mom of three, Holly has built BeeStill from a small creative outlet into a growing brand known for pieces that are both beautiful and meaningful.

Her collections feature heirloom-quality jewelry, pressed flowers, and custom intaglios, along with enamel work and ornaments. From the very beginning, she has sought to bring the joy and beauty of our faith into each creation—always with the same vision: to design timeless pieces that tell stories of faith, love, and family.

Whether you are looking for a piece of jewelry to be a daily reminder of God, or would like to find a meaningful gift for someone in your life, we encourage you to head over to beestilldesign.com. Use the code "AbideinHim" for 25% off.

Timestamps:

00:00 BeeStill Design

01:00 Introduction

01:46 Welcome

02:40 Scripture Verse and Quote to Ponder

03:38 Our Favorite Guests this Season

06:58 Our Favorite Episodes this Season

12:28 Receiving Good Gifts

16:58 Fruit Being Born in Our Lives

19:42 Hopes and Desires for the Next Season

26:28 Summer Book Study Announcement

28:26 One Things

In this episode, we reflect on how Pentecost is more than just an event of the past, but can be an ongoing outpouring of God's love and grace in our lives today. We discuss how the Holy Spirit helps heal our wounds, restores communion with God, and teaches us how to live with power and boldness, even in the places where we feel unable to love the Lord. As we prepare our hearts for Pentecost, we talk practically about cultivating a posture of receptivity, learning to invite the Holy Spirit more deeply into our hearts, and how to allow His fire to illuminate our identity and transform us from within. The Holy Spirit is alive within us, able to enter even the locked places of our hearts, and desires to help us bear much fruit in our lives.

Heather's One Thing - Pentecost | Holy Spirit Rest on Us Playlist

Heather's Other One Thing - Wild Goose Series with Fr. Dave Pivonka

Sister Miriam's One Thing - The Discerning Hearts Podcast App

Michelle's One Thing - College Graduations

Other Resources Mentioned:

Journal Questions:

Discussion Questions:

Quotes to Ponder:

"If there be among the gifts of God none greater than love, and there is no greater gift of God than the Holy Spirit, what follows more naturally than that He is Himself love…." (Saint Augustine)

"This great mystical tradition . . . shows how prayer can progress, as a genuine dialogue of love, to the point of rendering the person wholly possessed by the divine Beloved, vibrating at the Spirit's touch, resting filially within the Father's heart." (Pope Saint John Paul II, Novo Millennio Ineunte, Paragraph 33)

"A noble and delicate soul ... follows faithfully the faintest breath of the Holy Spirit; it rejoices in this Spiritual Guest and holds onto Him like a child to its mother." (The Diary of St. Faustina, Entry 148)

Scripture for Lectio:

"On one occasion, while he was eating with them, he gave them this command: "Do not leave Jerusalem, but wait for the gift my Father promised, which you have heard me speak about. For John baptized with water, but in a few days you will be baptized with the Holy Spirit." Then they gathered around him and asked him, "Lord, are you at this time going to restore the kingdom to Israel?" He said to them: "It is not for you to know the times or dates the Father has set by his own authority. But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you; and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth." After he said this, he was taken up before their very eyes, and a cloud hid him from their sight." (Acts 1:4-9)

Sponsor - Mary's Meals:

Every mother knows what it's like to want to protect their child and provide for them, to make sure there's food on the table, to make sure her child is safe, cared for, and able to grow into who God created them to be. But for millions of mothers around the world, hunger stands in the way of that hope. Their children walk to school carrying empty bowls, wondering if today they'll have anything to eat. And that's where Mary's Meals steps in.

Mary's Meals provides one daily meal in a place of education for children living in some of the world's poorest communities. And that simple meal becomes the reason a child comes to school. Once they're there, everything can begin to change. Education can become a pathway out of poverty.

So a child who is hungry can focus.

A child who is vulnerable can dream.

And a mother who felt helpless can begin to hope again.

What we love most about Mary's Meals is how ordinary people get to become a part of that story.

We don't have to solve global hunger. We simply have to feed one child. And here's the beautiful thing. It only costs $25.20 to feed a child for an entire school year.

That's one child sitting in a classroom instead of sitting at home hungry.

One mother experiencing relief instead of worry.

One life changed through a simple act of love.

So if your hearts are moved to help, we invite you to join us in supporting Mary's Meals. You can head over to their website marysmealsusa.org (or marysmeals.ca for Canada) and together we can offer hope, dignity and a daily meal to a child who needs it most.

Timestamps:

00:00 Mary's Meals

01:39 Introduction

02:26 Welcome

03:24 Scripture Verse and Quote to Ponder

04:39 Preparing Our Hearts

07:34 Healing the Wound of Powerlessness

09:26 The Holy Spirit Enables Us to Love

11:04 Inviting the Holy Spirit into Our Hearts

12:50 Our Advocate and the Forgiveness of Sins

15:10 "It is Better that I Go" 17:14 Baptized with Fire

19:15 Bearing Fruit in Our Lives

20:57 When We Restrict the Holy Spirit

22:50 Receiving the Holy Spirit within Community

28:08 Being Inspired by the Holy Spirit

31:04 One Things

In this episode, we reflect on the sacred wounds of Jesus, the reality of our own woundedness, and Jesus' invitation to make us well. We talk about how our wounds, so often hidden in shame or self-protection, when transformed, can actually become places of communion and grace. We also share about our personal experiences of facing fear or disappointment and how the slow, often painful, process of healing reminds us that God's ways are not our own. Jesus tenderly meets us in every broken place within our hearts and ardently desires to make all things new.

Heather's One Thing - Worship Session with Kory Miller

Sister Miriam's One Thing - Life Transitions Part One and Part Two with Chris Benzinger

Michelle's One Thing - The Kentucky Derby

Other Resources Mentioned:

Journal Questions:

Discussion Questions:

Quotes to Ponder:

"Nobody escapes being wounded. We are all wounded people, whether physically, emotionally, mentally, or spiritually. The main question is not, 'How can we hide our wounds?' so we don't have to be embarrassed, but 'How can we put our woundedness in the service of others?' When our wounds cease to be a source of shame, and become a source of healing, we have become wounded healers." (Henri Nouwen)

"Our brokenness reveals not a failure but a doorway through which God's healing can enter." (Henri Nouwen, The Inner Voice of Love)

Scripture for Lectio:

"Now in Jerusalem by the Sheep Gate, there is a pool, called in Hebrew Bethesda, which has five porticoes. In these lay many invalids—blind, lame, and paralyzed. One man was there who had been ill for thirty-eight years. When Jesus saw him lying there and knew that he had been there a long time, he said to him, "Do you want to be made well?" The sick man answered him, "Sir, I have no one to put me into the pool when the water is stirred up; and while I am making my way, someone else steps down ahead of me." Jesus said to him, "Stand up, take your mat and walk." At once the man was made well, and he took up his mat and began to walk." (John 5:2-9)

Sponsor - Seton Home Study School:

Since 1982, families have entrusted their students to Seton Home Study School. Seton is thoroughly Catholic, academically rigorous, and fully accredited with the Middle States Association of Colleges and Schools. Seton high school graduates have been admitted, and excelled, at virtually every college and university in the United States, including Ivy League Universities and military academies.

A Seton enrollment includes thoroughly Catholic books, detailed lesson plans, grading services, transcripts, and there is no extra charge for telephone counseling. Parents love Seton's "open and go" approach – everything you need is provided and can be trusted. You can even customize the program at no extra charge, enrolling a fourth grader in fifth grade reading, for example. For more information, visit their website.

Parents of students with special needs can find help to develop a curriculum and workload suited to each individual child. Learn about Seton's special services department here.

In addition to books and lesson plans, high school students enjoy a host of other benefits and services. Click here to learn more.

Enrolled teens and Seton alumni can also join Catholic Harbor, a safe, online student-moderated community. There they can engage in debates, spiritual discussions, and discuss hobbies and other interests. For more information visit their website here.

Seton hosts a podcast directed at homeschooling moms. Podcasts hosts, Mary Ellen Barrett and Ginny Seuffert, both with decades of experience, offer practical tips and ideas to make home education accessible to all.

Timestamps: 00:00 Seton Home Study School

01:29 Intro

02:15 Welcome

05:32 Scripture Verse and Quote to Ponder

06:50 "Do You Want to Be Made Well?"

10:22 Jesus is Drawn to Our Wounds

12:30 Exposed Wounds are Places of Grace

15:21 Awareness is Half the Battle

19:09 The Lord Knows what Our Healing Journey Should Look Like

24:09 All We Can Do is Take the Next Small Step

26:20 Suffering in Communion

29:12 Transforming Our Relationship with Our Wounds

32:37 The Parts of Us that don't Trust God

34:46 One Things

In this episode, we reflect on the beautiful call of women to prophetic motherhood. We talk about how Our Lady models for us a motherhood that speaks life and calls forth goodness to all those she encounters. We also ponder what it means to be a spiritual mother, how Mary can help heal our wounded experiences of motherhood, and the difference between affirmations and prophetic words. As Pentecost draws near, we invite you to ask for Our Lady's intercession to prepare your heart for a fresh outpouring of grace and to help you become a woman who brings life wherever she goes.

Heather's One Thing - A 24 Hour Time of Worship at Franciscan University

Heather's Other One Thing - St. Anne's Women's Conference in Dallas, TX and the WWP Flourish Conference in St. Louis

Sister Miriam's One Thing - Everyone Getting Married this Summer

Sister Miriam's Other One Thing - Pilgrimage to Medjugorje with the JPII Healing Center

Michelle's One Thing - NFL Draft

Michelle's Other One Thing - Franklin, TN and St. Philip's Parish

Michelle's Other Other One Thing - College Kids at NC State and Fr. Josh

Other Resources Mentioned:

Journal Questions:

Discussion Questions:

Quote to Ponder:

"She is the poetess and prophetess of redemption, and we hear from her pure lips the strongest and most original hymn ever uttered - the "Magnificat"! She reveals the transforming design of the Christian economy, the historical and social result that still draws its origin and strength from Christianity…At this point a second way is opened for us by Our Lady, so that we may reach our salvation in the Lord Christ: it is her protection. She is our ally, our advocate. She is the confidence of the poor, of the lowly, of the suffering. She is even the "refuge of sinners." She has a mission of pity, goodness, and intercession for all. She consoles every grief of ours. She teaches us to be good, to be strong, and to be compassionate toward all. She is the queen of peace. She is the Mother of the Church." (Pope St. Paul VI, Homily, April 24, 1970)

Scripture for Lectio:

"Death and life are in the power of the tongue, and those who love it will eat its fruits." (Proverbs 18:21)

Sponsor - Life Teen:

Life Teen is offering something really special this summer, especially if you are a parent of a teenager.

Years ago, Michelle and her husband Chris, began their ministry career working with Life Teen, and it has had a lasting impact on their lives as well as so many other families. Life Teen helps teens encounter Christ in a real and personal way, and it continues to bear fruit long after those experiences end.

This summer, they are launching their very first Parent / Teen Camp, called Frontier.

A frontier is the edge of what is known, where things are still being discovered and formed. If you are a parent of a teen, you know that is exactly what the teenage years feel like. A season that is constantly changing, where relationships are shifting, independence is growing, and both parents and teens are learning how to navigate something new together.

Life Teen Parent / Teen Camp is a six-day experience where you and your teen step away from the noise of everyday life and experience camp together.

It is a shared week of adventure and connection. You will experience things like ropes courses, hiking through the mountains, and white water rafting on the Chattooga River. But just as important as the adventure is what happens in the space between it all.

Time to talk.

Time to slow down.

Time to be present with each other.

And time to invite Christ into your relationship in a real and personal way.

Everything is rooted in the Catholic faith, with daily Mass, the Sacraments, and intentional moments built in to pause, reflect, and listen.

This experience is offered as a Mother and Daughter or Father and Son camp in Clayton,

Georgia. It is designed specifically for families in the middle of the teenage years who want to strengthen their relationship, deepen trust, and create meaningful memories during a season that often moves quickly.

This is not just a camp week. It is an intentional opportunity to invest in one of the most

important relationships in your life. If this sounds like something you have been needing, I would encourage you to take a closer look. Full details are available online, and an informational webinar is offered for those who want a closer look. The Life Teen team is also glad to walk with you as you discern whether this experience is right for your family.

This may be one of the most meaningful weeks you share with your teen during these years.

Timestamps:

00:00 Life Teen

01:32 Intro

02:19 Welcome

04:12 Scripture Verse and Guiding Quote

05:45 The Prophetic Nature of Motherhood

08:05 Affirmations vs Prophetic Words

12:08 Calling Out the Goodness of Others

14:23 Wounds From A Mother

17:40 Embodying Hope

20:04 Mary Understands What You are Going Through

22:04 Having A Relationship with Our Mother Mary

25:09 Preparing to Receive the Holy Spirit

27:03 Motherhood is Not A Competition

30:20 One Things

In this episode, we welcome Arthur and Ester Brooks to talk about marriage, suffering, and the path to lasting love. Arthur and Ester share what it's like to minister together, revealing both the grace needed and the hard work it takes to love each other faithfully over decades. We also reflect on suffering as an invitation for growth, why pain is fruitful, and how the hardest places in life are where love is purified. Whether you are married, single, or in religious life, intimacy with God is our source of strength for every situation we encounter in life.

Heather's One Thing - Franciscan's Resurrection Party!

Heather's Other One Thing - 10 Day Pentecost Audio Prayer Plan

Sister Miriam's One Thing - Heather's Easter Spotify Playlist

Michelle's One Thing - Everyone who just came into the Catholic Church!

Ester's One Thing - Her husband Arthur!

Ester's Other One Thing - Professional Cycling

Arthur's One Thing - Opportunities to witness to the Catholic faith during The Meaning of Your Life book launch

Other Resources Mentioned:

Journal Questions:

Discussion Questions:

Quotes 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; he is the beauty to which you are so attracted; it is he who provokes you with that thirst for fullness that will not let you settle for compromise; it is he who urges you to shed the masks of a false life; it is he who reads in your hearts your most genuine choices, the choices that others try to stifle. It is Jesus who stirs in you the desire to do something great with your lives, the will to follow an ideal, the refusal to allow yourselves to be grounded down by mediocrity, the courage to commit yourselves humbly and patiently to improving yourselves and society, making the world more human and more fraternal." (Pope John Paul II, World Youth Day, Rome, 2000)

Scripture for Lectio:

"Let love be genuine; hate what is evil, hold fast to what is good; love one another with mutual affection; outdo one another in showing honor. Do not lag in zeal, be ardent in spirit, serve the Lord. Rejoice in hope, be patient in suffering, persevere in prayer." (Romans 12:9-12)

Sponsor - The Inspired Living:

The Inspired Living is your one-stop shop for Mother's Day and Sacrament season! Whether you're shopping for the mother who inspired your faith, the child whose love for the Eucharist is flourishing, or the bride who is curating her Catholic home, we've sourced the best Catholic home decor, books, toys, and gifts to lift souls to God and inspire our hearts to ponder Heaven. Our unique array of handcrafted goods are made by artisans not only in the United States, but around the world who are committed to bringing eternal beauty into the home.

Abiding Together Listeners get an exclusive 20% off discount using the code ABIDE2026.

The Inspired living - bringing eternal beauty to the home

Timestamps: 00:00 The Inspired Living

00:44 Intro

01:54 Scripture Verse

06:06 Ministering as A Married Couple

10:03 How to Fight and Bring About Deeper Union

15:23 Suffering Helps Us Grow

26:12 Committing to A Prayer Life

32:22 Making Space to Become

36:06 Putting God First and Your Spouse Second

38:10 The Science of Being Happy

41:44 One Things

Happy Easter! In this episode, we conclude our Lenten book study on "The Way of Trust and Love" and focus on Chapter 6: Enduring Trials. We talk about how even in the light of Easter, we may still experience suffering and how we can choose to rejoice in God's goodness when His ways remain hidden. We also reflect on why trials are not signs of God's absence, how we learn to recognize God at work in the present moment, and how to embrace suffering as a necessary path to share in the fullness of Easter. Friends, in this Easter octave, we invite you to reflect on how God has transformed your heart this past Lent. Let us enter into this Easter season with renewed hope, gratitude, and a deeper surrender to God's unfailing love. We will see you in two weeks!

Heather's One Thing - Fire 50 Challenge with Many Parts Ministries. It's a free 50-day spiritual journey designed to deepen your relationship with the Holy Spirit!

Sister Miriam's One Thing - The Divine Mercy Novena and Divine Mercy Sunday

Michelle's One Thing - Join us in praying The Divine Mercy Chaplet

Resurrection Power

By: Michelle Benzinger

A crucible is the place where the refiner's fire is not your enemy, but your tender witness of integration.

It is where certainty melts,

where control dissolves,

where the identities you once clung to

lose their shape in the flame.

The crucible is where faith stops being an idea and melts into surrender,

where you no longer hold God at a distance,

but find Him somehow

in the very fire you once feared.

It is a holy undoing that makes space for a deeper yes.

It is an invitation into the Paschal Mystery.

It is the Holy Spirit's invitation into the Resurrection power.

Journal Questions:

Discussion Questions:

Quotes to Ponder:

"They" (her friends the saints) "want to see how far I am going to push my trust." (St. Thérèse of Lisieux)

"When we realize that's happening—that we're going round and round and getting nowhere, that our questions aren't producing light but only bitterness and blame—we must have the courage to put those questions aside and ask ourselves another. It's the only essential one, after all, and it will always be answered: What attitude does God want me to have toward this situation? The point is to move from "Why?" to "How?" The real question isn't "Why is this happening to me?" but "How should I live through these things?" How am I called to face this situation? What call to growth is being made to me through this? That question will always get an answer." (Father Jacques Philippe, The Way of Trust and Love, Page 129)

Scripture for Lectio:

"Though the mountains be shaken and the hills be removed, yet my unfailing love for you will not be shaken nor my covenant of peace be removed, says the Lord, who has compassion on you." (Isaiah 54:10)

Sponsor - Glory: Women's Gathering:

If you're ready to intentionally embrace a spirit of Resurrection in your life this year, we invite you to register for the Glory: Women's Gathering hosted by Steubenville Conferences in partnership with Heather Khym.

Join Heather, Michelle, and our dear friends Debbie Herbeck, Sarah Kaczmarek, Monica Richards, and Fr. Dave Pivonka TOR this coming June 5-7 in Steubenville, Ohio, as we gather with women across generations and seek God's restoration and healing. This gathering will include talks, worship, prayer experiences, and the opportunity to interact with fellow Abiding Together listeners and new friends from all over who will be flying in.

Heather and Michelle would absolutely love to meet you. Whether you come with your Abiding Together small group, with a close friend, or on your own, we can't wait to gather in fellowship with you.

Registration is still open for the Glory: Women's Gathering. Ticket prices go up after April 16 - grab your ticket today! Visit steubenvilleconferences.com/events/glory for more information or to register!

Timestamps: 00:00 Glory: Women's Gathering

01:23 Intro

02:09 Welcome

02:41 Scripture Verse and Guiding Quote

03:18 Trusting Through Suffering

05:57 Trials of Faith, Hope, and Love

07:49 Will We Run to God?

08:46 Living the Resurrection as Women

11:34 Feeling Panic in the Trial

14:05 Declaring Our Belief

15:36 Setting Aside Our need for an Answer to "Why"

17:28 Resurrection Power

20:07 Trials Have the Power to Make Us More of Our True Selves

24:40 Help Me in My Unbelief

27:00 What Has God Done this Lent?

28:41 One Things

In this episode, we continue our Lenten book study on "The Way of Trust and Love" and focus on Chapter 5: God's Infinite Mercy. We reflect on the paradox of true strength—how becoming little, dependent, and surrendered before the Lord is the very place where His strength takes root in us. We also talk about what it means to live with a pure heart, not by striving harder, but by bringing every part of ourselves into honest communion with Christ and allowing His kindness to call us higher. This week, as we wrestle with fear, worry, and the temptation to rely on ourselves, we encourage you to be reminded that it is God's love that heals, restores, and leads us to freedom.

Heather's One Thing - Dwelling Place by The Belonging Co.

Sister Miriam's One Thing - The Sacrament of Reconciliation

Michelle's One Thing - Living Easter: 50 Days to Practice Resurrection by Laura Kelly Fanucci

Michelle's Other One Thing - March Madness!

Journal Questions:

Discussion Questions:

Quotes to Ponder:

"Thérèse says to Jesus in one of her poems: "I want to love you like a little child, I want to battle like a warrior bold."" (Father Jacques Philippe, The Way of Trust and Love, Page 90)

"Let's return to the subject of trust. We have seen how we should nurture our trust. It is fragile, but it can be increased and strengthened by listening to the Word, by prayer, by the acts of faith we make in difficult moments, and by the experience of God's faithfulness. Now I wish to make a point that is simple but has wide implications. I can put it in the form of a question: What is the basis for our trust? What does it actually rest on?" (Father Jacques Philippe, The Way of Trust and Love, Page 92-93)

Scripture for Lectio:

"I am sending you out like sheep among wolves. Therefore be wise as serpents and innocent as doves." (Matthew 10:16)

Sponsor - Into the Deep:

This episode is sponsored by Into the Deep, a Catholic company creating beautiful faith formation resources for families.

One of the most powerful ways to help children grow in faith is through beauty. Sacred art has always been part of how the Church teaches the Faith by helping believers contemplate the life of Christ, the mysteries of the Rosary, and the stories of Scripture.

Into the Deep creates thoughtfully designed resources that help families rediscover this tradition at home.

Their Paintings + Prayers Cards pair classic sacred paintings with traditional Catholic prayers, inviting children to slow down, look closely, and enter into prayer through the beauty of art. It's a simple but powerful way to enrich your family's daily prayer rhythm.

They also offer several Catholic picture study resources perfect for families and homeschoolers:

These resources are designed especially for families who want to cultivate wonder, contemplation, and a deeper love for the Catholic Faith.

If you want to bring sacred art into your home and help your children encounter Christ through beauty, visit intothedeep.co.

Timestamps: 00:00 Into the Deep

01:20 Intro

02:07 Welcome

06:01 Scripture Verse and Quote to Ponder

06:36 Being Little Yet Strong

09:25 Bringing Everything into Communion

13:06 Excavating Our Hearts

15:39 Transforming Fear into Love

19:57 Being Content with Today

22:04 God's Kindness Leads Us to Repentance

24:34 The Power of Gratitude

27:39 One Things

In this episode, we continue our Lenten book study on "The Way of Trust and Love" and focus on Chapter 4: Trusting More and More. We reflect on the tender places where our trust in the Father has been wounded—especially in the disappointments we carry with ourselves, our children, and the circumstances in our lives—and how God gently invites us to bring those disappointments to Him. We also talk about the lies that quietly erode our trust in God, the temptation to carry life's burdens alone, and the way simple rhythms of prayer allow God to personally reveal to us His goodness. This week, we invite you to honestly bring your disappointments before God and ask Him to reveal to you His goodness.

Heather's One Thing - The Springtime!

Sister Miriam's One Thing - March Madness

Michelle's One Thing - Her floor to ceiling library!

Journal Questions:

Discussion Questions:

Quotes to Ponder:

"This work of restoring trust in our hearts is an essential aspect of the spiritual life. Wounded by original sin, our hearts are riddled with fears and doubts. It takes time to be cured of them. Maybe that will never happen completely in this life, but we can nevertheless make great strides in trusting more." (Father Jacques Philippe, The Way of Trust and Love, Page 69)

"Trust works miracles." (St. Thérèse of Lisieux)

Scripture for Lectio:

"But you, Lord, are a compassionate and gracious God, slow to anger, abounding in love and faithfulness." (Psalm 86:15)

Sponsor - Rooted for Good:

Rooted For Good was born from a simple desire: to care for the skin God gave us—without compromising our values or our budget.

As parents of six boys living on a ministry income, Brooke (a licensed cosmetologist) & Joseph struggled to find truly natural skincare that was both effective & affordable. So they began creating their own.

Each product is crafted with simple, honest ingredients—made to nourish the skin God gave you—simply & honestly.

And from the very beginning, our mission has been clear: Good for You, Good for Others. That's why 10% of every sale goes directly to serve the poor in developing countries.

When you choose Rooted, you're choosing skincare that aligns with your faith—free from inflated "clean beauty" prices or passing trends—& makes an impact beyond yourself.

We're grateful to partner with the Abiding Together community & the many women seeking beauty that reflects truth, simplicity & goodness.

Explore the collection at rootedforgood.com & enjoy 10% off with code ABIDE10.

Timestamps: 00:00 Rooted for Good

01:22 Intro

02:08 Welcome

03:03 Scripture Verse and Quote to Ponder

03:42 What to do with Our Disappointments

08:16 Honesty is Not Something to Fear

10:36 Nourishing Trust

12:56 Developing a Rhythm of Prayer

16:40 The Tender Touch of a Mother

19:32 Heaven is a Family

23:14 One Things

In this episode, we continue our Lenten book study on "The Way of Trust and Love" and focus on Chapter 3: Being Reconciled to Our Weakness. We talk about how our struggles with ourselves often spill over into our relationships with others and how learning to accept our own weakness can soften our hearts towards the weakness we see in those around us. We also reflect on the tension between accepting our littleness and desiring real conversion, how we become more aware of our imperfections as we draw closer to the Lord, and the gift of community in helping us clearly see our lives. This week, we invite you to receive God's love, extend that love to yourself, and then offer it freely to others.

Heather's One Thing - Attending the funeral of Francis Bergsma

Sister Miriam's One Thing - Stations of the Cross with Our Sister St. Thérèse from Little Way Books

Michelle's One Thing - The funness of our listeners!

Journal Questions:

Discussion Questions:

Quotes to Ponder:

"If we accept ourselves as we are, we also accept God's love for us. But if we reject ourselves, if we despise ourselves, we shut ourselves off from the love God has for us, we deny that love. If we accept ourselves in our weakness, our limitations, it will also be easier for us to accept other people. Often, quite simply, we can't get along with other people because we can't get along with ourselves." (Father Jacques Philippe, The Way of Trust and Love, Page 48-49)

"I am no longer surprised by anything, I am not sorry to see that I am weakness itself. On the contrary, I glory in it, and I expect to discover new imperfections in myself every day. (St. Thérèse of Lisieux)

Scripture for Lectio:

"God is opposed to the proud, but gives grace to the humble." (James 4:6)

Timestamps: 00:00 Morning Star Studio

00:56 Intro

01:42 Welcome

03:58 Scripture Verse and Guiding Quote

04:45 Embracing Our Weaknesses First

9:00 Having a Real Desire for Conversion

13:55 Fearing Our Weakness

15:54 Desiring to be a Saint

18:55 Familial Living vs Transactional Living

22:21 One Things

Sponsor - Morning Star Studio:

Morning Star Studio creates works that inspire prayer, deepen faith, and reflect the divine beauty that calls all hearts to the Sacred Heart of Jesus — through paintings, prints, and even billboard art on your local freeway.

Whether it's an image of St. Carlo Acutis for a teenager preparing for Confirmation, St. Joseph for the father figure in your life, or the timeless beauty of the Sacred Heart of Jesus and the Immaculate Heart of Mary — Morning Star Studio provides opportunities to bring powerful sacred art into homes, schools, parishes, and hearts.

Transform an ordinary space into a place of encounter, reflection, and grace. Engage with sacred art that truly penetrates the mind and heart.

Visit www.themorningstarstudio.com and use code ABIDE to receive 15% off your purchase.

Instagram: @morningstar_studioart

In this episode, we continue our Lenten book study on "The Way of Trust and Love" and focus on Chapter 2: An Elevator for Small Children. We talk about the quiet places of discouragement, and self-reliance that keep us striving instead of surrendering. We also reflect about how radical dependence on God is not laziness, the subtle ways we resist being little before a loving Father, and how our poverty is a doorway into deeper trust. This week, we invite you to fall into the Father's arms, allow Him to pick you up, and rest in the One who delights in you.

Heather's One Thing - The Prince of Egypt Movie

Sister Miriam's One Thing - Bishop Erik Varden's Lenten Reflections to Pope Leo (I especially recommend the reflections entitled: Bernard the Idealist, God's Help, Becoming Free, and Splendour of Truth)

Michelle's One Thing - Art Lectio Instagram Account

Journal Questions:

Discussion Questions:

Quote to Ponder:

"Being little means not attributing to ourselves the virtues we practice, or believing ourselves capable of anything, but recognizing that God places this treasure in the hands of His little child so that she can use it when she needs it; but the treasure is still God's." (St. Thérèse of Lisieux)

Scripture for Lectio:

"All you who labor, who are bent under the weight of your burden, who find the demands of the Law too heavy, come to me, for I am gentle and humble of heart, and you will find rest for your souls." (Matthew 11:28)

Sponsor - The JPII Healing Center:

Jesus longs to heal every hidden hurt in your heart—Do you want to be healed?

For the past 20 years, the John Paul II Healing Center, founded by Dr. Bob Schuchts, has offered healing retreats, trainings, and workshops to help people experience deeper intimacy and communion with the Blessed Trinity.

And now, you can experience our transformational teaching, Healing the Whole Person, right at home.

This 8-part video series expands on the teaching offered by Dr. Bob Schuchts and Sr. Miriam James Heidland at our Healing the Whole Person weekend retreats. For the past two years, this series has blessed thousands of groups and individuals across the world by drawing the brokenhearted close to the abiding love of the Blessed Trinity.

Through in-depth teachings, prayerful meditations, reflective journaling, and pre-recorded Q&A sessions, you are gently guided through your sorrowful mysteries into joyful restoration.

The Abiding Together Community can use code Abiding25 to receive 25% off individual and group leader subscriptions. This offer ends April 13th.

To learn more and begin your journey, visit www.jpiihealingcenter.org

Healing The Whole Person Series Link: https://virtual.jpiihealingcenter.org/start

Timestamps: 00:00 The JPII Healing Center

01:31 Intro

02:18 Guiding Quote

04:39 Discouragement is the Downfall of Souls

08:27 Subtle Agreements We Make Throughout Our Days

10:50 Surrender is Not Laziness

13:26 Illumination is Spiritual Progress

15:55 Being Curious About Our Own Heart

18:34 Becoming Little is Maturation

20:47 Suffering in Communion with the Father

23:53 The Father Cannot Resist His Children's Trust

27:14 Am I Still Lovable if I am Little and have Needs?

29:44 One Things

In this episode, we continue our Lenten book study on "The Way of Trust and Love" and focus on Chapter 1: A Completely New Way. We reflect on the "little way" of St. Thérèse, the invitation to become spiritual children before the Father, and how weakness becomes the very place where Christ comes to meet us. We also talk about the difference between being childish and childlike, why true maturity in faith begins with admitting our own poverty, and how small acts of courage open the door to deep healing. This week, we invite you to name the desires stirring in your heart and let the Holy Spirit awaken a new song within you.

Heather's One Thing - Franciscan's Campus-wide "Behold" Retreat

Sister Miriam's One Thing - Healing Wounds by Bishop Erik Varden

Michelle's One Thing - The O' Grady's Beach House

Michelle's Other One Thing - Emily Lex Watercolor Workbooks

Journal Questions:

Discussion Questions:

Quotes to Ponder:

"You know, Mother, that I have always desired to be a saint, but alas, I have always realized, when I compared myself to the saints, that there is between them and me the same difference as exists between a mountain whose summit is lost in the skies, and the obscure grain of sand trodden underfoot by passers-by. Instead of getting discouraged, I said to myself: "God could not" "inspire us with desires that were unrealizable, so despite my littleness I can aspire to holiness. It is impossible for me to grow up, I must put up with myself as I am, with all my imperfections; but I want to find how to get to Heaven by a little way that is quite straight, quite short: a completely new little way." (St. Thérèse of Lisieux)

"Each of us has an absolute need for an inner transformation that makes us "as little as a child." What that means and how to put it into practice are exactly what Thérèse teaches in a simple, luminous way. That is why she was proclaimed a Doctor—that is, a teacher—of the Church." (Father Jacques Philippe, The Way of Trust and Love, Page 6)

"The heart of Christian life is to receive and welcome God's tenderness and goodness, the revelation of his merciful love, and to let oneself be transformed interiorly by that love." (Father Jacques Philippe, The Way of Trust and Love, Page 7)

Scripture for Lectio:

"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." (2 Corinthians 12:9)

Sponsor - Healed and Restored:

Healed and Restored is a non-profit organization located in the Charlotte, NC area that was created in 2020 to fill a void and respond to a need that has been long overlooked in our society. A program that is 100% dedicated to helping women heal in the aftermath of abuse, assault, and other traumatic experiences.

According to the United Nations, one in three girls and women around the world has been subjected to sexual and/or physical abuse at least once in their lives. Studies show that women who have been through abuse (of all types) have higher levels of fear, are more isolated, and face greater mental health problems.

In the aftermath of any of these traumatic events, women will sometimes resort to hurting themselves through cutting, eating disorders, and addictions. Without proper care and healing, these dark cycles can persist for years.

We help women and girls realize that God desires to heal every single one of His beloved children. We teach them that the enemy is a master manipulator. As soon as a person gets hurt, the devil begins to plant all kinds of lies in our hurting souls. Some of these lies are: God doesn't love you, everything that happened is your fault, you should be forever ashamed, and you will never find healing and peace.

The Mission

The Healed and Restored mission is to help women and girls who are survivors of abuse, assault, domestic violence, trafficking, and all other forms of trauma find healing and restoration. Grounded in Catholic teachings and through a combination of counseling, life coaching, intimate workshops, practical tools, spiritual mentoring, and community support we help women and girls transform pain into purpose— empowering them to not only survive, but thrive.

Since 2020, Healed and Restored has helped over 500 women and girls on their journey to process their unhealed wounds. Never could we have predicted how much God would bless our mission in such a short period of time.

All of this has us convinced that there are times when God uses our deepest pain to propel us on the path to our greatest calling!

If you or someone you know could use the assistance of our trained and compassionate Catholic Therapists/Counselors and money is an issue, please do not hesitate to reach out to us by emailing info@healedandrestored.org for more information and guidance.

Or if you feel called to be part of this mission by volunteering your time, we would love to hear from you. Together and guided by the Holy Spirit, we can make a difference in the life of those around us who are suffering.

Timestamps:

00:00 Healed and Restored

01:31 Intro

02:17 Welcome

04:26 Scripture Verse and Quote to Ponder

05:35 Trusting in Our Creator

09:49 The Path of Spiritual Childhood

12:53 Healed by Delight

16:27 What is the "Little Way"?

19:36 Childlike vs Childish

24:05 The Role of Holy Scripture

30:10 One Things

In this episode, we begin our Lenten book study on "The Way of Trust and Love" and focus on the Introduction. We talk about how St. Thérèse's "little way" offers hope to weary hearts who feel small, fragile, or poor. We discuss how the Lord can transform our lives in a moment, how to boast in our poverty instead of bemoaning it, and the power of a listening heart. This Lent, we invite you into a gentler, deeper journey—one rooted not in striving, but in trust and love.

Heather's One Thing - The Good News Cruise and everyone who put together this experience

Sister Miriam's One Thing - The Pause App

Michelle's One Thing - The Body of Christ

Other Resources Mentioned:

Journal Questions:

Discussion Questions:

Quote to Ponder:

"I feel that I am going to my rest … but above all, I feel that my mission is about to begin, my mission of making God loved as I love him, of giving my little way to other souls. If God grants my request, my Heaven will be spent on earth, until the end of the world. Yes, I wish to spend my Heaven in doing good on earth." (St. Thérèse of Lisieux)

Scripture for Lectio:

"Amen, I say to you, unless you turn and become like children, you will not enter the kingdom of heaven. Whoever humbles himself like this child is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven." (Matthew 18:3-4)

Sponsor - SacredSpark:

Looking for a Catholic dating experience that actually feels human? Meet SacredSpark, a Catholic dating and matchmaking app designed to help singles approach dating with intention, clarity, and faith at the center.

SacredSpark was built on a simple belief: dating shouldn't feel like endless guessing games, emotional burnout, or mixed signals that leave you questioning your worth. It should help you encounter real people, have thoughtful conversations, and discern relationships with purpose.

Unlike traditional dating apps, SacredSpark is intentionally designed to foster online connections for offline relationships, blending technology and tradition to facilitate meaningful connections that can grow into real relationships rooted in faith.

Whether you're discerning marriage, healing from past dating experiences, or simply tired of platforms that don't reflect what you value, SacredSpark offers a refreshing alternative. It's a space where Catholic singles are reminded of their dignity, supported in dating well, and encouraged to pursue relationships with peace and purpose.

SacredSpark also offers free formational resources like Dating 101 that helps men and women approach dating with emotional maturity, confidence, and Christ at the center, because how you date matters just as much as who you date.

Start something good!

Download SacredSpark today: https://www.sacredspark.app/download (Available on iOS and Android)

Timestamps: 00:00 SacredSpark

01:37 Intro

02:23 Welcome

03:08 Scripture Verse and Guiding Quote

03:53 Seeing Lent as an Invitation of Love

06:26 Breaking Strongholds

09:18 The Little Way

12:44 Feeling Weary and Poor

14:54 Pope Leo's Lenten Letter

19:33 Listening to Grow Deeper in Intimacy

23:04 A Call to Holiness

26:52 One Things

In this episode, we reflect on Lent as a Holy Spirit led journey through the desert to bring us into a deeper union with God. We talk about the resistance many of us feel to fasting, why Lent is not a self-improvement project, and the importance of discerning our Lenten practices. We also discuss how, through Lent, our true identity as beloved daughters is revealed, tested, and healed. Before Lent begins on Wednesday, we invite you to notice where your heart may feel numb, distracted, or defensive, and ask the Holy Spirit what He desires to restore.

Our Lenten book study "The Way of Trust and Love" will begin next week! We look forward to journeying with you.

Heather's One Thing - Her Lenten Playlist "Songs in the Desert"

Sister Miriam's One Thing - You're Gonna Be OK by Jen Johnson and Bethel Music

Michelle's One Thing - Nazareth Organics

Announcement:

Our 2026 Lenten book study will be "The Way of Trust and Love" by Fr. Jacques Philippe. Scepter Publishers has offered 15% off with the code ABIDE15. They also offer an ebook version as well. We will announce more information about the study in the coming weeks!

Journal Questions:

Discussion Questions:

Quote to Ponder:

"Lent is a time of going very deeply into ourselves… What is it that stands between us and God? Between us and our brothers and sisters? Between us and life, the life of the Spirit? Whatever it is, let us relentlessly tear it out, without a moment's hesitation." (Catherine Doherty)

Scripture for Lectio:

"Jesus, full of the Holy Spirit, returned from the Jordan and was led by the Spirit in the wilderness, where for forty days he was tested by the devil." (Luke 4:1-2)

Sponsor - COR Expeditions:

Are you experiencing the Lord's invitation to draw closer to Him? We encourage you to consider a life-changing course with COR Expeditions this summer.

COR Expeditions exists to transform the hearts of Catholics of all ages. COR - short for Catholic Outdoor Renewal and meaning "heart" in Latin - offers an invitation not often heard in our modern world: step away from technology, noise, and constant distraction, and step forward with the Lord into the wilderness, just as so many prophets and saints have done before us.

By choosing a course with COR, you are saying yes to being physically, emotionally, and spiritually challenged - in the best possible ways. Our culture often tells women to seek comfort, avoid risk, and doubt their own strength. At the same time, the voice of the enemy quietly whispers that we are not enough. COR offers something radically different: a place of freedom, encouragement, and truth. In the wilderness, you are reminded of your identity as a beloved daughter of God, created with courage, resilience, and deep capacity for joy.

COR courses take place in some of the most breathtaking locations of the Rocky Mountain West. Participants carry backpacks, hike miles into the backcountry, and live simply for the duration of the course. While this may sound intimidating at first, you are never on the journey alone. Our experienced instructors provide guidance, training, and support every step of the way. You do not need to be an elite athlete or an experienced backpacker—only willing to show up, try, and trust the Lord to meet you where you are.

In the silence of the mountains, away from screens and schedules, many women encounter God in a new and personal way. The physical challenge opens space for prayer. The simplicity brings clarity. The shared experience fosters deep community. What remains is peace, confidence, and a renewed ability to hear the Lord's voice.

If you're longing for deeper faith, meaningful challenge, and an experience that will stay with you long after summer ends, COR Expeditions may be the invitation your heart has been waiting for.

Learn more and take the next step at corexpeditions.org. Listeners of Abiding Together, use code ABIDE10 to get 10% off any one US-based open enrollment course this summer!

Timestamps: 00:00 COR Expeditions

01:31 Intro

02:17 Welcome

04:42 Guiding Quote and Scripture Verse

05:24 Where is the Holy Spirit Inviting Us Into Deeper Union

10:49 Testing Our Identity

15:41 God Speaks Tenderly to Us in the Desert

18:48 How to Discern What We Should do for Lent

25:16 One Things

In this episode, we welcome author, counselor, and speaker John Eldredge to the show, who is best known for his book Wild at Heart. We have a powerful conversation about intimacy with God in a world full of chaos, suffering, and spiritual hunger. We reflect on what it means to reclaim a "re-enchanted" Christian worldview, how to pray against chaos, the profound gift women have to offer the world right now. We also talk practically about how to pray as a couple, ask John to lead us in a guided "Pause" prayer, and invite you into a moment of stillness, surrender, and loving awareness of Jesus dwelling within you.

Heather's One Thing - Midst from the Belonging Co.

Sister Miriam's One Thing - The Story I'll Tell by Naomi Raine

Michelle's One Thing - The Way of Trust and Love by Father Jacques Philippe

Michelle's Other One Thing - Jayber Crow by Wendell Berry

John's One Thing - The Abiding Together Podcast!

John's Other One Thing - William Augusto Instrumental Background Music

Other Resources Mentioned:

Announcement:

Our 2026 Lenten book study will be "The Way of Trust and Love" by Fr. Jacques Philippe. Scepter Publishers has offered 15% off with the code ABIDE15. They also offer an ebook version as well. We will announce more information about the study in the coming weeks!

Journal Questions:

Discussion Questions:

Quote to Ponder:

"The story of your life is the story of the long and brutal assault on your heart by the one who knows what you could be and fears it." (John Eldredge, Waking the Dead)

Scripture for Lectio:

"The Lord your God is with you, the Mighty Warrior who saves. He will take great delight in you; in his love he will no longer rebuke you, but will rejoice over you with singing." (Zephaniah 3:17)

Sponsor - Fully Alive Coaching Program:

Fully Alive Coaching Program is a trauma-informed Catholic coaching program for women and men who desire deep healing without compromising their faith. Created by licensed marriage and family therapist Brya Hanan, Fully Alive integrates Catholic Inner Child Work and somatic awareness in a gentle, Spirit-led journey—honoring the body, protecting the soul, and restoring wholeness.

For women and men who pray sincerely but still feel guarded, overwhelmed, or fragmented, Fully Alive offers a safe and structured path toward integration and life abundant. Learn more at catholicinnerchildwork.com/fully-alive and follow @catholicinnerchildwork for more trauma-informed and integrative resources to support your healing.

Use the code "abiding" or reference it during a consultation to get 10% off!

Timestamps: 00:00 - Fully Alive Coaching Program

01:16 - Intro

02:02 - Welcome

04:18 - Scripture Verse and Quote to Ponder

06:11 - Where is the Holy Spirit Moving the Church Now?

10:54 - Balancing the Love Story within a World at War

14:08 - Learning to Pray Against the Chaos

19:10 - How to Pray Together as A Couple

21:39 - Being in Union with God

26:13 - How Does God Use Fatherhood to Repair His Children?

29:30 - The Pause App

33:45 - We Are Created for Intimacy with Christ

37:48 - Women are Part of God's Healing Remedy to the World

40:22 - One Last Message from John

44:20 - A "Pause" Meditation

48:30 - One Things

In this episode, we explore why spending time Scripture is essential for staying rooted in Christ and how it aids us in the midst of spiritual battle. We reflect on the reality that Scripture is the living Word of God, far more powerful than we often realize. It has the ability to encourage, correct, heal, and transform our hearts. We share personal stories of how the Holy Spirit has brought Scripture to life for us and how God's Word has been an anchor during seasons of difficulty. Friends, God desires to speak to you personally through His Word and is inviting you not into just another task, but into a deeper, life-giving relationship with Him.

Heather's One Thing - The Sisters of Life on Franciscan's Campus

Sister Miriam's One Thing - Healing Prayers and Renunciations by Bob Schuchts

Michelle's One Thing - Frontier Camp with Life Teen

Other Resources Mentioned:

Announcement:

Our 2026 Lenten book study will be "The Way of Trust and Love" by Fr. Jacques Philippe. Scepter Publishers has offered 15% off with the code ABIDE15. They also offer an ebook version as well. We will announce more information about the study in the coming weeks!

Journal Questions:

Discussion Questions:

Quote to Ponder:

"In order to reveal himself to men, in the condescension of his goodness God speaks to them in human words: "Indeed the words of God, expressed in the words of men, are in every way like human language, just as the Word of the eternal Father, when he took on himself the flesh of human weakness, became like men." Through all the words of Sacred Scripture, God speaks only one single Word, his one Utterance in whom he expresses himself completely…" (CCC Paragraphs 101-102)

Scripture for Lectio:

"All Scripture is inspired by God and is useful for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness." (2 Timothy 3:16)

Sponsor - Nazareth Organics:

Nazareth Organics is a Catholic family-owned natural skincare company.

Unlike many skincare companies that use lab-made chemical ingredients in their products, Nazareth Organics uses high quality, wild-crafted, and organic ingredients from nature and strives to support local farms and businesses whenever possible.

From nourishing facial serums and cleansers to diaper creams and sun screens, Nazareth Organics carries natural products for a wide array of skin conditions. They use grass-fed tallow as a base for many of their balms, because it is rich in fat-soluble vitamins and fatty acids that can increase collagen production, strengthen the skin, and calm inflammation. With all these nutrients working in tandem to heal and nourish the skin, tallow is a powerhouse topical ointment for every skin type.

The best thing about this business, though, is that it's dedicated to the Holy Family of Nazareth. From website to packaging, every sustainably sourced product points back to the faith and the ultimate source of creation. They also donate a portion of all proceeds to Catholic charitable organizations.

If you want to honor and care for your body using pure and natural ingredients straight from God's hands, then check out Nazareth Organics.

You can find them at nazareth-organics.com and use code ABIDE10 at checkout for a 10% discount. Follow them on social media at: @nazarethorganics.

Timestamps: 00:00 Nazareth Organics

01:26 Intro

02:12 Welcome

03:45 Scripture Verse and Quote to Ponder

04:44 The Power of Scripture

08:28 Scripture Never Gets Old

14:56 How Scripture Can Heal Wounds

19:04 It's Personal to You

24:32 Going Deeper into the Word of God

27:02 One Things

In this episode, we reflect on the tender and often misunderstood topic of forgiveness, what it is, what it isn't, and why it's central to finding freedom in Christ. We talk honestly about how resentment and unforgiveness can quietly build in the heart, often as an attempt to protect ourselves from further pain. We also acknowledge how difficult forgiveness can be, what to do with the cry of our hearts when we have been wounded, and how to entrust it to God when we don't yet feel capable of forgiving. Friends, forgiveness does not strip us of our identity, it affirms who we are in Christ. Even in the deepest places of hurt, we find hope because of the loving presence of a God who never abandons us in our pain.

Heather's One Thing - Greatness of the Lord by Brooke Ligertwood

Heather's Other One Thing - The Franciscan University Community

Sister Miriam's One Thing - Heather's Battle Cry Playlist

Michelle's One Thing - Congratulations to Indiana University for winning the championship!

Michelle's Other One Thing - The Correspondent by Virginia Evans

Other Resources Mentioned:

Forgiving as Unity with Christ: A Journey for Healing Resentment and Relationships by Dr. Robert Enright

Announcement:

Our 2026 Lenten book study will be "The Way of Trust and Love" by Fr. Jacques Philippe. Scepter Publishers has offered 15% off with the code ABIDE15. They also offer an ebook version as well. We will announce more information about the study in the coming weeks!

Journal Questions:

Discussion Questions:

Quotes to Ponder:

"Ultimately, we can really forgive people only because Christ rose from the dead; his Resurrection is the guarantee that God can cure every wrong and every hurt." (Fr. Jacques Philippe, Interior Freedom)

Resentment attacks our vital forces and does us much harm. When someone has made us suffer, our tendency is to keep the memory of the wrong alive in our minds, like a "bill" we will produce in due time to demand settlement. Those accumulated bills end up poisoning our lives. It is wiser to cancel every debt, as the Gospel invites us to. In return, we will be forgiven everything, and our hearts will be set free, whereas nurturing resentment toward others closes us to the positive things they could contribute to us." (Fr. Jacques Philippe, Interior Freedom)

Scripture for Lectio:

"Then Peter came to Jesus and asked, "Lord, how many times shall I forgive my brother who sins against me? Up to seven times?" Jesus answered, "I tell you, not just seven times, but seventy-seven times!"" (Matthew 18:21-22)

Sponsor - Blessed is She:

"Who do you say that I am?"

Jesus didn't ask this because He was uncertain of His identity. He asked because we often are.

The disciples had walked with Him. They had seen the miracles. They had heard the teaching. And still, when the question was asked, many hesitated. Because proximity to Jesus does not automatically mean intimacy.

So often, our understanding of God is shaped by what we've absorbed over time—what we were taught, what we experienced, what others modeled for us. And without noticing, we begin to believe stories that aren't true.That God is distant. That He is easily disappointed. That love must be earned. That holiness requires perfection.

But Jesus does not leave us guessing. He tells us who He is: I am the Light of the World. I am the Bread of Life. I am the Good Shepherd. I am the Way, the Truth, and the Life...

Join Blessed is She this Lent to journey with Jesus to Jerusalem in Who Do You Say That I Am? by Debra Herbeck.

This Lenten devotional walks through the "I AM" statements of Jesus in the Gospel of John and is written to lead you out of assumptions and into encounter.

This Lent, let Jesus speak for Himself. And let that truth reshape the way you live.

Whether you've been walking with Jesus for years or you just met Him, drink even more deeply of the truths of who Jesus says He is in Who Do You Say That I Am? Get your women's and kid's devotionals at blessedisshe.net/lent.

Blessed is She is a Catholic women's community for any woman who wants to radically follow Jesus through a vibrantly Catholic life every single day.

We create beautiful and accessible resources (like this year's Lent devotional), products, and experiences to deepen prayer and foster community, both online and in person.

We invite you into this community, no matter where you are on your walk with Christ.

You belong here.

Subscribe to our *free* daily emails to pray with the daily Mass readings and women all over the world at blessedisshe.net/subscribe and order the brand new Blessed is She Catholic journaling Bible at blessedisshe.net/shop.

Timestamps: 00:00 Blessed is She

01:30 Intro

02:16 Welcome

03:25 Scripture Verse and Quotes to Ponder

06:13 Repentance Leads to Freedom

07:53 Forgiveness is Hard

09:41 How Do I Forgive When I Don't Have the Capacity?

13:27 Modeling Repentance in Our Lives

17:35 Being Honest with Ourselves Can Be Painful

24:28 Sitting in the Pain and Setting Boundaries

29:34 Reflection Questions on Forgiveness

38:03 One Things

Welcome to season 18 kickoff with our annual tradition of the Word of the Year episode! Each year, we ask God to give us a theme to focus on for the new year and invite you to do the same. After personal prayer and reflection, we share what our words for 2026 mean to us and chat about the Saints journeying with us this year. We are excited to be back and look forward to what this year will bring!

Heather's One Thing - Big God, Little Devil by Dr. Sean Tobin (listen to Dr. Sean on the Restore the Glory Podcast too!)

Heather's Other One Thing - Let There Be by Amanda Cook

Sister Miriam's One Thing - Friendship in the Lord by Fr. Paul Hinnebusch, OP (buy on Amazon here)

Michelle's One Thing - Theo of Golden by Allen Levi

Other Resources Mentioned:

Example of Grafting

Announcement:

Our 2026 Lenten book study will be "The Way of Trust and Love" by Fr. Jacques Philippe. Scepter Publishers has offered 15% off with the code ABIDE15. They also offer an ebook version as well. We will announce more information about the study in the coming weeks!

Journal Questions:

Discussion Questions:

Quotes to Ponder:

"For last year's words belong to last year's language, and next year's words await another voice." (T.S. Eliot, "Little Gidding")

"Let yourself be silently drawn by the stronger pull of what you really love." (St. Elizabeth of the Trinity)

Scripture for Lectio:

"Yet those who wait for the Lord will gain new strength; They will mount up with wings like eagles, They will run and not get tired, They will walk and not become weary." (Isaiah 40:31)

Sponsor - CORDA:

CORDA translates the stories of the saints into scents, and helps you create a place of prayer and peace in your home with their handcrafted Catholic candles.

Backed by 3,500+ 5-star reviews, CORDA candles have a beautiful modern design, are made with great ingredients like clean coconut wax and phthalate-free fragrances, and have an awesome burn time of 45 hours!

Plus, there's CORDA Rewards: earn points with every purchase that you can redeem for free products, gift cards, and free shipping.

You should also check out their special wedding favors, bulk order discounts for nonprofits and businesses, and their super easy Catholic fundraisers!

Learn more and explore all of CORDA's handcrafted Catholic candles at cordacandles.com/abiding

Timestamps: 00:00 CORDA

01:38 Intro

02:25 Lent Announcement

03:10 Welcome

06:43 Scripture Verse and Quote to Ponder

08:24 Sister Miriam's Word of the Year

12:28 Heather's Word of the Year

17:16 Michelle's Word of the Year

25:13 Being Honest with Ourselves and with God

29:20 Our Saints of the Year

33:18 What if I don't have a Word of the Year?

34:26 One Things

In this episode, we end our journey at the Stable, the humble place where God chose for us to meet His Son. We reflect on the stable of our own hearts, how Jesus chooses to meet us in our own poverty now, and why His very presence brings healing. We also talk about how when we sit in our emptiness, release control, and surrender each part of our lives to God, He is able to work more powerfully in our lives. Finally, we ponder Mary's quiet and loving gaze upon the Christ Child and how we are invited to slow down and notice Jesus smiling back at us.

Friends, we've deeply enjoyed journeying with you this year. As we take a break, please know you are in our prayers. We will see you on January 19th, 2026 when Season 18 begins! Have a blessed and merry Christmas!

Heather's One Thing - Our Abiding Together staff: Camille, Kate, and Kristina!

Heather's Other One Thing - The Sisters of Life new St. Francis convent in Steubenville

Heather's Third One Thing - Every Sacred Sunday's Edition of the Catechism of the Catholic Church

Sister Miriam's One Thing - Our listeners and Patreon supporters. Thank you!

Sister Miriam's Other One Thing - Philosophy and Healing (with Fr. Matthew Rolling) from the Restore the Glory Podcast

Michelle's One Thing - The beauty of the different religious orders!

Finally, we arrive at the Stable — the poorest of places, and yet, the holiest of all.

Here, in straw and silence, the Infinite takes on skin. The cry of a newborn splits the night open, and suddenly, everything is sacred again

The invitation into the mess

Into our own poverty…

The cry of our humanity …

Worship is not what we think it will look like.

Other Resources Mentioned:

Journal Questions:

Discussion Questions:

Quote to Ponder:

"I am so glad Jesus was born in a stable, because my soul is so much like a stable. It's poor and in unsatisfactory condition - Yet, I believe that if Jesus can be born in a stable, maybe he can be born in me." (Dorothy Day)

Scripture for Lectio:

"In those days a decree went out from Emperor Augustus that all the world should be registered. This was the first registration and was taken while Quirinius was governor of Syria. All went to their own towns to be registered. Joseph also went from the town of Nazareth in Galilee to Judea, to the city of David called Bethlehem, because he was descended from the house and family of David. He went to be registered with Mary, to whom he was engaged and who was expecting a child. While they were there, the time came for her to deliver her child. And she gave birth to her firstborn son and wrapped him in bands of cloth, and laid him in a manger, because there was no place for them in the inn." (Luke 2:1-7)

Sponsor - Fully Mediterranean:

Our sponsor today is Fully Mediterranean, a company dedicated to helping people discover the Mediterranean diet and lifestyle, a way of eating and living that is both deeply nourishing and beautifully simple. At Fully Mediterranean, they believe that good health and good food go hand in hand—and that both of these begin in the same place: around the table, where we slow down, gather, connect, and are reminded of God's goodness in the everyday moments of life. It's where we feed not only our bodies, but also our relationships. And it's often where we rediscover joy, connection, and presence.

Fully Mediterranean was built on a mission to help people discover a simple, nourishing way of eating and living—a way that brings peace, beauty, and balance into everyday. Their approach is not about pressure or perfection. It's about gently integrating habits that help you live fully, with a sense of gratitude and mindfulness that aligns beautifully with our Catholic faith.

What makes the Mediterranean lifestyle so special is that it's not just a way of eating; it's a way of living. It's a lifestyle shaped by mindfulness, by community, and by gratitude. It's about slowing down, savoring what God provides, and sharing meals with the people He places in our lives. It's about choosing foods that nourish the body He entrusted to us—vibrant vegetables, wholesome grains, fresh herbs, lean proteins, and healthy fats—while also embracing the joy and connection that come from preparing and enjoying meals with others.

Fully Mediterranean provides practical, realistic tools, guidance, and inspiration to help you bring these values into your kitchen and everyday life. Through recipes, programs, workshops, and practical nutrition guidance, we help women simplify healthy eating, feel confident in the kitchen, and rediscover the joy that comes from preparing meals that are both good for the body and soul-satisfying.

In a world filled with noise, pressure, and quick fixes, the Mediterranean lifestyle offers something gentler and more grounded—an invitation to live intentionally, joyfully, and wholeheartedly. It encourages us to choose foods that honor the bodies God created, to gather more often with the people we love, and to find celebration in simple, nourishing routines.

Whether you're looking to support your long-term health, gain energy for your daily responsibilities, or create more meaningful rhythms in your home, Fully Mediterranean is here to guide you every step of the way. We want to help you build a lifestyle that supports your well-being and draws you closer to living the full, abundant life God desires for you.

Because at Fully Mediterranean, we believe that when you nourish your body well, you nourish every part of your life. And when you gather at the table with gratitude, intention, and love, you reflect God's goodness in the most natural, beautiful way.

If you're ready to bring more peace, health, and joy into your kitchen—and your life—we invite you to explore all that Fully Mediterranean offers. Discover delicious recipes, practical tips, and inspiring resources designed to help you integrate the Mediterranean way of living into your daily routine with ease and grace.

Join us and use the code Abidingtogether20 to receive 20% off any of our products, including our course, ebooks and Substack membership. Join the 30-day Mediterranean challenge starting January 1st for just $8. Visit us at www.fullymediterranean.com, Substack: fullymediteranean.com.substack.com and @fullymediterranean

Chapters:

00:00 Fully Mediterranean

01:37 Intro

02:30 Welcome to the Stable

05:56 Guiding Quote and Scripture Verse

07:12 The Poverty of Our Hearts

11:26 Surrendering the Messy Parts of Our Lives

15:30 Healing Our Image of God

19:31 What it Means to Ponder

21:37 Making Space in the Midst of a Busy Season

28:27 Season 18 Announcement!

28:58 One Things

Music used under license i94Cr0

In this episode, we journey to Elizabeth's house, the place of the Visitation. We reflect on Mary's haste as she makes the journey to visit Elizabeth and how Elizabeth creates space for Mary as the mystery of the incarnation unfolds. We also ponder Elizabeth's years of longing for a child, how God fulfills our desires in ways different than we expect, and why we should hold onto hope instead of disappointment. Finally, we talk about cultivating a deeper sensitivity to God's presence, trusting that even when His work is hidden, beauty is unfolding within our lives.

Heather's One Thing - High King of Heaven / Jesus We Love You by Bethel Music

Sister Miriam's Half Thing - As part of the Sacred Anchor Marketplace, any Religious Order/ Clergy will have a free storefront with no charges to list or commission fees. (The only cost will be bank fees of about 3% of any sale). Sign up here!

Sister Miriam's One Thing - Forgiving as Unity with Christ by Dr. Robert Enright

Michelle's One Thing - Notre Dame Football (especially Marcus Freeman)

And then, we travel to Elizabeth's house, high in the hills. Two women meet, and the air is thick with recognition. Promises leap, joy erupts, and prophecy dances between them.

This is the place of friendship, of shared waiting, of laughter through tears. Because God often comes to us in the embrace of another who believes.

Journal Questions:

Discussion Questions:

Quote to Ponder:

"If there ever comes a time when the women of the world come together purely and simply for the benefit of mankind, it will be a force such as the world has never known." (Matthew Arnold)

Scripture for Lectio:

"Blessed is she who believed that the Lord would fulfill His promises to her." (Luke 1:45)

Sponsor - Chews Life:

Rosaries for Every Age and Season of Life.

Sister Lucia of Fatima once said, "There is no problem, no matter how difficult, that we cannot solve by the prayer of the Holy Rosary." At Chews Life , that isn't just a beautiful quote, it's the heartbeat of everything they do. Chews Life is a Catholic-owned small business whose mission is simple but bold: to equip every Catholic, in every age and season of life, with Rosaries for life. Whether you're a new mom juggling family life, a student on the go, or someone rediscovering the beauty of prayer, Chews Life creates practical and beautiful ways to make the Rosary part of your everyday rhythm.

For the Littlest Catholics one of the most beloved parts of the Chews Life mission is their dedication to helping children grow up surrounded by prayer. Their silicone Rosaries are soft, durable, and made for little hands to safely explore and grow in their love for the Rosary. Parents often say that watching their child hold one feels like watching them reach out to hold Our Lady's hand. Each design is thoughtfully created to be both faith-filled and family-safe, something little ones can hold, and carry as they begin learning the gentle rhythm of prayer. It's never too early to begin planting those seeds of devotion.

For women, Chews Life offers their signature excuse-proof Rosary bracelet, a gemstone Rosary that is both beautiful and wearable. Designed to help you pray throughout the day, this bracelet is a quiet but powerful companion for busy women who long to stay connected to God in the middle of everyday life. Whether you're at work, running errands, or caring for your family, these bracelets make it easy to keep prayer close. Each one includes Chews Life's signature "bookmark" crucifix charm, allowing you to pause your Rosary and pick it up right where you left off. Because real life and real prayer go hand-in-hand. Made with genuine gemstones and durable materials, every bracelet is a tangible reminder that holiness grows in the middle of ordinary moments, and that beauty and faith were always meant to belong together. For the Men in Your Life: Crux Invicta That same level of craftsmanship and devotion extends to the men's line, Crux Invicta, Chews Life's brother brand. The name means "The Cross Invincible," and it captures the heart of what this collection stands for: bold, rugged faith rooted in strength and sacrifice. Crux Invicta features paracord and gemstone Rosary bracelets designed for durability and purpose. Each piece carries the reminder that victory comes through the Cross, offering men a tangible way to live out their faith in the everyday battles of life.

And for those looking to go deeper and learn more about the mysteries of the Rosary, Chews Life founder Shannon Wendt invites you on a journey of prayer through her new book, The Way of the Rosary: A Journey with Mary through Scripture, Liturgy, and Life . This book is a heartfelt invitation to walk with Mary and discover the mysteries of the Rosary as they unfold through Scripture, the rhythm of the Liturgy, and the ordinary moments of daily life. Shannon's reflections reveal how Mary accompanies us in joy and in sorrow, guiding us always closer to her Son

From their baby-safe silicone Rosaries, to their gemstone Rosary bracelets, to the Crux Invicta men's line and The Way of the Rosary book, every part of Chews Life's mission is designed to make prayer not just accessible but truly lived. Because for Chews Life, prayer isn't something you fit in when you can. It's something that fits beautifully into the life you're already living.

You can explore the full collections and learn more at ChewsLife.com and CruxInvicta.com . And as a special thank-you to Abiding Together listeners, use the code ABIDE15 for 15% off your order on either site.

Chapters:

00:00 Chews Life

01:37 Intro

02:30 Welcome to Elizabeth's House

06:02 The Shared Gift of the Visitation

08:15 Having A Safe Place to Allow Mystery to Unfold

10:08 The Holy Spirit Reveals Jesus

12:!5 Sacred Companionship

13:40 When We Carry Disappointments

16:50 Speaking Life Into Other People

18:36 Living Out of Our Insecurities

19:49 Being A Safe Place for Others

22:37 Having Sensitivity to the Presence of God

25:26 One Things

Music used under license i94Cr0

In this episode, we journey to the house of Loreto, a simple home where the Annunciation took place. We reflect on how God meets us in the quiet, ordinary places of our own lives and how He meets us where we are, no matter how isolated we may feel. We also explore Mary's free and wholehearted yes, given without a request for details, and consider where the Holy Spirit may be inviting us to trust and surrender in our own hidden spaces. As Advent is a time to rest in stillness, we talk about making room for God in our schedules, noticing His gentle invitations in the everyday, and allowing His Word to take root in us even when the fruits of our yes are not yet visible.

Heather's One Thing - Registration for Glory: Women's Gathering is open! Michelle and I would love to see you there!

Sister Miriam's One Thing - Live Dialogue with Pope Leo XIV and Teens at NCYC

Michelle's One Thing - Trader Joe's winter peonies

Next, we come to the House of Loreto, a humble home, walls worn by daily life, where the eternal interrupted the ordinary.

Here, a young woman listens and her "yes" ripples through all of time. This is the place of surrender, of saying yes to what we cannot yet understand. The Word takes root in the quiet soil of her trust.

Other Resources Mentioned:

Journal Questions:

Discussion Questions:

Quote to Ponder:

"This is a serious warning cry: Surrender without reservation to the Lord who has called us. This is required of us so that the face of the earth may be renewed." (Edith Stein)

Scripture for Lectio:

"The angel Gabriel was sent from God to a town of Galilee called Nazareth…" (Luke 1:26)

Sponsor - Small Town Catholic Living:

Have you ever dreamed of living in a community where families flourish, bible studies abound, and you can walk to daily Mass and adoration?

Have you desired to send your kids to an authentically Catholic school but could never afford the tuition or can afford it, but it lacks deeply rooted Catholic tradition and culture?

Small Town Catholic Living is a thriving Catholic community located in Beloit, Kansas. It's a place where strong faith, family values, and small-town charm come together.

Here, families and kids walk and ride their bikes around town, young families fill the local 120 year old Romanesque-Gothic Catholic Church, and Eucharisstic adoration is offered 24/7. There is also a PreK-12th grade Catholic school so that your kids can receive an authentic Catholic education for a fraction of what other private schools cost.

The town also features all the important necessities of life such as a full-service local hospital, an impressive recreation center, retirement communities, and remote workspace offices. Fishing, hunting, camping, and boating are popular at the nearby Waconda Lake.

If you've been dreaming of living in a community where your children can grow up surrounded by others living out their faith, where people truly know you, or a place that has taken a step back from the business of this world, we invite you to learn more by visiting our website at smalltowncatholicliving.com.

It's not impossible to be spiritually fed while fulfilling your mission to raise your family!

Chapters:

00:00 Small Town Catholic Living

01:15 Intro

02:24 Welcome to Loreto

03:28 Guiding Quote and Scripture Verse

05:02 God Comes in the Ordinary

08:14 In the Fullness of Time

10:15 God Invites Us to Respond to His Invitations

11:50 When We Feel Like We are Isolated

15:20 Saying Yes to God Even When We don't Understand

19:19 The Quiet Work of Faith

21:55 Will We Make Space for God?

26:35 One Things

Music used under license i94Cr0

In this episode, we begin our Advent journey in Eden, a place of freedom, communion, and life without shame. Eden is not only a moment in history, but also an interior garden within each of our hearts. We talk about the deep ache we all feel for union, rest, and peace, and how this longing reveals our original design for communion with God. We also reflect on the shame that often accompanies this desire for communion with others, especially when our desires are left unmet, and how bringing these places of poverty to Jesus opens us up to real, lived communion with Him.

Heather's One Thing - The Renew Conference in Toronto

Heather's Other One Thing - Her Advent Worship Playlist

Sister Miriam's One Thing - Sacred Anchor Artisans (Catholic Etsy!) founded by Tim and Molly Olsen

Michelle's One Thing - The Inspired Living and this Chrism Candle

Michelle's Other One Thing - Fr. Innocent Montgomery, CFR

Welcome, dear friends…

to this Advent journey,

a pilgrimage of the heart,

through four sacred spaces

where heaven once touched the earth.

These are the places of Advent.

Eden.

Loreto.

Elizabeth's home.

And a stable under starlight.

Each one holds a mystery…

a whisper of God's coming,

a rhythm of waiting,

a quiet invitation to abide.

We begin… in Eden —

the garden of beginnings and original designs,

Here, everything was whole once,

every breath in attunement with God's own.

But even in the ache of what was lost,

something sacred remains,

a longing, a promise,

a memory of shalom harmony still written in our bones.

Eden reminds us:

our waiting is not empty.

It is the remembering of love

that has never stopped pursuing us.

Journal Questions:

Discussion Questions:

Quote to Ponder:

"We all long for Eden, and we are constantly glimpsing it: our whole nature at its best and least corrupted, its gentlest and most human, is still soaked with the sense of exile." (J.R.R. Tolkien, The Letters of J.R.R. Tolkien)

Scripture for Lectio:

"Adam and his wife were both naked, and they felt no shame." (Genesis 2:25)

Sponsor - Altar + Home:

Altar and Home by Conception Abbey exists to bring the beauty of Benedictine spirituality into your domestic church. The way we as Benedictine monks punctuate our days with prayer. The way we balance prayer and work (ora et labora). The way we pray with scripture in lectio divina. The way we live in community to support one another. Incorporating these treasures into your daily lives can draw you and your domestic church into Christ one day – one prayer – at a time.

Our online store offers intentionally Catholic products for every occasion and every season. Lectio Divina rosary guides, daily journals, greeting cards, sacrament gifts, icons, and prints, along with books, bibles, and everything you need to make your home a sacred space.

Make Advent and Christmas a time of joy and peace with our Monk-Curated Collections—bundled sets specifically chosen by the monks to share our lives with each of you. They make the perfect gift for the Catholic in your life.

Through this Altar + Home ministry, the Benedictine monks of Conception Abbey share the prayer God calls us to at the altar into the domestic church of our customers as we seek to cultivate one holy, apostolic, Catholic Church.

We invite you shop with us at www.altarandhome.org. Use the discount code ABIDE to get 20% off your order.

Chapters:

00:00 Altar + Home

01:25 Intro

02:17 Welcome to Eden

09:38 Our Heart is a Garden and Place of Communion

11:18 We are Made as a Gift

13:32 Healing from Shame in Our Ache

17:57 Homesickness and Exile

20:23 God is Longing for Us

22:16 Imaginative Prayer

24:13 The Goodness of Our Bodies

26:06 Inviting the Lord into Communion

27:47 Advent is a Time of Preparation

29:32 One Things

Music used under license i94Cr0

In this episode, we reflect on the importance of giving thanks to the Lord for all He has done in both the beautiful and difficult moments of life. We talk about how practicing gratitude can change our perspective of reality and helps us recognize where God has been present even in moments we do not understand. We also name the fears that can sometimes keep us from giving thanks and discuss how gratitude becomes an act of surrender that opens us to God's steady, faithful presence. As a gift to you, we end today's episode by doing Lectio Divina with Psalm 34 and invite you into a time of prayer with us.

Heather's One Thing - Jalapeno, Pepper Jack, and Bacon Corn Pudding Recipe

Heather's Other One Thing - Hell or High Water and Edens by Amanda Cook

Sister Miriam's One Thing - Her SOLT Community

Michelle's One Thing - College Football

Other Resources Mentioned:

Journal Questions:

Discussion Questions:

Quote to Ponder:

"Gratitude is at the center of a life of faith. It sounds too simple to be true, but isn't that the sign of all deep truth: so simple we're tempted to dismiss it, and so hard, it is exactly what God uses to change our hard lives." (Ann Voskamp)

Scripture for Lectio:

"I will bless the Lord at all times; his praise shall continually be in my mouth. My soul makes its boast in the Lord; let the humble hear and be glad. O magnify the Lord with me, and let us exalt his name together. I sought the Lord, and he answered me, and delivered me from all my fears. Look to him, and be radiant; so your faces shall never be ashamed. This poor soul cried, and was heard by the Lord, and was saved from every trouble. The angel of the Lord encamps around those who fear him, and delivers them. O taste and see that the Lord is good; happy are those who take refuge in him." (Psalm 34:1-8)

Sponsor - The GIVEN Institute:

The GIVEN Institute is a vibrant non-profit organization dedicated to activating the gifts of women for the Church and the world. GIVEN wants to help you receive the gift that you are, realize the gifts you've been given, and respond with the gift only you can give.

Applications are now open for GIVEN's 2026 Leadership Program. Faithful Catholic women between the ages of 21 and 35 are encouraged to apply today!

GIVEN's program includes participation at the Leadership Forum from June 24-28, 2026 in Washington, DC and a year of dedicated, 1-on-1 mentorship with an established Catholic female leader. Abiding Together Co-Host Heather Khym will be a speaker at the 2026 Leadership Forum next June along with other phenomenal Catholic women leaders of all ages, all vocations, and all walks of life.

If you are a woman between the ages 21 and 35 and seeking leadership training, faith formation, and support to better understand and pursue your particular mission, GIVEN's Leadership Program is designed just for you! You'll grow in relationship with Christ, gain a deeper understanding of your personal vocation, and be empowered to develop an Action Plan to activate your personal gifts to impact the world.

For women over 35 with a desire to get involved, please consider becoming a Mentor or Volunteer! For more information and to apply, please visit www.giveninstitute.com/forum.

Chapters:

00:00 The Given Institute

01:26 Intro

02:16 Welcome

03:45 Practicing Being Thankful First

06:01 Giving Thanks in All Things

08:25 Gratitude is the Center of A Life of Faith

11:22 Being Afraid to Give Thanks

13:14 Lectio Divina

23:18 Our Reflections from Lectio

28:46 One Things

Music used under license i94Cr0

In this episode, we conclude our series on the garden of our hearts and explore what it means to cultivate unity—which is especially important as we enter the busy and often stressful holiday season. We talk about the difference between anger and contempt and how contempt can not only fracture relationships but also plant seeds of division in our hearts. We also reflect on how we can respond to discord with humility, a holy curiosity, and a genuine desire to understand. Ultimately, unity begins with love, bears good fruit, and reflects the presence of Christ within us.

Heather's One Thing - The Cheesecloth Turkey Basting Method (Example Here)

Sister Miriam's One Thing - College Volleyball Playoffs (especially Nebraska)

Michelle's One Thing - Twinkling Trees from Walmart

Announcement:

Our Advent Study begins December 1st, 2025!

Journal Questions:

Discussion Questions:

Quote to Ponder:

"To understand one another and to grow in charity and truth, we need to pause, to accept and listen to one another. In this way, we already begin to experience unity. Unity grows along the way; it never stands still. Unity happens when we walk together." (Pope Francis, Homily at second Vespers on the solemnity of the conversion of St. Paul, Jan. 25, 2015)

Scripture for Lectio:

"I therefore, a prisoner for the Lord, beg you to lead a life worthy of the calling to which you have been called, with all lowliness and meekness, with patience, forbearing one another in love, eager to maintain the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace. There is one body and one Spirit… one Lord, one faith, one baptism." (Ephesians 4:1-6)

Sponsor - Glory: Women's Gathering:

If you're feeling like your spiritual life could use a little more support than podcasts and online formation can offer, you need to check out this week's sponsor, the Glory: Women's Conference hosted by Steubenville Conferences in partnership with Heather Khym.

We want to invite you to join Heather, Michelle, and our dear friends Debbie Herbeck, Sarah Kaczmarek, Monica Richards, and Fr. Dave Pivonka TOR this coming June 5-7 in Steubenville, Ohio, as we gather with women across generations and seek God's restoration and healing. This gathering will include talks, worship, prayer experiences, and the opportunity to interact with fellow Abiding Together listeners and new friends from all over who will be flying in.

Heather and Michelle would absolutely love to meet you. Whether you come with your Abiding Together small group, with a close friend, or on your own, we can't wait to gather in fellowship with you.

Registration is now open for the Glory: Women's Conference. For early bird pricing of only $259, register by December 31st. The price will go up in the new year.

Visit steubenvilleconferences.com/events/glory for more information or to register!

Chapters:

00:00 Glory: Women's Gathering

01:31 Intro

02:22 Advent Announcement

03:14 Welcome

05:19 Guiding Quote and Scripture Verse

06:19 Distinguishing Anger vs Contempt

11:28 Living Like We are One Body in Christ

13:48 Seeking to Understand Rather than be Understood

18:22 The Power of Our Tone of Voice

20:35 Examining the Fruit in Our Lives

22:49 Maturing Spiritually

27:06 Repairing Strained Relationships

29:08 One Things

In this episode, we continue our series on the Garden of Our Hearts and talk about the cultivation of beauty. Beauty has the power to transform, heal, and lift us into communion with God, but it must be cultivated with care and intention. We discuss what it means to co-create with God, slow down and savor little moments, and rediscover beauty in the people closest to us. Even when the world around us feels barren or artificial, the Lord invites us to see beauty with new eyes and let the Holy Spirit reveal His presence in unexpected ways.

Heather's One Thing - The Catechism of the Catholic Church designed by Every Sacred Sunday

Heather's Other One Thing - I Am Held by Pat Barrett

Sister Miriam's One Thing - The Carmelite Monks' New Monastery in Wyoming

Michelle's One Thing - Word on Fire's Evangelization and Culture Journal - Issue 25 on Beauty

Michelle's Other One Thing - The Story of All Stories: A Story Bible for Young Catholics by Emily Stimpson Chapman

Other Resources Mentioned:

Journal Questions:

Discussion Questions:

Quotes to Ponder:

"Every expression of true beauty can thus be acknowledged as a path leading to an encounter with the Lord Jesus." -Pope Francis

"We must wonder! We must create an environment of wonder! We must create a climate of wonder! This task is closest to the family. . . . Wonder is needed so that beauty might enter into human life, into society and the nation. This beauty is the foundation and the creative moment of the culture. It is impossible to create culture by administrative means. These means can only destroy it. . . . We need to marvel at everything that is found in man." (Saint Pope John Paul II)

Scripture for Lectio:

"Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence and if anything worthy of praise, think about these things." (Philippians 4:8)

Sponsor - The Inspired Living:

The Inspired Living is your one-stop shop for meaningful Advent and Christmas gifts this season!

As an online shop sourcing Catholic home decor, books, and gifts, we believe that our spiritual lives begin at home, and should be a reflection of that which is eternally beautiful, God Himself.

At The Inspired Living we have intentionally curated and sourced into one place the best Catholic products - whether that be decor for your home, gifts for sacraments, or books and sacramentals that will enhance your domestic church. We offer a unique array of handcrafted goods and exquisite gifts made by artisans not only in the United States, but around the world.

Head to our website to find:

Explore our shop at theinspiredliving.net or visit us on instagram @the_inspiredliving

Use the code ABIDING15 for an exclusive 15% off discount at checkout!

Chapters:

00:00 The Inspired Living

00:57 Intro

01:47 Welcome

02:50 Scripture Verse and Guiding Quote

03:34 When We Don't See Beauty

05:02 Cultivating Beauty in an Artificial World

10:06 Co-Creating with God

16:24 Discovering Beauty in the Small Things

18:20 Slowing Down to Receive Beauty

23:57 Seeing Beauty in Others and Ourselves

27:25 One Things

In this episode, we begin a series on cultivating the garden of our hearts and reflect on what it means to cultivate peace–as a fruit that grows from communion with God. The cultivation of peace is not something we control. It comes from learning to rest in God's presence, even amid life's storms. We talk practically about how to tend the soil of our hearts, so that peace can take root and grow into a fruit that becomes a visible witness to others. We also discuss how Jesus, the Prince of Peace, invites us to make room for His presence, allowing His breath to bring healing where fear and sin have disrupted our peace.

Heather's One Thing - Triumph of the Heart is now streaming!

Sister Miriam's One Thing - Healed by Love: Contemplation as a Path of Healing according to St. John of the Cross by Daniel Chowning, OCD

Michelle's One Thing - Feast: A Men's Devotional for Advent by Paul George

Journal Questions:

Discussion Questions:

Quote to Ponder:

Let nothing disturb you, Let nothing frighten you, All things are passing away: God never changes. Patience obtains all things Whoever has God lacks nothing; God alone suffices.

(St. Teresa of Avila)

Scripture for Lectio:

"Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus" (Philippians 4:6-7)

Sponsor - BeeStill Design:

BeeStill Design is a handcrafted Catholic jewelry and art brand founded by Louisiana artist and entrepreneur Holly Klock. A wife and mom of three, Holly has built BeeStill from a small creative outlet into a growing brand known for pieces that are both beautiful and meaningful.

Her collections feature heirloom-quality jewelry, pressed flowers, and custom intaglios, along with enamel work and ornaments. From the very beginning, she has sought to bring the joy and beauty of our faith into each creation—always with the same vision: to design timeless pieces that tell stories of faith, love, and family.

Whether you are looking for a piece of jewelry to be a daily reminder of God or would like to find a meaningful gift for someone in your life, head over to beestilldesign.com and use the code abidingtogether for 20% off your order.

Chapters:

00:00 BeeStill Design

01:08 Intro

01:59 Welcome

04:11 Scripture Verse and Quote to Ponder

06:31 Planting Peace in the Soil of Our Hearts

08:34 Cultivating vs Controlling

11:08 Fertilizing the Soil Around Us

13:56 The Breath of Peace

16:25 When We Feel Afraid

18:51 Communion Brings Healing

21:23 Wanting Peace for Those Around Us

23:26 Sin Disrupts Our Peace

27:52 Practical Tips for Cultivating Peace

32:55 Prayer

34:49 One Things

In this episode, we talk about what it means to weather the storms of life well. Everyone experiences difficult moments throughout their lives and these storms come in all shapes and sizes. In each one, we have the opportunity to respond from a place of truth and peace instead of fear. We share practical ways we've learned to weather the storms in our own lives, from simplifying life to immersing ourselves in Scripture. We also explore how pain, though difficult, can lead us into deeper healing and communion with God. No matter what you're facing, you are not alone—He is near, and so are we.

Heather's One Thing - Strengthen Yourself in the Lord by Bill Johnson

Heather's Other One Thing - Same God (feat Jonsal Barriente) from Elevation Worship

Sister Miriam's One Thing - Pints with Aquinas | What to Do When Marriage Gets Hard (Jason and Crystalina Evert)

Michelle's One Thing - Healed and Restored Nonprofit

Other Resources Mentioned:

Journal Questions:

Discussion Questions:

Quotes to Ponder:

"Remain in me. This is the word of Jesus. It is not only a call but a promise of strength, peace, and fruitfulness." (St. Elizabeth of the Trinity)

"Let us live with Him as with a friend. Through all the storms, He remains." (St. Elizabeth of the Trinity)

Scripture for Lectio:

"So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand." (Isaiah 41:10)

Sponsor - Our Holy Home:

Let your Christmas card say what matters most This year, send a card that reflects your faith and the true meaning of the season. Our Holy Home's custom Catholic Christmas cards make it easy to share the joy of Christ's birth beautifully and intentionally. Choose from over 30 designs, add your family photo and message, and get 25% off just for being here.

Start designing now: OurHolyHome.com/at

Chapters:

00:00 Our Holy Home

01:16 Intro

02:06 Welcome

04:33 Guiding Quote and Scripture Verse

08:12 How the Enemy Tries to Amplify Storms

09:45 Slowing Down is Essential

12:08 When Prayer Becomes Dry

14:23 Turmoil Can Feel Like Its Our Fault

16:43 Remembering God's Faithfulness

18:37 Pain Causes Us to Make A Change

20:48 Distractions Will Never Fulfil Us

22:44 Maturing is A Decision We Make

24:15 Weathering Storms In Community

26:54 Spiritual Practices

28:55 One Things

In this episode, Dr. Shane Owens, a scholar of St. Augustine, joins us to discuss the power of memory. Together, we explore how memory is a place to where we withdraw to understand our identity, shape our whole self, and begin to see God working in our lives. Memory exists for the purpose of hope and we not only talk about how the Scriptures and Eucharist bear the memories of the Church, but also how our sorrowful memories can become sources of hope.

Heather's One Thing - Pope Leo XIV: Son of St. Augustine (A conversation with Fr. Dave Pivonka and Dr. Shane Owens)

Heather's Other One Thing - Franciscan University's Festival of Praise

Sister Miriam's One Thing - The Archdiocese of Sydney, Australia

Michelle's One Thing - Return to the Heart: The Biblical Spirituality of St. Augustine's Confessions by Dr. Shane Owens

Michelle's Other One Thing - Heaven for Me! by St. Thérèse of Lisieux

Dr. Shane Owens' One Thing - Bible Across America from the St. Paul Center

Other Resources Mentioned:

Journal Questions:

Discussion Questions:

Quote to Ponder:

"The heart is the dwelling-place where I am, where I live; according to the Semitic or Biblical expression, the heart is the place "to which I withdraw." The heart is our hidden center, beyond the grasp of our reason and of others; only the Spirit of God can fathom the human heart and know it fully. The heart is the place of decision, deeper than our psychic drives. It is the place of truth, where we choose life or death. It is the place of encounter, because as image of God we live in relation: it is the place of covenant." (CCC 2563)

Scripture for Lectio:

"But Mary treasured all these words and pondered them in her heart." (Luke 2:19)

Sponsor - Hallow:

Get 3 months free of Hallow at hallow.com/abide and enjoy over 10,000 audioguided prayers, meditations, and music. Hallow can help you find peace, build a daily habit of prayer, and grow closer to God.

Chapters:

00:00 Hallow

01:00 Intro

01:50 Welcome

05:35 Scripture Verse and Guiding Quote

07:07 Who is St. Augustine?

09:30 What Inspired this Book?

11:18 Entering into Our Memories

13:20 How We Write Our Own Stories

15:34 Scripture and the Eucharist Help Us Understand Our Own Story

17:37 Chewing the Cud

20:47 Wondering vs Pondering

24:30 Hope in Our Sorrowful Mysteries

30:30 Finding Jesus in Painful Memories

38:59 Setting Aside Time to Hope

43:46 One Things

In this episode, we talk about what it means to bring God's Presence into our relationships with others. Through His life, Jesus shows us how to live at the pace of the Holy Spirit and create space for authentic connection. We explore how easy it is to overlook the significance of ordinary moments and how, through slowing the pace of our lives, we have powerful opportunities to love, listen, and become more attuned to those around us. We also discuss the importance of healthy boundaries, the freedom that comes from not needing to fix others, and how it's God's love that shapes how we show up for the people in our lives.

Heather's One Thing - This Wild at Heart Podcast series with Jon Tyson (Part 1) (Part 2)

Sister Miriam's One Thing - The Lila Rose Show with Msgr Rossetti

Michelle's One Thing - Raise a Hallelujah by Bethel Music, Jonathan Helser, and Melissa Helser

Journal Questions:

Discussion Questions:

Quote to Ponder:

"More and more, the desire grows in me simply to walk around, greet people, enter their homes, sit on their doorsteps, play ball, throw water, and be known as someone who wants to live with them. It is a privilege to have the time to practice this simple ministry of presence. Still, it is not as simple as it seems. My own desire to be useful, to do something significant, or to be part of some impressive project is so strong that soon my time is taken up by meetings, conferences, study groups, and workshops that prevent me from walking the streets. It is difficult not to have plans, not to organize people around an urgent cause, and not to feel that you are working directly for social progress. But I wonder more and more if the first thing shouldn't be to know people by name, to eat and drink with them, to listen to their stories and tell your own, and to let them know with words, handshakes, and hugs that you do not simply like them, but truly love them." (Henri Nouwen, Gracias: A Latin American Journal)

Scripture for Lectio:

"O Lord, thou hast searched me and known me!" (Psalm 139:1)

Sponsor - Camp Wojtyla:

Are you looking for a transformative experience for your middle school or high school student? Camp Wojtyla helps young people fall more in love with Jesus Christ and His Church through epic adventures in the Colorado mountains, awesome community, and huge fun. Camp Wojtyla helps kids learn they are stronger than they thought, and that God is bigger than they could ever have imagined.

Camp Wojtyla is nestled in the Rocky Mountains of Colorado on a beautiful, 1200-acre wilderness property, and offers fourteen different single gender programs, giving campers a unique opportunity to LIVE LIFE TO THE FULL!

We have a God of adventure. He has a story and a plan for each of us. Camp Wojtyla teaches about God and the Catholic Church through authentic and life-changing adventures in creation. In a culture that inundates us with noise, unplugged time on the mountain helps us understand who God is and who He has made us to be. While at Camp Wojtyla, campers experience expertly designed and sequenced programming that helps them understand that they are called to sainthood...and how they can achieve it! Our carefully selected, and highly trained team of staff and counselors are joyful and faithful role models who can't wait to help give your camper their best summer ever!

Come check us out at www.camp-w.com. We can't wait to offer you or your child a transformative adventure! The lottery for 2026 programming is open now through October 26th. Sign up today for a chance to experience Life to the Full at Camp Wojtyla this summer!

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Chapters:

(00:00) Camp Wojtyla

(01:40) Intro

(02:30) Welcome

(04:39) Guiding Quote

(07:06) Being Present in the Everyday

(08:48) The Gift of Another's Presence

(10:05) Contemplating Others as A Mystery to Be Revealed

(12:18) The Gift of Presence is an Artform

(14:51) Balancing Presence for You and Others

(16:34) What Does Accompiment Look Like?

(18:44) Having Boundaries

(21:24) Fearing Being Present

(23:37) Receiving from God First

(26:07) One Things

In this episode, we explore the gift of tears and the importance of allowing ourselves to cry. We reflect on our experiences with crying and talk about how tears, especially in painful moments, can be a powerful expression of surrender, lament, and hope when offered to God. With the help of the Holy Spirit, our sensitivity and capacity to cry reflect the way we were beautifully created to respond to what breaks God's heart. We discuss the vulnerability of crying, the pain of resisting it, and how Jesus crying out on the cross reveals the value of our own cries. Whether you're too tired to cry, afraid to show need, or already feel safe expressing emotion, we invite you to see crying as an act of worship and intercession. In our sorrow, God meets us with love, truth, and the hope that He can actually do something with our pain.

Heather's One Thing - Spirit Breathe by Sarah Kroger and Echo Harbor Worship

Sister Miriam's One Thing - Beloved Son by Carrie Daunt

Michelle's One Thing - Her new back porch!

Other Resources Mentioned:

Journal Questions:

Discussion Questions:

Quote to Ponder:

"Finally, she asks God to give her a gift of tears to draw his mercy down upon the world, and especially upon his church. In one of her visions, Catherine records having been told by God: "If you open your mind's eye you will see that the Holy Spirit weeps in the person of every one of my servants who offers me the fragrance of holy desire and constant humble prayer."

(St. Catherine of Sienna, The Dialogue Study Edition)

"We are accustomed to thinking of crying out as something disorderly, to be repressed. The Gospel confers an immense value to our cry, reminding us that it can be an invocation, a protest, a desire, a surrender. It can even be the extreme form of prayer, when there are no words left. In that cry, Jesus gave all that he had left: all his love, all his hope." (General Audience, September 10, 2025, Pope Leo XIV)

Scripture for Lectio:

"My God, my God, why hast thou forsaken me?" (Psalm 22:1)

Sponsor - Beata Home:

This episode is sponsored by Beata Home, a boutique-style print shop founded by Katie, a wife and mom of four. The word Beata is derived from the Latin word for "blessed," and that is her hope, that each piece will be a blessing to homes and families. Born out of the conviction that beauty has the power to evangelize, Beata Home makes it easy for Catholic families to surround themselves with art that reflects their faith and lifts hearts and minds to God.

Beata Home offers something for every family and every budget:

Artwork is printed on museum-quality paper with archival inks, ensuring beauty that lasts for generations. Whether it's a small image for a prayer corner or a statement piece for your living room, Beata Home makes it simple to bring beauty and faith into your everyday spaces.

The heart of Beata Home is sacred art, but the collection also includes carefully chosen vintage artwork because all beauty points to the Creator. Visit beatahome.com to explore the growing collection, and as a gift for Abiding Together listeners, use the code ABIDING10 for 10% off your first purchase.

Support a Catholic family business and bring beauty into your domestic church with Beata Home!

Chapters:

00:00 Beata Home

01:14 Intro

02:04 Welcome

03:58 Scripture Verse and Quote to Ponder

05:11 The Pain of Resisting Tears

06:58 Crying Out is Vulnerable

08:50 Tears are a Gift

11:45 A Remedy for Self Reliance

13:23 What Happens When We Stop Crying Out

15:25 Crying with Others

17:53 Being Needy vs Having Needs

20:41 Sometimes All We Can Do is Cry

22:54 God Speaks to You Though Tears

24:30 Slowing Down

26:37 Crying as an Intercession

28:46 One Things

In this episode we discuss the power of community, the circles of community, the call to build one wherever you are and practical tips on how to do so! (Introverts-there is hope!)

"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, The Long Loneliness: The Autobiography of the Legendary Catholic Social Activist

One Thing We Love:

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

One Thing We Love:

In this episode we discuss maternity as part 4 of 4 in our series on the Feminine Genius. We talk about the incredible gift of being life-bearers in both spirit and body, the role of being a shelter for one another and the challenges of spiritual and physical motherhood.

"The woman's soul is fashioned as a shelter in which other souls may unfold." - St. Teresa Benedicta of the Cross (Edith Stein)

One Thing We Love:

In this episode we discuss generosity as part 3 of 4 in our series on the Feminine Genius. We talk about the power of God's love which gives us the ability for generosity, our potential fears in being generous and a woman's amazing capacity to give the gift of love to the world.

"The level of any civilization is the level of its womanhood. The reason is to be found in the difference between knowing and loving. When we know something, we bring it down to the level of our intelligence. Examples of abstract subjects must be given to children to suit the level of their minds. But when we love something, we always have to go up to meet it. For example, if we want to master music, we must obey its laws and meet its demands. Since a woman is loved, it follows that the nobler a woman is, the nobler man will have to be to be deserving of that love. That is why the level of any civilization is always the level of its womanhood." - Venerable Fulton Sheen

One Thing We Love:

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

One Thing We Love:

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

One thing we love:

This week we talk about "Talitha koum" aka "Little girl arise"

Mark 5:32-45 (nab)

And he looked around to see who had done it. The woman, realizing what had happened to her, approached in fear and trembling. She fell down before Jesus and told him the whole truth. He said to her, "Daughter, your faith has saved you. Go in peace and be cured of your affliction." While he was still speaking, people from the synagogue official's house arrived and said, "Your daughter has died; why trouble the teacher any longer?" Disregarding the message that was reported, Jesus said to the synagogue official, "Do not be afraid; just have faith." He did not allow anyone to accompany him inside except Peter, James, and John, the brother of James. When they arrived at the house of the synagogue official, he caught sight of a commotion, people weeping and wailing loudly. So he went in and said to them, "Why this commotion and weeping? The child is not dead but asleep." And they ridiculed him. Then he put them all out. He took along the child's father and mother and those who were with him and entered the room where the child was. He took the child by the hand and said to her, "Talitha koum," which means, "Little girl, I say to you, arise!" The girl, a child of twelve, arose immediately and walked around. [At that] they were utterly astounded. He gave strict orders that no one should know this and said that she should be given something to eat.

One thing we love:

On this episode we discuss Pope Francis's Lenten Letter and share our thoughts on how to make our Lenten commitments. Download here

The One Thing We Love

We each reveal our word for 2017 and how God is deeply speaking into our lives in this area, we also discuss how to listen to God's voice and how you can choose your word for the year.

The One Thing That Is Bringing Me Joy

We discuss the quote, "if ever there comes a time when the women of the world come together purely and simply for the benefit of all mankind, it will be a force such as the world has never known." And we introduce our favorite things of the week!

In this episode, we talk about how God is at work in our lives even when sorrow feels overwhelming. This Jubilee year of hope is still a light for us, especially when we feel stuck, overwhelmed, or tempted to despair. We talk about the "fatigue of living", what happens when we isolate ourselves, and why the micromovements of our hearts are so important. God has not guaranteed us an easy life, but He abundantly offers us Himself. With Him, we can encounter Jesus deeply, allow the Spirit to help us overcome our fears, and journey through this life with more hope than we thought possible.

Heather's One Thing - Join me on a pilgrimage to Denmark & Norway | August 3 - 12, 2026

Sister Miriam's One Thing - Into Your Hands, Father: Abandoning Ourselves to the God Who Loves Us by Father Wilfrid Stinissen

Michelle's One Thing - I Will Come to You: A Story of Adoption and the Relentless Love of God by Jamie McAleer

Other Resources Mentioned:

Journal Questions:

Discussion Questions:

Quote to Ponder:

"The Holy Spirit bestows understanding. The Spirit overcomes the 'breach' that began in Babel, the confusion of mind and heart that sets us one against the other. The Spirit opens borders... The Church must always become anew what she already is. She must open the borders between peoples and break down the barriers between class and race. In her, there cannot be those who are neglected or disdained. In the Church there are only free men and women, brothers and sisters of Jesus Christ." (Homily for Pentecost, 15 May 2005, Pope Benedict XVI)

Scripture for Lectio:

"Daughter, your faith has saved you. Go in peace." (Mark 5:34)

Sponsor - The Ember Collective:

"Holistic wellness in light of eternity."

The Ember Collective is a community of women passionate about holistic wellness through the lens of our Catholic faith. They believe that we cannot separate the physical from the spiritual, and that harmony exists among them.You can subscribe to The Ember Journal, a visually stunning quarterly print magazine that dives into nutrition, broader health & wellness topics, our Catholic faith, liturgical living, delicious and nourishing whole food recipes, and more. They just launched their first book, Feast Faith Flourish, through Sophia Institute. This book makes the perfect addition to your coffee table, as your seasonal and liturgical companion to living well and whole.

Use the code ABIDE10 to get 10% off our entire shop (subscriptions excluded).

Chapters:

00:00 The Ember Collective

00:58 Intro

01:49 Welcome

05:38 Scripture Verse and Quote to Ponder

06:50 The Fatigue of Living

09:17 Into A Place of Isolation

11:25 Micromovements of the Heart

13:33 Bonding vs Bondage

15:48 Deeply Encountering Jesus

18:18 Will this Situation Ever Change?

20:17 The Spirit Opens Borders in Our Own Hearts

22:50 Overcoming Fear

25:45 Inviting the Holy Spirit Into Our Lives Through Prayer

31:38 One Things

In this episode, we conclude our series by reflecting on the sorrowful and glorious mysteries of our lives. In the midst of our own sorrows, we talk about the mortification of authentic love, what it means to carry our cross, and how to be patient when a particular suffering seems endless. We also share the glorious ways God is working in our lives. From the beauty of color to raising our expectations in faith, we ponder how Jesus' presence in the sufferings of our lives often restores us more deeply than if He simply just healed our pain.

Heather's One Thing - First Reconciliation and Beyond by Katie Prejean McGrady

Heather's Other One Thing - Show Me Your Glory by Brandon Lake

Sister Miriam's One Thing - Discerning Hearts Podcast with Fr. Timothy Gallagher, Discernment of Spirits Series

Michelle's One Thing - Soulcore

Sorrowful Mysteries (Tuesdays & Fridays):

The Agony in the Garden – Contrition / Sorrow for Sin The Scourging at the Pillar – Purity / Mortification The Crowning with Thorns – Moral Courage / Humility The Carrying of the Cross – Patience in Suffering The Crucifixion – Perseverance / Salvation / Forgiveness

Glorious Mysteries (Wednesdays & Sundays):

The Resurrection – Faith The Ascension – Hope / Desire for Heaven The Descent of the Holy Spirit – Wisdom / Love of God / Zeal The Assumption – Grace of a Happy Death / Devotion to Mary The Coronation of Mary – Eternal Happiness / Trust in Mary's Intercession

Journal Questions:

Discussion Questions:

Quote to Ponder:

"To contemplate the face of Christ, and to contemplate it with Mary, is the 'program' which I have set before the Church at the dawn of the third millennium… To recite the Rosary is nothing other than to contemplate with Mary the face of Christ. In this school of Mary, we learn to 'read' Christ, to discover his secrets, to understand his message." (Rosarium Virginis Mariae, St. Pope John Paul II)

Scripture for Lectio:

"For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways," declares the Lord. "As the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways and my thoughts than your thoughts." (Isaiah 55:8-9)

Sponsor - Triumph of the Heart:

Triumph of the Heart is an award-winning film that tells one of the most astounding stories of world war II - when a Polish priest, imprisoned in Auschwitz, volunteered to take the place of a condemned man. When faced with a truly apocalyptic war, St. Maximilian Kolbe showed us that Christian love can conquer the deepest horrors of the human condition. In the face of unimaginable suffering, Kolbe didn't retreat—he stepped forward, offering his life to save another. This film, about the passion of St. Maximilian Kolbe, is the most compelling look ever into both the horror and heroism that was to be found in a Nazi death camp. Audiences have already been deeply moved by the light of hope shining forth from the darkest place on earth. Triumph of the Heart is now showing in select theaters throughout the United States. Go to KolbeMovie.com to find out how you can get tickets to a masterpiece destined to become an enduring film classic. Made with a shoe string budget, many miracles from the Lord, and film quality that rivals any studio backed project, Triumph of the Heart will not disappoint. Distributed in partnership with the Augustine Institute, EWTN Studios, Relevant Radio, and more, you too can join the New Renaissance of Catholic Art at KolbeMovie.com.

Timestamps:

00:00 Triumph of the Heart

01:26 Intro

02:15 Contemplating the Face of Christ

05:24 The Carrying of the Cross - Patience in Suffering

09:22 The Scourging at the Pillar - Purity/ Mortification

13:44 The Suffering We Experience as Parents Age

19:32 The Descent of the Holy Spirit - Wisdom/ Love of God/ Zeal

26:36 The Resurrection - Faith

31:33 One Things

Welcome to season 17! In this episode, we continue our tradition of reflecting on the mysteries of our lives based on the mysteries of the Rosary. In every season of our lives, we're given opportunities to grow in charity and to receive God's grace. Periodically, it is important to pause and reflect on how God has been working in and through our lives. In our conversation, we model what this looks like and discuss how the virtues of each mystery of the Rosary align with the mysteries of our lives and the fruits God is cultivating. Join us today as we share the Joyful and Luminous mysteries of our lives.

Heather's One Thing - The beauty of being an empty nester!

Sister Miriam's One Thing - Chastity: Reconciliation of the Senses by Bishop Erik Varden

Michelle's One Thing - Summer camps

Michelle's Other One Thing - College football is back!

🌟 Joyful Mysteries (Mondays & Saturdays):

The Annunciation – Humility The Visitation – Love of Neighbor / Charity The Nativity – Poverty of Spirit / Detachment from the World The Presentation – Obedience / Purity The Finding in the Temple – Joy in Finding Jesus / Zeal for God

✨ Luminous Mysteries (Thursdays):

The Baptism of Jesus – Openness to the Holy Spirit / Living one's baptism The Wedding at Cana – To Jesus through Mary / Faith in God's Will The Proclamation of the Kingdom – Repentance and Trust in God The Transfiguration – Desire for Holiness / Spiritual Courage The Institution of the Eucharist – Adoration / Love of the Eucharist

Other Resources Mentioned:

Journal Questions:

Discussion Questions:

Quote to Ponder:

"...We must be able to pause in silence, in meditation, in calm, prolonged reflection; we must know how to stop and think. In this way our mind can find healing from the inevitable wounds of daily life, it can penetrate the events that occur in our life and in the world and can attain that wisdom which makes it possible to see things with new eyes." (Pope Benedict)

Scripture for Lectio:

"For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways," declares the Lord. "As the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways and my thoughts than your thoughts." (Isaiah 55:8-9)

Sponsor - CORDA:

CORDA translates the stories of the saints into scents, and helps you create a place of prayer and peace in your home with their Catholic candles.

Each candle is handcrafted with great ingredients and a beautiful modern design, and lasts for 45 hours!

Now through November 15, use code ABIDING15 to save 15% when you order! And check out the free Rewards program on CORDA's website, too - it's an awesome way to earn points you can redeem for free products, gift cards, and free shipping.

Explore all of CORDA's gorgeous Catholic candles (and 3500+ five-star reviews) at cordacandles.com/abiding

Timestamps:

00:00 CORDA

01:43 Intro

02:22 Welcome

07:43 Quote to Ponder and Scripture Verse

11:18 The Nativity - Poverty of Spirit

15:40 Finding Jesus in the Temple - Zeal for God

19:22 The Nativity - Detachment from the World

22:50 The Baptism of Jesus - Openness to the Holy Spirit

27:48 The Wedding at Cana - Faith in God's Will

30:58 The Institution of the Eucharist - Adoration

33:57 One Things

In this special bonus episode, we share a recent conversation we had with our friend Katie Prejean McGrady on the Ave Explores podcast series, "Digital Evangelization". We loved the conversation so much that we wanted to share it with you! You will hear us reflect on the story behind Abiding Together, our commitment to authentic and vulnerable conversations, and the impact of inviting others into our spiritual journey. We also share why we believe online spaces can become "holy ground" when we speak with honesty, balance, and love—and why, if a message isn't real and rooted in truth, it's not worth sharing.

We are also excited to announce Season 17 of Abiding Together will begin on September 15th! Mark your calendars—we are so excited to journey with you this fall.

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Learn More about Ave Maria Press:

Journal Questions:

Discussion Questions:

In this episode, we conclude season 16 by remembering with gratitude all the things God has done and is doing in our lives. We reflect on the importance of allowing our hearts to be drawn into beauty in the midst of both joy and sorrow. We also talk about maturity vs self reliance, allowing ourselves to be led by the Holy Spirit, and the relationship between trust and receptivity. Thank you dear friends for journeying with us this season! You will be in our prayers this summer and we are excited about what's in store this Fall!

Heather's One Thing - All to Bless You and Low (Live) by Kory Miller

Sister Miriam's One Thing - Magdala Grove

Michelle's One Thing - I Believe in Love: A Personal Retreat Based on the Teaching of St. Thérèse of Lisieux by Fr. Jean Delaby

Journal Questions:

Discussion Questions:

Quote to Ponder:

"To limit your desires and your hopes is to misunderstand God's infinite goodness!" (St. Therese of Lisieux)

Scripture for Lectio:

"Remember the wonders he has done, his miracles…" (Psalm 105:5)

Sponsor - House of Joppa:

We're proud to be sponsored by House of Joppa, a family-owned Catholic shop where modern design meets timeless tradition. From stunning Catholic jewelry to sacred art and décor, everything they offer is crafted to reflect the beauty of our faith.

Explore their full collection at houseofjoppa.com

Timestamps:

00:00 - House of Joppa

01:00 - Intro

01:51 - Welcome

04:18 - What's Been on Our Minds

09:35 - Union with God

10:43 - Year of Hope

13:32 - Abiding

17:30 - Maturing of Love

19:20 - Turning to God

22:04 - Favorite Moments from Season 16

26:31 - What We are Looking Forward to this Summer

33:20 - Final Thoughts

34:59 - One Things

In this episode, we conclude our conversation on life transitions with Michelle's husband, Chris Benzinger. We focus on the second and third steps in walking through transitions: releasing with trust and redeeming with hope. We talk about God wanting to redeem our past, the need to let go of the ways we've failed, and how God wants to do something new in the future. We also reflect on the importance of ceremony to conclude a season, the four responses to a loss, and why we should share our hopes for the future with God.

Heather's One Thing - Return to the Heart: The Biblical Spirituality of St. Augustine's Confessions by Dr. Shane Owens

Sister Miriam's One Thing - Mediterranean Chicken Bowls

Michelle's One Thing - Belovedness: Overcoming Your Inner Critic - A Lyrical Devotional by Sarah Kroger

Chris' One Thing - Running a 5k with his daughter Lilly

Journal Questions:

Creative Prompt:

Discussion Questions:

Quote to Ponder:

"Remember not the events of the past, the things of long ago consider not. See I am doing something new. Now it springs forth, do you not perceive it?" (Isaiah 43:18)

Scripture for Lectio:

"But now thus says the Lord, who created you, O Jacob, and formed you O Israel: Fear not, for I have redeemed you; I have called you by name; and you are mine." (Isaiah 43:1)

Sponsor - Karol Coffee Co.: This week's sponsor is more than just a coffee company. Karol Coffee Co. was inspired by the life and work of one of the most beloved saints of the modern era: Karol Wojtyła, better known to the world as Pope St. John Paul II. His life was a testimony to courage, joy, and cultivating beauty that draws souls into union with Jesus and one other. From his days as a young priest in Nazi-occupied Poland to his years leading the global Church, St. John Paul II consistently called people to embrace truth, goodness, and beauty in every aspect of their lives. Karol Coffee Co. seeks to carry on that mission in a small but meaningful way — by bringing community, love, and joy into the heart of our everyday routines through coffee.

Founded by Nate and Megan Whipple, a faithful Catholic couple rooted in mission, Karol Coffee Co. began humbly in 2022 as a simple garage-based roasting operation in Minneapolis, Minnesota. What started as a passion project quickly became something greater, thanks to the encouragement and support of fellow Catholics and coffee enthusiasts. In just a short time, their venture has grown into a thriving small business that now serves customers all over the country.

In an age when many of our purchases inadvertently support massive corporations with values often at odds with our own, supporting small, Catholic-owned businesses has never been more important. Karol Coffee Co. offers an alternative: ethically-sourced, traceable coffees roasted with care and intention. Each batch is crafted not only for flavor but with the desire to honor the dignity of those who cultivate the beans and to support communities around the world.

Their rotating coffee offerings include a range of carefully selected beans from notable coffee-growing regions with flavor profiles to suit a variety of preferences. Karol Coffee Co. makes it easier to keep your kitchen stocked with beans through bi-weekly or monthly subscription options. Fresh, delicious coffee delivered right to your door — no last-minute grocery runs or chain coffee stops required.

But beyond the coffee itself, what makes Karol Coffee Co. truly remarkable is the heart behind it. Nate and Megan have built their business around community and mission. It's about more than just selling beans; it's about creating opportunities for people to encounter beauty, truth, and goodness in the midst of their everyday lives, and to share that with the people around them. They have a passion for creating opportunities for people of all backgrounds and walks of life to experience connection and unity through the shared love of coffee and beauty.

We'd love for you to get to know them and become part of their growing community. You can visit their website at www.karolcoffeeco.com to explore their current offerings, sign up for a subscription, or learn more about the mission behind the brand. You can also follow along with them on Instagram @karolcoffeeco.

And if you're ever passing through St. Paul, Minnesota, be sure to visit their brand-new brick-and-mortar coffee shop. Their beautiful shop is a space where faith, community, and great coffee come together in a setting that feels like home. The walls are covered in paintings by local artists, as well as those of Megan herself (@meganwhippleart). You can even find a portrait of Pope Saint John Paul II painted by Megan (prints available on the Karol Coffee Co. website - https://karolcoffeeco.com/products/megan-whipple-art-karol-8x10-print). The shop offers a simple but complete food menu of organic and locally sourced food and a great variety of caffeinated and non-caffeinated drinks.

So whether you're looking to start your mornings with a little more purpose, support a Catholic business, or simply discover some truly great coffee, we wholeheartedly encourage you to check out Karol Coffee Co.

Use code ABIDING for 10% your first order.

Timestamps:

00:00 - Karol Coffee Co.

01:36 - Intro

02:26 - Welcome

03:13 - Releasing with Trust

07:26 - Your Past Seasons

13:24 - Four Responses to Loss

16:55 - Our Responses to Losses in Life

25:56 - Redeem with Hope

27: 30 - Redemption in Our Lives

33:29 - One Things

In this episode, Chris Benzinger joins us to discuss navigating big and small life transitions. We have all probably found ourselves on the other end of a transition feeling unfulfilled or confused. Chris takes us through a reflection of Joshua leading the Israelites across the Jordan and relates it to change in our lives. We talk about why it can be difficult to move on from blessings of the past and how remembering with gratitude is the first step in walking through transitions. We also discuss the practice of taking memorial stones with us to remember the Lord's blessings, giving thanks in all circumstances, and growing a lens of gratitude. Join us for part two next week!

Heather's One Thing - Festival of Praise at Franciscan University

Sister Miriam's One Thing - Sacramental transitions

Michelle's One Thing - Chris!

Chris' One Thing - Michelle :)

Journal Questions:

Discussion Questions:

Quote to Ponder:

"And the Lord said to Joshua, "Command the priests who bear the ark of the testimony to come up out of the Jordan." Joshua therefore commanded the priests, "Come up out of the Jordan." And when the priests bearing the ark of the covenant of the Lord came up from the midst of the Jordan, and the soles of the priests' feet were lifted up on dry ground, the waters of the Jordan returned to their place and overflowed all its banks, as before." (Josua 4:15-18)

Scripture for Lectio:

"Rejoice always, pray continually, and give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God's will for you in Christ Jesus." (1 Thessalonians 5:16-18)

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Timestamps:

00:00 - Our Holy Home

01:18 - Intro

02:09 - Welcome

04:42 - Big and Small Transitions

05:15 - Three Step Process

06:38 - Remember with Gratitude

09:18 - Memorial Stones

13:48 - Planting a Sense of Gratitude

15:05 - Stones of Remembrance in Our Lives

23:00 - God's Promises

25:49 - Reflection Question and Activity

28:06 - One Things

In this episode, we reflect on the legacy of Pope Francis. We talk about how, during his Pontificate, Pope Francis emphasized joy and, through his example, helped us remember to embody this joy in our daily lives to bring others into the Church. We also acknowledge how God has used Pope Francis to speak to us through his writings and discuss which of these writings most profoundly impacted us, how we can pray for our next Pope, and share what we think will be his lasting legacy.

Heather's One Thing - Her Parents

Sister Miriam's One Thing - Firm Foundation by Cody Carnes (and the Maverick City Music Remix ;))

Michelle's One Thing - Wrightsville Beach in Wilmington , NC

Other Resources Mentioned:

Abiding Together Episodes on Pope Francis' Writings:

Journal Questions:

Discussion Questions:

Quote to Ponder:

"Joy adapts and changes, but it always endures, even as a flicker of life born of our personal certainty that, when everything is said and done, we are infinitely loved." (Pope Francis)

Scripture for Lectio:

"May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, so that by the power of the Holy Spirit you may abound in hope." (Romans 15:13)

Sponsor - Glory: Women's Conference:

This week's episode is sponsored by the Glory: Women's Conference hosted by Steubenville Conferences and our very own Heather Khym! We want to invite you to join Heather, Michelle, and our dear friends Debbie Herbeck, Sarah Kaczmarek, Monica Richards, and Sarah Kroger who will be leading us in worship, this June 6-8 in Steubenville, Ohio as we gather with women across generations and seek God's presence.

We are just about one month out from the Glory: Women's Conference and tickets are still available! This is the first one and we want you to be part of it, especially since it's over Pentecost weekend and we know the Holy Spirit will be showing up in big ways.

The conference schedule will include talks, worship, prayer experiences, and the opportunity to interact with fellow Abiding Together listeners and new friends from all over who will be flying in. Heather and Michelle would absolutely love to meet you. Whether you come with your Abiding Together small group, with a close friend, or on your own, we can't wait to gather in fellowship with you.

Visit steubenvilleconferences.com/events/glory for more information or to register!

Timestamps:

00:00 - Glory: Women's Conference

01:10 - Intro

02:01 - Welcome

04:14 - How We Found Out

07:02 - His Funeral and the Upcoming Conclave

08:30 - A Grace-filled Time

09:54 - Evangelii Gaudium (Joy of the Gospel)

13:36 - The Church as a Field Hospital

15:52 - Revolution of Tenderness

18:26 - The Lord Deeply Cares for Us

19:48 - Dilexit Nos (The Sacred Heart)

20:27 - The Holy Spirit and the Holy Family

21:12 - His Lasting Legacy

26:08 - How Can We Pray?

29:52 - One Things

In this episode, we conclude our Lenten book study by focusing on the epilogue and sharing ideas on how to prepare for the Triduum. During Holy Week, our Lord invites us to join Him on His Paschal journey. We reflect on how He takes on our suffering, sin, and brokenness and brings them to the Father so that death may be destroyed forever. We also talk about the importance of remembering how God has transformed our lives, the call to "be not afraid", and how our Lord is restoring our deepest identities. You are in our prayers dear friends, and we will see you again in the Easter season!

Heather's One Thing - Glory: Women's Gathering (June 6th-8th 2025)

Heather's Other One Thing - The Pause App from Wild at Heart

Sister Miriam's One Thing - Peaceful Guitar Playlist from Spotify

Michelle's One Thing - Everything about Easter (the Liturgy, flowers, decorations…everything!)

Announcement:

We will be taking a two week break for Easter and will see you again on May 5th!

Journal Questions:

Discussion Questions:

Quote to Ponder:

"There are ways of being crucified that do not involve rough wood and heavy nails, but a love beyond our capacity to love, which means a love that has been given to us by God." (Catherine Doherty)

Scripture for Lectio:

"The next day the great crowd that had come to the festival heard that Jesus was coming to Jerusalem. So they took branches of palm trees and went out to meet him, shouting, "Hosanna! Blessed is the one who comes in the name of the Lord, The King of Israel!" Jesus found a young donkey and sat on it, as it is written: "do not be afraid daughter of Zion; look your king is coming, sitting on a donkey's colt."" (John 12:12-15)

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Timestamps:

00:00 - Mary Powathil

01:25 - Intro

02:18 - Welcome

03:44 - Our Personal Resurrection Stories

05:24 - Do Not Be Afraid

08:10 - Speaking Truth

09:39 - Honor and Honesty

11:09 - Restoration of Our Deepest Identities

13:14 - The Importance of Remembering

15:13 - Humanity

17:11 - An Individual and Unique Love

17:49 - Pray for Priests and Holy Week Services

21:03 - The Tears that Fell

22:49 - One Things

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

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

Sister Miriam's One Thing - Mango Salsa Recipe

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

Journal Questions:

Discussion Questions:

Quote to Ponder:

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

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

Scripture for Lectio:

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

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Timestamps:

00:00 - West Coast Catholic

01:30 - Intro

02:06 - Welcome

05:20 - Scripture Verse and Guiding Quote

06:20 - The Holy Spirit

08:40 - A Salve to Our Wounds

10:28 - He is Good

12:28 - In the School of the Holy Spirit

14:23 - Sacraments, Pilgrimages, and Indulgences

18:31 - Taking Authority

20:30 - Are We Hungry Enough?

22:44 - Stirring Up Hunger

24:44 - The Price of Liberation

27:40 - Graces Received During Lent

29:09 - One Things

In this episode, we continue our Lenten book study and focus on chapters 7 & 8. We reflect on the many ways Jesus wants to make us whole, by exercising the evil out of our lives, forgiving our sins, and leading us to freedom. We also compare that to what the enemy is trying to do, make us feel alone, scatter the pieces of our heart, and bring us out of communion with each other and with God. Jesus wants to love us into healing and is waiting for our invitation. It is up to us to open the door and allow Jesus to enter ever deeper into our hearts.

Heather's One Thing - Authentic Masculinity and Intimacy with Jesus - A Pints with Aquinas Episode w/ John Eldredge (YouTube) (Spotify)

Heather's Other One Thing - Songs in the Desert Spotify Playlist

Sister Miriam's One Thing - March Madness

Michelle's One Thing - She Loved: Resting in the Beauty of Motherhood by Suzanne Bilodeau

Other Resources Mentioned:

Announcement:

It's not too late to order your copy of "Jesus and the Jubilee" at the St. Paul Center with promo code "ABIDE15" for 15% off. There are also bulk discounts available.

Journal Questions:

Discussion Questions:

Quote to Ponder:

"Even though he is God in the flesh and could organize his ministry in any way, notice that Jesus chose: (1) relationship with God, (2) exorcism of evil, and (3) relationship with neighbor. Deliverance flows from God, not man." (Jesus and the Jubilee, John Bergsma, Page 72-73)

Scripture for Lectio:

"Truly, I say to you, whatever you bind on earth shall be bound in heaven, and whatever you loose on earth shall be loosed in heaven." (Matt 18:18)

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Timestamps:

00:00 - Heritage Retreat Center

01:23 - Intro

02:15 - Welcome

03:26 - Deliverance Comes from the Lord

04:59 - A World at War

07:19 - Back to Nazareth

08:48 - Bringing the Many Parts Together

10:15 - He is Who He Says He is

11:32 - A Continuous Liberation and Invitation

14:09 - The Arrows the Hit Our Soul

16:39 - We All Need Exorcism

19:28 - Feasting on the Holy Spirit

21:29 - The Power of Confession

25:36 - One Things

In this episode, we continue our Lenten book study and focus on chapters 5 & 6. We talk about the original roots of jubilee in the Old Testament, if the Israelites actually observed the jubilee, and how the Dead Sea Scrolls are relevant to jubilee. We also reflect on the importance of prophetic voices, the need to prepare for Sabbath, and why having an open heart allows the Lord to exceed our expectations.

Heather's One Thing - Jesus and the Dead Sea Scrolls Video Series with Dr. John Bergsma and Fr. Dave Pivonka

Sister Miriam's One Thing - How Change Occurs Series Part 1 and Part 2 from Restore the Glory Podcast

Michelle's One Thing - The House of David (Trailer)

Announcement:

It's not too late to order your copy of "Jesus and the Jubilee" at the St. Paul Center with promo code "ABIDE15" for 15% off. There are also bulk discounts available.

Journal Questions:

Discussion Questions:

Quote to Ponder:

"Jeremiah decreed that the land would rest seventy years – one for each missed Sabbath year – before the Lord would fulfill his promises, provided Israel repented and had an obedient heart." (Jesus and the Jubilee, John Bersgma, Page 57)

Scripture for Lectio:

"The Spirit of the Lord God is upon me. Because the Lord has anointed me to bring good tidings to the afflicted.He has sent me to bind up the brokenhearted, to proclaim liberty to the captives and the opening of the prison to those who are bound. To proclaim the year of God's favor and the day of vengeance of our God, to comfort all who mourn." (Isaiah 61:1-2)

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Timestamps:

00:00 - The Inspired Living

01:00 - Intro

01:52 - Welcome

02:32 - Scripture Verse

03:08 - Our Roots in the Old Testament

05:20 - Did the Jews Practice the Jubilee Year?

06:42 - Times and Places of Grace

08:16 - You Prepare for Sabbath

10:03 - Come Back to Your First Love

12:42 - Settling for Bondage

13:32 - Prophetic Voices

16:14 - The Dead Sea Scrolls

18:45 - Letting Go of Our Expectations

22:17 - One Things

In this episode, we continue our Lenten book study and focus on chapters 3 & 4. We discuss the Ten Commandments, how they teach us to say yes to true freedom, and why our voluntary yes helps us live in deeper communion with God and those around us. We also reflect on finding Eden in our Churches or homes, discovering our golden calves, and the significance of doing our daily duty well.

Heather's One Thing - Abundance of Grace Prints

Sister Miriam's One Thing - Vickie, Chris, and Fr. Patrick at Holy Trinity and St. Michael's Parishes in Kewaskum, WI (See the picture on our website here)

Michelle's One Thing - The Richest Leprechaun in Ireland by Elise Daniel

Announcement:

It's not too late to order your copy of "Jesus and the Jubilee" at the St. Paul Center with promo code "ABIDE15" for 15% off. There are also bulk discounts available.

Journal Questions:

Discussion Questions:

Quote to Ponder:

"But they lacked the garden-sanctuary of Eden. The Israelites were going to need a place where God could walk and talk with his children. Also, they had a long journey ahead through the desert to the Promised Land, a land flowing with milk and honey (an image of Eden), so their meeting-place with God had to be portable. Therefore, Moses went back up the mountain to get instructions for the tabernacle. The tabernacle would be a portable Eden, a place of communion and rest." (Jesus and the Jubilee, John Bergsma, Page 38)

Scripture for Lectio:

"Every fifty years, the Day of Atonement also marked the beginning of the jubilee year. God commanded Moses on the day of atonement you shall send abroad the trumpet throughout all your land. And you shall hallow the fiftieth year, and proclaim liberty throughout the land to all its inhabitants; it shall be a jubilee for you, when each of you shall return to his property and each of you shall return to his family." (Leviticus 25: 9–10)

Sponsor - Camp Wojtyla:

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Timestamps:

00:00 - Camp Wojtyla

01:32 - Intro

02:24 - Welcome

05:43 - Scripture Verse and Guiding Quote

07:11 - Finding Eden Today

10:18 - True Freedom

15:22 - Enslaved to the Little Things

17:28 - In Right Order

18:37 - Our Golden Caves

20:24 - The Bride that is Unfaithful

21:39 - What We Need for Freedom

23:34 - Doing Our Daily Duty Well

25:05 - Trusting in God's Provision

28:19 - One Things

In this episode, we continue our Lenten book study and focus on chapters 1 & 2. We reflect on how God originally designed us in the Garden of Eden, how the lies and idols we invite into our lives strip away this identity, and how the Jubilee is a time of restoration. We also dive deep into the biblical significance of the ten plagues, why tearing down our idols is a painful process, and the beauty of hoping for a good not yet seen.

Heather's One Thing - The Festival of Praise at Franciscan University and the song Fall Like Rain

Heather's Other One Thing - Ascension's Holy Bible – The Great Adventure Catholic Bible, Second Edition Premium

Sister Miriam's One Thing - Those who live in Lafayette and attended an event at the University of Louisiana

Sister Miriam's Other One Thing - Jean Valjean: Bought with a Price (a scene from the 1998 Les Miserables with Liam Neesen)

Michelle's One Thing - Her recent trip with family to the Dominican Republic

Jesus and the Jubilee Reading Schedule:

Announcement:

It's not too late to order your copy of "Jesus and the Jubilee" at the St. Paul Center with promo code "ABIDE15" for 15% off. There are also bulk discounts available.

Journal Questions:

Discussion Questions:

Quotes to Ponder:

"The Story of the biblical jubilee does not begin with Leviticus 25, the first chapter where the institution is mentioned. The jubilee is at its heart an act of restoration, which means it recreates and reestablishes a situation that existed beforehand. And what is that situation? It's the Good Creation!" (Jesus and the Jubilee, John Bergsma, Page 9)

Scripture for Lectio:

"God saw all that he had made, and it was very good." (Genesis 1:31)

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Timestamps:

00:00 - Into the Deep

01:34 - Intro

02:27 - Welcome

04:30 - Back to the Garden

08:38 - Our Need for Jubilee

10:22 - What is Taking Up Room in Our Hearts?

12:10 - Approaching Lent Differently

14:19 - Five Identities

16:10 - Restoring what was Lost

18:31 - A Glimpse into Full Restoration

20:41 - Self-Reliance vs Communion

22:38 - The Ten Plagues

24:26 - Spiritual Slavery

25:53 - God is Trying to Help You

27:30 - Continual Conversion

28:30 - Hope and Patience

31:35 - One Things

In this episode, we begin our Lenten book study "Jesus and the Jubilee" and welcome the author, Dr. John Bergsma, to the podcast! Dr. Bergsma shares his powerful conversion story during the Great Jubilee Year in 2000 and why he felt called to write a book about this Jubilee Year of Hope. We also reflect on this Jubilee year as a time of abundant grace, why Reconciliation is the Sacrament of Jubilee, and how we can engage the virtue of hope this Lenten season.

Heather's One Thing - Fathering Sons by Dominic Polito

Sister Miriam's One Thing - Floriani (Chants of Deliverance CD) (Spotify)

Michelle's One Thing - Jesus and the Jubilee

Dr. Bergsma's One Thing - Dr. Scott Hahn's meditations on "The Seven Last Words of Christ". (Sign up to be sent a weekly video reflection during Lent)

Announcement:

It's not too late to order your copy of "Jesus and the Jubilee" at the St. Paul Center with promo code "ABIDE15" for 15% off. There are also bulk discounts available.

Journal Questions:

Discussion Questions:

Quote to Ponder:

"I'm convinced in my heart that the proper response to the announcement of Jubilee 2025 should be joy, hope, and excitement. Lived well, this Jubilee Year can be a moment of miracle and grace for all of us, a kind of yearlong spiritual Christmas season in which we daily awake to open the gifts of grace that God our Father so lovingly gives us." (Dr. John Bergsma)

Scripture for Lectio:

"The Spirit of the Lord God is upon me, because the Lord has anointed me to bring good tidings to the afflicted; he has sent me to bind up the brokenhearted, to proclaim liberty to the captives, and the opening of the prison to those who are bound; to proclaim the year of the Lord's favor, and the day of vengeance of our God; to comfort all who mourn; to grant to 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; that they may be called oaks of righteousness, the planting of the Lord, that he may be glorified. They shall build up the ancient ruins, they shall raise up the former devastations; they shall repair the ruined cities, the devastations of many generations." (Isaiah 61:1-4)

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Timestamps:

00:00 - CORDA

01:34 - Intro

02:26 - Welcome

04:55 - Dr. Bergsma's Conversion Story

12:58 - The Jubilee Year of Hope is a Time of Grace

16:07 - St. Pope John Paul II

17:35 - The Inspiration to Write Jesus and the Jubilee

21:29 - Why the Jubilee Year is a Personal Experience

28:16 - Reconciliation is the Sacrament of Jubilee

31:38 - Engaging the Virtue of Hope

37:38 - Hope in Prayer

40:12 - One Things

In this episode, we talk about spiritual mentorship and being formed in Jesus. We reflect on the spiritual mentors who have journeyed with us and share stories about the lessons that have shaped who we are today. We also talk about why comparison crushes our ability to receive, our calling to make disciples of all nations, and how the daily witness of our lives is an answer to this call.

Heather's One Thing - Fix You (Live from the O2 Arena) by Jacob Collier and Chris Martin

Sister Miriam's One Thing - Dr. Christin McIntyre on the Restore the Glory Podcast and her lectures on Thomistic Psychology (Part 1) (Part 2)

Michelle's One Thing - Dr. Mary Lou and Chris O'Grady and letting us use their beach home

Announcement:

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

Order your copy at the St. Paul Center with promo code "ABIDE15" for 15% off. There are also bulk discounts available. The St. Paul Center just restocked their inventory so they have plenty of books for you to order!

Journal Questions:

Discussion Questions:

Quote to Ponder:

"Modern man listens more willingly to witnesses than to teachers, and if he listens to teachers, it is because they are witnesses." (Pope Paul VI, On Evangelization in the Modern World)

Scripture for Lectio:

"How, then, can they call on the one they have not believed in? And how can they believe in the one of whom they have not heard? And how can they hear without someone preaching to them? And how can anyone preach unless they are sent? As it is written: "How beautiful are the feet of those who bring good news!" (Romans 10:14-15)

Sponsor - Hallow:

This episode is sponsored by Hallow, the #1 prayer app in the world with over 10,000 prayers, meditations, and music to help you find peace and grow closer to God. Hallow's annual Pray40 challenge for Lent is a powerful way to dive deeper into the three pillars of Lent: prayer, fasting, and almsgiving. This year's Pray40 is called The Way and focuses on the writings of St. Josemaría Escrivá and the story of Servant of God Takashi Nagai. You can join Sr. Miriam as well as other Christian voices like Jonathan Roumie, Fr. Mike Schmitz, Mark Wahlberg, actor Chris Pratt, and more for this 40-day journey to the cross. As we meditate on the lives of those who follow Christ, we'll see that despite the noise and distraction of today, Jesus died on the cross so that we might know His love and, ultimately, eternal life. We need only to follow His Way.

Get 3 months free of Hallow at hallow.com/abide

Timestamps:

00:00 - Hallow

01:23 - Intro

02:15 - Welcome

03:26 - The Loss of a Mentor

05:20 - Receiving and Giving

06:40 - Scripture Verse and Guiding Quote

07:16 - Michelle's Mentors

11:26 - Sister's Mentors

15:02 - Heather's Mentors

18:04 - Sitting at Each Other's Feet

18:50 - St. Pope John Paul II

19:47 - The Next Generation

22:06 - Spiritual and Biological Grandparents

25:04 - We are Called to Disciple

26:36 - Where You are Standing is Holy Ground

28:13 - Giving Our Yes to Jesus

30:56 - Speaking Blessings

32:10 - One Things

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

Heather's One Thing - Jubilee Spotify Playlist

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

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

Announcement:

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

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

Journal Questions:

Discussion Questions:

Quote to Ponder:

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

Scripture for Lectio:

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

Sponsor - The Little Rose Shop:

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

Timestamps:

00:00 - The Little Rose Shop

01:17 - Intro

02:09 - Lenten Book Announcement

02:54 - Welcome

04:40 - Guiding Quote and Scripture Verse

05:53 - Born Out of Friendship

09:19 - Surrendering Everything Back

10:39 - Honest Conversations

12:05 - Stewarding Well

15:22 - Thankfulness

18:23 - Hearing from Listeners

20:35 - A Collaboration

22:47 - Your Starting Point

24:26 - Hope for the Future

28:29 - One Things

31:12 - Lenten Book Study Reminder

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

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

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

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

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

Other Resources Mentioned:

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

Announcement:

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

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

Journal Questions:

Discussion Questions:

Quote to Ponder:

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

Scripture for Lectio:

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

Sponsor - CMF CURO:

Embrace the Wholeness God Desires for You

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

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Timestamps:

00:00 - CMF CURO

01:37 - Intro

02:30 - Welcome

04:30 - Rest in Nazareth

06:45 - How Do We Go to Nazareth?

11:57 - Spiritual Pilgrimage of Hope

13:31 - The Sanctification of Ordinary Life

15:34 - We Find a Love that Heals

18:00 - A Place to Dialogue

20:39 - Bringing Our Littleness to Nazareth

24:07 - An Encouragement to Try

24:37 - A Place of Astonishment and Wonder

28:50 - One Things

In this episode, we welcome Fr. Mark-Mary Ames, CFR to talk about his podcast Rosary in a Year. He shares the inspiration behind his podcast and the importance of meditating on and understanding the mysteries of our faith. We also reflect on prayer being something received not produced, how the Rosary specifically answers the cry of our hearts to learn how to pray, and how Mary intercedes for us within this prayer. Our desire is that Fr. Mark-Mary's podcast will be an aid as you take the next step deeper in your prayer life.

Heather's One Thing - Instant Pot Creamy Tomato Basil Soup Recipe

Heather's Other One Thing - Sharing the Gospel with Our Lives: A Relational Approach to Catholic Youth Ministry by Bob Rice

Sister Miriam's One Thing - Creamy Chicken Rice Soup Recipe

Michelle's One Thing - The Franciscan Friars of the Renewal

Fr. Mark-Mary's One Thing - Christ in the City Missionaries

Other Resources Mentioned:

Rosary in a Year Podcast on Spotify, Apple, Ascension's Website (or app)

Announcement:

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

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

Journal Questions:

Discussion Questions:

Quote to Ponder:

"Mary was the first person to take the 'way' to enter the Kingdom of God that Christ opened, a way which is accessible to the humble, to all who trust in the word of God and endeavor to put it into practice." (Pope Benedict XVI)

Scripture for Lectio:

"Then he said to the disciple, "Behold, your mother!" And from that hour the disciple took her to his own home." (John 19:27)

Sponsor - Ascension:

Join Fr. Mark-Mary Ames and Ascension Press for a new installment of the "In a Year" series with the new Rosary in a Year podcast, which debuted in January as the #1 podcast in the U.S.!

The podcast's host, Fr. Mark-Mary Ames, CFR, takes listeners on a step-by-step journey that will change how they approach the Rosary—and prayer in general—no matter where they are in their spiritual life.

By starting small and adding on over time, listeners will find themselves falling more in love with this powerful Marian devotion, becoming a source of grace for the whole world.

In six different phases throughout the year, the podcast builds up from just an "Our Father", three "Hail Mary's", and a "Glory Be" at the beginning, to joyfully praying the entire Rosary together by the end.

Along the way, listeners will learn the basics of prayer, discover the Biblical roots of the Rosary, and learn to meditate on each mystery like never before with help from Sacred Scripture, the writings of the saints, and Sacred Art.

You can listen to the podcast and download the Rosary in a Year Prayer guide by visiting our website here.

Whether you're already listening every day or this is your first time hearing about the podcast, it's never too late to start and there is no better place to listen to Rosary in a Year than in the Ascension app.

You'll get exclusive content and special features you won't find anywhere else, like full transcripts of each episode, the full text of the prayers and litanies Fr. Mark-Mary shares in the podcast, references to Sacred Scripture and the Catechism, images of sacred art, and much more that help you dive even deeper into each reflection on the Rosary.

You can also pray all four mysteries of the Rosary with recordings from Fr. Mark-Mary, Fr. Mike Schmitz, and Jeff Cavins, all for free in the Ascension app.

Download the Ascension App on your smartphone or tablet from wherever you get your apps, or by visiting https://link.ascension-app.com/Abide15

Additionally, you can get 15% off the following Rosary in a Year resources by clicking the links and using the promo code ABIDE15 at checkout:

Rosary in a Year Prayer Guide (preorder)

How to Pray a Better Rosary

Rosary in a Year 5 Decade Gemstone Rosary (preorder)

Timestamps:

00:00 - Ascension

01:33 - Intro

02:26 - Welcome

03:20 - Fr. Mark-Mary

09:30 - Guiding Quote and Scripture Verse

09:59 - Inspiration for Rosary in a Year

13:16 - A Podcast for Formation in Prayer

15:00 - Mary and the Rosary

18:12 - Organization of the Podcast

22:18 - Prayer is Something Received

25:08 - Father's Hope for the Podcast

27:37 - One Things

In this episode, we talk about Pope Francis' Bull of Indiction on the Jubilee Year of Hope! A Jubilee year occurs once every 25 years and it is a year set apart and consecrated just for our Lord. We chat about what it looks like to be pilgrims of hope, especially in the places where we have deep sorrows or unfulfilled desires. We reflect on how we can bring these tender places to our Lord and let them be illuminated, so He can redeem and restore the light of hope in our lives. Keeping our hearts open to hope can be painful and crucifying. But when we enter into this pilgrimage, we are transformed in the light of hope.

Heather's One Thing - The Podcast Burning Hearts with Rachel Herbeck

Sister Miriam's One Thing - Heather's Acoustic Worship Spotify Playlist

Michelle's One Thing - Jubilee by Maverick City Music

Other Resources Mentioned:

Announcement:

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

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

Journal Questions:

Discussion Questions:

Quotes to Ponder:

"Begin again with hope." (Pope Francis)

"Indeed, the jubilee is a new beginning, the possibility for everyone to start anew from God. With the jubilee we start a new life, a new phase." (Pope Francis)

Scripture for Lectio:

"Hope does not disappoint." (Romans 5:5)

Sponsor - Glory: Women's Gathering:

Timestamps:

00:00 - Glory: Women's Conference

1:31 - Intro

1:39 - Welcome

6:16 - Scripture Verse and Guiding Quote

6:51- Why Hope?

10:01 - Hopelessness and Fear

12:20 - Grieving Hopeless Areas

16:29 - A Place of Healing

17:41 - It's A Pilgrimage

19:33 - The Grace of Jubilee

21:55 - Patience

23:50 - An Invitation to Transformation

25:50 - Challenge to Mature

27:22 - Our Lady Mother of Hope

29:26 - Lenten Book Study Announcement

32:01 - One Things

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

Heather's One Thing - This Strange Land Podcast

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

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

Other Resources Mentioned:

Journal Questions:

Discussion Questions:

Quote to Ponder:

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

Scripture for Lectio:

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

Sponsor - Rooted for Good:

Rooted For Good is your go-to destination for luxurious, all-natural skincare and self-care products designed to nurture your skin and enhance your well-being. Our products not only smell and feel incredible but also reflect your commitment to clean, wholesome living. As a Catholic-owned and operated business, Rooted For Good is dedicated to making a difference. With every purchase, 10% of the proceeds go toward uplifting individuals in need in developing countries. When you choose Rooted, you're not only caring for your skin—you're contributing to a mission of hope and generosity!

We're honored to sponsor the Abiding Together podcast, a community rooted in faith, inspiration, and connection. This partnership is extra special, as many women in the Abiding Together community have been integral to Rooted's amazing growth. Today, women across the U.S. and beyond trust Rooted products as a key part of their skincare routines.

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Timestamps:

00:00 - Rooted for Good

01:31 - Intro

02:23 - Welcome

04:01 - Guiding Quote and Scripture Verse

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

08:24 - Michelle's Word(s)

14:10 - Heather's Word

24:10 - Sister's Word

32:15 - One Things

In this week's episode, we conclude our 4 part Advent study of Heather's new book Encountering Emmanuel. We discuss how we all have deep cries within our hearts and how Jesus coming as a baby gives voice to those longings and sorrows that we hold. We also reflect on the role of the Holy Spirit in revealing the love of God, the power of a name in calling out our truest identity, and the great adventure of falling in love with the Lord. Friends, thank you for joining us on the journey this Advent season. We look forward to next year and pray the Lord reveals Himself to you in a deeper and more intimate way this Christmas season. God bless!

Heather's One Thing - 2025 SEEK Conference in DC and the Ave Maria Press team

Sister Miriam's One Thing - Lo, How a Rose E'er Blooming choral arrangement

Michelle's One Thing - Our amazing staff (Kristina, Camille, Kate, and Kathy) and The Genesis Prescription Program with SoulCore

Other Resources Mentioned:

Encountering Emmanuel Resources

Announcement:

Season 16 will begin on January 20th, 2025!

Journal Questions:

Discussion Questions:

Quote to Ponder:

"Jesus has chosen to show me the only way which leads to the divine furnace of love; it is the way of a childlike self-surrender, the way of a child who sleeps, afraid of nothing, in its fathers arms." (St Therese of Lisieux)

Scripture for Lectio:

"And His name shall be called Emmanuel, which means God with us." (Matthew 1:23)

Sponsor - Stonecrop Wealth Advisors:

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Investment advisory services are offered through Stonecrop Wealth Advisors, LLC, a Registered Investment Advisor with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission.

Timestamps:

00:00 - Stonecrop Wealth Advisors

01:13 - Intro

02:19 - Welcome

05:03 - Jesus Comes to Show Us God's Love

07:07 - The Liturgical Seasons

08:33 - He Comes with a Cry

11:38 - He Comes with a Name

12:27 - He Comes as a Person with a Face

16:00 - He Comes with the Holy Spirit

20:30 - He Comes as a Gift to the World

25:10 - Litany of Encounter

29:02 - One Things

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

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

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

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

Other Resources Mentioned:

Journal Questions:

Discussion Questions:

Quote to Ponder:

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

Scripture for Lectio:

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

Sponsor - Catholic Women & Couples NFP:

Catholic Women & Couples NFP (CWCNFP) is a lay Catholic organization that is pleased to offer 100% free Natural Family Planning and Fertility Awareness Classes to any Catholic woman or couple 18 years of age and older. Their ministry exists to aid Catholics in pursuing lives in full harmony with Church teaching. By learning a fertility awareness method, Catholic women can be more in tune with their hormones, understand their fertility patterns, and plan their family in accordance with Church teaching. It is estimated that only 20% of Catholics have ever attempted a NFP method. CWCNFP's ministry exists to change that statistic. They believe all Catholic women and couples should learn a fertility awareness method, no matter their vocation or state in life. With online classes, they work with your busy schedule and offer classes in both Spanish and English. Many NFP courses can cost up to $300, but CWCNFP's classes are ALWAYS free. They specifically teach the Billings Ovulation Method ®, which is very similar to the Creighton Method. However, they know that the Billings Method might not be for everyone, so if a client would like to learn a different NFP method they have a special partnership with MyCatholicDoctor that allows them to learn any method of their choosing as long as they have qualifying insurance. With qualifying insurance, this NFP instruction through MyCatholicDoctor would be covered. In addition, teens or non-Catholics who do not qualify for CWCNFP's free NFP program will be able to find fertility awareness courses through MyCatholicDoctor, in which CWCNFP will assist with setting up. To learn more and to sign up for free classes, visit their website www.ccnfp.org or follow them on Instagram @cwcnfp

Timestamps:

00:00 - Catholic Women and Couples NFP

01:30 - Intro

02:22 - Welcome

04:20 - Vulnerability and Hope

08:12 - Loving with an Open Heart

11:41 - Incense

16:06 - The Language of Play

22:22 - Thoughts for the Third Week of Advent

24:37 - One Things

In this week's episode, we continue in our 4 part Advent study of Heather's new book Encountering Emmanuel and focus on "Week Two". We ponder the reality that we are welcomed into Jesus' family as heirs and children of God. We also discuss the restoration that takes place in family, relating to each other as spiritual family, and the ache we experience for union with God in Heaven.

Heather's One Thing - The community at Franciscan

Sister Miriam's One Thing - Gingerbread and gingerbread cookie recipes

Michelle's One Thing - The gift of community in North Carolina

Other Resources Mentioned:

Encountering Emmanuel Resources

Journal Questions:

Discussion Questions:

Quotes to Ponder:

"The Word became flesh to make us "partakers of the divine nature": "For this is why the Word became man, and the Son of God became the Son of man: so that man, by entering into communion with the Word and thus receiving divine sonship, might become a son of God." "For the Son of God became man so that we might become God." "The only-begotten Son of God, wanting to make us sharers in his divinity, assumed our nature, so that he, made man, might make men gods." (CCC 460)

Scripture for Lectio:

"For all who are led by the Spirit of God are children of God. For you did not receive a spirit of slavery to fall back into fear, but you have received a spirit of adoption. When we cry, "Abba! Father!" it is that very Spirit bearing witness with our spirit that we are children of God, and if children, then heirs, heirs of God and joint heirs with Christ—if, in fact, we suffer with him so that we may also be glorified with him." (Romans 8:14-17)

Sponsor - In.spired Living:

Inspired Living is a Catholic home decor, book and gift shop dedicated to helping you create a beautiful home full of reflections of the eternal. At Inspired Living we believe that our lives of faith begin at home, and therefore should be a reflection of that which is eternally beautiful, God Himself.

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Inspired living - bringing eternal beauty to the home

Timestamps:

00:00 - In.spired Living

01:08 - Intro

02:00 - Welcome, Scripture Verse, and Quote

04:58 - Familial Love of God

06:58 - Adoption and Belonging

10:47 - The Desire to Be Received

15:13 - A Way to Heaven

19:53 - The Ache Within Us

21:45 - Kindness vs. Comfort

24:59 - One Things

In this week's episode, we begin our 4 part Advent study of Heather's new book Encountering Emmanuel and focus on the "Introduction" and "Week One". We discuss the inspiration behind the book, the fruit that comes from journaling, and the call to recognize the voice of the Good Shepherd. We also reflect on allowing Jesus to be born in our hearts, encounter our wounds, and bring light to our personal darkness.

Heather's One Thing - Josiah Henley's artwork for Encountering Emmanuel and the wallpapers made by our friends at Tilma

Sister Miriam's One Thing - Heather's updated advent worship playlist

Michelle's One Thing - Life in the Power of the Holy Spirit with Dr. Mary Healy (S14 E15) and the Auburn win against Texas A&M

Other Resources Mentioned:

Journal Questions:

Discussion Questions:

Quotes to Ponder:

"Awake, my soul, awake! Show thy spirit, arouse thy senses, shake off the sluggishness of that deadly heaviness that is upon thee, begin to take care for thy salvation. Let the idleness of vain imagination be put to flight, let go of sloth, hold fast to diligence" (St. Anselm of Canterbury)

Scripture for Lectio:

"I have come into the world as light, so that whoever believes in me may not remain in darkness." (John 12:46)

Sponsor - Into the Deep:

A Lamp & a Light is a Scripture prayer journal for women that walks you through the movements of lectio divina with prompting questions.

The journal provides 40 pre-selected Bible passages for you that are ideal for imaginative prayer. Then, you'll have 40 blank pages where you can choose your own passages.

If you have wanted to pray with Sacred Scripture but aren't sure how or if you feel like you need a guide, this Scripture journal can help you go deeper in your personal relationship with the Lord.

If you are in need of hope, perseverance, direction, joy, or faith through God's unfailing Word, A Lamp & a Light is for you.

You can get one for yourself, your mom, sister, and friends for 10% off at intothedeep.co with code ABIDE10.

Timestamps:

00:00 - Into the Deep

01:34 - Intro

02:26 - Welcome

05:32 - The Heart of Encountering Emmanuel

06:51 - Vulnerability and Openness

09:13 - Disposition of Our Hearts

11:30 - Quote to Ponder

12:21 - Coming Awake

13:40 - Personal Encounter

17:46 - The Fruit of Journaling

20:53 - Exploring Areas of Darkness

22:00 - He Comes with Power

26:17 - A Journey of Healing

29:48 - The Voice of the Shepherd

32:04 - One Things

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

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

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

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

Announcement:

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

Journal Questions:

Discussion Questions:

Quotes to Ponder:

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

Scripture for Lectio:

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

Sponsor - The Little Rose Shop:

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

Timestamps:

00:00 - The Little Rose Shop

01:31 - Intro

02:24 - Welcome

04:44 - Guiding Quote and Scripture Verse

05:54 - Stillness

07:20 - Preparing Our Hearts

11:29 - Distractions

14:16 - Intentional and Incarnational

17:25 - Slowing Down

18:57 - Finishing Well

20:16 - Practical Ideas

25:59 - Announcement

27:36 - One Things

30:08 - Closing Prayer

In this week's episode, we conclude our three part series on the heart and Pope Francis' recent encyclical Dilexit Nos. We reflect on Scripture as a personal love story, how it speaks to our areas of weakness, and the awesome reality of Jesus desiring to love and heal us there. The Lord meets us where we are and He is always seeking to bring our hearts closer to His. He speaks directly to each one of us with an invitation to be loved and to love. This invitation of love requires a response not only in big moments but in the ordinary moments of each day.

Heather's One Thing - Her friends Laura and Brandon

Sister Miriam's One Thing - Farkle Classic Dice Game

Michelle's One Thing - Nazareth Organics (especially the Sleep Balm)

Michelle's Other One Thing - The Florida State vs UNC game

Other Resources Mentioned:

Journal Questions:

Discussion Questions:

Quotes to Ponder:

The pierced heart of Christ embodies all God's declarations of love present in the Scriptures. That love is no mere matter of words; rather, the open side of his Son is a source of life for those whom he loves, the fount that quenches the thirst of his people. (Pope Francis, "Dilexit Nos", Paragraph 101)

Saint Augustine opened the way to devotion to the Sacred Heart as the locus of our personal encounter with the Lord. For Augustine, Christ's wounded side is not only the source of grace and the sacraments, but also the symbol of our intimate union with Christ, the setting of an encounter of love. There we find the source of the most precious wisdom of all, which is knowledge of him. In effect, Augustine writes that John, the beloved disciple, reclining on Jesus' bosom at the Last Supper, drew near to the secret place of wisdom. (Pope Francis, "Dilexit Nos", Paragraph 103)

Scripture for Lectio:

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

Sponsor - Leanne Bowen:

Today's sponsor is Leanne Bowen Fine Art. We love her prints and her candles. These candles smell so good and burn super slowly. She just released a beautiful collection of candle tins that are the perfect size for stockings and hostess gifts! She has a new image of the three wisemen on a Frankincense and Myrrh candle. Her candle scents are really unique and the artwork on the labels make them very intentional gifts. Her most popular candle in November is the Cranberry Orange Spice. It has a stunning image of the Holy Family on the label. She also has a Chrism Sacred Heart candle that smells JUST like Chrism! Leanne also offers Christmas cards of the Holy Family, Saint Nicholas, the three wisemen, and Mary holding Jesus. She is offering 15% off to all our listeners with the code ABIDE15 at www.LeanneBowen.com. We think you'll love her stuff!

Timestamps:

00:00 - Leanne Bowen

01:33 - Intro

02:26 - Welcome

05:10 - Scripture Verse and Guiding Quote

06:26 - This is a Love Story

08:17 - Thirsting for God

10:30 - God Will Never Forget You

12:29 - Being Loved in Our Weaknesses

17:38 - Deeply and Individually Loved

19:42 - A Lament and a Request

22:42 - Loving Like Jesus

25:01 - Repairing

29:26 - Final Thoughts

30:36 - One Things

In this week's episode, we continue our three part series on Pope Francis' recent encyclical Dilexit Nos. We reflect on our ache to be loved, how Jesus heals in close proximity to us, and the "science of the caress". We also talk about how Jesus is a man who comes and finds us wherever we are and longs to open up a new place for us in relationship with Him. Will we allow our hearts to beat again with love?

Heather's One Thing - Thai Peanut Chicken Stir Fry

Sister Miriam's One Thing - Abuses in the Religious Life and the Path to Healing by Dom Dysmas de Lassus

Michelle's One Thing(s) - Fr. Mark Mary's podcast: Rosary in a Year and Vanilla Caramel Nut Butter

Other Resources Mentioned:

"Dilexit Nos": A brief guide for busy readers and Dilexit Nos audio version

Journal Questions:

Discussion Questions:

Quotes to Ponder:

"The heart of Christ, as the symbol of the deepest and most personal source of his love for us, is the very core of the initial preaching of the Gospel. It stands at the origin of our faith, as the wellspring that refreshes and enlivens our Christian beliefs." (Pope Francis, "Dilexit Nos", Paragraph 32)

Scripture for Lectio:

"Take heart, daughter!" (Matthew 9:22)

Sponsor - Florecita Design:

Florecita Design wants to help you build your domestic church. The Florecita Design Activity Bundle is a set of 12-15 printable activities for young children, delivered each month and based on the Catholic liturgical calendar.

Every month, Florecita Design will help you incorporate math, science, and pre-literacy skills with your little kids all within the context of the Catholic Church. This Activity Bundle is a digital subscription created by a speech-language pathologist to provide parents with the tools and language to incorporate the faith easily into every day play for their 2 to 7 year-olds. All parents have to do is print the activities and follow along the instructional booklet for enriching, screen free ways to entertain their kids.

Florecita Design just released the Advent and Christmas Activity Bundle, which is a holiday special with TWENTY activities, including puzzles, an Advent prayer banner, St. Nicholas activities, and so much more. To learn more, visit florecitadesign.com.

You can use the code ABIDE10 for 10% off your first three months of the Activity Bundle! You can also follow along on Instagram @florecitadesign for speech-language tips, sales and liturgical living ideas for little kids. Let's teach our kids the Catholic faith in ways that are simple, tangible and beautiful!

Timestamps:

00:00 - Florecita Design

01:19 - Intro

02:12 - Welcome

02:43 - Actions Reflect Our Heart

04:09 - The Science of Caress

05:37 - The Humanity of Christ

08:26 - Aching to Be Loved

10:11 - The Holy Spirit and Community

14:03 - The Human Heart

17:08 - Vulnerability and Secure Love

20:00 - Our Image of God

23:08 - One Things

In this week's episode, we begin a three part series on Pope Francis' recent encyclical Dilexit Nos (on the human and divine love of the Heart of Jesus Christ). We discuss how God, as the Divine initiator, loved us first and continuously calls us deeper into His most Sacred Heart. We also reflect on the meaning of our hearts, being captivated by Jesus' love, and the beauty of allowing Him to set our hearts aflame.

Heather's One Thing - Man and Woman and the Order of Creation Conference at Franciscan University (view the livestream here)

Sister Miriam's One Thing - Tomato Basil Soup

Michelle's One Thing - The book Sons in the Son by Fr. Innocent Montgomery, CFR, and Fr. Angelus Montgomery, CFR ( Sign up here to get the consecration reflections)

Other Resources Mentioned:

Journal Questions:

Discussion Questions:

Quotes to Ponder:

"The heart is also the locus of sincerity, where deceit and disguise have no place. It usually indicates our true intentions, what we really think, believe and desire, the "secrets" that we tell no one: in a word, the naked truth about ourselves. It is the part of us that is neither appearance or illusion, but is instead authentic, real, entirely "who we are"." (Pope Francis, "Dilexit Nos", Paragraph 5)

Scripture for Lectio:

"He loved us first." (1 John 4:19)

Sponsor - Reform Wellness:

Reform Wellness is a Christ-centered functional medicine and holistic wellness ministry. Reform redefines health as the state of your body and soul. Their mission is to empower the whole person to find well-being in Christ and become the best versions of themselves physically and spiritually. Reform works with private clients, corporate teams, religious communities, and educational institutions worldwide, both in-person and online. They offer valuable information, educational resources, and lifelong tools to improve your physical and spiritual well-being.

We invite you to learn more about Reform's foundational course Reform Online which offers educational tools, best practices, and community through their nine wellness pillars centered in Christ. Reform is extending an exclusive discount for all our listeners on their upcoming Cohort: Reform Your Home and Family. We highly recommend this three-month foundational course; we've each taken Reform Online and still benefit from the fruits in our daily lives. Use code "Abide10'' for your exclusive discount through November 15.

Timestamps:

00:00 - Reform Wellness

01:39 - Intro

02:31 - Announcement and Welcome

05:04 - About the Encyclical

06:53 - The Importance of the Heart

11:16 - The Heart as the Locus of Sincerity

14:54 - Our Heart is Meant for Love

18:46 - Being Captivated by Jesus' Love

24:20 - The Sacred Heart Aflame with Love

25:51 - One Things

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

Heather's One Thing - Friends of the Bridegroom

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

Michelle's One Thing - Monk Manual

Announcement:

Check out our new Small Group Resource page!

Journal Questions:

Discussion Questions:

Quotes to Ponder:

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

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

Scripture for Lectio:

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

Sponsor - Nazareth Organics:

Nazareth Organics (@nazarethorganics) is a Catholic family-owned natural skincare company that handcrafts balms with high quality, wild-crafted, and organic ingredients from nature.

From facial moisturizers and serums to diaper creams and body butters, Nazareth Organics carries nourishing natural products for a wide array of skin conditions.

They use grass-fed tallow from a local Catholic farm as a base for many of their balms, because it is rich in fat-soluble vitamins and fatty acids that can increase collagen production, strengthen the skin, and calm inflammation.

The best thing about this business is that it's dedicated to the Holy Family of Nazareth. From website to packaging, every sustainably sourced product points back to the faith and the ultimate source of creation. They also donate a portion of all proceeds to Catholic charitable organizations.

If you want to honor and care for your body using pure and natural ingredients straight from God's hands, then check out Nazareth Organics. Find them at nazareth-organics.com and use code ABIDE10 at checkout for a 10% discount. Follow them on Instagram and Facebook at: @nazarethorganics.

Timestamps:

00:00 - Nazareth Organics

01:31 - Intro

02:23 - Welcome and Recap

03:23 - Judgement vs Curiosity

06:36 - Bearing Fruit in Community

08:43 - Jesus as a Model of Community

11:05 - Aspects of Community

18:28 - Good Community Takes Time to Build

19:17 - Abiding Together Small Group Resources

22:22 - One Things

In this week's episode, we talk about the theology of communion. Our desire for communion with others is very good and comes from God Himself. In fact, our ache for community is an ache for eternity. God desires to bring us into an eternal communion with Him and the community here on earth points towards this in a small way. We discuss what happens when we experience a broken community, the challenges faced in building community, and how community changes throughout the seasons of life.

Heather's One Thing - My art on the "They That Hope" podcast mug (add photos to website)

Sister Miriam's One Thing - Best Ever Crock Pot Roast Recipe

Michelle's One Thing - Every Sacred Sunday Mass Journal

Announcement:

Order your Abiding Together shirt in our shop today!

Journal Questions:

Discussion Questions:

Quotes to Ponder:

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

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

Scripture for Lectio:

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

Sponsor - CORDA:

Connect with the saints through scent with CORDA's handcrafted Catholic candles. Each candle scent is directly inspired by different saints and aspects of the faith, and is made with clean coconut wax and a beautiful, modern design.

Be sure to sign up for the CORDA Fan Club, too: it's free and an awesome way to earn points that you can redeem for free products, gift cards, and free shipping.

You can join the club and explore CORDA's gorgeous Catholic candles (and 3,000+ reviews!) at cordacandles.com. And when you're placing your order, don't forget to enter code ABIDINGTOGETHER to save 15% on everything, now through the end of the year. Thank you for supporting this Catholic small business!

Timestamps:

00:00 - CORDA

01:23 - Intro

02:15 - Announcement

02:42 - Welcome

04:23 - Scripture Verse and Guiding Quotes

05:47 - Initial Thoughts

08:41 - The Desire for Communion is Good

13:39 - Community Takes Work

16:36 - Learning How to Love

18:04 - Identifying the Lies

24:34 - Understanding the Wounds of Others

29:00 - One Things

In this week's episode, we model what it looks like to pray Lectio Divina, which is a divine reading of Sacred Scripture. We begin by sharing the different ways we spend time in Sacred Scripture, how it has impacted our lives, and model how to pray Lectio Divina. We invite you to follow along and join us as we spend time reading and reflecting on John 15:5-8. Sacred Scripture is the voice of God and what He has said is alive forever and relevant to our lives in all situations. We encourage you to journey with us as we deepen our relationship with God through His word.

Heather's One Thing - Franciscan University's Austria Study Abroad Program and Guadalupe Pilgrimage

Sister Miriam's One Thing - FOCUS film Radiating Joy: The Michelle Duppong Story (trailer here)

Michelle's One Thing - Praying for anyone affected by hurricane Helene Catholic Charities, Samaritan's Purse, Change Lives Now

Other Resources Mentioned:

Steps for Lectio Divina and The Art and Practice of Lectio Divina

Announcement:

We are so excited to announce that we will have new Abiding Together shirts in our shop next week! Follow us on social media for all the latest updates!

Journal Questions:

Discussion Questions:

Scripture for Lectio:

"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. Whoever does not abide in me is thrown away like a branch and withers; such branches are gathered, thrown into the fire and burned. If you abide in me and my words abide in you, ask for whatever you wish, and it will be done for you. My Father is glorified by this, that you bear much fruit, and become my disciples." (John 15:5-8)

Sponsor - Emmaus Road Publishing:

Introducing Saints Around the World for Little Ones, a new six-volume collection from Emmaus Road Publishing! Following the success of the original Saints Around the World, this set for ages 0-8 shares the inspiring stories of 90 saints, presented through stunning illustrations and child-friendly text. Each book focuses on different types of saints—from young adventurers to warriors and royalty. You can purchase the books individually or get the whole set at a 15% discount, and you can use promo code Abide10 for an additional 10% off your purchase! Get them today at stpaulcenter.com/saints.

Timestamps:

00:00 - Emmaus Road Publishing

01:09 - Intro

02:01 - Welcome

07:23 - Sacred Scripture in Our Lives

12:45 - How to Pray Lectio Divina

15:37 - First Reading

17:59 - Second Reading

19:23 - Third Reading

21:01 - Reflections

28:23 - One Things

32:06 - Announcement

In this week's episode, we reflect on suffering and love. We all have deep and tender places in our hearts where we suffer. Sometimes we feel alone in these sorrows and because of this, turn inwards into our pain. But the reality is, we are never alone in our suffering; God is always with us. We also reflect on fear in suffering, suffering in isolation vs suffering in communion, and how to allow God's light to shine into these sorrowful places.

Heather's One Thing - The Liturgy of the Hours subscription and Providential Co. (especially this Sacred Heart candle)

Sister Miriam's One Thing - Magnificat (particularly a recent excerpt from Spe Salvi paragraphs 37-40)

Michelle's One Thing - "Home: A Blessed Conversations Study on the Virtues of Mary" from Blessed is She and all the women in her small group (use link or code MICHELLE10 for 10% off)

Announcement: Friends, we are excited to announce our 2024 Advent Study will be the book Encountering Emmanuel by Heather Khym!

Journal Questions:

Discussion Questions:

Scripture for Lectio:

"For everything there is a season, and a time for every matter under heaven: a time to be born, and a time to die; a time to plant, and a time to pluck up what is planted; a time to kill, and a time to heal; a time to break down, and a time to build up; a time to weep, and a time to laugh; a time to mourn, and a time to dance; a time to throw away stones, and a time to gather stones together; a time to embrace, and a time to refrain from embracing; a time to seek, and a time to lose; a time to keep, and a time to throw away; a time to tear, and a time to sew; a time to keep silence, and a time to speak; a time to love, and a time to hate; a time for war, and a time for peace" (Ecclesiastes 3:1-8)

Sponsor - Laura-Anne:

Laura-Anne is a Catholic wedding photographer and marriage mentor who will help you thrive during your engagement, capture heirloom-quality photos of your wedding, and prepare for a joy-filled marriage that reflects God's design. Because it's possible to plan a beautiful, thoughtful wedding reflective of both you and your fiance and, ultimately, surrender your desires for the day to the Lord…all while preparing your heart for the Sacrament of Marriage.

Laura-Anne's resources, like The Catholic Wedding Kit, will help you do just that. The Catholic Wedding Kit is a collection of digital tools to guide you through every decision you need to make about your wedding and the why behind each one, helping you communicate, pray, and discern as a couple. Learn more about The Catholic Wedding Kit and the rest of Laura-Anne's resources and photography services at laura-anne.ca or on Instagram @lauraannesmid

Use code ABIDE for 15% off any digital resources.

Timestamps:

00:00 - Laura-Anne

01:28 - Intro

02:20 - Welcome

06:57 - Scripture Verse and Guiding Quote

09:02 - Fear in Suffering

12:13 - Suffering in Communion

19:28 - Choosing to Love

27:41 - Transformation in Freedom

29:23 - Prayer

34:20 - Advent Study Announcement

36:13 - One Things

In this week's episode, we look back and remember both the glorious and luminous moments in our lives. We share how allowing the Holy Spirit to overshadow us has brought forth an overflowing of grace and restoration in our lives. We also reflect on how God desires to restore our voices in places where we are afraid and have become silent. Today, join us in reflecting on your recent faith journey to discover the beautiful ways God has been shaping your soul through your own glorious and luminous mysteries.

Glorious - something you see the Lord redeeming and restoring (it can be in process)

Luminous - something the Lord brought to light, an area or pruning, longing, and an ache

Heather's One Thing - The song Hell or High Water by Amanda Cook

Sister Miriam's One Thing - All moms whose kids went away to the first day of school

Michelle's One Thing - Spindrift half lemon & half tea and this Ice Maker

Journal Questions:

Discussion Questions:

Quote to Ponder:

"Dear friends, what an immense joy to have Mary Immaculate as our Mother! Every time we experience our frailty and the promptings of evil, we may turn to her and our hearts receive light and comfort. Even in the trials of life, in the storms that cause faith and hope to vacillate, let us recall that we are her children and that our existence is deeply rooted in the infinite grace of God. Although the Church is exposed to the negative influences of the world, she always finds in Mary the star to guide her so that she may follow the route pointed out to her by Christ." (Angelus, December 8, 2009)

Scripture for Lectio:

"Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight." (Proverbs 3:5-6)

Sponsor - Ascension:

It may seem like holiness is unattainable for normal, everyday people. But one saint shows us that our littleness is actually the way to holiness. In Story of a Soul, St. Thérèse of Lisieux's autobiography, this little saint has taught generations that God can make us saints through unbounded confidence in his love and an embrace of our littleness.

Starting October 1st, the feast day of St. Thérèse, you can listen to the only authorized full English translation of Story of a Soul, along with expert commentary, for free on the Catholic Classics podcast! This podcast is available to you on all major podcast platforms including Apple podcasts and Spotify.

Plus, you can get the beautiful Catholic Classics edition from Ascension of Story of a Soul to follow along with the podcast. Ascension's Catholic Classics edition of Story of a Soul is created in collaboration with the Institute of Carmelite Studies. Included in this new edition are photos from St. Thérèse's life, additional expert commentary, plus more to help you understand and dive into this important Catholic text.

Download the reading plan and order your copy of Story of a Soul at AscensionPress.com/Abide.

Timestamps:

00:00 - Ascension

01:12 - Intro

02:05 - Welcome

03:36 - Guiding Quote

04:44 - Glorious

15:22 - Luminous

24:32 - Scripture Verse

24:52 - One Things

In this week's episode, we look back over the past year and remember both the joyful and sorrowful moments in our lives. We discuss the importance of regularly bringing our attention to what God is doing in our lives and reflecting on the opportunities we have to deepen our surrender to God's provision. Today, join us in reflecting on your recent faith journey to discover the beautiful ways God has been shaping your soul through your own joyful and sorrowful mysteries.

Joyful - an area of delight or gratitude where you have felt the tangible presence of the Lord

Sorrowful - a hurt or an obstacle we've noticed

Heather's One Thing - Big Apple Catholic's new shop! Especially the Holy Spirit crew neck

Sister Miriam's One Thing - A quote from St. Catherine of Siena "He will provide the way and the means, such as you could never have imagined. Leave it all to Him, let go of yourself, lose yourself on the Cross, and you will find yourself entirely."

Michelle's One Thing - LifeTeen Summer Camp and Camp Chosatonga

Other Resources Mentioned:

The Women Doctors of the Church Podcast Series

Announcement:

New Abiding Together merch is coming soon! Subscribe to our weekly email newsletter to receive updates.

Journal Questions:

Discussion Questions:

Quote to Ponder:

"Looking at Mary, how can we, her children, fail to let the aspiration to beauty, goodness and purity of heart be aroused in us? Her heavenly candor draws us to God, helping us to overcome the temptation to live a mediocre life composed of compromises with evil, and directs us decisively towards the authentic good that is the source of joy." (Angelus, December 8, 2005 Pope Benedict)

Scripture for Lectio:

"Trust in the LORD with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight." (Proverbs 3:5-6)

Sponsor - Called to Communicate

Our baptism equips and compels us to extend the prophetic mission of Jesus Christ. Each woman who has encountered Christ has a story and a message of hope.

We live in times that need women's voices to reclaim the power of words and put them in the service of the Gospel.

Called to Communicate is a free 5-day online conference beginning September 30, 2024. This online event promises encouragement, laughter, tears, practical advice, and spiritual wisdom from the women leading in the Church's mission of evangelization.

Register at CalledtoCommunicate.com. If the event dates have passed, the entire conference is still available to purchase and watch! Listen to powerful interviews with Heather, Michelle, Sister Miriam and many others.

Use code "Abide" for $10 off extended access and bonus gifts.

Timestamps:

00:00 - Called to Communicate

01:28 - Intro

02:21 - Welcome

06:37 - Guiding Quote

07:40 - Joy

15:36 - Sorrow

30:05 - One Things

33:02 - Announcement

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

Heather's Highlight from the NEC - Adoration with Floriani

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

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

Fr. Dave's One Thing - Deep friendships

Other Resources Mentioned:

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

Announcement:

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

Journal Questions:

Discussion Questions:

Quote to Ponder:

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

Scripture for Lectio:

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

In this week's episode, we conclude our book study on the Lion, The Witch, and the Wardrobe. 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 and will see you again this Fall!

Everyone's One Thing - The "Abiding" Women's Conference in Louisiana

Journal Questions:

Discussion Questions:

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:

"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 the 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." - Romans 6:4-5

Timestamps:

(00:00) - Introduction

(01:37) - Welcome

(03:00) - Aslan Gives His Life for Edmund

(07:27) - The Process and Pain of Restoration

(11:16) - Communion in Suffering

(15:17) - Resurrection

(19:32) - Living in Technicolor

(23:53) - The Final Battle

(24:25) - Returning to the Wardrobe

(27:42) - Childlike Faith

(29:08) - One Things

In this week's episode, we continue with our book study on the Lion, The Witch, and the Wardrobe (chapters 9-12). We discuss 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!

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

Sister Miriam's One Thing - Fire Within- Fr. Thomas Dubay

Michelle's One Thing - The movie "Gifted"

Journal Questions:

Discussion Questions:

Quote to Ponder:

"Aslan is on the move" - (Mr. Beaver) C.S. Lewis - The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe

Scripture for Lectio:

"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." -Ezekiel 36:26

Timestamps:

(00:00) - Introduction

(01:36) - Welcome

(03:42) - Edmund's Narrative

(10:48) - The Winter in Our Hearts

(13:16) - Father Christmas vs the White Witch

(15:15) - The Gifts of Father Christmas

(20:03) - The Empty Promises of Turkish Delight

(23:02) - The Thawing of Winter into Spring

(27:09) - One Things

In this week's episode, 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.

Heather's One Thing - Evangelization Ministry of Catholic Christian Outreach

Sister Miriam's One Thing - The women from the "Undone" retreat

Michelle's One Thing - The book "Just Mercy" by Bryan Stevenson

Journal Questions:

Discussion Questions:

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."" - (Mr. Beaver) C.S. Lewis - The Lion, The Witch, and the Wardrobe

Scripture for Lectio:

"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." - Revelation 21:4-7

Timestamps:

(00:00) - Introduction

(01:36) - Welcome

(03:48) - Discovering the Truth

(08:33) - The Professor

(14:14) - Going Back into the Wardrobe

(15:22) - The Power of Aslan

(23:54) - Safety and Goodness

(29:56) - One Things

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

Heather's One Thing - Her Into the Deep Playlist

Sister Miriam's One Thing - The song "Pieces" (the live version) by Amanda Cook

Michelle's One Thing - The song "Electricity" by Ellie and Drew Holcomb

Other Resources Mentioned:

Audiobook on YouTube

Journal Questions:

Discussion Questions:

Quote to Ponder:

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

Scripture for Lectio:

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

Timestamps:

(00:00) - Introduction

(01:39) - Welcome

(4:00) - History of Narnia

(9:48) - Lucy in the Beginning

(16:37) - Edmund in the Beginning

(22:38) - Winter vs Christmas

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

(30:21) - Final Reflections

(33:13) - One Things

(36:54) - Photo Challenge

In this week's episode, we conclude season 14 by reflecting on what we have learned in our lives this past season. We chat about surrendering control and allowing the Holy Spirit to move in power, the need to be grateful for what we already have and the importance of being present in the present moment. We also share personal experiences of transformation and deep intimacy we have found with God, even in the midst of suffering. Thank you for an amazing season, we are truly honored to be on this journey with you. God bless!

Heather's One Thing - Her recent Healing Pilgrimage to France through Franciscan University (check out their website to join future pilgrimages) and Michelle's Sweatshirt

Sister Miriam's One Thing - You :)

Michelle's One Thing - Her Summer Reading List, Word on Fire's children's books, and the book Between Brothers by Sarah Metts

Announcements:

Join us July 8-29 2024 as we re-release our book study on The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe by CS Lewis.

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

Journal Questions:

Discussion Questions:

Quote to Ponder:

"Faith walks simply, childlike, between the darkness of human life and the hope of what is to come." (Catherine Doherty)

Scripture for Lectio:

"Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, since as members of one body you were called to peace. And be thankful." (Colossians 3:15)

Sponsor - Behold Visio Divina:

Encounter the Lord more deeply amidst all the seasons in life through Behold Visio Divina. Behold is devoted to helping women encounter who Christ is through prayer and sacred art. Through their books, formation, and workshops, Behold hopes women can encounter the beauty of who God created them to be and share that with the world! Offering over 10 different sacred art prayer companions on themes such as praying through fear, post abortive healing, relational healing, and many others, Behold has options for every woman's heart. Upcoming book topics include miscarriage and infant loss, iconography, and scrupulosity.

Friend, you are seen, known, and loved wherever the Lord has you in life. And we are here to provide the opportunity to invite you and Jesus into conversation through art and community. We currently are accepting registration for our in person and virtual groups taking part this summer. Take a look at our small groups here and join us!

Because the Abiding Together community holds such a special place in our heart, Behold is offering 15% off any of their items, small group registration, and books. Use the code "ABIDING" for this special rate at www.beholdvisiodivina.com. On our website you can also register for our "Weekly Dose of Beauty" emails! We hope you can join our Behold family soon, please know of our prayers for you!

In this week's episode, we welcome Sarah Kroger, a GMA Dove Award®-nominated artist, songwriter, and worship leader to the podcast to speak into the beauty of worship. Sarah shares her story of becoming a worship leader, how she creates music based on the joys and sorrows from her personal life, and her passion for collaborating with others and the Holy Spirit. We also chat about spiritual dryness, cultivating peace and persisting in faith while in seasons of darkness, and the fruit that comes about from suffering. Check out Sarah's new album, A New Reality, here!

Heather's One Thing - Pinwheel recipe and the upcoming Restore the Glory Podcast series on our four identities

Sister Miriam's One Thing - CORDA (especially the Valor and Grace candle)

Michelle's One Thing - The book Aslan's Breath: Seeing the Holy Spirit in Narnia by Matthew Dickerson and her priest friends and the gift of their fatherhood

Sarah's One Thing - The book The Night is Normal by Dr. Alicia Britt Chole and Sourdough bread!

Other Resources Mentioned:

Journal Questions:

Discussion Questions:

Quote to Ponder:

"I raise a hallelujah, in the presence of my enemies. I raise a hallelujah, louder than my unbelief. I raise a hallelujah, my weapon is a melody." (Raise A Hallelujah by Jonathan and Melissa Helser)

Scripture for Lectio:

"But the hour is coming and is now here when the true worshipers will worship the Father in spirit and truth, for the Father seeks such as these to worship him. God is spirit, and those who worship him must worship in spirit and truth." (John 4:23-24)

Sponsor - Annunciation Heights:

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In this week's episode, we welcome Brya Hanan, a licensed Marriage and Family Therapist, to share how we can learn to engage as an adult with the young parts of ourselves. Brya shares her story, the trauma she experienced as a child, and how it affected not only her self-perception but also how she related to others. She reflects on her healing journey and shares practical ways you can begin your healing journey. We also chat about how our unmet needs as a child can affect us as adults, how to have compassion for ourselves in our brokenness, and why healing ourselves allows us to love those around us much more fully.

Heather's One Thing - Her parents

Sister Miriam's One Thing - Lentil Curry and Naan Bread

Michelle's One Thing - Her husband, Chris, and his loving support

Brya's One Thing - Barre Classes!

Other Resources Mentioned:

Journal Questions:

Discussion Questions:

Quotes to Ponder:

"Remember, you are held safe. You are loved. You are protected. You are in communion with God and with those whom God has sent you. What is of God will last. It belongs to the eternal life. Choose it, and it will be yours." (Henri J.M. Nouwen, The Inner Voice of Love)

"The history of every human being passes through the threshold of a woman's motherhood." (Saint Pope JPII)

Scripture for Lectio:

A large crowd followed and pressed around him. And a woman was there who had been subject to bleeding for twelve years. She had suffered a great deal under the care of many doctors and had spent all she had, yet instead of getting better she grew worse. When she heard about Jesus, she came up behind him in the crowd and touched his cloak, because she thought, "If I just touch his clothes, I will be healed." Immediately her bleeding stopped and she felt in her body that she was freed from her suffering. At once Jesus realized that power had gone out from him. He turned around in the crowd and asked, "Who touched my clothes?" "You see the people crowding against you," his disciples answered, "and yet you can ask, 'Who touched me?' " But Jesus kept looking around to see who had done it. Then the woman, knowing what had happened to her, came and fell at his feet and, trembling with fear, told him the whole truth. He said to her, "Daughter, your faith has healed you.Go in peace and be freed from your suffering." (Mark 5: 24- 34)

Sponsor - Holy Confident Birth:

Are you an expectant mama who's dreaming of a natural birth experience that feels like an act of worship, leaves you feeling empowered in your motherhood, and even brings you closer to Christ? Maybe you've been searching high and low for a resource that will help you get there AND that aligns with your Catholic values, but it just didn't seem to exist! If you want to feel EQUIPPED to knock your birth out of the park, EMPOWERED in your ability to make informed decisions, and EXCITED for the Spirit-led, fear-free birth you've been dreaming of, The Holy Confident Birth Course might be just the solution you've been looking for. Inside this course, you'll find eight modules comprised of video lessons and handouts,where you'll learn about the labor and birth process, building the perfect team, managing your options and interventions, advocating for yourself during labor and so much more!

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In this week's episode, we welcome Dr. Mary Healy, author, and professor of Scripture at Sacred Heart Major Seminary, to talk about living life in the power of the Holy Spirit. Dr. Healy shares how her life was radically transformed through an encounter with the Holy Spirit and reflects on the beauty of allowing the Holy Spirit to work in her life. We also chat practically about how to live life day by day in the power of the Holy Spirit, how to learn to hear and respond to the voice of the Holy Spirit, and how we can prepare our hearts for Pentecost.

Heather's One Thing - Wild Goose Series on the Holy Spirit

Heather's Other One Thing - Peter and Debbie Herbeck (check out Renewal Ministries and Be Love Revolution)

Sister Miriam's One Thing - Springtime!

Michelle's One Thing - Camp Chosatonga (for boys) and Camp Kahdalia (for girls) and Mission on the Mountain

Dr. Mary Healy's One Thing - Blessed Elena Guerra

Journal Questions:

Discussion Questions:

Quote to Ponder:

"I would sacrifice myself a thousand times if I had the lives . . . I will go and I will do as the Holy Spirit inspires me" (Catherine of Sienna)

Scripture for Lectio:

"When the day of Pentecost had come, they were all together in one place. And suddenly from heaven there came a sound like the rush of a violent wind, and it filled the entire house where they were sitting. Divided tongues, as of fire, appeared among them, and a tongue rested on each of them. All of them were filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak in other languages, as the Spirit gave them ability." (Acts 2:1-4)

Sponsor - Hallow:

Get 3 months free of Hallow, the #1 app for prayer, meditation, and music at https://www.hallow.com/abide with over 10,000 audio-guided prayers to help you find peace and grow closer to God. Join the 33 Days to Morning Glory Marian Consecration with Sr. Miriam today!

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

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

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

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

Other Resources Mentioned:

Journal Questions:

Discussion Questions:

Quote to Ponder:

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

Scripture for Lectio:

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

Sponsor - Leanne Bowen:

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

Leanne also just released a batch of bronze Prayer Card Holders that are absolutely stunning. They come in a three pack of each of the Hearts of the Holy Family. They are sturdy and beautiful- the perfect weight to hold small prints. She is offering 15% off site wide to all our listeners with the code ABIDE15 at www.LeanneBowen.com.

In this week's episode, we reflect on leading with our God-given authority rather than worldly influence. We discuss the importance of remembering our identity in Christ and how true authority is a display of intimacy that has been rooted in a real tangible love. We share the ways we may have been wounded by authority figures in our past, why these wounds can distort our perception of authority, and how to heal from these wounds so that we can lead others into the light of Christ.

Heather's One Thing - Chicken Khao Soi (Thai Coconut Curry Noodle Soup) from My Kitchen Little

Sister Miriam's On Thing - The book Litanies of the Heart by Dr Gerry Crete

Michelle's One Thing - Beatify: Lullabies with the Saints (an album of Catholic lullabies) from Beatify with Josh Blakesley and Kelly Lombardi

Other Resources Mentioned:

The Restore the Glory Podcast series on Parts Work (Parts Work (Part 1) w/ Gerry Crete;Parts Work (Part 2) w/ Brya Hanan;Parts Work (Part 3) w/ Bishop Andrew Miller)

Journal Questions:

Discussion Questions:

Quote to Ponder:

"The fourth commandment opens the second table of the Decalogue. It shows us the order of charity. God has willed that, after him, we should honor our parents to whom we owe life and who have handed on to us the knowledge of God. We are obliged to honor and respect all those whom God, for our good, has vested with his authority." (CCC 2197)

Scripture for Lectio:

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

Sponsor - WalletWin:

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🎧 The Catholic Money Show Podcast

In this week's episode, we reflect on the themes of resurrection, grief, and hope in Pope Francis' Easter Vigil homily. We chat about the sadness of unfulfilled dreams and the tender places in our hearts where we are afraid to hope and want to stay in the tomb. We also talk about the anxieties and worries that can come with trying to figure things out on our own and the importance of surrendering our plans to God. Just like Christ, we are called to walk through the sufferings of this life with Him into the Resurrection.

Heather's One Thing - Her Easter playlist

Heather's Other One Thing - The book Becoming Wife: Saying Yes to More than the Dress by Rachel Bulman (or on Amazon here)

Sister Miriam's On Thing - The book Beloved Daughter by Carrie Daunt

Michelle's One Thing - The book Befriending Your Inner Child: A Catholic Approach to Healing and Wholeness by Brya Hanan (or on Amazon here)

Other Resources Mentioned:

The Restore the Glory Podcast series on Parts Work (Parts Work (Part 1) w/ Gerry Crete;Parts Work (Part 2) w/ Brya Hanan;Parts Work (Part 3) w/ Bishop Andrew Miller)

Journal Questions:

Discussion Questions:

Quote to Ponder:

"Yet the same women who bore this darkness in their hearts tell us something quite extraordinary. When they looked up, they saw that the stone, which was very large, had already been rolled back. This is the Pasch of Christ, the revelation of God's power: the victory of life over death, the triumph of light over darkness, the rebirth of hope amid the ruins of failure. It is the Lord, the God of the impossible, who rolled away the stone forever. Even now, he opens our hearts, so that hope may be born ever anew. We too, then, should "look up" to him." (Pope Francis, Easter Vigil Homily)

Scripture for Lectio:

"When they looked up, they saw that the stone, which was very large, had already been rolled back." (Mark 16:4)

Sponsor - Farm of the Child:

Farm of the Child is a Catholic children's home, school and clinic in Trujillo, Honduras where children receive healing care from a team of Honduran staff, Franciscan sisters, and international missionaries. Each year, the Farm of the Child attracts dedicated missionaries who make a 2 year commitment of service. Missionaries come from all different walks of life in order to serve in a variety of functions such as teaching, nursing, project management and community outreach. After spending 6 weeks in Antigua, Guatemala learning Spanish, missionaries travel to the children's home where they live together and are guided by the four pillars of community, spirituality, simplicity and service. Short term immersion trips, remote and summer service opportunities are also available.

If you think you might be called to serve in the capacity of an international missionary, email missions@farmofthechild.org. Want to learn more about how to get involved in the mission in the US? Check out farmofthechild.org and sign up for our monthly newsletter here: https://www.farmofthechild.org/contact-us

In this week's episode, we conclude our Lenten study on the book "A Time of Renewal" and discuss the theme of "focus". We chat about our natural temptation to focus on our woundedness, why we should take action and invite Jesus into these places, and how our wounds can be transformed into signs of the resurrection power of Christ. We also talk about the crosses we bear and the importance of recognizing the little resurrections in our life. Friends, thank you for journeying with us this Lenten season. We look forward to seeing you again after Easter!

Heather's One Thing - Our team behind the scenes: Kate, Camille, and Kristina! We are so grateful for you

Sister Miriam's On Thing - Springtime!

Michelle's One Thing - These Easter themed charcuterie boards! Option 1 Here. Option 2 Here.

Announcement(s):

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

Journal Questions:

Discussion Questions:

Quotes to Ponder:

"How are wounds made glorious? By our deciding what we will do with them. Our Jesus turned his wounds into beauty, and there is not one of us who would say, "Oh, this should not be in eternity." Our poor hearts thrill to the verity that he is always showing his wounds to the Father on our behalf. They are transformed now in glory. Likewise, there is a transformation that we too can make of our own little everyday wounds which sometimes seem so deep and so big and so insufferable to us. How do we transform them into glory? By looking at Jesus, by remembering his suffering which was turned into glory." (Mother Mary Francis P.C.C. A Time of Renewal. Kindle Edition. Page 207)

Scripture for Lectio:

"Truly, truly, I say to you, unless a grain of wheat falls into the earth and dies, it remains alone; but if it dies, it bears much fruit." (John 12:24)

Sponsor - Pearl and Thistle:

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