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:

What was hard for me? What were the graces and mercies I experienced? How have I grown? How can I make this week holy? What wounds do I bring to Jesus? What wounds do I simply ?stare at??

 

Discussion Questions:

Where in your life are you seeking glory? Do I live like the Resurrection is a reality? When do you lose hope? Does the story you tell yourself about God align with God?s story (the Paschal Mystery)? What are the places of my heart that I don?t believe the narrative (of the Paschal Mystery)?

 

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)

 

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

 

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

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

Michelle?s One Thing - Floret Flowers

 

Announcement:

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

 

Journal Questions:

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

 

Discussion Questions:

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

 

Quote to Ponder:

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

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

 

Scripture for Lectio: 

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

 

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In this week's episode, we continue our Lenten study on the book ?A Time of Renewal? and focus on the theme of ?filling up the sufferings of Christ?. We reflect on the connection between repentance and love, recognizing how they complement each other, and the beauty of repentance as an intimate act of drawing nearer to God. We share our own struggles during this Lenten season, how others have helped keep us accountable, and the importance of helping others grow in holiness. Lastly, we chat about the significance of renouncing falsehoods about ourselves and embracing the truth about our identity that can only be found in God.

 

Heather?s One Thing -The song Jesus is My Healer by Gateway Worship 

Sister Miriam?s On Thing - Andrew Laubacher and his organization called Humanality

Michelle?s One Thing - Fr. Mark Mary CFR new book The Father: 30 Meditations to Draw You Into the Heart of God

 

Journal Questions:

Where is the ease of the Lord in my life? How can I turn back to the Lord in moments of hardship this Lent? In the people I struggle with most, how do I encounter the image of God in them? In my own self-righteousness, from whom do I withhold the kingdom of God?

 

Discussion Questions:

Do you perceive repentance as an opportunity for intimacy or a response to punishment? How can you more urgently respond to God?s invitation of love? What accountability can you incorporate to be steadfast to your Lenten promises? How can you invite a culture of redemption into your life?

 

Quote to Ponder:

?Our joy must be in him, where alone things have permanent depth and even eternality. The more earnestly we live our Lent, the more will we be finding our joy in Jesus.? (Mother Mary Francis P.C.C. A Time of Renewal. Kindle Edition. Page 148)

 

Scripture for Lectio: 

?He delivered us from the dominion of the darkness and transferred us into the kingdom of his beloved son.?  (Colossians 1:13)

 

Sponsor - Mary?s Meals:

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In this week's episode, we continue our Lenten study on the book ?A Time of Renewal? and focus on the theme of the right kind of zeal. We chat about how we may be feeling tired and tempted to relax our Lenten penances and discuss the importance of taking time to reflect on why we felt called to take on a specific sacrifice and then recommitting ourselves with zeal to carry it out. We also talk about the joys of living in covenant with the Lord, the heartache we should experience when our hearts wander, and the beauty of giving ourselves totally to Him out of love.  

 

Heather?s One Thing - Happy 80th birthday to her dad!

Heather?s Other One Thing - Episode 5 of Fr. Dave?s series called: My father?s Father. Watch on Wildgoose TV here or Faith and Reason here.

Sister Miriam?s On Thing - Heather Khym?s Lenten Playlist

Michelle?s One Thing - The song Closing Distance by Seven Hills Worship (acoustic version here)

 

Journal Questions:

What do you need to fill your tank for the long spiritual roadtrip of Lent? What spiritual rest stops do I need to take to continue to go the distance with the Lord? How am I letting my emotions drive the bus? Do I treat my covenant with the Lord with the same respect as I show the covenants of marriage or religious life?

 

Discussion Questions:

How do you need the Lord to love you this week? Have you been feeling empty, angsty, or frustrated this Lent? How is the Lord inviting you into deeper freedom through this experience? How can you suffer and fast with more joy?

 

Quotes to Ponder:

?The ancient name for Lent is ?the season of the battle?, agonia, which was the Greek word for the final testing of the athlete or the warrior, and has become the term for the Agony in the Garden.? (Mother Mary Francis P.C.C. A Time of Renewal. Kindle Edition. Page 143)

 

Scripture for Lectio: 

?His disciples recalled the words of Scripture, Zeal for your house will consume me.? (John 2:17)

 

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

 

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

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

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

 

Journal Questions:

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

 

Discussion Questions:

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

 

Quotes to Ponder:

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

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

 

Scripture for Lectio: 

?Here am I, Lord!? (Genesis 22:1)

 

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In this week's episode, we continue our Lenten study on the book ?A Time of Renewal? and focus on the theme of true self-denial. We reflect on the importance of recognizing our need for God?s love and allowing ourselves to be transformed by His grace. We also share personal experiences and insights on repentance, amendment, and trusting in God?s plan especially when the desires of our heart are not being fulfilled. We end by discussing the joys that can come from Lent when approached with a tender, sensitive, and alert heart. 

 

Heather?s One Thing - Lenten Playlist

Heather?s Other One Thing - The talk Joy, Hope, and the Way Around by Monsignor Shea

Sister Miriam?s One Thing - The Pints with Aquinas episode on Transhumanism and Emerging Technologies w/ Fr. Michael Baggot (Watch on YouTube here)

Michelle?s One Thing - The book A Grand Slam for God: A Journey from Baseball Star to Catholic Priest by Fr. Burke Masters

 

Journal Questions:

Have I ever approached Lent with a sense of wonder? How have I approached Lent with self hatred in the past? What parts of myself are the stranger I need to welcome home and allow the Father to love? How can I be more open to God as the Divine Interruptor?

 

Discussion Questions:

Where are you hungry? Where are others in your life hungry? Who in your life is the stranger you need to welcome? Do you believe something wonderful can happen this Lent? Where have you become resigned and hard of heart instead of tender and sensitive?

 

Quotes to Ponder: 

We are called to a glorious festival of love?to be spiritually dizzied with the fact that this is how much God has loved us. Surely we shall all look at the crucifix with a new vision, a deepened understanding that he really.

(Mother Mary Francis P.C.C. A Time of Renewal. Kindle Edition. Page 37)

 

Scripture for Lectio: 

?After John had been arrested, Jesus came to Galilee proclaiming the gospel of God: ?This is the time of fulfillment. The kingdom of God is at hand. Repent, and believe in the Gospel.?? (Mark 1:14-15)

 

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

 

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

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

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

 

Journal Questions:

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

 

Discussion Questions:

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

 

Quotes to Ponder:

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

 

Scripture for Lectio: 

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

 

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In this week's episode, we welcome Fr. Dave Pivonka, TOR as our guest to dive deep into what it means to be in relationship with God as Father. Together we chat about how our earthly fathers both positively and negatively impact our relationship with God the Father and how to begin to receive the love of God the Father. We also share how our relationship with God the Father has changed through the loss of earthly fathers. Check out Fr. Dave?s new (free!) video series entitled My father?s Father (or watch here on Wildgoose). 

Heather?s One Thing - Upcoming pilgrimages with Franciscan to France and Alaska 

Sister Miriam?s One Thing - The the beauty of the Pensacola beach

Michelle?s One Thing - Watching NFL Playoffs with Sister Miriam 

Fr. Dave?s One Thing - The book A Little Liar by Mitch Albom 

 Other Resources Mentioned: 

My father?s Father Trailer Link My father?s Father on Wildgoose My father?s Father on Faith and Reason S3 E18: The Holy Spirit with Fr. Dave Pivonka S5 E22: The Holy Spirit with Fr. Dave Pivonka The Father?s Love Spotify Playlist

Journal Questions:

What does (or did) my father?s relationship with our Heavenly Father look like? In what ways can I grow in honoring and being honest about my father? Other than my earthly father, who in my life revealed the heart of our Heavenly Father to me? For those whose fathers have passed away: how has my relationship with God the Father changed since my father passed away?

Discussion Questions:

How has your relationship with your earthly father shaped your relationship with your Heavenly Father? In your current state of life, when do you feel most connected to your identity as a child? What thoughts, emotions, and associations arise when you think of your primary identity as a child? How can you grow in and more deeply receive your daughterhood from the Father?

Quotes to Ponder:

?The whole of the Christian life is like a great pilgrimage to the house of the Father, whose unconditional love for every human creature, and in particular for the 'prodigal son,' we discover anew each day.? (JPII Tertio Millennio Adveniente)

Scripture for Lectio: 

?See what great love the Father has lavished on us, that we should be called children of God! And that is what we are!? (1 John 3:1)

Sponsor - Ascension:

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Both of Fr. Mike's In a Year podcasts in one place Transcripts for every podcast episode The full texts of the Bible and Catechism Nearly 1,000 questions that Bible In a Year listeners have had over the years with their answers! Episode summaries, bonus content, and reflection questions Daily readings with video reflections from your favorite Catholic creators!

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In this week's episode, we discuss the relationship between solitude and community and how no matter if we are introverted or extroverted, we need both in order to live rightly ordered lives. We reflect on how solitude and community has changed throughout the different seasons of our lives and the importance of being open to these changes so we can receive the blessings God desires to give us. When we let our cups be filled by God through authentic solitude, we are able to grow, and therefore build deeper and more intimate relationships within our community. 

 

Heather?s One Thing - The book Humans of Heaven from the January Jane Shop

Sister Miriam?s One Thing - The book Hinds' Feet on High Places: An Engaging Visual Journey (Visual Journey Series) by Hannah Hurnard

Michelle?s One Thing - Spending time with Sister Miriam at the O?Grady?s Beach House 

 

Journal Questions:

What obstacles do you encounter to being in communion with Christ when you enter into silence? How am I tempted to perceive solitude as isolation? How am I tempted to perceive being with people as community? When I think about solitude and community and which one I currently need more of, how can I create space in my life to tend to that need? What needs do I need to voice to someone in my life?

 

Discussion Questions:

Which comes more naturally to you: solitude or community? Throughout your life, which communities have brought you closer to Christ and allowed you to become more fully human? In your current season of life, have you sensed a stronger need for solitude or community? What daily, weekly, or monthly rhythms do you have to cultivate community and solitude?

 

Quotes to Ponder:

?Let him who cannot be alone beware of community... Let him who is not in community beware of being alone... Each by itself has profound perils and pitfalls. One who wants fellowship without solitude plunges into the void of words and feelings, and the one who seeks solitude without fellowship perishes in the abyss of vanity, self-infatuation and despair.?  (Dietrich Bonhoeffer, Life Together: The Classic Exploration of Faith in Community)

 

?True silence is a garden enclosed, where alone the soul can meet its God.? (Catherine Doherty)

 

Scripture for Lectio: 

?And after he had dismissed the crowds, he went up the mountain by himself to pray.? (Matthew 14:23 )

 

Sponsor - Ascension:

With the Ascension App, you can easily find answers to the most challenging questions about church teaching and Scripture. Designed to help you understand the faith like never before, you?ll experience the peace that comes from deepening your prayer life and knowledge of God.

The Ascension App includes:

Both of Fr. Mike's In a Year podcasts in one place Transcripts for every podcast episode The full texts of the Bible and Catechism Nearly 1,000 questions that Bible In a Year listeners have had over the years with their answers! Episode summaries, bonus content, and reflection questions Daily readings with video reflections from your favorite Catholic creators!

And if you?re feeling overwhelmed or disconnected as you prepare for Lent, you?re not alone. The Ascension App will be a one-stop-shop for prayer this season, with Fr. Mark Toups? Lenten Companion audio + video reflections guiding you day-by-day to an encounter with the person of Christ. Explore the Ascension App?s premium features with a free 7-day trial!

In this week's episode, we reflect on the role both joy and sorrow simultaneously play in our lives. We chat about how pressing into grief allows us to more fully experience joy, and how when we try to numb ourselves to the sorrow we also numb ourselves to the experience of joy. We also talk about the importance of naming disappointments, intentionally maturing in our faith, and what we have personally learned while grieving the loss of a parent. When we learn to suffer well and meet God in the midst of our sufferings, we can reach a deep joy we never thought possible. 

 

Heather?s One Thing - Attending and speaking at SEEK ?24.  Watch the impact session here.

Sister Miriam?s One Thing - Therapist?s Conference with the JPII Healing Center

Michelle?s One Thing - Nick Sabn Retiring From College Football 

 

Journal Questions:

What paradoxes am I called to live in right now? How can I bring the Lord into my disappointments? Am I more prone to pushing my emotions aside or letting my emotions rule my life (emotional gluttony)? In seasons of grief, who are the people who have been my midwives and accompanied me through those seasons?

 

Discussion Questions:

What disappointments have you experienced this past year? Is it hard for you to be honest with God about those disappointments? What is God redeeming and restoring in your life? In a current disappointment or heartbreak you are feeling, what gratitude are you experiencing alongside it? What gifts of daily bread is the Lord providing for you in this season?

 

Quote to Ponder:

?Our life is a short time in expectation, a time in which sadness and joy kiss each other at every moment. There is a quality of sadness that pervades all the moments of our lives. It seems that there is no such thing as a clear-cut pure joy, but that even in the most happy moments of our existence we sense a tinge of sadness. In every satisfaction, there is an awareness of limitations. In every success, there is the fear of jealousy. Behind every smile, there is a tear. In every embrace, there is loneliness. In every friendship, distance. And in all forms of light, there is the knowledge of surrounding darkness . . . But this intimate experience in which every bit of life is touched by a bit of death can point us beyond the limits of our existence. It can do so by making us look forward in expectation to the day when our hearts will be filled with perfect joy, a joy that no one shall take away from us.? (Henri J.M. Nouwen, Making All Things New: An Invitation to the Spiritual Life)

 

Scripture for Lectio: 

He turns my mourning into dancing. You have turned my mourning into dancing; you have taken off my sackcloth and clothed me with joy, so that my soul may praise you and not be silent. O Lord my God, I will give thanks to you forever. (Psalm 30:11-12)

 

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This episode continues our annual tradition of sharing our Word of the Year! 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 2024 mean to us and chat about how our words from last year have impacted our lives. At the beginning of the episode, we also share an announcement about this year?s Lenten book study. We are excited to be back and look forward to seeing what this season will bring. 

 

Heather?s One Thing - Her husband Jake?s upcoming course on our God-given Identity. Register here!

Sister Miriam?s One Thing - The Trini-Tea tea party, a ladies tea party in Front Royal, VA on January 27, 2024 to benefit the SOLT Sisters? Motherhouse Campaign. You are invited! Register for the event here.

Michelle?s One Thing - Her 2023 reading recommendation list!

 

Announcement:

We are excited to announce that our Lenten book study will be: A Time of Renewal: Daily Reflections for the Lenten Season by Mother Mary Francis, P.C.C. Visit our website for more information!

 

Journal Questions:

If you had a word for 2023, what did God teach you through that word? Take some time to reflect and ask the Holy Spirit to reveal your word of the year. You could start with a scripture or just silence. After prayer and reflection, what is your word of the year? How does your 2024 word of the year build upon previous words of the year or seasons? Who can you discuss your word with and remind them of their word throughout 2024?

 

Discussion Questions:

What themes has God been using as an opportunity to encounter Him? Are there specific scriptures, saints, or quotes that will serve as a guide or reminder of your word during the year? What is one change you can make in the coming year to be more open to the will of God? How can you place tangible reminders of your word in your daily life?

 

Quote to Ponder:

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

 

Scripture for Lectio: 

"Create in me a clean heart, O God, and put a new and right spirit within me. Do not cast me away from your presence, and do not take your holy spirit from me. Restore to me the joy of your salvation, and sustain in me a willing spirit." (Psalm 51:10-12) 

Sponsor - Franciscan University:

One of only 15 faithfully Catholic universities endorsed by the Cardinal Newman Society, Franciscan University of Steubenville continues to lead the renaissance of Catholic higher education called for in Ex corde Ecclesiae. Franciscan integrates excellent academic programs with a dynamic faith environment to serve over 3,800 students from all 50 states and 18 countries on campus, including 1,300 students online. Ranked in the top tier of Midwest universities by U.S. News & World Report since 1998, Franciscan offers over 100 programs of study including 45 undergraduate programs, 10 graduate programs, and 17 online programs?all grounded in Franciscan?s acclaimed Catholic core curriculum. Everything from accounting to engineering, nursing, evangelization, criminal justice, psychology and many more. It?s home to the largest undergraduate Theology Program in the U.S., and has a well-regarded Priestly Discernment Program, which has seen over 250 members ordained to the priesthood since 1985. They also have a study abroad program in a beautifully restored 14th-century Carthusian monastery in Austria attracts up to 200 students each semester.

For more about Franciscan University of Steubenville and its mission to educate, evangelize, and send forth Spirit-filled disciples of Jesus Christ, visit Franciscan.edu or connect with Franciscan on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, or LinkedIn.

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

 

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

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

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

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

Michelle?s One Thing - Charlie Brown Christmas Special

 

Journal Questions:

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

 

Discussion Questions:

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

 

Quote to Ponder:

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

Scripture for Lectio: 

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

 

Sponsor - Walking with Purpose:

 

Do you want to help your daughter discover her true identity?

 

Do you long to see her avoid the pitfalls of toxic relationships?

 

Are you ready to guide her toward her God-given calling?

 

There is nothing fiercer than a mother?s love for her children. Many of us feel that influences around our kids are eroding the foundation we?ve worked so hard to build. It?s time to reclaim our motherly influence, because no one loves or knows our girls like we do. 

Sisters of Strength is a life-changing and vitalizing weekend for mothers and their high school/college-aged daughters from Walking with Purpose. Featuring a lineup of powerful speakers?including our own Heather Khym!?we will delve into the topics of identity, friendship, and purpose, equipping our daughters to answer life?s biggest questions with God?s wisdom and perspective. 

Join us for Sisters of Strength April 5-7 in Leesburg, VA. You?ll laugh, you?ll connect, and you?ll both return home spiritually stronger and refreshed.

In this episode, we continue with part three of our four part Advent series on the book ?The Reed of God? by Caryll Houselander. Today, we focus on part three and discuss the sections on the Lost Child, Idols, and the Last Confession. We chat about how when we lose sight of Jesus, we are called to imitate Mary and seek until He is found. By persevering on this journey and staying strong in the face of distraction or complacency, we cultivate a deeper union with Him. God Himself is calling us to take this journey because out of love, He desires to give Himself to us. We also talk about the various idols in our lives, how these idols block us from growing in communion with God, and how our own woundedness can distort our perception of God. 

We encourage you to go at your own pace so that the Lord can fill your heart with what you need to hear this Advent season. 

 

Heather?s One Thing - First snowfall of the season and making an eggnog latte!

Heather?s Other One Thing - Grateful for parents living next door and family dinners

Sister Miriam?s Half One Thing - The Women?s College Volleyball Division I National Tournament

Sister Miriam?s One Thing - Heather?s Advent Playlist

Michelle?s One Thing - Her son?s Catholic Youth Sports League won first place

Michelle?s Other One Thing - Leanne Bowen?s Instagram Post on Mother?s Intercessors

 

Journal Questions:

How do I react when I am not experiencing consolation or hearing from God? How have I observed an invitation to deeper freedom in my relationship with God this Advent? How do I seek to control God? Where in my life do I believe that God doesn?t love me or care for me?

 

Discussion Questions:

How do you seek out Christ when you sense that He is lost or hidden? What ?imaginary Christs? have you created in your life? How are you tempted to worship the false ?convenient god?? How are you being inspired to seek Christ out after listening to this episode?

 

Quote to Ponder:

?It is this: How is it that the lives of so many people who profess to be Christian are utterly inconsistent with Christianity?? (Houselander, Caryll. The Reed of God, page 93).

 

Scripture for Lectio: 

?Where has your beloved gone, most beautiful of women? Which way did your beloved turn, that we may look for him with you?? (Song of Songs 6:1) 

 

Sponsor - Rooted for Good:

We are thrilled once again to be sponsoring another episode of Abiding Together. This podcast holds a special place in our hearts, not only because we love Jesus too, but also because the Abiding community has been a vital part of Rooted?s unbelievable growth story! Today thousands of customers across the country and beyond LOVE using their Rooted products every day. 

There are so many skincare and beauty companies today promoting values which contradict the treasures of our faith. Founded by a Catholic mom of 6 boys, Rooted stands for Goodness, Truth and Real Beauty. You don?t have to sacrifice your values to experience premium skincare and essential oils that smell and feel amazing! 

Experience for yourself why greater than 90% of all Rooted customer reviews are 5 stars. From skin care, to essential oils, to all natural soaps, scrubs and soaks, make Rooted a part of your skincare and wellness routine. And with every dollar you spend with us, we will donate 10 cents to uplift someone in need in the developing world! Shop your values, and make a difference all while treating yourself to your new favorite products!

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In this episode, we continue with part two of our four part Advent series on the book The Reed of God by Caryll Houselander. Today, we focus on part two and discuss the sections on Et Homo Factus Est, the Fugue, Wooden Bambino, and Et Verbum Caro Factum Est. We chat about our desire as women to protect our children, but how this desire can easily morph into control, manipulation, or possession. We reflect on how Our Lady exemplifies perfect surrender and trust as she continually releases her Son back to God as a gift freely given to her by God. We also discuss the role of suffering and brokenness in transformation and the beauty of silence in the rhythm of life. 

We encourage you to go at your own pace so that the Lord can fill your heart with what you need to hear this Advent season. 

 

Heather?s One Thing - Butter Tart Recipe 

Heather?s Other One Thing - Stovetop Potpourri Recipe

Sister Miriam?s One Thing - The simple joys of Advent

Michelle?s One Thing - Support for the heartbreaking loss of the Auburn vs. Alabama college football game

Michelle?s Other One Thing - Chevrolet Christmas Commercial 

 

Journal Questions:

How do I try to possess or manipulate others to protect them from disappointment or pain? Do I see my humanity as a gift or as a burden? In the final days before Christmas, when can I create moments of silence to meet Jesus? Where do I need a mother? Where am I afraid to be mothered?

 

Discussion Questions:

How do you allow your fears of vulnerability, dependence, and a lack of control rule your life and your decisions? What parts of your humanity do you find God inviting you more deeply into during this Advent season? What Fruits of the Spirit do you need to grow in (love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control)? How can you allow Mary to mother you to more fully experience these fruits and bring them to fruition?

 

Quotes to Ponder:

?Only Christ-bearers can restore the world to life and give humanity back the vitality of love.? (Houselander, Caryll. The Reed of God, page 72).

 

?Our Lady gave humanity to God as she gave the water to Christ at Cana, to be changed into wine.? (Houselander, Caryll. The Reed of God, page 83).

 

Scripture for Lectio: 

?All things were made by him; and without him was made nothing that was made. In him was life, and the life was the light of men. And the light shineth in the darkness, and the darkness did not comprehend it.? (John 1:3?5)

 

Sponsor - Whole Mission:

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Our classes are recommended for:

Single women desiring to understand their health Engaged couples preparing for marriage Postpartum moms seeking to simplify their charting routine Women in perimenopause who are getting ready for new changes

Find an instructor who?s been there, who?s Catholic, and who wants to support the whole ?you,? including the intricate and beautiful gift of your fertility.

Find out more about Whole Mission?s model for whole person health education at: www.thewholemission.com

In this episode, we begin our four part Advent series on the book The Reed of God by Caryll Houselander. Today, we focus on part one and discuss the sections on Emptiness, Fiat, Advent, and Pastoral. We reflect on the gift of virginity, how our own life experiences can alter how we view this gift, and how Our Lady perfectly models the truth about the fruitfulness of giving our full selves in love. We also chat about the beauty of accepting our littleness and how only through the act of emptying ourselves can God truly give us what He desires. 

We encourage you to go at your own pace so that the Lord can fill your heart with what you need to hear this Advent season. 

 

Heather?s One Thing - Advent Worship playlist and the song Hungry by UPPERROOM

Sister Miriam?s One Thing - Christmas Peaceful Piano playlist

Michelle?s One Thing - The painting A Mother and Child looking at the Virgin and Child by Reginald Bottomley and steps to practice Visio Divina with the image.

 

Journal Questions:

How do I allow myself to be filled by the Bridegroom? How do I view chastity ? as a sour apple, or as the first fruits? What is distracting me this Advent season? What image depicted by Caryll Houselander is resonating with me most (the reed, the chalice, and the nest)?

 

Discussion Questions:

How can I empty myself to more fully receive the Bridegroom? What is the Holy Spirit inviting you to say ?yes? to? What is the Holy Spirit inviting you to say ?no? to? How is the Lord continually purifying and refining you? How am I tempted to say ?I?m just a???

 

Quotes to Ponder:

?Advent is the season of the secret, the secret of the growth of Christ, of Divine Love growing in silence.? (Houselander, Caryll. The Reed of God (p. 38). Copycat. Kindle Edition.)

 

?It is always a love story, a culmination of love between the Spirit of Light and the Bride of the Spirit.? (Houselander, Caryll. The Reed of God (p. 19). Copycat. Kindle Edition.)

Scripture for Lectio: 

?Be it done to me according to thy word.? (Luke 1:38)

 

Sponsor - Bell Road Beef:

Bell Road Beef is two sisters and two husbands, raising thirteen children (currently!) and more than thirteen cattle on the grasslands of Northern New Mexico.  They come from five generations of ranchers who have known, loved, and cared for the land and its animals for decades. From the beginning of new life to harvest, the animals are an extension of Britt, Rozann, and their families. They see life, loss, and everything in between. On Bell Road, these animals have a home?one in which small batches of cattle are raised to the highest standards and eventually brought straight to you. Visit shop.bellroadbeef.com to see the variety of beef that can be shipped straight to your door, and get a free pack of beef sticks while you?re at it!

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

 

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

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

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

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

 

Other Resources Mentioned: 

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

 

Journal Questions:

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

 

Discussion Questions:

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

In this episode, we discuss the second half of the Varanasi Letter written by St. Teresa of Calcutta to her MC Community. We reflect on how Jesus is calling us to encounter Him daily and what we can do to open our hearts to deeper communion. We also chat about how our Blessed Mother is a perfect example of how to comfort the Sacred Heart of Jesus in love and how to remain open and vulnerable even with a heart pierced with sorrow. 

 

Heather?s One Thing - Panel with Divine Renovation and Alpha Catholic

(Click here to listen to the discussion on Tuesday November 21st)

Sister Miriam?s One Thing -  Warm and Hearty Meatloaf Recipe 

Michelle?s One Thing - Holy Water Spritzer from West Coast Catholic 

Michelle?s Other One Thing - I Thirst,  40 days with Mother Teresa by Joseph Langford, MC 

 

Journal Questions:

What is the Lord?s theme for me in this season? What is the Lord?s theme for me throughout my life? Where has your heart been pierced? Do I see myself as a gift?

 

Discussion Questions:

How would you depict your heart? Where are you blocking the joy of Christ from your life? How have you allowed your heart to be hardened? How is the Lord inviting you to respond to His Thirst?

 

Quotes to Ponder:

Our Lady will help all of us in this, since she was the first person to hear Jesus?s cry, ?I Thirst? with St. John, and I am sure Mary Magdalene. Because she was there on Calvary, she knows how real, how deep His longing for you and for the poor. Do we know? Do we feel as She? Ask her to teach you Before it was Our Lady pleading with Mother, now it is Mother in her name pleading with you ? ?Listen to Jesus?s thirst.? (Varanasi Letter, St. Teresa of Calcutta) 

Scripture for Lectio: 

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

 

Sponsor - New Jerusalem Studios:

New Jerusalem Studios, invites you to encounter Christ?s saving love through the beauty of sacred art by curating a collection for your home.   Artist Ruth Stricklin?s images, informed by eastern and western sacred art traditions, draws the viewer out of themselves and into the New Jerusalem. Consider a large canvas print of The Holy Family in the dining room as our local seminary did.  A Christ the King Sacred Heart image in the foyer radiantly announces to visitors whom you serve. A palm-sized Icon-Mini on a tiny easel is perfect for a bedside table or desk.  Icon Minis and the new angel Christmas ornaments slip easily into a stocking or Christmas Card. We encourage you to become a champion of beauty this Christmas by sharing with your pastor options to elevate an overflow Mass space - visit www.sacredartbanners.com by NJS.

Listeners use code ABIDE15 for 15% off icons, ornaments and canvas or ABIDE25 for 25% off paper prints at www.njerusalemstudios.com thru 12/10.

In this episode, we discuss the first half of the Varanasi Letter written by St. Teresa of Calcutta to her MC Community. We talk about how Jesus thirsts for our souls and what we can do to care for His Heart. We reflect on what it means to let Jesus gaze upon our souls and receive Him in the areas we have been wounded and experience pain. It can be challenging to allow Jesus to see these broken places in our lives, but through this communion and vulnerability, He can reveal the truth about our belovedness. Jesus is a real living person with whom we can build an intimate relationship and we end the episode by sharing ways we can grow closer to Our Lord. 

 

Heather?s One Thing - Her playlist called Battle Cry (particularly the song Sound Mind)

Sister Miriam?s One Thing -  On Love: Selected Writings of Pope Benedict XVI

Michelle?s One Thing - The Legatus Enclave Retreat and their visit to the National Shrine of Our Lady of Champion

 

Journal Questions:

Am I more concerned with Jesus? Hands than His Heart? Have I seen with the eyes of my soul how Jesus looks upon me with love? When have I heard the loving words Jesus speaks to me? Where do I fail to trust the Lord?

 

Discussion Questions:

Have you allowed Jesus to look at you with love today? What does it mean for you to let Jesus see you in the painful and shameful places of your heart? What limitations do I experience that prevent me from entering into communion with God? Were you able to pray with a photo of you from childhood / from the past? How did you experience Jesus? gaze in that prayer?

 

Quote to Ponder:

?I worry some of you still have not really met Jesus ? one to one ? you and Jesus alone. We may spend time in chapel ?but have you seen with the eyes of your soul how He looks at you with love? Do you really know the living Jesus ? not from books but from being with Him in your heart? Have you heard the loving words He speaks to you?? (Varanasi Letter, St. Teresa of Calcutta)

 

Scripture for Lectio: 

?I thirst.?  (John 19:28)

 

Sponsor - Leanne Bowen:

Today?s sponsor is Leanne Bowen Fine Art. Leanne is a Catholic Artist and a stay at home mom. She just released a beautiful collection of Fall and Christmas candle tins that are the perfect size for stockings and hostess gifts! Her Cypress and Bayberry candle is indescribable. It smells exactly like a Christmas tree. If you have a fake tree in your home, your guests won't believe you! She also has a Wassail candle designed off the traditional Christmas cocktail served while caroling. It is a delicious spiced cider, orange, cranberry, and currant. Her candle scents are unique and the artwork featured on the label makes them incredibly intentional gifts. Her most popular candle in November is the Cranberry Orange Spice with a Holy Family label. You'll want one in every room. Her most popular candle is a Chrism Sacred Heart candle, and smells JUST like Chrism! She is offering 15% off to all our listeners with the code ABIDE15 at www.LeanneBowen.com.

In this episode, we discuss the importance of cultivating silence and solitude in a world full of distractions. Our Lord speaks to us in the still small voice of our hearts and we talk about how the goal of silence is ultimately communion with God. We also chat about the difference between solitude versus isolation, reasons why we may be afraid of silence, and provide practical ways to cultivate silence in our daily lives. Jesus is the rest our souls yearn for and it is in the quiet where we meet Him most deeply.

 

Heather?s One Thing - International Justice Mission -  IJM?s mission is to protect people in poverty from violence by rescuing victims, bringing criminals to justice, restoring survivors to safety and strength, and helping local law enforcement build a safe future that lasts.

Sister Miriam?s One Thing -  The Greatest Philosopher Who Ever Lived by Dr. Peter Kreeft

Michelle?s One Thing - Poco a Poco Podcast

 

Announcement:

We are so excited to announce our Advent book study will be:

 The Reed of God by Caryll Houselander

You can find it on Amazon, Ave Maria Press, and Kindle (for just $1.99!). Your local Catholic bookstore may also carry the book!

Click here to subscribe to the study on our website and be the first to receive updates!

 

Journal Questions:

What are the sources of interior and exterior noise in my life? What forms of silence is God inviting me to? Have I ever been wounded by silence? Have I ever been healed by silence? Do I approach silence with fear or trust?

 

Discussion Questions:

What is real solitude? What scares you most about silence? Who in your life practices silence excellently? What can you learn from her/him? What needs do you need to meet before you can enter into silence (childcare, rest, food, movement)?

 

Quote to Ponder:

?Without solitude, it is virtually impossible to live a spiritual life.... We do not take the spiritual life seriously if we do not set aside some time to be with God and listen to him.? (Henri Nouwen) 

 

Scripture for Lectio: 

He said, ?Go out and stand on the mountain before the Lord, for the Lord is about to pass by.? Now there was a great wind, so strong that it was splitting mountains and breaking rocks in pieces before the Lord, but the Lord was not in the wind; and after the wind an earthquake, but the Lord was not in the earthquake; and after the earthquake a fire, but the Lord was not in the fire; and after the fire a sound of sheer silence. When Elijah heard it, he wrapped his face in his mantle and went out and stood at the entrance of the cave. (1 KIings 19:11-13)

 

Sponsor - Saintly Heart and Brother Francis

Saintly Heart is a family-owned Catholic Toy company in Phoenix, Arizona creating faith-based, educational toys carefully designed by Speech Pathologist Maggie Jetty. 

Brother Francis is an animated program created to teach kids the basic principles of the Catholic faith. Along with 22 episodes, there are also books, games, prayer cards and more available to teach kids about their faith. 

Saintly Heart and Brother Francis teamed up to offer parents an exceptional line of toys that encourage children to learn about their faith through hands-on exploration. 

Best-selling educational and faith-based toys include: A Church Playset, Stations of the Cross Pray and Play set, a Sacraments Puzzle, a Pray and Play ABC Puzzle, and a Fatima Lacing Set. 

Introduce children to the beauty of our faith while they are developing key cognitive, physical, and language skills with prayerfully and intentionally designed toys at www.saintlyheart.com and www.BrotherFrancis.com and use code TOGETHER  for 15% off

In this episode, we conclude our two part series on Pope Francis? recent Apostolic Exhortation about St. Thérèse of Lisieux entitled ?C?est la Confiance: On Confidence in the Merciful Love of God?. We discuss how we are all called to a bridal relationship with Jesus and how our desire to love and be loved is a call to Heaven. We also chat about our vocation to love and the importance of growing in this discipline of love even when it is not reciprocated. 

 

Heather?s One Thing - The song Hell or High Water by Amanda Cook 

Sister Miriam?s One Thing -  The Way of Trust and Love by Fr. Jacques Philippe

Michelle?s One Thing - Story of a Soul - study edition 

Michelle?s Other One Thing - The song Thank God I Do by Lauren Daigle

Other Resources Mentioned: 

Reading Recommendations about St. Therese:

The Way of Trust and Love - by Fr. Jacques Philippe The Story of a Soul - by St. Therese I Believe in Love: A Personal Retreat Based on the Teaching of St. Therese of Lisieux - by Jean D'Elbee 33 days to Merciful Love - Fr. Micheal Gaitley Shirts of Flame - A year with St. Therese of Lisieux - by Heather King

 

Announcement:

We are so excited to announce our Advent book study will be:

 The Reed of God by Caryll Houselander

You can find it on Amazon, Ave Maria Press, and Kindle (for just $1.99!). Your local Catholic bookstore may also carry the book!

Click here to subscribe to the study on our website and be the first to receive updates!

 

Journal Questions:

What parts in me long to be right rather than loving? What hinders me from loving? What grudges and resentments am I holding today? How am I tempted to criticize instead of taking action in love and kindness?

 

Discussion Questions:

In what ways do you notice a desire for romance and pursuit in your life? How does this speak to how God reveals Himself to us? How are you called to choose love in your daily life? How are you bringing love and light into the church? Where do I notice division in my heart? How can I invite God in for unity and healing?

 

Quote to Ponder:

?I think that the Heart of my Spouse is mine alone, just as mine is his alone, and I speak to him then in the solitude of this delightful heart to heart, while waiting to contemplate him one day face to face.? (St. Therese)

 

Scripture for Lectio: 

?My beloved is mine, and I am his; he browses among the lilies.? (Song of Songs 2:16)

 

Sponsor - The GIVEN Institute

Apply NOW for the 2024 GIVEN cohort!

GIVEN's year-long program of faith formation, leadership development and dedicated mentoring includes attendance at the Catholic Young Women's Leadership Forum June 8-12, 2024 at the Catholic University of America in Washington, DC and 1-on-1 mentorship with an established Catholic female leader in the Art of Accompaniment Mentoring Program until May 2025.

If you are a woman between the ages 21-35 and are seeking leadership training, faith formation, community and support to better understand and pursue your particular mission and vocation, the program is designed just for you!  You?ll grow in relationship with Christ and understanding of your gifts as you implement a unique Action Plan that helps you follow God?s call.

GIVEN is also accepting applications for lay and consecrated mentors and event volunteers.

For more info, visit www.giveninstitute.com/forum

In this episode, we begin a two part series on Pope Francis? recent Apostolic Exhortation about St. Therese of Lisieux entitled ?C?est la Confiance: On Confidence in the Merciful Love of God?. We reflect on what it looks like to abandon ourselves with total confidence in God's love and how to overcome places in our lives where we feel orphaned or forgotten by God. We also chat about how a praying church is a powerful church and what it means to be childlike instead of childish. St. Therese?s ?little way? can guide us in learning to pray, trust, and love. 

 

Heather?s One Thing - Renewal Ministries (Check out this video as well)

Heather?s Other One Thing - St Therese?s poem ?My Wishes Before the Tabernacle? 

Sister Miriam?s One Thing -  Sarah Kroger?s cover of the song What a Wonderful World 

Michelle?s One Thing - One of our future sponsors: Bell Road Beef

Other Resources Mentioned: 

S1 E11: Striving vs Abiding

Our Searching for and Maintaining Peace Book Study

 

Journal Questions:

Where have I distorted the goodness of the Lord? How do I treat God like my personal assistant? When have I felt that God was unsafe for me to trust? In what ways do I live out of self-reliance?

 

Discussion Questions

How often do you receive the gaze of Jesus in your life? Does childlikeness come naturally to you? When have you relied on and trusted in God in your life? What parts of your daily life can you surrender to God?

 

Quotes to Ponder:

?It is confidence and nothing but confidence that must lead us to Love.? (St. Therese)

 

Scripture for Lectio: 

?God is love? (1 Jn 4:8-16)

Sponsor - The National Eucharistic Congress:

LEARN MORE ABOUT THE NATIONAL EUCHARISTIC CONGRESS

The 10th National Eucharistic Congress will be a pivotal moment in both American history and the legacy of the Catholic Church. The bishops of the United States are calling on each community?from rural Alaska to urban New York?to come be set ablaze, bringing the holy fire back to their home parishes and neighborhoods. Jesus Christ will be there. Sr. Miriam will be there. Will you? 

When: July 17-21, 2024

Where: Lucas Oil Stadium, Indianapolis, Indiana

Learn more: https://www.eucharisticcongress.org/

Speakers: https://www.eucharisticcongress.org/speakers

Schedule: https://www.eucharisticcongress.org/schedule

Come as an individual/family: https://www.eucharisticcongress.org/register-standard

Bring a group: https://www.eucharisticcongress.org/groups/group-leaders

In this episode, we chat about the importance of living in the present moment and recognizing the beauty of ordinary life. In today?s modern world, we are constantly surrounded by distractions and can be tempted to focus on the past or the future and can lose sight of the gifts and graces right in this present moment. We share practical ways we live in the moment, we discuss the struggle of being in the culture, yet living differently from it, and ponder the power of prioritizing people over productivity. We invite you to take the present moment and see how the Lord is working in your life through the people and world around you.

 

Heather?s One Thing - Healing pilgrimage to France with Jake and Heather and Fr. Nathan Malavolti, TOR 

Sister Miriam?s One Thing - The Twitter Feed of @DanWuori

Michelle?s One Thing - The book: The Ruthless Elimination of Hurry by John Mark Comer 

Michelle?s Other One Thing - Two recipes: Chili Lime Roasted Cauliflower and Apple Crumble Cheesecake 

 

Announcement:

Happy birthday to our dearest Sr. Miriam! We love you!

 

Journal Questions:

Do I live like a tourist or a pilgrim? Do I live like a consumer or a cultivator? How does the Lord want to reorder my loves? Where in my life do I feel hurried? Am I the source of hurry or is the source external? What specific duties of my vocation am I avoiding or too distracted to fulfill?

 

Discussion Questions:

What is distracting you from the present moment in your daily life? Do you have a favorite way to bring yourself back to the present moment? What battles are you fighting that God isn?t asking you to fight that are costing your attention? How is my current relationship with my content and media consumption?

Quote to Ponder:

?If we have abandoned ourselves to God, there is only one rule for us: the duty of the present moment.? (Jean-Pierre de Caussade, Abandonment to Divine Providence)

 

Scripture for Lectio: 

 But strive first for the kingdom of God and his ]righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well.?So do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will bring worries of its own. Today?s trouble is enough for today.   (Matthew 6: 33- 34)

 

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 Liturgical Lingo bundles of standing wooden letters that spell out Catholic phrases 

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 Laser-etched Saint Portraits based on photographs of modern saints 

Bar Signs that distill practical wisdom for daily inspiration. Discover beautiful décor to nourish Catholic families and traditions at sacredwoodworks.co today.

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

 

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

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

Michelle?s One Thing - Pumpkin Olive Oil Cake 

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

 

Other Resources Mentioned:

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

 

Journal Questions:

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

 

Discussion Questions:

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

Quotes to Ponder:

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

 

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

 

Scripture for Lectio: 

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

 

Sponsor - The Ember Collective

?Holistic wellness in light of eternity.?

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. Beyond the Journal, Ember offers an in-depth home wellness guide, Viriditas, for you and your families. This takes the reader deeper into holistic nutrition and related topics. 

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In this episode we welcome Fr Boniface Hicks, OSB, a Benedictine monk and spiritual director at Saint Vincent Archabbey, to talk about prayer and hearing the voice of God. We discuss the beauty of learning to recognize God?s voice and various practical steps we can take to listen to and understand what God is saying in our lives. Fr. Boniface also shares examples of common stumbling blocks and how our woundedness can affect how we pray. 

 

Heather?s One Thing - The song Heart of God by Hillsong 

Sister Miriam?s One Thing - The travel aeropress and travel hot water kettle from Fr. Boniface

Michelle?s One Thing - Fr. Boniface?s books on Personal Prayer and St. Joseph

Michelle?s Other One Thing - College Football

Fr. Boniface?s One Thing - Being a part of the Abiding Together Podcast

 

Other Resources Mentioned: 

The Fruit of Her Womb: 33-Day Preparation for Total Consecration to Jesus Through Mary by Fr. Boniface Hicks

 

Discussion Questions:

What did you learn about prayer in this episode? How do you see God?s love for you as you reflect on the Gospels? What is your current prayer routine? What pressures and insecurities do you experience when approaching God in prayer?

 

Journal Questions:

What obstacles and distractions in my life prevent me from making space for silence? What parts of myself do I struggle to bring into my relationship with God? After listening to this episode, what do I want to incorporate into my prayer life? Where in my heart and my life do I feel the most poor?

 

Quotes to Ponder:

?For by doing what God demands of us with total surrender of our innermost being, we cause the divine life to become our own inner life. Entering into ourselves, we find God in our own selves.?  (St Teresa Benedicta of the Cross/ Edith Stein) 

 

?May my life be a continual prayer, a long act of love.? (St. Elizabeth of the Trinity)

 

Scripture for Lectio: 

 ? Lord, teach us to pray.? (Luke 11:1)

 

Sponsor - CORDA

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Each candle comes beautifully packaged and ready for gifting, with the story behind the scent inspiration on the box. And the simple 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 October 31, 2023, save 10% with code ABIDE at cordacandles.com

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

 

Heather?s One Thing - My revised prayer space

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

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

 

Discussion Questions:

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

 

Journal Questions:

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

 

Quotes to Ponder:

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

 

Scripture for Lectio: 

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

 

Sponsor - Ave Maria Press

Erica Tighe Campbell, owner and designer of Be A Heart, has created a stunning, full-color, hardcover guide to help you celebrate the faith throughout the year. Living the Seasons is brimming with clever, doable, and beautiful crafts and activities; vivid photographs; brief introductions to the seasons and the lives of the saints; heartfelt notes of encouragement; and original Be A Heart illustrations. This gorgeous companion will become your favorite resource for living your faith at home for years to come. 

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

It would make the perfect wedding, baby shower, housewarming, or Christmas gift this season! 

Use code ABIDE23 at avemariapress.com to get 15% OFF your order. 

Order now: https://www.avemariapress.com/products/living-the-seasons

In this episode, we conclude our five part study of Christifideles Laici. We discuss how life is a continual maturation process and in order to bear new fruit, we need to put in the effort to grow. Community is an integral part of this formation and we chat about how allowing others into our lives is necessary for this maturation and healing. We have deeply enjoyed journeying with you this summer and are excited to announce that Season 13 will begin on September 25th! God bless you friends and thank you for being a part of our community!

 

Heather?s One Thing - The song I Just Love You by UPPERROOM and Abbie Gamboa

Heather?s Other One Thing - Jake Khym?s new course on Identity. Visit Life Restoration Ministries to find out more information and sign up for the course this fall

Sister Miriam?s One Thing - Healing the Whole Person Weeklong Virtual Retreat

Michelle?s One Thing - Her friends the O?Grady?s and for their generosity in letting her use their beachhouse to record this summer series.  

 

Discussion Questions:

How are you being called to grow and mature? Do you believe that Jesus desires to heal you? How can you open your life to healing? How are you letting yourself be formed?

 

Journal Questions:

Where does the Holy Spirit long to bring fruit in my life? Are the fruits of the Holy Spirit present in my emotions? Are the fruits of the Holy Spirit present in my relationship with my spouse? With my community? With my children? Are the fruits of the Holy Spirit present in my home? At work? Do I have a teachable spirit?

 

Quotes to Ponder:

The gospel image of the vine and the branches reveals to us another fundamental aspect of the lay faithful's life and mission:the call to growth and a continual process of maturation, of always bearing much fruit. (Christifideles Laici Paragraph 57)

To be able to discover the actual will of the Lord in our lives always involves the following: a receptive listening to the Word of God and the Church, fervent and constant prayer, recourse to a wise and loving spiritual guide, and a faithful discernment of the gifts and talents given by God, as well as the diverse social and historic situations in which one lives. (Christifideles Laici Paragraph 58)

  

Scripture for Lectio: 

"He who abides in me and I in him bears much fruit, for apart from me you can do nothing." -John 15:5

 

Sponsor - January Jane Shop:

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Parents, teachers, and students all over the world have purchased their best selling Heirloom Polaroid Saint Prints for their homes, offices, and classroom walls. Other well loved products include their embroidered Holy Family Floral Sweatshirt, their wooden Wildflower Press Kits, and their Fiat Floral Garden Tee. 

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Use code ABIDE15 for 15% OFF your order at January Jane Shop. Please note that inventory is limited, so don?t wait to press purchase if you find something you like! Visit januaryjaneshop.com to start shopping! 

In this week?s episode, we continue with part four of our study on Christifideles Laici. We dive deep into the role of women and discuss how embracing the fullness of our femininity can uniquely help heal the culture. We also reflect on how the Church is like a loving mother and each one of us belongs and is deeply cherished. Whether we are young or old, a man or a woman, healthy or sick, each of us are invited to offer our gifts in God?s vineyard. 

 

Heather?s One Thing - Ascension?s Catechism 

Sister Miriam?s One Thing - The song Peace by Bethel Music

Michelle?s One Thing - Word on Fire Bible Volume III (or on Amazon here)

 

Discussion Questions:

How can women prepare Christ?s Bride, the Church, for Christ? How is God inviting you to see womanhood as a gift? What is God?s mission for your family? How do each of your family members participate in that?

 

Journal Questions:

Do I feel like I belong in the Church? How am I being sanctified by my current season of life? How have I diminished my voice and accepted smallness disguised as littleness? What is God calling my family to?

 

Quote to Ponder:

According to the gospel parable, the "householder" calls the labourers for his vineyard at various times during the day: some at dawn, others about nine in the morning, still others about midday and at three, the last, around five (cf. Mt 20:1 ff.). In commenting on these words of the gospel, Saint Gregory the Great makes a comparison between the various times of the call and the different stages in life: "It is possible to compare the different hours", he writes, "to the various stages in a person's life. According to our analogy the morning can certainly represent childhood. The third hour, then, can refer to adolescence; the sun has now moved to the height of heaven, that is, at this stage a person grows in strength. The sixth hour is adulthood, the sun is in the middle of the sky, indeed at this age the fullness of vitality is obvious. Old age represents the ninth hour, because the sun starts its descent from the height of heaven, thus the youthful vitality begins to decline. The eleventh hour represents those who are most advanced in years... The labourers, then, are called and sent forth into the vineyard at different hours, that is to say, one is led to a holy life during childhood, another in adolescence, another in adulthood and another in old age". (Christifideles Laici Paragraph 45)

 

Scripture for Lectio: 

"Jesus, looking upon him, loved him" (Mk 10:21).

 

Sponsor - MyCatholicDoctor:

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In this episode, we continue with part three of our study on Christifideles Laici. We discuss how we are all called to evangelization, how our unique gifts allow us to bring Christ?s light to the world in different ways, and how our lives can be a living witness of what we believe. We also reflect on why community with family, friends, and our parishes is essential in cultivating mission, and how our mission is reciprocally accomplished within communion. 

 

Heather?s One Thing - The album Live in the Prayer Room by Jeremy Riddle

Heather?s Other One Thing - Our staff behind the scenes: Camille, Kate, and Kristina

Michelle?s One Thing - The Book Living the Seasons: Simple Ways to Celebrate the Beauty of Your faith Throughout the Year by Erica Tighe Campbell 

Sister Miriam?s One Thing - Overnight chia protein pudding

 

Discussion Questions:

How is your life and mission bearing the fruit of communion? How are you being called to participate in the time of re-evangelization? How are you experiencing a paralytic spirit of fear? Where in your life do you want to invite the Holy Spirit into?

 

Journal Questions:

Who am I? Where do I belong? How is God inviting me to make a gift of my life? How can I be salt and light to the world? Is my life bearing the fruit of communion?

 

Quotes to Ponder:

Communion and mission are profoundly connected with each other, they interpenetrate and mutually imply each other, to the point that communion represents both the source and the fruit of mission: communion gives rise to mission and mission is accomplished in communion (Christifideles Laici Paragraph 32)

 

The family is the basic cell of society. It is the cradle of life and love, the place in which the individual "is born" and "grows". (Christifideles Laici Paragraph 40)

 

Scripture for Lectio: 

 

"Each branch of mine that bears no fruit, he (my Father) takes away." John 15:2

 

Sponsor - SOLT Motherhouse Campaign

Instead of a sponsor today, we wanted to highlight a fundraising campaign that is very near and dear to our hearts. The SOLT Sisters (Sister Miriam's order!) are building a Motherhouse in Corpus Christi, TX so that they can not only provide housing and medical care for their aging sisters, but also so they can better serve their community locally and abroad. The mission of the SOLT sisters is to be the light of Christ in areas of deepest apostolic need. They serve in many capacities including education, evangelization, pastoral care, retreats, health care, and drug rehabilitation. The sisters have already raised over $5.5M and are 73% of the way to their $7.5M goal.

 If you feel the call to donate to the Motherhouse Campaign, you can visit SOLT.net/motherhouse. There you can learn more about the campaign, donate, make a pledge, or share the word about the mission of the beautiful SOLT sisters. If you want to help the SOLT sisters but feel like you are unable to do so financially, join us in saying a prayer for their campaign.

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

 

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

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

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

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

 

Discussion Questions:

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

 

Journal Questions:

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

 

Quotes to Ponder:

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

 

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

 

Scripture for Lectio: 

?Abide in me and I in you? John 15:4

 

Sponsor - Endow

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

In this episode, we begin our five part summer study of St. Pope John Paul II?s Apostolic Exhortation, Christifideles Laici: on the vocation and the mission of the lay faithful in the Church and in the world. We share why we are excited for the study, ways we have been personally convicted to grow in faith, and what the universal call to holiness looks like in our everyday lives. In a time when darkness seems to be growing, we ponder how Jesus is the hope for humanity and the sense of urgency we should feel in being His light bearers to the world. The Lord has called you to holiness and to bear fruit in this world, wherever you may find yourself. 

 

Friends, in our study of Christifideles Laici, you will hear us talk about the recurring theme of community. While reading this apostolic exhortation and listening to each episode by yourself will certainly bear fruit in your life, we want to take a moment to encourage you to reach out to your friends and start a small group to discuss each chapter. We provide on our website journaling and discussion questions you can use, download, and print to begin the conversations. Our hope is that wherever you are, you can build authentic friendships, rooted in Christ, with those around you.

 

Heather?s One Thing - The Ember Mug 

Heather?s Other One Thing - Clothed with Power from on High: A Short Catechesis on Charisms in the Life and Mission of the Church by Bishop Scott McCaig, CC. 

Sister Miriam?s One Thing - Just a Guy in the Pew Ministry

Michelle?s One Thing -  The Rule: St. John Paul II's Rule for a Joy-filled Marriage of Divine Love by Theresa Martin and the Word on Fire article about the book

Michelle?s Other One Thing - The song Fear is Not My Future by Todd Galberth and Tasha Cobbs

 

Discussion Questions:

What has been your experience with papal encyclicals? What questions do you have before we dive in? How is God calling you to recognize the sacredness of the human person in your daily life? As we discussed in the Lenten study, how have you seen God invite you on mission in this season? Where is your place in the vineyard and what does it look like?

 

Journal Questions:

What words am I speaking into my family, my community, and my culture? What sensitivities am I noticing in my heart to the challenges and limitations in the world around me? How can I help? How is God inviting me into deeper prayer and surrender in my daily life?

 

Quote to Ponder:

The gospel records that the weeds and the good grain grew together in the farmer's field. The same is true in history, where in everyday life, there often exist contradictions in the exercise of human freedom, where there is found, side by side and at times closely intertwined, evil and good, injustice and justice, anguish and hope. (Christifideles Laici Paragraph 3)

 

Scripture for Lectio: 

"I am the vine and you are the branches." - John 15:5

 

Sponsor Information:

Did you know we have a website? We post the episodes, beautiful PDFs of the discussion and journal questions, links to our One Things, and more. We have a calendar of all our upcoming events ? check it out! 

 

We also post regularly on Instagram, Facebook, and Twitter, and we also have a private facebook group where listeners can chat about the episodes, share prayer intentions, and ask questions. 

 

For those who prefer YouTube, on our YouTube channel we post the audio from the podcast. 

 

Have you prayed about supporting the podcast but don?t know how? First, your prayers mean so much to us. We continue to pray for you as well. Second, consider subscribing to our channel on YouTube, Apple Podcast, Spotify, and/or leaving a review. The more people who subscribe helps our ranking with the algorithms which makes it easier for others to discover Abiding Together. 

 

Lastly, on our Patreon, you can support us financially. It takes a team effort to run this podcast, and your contributions make it possible for us to hire staff who manage the marketing and operations. Even $15 makes a difference. Go to Patreon.com/abidingtogetherpodcast. We are so grateful for each of you.

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

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

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

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

 

Discussion Questions:

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

 

Journal Questions:

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

 

Quote to Ponder:

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

 

Scripture for Lectio: 

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

 

Sponsor - Chews Life:

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Chews Life also makes Rosaries for adults! Chews Life?s Rosaries are actually rosary bracelets, tha are designed to be with you all day and easily accessible. Each Rosary bracelets also feature a ?bookmark? crucifix charm so that if you don?t have time to get through a whole Rosary at once, you can use this charm to hold your place until you can continue your prayer. These and so much more are available at www.chewslife.com!

In this episode we welcome Sr. Josephine Garrett, a Sister of the Holy Family of Nazareth, to talk about family systems. As a licensed counselor both in private practice and schools, Sr. Josephine shares the insights she has learned from working with children and parents to heal their relationships with each other and with themselves. We chat about the pain parents feel when their own wounds impact their kids, practical ways we can find hope and restoration, and how the sanctification within families contributes to the sanctification of the Church. 

 

Heather?s One Thing - The short film: The Boy, the Mole, the Fox, and the Horse 

Sister Miriam?s One Thing - Our listeners and college softball 

Michelle?s One Thing - The NBA playoffs

Sister Josephine?s One Thing - The women?s Bible study at her parish

Resources Mentioned in this Episode:

Wired to Connect: The Surprising Link Between Brain Science and Strong, Healthy Relationships by Amy Banks  How we Love  How we Love Website Sr. Josephine?s Instagram 

 

Discussion Questions:

How have I experienced wounds in community? How have I experienced healing in community? How is the Lord inviting you and your family to greater healing and holiness? Was there anything from this episode that stuck out to you or surprised you? How do you struggle with setting boundaries with your family?

 

Journal Questions:

What does a healthy relationship look like with myself? With others? With God? How have I experienced healing in my relationships, family, and friendships? Where in my family and family systems do I lack hope? How am I striving for perfection in my family?

 

Quote to Ponder: 

?The first and fundamental structure for ?human ecology? is the family, in which man receives his first formative ideas about truth and goodness, and learns what it means to love and to be loved, and thus what it actually means to be a person.? - Pope John Paul II

 

Scripture for Lectio: 

?Dear friends, let us love one another, for love comes from God. Everyone who loves has been born of God and knows God.? - 1 John 4:7

In this episode, we welcome Jill Simons as our guest to talk about Charisms. A charism is a grace from God we are called to use to build up His Kingdom here on earth. We acknowledge a deep lie that many people believe they don?t have anything special to offer our communities or the Church, but the truth is that charisms are given to every person by God. Jill offers practical tools to help discern your charisms, the theology behind charisms, and how charisms work within our vocations.

 

Heather?s One Thing - The song Most Beautiful by Upperroom and the unity that is increasing among denominations

Sister Miriam?s One Thing - The St. Joseph Consecration on Hallow beginning May 1st (read by Sr. Miriam)

Michelle?s One Thing - A Home in Bloom: Four Enchanted Seasons with Flowers by Christie Purifoy and The Blessed is She Journaling Bible

Jill?s One Thing - Encounter School of Ministry

 

Resources Mentioned in this Episode:

Many Parts Ministries

Pink Salt Riot

Many Parts on Instagram

Pink Salt Riot on Instagram

Jill Simon?s Instagram

 

Discussion Questions:

What gifts and charisms has God entrusted to you? Who in your life lives out their charisms in freedom, boldness and generosity? What have you learned from them? How do you experience Christ?s love and intimacy through your charisms and prayer? How have you silenced or hidden the gifts you?ve been given or the call on your heart?

 

Journal Questions:

How do I relate to my own gifts and charisms? Do I operate out of a performance mindset? How do my charisms play a role with my vocation and the people around me? What is the story of the Kingdom of God that the Lord is telling through my life and my charisms? How is Jesus encountering me through my charisms and gifts? What have I learned about my identity as the beloved through my charisms?

 

Quote to Ponder:

Christ has no body but yours,

No hands, no feet on earth but yours,
Yours are the eyes with which He looks
Compassion on this world,
Yours are the feet with which He walks to do good,
Yours are the hands, with which He blesses all the world.
Yours are the hands, yours are the feet,
Yours are the eyes, you are His body.
Christ has no body now but yours,
No hands, no feet on earth but yours,
Yours are the eyes with which he looks
compassion on this world.
Christ has no body now on earth but yours.

? St. Teresa of Ávila (attributed)

 

Scripture for Lectio: 

For God?s gifts and His call are irrevocable. - Romans 11:29 

 

Sponsor - Mary?s Meals:

Mary?s Meals sets up community-run school feeding projects in some of the world?s poorest communities, where poverty and hunger prevent children from gaining an education. The idea is a simple one that works. Mary?s Meals provides one daily meal in a place of learning to attract chronically poor children into the classroom, where they receive an education that can, in the future, be their ladder out of poverty.

Today, Mary?s Meals is providing more than 2.4 million children with a daily school meal across five continents. But the need is great! The appalling reality is that there are still 73 million children living in extreme poverty in need of school feeding. Please help to reach the next hungry child waiting for Mary?s Meals.

To get involved or learn more visit marysmeals.ca in Canada or marysmealsusa.org in the USA.

In this episode, we discuss Pope Francis? Easter Vigil homily about the hope that comes from remembering Jesus, our first love. We reflect on his meditations about how the women in scripture are grieved to find Jesus? empty tomb, and like these women, we all too often become hopeless and see joy as belonging to the past. We discuss moments of personal encounter with the love of Jesus that has healed us and offer an invitation to a renewed hope in Jesus by remembering the great joy and power that comes through relationship with Him. Let us allow our ?sealed tombs? to be opened and restored by hope this Easter season. 

 

Heather?s One Thing - The young leaders at Franciscan University

Sister Miriam?s One Thing - Savory ham and cheese scones 

Michelle?s One Thing - Let Beauty Speak: The Art of Being Human in a Culture of Noise by Jimmy Mitchell (or on Amazon here)

Michelle?s Other One Thing - The TOR Sisters - Sr. Rita Claire and Sr. Brigid as well as the CSU at Florida State University 

 

Resources Mentioned in this Episode: 

Adam Young Podcast  - What to do with Your Sorrow and Grief p.1  The Magician?s Nephew by C.S. Lewis 

 

Discussion Questions:

What does it mean to live in Resurrection power? How is God encountering you in your life today? In your life today and in the past, how have you experienced disappointment and grief? Where in your life do you long for deeper freedom and joy? When have you experienced the faithfulness and kingship of God?

 

Journal Questions:

Where have I come into agreement with despair? What ?tombs? in my life do I run to in the hopes of encountering Christ? In what ways do I ask God why I experience suffering instead of how He will bring about His Glory through it? Where am I still hiding from the Lord? What lies do I believe when I am hiding?

 

Quote to Ponder:

Yet today, brothers and sisters, the power of Easter summons you to roll away every stone of disappointment and mistrust. The Lord is an expert in rolling back the stones of sin and fear. He wants to illuminate your sacred memory, your most beautiful memory, and to make you relive your first encounter with him.  - Pope Francis, Easter Vigil Homily 

 

Scripture for Lectio: 

?I have found the one my soul loves.? (Song of Songs, 3:4)

 

Sponsor - Into the Deep:

Want your kids to know about Jesus, and also to know Him?

Into the Deep creates catechetical resources that help Catholic parents build a legacy of faith in their homes. Their resources hand on the fullness of the Faith through beauty, catechizing from classic art, music, poetry, nature study, and story. Their goal is to support parents as primary catechists as they make disciples in their home. These resources are perfect for homeschooling families but are also used widely by traditional schooling families as their touch-point for faith formation at home.

Find full-year curricula, unit studies, picture studies, story cards, and more at intothedeep.co. Use code ABIDE 10 for 10% off your purchase! 

In this episode, we chat about helping children cultivate a deep relationship with God. In today?s culture, with entertainment and distractions at our fingertips, this can seem like a difficult task. We discuss the importance of being a good witness to our children and living out daily what you want them to learn. We also share examples of what we have done well, what we need to improve upon, and the amazing power of intercessory prayer.

 

Heather?s One Thing - Letter to Families from JPII

Sister Miriam?s One Thing - Jason and Crystalina Evert?s new book Male, Female, Other?

Sister Miriam?s Other One Thing - The Pints with Aquinas episode: Responding to Transgenderism With Truth and Mercy w/ Jason Evert

Michelle?s One Thing - The women?s bracket of March Madness 

 

Discussion Questions:

How is God inviting you to have a deeper role in the formation of children? How can we help our kids grow in their relationship with God in the culture? Do you have a rule of life? If not, what would you like to include in your rule of life? What is the current culture of your family or household? How would you like it to grow?

 

Journal Questions:

How was I formed in the Faith as a child? Who are my spiritual children? What does the Lord want for my family?s rule of life? How is God inviting me to change the culture of my home?

 

Quotes to Ponder:

?As the family goes, so goes the nation, and so goes the whole world in which we live.? - St. Pope John Paul II, November 30, 1986 Homily in Perth

 

??the family is the centre and the heart of the civilization of love.? - St. Pope John Paul II, Letter to Families

 

Scripture for Lectio: 

"As for me and my household, we will serve the Lord.? -Joshua. 24:15

Sponsor - The Augustine Institute:

The Augustine Institute exists to help Catholics understand, live, and share their faith. Through initiatives like Amen, FORMED, the Graduate School of Theology, Word of Life, and others, the Augustine Institute forms Catholics for the New Evangelization to renew the Church and transform the world for Christ.

The always-free prayer app, Amen, leads Catholics to deeper prayer with guided meditations, sleep stories, and more. The Graduate School of Theology equips thousands of students?including Sr. Miriam James Heidland, Leah Darrow, and other alumni?to know and live their faith. Millions of Catholics worldwide benefit from FORMED, the premier streaming service for Catholic movies, children?s programming, audio dramas, and books. Word of Life makes catechesis fresh and exciting, so kids can grow up with a faith they?ll keep for life.

God calls you to understand, live, and share your faith. See how the Augustine Institute can support you in the New Evangelization

In this episode, we conclude our Lenten book study Be Transformed by Dr. Bob Schuchts. We share what stood out to us most from the book study, how the Holy Spirit has been moving in our lives this Lent, and practical tips to continue your healing transformation this Easter season. Friends, God?s presence is always there, He does not leave us to fend for ourselves. As we journey through Holy Week and into Easter, we have the perfect opportunity to receive the Sacraments with a renewed and transformed heart. We are praying for you!

 

Heather?s One Thing - Easter: Hallelujah is Our Song - Spotify Playlist

Heather?s Other One Thing - Dr. Bob Schuchts

Sister Miriam?s One Thing - Prayer from Healing the Whole Person Retreat Workbook 

?I will let God love me in the places where I feel most vulnerable and most dependent.? 

Michelle?s One Thing - All My Knotted-Up Life: A Memoir by Beth Moore

 

Other resources mentioned in this episode:

The Fear of God - talk by Francis Chan (begins at 1:31:40)

 

Discussion Questions:

What have you learned this Lent? What gifts has God given you this Lent? Which Sacraments did you encounter deeply this Lent? Where in your life are you struggling to experience joy and freedom?

 

Journal Questions:

When I judge others, where am I trying to protect my heart? Where am I afraid of my own needs and wounds? Where do I need the Lord to love me? How is the Lord inviting me to bring the healing I have experienced through this book study into Easter?

 

Quotes to Ponder:

To be sure, it was not Easter Sunday but Holy Saturday, but, the more I reflect on it, the more this seems to be fitting for the nature of our human life: we are still awaiting Easter; we are not yet standing in the full light but walking toward it full of trust. - Pope Benedict XVI

 

Faith in the resurrection of Jesus says that there is a future for every human being;  the cry for unending life which is a part of the person is indeed answered? God exists: that is the real message of Easter. Anyone who even begins to grasp what this means also knows what it means to be redeemed. ? Pope Benedict XVI

 

Scripture for Lectio: 

?His divine power has bestowed on us everything that makes for life and devotion? - 2 Peter 1:3

 

Sponsor - The Little Catholic:

Today's sponsor is The Little Catholic. Beauty has a powerful ability to draw people to the Church, whether it be the sound of prayers, the beautiful stained glass windows of a church, or the kindness of another person. With each hand-crafted item, the Little Catholic Shop seeks to empower women to cultivate a deeper faith and inspire a beauty that heals each person who sees or wears their pieces. Their impact extends beyond jewelry and empowering women. They also empower and partner with nonprofits around the globe, designing beautiful pieces unique to their cause and donating a portion of all proceeds back to their mission. Giving back is one of their fundamental values.

The Little Catholic has jewelry for everyone. One of their most popular collections is the Holy Family Hearts Jewelry Collection. This Jewelry collection shows all three Sacred Hearts of the Holy Family: Jesus' Sacred Heart, The Immaculate Heart of Mary and the most chaste heart of St. Joseph.  The pendant shows Jesus's Sacred Heart nestled between Mary's Immaculate Heart and Joseph's Chaste Heart, just as they were on the day Jesus was born in that simple Stable. Abiding Together listeners can receive 15% their order with the code Abide 15. Head over to their shop at thelittlecatholic.com to find a piece that inspires you.

In this episode, we continue with part six of our Lenten book study Be Transformed by Dr. Bob Schuchts. We discuss how the Sacrament of Anointing of the Sick heals the wound of hopelessness and share the different ways we approach these dark and sometimes scary places in life. While, in the moment, it may appear that we are alone, God never leaves us and wants to restore our hope in Him. Whenever you experience hopelessness, we invite you to surrender your sorrows to Him and courageously place your hope in our faithful God.

Hey friends! We are going to continue this series with one more bonus episode next Monday, April 3rd to share further insights and conclude Be Transformed. 

 

Heather?s One Thing - Matt Maher?s new albums exclusively on Hallow

Sister Miriam?s One Thing - The wonderful people in Grand Rapids, MI from the KEPHA men?s and women?s conferences!

Michelle?s One Thing - Missionaries!

 

Other resources mentioned in this episode:

S6 E13 - The Light Shines in the Darkness with Fr. Justin Brady

Why Your Story Makes It Hard to Hope - Adam Young (The Place We Find Ourselves Podcast)

 

Discussion Questions:

Is Jesus? resurrection real and important in your daily life? What prevents you from believing that Jesus is who He says He is? For which wounds or sorrows have you started to lose hope for healing? What is the truth that God is inviting you to proclaim in response to feelings of hopelessness?

 

Journal Questions:

How have you encountered the sacrament of the Anointing of the Sick? Where in my life do I experience hopelessness? What obstacles in my life and heart make it hard for me to experience hope? What does the Holy Spirit need to remind me of in this season of life?

 

Quotes to Ponder: 

?Every temptation comes down to this one final temptation, it is the temptation to believe that the satisfaction of the deepest desires of our heart is totally up to us.? - Fr. Albacete

 

Healing and miracles often increase our hope, but they are not the basis for our hope. We have another more trustworthy, rock-solid foundation for our hope: the person, Jesus Christ, who describes himself as ?the resurrection and the life.? He told Martha, anyone who believes in him will never die (see Jn11:25-26). Holding firm to this hope, we are promised a share in his life. All of us who believe in the Resurrection are already ?raised to life? This is our hope.   - Be Transformed, pg 150

 

Scripture for Lectio: 

"Cure the sick, raise the dead." - Matthew 10:7?8

 

Sponsor - Leanne Bowen:

Today?s sponsor is Leanne Bowen Fine Art. Leanne is a Catholic Artist and stay at home mom. She just released a beautiful collection of candle tins that are the perfect size for gift giving. She offers bulk rates for Confirmation and Ordination Classes. She also has candles that are Tuscan Lemon, Orange Blossom and Magnolia, Peony, and Rose candle. They have beautiful paintings and quotes on them. Her most popular candle is Chrism scented, and smells exactly like the oil used at Baptism!

Leanne also has incredible prints in her shop. One of her recent prints is of Our Lady of Guadalupe, placing her mantle gently around a priest, as he lifts the Eucharist. Leanne makes beautiful wedding and Sacrament gifts, as well as great gems for Easter. If you are looking for a truly beautiful and unique gift, please visit www.leannebowen.com. She is offering 15% off to all our listeners through May 1st with the code ABIDE15.

In this episode, we continue with part five of our Lenten book study Be Transformed by Dr. Bob Schuchts. We discuss how Reconciliation heals the wound of shame. We chat about how we all have wounds that make us feel unlovable and send us into isolation, which opens the door for the enemy to attack us with doubts and lies about these tender places. When we go to Confession, these places are brought out of shame, into the light, and restored to the truth that we are deeply and tenderly loved by God. This Lent, we encourage you to allow God?s mercy to restore you in the sacrament of confession. 

 

Heather?s One Thing - Jordan Peterson

Heather?s Other One Thing - The song Communion by Maverick City (feat. Steffany Gretzinger & Brandon Lake)

Sister Miriam?s One Thing - Springtime! Yay!

Michelle?s One Thing - Holy Grit - Paul George (you can find on Amazon here)

Discussion Questions:

How have you experienced healing in the Sacrament of Reconciliation? How do you hide in your shame and sinfulness? In what ways do you desire to more deeply experience the power of the sacrament?

 

Journal Questions:

In what ways am I hiding my sinfulness when I confess my sins? Where do I experience shame that the Lord is inviting me to bring to Him for healing? Have I been hurt by the brokenness of priests in the Sacrament of Reconciliation? What does Jesus say to me in that wound? When was the last time I made a good confession?

Quotes to Ponder:

The sacrament of Reconciliation is one of the Church?s primary means of communicating this incredible and completely underserved gift of God?s compassion and forgiveness. Through the sacrament, the Holy Spirit is capable of reaching the deepest areas of our heart that keep us in degradation and separation. - Be Transformed, pg 123

 

?The whole power of the sacrament of Penance [Reconciliation] consists in restoring us to God?s grace and joining us with him in an intimate friendship? (CCC, 1468). As such it heals the wounds of shame (dis-grace) and restores us to our true identity in Christ, as pure and undefiled children of the Father (see 1 Jn 3:1?3). - Be Transformed, pg 123 

 

Scripture for Lectio: 

?Neither do I condemn you. Go, and from now on, do not sin anymore.? John 8:11

 

Sponsor - House of Joppa:

This week?s episode is sponsored by House of Joppa.  If you are looking for beautifully curated Catholic home décor, jewelry, art, rosaries, and other gifts, look no further than House of Joppa.  Each product is designed to draw you deeper into your faith and help you to fall more in love with Christ and His Church. Whether you are looking for something for yourself or a special gift for a friend, you will love House of Joppa.  My favorite products are their Vintage Sacred Heart Medallion which opens to reveal a place for prayer intentions, and their Last Supper print is so unique.

Abiding Together listeners receive 15% off their purchase at checkout with discount code: ABIDE15.  Visit them online at https://www.houseofjoppa.com or on Instagram @houseofjoppa.

 

In this episode, we continue with part four of our Lenten book study Be Transformed by Dr. Bob Schuchts. We begin by discussing how Holy Orders heals the wound of confusion. Through the priesthood, God is giving us His Heart and confirms our identity as His beloved adopted children. We share ways different priests have impacted our lives both positively and negatively and chat about the importance of praying for priests. Next, we discuss how Marriage heals the wound of fear. This Sacrament is a beautiful window into the mystery of Trinitarian love. We touch on how Marriage can heal those in the single state as well as those in a difficult or broken marriage. Remember, God is the only One who can give us the perfect love we crave. We need to draw our strength from Him as we journey towards healing and transformation.

 

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

 

Heather?s One Thing- Daily Mass

Sister Miriam?s One Thing - Gift and Grit: How Heroic Virtue Can Change Your Life and Relationships by Sarah and Andy Swafford

Michelle?s One Thing - Blessed is She Burn Retreat

Michelle?s Other One Thing - College roommates and friends

Michelle?s Other Other One Thing - Dr. Mary Ruth Hackett?s podcast and book Daughter by Design

 

Discussion Questions:

In what ways has God brought restoration in your relationship with Him as Father? How is God inviting you to draw nearer to the fathers in your life? In what ways are you withholding yourself from Christ (and your spouse)? What fears do you bring into your relationships? How can you open yourself to the beauty of the marriages around you?

 

Journal Questions:

What is my story of fatherhood with my biological father? With my spiritual fathers? With our Heavenly Father? How am I presently choosing self-reliance as the result of a father wound? How have I experienced woundedness from my parents? marriage? From my own marriage? How have I experienced healing from my parents' marriage, other marriages, or my own marriage?

 

Quotes to Ponder:

According to St. John Paul II, our rebellion against God?s fatherly authority has permeated all of history since the fall: ?This is truly the key to interpreting reality. . . . Original sin, then, attempts to abolish fatherhood, destroying its rays . . . placing in doubt the truth about God, who is love.? - Be Transformed, pg 88

 

You may ask, as I have, what can heal us collectively and individually from this primordial wound of confusion and disorder? Since the wound is rooted in distorted perceptions of the Father?s authority and our rebellion against his authority, the antidote must be the opposite: restoring our understanding of his authority and humbly submitting to that authority in our lives.  - Be Transformed, pg 88

 

Scripture for Lectio: 

?What God has joined together, no human being must separate.? -  Matthew 19:6

 

Books & Resources Mentioned in this episode: 

Intimate Allies by Dan Allender  Be Devoted by  Dr. Bob Schuchts  Unveiled Couples Retreat 

 

Sponsor - Chews Life:

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

Chews Life also makes Rosaries for adults! Chews Life?s Rosaries are actually rosary bracelets, tha are designed to be with you all day and easily accessible. Each Rosary bracelet also features a ?bookmark? crucifix charm so that if you don?t have time to get through a whole Rosary at once, you can use this charm to hold your place until you can continue your prayer. These and so much more are available at www.chewslife.com!

In this episode, we continue with part three of our Lenten book study Be Transformed by Dr. Bob Schuchts. First, we discuss how Holy Communion heals the wound of abandonment, ponder what it means to allow the fullness of this Sacrament take root in our lives, and reflect on the beauty that Jesus will never leave us. Then, we move into how Confirmation heals the wound of powerlessness and share ways the Holy Spirit has inspired us to do things we never could do on our own. 

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

 

Heather?s One Thing- Restore the Glory Podcast

Sister Miriam?s One Thing - March Madness 

Michelle?s One Thing - Corda Candles especially the St. Francis of Asissi scent (Poverello) 

Michelle?s Other One Thing - Hope?s Garden?s resources on the Song of Songs

Discussion Questions:

What in my life and heart hinders the Sacrament of Holy Communion from fully transforming me? What do you believe was present in the early Church community that is missing today in our communities? When have I experienced the fruits of Confirmation in my life? Where in my life do I need the Holy Spirit to overwhelm my fear?

 

Journal Questions:

When and how have you experienced the pain of abandonment in your life? How has Christian community either reinforced or healed those wounds? What are the obstacles that prevent me from loving Him fully and receiving His Love fully? When do I resist the embrace of the Lord?

 

Quotes to Ponder:

?Whoever eats my flesh and drinks my blood remains in me and I in him? 

- John 6:56

 

?Anointing is not an act, but rather a state or mode of being and behaving and, so to say, a whole style of living.? 

-  Fr. Raniero Cantalamessa (Be Transformed, pg 74)

 

Scripture for Lectio: 

?I have the strength for everything through him who empowers me? (Phil 4:13).

 

Sponsor - Live Liturgically:

Live Liturgically helps Catholic families bring peace into their homes with products that bring order and intention. Their flagship product, the Liturgical Family Wall Planner, is a game-changer for families seeking to live with more purpose.

Many families are using and LOVING the Wall Planner.

Paulette, a planner user said, ?An absolute must for organization in a Catholic way!?

The planner includes:

A memorable quote from Sunday's Gospel across the top as a focal point for the week Space for a Gratitude List, Prayer Intentions, and Meal Planning Reminder of the liturgical week and color of the current Church season Daily list of National Holidays and Catholic Feast Days Colored circle to indicate the liturgical color of the day Grocery List To-Do List Section to plan Sunday Mass time

See what 3 months using this calendar will do for your family! Head over to LiveLiturgically.com and check it out. You can try your first planner for 50% off with the code AbidingTogether50.

In this episode, we continue with part two of our Lenten book study Be Transformed by Dr. Bob Schuchts. We discuss the power of God?s blessings and how curses block our ability to receive His blessings. We dive into the seven types of deadly wounds that distort our identity and how each Sacrament restores a specific wound. In particular, we discuss how Baptism heals the wound of rejection and share how we have allowed God to speak the truth in our own lives that we are His beloved daughters. If you find a tender place in your heart, remember, it isn?t because God wants to hurt you. It is because He wants to set you free.

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

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

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

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

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

Michelle?s One Thing - Young Moms

Discussion Questions:

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

 

Journal Questions:

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

 

Quotes to Ponder:

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

Scripture for Lectio: 

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

Sponsor - Word of Life:

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

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

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

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

 

In this episode, we begin our six-part Lenten series on the book Be Transformed by Dr. Bob Schuchts. We welcome Dr. Bob, as our special guest, to introduce his book and set the stage for what you can expect in the following five weeks. He shares an overview of how the seven Sacraments heal our wounds, he breaks down the three-fold transformation process, and explains why the disposition of our heart is pivotal to being transformed by the Sacraments. Friends, we are excited to continue this journey of being transformed with you next week! See you then!

 

Heather?s One Thing- Lenten Playlist:  Songs in the Desert

Sister Miriam?s One Thing - Virtual Healing of the Whole Person Retreat on March 27-31

Michelle?s One Thing - White Chicken Chili (or try this Seafood Chili  or White Bean and Fish Chili for Fridays in Lent) 

Dr. Bob Schuchts? One Thing - Rediscovering Our Lost Fullness by Andrew Comisky and the exciting news that the JPII Healing Center will have a new publishing house!

 

Click here to check out Dr. Bob?s podcast Restore the Glory!

 

Discussion Questions:

How have you been approaching the Sacraments?

Have you had an experience where Christ encountered you deeply in the Sacraments? Please share.

Where in my life do I observe how each of the Sacraments impact my identity and my relationships?

What fears, concerns, or intrigue do you have about this upcoming season of Lent and diving into the Sacraments?

 

Journal Questions:

What am I seeking from Christ in the Sacraments this Lent?

How do I currently engage in the Sacramental life of the Church?

Where in my life do I need more humility?

How can I create more space for communion with others in my life, my home, my church, and my community?

 

Quotes to Ponder:

Celebrated worthily in faith, the sacraments confer the grace that they signify. They are efficacious because in them Christ himself is at work: it is he who baptizes, he who acts in his sacraments in order to communicate the grace that each sacrament signifies. The Father always hears the prayer of his Son's Church which, in the epiclesis of each sacrament, expresses her faith in the power of the Spirit. As fire transforms into itself everything it touches, so the Holy Spirit transforms into the divine life, whatever is subjected to his power.  - CCC# 1127

?The desire and work of the Spirit in the heart of the Church is that we may live the life of the risen Christ.? - CCC, 1099

The sacraments are God?s chosen remedy for healing our deadly wounds and infusing our souls with Christ?s resurrection life. - Be Transformed, pg xv

In the words of St. John Paul II: ?The Holy Spirit [working through the sacraments] . . . purifies from everything that disfigures man . . . , he heals even the deepest wounds of human existence.? - Be Transformed, pg xv

But when inspired and empowered by the Holy Spirit, our personal mission becomes a dynamic participation in Jesus? work of restoring all things to the Father. - CCC 850

Fr. Jacques Philippe expresses this common human condition of ours with great insight: ?It is worth reflecting on the problem of pride. We are all born with a deep wound, experienced as a lack of being. We seek to compensate by constructing a self, different from our real self. This artificial self requires large amounts of energy to maintain it; being fragile, it needs protecting. Woe to anyone who contradicts it, threatens it, questions it, or inhibits its expansion. When the Gospel says we must ?die to ourselves,? it means this artificial ego, this constructed self, must die, so that the real self, given us by God, can emerge.? - Be Transformed, pg 2

 

Scripture for Lectio: 

?All of us, gazing with unveiled faces on the glory of the Lord, are being transformed into the same image from glory to glory.? - 2 Corinthians 3:18 

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In this episode, we dive into the power of prayer. Prayer is the language we use to talk to God, the Lover of our souls. Many times, it can be easy to approach prayer haphazardly, forgetting that we are meant for intimacy and speaking heart to heart with each Person of the Trinity. When we remember that prayer is really about two hearts connecting, our prayer can be transformed. Join us as we share about our prayer lives and how the different seasons of our lives have changed how we pray. 

 

Heather?s One Thing - Picture Bible 

Heather?s Other One Thing - Soaking Worship Instrumental Spotify Playlist

Sister Miriam?s One Thing - Magnificat Magazine 

Michelle?s One Thing - Jesus and You, Women: Ignatian Retreat for Women under the guidance of Edith Stein  By Fr. Sergio M Fita

 

Discussion Questions:

What holds you back from approaching the Lord in prayer from the heart? What is your quickest avenue to get to the heart of God? What obstacles are you experiencing in your prayer life? How can you embrace your current season in life and its impact on your prayer life with greater freedom?

 

Journal Questions:

How does the Lord call me to prayer uniquely? Have I been approaching prayer as something on my to-do list? What changes could I make to approach God with a more open heart? How has my prayer life changed over the years? What does intimacy with God look like today?  

Quotes to Ponder:

Prayer is the life of the new heart. It ought to animate us at every moment. But we tend to forget Him who is our life and our all. This is why the Fathers of the spiritual life in the Deuteronomic and prophetic traditions insist that prayer is a remembrance of God often awakened by the memory of the heart "We must remember God more often than we draw breath." But we cannot pray "at all times" if we do not pray at specific times, consciously willing it. These are the special times of Christian prayer, both in intensity and duration. (CCC, 2697)

 

Through his Word, God speaks to man. By words, mental or vocal, our prayer takes flesh. Yet it is most important that the heart should be present to him to whom we are speaking in prayer: "Whether or not our prayer is heard depends not on the number of words, but on the fervor of our souls.? (CCC, 2700)

 

"Prayer is a surge of the heart, it is a simple look turned toward heaven, it is a cry of recognition and of love, embracing both trial and joy." - St. Therese of Lisieux

 

Scripture for Lectio: 

?Jesus was praying in a certain place and after He had finished, one of His disciples said to Him, Lord, teach us how to pray as John taught his disciples.? - Luke 11:1

 

Sponsor - House of Joppa:

This week?s episode is sponsored by House of Joppa.  If you are looking for beautifully curated Catholic home décor, jewelry, art, rosaries, and other gifts, look no further than House of Joppa.  Each product is designed to draw you deeper into your faith and help you to fall more in love with Christ and His Church. Whether you are looking for something for yourself or a special gift for a friend, you will love House of Joppa.  Abiding Together listeners receive 15% off their purchase at checkout with discount code: ABIDE15.  Visit them online at https://www.houseofjoppa.com or on Instagram @houseofjoppa.

In this episode, we discuss how easy it is to settle for less than what God offers by clinging to earthly idols and loving other things more than Him. We share about some of our own idols and how turning to God instead has transformed our hearts. We admit how easy it is to accept less than the fullness of life in Jesus and turn to something or someone else in our sorrows. The truth is that Jesus is the only One who can truly satisfy us and bring real comfort in the broken places.  

 

Heather?s One Thing - As the Deer

Heather?s Other One Thing -  ?Return?  by Fr. John Burns 

Sister Miriam?s One Thing - Surrender Novena (can also be found on the Hallow app)

Michelle?s One Thing - Amy Heyes Art 

Michelle?s Other One Thing - Comforter, Amanda Cook 

Michelle?s Other Other One Thing - Revival, Judah and the Lion 

Michelle?s Other Other Other One Thing - Blessed is She "Burn? Virtual Retreat 

Discussion Questions:

When you are in pain, who or what do you reach for first? What good things in your life is the Lord calling you to reorder? How might the Lord be inviting you to give up your idols in Lent? What healing have I experienced in the past from loving Christ the most?

 

Journal Questions:

Who/what do I love the most? What am I placing my salvation in rather than God? What idols is the Lord inviting me to give up? What fears do I have about intimacy with the Lord?

 

Quotes to Ponder:

?It would seem that Our Lord finds our desires not too strong, but too weak. We are half-hearted creatures, fooling about with drink and sex and ambition when infinite joy is offered us, like an ignorant child who wants to go on making mud pies in a slum because he cannot imagine what is meant by the offer of a holiday at the sea. We are far too easily pleased.? 

? C.S. Lewis, The Weight of Glory

 

?Let yourself be vulnerable. Let your walls down, your carefully constructed fortresses breached, your fiercely guarded heart laid bare. Let your wounds be touched, your fears revealed, your deepest desires, damaged dreams, and most daring hopes unveiled before the Bridegroom, who has the power to redeem, restore, and resurrect them. Drop your independence and the idea?which you clutch so tightly?that you can do anything to protect and save yourself. And LET HIM LOVE YOU.?  

? St Elizabeth

 

Scripture for Lectio: 

 ??For I will take you out of the nations; I will gather you from all the countries and bring you back into your own land. I will sprinkle clean water on you, and you will be clean; I will cleanse you from all your impurities and from all your idols. I will give you a new heart and put a new spirit in you; I will remove from you your heart of stone and give you a heart of flesh.  And I will put my Spirit in you and move you to follow my decrees and be careful to keep my laws.?

?Ezekiel 36:24 - 27 

 

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BE HIS: To help young women meet Jesus and grow in a life-long, personal relationship with Him.

BE FREE: To help young women live freely and confidently in their identity as beloved daughters of God.

BE LOVE: To equip and empower young women to be God?s love in the world today.

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Connect with Be Love Revolution on Instagram here

Learn more about Pine Hills Camp here

Connect with Pine Hills Girls Camp on Instagram here

In this episode, we reflect on how ?humility and tenderness are not virtues of the weak but of the strong (Pope Francis)?. We discuss how we as Christians are called to cultivate a posture of humility and tenderness in a culture that is quick to criticize and condemn. We also chat about how often we forget that we belong to each other and end up picking sides, which results in more division and hostility than relationships that are filled with vulnerable love and truth. Today let us ask for the tenderness of God to be a gift that He gives us in our own hearts first, so that we can then give it to others.

 

Heather?s One Thing- Lessons from the School of love - Debbie and Peter Herbeck

Sister Miriam?s One Thing - Spicy Korean Style Gochujang Meatballs 

Michelle?s One Thing - The Olive Tree from Jackie Mulligan

 

Discussion Questions:

What does it mean to receive the tender and compassionate love of the Lord? What does it mean to be tender to other people? What shuts down our sensitivity? How is God inviting you to receive and give His Tenderness?

 

Journal Questions:

How can I grow in tenderness towards myself? How is God inviting me to show tenderness with the person I struggle with most? Where are the places in my heart where I have been hurt and allowed a coldness to enter my heart? Where in my life and my heart am I struggling to receive the Tenderness of God?

 

Quotes to Ponder:

I no longer need the armor, my softness is the strongest part of me. 

 - Brianna Wiest

 

The Heart of Christ is so great it wants to welcome us all into the revolution of tenderness. 

 - Pope Francis 

 

Tenderness is not a weakness. Tenderness is the path for the strongest, most courageous men and women. It is the path of humility. The more powerful you are, the more your actions will have an impact on the people. the more responsible you are to act humbly. If you don?t, your power will ruin you and you will ruin the other. Connect your power with humility and tenderness. 

 - Pope Francis 

 

Mary gave us a mother?s warmth, the warmth that shelters us amid troubles, the maternal warmth that keeps anything or anyone from extinguishing in the heart of the Church the revolution of tenderness inaugurated by her Son. Where there is a mother, there is tenderness. By her motherhood, Mary shows us that humility and tenderness are not virtues of the weak but of the strong. She teaches us that we do not have to mistreat others in order to feel important. 

 - Pope Francis 

 

The lack of physical (and not virtual) contact is cauterizing our hearts (cf. Laudato Si?, 49) and making us lose the capacity for tenderness and wonder, for pity and compassion. Spiritual orphanhood makes us forget what it means to be children, grandchildren, parents, grandparents, friends, and believers. It makes us forget the importance of playing, of singing, of a smile, of rest, of gratitude.

 - Pope Francis

Tenderness is the best way to touch the frailty within us. 

 - Pope Francis

 

Prayer: 

Saint Joseph, father in tenderness,

Teach us to accept that we are loved precisely in that which is weakest in us.

Grant that we may place no obstacle between our poverty and the greatness of God?s love.

Stir in us the desire to approach to Reconciliation,

That we may be forgiven and also made capable of loving tenderly our brothers and sisters in their poverty.

Be close to those who have done wrong and are paying the price for it.

Help them to find not only justice but also tenderness so that they can start again.

And teach them that the first way to begin again

Is to sincerely ask for forgiveness, to feel the Father?s caress.

Amen.

 

Scripture for Lectio: 

So he got up and came to his father. But while he was still a long way off, his father saw him and felt compassion for him, and ran and embraced him and kissed him.

 - Luke 15:20

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

 

Heather?s One Thing- Glass Canvas 

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

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

Michelle?s Other One Thing - the FOCUS staff

Michelle?s Other Other One Thing - Pope Benedict XVI

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

 

Discussion Questions:

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

 

Journal Questions:

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

 

Quotes to Ponder:

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

? Pope Benedict XVI

 

?Fear not; rise, He is calling you.? 

 ? Mark 10:49

 

?I have called you by name & you are mine.?

 ? Isaiah 43:1 

 

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

? Pope Benedict XVI

 

?Holiness never goes out of fashion.?

? Pope Benedict XVI

 

Scripture for Lectio: 

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

 

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In this episode, we discuss freedom in Christ. We all have places in our lives where the enemy has whispered a lie. A lie that tells us we will never escape the bondage of our sins. That we will always be slaves to something. But these whispers are just that - a lie. We are not made to be filled with weakness! We are made to live in freedom. Christ came to earth to break the chains of sin and death. He has created a pathway for us to live in freedom. Friends, what if the place of your greatest pain could become the place of your greatest holiness? Join us as we discuss how we are made for freedom.

 

Heather?s One Thing- Live in the Prayer Room by Jeremy Riddle

Michelle?s One Thing - Soul of Shame, Dr. Curt Thompson 

Sister Miriam?s One Thing - Double Chocolate Walnut Biscotti Recipe

 

Discussion Questions:

What would it look like for me to be free? Is it more comfortable to live in my chains or pursue freedom? When have I experienced the fruit of inner healing in the past? What is a place of bondage in my life that the Lord is inviting me into greater freedom?

 

Journal Questions:

Where would I experience more freedom in my heart and in my life if I truly believed the power of the Resurrection lived in me? How has the Lord called me out of bondage and into freedom in the past? What are the places of self hatred in my heart? How can I receive and accept the Lord?s tenderness there?

 

Quotes to Ponder:

"If you want to hold people in chains, one must first convince them that they are meant to be bound." // from the movie ?Woman King?

 

?As long as this attachment remains, it is impossible to make progress in perfection, even though the imperfection be very small. It makes little difference whether a bird is tied by a thin thread or by a cord. Even if it is tied by a thread, the bird will be held bound? it will be impeded from flying as long as it does not break the thread.?  // St John of the Cross, Ascent of Mt. Carmel, Book One, 11.4.

 

Scripture for Lectio: 

?It is for freedom that Christ has set us free. Stand firm, then, and do not let yourselves be burdened again by a yoke of slavery.? (Galatians 5:1)

 

Sponsor - House of Joppa:

This week?s episode is sponsored by House of Joppa.  If you are looking for beautifully curated Catholic home décor, jewelry, art, rosaries, and other gifts, look no further than House of Joppa.  Each product is designed to draw you deeper into your faith and help you to fall more in love with Christ and His Church. Whether you are looking for something for yourself or a special gift for a friend, you will love House of Joppa.  

Abiding Together listeners receive 15% off their purchase at checkout with discount code: ABIDE15.  Visit them online at https://www.houseofjoppa.com or on Instagram @houseofjoppa.

In this episode, we continue our annual tradition, sharing our Word of the Year! Each year we each ask God to give us a theme to focus on for the new year and invite you to do the same. After personal prayer and reflection, we share our words for 2023 and how our words of the year have been connected over time. At the end of the episode, we also share an exciting announcement about our upcoming Lenten Book Study and insights into the theme for Season 12 of the podcast! 

Sister Miriam?s One Thing - Belovedness by Sarah Kroger

Heather?s One Thing- Only Jesus Playlist

Michelle?s One Thing - Amanda Cook Edens 

Michelle?s Other One Thing - Placemakers: Cultivating Places of Comfort, Beauty, and Peace - Christie Purifoy 

 

Discussion Questions:

What stood out to you from this week?s episode? Which podcast host?s ?word? resonated most with you and why? After prayer and reflection, what?s your word of the year?  How can you see your spiritual progress through the evolution of your words of the year over the past few years? How have these words or themes built upon each other?  If you have never done word of the year and want to, what ways can you ask God what it is? 

 

Journal Questions:

How was God present to you in your word for 2022? Take some time to reflect on what God desires to reveal to you as your word of the year. Ask the Holy Spirit to reveal this to you. Make sure to write it down and memorialize it in a way that will keep it at the forefront of your mind throughout the year.  What is one change you can make in the coming year to be more open to the will of God? What themes has God been using as an opportunity to encounter Him?  Are there specific scriptures, saints, or quotes that will serve as a guide or reminder of your word during the year?

 

Quotes to Ponder:

Trust makes us willing to be what God wants us to be, however great or however little that may prove. Trust accepts God as illimitable Love.? // Caryll Houselander, 

?No half-heartedness and no worldly fear must turn us aside from following the light unflinchingly.? // J. R. R. Tolkien

?He who climbs never stops going from beginning to beginning, through beginnings that have no end. He never stops desiring what he already knows.? // Saint Gregory of Nissa

?We can only learn to know ourselves and do what we can, namely, surrender our will and fulfill God?s will in us.? // Saint Teresa of Avila

 

Scripture for Lectio: 

?Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles. And let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us, fixing our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of faith. For the joy set before him, he endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. Consider him who endured such opposition from sinners so that you will not grow weary and lose heart.? (Hebrews 12:1-3)

 

Announcements: 

We are excited to announce our Lenten Book study!! This year, we will be reading Be Transformed by Dr. Bob Schuchts. Through the guide of this book, we will discuss how the Sacraments can heal and transform your relationship with Jesus Christ. Supplies are limited so we recommend you order your copy of the book as soon as possible. Ave Maria Press is in the process ordering more and by purchasing early, you can help them estimate how many are needed. 

 

Ave Maria Press has graciously provided us a discount code if you order the book through their website. Use the code TRANSFORM at checkout to receive 25% off not only Be Transformed, but your entire order (through 3.31.23 with some exclusions)! 

 

You can also order the book through Amazon using our affiliate link. We do receive a small commission if you use our Amazon link. Anything we receive is used to help support our ministry. Click here for Amazon in the US. 

 

Sponsor - Pink Salt Riot:

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We are so excited to be back! In this episode, we reconnect after an extended break to share with you updates from each of our lives according to the mysteries of the Rosary: joyful, sorrowful, luminous, and glorious. While our first episode back is traditionally our ?Word of the Year? episode, we felt the need to open up about what has been going on in our lives the past seven months. Stay tuned for next week?s episode to discover each of our words for 2023. Thank you for being a part of our journey. We are so incredibly grateful for you.

Heather?s One Thing- Fr. Mike Schmitz Catechism in a Year Podcast (Trailer Here)

Sister Miriam?s One Thing - Hope?s Garden

Michelle?s One Thing - Elizabeth Wade Studios 

Michelle?s Other One Thing - With all Her Mind: A Call to the Intellectual Life; Rachel Bulman Amazon or Word on Fire Bookstore

 

Discussion Questions:    

What stood out to you from this week?s episode? How has Christ met me in the Joyful Mysteries of my life? How has Christ met me in the Sorrowful Mysteries of my life? How has Christ met me in the Luminous Mysteries of my life? How has Christ met me in the Glorious Mysteries of my life?

 

Journal Questions:

Reflect on the past few months of your life. What are ways you have experienced joy, sorrow, illumination, and glory? Joy: A delight or an area of gratitude where you have felt the tangible presence of the LORD. Sorrow: A hurt or an obstacle. Illumination: Something the LORD brought to light: an area of pruning, longing, and an ache. Glory: Something you see the LORD redeeming and restoring. It can be in process.

 

Quotes to Ponder: 

?The Rosary mystically transports us to Mary's side as she is busy watching over the human growth of Christ in the home of Nazareth. This enables her to train us and to mold us with the same care, until Christ is ?fully formed? in us.? -JP2

 

?Mary lived with her eyes fixed on Christ, treasuring His every word: ?She kept all these things, pondering them in her heart? (Lk2:19; cf. 2:51). The memories of Jesus, impressed upon her heart, were always with her, leading her to reflect on the various moments of her life at her Son's side. In a way those memories were to be the ?rosary? which she recited uninterruptedly throughout her earthly life.? -JP2 

 

Scripture for Lectio Divina -   ?Mary pondered all these things in her heart.? Luke 2:19

 

This episode is sponsored by Reform Wellness.

This week?s episode is sponsored by Reform, a functional medicine and holistic wellness practice rooted in Christ. Reform redefines health as the state of your body and soul, and their mission is to empower others to find well-being in Christ, thrive in whole-person health, and become the best versions of themselves?physically, mentally, and spiritually. We highly recommend Reform Online, a twelve-week course that walks you through Reform?s nine Wellness Pillars to help you reclaim your identity in Christ, optimize nutrition and sleep, manage stress, and much more. Reform is for everyone because everyone is made for wholeness and holiness. No matter how far away you may feel from wholeness in body and holiness in spirit, the Divine Physician desires to heal you. We invite you to learn more about Reform on their website, reformwellness.co, and on IG @reform_wellness. Reform is offering an exclusive discount for all our listeners on their upcoming Lenten Reform Online course. Use code ?Abide10'' for your exclusive discount through January 31. 

In this final episode of Season 11, we chat about our favorite parts of the last year?s episodes and have a special announcement about what is coming next for the podcast. We discuss how there is a season for everything and how we are invited to not grasp onto the things that God entrusts to us, but to hold them loosely with a posture of trust and freedom. We also talk about taking time to be quiet and discern what the Lord has for us, what changes need to be made, and what to let go of. We pray that you have a wonderful summer filled with simplicity and moments to spend with Christ.

Sister Miriam?s one thing - Prudence - Choose Confidently, Live Boldly by Fr. Gregory Pine, OP 

Heather?s one thing - Heather?s playlist - Only Jesus 

Michelle?s one thing -   Live Today Well - Creative God 

Michelle?s Summer Reading List 

 

Mentioned on the Podcast: 

Bryan Stevenson?s Talk from Communion and Liberations?s New York Encounter

Searching for and Maintaining Peace Lenten Series

 

Discussion Questions:    

What stood out to you in this week?s podcast? How do you feel when changes occur in your life? Is it easy or challenging for you to let go of things you might enjoy to make room for something new that God has in store? Sr. Miriam said, ?When we take the next right step, the Lord provides?. Do you believe that God will provide what you need if you make a change in your life for Him. Why or why not? What are some of the highlights from the podcast in season 10 and 11?

 

Journal Questions:

Take some time to reflect, what is the Holy Spirit saying in your life right now? Are there some new things you need to say yes to and some things you need to say no to? What are some things that you?re grateful for this past school year? How has the podcast over the years, taught you more about your own heart and your relationship with God? What are some things you want to never forget?

 

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)

 

Scripture for Lectio Divina: Ecclesiastes Chapter 3: 1- 7 

For everything there is a season, and a time for every purpose under heaven: 2 a time to be born, and a time to die; a time to plant, and a time to pluck up that which 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 cast 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 cast away; a time to rend, and a time to sew; a time to keep silence, and a time to speak.