Abiding Together S10 E02: Ever Ancient Ever New: Changing Seasons
In this episode, we discuss God’s unchanging sovereignty and love despite the turmoil and constant changes brought on by the pandemic and other current crises. We chat about the illusion of control, our litanies to God of what we would change if we could, and the peace that comes only with surrender. We discuss the importance of allowing ourselves to experience our emotions fully in the face of recent disappointments, while always choosing to submit our feelings under the truth of God. We pray that this week you would know how much God delights in your trust as he works a new thing in your life!
Sister Miriam’s one thing - Organic Rose Hips for tea and other fun uses
Heather’s one thing - ID Intentional Disciples
Heather’s other one thing - Seasons Change - United Pursuit
Michelle’s one thing - Man Your Post: Learning to Lead Like St. Joseph - Duane and Carrie Daunt. Use the code MANYOURPOST20 at checkout for 20% off.
Michelle’s other one thing - Our Lady of Podcast - Gene Monterastelli
Discussion questions:
- What stood out to you from this week’s episode?
- We were hoping to return to a new normal by now but it seems we are in a constant state of change and a departure from normal. How are you seeing God through your current situation?
- What “ancient paths” might God be inviting you to walk in during this season that will keep yourself in His light and your eyes on His eternal perspective?
- Michelle shares, “Our sense of control is just an illusion and His sovereignty is the only thing we can trust.” Where is God inviting you to surrender your desire for control?
Journal Questions:
- Where have you made agreements with powerlessness and hopelessness, telling God that a situation will not change? Take a moment to surrender these agreements and ask God to fill you with his truth.
- In the last 18 months, what fruit have you seen emerge maybe unexpectedly from ground you have tilled with God for months or years?
- How can you practice feeling your emotions fully but submitting your emotions to the truth of God? Are there any particular feelings or emotions you want to surrender to God’s truth right now?
- How could greater trust in God’s sovereignty free you from the need to make things happen yourself? Take a moment to recount how God has been faithful in the past.
Quotes to Ponder: “Night: we cannot stop it, or hasten it; it just comes, and it teaches us every twenty-four hours that we are not in complete control.” - Father Iain Matthew, The Impact of God
Scripture for Lectio Divina - “There is an appointed time for everything, and a time for every affair under the heavens. A time to give birth, and a time to die; time to plant, and a time to uproot the plant.” - Ecclesiastes 3:1-2
This episode is sponsored by Chews Life.
At Chews Life, it is our 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 designed in such a way that no one can make the excuse that they don’t have time to pray the Rosary. Chews Life’s Rosaries are actually Rosary bracelets so that they are with you all day and easily accessible. These Rosary bracelets also feature a “bookmark” crucifix charm so that if you don’t have time to get through a whole Rosary at once, you can use this charm to hold your place until you can continue your prayer.
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