Abiding Together

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 Sponsor - Be Love Revolution: Ten years ago, Be Love Revolution began with the intention of helping young women know the personal and transformative love of Jesus, and empowering them to be God's love in the world today. Be Love Revolution (BLR), a dynamic Catholic ministry, desires to personally accompany young women on their journey of faith through one-on-one mentoring and discipleship. Be Love Revolution operates in cooperation with Renewal Ministries, a Catholic ministry of evangelization and renewal throughout the world. Be Love Revolution's mission is three-fold: 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. Based in Ann Arbor Michigan, BLR leads weekly bible studies, Adoration Nights, small groups, retreats, service and mission opportunities, and collaborates with two high schools and four middle schools for ongoing evangelization and discipleship. Every August, Be Love Revolution hosts Pine Hills Girls Camp, where more than 200 middle schoolers and a staff of 100 young women from Michigan and beyond gather for a life-changing and unforgettable week. The Revolution of Love is on the move and there are BLR Chapters located in Traverse City, Michigan, London, Ontario, Lansing, Michigan, Leonardtown, Maryland, and Jacksonville, Florida. Learn more about the Be Love Revolution here 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 Sponsor - Rooted for Good: Rooted for Good hand makes premium all natural products that feel amazing and work really well! Enhance your skincare experience with Rooted and join the growing number of satisfied customers across the US and beyond who are switching to Rooted and going all-natural. On top of the amazing benefits and affordable pricing, using Rooted products makes a difference for others as well. Every time you choose our all natural premium products 10% of your purchase goes to help someone in need in a developing country! From Coffee Exfoliators & Sugar Scrubs to foaming Face Wash, luxurious Bath Salts to Premium Therapeutic Grade Essential Oils and everything in between, make Rooted for Good your source for all natural healthy living. Rooted provides an option to choose all natural living that resonates with your Catholic values. See all of our amazing products and read the stories of the lives that are being blessed through Rooted purchases at RootedForGood.com.

This week, we have a very special episode that was recorded live from the FOCUS SEEK 2023 Conference in St. Louis! Here we discussed the importance of surrendering to God the tender and wounded places of our soul. Just as salt can flavor a dish from the inside out, so must we allow God's abundant love to transform our hearts. Only once we do this, can we be a light to others. This transformation can sometimes be a painful process. Many times, when we see the struggle ahead, we can be tempted to turn away from the good. But friends, pain is part of the process, and it makes us love the outcome even more. As you listen to today's episode, ask yourself, "if you just said yes to God, what would your light look like if you let it shine?" Heather's One Thing- Glass Canvas Sister Miriam's One Thing - Michelle and Heather's kids Michelle's One Thing - Everyone at the SEEK conference and all our listeners Michelle's Other One Thing - the FOCUS staff Michelle's Other Other One Thing - Pope Benedict XVI Michelle's Other Other Other One Thing - College Football (especially SEC University of Georgia) Discussion Questions: What is the Lord calling you to in this season? How are you responding to the Lord's calling in your life? How has Christ conquered you with Love? How is He conquering you with Love now? What do you think Jesus believes about you in your weaknesses? Journal Questions: Where in my life am I choosing lukewarmness or mediocrity over abundant life? How do you experience your own weaknesses? What do you believe about yourself in your own weaknesses? What do you think Jesus believes about you in your weaknesses? How do you experience other people's weaknesses? Quotes to Ponder: "Each of you has a personal vocation which He has given you for your own joy and sanctity. When a person is conquered by the fire of His gaze, no sacrifice seems too great to follow Him and give Him the best of ourselves. This is what the saints have always done, spreading the light of the Lord ... and transforming the world into a welcoming home for everyone." ― Pope Benedict XVI "Fear not; rise, He is calling you." ― Mark 10:49 "I have called you by name & you are mine." ― Isaiah 43:1 "God came into the world to reawaken the thirst for great things in us." ― Pope Benedict XVI "Holiness never goes out of fashion." ― Pope Benedict XVI Scripture for Lectio: "You are the salt of the earth. But if the salt loses its saltiness, how can it be made salty again? It is no longer good for anything except to be thrown out and trampled underfoot. You are the light of the world. A town built on a hill cannot be hidden. Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a bowl. Instead, they put it on its stand, and it gives light to everyone in the house. In the same way, let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven." (Matthew 5:13-16) Sponsor - Walking with Purpose: Are you looking for an opportunity to dive deeper into Scripture? Do you long for the wisdom of Christ as you navigate the messages of today's culture? Rooted and Radiant is the newest Bible study from Walking with Purpose, a Catholic women's ministry whose mission is to help women and girls encounter Jesus through Scripture. Rooted and Radiant is written for any woman who wants to live her life grounded in Jesus Christ. In this study, you will learn the book of Colossians verse by verse and understand the challenges that faced the Colossians, which are remarkably similar to our own challenges today. Learn how to abide in the wisdom of Christ and encounter the God of clarity and peace. AT podcast listeners can receive 15% your Rooted and Radiant study - available in both paperback and e-book format - with the code ABIDING2023 (thru 3/1/2023).

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: This year we are once again excited to partner with Pink Salt Riot to help you keep your word of the year close to your heart for 2023. In addition to brand new, updated versions of all of their word of the year necklaces and bracelets they have offered in the past, this year they are also offering an engraved cherry wood word of the year desk sign and a word of the year journal with prompts for each month throughout the year to help you walk even more intentionally with your word. All Pink Salt Riot word of the year products are custom made and engraved in their studio in Oklahoma. You can get 15% off your ENTIRE order at Pink Salt Riot with the coupon code AT15 at checkout through March 15, 2023 at pinksaltriot.com.

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.

In this episode, we conclude our series on the identity of Bride: Fruitful Love. We discuss the truth that love was designed to be life generating and to bear good fruit that will last. Although this occurs through biological children within family, it also applies to community and beyond the boundaries of biological ties in the discipleship of others. We also talk honestly about how tenderness, vulnerability, and intimacy are intertwined and what is needed to feel safe and open up. Our body has meaning and was made for an other. We all are invited to grow from brokenness to wholeness in our sexuality. This conversation has some mature content so please be sensitive to little ears listening. Sister Miriam's one thing - Our Listeners, Spirit Juice, and Michelle for her vision of the content from this series Heather's one thing - Best Ever Roasted Brussel Sprouts Michelle's one thing - Our listeners and everyone behind the scenes making this podcast happen Discussion Questions: What stood out to you from this week's episode? In what ways can you see that love is fruitful in your life and the lives of those around you? If you're married, do you make space for intimacy in all of it's forms within your marriage? What more can you do to make space for intimacy? If you're not married, what is your ideal view of what intimacy should look like in marriage or the consecrated life? "Every woman wants to be attended to and to be a partner on a great adventure". Discuss your desire for this within marriage and/or relationship with Christ. How is this desire being met and in what ways are you still longing for this? Journal Questions: How are you responding to Christ's invitation to intimacy in practical ways? All of us are called to make disciples of all nations. Who might the Lord be asking you to disciple in the faith and journey alongside? Ponder how you can support your married friends and be "for" their marriage. How have you participated in gossip and maybe disunity in your own marriage or of a friend's? Sex is holy and beautiful. Notice what this provokes in your own heart. Ask the Lord to bring healing to the areas in your life that need to be restored by this truth. Quotes to Ponder: "Love is never something ready made, something merely given to man and woman. It is always at the same time, a task, which they are set. Love should be seen as something which is in a sense never is, but is always becoming. And what it becomes depends upon the contribution of both persons and the depth of their commitment." Saint Pope John Paul II, "Love and Responsibility." Scripture for Lectio Divina: "Then the Lord God said, "It is not good that the man should be alone; I will make him a helper as his partner." So out of the ground the Lord God formed every animal of the field and every bird of the air, and brought them to the man to see what he would call them; and whatever the man called every living creature, that was its name. The man gave names to all cattle, and to the birds of the air, and to every animal of the field; but for the man there was not found a helper as his partner. So the Lord God caused a deep sleep to fall upon the man, and he slept; then he took one of his ribs and closed up its place with flesh. And the rib that the Lord God had taken from the man he made into a woman and brought her to the man. Then the man said, "This at last is bone of my bones and flesh of my flesh; this one shall be called Woman, for out of Man this one was taken." Therefore a man leaves his father and his mother and clings to his wife, and they become one flesh. And the man and his wife were both naked, and were not ashamed. - Genesis 2:18-25 This episode is sponsored by Soul Core. SoulCore is an invitation to nourish body, mind and soul through prayer and functional movement. SoulCore began from a simple "yes" to an inspiration of the Holy Spirit and is a movement all its own. Engaging all of the senses, SoulCore incorporates scripture, sacred art, music, candlelight, and movement; a gentle path to grow in virtue and interior peace. Participants often say it feels like they've been on a "mini-retreat" after a SoulCore class. There are several ways to experience SoulCore. Live classes are offered across the country, as well as DVDs, Digital Downloads and an Online Streaming Studio, which offers a wide variety of Leaders and classes. You can take advantage of their Online Streaming Studio FREE 14-day trial at soulcore.com/signup. In addition, SoulCore is extending a 20% savings to all Abiding Together listeners in their Online Shop (shop.soulcore.com) Enter promo code: ABIDE20 at checkout. Discover the beauty and transforming power of the rosary. Visit SoulCore.com to begin your SoulCore journey today!

In this episode, we continue with part three of our series on the identity of Bride: Faithful and Honoring Love. We discuss where we have been wounded or where we have wounded others and how that affects current relationships. We chat about how being guarded can inhibit vulnerability and how to navigate our blocks to grow in intimacy. We offer insights into how to come before the Lord with our preconceived ideas and allow Him to speak the truth, as well as how to maintain fidelity in relationships. This week, let us not resign ourselves to mediocrity, but recommit to loving well. Sister Miriam's one thing - Tweet about faithful married love Heather's one thing - Restore the Glory Episode 35 "Healing in Marriage with Heather Khym" Michelle's one thing - "Be Devoted" by Dr. Bob Schuchts, "Intimate Allies" by Dan Allender and Tremper Longman III, and "Men, Women, and the Mystery of Love" by Dr. Edward Sri Discussion Questions: What stood out to you from this week's episode? What wounded parts of your early story might you be bringing into current relationships that inhibit your ability to love and be loved fully? Have you had an experience of a healthy, loving relationship in your life that has brought restoration to previous hurts? How has witnessing faithfulness is a loving relationship, whether in your life or in the life of others, given you hope? Vows need to be lived out daily. If you're married or consecrated, how do you live out your vows daily? If you're not married, allow yourself to sit at the feet of those who share. Journal Questions: In what relationship do you need God to give you the gift of hope? What ways do you tend to run away in your relationships? What would it be like if you chose not to run? Ponder where you bring your desires that aren't being met. Take some time to offer those desires to Jesus? "We are better in community". Who makes you a better person? Offer some prayers of thanksgiving and blessing for them. Quotes to Ponder: "Nothing cools love quite like resigning oneself to mediocrity." - Fr. Jacques Philippe Scripture for Lectio Divina: "Then the Lord God said, "It is not good that the man should be alone; I will make him a helper as his partner." So out of the ground the Lord God formed every animal of the field and every bird of the air, and brought them to the man to see what he would call them; and whatever the man called every living creature, that was its name. The man gave names to all cattle, and to the birds of the air, and to every animal of the field; but for the man[a] there was not found a helper as his partner. So the Lord God caused a deep sleep to fall upon the man, and he slept; then he took one of his ribs and closed up its place with flesh. And the rib that the Lord God had taken from the man he made into a woman and brought her to the man. Then the man said, "This at last is bone of my bones and flesh of my flesh; this one shall be called Woman, for out of Man this one was taken." Therefore a man leaves his father and his mother and clings to his wife, and they become one flesh. And the man and his wife were both naked, and were not ashamed. - Genesis 2:18-25 This episode is sponsored by Scapulars.com. Scapulars.com is proud to offer the most durable and comfortable scapulars in the world. These scapulars are made of super-strong American paracord and super-soft Australian merino wool—so it's as tough as it is comfy. They hold up to all the daily wear and tear that your life can throw at it. In fact, if a scapular breaks within 7 years, they'll replace it for FREE. Plus, most sizes include a secret pocket—so you can safely store your sacred medals without wearing out the cord. They come in a variety of gorgeous, original designs. It's a beautiful way to honor our Blessed Mother through the devotion that she gave to the Carmelite Order. Scapulars.com has more than 1,000 5-star reviews (and counting!). They are proud to offer large family discounts so you can place your entire family under the protection of Our Lady. Orders of 2 or more scapulars ship for free. Visit scapulars.com to order your today! Use code ABIDING10 for 10% off one purchase per customer.