Abiding Together

In this episode, we continue with part two of our series on the identity of Bride: Full and Total Love. We discuss the perfect model we have in Christ of love without reservation and the distinction between co-existing with those we love and living in complete union. We pray this week you would allow your heart to be transformed to love those around you fully and totally. Sister Miriam's one thing - Some People Do - Old Dominion Heather's one thing - Love Heals ring - Pink Salt Riot Michelle's one thing - Mary Discussion Questions: What stood out to you from this week's episode? What does it look like to love without reservation? With your spouse, closest friends or a small group - Do you know enough of one another's stories to love one another fully? How do we learn to love another when they have parts that aren't beautiful in that moment? How can we learn to be like Christ then? Journal Questions: Where is yout heart holding back, guarding itself, or not loving fully, and why? Is there a fear of rejection, a fear of misunderstanding, or a fear of vulnerability? Are you co-existing alongside your spouse, your family, or your community? Take a moment to pray for the grace of a deeper union. What would it look like to give more of your heart to these relationships? How have you seen your love grow in maturity over time? Quotes to Ponder: "My dear young friends, I want to invite you to 'dare to love.' Do not desire anything less for your life than a love that is strong and beautiful and that is capable of making the whole of your existence a joyful undertaking of giving yourselves as a gift to God and your brothers and sisters, in imitation of the One who vanquished hatred and death for ever through love (cf. Rev 5:13). Love is the only force capable of changing the heart of the human person and of all humanity, by making fruitful the relations between men and women, between rich and poor, between cultures and civilizations." (Message for the 22nd World Youth Day: Palm Sunday, 1 April 2007) ― Pope Benedict XVI 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

In this episode, we wrap up our identity collection and begin a four part series on Bride. We discuss how God created us for intimate communion with Him no matter our vocation or state in life. We break open the risks of vulnerability and exposure and the deep communion and love we can only experience through intimacy. Sister Miriam's one thing - Kale Salad Heather's one thing - The Hidden Life Playlist on Spotify Michelle's one thing - Redeeming Love - Francine Rivers Discussion Questions: What stood out to you from this week's episode? How have you witnessed a bride and groom give themselves freely to one another? How can you grow in a commitment to continue to grow in the school of love? How do you experience God as a lover? Journal Questions: How are you a gift to God? How can you exercise freedom in choosing to love God and give yourself to Him? If married - how do you allow your spouse into your inner garden to bring your hearts to the Lord together? How do you love your spouse with your whole heart and God with your whole heart- bringing deeper communion in both relationships? For those that are hard to love - ask "how is this person a gift to me?"" Quotes to Ponder: "Limitation of one's freedom might seem to be something negative and unpleasant, but love makes it a positive, joyful and creative thing. Freedom exists for the sake of love." ― 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[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 bonesand 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 Chews Life. The mission of Chews Life is to equip all Catholics with Rosaries for life. How do they do that? By creating Rosaries for every age group and every person. For little ones, they have soft silicone rosaries. These rosaries are strung on durable organic cotton chord and have food grade silicone for the beads. These Rosaries are a beautiful way to bring your little ones to Mary and also offer something to soothe and delight them. For slightly older kids, Chews Life offers their Shepherd Kids Rosaries. These Rosaries are also made with silicone beads but are slightly smaller and have more space between beads so that kids learning their Rosary can slide each bead as they pray. Finally, for adults Chews Life has beautiful Rosary Bracelets. With many different styles and colors, the Rosary Bracelets are a great tool for someone trying to form the daily habit of praying the Rosary. Not only is it very accessible on your wrist, but it also features a "bookmark" crucifix medal that can be used to keep your spot in your Rosary. So if you only have a minute here and there to pray throughout your day, no worries, hold your place with the crucifix medal and continue when you have your next chance. Chews Life aims to provide beautiful and durable tools to help you pray the Rosary every single day. You can find their Rosaries and a number of other wonderful products on their website: www.chewslife.com. Use the code ABIDE10 to get 10% off your next order.

In this episode, we conclude in our Lenten series as we journey through Sister Miriam's book Restore. It's not too late to join us! You can find your copy today at Ave Maria Press. We discuss entering into the paschal mystery with our whole hearts. We chat about the different characters of the Passion - Judas, Mary of Bethany, Peter - and how we can experience God's extravagant love through the Holy Week liturgies. We pray that you would be open to the Holy Spirit, carry the light burden of sacrifice this week, and experience the resurrection power of Jesus! Sister Miriam's one thing - Soaking in His Presence - William Augusto Bethel Heather's one thing - The Life on Purpose Series by Alpha Michelle's one thing - The Gift of Brother Priests Discussion Questions: What stood out to you from this week's episode? What traditions have been helpful to your family to enter into Holy Week and prepare for Easter? How can we make this week different, entering into the suffering, death and resurrection of Jesus? As we celebrate Easter, how will you live the reality of resurrection power in your daily life? As we prepare for Pentecost, how can you allow the Lord to use you by being more open and receptive to the Holy Spirit? Journal Questions: Research the Holy Week liturgies at your local parish. Ask Jesus how He wants you to experience one of the extraordinary liturgies this week. Read Matthew 26:6-13. Put yourself in the scene as Mary of Bethany and take time to imagine what it smells like, what it feels like, and how Jesus looks at you. What does Jesus want to reveal to you through this? Read Matthew 26: 69-75. Imagine yourself as Peter and allow Jesus to see you even in your betrayals. What does Jesus want to say to you through this? Quotes to Ponder: "He will provide the way and the means, such as you could never have imagined. Leave it all to Him, let go of yourself, lose yourself on the Cross, and you will find yourself entirely." - St. Catherine of Siena Scripture for Lectio Divina: "Hosanna to the Son of David, blessed is He who comes in the name of the Lord." -Matthew 21:9 This episode is sponsored by Pilgrimage to Beauty. Pilgrimage to Beauty's (@guatehickman) sole aim is to give you a unique once-in-a-lifetime experience that transforms and renews your spirit, no matter your vocation or state in life. Join them on a pilgrimage to the breathtaking shores of Lake Atitlan, Guatemala this December 2022, and rest, pray, and experience beauty. Mention Abiding Together and get $100 off registration.

In this bonus episode, Sister Miriam provides a beautiful forgiveness meditation that we hope will bring healing and restoration within you and your relationships. We encourage you to find a quiet place in solitude to pray and reflect.

In this episode, we continue in our Lenten series as we journey through Sister Miriam's book Restore. It's not too late to join us! You can find your copy today at Ave Maria Press. This week we discuss the healing that comes through almsgiving. We share our own personal experiences of tithing our time, practicing obedience in our vocations, and how almsgiving is more than giving money. We pray that God would grow your capacity to see Christ in the other through the practice of almsgiving! Sister Miriam's one thing - Homemade Vegetarian Chili Heather's one thing - Heather's Zucchini Pecan Muffins Michelle's one thing - Once Upon a Wardrobe - Patti Callahan Michelle's other one thing - God is Beauty - TOB Institute Discussion Questions: What stood out to you from this week's episode? In light of almsgiving, what does faithful stewardship look like in your life? How can almsgiving work to help mature your love? Where do you let others hold you accountable? Are there specific areas you resist accountability? Journal Questions: How is God asking you to surrender your loaves and fishes? Do you trust him to do his work while you exercise dominion over what he has entrusted to you? Take a moment to name any places in your life where darkness has dominion. If necessary, make a commitment to go to confession and experience healing. Have you ever thought of confession as a means of almsgiving? How might this encourage you to experience healing through confession this Lent? Quotes to Ponder: "No one heals himself by wounding another." - St Ambrose Scripture for Lectio Divina: "Son, you are always with me, and all that is mine, is yours." - Luke 15:31

In this episode, we continue in our Lenten series as we journey through Sister Miriam's book Restore. It's not too late to join us! You can find your copy today at Ave Maria Press. This week we dive even deeper into the healing power of fasting and share the tendencies and temptations we notice when fasting. We discuss how God desires to identify, uproot, and heal the wounds exposed when we enter into this Lenten practice. We pray this week you would allow God to bring healing and wholeness through the discipline of fasting. Sister Miriam's one thing - The Hobbit Audiobook Heather's one thing - Lent playlist: Songs in the Desert Michelle's one thing - On Earth as it is Heaven - Father Josh Johnson Discussion Questions: What stood out to you from this week's episode? How has your understanding of fasting changed since beginning this study? What are the tendencies within yourself that you notice when you are fasting? How has fasting allowed you to see areas of woundedness and experience God's healing this Lent? Journal Questions: As you enter into fasting - what has the Lord revealed that he still wants to heal? What's your Kraft Mac and' Cheese? "Behind every disordered desire is a good and holy desire, an unmet need, an unhealed wound, or a hidden pattern of sin". How have you seen this present in your life this Lent? Pray with the image of God holding your face and seeing your wounds. What does he want to say to you in that moment. Quotes to Ponder: "Jesus, may I hunger more deeply for you today. May my aches lead me to call out to you, so you can fill me." - Sister Miriam James Heidland Scripture for Lectio Divina: "I will sprinkle clean water upon you, and you shall be clean from all your uncleannesses…and I will put my spirit within you." Ezekiel 36:25, 27 This episode is sponsored by Chews Life. The mission of Chews Life is to equip all Catholics with Rosaries for life. How do they do that? By creating Rosaries for every age group and every person. For little ones, they have soft silicone rosaries. These rosaries are strung on durable organic cotton chord and have food grade silicone for the beads. These Rosaries are a beautiful way to bring your little ones to Mary and also offer something to soothe and delight them. For slightly older kids, Chews Life offers their Shepherd Kids Rosaries. These Rosaries are also made with silicone beads but are slightly smaller and have more space between beads so that kids learning their Rosary can slide each bead as they pray. Finally, for adults Chews Life has beautiful Rosary Bracelets. With many different styles and colors, the Rosary Bracelets are a great tool for someone trying to form the daily habit of praying the Rosary. Not only is it very accessible on your wrist, but it also features a "bookmark" crucifix medal that can be used to keep your spot in your Rosary. So if you only have a minute here and there to pray throughout your day, no worries, hold your place with the crucifix medal and continue when you have your next chance. Chews Life aims to provide beautiful and durable tools to help you pray the Rosary every single day. You can find their Rosaries and a number of other wonderful products on their website: www.chewslife.com. Use the code ABIDE10 to get 10% off your next order.

In this episode, we continue in our Lenten series as we journey through Sister Miriam's book Restore. It's not too late to join us! You can find your copy today at Ave Maria Press. This week we discuss the power of fasting and sacrifices to bring healing within ourselves and deeper communion with Jesus. We chat about how fasting can bring forth repentance and right ordered love when we remember we are saying no, so that we can say a greater yes to Jesus, our lover. We pray that your fasting would bring about healing and restoration this Lent! Sister Miriam's one thing - French Onion Soup Heather's one thing - I Shall Not Want - The Worship Initiative Michelle's one thing - Abide: A Pathway to Transformative Healing and Intimacy with Jesus - Heather Khym Michelle's other one thing - Sunday Bead Co. Discussion Questions: What stood out to you from this week's episode? Can you recognize any disordered desires or loves in your day to day life that become more right-ordered through fasting? Is there something you could never imagine giving up for the Lord? When it comes to fasting during Lent - do you see God as a slave driver with high expectations, hoops to jump though, and demands upon you or as a lover worthy of your sacrifices? How can this small group help one another in the area of fasting through accountability? Journal Questions: What do you hunger and thirst for? Do you allow the Lord to satisfy your desires? How do you dull your desires, choosing comfort or convenience first? What lies - "God won't satisfy. God cannot provide the comfort I desire. I have to do it for myself because God won't provide." - are you tempted to believe when you choose fasting? Instead of allowing shame and condemnation about the things you crave, how can you feel your desires as a sign to come closer to Jesus? Quotes to Ponder: "Penitential fasting is obviously something very different from a therapeutic diet, but in its own way it can be considered therapy for the soul. In fact, practiced as a sign of conversion, it helps one in the interior effort of listening to God." - St John Paul II Scripture for Lectio Divina: "It is well that we are here." Mark 9:5 This episode is sponsored by Rooted for Good. Rooted for Good hand makes premium all natural products that feel amazing and actually work! 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. Shop your values and experience for yourself why more than 95% of Rooted customers give their Rooted products 5 stars, and don't forget to use Abide10 to enjoy 10% off at checkout!

In this episode, we begin our Lenten series as we journey through Sister Miriam's book Restore. It's not too late to join us! You can find your copy today at Ave Maria Press. We share our own perspectives entering this new season of Lent before diving into the first section on prayer. We speak about the healing power of the disciplines of Lent: prayer, almsgiving and fasting as a means to lean into our desire and God's desire for us. We remind one another of the true goal of Lent: union with Christ. We pray that it blesses you. Sister Miriam's one thing - Restore the Glory Podcast episode with Archbishop Sample Heather's one thing - Reconnecting with dear friends and community Michelle's one thing - Dig to the Roots - Reform Discussion Questions: What stood out to you from this week's episode? What is your disposition as we enter the season of Lent? How is God inviting you to receive restoration rather than to white knuckle your way through fasting, prayer and penance? What does God want to strip away during this season to create space and expose idols that you may be keeping? How can we approach Lent through the lens of love rather than the lens of fear? What does it mean to allow Jesus to be your guide this Lent? Journal Questions: As we begin Lent, are you aware of anything that is blocking your gaze towards Jesus? How can you create space to get into the Lord's gaze again? Have you taken time to ask the Lord: What would you like to give me this Lent? What would you like to talk to me about this Lent? Where would you like to invite me into deeper intimacy and union? How can you allow yourself to experience desire and God's desire for you during this season? Quotes to Ponder: "For me, prayer is a surge of the heart; it is a simple look turned toward heaven, it is a cry of recognition and of love, embracing both trial and joy." - St Therese Scripture for Lectio Divina: "But you are merciful to all, for you can do all things, and you overlook men's sins that they may repent…you spare all things, for they are yours, O Lord who love the living." Wisdom 11: 23,26 Check out the Abiding Together Shop and Heather's new book! Check out the Abiding Together Shop and Heather's new book! Did you know that we have our very own Abiding Together shop filled with very cute mugs, t-shirts print stickers, scripture cards, and much more. Michelle has designed most of these items and they each reflect saints, quotes, and inspirations that have been a part of our podcast discussions over the years.A couple of my favorites are the quit talking to the dang snake. And our coffee is the eighth sacrament mug. This Easter we'd like to highlight the Saint story cards that would be great for your Easter baskets. Michelle created these in collaboration with the Franciscan Friars of the Renewal and Our Sunday Visitor. They feature Saint John Paul the second, Mother Teresa, Saint Therese, and St. Francis of Assisi. These story cards offer a new way to learn, pray, and play together while deeply reflecting on your own journey towards sainthood, you can order these using the code abide10 for 10% off. Just head over to abidingtogetherpodcast.com/shop. Also Heather just finished writing a book called Abide: A Pathway to Transformative Healing and Intimacy with Jesus. This book asks questions like what if God's promises are real? What if we truly could live the abundant life that Jesus is offering to us? Through my personal stories, scriptural truth, church teaching and practical tools. You'll be invited to break through the barriers that prevent you from trusting and experiencing the deep love of Jesus and to be transformed by the freedom that comes when we vulnerably bring our entire selves to Jesus, the divine healer, restorer and miracle worker. You can use code abide22 at avemariapress.com for 20% off today.

In this episode, we conclude our conversation on motherhood focusing on the feminine genius of maternity. We speak about how to grow in spiritual maternity to allow new life and lasting fruit to come forth through us. We discuss the need to continue to allow others to mother us, as well as the importance of showing up for ourselves and tending to our own needs. We revisit the ideas of abiding in the Lord and living a right-ordered life in community in order to live our vocations as mothers. We pray this week you would bring forth the life God desires to birth in you. Sister Miriam's one thing - Prayer from Mother Mary Francis "Our Lady is a home where people are helped to be what they can be, to grow to the maturity for which God has destined them. Like her, the family is called to be a place where someone helps me to rise when I stumble. Always a hand reaches out to sustain me, and my hand goes out to help the stumbling one. All these appellations that the Church heaps upon Our Lady show her as both homemaker and the home. When we are homemakers, we are ourselves a home. We must be all these things to one another: a lookout tower, a place of beauty, a refuge, a help, a strength and a consolation. Let us be engaged more earnestly than ever before in being homemakers. Despite the word being used in a somewhat condescending term in our time, to be a homemaker is the greatest glory of woman. It is essentially the mission of the Church, the Bride of Christ. She is the home and the homemaker. She is the home for us all. Our Lady is essentially the first physical home of God himself, and always our home. We must strive to make a home for one another: a home of peace, of love, of worship, and of focus on God." Heather's one thing - Cinnamon Roll Cake Recipe from Mel's Kitchen Michelle's one thing - Amazing Grace - Aretha Franklin Discussion Questions: What stood out to you from this week's episode? After listening to this series - what does the expansive view of motherhood look like to you? What does authentic motherhood look like? What does it look like to put your own needs first (in right order), to show up for yourself and allow others to mother you? Who is one woman who has mothered you well that you would like to thank? Journal Questions: How is the Holy Spirit asking to collaborate with you to re-mother yourself? Are you still open to God creating new life through you? With mindfulness of the difference between productivity and fruitfulness - where is God inviting you to be fruitful? What may need to be pruned to create fruit that lasts? Quotes to Ponder: "For an understanding of our unique feminine nature, let us look to the pure love and spiritual maternity of Mary. This spiritual maternity is the core of a woman's soul. Wherever a woman functions authentically in this spirit of maternal pure love, Mary collaborates with her. This holds true whether the woman is married or single, professional or domestic or both, a Religious in the world or in the convent. Through this love, a woman is God's special weapon in His fight against evil. Her intrinsic value is that she is able to do so because she has a special susceptibility for the works of God in souls — her own and others. She relates to others in His spirit of love." - Edith Stein Scripture for Lectio Divina - "The word of the Lord came to me, saying, "Before I formed you in the womb I knew ] you,before you were born I set you apart; I appointed you as a prophet to the nations." - Jeremiah 1:4-5 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. Announcing our 2022 Lenten Study This year we will be journeying through the season of Lent with a six-part series based on Restore: A Guided Lent Journal for Prayer and Meditation written by our very own Sister Miriam James Heidland. You can pre-order your copy from Ave Maria Press here or pre-order from Amazon here. We look forward to journeying with you this Lent!