
Abiding Together
Providing a place of connection, rest and encouragement for women who are on the journey of living out their passion and purpose in Jesus Christ.
Latest episodes

Apr 26, 2021 • 39min
S09 E17: You are so Beautiful to Me
In this episode we discuss Pope Benedict XVI’s 2017 address to artists from the Sistine Chapel. We chat about the power of beauty to draw us in, pierce our hearts with longing, and lead us to the Beautiful One, the Creator God Himself. We discuss the importance of pausing to consider our reaction to beauty and how surrendering our fear of being wounded can lead us to the intimate encounter with God we all long for. We pray this week you would meet God in the ache uncovered by beauty! Michelle’s one thing - Through the Heart of St. Joseph - Father Boniface Hicks Michelles other one thing - My Backyard Lights Sister Miriam’s one thing - Jane Austen Coloring Book Heather’s one thing - My “Fruit Salad” Tree! - 5 fruits on one tree...amazing. Other Links mentioned in this episode: Address of His Holiness Benedict XVI I at the Meeting with Artists, Sistine Chapel, November 21, 2009 Discussion questions: What struck you from this week’s episode? How have you experienced beauty in your everyday life recently and how did it impact you? What does it mean for our lives to be works of art - for us to live well, pray well, play well, etc? Do we allow ourselves to be unsettled by beauty and experience the ache and longing for God that is provoked by the beautiful? Journal Questions: What does your life look like as a masterpiece created by the Creator? Where are the areas that needs to be chiseled out and formed? Where are the areas that we keep on taking the hammer out of his hand? How has beauty pierced your heart recently? What keeps you from allowing this to happen often? Quote to Ponder: “Beauty gives us wings, lifting us up so that we may soar to the transcendent and rise to greatness.” - Pope Benedict XVI Scripture for Lectio Divina: “One thing I have asked of the Lord; this is what I desire: to dwell in the house of the Lord all the days of my life, to gaze on the beauty of the Lord and seek Him in His temple.” - Psalm 27:4 This episode is sponsored by 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! However, 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. These and so much more are available at www.chewslife.com! Use code ABIDE10 to receive 10% off your purchase (not valid with other discounts).

Apr 19, 2021 • 38min
S09 E16: The Power of Play and Leisure
In this episode we discuss the importance of encountering God through play and leisure. We talk about how we remember what we played as children and when we stopped playing for a more serious, busy or productive adulthood. We chat about God’s desire to restore our playful hearts so that we may come as children with trust, dependence and surrender. Michelle’s one thing - My Heart - Corinna Luyken Sister Miriam’s one thing - The Kid with Bruce Willis Heather’s one thing - Joyful - Dante Bowe Other Links mentioned in this episode: S08 E11: Holey, Wholly, Holy: Living an Integrated Life Michelle’s Fallow Blog Post Discussion questions: What struck you from this week’s episode? How do you understand ‘play’ - as a waste of time, unnecessary,frivolous or as a sign of trust, surrender and dependence? What are small acts of play, rest and leisure that you enjoy? What are some new ways to incorporate play and leisure that God delights in into your life? Journal Questions: What is the history of play in your life? Reflect on what, when, and how you played as a child. When did you stop playing and why? How might God want to reclaim and redeem play in your life as an adult? How might you need to replace efficiency, business and work of being an adult with the joy and delight of being child-like? How does the Father delight in you as you play? Quote to Ponder: The true object of all human life is play. Earth is a task garden; heaven is a playground.” - G.K. Chesterton Scripture for Lectio Divina: “Truly I tell you,” He said, “unless you change and become like little children, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven. - Matthew 18:3 This episode is sponsored by Reform Wellness. This week’s episode is sponsored by Reform, a Christ-centered functional medicine and holistic wellness practice. Reform redefines health as the state of your body and soul. Reform’s mission is to empower the whole person to find well-being in Christ and become the best versions of themselves physically, mentally and spiritually. Through their unique faith-based approach, Reform takes your symptoms as cues to address root causes of disease. Reform works with private clients, corporate teams, religious communities, and educational institutions from around the world, both in person and online. Whether you’re dealing with chronic health issues or having trouble sleeping and managing stress, Reform can help you feel and live better. They offer valuable information, educational resources, and lifelong tools to improve your well-being. We highly recommend their six-week online class: Reform Online LIVE, which dives into their nine wellness pillars to teach integrated health for the mind, body, and soul. In the past year, our Abiding Together hosts have taken the class and are still benefiting from the fruits. Reform is for everyone because everyone is made for wholeness and holiness. If you want to rid yourself of physical and spiritual toxins, optimize nutrition and sleep, move your body in a way that supports you, learn to play and rest, and align your identity and health with God, it’s time to reform. You can find more information about Reform on their website, reformwellness.co and on IG @reform_wellness Reform is offering a discount for all of our listeners on their upcoming May Workshop: Mary and Motherhood. Use code “Abide15” for your exclusive discount by April 30th.

Apr 12, 2021 • 34min
S09 E15: HerStory Part 4 - Esther
In this episode we complete the four part mini-series Herstory on women in Scripture with the story of Esther. We discuss the providence in the behind the scenes work of God and how God’s call on one person’s life can cause a ripple effect within a nation. We chat about God’s design and plan for each of us and how he desires to use your unique influence to build the kingdom right where you are. We pray that you would receive God’s courage to live out your feminine genius to bring about God’s glory today. Michelle’s one thing - Magdelena Kyne and the Lorien art prints that she created for me Sister Miriam’s one thing - WoodWick Candles Heather’s one thing - Employees and volunteers at my diocese in Vancouver Other Links mentioned in this episode: The Feminine Genius Series on the Abiding Together Podcast Discussion questions: What struck you from this week’s episode? What do you think of the idea that you were born for a time such as this? What do you think God’s purpose for your life is in this particular time? Where is an area the Holy Spirit is inviting you to speak or act on behalf of others? Where is he inviting you to wield your influence? Can you recognize times you have listened to the enemy’s out of tune song over your life with themes like diminishing your role or over-emphasizing your sin and when you have listened to God’s song over your life speaking of the truth of who God is and who you are? Journal Questions: How does your personal Fiat affect others? How do the small and simple yeses everyday build up the kingdom of God here and now? What grace do you need most - courage to speak or act, prudence to know which battles to fight, wisdom to know what to do next - to act upon God’s call on your life? Where is the influence God has given you and where is he calling you to use your influence to bring about his kingdom? Quote to Ponder: "The feminine genius is needed wherever we make important decisions.” - Pope Francis Scripture for Lectio Divina: “Perhaps you were born for such a time as this.” - Esther 4:14

Apr 5, 2021 • 34min
S09 E14: HerStory Part 3 - Mary Magdalene
In this episode, we continue the 4 part “Herstory” mini-series focusing on women in scripture with the Easter story of Mary Magdalene. We discuss how Jesus taught Mary a new way to live and how her audacious love led her to be called the “apostle of hope”, announcing his resurrection to the apostles. We chat about the power of naming the areas of grief, shame, or sin in our lives so that we can experience the resurrection Jesus desires for us this side of heaven and in eternity. Join us next week as we dive into the last of four women in scripture: Esther. Heather’s one thing - No Longer Slaves - Zach Williams Michelle’s one thing - The Technicolor of Spring! Sister Miriam’s one thing - The lovely people at St Mary’s Parish in Mokena, IL. Esp the ladies group! Discussion questions: What struck you from this week’s episode? What would you like God to resurrect in your life this Easter season? How does Jesus desire to be “Rabboni” (teacher) for you this Easter and teach you a new way to live? In your life, what desires need to be named, what sin needs to be named, what sorrow needs to be named? Journal Questions: Have you allowed yourself to hear the voice of the Lord, call you by name, especially in areas where you are broken, ashamed and sinful? Imagine yourself in the garden with Jesus. As He calls you by name and asks you ‘why are you crying?’, what would you like to talk to Jesus about? Quote to Ponder: Most of all I imitate the behavior of Mary Magdalene, for her amazing – or, rather, loving – audacity which delighted the heart of Jesus, has cast its spell upon mine. – St. Therese of Lisieux Scripture for Lectio Divina: Early on the first day of the week, while it was still dark, Mary Magdalene went to the tomb and saw that the stone had been removed from the entrance. So she came running to Simon Peter and the other disciple, the one Jesus loved, and said, “They have taken the Lord out of the tomb, and we don’t know where they have put him!” So Peter and the other disciple started for the tomb. Both were running, but the other disciple outran Peter and reached the tomb first. He bent over and looked in at the strips of linen lying there but did not go in. Then Simon Peter came along behind him and went straight into the tomb. He saw the strips of linen lying there, as well as the cloth that had been wrapped around Jesus’ head. The cloth was still lying in its place, separate from the linen. Finally the other disciple, who had reached the tomb first, also went inside. He saw and believed. (They still did not understand from Scripture that Jesus had to rise from the dead.) Then the disciples went back to where they were staying. Now Mary stood outside the tomb crying. As she wept, she bent over to look into the tomb and saw two angels in white,seated where Jesus’ body had been, one at the head and the other at the foot. They asked her, “Woman, why are you crying?” “They have taken my Lord away,” she said, “and I don’t know where they have put him.” At this, she turned around and saw Jesus standing there, but she did not realize that it was Jesus. He asked her, “Woman, why are you crying? Who is it you are looking for?” Thinking he was the gardener, she said, “Sir, if you have carried him away, tell me where you have put him, and I will get him.” Jesus said to her, “Mary.” She turned toward him and cried out in Aramaic, “Rabboni!”(which means “Teacher”). Jesus said, “Do not hold on to me, for I have not yet ascended to the Father. Go instead to my brothers and tell them, ‘I am ascending to my Father and your Father, to my God and your God.’” Mary Magdalene went to the disciples with the news: “I have seen the Lord!” And she told them that he had said these things to her. - John 20:1-18 This episode is sponsored by SoulCore. SoulCore integrates the prayers of the rosary with core strengthening, stretching and functional movements; inviting participants to nourish body & soul and encourage deeper reflection on the virtues. A sensory experience, classes incorporate scripture, sacred art, music, candlelight, and movement. Live classes are offered across the country, as well as digital offerings on DVD, download and our Online Streaming Studio. Check out SoulCore.com to learn more, sign up for our Online Streaming FREE 14-day trial or shop SoulCore. Abiding Together listeners receive a 20% discount in the SoulCore online shop through April 30, 2021 with promo code: abide20 at checkout. Visit SoulCore.com today to discover the beauty and transforming power of the rosary in body & soul!

Mar 29, 2021 • 40min
S09 E13: This Present Paradise Part 6: An Interview with Claire Dwyer
In this episode, we conclude our six-part Lenten series on the book “This Present Paradise” by Claire Dwyer. Claire joins us as we discuss the hidden way St. Elizabeth of the Trinity chooses us and draws us closer to God. We chat about St. Elizabeth’s delayed canonization and her prophetic messages: the call to love and be loved, the universal call to holiness, and God’s desire for deep intimacy that moves us to union and receptivity to the Holy Spirit. Thank you for joining us on the journey this Lent! Claire’s one thing - A Personal Guide for Receiving the Father’s Love - Father Thomas Acklin and Fr. Boniface Hicks Heather’s one thing - Heather’s Easter Playlist: Hallelujah Is Our Song Michelle’s one thing - A place to belong - Letters from Catholic Women - Corynne Staresinic or buy directly from Pauline Press and receive a free tote! Sister Miriam’s one thing - Ginger Tea: Boiled water, fresh ginger and fresh turmeric. Other add-ins: Honey, Lemon, Apple Cider Vinegar, (and black pepper too if you wish!) Other books discussed in this episode - Let the Fire Fall - Father Michel Scanlan Two Sisters in the Spirit: Therese of Lisieux and Elizabeth of the Trinity - Hans Von Balthasar Discussion questions: What struck you from this week’s episode? How have you experienced St. Elizabeth drawing you into a more intimate union with God this Lent? How can we continue to live our lives as a “praise of glory” as we move into the Easter season? How do we become more of ourselves when we leave this life and this earth? What has been the greatest fruit of allowing yourself to be loved by God? Journal Questions: How is God calling you to ‘take your seat’ at the table with the communion of Saints? What is your place at the table? What is your unique call to be a part of the Church? When have you struggled with false humility? How do you understand God’s call to sanctity and greatness? How is God inviting you to be a part of the spiritual renewal of the Church? Quote to Ponder: “Let yourself be loved” - St. Elizabeth of the Trinity Scripture for Lectio Divina: “We who first hoped in Christ have been destined and appointed to live for the praise of his glory.” - Ephesians 1:12 Abiding Together Podcast 2021 Lenten Book Study Announcement: The Abiding Together Podcast is reading and discussing This Present Paradise by Claire Dwyer for Lent. You can find the reading plan, discussion questions, additional resources and where to buy your book at www.abidingtogetherpodcast.com/this-present-paradise. This episode is sponsored by SpiritualDirection.com. SpiritualDirection.com is the largest website dedicated to authentic Catholic spirituality in the world. An Apostolate of the Avila Foundation, SpiritualDirection.com is a source of all things good, true and beautiful the Church today: webinars with best-selling authors, powerful reflections, teachings, videos and podcasts on scripture, the saints, spiritual warfare, and discernment of spirits, as well as news about upcoming courses in spiritual theology—including some on your favorite Carmelite saints! Right now, for a limited time, if you go to spiritualdirection.com/Elizabeth, you can get a free download of St. Elizabeth of the Trinity’s most beautiful quotes. Print them, frame them, share them—and be reminded of God’s immense and unfailing love.

Mar 22, 2021 • 40min
S09 E12: This Present Paradise Part 5: Let Love In
In this episode, we continue with part five of our six-part Lenten series on the book “This Present Paradise” by Claire Dwyer. We discuss the power of small acts of love that serve as the true measure of feminine strength. We expand on the ideas of humility, vulnerability and the hidden life in the inner cloister. We also chat about our call to spiritual maternity especially in the invitation to pray for priests. We hope you can join us next week for the conclusion of our series as we are joined by Claire Dwyer for our final discussion. Heather’s one thing - Lemon Garlic Grilled Chicken Recipe Michelle’s one thing - Cooking the Catholic Relief Services Meal with her family Sister Miriam’s one thing - Institute of Catholic Culture Discussion questions: What struck you from this week’s episode? Where in your life do you feel particularly little or hidden right now? What area do you feel desperately in need of the Savior? How can you and your group respond to the invitation to pray for priests? How have you experienced the complementarity of the feminine and masculine genius? Journal Questions: What has been your experience of the inner cloister this Lent? What would it look like to unleash spiritual maternity within your life? What have been some of the greatest sufferings of your life?Have you been able to see or experience sanctification and redemption in them? Quote to Ponder: “A single action — even the least and most insignificant — done with the view of pleasing God alone, and of glorifying Him, is worth infinitely more, so to speak, than many actions in themselves of the greatest value and worth that spring from other motives.” - Lorenzo Scupoli, Spiritual Combat Scripture for Lectio Divina: “If a man loves me,’ says the Lord, ‘he will keep my word, and my Father will love him, and we will come to him, and make our home with him” - John 14:23 Abiding Together Podcast 2021 Lenten Book Study Announcement: The Abiding Together Podcast is reading and discussing This Present Paradise by Claire Dwyer for Lent. You can find the reading plan, discussion questions, additional resources and where to buy your book at www.abidingtogetherpodcast.com/this-present-paradise.

Mar 15, 2021 • 42min
S09 E11: This Present Paradise Part 4: The World Within
In this episode, we continue with part four of our six-part Lenten series on the book “This Present Paradise” by Claire Dwyer. We discuss our experiences of peace and home felt at ‘thin places’ like monasteries and convents and how God desires for us to experience this within our souls’ inner cloister. We chat about the maturation of love over time in our relationship with God and the helpfulness of a rule of life to anchor our daily decisions in rightly ordered love. We pray that as your journey through this Lent, you may respond to God’s desire for you and experience greater union with him. Heather’s one thing - Bees! Michelle’s one thing - Humble Mission beads - St. Elizabeth of the Trinity Bracelet Michelle’s other one thing - The Interior Castle: Study Edition Sister Miriam’s one thing - With You - Jonathan Ogden Other Links mentioned in the episode- The Visitation Sisters & Monastery in Mobile, Alabama The Nashville Dominicans Father John Burns Podcast on Religious Life Prayer from Cardinal John Henry Newman - O my God, let me never forget that seasons of consolation are refreshments here, and nothing more; not our abiding state. They will not remain with us, except in heaven. Here they are only intended to prepare us for doing and suffering. I pray Thee, O my God, to give them to me from time to time. Shed over me the sweetness of Thy Presence, lest I faint by the way. . . . Give me Thy Divine consolations from time to time; but let me not rest in them. Let me use them for the purpose for which Thou givest them. Let me not think it grievous, let me not be downcast, if they go. Let them carry me forward to the thought and the desire of heaven. — St. John Henry Newman, Prayers, Poems, Meditations Discussion questions: What struck you from this week’s episode? Have you ever had an experience like Heather visiting the Nashville Dominicans or Michelle at the Visitation Monastery in Mobile? How would you describe the presence of God in these ‘thin places’? How have you seen love mature in relationships with your spouse, family or friends? How have you experienced love maturing in your relationship with God? This Lent, what is one practice or habit God is calling you to use as an anchor to help you grow in intimacy with Him in the cloister of your soul, so love can flow from that relationship? How have you seen this at work so far this Lent? Journal Questions: Take a moment to imagine the ‘secret garden’, a place for God within you? What does it look like, smell like, and sound like? What flowers, trees, animals or structures fill the space? What is this place for Jesus to meet you intimately? What has been your experience of intimacy with Jesus? Take a moment to pray the prayer from Cardinal Newman. What does the Lord want to say to you this? Quote to Ponder: “The more precious the love, the more precautions to guard it. The grating in a Carmelite monastery is not to keep the sisters in, but to keep the world out.” - Archbishop Fulton Sheen Scripture for Lectio Divina: “Jesus said to him, ‘Have you come to believe because you have seen me? Blessed are those who have not seen and have believed.’ “- John 20:29 Abiding Together Podcast 2021 Lenten Book Study Announcement: The Abiding Together Podcast is reading and discussing This Present Paradise by Claire Dwyer for Lent. You can find the reading plan, discussion questions, additional resources and where to buy your book at www.abidingtogetherpodcast.com/this-present-paradise. This episode is sponsored by Rooted for Good Skincare. Rooted for Good 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 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. Use the code abide10 at checkout for 10% off your purchase!

Mar 8, 2021 • 35min
S09 E10: This Present Paradise Part 3: Redeeming and Declaring
In this episode, we dive into part three of our six-part Lenten series on the book “This Present Paradise” by Claire Dwyer. We chat about the importance of silence in a noisy, distracting world and how God is always present to us. We discuss the truth that God knows us by name, that we are always before him, and that He desires to restore what the enemy has stolen. We also talk about St. Elizabeth’s motto of ‘God in me and I in him’ and reflect on our own life mottos. We pray you may live a presence driven life this Lent and we will continue our journey with St. Elizabeth next week! Heather’s one thing - Soaking in His Presence (Instrumental Worship) - William Augusto Michelle’s one thing - Anna from CORDA candles Sister Miriam’s one thing - The Way of the Cross with the Carmelite Saints - Sr. Joseph Marie, CHT on Amazon or through the Carmelite Publishing Company ICS Publications Other links mentioned in the episode: Institute of Carmelite Resources for books about St. Elizabeth of the Trinity You can also find more St. Elizabeth of the Trinity resources including a Carmelite Examen and a book list on our website at www.abidingtogetherpodcast.com/this-present-paradise. Discussion questions: What struck you from this week’s episode? What practical ways can we practice silence in a noisy world full of distractions? How can we begin to cultivate silence and recollection in our lives this Lent? Looking at your life and losses, where have you seen God be a redeemer, restorer and rescuer? Thinking of the last year, what is a situation or loss that you would like to pray for God’s redemption? What is the motto of your life? Journal Questions: Take some time to think about your life motto. Sister Miriam describes this as “an expressed summary of intimacy with God or how he sees us and how we see him.” How can you remind yourself of this each day? Reflect on the past year and some of the big and small losses you have experienced. Pray with Psalm 18:19 and have a conversation with God about your desires for redemption and restoration. What is one area of woundedness you would like to invite Christ to come close to and kiss? Take a moment of prayer to allow Christ to do this. Quote to Ponder: “God in me, I in him.” - St. Elizabeth of the Trinity Scripture for Lectio Divina: “You have found favor in my sight, and I know you by name” - Exodus 33:17 Abiding Together Podcast 2021 Lenten Book Study Announcement: The Abiding Together Podcast is reading and discussing This Present Paradise by Claire Dwyer for Lent. You can find the reading plan, discussion questions, additional resources and where to buy your book at www.abidingtogetherpodcast.com/this-present-paradise. Join us for the 2021 National Catholic Women’s Conference on March 12-14, 2021. We will have a live session with the ladies of the Abiding Together Podcast on Saturday March 13 at 6:00 pm Eastern. You can register for free online here.

Mar 1, 2021 • 38min
S09 E09: This Present Paradise Part 2: Abiding in Family
In this episode, we continue our six-part Lenten series on the book “This Present Paradise” by Claire Dwyer. We discuss the complementarity of vocations to marriage and religious life and our universal vocation to love. We talk about St. Elizabeth’s relationship with the Virgin Mary and the beauty of entrusting ourselves to her in times of waiting or suffering. We also chat about sacred spaces where God makes His presence known to us sacramentally, in nature, in one another and even in the mundane of our everyday lives. We pray this Lent has been a blessing to you and we will continue our discussion next week! Heather’s one thing - Fr. Mike Schmitz and the success of The Bible in a Year Podcast Michelle’s one thing - This Close - Steffany Gretzinger on youtube or Spotify Sister Miriam’s one thing - Worshipping the Lord and taking time with music - Check out Sister Miriam’s daily mix playlist Discussion questions: What struck you from this week’s episode? How has God used your own vocation or others’ vocations to reveal to you the vocation to love? How is God inviting you to give and receive love in your particular vocation or stage of life this Lent? What are some ways God has made his presence known to you this week? How can you acknowledge God’s presence in the ordinary situations of your life? Journal Questions: How can you entrust your times of waiting and suffering to Mary? When you reflect on her life, how can she teach you about this? In this time that many of us have been away from the Eucharist due to restrictions, how has your Eucharistic love grown or changed? How has God revealed himself to you in nature, beauty, or otherwise come to you where you are? Take some time to reflect on what a Sacred space could look like in your home or room. What are some visual reminders that could draw your attention to God’s presence with you throughout your day? Is this something you can create? Quote to Ponder: “The Word of God is the one who gives this command, who expresses this will. Abide in me, not for a few moments, a few hours that pass by, but abide in me in a permanent and habitual way. Abide in me: pray in me, adore in me, love in me, suffer in me, work and act in me. Abide in me in your dealings with anyone and anything, always entering ever more deeply in me.” - St. Elizabeth of the Trinity Scripture for Lectio Divina: “Abide in me” - John 15:4 Abiding Together Podcast 2021 Lenten Book Study Announcement: The Abiding Together Podcast is reading and discussing This Present Paradise by Claire Dwyer for Lent. You can find the reading plan, discussion questions and where to buy your book at www.abidingtogetherpodcast.com/this-present-paradise.

Feb 22, 2021 • 41min
S09 E08: This Present Paradise Part 1: Dwelling in the Spirit
In this episode, we begin a six-part Lenten series on the book “This Present Paradise” by Claire Dwyer. We discuss the sufferings in the early life of St. Elizabeth of the Trinity, the humbling moments of parenthood and surrendering your giftedness to be refined by God and used for his glory. We chat about the “little way” of recognizing the Trinity in our everyday lives and how often our woundedness and our glory lie side by side. We are excited to continue this journey with St. Elizabeth of the Trinity and you next week! Heather’s one thing - Heather’s Spotify Lenten Playlist Michelle’s one thing - Restoration House: Creating a Space that gives life and connection - Kennesha Buycks Sister Miriam’s one thing - Monica at Damascus Catholic Mission Campus Carmelite Examen mentioned by Michelle Discussion questions: What struck you from this week’s episode? How have you been challenged to develop a disposition of hope in the midst of loss or suffering? What part of your personality, gifts, or interests do you still need to surrender to God, so that He may refine it to be used for His glory? In this time in history, how can you be present to the Trinity in your everyday moments, your everyday actions, and your everyday interactions with others? Journal Questions: Identify a trait or area in your life where your gift and your wound, or your glory and your weakness, lie side by side. How is the Lord asking you to practice surrender in this area? Reflect on a time that God has asked you to set aside a gift or interest for a season. What was the fruit of this surrender? What is the little way that God is inviting you to be present to him this Lent? Quote to Ponder: “May my life be a continual prayer, one long act of love. May nothing be able to distract me from you.” - St. Elizabeth of the Trinity Scripture for Lectio Divina: “Do you not know that you are God’s temple and that God’s Spirit dwells in you?” - 1 Corinthians 3:16 This episode is sponsored by Corda Candles. CORDA brings the light of the saints to the domestic church. Each handcrafted candle has a custom scent blended in-house that is directly inspired by saints and the faith, such as Joan of Arc, Michael the Archangel, and Divine Mercy. And the candles are made with great ingredients, including CORDA's proprietary, all-natural coconut wax blend and phthalate-free fragrances. Explore all of CORDA's modern saint candles at www.cordacandles.com. CORDA is pleased to offer an Elizabeth of the Trinity candle in collaboration with the Abiding Together Podcast and benefiting Sister Miriam's order, the Society of Our Lady of the Most Holy Trinity. Listeners can use code abide10 through 3/31 for 10% off your order excluding the St. Elizabeth of the Trinity candle, Cloistered Heart. Abiding Together Podcast 2021 Lenten Book Study Announcement: The Abiding Together Podcast is reading and discussing This Present Paradise by Claire Dwyer for Lent. You can find the reading plan, discussion questions and where to buy your book at www.abidingtogetherpodcast.com/this-present-paradise.