Abiding Together

In this episode, we begin our four part Advent series on Mary, our heavenly Mother. We discuss the powerful model Mary is for us in how she trusted the character of God when she surrendered control of her own life to say yes to the Holy Spirit. We also chat about seeking healing for areas where motherhood has wounded us or we have been dominated and manipulated by others. Sister Miriam leads a beautiful time of prayer inviting Mary to mother us and Jesus to heal us. We pray you continue to open your hearts wide to Jesus coming this Advent! Sister Miriam’s one thing - Nine Days to Welcome Peace and Nine Days to Rediscover the Joy of Prayer - Father Jacques Philippe Michelle’s one thing - Till I Found you - Phil Wickham Heather’s one thing - Advent Traditions like wooden advent wreath and Unwrapping the Greatest Gift: A Family Celebration of Christmas - Ann Voskamp Discussion questions:     What struck you from this week’s episode? What are some areas in your life that you grasp for control where God is inviting you to surrender in trust? Even if you have accepted Jesus into your life, where are there still blocks to your openness and receptivity to Him? What are the situations or wounds in your life where you have not allowed Jesus to love you fully? Where is Mary inviting you to seek healing in or from distorted motherhood? Where is Jesus inviting you to seek healing from distorted masculinity? Journal Questions: What aspect of God’s character are you being invited to encounter this Advent, so that you can begin to trust like Mary? What decisions in life do you think your ‘yes’ or ‘no’ is motivated primarily by fear, trying to avoid suffering, avoiding intimacy, or avoiding abandonment and disappointment? How can Mary mother you there and bring you to Jesus for healing? What decisions in life is your ‘yes’ or ‘no  motivated primarily by love, self gift and truth? What does true life-giving motherhood look like in your life? How did Sister Miriam’s prayer during this week's episode impact you? Is there anything you need to bring to Jesus from this time of prayer? Quotes to Ponder:  “It was that the knot of Eve's disobedience was loosed by the obedience of Mary. For what the Virgin Eve had bound fast through unbelief, this did the Virgin Mary set free through faith.” - St. Irenaeus  “Every woman has something in herself inherited from Eve, and she must search for the way from Eve to Mary” - Edith Stein Scripture for Lectio Divina -  In the sixth month, the angel Gabriel was sent from God to a town of Galilee called Nazareth, to a virgin betrothed to a man named Joseph, of the house of David, and the virgin’s name was Mary. And coming to her, he said, “Hail, favored one! The Lord is with you.” But she was greatly troubled at what was said and pondered what sort of greeting this might be. Then the angel said to her, “Do not be afraid, Mary, for you have found favor with God. Behold, you will conceive in your womb and bear a son, and you shall name him Jesus. He will be great and will be called Son of the Most High, and the Lord God will give him the throne of David his father, and he will rule over the house of Jacob forever, and of his kingdom there will be no end.” But Mary said to the angel, “How can this be, since I have no relations with a man?” And the angel said to her in reply, “The holy Spirit will come upon you, and the power of the Most High will overshadow you. Therefore the child to be born will be called holy, the Son of God. And behold, Elizabeth, your relative, has also conceived* a son in her old age, and this is the sixth month for her who was called barren; for nothing will be impossible for God. ”Mary said, “Behold, I am the handmaid of the Lord. May it be done to me according to your word.” Then the angel departed from her. Luke 1:26-38 This episode is created under the patronage of Mary, Undoer of Knots. You can find a novena to Mary, Undoer of Knots here.   

In this episode, we talk about living a healthy and integrated physical and spiritual life with special guest Jackie Mulligan of Reform Wellness. We discuss the importance of acknowledging our weaknesses and holes, so Christ can make us whole and place us on the path to holiness. We chat about the idea of Christ-centered wellness where health is more than a number on a scale but a step-by-step renewal that leads to an abundant life. You can find out more about Jackie and Reform Wellness online at reformwellness.co and on Instagram @reform_wellness.  Jackie’s one thing- Interior Castle - St. Theresa of Avila Heather’s one thing - Take Heart Again - Hillsong United Michelle’s one thing - Bold Blooming - Jill Simmons Sister Miriam’s one thing - Rejoice Advent: Meditations with Mary and Joseph - Fr. Mark Toups and Ascension Press. Use the code ABIDE10 to receive 10% off any of the gorgeous custom artwork that goes along with the series! Discussion questions:     What struck you from this week’s episode? Jackie mentioned the first step in living an integrated health is awareness. Of the nine pillars - faith, nutrition, sleep, stress management, community, personal growth, movement and play - what is one area you recognize you are living a healthy life and one area you acknowledge you need healing and wellness?  What keeps you from living a healthy, integrated life? - fear of failure, fear of exposure, fear of change, busyness/distraction?   Where have you seen Jesus bring “holes” into wholeness in your life and the lives of people you care about?  Journal Questions: The first step to integrated living is making space for the Lord and being Christ centered. What is one way you can make space for the Lord this week? What else might be in the center of your life instead of Jesus? Just like you would to prepare for confession, take a moment to make an examination. What's the state of your body? What's the state of your soul? Where the areas are in your health that you haven't invited the Lord into? Where do you lack discipline? Invite the Lord to reveal to you the area of your wellbeing where you are in need of focus and the presence of Jesus. Pray “Jesus re-form me.” Quote to Ponder: “To reform. A little each day. This must be your constant concern if you really want to become a saint.” - St. Josemaría Escrivá Scripture for Lectio Divina -  “Do you not know that your bodies are temples of the Holy Spirit, who is in you, whom you have received from God? You are not your own;  you were bought at a price. Therefore honor God with your bodies.” - 1 Corinthians 6:19-20

In this episode, we complete part 3 of our series on the Person of Jesus revealed in Scripture and what it means to personally know Jesus as the Way, the Truth and the Life. We chat about how relevant this is for us right now as we struggle to see a way forward in the craziness of the world and struggle to know what the truth really is amidst the enemy’s lies. We discuss how living the Paschal Mystery over and over is the Way to experience new life. Jesus invites us to an abundant life: the life that longs to be lived in us. It is not a riddle to be solved, but an invitation to stay with Him. Heather’s one thing - I Believe - Damascus Worship. You can also find out more about the mission of Damascus and their missionary school online here.  Michelle’s one thing - Something Has To Break - Kierra Sheard and Tasha Cobbs Leonard  Michelle’s other one thing - The Advent Prayer Cards on sale now!  Sister Miriam’s one thing - The Best Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Cookies Discussion questions:     What struck you from this week’s episode? How have the themes of trust and dependence in this season of life prepared you to receive Jesus, the Way, the Truth, and the Life? What has been your personal experience of Jesus creating a way where you felt like there was no way? Is there a place that you need Him to make a way right now? Jesus is not playing hide and seek with us, he desires us to know the way. How is Jesus inviting you to stay close to him in order to experience Him as the way, truth and life for you personally? Journal Questions: What is a situation in your life where you feel like there is no way forward? Take a moment to pray the words “Jesus you are the way.” The way Jesus shows us in scripture is the Paschal Mystery - the cycle of suffering, dying and rising again. How is Jesus inviting you further up and further in to living the Paschal Mystery in this season of your life?  Is the life you are living, the life that longs to be lived in you?  How have you made agreements with lies or false beliefs about who you are? Take a moment and invite Jesus the Truth into those areas and ask him to speak truth.  Quote to Ponder - “If, then, you are looking for the way by which you should go, take Christ, because he himself is the way: This is the way; walk in it. If you are looking for a goal, hold fast to Christ, because he himself is the truth, where we desire to be. My mouth shall reflect on the truth. If you are looking for a resting place, hold fast to Christ, because he himself is the life. Whoever finds me finds life, and receives salvation from the Lord.” - St Thomas Aquinas Scripture for Lectio Divina -  John 14:5-6 “Thomas said to him, “Lord, we do not know where you are going. How can we know the way?” Jesus said to him, “I am the way, and the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.” Other Scripture to Pray With -  Isaiah 30:21 John 8:31-32 Isaiah 43:16 Exodus 15:1-22 This episode is sponsored by The Little Catholic.   The Little Catholic empowers women through hand-crafted, meaningful pieces that cultivate deeper faith and evangelization through beauty. Our impact extends beyond jewelry and empowering women. We also empower and partner with non-profits around the globe, designing beautiful pieces unique to their cause and donating a portion of all proceeds back to their mission. Giving back is one of our fundamental values.

In this episode, we continue with part 2 in our series on the Person of Jesus as revealed in Scripture. We break open one of our favorite topics: abiding in the vine. We talk about the freedom that comes from dependence on Jesus and the patience required to allow fruit to mature. When we can let down our defenses of self-protection and allow ourselves to be crushed as grapes, God can transform us into a new wine that is good and sweet, even if it hurts. Jesus is inviting us into a maturation process, a continual surrender that will ultimately bear good fruit, fruit that lasts, for the kingdom.  Heather’s one thing - They That Hope Podcast - Fr. Dave Pivonka and Dr. Bob Rice Michelle’s one thing - Know You - Koryn Hawthorne featuring Steffany Gretzinger Michelle’s other one thing - How Great - Koryn Hawthorne  Sister Miriam’s one thing - Life Model: Living from the Heart Jesus Gave you - James Friesen Discussion questions:     What struck you from this week’s episode? Read John 15 together. What word or phrase speaks to you on how God desires for you to abide in and be dependent on him Heather shared about times that she felt like she had to be the vine- the life source, the provider, and security, for her branches- her people, family, and community. Have you ever felt like you had to be the vine? How have you experienced the freedom of dependence by surrendering these people and circumstances back to the Lord? Michelle reminded us ‘new wine isn’t quick.’ What is one fruit in your life that has required time and patience to fully mature? What is one area that you are still waiting for maturation? Journal Questions: What is an area you may be resisting the crushing or where you are settling for ‘old stale grape juice’ when God is  wanting to create new wine out of you? Reflect on how you have seen fruitfulness when allowing God to crush you and create something good and sweet. Take some time to reflect on the questions posed by Michelle and Heather: Is my heart growing colder or warmer towards others? Am I moody or constantly in a bad mood? Do I get fixated on offenses or I'm willing to overlook most? Are the fruits of the Holy Spirit active and visible in my life? We never know when change is around the corner, when breakthrough is about to happen, when the promise is about to come to fruition. Where is God inviting you to lean into the vine and trust in his promise? Quote to Ponder - “To be living branches in the vineyard of the Church means above all to be in living communion with Christ the vine. The branches are not self-sufficient; they are totally dependent on the vine. In the vine is the source of their life.”- JPII Scripture for Lectio Divina -  John 15:5  “I am the vine; you are the branches. If you remain in me and I in you, you will bear much fruit; apart from me you can do nothing. Other Scripture to Pray With -  Galatians 4:4 Galatians 5:22  John 15: 1-17 This episode is sponsored by The Little Catholic.   The Little Catholic empowers women through hand-crafted, meaningful pieces that cultivate deeper faith and evangelization through beauty. Our impact extends beyond jewelry and empowering women. We also empower and partner with non-profits around the globe, designing beautiful pieces unique to their cause and donating a portion of all proceeds back to their mission. Giving back is one of our fundamental values.

Follow the Leader - Jesus, The Good Shepherd In this episode, we begin a 3 part series on the Person of Jesus as revealed in Scripture. We break open Psalm 23 and discuss how we are personally invited to experience the comfort, provision, protection, restoration, correction, and leadership of the Good Shepherd. We also talk about the failure of some of our shepherds on earth and how God wants to restore us. Jesus the Good Shepherd wants us to experience Him personally.  Michelle’s one thing - Her new nephew, Quinn David, and all mothers of young children Heather’s one thing - Our listeners and passing the 5 million downloads threshold Heather’s other one thing - The Search - Chris Stefanick and FORMED. You can also access the panel discussions on each episode at beholdvancouver.org starting on November 5 from 7:00-8:30 Pacific Time Sister Miriam’s one thing -  The Great Adventure Catholic Bible - Ascension Press  Discussion questions:     What struck you from this week’s episode? Read Psalm 23 together. What word or phrase speaks to you on how God has been a shepherd to you in this season?  The catechism reminds us that it is Christ alone who unfailingly nourishes and leads us. Where have you looked to man-made ways and earthly leaders to shepherd you instead of Jesus, the Good Shepherd?  The rod and and staff are used to protect the flock and snatch back the sheep who are prone to wander. How have you seen God’s rod and staff at work in your life? Where do you need God to shepherd you by wielding his rod and staff? Journal Questions: What does it mean, for you personally, that Jesus is the Good Shepherd? Reflect on a time that God has shown his providence, protection and leadership in your life. Who are the shepherds - priests, pastors and leaders - who have imaged for you the face of Christ as the Good Shepherd? Take a moment to express gratitude for the gift of their lives and vocations. Who are the shepherds - priests, pastors and leaders -  who have disfigured the face of Christ as the Good Shepherd due to their failures and sins. Take a moment to invite God into your hurt and ask that He would restore those places.  Spend some time reading and praying through the shepherd imagery in John 10, Psalm 23, or Luke 15:3-6. Allow the Holy Spirit to reveal who Jesus says He is.  Quote to Ponder - “I am like the sick sheep that strays from the rest of the flock. Unless the Good Shepherd takes me on His shoulders and carries me back to His fold, my steps will falter, and in the very effort of rising, my feet will give way.” - St. Jerome Scripture for Lectio Divina - Psalm 23: 1-6 The LORD is my shepherd there is nothing I lack. In green pastures he makes me lie down; to still waters he leads me; he restores my soul. He guides me along the right paths for the sake of his name. Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for you are with me; your rod and your staff comfort me. You set a table before me in front of my enemies; You anoint my head with oil; my cup overflows. Indeed, goodness and mercy will pursue me all the days of my life; I will dwell in the house of the LORD for endless days. Other Scripture to Pray With -  Isaiah 40:11 Isaiah 53:6 Ezekiel 34:11-16 Luke 15: 3-7 John 10: 1-42 This episode is sponsored by Walking With Purpose.  Learn more about your faith while you build meaningful relationships in a Walking with Purpose Bible study group. Hundreds of parishes are offering WWP Bible studies right now, and you can search by location to find a group near you. What's more, most parish-based Bible study groups are virtual this fall, so you may join up with your Sisters-in-Christ from the comfort of home. We are not meant to journey alone! Search for a parish program or start your own WWP Bible study group today.

In this episode we chat with Dr. Andrew Swafford, associate professor of theology at Benedictine College. We talk about encountering the Person of Jesus in scripture and the power of connecting the head and the heart. We also discuss the beauty of Scripture, how to connect the dots between the old and the new, and how Scripture is always relevant to every time and culture. Dr. Andrew Swafford’s one thing - his wife, Sarah Dr. Andrew Swafford’s other one thing - The Glories of Divine Gracie - Fr. Matthias Scheeben Heather’s one thing - Victory - Jay and Jo Michelle’s one thing - The Impact of God - Fr. Iain Matthew Michelle’s other one thing - Fr. Mark Mary and Fr. Innocent CFR and their visit to Pensacola Sister Miriam’s one thing - Butternut Squash and all Fall recipes  Books Mentioned -  All the titles mentioned by Dr. Swafford can be found online here.   Here are the three recommendations to get your started: Mystery of the Kingdom - Dr. Edward Sri God with us - Dr. Edward Sri A Father Who Keeps His Promises - Scott Hahn You can also receive 20% off any studies in the Hebrews collection by Dr. Andrew Swafford through Ascension Press with the code Abide20. Check out all Hebrews has to offer!  Discussion questions:     What struck you from this week’s episode? What has been your experience with the Holy Scriptures? Did you grow up reading the Bible often, have you just recently discovered the living Word of God or are you still not sure where to begin? Dr. Swafford mentioned the threat of Catholic Deism - where faith becomes about an idea and not about a person. How have the scriptures fostered your relationship with the person of Jesus? Dr. Swafford said “theology is really about intellectual discipleship.” How do/can your bible studies, discussion groups and personal study create disciples around you?  Journal Questions: Dr. Swafford’s journey began with an intentional mentorship from Dr. Sri. Pray about who God is inviting you to intentionally disciple and what would that look like. Dr. Swafford encouraged us to start small. What’s one small daily scripture exercise you can commit to this week? Take some time to reflect on your favorite scripture verse or one that has impacted your life. Ask the Holy Spirit how God wants to speak this word over your life in a new way.  Quote to Ponder - “Learn the Heart of God from the Word of God.” - Pope St. Gregory  Scripture for Lectio Divina - Joshua 1:8 “This book of the law shall not depart out of your mouth; you shall meditate on it day and night, so that you may be careful to act in accordance with all that is written in it. For then you shall make your way prosperous, and then you shall be successful.” 

The Power of Poverty & The Beauty of Mercy - Part 2 In this episode we continue with Part 2 of our interview with Fr Mark-Mary CFR. We discuss the invitation to encounter the presence of Jesus in the poor, our fears that can get in the way, and living the corporal works of mercy with those who are among us.  Fr. Mark Mary’s one thing - All the lovely women in his life and their amazing feminine genius, most especially Michelle Benzinger Sister Miriam’s one thing - Cause of our Joy - Mother Mary Francis, P.C.C  Michelle’s one thing - The friendship of Heather, Sister Miriam, and Fr. Mark Mary Heather’s one thing - Canadian Thanksgiving, eh?  Heather’s other one thing -  Maverick City, Vol. 3 Pt. 2- Maverick City Music  Discussion questions:     What struck you from this week’s episode? What are some fears or hesitancies that have kept you from encountering Jesus in the poor? In Matthew 25, Jesus invites us to feed the hungry, clothe the naked and welcome the stranger. Where do the opportunities to respond to this call already exist in your everyday life? How did this episode change the way you look at your response to Mathew 25? Jesus asked St. Francis to rebuild his church and Fr. Mark Mary invited us to rebuild the church through prayer. How can we continue becoming a people of prayer who allow the Holy Spirit to operate in and through us? Journal Questions: In Matthew 26, Jesus said, “the poor you will always have with you.” Who are the poor among you? If no one comes to mind initially, pray for the Holy Spirit to open your eyes to see those who are in material need and those are unloved, unwanted or unnoticed.  Fr. Benedict often said the poor are the eighth sacrament - reflect on how you have received the grace of God in seeing, knowing and serving the materially and spiritually poor among you. What is the grace you need most to respond to Jesus’s invitation and live out the corporal works of mercy in your everyday life? Quote to Ponder - “We think sometimes that poverty is only being hungry, naked and homeless. The poverty of being unwanted, unloved and uncared for is the greatest poverty. We must start in our own homes to remedy this kind of poverty.” - Mother Teresa Scripture for Lectio Divina - Matthew 25: 31-46 “When the Son of Man comes in his glory, and all the angels with him, he will sit upon his glorious throne, and all the nations will be assembled before him. And he will separate them one from another, as a shepherd separates the sheep from the goats. He will place the sheep on his right and the goats on his left. Then the king will say to those on his right, ‘Come, you who are blessed by my Father. Inherit the kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world. For I was hungry and you gave me food, I was thirsty and you gave me drink, a stranger and you welcomed me, naked and you clothed me, ill and you cared for me, in prison and you visited me.’ Then the righteous will answer him and say, ‘Lord, when did we see you hungry and feed you, or thirsty and give you drink? When did we see you a stranger and welcome you, or naked and clothe you? When did we see you ill or in prison, and visit you?’ And the king will say to them in reply, ‘Amen, I say to you, whatever you did for one of these least brothers of mine, you did for me.’ Then he will say to those on his left, ‘Depart from me, you accursed, into the eternal fire prepared for the devil and his angels. For I was hungry and you gave me no food, I was thirsty and you gave me no drink, a stranger and you gave me no welcome, naked and you gave me no clothing, ill and in prison, and you did not care for me.’ Then they will answer and say, ‘Lord, when did we see you hungry or thirsty or a stranger or naked or ill or in prison, and not minister to your needs?’ He will answer them, ‘Amen, I say to you, what you did not do for one of these least ones, you did not do for me.’ And these will go off to eternal punishment, but the righteous to eternal life.’”

In this episode we begin a two part podcast with our friend Fr. Mark-Mary of the Franciscan Friars of the Renewal (CFR)! In part 1, Fr. Mark-Mary shares his journey from growing up in a wealthy family to joining the CFR’s and taking a vow of radical poverty. He talks about his love for the sacrament of confession and shares how spiritual poverty makes room for God to be a Father to us and show us His love and providence. We often spend so much energy hiding our weakness, but freedom is to be found when we allow God and others to love us in our littleness. Fr. Mark Mary’s one thing - Be mindful of the poor - Galatians 2:10 Sister Miriam’s one thing - Today If You Hear Him - Taylor Leonhardt Michelle’s one thing - The Saint Story Cards of Mother Teresa, St. John Paul II, St. Therese of Lisieux, and St. Francis of Assisi created by Greenhouse Collective, The Franciscan Friars of the Renewal and Our Sunday Visitor Heather’s one thing - The Dumpster Fire and the Garden - Brad Montague Heather’s other one thing - Blessed Carlo Acutis    Discussion questions:     What struck you from this week’s episode? What is one specific moment in your life that you have experienced God’s providence by being open to receive? Where is God inviting you to make space in your life in order to make room for Him to Father you and show His providence? Share a time when you have been loved in your weakness? How did that impact you? Journal Questions: How have you made your poverty about you, rather than about God’s providence? How is God inviting you to accept spiritual poverty and seek material simplicity? How would you be more free if you said this yes? Quote to Ponder - “A saint is someone who, fascinated by the beauty of God, gives up everything, even himself, and enters into the great movement of return to the Father that was initiated by Christ. We are all called to it.” - Cardinal Sarah  Scripture for Lectio Divina - Matthew 6: 25-33 “Therefore I tell you, do not worry about your life, what you will eat or drink, or about your body, what you will wear. Is not life more than food and the body more than clothing? Look at the birds in the sky; they do not sow or reap, they gather nothing into barns, yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are not you more important than they? Can any of you by worrying add a single moment to your life-span? Why are you anxious about clothes? Learn from the way the wildflowers grow. They do not work or spin. But I tell you that not even Solomon in all his splendor was clothed like one of them. If God so clothes the grass of the field, which grows today and is thrown into the oven tomorrow, will he not much more provide for you, O you of little faith? So do not worry and say, ‘What are we to eat?’ or ‘What are we to drink?’ or ‘What are we to wear?’ All these things the pagans seek. Your heavenly Father knows that you need them all. But seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be given you besides.”

In this episode we talk about the importance of growing in self awareness and understanding our temperament and personality traits. We chat about how understanding the temperament God has given to us can help us see our tendencies, areas we need to grow, and how to embrace those who are different from us. We also talk about the pitfalls in personality tests that turn into excuses for bad behavior or labels that don't allow for grace and the power of God to change us and restore our brokenness. Sister Miriam’s one thing - Sister Miriam’s Green Drink: Combine any quantity of kale, spinach, celery, cucumber, carrots, sliced apple or pear and ice in a blender. Add 1 scoop chia seeds and/or superfood powder if you want. Blend until smooth and enjoy! Michelle’s one thing - Take the World by JOHNNYSWIM Heather’s one thing - Heather's Greek Pasta Salad Recipe   Books Mentioned: The Temperament God Gave You by Art Bennett, Laraine Bennett  The Temperament God Gave your Kids by Art Bennett  The Temperament God gave your Spouse by Loraine Bennett    Basic Temperament Definitions: Discover your temperament with this online test.  Choleric: You are a natural leader and energetic go-getter, the classic "type A" personality. You are usually extraverted, which means that your energy is focused externally, actively, and socially. You are a "can do" person, energetic, determined and confident. Phlegmatic: You are calm, easy-going, and good-natured. To the ancient Greeks, phlegmatic were like water: calm, cool, going with the flow. You are dependable, polite, and even-tempered. You feel more comfortable in a small group of friends or even spending a quiet evening relaxing at home. Melancholic: Yours is a thoughtful, sensitive, artistic temperament, with noble aspirations. You are very likely artistic, romantic, and attentive to detail. Quiet and introverted (except with very close friends and family) you will need to recharge your batteries by spending time alone.  Sanguine: You are friendly, fun-loving, and optimistic--always up for something new and exciting. You love a spur-of-the-moment adventure and being spontaneous.Sanguines are the most extraverted of all the temperaments: active, inquisitive, and energized by being with people. Discussion questions:     What struck you from this week’s episode? After reading the basic definitions, which temperament resonates most with you? How can you see your own temperament as a gift and a blessing?  In the podcast we talked about how we can’t use our temperament/personality as an excuse for poor behavior. What is one way that you need the grace of God to overcome a negative tendency you have? After reading the basic definitions, which temperament would describe your spouse, roommate or child? How can you see their temperament as a gift and a blessing?  How can we better honor those who are different than us?  Journal Questions: What would you like to thank God for when it comes to how he made you and your temperament?  Who has God given you that is different and complementary to you? Think of the blessing of your children, coworkers, roommates, and friends. How can you honor the differences these individuals bring to your life?  Are there any patterns of behavior or thought in your life that you have been told are part of your temperament, but may be a result of woundedness? Ask the Lord to help reveal these places and then surrender them to Jesus.  Quote to Ponder - “Self-knowledge is so important that, even if you were raised right up to the heavens, I should like you never to relax your cultivation of it.” - St Teresa of Avila Scripture for Lectio Divina - Luke 6:43-45 “No good tree bears bad fruit, nor again does a bad tree bear good fruit; for each tree is known by its own fruit. Figs are not gathered from thorns, nor are grapes picked from a bramble bush. The good person out of the good treasure of the heart produces good, and the evil person out of evil treasure produces evil; for it is out of the abundance of the heart that the mouth speaks.”    This episode is sponsored by Every Sacred Sunday. The Every Sacred Sunday Mass Journal is designed to help you intentionally prepare and engage with the Mass each week. It contains the readings for each Sunday and Holy Day of Obligation for one liturgical year with a simple journaling template after each reading. Other features include thick quality paper, a durable hardbound cover, original illustrations, and key prayers of the Mass. This journal is thoughtfully designed to invite you to say yes to God, one Sunday at a time. Get $5 off your next purchase with the code abide5.

In this episode we move beyond the idea of personal holiness and discuss the practicals of how to grow in holiness. Holiness is a unique path of surrender to God and He has provided all that we need to be holy right where we are. We chat about the importance of the will, surrender, fasting, prayer, and being sober and alert. Starting today, we are invited to make the pursuit of holiness - growing towards intimate union with God - a priority. Sister Miriam’s one thing - The sculpture A Quiet Moment by Timothy P. Schmalz Michelle’s one thing - Praying the Rosary for Inner Healing by Fr. Dwight Longenecker Michelle’s other one thing - Praying the Rosary for Spiritual Warfare by Fr. Dwight Longenecker Michelle’s other other one thing - Mighty is Her Call - A Mother’s Rosary Guide Heather’s one thing - Abide in Me - Chris August  Discussion questions:     What struck you from this week’s episode? Holiness is more about being than doing. Who is someone you would describe as “holy” and why? Michelle spoke about our attachment to our phones, especially at the start and end of the day. How does this affect you and what is a practical change you can make to give your “first fruits” to the Lord?  After listening to this week’s episode, how have you been challenged to pursue holiness by pursuing union and intimacy with God?  Journal Questions: Sr Miriam described holiness as the fullness of Christ being made present through us. What is one specific thing that is blocking Jesus from being present in and through you? Heather shared about the importance of fasting and strengthening the “will muscle.” What is one tangible way you could do to choose something difficult to strengthen your will? What is the Lord inviting you to root out of your life - gossip, resentment, bitterness, grudges, judgment, self-righteousness, self-pity, selfishness - in order to cultivate the fruits of the Holy Spirit and grow in holiness? Spend some time in prayer today to recommit to pursuing holiness and union with Jesus. Quote to Ponder - “Holiness is the most attractive face of the Church” - Pope Francis Scripture for Lectio Divina - 1 Peter 1:15-16 “Instead, as He who called you is holy, be holy yourselves in all your conduct; for it is written, ‘You shall be holy, for I am holy.’” 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 directly inspired by saints and the faith, such as Our Lady, Bl. Pier Giorgio Frassati, St.Therese, and Night Prayer. And they’re made with an all-natural coconut wax blend, which is cleaner and burns longer than soy wax.   Explore all the scents at www.cordacandles.com and receive 10% off with promo code ABIDE10.