Abiding Together

In this episode we talk about how we are finding the Lord and clinging to Him in a time that is uncertain and wrought with suffering and isolation. We discuss how these times of difficulty expose how strong our root systems are and the difference between isolation vs solitude . We also chat about the importance of learning to lament and offer our sorrow to God instead of shutting it down or wallowing in self pity. The invitation is for us to build our foundation on our unshakeable God. Sister Miriam’s one thing - Heather’s new backyard pool!  Michelle’s one thing - Mary's Mantle Consecration by Christine Watkins Michelle’s other one thing - Marian Consecration for Families with Young Children by Colleen Pressprich and illustrated by Rebecca Gorzynska Heather’s one thing - I Surrender - Hillsong and Lauren Daigle  Discussion questions:     What struck you from the podcast? What are you lamenting right now? And if you're not lamenting, is it something you feel free to do? Why or why not? We are the church. What do you wish you saw or experienced in the Church right now and how can you be, do, and make real those attributes? Pope Benedict says “the one who hopes, lives differently.” How do our lives look different because of  our knowing hope?  Journal Questions: Where have you placed your hope in something other than Jesus?  Heather spoke of those watching you and modeling their responses after you - how would you allow a loved one to lament hard things and can you allow yourself the same grace to lament? What is bringing you the greatest hope in this season? Quote to Ponder - “The cross means there is no shipwreck without hope; there is no dark without dawn; nor storm without haven.”  Pope John Paul II  Scripture for Lectio Divina - Psalm 62:1-2 “My soul finds rest in God alone; my salvation comes from him. He alone is my rock and my salvation; he is my fortress, I will never be shaken.”

Welcome to season 8! In this episode we talk about what the Lord has been teaching us over the summer and how we are invited to find our peace by fixing our eyes on Jesus and resting in the gaze of God. If we can look higher to find a kingdom perspective, we can find security in His Sovereignty. We talk about the deep realization that in all that has happened and has been taken away in 2020, there is no other answer, no other way forward, than Jesus Christ himself.   Sister Miriam’s one thing - Turn Your Eyes Upon Jesus - Lauren Daigle Michelle’s one thing -  The Life of Elise Angelette: watch her Funeral Mass (homily starts around minute 46) or read more about her life  Heather’s one thing - The One Minute Pause App Book mentioned: Get Your Life Back - by John Eldridge  Discussion questions:     What struck you from the podcast? What does it mean to “fix your eyes on God” every day? What areas have you done this in the last three months and what are areas you have found yourself searching for peace elsewhere? Sr. Miriam described our spiritual poverty as the places where we are vulnerable and dependent on the Lord. Where have you experienced this kind of poverty in the last three months? Journal Questions: What has been your prayer to the Lord the last three months? What has been the Lord’s message to you in the last three months?  What areas is the Lord inviting you to pray “Lord, do for me what I can’t do for myself.” ? Make a small act of surrender. Pray “Jesus, I surrender … please do for me what I cannot do for myself.” Quote to Ponder - “Yesterday is gone. Tomorrow has not yet come. We have only today. Let us begin.” – Mother Teresa Scripture for Lectio Divina - 2 Corinthians 4:16-18 “Therefore we do not lose heart. Though outwardly we are wasting away, yet inwardly we are being renewed day by day. For our light and momentary troubles are achieving for us an eternal glory that far outweighs them all. So we fix our eyes not on what is seen, but on what is unseen, since what is seen is temporary, but what is unseen is eternal.”

Unity and Charity In this last episode of Season 7, we look back at our favorite moments and highlight important conversations from the season. We also talk about unity, using social media wisely, taking a holy pause before we speak, and the invitation to be peacemakers. We must begin with ourselves if we want to be a person of peace and unity. We also check in about how we are doing with our word of the year. Our new season will begin September 14.   Sister Miriam’s one thing - Our benefactors and Patreon supporters Michelle’s one thing - Our Abiding Together “village,” and everyone who makes our Facebook group such a refuge of graciousness and kindness! Heather’s one thing - Also our Patreon supporters, and the Abiding Together team. Discussion questions:     What struck you from the podcast? What is one area in your life that you need to work on so that you can be a person of unity and peace? How are you doing with your word of the year? What will you do this summer to continue on the journey and stay close to Christ? Journal Questions: Reflect and journal about this scripture: Matthew 5:9. What does it speak to you personally? What theme from this season is the Lord inviting you to dive deeper into? In what way might the Holy Spirit be nudging you to invite him into you, not just a situation? Where are you sowing seeds of peace and where are you sowing seeds of discord? Quote to Ponder - Jesus can demand a great deal from us. It is precisely in those instances when He demands a great deal from us that we should give Him a beautiful smile.” St. Mother Teresa Scripture for Lectio Divina - Matthew 5:9 - “Blessed are the peacemakers"

Spiritual Fatherhood (with Fr. Dave Pivonka) In this episode we interview our dear friend Fr. Dave Pivonka, creator of the Wild Goose Series and President of Franciscan University of Steubenville. We discuss the importance of spiritual fathers, our need for restoration of the image and experience of fatherhood, and a deepening in our understanding of God as Father. We also discuss the characteristics of a good spiritual father.   Sister Miriam’s one thing - Black bean and roasted vegetable salad You can add: Quinoa Fresh lime juice instead of the suggested lemon juice dressing Cumin/Chili power or taco seasoning  Fresh diced jalapeño  All yummy things!    Enjoy!    Michelle’s one thing - My front porch!   Heather’s one thing - Zach and Abby Vestnys on Instagram and Youtube, and an app with deliverance prayers from the St. Michael Center for Spiritual Renewal (Apple) (Google)   Father Dave’s one thing - Baseball. Bring baseball back!! Discussion questions:     What struck you from the podcast? What does the word “Father” mean to you? Who are some of the faces in the mosaic of fatherhood in your life? Share a time that your dad, a priest, or another figure in your life fathered you well! Journal Questions: Reflect and journal about this scripture: Galatians 4:6-7. What does it speak to you personally? How has the face of God been disfigured for you by earthly fathers? How is the Lord trying to restore your image of him? How comfortable are you with opening up to the Fatherhood of God? How can you grow in becoming a son or daughter of the Father?   Quote to Ponder - “God chooses ordinary men for fatherhood to accomplish His extraordinary plan.” - G.K. Chesterton   “The language of faith thus draws on the human experience of parents, who are in a way the first representatives of God for man. But this experience also tells us that human parents are fallible and can disfigure the face of fatherhood and motherhood. We ought therefore to recall that God transcends the human distinction between the sexes. He is neither man nor woman: he is God. He also transcends human fatherhood and motherhood, although he is their origin and standard: no one is father as God is Father.” - CCC 239 Scripture for Lectio Divina - Galatians 4:6-7 And because you are sons, God has sent the Spirit of his Son into our hearts, crying, “Abba! Father!” So through God you are no longer a slave but a son, and if a son then an heir.”

In the School of the Holy Spirit Part 3: Chapter Three and Conclusion In this episode we wrap up Part 3 of our book study on Fr. Jacques Philippe’s book In the School of the Holy Spirit. We discuss how to discern between the voice of the Lord and our own voice or the enemy’s voice. We also talk about practical tools for wielding the sword of truth as well as discernment in vocation, ministry, and life. Sister Miriam’s one thing - The new Bible study from Ascension on the book of Hebrews (Available now for preorder!) Michelle’s one thing - Men’s podcasts for Father’s Day (see below!) Heather’s one thing - The Archdiocese of Vancouver’s new website, Behold.   Additional Resources Prayer by Cardinal Mercier - Holy Spirit, soul of my soul, I adore Thee.Enlighten me, guide me,strengthen and comfort me.Tell me what I ought to doand order me to do it.I promise to submitto anything you requirest of me,and to accept everythingthat Thou allowest to happen to me.Just show me what Thy will is.   Kapaun’s Men is dedicated to building up men as bands of brothers to help us fight the spiritual battle that rages around us.  Their model is the heroic Catholic Priest and Army Chaplain, Servant of God Emil Kapaun, who spent himself tirelessly on the battlefields and in the prison camps of North Korea until his death at the hands of his captors.  They offer 4 original video series inspired by the life of Father Kapaun and our fellow men and women around us, which can be found on Formed.org or can be ordered directly from us.  They also recently started a weekly podcast called “The Foxhole with Father Kapaun” to help give a boost of encouragement to everyone out there fighting the good fight, whether it be in the family, in the workplace, or in the community at large.  Chris Stefanick’s Awesome 5 minute Father Kapaun video   A few other podcasts to recommend to the men in your life.  Poco a Poco Podcast  - The Franciscan Friars of the Renewal  Restore the Glory Podcast  -Dr. Bob Schuchts, Ph.D and Jake Khym, MA The Paul George Show  - Paul George (also his book Rethink Happiness) Ask Father Josh - Father Josh Johnson    Discussion questions:     What struck you from the podcast? What are the telltale signs in your own life that the voice you’re listening to is the Lord? What is one time that you’ve followed the inspirations of the Holy Spirit, and you’re glad you did? Where are you struggling to discern the voice of the Lord? How can you put into practice Fr. Jacques’ advice for greater discernment? Journal Questions: Reflect and journal about this scripture: John 10:4-5. What does it speak to you personally? Do you feel that God is elusive or “never speaks to me”? How do you feel about what Heather said about how God is in fact trying to speak to you? How can you equip yourself better with “the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God”? (Ephesians 6:17) Where are you feeling a sense of haste? Do you need to take a “holy pause” and discern what God is saying to you?   Quote to Ponder - “A tree is known by its fruit.” An inspiration from God, if we follow it, will produce sound fruit: the fruits of peace, joy, charity, communion, and humility. - Fr. Jacques Philippe Scripture for Lectio Divina - John 10:4-5 - When he has brought out all his own, he goes before them, and the sheep follow him, for they know his voice. A stranger they will not follow, but they will flee from him, for they do not know the voice of strangers.

In the School of the Holy Spirit Part 2: Chapter Two In this episode we continue the 2nd part of our book study on Fr. Jacques Philippe’s In the School of the Holy Spirit. We discuss the practical elements of fostering an environment where the Holy Spirit can inspire and direct us. We also talk about inviting the Holy Spirit to speak the truth into false narratives we believe and to baptize our thought processes. Sister Miriam’s one thing - The podcast Poco a Poco from the CFRs. Thai Green Curry recipe. Meat and quinoa can be added rather than rice or just vegetarian. Super Yummy!  Michelle’s one thing - The CFRs’ new podcast, Poco a Poco with Fr. Mark-Mary, Fr. Innocent, and Fr. Angelus Heather’s one thing - The CFR’s podcast Poco a Poco! And the album Peace by Bethel And collectively... we love you, Fr. Jacques Philippe! Book Study Join this Summer Book Study! We’re spending the next few weeks with In the School of the Holy Spirit by Fr. Jacques Philippe.  This book is going to help you to be more attentive to the movements of the Holy Spirit in your life as you learn to value the third person of the Trinity as the Sanctifier of your soul. Fr. Jacques explains the rewards of being attentive to the Holy Spirit and provides simple and concrete ways to grow in this inner sensitivity. In his clear and simple style, he illustrates his points with many examples from modern life. In the School of the Holy Spirit is a valuable aid in your own spiritual journey. We began June 1 and will go till June 15, but you can do this at any time that suits your schedule; maybe in the middle of the summer or in the future works best for you. We will have questions available for you on our website as well as hearty discussions in our private facebook group, which you are welcome to join. We hope you will grab your copy of In the School of the Holy Spirit and join us. You can buy a hard copy or kindle version on Amazon (Amazon US) (Amazon Canada) (Amazon UK), or check your local Catholic book store.  (As an Amazon Associate, Abiding Together earns from qualifying Amazon purchases: Amazon US, Amazon Canada, Amazon UK. If you are not in one of those three countries, you can always purchase the book through your ordinary Amazon channel.) Get your copy today and follow along with us.  Reading Schedule:June 1st - Introduction & Chapter OneJune 8th - Chapter TwoJune 15th - Chapter Three, Conclusion, and Appendices   Discussion questions:     What struck you from the podcast? Sr. Miriam used the analogy of cultivating the right environment for a garden to grow and that the principles are the same in the spiritual life. What does this mean to you? How do you usually hear the Lord speak to you? Which one of Fr. Jacques’ suggestions stuck out to you? Which one will you choose to dive into this week? What comes to mind when you honestly ask yourself the question “Is God enough for me?” Where do you doubt that He will satisfy you?   Journal Questions: Reflect and journal about this scripture: Romans 15:13. What does it speak to you personally? What is the narrative you’re believing about your life right now? Is that the voice of the Lord? Where are you struggling to trust God’s goodness?  Take a few moments to place everything in your heart before God, the good and bad. Invite God to speak and bring His fire to purify your desires.   Quote to Ponder - The Spirit of God is a spirit of peace, and he speaks and acts in peace and gentleness, never in tumult and agitation - Fr. Jacques Philippe Scripture for Lectio Divina - Romans 15:13 May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, so that you may abound in hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.

In the School of the Holy Spirit Part 1: Introduction and Chapter One In this episode we begin our 3 week book study on In the School of the Holy Spirit by Fr. Jacques Philippe. We talk about how holiness is not something to be gained by human effort, rather it is a complete surrender to the work of the Holy Spirit in us. We also discuss how we should seek to love God with our whole heart because He is good, not because of what we want Him to give us in return.    Sister Miriam’s one thing - good old-fashioned thunderstorms! Michelle’s one thing - a Father’s Day gift guide (see below!), mainly the new Bible from Word on Fire: the beauty, the commentary, the art! Heather’s one thing - The show This Is Us, and musician Sarah Kroger.   Additional Resources Michelle’s Father's Day Gift Guide  Books for Dad: Lift Up Your Heart: A 10-Day Personal Retreat with St. Francis de Sales by Father John Burns  Consecration to St. Joseph: The Wonders of Our Spiritual Father (paperback) by Fr Donald Calloway The Word on Fire Bible (releases June 15) - Click here for more information Gifts for Fathers and Spiritual Fathers - Please take 15% off your purchase from the Greenhouse Collective Shop with discount code: Abide15 Book Study Join this Summer Book Study! We’re spending the next few episodes with In the School of the Holy Spirit by Fr. Jacques Philippe.  This book is going to help you to be more attentive to the movements of the Holy Spirit in your life as you learn to value the third person of the Trinity as the Sanctifier of your soul. Fr. Jacques explains the rewards of being attentive to the Holy Spirit and provides simple and concrete ways to grow in this inner sensitivity. In his clear and simple style, he illustrates his points with many examples from modern life. In the School of the Holy Spirit is a valuable aid in your own spiritual journey. We will begin today and go till June 15, but you can do this at any time that suits your schedule; maybe in the middle of the summer or in the future works best for you. We will have questions available for you on our website as well as hearty discussions in our private facebook group, which you are welcome to join. We hope you will grab your copy of In the School of the Holy Spirit and join us. You can buy a hard copy or kindle version on Amazon (Amazon US) (Amazon Canada) (Amazon UK), or check your local Catholic book store.  (As an Amazon Associate, Abiding Together earns from qualifying Amazon purchases: Amazon US, Amazon Canada, Amazon UK. If you are not in one of those three countries, you can always purchase the book through your ordinary Amazon channel.) Get your copy today and follow along with us.  Reading Schedule:June 1st - Introduction & Chapter OneJune 8th - Chapter TwoJune 15th - Chapter Three, Conclusion, and Appendices Discussion questions:     What struck you from the podcast? What excites you about learning to live in the School of the Holy Spirit? How have you approached holiness? Have you seen it as something to be achieved or received as a gift? Where do you feel the tension between Kingdom living and the messages of the world? Who has been an example to you of what it looks like to live in the school of the Holy Spirit?   Journal Questions: Reflect and journal about this scripture: Luke 6:38. What does it speak to you personally? Where do you feel you are in your desire for the Holy Spirit: do you “want it”, or do you “want to want it”? Spend some time asking the Lord how you can love Him more purely and to hear what he says to you. Where can you take the next step toward openness and surrender to the Holy Spirit?   Quote to Ponder - God is very generous and does not refuse His grace to anyone. He gives even more than we ask for. The shortest road is faithfulness to the inspirations of the Holy Spirit. - St. Faustina’s Diary    Scripture for Lectio Divina - Luke 6:38 “Give, and it will be given to you. A good measure, pressed down, shaken together, running over, will be put into your lap; for the measure you give will be the measure you get back.”

The Fruit of the Holy Spirit In this episode we prepare for Pentecost by discussing the importance of the fruits of the Holy Spirit being manifest in our life. A life in the Spirit must go beyond an experience of spiritual consolation and move to an openness to the refiner’s fire that will burn away all that is not holy. God promised that He would always be with us and sent the Holy Spirit to be our counselor, advocate, and life giver. We are invited to open wide the doors to the Holy Spirit in a new way this Pentecost.   Sister Miriam’s one thing - the song Better than a Hallelujah by Amy Grant Michelle’s one thing - Fr. Josh Johnson’s podcast on the Rosary and racial reconciliation. Heather’s one thing - the show Songland   Additional Resources:Michelle’s booklist on racial reconciliation Join our Summer Book Study! We’re spending June with In the School of the Holy Spirit by Fr. Jacques Philippe! Get your copy today and follow along with us. (Amazon US) (Amazon Canada) (Amazon UK) Reading Schedule: June 1st - Introduction & Chapter One June 8th - Chapter Two June 15th - Chapter Three, Conclusion, and Appendices Discussion questions:     What struck you from the podcast? How would you describe your relationship with Holy Spirit? Where have you felt yourself be “reawakened” lately? Where do you desire an awakening? Where have you seen God bring light out of darkness? What makes it harder or easier to hear the whisper of the Holy Spirit? Journal Questions: Reflect and journal about this scripture: Galatians 5:22-23. What does it speak to you personally? Where do you need to invite the Holy Spirit into a specific situation in your life?? Consider the Refiner’s Fire. Where is the Holy Spirit trying to burn away what is not holy in your life? How are you responding? What kind of fruits are you growing?   Quote to Ponder -  “The Holy Spirit, making life alive, moving in all things, root of all created being, cleansing the cosmos of every impurity, effacing guilt, anointing wounds. You are lustrous and praiseworthy life, You waken and reawaken everything that is.” - St. Hildegard of Bingen Scripture for Lectio Divina -  The fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, generosity, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control. - Galatians 5:22-23

The Power of Christian Unity In this episode we have the pleasure of chatting with our dear friend Matt Maher! As a devout Catholic in the world of Christian music industry, Matt shares his heart for unity and God’s desire that we would all be one. Matt also talks about his marriage and how he and his wife do life together as a Catholic and Methodist. We also discuss practical steps of how to be a bridge builder with people of other faiths and the gift of the sacraments. Sister Miriam’s one thing - The litany The Magnificat with Mary from the Sisters of Life Michelle’s one thing - The Sanctifier (Amazon US, Amazon Canada, Amazon UK) by Archbishop Luis Martinez, and my husband Chris Heather’s one thing - The podcast Restore the Glory from my husband Jake and Dr. Bob Schuchts, and the song Promises from Maverick City Matt’s one thing - The Consecration to St. Joseph by Fr. Donald Calloway (Amazon US, Amazon Canada, Amazon UK) and the Holy Family as a whole. Additional Resources: Michelle also mentions the book retreat Under the Gaze of the Father by Archbishop Luis Martinez (Amazon US, Amazon Canada, Amazon UK) Discussion questions:     What struck you from the podcast? What blessings and displays of God’s glory have you seen? What is a moment you’ve had of awareness of God’s presence? Do you experience a sense of entitlement when it comes to faith? How can you pray and work in your own life to build unity?   Journal Questions: Reflect and journal about this scripture: John 17: 20-24. What does it speak to you personally? What is your reaction to this call for Christian unity? Are there relationships in your life that require reconciliation? How can you contribute to unity? Are you playing a role in Christ reconciling the Church, or how are you playing a role in the Church being more divided?   Quote to Ponder -  “Christian unity was Christ's dearest desire. He expressed it in his last testament as he walked toward his tragic destiny: the Cross. He prayed in his priestly prayer ‘that they may all be one; even as you, Father, are in me, and I in you, that they also may be in us, so that the world may believe that you have sent me.’” (John 17:21) - Cardinal Nasrallah Pierre Sfeir (Cardinal’s Symposium - October 2003) Scripture for Lectio Divina - John 17: 20-24  “I ask not only on behalf of these, but also on behalf of those who will believe in me through their word, that they may all be one. As you, Father, are in me and I am in you, may they also be in us, so that the world may believe that you have sent me. The glory that you have given me I have given them, so that they may be one, as we are one, I in them and you in me, that they may become completely one, so that the world may know that you have sent me and have loved them even as you have loved me. Father, I desire that those also, whom you have given me, may be with me where I am, to see my glory, which you have given me because you loved me before the foundation of the world.”

Things We Learned From Our Moms In this episode we honour Mother’s Day and talk about some essential things we learned from our mothers. We discuss what they have taught us about joy and suffering, and how they revealed the face of God to us. We also chat about how God wants to heal and restore broken relationships with our mothers.    Sister Miriam’s one thing - Esther Marie Angel! Congratulations to Jackie and Bobby! Michelle’s one thing - The Given Forum is doing a 4-day Online Conference! Discover the Gift, June 10-14th Heather’s one thing - Salmon Wellington, so you can have one, simple, awesome-looking meal! Ingredients: 1 package puff pastry, softened to room temperature1 salmon fillet no skin, bones removed (I get mine from Costco)salt & pepper to tasteFresh lemon juiceOptional fresh dill1 egg, beaten Instructions: Preheat oven to 425 Rinse salmon and pat dry. Lightly flour a large cutting board bigger than the salmon. Roll out the puff pastry wide enough that it will cover both sides of the salmon. (Or use puff pastry sheets) Place the salmon in the middle of the pastry (the best side facing down) and season both sides with salt and pepper (optional dill) and squeeze fresh lemon juice over one side of the salmon.  Fold the edges of the puff pastry over the salmon starting with the longer sides and gently press together to seal. Trim any excess pastry from the ends, then fold the ends on top of the salmon. Flip the puff pastry-wrapped salmon over and transfer for a baking sheet lined with parchment paper if you have it.  Brush the beaten egg on the top and sides of the pastry. If you feel fancy, score the top of the pastry with a knife, cutting shallow diagonal lines to create a crosshatch pattern, but do not cut through. You need the pastry to be sealed with no holes if possible.  Brush the top again with the egg wash. Place on middle rack of the oven. Bake for 20-25 minutes, until pastry is golden brown. I love to make this with a warm lemon dill sauce on the side, roasted potatoes and a Greek salad.    Sponsor: Walking with Purpose Walking with Purpose publishes Catholic Bible studies that help women and girls open their hearts to Christ. One of the most personal and transformative studies from WWP is Fearless and Free, an 11-lesson study on healing and wholeness, based on Ephesians.  Fearless and Free helps you identify the lies that mess with your identity, and to replace them with the truth of Scripture. You’ll discover how to get a grip on your thoughts and develop emotionally healthy habits. This is an invitation to bring your tangled, complex heart into an encounter with God’s healing touch. Learn more at http://wwp.today/fearless. Click here to enter to WIN a copy of the Walking with Purpose Bible study Fearless and Free!   Discussion questions:     What struck you from the podcast? What have you learned from your mother that you are grateful for? How has your mother taught you to suffer or handle sorrowful things? What has your mother revealed to you about the face of God? Who are other people in your life who have shown you Motherhood?   Journal Questions: Reflect and journal about this scripture: Proverbs 31:30-31 What does it speak to you personally? How well do you honor your mother?  In the places where your mother has not revealed the face of God to you, what is the truth of who God is? Are there places in your relationship with your mother that need to be restored?   Quote to Ponder -  “Honor your father and your mother, so that you may live long in the land the Lord your God is giving you.” Exodus 20:12   Scripture for Lectio Divina - Proverbs 31:30-31 Charm is deceptive, and beauty is fleeting;but a woman who fears the Lord is to be praised.Honor her for all that her hands have done,and let her works bring her praise at the city gate.