Abiding Together

The Good News In this episode, the fourth part of our Advent series, we interview our friend Sarah Kaczmarek. Sarah is the Assistant Director of Alpha Catholic USA, as well as the Pastoral Director of Encounter School of Ministry. We chat about the call we have as Catholics to share the Good News of the Gospel and the stumbling blocks we often run into. We also discuss how essential it is to be an authentic witness and how to grow in having the Father's heart for the lost.   Sarah’s one thing - Whole Heart - Hillsong United Sister Miriam’s one thing - Winter Snow by Audrey AssadThe Shadow Can’t Have Me by Arthur Alligood Michelle’s one thing - The song Into the Unknown from Frozen 2 Heather’s one thing - The song Noel by Lauren Daigle    Additional Notes: Abiding Together will be at Focus SLS2020! Abiding Together Podcast will be recording live at SLS on December 31st at 12:30pm. Discussion questions:     What struck you from the podcast? What are some of the stumbling blocks that you experience in sharing what God has done in your life? Are there areas of your life where you’re afraid to share yourself authentically? What is one way you can bring good news to the lost? Where can you set aside time this week to pray for the grace to love with the Father’s heart?   Journal Questions: Reflect and journal about this scripture:  Isaiah 61:1. What does it speak to you personally?  We can’t selectively numb the bad without numbing the good. Where are you numbing your life and not living fully awake? Where do I need to say “Yes” to the Lord, so he can bring restoration and good news?   Quote to Ponder - “This is our mission: to give pure and fresh air to those immersed in the pollution of our world; to bring to earth that peace which fills us with joy whenever we meet Jesus on the mountain in prayer; to show by our lives, and perhaps even by our words, that God loves everyone and never tires of anyone” Pope Francis Scripture for Lectio Divina - Isaiah 61:1 “The Spirit of the Sovereign Lord is on me,    because the Lord has anointed me    to proclaim good news to the poor.He has sent me to bind up the brokenhearted,    to proclaim freedom for the captives    and release from darkness for the prisoners.”

He’s in the Waiting In this episode, the third part of our Advent series, we interview our friend Beth Davis from Blessed is She. We talk about the theme of having hope in seasons of waiting, trusting God when we can't see what He's up to, and being transformed by the renewal of our minds. Beth’s one thing - Consecration to Jesus through St. Joseph: An Integrated Look At the Holy Family by Dr. Gregory Bottaro and Jennifer Settle Sister Miriam’s one thing - A Beautiful Day in the Neighborhood (trailer) Michelle’s one thing - The Auburn vs. Alabama game. The Simplicity of Christmas Heather’s one thing - The song Shepherd by Bethel.Our dear friends Mary and Simon Kyne     Additional Resources: You can find more information about Beth Davis and Blessed is She at https://blessedisshe.net Abiding Together will be at Focus SLS2020! Abiding Together Podcast will be recording live on December 31st at 12:30pm The Abiding Together shop will be closed from Dec 13th-Jan 1.   Sponsor: This episode is sponsored by Pink Salt Riot. Check out their jewelry, print pieces, gifts, and more! Definitely also check out the quarterly subscription box, The Joy Box, which is designed for sharing. Keep an eye out for custom Word of the Year pieces starting Dec 28th. Abiding Together listeners get 10% off the whole shop (including quarterly subscriptions, excluding ) with code: abidewithme   Discussion questions:     What struck you from the podcast? What was a time when you felt a verse from Scripture was given to you for that particular moment in your life? What was the Scripture? How do you stay hopeful in moments of your life when you’ve been waiting for the Savior to arrive? What’s one way you can practice reminding yourself who God is - “preach to yourself”? Who are the patron saints - the “cloud of witnesses” - you turn to for intercession? Why?   Journal Questions: Reflect and journal about this scripture: Psalm 27:14. What does it speak to you personally?  What season do you feel the Lord has you in right now? How do you resist the enemy’s suggestions in seasons of waiting that are sometimes very long?   Quote to Ponder - “People are made for happiness. Rightly, then, you thirst for happiness. Christ has the answer to this desire of yours. But he asks you to trust him.” Pope Saint John Paul II    Scripture for Lectio Divina - Psalm 27:14 “Wait for the Lord; be strong, and let your heart take courage; wait for the Lord!”   

Making Room for Others In the second part of our Advent series, we interview Ennie Hickman, our good friend and founder of Del Rey Collective. We talk in depth about what it means to actually love our neighbor and how to make “room at the inn” for strangers and people in the periphery of our lives. We also talk about hospitality and making our hearts ready for guests before making our homes ready.   Ennie’s one thing - The Wingfeather Saga by Andrew Peterson Sister Miriam’s one thing - Silicone Tea Cover Michelle’s one thing - Easy White Chicken Chili Heather’s one thing - Heather's Mom's Coconut Jam Tarts  Ingredients:2 eggs3/4 cup sugar1 tsp cornstarchPinch of salt1/4 cup melted butter1 tbsp lemon juice1 tsp vanilla1 1/2 cups shredded unsweetened coconutRaspberry jam18-20 frozen regular size tart shells Instructions: Preheat oven to 375 degrees.Lay frozen tarts out on a foil lined cookie sheet. In a bowl combine sugar, cornstarch and salt. In a separate bowl beat eggs, then add combined sugar, cornstarch and salt.  Add cooled melted butter, lemon juice and vanilla.  Stir in coconut. Add approximately 1/2 tsp (or a bit more) of raspberry jam to the middle of the frozen tart shell, then cover till 3/4 full with coconut mixture. Fill all the tarts like this. Bake at 375 for about 23 minutes or until golden brown on top. Eat, enjoy, and try not to be swept away in ecstasy.    Discussion questions:     What struck you from the podcast? How have you encountered Jesus through your neighbors or people in your life? Have you ever considered a “love experiment” that you can practice? What’s one way you can practice “crazy” generosity? What holds you back from reaching out to your neighbors and strangers?   Journal Questions: Reflect and journal about this scripture: Matthew 25:35. What does it speak to you personally?  Living the Gospel is simple, but it’s not easy. Where can you “begin before you’re ready”? Ask the Holy Spirit where he wants you to zoom in - what is He saying to you?   Quote to Ponder - "I want you to be concerned about your next door neighbor. Do you know your next door neighbor?" - Saint Mother Teresa   Scripture for Lectio Divina - Matthew 25:35  “I was hungry and you gave me food, I was thirsty and you gave me drink, I was a stranger and you welcomed me.”

The Light Shines in the Darkness In this episode we have a fascinating interview with Fr. Justin Brady, priest and exorcist. We talk about the battle between the light and the dark and how the enemy attempts to keep us far from God. We often forget that God has won the battle and has given us all that we need through the sacrifice of Jesus and the ministry of the Church to overcome darkness in our lives and experience healing and peace. Sister Miriam’s one thing - Peaceful Christmas playlist Michelle’s one thing - Adorning the Dark by Andrew Peterson  On the Edge of the Dark Sea of Darkness (The Wingfeather Saga) by Andrew Peterson  Heather’s one thing -  Advent playlist on Spotify and the music video Refiner by Maverick City Music Fr. Justin’s one thing - Heather Khym   Additional Resources: Go on pilgrimage to the Holy Land with Fr. Justin Brady and Christopher West!  Get your Quit Talking to the Dang Snake mug from our Abiding Together Shop! Discussion questions:     What struck you from the podcast? Have you ever experienced a time when God defeated the darkness in your life and brought you into light? What are some of your favorite spiritual weapons for combating darkness in your life?  Do you ever ask the saints and angels for help and support in living in the light? What is a daily “prayer prescription” you can start to implement in your everyday life?   Journal Questions: Reflect and journal about this scripture: John 1:5. What does it speak to you personally?  The voice of God is very different from the voice of the evil one. What are some of the lies you hear, and what truth is God trying to tell you instead?  What ways are you giving the devil more power than he has, or underestimating the power God has to heal and to save you?     Quote to Ponder - There is light in this world, a healing spirit more powerful than any darkness we may encounter. - Saint Mother Teresa Scripture for Lectio Divina - John 1:5 The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it.

Gratitude In this episode we talk about the power of gratitude and how it can dramatically change our perspectives and transform our experience of the world. Gratitude helps us to change the focus from ourselves or the things we don't have to a heart that is thankful, humble and open to all the good things God is blessing us with. The truth is that if we can worship and give thanks to God in the midst of trials, it can spiritually break through bitterness and birth a new hope. Sister Miriam’s one thing - My SOLT community! Our website Michelle’s one thing - For the Greenhouse Girls, my kids, and my husband Heather’s one thing - Heather's Carrot Cake Ingredients2 cups flour2 teaspoons baking soda2 teaspoons cinnamon1 1/4 teaspoons salt 4 eggs2 cups sugar1 cup oil or melted butter2 cups grated carrots2 cups pureed canned pineapple in juice Cream Cheese Frosting 8oz cream cheese1/2 cup butter softened2 cups icing sugar sifted1 tsp vanilla InstructionsSift dry ingredients together in bowl In separate bowl mix eggs, oil, and sugar - mix well. Add grated carrots and pureed pineapple. Add sifted dry ingredients and use electric mixer until combined. Do not overmix. Pour into a greased and floured 13 x 9 inch glass pyrex dish. Bake at 350 degrees for about 40 minutes. Done when toothpick comes out clean. Let cool completely and then frost with cream cheese frosting. Other Things Even When it Hurts by Hillsong United  A Thousand Gifts by Ann Voskamp Use code ABIDE25 for 25% off on the Abiding Together Shop from Black Friday through Cyber Monday! Discussion questions:     What struck you from the podcast? Have you ever been through a time when practicing gratitude changed your experience or your perspective? What do you think of the connection between a spirit of gratitude and overcoming an orphan spirit? How can you practically cultivate gratitude in your everyday life?   Journal Questions: Reflect and journal about this scripture: Thessalonians 5:16-19. What does it speak to you personally?  It takes humility to experience gratitude. Where do you struggle to be humble and to receive what is being offered to you? Bitterness is often an obstacle to gratitude. Where are you holding on to bitterness?   Quote to Ponder - Jesus does not demand great action from us, but simply surrender and gratitude.” - St. Thérèse of Lisieux Scripture for Lectio Divina -  Rejoice always, pray continually, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus. Do not quench the spirit. - Thessalonians 5:16-19

The Gift of Wonder In this episode we discuss the importance of having a sense of wonder in our lives. Too often we get so focused on the tasks and pressures of life that we miss the moments that God is revealing His majesty and beauty to us in personal ways. It is these moments that keep our hearts aware of the greater things, that we are made for heaven and that our lives are held in the capable hands of a God who wants to show His great love for us.   Sister Miriam’s one thing - Breakfast of champions! Oatmeal recipe:1/2 cup whole fashioned oats lightly cookedHandful of walnuts1/2 an apple1 teaspoon cinnamon1 tablespoon coconut oil (yay yummy fat!)Splash of 1/2 and 1/2 Eat and then stay full for the next 5 hours or so!!! Michelle’s one thing - The Given Forum Heather’s one thing - All of our patrons on Patreon!   Discussion questions:     What struck you from the podcast? What does the idea of wonder evoke for you? What are some things that have always made you stop and wonder? How can you change your rhythm to allow God space to speak into your life? What is the main thing that causes wonder to get lost in your experience of life?   Journal Questions: Reflect and journal about this scripture: Psalm 72:18-19. What does it speak to you personally?  Are you open daily to allowing the Lord to amaze you in big and small ways?  How do you feel God is calling you to cultivate wonder?   Quote to Ponder - Wonder is the characteristic feature of children. An old man is no longer astonished by anything, no longer enchanted by anything.... The inability to wonder is the sign of a civilization that is dying.  - Cardinal Sarah Scripture for Lectio Divina -  Psalm 72:18-19 Blessed be the Lord God, the God of Israel, who alone works wonders. And blessed be His glorious name forever; and may the whole earth be filled with His glory. Amen and Amen.

The Holy Spirit - We are Family Series Part 3 In this episode we wrap up our 3-part series on the Trinity with the Holy Spirit. We talk about how the Holy Spirit is the love between the Father and the Son and is our Advocate and Comforter. We are invited into a dynamic relationship with the Person of the Holy Spirit, Who desires to empower, strengthen, guide, and comfort us in personal ways. We also chat about the invitation to let go of our misconceptions about who the Holy Spirit is so we can experience who He really is. When we give Him full access, like Mary did, we grow in sensitivity to His movements and can operate in the power of God in new ways. Sister Miriam’s one thing - Toy Story 4 Michelle’s one thing - Blessed Is She Advent JournalSign up for the Blessed Is She gathering hosted by Michelle Benzinger Heather’s one thing - Banana bread recipe Makes 2 loaves. 1 cup butter softened (250 mL)1 1/2 cups granulated sugar3 cups pureed ripe bananas (about 6)4 eggs, well beaten2 1⁄2 cups all-purpose flour (625 mL)2 tsp baking soda (10 mL)1 tsp salt (5 mL)1 tsp ground cinnamon (5 mL)1 1/2 cup semi sweet chocolate chips Instructions Preheat oven to 350°F. Cream butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Add bananas and eggs and beat until well mixed. Mix dry ingredients in separate bowl and gradually blend with banana mixture, but do not overmix. Pour into two lightly greased loaf pans or a 10-inch (25 cm) Bundt pan. Bake for 55 to 60 minutes; test for doneness (toothpick inserted in middle comes out clean) and cool on a rack for 10 minutes before removing from pans. Freezes beautifully. (adjusted from Best of Bridge)   Check out the Flannery O’Connor mugs from Meaningful Market!Take 15% off your purchase with the discount code - Abide15 Some suggestions if you want to start reading Flannery O'Connor! Discussion questions:     What struck you from the podcast? Have you experienced the Holy Spirit in a personal way? How? What is your favorite characteristic of the Holy Spirit? What are some misperceptions you have had about the Holy Spirit? What is the truth? The Holy Spirit is the comforter. Where do you need His comfort now?   Journal Questions: Reflect and journal about this scripture: John 14:16-17 What does it speak to you personally?  How can you grow in sensitivity and openness to the Holy Spirit? Where have you resisted giving him full access? What is the Holy Spirit trying to teach you today?   Quote to Ponder - The Spirit comes with the tenderness of a true friend and protector to save, to heal, to teach, to counsel, to strengthen, to console. - St. Cyril of Jerusalem Scripture for Lectio Divina -  John 14:16-17 “And I will ask the Father, and he will give you another Advocate to help you and be with you forever – the Spirit of truth”.

We Are Family: Jesus the Son In this episode we talk about Jesus Christ as the one who brings us into intimacy with himself. We find in him the one to whom our hearts belong, who brings healing and restores hearts. We talk about who Jesus is to us and how to grow in relationship with him.   Sister Miriam’s one thing -  Bible Study on Romans by Dr. Andrew Swafford and Jeff CavinsHoly Land Pilgrimage with the Swaffords, Cavins’ and Fr. Mike Schmitz Michelle’s one thing - Amazon Greenhouse Storefront LinkOasis Song by Kalley  Heather’s one thing - See the Light - Hillsong WorshipNo One But You - Hillsong Worship   Discussion questions:     What struck you from the podcast? Have you experienced an encounter with Jesus in a personal way? Share about that. Building a relationship with Jesus takes time and space. Where can I create that time and space this week?  What are some of the titles of Jesus that resonate with you?    Journal Questions: Reflect and journal about this scripture: Hebrews 4:15. What does it speak to you personally?  Who is Jesus to me? What are some of the desires in my heart that I’m afraid Jesus can’t fulfill? What do I hear Jesus say to me there?   Quote to Ponder - "It is Jesus that you seek when you dream of happiness; He is waiting for you when nothing else you find satisfies you." - Saint Pope John Paul II Scripture for Lectio Divina - Hebrews 4:15 "We do not have a high priest who is unable to sympathize with our weaknesses, but we have one who has been tempted in every way, just as we are."

We Are Family: God the Father With this episode we start a 3-part series on the persons of the Trinity. This week, we talk about God as Father and what it means that he cares for us as a Father. It is through connecting to how the Father sees us that we will discover the truth of who we are, especially in the profound reality that God sees us through the lens of love.    Sister Miriam’s one thing - Request for prayers for an upcoming trip to the Philippines where I will be leading a retreat for our sisters there. Michelle’s one thing - The women at the Blessed is She Shine Retreat in Baltimore. Also, Awake My Soul from Hillsong  Heather’s one thing - My Acoustic Worship Spotify Playlist   Discussion questions:     What struck you from the podcast? Have you experienced God’s fatherhood in a personal way? Share about that. Trust in God the Father often looks like letting go and resting. How can you surrender self-reliance and rest in God in your everyday life? What is your favorite attribute of God the Father and why?   Journal Questions: Reflect and journal about this scripture: Romans 8:14-17. What does it speak to you personally?  Am I willing to consider that my view of God might not be true? Where can I seek healing in my relationship with the Father? What is God trying to say to you as a Father?   Quote to Ponder - We are not the sum of our weaknesses and failures, we are the sum of the Father's love for us and our real capacity to become the image of His Son Jesus. - St. John Paul II   Scripture for Lectio Divina -  Romans 8:14-17 "For those who are led by the Spirit of God are the children of God. The Spirit you received does not make you slaves, so that you live in fear again; rather, the Spirit you received brought about your adoption to sonship. And by him, we cry, “Abba, Father.” The Spirit himself testifies with our spirit that we are God’s children. Now if we are children, then we are heirs—heirs of God and co-heirs with Christ, if indeed we share in his sufferings in order that we may also share in his glory."

The Power of Scripture In this episode we talk about the power of scripture, the Word of God. It is through delving into the Word of God that we encounter the heart of God, we find out who we are, and we proclaim the truth of who He is. We talk about scriptures that have impacted us and new scripture cards you can buy in our new shop.    Sister Miriam’s one thing - All of our listeners in Ireland! Michelle’s one thing - Morning walks with my husband. Also the book “Live Big, Love Bigger” by Kathryn Whitaker  Heather’s one thing - The song “Heart of God” - by Hillsong Young and Free   Purchase our Abiding Together Scripture Cards    Extra Resources Walking with Purpose Bible Studies Jeff Cavins Bible Timeline Andrew Swafford bible study on the book of Romans  Blessed is She Discussion questions:     What struck you from the podcast? Have you experienced the scriptures speaking to you in a personal way? Share about that. The word of God is the sword of the Spirit. How can you use this weapon in your everyday life? How can you bring scripture into your everyday life?   Journal Questions: Reflect and journal about this scripture. Isaiah 43:2-4 What does it speak to you personally?  How do you feel when you hear that the scriptures are a love letter from God to you? What is your favorite scripture and why?   Quote to Ponder - In Sacred Scripture, the Church constantly finds her nourishment and her strength, for she welcomes it not as a human word, "but as what it really is, the word of God". "In the sacred books, the Father who is in heaven comes lovingly to meet his children, and talks with them."  - Catechism of the Catholic Church #104 Scripture for Lectio Divina -  Isaiah 55:11 “so is my word that goes out from my mouth:It will not return to me empty, but will accomplish what I desire and achieve the purpose for which I sent it.