Abiding Together

In this episode, we continue our annual tradition, sharing our Word of the Year! Each year we each ask God to give us a theme to focus on for the new year and invite you to do the same. After personal prayer and reflection, we share our words for 2023 and how our words of the year have been connected over time. At the end of the episode, we also share an exciting announcement about our upcoming Lenten Book Study and insights into the theme for Season 12 of the podcast!  Sister Miriam’s One Thing - Belovedness by Sarah Kroger Heather’s One Thing- Only Jesus Playlist Michelle’s One Thing - Amanda Cook Edens  Michelle’s Other One Thing - Placemakers: Cultivating Places of Comfort, Beauty, and Peace - Christie Purifoy    Discussion Questions: What stood out to you from this week’s episode? Which podcast host’s “word” resonated most with you and why? After prayer and reflection, what’s your word of the year?  How can you see your spiritual progress through the evolution of your words of the year over the past few years? How have these words or themes built upon each other?  If you have never done word of the year and want to, what ways can you ask God what it is?    Journal Questions: How was God present to you in your word for 2022? Take some time to reflect on what God desires to reveal to you as your word of the year. Ask the Holy Spirit to reveal this to you. Make sure to write it down and memorialize it in a way that will keep it at the forefront of your mind throughout the year.  What is one change you can make in the coming year to be more open to the will of God? What themes has God been using as an opportunity to encounter Him?  Are there specific scriptures, saints, or quotes that will serve as a guide or reminder of your word during the year?   Quotes to Ponder: Trust makes us willing to be what God wants us to be, however great or however little that may prove. Trust accepts God as illimitable Love.” // Caryll Houselander,  “No half-heartedness and no worldly fear must turn us aside from following the light unflinchingly.” // J. R. R. Tolkien “He who climbs never stops going from beginning to beginning, through beginnings that have no end. He never stops desiring what he already knows.” // Saint Gregory of Nissa “We can only learn to know ourselves and do what we can, namely, surrender our will and fulfill God’s will in us.” // Saint Teresa of Avila   Scripture for Lectio:  “Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles. And let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us, fixing our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of faith. For the joy set before him, he endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. Consider him who endured such opposition from sinners so that you will not grow weary and lose heart.” (Hebrews 12:1-3)   Announcements:  We are excited to announce our Lenten Book study!! This year, we will be reading Be Transformed by Dr. Bob Schuchts. Through the guide of this book, we will discuss how the Sacraments can heal and transform your relationship with Jesus Christ. Supplies are limited so we recommend you order your copy of the book as soon as possible. Ave Maria Press is in the process ordering more and by purchasing early, you can help them estimate how many are needed.    Ave Maria Press has graciously provided us a discount code if you order the book through their website. Use the code TRANSFORM at checkout to receive 25% off not only Be Transformed, but your entire order (through 3.31.23 with some exclusions)!    You can also order the book through Amazon using our affiliate link. We do receive a small commission if you use our Amazon link. Anything we receive is used to help support our ministry. Click here for Amazon in the US.    Sponsor - Pink Salt Riot: This year we are once again excited to partner with Pink Salt Riot to help you keep your word of the year close to your heart for 2023. In addition to brand new, updated versions of all of their word of the year necklaces and bracelets they have offered in the past, this year they are also offering an engraved cherry wood word of the year desk sign and a word of the year journal with prompts for each month throughout the year to help you walk even more intentionally with your word. All Pink Salt Riot word of the year products are custom made and engraved in their studio in Oklahoma. You can get 15% off your ENTIRE order at Pink Salt Riot with the coupon code AT15 at checkout through March 15, 2023 at pinksaltriot.com.

We are so excited to be back! In this episode, we reconnect after an extended break to share with you updates from each of our lives according to the mysteries of the Rosary: joyful, sorrowful, luminous, and glorious. While our first episode back is traditionally our “Word of the Year” episode, we felt the need to open up about what has been going on in our lives the past seven months. Stay tuned for next week’s episode to discover each of our words for 2023. Thank you for being a part of our journey. We are so incredibly grateful for you. Heather’s One Thing- Fr. Mike Schmitz Catechism in a Year Podcast (Trailer Here) Sister Miriam’s One Thing - Hope’s Garden Michelle’s One Thing - Elizabeth Wade Studios  Michelle’s Other One Thing - With all Her Mind: A Call to the Intellectual Life; Rachel Bulman Amazon or Word on Fire Bookstore   Discussion Questions:     What stood out to you from this week’s episode? How has Christ met me in the Joyful Mysteries of my life? How has Christ met me in the Sorrowful Mysteries of my life? How has Christ met me in the Luminous Mysteries of my life? How has Christ met me in the Glorious Mysteries of my life?   Journal Questions: Reflect on the past few months of your life. What are ways you have experienced joy, sorrow, illumination, and glory? Joy: A delight or an area of gratitude where you have felt the tangible presence of the LORD. Sorrow: A hurt or an obstacle. Illumination: Something the LORD brought to light: an area of pruning, longing, and an ache. Glory: Something you see the LORD redeeming and restoring. It can be in process.   Quotes to Ponder:  “The Rosary mystically transports us to Mary's side as she is busy watching over the human growth of Christ in the home of Nazareth. This enables her to train us and to mold us with the same care, until Christ is ‘fully formed’ in us.” -JP2   “Mary lived with her eyes fixed on Christ, treasuring His every word: “She kept all these things, pondering them in her heart” (Lk2:19; cf. 2:51). The memories of Jesus, impressed upon her heart, were always with her, leading her to reflect on the various moments of her life at her Son's side. In a way those memories were to be the ‘rosary’ which she recited uninterruptedly throughout her earthly life.” -JP2    Scripture for Lectio Divina -   “Mary pondered all these things in her heart.” Luke 2:19   This episode is sponsored by Reform Wellness. This week’s episode is sponsored by Reform, a functional medicine and holistic wellness practice rooted in Christ. Reform redefines health as the state of your body and soul, and their mission is to empower others to find well-being in Christ, thrive in whole-person health, and become the best versions of themselves—physically, mentally, and spiritually. We highly recommend Reform Online, a twelve-week course that walks you through Reform’s nine Wellness Pillars to help you reclaim your identity in Christ, optimize nutrition and sleep, manage stress, and much more. Reform is for everyone because everyone is made for wholeness and holiness. No matter how far away you may feel from wholeness in body and holiness in spirit, the Divine Physician desires to heal you. We invite you to learn more about Reform on their website, reformwellness.co, and on IG @reform_wellness. Reform is offering an exclusive discount for all our listeners on their upcoming Lenten Reform Online course. Use code “Abide10'' for your exclusive discount through January 31. 

In this final episode of Season 11, we chat about our favorite parts of the last year’s episodes and have a special announcement about what is coming next for the podcast. We discuss how there is a season for everything and how we are invited to not grasp onto the things that God entrusts to us, but to hold them loosely with a posture of trust and freedom. We also talk about taking time to be quiet and discern what the Lord has for us, what changes need to be made, and what to let go of. We pray that you have a wonderful summer filled with simplicity and moments to spend with Christ. Sister Miriam’s one thing - Prudence - Choose Confidently, Live Boldly by Fr. Gregory Pine, OP  Heather’s one thing - Heather’s playlist - Only Jesus  Michelle’s one thing -   Live Today Well - Creative God  Michelle’s Summer Reading List    Mentioned on the Podcast:  Bryan Stevenson’s Talk from Communion and Liberations’s New York Encounter Searching for and Maintaining Peace Lenten Series   Discussion Questions:     What stood out to you in this week’s podcast? How do you feel when changes occur in your life? Is it easy or challenging for you to let go of things you might enjoy to make room for something new that God has in store? Sr. Miriam said, “When we take the next right step, the Lord provides”. Do you believe that God will provide what you need if you make a change in your life for Him. Why or why not? What are some of the highlights from the podcast in season 10 and 11?   Journal Questions: Take some time to reflect, what is the Holy Spirit saying in your life right now? Are there some new things you need to say yes to and some things you need to say no to? What are some things that you’re grateful for this past school year? How has the podcast over the years, taught you more about your own heart and your relationship with God? What are some things you want to never forget?   Quotes to Ponder: If there be among the gifts of God none greater than love, and there is no greater gift of God than the Holy Spirit, what follows more naturally than that He is Himself love….” (Saint Augustine)   Scripture for Lectio Divina: Ecclesiastes Chapter 3: 1- 7  For everything there is a season, and a time for every purpose under heaven: 2 a time to be born, and a time to die; a time to plant, and a time to pluck up that which is planted; a time to kill, and a time to heal; a time to break down, and a time to build up; a time to weep, and a time to laugh; a time to mourn, and a time to dance; a time to cast away stones, and a time to gather stones together; a time to embrace, and a time to refrain from embracing; a time to seek, and a time to lose; a time to keep, and a time to cast away; a time to rend, and a time to sew; a time to keep silence, and a time to speak.

In this episode, we conclude our series on the identity of Bride: Fruitful Love. We discuss the truth that love was designed to be life generating and to bear good fruit that will last. Although this occurs through biological children within family, it also applies to community and beyond the boundaries of biological ties in the discipleship of others. We also talk honestly about how tenderness, vulnerability, and intimacy are intertwined and what is needed to feel safe and open up. Our body has meaning and was made for an other. We all are invited to grow from brokenness to wholeness in our sexuality. This conversation has some mature content so please be sensitive to little ears listening.   Sister Miriam’s one thing - Our Listeners, Spirit Juice, and Michelle for her vision of the content from this series Heather’s one thing - Best Ever Roasted Brussel Sprouts Michelle’s one thing - Our listeners and everyone behind the scenes making this podcast happen   Discussion Questions:     What stood out to you from this week’s episode? In what ways can you see that love is fruitful in your life and the lives of those around you? If you’re married, do you make space for intimacy in all of it’s forms within your marriage? What more can you do to make space for intimacy? If you’re not married, what is your ideal view of what intimacy should look like in marriage or the consecrated life? “Every woman wants to be attended to and to be a partner on a great adventure”. Discuss your desire for this within marriage and/or relationship with Christ. How is this desire being met and in what ways are you still longing for this?   Journal Questions: How are you responding to Christ’s invitation to intimacy in practical ways? All of us are called to make disciples of all nations. Who might the Lord be asking you to disciple in the faith and journey alongside? Ponder how you can support your married friends and be “for” their marriage. How have you participated in gossip and maybe disunity in your own marriage or of a friend’s? Sex is holy and beautiful. Notice what this provokes in your own heart. Ask the Lord to bring healing to the areas in your life that need to be restored by this truth.   Quotes to Ponder: "Love is never something ready made, something merely given to man and woman. It is always at the same time, a task, which they are set. Love should be seen as something which is in a sense never is, but is always becoming. And what it becomes depends upon the contribution of both persons and the depth of their commitment." Saint Pope John Paul II, “Love and Responsibility.” Scripture for Lectio Divina: “Then the Lord God said, “It is not good that the man should be alone; I will make him a helper as his partner.” So out of the ground the Lord God formed every animal of the field and every bird of the air, and brought them to the man to see what he would call them; and whatever the man called every living creature, that was its name. The man gave names to all cattle, and to the birds of the air, and to every animal of the field; but for the man there was not found a helper as his partner. So the Lord God caused a deep sleep to fall upon the man, and he slept; then he took one of his ribs and closed up its place with flesh. And the rib that the Lord God had taken from the man he made into a woman and brought her to the man. Then the man said, “This at last is bone of my bones and flesh of my flesh; this one shall be called Woman, for out of Man this one was taken.” Therefore a man leaves his father and his mother and clings to his wife, and they become one flesh. And the man and his wife were both naked, and were not ashamed. - Genesis 2:18-25    This episode is sponsored by Soul Core. SoulCore is an invitation to nourish body, mind and soul through prayer and functional movement. SoulCore began from a simple “yes” to an inspiration of the Holy Spirit and is a movement all its own.  Engaging all of the senses, SoulCore incorporates scripture, sacred art, music, candlelight, and movement; a gentle path to grow in virtue and interior peace. Participants often say it feels like they’ve been on a “mini-retreat” after a SoulCore class.  There are several ways to experience SoulCore. Live classes are offered across the country, as well as DVDs, Digital Downloads and an Online Streaming Studio, which offers a wide variety of Leaders and classes. You can take advantage of their Online Streaming Studio FREE 14-day trial at soulcore.com/signup. In addition, SoulCore is extending a 20% savings to all Abiding Together listeners in their Online Shop (shop.soulcore.com)  Enter promo code: ABIDE20 at checkout.  Discover the beauty and transforming power of the rosary. Visit SoulCore.com to begin your SoulCore journey today!

In this episode, we continue with part three of our series on the identity of Bride: Faithful and Honoring Love. We discuss where we have been wounded or where we have wounded others and how that affects current relationships. We chat about how being guarded can inhibit vulnerability and how to navigate our blocks to grow in intimacy. We offer insights into how to come before the Lord with our preconceived ideas and allow Him to speak the truth, as well as how to maintain fidelity in relationships. This week, let us not resign ourselves to mediocrity, but recommit to loving well.  Sister Miriam’s one thing - Tweet about faithful married love Heather’s one thing - Restore the Glory Episode 35 “Healing in Marriage with Heather Khym” Michelle’s one thing - “Be Devoted” by Dr. Bob Schuchts, “Intimate Allies” by Dan Allender and Tremper Longman III, and “Men, Women, and the Mystery of Love” by Dr. Edward Sri   Discussion Questions:       What stood out to you from this week’s episode? What wounded parts of your early story might you be bringing into current relationships that inhibit your ability to love and be loved fully? Have you had an experience of a healthy, loving relationship in your life that has brought restoration to previous hurts? How has witnessing faithfulness is a loving relationship, whether in your life or in the life of others, given you hope? Vows need to be lived out daily. If you’re married or consecrated, how do you live out your vows daily? If you’re not married, allow yourself to sit at the feet of those who share. Journal Questions: In what relationship do you need God to give you the gift of hope? What ways do you tend to run away in your relationships? What would it be like if you chose not to run? Ponder where you bring your desires that aren’t being met. Take some time to offer those desires to Jesus? “We are better in community”. Who makes you a better person? Offer some prayers of thanksgiving and blessing for them.   Quotes to Ponder:  “Nothing cools love quite like resigning oneself to mediocrity.” - Fr. Jacques Philippe   Scripture for Lectio Divina: “Then the Lord God said, “It is not good that the man should be alone; I will make him a helper as his partner.” So out of the ground the Lord God formed every animal of the field and every bird of the air, and brought them to the man to see what he would call them; and whatever the man called every living creature, that was its name. The man gave names to all cattle, and to the birds of the air, and to every animal of the field; but for the man[a] there was not found a helper as his partner. So the Lord God caused a deep sleep to fall upon the man, and he slept; then he took one of his ribs and closed up its place with flesh. And the rib that the Lord God had taken from the man he made into a woman and brought her to the man. Then the man said, “This at last is bone of my bones and flesh of my flesh; this one shall be called Woman, for out of Man this one was taken.” Therefore a man leaves his father and his mother and clings to his wife, and they become one flesh. And the man and his wife were both naked, and were not ashamed. - Genesis 2:18-25      This episode is sponsored by Scapulars.com. Scapulars.com is proud to offer the most durable and comfortable scapulars in the world. These scapulars are made of super-strong American paracord and super-soft Australian merino wool—so it’s as tough as it is comfy.  They hold up to all the daily wear and tear that your life can throw at it. In fact, if a scapular breaks within 7 years, they’ll replace it for FREE. Plus, most sizes include a secret pocket—so you can safely store your sacred medals without wearing out the cord. They come in a variety of gorgeous, original designs. It’s a beautiful way to honor our Blessed Mother through the devotion that she gave to the Carmelite Order. Scapulars.com has more than 1,000 5-star reviews (and counting!). They are proud to offer large family discounts so you can place your entire family under the protection of Our Lady. Orders of 2 or more scapulars ship for free. Visit scapulars.com to order your today! Use code ABIDING10 for 10% off one purchase per customer.

In this episode, we continue with part two of our series on the identity of Bride: Full and Total Love. We discuss the perfect model we have in Christ of love without reservation and the distinction between co-existing with those we love and living in complete union. We pray this week you would allow your heart to be transformed to love those around you fully and totally.   Sister Miriam’s one thing - Some People Do - Old Dominion Heather’s one thing - Love Heals ring - Pink Salt Riot Michelle’s one thing - Mary   Discussion Questions:     What stood out to you from this week’s episode? What does it look like to love without reservation? With your spouse, closest friends or a small group - Do you know enough of one another’s stories to love one another fully? How do we learn to love another when they have parts that aren't beautiful in that moment? How can we learn to be like Christ then? Journal Questions: Where is yout heart holding back, guarding itself, or not loving fully, and why? Is there a fear of rejection, a fear of misunderstanding, or a fear of vulnerability?  Are you co-existing alongside your spouse, your family, or your community? Take a moment to pray for the grace of a deeper union. What would it look like to give more of your heart to these relationships?  How have you seen your love grow in maturity over time?   Quotes to Ponder: “My dear young friends, I want to invite you to ‘dare to love.’ Do not desire anything less for your life than a love that is strong and beautiful and that is capable of making the whole of your existence a joyful undertaking of giving yourselves as a gift to God and your brothers and sisters, in imitation of the One who vanquished hatred and death for ever through love (cf. Rev 5:13). Love is the only force capable of changing the heart of the human person and of all humanity, by making fruitful the relations between men and women, between rich and poor, between cultures and civilizations.” (Message for the 22nd World Youth Day: Palm Sunday, 1 April 2007) ― Pope Benedict XVI Scripture for Lectio Divina: “Then the Lord God said, “It is not good that the man should be alone; I will make him a helper as his partner.” So out of the ground the Lord God formed every animal of the field and every bird of the air, and brought them to the man to see what he would call them; and whatever the man called every living creature, that was its name. The man gave names to all cattle, and to the birds of the air, and to every animal of the field; but for the man[a] there was not found a helper as his partner. So the Lord God caused a deep sleep to fall upon the man, and he slept; then he took one of his ribs and closed up its place with flesh. And the rib that the Lord God had taken from the man he made into a woman and brought her to the man. Then the man said, “This at last is bone of my bones and flesh of my flesh; this one shall be called Woman, for out of Man this one was taken.” Therefore a man leaves his father and his mother and clings to his wife, and they become one flesh. And the man and his wife were both naked, and were not ashamed. - Genesis 2:18-25

In this episode, we wrap up our identity collection and begin a four part series on Bride. We discuss how God created us for intimate communion with Him no matter our vocation or state in life. We break open the risks of vulnerability and exposure and the deep communion and love we can only experience through intimacy.    Sister Miriam’s one thing - Kale Salad Heather’s one thing - The Hidden Life Playlist on Spotify Michelle’s one thing - Redeeming Love - Francine Rivers    Discussion Questions:     What stood out to you from this week’s episode? How have you witnessed a bride and groom give themselves freely to one another?  How can you grow in a commitment to continue to grow in the school of love? How do you experience God as a lover?    Journal Questions: How are you a gift to God? How can you exercise freedom in choosing to love God and give yourself to Him?  If married - how do you allow your spouse into your inner garden to bring your hearts to the Lord together? How do you love your spouse with your whole heart and God with your whole heart- bringing deeper communion in both relationships?  For those that are hard to love - ask “how is this person a gift to me?””   Quotes to Ponder:  “Limitation of one's freedom might seem to be something negative and unpleasant, but love makes it a positive, joyful and creative thing. Freedom exists for the sake of love.”  ― John Paul II, Love and Responsibility   Scripture for Lectio Divina: “Then the Lord God said, “It is not good that the man should be alone; I will make him a helper as his partner.” So out of the ground the Lord God formed every animal of the field and every bird of the air, and brought them to the man to see what he would call them; and whatever the man called every living creature, that was its name. The man gave names to all cattle, and to the birds of the air, and to every animal of the field; but for the man[a] there was not found a helper as his partner. So the Lord God caused a deep sleep to fall upon the man, and he slept; then he took one of his ribs and closed up its place with flesh. And the rib that the Lord God had taken from the man he made into a woman and brought her to the man. Then the man said, “This at last is bone of my bonesand flesh of my flesh; this one shall be called Woman, for out of Man this one was taken.” Therefore a man leaves his father and his mother and clings to his wife, and they become one flesh. And the man and his wife were both naked, and were not ashamed. - Genesis 2:18-25    This episode is sponsored by Chews Life.  The mission of Chews Life is to equip all Catholics with Rosaries for life. How do they do that? By creating Rosaries for every age group and every person. For little ones, they have soft silicone rosaries. These rosaries are strung on durable organic cotton chord and have food grade silicone for the beads. These Rosaries are a beautiful way to bring your little ones to Mary and also offer something to soothe and delight them. For slightly older kids, Chews Life offers their Shepherd Kids Rosaries. These Rosaries are also made with silicone beads but are slightly smaller and have more space between beads so that kids learning their Rosary can slide each bead as they pray. Finally, for adults Chews Life has beautiful Rosary Bracelets. With many different styles and colors, the Rosary Bracelets are a great tool for someone trying to form the daily habit of praying the Rosary. Not only is it very accessible on your wrist, but it also features a “bookmark” crucifix medal that can be used to keep your spot in your Rosary. So if you only have a minute here and there to pray throughout your day, no worries, hold your place with the crucifix medal and continue when you have your next chance. Chews Life aims to provide beautiful and durable tools to help you pray the Rosary every single day. You can find their Rosaries and a number of other wonderful products on their website: www.chewslife.com. Use the code ABIDE10 to get 10% off your next order.

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

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