Abiding Together

In this episode, we continue our four part Advent series revisiting the women Doctors of the Church with a discussion on praise through the life of St. Hildegard of Bingen. We discuss the value of praise: speaking the truth about who God is and who we are and reflect on how all creation was made to praise the Creator. We chat about Advent as a particular time to create space to hear God's voice and the unique ways each of us enter into praise of God. We pray this week you would hear the voice of God over you and join in the joyful praise of all creation. For further listening, check out Restore the Beauty, a five part series on the women doctors of the church from Season 4 and be sure to subscribe to the Abiding Together Podcast on YouTube to watch our video podcasts! Sister Miriam's one thing - The Litany of Self-Love - Micole Amalu Michelle's one thing - Breath of Heaven - Amy Grant Heather's one thing - Deliverance Prayers: For Use by the Laity - Fr. Chad A Ripperger PhD Discussion questions: What stood out to you from today's episode? What are some ways you enter into praise of God? How has this changed throughout different seasons in your life? How have you seen praise of God change the atmosphere, relationships, or situations? Take a moment to share these stories. How can we continue to cultivate the "inner place" for God to speak to us and for us to praise God this Advent? Journal Questions: Do you believe you were created to praise? How can you begin to live out this calling in practical ways and particularly during this Advent season? Many times we cannot hear God because something else is overshadowing his voice? Ask the Lord "Tell me what I am not hearing?" Take a moment to imagine yourself with Mary singing praises over the child Jesus in her womb or as an infant. What words of praise do you want to speak to Jesus? What does he want to say back to you? Quotes to Ponder: "Sometimes when we hear a song we breathe deeply and sigh. This reminds the prophet that the soul arises from heavenly harmony. In thinking about this, he was aware that the soul itself has something in itself of this music..." - St. Hildegard of Bingen Scripture for Lectio Divina: In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. He was in the beginning with God. All things came into being through Him, and without Him, not one thing came into being. What has come into being in Him was life, and the life was the light of all people. The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness did not overcome it. - John 1:1-5 This episode is sponsored by Vitae Fertility Education. The Marquette Method uses daily hormone testing—instead of mucus or temps—to take the guesswork out of NFP. Download our free eBook to learn more about the method and find out if it will be a good fit for you. Why Choose Marquette? Effective—The Marquette Method is 99% effective for women in regular cycles and 98% effective while breastfeeding. Easy—Test your hormone levels in the morning and you'll know in five minutes whether you are fertile or not. Taught by medical professionals— Only doctors and nurses can become Marquette Method instructors, so you can rest assured you're always getting the best advice, tailored to your unique fertility history. More than a thousand women have chosen to learn Marquette through Vitae Fertility's personalized online Marquette Method classes. When you sign up, we'll send our comprehensive learning package to you in the mail, including a comprehensive Marquette Method manual available only through us.

St. Catherine of Siena discusses the virtue of hope and making room for Christ this Advent season. They explore the transformative power of hope, finding light in the darkness, and making a good confession to prepare our hearts for Christmas

In this episode, we speak with Magnus MacFarlane-Barrow and hear the story of his amazing ministry Mary's Meals. Magnus shares how a personal conversion at Medjugorje led him to helping refugees in Bosnia, and how meeting a child named Edward in Malawi was the beginning of feeding 2 million children a day. Find out more about Mary's Meals on youtube in the video Love Reaches Everywhere and watch as they celebrate the amazing milestone of feeding 2 million children a day! We invite you to follow Mary's Meals online at https://www.marysmeals.org and on Instagram @marysmeals. Sister Miriam's one thing - Through the Heart of St. Joseph - Fr. Boniface Hicks Michelle's one thing - Sweet Cross - Laura Phelps Heather's one thing - Heather's road trip with her youngest daughter Eva Magnus's one thing - His Acorn Tree Other Books Mentioned - The Shed That Fed a Million Children: The Mary's Meals Story - Magnus MacFarlane- Barrow Give: Charity and the Art of Living Generously- Magnus MacFarlane- Barrow

In this episode, we conclude our four part series on the identity of sisterhood. This episode is now offered in video on youtube! We discuss the idea of celebrating and championing other women to live out their unique God given call and purpose. Sister Miriam ends this series with a powerful meditation inviting us each to forgive and receive forgiveness in relationships that have wounded our understanding of true sisterhood. We pray this week would bring an opportunity for you to forgive, receive forgiveness and create a place for others at the table of sisterhood. Be sure to subscribe to the Abiding Together Podcast on YouTube to watch our video podcasts! Sister Miriam's one thing - Ashes to Skies - Shaylee Simeone Michelle's one thing - A Sisterhood Movie Night List Heather's one thing - Steady Love Playlist on Spotify Other Books Mentioned - Priestly Fatherhood - Fr. Jacques Philippe Discussion questions: What stood out to you from this week's episode? Take some to allow each person to answer the following questions in relation to your small group: What are you needing right now in this season of life and how can we bless you? How can we come alongside you? How can we champion you? What are you needing from anyone here specifically? What Holy Spirit dreams can we help midwife in you? If you could be any age, what age would you be? What stood out to you from Sister Miriam's meditation at the end of today's episode? Journal Questions: How have other women championed what the Lord has done in your life? How have you championed other women in what the Lord is doing in their lives? Who is one woman in your life who you can ask: "What's on your heart? How can I come alongside you to help bring about the Holy Spirit's work in your life?" What images, relationships, or forgiveness came about through the prayer meditation at the end of today's episode? What is God stirring in your heart as we conclude the series on sisterhood? Quotes to Ponder: "Helping one another is part of the religion of our sisterhood." - Jo March, 'Little Women' Scripture for Lectio Divina: At that time Mary got ready and hurried to a town in the hill country of Judea, where she entered Zechariah's home and greeted Elizabeth. When Elizabeth heard Mary's greeting, the baby leaped in her womb, and Elizabeth was filled with the Holy Spirit. In a loud voice she exclaimed: "Blessed are you among women, and blessed is the child you will bear! But why am I so favored, that the mother of my Lord should come to me? As soon as the sound of your greeting reached my ears, the baby in my womb leaped for joy. Blessed is she who has believed that the Lord would fulfill his promises to her!" And Mary proclaimed: My soul glorifies the Lord, and my spirit rejoices in God my Savior, for he has been mindful of the humble state of his servant. From now on all generations will call me blessed, for the Mighty One has done great things for me— holy is his name. His mercy extends to those who fear him, from generation to generation. He has performed mighty deeds with his arm; He has scattered those who are proud in their inmost thoughts. He has brought down rulers from their thrones but has lifted up the humble. He has filled the hungry with good things but has sent the rich away empty. He has helped his servant Israel, remembering to be merciful to Abraham and his descendants forever, just as he promised our ancestors. Mary stayed with Elizabeth for about three months and then returned home. - Luke 1:39-56

In this episode, we continue our four part series on the identity of sister. This episode is now offered in video on youtube! We discuss the unique wounds that women often inflict on one another and our own experiences of jealousy, rivalry, and competition. We look at how assumptions can damage relationships and the role of intentional communication and transparency in repairing these wounds. We pray this week God would give you courage to behold women in your heart and be a gift to others through your femininity. Be sure to subscribe to the Abiding Together Podcast on YouTube to watch our video podcasts! Sister Miriam's one thing - Tiny Hands Michelle's one thing - Day Planner from Blessed Is She Heather's one thing - Heather's Steak Pie recipe Discussion questions: What stood out to you from this week's episode? What makes you feel safe in relationships so that you're able to trust the other? What vows or agreements - such as "I will never trust women" or "I can't trust women like I can men" - have you made because of the ways you were hurt by other women? Have you given Jesus permission to break these bonds? Is there a relationship or situation where you have made assumptions about another woman's behavior or beliefs? How can you bring healing to this relationship through transparency and communication? Journal Questions: Re-read the story of Hagar and Sarah in Genesis 16. What does God want to speak to your heart through this story. What jealousy, fears, or comparisons cause you to assume the worst of other women? What would it look like to 'fill that gap with trust?" Take a moment to reflect on any memories that are brought to the surface during this episode. Where do you need healing from wounds caused by other women? Where do you need to repent or ask forgiveness for the ways in which you have wounded other women? Quotes to Ponder: "None of us is completely free of this fierce tendency to grasp and control. Every woman has something in herself inherited from Eve, and she must search for the way from Eve to Mary. There is a bit of defiance in each woman which does not want to humble itself under any sovereignty. In each, there is something of that desire which reaches for forbidden fruit." - St. Teresa Benedicta of the Cross Scripture for Lectio Divina: At that time Mary got ready and hurried to a town in the hill country of Judea, where she entered Zechariah's home and greeted Elizabeth. When Elizabeth heard Mary's greeting, the baby leaped in her womb, and Elizabeth was filled with the Holy Spirit. In a loud voice she exclaimed: "Blessed are you among women, and blessed is the child you will bear! But why am I so favored, that the mother of my Lord should come to me? As soon as the sound of your greeting reached my ears, the baby in my womb leaped for joy. Blessed is she who has believed that the Lord would fulfill his promises to her!" And Mary proclaimed: My soul glorifies the Lord, and my spirit rejoices in God my Savior, for he has been mindful of the humble state of his servant. From now on all generations will call me blessed, for the Mighty One has done great things for me— holy is his name. His mercy extends to those who fear him, from generation to generation. He has performed mighty deeds with his arm ;He has scattered those who are proud in their inmost thoughts. He has brought down rulers from their thrones but has lifted up the humble. He has filled the hungry with good things but has sent the rich away empty. He has helped his servant Israel, remembering to be merciful to Abraham and his descendants forever, just as he promised our ancestors. Mary stayed with Elizabeth for about three months and then returned home. - Luke 1:39-56 This episode is sponsored by Monk Manual. This week's episode is sponsored by the Monk Manual 90-Day Planner. If you are looking for a great gift this holiday season, the Monk Manual has you covered. The Monk Manual is a daily system designed to help individuals intentionally focus on the things that matter most. Each planner comes with monthly, weekly, and daily pages to support and encourage a life that beautifully integrates a busy schedule with personal growth, room for play, and time for relationships, quiet reflection and spiritual growth. Each monthly, weekly, and daily page of the planner utilizes the PAR method (Prepare-Act-Reflect) so that you can begin each period with calm intentionality, prioritize what is most important as you live a full(er) life, and end contemplating life's beauties and challenges. Monk Manual also just released The Sprout Journal for children, ages 8–12. Abiding Together listeners receive 10% off their purchase at checkout with the discount code: ABIDE10. Visit them online at monkmanual.com and https://monkmanual.com/pages/sprout-journal

In this episode, we continue our four part series on Sisterhood. This episode is now offered in video on youtube! We discuss what it looks like for women to form each other in community so that we can all live our dignity as daughters made in the image and likeness of God. We discuss milestone experiences in a woman's life and the necessity of journeying through these seasons with other women. We pray this week you would continue to become the sister God created you to be! Be sure to subscribe to the Abiding Together Podcast on YouTube to watch our video podcasts! Sister Miriam's one thing - The Advent series Adore: A Guided Advent Journal for Prayer and Mediation with Fr. John Burns from Ave Maria Press. Check out Fr. John Burn's video introduction to the Advent Series. Michelle's one thing - Shannon from Chews Life and my rosary bracelet Heather's one thing - Debbie Herbeck of Be Love Revolution - @bloverevolution on instagram Other Books Mentioned - Essays on Woman (The Collected Works of Edith Stein) - Edith Stein Discussion questions: What stood out to you from this week's episode? Which women walked you through milestone experiences in your life and how did that impact your experience of these seasons? Are there experiences you had to figure out on your own? How have times of isolation impacted the guidance and sisterhood you want to provide for women who may be a season behind you in life? How have women friendships and relationships been modeled for you throughout life? Where is God inviting you to take initiative to cast a new vision of sisterhood? Journal Questions: Ask yourself, "Am I the kind of friend, am I the kind of sister that I would like in my life?" Take some time to reflect on your answer and why or why not? Ask the Lord to reveal where you need to grow to be a better sister. Ask the Lord to reveal the beautiful things about women who are sisters alongside of us. If you can, reach out to say thank you in a specific way. If you feel you are lacking this authentic sisterhood, take an inventory of where you are and what you are longing for. Ask yourself, "What can I do to move this one step forward in creating or finding sisterhood right now?" Quotes to Ponder: "In all these areas a greater presence of women in society will prove most valuable, for it will help to manifest the contradictions present when society is organized solely according to the criteria of efficiency and productivity, and it will force systems to be redesigned in a way which favors the processes of humanization which mark the civilization of love." Pope Saint John Paul II, Letter to Women Scripture for Lectio Divina At that time Mary got ready and hurried to a town in the hill country of Judea, where she entered Zechariah's home and greeted Elizabeth. When Elizabeth heard Mary's greeting, the baby leaped in her womb, and Elizabeth was filled with the Holy Spirit. In a loud voice she exclaimed: "Blessed are you among women, and blessed is the child you will bear! But why am I so favored, that the mother of my Lord should come to me? As soon as the sound of your greeting reached my ears, the baby in my womb leaped for joy. Blessed is she who has believed that the Lord would fulfill his promises to her!" And Mary proclaimed: My soul glorifies the Lord, and my spirit rejoices in God my Savior, for he has been mindful of the humble state of his servant. From now on all generations will call me blessed, for the Mighty One has done great things for me— holy is his name. His mercy extends to those who fear him, from generation to generation. He has performed mighty deeds with his arm ;He has scattered those who are proud in their inmost thoughts. He has brought down rulers from their thrones but has lifted up the humble. He has filled the hungry with good things but has sent the rich away empty. He has helped his servant Israel, remembering to be merciful to Abraham and his descendants forever, just as he promised our ancestors. Mary stayed with Elizabeth for about three months and then returned home. - Luke 1:39-56 This episode is sponsored by Ave Maria Press. "Through these uniquely beautiful reflections, you will encounter the quiet, safety, and rest of the hearts of Mary and Joseph, joining in their preparation for the birth of our Savior. You are warmly invited on the journey." - Sr. Miriam James Heidland, S.O.L.T. Of all the seasons of the year, Advent offers us perhaps the clearest sense of adventure and journey. It is a season for resetting our horizon, reframing our movement toward fullness in Christ. And even though Advent is brief, it is filled with spiritual riches. Yet, because Advent falls during a busy time of year, we often rush over or even miss the treasures God places before us in the Church. In Adore: A Guided Advent Journal for Prayer and Mediation, popular author and speaker Fr. John Burns and illustrator Valerie Delgado of Pax.Valerie will help you reclaim the sacred sense of longing and joyful hope at the heart of Advent through reflections, art, prayers, and journaling, perfect for both individual and group use. Check out Fr. John Burn's video introduction to the Advent Series. Use code ADORE at avemariapress.com to receive FREE Standard Shipping on Adore. Expires 12.31.21 *Only available in the contiguous US.

In this episode, we break open the scripture of the Visitation as we begin a four part series on the identity of sister - biological and spiritual. This episode is now offered in video on youtube! We discuss the model of speaking blessing into one another's lives as we confirm and affirm each other's truest identity. We chat about how Mary and Elizabeth needed one another's story and resisted the temptations of comparison and competition in choosing celebration. We pray God would be the center of your relationships and sisterhoods! Be sure to subscribe to the Abiding Together Podcast on YouTube to watch our video podcasts! Sister Miriam's one thing - 'Sisters' from White Christmas Michelle's one thing - My front porch in Fall and the season of Fall! Heather's one thing - Chicken Carnitas Recipe Other Books Mentioned - Friendship in the Lord - Fr. Paul Hinnebusch Discussion questions: What stood out to you from this week's episode? What does it mean to you to be a sister? What stirs in your heart as we begin this series? What needs to be healed in your heart to open up to the identity of sister? Take a moment in your groups to identify and share what the Holy Spirit is doing in your life. Is sharing the work of the Holy Spirit a habit in your small groups and community? What does it mean to be a sister who speaks blessing and affirms the truest identity of another with our words? Journal Questions: Do you proclaim a magnificat when the Lord has done great things in your life? Who do you celebrate with and share the good news with? Have you ever felt like you had to fight for your seat at the table because of comparison or competition among women? How have you experienced a celebration mindset when it comes to your relationship with other women? Take a moment to pray and ask for sisterhood where you need it. Take a moment to pray and repent for areas that you need to own wounding others in the area of sisterhood. Quotes to Ponder: "All members of the family, each according to his or her own gift, have the grace and responsibility of building day by day the communion of persons, making the family 'a school of deeper humanity' " - Gaudium et Spes, 52 Scripture for Lectio Divina - At that time Mary got ready and hurried to a town in the hill country of Judea, where she entered Zechariah's home and greeted Elizabeth. When Elizabeth heard Mary's greeting, the baby leaped in her womb, and Elizabeth was filled with the Holy Spirit. In a loud voice she exclaimed: "Blessed are you among women, and blessed is the child you will bear! But why am I so favored, that the mother of my Lord should come to me? As soon as the sound of your greeting reached my ears, the baby in my womb leaped for joy. Blessed is she who has believed that the Lord would fulfill his promises to her!" And Mary proclaimed: My soul glorifies the Lord, and my spirit rejoices in God my Savior, for he has been mindful of the humble state of his servant. From now on all generations will call me blessed, for the Mighty One has done great things for me— holy is his name. His mercy extends to those who fear him, from generation to generation. He has performed mighty deeds with his arm ;He has scattered those who are proud in their inmost thoughts. He has brought down rulers from their thrones but has lifted up the humble. He has filled the hungry with good things but has sent the rich away empty. He has helped his servant Israel, remembering to be merciful to Abraham and his descendants forever, just as he promised our ancestors. Mary stayed with Elizabeth for about three months and then returned home. - Luke 1:39-56 This episode is sponsored by Home School Connections. Do you feel like your homeschool needs a change of pace? Would you like the comfort of knowing that your teen is learning from faithful, expert instructors? For learning with a faith-based focus, Homeschool Connections.com's online courses just might be the solution you've been looking for. Homeschool Connections dot com offers live, interactive, real-time online courses where you get Unlimited Access to over 400 recorded courses in math, writing, science, literature, and more. For more information, you can go online to Homeschool Connections dot com, and your teen can receive instruction taught in the Catholic Tradition.

In this episode, we complete our four part series on the identity of daughter. This episode is now offered in video on youtube! We discuss the full redemption God desires for his daughters emotionally, spiritually, sexually, and in a particular way as women, physically through our bodies and beauty. We chat about the practice of repentance and declaring the truth about ourselves, body and soul. We pray you would allow Christ to bring your whole self into communion with him in your identity as daughter so you may grow into a sister, a mother and a bride. Be sure to subscribe to the Abiding Together Podcast on YouTube to watch our video podcasts! Sister Miriam's one thing - Healing Wounds Meditation with Dr. Bob Schutchts on the Hallow App. You must subscribe to Hallow to listen! Michelle's one thing - The Every Sacred Sunday Mass Journal Heather's one thing - The Metanoia Series - Fr. Dave Pivonka, TOR and 4pm media Other Books Mentioned - The Inner Voice of Love: A Journey Through Anguish to Freedom - Henri Nouwen Discussion questions: What stood out to you from this week's episode? Where do you feel at war with your body and where do you feel at home in your body? How is God inviting you to see your body as a blessing rather than a burden? What beliefs about yourself have you felt inspired to renounce and repent of after today's episode? What truth does Jesus desire to speak into your heart to fill this space. Journal Questions: Have you cursed your body or believed the lie that your body is too much or not enough? Take a moment to practice repentance and ask God to speak his truth into your body. Can you imagine your body as a temple where the Holy Spirit is dwelling and what kind of temple does it look like? What is the Holy Spirit doing in this temple? Where is He illuminating? Where is He healing? Where's He moving? Are there areas brought up in the past few weeks that you would rather avoid than allow Jesus to redeem and restore? Take a moment to commit to moving through the cross towards the resurrection with trust that Christ desires your redemption. Quotes to Ponder: Because their shame was twofold and disgrace was proclaimed their portion, They will possess twofold in their own land; everlasting joy shall be theirs. Isaiah 61:7 Scripture for Lectio Divina - "For this reason I kneel before the Father, from whom every family in heaven and on earth derives its name. I pray that out of his glorious riches he may strengthen you with power through his Spirit in your inner being, so that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith. And I pray that you, being rooted and established in love, may have power, together with all the Lord's holy people, to grasp how wide and long and high and deep is the love of Christ, and to know this love that surpasses knowledge—that you may be filled to the measure of all the fullness of God. Now to him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to his power that is at work within us, to him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, for ever and ever! Amen." - Ephesians 3:14-21 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 lovingly & thoughtfully designed by hand, and we hope that it invites you to say yes to God, one Sunday at a time. Use the promo code abide5 for $5 off your next purchase! Available now on our website, www.everysacredsunday.com/shop.

In this episode, we continue our four part series on the identity of daughter. This episode is now offered in video on youtube! We discuss wounds from our childhood - rejection, abandonment and a failure to feel safe - and the lasting effects these wounds can have in our adult relationships. We chat about loving our younger selves with compassion, so that we can receive God's unconditional love today. We pray you would allow the Divine Healer to look on your wounds with compassion this week! Be sure to subscribe to the Abiding Together Podcast on YouTube to watch our video podcasts! Sister Miriam's one thing - Mama Heidland's Seafood Gumbo Recipe Michelle's one thing - Sacred Rest by by Dr. Saundra Dalton-Smith Heather's one thing - Change the Way You Think: A Conversation with Louie Giglio, Jennie Allen and Craig Groeschel Other Books Mentioned - Life Model: Living from the Heart Jesus Gave you - James Friesen The Inner Voice of Love: A Journey Through Anguish to Freedom - Henri Nouwen Discussion questions: What stood out to you from this week's episode? Are your childhood wounds healed places of glory or are they bandaged up, still hiding, and in need of Christ's light? How do you see core wounds from childhood - abandonment, rejection or a gap created because your heart did not feel safe - affecting your relationships today? Do you recognize any of the effects listed by Sister Miriam in the episode? How can you receive God's restoration for you in these places? What does it look like to welcome home the little parts of yourself with compassion and gentleness? Journal Questions: Are there particular memories from your childhood that this series has brought to the surface? Where do you need to hear the truth that the woundedness caused by others was not your fault? Try to find a picture of your younger self. What would you like to share with her or him? Are there critical words and judgements you would like to take back or words of affirmation and compassion you need to speak over your younger self? Pray with Jesus' words 'be not afraid.' How does He desire for you to receive this message when acknowledging wounds from your childhood? Quotes to Ponder: "You keep listening to those who seem to reject you. But they never speak about you. They speak about their own limitations. They confess their poverty in the face of your needs and desires. They simply ask for your compassion. They do not say that you are bad, ugly, or despicable. They say only that you are asking for something they cannot give and that they need to get some distance from you to survive emotionally. The sadness is that you perceive their necessary withdrawal as a rejection of you instead of as a call to return home and discover your true belovedness." - Henri Nouwen "A part of you was left behind very early in your life: the part that never felt completely received. It is full of fears. Meanwhile, you grew up with many survival skills. But you want yourself to be one. So you have to bring home the part of you that was left behind. That is not easy, because you have become quite a formidable person, and your fearful part does not know if it can safely dwell with you. Your grown-up self has to become very childlike—hospitable, gentle, and caring—so your anxious self can return and feel safe." - Henri Nouwen Scripture for Lectio Divina - "For this reason I kneel before the Father, from whom every family in heaven and on earth derives its name. I pray that out of his glorious riches he may strengthen you with power through his Spirit in your inner being, so that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith. And I pray that you, being rooted and established in love, may have power, together with all the Lord's holy people, to grasp how wide and long and high and deep is the love of Christ, and to know this love that surpasses knowledge—that you may be filled to the measure of all the fullness of God. Now to him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to his power that is at work within us, to him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, for ever and ever! Amen." - Ephesians 3:14-21 This episode is sponsored by House of Joppa. This week's episode is sponsored by House of Joppa. If you are looking for beautiful Catholic home décor, jewelry, art, rosaries or other Catholic gifts, look no farther than House of Joppa. Each product is curated from artisans throughout the world, and is designed to uplift your spirit and share the beauty of our Catholic faith. If you are looking for something for yourself or a special gift for a friend, head over to their website in the show notes. My favorite products are their Vintage Sacred Heart Medallion, Mini Mary Garden and Miraculous Medal rosary. Abiding Together listeners receive 15% off their purchase at checkout with discount code: ABIDE15. Visit them online at https://www.houseofjoppa.com or on Instagram @houseofjoppa.

In this episode, we continue our four part series on the identity of daughter. This episode is now available on youtube: https://youtu.be/0TJKUIE1HOQ. We discuss the core needs of early childhood - to be seen, known and loved - and how this time is crucial in learning to trust and receive. We share our fears of being seen as needy or as a burden to others as well as what counterfeit needs are vs actual needs. We chat about the healing that we experience when we allow God the Father to love us in the places we didn't receive what we needed as a child. Be sure to subscribe to the Abiding Together Podcast on YouTube to watch our video podcasts! Sister Miriam's one thing - The life of our recently passed SOLT sister, Sister Maria of Merciful Love Michelle's one thing - The Sisters of Life and The Litany of Trust Heather's one thing - Restore the Glory Podcast Healing in Marriage Series Other Books Mentioned - Life Model: Living from the Heart Jesus Gave you - James Friesen Discussion questions: What stood out to you from this week's episode? How have you felt seen, known and loved by God and others recently? In what areas of your heart and life do you still long to experience that? What counterfeit needs (I need a break, I need to watch tv, etc.) do you often substitute for your real need (I need to be acknowledged, seen, loved)? How can you take time to pause and ask yourself what you truly need in particular moments throughout your day? Do fears of rejection or being seen as 'needy' prevent you from expressing your needs and desires to those who want to love you? How can you better articulate your needs to your community, family, and God? How is the fruit of joy abundant and fragrant in your life? If not, what is at the root of that? Journal Questions: Are there areas of your heart that you have shut down or relationships you have 'canceled' because someone did not meet your need to be seen, known and loved? How might God be asking you to give yourself or another person a new chance? Take a moment to reflect on any memories or experiences from your childhood where you did not feel seen, known and loved. Invite God to restore and heal these moments and fill any gaps that may have been created. Write down some practical ways you can notice, affirm and show greater love towards those who have been entrusted to you in your family and community. Quotes to Ponder: "Your great trust in Me forces me to continuously grant you graces. You have great and incomprehensible rights over My Heart, for you are a daughter of complete trust." - Jesus to St. Faustina Scripture for Lectio Divina - "For this reason I kneel before the Father, from whom every family in heaven and on earth derives its name. I pray that out of his glorious riches he may strengthen you with power through his Spirit in your inner being, so that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith. And I pray that you, being rooted and established in love, may have power, together with all the Lord's holy people, to grasp how wide and long and high and deep is the love of Christ, and to know this love that surpasses knowledge—that you may be filled to the measure of all the fullness of God. Now to him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to his power that is at work within us, to him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, for ever and ever! Amen." - Ephesians 3:14-21 This episode is sponsored by Corda Candles. Connect with the saints through scent, with handcrafted CORDA candles. Each unique scent is directly inspired by saints and the faith, and custom blended in house. As you burn the candle and enjoy the custom scent, there's a tangible, concrete connection to the holy men and women who have gone before us.Help support SOLT, Sr. Miriam's order, by purchasing the Cloistered Heart candle, inspired by St. Elizabeth of the Trinity. Its contemplative notes of cherry and violet are fresh and clean. This exclusive candle was commissioned by the Abiding Together podcast and 15% is donated to SOLT. It's available for a limited time only, now through November 30, 2021.There are many more candles to explore, including ones inspired by Our Lady of Guadalupe, St. Michael the Archangel, and Night Prayer. Shop online at www.cordacandles.com and receive 10% off with promo code ABIDE, now through October 31, 2021.