Abiding Together

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.

Renewal of Religious Life - Interview with Fr. John Burns In this episode we talk with Fr. John Burns about the importance of the renewal of religious life as a huge part of how the Church will heal and be restored. We discuss how important it is for us to have a visible sign of a religious sister who lives her vocation as the bride of Christ and shows us that our hearts are made for God. We also discuss vocation as a calling to love and how restored femininity and masculinity is essential for fully living our calling. Sister Miriam's one thing - Fall Feels Playlist Michelle's one thing - Awakening Love- An Ignatian Retreat with the Song of Songs - Gregory Cleveland, OMV Heather's one thing - Brandt Jean forgives his brother's killer and invites her into relationship with Christ. Fr. John's one thing - The gift of shared ministry at parish mission with Sr. Miriam Extra Resources Pope Francis' Homily (the end of the doc on brideship) - http://w2.vatican.va/content/francesco/en/homilies/2019/documents/papa-francesco_20190202_omelia-vitaconsacrata.html Discussion questions: What struck you from the podcast? How do religious sisters speak to the realities of the relationship that Christ desires with all of us? Our vocation is to love. How is God calling you to fully live that out in this season of life? Fr. John said that the consecrated heart blesses all of femininity by reminding the world what it looks like to be claimed and spoken for by the King of Kings. How do you feel about the truth that you are claimed and spoken for by God. How should this change your life? Journal Questions: We are all the bride. How does that language of being the bride of Christ make you feel? What can you learn about your relationship with God from the visible sign of religious sisters? Where does your idea or current reality of your vocation/calling need to be healed and restored? Quote to Ponder - "there is nothing a woman cannot do when she knows that she is perfectly understood at all times and that she is loved" - Mother Mary Francis Scripture for Lectio Divina - Revelation 22:17 "The Spirit and the bride say, "Come!" And let the one who hears say, "Come!" Let the one who is thirsty come; let the one who wishes take the free gift of the water of life."

Eucharist Amazement: May We Never Lose Our Wonder In this episode we talk about the new pew report that shows only ⅓ of American Catholics believe in the real presence of Jesus in the Eucharist. We share about how we need to renew Eucharistic amazement in tangible ways and share our own experiences of the power of the Eucharist in our lives. Sister Miriam's one thing - The Homesick Candle Heather sent to me for my birthday. Michelle's one thing - A new worship playlist called Crossing Over Heather's one thing - My teenagers, I love them so much! Extra Resources Ecclesia De Eucharistia by Pope John Paul II http://www.vatican.va/holy_father/special_features/encyclicals/documents/hf_jp-ii_enc_20030417_ecclesia_eucharistia_en.html Link to Lanciano miracle http://www.therealpresence.org/eucharst/mir/lanciano.html Discussion questions: What struck you from the podcast? If you've had a powerful moment with Jesus in the Eucharist, briefly share that with your group. How can I/do I enter more fully into the mystery of the Eucharist and liturgy? What are some tangible ways you can make the Eucharist the source and summit in your life and the life of your family? Journal Questions: In what ways have I become "too familiar" with sacred things, sacred spaces, and the Eucharist? How can I further prepare my heart to receive Jesus in the Eucharist? In what places of your heart do you need God to open your eyes to see who He is? What does the "spousal language" we used in the podcast, stir in your heart? Are there any parts that you need to ask Jesus to heal? Quote to Ponder - "I would like to rekindle this Eucharistic "amazement"- Saint John Paul II Scripture for Lectio Divina - John 6:35-36 "Jesus said to them, "I am the bread of life. Whoever comes to me will never be hungry, and whoever believes in me will never be thirsty. But I said to you that you have seen me and yet do not believe."

How to Accompany Someone Through A Hard Season In this episode we talk about how to journey with each other through hardships and offer the powerful gift of presence. Walking through suffering with each other is sacred ground, so we need to learn how to become a compassionate presence and honor the vulnerability in others, while also being vulnerable ourselves. We talk about how to discern what we are able to offer to others and how we need to ask the Holy Spirit how to respond instead of falling into codependency or taking on the problems of others. Sister Miriam's one thing - Surrender Prayer God, my Father, I thank you for all that you are, and all that you do for me through your son Jesus Christ. I praise you for my life, for your mercy and for your Eucharist. In Jesus' name, Father, I place myself entirely in your Heart. I surrender to you my whole self, my heart, my mind, my memory, my imagination, my will, my emotions, my passions, my desires, my body, my sexuality, my desire for human approval, my weaknesses, my sins. I surrender every person in my life to you. I surrender every situation in my life to you. I surrender every relationship I am in to you. I surrender every concern I have to you. I surrender every fear I have to you. I surrender every doubt I have to you. I surrender all confusion I have to you. I surrender all sadness I am experiencing in my heart to you. I surrender all my wounds to you. I surrender all anxiety and worry I have to you. I surrender all that deceives me in my heart to you. I trust you to care for me and others in a perfectly loving way. As I have emptied myself, and surrendered everything to you, I ask you now, Father, to fill me with your Holy Spirit and all the gifts and fruits of your Spirit. Holy Spirit you are the source of love, hope, joy, peace, patience, goodness, gentleness, tenderness, faithfulness, humility, and self-control. Purify my desires. Help me to open my heart to you. Help me to become perfectly receptive as a pure child. Help me to believe in your love for me. Help me to hope in your love. Help me to receive from the Most Sacred Heart of Jesus all grace and virtues necessary for me to become the person you created me to be. I ask this in the Name of Jesus Christ, Your son, God Almighty Father. O Most Holy Immaculate Virgin Mary. I entrust this prayer to your Heart, and ask you to press it to your sorrowful and immaculate heart and intercede for me to your Son Jesus. Please help me to be as you are, a loving disciple, an obedient servant, a true child of God. Amen. Michelle's one thing - A new St. Therese shirt design "I Choose All" and story card from Michelle's Meaningful Market store. It comes out on St. Therese's feast day October 1. Enjoy 15% off with code - ABIDE15 Heather's one thing - Hannah Van Noort, Heidi Bouwman, and Lisa Marquis for their work behind the scenes at our men's retreat. Extra Resources Evangelli Gaudium Section on Accompaniment #169-173 Discussion questions: What struck you from the podcast? What does it look like to make space for each other? What is the difference between loving someone well and becoming codependent? Why is the gift of presence so healing and powerful? Journal Questions: Is there someone in your life that needs your heart and presence right now? What is a hard place in your own life that you need the presence of someone close to you? How can you ask them for that? Are there relationships where you are trying to be the savior instead of letting Jesus be Savior. Quote to Ponder - "I am struck by how sharing our weakness and difficulties is more nourishing to others than sharing our qualities and successes." - Jean Vanier Scripture for Lectio Divina - 2 Corinthians 9-10 "but he said to me, "My grace is sufficient for you, for power is made perfect in weakness." So, I will boast all the more gladly of my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ may dwell in me. Therefore I am content with weaknesses, insults, hardships, persecutions, and calamities for the sake of Christ; for whenever I am weak, then I am strong."

I Choose You In this episode we talk about the beautiful words of Jesus in John 15:16 where he tells us that He has chosen us and that his desire is that we bear fruit that will last. It's the deepest desires of every heart to be known, to be chosen, and to belong, but often we don't believe the truth of our belovedness in the core of our being. We chat about the difference between fruit that lasts and success and how being rooted deeply in Jesus is essential for good fruit in our life. Sister Miriam's one thing - The Song by NEEDTOBREATHE "A Place Only You Can Go" Michelle's one thing - The most wonderful time of the year...College Football is back! Heather's one thing - The first class relic of St. Therese the Little Flower, sent to me by Fr. Josh Johnson. You can also check out his podcast Ask Fr. Josh Also Jesse and Kathleen of A Guy and a Girl cover NEEDTOBREATHE Discussion questions: What struck you from the podcast? How do you feel when you imagine God saying to you " I choose you". What is one wound that you need Jesus to speak into. To speak His words of healing that you belong? Discuss the difference between fruit that lasts and success? Where do you hope to see good fruit in your life? Journal Questions: Do you know deep in your gut that you belong to God? Why or why not? Where are you striving to find your identity outside of God? Do you love to be loved or do you love because you've first received it? Quote to Ponder - "Let's remind one another that what brings true and healing joy is not successfulness, but fruitfulness" - Henri Nouwen Scripture for Lectio Divina - John 15:16 "You did not choose me but I chose you. And I appointed you to go and bear fruit, fruit that will last"