Abiding Together

In this episode, we reflect on how to integrate the rhythms of the liturgical year into our everyday lives. We talk about the different graces available to us in each liturgical season, and how by living these seasons year after year, we are slowly being taught how to thrive. We also reflect on the value of our attention, what it means to be human, and how sacramentals can help call our attention back to God. Living liturgically is not simply another thing to do, but an invitation to become the women God created us to be. Heather's One Thing - Catholic Artists Sister Miriam's One Thing - All Our Abiding Together Sponsors Michelle's One Thing - Brie and Cheddar Beer Soup Other Resources Mentioned: Ascension 2027 Planner Journal Questions: How is the Lord inviting me to embrace liturgical living? Who is the Mother Church inviting you to become in our season of Ordinary Time? What have I been meditating on in daily life and how can I savor the Gospel? Is there somebody or something that has taken God's place at the center of my life? Discussion Questions: How do the Church's liturgical rhythms and practices differ from how you live your life? What holds your attention throughout the day? What would it look like to embody the rhythms of the Church? What's one way you'd like to embrace liturgical living in this season? Quotes to Ponder: "All we have to decide is what to do with the time that is given us." (J.R.R. Tolkien, The Fellowship of the Ring) "Some believe it is only great power that can hold evil in check, but that is not what I have found. It is the small everyday deeds of ordinary folk that keep the darkness at bay. Small acts of kindness and love." (J. R. R. Tolkien, Hobbit Movie) "The word "liturgy" originally meant a "public work" or a "service in the name of/on behalf of the people." In Christian tradition it means the participation of the People of God in "the work of God." Through the liturgy Christ, our redeemer and high priest, continues the work of our redemption in, with, and through his Church." (CCC 1069) Scripture for Lectio: "For everything there is a season, and a time for every matter under heaven." (Ecclesiastes 3:1) Sponsor - Rooted for Good: Radiant Skincare. Wholesome Living. A Greater Mission. Rooted For Good specializes in all-natural skincare and essential oils carefully crafted to nourish your skin while aligning with your values. Founded by a Catholic cosmetologist and mom of six, Rooted was built on the conviction that clean beauty should be affordable and faithful to Goodness, Truth, and Real Beauty. From foaming face washes and sugar scrubs to revitalizing serums and bath soaks, every product is formulated with clean, wholesome ingredients. Rooted products are a win/win—nourishing the body God gave you without compromising your budget or your faith. What the AT Community has to say: Glowing Skin: "IT MAKES MY SKIN ABSOLUTELY GLORIOUSLY GLOWY & HYDRATES MARVELOUSLY." — Julie O. Faith & Beauty: "All natural. All beautiful. All for Jesus." — Alli S. Daily Essentials: "I hope Rooted never stops making this because I don't think I'll find another face wash that I like as much!" — Alison J. Sensitive Skin Success: "I have an autoimmune disease so I have to be very careful, and I have had NO issues with anything!" — Randi B. Hydration Hero: "My face is clearer, softer, and no more dry flakes... I love it and won't use anything else." — Christi T. At-Home Spa: "I feel like I get a little spa visit every night when I put this on." — Jessamyn A. Lash & Brow Care: "The results were beyond anything I expected -- longer, thicker, darker lashes that I absolutely love..." — Nicolette S. Revitalizing Scrubs: "It smells like I'm at a spa retreat... and it leaves my skin wonderfully soft and moisturized." — Mary M. Lasting Transformation: "Using all-natural products consistently has made a real difference in how my skin feels and looks." — Elizabeth B. Good for You, Good for Others From day one, 10% of every sale—not just profit—goes directly to uplifting the poor in developing countries, so that every dollar you spend carries an impact. Special Community Offer: Enjoy 10% off your entire order with code Abide10 at RootedForGood.com/Abide Timestamps: 00:00 Rooted for Good 01:17 Intro 02:18 Welcome 05:36 The Circular Rhythm of Life 09:07 We Need Holy Order 13:04 What Does it Mean to Be Human? 15:32 God is Meant to Be at the Center 19:15 The Gift of Attention 23:17 Sacramentals to Help Us Remember the Divine 26:58 Where is the Holy Spirit Calling Us? 28:11 One Things

Welcome to Season 19! In this episode, we continue our tradition of reflecting on the mysteries of our lives through the mysteries of the Rosary. In every season of our lives, God invites us to grow in charity, receive His grace, and allow Him to work more deeply in our hearts. It's important to pause from time to time and reflect on how God has been moving in and through our lives. We model what this reflection can look like and share about our joyful and sorrowful mysteries. Joyful - A delight, an area of gratitude Sorrowful - A hurt or obstacle Heather's One Thing - Abiding Together and Ascension 2027 Planner Sister Miriam's One Thing - The Good News Conference and everyone who plans events Michelle's One Thing - College Football and Summer Camps Journal Questions: What has God been doing in my life? What are the Joyful Mysteries of my life in this season? What are the Sorrowful Mysteries of my life in this season? How is the Lord inviting me to surrender the pain of my Sorrowful Mysteries? Discussion Questions: How is the Lord inviting you to be more awake to Him? How have you experienced deeper integration in your life through your Joyful Mysteries? How is the Lord accompanying you through the Sorrowful Mysteries? How is the Lord transforming your bitter memories into sweetness? Quote to Ponder: "I often think that the ideal of our perfection that we set up, and often go through torture to achieve, may not be God's idea of how He wants us to be at all. That may be something quite different that we never would have thought of, and what seems like a failure to us may really be something bringing us closer to His will for us." (Caryll Houselander) Scripture for Lectio: "I sought the Lord, and he answered me; he delivered me from all my fears. Those who look to him are radiant; their faces are never covered with shame." (Psalm 34: 4-5) Sponsor - CORDA: Bring the coziness of candlelight and beautiful scents to your home with CORDA's Catholic candles. These candles are made with clean coconut wax and custom fragrances directly inspired by saints and the faith, and are handcrafted by a husband-and-wife team. Each candle comes beautifully packaged and ready for gifting, with the story behind the scent inspiration on the box. The timeless design of the candle leads with beauty, helping you share the faith in a lovely and meaningful way. Explore CORDA's beautiful Catholic candles and, through November 15, save 10% with code ABIDING10 at cordacandles.com/abiding Timestamps: 00:00 CORDA 01:21 Intro 02:03 Welcome 05:00 Scripture Verse and Quote to Ponder 09:53 Joyful Mysteries 20:38 Sorrowful Mysteries 37:44 One Things 40:32 Closing Prayer

In this episode, we conclude our book study on Friendship in the Lord and welcome Fr. John Burns, Founder of Friends of the Bridegroom, to the podcast. We reflect on our deep longing to be known and loved and the ways fear can cause us to cling to others or settle for lesser goods. We talk about hoping for the possibility of beautiful friendship, even when our own experience has been marked by loneliness, disappointment, or suffering. We also discuss the beauty of celibate friendship as a witness to the primacy of God's love, the role of feedback in relationships, and how the limitations we encounter in friendship ultimately reveal the deeper truth that we were made for God. Friends, we feel so blessed to have been able to journey with you this summer. We will see you on September 28th for the start of Season 19! Sign up for our newsletter or follow us on Instagram to receive updates! Announcement: You can buy your copy of Friendship in the Lord from Ave Maria Press (or Amazon). Journal Questions: How has God moved my heart through this book study? Where in my heart am I longing for more hope in my relationships? How has this book study given me more hope for more friendships? How am I avoiding suffering? What are my relational patterns when I experience joy? Shame? Suffering? How have I been tempted to idolize friendship by seeing a friend as my savior? Discussion Questions: What has resonated with you in the book? How do you want to show up to your friendships differently? What would it look like to have hope in difficult or painful relationships? How are you seeking to grow in maturity in your friendships? Quote to Ponder: "There is no true love without reverence. And reverence is always tender." (Friendship in the Lord, Page 115) Scripture for Lectio: "He who has the bride is the bridegroom. The friend of the bridegroom, who stands and hears him, rejoices greatly at the bridegroom's voice. For this reason my joy has been fulfilled." (John 3:29) Sponsor - Ave Maria Press: Enjoyed reading Friendship in the Lord this summer? Ave Maria Press has even more spiritual titles you'll love. Explore more Christian classics, find your next small group book study or daily Advent companion, and discover guides to deeper healing and spiritual confidence. Ave Maria Press has curated a collection specifically for Abiding Together listeners—encounter your next meaningful read at avemariapress.com. Timestamps: 00:00 Ave Maria Press 01:24 Intro 03:03 Scripture Verse and Guiding Quote 06:10 Appreciation and the Fear of Being Alone 10:19 Hope for What Friendship Can Be 14:01 The Fear of Suffering 20:14 Becoming Who We Are Meant to Be 28:05 Self-Knowledge in Friendship 30:24 The Beauty of Celibate Friendships 38:47 Encountering Loneliness 43:52 Seeing Another's Potential 48:17 Closing Prayer

In this episode, we continue our book study on Friendship in the Lord and discuss how friendship with others leads us into deeper intimacy with God. We talk about our longing for both human and divine communion, how healthy friendships free us from self-preoccupation, and why learning to receive feedback is essential to our growth. We also reflect on how unmet desires in friendship are signs of our longing for the Trinity and the importance of releasing lesser goods so that we can be free to receive God's greater gifts. Announcement: You can buy your copy of Friendship in the Lord from Ave Maria Press (or Amazon). Journal Questions: What makes me feel at home with the Trinity? How has God invited me to be a more faithful friend? Where do I need to grow in self-awareness and be freed from self-preoccupation? What is my disposition when someone lovingly reveals my own weaknesses and shortcomings to me? How have I refused to grow? Discussion Questions: What makes you feel at home with other people? How is God inviting you into deeper communion with others? How has the Lord revealed to you your weaknesses and shortcomings? How did you receive that truth from Him? How have you given into sloth by seeking God's lesser gifts and ignoring His greater gifts? Quote to Ponder: "In a special way, Christian friendship is meant to help us grow in our relationship with the Lord, as one intimately loved by him. It is meant to give us some small experience of what it means to be at home in communion with the Holy Trinity. Only in intimacy with the Lord are we the deepest "who we are." Only in communion with him are we our truest selves." (Friendship in the Lord, Page 77) Scripture for Lectio: "I no longer call you servants, because a servant does not know his master's business. Instead, I have called you friends, for everything that I learned from my Father I have made known to you." (John 15:15) Timestamps: 00:00 Intro 01:00 Scripture Verse 02:37 Human Friendship Helps Us Grow In Relationship with God 05:06 Freedom from Self-Preoccupation 07:47 Cultivating Self Awareness 10:15 Giving and Receiving Honest Feedback 14:36 Pain in Friendship is a Symbol of Our Longing for God 19:12 What Should We Do with Our Ache? 22:48 Resting in the Enjoyment of Lesser Gifts 25:05 A Call to Make Room 27:22 Closing Prayer

In this episode, we continue our Lenten book study on "The Way of Trust and Love" and focus on Chapter 4: Trusting More and More. We reflect on the tender places where our trust in the Father has been wounded—especially in the disappointments we carry with ourselves, our children, and the circumstances in our lives—and how God gently invites us to bring those disappointments to Him. We also talk about the lies that quietly erode our trust in God, the temptation to carry life's burdens alone, and the way simple rhythms of prayer allow God to personally reveal to us His goodness. This week, we invite you to honestly bring your disappointments before God and ask Him to reveal to you His goodness. Heather's One Thing - The Springtime! Sister Miriam's One Thing - March Madness Michelle's One Thing - Her floor to ceiling library! Journal Questions: Where do I lack trust in the Father? When do I see God as my enemy? What narratives of your life are you seeking to control? What is bothering me most acutely right now? What am I carrying that I need to let go? Discussion Questions: Where do you take your disappointment? Where are you experiencing agitation? How are you tempted to manage the Lord's revelations in your life? What might be an appropriate prayer prescription for your current agitations? How is God inviting you into the safety of the Holy Family this Lent? Quotes to Ponder: "This work of restoring trust in our hearts is an essential aspect of the spiritual life. Wounded by original sin, our hearts are riddled with fears and doubts. It takes time to be cured of them. Maybe that will never happen completely in this life, but we can nevertheless make great strides in trusting more." (Father Jacques Philippe, The Way of Trust and Love, Page 69) "Trust works miracles." (St. Thérèse of Lisieux) Scripture for Lectio: "But you, Lord, are a compassionate and gracious God, slow to anger, abounding in love and faithfulness." (Psalm 86:15) Sponsor - Rooted for Good: Rooted For Good was born from a simple desire: to care for the skin God gave us—without compromising our values or our budget. As parents of six boys living on a ministry income, Brooke (a licensed cosmetologist) & Joseph struggled to find truly natural skincare that was both effective & affordable. So they began creating their own. Each product is crafted with simple, honest ingredients—made to nourish the skin God gave you—simply & honestly. And from the very beginning, our mission has been clear: Good for You, Good for Others. That's why 10% of every sale goes directly to serve the poor in developing countries. When you choose Rooted, you're choosing skincare that aligns with your faith—free from inflated "clean beauty" prices or passing trends—& makes an impact beyond yourself. We're grateful to partner with the Abiding Together community & the many women seeking beauty that reflects truth, simplicity & goodness. Explore the collection at rootedforgood.com & enjoy 10% off with code ABIDE10. Timestamps: 00:00 Rooted for Good 01:22 Intro 02:08 Welcome 03:03 Scripture Verse and Quote to Ponder 03:42 What to do with Our Disappointments 08:16 Honesty is Not Something to Fear 10:36 Nourishing Trust 12:56 Developing a Rhythm of Prayer 16:40 The Tender Touch of a Mother 19:32 Heaven is a Family 23:14 One Things

In this episode, we continue our Lenten book study on "The Way of Trust and Love" and focus on Chapter 2: An Elevator for Small Children. We talk about the quiet places of discouragement, and self-reliance that keep us striving instead of surrendering. We also reflect about how radical dependence on God is not laziness, the subtle ways we resist being little before a loving Father, and how our poverty is a doorway into deeper trust. This week, we invite you to fall into the Father's arms, allow Him to pick you up, and rest in the One who delights in you. Heather's One Thing - The Prince of Egypt Movie Sister Miriam's One Thing - Bishop Erik Varden's Lenten Reflections to Pope Leo (I especially recommend the reflections entitled: Bernard the Idealist, God's Help, Becoming Free, and Splendour of Truth) Michelle's One Thing - Art Lectio Instagram Account Journal Questions: Where are you feeling discouraged? Where do I experience self-reliance, codependency, or hypervigilance in my life? When in the past have I made agreements that I have to rely on myself and fix everything? Where am I living out a pattern of childhood wounds and identities? Discussion Questions: How have you experienced failure this Lent? When do I grasp, kick, and flail like a child in my spiritual life? When did God last remind you that you are not God? How did your heart respond to it? Where is God inviting you to embrace your littleness rather than run from it? Quote to Ponder: "Being little means not attributing to ourselves the virtues we practice, or believing ourselves capable of anything, but recognizing that God places this treasure in the hands of His little child so that she can use it when she needs it; but the treasure is still God's." (St. Thérèse of Lisieux) Scripture for Lectio: "All you who labor, who are bent under the weight of your burden, who find the demands of the Law too heavy, come to me, for I am gentle and humble of heart, and you will find rest for your souls." (Matthew 11:28) Sponsor - The JPII Healing Center: Jesus longs to heal every hidden hurt in your heart—Do you want to be healed? For the past 20 years, the John Paul II Healing Center, founded by Dr. Bob Schuchts, has offered healing retreats, trainings, and workshops to help people experience deeper intimacy and communion with the Blessed Trinity. And now, you can experience our transformational teaching, Healing the Whole Person, right at home. This 8-part video series expands on the teaching offered by Dr. Bob Schuchts and Sr. Miriam James Heidland at our Healing the Whole Person weekend retreats. For the past two years, this series has blessed thousands of groups and individuals across the world by drawing the brokenhearted close to the abiding love of the Blessed Trinity. Through in-depth teachings, prayerful meditations, reflective journaling, and pre-recorded Q&A sessions, you are gently guided through your sorrowful mysteries into joyful restoration. The Abiding Together Community can use code Abiding25 to receive 25% off individual and group leader subscriptions. This offer ends April 13th. To learn more and begin your journey, visit www.jpiihealingcenter.org Healing The Whole Person Series Link: https://virtual.jpiihealingcenter.org/start Timestamps: 00:00 The JPII Healing Center 01:31 Intro 02:18 Guiding Quote 04:39 Discouragement is the Downfall of Souls 08:27 Subtle Agreements We Make Throughout Our Days 10:50 Surrender is Not Laziness 13:26 Illumination is Spiritual Progress 15:55 Being Curious About Our Own Heart 18:34 Becoming Little is Maturation 20:47 Suffering in Communion with the Father 23:53 The Father Cannot Resist His Children's Trust 27:14 Am I Still Lovable if I am Little and have Needs? 29:44 One Things

In this episode, we begin our Lenten book study on "The Way of Trust and Love" and focus on the Introduction. We talk about how St. Thérèse's "little way" offers hope to weary hearts who feel small, fragile, or poor. We discuss how the Lord can transform our lives in a moment, how to boast in our poverty instead of bemoaning it, and the power of a listening heart. This Lent, we invite you into a gentler, deeper journey—one rooted not in striving, but in trust and love. Heather's One Thing - The Good News Cruise and everyone who put together this experience Sister Miriam's One Thing - The Pause App Michelle's One Thing - The Body of Christ Other Resources Mentioned: Pope Leo's Lenten Letter Magnificat or Word Among Us Journal Questions: Where is the Holy Spirit inviting me this Lent? Where do I feel like the burdens of life are mine to carry? How does my heart respond to St. Therese's Little Way? What does it mean to be childlike and not childish? How will I create time to listen to God this Lent? When listening to God in prayer, what is the posture of my heart? Discussion Questions: How is God calling you into deeper love this Lent? Where do you notice weariness or poverty in your life? How can you serve the poor this Lent? What holds you back from listening to the Lord in prayer? How do you want to be transformed this Lent? Quote to Ponder: "I feel that I am going to my rest … but above all, I feel that my mission is about to begin, my mission of making God loved as I love him, of giving my little way to other souls. If God grants my request, my Heaven will be spent on earth, until the end of the world. Yes, I wish to spend my Heaven in doing good on earth." (St. Thérèse of Lisieux) Scripture for Lectio: "Amen, I say to you, unless you turn and become like children, you will not enter the kingdom of heaven. Whoever humbles himself like this child is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven." (Matthew 18:3-4) Sponsor - SacredSpark: Looking for a Catholic dating experience that actually feels human? Meet SacredSpark, a Catholic dating and matchmaking app designed to help singles approach dating with intention, clarity, and faith at the center. SacredSpark was built on a simple belief: dating shouldn't feel like endless guessing games, emotional burnout, or mixed signals that leave you questioning your worth. It should help you encounter real people, have thoughtful conversations, and discern relationships with purpose. Unlike traditional dating apps, SacredSpark is intentionally designed to foster online connections for offline relationships, blending technology and tradition to facilitate meaningful connections that can grow into real relationships rooted in faith. Whether you're discerning marriage, healing from past dating experiences, or simply tired of platforms that don't reflect what you value, SacredSpark offers a refreshing alternative. It's a space where Catholic singles are reminded of their dignity, supported in dating well, and encouraged to pursue relationships with peace and purpose. SacredSpark also offers free formational resources like Dating 101 that helps men and women approach dating with emotional maturity, confidence, and Christ at the center, because how you date matters just as much as who you date. Start something good! Download SacredSpark today: https://www.sacredspark.app/download (Available on iOS and Android) Timestamps: 00:00 SacredSpark 01:37 Intro 02:23 Welcome 03:08 Scripture Verse and Guiding Quote 03:53 Seeing Lent as an Invitation of Love 06:26 Breaking Strongholds 09:18 The Little Way 12:44 Feeling Weary and Poor 14:54 Pope Leo's Lenten Letter 19:33 Listening to Grow Deeper in Intimacy 23:04 A Call to Holiness 26:52 One Things

In this episode, we welcome author, counselor, and speaker John Eldredge to the show, who is best known for his book Wild at Heart. We have a powerful conversation about intimacy with God in a world full of chaos, suffering, and spiritual hunger. We reflect on what it means to reclaim a "re-enchanted" Christian worldview, how to pray against chaos, the profound gift women have to offer the world right now. We also talk practically about how to pray as a couple, ask John to lead us in a guided "Pause" prayer, and invite you into a moment of stillness, surrender, and loving awareness of Jesus dwelling within you. Heather's One Thing - Midst from the Belonging Co. Sister Miriam's One Thing - The Story I'll Tell by Naomi Raine Michelle's One Thing - The Way of Trust and Love by Father Jacques Philippe Michelle's Other One Thing - Jayber Crow by Wendell Berry John's One Thing - The Abiding Together Podcast! John's Other One Thing - William Augusto Instrumental Background Music Other Resources Mentioned: The Pause App John Eldredge's Website "Wild at Heart" Waking the Dead by John Eldredge The Sacred Romance by John Eldredge Experience Jesus. Really. by John Eldredge Announcement: Our 2026 Lenten book study will be "The Way of Trust and Love" by Fr. Jacques Philippe. Scepter Publishers has offered 15% off with the code ABIDE15. They also offer an ebook version as well. We will announce more information about the study in the coming weeks! Journal Questions: How am I living like a "practical atheist"? Where are you experiencing chaos in your domain? When in your day can you turn toward the Lord with a simple prayer? How have I experienced the friendship and communion of the Kingdom of Heaven in my life? Where in my life am I believing I am too much and not enough? Discussion Questions: How would you define your domain? What has God entrusted to you? When have you experienced God's beauty and order in the midst of chaos and hatred? How have simple prayers led to transformation in your life? How is God inviting you to be a healing remedy to the world right now? Quote to Ponder: "The story of your life is the story of the long and brutal assault on your heart by the one who knows what you could be and fears it." (John Eldredge, Waking the Dead) Scripture for Lectio: "The Lord your God is with you, the Mighty Warrior who saves. He will take great delight in you; in his love he will no longer rebuke you, but will rejoice over you with singing." (Zephaniah 3:17) Sponsor - Fully Alive Coaching Program: Fully Alive Coaching Program is a trauma-informed Catholic coaching program for women and men who desire deep healing without compromising their faith. Created by licensed marriage and family therapist Brya Hanan, Fully Alive integrates Catholic Inner Child Work and somatic awareness in a gentle, Spirit-led journey—honoring the body, protecting the soul, and restoring wholeness. For women and men who pray sincerely but still feel guarded, overwhelmed, or fragmented, Fully Alive offers a safe and structured path toward integration and life abundant. Learn more at catholicinnerchildwork.com/fully-alive and follow @catholicinnerchildwork for more trauma-informed and integrative resources to support your healing. Use the code "abiding" or reference it during a consultation to get 10% off! Timestamps: 00:00 - Fully Alive Coaching Program 01:16 - Intro 02:02 - Welcome 04:18 - Scripture Verse and Quote to Ponder 06:11 - Where is the Holy Spirit Moving the Church Now? 10:54 - Balancing the Love Story within a World at War 14:08 - Learning to Pray Against the Chaos 19:10 - How to Pray Together as A Couple 21:39 - Being in Union with God 26:13 - How Does God Use Fatherhood to Repair His Children? 29:30 - The Pause App 33:45 - We Are Created for Intimacy with Christ 37:48 - Women are Part of God's Healing Remedy to the World 40:22 - One Last Message from John 44:20 - A "Pause" Meditation 48:30 - One Things