In this week's episode, we look back over the past year and remember both the joyful and sorrowful moments in our lives. We discuss the importance of regularly bringing our attention to what God is doing in our lives and reflecting on the opportunities we have to deepen our surrender to God’s provision. Today, join us in reflecting on your recent faith journey to discover the beautiful ways God has been shaping your soul through your own joyful and sorrowful mysteries.

Joyful - an area of delight or gratitude where you have felt the tangible presence of the Lord

Sorrowful - a hurt or an obstacle we’ve noticed

Heather’s One Thing - Big Apple Catholic’s new shop! Especially the Holy Spirit crew neck

Sister Miriam’s One Thing - A quote from St. Catherine of Siena “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.”

Michelle’s One Thing - LifeTeen Summer Camp and Camp Chosatonga

Other Resources Mentioned:

• The Women Doctors of the Church Podcast Series

Announcement:

New Abiding Together merch is coming soon! Subscribe to our weekly email newsletter to receive updates.

Journal Questions:

• What were the joyful mysteries (delights, tangible gratitude) of my summer?
• How are you waiting on the Lord’s Providence?
• What were the sorrowful mysteries (hurts, obstacles) of my summer?
• Where in my life do I believe that if “it feels bad, it is bad?”
  

Discussion Questions:

• Who walked with you throughout this summer?
• How have you tangibly experienced Christ’s presence in the midst of sorrow?
• Where have you experienced healing from the Lord this summer?
• What changes are you sensing (internally or externally) with the start of fall?

Quote to Ponder:

“Looking at Mary, how can we, her children, fail to let the aspiration to beauty, goodness and purity of heart be aroused in us? Her heavenly candor draws us to God, helping us to overcome the temptation to live a mediocre life composed of compromises with evil, and directs us decisively towards the authentic good that is the source of joy.” (Angelus, December 8, 2005 Pope Benedict)

Scripture for Lectio:

“Trust in the LORD with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight.” (Proverbs 3:5-6)

Sponsor - Called to Communicate

Our baptism equips and compels us to extend the prophetic mission of Jesus Christ. Each woman who has encountered Christ has a story and a message of hope.

We live in times that need women’s voices to reclaim the power of words and put them in the service of the Gospel.

Called to Communicate is a free 5-day online conference beginning September 30, 2024. This online event promises encouragement, laughter, tears, practical advice, and spiritual wisdom from the women leading in the Church’s mission of evangelization.

Register at CalledtoCommunicate.com. If the event dates have passed, the entire conference is still available to purchase and watch! Listen to powerful interviews with Heather, Michelle, Sister Miriam and many others.

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Timestamps:

00:00 - Called to Communicate

01:28 - Intro

02:21 - Welcome

06:37 - Guiding Quote

07:40 - Joy

15:36 - Sorrow

30:05 - One Things

33:02 - Announcement

In this bonus episode, Heather is joined by Fr. Dave Pivonka, TOR live at the National Eucharistic Congress (NEC) for a special Abiding Together and They that Hope podcast mashup. They reflect on their experiences at the NEC and share how they hope God will transform the lives of not only those in attendance, but also those at home. Heather and Fr. Dave also discuss finding Jesus in our daily lives and the importance of feasting on God instead of earthly things. This episode is a production of Franciscan University and OSV. Special thanks to MAX Studios for recording and hosting the live podcast stage.

Heather’s Highlight from the NEC - Adoration with Floriani

Heather’s One Thing - Receiving a copy of her new book: Encountering Emmanuel (A Guided Advent Journal for Prayer and Meditation)

Fr. Dave’s Highlight from the NEC - His time spent with the young people at the Congress

Fr. Dave’s One Thing - Deep friendships

Other Resources Mentioned:

• Msgr. James Shea’s Full Speech at the National Eucharistic Congress

Announcement:

• Season 15 begins September 2024 - join our email list to receive updates!

Journal Questions:

• How have I experienced Eucharistic revival this year?
• Have you allowed the stress of your duties and burdens take your eyes off Christ in this season?
• How can I shift my gaze from my inner world to Christ?

Discussion Questions:

• How has Christ encountered you personally when you felt lost in the crowd?
• What obstacles cause you to miss Him when He’s right in front of you?
• How can you put yourself back into the reality that God is sovereign and in control?

Quote to Ponder:

“The One whom the Father has sent into our hearts, the Spirit of his Son, is truly God. Consubstantial with the Father and the Son, the Spirit is inseparable from them, in both the inner life of the Trinity and his gift of love for the world. In adoring the Holy Trinity, life-giving, consubstantial, and indivisible, the Church's faith also professes the distinction of persons. When the Father sends his Word, he always sends his Breath. In their joint mission, the Son and the Holy Spirit are distinct but inseparable. To be sure, it is Christ who is seen, the visible image of the invisible God, but it is the Spirit who reveals him.” (CCC 689)

Scripture for Lectio:

“When he was at table with them, he took the bread and blessed, and broke it, and gave it to them. And their eyes were opened and they recognized him; and he vanished out of their sight. They said to each other, “Did not our hearts burn within us while he talked to us on the road, while he opened to us the scriptures?” (Luke 24:30-32)

In this week's episode, we conclude our book study on the Lion, The Witch, and the Wardrobe. We chat about the resurrection, what it means to be restored and reconciled, and making space for childlike wonder. We hope you’ve enjoyed this book study with us and will see you again this Fall!

Everyone’s One Thing - The “Abiding” Women’s Conference in Louisiana

Journal Questions:

• Where do I need to ask God for mercy in my life right now?
• Where is my heart hard?
• How can I allow time and space for playfulness, joy, and childlike wonder?
• Where am I dying and need Christ to bring life and make things new?

Discussion Questions:

• When have you experienced mercy?
• Who is someone that you need to offer mercy to?
• What do you experience when God has you in a process or journey? Are you able to be patient or are you filled with unrest and anxiety?
• In what ways do you live life in gray? In what ways do you live life in technicolor?

Quote to Ponder:

“We are not on earth to guard a museum, but to cultivate a flowering garden of life.” - Pope John XXIII

Scripture for Lectio:

“Therefore we have been buried with him by baptism into death, so that, just as Christ was raised from the dead by the glory of the Father, so we too might walk in the newness of life. For if we have been united with him in a death like his, we will certainly be united with him in a resurrection like his.” - Romans 6:4-5

Timestamps:

(00:00) - Introduction

(01:37) - Welcome

(03:00) - Aslan Gives His Life for Edmund

(07:27) - The Process and Pain of Restoration

(11:16) - Communion in Suffering

(15:17) - Resurrection

(19:32) - Living in Technicolor

(23:53) - The Final Battle

(24:25) - Returning to the Wardrobe

(27:42) - Childlike Faith

(29:08) - One Things

In this week's episode, we continue with our book study on the Lion, The Witch, and the Wardrobe (chapters 9-12). We discuss themes like the false narrative of the enemy, the dynamic of stoney hearts that God wants to restore and turn to flesh, true living of the paschal mystery, and the power of God’s resurrection power in our lives. We hope you enjoy this episode!

Heather’s One Thing - The Abiding Together small groups! We love you!

Sister Miriam’s One Thing - Fire Within- Fr. Thomas Dubay

Michelle’s One Thing - The movie “Gifted”

Journal Questions:

• Instead of being child-like, we can be childish with God. What is the difference between these two dynamics that I can see in my own life?
• The enemy makes empty promises. What is one empty promise that he has made to me?
• What is one promise of God and His faithfulness that I have seen at work in my life?
• “Battle looks like surrender.” What is one battle that I need to move into a disposition of surrender to God?

Discussion Questions:

• What is one of the false narratives that the enemy has been telling in your life?
• What do you think the Father wants to say about that false narrative?
• What area of your heart do you feel has been turned to stone or has been hardened? Why?
• “Hurting people, hurt people.” How have you experienced this concept and how can we offer a response of healing?
• Where have you settled for the dry bread from the enemy instead of the banquet that God is offering you?

Quote to Ponder:

"Aslan is on the move” - (Mr. Beaver) C.S. Lewis - The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe

Scripture for Lectio:

“A new heart I will give you, and a new spirit I will put within you; and I will remove from your body the heart of stone and give you a heart of flesh.” -Ezekiel 36:26

Timestamps:

(00:00) - Introduction

(01:36) - Welcome

(03:42) - Edmund’s Narrative

(10:48) - The Winter in Our Hearts

(13:16) - Father Christmas vs the White Witch

(15:15) - The Gifts of Father Christmas

(20:03) - The Empty Promises of Turkish Delight

(23:02) - The Thawing of Winter into Spring

(27:09) - One Things

In this week's episode, we continue our book study on the Lion, The Witch, and the Wardrobe Chapters 5-8. We reflect deeper on the story and how it relates to our spiritual lives. Themes such as the battle of light and darkness, jealousy and making others feel small, the power of the name of Jesus, surrender vs control and how the story of Narnia is an echo of what our hearts long for in Christ.

Heather’s One Thing - Evangelization Ministry of Catholic Christian Outreach

Sister Miriam’s One Thing - The women from the “Undone” retreat

Michelle’s One Thing - The book “Just Mercy” by Bryan Stevenson

Journal Questions:

• Who can I go to who will speak wisdom into my life?
• Like Edmund, are there any places in my life that I feel fear when I think about God?
• What parts of my heart have been turned to stone and need the warmth of God’s hand to bring them back to life?

Discussion Questions:

• What is one truth about God that you can see in your story?
• Where do you need to grow into your royal identity as a daughter of God?
• Discuss the truth about how the name of Jesus contains His presence. How could this change how you pray?
• “He isn’t safe, but He’s good.” How have you experienced the truth of this quote?

Quote to Ponder:

“"Safe?" said Mr. Beaver ..."Who said anything about safe? Course he isn't safe. But he's good. He's the King, I tell you.”” - (Mr. Beaver) C.S. Lewis - The Lion, The Witch, and the Wardrobe

Scripture for Lectio:

"He will wipe every tear from their eyes. There will be no more death' or mourning or crying or pain, for the old order of things has passed away. He who was seated on the throne said, "I am making everything new!" Then he said, "Write this down, for these words are trustworthy and true. He said to me: "It is done. I am the Alpha and the Omega, the Beginning and the End. To the thirsty I will give water without cost from the spring of the water of life. Those who are victorious will inherit all this, and I will be their God and they will be my children." - Revelation 21:4-7

Timestamps:

(00:00) - Introduction

(01:36) - Welcome

(03:48) - Discovering the Truth

(08:33) - The Professor

(14:14) - Going Back into the Wardrobe

(15:22) - The Power of Aslan

(23:54) - Safety and Goodness

(29:56) - One Things

In this week's episode, we begin our book study on The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe (Chapters 1-4). We dive into the themes of this chapter such as innocence, faith, temptation, sin, and shared adventure. We hope you will continue to join us on the journey into this wonderful story, which we hope will help us reflect more deeply on our relationship with Christ, our own story of faith and redemption, and the invitation to adventure with God.

Heather’s One Thing - Her Into the Deep Playlist

Sister Miriam’s One Thing - The song “Pieces” (the live version) by Amanda Cook

Michelle’s One Thing - The song “Electricity” by Ellie and Drew Holcomb

Other Resources Mentioned:

• Audiobook on YouTube

Journal Questions:

• How has the enemy spoken things in my life that bring about shame?
• What are the parts of Edmund that I see in myself? What parts of Lucy do I see?
• What is my Turkish delight (sin or temptation) that keeps me bound?
• Where are the places I hide from the Lord and others?
  

Discussion Questions:

• What stood out to you in the reading for this week?
• Where in my life has the enemy taken a place and I need "Christmas" to come?
• Discuss the difference of femininity between Lucy and the witch. How have different examples of femininity affected your life?
• When we numb our heart and our identity, we numb our wonder and our inheritance. How have you seen this truth in your life?
• Where are the places and spaces that you can find wonder that leads to God?

Quote to Ponder:

"And what wonderful adventures we shall have, now that we are all in it together." - (Lucy) C.S. Lewis

Scripture for Lectio:

“Truly, I say to you, unless you turn and become like children, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven.” (Matthew 18:3)

Timestamps:

(00:00) - Introduction

(01:39) - Welcome

(4:00) - History of Narnia

(9:48) - Lucy in the Beginning

(16:37) - Edmund in the Beginning

(22:38) - Winter vs Christmas

(26:00) - Living like Lucy and Learning from Edmund

(30:21) - Final Reflections

(33:13) - One Things

(36:54) - Photo Challenge

In this week's episode, we conclude season 14 by reflecting on what we have learned in our lives this past season. We chat about surrendering control and allowing the Holy Spirit to move in power, the need to be grateful for what we already have and the importance of being present in the present moment. We also share personal experiences of transformation and deep intimacy we have found with God, even in the midst of suffering. Thank you for an amazing season, we are truly honored to be on this journey with you. God bless!

Heather’s One Thing - Her recent Healing Pilgrimage to France through Franciscan University (check out their website to join future pilgrimages) and Michelle’s Sweatshirt

Sister Miriam’s One Thing - You :)

Michelle’s One Thing - Her Summer Reading List, Word on Fire’s children’s books, and the book Between Brothers by Sarah Metts

Announcements:

Join us July 8-29 2024 as we re-release our book study on The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe by CS Lewis.

Season 15 begins September 2024 - join our email list to receive updates!

Journal Questions:

• Which episode, conversation, or theme resonated with me most this season?
• What miracles have I been managing lately?
• What has the process of transformation looked like in my life?
• How do I partner with fear in my life? What freedom and goodness does the Lord offer me in those areas?

Discussion Questions:

• What does it look like to move through the power of the Holy Spirit?
• What is God asking you to get rid of and let go of before you move into the next season of life?
• What graces are you grateful for in this season of your life?
• How will you cultivate intimacy with the Lord and community with others throughout the summer?

Quote to Ponder:

“Faith walks simply, childlike, between the darkness of human life and the hope of what is to come.” (Catherine Doherty)

Scripture for Lectio:

“Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, since as members of one body you were called to peace. And be thankful.” (Colossians 3:15)

Sponsor - Behold Visio Divina:

Encounter the Lord more deeply amidst all the seasons in life through Behold Visio Divina. Behold is devoted to helping women encounter who Christ is through prayer and sacred art. Through their books, formation, and workshops, Behold hopes women can encounter the beauty of who God created them to be and share that with the world! Offering over 10 different sacred art prayer companions on themes such as praying through fear, post abortive healing, relational healing, and many others, Behold has options for every woman’s heart. Upcoming book topics include miscarriage and infant loss, iconography, and scrupulosity.

Friend, you are seen, known, and loved wherever the Lord has you in life. And we are here to provide the opportunity to invite you and Jesus into conversation through art and community. We currently are accepting registration for our in person and virtual groups taking part this summer. Take a look at our small groups here and join us!

Because the Abiding Together community holds such a special place in our heart, Behold is offering 15% off any of their items, small group registration, and books. Use the code “ABIDING” for this special rate at www.beholdvisiodivina.com. On our website you can also register for our “Weekly Dose of Beauty” emails! We hope you can join our Behold family soon, please know of our prayers for you!