Abiding Together

In this week's episode, we continue our Lenten study on the book “A Time of Renewal” and focus on how life is a continual process of refinement and how true learning comes through the healing found in suffering and communion. We also talk about the feelings of shame that accompany situations where we fall short, the importance of recognizing our limitations in humility, and how God desires to redeem our deepest wounds to help us grow in communion and love.    Heather’s One Thing -  Sarah Kroger’s new song No Filter  Sister Miriam’s On Thing - Heather Khym’s Lenten Playlist (AGAIN!!) Michelle’s One Thing - Floret Flowers   Announcement: We will be taking a two week break for Easter beginning on 4/1/24. Season 14 will continue on 4/15/24!   Journal Questions: What learning curves in my life do I react to with shame or fear? Where in my life do I feel like I need to figure it out? What are my most frequent complaints? How do they wound the Heart of Christ? How can I honor the Lord this upcoming Holy Week?   Di

In this week's episode, we continue our Lenten study on the book “A Time of Renewal” and focus on the theme of “filling up the sufferings of Christ”. We reflect on the connection between repentance and love, recognizing how they complement each other, and the beauty of repentance as an intimate act of drawing nearer to God. We share our own struggles during this Lenten season, how others have helped keep us accountable, and the importance of helping others grow in holiness. Lastly, we chat about the significance of renouncing falsehoods about ourselves and embracing the truth about our identity that can only be found in God.   Heather’s One Thing -The song Jesus is My Healer by Gateway Worship  Sister Miriam’s On Thing - Andrew Laubacher and his organization called Humanality Michelle’s One Thing - Fr. Mark Mary CFR new book The Father: 30 Meditations to Draw You Into the Heart of God   Journal Questions: Where is the ease of the Lord in my life? How can I turn back to the Lord in moments of hardship this L

In this week's episode, we continue our Lenten study on the book “A Time of Renewal” and focus on the theme of the right kind of zeal. We chat about how we may be feeling tired and tempted to relax our Lenten penances and discuss the importance of taking time to reflect on why we felt called to take on a specific sacrifice and then recommitting ourselves with zeal to carry it out. We also talk about the joys of living in covenant with the Lord, the heartache we should experience when our hearts wander, and the beauty of giving ourselves totally to Him out of love.     Heather’s One Thing - Happy 80th birthday to her dad! Heather’s Other One Thing - Episode 5 of Fr. Dave’s series called: My father’s Father. Watch on Wildgoose TV here or Faith and Reason here. Sister Miriam’s On Thing - Heather Khym’s Lenten Playlist Michelle’s One Thing - The song Closing Distance by Seven Hills Worship (acoustic version here)   Journal Questions: What do you need to fill your tank for the long spiritual roadtrip of Lent? W

In this week's episode, we continue our Lenten study on the book “A Time of Renewal” and focus on the theme of being in conversation with Jesus. We reflect on the importance of reserving space for dialogue with God, surrendering to Him our own plans and desires, and allowing Him to love us in our poverty. The process of dying to self is always accompanied with the hope in the promise of resurrection and new life that Jesus offers.     Heather’s One Thing - In thanksgiving for Deacon Bob and Fr Dave Pivonka letting her use their studio to record this episode and for being asked to be a guest on their podcast called They That Hope. Sister Miriam’s One Thing - The book How to Know a Person: The Art of Seeing Others Deeply and Being Deeply Seen by David Brooks Michelle’s One Thing - Her household sisters at Francisan University   Journal Questions: Am I in conversation with God or in a monologue with myself? How can I create more space for dialogue with God? What Isaacs (idols) do I have? How do I self-sabotage

In this week's episode, we continue our Lenten study on the book “A Time of Renewal” and focus on the theme of true self-denial. We reflect on the importance of recognizing our need for God’s love and allowing ourselves to be transformed by His grace. We also share personal experiences and insights on repentance, amendment, and trusting in God’s plan especially when the desires of our heart are not being fulfilled. We end by discussing the joys that can come from Lent when approached with a tender, sensitive, and alert heart.    Heather’s One Thing - Lenten Playlist Heather’s Other One Thing - The talk Joy, Hope, and the Way Around by Monsignor Shea Sister Miriam’s One Thing - The Pints with Aquinas episode on Transhumanism and Emerging Technologies w/ Fr. Michael Baggot (Watch on YouTube here) Michelle’s One Thing - The book A Grand Slam for God: A Journey from Baseball Star to Catholic Priest by Fr. Burke Masters   Journal Questions: Have I ever approached Lent with a sense of wonder? How have I approached

In this week's episode, we begin our seven week Lenten study of the book “A Time of Renewal” by Mother Mary Francis P.C.C. In this episode we cover the introduction and the sections on the first four days of Lent. We discuss how Lent is an opportunity for us to grow in intimacy with God and how viewing fasting as a time of renewal, not suffering, can help us encounter a deeper transformation. We also reflect on our ability to help others grow in holiness, why Lent is the Springtime of the liturgical year, and how we can allow ourselves to bloom this Lenten season.    Heather’s One Thing - Aspire to Live a Quiet Life by Francis Chan Sister Miriam’s One Thing - the women at the Trini-tea fundraiser (pictures here) Michelle’s One Thing - ABBA by Johnathan Helser and the people of Louisiana   Journal Questions: Take inventory of your heart: where are you? Where do I need to reflower? What areas of my life does the Lord want to prune? Am I approaching this Lent like “just another Lent”? How can I accept this Lent

In this week's episode, we welcome Fr. Dave Pivonka, TOR as our guest to dive deep into what it means to be in relationship with God as Father. Together we chat about how our earthly fathers both positively and negatively impact our relationship with God the Father and how to begin to receive the love of God the Father. We also share how our relationship with God the Father has changed through the loss of earthly fathers. Check out Fr. Dave’s new (free!) video series entitled My father’s Father (or watch here on Wildgoose).  Heather’s One Thing - Upcoming pilgrimages with Franciscan to France and Alaska  Sister Miriam’s One Thing - The the beauty of the Pensacola beach Michelle’s One Thing - Watching NFL Playoffs with Sister Miriam  Fr. Dave’s One Thing - The book A Little Liar by Mitch Albom   Other Resources Mentioned:  My father’s Father Trailer Link My father’s Father on Wildgoose My father’s Father on Faith and Reason S3 E18: The Holy Spirit with Fr. Dave Pivonka S5 E22: The Holy Spirit with Fr. Dave

In this week's episode, we discuss the relationship between solitude and community and how no matter if we are introverted or extroverted, we need both in order to live rightly ordered lives. We reflect on how solitude and community has changed throughout the different seasons of our lives and the importance of being open to these changes so we can receive the blessings God desires to give us. When we let our cups be filled by God through authentic solitude, we are able to grow, and therefore build deeper and more intimate relationships within our community.    Heather’s One Thing - The book Humans of Heaven from the January Jane Shop Sister Miriam’s One Thing - The book Hinds' Feet on High Places: An Engaging Visual Journey (Visual Journey Series) by Hannah Hurnard Michelle’s One Thing - Spending time with Sister Miriam at the O’Grady’s Beach House    Journal Questions: What obstacles do you encounter to being in communion with Christ when you enter into silence? How am I tempted to perceive solitude as iso

In this week's episode, we reflect on the role both joy and sorrow simultaneously play in our lives. We chat about how pressing into grief allows us to more fully experience joy, and how when we try to numb ourselves to the sorrow we also numb ourselves to the experience of joy. We also talk about the importance of naming disappointments, intentionally maturing in our faith, and what we have personally learned while grieving the loss of a parent. When we learn to suffer well and meet God in the midst of our sufferings, we can reach a deep joy we never thought possible.    Heather’s One Thing - Attending and speaking at SEEK ‘24.  Watch the impact session here. Sister Miriam’s One Thing - Therapist’s Conference with the JPII Healing Center Michelle’s One Thing - Nick Sabn Retiring From College Football    Journal Questions: What paradoxes am I called to live in right now? How can I bring the Lord into my disappointments? Am I more prone to pushing my emotions aside or letting my emotions rule my life (emotion

This episode continues our annual tradition of sharing our Word of the Year! Each year, we ask God to give us a theme to focus on for the new year and invite you to do the same. After personal prayer and reflection, we share what our words for 2024 mean to us and chat about how our words from last year have impacted our lives. At the beginning of the episode, we also share an announcement about this year’s Lenten book study. We are excited to be back and look forward to seeing what this season will bring.    Heather’s One Thing - Her husband Jake’s upcoming course on our God-given Identity. Register here! Sister Miriam’s One Thing - The Trini-Tea tea party, a ladies tea party in Front Royal, VA on January 27, 2024 to benefit the SOLT Sisters’ Motherhouse Campaign. You are invited! Register for the event here. Michelle’s One Thing - Her 2023 reading recommendation list!   Announcement: We are excited to announce that our Lenten book study will be: A Time of Renewal: Daily Reflections for the Lenten Season by M

Merry Christmas, friends! In this episode, we conclude our four part Advent series on the book The Reed of God by Caryll Houselander. Today, we focus on part four and discuss the sections on Our Lady Seeking, Our Seeking, The Way, and The Assumption. We reflect on the beautiful reality that when Mary looks at us, she sees her Son and how we are also called to not only become aware of Christ’s presence within ourselves but also to seek His presence within those around us. In order to do this, we need to first prepare our hearts to fully accept Christ and we chat about the different ways we can become more receptive to His love. Thank you for journeying with us this Advent season. We look forward to seeing you on January 15th for the start of Season 14!   Heather’s One Thing - The moment when no one else is awake and getting to sit with a cup of coffee and enjoy the Christmas tree lights Heather’s Other One Thing - The movie The Boy, the Mole, the Fox, and the Horse (watch the trailer here) Heather’s Other Othe

In this episode, we continue with part three of our four part Advent series on the book “The Reed of God” by Caryll Houselander. Today, we focus on part three and discuss the sections on the Lost Child, Idols, and the Last Confession. We chat about how when we lose sight of Jesus, we are called to imitate Mary and seek until He is found. By persevering on this journey and staying strong in the face of distraction or complacency, we cultivate a deeper union with Him. God Himself is calling us to take this journey because out of love, He desires to give Himself to us. We also talk about the various idols in our lives, how these idols block us from growing in communion with God, and how our own woundedness can distort our perception of God.  We encourage you to go at your own pace so that the Lord can fill your heart with what you need to hear this Advent season.    Heather’s One Thing - First snowfall of the season and making an eggnog latte! Heather’s Other One Thing - Grateful for parents living next door and

In this episode, we continue with part two of our four part Advent series on the book The Reed of God by Caryll Houselander. Today, we focus on part two and discuss the sections on Et Homo Factus Est, the Fugue, Wooden Bambino, and Et Verbum Caro Factum Est. We chat about our desire as women to protect our children, but how this desire can easily morph into control, manipulation, or possession. We reflect on how Our Lady exemplifies perfect surrender and trust as she continually releases her Son back to God as a gift freely given to her by God. We also discuss the role of suffering and brokenness in transformation and the beauty of silence in the rhythm of life.  We encourage you to go at your own pace so that the Lord can fill your heart with what you need to hear this Advent season.    Heather’s One Thing - Butter Tart Recipe  Heather’s Other One Thing - Stovetop Potpourri Recipe Sister Miriam’s One Thing - The simple joys of Advent Michelle’s One Thing - Support for the heartbreaking loss of the Auburn vs.

In this episode, we begin our four part Advent series on the book The Reed of God by Caryll Houselander. Today, we focus on part one and discuss the sections on Emptiness, Fiat, Advent, and Pastoral. We reflect on the gift of virginity, how our own life experiences can alter how we view this gift, and how Our Lady perfectly models the truth about the fruitfulness of giving our full selves in love. We also chat about the beauty of accepting our littleness and how only through the act of emptying ourselves can God truly give us what He desires.  We encourage you to go at your own pace so that the Lord can fill your heart with what you need to hear this Advent season.    Heather’s One Thing - Advent Worship playlist and the song Hungry by UPPERROOM Sister Miriam’s One Thing - Christmas Peaceful Piano playlist Michelle’s One Thing - The painting A Mother and Child looking at the Virgin and Child by Reginald Bottomley and steps to practice Visio Divina with the image.   Journal Questions: How do I allow myself to

In this episode, for the first time ever, we answer questions submitted by our listeners! We answer questions like: How have we healed in our identity as mother, daughter, sister, and bride? How to handle the pressure of people relying on you for spiritual improvement? How to cultivate a life that reflects beauty? How to heal from childhood sexual trauma? How has our faith evolved over the different seasons in our lives? The difference between being too nice and choosing mercy? And more!    Heather’s One Thing - Her daughter’s art and the beauty of Catholic artists building each other up and rejoicing in the talent of others.  Heather’s Other One thing - Tammy Peterson’s Rosary Testimony  Sister Miriam’s One Thing - Sausage, Potato, and Kale Soup Michelle’s One Thing - All the Light We Cannot See by Anthony Doerr and the new Netflix series based on the book   Other Resources Mentioned:  Be Healed and Be Restored by Dr. Bob Schuchts The Wounded Heart by Dan Allender Restore the Glory Podcast The Forgiving Li

In this episode, we discuss the second half of the Varanasi Letter written by St. Teresa of Calcutta to her MC Community. We reflect on how Jesus is calling us to encounter Him daily and what we can do to open our hearts to deeper communion. We also chat about how our Blessed Mother is a perfect example of how to comfort the Sacred Heart of Jesus in love and how to remain open and vulnerable even with a heart pierced with sorrow.    Heather’s One Thing - Panel with Divine Renovation and Alpha Catholic (Click here to listen to the discussion on Tuesday November 21st) Sister Miriam’s One Thing -  Warm and Hearty Meatloaf Recipe  Michelle’s One Thing - Holy Water Spritzer from West Coast Catholic  Michelle’s Other One Thing - I Thirst,  40 days with Mother Teresa by Joseph Langford, MC    Journal Questions: What is the Lord’s theme for me in this season? What is the Lord’s theme for me throughout my life? Where has your heart been pierced? Do I see myself as a gift?   Discussion Questions: How would you dep

In this episode, we discuss the first half of the Varanasi Letter written by St. Teresa of Calcutta to her MC Community. We talk about how Jesus thirsts for our souls and what we can do to care for His Heart. We reflect on what it means to let Jesus gaze upon our souls and receive Him in the areas we have been wounded and experience pain. It can be challenging to allow Jesus to see these broken places in our lives, but through this communion and vulnerability, He can reveal the truth about our belovedness. Jesus is a real living person with whom we can build an intimate relationship and we end the episode by sharing ways we can grow closer to Our Lord.    Heather’s One Thing - Her playlist called Battle Cry (particularly the song Sound Mind) Sister Miriam’s One Thing -  On Love: Selected Writings of Pope Benedict XVI Michelle’s One Thing - The Legatus Enclave Retreat and their visit to the National Shrine of Our Lady of Champion   Journal Questions: Am I more concerned with Jesus’ Hands than His Heart? Have

In this episode, we discuss the importance of cultivating silence and solitude in a world full of distractions. Our Lord speaks to us in the still small voice of our hearts and we talk about how the goal of silence is ultimately communion with God. We also chat about the difference between solitude versus isolation, reasons why we may be afraid of silence, and provide practical ways to cultivate silence in our daily lives. Jesus is the rest our souls yearn for and it is in the quiet where we meet Him most deeply.   Heather’s One Thing - International Justice Mission -  IJM’s mission is to protect people in poverty from violence by rescuing victims, bringing criminals to justice, restoring survivors to safety and strength, and helping local law enforcement build a safe future that lasts. Sister Miriam’s One Thing -  The Greatest Philosopher Who Ever Lived by Dr. Peter Kreeft Michelle’s One Thing - Poco a Poco Podcast   Announcement: We are so excited to announce our Advent book study will be:  The Reed of God

In this episode, we conclude our two part series on Pope Francis’ recent Apostolic Exhortation about St. Thérèse of Lisieux entitled “C’est la Confiance: On Confidence in the Merciful Love of God”. We discuss how we are all called to a bridal relationship with Jesus and how our desire to love and be loved is a call to Heaven. We also chat about our vocation to love and the importance of growing in this discipline of love even when it is not reciprocated.    Heather’s One Thing - The song Hell or High Water by Amanda Cook  Sister Miriam’s One Thing -  The Way of Trust and Love by Fr. Jacques Philippe Michelle’s One Thing - Story of a Soul - study edition  Michelle’s Other One Thing - The song Thank God I Do by Lauren Daigle Other Resources Mentioned:  Reading Recommendations about St. Therese: The Way of Trust and Love - by Fr. Jacques Philippe The Story of a Soul - by St. Therese I Believe in Love: A Personal Retreat Based on the Teaching of St. Therese of Lisieux - by Jean D'Elbee 33 days to Merciful Love

In this episode, we begin a two part series on Pope Francis’ recent Apostolic Exhortation about St. Therese of Lisieux entitled “C’est la Confiance: On Confidence in the Merciful Love of God”. We reflect on what it looks like to abandon ourselves with total confidence in God's love and how to overcome places in our lives where we feel orphaned or forgotten by God. We also chat about how a praying church is a powerful church and what it means to be childlike instead of childish. St. Therese’s “little way” can guide us in learning to pray, trust, and love.    Heather’s One Thing - Renewal Ministries (Check out this video as well) Heather’s Other One Thing - St Therese’s poem “My Wishes Before the Tabernacle”  Sister Miriam’s One Thing -  Sarah Kroger’s cover of the song What a Wonderful World  Michelle’s One Thing - One of our future sponsors: Bell Road Beef Other Resources Mentioned:  S1 E11: Striving vs Abiding Our Searching for and Maintaining Peace Book Study   Journal Questions: Where have I distorted t