Abiding Together

In this week's episode, we begin a three part series on Pope Francis’ recent encyclical Dilexit Nos (on the human and divine love of the Heart of Jesus Christ). We discuss how God, as the Divine initiator, loved us first and continuously calls us deeper into His most Sacred Heart. We also reflect on the meaning of our hearts, being captivated by Jesus’ love, and the beauty of allowing Him to set our hearts aflame.   Heather’s One Thing - Man and Woman and the Order of Creation Conference at Franciscan University (view the livestream here) Sister Miriam’s One Thing - Tomato Basil Soup Michelle’s One Thing - The book Sons in the Son by Fr. Innocent Montgomery, CFR, and Fr. Angelus Montgomery, CFR ( Sign up here to get the consecration reflections)   Other Resources Mentioned:  “Dilexit Nos”: A brief guide for busy readers Dilexit Nos audio version   Journal Questions: Who am I, really? What am I looking for? What direction do I want to give to my life? Why and for what purpose am I in the world? How do

In this week's episode, we continue our discussion on communion and focus on the practical aspects of living out in community. We reflect on the four main pillars of building a community: intentionality, vulnerability, proximity, and organically. We also talk about community as a journey and that we learn to love others by experiencing the love of God ourselves. This experience brings communion within us, which bears fruit, and then we are then able to give that love away to others.    Heather’s One Thing - Friends of the Bridegroom Sister Miriam’s One Thing - What Vegetable are You? Quiz Michelle’s One Thing - Monk Manual   Announcement: Check out our new Small Group Resource page!   Journal Questions: How can I express more mercy and curiosity within my community? Who in my local community can I extend an invitation to? Is there variety in my family’s community (vocations, ages, stages of life, etc)? For those not currently in an Abiding Together small group: Consider praying about starting an Abiding Toge

In this week's episode, we talk about the theology of communion. Our desire for communion with others is very good and comes from God Himself. In fact, our ache for community is an ache for eternity. God desires to bring us into an eternal communion with Him and the community here on earth points towards this in a small way. We discuss what happens when we experience a broken community, the challenges faced in building community, and how community changes throughout the seasons of life.   Heather’s One Thing - My art on the “They That Hope” podcast mug (add photos to website) Sister Miriam’s One Thing - Best Ever Crock Pot Roast Recipe  Michelle’s One Thing - Every Sacred Sunday Mass Journal   Announcement: Order your Abiding Together shirt in our shop today!   Journal Questions: How have I been wounded within community? How have I been healed through community? In what ways are my friendships free, total, faithful, and fruitful? In what ways are my friendships not free, total, faithful, and fruitful? What

In this week's episode, we model what it looks like to pray Lectio Divina, which is a divine reading of Sacred Scripture. We begin by sharing the different ways we spend time in Sacred Scripture, how it has impacted our lives, and model how to pray Lectio Divina. We invite you to follow along and join us as we spend time reading and reflecting on John 15:5-8. Sacred Scripture is the voice of God and what He has said is alive forever and relevant to our lives in all situations. We encourage you to journey with us as we deepen our relationship with God through His word. Heather’s One Thing - Franciscan University’s Austria Study Abroad Program and Guadalupe Pilgrimage Sister Miriam’s One Thing - FOCUS film Radiating Joy: The Michelle Duppong Story (trailer here) Michelle’s One Thing -  Praying for anyone affected by hurricane Helene Catholic Charities    Other Resources Mentioned:   Steps for Lectio Divina and  The Art and Practice of Lectio Divina    Announcement: We are so excited to announce that we will

In this week's episode, we reflect on suffering and love. We all have deep and tender places in our hearts where we suffer. Sometimes we feel alone in these sorrows and because of this, turn inwards into our pain. But the reality is, we are never alone in our suffering; God is always with us. We also reflect on fear in suffering, suffering in isolation vs suffering in communion, and how to allow God’s light to shine into these sorrowful places.   Heather’s One Thing - The Liturgy of the Hours subscription and Providential Co. (especially this Sacred Heart candle) Sister Miriam’s One Thing - Magnificat (particularly a recent excerpt from Spe Salvi paragraphs 37-40) Michelle’s One Thing -  “Home: A Blessed Conversations Study on the Virtues of Mary” from Blessed is She and all the women in her small group (use link or code MICHELLE10 for 10% off)   Announcement: Friends, we are excited to announce our 2024 Advent Study will be the book Encountering Emmanuel by Heather Khym!   Journal Questions: What sufferin

In this week's episode, we look back and remember both the glorious and luminous moments in our lives. We share how allowing the Holy Spirit to overshadow us has brought forth an overflowing of grace and restoration in our lives. We also reflect on how God desires to restore our voices in places where we are afraid and have become silent. Today, join us in reflecting on your recent faith journey to discover the beautiful ways God has been shaping your soul through your own glorious and luminous mysteries.   Glorious - something you see the Lord redeeming and restoring (it can be in process) Luminous - something the Lord brought to light, an area or pruning, longing, and an ache   Heather’s One Thing - The song Hell or High Water by Amanda Cook  Sister Miriam’s One Thing - All moms whose kids went away to the first day of school Michelle’s One Thing - Spindrift half lemon & half tea and this  Ice Maker   Journal Questions: What were the glorious mysteries (something you see the Lord restoring) of my sum

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

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 C

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

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

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 dau

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 Questio

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

In this week's episode, we welcome Sarah Kroger, a GMA Dove Award®-nominated artist, songwriter, and worship leader to the podcast to speak into the beauty of worship. Sarah shares her story of becoming a worship leader, how she creates music based on the joys and sorrows from her personal life, and her passion for collaborating with others and the Holy Spirit. We also chat about spiritual dryness, cultivating peace and persisting in faith while in seasons of darkness, and the fruit that comes about from suffering. Check out Sarah’s new album, A New Reality, here!   Heather’s One Thing - Pinwheel recipe and the upcoming Restore the Glory Podcast series on our four identities  Sister Miriam’s One Thing - CORDA (especially the Valor and Grace candle)  Michelle’s One Thing - The book Aslan’s Breath: Seeing the Holy Spirit in Narnia by Matthew Dickerson and her priest friends and the gift of their fatherhood Sarah’s One Thing - The book The Night is Normal by Dr. Alicia Britt Chole and Sourdough bread! Other

In this week's episode, we welcome Brya Hanan, a licensed Marriage and Family Therapist, to share how we can learn to engage as an adult with the young parts of ourselves. Brya shares her story, the trauma she experienced as a child, and how it affected not only her self-perception but also how she related to others. She reflects on her healing journey and shares practical ways you can begin your healing journey. We also chat about how our unmet needs as a child can affect us as adults, how to have compassion for ourselves in our brokenness, and why healing ourselves allows us to love those around us much more fully.    Heather’s One Thing - Her parents Sister Miriam’s One Thing - Lentil Curry and Naan Bread  Michelle’s One Thing - Her husband, Chris, and his loving support Brya’s One Thing - Barre Classes!   Other Resources Mentioned:  Buy Brya’s book here Check out Brya’s website and Instagram Restore the Glory Podcast Episode 99: Parts Work with Brya Hanan   Journal Questions: Where do I sense deep d

In this week's episode, we welcome Dr. Mary Healy, author, and professor of Scripture at Sacred Heart Major Seminary, to talk about living life in the power of the Holy Spirit. Dr. Healy shares how her life was radically transformed through an encounter with the Holy Spirit and reflects on the beauty of allowing the Holy Spirit to work in her life. We also chat practically about how to live life day by day in the power of the Holy Spirit, how to learn to hear and respond to the voice of the Holy Spirit, and how we can prepare our hearts for Pentecost.   Heather’s One Thing - Wild Goose Series on the Holy Spirit Heather’s Other One Thing - Peter and Debbie Herbeck (check out Renewal Ministries and Be Love Revolution)  Sister Miriam’s One Thing - Springtime! Michelle’s One Thing - Camp Chosatonga (for boys) and Camp Kahdalia (for girls) and Mission on the Mountain Dr. Mary Healy’s One Thing -  Blessed Elena Guerra   Journal Questions: When did the love of God first become real to me? Have you ever experienced

In this week's episode, we continue our conversation about leading with our God-given authority, particularly in our spiritual or biological motherhood. We talk about how God has blessed us with the Sacraments, Scripture, and prayer to fight spiritual battles. We reflect on the importance of rooting our identity in Christ, how Our Lady modeled feminine leadership, and practical ways to do spiritual warfare. We also discuss generational bondage, repairing trust, and the power of an apology given and received.    Heather’s One Thing - Her Battle Cry playlist and her friendship with Michelle and Sister Miriam and the way they have helped her through dark seasons in life Sister Miriam’s One Thing - Having Heather visit and The Litany of the Waiting Woman Michelle’s One Thing - Bee Still a Catholic Jewelry Company   Other Resources Mentioned:  Priscilla Shirer’s talk on the Armor of God and the schemes of the devil Sr. Miriam and Fr. John Burn’s talks on forgiveness (Healing Through Forgiveness and Seeking Heal

In this week's episode, we reflect on leading with our God-given authority rather than worldly influence. We discuss the importance of remembering our identity in Christ and how true authority is a display of intimacy that has been rooted in a real tangible love. We share the ways we may have been wounded by authority figures in our past, why these wounds can distort our perception of authority, and how to heal from these wounds so that we can lead others into the light of Christ.   Heather’s One Thing - Chicken Khao Soi (Thai Coconut Curry Noodle Soup) from My Kitchen Little Sister Miriam’s On Thing - The book Litanies of the Heart by Dr Gerry Crete Michelle’s One Thing - Beatify: Lullabies with the Saints (an album of Catholic lullabies) from Beatify with Josh Blakesley and Kelly Lombardi   Other Resources Mentioned:  The Restore the Glory Podcast series on Parts Work (Parts Work (Part 1) w/ Gerry Crete; Parts Work (Part 2) w/ Brya Hanan; Parts Work (Part 3) w/ Bishop Andrew Miller)   Journal Questions:

In this week's episode, we reflect on the themes of resurrection, grief, and hope in Pope Francis’ Easter Vigil homily. We chat about the sadness of unfulfilled dreams and the tender places in our hearts where we are afraid to hope and want to stay in the tomb. We also talk about the anxieties and worries that can come with trying to figure things out on our own and the importance of surrendering our plans to God. Just like Christ, we are called to walk through the sufferings of this life with Him into the Resurrection.   Heather’s One Thing -  Her Easter playlist Heather’s Other One Thing - The book Becoming Wife: Saying Yes to More than the Dress by Rachel Bulman (or on Amazon here) Sister Miriam’s On Thing - The book Beloved Daughter by Carrie Daunt  Michelle’s One Thing - The book Befriending Your Inner Child: A Catholic Approach to Healing and Wholeness by Brya Hanan (or on Amazon here)   Other Resources Mentioned:  The Restore the Glory Podcast series on Parts Work (Parts Work (Part 1) w/ Gerry Cret

In this week's episode, we conclude our Lenten study on the book “A Time of Renewal” and discuss the theme of “focus”. We chat about our natural temptation to focus on our woundedness, why we should take action and invite Jesus into these places, and how our wounds can be transformed into signs of the resurrection power of Christ. We also talk about the crosses we bear and the importance of recognizing the little resurrections in our life. Friends, thank you for journeying with us this Lenten season. We look forward to seeing you again after Easter!   Heather’s One Thing -  Our team behind the scenes: Kate, Camille, and Kristina! We are so grateful for you Sister Miriam’s On Thing - Springtime! Michelle’s One Thing - These Easter themed charcuterie boards! Option 1 Here. Option 2 Here.   Announcement(s): 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 was hard for me? What were the graces and mercies I experienced? How have I