In this bonus episode, Sister Miriam provides a beautiful forgiveness meditation that we hope will bring healing and restoration within you and your relationships. We encourage you to find a quiet place in solitude to pray and reflect.

In this episode, we continue in our Lenten series as we journey through Sister Miriam’s book Restore. It’s not too late to join us! You can find your copy today at Ave Maria Press. This week we discuss the healing that comes through almsgiving. We share our own personal experiences of tithing our time, practicing obedience in our vocations, and how almsgiving is more than giving money. We pray that God would grow your capacity to see Christ in the other through the practice of almsgiving!   

Sister Miriam’s one thing - Homemade Vegetarian Chili

Heather’s one thing - Heather’s Zucchini Pecan Muffins

Michelle’s one thing - Once Upon a Wardrobe - Patti Callahan

Michelle’s other one thing -  God is Beauty - TOB Institute 

 

Discussion Questions:    

1. What stood out to you from this week’s episode?
2. In light of almsgiving, what does faithful stewardship look like in your life? 
3. How can almsgiving work to help mature your love? 
4. Where do you let others hold you accountable? Are there specific areas you resist accountability? 

Journal Questions:

1. How is God asking you to surrender your loaves and fishes? Do you trust him to do his work while you exercise dominion over what he has entrusted to you?
2. Take a moment to name any places in your life where darkness has dominion. If necessary, make a commitment to go to confession and experience healing. 
3. Have you ever thought of confession as a means of almsgiving? How might this encourage you to experience healing through confession this Lent?

 

Quotes to Ponder: “No one heals himself by wounding another.” - St Ambrose

Scripture for Lectio Divina: “Son, you are always with me, and all that is mine, is yours.” - Luke 15:31

In this episode, we continue in our Lenten series as we journey through Sister Miriam’s book Restore. It’s not too late to join us! You can find your copy today at Ave Maria Press. This week we dive even deeper into the healing power of fasting and share the tendencies and temptations we notice when fasting. We discuss how God desires to identify, uproot, and heal the wounds exposed when we enter into this Lenten practice. We pray this week you would allow God to bring healing and wholeness through the discipline of fasting.

 

Sister Miriam’s one thing - The Hobbit Audiobook

Heather’s one thing - Lent playlist: Songs in the Desert

Michelle’s one thing - On Earth as it is Heaven - Father Josh Johnson 

 

Discussion Questions:    

1. What stood out to you from this week’s episode?
2. How has your understanding of fasting changed since beginning this study? 
3. What are the tendencies within yourself that you notice when you are fasting?
4. How has fasting allowed you to see areas of woundedness and experience God’s healing this Lent?

 

Journal Questions:

1. As you enter into fasting - what has the Lord revealed that he still wants to heal? What’s your Kraft Mac and’ Cheese?
2. “Behind every disordered desire is a good and holy desire, an unmet need, an unhealed wound, or a hidden pattern of sin”. How have you seen this present in your life this Lent? 
3. Pray with the image of God holding your face and seeing your wounds. What does he want to say to you in that moment.

 

Quotes to Ponder: “Jesus, may I hunger more deeply for you today. May my aches lead me to call out to you, so you can fill me.” - Sister Miriam James Heidland

 

Scripture for Lectio Divina: “I will sprinkle clean water upon you, and you shall be clean from all your uncleannesses…and I will put my spirit within you.” Ezekiel 36:25, 27

 

This episode is sponsored by Chews Life.

The mission of Chews Life is to equip all Catholics with Rosaries for life. How do they do that? By creating Rosaries for every age group and every person. For little ones, they have soft silicone rosaries. These rosaries are strung on durable organic cotton chord and have food grade silicone for the beads. These Rosaries are a beautiful way to bring your little ones to Mary and also offer something to soothe and delight them. For slightly older kids, Chews Life offers their Shepherd Kids Rosaries. These Rosaries are also made with silicone beads but are slightly smaller and have more space between beads so that kids learning their Rosary can slide each bead as they pray. Finally, for adults Chews Life has beautiful Rosary Bracelets. With many different styles and colors, the Rosary Bracelets are a great tool for someone trying to form the daily habit of praying the Rosary. Not only is it very accessible on your wrist, but it also features a “bookmark” crucifix medal that can be used to keep your spot in your Rosary. So if you only have a minute here and there to pray throughout your day, no worries, hold your place with the crucifix medal and continue when you have your next chance. Chews Life aims to provide beautiful and durable tools to help you pray the Rosary every single day. You can find their Rosaries and a number of other wonderful products on their website: www.chewslife.com. Use the code ABIDE10 to get 10% off your next order.

In this episode, we continue in our Lenten series as we journey through Sister Miriam’s book Restore. It’s not too late to join us! You can find your copy today at Ave Maria Press. This week we discuss the power of fasting and sacrifices to bring healing within ourselves and deeper communion with Jesus. We chat about how fasting can bring forth repentance and right ordered love when we remember we are saying no, so that we can say a greater yes to Jesus, our lover. We pray that your fasting would bring about healing and restoration this Lent!

Sister Miriam’s one thing - French Onion Soup 

Heather’s one thing - I Shall Not Want - The Worship Initiative

Michelle’s one thing -  Abide: A Pathway to Transformative Healing and Intimacy with Jesus - Heather Khym

Michelle’s other one thing - Sunday Bead Co. 

 

Discussion Questions:    

1. What stood out to you from this week’s episode?
2. Can you recognize any disordered desires or loves in your day to day life that become more right-ordered through fasting? Is there something you could never imagine giving up for the Lord?
3. When it comes to fasting during Lent - do you see God as a slave driver with high expectations, hoops to jump though, and demands upon you or as a lover worthy of your sacrifices? 
4. How can this small group help one another in the area of fasting through accountability? 

 

Journal Questions:

1. What do you hunger and thirst for? Do you allow the Lord to satisfy your desires? How do you dull your desires, choosing comfort or convenience first?
2. What lies - “God won’t satisfy. God cannot provide the comfort I desire. I have to do it for myself because God won’t provide.” -  are you tempted to believe when you choose fasting?
3. Instead of allowing shame and condemnation about the things you crave, how can you feel your desires as a sign to come closer to Jesus? 

 

Quotes to Ponder: “Penitential fasting is obviously something very different from a therapeutic diet, but in its own way it can be considered therapy for the soul. In fact, practiced as a sign of conversion, it helps one in the interior effort of listening to God.” - St John Paul II

 

Scripture for Lectio Divina: “It is well that we are here.” Mark 9:5

This episode is sponsored by Rooted for Good.

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In this episode, we begin our Lenten series as we journey through Sister Miriam’s book Restore. It’s not too late to join us! You can find your copy today at Ave Maria Press. We share our own perspectives entering this new season of Lent before diving into the first section on prayer. We speak about the healing power of the disciplines of Lent: prayer, almsgiving and fasting as a means to lean into our desire and God’s desire for us. We remind one another of the true goal of Lent: union with Christ. We pray that it blesses you.    Sister Miriam’s one thing - Restore the Glory Podcast episode with Archbishop Sample

Heather’s one thing - Reconnecting with dear friends and community

Michelle’s one thing -  Dig to the Roots - Reform 

 

Discussion Questions:    

1. What stood out to you from this week’s episode?
2. What is your disposition as we enter the season of Lent? How is God inviting you to receive restoration rather than to white knuckle your way through fasting, prayer and penance? 
3. What does God want to strip away during this season to create space and expose idols that you may be keeping?
4. How can we approach Lent through the lens of love rather than the lens of fear?
5. What does it mean to allow Jesus to be your guide this Lent?

 

Journal Questions:

1. As we begin Lent, are you aware of anything that is blocking your gaze towards Jesus? How can you create space to get into the Lord’s gaze again?
2. Have you taken time to ask the Lord: What would you like to give me this Lent? What would you like to talk to me about this Lent? Where would you like to invite me into deeper intimacy and union?
3. How can you allow yourself to experience desire and God’s desire for you during this season? 

 

Quotes to Ponder: “For me, prayer is a surge of the heart; it is a simple look turned toward heaven, it is a cry of recognition and of love, embracing both trial and joy.” - St Therese 

 

Scripture for Lectio Divina: “But you are merciful to all, for you can do all things, and you overlook men’s sins that they may repent…you spare all things, for they are yours, O Lord who love the living.” Wisdom 11: 23,26

 

Check out the Abiding Together Shop and Heather’s new book!

Check out the Abiding Together Shop and Heather’s new book!

Did you know that we have our very own Abiding Together shop filled with very cute mugs, t-shirts print stickers, scripture cards, and much more. Michelle has designed most of these items and they each reflect saints, quotes, and inspirations that have been a part of our podcast discussions over the years.A couple of my favorites are the quit talking to the dang snake. And our coffee is the eighth sacrament mug. This Easter we'd like to highlight the Saint story cards that would be great for your Easter baskets. Michelle created these in collaboration with the Franciscan Friars of the Renewal and Our Sunday Visitor. They feature Saint John Paul the second, Mother Teresa, Saint Therese, and St. Francis of Assisi. These story cards offer a new way to learn, pray, and play together while deeply reflecting on your own journey towards sainthood, you can order these using the code abide10 for 10% off. Just head over to abidingtogetherpodcast.com/shop.

Also Heather just finished writing a book called Abide: A Pathway to Transformative Healing and Intimacy with Jesus. This book asks questions like what if God's promises are real? What if we truly could live the abundant life that Jesus is offering to us? Through my personal stories, scriptural truth, church teaching and practical tools. You'll be invited to break through the barriers that prevent you from trusting and experiencing the deep love of Jesus and to be transformed by the freedom that comes when we vulnerably bring our entire selves to Jesus, the divine healer, restorer and miracle worker. You can use code abide22 at avemariapress.com for 20% off today.

In this episode, we conclude our conversation on motherhood focusing on the feminine genius of maternity. We speak about how to grow in spiritual maternity to allow new life and lasting fruit to come forth through us. We discuss the need to continue to allow others to mother us, as well as the importance of showing up for ourselves and tending to our own needs. We revisit the ideas of abiding in the Lord and living a right-ordered life in community in order to live our vocations as mothers. We pray this week you would bring forth the life God desires to birth in you.

Sister Miriam’s one thing - Prayer from Mother Mary Francis

“Our Lady is a home where people are helped to be what they can be, to grow to the maturity for which God has destined them. Like her, the family is called to be a place where someone helps me to rise when I stumble. Always a hand reaches out to sustain me, and my hand goes out to help the stumbling one. All these appellations that the Church heaps upon Our Lady show her as both homemaker and the home.  When we are homemakers, we are ourselves a home. We must be all these things to one another: a lookout tower, a place of beauty, a refuge, a help, a strength and a consolation. Let us be engaged more earnestly than ever before in being homemakers. Despite the word being used in a somewhat condescending term in our time, to be a homemaker is the greatest glory of woman. It is essentially the mission of the Church, the Bride of Christ. She is the home and the homemaker. She is the home for us all. Our Lady is essentially the first physical home of God himself, and always our home. We must strive to make a home for one another: a home of peace, of love, of worship, and of focus on God.” 

Heather’s one thing - Cinnamon Roll Cake Recipe from Mel’s Kitchen 

Michelle’s one thing - Amazing Grace - Aretha Franklin 

 

Discussion Questions:    

1. What stood out to you from this week’s episode?
2. After listening to this series - what does the expansive view of motherhood look like to you? What does authentic motherhood look like? 
3. What does it look like to put your own needs first (in right order),  to show up for yourself and allow others to mother you?
4. Who is one woman who has mothered you well that you would like to thank?

 

Journal Questions:

1. How is the Holy Spirit asking to collaborate with you to re-mother yourself? 
2. Are you still open to God creating new life through you? 
3. With mindfulness of the difference between productivity and fruitfulness - where  is God inviting you to be fruitful? What may need to be pruned to create fruit that lasts? 

 

Quotes to Ponder: “For an understanding of our unique feminine nature, let us look to the pure love and spiritual maternity of Mary. This spiritual maternity is the core of a woman’s soul. Wherever a woman functions authentically in this spirit of maternal pure love, Mary collaborates with her. This holds true whether the woman is married or single, professional or domestic or both, a Religious in the world or in the convent. Through this love, a woman is God’s special weapon in His fight against evil. Her intrinsic value is that she is able to do so because she has a special susceptibility for the works of God in souls — her own and others. She relates to others in His spirit of love.” - Edith Stein

 

Scripture for Lectio Divina - “The word of the Lord came to me, saying, “Before I formed you in the womb I knew ] you,before you were born I set you apart; I appointed you as a prophet to the nations.” - Jeremiah 1:4-5 

 

This episode is sponsored by Scapulars.com!

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Announcing our 2022 Lenten Study

This year we will be journeying through the season of Lent with a six-part series based on Restore: A Guided Lent Journal for Prayer and Meditation written by our very own Sister Miriam James Heidland. You can pre-order your copy from Ave Maria Press here or pre-order from Amazon here. We look forward to journeying with you this Lent!

In this episode, we continue our discussion on motherhood by reflecting on the gift of sensitivity. We discuss how Our Lady reveals in her motherhood how God knows us, notices us and responds to us. We chat about the temptation to conform, wall off our hearts, or see the gift of sensitivity as a liability rather than a tool for healing. We speak about the space within our hearts as mothers that allows for others to room, grow and cultivate their true humanity. We pray for you to experience healing this week!

 

Sister Miriam’s one thing - Christ Taking Leave of His Mother - Piotr Stachiewicz

Heather’s one thing - The mothers in my life that teach me how to be a better mother.

Michelle’s one thing - The Lifegiving Home - Sally Clarkson  and The Lifegiving Table - Sally Clarkson 

 

Discussion Questions:    

1. What stood out to you from this week’s episode?
2. How have you experienced the gift sensitivity through mothers in your life? Is there a particular instance or memory where you experienced healing through the sensitivity of a mother?
3. How do you create moments, space, and time for others to open up and be vulnerable or become who they are created to be?
4. How can we as a group be more sensitive to the needs of those entrusted to us?

 

Journal Questions:

1. Where have you felt the need to conform? Are there particular memories or messages that you desire healing from? 
2. How do you live out the gift of sensitivity and when do you feel like you have had to wall off your heart?
3. Ask Mary to mother you and show you how to mother those entrusted to you with sensitivity. What does Jesus want to reveal to you about his mother?

 

Quotes to Ponder: “Mary, she is the poetess and prophetess of redemption..” - Pope St. Paul VI, Homily, April 24, 1970

 

Scripture for Lectio Divina - “The word of the Lord came to me, saying, “Before I formed you in the womb I knew ] you,before you were born I set you apart; I appointed you as a prophet to the nations.” - Jeremiah 1:4-5 

 

This episode is sponsored by House of Joppa.

This week’s episode is sponsored by House of Joppa.  If you are looking for beautiful Catholic home décor, jewelry, art, rosaries or other Catholic gifts, look no farther than House of Joppa.

Each product is curated from artisans throughout the world, and is designed to uplift your spirit and share the beauty of our Catholic faith. If you are looking for something for yourself or a special gift for a friend, head over to their website in the show notes.

My favorite products are their Vintage Sacred Heart Medallion, Mini Mary Garden and Miraculous Medal rosary.

Abiding Together listeners receive 15% off their purchase at checkout with discount code: ABIDE15.  Visit them online at https://www.houseofjoppa.com or on Instagram @houseofjoppa.

Announcing our 2022 Lenten Study 

This year we will be journeying through the season of Lent with a six-part series based on Restore: A Guided Lent Journal for Prayer and Meditation written by our very own Sister Miriam James Heidland. You can pre-order your copy from Ave Maria Press here or pre-order from Amazon here. We look forward to journeying with you this Lent! 

In this episode, we speak about the impact of maternal wounds caused by distraction, harsh words, and abandonment. We discuss repairing relationships through time, perspective, and understanding the context of the situations our mothers experienced as women. We speak about the importance of maturity as mothers, especially when our children hurt us and how to seek healing, restoration and repair immediately. We pray this week the Lord would respond and be the healer of your wounds!

Sister Miriam’s one thing - Verso Alto Coffee

Heather’s one thing - On the Altar - Upperroom 

Michelle’s one thing - A Mother Like You - JJ Heller 

Other Books Mentioned:

Sheltered Within Her Heart : 33 days to deeper entrustment to Mary - Joshua Elzner 

Discussion Questions:    

1. What stood out to you from this week’s episode?
2. Every one of us has been born of a woman. How would you describe your relationship with your mother? 
3. How have you seen the power of words at play with your mother, your children (if you have them) or in other maternal relationships? How have your actions spoken certain messages? 
4. When you find yourself hurt by your children (natural or spiritual) - what is your first reaction? How can you rise above, see their true needs, and ask the Holy Spirit to help you respond in love?

Journal Questions:

1. What wounds can you recognize from your relationship with your mother? Are there wounds your mother inflicted - intentionally or unintentionally? Take a moment to invite Jesus into these moments. 
2. What wounds can you recognize from your relationship with your children - natural or spiritual? How can you seek repair and restoration?
3. As you make your own journey of healing and you notice certain patterns of behavior or belief, have you ever asked your children or people who look up to you “I am noticing ‘x’ in myself. How has this affected you?” How could this conversation bring about greater love in that relationship? 

Quotes to Ponder: “Love can be reborn.” - Pope St. John Paul II

Scripture for Lectio Divina - “The word of the Lord came to me, saying, “Before I formed you in the womb I knew ] you,before you were born I set you apart; I appointed you as a prophet to the nations.” - Jeremiah 1:4-5 

This episode is sponsored by Catholic Match.

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Announcing our 2022 Lenten Study

This year we will be journeying through the season of Lent with a six-part series based on Restore: A Guided Lent Journal for Prayer and Meditation written by our very own Sister Miriam James Heidland. You can pre-order your copy from Ave Maria Press here or pre-order from Amazon here. We look forward to journeying with you this Lent!

In this episode, we begin a 4 part series on the identity of women as mother. We talk about the power of motherhood at this time in history and how we are called to cultivate, guard, and develop true humanity. This call is innate in every woman whether they are a biological mother or not. We discuss the power and need for community where we can receive and be received by others and experience deeper healing. Be sure to subscribe to the Abiding Together Podcast on YouTube to watch our video podcasts!    Sister Miriam’s one thing - Restore (also available on Amazon)

Heather’s one thing - Faith of My Father album by Steffany Gretzinger

Michelle’s one thing - Sheltered Within Her Heart: 33 Days to Deeper Entrustment to Mary

 

Other Books Mentioned:

Essays on Women (Edith Stein) — also available on Amazon 

Living from the Heart (E James Wilder)

 

Discussion Questions:    

1. What stood out to you from this week’s episode?
2. What are some ways that women can cultivate, guard, and develop true humanity?
3. What ways do you long to be mothered, nurtured, and guarded?
4. What ways do you desire to experience healing in the area of motherhood either in how you are called to offer it or in how you have received it?

 

Journal Questions:

1. What did the episode stir within your heart?
2. Where do I not feel safe to myself?
3. What are my desires in the area of motherhood? Take time to talk to the Lord about this.
4. What disappointments do you need to offer to the Lord?

 

Quotes to Ponder: “To be a mother innately means to cultivate, to guard, and to develop true humanity.”  Edith Stein 

Scripture for Lectio Divina - “The word of the Lord came to me, saying, “Before I formed you in the womb I knew ] you, before you were born I set you apart; I appointed you as a prophet to the nations.” - Jeremiah 1:4-5

In this episode, we declare and claim this new year as a year of God’s favor! We discuss the power of repentance and blessing and the beautiful exchange that God wants to bestow on us as his beloved children. We continue our discussion on becoming a new creation in Christ through repentance, claiming God’s blessings, and destroying areas of idolatry in our life. We pray this week each of you would allow yourself to be found and renewed by the God of restoration!

Sister Miriam’s one thing - The King of Love My Shepherd Is - Sarah Kroger

Heather’s one thing - Hail O Queen - Damascus Worship

Michelle’s one thing - Rhythm - Lisa Keeven

Michelle’s other one thing - Crowned for Ashes. You can read more about this ministry through the following interview.

 

Other Books Mentioned:

Deliverance Prayers for the Laity

 

Discussion Questions:    

1. What stood out to you from this week’s episode?
2. Where does God want to bestow a beautiful exchange in your life (a crown of beauty instead of ashes, the oil of joy instead of mourning,  a garment of praise instead of the spirit of despair)? 
3. How can you cultivate the spiritual practices of repentance and renouncing? How can you cultivate the spiritual practices of claiming blessing and calling forth goodness?

 

Journal Questions:

1. What part of Isaiah 61 is God inviting you to be rooted in, in this new year? 
2. Michelle shared a quote from Andy Couch, “Idols promise everything and deliver nothing.” What areas of idolatry is God asking you to repent as you move into a new year?
3. Are there areas of dysfunction, sin, or idolatry you would like to renounce especially for the sake of restoration in your family and future generations? 

 

Quotes to Ponder: “… in this new year that God is giving us to sanctify us and unite us more closely to Himself, let us make Him grow in our souls, let us keep alone and set apart; may He be truly King.” - St. Elizabeth of the Trinity 

 

Scripture for Lectio Divina - “...to proclaim the year of the Lord’s favor… ” - Isaiah 61:2

 

This episode is sponsored by OSV Challenge.

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Announcing our 2022 Lenten Study

This year we will be journeying through the season of Lent with a six-part series based on Restore: A Guided Lent Journal for Prayer and Meditation written by our very own Sister Miriam James Heidland. You can pre-order your copy from Ave Maria Press here or pre-order from Amazon here. We look forward to journeying with you this Lent!