Abiding Together

In this episode, we continue our four part series on Sisterhood. This episode is now offered in video on youtube! We discuss what it looks like for women to form each other in community so that we can all live our dignity as daughters made in the image and likeness of God. We discuss milestone experiences in a woman's life and the necessity of journeying through these seasons with other women. We pray this week you would continue to become the sister God created you to be! Be sure to subscribe to the Abiding Together Podcast on YouTube to watch our video podcasts!

Sister Miriam's one thing - The Advent series Adore: A Guided Advent Journal for Prayer and Mediation with Fr. John Burns from Ave Maria Press. Check out Fr. John Burn's video introduction to the Advent Series.

Michelle's one thing - Shannon from Chews Life and my rosary bracelet

Heather's one thing - Debbie Herbeck of Be Love Revolution - @bloverevolution on instagram

Other Books Mentioned - Essays on Woman (The Collected Works of Edith Stein) - Edith Stein

Discussion questions:

1. What stood out to you from this week's episode?
2. Which women walked you through milestone experiences in your life and how did that impact your experience of these seasons? Are there experiences you had to figure out on your own?
3. How have times of isolation impacted the guidance and sisterhood you want to provide for women who may be a season behind you in life?
4. How have women friendships and relationships been modeled for you throughout life?
5. Where is God inviting you to take initiative to cast a new vision of sisterhood?

Journal Questions:

1. Ask yourself, "Am I the kind of friend, am I the kind of sister that I would like in my life?" Take some time to reflect on your answer and why or why not? Ask the Lord to reveal where you need to grow to be a better sister.
2. Ask the Lord to reveal the beautiful things about women who are sisters alongside of us. If you can, reach out to say thank you in a specific way.
3. If you feel you are lacking this authentic sisterhood, take an inventory of where you are and what you are longing for. Ask yourself, "What can I do to move this one step forward in creating or finding sisterhood right now?"

Quotes to Ponder: "In all these areas a greater presence of women in society will prove most valuable, for it will help to manifest the contradictions present when society is organized solely according to the criteria of efficiency and productivity, and it will force systems to be redesigned in a way which favors the processes of humanization which mark the civilization of love." Pope Saint John Paul II, Letter to Women

Scripture for Lectio Divina

At that time Mary got ready and hurried to a town in the hill country of Judea, where she entered Zechariah's home and greeted Elizabeth. When Elizabeth heard Mary's greeting, the baby leaped in her womb, and Elizabeth was filled with the Holy Spirit. In a loud voice she exclaimed: "Blessed are you among women, and blessed is the child you will bear! But why am I so favored, that the mother of my Lord should come to me? As soon as the sound of your greeting reached my ears, the baby in my womb leaped for joy. Blessed is she who has believed that the Lord would fulfill his promises to her!"

And Mary proclaimed: My soul glorifies the Lord, and my spirit rejoices in God my Savior, for he has been mindful of the humble state of his servant. From now on all generations will call me blessed, for the Mighty One has done great things for me— holy is his name. His mercy extends to those who fear him, from generation to generation. He has performed mighty deeds with his arm ;He has scattered those who are proud in their inmost thoughts. He has brought down rulers from their thrones but has lifted up the humble. He has filled the hungry with good things but has sent the rich away empty. He has helped his servant Israel, remembering to be merciful to Abraham and his descendants forever, just as he promised our ancestors. Mary stayed with Elizabeth for about three months and then returned home. - Luke 1:39-56

This episode is sponsored by Ave Maria Press.

"Through these uniquely beautiful reflections, you will encounter the quiet, safety, and rest of the hearts of Mary and Joseph, joining in their preparation for the birth of our Savior. You are warmly invited on the journey." - Sr. Miriam James Heidland, S.O.L.T.

Of all the seasons of the year, Advent offers us perhaps the clearest sense of adventure and journey. It is a season for resetting our horizon, reframing our movement toward fullness in Christ. And even though Advent is brief, it is filled with spiritual riches. Yet, because Advent falls during a busy time of year, we often rush over or even miss the treasures God places before us in the Church. In Adore: A Guided Advent Journal for Prayer and Mediation, popular author and speaker Fr. John Burns and illustrator Valerie Delgado of Pax.Valerie will help you reclaim the sacred sense of longing and joyful hope at the heart of Advent through reflections, art, prayers, and journaling, perfect for both individual and group use. Check out Fr. John Burn's video introduction to the Advent Series. Use code ADORE at avemariapress.com to receive FREE Standard Shipping on Adore. Expires 12.31.21 *Only available in the contiguous US.

In this episode, we break open the scripture of the Visitation as we begin a four part series on the identity of sister - biological and spiritual. This episode is now offered in video on youtube! We discuss the model of speaking blessing into one another's lives as we confirm and affirm each other's truest identity. We chat about how Mary and Elizabeth needed one another's story and resisted the temptations of comparison and competition in choosing celebration. We pray God would be the center of your relationships and sisterhoods! Be sure to subscribe to the Abiding Together Podcast on YouTube to watch our video podcasts!

Sister Miriam's one thing - 'Sisters' from White Christmas

Michelle's one thing - My front porch in Fall and the season of Fall!

Heather's one thing - Chicken Carnitas Recipe

Other Books Mentioned -

Friendship in the Lord - Fr. Paul Hinnebusch

Discussion questions:

1. What stood out to you from this week's episode?
2. What does it mean to you to be a sister? What stirs in your heart as we begin this series? What needs to be healed in your heart to open up to the identity of sister?
3. Take a moment in your groups to identify and share what the Holy Spirit is doing in your life. Is sharing the work of the Holy Spirit a habit in your small groups and community?
4. What does it mean to be a sister who speaks blessing and affirms the truest identity of another with our words?

Journal Questions:

1. Do you proclaim a magnificat when the Lord has done great things in your life? Who do you celebrate with and share the good news with?
2. Have you ever felt like you had to fight for your seat at the table because of comparison or competition among women? How have you experienced a celebration mindset when it comes to your relationship with other women?
3. Take a moment to pray and ask for sisterhood where you need it. Take a moment to pray and repent for areas that you need to own wounding others in the area of sisterhood.

Quotes to Ponder: "All members of the family, each according to his or her own gift, have the grace and responsibility of building day by day the communion of persons, making the family 'a school of deeper humanity' " - Gaudium et Spes, 52

Scripture for Lectio Divina - At that time Mary got ready and hurried to a town in the hill country of Judea, where she entered Zechariah's home and greeted Elizabeth. When Elizabeth heard Mary's greeting, the baby leaped in her womb, and Elizabeth was filled with the Holy Spirit. In a loud voice she exclaimed: "Blessed are you among women, and blessed is the child you will bear! But why am I so favored, that the mother of my Lord should come to me? As soon as the sound of your greeting reached my ears, the baby in my womb leaped for joy. Blessed is she who has believed that the Lord would fulfill his promises to her!"

And Mary proclaimed: My soul glorifies the Lord, and my spirit rejoices in God my Savior, for he has been mindful of the humble state of his servant. From now on all generations will call me blessed, for the Mighty One has done great things for me— holy is his name. His mercy extends to those who fear him, from generation to generation. He has performed mighty deeds with his arm ;He has scattered those who are proud in their inmost thoughts. He has brought down rulers from their thrones but has lifted up the humble. He has filled the hungry with good things but has sent the rich away empty. He has helped his servant Israel, remembering to be merciful to Abraham and his descendants forever, just as he promised our ancestors. Mary stayed with Elizabeth for about three months and then returned home. - Luke 1:39-56

This episode is sponsored by Home School Connections.

Do you feel like your homeschool needs a change of pace? Would you like the comfort of knowing that your teen is learning from faithful, expert instructors? For learning with a faith-based focus, Homeschool Connections.com's online courses just might be the solution you've been looking for. Homeschool Connections dot com offers live, interactive, real-time online courses where you get Unlimited Access to over 400 recorded courses in math, writing, science, literature, and more. For more information, you can go online to Homeschool Connections dot com, and your teen can receive instruction taught in the Catholic Tradition.

In this episode, we complete our four part series on the identity of daughter. This episode is now offered in video on youtube! We discuss the full redemption God desires for his daughters emotionally, spiritually, sexually, and in a particular way as women, physically through our bodies and beauty. We chat about the practice of repentance and declaring the truth about ourselves, body and soul. We pray you would allow Christ to bring your whole self into communion with him in your identity as daughter so you may grow into a sister, a mother and a bride. Be sure to subscribe to the Abiding Together Podcast on YouTube to watch our video podcasts!

Sister Miriam's one thing - Healing Wounds Meditation with Dr. Bob Schutchts on the Hallow App. You must subscribe to Hallow to listen!

Michelle's one thing - The Every Sacred Sunday Mass Journal

Heather's one thing - The Metanoia Series - Fr. Dave Pivonka, TOR and 4pm media

Other Books Mentioned -

The Inner Voice of Love: A Journey Through Anguish to Freedom - Henri Nouwen

Discussion questions:

1. What stood out to you from this week's episode?
2. Where do you feel at war with your body and where do you feel at home in your body? How is God inviting you to see your body as a blessing rather than a burden?
3. What beliefs about yourself have you felt inspired to renounce and repent of after today's episode? What truth does Jesus desire to speak into your heart to fill this space.

Journal Questions:

1. Have you cursed your body or believed the lie that your body is too much or not enough? Take a moment to practice repentance and ask God to speak his truth into your body.
2. Can you imagine your body as a temple where the Holy Spirit is dwelling and what kind of temple does it look like? What is the Holy Spirit doing in this temple? Where is He illuminating? Where is He healing? Where's He moving?
3. Are there areas brought up in the past few weeks that you would rather avoid than allow Jesus to redeem and restore? Take a moment to commit to moving through the cross towards the resurrection with trust that Christ desires your redemption.

Quotes to Ponder:

Because their shame was twofold

and disgrace was proclaimed their portion,

They will possess twofold in their own land;

everlasting joy shall be theirs.

Isaiah 61:7

Scripture for Lectio Divina - "For this reason I kneel before the Father, from whom every family in heaven and on earth derives its name. I pray that out of his glorious riches he may strengthen you with power through his Spirit in your inner being, so that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith. And I pray that you, being rooted and established in love, may have power, together with all the Lord's holy people, to grasp how wide and long and high and deep is the love of Christ, and to know this love that surpasses knowledge—that you may be filled to the measure of all the fullness of God. Now to him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to his power that is at work within us, to him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, for ever and ever! Amen." - Ephesians 3:14-21

This episode is sponsored by Every Sacred Sunday.

The Every Sacred Sunday Mass journal is designed to help you intentionally prepare and engage with the Mass each week. It contains the readings for each Sunday and Holy Day of Obligation for one liturgical year with a simple journaling template after each reading. Other features include thick quality paper, a durable hardbound cover, original illustrations, and key prayers of the Mass. This journal is lovingly & thoughtfully designed by hand, and we hope that it invites you to say yes to God, one Sunday at a time. Use the promo code abide5 for $5 off your next purchase! Available now on our website, www.everysacredsunday.com/shop.

In this episode, we continue our four part series on the identity of daughter. This episode is now offered in video on youtube! We discuss wounds from our childhood - rejection, abandonment and a failure to feel safe - and the lasting effects these wounds can have in our adult relationships. We chat about loving our younger selves with compassion, so that we can receive God's unconditional love today. We pray you would allow the Divine Healer to look on your wounds with compassion this week! Be sure to subscribe to the Abiding Together Podcast on YouTube to watch our video podcasts!

Sister Miriam's one thing - Mama Heidland's Seafood Gumbo Recipe

Michelle's one thing - Sacred Rest by by Dr. Saundra Dalton-Smith

Heather's one thing - Change the Way You Think: A Conversation with Louie Giglio, Jennie Allen and Craig Groeschel

Other Books Mentioned -

Life Model: Living from the Heart Jesus Gave you - James Friesen

The Inner Voice of Love: A Journey Through Anguish to Freedom - Henri Nouwen

Discussion questions:

1. What stood out to you from this week's episode?
2. Are your childhood wounds healed places of glory or are they bandaged up, still hiding, and in need of Christ's light?
3. How do you see core wounds from childhood - abandonment, rejection or a gap created because your heart did not feel safe - affecting your relationships today? Do you recognize any of the effects listed by Sister Miriam in the episode? How can you receive God's restoration for you in these places?
4. What does it look like to welcome home the little parts of yourself with compassion and gentleness?

Journal Questions:

1. Are there particular memories from your childhood that this series has brought to the surface? Where do you need to hear the truth that the woundedness caused by others was not your fault?
2. Try to find a picture of your younger self. What would you like to share with her or him? Are there critical words and judgements you would like to take back or words of affirmation and compassion you need to speak over your younger self?
3. Pray with Jesus' words 'be not afraid.' How does He desire for you to receive this message when acknowledging wounds from your childhood?

Quotes to Ponder: "You keep listening to those who seem to reject you. But they never speak about you. They speak about their own limitations. They confess their poverty in the face of your needs and desires. They simply ask for your compassion. They do not say that you are bad, ugly, or despicable. They say only that you are asking for something they cannot give and that they need to get some distance from you to survive emotionally. The sadness is that you perceive their necessary withdrawal as a rejection of you instead of as a call to return home and discover your true belovedness." - Henri Nouwen

"A part of you was left behind very early in your life: the part that never felt completely received. It is full of fears. Meanwhile, you grew up with many survival skills. But you want yourself to be one. So you have to bring home the part of you that was left behind. That is not easy, because you have become quite a formidable person, and your fearful part does not know if it can safely dwell with you. Your grown-up self has to become very childlike—hospitable, gentle, and caring—so your anxious self can return and feel safe." - Henri Nouwen

Scripture for Lectio Divina - "For this reason I kneel before the Father, from whom every family in heaven and on earth derives its name. I pray that out of his glorious riches he may strengthen you with power through his Spirit in your inner being, so that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith. And I pray that you, being rooted and established in love, may have power, together with all the Lord's holy people, to grasp how wide and long and high and deep is the love of Christ, and to know this love that surpasses knowledge—that you may be filled to the measure of all the fullness of God. Now to him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to his power that is at work within us, to him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, for ever and ever! Amen." - Ephesians 3:14-21

This episode is sponsored by House of Joppa.

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In this episode, we continue our four part series on the identity of daughter. This episode is now available on youtube: https://youtu.be/0TJKUIE1HOQ. We discuss the core needs of early childhood - to be seen, known and loved - and how this time is crucial in learning to trust and receive. We share our fears of being seen as needy or as a burden to others as well as what counterfeit needs are vs actual needs. We chat about the healing that we experience when we allow God the Father to love us in the places we didn't receive what we needed as a child. Be sure to subscribe to the Abiding Together Podcast on YouTube to watch our video podcasts!

Sister Miriam's one thing - The life of our recently passed SOLT sister, Sister Maria of Merciful Love

Michelle's one thing - The Sisters of Life and The Litany of Trust

Heather's one thing - Restore the Glory Podcast Healing in Marriage Series

Other Books Mentioned - Life Model: Living from the Heart Jesus Gave you - James Friesen

Discussion questions:

1. What stood out to you from this week's episode?
2. How have you felt seen, known and loved by God and others recently? In what areas of your heart and life do you still long to experience that?
3. What counterfeit needs (I need a break, I need to watch tv, etc.) do you often substitute for your real need (I need to be acknowledged, seen, loved)? How can you take time to pause and ask yourself what you truly need in particular moments throughout your day?
4. Do fears of rejection or being seen as 'needy' prevent you from expressing your needs and desires to those who want to love you? How can you better articulate your needs to your community, family, and God?
5. How is the fruit of joy abundant and fragrant in your life? If not, what is at the root of that?

Journal Questions:

1. Are there areas of your heart that you have shut down or relationships you have 'canceled' because someone did not meet your need to be seen, known and loved? How might God be asking you to give yourself or another person a new chance?
2. Take a moment to reflect on any memories or experiences from your childhood where you did not feel seen, known and loved. Invite God to restore and heal these moments and fill any gaps that may have been created.
3. Write down some practical ways you can notice, affirm and show greater love towards those who have been entrusted to you in your family and community.

Quotes to Ponder: "Your great trust in Me forces me to continuously grant you graces. You have great and incomprehensible rights over My Heart, for you are a daughter of complete trust." - Jesus to St. Faustina

Scripture for Lectio Divina - "For this reason I kneel before the Father, from whom every family in heaven and on earth derives its name. I pray that out of his glorious riches he may strengthen you with power through his Spirit in your inner being, so that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith. And I pray that you, being rooted and established in love, may have power, together with all the Lord's holy people, to grasp how wide and long and high and deep is the love of Christ, and to know this love that surpasses knowledge—that you may be filled to the measure of all the fullness of God. Now to him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to his power that is at work within us, to him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, for ever and ever! Amen." - Ephesians 3:14-21

This episode is sponsored by Corda Candles.

Connect with the saints through scent, with handcrafted CORDA candles. Each unique scent is directly inspired by saints and the faith, and custom blended in house. As you burn the candle and enjoy the custom scent, there's a tangible, concrete connection to the holy men and women who have gone before us.Help support SOLT, Sr. Miriam's order, by purchasing the Cloistered Heart candle, inspired by St. Elizabeth of the Trinity. Its contemplative notes of cherry and violet are fresh and clean. This exclusive candle was commissioned by the Abiding Together podcast and 15% is donated to SOLT. It's available for a limited time only, now through November 30, 2021.There are many more candles to explore, including ones inspired by Our Lady of Guadalupe, St. Michael the Archangel, and Night Prayer. Shop online at www.cordacandles.com and receive 10% off with promo code ABIDE, now through October 31, 2021.

In this episode, we begin a four-part series on the identity of daughter. This episode is now offered in video on youtube! We speak about the building blocks of daughterhood: trusting the heart of God and receiving our identity from the Father. We discuss the foundational importance of believing we are beloved children even when there are parts of our humanity and frailty we do not love. We pray that you may behold the Father this week and allow him to behold you with delight! Be sure to subscribe to the Abiding Together Podcast on YouTube to watch our video podcasts!

Sister Miriam's one thing - Renew Face and Body Cream from Rooted for Good

Michelle's one thing - the entire team at Spirit Juice Studios

Heather's one thing - Be Formed Adult Faith Formation with Fr. Burke Masters through the Diocese of Joliet

Discussion questions:

1. What stood out to you from this week's episode?
2. How have you received the identity of a daughter (or son) from the Father? What are some practical ways to stay rooted in the identity of daughter of God?
3. When the Lord looks at you and says, "you are my beloved daughter (son) with who I am well pleased", what is your initial reaction? What would it look like to live this reality at the forefront everyday?
4. When have you experienced the Father delighting in you and what did that look like?
5. Does your mission (what you do) flow from your identity as daughter of God or do you tend to find your identity in the things you do?

Journal Questions:

1. Take a moment to picture your heart as a garden. Rather than digging through the dirt to find the roots of problems, imagine yourself playing in the dirt with the Father. With holy curiosity, ask what does the Father want to reveal to you about your identity as a beloved daughter?
2. Pray Sister Miriam's prayer "Father, open my heart to the truth of who I am." Listen for what the Father wants to say to you and write it down.
3. Write down some scriptures that help you stay rooted in the truth of who God says you are as a beloved daughter. You can google something like "scriptures about child of God" or " scriptures about God's love".

Quotes to Ponder: "On first beholding created woman, man must surely have thought: "God gave you to me." He said as much, though in different words—but he said as much (Gn 2:23). Awareness of gift and givenness is clearly written into the biblical Creation account. For man, woman is first an object of awe and wonder. " - Saint Pope John Paul II, A Meditation on Givenness

Scripture for Lectio Divina - "For this reason I kneel before the Father, from whom every family in heaven and on earth derives its name. I pray that out of his glorious riches he may strengthen you with power through his Spirit in your inner being, so that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith. And I pray that you, being rooted and established in love, may have power, together with all the Lord's holy people, to grasp how wide and long and high and deep is the love of Christ, and to know this love that surpasses knowledge—that you may be filled to the measure of all the fullness of God. Now to him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to his power that is at work within us, to him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, for ever and ever! Amen." - Ephesians 3:14-21

This episode is sponsored by Rooted for Good.

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In this episode, we discuss how God meets us where we are rather than where we pretend to be and invites us into a never-ending love. We chat about acknowledging the deeper desires and longings in our hearts with a holy curiosity and responding to God's pursuit of us. We also share a sneak peek of the depths we have planned for the rest of this season! We pray you would experience the peace of floating in the deep love he has for you this week through the grace of surrender, trust, and receptivity!

Sister Miriam's one thing - The Carmelite Sisters of Alhambra

Heather's one thing - Will and Walker from Rings of the Lord and their handmade rosaries

Michelle's one thing - The Given Forum. Applications for the 2022 Given Forum will be released on November 1, 2021.

Other Books Mentioned -

The Fulfillment of All Desire: A Guidebook for the Journey to God Based on the Wisdom of the Saints - Dr. Ralph Martin

Broken Gods: Hope, Healing, and the Seven Longings of the Human Heart - Gregory K. Popcak

Discussion questions:

1. What stood out to you from this week's episode?
2. What are some ways you allow God and others to only meet you where you pretend to be rather than where you truly are?
3. In the times you have been called out into the deep - what has been the difference between feeling like you are drowning in problems and feeling like you are floating in God's love and mercy?
4. What identity are you most looking forward to exploring the depths of this season - daughter, sister, mother, bride?

Journal Questions:

1. What is one area of your life where you feel the need to pretend in front of the Lord? What stands in the way of you trusting God's love for you right where you are?
2. What are the deeper desires, aches, and longings beneath the areas of your life that you are managing well on your own? What fears or insecurities keep you from surrendering these desires to the Lord?
3. Where have you already seen Christ fulfill deep desires and longings in your life? Remember and write down the ways the Lord has already moved and take courage for the next season.

Quotes to Ponder: "The feeling remains that God is on the journey, too." - St. Teresa of Avila

Scripture for Lectio Divina - "Deep calls to deep in the roar of your torrents, and all your waves and breakers sweep over me." - Psalm 42:8

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In this episode, we discuss God's unchanging sovereignty and love despite the turmoil and constant changes brought on by the pandemic and other current crises. We chat about the illusion of control, our litanies to God of what we would change if we could, and the peace that comes only with surrender. We discuss the importance of allowing ourselves to experience our emotions fully in the face of recent disappointments, while always choosing to submit our feelings under the truth of God. We pray that this week you would know how much God delights in your trust as he works a new thing in your life!

Sister Miriam's one thing - Organic Rose Hips for tea and other fun uses

Heather's one thing - ID Intentional Disciples

Heather's other one thing - Seasons Change - United Pursuit

Michelle's one thing - Man Your Post: Learning to Lead Like St. Joseph - Duane and Carrie Daunt. Use the code MANYOURPOST20 at checkout for 20% off.

Michelle's other one thing - Our Lady of Podcast - Gene Monterastelli

Discussion questions:

1. What stood out to you from this week's episode?
2. We were hoping to return to a new normal by now but it seems we are in a constant state of change and a departure from normal. How are you seeing God through your current situation?
3. What "ancient paths" might God be inviting you to walk in during this season that will keep yourself in His light and your eyes on His eternal perspective?
4. Michelle shares, "Our sense of control is just an illusion and His sovereignty is the only thing we can trust." Where is God inviting you to surrender your desire for control?

Journal Questions:

1. Where have you made agreements with powerlessness and hopelessness, telling God that a situation will not change? Take a moment to surrender these agreements and ask God to fill you with his truth.
2. In the last 18 months, what fruit have you seen emerge maybe unexpectedly from ground you have tilled with God for months or years?
3. How can you practice feeling your emotions fully but submitting your emotions to the truth of God? Are there any particular feelings or emotions you want to surrender to God's truth right now?
4. How could greater trust in God's sovereignty free you from the need to make things happen yourself? Take a moment to recount how God has been faithful in the past.

Quotes to Ponder: "Night: we cannot stop it, or hasten it; it just comes, and it teaches us every twenty-four hours that we are not in complete control." - Father Iain Matthew, The Impact of God

Scripture for Lectio Divina - "There is an appointed time for everything, and a time for every affair under the heavens. A time to give birth, and a time to die; time to plant, and a time to uproot the plant." - Ecclesiastes 3:1-2

This episode is sponsored by Chews Life.

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In this episode, we reconnect after our summer break to discuss the ways God has grown us this summer and our hopes for the season to come. We marvel together at how the Lord continues to heal us, remind us of His truth, and invite us to abide deeper in who He is and who He says we are. We chat about how the maturation that comes with repentance and the willingness to start over again with God. We pray that God will do a new thing in you as you join us on the journey this season!

Sister Miriam's one thing - Separate Vocations of Man and Woman - Edith Stein from Essays on Woman (The Collected Works of Edith Stein) - Edith Stein

Heather's one thing - Speak the Unspoken Podcast S02 E02: The power of story with Heather Kyhm

Michelle's one thing - Fr. Dave Pivonka, Dr. Bob Rice, and the entire orientation team at Franciscan University of Steubenville

Discussion questions:

1. What stood out to you from this week's episode?
2. What areas did you learn you needed to grow over this summer? How did God stretch you, humble you, invite you to abide more?
3. In what ways would you like to begin again today? What must you repent of? What must you turn your eyes away from to be able to see Christ looking at you?

Journal Questions:

1. How did you see the Lord using events or memories of your past to grow you, mature you and heal you this summer?
2. What desires would you like to name for the Lord to fulfill as we move into a new season?
3. How can you let the Lord love you where you are most vulnerable and dependent?

Quotes to Ponder: "Always, we begin again." - St. Benedict

Scripture for Lectio Divina - "It is not that I have already taken hold of it or have already attained perfect maturity, but I continue my pursuit in hope that I may possess it, since I have indeed been taken possession of by Christ Jesus. Brothers, I for my part do not consider myself to have taken possession. Just one thing: forgetting what lies behind but straining forward to what lies ahead, I continue my pursuit toward the goal, the prize of God's upward calling, in Christ Jesus." - Philippians 3:12-14

In this episode we discuss the virtue of Christian Hope through a discussion on Pope Francis's homily from the 2020 Easter Vigil, A Right to Hope. We chat about hope as more than mere optimism or wishful thinking, but rather a deep trust that God keeps his promises and He is who he says he is. We discuss the necessity of practicing hope in patience and humility as God reveals the mystery of how He is making all things new. This is our last episode of Season 9 and we pray that you may receive the gift of hope this summer. We will see you for Season 10 in the Fall!

Michelle's one thing - Summer Reading List

Heather's one thing - Our Patreon Supporters!

Sister Miriam's one thing - All those who make the podcast happen: Lizzie, Kristina, Kathy, Emily, and Rebecca.

Sister Miriam's other one thing - Easy Chickpea Greek Salad

Other Links Related to This Episode:

Read Pope Francis's 2020 Easter Homily

Live Differently Mug from the Abiding Together Shop

Season 2 Episode 5: Hope in Seasons of Darkness

Discussion questions:

1. What struck you from this week's episode?
2. What are the things that stand in the way of you receiving the gift hope? Are there specific areas where you have been hurt in the area of hope?
3. How can we live into the virtue of hope that promises heaven is our home and God is working all things towards our redemption and restoration?
4. How do our lives look different because we are a people of hope?

Journal Questions:

1. What wounds does the Lord want to heal in you in order to restore hope and trust in his promises?
2. Are there situations of disappointment that have stolen your hope in Jesus?
3. Where is God inviting you to practice patience and humility to receive hope?

Quote to Ponder: "At dawn the women went to the tomb. There the angel says to them: "Do not be afraid. He is not here; for he has risen." They hear the words of life even as they stand before a tomb... And then they meet Jesus, the giver of all hope, who confirms the message and says: "Do not be afraid."Do not be afraid, do not yield to fear: This is the message of hope. It is addressed to us, today." - Pope Francis's Easter Vigil Homily, 2020

Scripture for Lectio Divina: "After the sabbath, as the first day of the week was dawning, Mary Magdalene and the other Mary came to see the tomb. And behold, there was a great earthquake; for an angel of the Lord descended from heaven, approached, rolled back the stone, and sat upon it. His appearance was like lightning and his clothing was white as snow. The guards were shaken with fear of him and became like dead men. Then the angel said to the women in reply, "Do not be afraid! I know that you are seeking Jesus the crucified. He is not here, for he has been raised just as he said. Come and see the place where he lay. Then go quickly and tell his disciples, 'He has been raised from the dead, and he is going before you to Galilee; there you will see him.' Behold, I have told you." Then they went away quickly from the tomb, fearful yet overjoyed, and ran to announce* this to his disciples. And behold, Jesus met them on their way and greeted them. They approached, embraced his feet, and did him homage. Then Jesus said to them, "Do not be afraid. Go tell my brothers to go to Galilee, and there they will see me."" - Matthew 28: 1-10