Abiding Together

Becoming the Father

In this episode, we continue with Part 5 of our book study on The Return of the Prodigal Son and discuss "Becoming the Father". Many of us have heard the invitation to live as daughters and sons of God, but most of us haven't heard the invitation to become the father/mother. We will always be children of God, but we are simultaneously invited to mature into becoming a spiritual mother and father, providing, comforting, nurturing others in selfless ways. We also discuss how God wants to heal our idea of who He is and the places we didn't get what we need so that we can be a more pure example of His love for others.

Sister Miriam's one thing - The Heart: An Analysis of Human and Divine Affectivity by Dietrich von Hildebrand (Link for Canada. Link for UK.)

Michelle's one thing - True Devotion to the Holy Spirit by Archbishop Luis Martinez (Link for Canada. Link for UK.), Shannon from ChewsLife

Heather's one thing - My new Return to the Father's Love playlist on Spotify. Floodgates by The Sations

Additional Resources

Heather loves you, so she made a playlist for you! This is to help accompany you in your prayer with the book study - Return to the Father's Love playlist on Spotify.

Announcements!

The Abiding Together Lenten Book Study is The Return of the Prodigal Son by Henri Nouwen. You can still join us! Purchase the book via US Amazon Link, a Canada Amazon link, and a UK Amazon link. (As an Amazon Associate, Abiding Together earns from qualifying Amazon purchases.)

The Abiding Together shop has new items! We have a new journal and a new mug inspired by Henri Nouwen, created just for this Lenten book study!

An online conference for all those who are anxious, afraid, bored, spiritually starving, or isolated. An opportunity to turn isolation into a fruitful retreat. Building deeper trust in God instead of a Netflix binge. A chance to grow spiritually this Lent, even for those without Mass. This is the Be Not Afraid Conference! Sister Miriam, Heather, and Michelle are three of the amazing speakers who will be giving talks and reflections, starting March 20th, 2020. Sign up now!

Discussion questions:

1. What struck you from the podcast?
2. What are the masks that I have put on God the Father?
3. What is paralyzing you from coming close to the Father, or letting him come close to you?
4. What does it look like when you yourself live out the qualities of "the Father"?

Journal Questions:

1. Reflect and journal about this scripture: Luke 15:11-32. What does it speak to you personally this time?
2. What do the eyes of the Father look like when He looks at you?
3. What is it that you need to grieve?

Quote to Ponder - "Be compassionate as your Father is compassionate." - Henri Nouwen Scripture for Lectio Divina - Luke 15:11-32 - The Parable of the Prodigal Son

The Father

In this episode, we continue with Part 4 of our book study on The Return of the Prodigal Son and talk about God the Father. We discuss the failure of earthly and spiritual fathers and how God wants to restore our understanding of His fatherhood. We also talk about the mercy of the Father, the invitation to receive His blessing, and how the Father's heart burns for us to come home to Him.

Sister Miriam's one thing - Come Out of Hiding - Stephanie Gretzinger and Celebrate Me Home - Kenny Loggins

Michelle's one thing - Marie Miller's New Album - Little Dreams (Watch the video here!) and the Mother Teresa sticker from @redeemed_free

Heather's one thing - Family and community

(And hey, Louisiana!!)

Sponsor: ChewsLife

The mission of Chews Life is to equip all Catholics with the Rosary for life! They create beautiful and practical rosaries with unique features to bring the rosary into your daily life. Chews Life silicone and gemstone products are dreamed, designed, and made by a team of amazing Catholic mamas in West Michigan, USA. The rosary will save the world. Check out some Chews Life rosaries!

Use code "AbidingTogether10" for a 10% discount!

Additional Resources

Heather loves you, so she made a playlist for you! Return to the Father's Love playlist on Spotify.

Announcements!

The Abiding Together Lenten Book Study is The Return of the Prodigal Son by Henri Nouwen. You can still join us! Purchase the book via US Amazon Link, a Canada Amazon link, and a UK Amazon link. (As an Amazon Associate, Abiding Together earns from qualifying Amazon purchases.)

The Abiding Together shop has new items! We have a new journal and a new mug inspired by Henri Nouwen, created just for this Lenten book study!

Discussion questions:

1. What struck you from the podcast?
2. How can you create space to hear the Father speak blessing to you?
3. What are the words of blessing God wants you to hear in this moment?
4. In light of all the abuses in the Church, how can you yourself "lean in in love" rather than letting discouragement drive you away from God?
5. How does God need to restore your understanding of Him as a loving, faithful Father?

Journal Questions:

1. Reflect and journal about this scripture: Luke 15:11-32. What does it speak to you personally this time?
2. What are areas of your life where you believe the lie thatGod must be irritated with you?
3. Do you imagine God as speaking blessing or condemnation toward you?
4. When your models of fatherhood have failed you, how has that affected your sense of God as Father? What is God trying to tell you about himself as Father?

Quote to Ponder - "As Rembrandt approached death, he chose to portray a very still Father who recognizes his son not with the eyes of the body, but with the inner eye of his heart." - Henri Nouwen

Scripture for Lectio Divina - Luke 15:11-32 - The Parable of the Prodigal Son

The Elder Son

In this episode we continue with Part 3 "The Elder Son", from our book study on The Return of the Prodigal Son by Henri Nouwen. We discuss how the elder son is also lost and in need of a homecoming because in his heart, he too is far away from the father. The struggles of the elder son are within all of us when we compare, feel like we are owed something, consider ourselves worthy because of our religious actions or adherence to the rules, and when we resist the loving embrace of God the Father.

Sister Miriam's one thing - Prenatal Development video

Michelle's one thing - Auburn's men's basketball

Heather's one thing - Our Quit Talking to the Dang Snake mug!

Announcements!

The Abiding Together Lenten Book Study is The Return of the Prodigal Son by Henri Nouwen. You can still join us! Purchase the book via US Amazon Link, a Canada Amazon link, and a UK Amazon link. (As an Amazon Associate, Abiding Together earns from qualifying Amazon purchases.)

The Abiding Together shop has new items! We have a new journal and a new mug inspired by Henri Nouwen, created just for this Lenten book study!

Discussion questions:

1. What struck you from the podcast?
2. Which son do you identify with more?
3. What are the signs in your own life that show that you're living fully alive in the Lord? What about when you're not?
4. What practical things help you grow in the discipline of gratitude and trust?

Journal Questions:

1. Reflect and journal about this scripture: Luke 15:11-32. What does it speak to you personally this time?
2. Do you feel God is holding out on you in some area? How can you trustingly surrender that to him?
3. What are the bitter places you hear in your speech? What deeper issue are they pointing to?

Quote to Ponder - "Joy and resentment cannot coexist." - Henri Nouwen Scripture for Lectio Divina - Luke 15:11-32 - The Parable of the Prodigal Son

The Younger Son

In this episode we continue with Part 2 of our book study on The Return of the Prodigal Son by Henri Nouwen. We talk about the places within ourselves that, like the younger son, are living in a distant land, far from the love of God the Father. We discuss how often we search for unconditional love outside of God and are left heartbroken. We long to hear His voice speak healing to our souls that we are His beloved on whom His favor rests.

Sister Miriam's one thing - Joan of Arc

Michelle's one thing - Ruah Storytellers podcast

Heather's one thing - Patreon patrons and our listeners around the world!

Announcements!

The Abiding Together Lenten Book Study is The Return of the Prodigal Son by Henri Nouwen. You can still join us - we're just getting started! Purchase the book via US Amazon Link, a Canada Amazon link, and a UK Amazon link. (As an Amazon Associate, Abiding Together earns from qualifying Amazon purchases.)

The Abiding Together shop has new items! We have a new journal and a new mug inspired by Henri Nouwen, created just for this Lenten book study!

Discussion questions:

1. What struck you from the podcast?
2. What are the ways you experience longing for Heaven?
3. Where have you gone looking for "distant countries"?
4. What are the voices you listen to that call you from home?
5. What are the vulnerable places, where your faith in being Beloved is fragile?

Journal Questions:

1. Reflect and journal about this scripture: Luke 15:11-32. What does it speak to you personally this time?
2. What do you think about the idea that Heaven is your home?
3. Where, right now, do you need God to speak into? Where are you still striving or self-protecting?
4. Recall the confidence and security of Henri Nouwen's "litany" of what it means to be the Beloved. Create your own Litany of the Beloved! "As the Beloved, _____"

Quote to Ponder - "Home is the center of my being where I can hear the voice that says: 'You are my Beloved, on you my favor rests.'" - Henri Nouwen Scripture for Lectio Divina - Luke 15:11-32 - The Parable of the Prodigal Son

The Story of Two Sons and Their Father

In this episode, we kick off our 6-part Lenten book study on The Return of the Prodigal Son by Henri Nouwen, beginning with the Prologue and Introduction. We chat about our identity as children of God, the mercy of the Father, and how God uses art and beauty to speak to us. We explore the idea of home and a homecoming, which speaks of our deep desire for heaven. We also talk about how often fear and self protection keeps us from experiencing the healing love of the Father.

Sister Miriam's one thing - Dentists! The unsung heroes.

Michelle's one thing - The Instagram accounts @OodsofGlutes (from Allie at @Oodlesofdoodles) and @Oodsofflutes

Heather's one thing - Ruth Stricklin from New Jerusalem Studios

Announcements!

The Abiding Together Lenten Book Study is The Return of the Prodigal Son by Henri Nouwen. You can still join us - we're just getting started! Purchase the book via US Amazon Link, a Canada Amazon link, and a UK Amazon link. (As an Amazon Associate, Abiding Together earns from qualifying Amazon purchases.)

The Abiding Together shop has new items! We have a new journal and a new mug inspired by Henri Nouwen, created just for this Lenten book study!

Discussion questions:

1. What struck you from the podcast?
2. What does the idea of "home" mean to you?
3. Have you ever had an experience where beauty led you to the divine? Share about it!
4. How are you taking steps on the journey toward the embrace of the Father?

Journal Questions:

1. Reflect and journal about this scripture: Luke 15:11-32. What does it speak to you personally?
2. Does the thought of vulnerability and the embrace of God make you feel at peace or uneasy?
3. Do you find yourself to be an observer in your own story? Where and how can you "dare to step into the center, kneel down, and let [yourself] be held by a forgiving God?"

Quote to Ponder - "'Coming home' meant, for me, walking step by step toward the One who awaits me with open arms and wants to hold me in an eternal embrace." - Henri Nouwen Scripture for Lectio Divina - Luke 15:11-32 - The Parable of the Prodigal Son

The Power of Holy Hour

In this episode we have our dear friend Fr. Josh Johnson back on the podcast to discuss how to have a fruitful Holy Hour. Through his humor and reflections, Fr. Josh shares practical tools as well spiritual insights about how to pray in silence and grow in intimacy with Jesus.

Fr. Josh's one thing - The Liturgy of the Hours

Sister Miriam's one thing - Calming Christian playlist on Spotify

Michelle's one thing - Priscilla at The Little Catholic shop

Heather's one thing - The movie The Peanut Butter Falcon

Sponsor:

This episode is sponsored by The Little Catholic shop.

The main objective of The Little Catholic shop is to evangelize through beauty. The medals are handmade in Southern California. Beauty has a powerful ability to draw people to the Church, whether it be the sound of prayers, the beautiful stained glass windows of a church, or the kindness of another person. The Little Catholic Shop wants to provide the kind of beauty that heals to each person who sees or wears their pieces.

Use promo code Abide15 for 15% off the store.

Additional Resources

The Pocket Guide to Adoration by Fr. Josh Johnson. Listeners in Canada, shop here. Listeners in the UK, shop here.

Announcements!

The Abiding Together Lenten Book Study will be The Return of the Prodigal Son by Henri Nouwen. Purchase the book via US Amazon Link, a Canada Amazon link, and a UK Amazon link. (As an Amazon Associate, Abiding Together earns from qualifying Amazon purchases.)

The Abiding Together shop is open! Take a peek at some of the fun new things we have for you, including the "Quit talking to the dang snake" mug!

Discussion questions:

1. What struck you from the podcast?
2. Do you make adoration a regular practice? Why or why not?
3. What has been your experience of adoration?
4. What are some ways you've learned to avoid distraction in adoration?
5. What are some ways you like to pray in adoration?

Journal Questions:

1. Reflect and journal about this scripture: Jeremiah 19:12-14. What does it speak to you personally?
2. Take some time in adoration this week: What do you hear the Lord saying to you while you spend time with Him?
3. What's holding you back from spending time in adoration? How do you think the Lord wants to respond to that?

Quote to Ponder - "Spend one hour each day in adoration of your Lord. Never do anything you know is wrong. Follow this and you'll be fine." ― St. Teresa of Calcutta to Henri Nouwen Scripture for Lectio Divina - Jeremiah 19:12-14: "Then you will call on me and come and pray to me, and I will listen to you. You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart. I will be found by you," declares the Lord.

Gathering People

In this episode we discuss how to gather people and lead a fruitful discussion. We are meant to live in community and have depth and joy in our relationships, but sometimes we don't know where to start or how to go deeper. We chat about how to have meaningful conversations and live in an open-hearted way with others. We also discuss lots of practicals and how to grow in the gift of hospitality.

Sister Miriam's one thing - The Bridegroom by Rivers and Robots

Michelle's one thing - my husband Chris

Heather's one thing - The Ungame

Sponsor:

This episode is sponsored by The Little Catholic shop.

The main objective of The Little Catholic shop is to evangelize through beauty.The medals are handmade in Southern California. Beauty has a powerful ability to draw people to the Church, whether it be the sound of prayers, the beautiful stained glass windows of a church, or the kindness of another person. The Little Catholic Shop wants to provide the kind of beauty that heals to each person who sees or wears their pieces.Use promo code Abide15 for 15% off the store.

Announcements!

The Abiding Together Lenten Book Study will be The Return of the Prodigal Son by Henri Nouwen. Purchase the book via US Amazon Link, a Canada Amazon link, and a UK Amazon link. (As an Amazon Associate, Abiding Together earns from qualifying Amazon purchases.)

The Abiding Together shop is open! Take a peek at some of the fun new things we have for you, including the "quit talking to the dang snake" mug!

Discussion questions:

1. What struck you from the podcast?
2. What are your hesitations in extending invitations or offering hospitality to others?
3. What are the questions you need people to ask you about your journey?
4. How can you be more intentional in creating space for the people in your life?

Journal Questions:

1. Reflect and journal about this scripture: Hebrew 10:24-25. What does it speak to you personally?
2. Who have you been neglecting in your life, or what friendship can you invest in more fully?
3. How well do you listen to the people around you? How attentive are you? How can you grow in that?

Quote to Ponder - "We have all known the long loneliness and we have learned that the only solution is love and that love comes with community." ― Dorothy Day

Scripture for Lectio Divina - Hebrew 10:24-25 - and let us consider how to stir up one another to love and good works, not neglecting to meet together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another, and all the more as you see the Day drawing near.

Made For Mission - Recorded Live from FOCUS SLS Conference

This week is a special episode of Abiding Together that we recorded in front of a live audience at the FOCUS SLS conference in Phoenix, Arizona. This episode is packed full of wisdom, inspiration, and a challenge to personal holiness. We chat about leadership, mission, making a whole hearted yes, regaining your voice, falling in love with Jesus, and living an unmasked life.

Sister Miriam's one thing - all of our listeners live at SLS!

Michelle's one thing - SLS and Curtis Martin's "Yes", and all the great apostolates out there.

Heather's one thing - Like a Fire by Sean Feucht & Steffany Gretzinger and the movie Little Women

Sponsor:

This episode is sponsored by The Given Institute.

Learn more about the 2020 GIVEN Catholic Young Women's Leadership Forum taking place June 10-14, 2020 in Washington, D.C. at the Catholic University of America!

The GIVEN Forum provides leadership training, faith formation, and mentoring to young adult Catholic women, ages 21-30, with a heart for mission and an aptitude for leadership. It is designed to help them identify their particular gifts and find practical pathways to put them in the service of the Gospel through their profession or vocation.

Applications for young adults are now open! The early bird deadline is February 3, 2020 at midnight. Extended deadline for Round 2 Review, as well as for Mentor applications for lay leaders and religious sisters, is March 1, 2020.

Discover the gift that only you can give, because of the gift that you are!

Announcements!The Abiding Together Lenten Book Study will be The Return of the Prodigal Son by Henri Nouwen. Purchase the book via US Amazon Link, a Canada Amazon link, and a UK Amazon link. (As an Amazon Associate, Abiding Together earns from qualifying Amazon purchases.)

Discussion questions:

1. What struck you from the podcast?
2. Do you have trustworthy friends who you can be authentic with? Are you that friend for others?
3. What would it look like for you to live an unmasked life?
4. Where do you feel Satan has tried to steal your voice?
5. Where are you feeling lost or afraid, and how can you "put yourself in a position to be found" by God?

Journal Questions:

1. Reflect and journal about this scripture. Jeremiah 1: 4-9 - What does it speak to you personally?
2. What false layers do you need to take off?
3. Where are you wrestling with something that's too big for you (but not for God)?
4. Where is the Lord asking you to be brave this year?

Quote to Ponder - "We do not want a church that will move with the world. We want a church that will move the world."- G.K. Chesterton

Scripture for Lectio Divina - Jeremiah 1:4-9

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." "Alas, Sovereign Lord," I said, "I do not know how to speak; I am too young."But the Lord said to me, "Do not say, 'I am too young.' You must go to everyone I send you to and say whatever I command you. Do not be afraid of them, for I am with you and will rescue you," declares the Lord.Then the Lord reached out his hand and touched my mouth and said to me, "I have put my words in your mouth. See, today I appoint you over nations and kingdoms to uproot and tear down, to destroy and overthrow, to build and to plant."

The Barrenness of Winter

In this episode we talk about the barrenness of winter and how the seasons are often reflected in our spiritual and emotional lives. We explore how to have hope and perspective in times when things are hidden and dormant and how to allow our roots to go deeper into our relationship with Christ.

Sister Miriam's one thing - Trader Joe's

Michelle's one thing - If You Want Me To by Ginny Owens Endow - Edith Stein (St. Teresa of Benedicta): Seeker of Truth Book Study

Heather's one thing - You Make Me Brave (Acoustic Version) by Josie BuchananNothing Else by Cody Carnes

Announcements!

The Abiding Together Lenten Book Study will be The Return of the Prodigal Son by Henri Nouwen. Purchase the book via US Amazon Link, a Canada Amazon link, and a UK Amazon link. (As an Amazon Associate, Abiding Together earns from qualifying Amazon purchases.)

The Abiding Together shop is open! Take a peek at some of the fun new things we have for you, including the all new "quit talking to the dang snake" mug!

Discussion questions:

1. What struck you from the podcast?
2. What parallels do you see between the natural seasons and the seasons of the spiritual life?
3. How do you take a "holy pause"?
4. What are the places you're afraid are too barren for God to make fruitful?

Journal Questions:

1. Reflect and journal about this scripture: Proverbs 31:25. What does it speak to you personally?
2. Has there been a time when you tried to cling to something that had run its course?
3. What are the barren places in your life that you can pour out before the Lord like Hannah?

Quote to Ponder - "For just as the body is clothed in its garments, and the flesh in its skin, and the bones in their flesh, and the heart in its body, so too are we, soul and body, clothed from head to foot in the goodness of God."

—Julian of Norwich, Revelations of Divine Love

Scripture for Lectio Divina - Proverbs 31:25 - She is not afraid of the snow for her household, For all her household are clothed with scarlet.

Good Soil

In this episode we break open the parable of the sower and the seeds. We chat about how we can cultivate good soil in our hearts where seeds can grow and bear good fruit. We also talk about the practicals of what makes up rocky ground that chokes out goodness and what makes up the fertile soil, where God can bring forth life and abundance.

Sister Miriam's one thing - Undone: Freeing Your Feminine Heart from the Knots of Fear and Shame by Carrie Schuchts Daunt

Michelle's one thing - Higher Love - Kygo, Whitney Houston

Heather's one thing - The team building my house from Tundra Developments

Announcements!

The Abiding Together Lenten Book Study will be The Return of the Prodigal Son by Henri Nouwen. Purchase the book via US Amazon Link, a Canada Amazon link, and a UK Amazon link. (As an Amazon Associate, Abiding Together earns from qualifying Amazon purchases.)

The Abiding Together shop is open! Take a peek at some of the fun new things we have for you, including the all new "quit talking to the dang snake" mug!

Sponsor:

This episode is sponsored by Pilgrimage to Beauty. Their mission is to create a transformative experience of true rest and retreat, for couples or individuals wired for adventure.

Pilgrimage to Beauty believes that traversing the world, cultures and even our own street can teach us so much. Gaining knowledge of other peoples and lands gives us a genuine curiosity to learn and experience even more of what the world has to offer.

Their aim is to give you a unique once in a lifetime experience that transforms and renews your spirit, no matter your vocation or state in life. Their next trip is to Guatemala in March 2020, so check it out quickly!

Discussion questions:

1. What struck you from the podcast?
2. What is the terrain of your heart? What does the soil in your life look like right now?
3. Where do you need to dig in the dirt and let God bring in His light and cultivate the soil?
4. What do I need to steward well in my life and what do I need to prune back?
5. What are the weeds that need to be pulled out in my heart?

Journal Questions:

1. Reflect and journal about this scripture: Matthew 13. What does it speak to you personally?
2. What are the thorns that choke the good seed in your life? Where do you need to seek the true face of Jesus?
3. What is the fruit being born in your life? What do you think God is trying to show you about your soil?

Quote to Ponder - "Learn the lesson that, if you are to do the work of a prophet, what you need is not a sceptre but a hoe." ― St. Bernard of Clairvaux

Scripture for Lectio Divina - Matthew 13: The Parable of the Sower

That same day Jesus went out of the house and sat by the lake. Such large crowds gathered around him that he got into a boat and sat in it, while all the people stood on the shore. Then he told them many things in parables, saying: "A farmer went out to sow his seed. As he was scattering the seed, some fell along the path, and the birds came and ate it up. Some fell on rocky places, where it did not have much soil. It sprang up quickly, because the soil was shallow. But when the sun came up, the plants were scorched, and they withered because they had no root. Other seed fell among thorns, which grew up and choked the plants. Still other seed fell on good soil, where it produced a crop—a hundred, sixty or thirty times what was sown. Whoever has ears, let them hear."

The disciples came to him and asked, "Why do you speak to the people in parables?"

He replied, "Because the knowledge of the secrets of the kingdom of heaven has been given to you, but not to them. Whoever has will be given more, and they will have an abundance. Whoever does not have, even what they have will be taken from them. This is why I speak to them in parables:

"Though seeing, they do not see; though hearing, they do not hear or understand. In them is fulfilled the prophecy of Isaiah:

'You will be ever hearing but never understanding;

you will be ever seeing but never perceiving.

For this people's heart has become calloused; they hardly hear with their ears,

and they have closed their eyes. Otherwise they might see with their eyes,

hear with their ears, understand with their hearts and turn, and I would heal them.'

But blessed are your eyes because they see, and your ears because they hear. For truly I tell you, many prophets and righteous people longed to see what you see but did not see it, and to hear what you hear but did not hear it.

"Listen then to what the parable of the sower means: When anyone hears the message about the kingdom and does not understand it, the evil one comes and snatches away what was sown in their heart. This is the seed sown along the path. The seed falling on rocky ground refers to someone who hears the word and at once receives it with joy. But since they have no root, they last only a short time. When trouble or persecution comes because of the word, they quickly fall away. The seed falling among the thorns refers to someone who hears the word, but the worries of this life and the deceitfulness of wealth choke the word, making it unfruitful. But the seed falling on good soil refers to someone who hears the word and understands it. This is the one who produces a crop, yielding a hundred, sixty or thirty times what was sown."