Abiding Together

In this episode we discuss how to be a people of hope and not give into despair amidst the tragedy that we experience in the world. If we can keep the hope of heaven in our hearts, we can answer God's invitation to be a beacon of hope to a hurting world.

One Thing We Love This Week:

• Michelle's one thing - "Let it Be" by Alicia Keys and John Legend
• Sr. Miriam's one thing - Matt Maher "Into Your Hands" from the album Echos
• Heather's one thing - Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Muffins by Mel's Kitchen Cafe (see the recipe at bottom)

Group Questions 1. Do you find it hard to have hope in times of hardship? 2. What would it look like to speak hope into the life of someone that is hurting? 3. How can you grow the virtue of hope in your life?

Journaling Questions 1. What are some the negative beliefs you have about God when you don't see Him intervene in our problems the way that we think He should? 2. Do I believe that God can bring life to dead places?

Quote to Ponder "Do not be dismayed but the brokenness of the world. All things break. And all things can be mended. Not with time, but with intention. So go. Love intentionally, unconditionally. The broken world waits in darkness for the light that is you" - L.R. Knots

Ingredients:

• 1 2/3 cup flour
• 1 cup sugar
• 1 tbsp. pumpkin pie spice
• 1 tsp. soda
• 1 tsp. baking powder
• 1/4 tsp salt
• 2 eggs, slightly beaten
• 1 cup (15oz can) canned pumpkin puree
• 1/2 cup butter, softened​​
• 1 cup chocolate chips

Instructions:

1. Mix dry ingredients. In separate bowl whisk butter, sugar, eggs, and pumpkin puree. Add dry ingredients, mix till combined, then add chocolate chips. Pour into greased muffin tin (or use muffin liners).
2. Bake at 350 degrees for 20-25 minutes. Don't over bake or they will be dry!

In this episode we discuss how to be a people of hope and not give into despair amidst the tragedy that we experience in the world. If we can keep the hope of heaven in our hearts, we can answer God's invitation to be a beacon of hope to a hurting world.

Chris Benzinger and Jake Khym are back as our guests as we talk about the art of loving well. We journey into the topics of recognizing one another's stories, championing dreams, how to bring the questions of our identity to God and fighting for (not against!) the ones we love.

One Thing We Love This Week:

• Chris's One thing - The word "fierce"
• Michelle's One thing - 33 Days to Merciful Love, Michael E.Gaitley, MIC
• Sr. Miriam's One thing - Fall candles
• Heather's One thing - The Storybook Bible
• Jake's One thing - "When the Soul Listens: Finding Rest and Direction in Contemplative Prayer" by Jan Johnson

Group Questions

1. Have you changed how you love or think of someone after hearing their story?
2. What would it look like to love someone close to you without expecting them to fill all your needs?
3. How can you champion the dreams of someone dear to you?

Journaling Questions

1. What are the things that hold me back the most from loving well?
2. Do I believe that God desires to restore & heal me?
3. How have I expected people to love me in a way that only God can?

Quote to Ponder

"Love the Lord your God, and love one another. love one another as He loves. Love with strength and purpose and passion and no matter what comes against you. Don't weaken. stand against the darkness, and love. That's the way back into eden. That's the way" - Francine Rivers

Chris Benzinger and Jake Khym are back as our guests as we talk about the art of loving well. We journey into the topics of recognizing one another’s stories, championing dreams, how to bring the questions of our identity to God and fighting for (not against!) the ones we love.

In this episode we feature our first guests! And they are men!! Jake Khym and Chris Benzinger join us as we delve into how to pray for your children, the blessing of their hearts and the hope we have for those whom God has placed in our lives. They not only capture how to father your children well, but also how to live as a child of God.

One Thing We Love This Week:

• Michelle's One thing - The Unfathomable: Third Time's a Charm??? WITH CHRIST ALONE
• Chris's One thing - Podcast by Jonathan David & Melissa Helser
• Sr. Miriam's One thing - St Hildegard of Bingen- Secrets of God
• Jake's One thing - Our dog Bosco
• Heather's One thing - Meatballs! I use this recipe for the meatballs then freeze them. I use them in spaghetti sauce or meatballs sub. A perfect hearty meal when you need something fast.

Group Questions 1. How does the truth of living as a daughter/son of God the Father change how you experience His love? 2. How can you pray differently for your children or those who God has entrusted to you?

Journaling Questions 1. How can I let the Father's love into my heart in a deeper way? 2. What are the "secrets" that you desire God the Father to speak to you heart? 3. If you're a parent, what are the "secrets" about their worth and identity do you need to speak to your children?

Quotes to Ponder "Your children's 'little eyes' gradually memorize and interpret with the heart that faith is one of the greatest inheritances you have received from your parents and ancestors…. and if you hand on the faith and live it well, that is where the transmission happens." - Pope Francis

A conversation with parents about to pray for and care for our children. (Guests Chris Benzinger and Jake Khym)

"The purpose of journeying together in spiritual friendship and spiritual community (whether there are just two of you or whether you are in a small group) is to listen to one another's desire for God, to nurture that desire in each other and to support one another in seeking a way of life that is consistent with that desire. " Ruth Haley Barton, Sacred Rhythms: Arranging Our Lives for Spiritual Transformation

In this episode we talk about busyness vs rest, choosing to live the abundant life, what recreates us and the pace which God is setting in our hearts. Heather also recounts her harrowing battle with a scorpion while Michelle single handedly fights off sharks in the ocean!

One Thing We Love This Week:

• Sr. Miriam's One thing - Engaging Hope in Seasons of Disappointment- Melissa Hessler
• Michelle's One thing - Cultivate vol. iv: Creativity Unlocked
• Heather's One thing - So Will I (100 Billion X) Amanda Cook

Group Question: 1. How do you feel about your pace of life right now? 2. Do you feel that you're really listening to your life? 3. What does an ideal sabbath day look like to you?

Journal Questions: 1. What makes you come alive? a. spiritually (prayer+sacraments) b. socially (recreation) c. creatively (experience god's awe and wonder) d. physically (food+exercise) f. community 2. What do you need to say no to in this season of life?

Quotes To Ponder: "The purpose of journeying together in spiritual friendship and spiritual community is to listen to one another's desire for God, to nurture that desire in each other and to support one another in seeking a way of life that is consistent with that desire." - Ruth Haley Barton, Sacred Rhythms: Arranging Our Lives for Spiritual Transformation

"Present is living with your feet firmly grounded in reality, pale and uncertain as it may seem. Present is choosing to believe that your own life is worth investing deeply in, instead of waiting for some rare miracle or fairytale. Present means we understand that the here and now is sacred, sacramental, threaded through with divinity even in its plainness. Especially in its plainness." - Shauna Niequist, Present Over Perfect: Leaving behind frantic for a simpler, more soulful way of living.

Rhythm, Rest and the Sabbath

"A tree can be only as strong as the forest that surrounds it." - Peter Wohlleben

Welcome to Season 2 In this episode we talk about beginning a new season, the daily encounter with God, the gift of presence in the moment to moment and the hidden life of trees (as well as nuns with chainsaws!)

Please check out our new website and discussion questions for each episode of the podcast!

One Thing We Love This Week:

• Michelle's One thing - South Toward Home, Margaret Eby
• Sr. Miriam's One thing - The Power of Silence- Cardinal Robert Sarah
• Heather's one thing - Canva

Group Question: 1. How do you need the people around you to speak into your life to help you grow? 2. What are some of the practical ways you can cultivate community in this season of life? 3. Who is God calling you to offer the "gift of presence" to?

Journal Question: 1. What invitation is the Holy Spirit extending to you in the season?

Quote To Ponder: "A tree can be on as strong as the forest that surrounds it." Peter Wohllenden

A New Season of Belonging