Abiding Together

In this week's episode, we model what it looks like to pray Lectio Divina, which is a divine reading of Sacred Scripture. We begin by sharing the different ways we spend time in Sacred Scripture, how it has impacted our lives, and model how to pray Lectio Divina. We invite you to follow along and join us as we spend time reading and reflecting on John 15:5-8. Sacred Scripture is the voice of God and what He has said is alive forever and relevant to our lives in all situations. We encourage you to journey with us as we deepen our relationship with God through His word.

Heather's One Thing - Franciscan University's Austria Study Abroad Program and Guadalupe Pilgrimage

Sister Miriam's One Thing - FOCUS film Radiating Joy: The Michelle Duppong Story (trailer here)

Michelle's One Thing - Praying for anyone affected by hurricane Helene Catholic Charities, Samaritan's Purse, Change Lives Now

Other Resources Mentioned:

Steps for Lectio Divina and The Art and Practice of Lectio Divina

Announcement:

We are so excited to announce that we will have new Abiding Together shirts in our shop next week! Follow us on social media for all the latest updates!

Journal Questions:

• When do I encounter the Scriptures throughout my day?
• Do I incorporate Lectio Divina into my prayer routine?
• What obstacles prevent me from entering into Lectio Divina?
• How can I begin to incorporate Lectio Divina more frequently into my prayer?

Discussion Questions:

• How have you been nourished by the Word of God?
• Have you struggled to hear the voice of God in the past?
• When do you hear the voice of God in this season of your life?
• What stuck out to you during the Lectio Divina within the episode?

Scripture for Lectio:

"I am the vine; you are the branches. Those who abide in me and I in them bear much fruit; because apart from me you can do nothing. Whoever does not abide in me is thrown away like a branch and withers; such branches are gathered, thrown into the fire and burned. If you abide in me and my words abide in you, ask for whatever you wish, and it will be done for you. My Father is glorified by this, that you bear much fruit, and become my disciples." (John 15:5-8)

Sponsor - Emmaus Road Publishing:

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Timestamps:

00:00 - Emmaus Road Publishing

01:09 - Intro

02:01 - Welcome

07:23 - Sacred Scripture in Our Lives

12:45 - How to Pray Lectio Divina

15:37 - First Reading

17:59 - Second Reading

19:23 - Third Reading

21:01 - Reflections

28:23 - One Things

32:06 - Announcement

In this week's episode, we reflect on suffering and love. We all have deep and tender places in our hearts where we suffer. Sometimes we feel alone in these sorrows and because of this, turn inwards into our pain. But the reality is, we are never alone in our suffering; God is always with us. We also reflect on fear in suffering, suffering in isolation vs suffering in communion, and how to allow God's light to shine into these sorrowful places.

Heather's One Thing - The Liturgy of the Hours subscription and Providential Co. (especially this Sacred Heart candle)

Sister Miriam's One Thing - Magnificat (particularly a recent excerpt from Spe Salvi paragraphs 37-40)

Michelle's One Thing - "Home: A Blessed Conversations Study on the Virtues of Mary" from Blessed is She and all the women in her small group (use link or code MICHELLE10 for 10% off)

Announcement: Friends, we are excited to announce our 2024 Advent Study will be the book Encountering Emmanuel by Heather Khym!

Journal Questions:

• What suffering am I running from?
• Take some time to identify your current fears. How can you let these fears bring you into an encounter with Love Himself?
• Do I have a friend I can invite into my suffering? How can I be present to her suffering as well?
• How has Jesus transformed injury into compassion in my life?

Discussion Questions:

• Are you suffering in communion or in isolation?
• How can you suffer more like Jesus in this season?
• What habits in your spiritual toolbox protect your heart in moments of suffering and desolation?
• How can you love well when your heart is broken?

Scripture for Lectio:

"For everything there is a season, and a time for every matter under heaven: a time to be born, and a time to die; a time to plant, and a time to pluck up what is planted; a time to kill, and a time to heal; a time to break down, and a time to build up; a time to weep, and a time to laugh; a time to mourn, and a time to dance; a time to throw away stones, and a time to gather stones together; a time to embrace, and a time to refrain from embracing; a time to seek, and a time to lose; a time to keep, and a time to throw away; a time to tear, and a time to sew; a time to keep silence, and a time to speak; a time to love, and a time to hate; a time for war, and a time for peace" (Ecclesiastes 3:1-8)

Sponsor - Laura-Anne:

Laura-Anne is a Catholic wedding photographer and marriage mentor who will help you thrive during your engagement, capture heirloom-quality photos of your wedding, and prepare for a joy-filled marriage that reflects God's design. Because it's possible to plan a beautiful, thoughtful wedding reflective of both you and your fiance and, ultimately, surrender your desires for the day to the Lord…all while preparing your heart for the Sacrament of Marriage.

Laura-Anne's resources, like The Catholic Wedding Kit, will help you do just that. The Catholic Wedding Kit is a collection of digital tools to guide you through every decision you need to make about your wedding and the why behind each one, helping you communicate, pray, and discern as a couple. Learn more about The Catholic Wedding Kit and the rest of Laura-Anne's resources and photography services at laura-anne.ca or on Instagram @lauraannesmid

Use code ABIDE for 15% off any digital resources.

Timestamps:

00:00 - Laura-Anne

01:28 - Intro

02:20 - Welcome

06:57 - Scripture Verse and Guiding Quote

09:02 - Fear in Suffering

12:13 - Suffering in Communion

19:28 - Choosing to Love

27:41 - Transformation in Freedom

29:23 - Prayer

34:20 - Advent Study Announcement

36:13 - One Things

In this week's episode, we look back and remember both the glorious and luminous moments in our lives. We share how allowing the Holy Spirit to overshadow us has brought forth an overflowing of grace and restoration in our lives. We also reflect on how God desires to restore our voices in places where we are afraid and have become silent. Today, join us in reflecting on your recent faith journey to discover the beautiful ways God has been shaping your soul through your own glorious and luminous mysteries.

Glorious - something you see the Lord redeeming and restoring (it can be in process)

Luminous - something the Lord brought to light, an area or pruning, longing, and an ache

Heather's One Thing - The song Hell or High Water by Amanda Cook

Sister Miriam's One Thing - All moms whose kids went away to the first day of school

Michelle's One Thing - Spindrift half lemon & half tea and this Ice Maker

Journal Questions:

• What were the glorious mysteries (something you see the Lord restoring) of my summer?
• What were the luminous mysteries (something the Lord brought to light, an area of pruning, an ache) of my summer?
• How is God restoring your voice in this season?
• How have I forgotten that the Gospel is costly?

Discussion Questions:

• What have you been carrying by your own power, instead of by the Holy Spirit's overshadowing?
• "You do not need a new plan, you need a new posture." What new posture is the Lord inviting you to?
• What parts of your life need the gentle, healing touch of Jesus?
• How has God responded to the aches and longings of your life right now?

Quote to Ponder:

"Dear friends, what an immense joy to have Mary Immaculate as our Mother! Every time we experience our frailty and the promptings of evil, we may turn to her and our hearts receive light and comfort. Even in the trials of life, in the storms that cause faith and hope to vacillate, let us recall that we are her children and that our existence is deeply rooted in the infinite grace of God. Although the Church is exposed to the negative influences of the world, she always finds in Mary the star to guide her so that she may follow the route pointed out to her by Christ." (Angelus, December 8, 2009)

Scripture for Lectio:

"Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight." (Proverbs 3:5-6)

Sponsor - Ascension:

It may seem like holiness is unattainable for normal, everyday people. But one saint shows us that our littleness is actually the way to holiness. In Story of a Soul, St. Thérèse of Lisieux's autobiography, this little saint has taught generations that God can make us saints through unbounded confidence in his love and an embrace of our littleness.

Starting October 1st, the feast day of St. Thérèse, you can listen to the only authorized full English translation of Story of a Soul, along with expert commentary, for free on the Catholic Classics podcast! This podcast is available to you on all major podcast platforms including Apple podcasts and Spotify.

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Timestamps:

00:00 - Ascension

01:12 - Intro

02:05 - Welcome

03:36 - Guiding Quote

04:44 - Glorious

15:22 - Luminous

24:32 - Scripture Verse

24:52 - One Things

In this week's episode, we look back over the past year and remember both the joyful and sorrowful moments in our lives. We discuss the importance of regularly bringing our attention to what God is doing in our lives and reflecting on the opportunities we have to deepen our surrender to God's provision. Today, join us in reflecting on your recent faith journey to discover the beautiful ways God has been shaping your soul through your own joyful and sorrowful mysteries.

Joyful - an area of delight or gratitude where you have felt the tangible presence of the Lord

Sorrowful - a hurt or an obstacle we've noticed

Heather's One Thing - Big Apple Catholic's new shop! Especially the Holy Spirit crew neck

Sister Miriam's One Thing - A quote from St. Catherine of Siena "He will provide the way and the means, such as you could never have imagined. Leave it all to Him, let go of yourself, lose yourself on the Cross, and you will find yourself entirely."

Michelle's One Thing - LifeTeen Summer Camp and Camp Chosatonga

Other Resources Mentioned:

• The Women Doctors of the Church Podcast Series

Announcement:

New Abiding Together merch is coming soon! Subscribe to our weekly email newsletter to receive updates.

Journal Questions:

• What were the joyful mysteries (delights, tangible gratitude) of my summer?
• How are you waiting on the Lord's Providence?
• What were the sorrowful mysteries (hurts, obstacles) of my summer?
• Where in my life do I believe that if "it feels bad, it is bad?"

Discussion Questions:

• Who walked with you throughout this summer?
• How have you tangibly experienced Christ's presence in the midst of sorrow?
• Where have you experienced healing from the Lord this summer?
• What changes are you sensing (internally or externally) with the start of fall?

Quote to Ponder:

"Looking at Mary, how can we, her children, fail to let the aspiration to beauty, goodness and purity of heart be aroused in us? Her heavenly candor draws us to God, helping us to overcome the temptation to live a mediocre life composed of compromises with evil, and directs us decisively towards the authentic good that is the source of joy." (Angelus, December 8, 2005 Pope Benedict)

Scripture for Lectio:

"Trust in the LORD with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight." (Proverbs 3:5-6)

Sponsor - Called to Communicate

Our baptism equips and compels us to extend the prophetic mission of Jesus Christ. Each woman who has encountered Christ has a story and a message of hope.

We live in times that need women's voices to reclaim the power of words and put them in the service of the Gospel.

Called to Communicate is a free 5-day online conference beginning September 30, 2024. This online event promises encouragement, laughter, tears, practical advice, and spiritual wisdom from the women leading in the Church's mission of evangelization.

Register at CalledtoCommunicate.com. If the event dates have passed, the entire conference is still available to purchase and watch! Listen to powerful interviews with Heather, Michelle, Sister Miriam and many others.

Use code "Abide" for $10 off extended access and bonus gifts.

Timestamps:

00:00 - Called to Communicate

01:28 - Intro

02:21 - Welcome

06:37 - Guiding Quote

07:40 - Joy

15:36 - Sorrow

30:05 - One Things

33:02 - Announcement

In this bonus episode, Heather is joined by Fr. Dave Pivonka, TOR live at the National Eucharistic Congress (NEC) for a special Abiding Together and They that Hope podcast mashup. They reflect on their experiences at the NEC and share how they hope God will transform the lives of not only those in attendance, but also those at home. Heather and Fr. Dave also discuss finding Jesus in our daily lives and the importance of feasting on God instead of earthly things. This episode is a production of Franciscan University and OSV. Special thanks to MAX Studios for recording and hosting the live podcast stage.

Heather's Highlight from the NEC - Adoration with Floriani

Heather's One Thing - Receiving a copy of her new book: Encountering Emmanuel (A Guided Advent Journal for Prayer and Meditation)

Fr. Dave's Highlight from the NEC - His time spent with the young people at the Congress

Fr. Dave's One Thing - Deep friendships

Other Resources Mentioned:

• Msgr. James Shea's Full Speech at the National Eucharistic Congress

Announcement:

• Season 15 begins September 2024 - join our email list to receive updates!

Journal Questions:

• How have I experienced Eucharistic revival this year?
• Have you allowed the stress of your duties and burdens take your eyes off Christ in this season?
• How can I shift my gaze from my inner world to Christ?

Discussion Questions:

• How has Christ encountered you personally when you felt lost in the crowd?
• What obstacles cause you to miss Him when He's right in front of you?
• How can you put yourself back into the reality that God is sovereign and in control?

Quote to Ponder:

"The One whom the Father has sent into our hearts, the Spirit of his Son, is truly God. Consubstantial with the Father and the Son, the Spirit is inseparable from them, in both the inner life of the Trinity and his gift of love for the world. In adoring the Holy Trinity, life-giving, consubstantial, and indivisible, the Church's faith also professes the distinction of persons. When the Father sends his Word, he always sends his Breath. In their joint mission, the Son and the Holy Spirit are distinct but inseparable. To be sure, it is Christ who is seen, the visible image of the invisible God, but it is the Spirit who reveals him." (CCC 689)

Scripture for Lectio:

"When he was at table with them, he took the bread and blessed, and broke it, and gave it to them. And their eyes were opened and they recognized him; and he vanished out of their sight. They said to each other, "Did not our hearts burn within us while he talked to us on the road, while he opened to us the scriptures?" (Luke 24:30-32)

In this week's episode, we conclude our book study on the Lion, The Witch, and the Wardrobe. We chat about the resurrection, what it means to be restored and reconciled, and making space for childlike wonder. We hope you've enjoyed this book study with us and will see you again this Fall!

Everyone's One Thing - The "Abiding" Women's Conference in Louisiana

Journal Questions:

• Where do I need to ask God for mercy in my life right now?
• Where is my heart hard?
• How can I allow time and space for playfulness, joy, and childlike wonder?
• Where am I dying and need Christ to bring life and make things new?

Discussion Questions:

• When have you experienced mercy?
• Who is someone that you need to offer mercy to?
• What do you experience when God has you in a process or journey? Are you able to be patient or are you filled with unrest and anxiety?
• In what ways do you live life in gray? In what ways do you live life in technicolor?

Quote to Ponder:

"We are not on earth to guard a museum, but to cultivate a flowering garden of life." - Pope John XXIII

Scripture for Lectio:

"Therefore we have been buried with him by baptism into death, so that, just as Christ was raised from the dead by the glory of the Father, so we too might walk in the newness of life. For if we have been united with him in a death like his, we will certainly be united with him in a resurrection like his." - Romans 6:4-5

Timestamps:

(00:00) - Introduction

(01:37) - Welcome

(03:00) - Aslan Gives His Life for Edmund

(07:27) - The Process and Pain of Restoration

(11:16) - Communion in Suffering

(15:17) - Resurrection

(19:32) - Living in Technicolor

(23:53) - The Final Battle

(24:25) - Returning to the Wardrobe

(27:42) - Childlike Faith

(29:08) - One Things

In this week's episode, we continue with our book study on the Lion, The Witch, and the Wardrobe (chapters 9-12). We discuss themes like the false narrative of the enemy, the dynamic of stoney hearts that God wants to restore and turn to flesh, true living of the paschal mystery, and the power of God's resurrection power in our lives. We hope you enjoy this episode!

Heather's One Thing - The Abiding Together small groups! We love you!

Sister Miriam's One Thing - Fire Within- Fr. Thomas Dubay

Michelle's One Thing - The movie "Gifted"

Journal Questions:

• Instead of being child-like, we can be childish with God. What is the difference between these two dynamics that I can see in my own life?
• The enemy makes empty promises. What is one empty promise that he has made to me?
• What is one promise of God and His faithfulness that I have seen at work in my life?
• "Battle looks like surrender." What is one battle that I need to move into a disposition of surrender to God?

Discussion Questions:

• What is one of the false narratives that the enemy has been telling in your life?
• What do you think the Father wants to say about that false narrative?
• What area of your heart do you feel has been turned to stone or has been hardened? Why?
• "Hurting people, hurt people." How have you experienced this concept and how can we offer a response of healing?
• Where have you settled for the dry bread from the enemy instead of the banquet that God is offering you?

Quote to Ponder:

"Aslan is on the move" - (Mr. Beaver) C.S. Lewis - The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe

Scripture for Lectio:

"A new heart I will give you, and a new spirit I will put within you; and I will remove from your body the heart of stone and give you a heart of flesh." -Ezekiel 36:26

Timestamps:

(00:00) - Introduction

(01:36) - Welcome

(03:42) - Edmund's Narrative

(10:48) - The Winter in Our Hearts

(13:16) - Father Christmas vs the White Witch

(15:15) - The Gifts of Father Christmas

(20:03) - The Empty Promises of Turkish Delight

(23:02) - The Thawing of Winter into Spring

(27:09) - One Things

In this week's episode, we continue our book study on the Lion, The Witch, and the Wardrobe Chapters 5-8. We reflect deeper on the story and how it relates to our spiritual lives. Themes such as the battle of light and darkness, jealousy and making others feel small, the power of the name of Jesus, surrender vs control and how the story of Narnia is an echo of what our hearts long for in Christ.

Heather's One Thing - Evangelization Ministry of Catholic Christian Outreach

Sister Miriam's One Thing - The women from the "Undone" retreat

Michelle's One Thing - The book "Just Mercy" by Bryan Stevenson

Journal Questions:

• Who can I go to who will speak wisdom into my life?
• Like Edmund, are there any places in my life that I feel fear when I think about God?
• What parts of my heart have been turned to stone and need the warmth of God's hand to bring them back to life?

Discussion Questions:

• What is one truth about God that you can see in your story?
• Where do you need to grow into your royal identity as a daughter of God?
• Discuss the truth about how the name of Jesus contains His presence. How could this change how you pray?
• "He isn't safe, but He's good." How have you experienced the truth of this quote?

Quote to Ponder:

""Safe?" said Mr. Beaver ..."Who said anything about safe? Course he isn't safe. But he's good. He's the King, I tell you."" - (Mr. Beaver) C.S. Lewis - The Lion, The Witch, and the Wardrobe

Scripture for Lectio:

"He will wipe every tear from their eyes. There will be no more death' or mourning or crying or pain, for the old order of things has passed away. He who was seated on the throne said, "I am making everything new!" Then he said, "Write this down, for these words are trustworthy and true. He said to me: "It is done. I am the Alpha and the Omega, the Beginning and the End. To the thirsty I will give water without cost from the spring of the water of life. Those who are victorious will inherit all this, and I will be their God and they will be my children." - Revelation 21:4-7

Timestamps:

(00:00) - Introduction

(01:36) - Welcome

(03:48) - Discovering the Truth

(08:33) - The Professor

(14:14) - Going Back into the Wardrobe

(15:22) - The Power of Aslan

(23:54) - Safety and Goodness

(29:56) - One Things

In this week's episode, we begin our book study on The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe (Chapters 1-4). We dive into the themes of this chapter such as innocence, faith, temptation, sin, and shared adventure. We hope you will continue to join us on the journey into this wonderful story, which we hope will help us reflect more deeply on our relationship with Christ, our own story of faith and redemption, and the invitation to adventure with God.

Heather's One Thing - Her Into the Deep Playlist

Sister Miriam's One Thing - The song "Pieces" (the live version) by Amanda Cook

Michelle's One Thing - The song "Electricity" by Ellie and Drew Holcomb

Other Resources Mentioned:

• Audiobook on YouTube

Journal Questions:

• How has the enemy spoken things in my life that bring about shame?
• What are the parts of Edmund that I see in myself? What parts of Lucy do I see?
• What is my Turkish delight (sin or temptation) that keeps me bound?
• Where are the places I hide from the Lord and others?

Discussion Questions:

• What stood out to you in the reading for this week?
• Where in my life has the enemy taken a place and I need "Christmas" to come?
• Discuss the difference of femininity between Lucy and the witch. How have different examples of femininity affected your life?
• When we numb our heart and our identity, we numb our wonder and our inheritance. How have you seen this truth in your life?
• Where are the places and spaces that you can find wonder that leads to God?

Quote to Ponder:

"And what wonderful adventures we shall have, now that we are all in it together." - (Lucy) C.S. Lewis

Scripture for Lectio:

"Truly, I say to you, unless you turn and become like children, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven." (Matthew 18:3)

Timestamps:

(00:00) - Introduction

(01:39) - Welcome

(4:00) - History of Narnia

(9:48) - Lucy in the Beginning

(16:37) - Edmund in the Beginning

(22:38) - Winter vs Christmas

(26:00) - Living like Lucy and Learning from Edmund

(30:21) - Final Reflections

(33:13) - One Things

(36:54) - Photo Challenge

In this week's episode, we conclude season 14 by reflecting on what we have learned in our lives this past season. We chat about surrendering control and allowing the Holy Spirit to move in power, the need to be grateful for what we already have and the importance of being present in the present moment. We also share personal experiences of transformation and deep intimacy we have found with God, even in the midst of suffering. Thank you for an amazing season, we are truly honored to be on this journey with you. God bless!

Heather's One Thing - Her recent Healing Pilgrimage to France through Franciscan University (check out their website to join future pilgrimages) and Michelle's Sweatshirt

Sister Miriam's One Thing - You :)

Michelle's One Thing - Her Summer Reading List, Word on Fire's children's books, and the book Between Brothers by Sarah Metts

Announcements:

Join us July 8-29 2024 as we re-release our book study on The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe by CS Lewis.

Season 15 begins September 2024 - join our email list to receive updates!

Journal Questions:

• Which episode, conversation, or theme resonated with me most this season?
• What miracles have I been managing lately?
• What has the process of transformation looked like in my life?
• How do I partner with fear in my life? What freedom and goodness does the Lord offer me in those areas?

Discussion Questions:

• What does it look like to move through the power of the Holy Spirit?
• What is God asking you to get rid of and let go of before you move into the next season of life?
• What graces are you grateful for in this season of your life?
• How will you cultivate intimacy with the Lord and community with others throughout the summer?

Quote to Ponder:

"Faith walks simply, childlike, between the darkness of human life and the hope of what is to come." (Catherine Doherty)

Scripture for Lectio:

"Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, since as members of one body you were called to peace. And be thankful." (Colossians 3:15)

Sponsor - Behold Visio Divina:

Encounter the Lord more deeply amidst all the seasons in life through Behold Visio Divina. Behold is devoted to helping women encounter who Christ is through prayer and sacred art. Through their books, formation, and workshops, Behold hopes women can encounter the beauty of who God created them to be and share that with the world! Offering over 10 different sacred art prayer companions on themes such as praying through fear, post abortive healing, relational healing, and many others, Behold has options for every woman's heart. Upcoming book topics include miscarriage and infant loss, iconography, and scrupulosity.

Friend, you are seen, known, and loved wherever the Lord has you in life. And we are here to provide the opportunity to invite you and Jesus into conversation through art and community. We currently are accepting registration for our in person and virtual groups taking part this summer. Take a look at our small groups here and join us!

Because the Abiding Together community holds such a special place in our heart, Behold is offering 15% off any of their items, small group registration, and books. Use the code "ABIDING" for this special rate at www.beholdvisiodivina.com. On our website you can also register for our "Weekly Dose of Beauty" emails! We hope you can join our Behold family soon, please know of our prayers for you!