In this episode we interview our special guest and friend, Fr. Mike Schmitz and introduce you to a brand new podcast from Ascension Press, The Bible in a Year with Fr. Mike Schmitz featuring Jeff Cavins. We discuss the importance of developing a biblical worldview: a lens to view our relationships, circumstances and choices through how the scripture teaches us to think about ourselves and about God. We chat with one of the most recognizable priests in the modern church about humility, the scripture that speaks to him, and what we all can receive by opening the scriptures every day for a year.  You can find a daily reading plan and more information about The Bible in Year Podcast with Fr. Mike Schmitz featuring Jeff Cavins at AscensionPress.com.  Father Mike’s one thing -  I Celebrate the Day - Relient K Father Mike’s other one thing - simplifying and decluttering his life Sister Miriam’s one thing -  O Come Let Us Adore Him - Maverick City Music  Heather’s one thing -  Holy Mass Candle from Providential Co.  Michelle’s one thing - 'Tabernacle' print from Ascension Press Discussion questions:      What struck you from this week’s episode? What distracts or prevents you from reading Scripture each day? Discuss the difference between the lens you look at the world through when you listen to social media/news and the lens you look at the world through when you listen to the truth and beauty in Scripture? In this new year, how is God inviting you to experience His character more deeply through scripture? Are there any daily, weekly or monthly commitments you would like to make as a group to reading or listening to scripture?  Journal Questions:  Take a moment to reflect on some important scriptures that God has used in your life Take some time to reflect on how you can make space for God’s word in scripture to speak to you this year. Is there a particular verse, chapter or book that God wants you to focus on? What needs to change in your life for Scripture to really become daily bread and nourishment for you?  Quote to Ponder:  “My strength returns to me with my cup of coffee and the reading of the psalms” - Dorothy Day Scripture for Lectio Divina:  “Your word is a lamp for my feet and a light to my path.” - Psalm 119:105 Announcements: We will be announcing our Lenten book study title and where to buy your book on Monday, January 18. Subscribe to our weekly listener email to be the first to know!  

S09 E02 The Year of the Word: An Interview with Father Mike Schmitz

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In this week's episode, we reflect on leading with our God-given authority rather than worldly influence. We discuss the importance of remembering our identity in Christ and how true authority is a display of intimacy that has been rooted in a real tangible love. We share the ways we may have been wounded by authority figures in our past, why these wounds can distort our perception of authority, and how to heal from these wounds so that we can lead others into the light of Christ.   Heather’s One Thing -  Chicken Khao Soi (Thai Coconut Curry Noodle Soup) from My Kitchen Little Sister Miriam’s On Thing - The book  Litanies of the Heart by Dr Gerry Crete Michelle’s One Thing -  Beatify: Lullabies with the Saints (an album of Catholic lullabies) from Beatify with Josh Blakesley and Kelly Lombardi   Other Resources Mentioned:  The Restore the Glory Podcast series on Parts Work (Parts Work (Part 1) w/ Gerry Crete; Parts Work (Part 2) w/ Brya Hanan; Parts Work (Part 3) w/ Bishop Andrew Miller)   Journal Questions:  How have I abdicated my God-given authority? When do I perceive surrender to be a form of defeat? How has authority been misused in my life? How is God inviting me to stay with Him in faithfulness and obedience? Where do I need to be both honoring and honest?    Discussion Questions:  How often do you think God is holding out on you? How do I lose sight of God-given authority by seeking out worldly influence? What accountability do I need to choose surrendered, God-given authority over worldly influence? When have you felt safe under God’s authority? How do you need to grow and mature to better lead and serve others?    Quote to Ponder: “The fourth commandment opens the second table of the Decalogue. It shows us the order of charity. God has willed that, after him, we should honor our parents to whom we owe life and who have handed on to us the knowledge of God. We are obliged to honor and respect all those whom God, for our good, has vested with his authority.” (CCC 2197)   Scripture for Lectio:  “Only be careful, and watch yourselves closely so that you do not forget the things your eyes have seen or let them fade from your heart as long as you live. Teach them to your children and to their children after them.” (Deuteronomy 4:9)   Sponsor - WalletWin: A big thank you to our sponsor WalletWin, Catholic financial formation for the whole family and creators of The Catholic Money Academy. Most of us were never taught how to manage our money 

S14 E13 - Leading with God-Given Authority

In this week's episode, we reflect on the themes of resurrection, grief, and hope in Pope Francis’  Easter Vigil homily. We chat about the sadness of unfulfilled dreams and the tender places in our hearts where we are afraid to hope and want to stay in the tomb. We also talk about the anxieties and worries that can come with trying to figure things out on our own and the importance of surrendering our plans to God. Just like Christ, we are called to walk through the sufferings of this life with Him into the Resurrection.   Heather’s One Thing -  Her  Easter playlist Heather’s Other One Thing - The book  Becoming Wife: Saying Yes to More than the Dress by Rachel Bulman (or on Amazon here) Sister Miriam’s On Thing - The book Beloved Daughter by Carrie Daunt  Michelle’s One Thing - The book  Befriending Your Inner Child: A Catholic Approach to Healing and Wholeness by Brya Hanan (or on Amazon here)   Other Resources Mentioned:  The Restore the Glory Podcast series on Parts Work (Parts Work (Part 1) w/ Gerry Crete; Parts Work (Part 2) w/ Brya Hanan; Parts Work (Part 3) w/ Bishop Andrew Miller)   Journal Questions:  What hopes have been dashed by the sorrowful mysteries of my life? Where are the places that I am afraid to hope? Do I believe my dreams are doomed to fail? What anxieties in my heart are preventing me from hoping?    Discussion Questions:  How are you still living in winter during the spring of Easter? Do you know how to practice Resurrection? In what ways do you believe your dreams rely on you for their fulfillment? How do you intellectualize or explain away your dreams?    Quote to Ponder: “Yet the same women who bore this darkness in their hearts tell us something quite extraordinary. When they looked up, they saw that the stone, which was very large, had already been rolled back. This is the Pasch of Christ, the revelation of God’s power: the victory of life over death, the triumph of light over darkness, the rebirth of hope amid the ruins of failure. It is the Lord, the God of the impossible, who rolled away the stone forever. Even now, he opens our hearts, so that hope may be born ever anew. We too, then, should “look up” to him.” (Pope Francis,  Easter Vigil Homily)   Scripture for Lectio:  “When they looked up, they saw that the stone, which was very large, had already been rolled back.” (Mark 16:4)   Sponsor - Farm of the Child: Farm of the Child is a Catholic children's home, school and clinic in Trujillo, Honduras where children receive healing care from a team of Honduran staff, Franciscan sisters, and international missionaries. Each year, the Farm of the Child attracts dedicated missionaries who make a 2 year commitment of service. Missionaries come from all different walks of life in order to serve in a variety of functions such as teaching, nursing, project management and community outreach. After spending 6 weeks in Antigua, Guatemala learning Spanish, missionaries travel to the children’s home where they live together and are guided by the four pillars of community, spirituality, simplicity and service.  Short term immersion trips, remote and summer service opportunities are also available.  If you think you might be called to serve in the capacity of an international missionary, email missions@farmofthechild.org. Want to learn more about how to get involved in the mission in the US? Check out farmofthechild.org and sign up for our monthly newsletter here: https://www.farmofthechild.org/contact-us

S14 E12 - Living in the Resurrection

In this week's episode, we conclude our Lenten study on the book “A Time of Renewal” and discuss the theme of “focus”. We chat about our natural temptation to focus on our woundedness, why we should take action and invite Jesus into these places, and how our wounds can be transformed into signs of the resurrection power of Christ. We also talk about the crosses we bear and the importance of recognizing the little resurrections in our life. Friends, thank you for journeying with us this Lenten season. We look forward to seeing you again after Easter!   Heather’s One Thing -  Our team behind the scenes: Kate, Camille, and Kristina! We are so grateful for you Sister Miriam’s On Thing - Springtime! Michelle’s One Thing - These Easter themed charcuterie boards!  Option 1 Here.  Option 2 Here.   Announcement(s): We will be taking a two week break for Easter beginning on 4/1/24! Season 14 will continue on 4/15/24!   Journal Questions:  What was hard for me? What were the graces and mercies I experienced? How have I grown? How can I make this week holy? What wounds do I bring to Jesus? What wounds do I simply “stare at”?    Discussion Questions:  Where in your life are you seeking glory? Do I live like the Resurrection is a reality? When do you lose hope? Does the story you tell yourself about God align with God’s story (the Paschal Mystery)? What are the places of my heart that I don’t believe the narrative (of the Paschal Mystery)?    Quotes to Ponder: “How are wounds made glorious? By our deciding what we will do with them. Our Jesus turned his wounds into beauty, and there is not one of us who would say, “Oh, this should not be in eternity.” Our poor hearts thrill to the verity that he is always showing his wounds to the Father on our behalf. They are transformed now in glory. Likewise, there is a transformation that we too can make of our own little everyday wounds which sometimes seem so deep and so big and so insufferable to us. How do we transform them into glory? By looking at Jesus, by remembering his suffering which was turned into glory.”  (Mother Mary Francis P.C.C. A Time of Renewal. Kindle Edition. Page 207)   Scripture for Lectio:  “Truly, truly, I say to you, unless a grain of wheat falls into the earth and dies, it remains alone; but if it dies, it bears much fruit.” (John 12:24)   Sponsor - Pearl and Thistle: Pearl & Thistle equips Catholics to both understand and love God’s design for our bodies and menstrual cycles – from puberty to perimenopause, and everything in between!  Pearl & Thistle features online courses, like:  Cycle Prep - for parents and daughters to prepare for her first period, together!  Perimenopause Prep - for couples who want to navigate NFP amidst cycle changes, together!  Plus, books for teens and single women and tons of downloadable body literacy resources! Pearl and Thistle founder Christina Valenzuela weaves together modern cycle science with insights from Scripture, tradition, and JPII’s Theology of the Body to give us the positive language to talk about cycles, periods, and fertility – even when it all may just feel like a confusing mess.  Learn more about Pearl and Thistle’s innovative approach to Catholic body literacy @pearlandthistle or pearlandthistle.com, and be sure to use code TOGETHER to get 10% off at-home courses!

S14 E11 - A Time of Renewal (Holy Week: Focus)

In this week's episode, we continue our Lenten study on the book “A Time of Renewal” and focus on how life is a continual process of refinement and how true learning comes through the healing found in suffering and communion. We also talk about the feelings of shame that accompany situations where we fall short, the importance of recognizing our limitations in humility, and how God desires to redeem our deepest wounds to help us grow in communion and love.    Heather’s One Thing -  Sarah Kroger’s new song No Filter  Sister Miriam’s On Thing - Heather Khym’s Lenten Playlist (AGAIN!!) Michelle’s One Thing - Floret Flowers   Announcement: We will be taking a two week break for Easter beginning on 4/1/24. Season 14 will continue on 4/15/24!   Journal Questions:  What learning curves in my life do I react to with shame or fear? Where in my life do I feel like I need to figure it out? What are my most frequent complaints? How do they wound the Heart of Christ? How can I honor the Lord this upcoming Holy Week?    Discussion Questions:  What lessons are you learning this Lent? What blocks and walls do you experience when learning new lessons? How is the Lord inviting you to put in effort in learning the lessons of this season? How can you show loving and attentive devotion to the Lord in your daily life?    Quote to Ponder: “Let us think for a few minutes about the process of learning. All real learning requires a great effort….One could perhaps define the greatest scholars as those who have put forth the most effort with the equipment that God gave them. There is always some form of suffering in all learning because there must be patience, and patience is suffering. There is always humility in learning. It is the great scholars who realize how little they know…” (Mother Mary Francis P.C.C. A Time of Renewal. Kindle Edition. Page 175)   Scripture for Lectio:  “He said to his apostles, “I have yet many things to say to you, but you cannot bear them now.”” (John 16:12)   Sponsor - The Christa McAuliffe Academy School of Arts and Sciences: Discover CMASAS, where education is as unique as your child. CMASAS offers a personalized learning experience that adapts to each student's passions and pace. This WASC-accredited K-12 online school is an asynchronous, mastery-based program is a great fit for families seeking flexibility.  CMASAS offers an experienced instructional support team with an average of 15 years’ experience. Course Instructors and Personalized Education Coaches (PECs) work with parents and students to develop a Personalized Education Plan specific to each student’s goals. The CMASAS community represents 30 countries. Students create lifelong friendships as they connect at clubs, homerooms, international trips, and in-person events. With dual-enrollment and AP options, students often graduate with college credits. We're excited to offer Abiding Together listeners a special promo code ABIDE2024 to waive the enrollment registration fee. Discover how CMASAS can redefine education for your child: Visit www.cmasas.org, Email info@cmasas.org, Call 503.226.7374

S14 E10 - A Time of Renewal (Lent Week 5: Scholarship)

In this week's episode, we continue our Lenten study on the book “A Time of Renewal” and focus on the theme of “filling up the sufferings of Christ”. We reflect on the connection between repentance and love, recognizing how they complement each other, and the beauty of repentance as an intimate act of drawing nearer to God. We share our own struggles during this Lenten season, how others have helped keep us accountable, and the importance of helping others grow in holiness. Lastly, we chat about the significance of renouncing falsehoods about ourselves and embracing the truth about our identity that can only be found in God.   Heather’s One Thing -The song Jesus is My Healer by Gateway Worship  Sister Miriam’s On Thing - Andrew Laubacher and his organization called Humanality Michelle’s One Thing - Fr. Mark Mary CFR new book  The Father: 30 Meditations to Draw You Into the Heart of God   Journal Questions:  Where is the ease of the Lord in my life? How can I turn back to the Lord in moments of hardship this Lent? In the people I struggle with most, how do I encounter the image of God in them? In my own self-righteousness, from whom do I withhold the kingdom of God?    Discussion Questions:  Do you perceive repentance as an opportunity for intimacy or a response to punishment? How can you more urgently respond to God’s invitation of love? What accountability can you incorporate to be steadfast to your Lenten promises? How can you invite a culture of redemption into your life?    Quote to Ponder: “Our joy must be in him, where alone things have permanent depth and even eternality. The more earnestly we live our Lent, the more will we be finding our joy in Jesus.” (Mother Mary Francis P.C.C. A Time of Renewal. Kindle Edition. Page 148)   Scripture for Lectio:  “He delivered us from the dominion of the darkness and transferred us into the kingdom of his beloved son.”  (Colossians 1:13)   Sponsor - Mary’s Meals: Mary’s Meals sets up community-run school feeding projects in some of the world’s poorest communities, where poverty and hunger prevent children from gaining an education. The idea is a simple one that works. Mary’s Meals provides one daily meal in a place of learning to attract chronically poor children into the classroom, where they receive an education that can, in the future, be their ladder out of poverty. Bringing hope to hungry children around the world, their mission is to enable people to offer their money, goods, skills, time, or prayer, and through this involvement, provide the most effective help to those suffering the effects of extreme poverty in the world’s poorest Communities. Today, Mary’s Meals is providing more than 2.4 million children with a daily school meal across five continents. But the need is great! The appalling reality is that there are still 73 million children living in extreme poverty in need of school feeding. Please help to reach the next hungry child waiting for Mary’s Meals. To get involved or learn more visit marysmeals.ca in Canada or marysmealsusa.org in the USA.

S09 E02 The Year of the Word: An Interview with Father Mike Schmitz

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