Abiding Together

In this episode, we discuss the importance of cultivating silence and solitude in a world full of distractions. Our Lord speaks to us in the still small voice of our hearts and we talk about how the goal of silence is ultimately communion with God. We also chat about the difference between solitude versus isolation, reasons why we may be afraid of silence, and provide practical ways to cultivate silence in our daily lives. Jesus is the rest our souls yearn for and it is in the quiet where we meet Him most deeply.   Heather’s One Thing - International Justice Mission -  IJM’s mission is to protect people in poverty from violence by rescuing victims, bringing criminals to justice, restoring survivors to safety and strength, and helping local law enforcement build a safe future that lasts. Sister Miriam’s One Thing -  The Greatest Philosopher Who Ever Lived by Dr. Peter Kreeft Michelle’s One Thing - Poco a Poco Podcast   Announcement: We are so excited to announce our Advent book study will be:  The Reed of God

In this episode, we conclude our two part series on Pope Francis’ recent Apostolic Exhortation about St. Thérèse of Lisieux entitled “C’est la Confiance: On Confidence in the Merciful Love of God”. We discuss how we are all called to a bridal relationship with Jesus and how our desire to love and be loved is a call to Heaven. We also chat about our vocation to love and the importance of growing in this discipline of love even when it is not reciprocated.    Heather’s One Thing - The song Hell or High Water by Amanda Cook  Sister Miriam’s One Thing -  The Way of Trust and Love by Fr. Jacques Philippe Michelle’s One Thing - Story of a Soul - study edition  Michelle’s Other One Thing - The song Thank God I Do by Lauren Daigle Other Resources Mentioned:  Reading Recommendations about St. Therese: The Way of Trust and Love - by Fr. Jacques Philippe The Story of a Soul - by St. Therese I Believe in Love: A Personal Retreat Based on the Teaching of St. Therese of Lisieux - by Jean D'Elbee 33 days to Merciful Love

In this episode, we begin a two part series on Pope Francis’ recent Apostolic Exhortation about St. Therese of Lisieux entitled “C’est la Confiance: On Confidence in the Merciful Love of God”. We reflect on what it looks like to abandon ourselves with total confidence in God's love and how to overcome places in our lives where we feel orphaned or forgotten by God. We also chat about how a praying church is a powerful church and what it means to be childlike instead of childish. St. Therese’s “little way” can guide us in learning to pray, trust, and love.    Heather’s One Thing - Renewal Ministries (Check out this video as well) Heather’s Other One Thing - St Therese’s poem “My Wishes Before the Tabernacle”  Sister Miriam’s One Thing -  Sarah Kroger’s cover of the song What a Wonderful World  Michelle’s One Thing - One of our future sponsors: Bell Road Beef Other Resources Mentioned:  S1 E11: Striving vs Abiding Our Searching for and Maintaining Peace Book Study   Journal Questions: Where have I distorted t

In this episode, we chat about the importance of living in the present moment and recognizing the beauty of ordinary life. In today’s modern world, we are constantly surrounded by distractions and can be tempted to focus on the past or the future and can lose sight of the gifts and graces right in this present moment. We share practical ways we live in the moment, we discuss the struggle of being in the culture, yet living differently from it, and ponder the power of prioritizing people over productivity. We invite you to take the present moment and see how the Lord is working in your life through the people and world around you.   Heather’s One Thing - Healing pilgrimage to France with Jake and Heather and Fr. Nathan Malavolti, TOR  Sister Miriam’s One Thing - The Twitter Feed of @DanWuori Michelle’s One Thing - The book: The Ruthless Elimination of Hurry by John Mark Comer  Michelle’s Other One Thing - Two recipes: Chili Lime Roasted Cauliflower and Apple Crumble Cheesecake    Announcement: Happy birthda

In this episode we welcome back Fr Boniface Hicks, OSB, a Benedictine monk and spiritual director at Saint Vincent Archabbey, to talk about the discernment of spirits. We chat about the reality of spiritual warfare, why we need not be afraid, and how to practically discern God’s voice versus our own thoughts. Fr. Boniface also defines the difference between spiritual desolation and psychological depression as well as clarity on whether we should seek spiritual direction or counseling.    Heather’s One Thing - Why Not Become Totally Fire Shirts Sister Miriam’s One Thing - The song Godhead Here in Hiding - Luke Spehar Michelle’s One Thing - Pumpkin Olive Oil Cake  Fr. Boniface’s One Thing - His St. Bernard Honeybee Story   Other Resources Mentioned: Fr. Timothy Gallagher’s Podcast, Books, and Resources   Journal Questions: Where do I see division within my heart and seek the Holy Spirit’s bond of love? When have I experienced spiritual consolation? When have I experienced spiritual desolation? Is there anythin

In this episode we welcome Fr Boniface Hicks, OSB, a Benedictine monk and spiritual director at Saint Vincent Archabbey, to talk about prayer and hearing the voice of God. We discuss the beauty of learning to recognize God’s voice and various practical steps we can take to listen to and understand what God is saying in our lives. Fr. Boniface also shares examples of common stumbling blocks and how our woundedness can affect how we pray.    Heather’s One Thing - The song Heart of God by Hillsong  Sister Miriam’s One Thing - The travel aeropress and travel hot water kettle from Fr. Boniface Michelle’s One Thing - Fr. Boniface’s books on Personal Prayer and St. Joseph Michelle’s Other One Thing - College Football Fr. Boniface’s One Thing - Being a part of the Abiding Together Podcast   Other Resources Mentioned:  The Fruit of Her Womb: 33-Day Preparation for Total Consecration to Jesus Through Mary by Fr. Boniface Hicks   Discussion Questions: What did you learn about prayer in this episode? How do you see Go

In this episode, we discuss what happens in our lives during the summer, through the lens of the four mysteries of the rosary: joyful, sorrowful, luminous, and glorious. We chat about how each of our lives are a pilgrimage and how even when we cannot feel or see it, God is continuously working. Today, we invite you to reflect upon your recent faith journey and discover the beautiful ways God has been shaping your soul.    Heather’s One Thing - My revised prayer space Sister Miriam’s One Thing - The book: Wisdom of the Heart by Dr. Peter Kreft  Michelle’s One Thing - Two songs: Joy by Ben Rector & The Choir Room and Mannasseh by Anna Golden    Discussion Questions: Which Mystery of the Rosary has resonated with you most in this chapter of your life? Which Mystery of the Rosary has been the hardest for you to resonate with in this chapter of your life? What does it mean for your body to be a temple of the Holy Spirit? Where in your body are you experiencing healing? Where in your life are you looking for r

In this episode, we conclude our five part study of Christifideles Laici. We discuss how life is a continual maturation process and in order to bear new fruit, we need to put in the effort to grow. Community is an integral part of this formation and we chat about how allowing others into our lives is necessary for this maturation and healing. We have deeply enjoyed journeying with you this summer and are excited to announce that Season 13 will begin on September 25th! God bless you friends and thank you for being a part of our community!   Heather’s One Thing - The song I Just Love You by UPPERROOM and Abbie Gamboa Heather’s Other One Thing - Jake Khym’s new course on Identity. Visit Life Restoration Ministries to find out more information and sign up for the course this fall Sister Miriam’s One Thing - Healing the Whole Person Weeklong Virtual Retreat Michelle’s One Thing - Her friends the O’Grady’s and for their generosity in letting her use their beachhouse to record this summer series.     Discussion Ques

In this week’s episode, we continue with part four of our study on Christifideles Laici. We dive deep into the role of women and discuss how embracing the fullness of our femininity can uniquely help heal the culture. We also reflect on how the Church is like a loving mother and each one of us belongs and is deeply cherished. Whether we are young or old, a man or a woman, healthy or sick, each of us are invited to offer our gifts in God’s vineyard.    Heather’s One Thing - Ascension’s Catechism  Sister Miriam’s One Thing - The song Peace by Bethel Music Michelle’s One Thing - Word on Fire Bible Volume III (or on Amazon here)   Discussion Questions: How can women prepare Christ’s Bride, the Church, for Christ? How is God inviting you to see womanhood as a gift? What is God’s mission for your family? How do each of your family members participate in that?   Journal Questions: Do I feel like I belong in the Church? How am I being sanctified by my current season of life? How have I diminished my voice and acce

In this episode, we continue with part three of our study on Christifideles Laici. We discuss how we are all called to evangelization, how our unique gifts allow us to bring Christ’s light to the world in different ways, and how our lives can be a living witness of what we believe. We also reflect on why community with family, friends, and our parishes is essential in cultivating mission, and how our mission is reciprocally accomplished within communion.    Heather’s One Thing - The album Live in the Prayer Room by Jeremy Riddle Heather’s Other One Thing - Our staff behind the scenes: Camille, Kate, and Kristina Michelle’s One Thing - The Book Living the Seasons: Simple Ways to Celebrate the Beauty of Your faith Throughout the Year by Erica Tighe Campbell  Sister Miriam’s One Thing - Overnight chia protein pudding   Discussion Questions: How is your life and mission bearing the fruit of communion? How are you being called to participate in the time of re-evangelization? How are you experiencing a paralytic s

In this episode, we continue with part two of our study on Christifideles Laici. We chat about unity within the Catholic Church, the role of your local parish, and the importance of community. We reflect on how easy it is to focus on the differences we encounter instead of the beauty of its complementarity and rich diversity. We discuss the need to restore the culture and how participation in our parish communities can build communion and encourage others to develop an authentic love of Jesus.   Heather’s One Thing - Family photos taken by Laura-Anne Heather’s Other One Thing - The song Pure Abbie Gamboa from Upper Room Sister Miriam’s One Thing - The Godsplaining Podcast with Fr. Gregory Pine Michelle’s One Thing - Lavender Lemonade and Lavender Lemonade Cupcakes (Gluten Free Version Here). This is the lavender syrup I used.    Discussion Questions: What is your investment in your local parish? How have you engaged with the Church with a consumerist mentality? Where in my heart do I fall into divisive think

In this episode, we begin our five part summer study of St. Pope John Paul II’s Apostolic Exhortation, Christifideles Laici: on the vocation and the mission of the lay faithful in the Church and in the world. We share why we are excited for the study, ways we have been personally convicted to grow in faith, and what the universal call to holiness looks like in our everyday lives. In a time when darkness seems to be growing, we ponder how Jesus is the hope for humanity and the sense of urgency we should feel in being His light bearers to the world. The Lord has called you to holiness and to bear fruit in this world, wherever you may find yourself.    Friends, in our study of Christifideles Laici, you will hear us talk about the recurring theme of community. While reading this apostolic exhortation and listening to each episode by yourself will certainly bear fruit in your life, we want to take a moment to encourage you to reach out to your friends and start a small group to discuss each chapter. We provide on

In our final episode of Season 12, we dive deep into how the Lord has been working in our lives since we began the season in January. We acknowledge how easy it is to get caught up in the struggles of life and forget to take time to stop, pause, and remember the blessings we have received. We open up about the seeds the Lord has planted in our hearts, the areas in our lives He is re-awakening, and the spiritual fruit we have seen blossoming. Through our vulnerability, we hope you are inspired this summer to reflect on how the Lord has been working in your life and share it with someone you’re close to. Friends, we have enjoyed every moment of season 12 and are excited for where the Lord takes us next. Thank you for being on this journey of life with us. We hope you join us for our summer study that begins July 17 and our next season beginning in September.  Heather’s One Thing - The song Tend by Bethel and my fruit salad tree Sister Miriam’s One Thing - The song Detour by Sarah Kroger (lyric video) or (live

In this episode we welcome Sr. Josephine Garrett, a Sister of the Holy Family of Nazareth, to talk about family systems. As a licensed counselor both in private practice and schools, Sr. Josephine shares the insights she has learned from working with children and parents to heal their relationships with each other and with themselves. We chat about the pain parents feel when their own wounds impact their kids, practical ways we can find hope and restoration, and how the sanctification within families contributes to the sanctification of the Church.    Heather’s One Thing - The short film: The Boy, the Mole, the Fox, and the Horse  Sister Miriam’s One Thing - Our listeners and college softball  Michelle’s One Thing - The NBA playoffs Sister Josephine’s One Thing - The women’s Bible study at her parish Resources Mentioned in this Episode: Wired to Connect: The Surprising Link Between Brain Science and Strong, Healthy Relationships by Amy Banks  How we Love  How we Love Website Sr. Josephine’s Instagram    D

In this episode, we welcome Jill Simons as our guest to talk about Charisms. A charism is a grace from God we are called to use to build up His Kingdom here on earth. We acknowledge a deep lie that many people believe they don’t have anything special to offer our communities or the Church, but the truth is that charisms are given to every person by God. Jill offers practical tools to help discern your charisms, the theology behind charisms, and how charisms work within our vocations.   Heather’s One Thing - The song Most Beautiful by Upperroom and the unity that is increasing among denominations Sister Miriam’s One Thing - The St. Joseph Consecration on Hallow beginning May 1st (read by Sr. Miriam) Michelle’s One Thing - A Home in Bloom: Four Enchanted Seasons with Flowers by Christie Purifoy and The Blessed is She Journaling Bible Jill’s One Thing - Encounter School of Ministry   Resources Mentioned in this Episode: Many Parts Ministries Pink Salt Riot Many Parts on Instagram Pink Salt Riot on Instagram Jil

In this episode, we discuss Pope Francis’ Easter Vigil homily about the hope that comes from remembering Jesus, our first love. We reflect on his meditations about how the women in scripture are grieved to find Jesus’ empty tomb, and like these women, we all too often become hopeless and see joy as belonging to the past. We discuss moments of personal encounter with the love of Jesus that has healed us and offer an invitation to a renewed hope in Jesus by remembering the great joy and power that comes through relationship with Him. Let us allow our ‘sealed tombs’ to be opened and restored by hope this Easter season.    Heather’s One Thing - The young leaders at Franciscan University Sister Miriam’s One Thing - Savory ham and cheese scones  Michelle’s One Thing - Let Beauty Speak: The Art of Being Human in a Culture of Noise by Jimmy Mitchell (or on Amazon here) Michelle’s Other One Thing - The TOR Sisters - Sr. Rita Claire and Sr. Brigid as well as the CSU at Florida State University    Resources Mentioned i

In this episode, we chat about helping children cultivate a deep relationship with God. In today’s culture, with entertainment and distractions at our fingertips, this can seem like a difficult task. We discuss the importance of being a good witness to our children and living out daily what you want them to learn. We also share examples of what we have done well, what we need to improve upon, and the amazing power of intercessory prayer.   Heather’s One Thing - Letter to Families from JPII Sister Miriam’s One Thing - Jason and Crystalina Evert’s new book Male, Female, Other? Sister Miriam’s Other One Thing - The Pints with Aquinas episode: Responding to Transgenderism With Truth and Mercy w/ Jason Evert Michelle’s One Thing - The women’s bracket of March Madness    Discussion Questions: How is God inviting you to have a deeper role in the formation of children? How can we help our kids grow in their relationship with God in the culture? Do you have a rule of life? If not, what would you like to include in yo

In this episode, we conclude our Lenten book study Be Transformed by Dr. Bob Schuchts. We share what stood out to us most from the book study, how the Holy Spirit has been moving in our lives this Lent, and practical tips to continue your healing transformation this Easter season. Friends, God’s presence is always there, He does not leave us to fend for ourselves. As we journey through Holy Week and into Easter, we have the perfect opportunity to receive the Sacraments with a renewed and transformed heart. We are praying for you!   Heather’s One Thing - Easter: Hallelujah is Our Song - Spotify Playlist Heather’s Other One Thing - Dr. Bob Schuchts Sister Miriam’s One Thing - Prayer from Healing the Whole Person Retreat Workbook  “I will let God love me in the places where I feel most vulnerable and most dependent.”  Michelle’s One Thing - All My Knotted-Up Life: A Memoir by Beth Moore   Other resources mentioned in this episode: The Fear of God - talk by Francis Chan (begins at 1:31:40)   Discussion Questions

In this episode, we continue with part six of our Lenten book study Be Transformed by Dr. Bob Schuchts. We discuss how the Sacrament of Anointing of the Sick heals the wound of hopelessness and share the different ways we approach these dark and sometimes scary places in life. While, in the moment, it may appear that we are alone, God never leaves us and wants to restore our hope in Him. Whenever you experience hopelessness, we invite you to surrender your sorrows to Him and courageously place your hope in our faithful God. Hey friends! We are going to continue this series with one more bonus episode next Monday, April 3rd to share further insights and conclude Be Transformed.    Heather’s One Thing - Matt Maher’s new albums exclusively on Hallow Sister Miriam’s One Thing - The wonderful people in Grand Rapids, MI from the KEPHA men’s and women’s conferences! Michelle’s One Thing - Missionaries!   Other resources mentioned in this episode: S6 E13 - The Light Shines in the Darkness with Fr. Justin Brady Why Yo

In this episode, we continue with part five of our Lenten book study Be Transformed by Dr. Bob Schuchts. We discuss how Reconciliation heals the wound of shame. We chat about how we all have wounds that make us feel unlovable and send us into isolation, which opens the door for the enemy to attack us with doubts and lies about these tender places. When we go to Confession, these places are brought out of shame, into the light, and restored to the truth that we are deeply and tenderly loved by God. This Lent, we encourage you to allow God’s mercy to restore you in the sacrament of confession.    Heather’s One Thing - Jordan Peterson Heather’s Other One Thing - The song Communion by Maverick City (feat. Steffany Gretzinger & Brandon Lake) Sister Miriam’s One Thing - Springtime! Yay! Michelle’s One Thing - Holy Grit - Paul George (you can find on Amazon here) Discussion Questions: How have you experienced healing in the Sacrament of Reconciliation? How do you hide in your shame and sinfulness? In what way