Abiding Together

Merry Christmas from Sister Miriam, Michelle, and Heather! Today the ladies of Abiding Together bring you a special minisode: A Christmas Blessing.

In this weeks episode we finish up our Advent series, the Fellowship of the Feminine Genius, with a wonderful conversation with special guest Debbie Herbeck. Debbie is a wife, mother, and grandmother who disciples young women and lives radical love in action. She shares with us her journey from Judaism to Catholicism, the cost of the Gospel in her own family, and her life changing encounter with Saint Mother Teresa of Calcutta. She also shares how Mary has been pivotal in her life and challenges us to open our hearts to love. To find out more about Debbie you can check out beloverevolution.com and you can check out her three books: Safely Through the Storm, Love Never Fails, Firmly on the Rock. Visit www.ascensionpress.com/abidingtogether to subscribe to the shownotes and receive them in your email every Monday! One Thing We Love This Week: Sr. Miriam’s One Thing - The character “Clara” from The Nutcracker and the Four Realms Michelle’s One Thing - Spirit Break Out - Kim Walker Smith Michelle’s other one thi

We continue our Advent mini series on the Fellowship of the Feminine Genius and interview the lovely Ali Hoffman! Ali is also known as “theoodlesofdoodles” on instagram where she creates beautiful quotes and art and is also a full time youth director. We chat with Ali about women being able to celebrate one another’s gifts and live in community over competition and much more! Visit www.ascensionpress.com/abidingtogether to subscribe to the shownotes and receive them in your email every Monday! One Thing We Love This Week: Sr. Miriam’s One thing - Art piece Bouguereau-Song of the Angels Michelle’s other one thing - Love is Christmas - Sara Bareilles https://youtu.be/LIODr_RWwEc Heather's One Thing - Matt Maher “Jingle Bells” https://youtu.be/AcPdRWNP00M Ali’s One Thing - Blessed is She Advent Journal https://blessedisshe.net/product/bearing-light-advent-devotional/ Discussion Questions: 1) What does it look like to relate as community instead of as competitors? 2) What do people need to safely share their gift

Today we begin a short Advent series on the Fellowship of the Feminine Genius. We break open what happens in the power of community and what it means to come together in a circle and champion one another and to offer a place to be seen, known, and celebrated. We use the relationship of Mary and Elizabeth as the model and share our own story of how we met, how God has used our fellowship to encourage and fight for one another and how to offer true friendship and love for one another. One Thing We Love This Week: Sr. Miriam’s One thing - Heather’s Advent Playlist Michelle’s other one thing - The book by Madeline L'Engle - And it was Good: Reflections on Beginnings Heather's One Thing - Advent book by Ann Voskamp “[Unwrapping the Greatest Gift - A Family Christmas Celebration ]"(https://amzn.to/2QlPSE9) Also the song “Noel” by Lauren Daigle Discussion Questions: 1) What stands out to you about Mary and Elizabeth's friendship? 2) When have women spoken into your life in life giving ways? 3) What does a safe circl

In today’s episode of the Abiding Together Podcast, we talk about the Lordship of Jesus and what it means to truly submit our lives to Him. It’s often easy to fall into the trap of doing good religious works, without truly giving our whole life to the Lord. We chat about the truth of how it’s in losing your life that we find it, what submission practically looks like, and how to encourage one another to look at the areas that are incongruent in our lives. One Thing We Love This Week: Sr. Miriam's One Thing - Taking time to reflect on the graces of the last year and writing them down to grow in gratitude Michelle's One Thing - Stephan Colbert - Liturgical Dance "The King of Glory" https://youtu.be/oASYa-Wkroc Heather's One Thing - The worship song “Sails” by Pat Barrett https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rC7mNAsx7Vw Discussion Questions: What areas is God calling you to submit under His Lordship? What does it look like to live life like a daughter of the King and what does it look like to live life as an

In today’s episode of the Abiding Together Podcast, we interview the wonderful Fr. Josh Johnson! Fr. Josh shares with us his insights about how the feminine genius complimenting masculinity is meant to restore the Church. He shares about his personal encounters with Christ in the deepest places of his wounds and how that changed his life and shaped his ministry. We also talk about how all of this impacts the current scandals in the Church and our response to our own sin, hiding, and pursuit of personal holiness. One Thing We Love This Week: Fr. Josh’s One Thing - His book “Broken and Blessed: An Invitation to My Generation” https://shop.ascensionpress.com/products/broken-and-blessed-an-invitation-to-my-generation His other one thing - Book “In Sinu Jesu” When Heart Speaks to Heart” by A Benedictine Monk https://www.amazon.com/Sinu-Jesu-Speaks-Journal-Priest/dp/1621382192 Sr. Miriam's One Thing - This series on “The Place We Find Ourselves” podcast. How Healing Happens-Part 1 https://adamyoungcounseling.com/2

Today's Abiding Together Podcast is part 4 of our series on the women doctors of the Church. This episode is on St. Thérèse of Lisieux. We talk in depth about her “little way”, a path of deep trust in God that allowed her to love in small and courageous ways and led to her sainthood. We chat about the universal call to holiness, the acceptance of our weaknesses, and how to grow in deeper trust. One Thing We Love This Week: Sr. Miriam's One Thing - Undone Women’s Retreat: https://jpiihealingcenter.org/event/undone-womens-conference-tallahassee-fl/ Michelle's One Thing - A Light So Lovely - The spiritual legacy of Madeline L' Engle - by Sarah Arthur https://www.amazon.com/Light-So-Lovely-Spiritual-Madeleine-ebook/dp/B07B6DCPJT/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1541443431&sr=8-1&keywords=a+light+so+lovely+the+spiritual+legacy+of+madeleine+lengle Music by Marie Miller https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=OLAK5uy_nIm-_SUJsuOulFZtyjCXh0HYMQ0wpjCX8 Heather's One Thing - Book “The Way of Trust and Love” - by Fr.

Today’s episode is Part 3 of our series on the women doctors of the Church, on the life of St. Teresa of Avila. We talk about the great gift of her spiritual writings, her humor, her practical wisdom and her reforming spirit. We talk about growing in self awareness and how we can move through spiritual pitfalls. One Thing We Love This Week: Sr. Miriam's One Thing - Song “Fear Not” by Kristene DiMarco https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=g0GQp-vTqOw Michelle's One Thing - Blessed Is She advent Journal https://blessedisshe.net/product/bearing-light-advent-devotional/ Also the new Ascension Series coming soon called “Rejoice” Heather's One Thing - The movie Les Miserable with Hugh Jackman and Anne Hathaway - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tD53IYJlot8 Discussion Questions: 1) What struck you from the podcast this week? 2) What areas of comfort do you cling to that may be causing resistance in growing deeper in your relationship with God? 3) What is one practical “little by little” choice that you can make to grow thi

Today’s episode we dive into the life of St. Hildegard of Bingen, part 2 of our series on the women doctors of the Church. We talk about how amazing this woman was, her many talents and how she used the power of her voice and influence to help restore the Church. We also discuss places that we have lost our voice, the trap of self doubt, and letting God be strong in our weakness. One Thing We Love This Week: Sr. Miriam's One Thing - The Anonymous 4 album “The Origin of Fire” https://www.amazon.com/Origin-Fire-Visions-Hildegard-Bingen/dp/B00B3SPEQI/ref=sr_1_20?ie=UTF8&qid=1540407535&sr=8-20&keywords=anonymous+4 Michelle's One Thing - The Ministry of Ordinary Places - Shannan Martin https://www.amazon.com/Ministry-Ordinary-Places-Waking-Goodness-ebook/dp/B07BB665J5/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1540413147&sr=8-1&keywords=shannan+martin Heather's One Thing - The song “New Wine” by Hillsong https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QbJaM_EneMw Discussion Questions: Have you ever believed the lie that its

Today we begin our 5 part series on the women Doctors of the Church by first exploring the life of St. Catherine of Siena. St. Catherine was a preacher, influencer, writer, miracle worker, and mystic. In this episode, we chat about Catherine’s example of intimacy with God, her fiery heart and voice of conviction, how her hidden life fueled her passion for the Church and restoration, and how we can follow her example in specific ways. One Thing We Love This Week: Sr. Miriam's One Thing - The Divine Mercy Shrine in Poland Michelle's One Thing - Brother Isaiah’s new song - https://aleteia.org/2018/10/17/brother-isaiahs-love-song-for-the-bride-is-balm-for-a-wounded-church/ and check out his album Poco a Poco Michelle’s other one thing - Rosary bracelet - https://chewslife.com/new-siena-rosary-bracelet-dalmatian-jasper/ Heather's One Thing - The St. Francis of Assisi Movie “A Sign of Contradiction” by Fr. Dave Pivonka and 4pm Media https://www.signofcontradiction.com/ Discussion Questions: What does restored f

Learning how to pray is one of the topics Christians are continually striving to learn more about. In this episode we talk in depth about a couple of forms of prayer and also share some of our personal experiences and insights from our own prayer life. We hope that this conversation blesses you and encourages you to pray and encounter Christ more deeply.  One Thing We Love This Week: Sr. Miriam's One Thing - Her best pals Heather and Michelle! Michelle's One Thing - The Examen Prayer: Ignatian Wisdom for Our Lives Today by Fr. Timothy Gallagher Heather's One Thing - Bishop Barron Video “Christ Call You To Mission.” Also the song “Speak to Me” by Kari Jobe Discussion Questions:  What tends to distract you from taking time to pray each day? How can you prevent it? What type of prayer do you find most fruitful in your life? What is your experience with Lectio Divina? Do you believe that God wants to speak to you, personally? Journal Questions: If you don’t have one, make a prayer plan for each day of your week.

In this episode we talk about how to begin dreaming about the things God is calling us to, which is very different than the cheesy instagram notion. We also share about dreams being deep desires that God places in our hearts to build up the kingdom and how to invite the Holy Spirit to restore the broken place so that new life can come forth. One Thing We Love This Week: Sr. Miriam's One Thing - Torin Wells “Known” - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gbQ6Lfh5L14 Michelle's One Thing - Reese Witherspoon’s book “Whiskey in a Tea Cup https://www.amazon.com/Whiskey-Teacup-Growing-Taught-Biscuits-ebook/dp/B07CL96ZWB/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1537585554&sr=8-1&keywords=reese+witherspoon+whiskey+in+a+tea+cup And the LIFEWATR video about art in schools - https://youtu.be/86Yr9rMV-GY Heather's One Thing - My kids! Discussion Questions: What dreams do you believe that God has placed in your heart? Do you trust that God has good things in store for your future or is this a place of doubt? What is the doubt tied

In this episode we talk about the scripture from John 15 where Jesus invites us to abide in Him and remain in His love. We discuss the importance of being rooted in Christ and the stumbling blocks that get in the way of that. We particularly explore the concept of littleness vs striving and self reliance. One Thing We Love This Week: Sr. Miriam's One Thing - Working in her mom’s garden! Michelle's One Thing - Haley Stewart’s new book “The Grace of Enough” - https://www.amazon.com/Grace-Enough-Pursuing-Throwaway-Culture-ebook/dp/B07CXFQQ3L/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1537561852&sr=8-1&keywords=the+grace+of+enough+haley+stewart Heather's One Thing - “Late Have I Loved You” by Gungor - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3WoCwuPXhvM Discussion Questions: What holds you back from being vulnerable with people in your life? What might God be asking you to say no to so that you can be more present with those in front of you? Authentic Christianity is not lived in isolation. What is one way you can breakthrough th

In this episode we talk about the power of connection and the shared human desire to be connected to one another. We discuss how authentic Christianity is not lived in isolation, the importance of vulnerability, being present to the present moment, and learning to love well and grow out of unhealthy patterns of relating to others.

Welcome to Season 4! We are so excited to start our new season in collaboration with Ascension. In our first episode we talk about our summer, introduce ourselves to our new listeners, but most importantly we share our perspective and our journey through the ongoing news of the scandals within the Church.   One Thing We Love This Week: Sr. Miriam's One Thing - The Place We Find Ourselves Podcast  Michelle's One Thing - Blog post by Shannon Evans  Heather's One Thing - Where You Are - Leeland with Bethel Music  Extra Resources - Response by Fr. Mike Schmitz Extra Resources - Response by Bishop Robert Barron Discussion Questions:     1. What do you think is your role to play in restoring beauty in the Church? In your stages of grieving the scandals in the Church, how can you invite Jesus in to heal and restore your heart? What are some practical ways you can pray for the victims of abuse and the restoration of the Church? Journal Questions: 1. What is holding you back from something that God is calling yo

While the ladies are taking the summer off here is a bonus episode where we get the chance to get to know Michelle Benzinger a little better.   Subscribe to the podcast: Apple Podcast | Android Phone | Spotify | RSS Michelle Benzinger - Michelle Benzinger is a national women’s speaker, creative entrepreneur, and advocate for marginalized women and children. She is the visionary leader of Greenhouse Collective and the creative director of Meaningful Market. She co-hosts a podcast, Abiding Together with Sr. Miriam Heidland and Heather Khym. Michelle and her husband, Chris, have served in global and domestic missions for the past 15 years with their six children (two adopted from Haiti) and now reside in Pensacola, Florida. Greenhouse Collective: facebook | instagram | website Meaningful Market: facebook | instagram | website

While the ladies are taking the summer off here is a bonus episode where we get the chance to get to know Sr. Miriam James Heidland a little better. Sr. Miriam James was raised in Woodland, WA and is a graduate of the University ofNevada-Reno where she played volleyball on a scholarship and majored in Communications. Upon graduation, she joined the Society of Our Lady of the Most Holy Trinity (SOLT), a missionary community that serves global areas of deepest apostolic need. Sr. Miriam has served at various SOLT missions including Rome, Seattle and Texas. In addition to speaking, her apostolates have included working with elementary school students, parish ministry, coaching high school volleyball and co-hosting a Catholic radio program. Her story has been featured in the Seattle Times, The National Catholic Register and heard on Relevant Radio, Sirius XM, Catholic Answers Live and EWTN’s Life on the Rock, as well as Steubenville conferences, the Share Jesus campaign and international conferences and retreats.

The ladies are off for the summer, but we have a bonus interview so you can get to know Heather Khym a little more.

In our last episode before we break for summer, we talk about the highlights of the season and revisit some of the themes that we loved. We had a lot of joking and laughter as we shared some of our personal experiences and we also checked in about our word for the year. One Thing We Love This Week: Sr. Miriam's One Thing - School of Greatness Podcast-Lewis Howes Sr. Miriam's other one thing - Steubenville Conferences Michelle's One Thing - Sarah Kroger’s new album kickstarter campaign Heather's One Thing - Worship leader Michael Ketterer’s audition on America’s Got Talent. Here is one of his worship songs Quote to Ponder: "We never grow closer to God when we just live life. It takes deliberate pursuit and attentiveness" - Francis Chan  

In this episode wrap up our study of Gaudete Et Exsultate with chapters 4 & 5. We talk about everything from bullying on social media, the pitfalls of gossip, discernment, and how we can get rid of the poser and experience freedom in humility and poverty of spirit. We also talk about the gift of joy in the midst of struggle and living holiness in the small things. One Thing We Love This Week: Sr. Miriam's One Thing - Return of the Prodigal Son by Henri J. M. Nouwen Michelle's One Thing - That the Golden State Warriors won the State Championship! Heather's One Thing - Interview with Bishop Barron on The Gathering Place Podcast by Blessed is She Heather’s other one thing -16 year old worship leader Payton Allen from Bethel Discussion Questions: How is God calling you to grow in having beautiful speech in relationships and on social media? Discuss how humility and acceptance of your own poverty can increase your dependence on God? Pope Francis says that “unless you let him warm you more and more with His