Abiding Together

In this weeks podcast we reflect on the next chapter in Life of the Beloved, “Given”. We talk about the greatest gift we can offer another is not our talents, but our very selves. This allows for the deep connection and intimacy we all long for, but to give ourselves we need to first possess ourselves and know our identity as beloved. Join the Facebook discussion group here. One Thing We Love This Week: Sr. Miriam's One Thing - Steffany Gretzinger - Reckless Love Michelle's One Thing - Lisa Brenninkmeyer’s son Jonny Brenns is on American Idol! Here’s his audition! Heather's One Thing - Magnolia Journal Discussion Questions:     When faced with an opportunity to give to another, we often will count the cost. What are the things that make you turn down opportunities to offer yourself to others? What are the gifts that you receive when you are willing to share your life with others? What are specific ways you can go beyond offering your talents to people, to giving of yourself? Journal Questions: How do I l

This week we continue our book study of “Life of the Beloved” chapter 5, “Broken”. We talk about how our brokenness is unique to our story and that God wants to bring healing and restoration to us. We discuss the ways that we can often numb out to the pain and how God is inviting us to live a more full and abundant life by living our identity as beloved.   One Thing We Love This Week: Sr. Miriam's One Thing - “I’ll Keep You Safe” - Sleeping At Last Michelle's One Thing - Mary Williams “Behold” Michelle's Other Thing - Quote by Brennan Manning "When I am aware of my belovedness, I am more compassionate and playful, I take myself less seriously, I become aware that the breath of the Father is on my face and that my countenance is bright with laughter in the midst of an adventure I thoroughly enjoy.” Heather's One Thing - “Closer Than You Know” - Hillsong United   Heather's Other Thing - “Here Now” - Hillsong United     Discussion Questions:     What stands out to you as you read the quote “The first step t

This week we continue our book study  “Life of the Beloved” chapter 4, “Blessed”. We talk about how the deepest affirmation of our being comes from God who desires to bless us. Many of us have experience so many words of destruction and negativity that need to be restored by true blessing from God and one another. Hope you enjoy this weeks podcast! One Thing We Love This Week: Sr. Miriam's One Thing - The gift of the priesthood giving their lives in the service of their bride Michelle's One Thing - "Better is one day' by Trey McLaughlin Heather's One Thing - My sweet mom. Nothing like the love of a good mother when you're sick. Discussion Questions:     What stands out to you as you read the quote “To give someone a blessing is the most significant affirmation we can offer.” Have you ever received a blessing from someone that really resonated with you? What was it like to receive it? How do I experience prayer as coming into God’s blessing? Journal Questions:  Where can I start blessing people in my life

This week we dive into part 4 of “Life of the Beloved” chapter 3, “Taken”. We talk about how being chosen by God does not exclude others, rather it is personal and includes everyone. We also discuss how to unmask the world, declare truth over our lives, and cure the critical heart with gratitude. Hope you enjoy this weeks podcast! One Thing We Love This Week: Sr. Miriam's One Thing - “Fearless and Free” study on Ephesians - by Lisa Brenninkmeyer of Walking With Purpose Michelle's One Thing - Gratitude for the life and legacy of Billy Graham Heather's One Thing - The Instant Pot. Frozen chicken breasts in 12 minutes people! Discussion Questions: God looks upon each of us as unique and chooses us personally. How can you make space to understand this truth more deeply? Do you sometimes feel like you have to hustle or strive for God’s favor and attention? Gratitude is the cure for complaining and criticism. How can you grow in gratitude? Do you surround yourself with people that speak goodness, truth, and bea

In this episode we discuss “Life of the Beloved” chapter 2, “Becoming the Beloved” We chat about how we can allow the knowledge of being the Beloved to become infused in our daily life, moment by moment. We also talk about living the abundant life and allowing our hearts to desire heaven. One Thing We Love This Week: Michelle's One Thing - Defender by  Rita Springer Heather's One Thing - Your Love Defends Me by Matt Maher   Sr. Miriam's One Thing - The Winter Olympics Cross Country Skiing Sr. Miriam's Other One Thing - Heather's Lenten Worship Playlist   Discussion Questions: What does it looks like in my life to become the Beloved in all that I think say and do? Are there areas in my life where I am listless and bored even though I am busy? What’s happening in those areas? What is the process God has me in to become the beloved? What steps is He taking to open up my heart to Him? Journal Questions: How do you use being “busy” as an excuse for growing in your relationship with God and being present to

In this episode we discuss the first chapter of our book study “Life of the Beloved” called Being the Beloved. We talk about what it means to be Beloved and the voices that come against that truth. Join the Facebook discussion group here One Thing We Love This Week: Sr. Miriam's One Thing - “Agape” by Bear’s Den Michelle's One Thing - “The home is not the one tame place in a world of adventure; it is the one wild place in a world of rules and set tasks.” by G.K. Chesterton Heather's One Thing - “I Surrender” - by Hillsong Discussion Questions:                                         What are the voices that try to keep you from living your life as the beloved? How can we live out being the beloved concretely in our day to day life? Nouwen says, you can’t give the gift of being beloved if you haven’t received it. How can we receive this truth more deeply. Journal Questions: What is your interior response to hearing that you are the beloved? What are your thoughts about Henri Nouwen’s assertion that being

In this episode we begin our Lenten book study of “Life of the Beloved by Henri Nouwen. We begin with an introduction of who Henri Nouwen is and the Prologue. Join the Facebook discussion group here One Thing We Love This Week: Sr. Miriam's One Thing - Superbowl Michelle's One Thing - Eli Manning/Odell Beckham Jr commercial Heather's One Thing - St. Francis Xavier's arm relic Discussion Questions: Mark 10:21 says “He was moved for compassion for him” Has there been a time when God put someone on your heart to journey with them? Have there been dreams in your life that you have surrendered that God may want to resurrect? Do you have someone in your life to help you midwife your dreams? Could you offer that to someone in your life? Journal Questions: Where are you settling in your life for less than what God desires for you? What is life all about? Why do you do what you do? Was there one quote or phrase that stood out to you from this chapter? Quote to Ponder: “Your story, is the story with which you can

In this episode we discuss the prayer of Jesus for unity, that we would all be one. We chat about how this is the heart of God and how we can grow in unity among denominations with our Christian brothers and sisters as the body of Christ. One Thing We Love This Week: Sr. Miriam's One Thing - The Sacrament of Marriage and good married couples Michelle's One Thing - This video about Matt Maher's thoughts on Christian unity Heather's One Thing - "Now and At the Hour" - by the Brilliance Discussion Questions:                                         What barriers and mentalities do you need God to purify and remove in your heart, in regards to unity? In what relationships, with people of other faiths, do you need to listen more instead of share your opinion? In our society, people of good will must unite. What is one practical way that you could participate in this type of unity? Journal Questions: What can I learn from other Christian denominations? Are there areas in your life and relationships where you fo

In this episode we talking about spiritual pruning and how its a difficult part of the process, but necessary to bring about growth and good fruit. One Thing We Love This Week: Sr. Miriam's One Thing - Safe Sr. Miriam's Other One Thing - Beyond The Blue Michelle's One Thing -  Print from Katie Fitzgerald - Sr. Miriam quote Heather's One Thing - Lifepoint Worship "Closer" Discussion Questions:                                         What areas in your life is God pruning or wanting to prune right now? Fruit can be good or bad. What are the fruits that are growing in your life? What areas do you need to let God shift your perspective that you are not a victim, rather you are a "strugglers" and with God we are "overcomers"? Journal Questions: What areas do you distrust that God has your good in mind? What are the motives behind the choices you make in the big areas of life? What areas do you need to repent and begin again? Quote to Ponder: "I am the true vine, and my Father is the keeper of the vineyard. H

We are so excited to share this interview we did with our good friend Jenna Guizar. Jenna is the founder and creative director of Blessed is She, a Catholic women’s community committed to deepening a life of prayer starting with daily Scripture devotionals and supportive sisterhood. We had a great and heartfelt conversation with Jenna about her ministry, how she balances work and life with 4 children (including one cute newborn who was also a guest on our podcast!), and just her journey of faith and how she abides together with her people. Hope you enjoy this rich conversation. To find out more about Blessed is She check out BlessedIsShe.net, on facebook, on instagram, and on pinterest One Thing We Love This Week: Sr. Miriam's One Thing - The character "Rey" in the new movie "Star Wars: The Last Jedi" Michelle's One Thing - TV Series "Madam Secretary" Heather's One Thing - Movie "The Greatest Showman" Jenna's One Thing - Song by Bethel Music "Perfect Peace" Discussion Questions:                             

Happy New Year! Welcome to Season 3! In this episode we talk about beginning again, our word of the year, not settling for mediocrity, and how to engage in your life with new perspective and openness to the love of God. One Thing We Love This Week: Sr. Miriam's One Thing - Deep friendships. Especially with Heather and Michelle of course :) Michelle's One Thing - The prayer "Disturb Us Lord" - by Sir Francis Drake Heather's One Thing - Reckless Love by Cory Asbury Discussion Questions:                                         What is your word of the year? If you don't have one, when will you make time to listen to what God has for you this year? How will you be intentional about living into your word of the year? What areas in your life do you need to begin again and receive the grace to start over? What areas do you need to "unclench your fists" and let it go, so that God can come in power? Journal Questions: In what areas have you settled for mediocrity? How do you specifically want to become more full

In part 4 of our Advent series "Believe" we are super excited that we get to record together in person! We talk about what it means to believe and hold on to God's promises even in dark times and we reflect on Mary's "fiat". One Thing We Love This Week: Sr. Miriam's One Thing - In thanksgiving and gratitude to God for my 15th anniversary of my vows and being able to spend it with Heather and Michelle. Michelle's One Thing - Our listeners who are missionaries! Thank you for being obedient! Heather's One Thing - Soup! Here's the recipe for Heather's Potato Soup 1/2 cup butter 1/2 cup flour 3-4 cloves garlic 1 small onion chopped fine 6 medium potatoes washed, unpeeled, and diced medium 2 cups chicken stock 2 cups milk half pound of bacon diced and cooked till crispy salt, pepper, paprika to taste 1tbsp or more of chicken Bouillon paste for additional flavor at the end Melt 1/2 cup butter in large pot over medium heat add garlic and onion and sauté after about 2-3 minutes sprinkle in all the flour and stir co

In our third part of our Advent series we discuss how to find stillness in the busy chaos of life. God speaks in the stillness and its there that we meet him and find the answers to our restless souls. One Thing We Love This Week:  Sr. Miriam's One Thing -  "Song of Solomon" - by Jesus Culture with Martin Smith Heather's One Thing - Family Daily Advent Reflections - Unwrapping the Greatest Gift by Ann Voskamp Michelle's One Thing - Love is Christmas - Sara Bareilles   I don't care if the house is packed, Or the strings of light are broken. I don't care if the gifts are wrapped, Or if there's nothing here to open. Love is not a toy, and no paper will conceal it. Love is simply joy that I'm home.   I don't care if the carpet is stained; we have food upon the table. I don't care if it's gonna rain, our room is warm and stable. Love is who we are, and no season can contain it. Love would never fall for that.   Let love lead us, love is Christmas.   Why so scared that you'll mess it up? Imperfection keeps you ha

In this episode we continue our Advent series by talking about our identity as the beloved sons and daughters of God. In our deepest longing to be loved and known, God the Father calls us His beloved and invites into intimacy with Him.   One Thing We Love This Week:   Sr. Miriam's One Thing - The dentist! Michelle's One Thing -   The Saint Project AND When Beauty Met Truth Heather's One Thing - The Eggnog Latte…you gotta try it (but skip the nutmeg on top) Discussion Questions:                                           God goes to great lengths to experience relationship with us, what do you think you can do in this season of Advent to be open to Him in a greater way? What voices in the world make it difficult for you to hear God’s voice? How did you feel when Sr. Miriam said, “Jesus Christ is not indifferent to you, He’s not just tolerating you, His heart aches for you. You are Beloved to Him”?   Journal Questions: What is in me that is blocking God’s love for me and believing that I’m Beloved? What do

In this episode we begin our 4 part Advent series with the topic of "Belonging". Here we talk about the gift of belonging to God's family and what this means to us as Christians. We also reflect on the women in the lineage of Jesus and how He redeemed their stories. One Thing We Love This Week: Sr. Miriam's One Thing - good people especially the Texas A&M students Michelle's One Thing - Michelle's new shop Meaningful Market has launched! 15% off discount code: abide Heather's One Thing - Spotify Advent Playlist - Christmas Joy Playlist Discussion Questions: What woman in the lineage of Jesus do you relate most to? Tamar, Rahab, Ruth, or Bathsheba? How can you create room for God this Advent? (in areas of personal, family, community) What do you need to let go of to make space for God to restore and redeem?        Journal Questions: What does God want to birth in you this advent? What area of brokenness in your story does God want to bring new life into? What lesson can you learn from Our Lady this

In this episode we talk about prayer as an encounter with Love, a conversational relationship with God. We talk about different ways to pray and connect with the heart of God, what to do in seasons of dryness, and cultivating the discipline of prayer in your schedule. One Thing We Love This Week: Heather's One Thing - Deliverance Prayers: For use by the Laity Michelle's One Thing - College Football - GO NOTRE DAME! Sr. Miriam's One Thing -Hope - God is good, he will fulfill His promises Group Questions Do you have a prayer time scheduled into your day or rhythm of prayer? What form of prayer connects you to God most easily? What commitment are you willing to make to grow in your prayer life? Journaling Questions What do you think God is speaking to you about in your prayer time? When do I relate to God as a fairy Godmother rather than a loving Father who desires my heart? Quote to Ponder "You, eternal Trinity, are a deep sea. The more I enter you, the more I discover, and the more I discover, the more I

In this episode we have a special guest and dear friend Lisa Brenninkmeyer! She is the founder of Walking With Purpose, a Catholic women’s Bible study that aims to bring women to a deeper personal relationship with Jesus Christ. We chat about how she seeks to abide with Christ in the midst of balancing busy family life and work and how to abide with others in community. Walking with Purpose bible studies WalkingWithPurpose.com Download this beautiful Abide in Me printable scripture verse. Check out this video about Walking With Purpose One Thing We Love This Week: Lisa Brenninkmeyer  One Thing - "The Life of the Beloved" by Henri Nouwan Michelle Benzinger's One Thing - Celebrating Life Heather Khym's One Thing - Good old fashioned pranks with friends Sr. Miriam's One Thing -  - Her new coffee mug Discussion Questions What does “abide” mean to you personally? What are some of your obstacles when it comes to abiding in Christ? How do you journey with others (especially other women) in your spiritual walk?

In this episode we talk about advice and words of truth we wish we could give to our young adult selves. We speak about places of identity, calling, that your vocation is not the finish line, and the importance of allowing people with wisdom to speak into your life. One Thing We Love This Week: Heather Khym's One Thing - Brene Brown Michelle Benzinger's One Thing - Blessed is She Advent Journal Sr. Miriam's One Thing - Yeti Cup Group Questions What advice would you give to your younger self or to yourself right now? How can you incormporate one thing talked about in the podcast into your life? Who are the people you rely on to speak wisdom and truth into your life? Journaling Questions How can I grow in self awareness? Where do I often try to find my identity other than God? Work? Attention from others? Vocation? Labels? Quote to Ponder "Be who God meant you to be and you will set the world on fire" - St Catherine of Sienna  

In this episode we talk about the quote "Beauty will Save the World" by Dostoevsky. We discuss how true beauty leads you outside of yourself to humanity and to the Divine Creator, whereas the counterfeits lead us away. We address how paying attention to our life allows us to experience epiphanies of beauty. One Thing We Love This Week: Sr. Miriam's One Thing - Don’t Believe the Lie, Bill Johnson Michelle Benzinger's One Thing - Examen Journal Michelle Benzinger's Other One Thing - CreatingToLove.com Heather Khym's One Thing - Nurses and doctors who offer care for people in need. You rock! Heather Khym's Other One Thing - Bring Him Home by the Canadian Tenors Group Questions What is one way that you commonly experience the beauty of God? How can we call beauty out in other people? What are the beauty counterfeits that have affected your life in a negative way? Journaling Questions How can I co-create with the Holy Spirit to bring beauty into the world? What am I consuming in my world? Is it true beauty of

In this episode we talk about how breakdown can lead to breakthrough if we allow God to enter into our pain. Join us as we discuss how to grow in deeper intimacy with God and experience healing and restoration. One Thing We Love This Week: Heather's one thing - "No Longer Slaves" Michelle's one thing - fall weather and green and white pumpkins Sr. Miriam's One Thing - St. Hildegard poem Holy Life-Giver Doctor of the desperate. Healer of everyone broken past hope, Medicine for all wounds, Fire of love, Joy of Hearts, fragrant Strength sparking Fountain, Protector, Penetrator, in You we contemplate how God goes looking for those who are lost and reconciles those who are at odds with Him Break our chains! You bring people together. You curl clouds, whirl winds, send rain on rocks, sing in creeks, and turn the lush earth green. You teach those who listen, breathing joy and wisdom into them. We praise You for these gifts, Light-giver, Sound of joy, Wonder of being alive, Hope of every person, and our strongest G