Abiding Together

In this episode, we reflect on the sacred wounds of Jesus, the reality of our own woundedness, and Jesus' invitation to make us well. We talk about how our wounds, so often hidden in shame or self-protection, when transformed, can actually become places of communion and grace. We also share about our personal experiences of facing fear or disappointment and how the slow, often painful, process of healing reminds us that God's ways are not our own. Jesus tenderly meets us in every broken place within our hearts and ardently desires to make all things new.   Heather's One Thing - Worship Session with Kory Miller Sister Miriam's One Thing - Life Transitions Part One and Part Two with Chris Benzinger Michelle's One Thing - The Kentucky Derby   Other Resources Mentioned: Glory: Women's Gathering The Restore the Glory Podcast The Anatomy of a Wound Series Part 1 | Part 2 | Part 3 | Part 4 | Part 5   Journal Questions: Where am I self-protecting instead of bringing my wounds before the Lord? Do I think Jesus ca

In this episode, we reflect on the beautiful call of women to prophetic motherhood. We talk about how Our Lady models for us a motherhood that speaks life and calls forth goodness to all those she encounters. We also ponder what it means to be a spiritual mother, how Mary can help heal our wounded experiences of motherhood, and the difference between affirmations and prophetic words. As Pentecost draws near, we invite you to ask for Our Lady's intercession to prepare your heart for a fresh outpouring of grace and to help you become a woman who brings life wherever she goes.   Heather's One Thing - A 24 Hour Time of Worship at Franciscan University Heather's Other One Thing - St. Anne's Women's Conference in Dallas, TX and the WWP Flourish Conference in St. Louis Sister Miriam's One Thing - Everyone Getting Married this Summer Sister Miriam's Other One Thing - Pilgrimage to Medjugorje with the JPII Healing Center Michelle's One Thing - NFL Draft Michelle's Other One Thing - Franklin, TN and St. Philip's Pari

In this episode, we welcome Arthur and Ester Brooks to talk about marriage, suffering, and the path to lasting love. Arthur and Ester share what it's like to minister together, revealing both the grace needed and the hard work it takes to love each other faithfully over decades. We also reflect on suffering as an invitation for growth, why pain is fruitful, and how the hardest places in life are where love is purified. Whether you are married, single, or in religious life, intimacy with God is our source of strength for every situation we encounter in life.    Heather's One Thing - Franciscan's Resurrection Party! Heather's Other One Thing -  10 Day Pentecost Audio Prayer Plan Sister Miriam's One Thing - Heather's Easter Spotify Playlist  Michelle's One Thing - Everyone who just came into the Catholic Church! Ester's One Thing - Her husband Arthur! Ester's Other One Thing - Professional Cycling Arthur's One Thing - Opportunities to witness to the Catholic faith during The Meaning of Your Life book launch  

Happy Easter! In this episode, we conclude our Lenten book study on "The Way of Trust and Love" and focus on Chapter 6: Enduring Trials. We talk about how even in the light of Easter, we may still experience suffering and how we can choose to rejoice in God's goodness when His ways remain hidden. We also reflect on why trials are not signs of God's absence, how we learn to recognize God at work in the present moment, and how to embrace suffering as a necessary path to share in the fullness of Easter. Friends, in this Easter octave, we invite you to reflect on how God has transformed your heart this past Lent. Let us enter into this Easter season with renewed hope, gratitude, and a deeper surrender to God's unfailing love. We will see you in two weeks!   Heather's One Thing - Fire 50 Challenge with Many Parts Ministries. It's a free 50-day spiritual journey designed to deepen your relationship with the Holy Spirit! Sister Miriam's One Thing - The Divine Mercy Novena and Divine Mercy Sunday Michelle's One Thing

In this episode, we continue our Lenten book study on "The Way of Trust and Love" and focus on Chapter 5: God's Infinite Mercy. We reflect on the paradox of true strength—how becoming little, dependent, and surrendered before the Lord is the very place where His strength takes root in us. We also talk about what it means to live with a pure heart, not by striving harder, but by bringing every part of ourselves into honest communion with Christ and allowing His kindness to call us higher. This week, as we wrestle with fear, worry, and the temptation to rely on ourselves, we encourage you to be reminded that it is God's love that heals, restores, and leads us to freedom.    Heather's One Thing - Dwelling Place by The Belonging Co.  Sister Miriam's One Thing - The Sacrament of Reconciliation  Michelle's One Thing - Living Easter: 50 Days to Practice Resurrection by Laura Kelly Fanucci Michelle's Other One Thing - March Madness!   Journal Questions: What has the Lord convicted me of this Lent? What is the Lord

In this episode, we continue our Lenten book study on "The Way of Trust and Love" and focus on Chapter 4: Trusting More and More. We reflect on the tender places where our trust in the Father has been wounded—especially in the disappointments we carry with ourselves, our children, and the circumstances in our lives—and how God gently invites us to bring those disappointments to Him. We also talk about the lies that quietly erode our trust in God, the temptation to carry life's burdens alone, and the way simple rhythms of prayer allow God to personally reveal to us His goodness. This week, we invite you to honestly bring your disappointments before God and ask Him to reveal to you His goodness.   Heather's One Thing - The Springtime! Sister Miriam's One Thing - March Madness Michelle's One Thing - Her floor to ceiling library!   Journal Questions: Where do I lack trust in the Father? When do I see God as my enemy? What narratives of your life are you seeking to control? What is bothering me most acutely right

In this episode, we continue our Lenten book study on "The Way of Trust and Love" and focus on Chapter 3: Being Reconciled to Our Weakness. We talk about how our struggles with ourselves often spill over into our relationships with others and how learning to accept our own weakness can soften our hearts towards the weakness we see in those around us. We also reflect on the tension between accepting our littleness and desiring real conversion, how we become more aware of our imperfections as we draw closer to the Lord, and the gift of community in helping us clearly see our lives. This week, we invite you to receive God's love, extend that love to yourself, and then offer it freely to others.   Heather's One Thing - Attending the funeral of Francis Bergsma Sister Miriam's One Thing - Stations of the Cross with Our Sister St. Thérèse from Little Way Books Michelle's One Thing - The funness of our listeners!   Journal Questions: Where am I experiencing a lack of harmony in myself and in my relationships with o

In this episode, we continue our Lenten book study on "The Way of Trust and Love" and focus on Chapter 2: An Elevator for Small Children. We talk about the quiet places of discouragement, and self-reliance that keep us striving instead of surrendering. We also reflect about how radical dependence on God is not laziness, the subtle ways we resist being little before a loving Father, and how our poverty is a doorway into deeper trust. This week, we invite you to fall into the Father's arms, allow Him to pick you up, and rest in the One who delights in you.   Heather's One Thing - The Prince of Egypt Movie  Sister Miriam's One Thing - Bishop Erik Varden's Lenten Reflections to Pope Leo (I especially recommend the reflections entitled: Bernard the Idealist, God's Help, Becoming Free, and Splendour of Truth) Michelle's One Thing - Art Lectio Instagram Account   Journal Questions: Where are you feeling discouraged? Where do I experience self-reliance, codependency, or hypervigilance in my life? When in the past ha

In this episode, we continue our Lenten book study on "The Way of Trust and Love" and focus on Chapter 1: A Completely New Way. We reflect on the "little way" of St. Thérèse, the invitation to become spiritual children before the Father, and how weakness becomes the very place where Christ comes to meet us. We also talk about the difference between being childish and childlike, why true maturity in faith begins with admitting our own poverty, and how small acts of courage open the door to deep healing. This week, we invite you to name the desires stirring in your heart and let the Holy Spirit awaken a new song within you.   Heather's One Thing - Franciscan's Campus-wide "Behold" Retreat Sister Miriam's One Thing - Healing Wounds by Bishop Erik Varden  Michelle's One Thing - The O' Grady's Beach House  Michelle's Other One Thing - Emily Lex Watercolor Workbooks    Journal Questions: How often do I accept the letter of God's adoption of me, and not the spirit of God's adoption? Where in my life do I need Mothe

In this episode, we begin our Lenten book study on "The Way of Trust and Love" and focus on the Introduction. We talk about how St. Thérèse's "little way" offers hope to weary hearts who feel small, fragile, or poor. We discuss how the Lord can transform our lives in a moment, how to boast in our poverty instead of bemoaning it, and the power of a listening heart. This Lent, we invite you into a gentler, deeper journey—one rooted not in striving, but in trust and love.    Heather's One Thing - The Good News Cruise and everyone who put together this experience Sister Miriam's One Thing - The Pause App  Michelle's One Thing - The Body of Christ   Other Resources Mentioned:  Pope Leo's Lenten Letter  Magnificat or Word Among Us   Journal Questions: Where is the Holy Spirit inviting me this Lent? Where do I feel like the burdens of life are mine to carry? How does my heart respond to St. Therese's Little Way? What does it mean to be childlike and not childish? How will I create time to listen to God this Lent

In this episode, we reflect on Lent as a Holy Spirit led journey through the desert to bring us into a deeper union with God. We talk about the resistance many of us feel to fasting, why Lent is not a self-improvement project, and the importance of discerning our Lenten practices. We also discuss how, through Lent, our true identity as beloved daughters is revealed, tested, and healed. Before Lent begins on Wednesday, we invite you to notice where your heart may feel numb, distracted, or defensive, and ask the Holy Spirit what He desires to restore. Our Lenten book study "The Way of Trust and Love" will begin next week! We look forward to journeying with you.   Heather's One Thing - Her Lenten Playlist "Songs in the Desert" Sister Miriam's One Thing - You're Gonna Be OK by Jen Johnson and Bethel Music Michelle's One Thing - Nazareth Organics   Announcement: Our 2026 Lenten book study will be "The Way of Trust and Love" by Fr. Jacques Philippe. Scepter Publishers has offered 15% off with the code ABIDE15. The

In this episode, we welcome author, counselor, and speaker John Eldredge to the show, who is best known for his book Wild at Heart. We have a powerful conversation about intimacy with God in a world full of chaos, suffering, and spiritual hunger. We reflect on what it means to reclaim a "re-enchanted" Christian worldview, how to pray against chaos, the profound gift women have to offer the world right now. We also talk practically about how to pray as a couple, ask John to lead us in a guided "Pause" prayer, and invite you into a moment of stillness, surrender, and loving awareness of Jesus dwelling within you.    Heather's One Thing - Midst from the Belonging Co. Sister Miriam's One Thing - The Story I'll Tell by Naomi Raine Michelle's One Thing - The Way of Trust and Love by Father Jacques Philippe  Michelle's Other One Thing - Jayber Crow by Wendell Berry John's One Thing - The Abiding Together Podcast! John's Other One Thing - William Augusto Instrumental Background Music   Other Resources Mentioned: 

In this episode, we explore why spending time Scripture is essential for staying rooted in Christ and how it aids us in the midst of spiritual battle. We reflect on the reality that Scripture is the living Word of God, far more powerful than we often realize. It has the ability to encourage, correct, heal, and transform our hearts. We share personal stories of how the Holy Spirit has brought Scripture to life for us and how God's Word has been an anchor during seasons of difficulty. Friends, God desires to speak to you personally through His Word and is inviting you not into just another task, but into a deeper, life-giving relationship with Him.   Heather's One Thing - The Sisters of Life on Franciscan's Campus Sister Miriam's One Thing - Healing Prayers and Renunciations by Bob Schuchts Michelle's One Thing - Frontier Camp with Life Teen   Other Resources Mentioned:  The Bible in the Year Podcast Walking with Purpose Bible Studies Ignatius Catholic Study Bible (Or find it at Ignatius Press here) Magnifi

In this episode, we reflect on the tender and often misunderstood topic of forgiveness, what it is, what it isn't, and why it's central to finding freedom in Christ. We talk honestly about how resentment and unforgiveness can quietly build in the heart, often as an attempt to protect ourselves from further pain. We also acknowledge how difficult forgiveness can be, what to do with the cry of our hearts when we have been wounded, and how to entrust it to God when we don't yet feel capable of forgiving. Friends, forgiveness does not strip us of our identity, it affirms who we are in Christ. Even in the deepest places of hurt, we find hope because of the loving presence of a God who never abandons us in our pain.   Heather's One Thing - Greatness of the Lord by Brooke Ligertwood Heather's Other One Thing - The Franciscan University Community  Sister Miriam's One Thing - Heather's Battle Cry Playlist Michelle's One Thing - Congratulations to Indiana University for winning the championship! Michelle's Other One Th

Welcome to season 18 kickoff with our annual tradition of the Word of the Year episode! Each year, we ask God to give us a theme to focus on for the new year and invite you to do the same. After personal prayer and reflection, we share what our words for 2026 mean to us and chat about the Saints journeying with us this year. We are excited to be back and look forward to what this year will bring!   Heather's One Thing - Big God, Little Devil by Dr. Sean Tobin (listen to Dr. Sean on the Restore the Glory Podcast too!) Heather's Other One Thing - Let There Be by Amanda Cook Sister Miriam's One Thing - Friendship in the Lord by Fr. Paul Hinnebusch, OP (buy on Amazon here) Michelle's One Thing - Theo of Golden by Allen Levi Other Resources Mentioned:  Example of Grafting   Announcement: Our 2026 Lenten book study will be "The Way of Trust and Love" by Fr. Jacques Philippe. Scepter Publishers has offered 15% off with the code ABIDE15. They also offer an ebook version as well. We will announce more informa

In this episode, we end our journey at the Stable, the humble place where God chose for us to meet His Son. We reflect on the stable of our own hearts, how Jesus chooses to meet us in our own poverty now, and why His very presence brings healing. We also talk about how when we sit in our emptiness, release control, and surrender each part of our lives to God, He is able to work more powerfully in our lives. Finally, we ponder Mary's quiet and loving gaze upon the Christ Child and how we are invited to slow down and notice Jesus smiling back at us.  Friends, we've deeply enjoyed journeying with you this year. As we take a break, please know you are in our prayers. We will see you on January 19th, 2026 when Season 18 begins! Have a blessed and merry Christmas!   Heather's One Thing - Our Abiding Together staff: Camille, Kate, and Kristina! Heather's Other One Thing - The Sisters of Life new St. Francis convent in Steubenville Heather's Third One Thing - Every Sacred Sunday's Edition of the  Catechism of the Ca

In this episode, we journey to Elizabeth's house, the place of the Visitation. We reflect on Mary's haste as she makes the journey to visit Elizabeth and how Elizabeth creates space for Mary as the mystery of the incarnation unfolds. We also ponder Elizabeth's years of longing for a child, how God fulfills our desires in ways different than we expect, and why we should hold onto hope instead of disappointment. Finally, we talk about cultivating a deeper sensitivity to God's presence, trusting that even when His work is hidden, beauty is unfolding within our lives.   Heather's One Thing - High King of Heaven / Jesus We Love You by Bethel Music Sister Miriam's Half Thing - As part of the Sacred Anchor Marketplace, any Religious Order/ Clergy will have a free storefront with no charges to list or commission fees. (The only cost will be bank fees of about 3% of any sale). Sign up here! Sister Miriam's One Thing -  Forgiving as Unity with Christ by Dr. Robert Enright Michelle's One Thing - Notre Dame Football (es

In this episode, we journey to the house of Loreto, a simple home where the Annunciation took place. We reflect on how God meets us in the quiet, ordinary places of our own lives and how He meets us where we are, no matter how isolated we may feel. We also explore Mary's free and wholehearted yes, given without a request for details, and consider where the Holy Spirit may be inviting us to trust and surrender in our own hidden spaces. As Advent is a time to rest in stillness, we talk about making room for God in our schedules, noticing His gentle invitations in the everyday, and allowing His Word to take root in us even when the fruits of our yes are not yet visible.   Heather's One Thing - Registration for Glory: Women's Gathering is open! Michelle and I would love to see you there! Sister Miriam's One Thing - Live Dialogue with Pope Leo XIV and Teens at NCYC  Michelle's One Thing - Trader Joe's winter peonies    Next, we come to the House of Loreto, a humble home, walls worn by daily life, where the eternal

In this episode, we begin our Advent journey in Eden, a place of freedom, communion, and life without shame. Eden is not only a moment in history, but also an interior garden within each of our hearts. We talk about the deep ache we all feel for union, rest, and peace, and how this longing reveals our original design for communion with God. We also reflect on the shame that often accompanies this desire for communion with others, especially when our desires are left unmet, and how bringing these places of poverty to Jesus opens us up to real, lived communion with Him.   Heather's One Thing - The Renew Conference in Toronto Heather's Other One Thing - Her Advent Worship Playlist Sister Miriam's One Thing - Sacred Anchor Artisans (Catholic Etsy!) founded by Tim and Molly Olsen Michelle's One Thing - The Inspired Living and this Chrism Candle Michelle's Other One Thing - Fr. Innocent Montgomery, CFR   Welcome, dear friends… to this Advent journey, a pilgrimage of the heart, through four sacred spaces where he

In this episode, we reflect on the importance of giving thanks to the Lord for all He has done in both the beautiful and difficult moments of life. We talk about how practicing gratitude can change our perspective of reality and helps us recognize where God has been present even in moments we do not understand. We also name the fears that can sometimes keep us from giving thanks and discuss how gratitude becomes an act of surrender that opens us to God's steady, faithful presence. As a gift to you, we end today's episode by doing Lectio Divina with Psalm 34 and invite you into a time of prayer with us.   Heather's One Thing - Jalapeno, Pepper Jack, and Bacon Corn Pudding Recipe  Heather's Other One Thing -  Hell or High Water and Edens by Amanda Cook Sister Miriam's One Thing - Her SOLT Community Michelle's One Thing - College Football   Other Resources Mentioned:  Life Transitions Part One and Part Two with Chris Benzinger One Thousand Gifts: A Dare to Live Fully Right Where You Are by Ann Voskamp   J