Abiding Together

In this episode, we conclude our book study on Friendship in the Lord and welcome Fr. John Burns, Founder of Friends of the Bridegroom, to the podcast. We reflect on our deep longing to be known and loved and the ways fear can cause us to cling to others or settle for lesser goods. We talk about hoping for the possibility of beautiful friendship, even when our own experience has been marked by loneliness, disappointment, or suffering. We also discuss the beauty of celibate friendship as a witness to the primacy of God's love, the role of feedback in relationships, and how the limitations we encounter in friendship ultimately reveal the deeper truth that we were made for God. Friends, we feel so blessed to have been able to journey with you this summer. We will see you on September 28th for the start of Season 19! Sign up for our newsletter or follow us on Instagram to receive updates!   Announcement: You can buy your copy of Friendship in the Lord from Ave Maria Press (or Amazon).   Journal Questions:

In this episode, we continue our book study on Friendship in the Lord and reflect on the gift of friendship as a foretaste of heaven and a living image of God's love. We talk about how we are meant to journey through life with each other, how God bonds us together along the way, and how these friendships are meant to last forever. We also discuss the gift of praising God for our friends, what it means to behold and not possess beauty, and how focusing on gratitude allows us to hold joy and sorrow in tension.    Announcement: You can buy your copy of Friendship in the Lord from Ave Maria Press (or Amazon).   Journal Questions: Who has accompanied you through the valleys and mountaintops of your life? When do I show up to my friendships from a place of woundedness, deficiency, or insecurity? How is the Lord inviting me into deeper security? What is the Lord inviting me to delight in? How have I turned my unmet expectations into demands in my friendships?   Discussion Questions: What are you grateful for

In this episode, we continue our book study on Friendship in the Lord and discuss how friendship with others leads us into deeper intimacy with God. We talk about our longing for both human and divine communion, how healthy friendships free us from self-preoccupation, and why learning to receive feedback is essential to our growth. We also reflect on how unmet desires in friendship are signs of our longing for the Trinity and the importance of releasing lesser goods so that we can be free to receive God's greater gifts.    Announcement: You can buy your copy of Friendship in the Lord from Ave Maria Press (or Amazon).   Journal Questions: What makes me feel at home with the Trinity? How has God invited me to be a more faithful friend? Where do I need to grow in self-awareness and be freed from self-preoccupation? What is my disposition when someone lovingly reveals my own weaknesses and shortcomings to me? How have I refused to grow?   Discussion Questions: What makes you feel at home with other people?

In this episode, we continue our book study on Friendship in the Lord and reflect on how loving appreciation and reconciliation are the places where friendship matures. We talk about why healthy adult friendships draw us closer to the Lord, how the unique gifts of women and men reveal different facets of God's love, and how learning to behold another's beauty without trying to grasp or possess it calls forth our true identity. We also discuss the importance of recognizing how we've hurt others, expressing sincere sorrow, and allowing others to do the same. As we bring our wounds, suffering, and sin into the love of Christ, we discover that the very places we fear most can become the biggest places of resurrection.   Other Resources Mentioned: Restore the Glory Podcast on Confession (Parts 1-3) S18 Forgiveness Meditation (with questions from the book Forgiving as Unity with Christ)  S11 Forgiveness Meditation with Sister Miriam   Announcement: You can buy your copy of Friendship in the Lord from Ave

In this episode, we continue our book study on Friendship in the Lord and reflect on the ways God invites us to grow through the relationships He has entrusted to us. We talk about the importance of rightly ordered love, why true friendship always draws our gaze toward Christ, and the beauty of virtuous friendships between men and women. We also talk honestly about the fears, wounds, and misunderstandings that can arise in friendship, and the importance of repair in deepening a friendship. Friendship is not about finding someone to complete us, but about walking together toward holiness while helping one another become who God created us to be.    Other Resources Mentioned: Restore the Glory Podcast on Confession   Announcement: You can buy your copy from Ave Maria Press (or Amazon).   Journal Questions: When have I experienced healthy and holy friendship between men and women? Where is my gaze within my friendships? Do any of my friendships serve a higher purpose than just the friendship itself? W

In this episode, we continue our book study on Friendship in the Lord and reflect on what it means to be truly known, deeply loved, and fully at home with another. We talk about why we must first learn to abide in the love of God, how appreciation helps others become who they were created to be, and what it looks like to grow in friendship over time. Whether friendship feels life-giving or challenging in this season of your life, we invite you to bring every desire, wound, and longing before the Lord, who first calls you His friend.    Announcement: You can buy your copy of Friendship in the Lord from Ave Maria Press (or Amazon).   Journal Questions: How is the Lord inviting me to cultivate deeper community where I live? Where in my life am I trying to love others without being in communion with God? Am I truly allowing the love of Christ to come out within a community? Am I at home with the Lord? How have I been possessive of my relationships within my community? When have I experienced belonging withi

In this episode, we begin our summer book study on Friendship in the Lord by Fr. Paul Hinnebusch, OP. We focus on the foreword and prologue and reflect on the difference between prudence and fear, the ways we self-protect in relationships, and our longing for authentic communion. We also talk about what it means to love without possessing, how to receive others as a gift, and why friendship is a foretaste of heaven.    Other Resources Mentioned: Friendship in the Lord Study Webpage Small Group Discussion Guide   Announcement: If you'd like a copy of Friendship in the Lord, you can buy your copy from Ave Maria Press (or Amazon).   Journal Questions: How do I self protect and hide myself in my relationships? When have I felt embarrassed by my own need for friendship? Do I allow people to be free in my relationships? How has a friend failed me and how have I failed a friend?   Discussion Questions: How do you define good friendship? How have your friendships brought you closer to the Lord? How is God invi

In this episode, we conclude season 18 by reflecting on the grace-filled moments this past season and the quiet ways the Lord continues to invite us into deeper communion with Him. We share who our favorite guests were, which episodes deeply ministered to us, and what we are hoping for in this next season.  Thank you for spending this season with us, friends. It has been such a gift to walk alongside you in every conversation, prayer, and story shared. We'll be holding you close in prayer over the summer and look forward to gathering with you again on July 6th, 2026 for our summer book study. Heather's One Thing - Our Abiding Together Team: Kristina, Camille, and Kate! Heather's Other One Thing - The team for a Healing the Whole Person Retreat in England Sister Miriam's One Thing - Seeing Abiding Together listeners in the wild! Sister Miriam's Other One Thing - The Dignity of Dependence by Lea Libresco Sargeant Michelle's One Thing - Timothy Shriver's Laetare Address and Eric Church's Commencement Address  

In this episode, we reflect on how Pentecost is more than just an event of the past, but can be an ongoing outpouring of God's love and grace in our lives today. We discuss how the Holy Spirit helps heal our wounds, restores communion with God, and teaches us how to live with power and boldness, even in the places where we feel unable to love the Lord. As we prepare our hearts for Pentecost, we talk practically about cultivating a posture of receptivity, learning to invite the Holy Spirit more deeply into our hearts, and how to allow His fire to illuminate our identity and transform us from within. The Holy Spirit is alive within us, able to enter even the locked places of our hearts, and desires to help us bear much fruit in our lives.   Heather's One Thing - Pentecost | Holy Spirit Rest on Us Playlist Heather's Other One Thing - Wild Goose Series with Fr. Dave Pivonka Sister Miriam's One Thing - The Discerning Hearts Podcast App Michelle's One Thing - College Graduations   Other Resources Mentioned: Be T

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