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In this week's episode, we continue our Lenten study on the book “A Time of Renewal” and focus on the theme of being in conversation with Jesus. We reflect on the importance of reserving space for dialogue with God, surrendering to Him our own plans and desires, and allowing Him to love us in our poverty. The process of dying to self is always accompanied with the hope in the promise of resurrection and new life that Jesus offers.     Heather’s One Thing - In thanksgiving for Deacon Bob and Fr Dave Pivonka letting her use their studio to record this episode and for being asked to be a guest on their podcast called They That Hope. Sister Miriam’s One Thing - The book How to Know a Person: The Art of Seeing Others Deeply and Being Deeply Seen by David Brooks Michelle’s One Thing - Her household sisters at Francisan University   Journal Questions: Am I in conversation with God or in a monologue with myself? How can I create more space for dialogue with God? What Isaacs (idols) do I have? How do I self-sabotage in order to confirm my deepest fears?   Discussion Questions: What does it look like for you to be a new creation in Christ? Have you ever felt like God contradicts Himself? How did He resolve that apparent contradiction? What littleness in your life do you tend to hide and run away from? How can you be more open with the Lord in your littleness? What holds me back from entering into prayer honestly or making a confession regularly?   Quotes to Ponder: “Then, a word about the Tabor Gospel. I was newly impressed by the fact that Moses and Elijah were in conversation with Jesus. Let us be occupied always in being in conversation with Jesus. We know the deepest conversations are the wordless ones. We love that simple and profound word of Pope Saint John Paul II, “Let Jesus be the one to whom you talk the most.”” (Mother Mary Francis P.C.C. A Time of Renewal. Kindle Edition. Page 76)   Scripture for Lectio:  “Here am I, Lord!” (Genesis 22:1)   Sponsor - CORDA: Connect with the saints and create a peaceful place of prayer with CORDA's handcrafted Catholic candles. Each candle has a custom scent inspired by saints and the faith, and they're made with clean coconut wax and have a beautiful, modern design. There’s 24 candles and counting, including ones inspired by St. Therese, St. Augustine, and Morning Prayer, with unique scents for everyone. There’s even a fragrance-free option, inspired by Mary the Immaculate Conception. Each CORDA candle comes beautifully packaged, with the story behind the scent inspiration on the box. And the simple design of the candle leads with beauty, making them perfect for gifting and helping you share the faith in a lovely and meaningful way. If you know someone getting married or having a baby, CORDA also offers special bulk discounts for wedding favors, bridal showers, and baby showers!  CORDA is a Catholic small business run by a husband-and-wife team, and they'd love to gift you a free tealight sampler with your next order of $35 or more - thar's 6 free mini candles! To receive your special gift, be sure to go to cordacandles.com/abiding and follow the steps on that page (good now through April 30, 2024).

In this week's episode, we continue our Lenten study on the book “A Time of Renewal” and focus on the theme of true self-denial. We reflect on the importance of recognizing our need for God’s love and allowing ourselves to be transformed by His grace. We also share personal experiences and insights on repentance, amendment, and trusting in God’s plan especially when the desires of our heart are not being fulfilled. We end by discussing the joys that can come from Lent when approached with a tender, sensitive, and alert heart.    Heather’s One Thing - Lenten Playlist Heather’s Other One Thing - The talk Joy, Hope, and the Way Around by Monsignor Shea Sister Miriam’s One Thing - The Pints with Aquinas episode on Transhumanism and Emerging Technologies w/ Fr. Michael Baggot (Watch on YouTube here) Michelle’s One Thing - The book A Grand Slam for God: A Journey from Baseball Star to Catholic Priest by Fr. Burke Masters   Journal Questions: Have I ever approached Lent with a sense of wonder? How have I approached Lent with self hatred in the past? What parts of myself are the stranger I need to welcome home and allow the Father to love? How can I be more open to God as the Divine Interruptor?   Discussion Questions: Where are you hungry? Where are others in your life hungry? Who in your life is the stranger you need to welcome? Do you believe something wonderful can happen this Lent? Where have you become resigned and hard of heart instead of tender and sensitive?   Quotes to Ponder:  We are called to a glorious festival of love—to be spiritually dizzied with the fact that this is how much God has loved us. Surely we shall all look at the crucifix with a new vision, a deepened understanding that he really. (Mother Mary Francis P.C.C. A Time of Renewal. Kindle Edition. Page 37)   Scripture for Lectio:  “After John had been arrested, Jesus came to Galilee proclaiming the gospel of God: “This is the time of fulfillment. The kingdom of God is at hand. Repent, and believe in the Gospel.”” (Mark 1:14-15)   Sponsor - Reform Wellness: Reform Wellness is a Christ-centered functional medicine and holistic wellness ministry. Reform redefines health as the state of your body and soul. Their mission is to empower the whole person to find well-being in Christ and become the best versions of themselves physically and spiritually. Reform works with private clients, corporate teams, religious communities, and educational institutions worldwide, both in-person and online. They offer valuable information, educational resources, and lifelong tools to improve your well-being. We invite you to learn more about Reform’s foundational course Reform Online which offers educational tools, best practices, and community through their nine wellness pillars. Reform is extending an exclusive discount for all our listeners on their Lenten Cohort. We highly recommend this three-month foundational course; we’ve each taken Reform Online and still benefit from the fruits in our daily lives. Use code “Abide10'' for your exclusive discount through February 29. 

In this week's episode, we begin our seven week Lenten study of the book “A Time of Renewal” by Mother Mary Francis P.C.C. In this episode we cover the introduction and the sections on the first four days of Lent. We discuss how Lent is an opportunity for us to grow in intimacy with God and how viewing fasting as a time of renewal, not suffering, can help us encounter a deeper transformation. We also reflect on our ability to help others grow in holiness, why Lent is the Springtime of the liturgical year, and how we can allow ourselves to bloom this Lenten season.    Heather’s One Thing - Aspire to Live a Quiet Life by Francis Chan Sister Miriam’s One Thing - the women at the Trini-tea fundraiser (pictures here) Michelle’s One Thing - ABBA by Johnathan Helser and the people of Louisiana   Journal Questions: Take inventory of your heart: where are you? Where do I need to reflower? What areas of my life does the Lord want to prune? Am I approaching this Lent like “just another Lent”? How can I accept this Lent as a unique season and invitation from the Lord? What practices put me back in the gaze of the Father? How can I incorporate them into my Lenten plan?   Discussion Questions: Which fruits in my life are good fruits? Which fruits are bad fruits? How can you be more conscious of your responsibility for one another’s holiness? Whose growth in holiness is God inviting you to be conscious of? Who can you offer your Lenten prayers and fasts up for? How close are you to the Lord today?   Quotes to Ponder: “I hope we will not allow ourselves to think of it as “just another Lent”. There is a very deep sense in which there is not another Lent and then another and another after that. This Lent is unlike any other. It is this acceptable time. We do not know if there will be another Lent for us, but we do know God has brought us to this acceptable time, to this prolonged day of salvation.” (Mother Mary Francis P.C.C. A Time of Renewal. Kindle Edition. Page 19)   Scripture for Lectio:  “Is not this the fast that I chose: to loose the bonds of wickedness and to undo the thongs of the yoke, to let the oppressed go free and break every yoke?” (Isaiah 58:6)   Sponsor - The Little Rose Shop: Discover the beauty of integrating faith into your everyday life with The Little Rose Shop.  Our Morning Offering Prayer mug is the perfect companion for your morning routine, allowing you to start each day with a heartfelt prayer, focusing your thoughts on Christ. Plus, explore our Quiet Books collection, including the Mass Quiet Book, Rosary Quiet Book, and the Where is Jesus Quiet Book. These engaging books are designed for babies and toddlers, making it easy to introduce them to the wonders of faith in a quiet and interactive way—perfect for adoration or Mass.  As a special treat for Abiding Together listeners, use promo code ABIDING15 for an exclusive 15% discount at checkout. Enrich your spiritual journey and bring the joy of faith into your home with The Little Rose Shop.

In this week's episode, we welcome Fr. Dave Pivonka, TOR as our guest to dive deep into what it means to be in relationship with God as Father. Together we chat about how our earthly fathers both positively and negatively impact our relationship with God the Father and how to begin to receive the love of God the Father. We also share how our relationship with God the Father has changed through the loss of earthly fathers. Check out Fr. Dave’s new (free!) video series entitled My father’s Father (or watch here on Wildgoose).  Heather’s One Thing - Upcoming pilgrimages with Franciscan to France and Alaska  Sister Miriam’s One Thing - The the beauty of the Pensacola beach Michelle’s One Thing - Watching NFL Playoffs with Sister Miriam  Fr. Dave’s One Thing - The book A Little Liar by Mitch Albom   Other Resources Mentioned:  My father’s Father Trailer Link My father’s Father on Wildgoose My father’s Father on Faith and Reason S3 E18: The Holy Spirit with Fr. Dave Pivonka S5 E22: The Holy Spirit with Fr. Dave Pivonka The Father’s Love Spotify Playlist Journal Questions: What does (or did) my father’s relationship with our Heavenly Father look like? In what ways can I grow in honoring and being honest about my father? Other than my earthly father, who in my life revealed the heart of our Heavenly Father to me? For those whose fathers have passed away: how has my relationship with God the Father changed since my father passed away? Discussion Questions: How has your relationship with your earthly father shaped your relationship with your Heavenly Father? In your current state of life, when do you feel most connected to your identity as a child? What thoughts, emotions, and associations arise when you think of your primary identity as a child? How can you grow in and more deeply receive your daughterhood from the Father? Quotes to Ponder: “The whole of the Christian life is like a great pilgrimage to the house of the Father, whose unconditional love for every human creature, and in particular for the 'prodigal son,' we discover anew each day.” (JPII Tertio Millennio Adveniente) Scripture for Lectio:  “See what great love the Father has lavished on us, that we should be called children of God! And that is what we are!” (1 John 3:1) Sponsor - Ascension: With the Ascension App, you can easily find answers to the most challenging questions about church teaching and Scripture. Designed to help you understand the faith like never before, you’ll experience the peace that comes from deepening your prayer life and knowledge of God. The Ascension App includes: Both of Fr. Mike's In a Year podcasts in one place Transcripts for every podcast episode The full texts of the Bible and Catechism Nearly 1,000 questions that Bible In a Year listeners have had over the years with their answers! Episode summaries, bonus content, and reflection questions Daily readings with video reflections from your favorite Catholic creators! And if you’re feeling overwhelmed or disconnected as you prepare for Lent, you’re not alone. The Ascension App will be a one-stop-shop for prayer this season, with Fr. Mark Toups’ Lenten Companion audio + video reflections guiding you day-by-day to an encounter with the person of Christ. Explore the Ascension App’s premium features with a free 7-day trial!

In this week's episode, we discuss the relationship between solitude and community and how no matter if we are introverted or extroverted, we need both in order to live rightly ordered lives. We reflect on how solitude and community has changed throughout the different seasons of our lives and the importance of being open to these changes so we can receive the blessings God desires to give us. When we let our cups be filled by God through authentic solitude, we are able to grow, and therefore build deeper and more intimate relationships within our community.    Heather’s One Thing - The book Humans of Heaven from the January Jane Shop Sister Miriam’s One Thing - The book Hinds' Feet on High Places: An Engaging Visual Journey (Visual Journey Series) by Hannah Hurnard Michelle’s One Thing - Spending time with Sister Miriam at the O’Grady’s Beach House    Journal Questions: What obstacles do you encounter to being in communion with Christ when you enter into silence? How am I tempted to perceive solitude as isolation? How am I tempted to perceive being with people as community? When I think about solitude and community and which one I currently need more of, how can I create space in my life to tend to that need? What needs do I need to voice to someone in my life?   Discussion Questions: Which comes more naturally to you: solitude or community? Throughout your life, which communities have brought you closer to Christ and allowed you to become more fully human? In your current season of life, have you sensed a stronger need for solitude or community? What daily, weekly, or monthly rhythms do you have to cultivate community and solitude?   Quotes to Ponder: “Let him who cannot be alone beware of community... Let him who is not in community beware of being alone... Each by itself has profound perils and pitfalls. One who wants fellowship without solitude plunges into the void of words and feelings, and the one who seeks solitude without fellowship perishes in the abyss of vanity, self-infatuation and despair.”  (Dietrich Bonhoeffer, Life Together: The Classic Exploration of Faith in Community)   “True silence is a garden enclosed, where alone the soul can meet its God.” (Catherine Doherty)   Scripture for Lectio:  “And after he had dismissed the crowds, he went up the mountain by himself to pray.” (Matthew 14:23 )   Sponsor - Ascension: With the Ascension App, you can easily find answers to the most challenging questions about church teaching and Scripture. Designed to help you understand the faith like never before, you’ll experience the peace that comes from deepening your prayer life and knowledge of God. The Ascension App includes: Both of Fr. Mike's In a Year podcasts in one place Transcripts for every podcast episode The full texts of the Bible and Catechism Nearly 1,000 questions that Bible In a Year listeners have had over the years with their answers! Episode summaries, bonus content, and reflection questions Daily readings with video reflections from your favorite Catholic creators! And if you’re feeling overwhelmed or disconnected as you prepare for Lent, you’re not alone. The Ascension App will be a one-stop-shop for prayer this season, with Fr. Mark Toups’ Lenten Companion audio + video reflections guiding you day-by-day to an encounter with the person of Christ. Explore the Ascension App’s premium features with a free 7-day trial!

In this week's episode, we reflect on the role both joy and sorrow simultaneously play in our lives. We chat about how pressing into grief allows us to more fully experience joy, and how when we try to numb ourselves to the sorrow we also numb ourselves to the experience of joy. We also talk about the importance of naming disappointments, intentionally maturing in our faith, and what we have personally learned while grieving the loss of a parent. When we learn to suffer well and meet God in the midst of our sufferings, we can reach a deep joy we never thought possible.    Heather’s One Thing - Attending and speaking at SEEK ‘24.  Watch the impact session here. Sister Miriam’s One Thing - Therapist’s Conference with the JPII Healing Center Michelle’s One Thing - Nick Sabn Retiring From College Football    Journal Questions: What paradoxes am I called to live in right now? How can I bring the Lord into my disappointments? Am I more prone to pushing my emotions aside or letting my emotions rule my life (emotional gluttony)? In seasons of grief, who are the people who have been my midwives and accompanied me through those seasons?   Discussion Questions: What disappointments have you experienced this past year? Is it hard for you to be honest with God about those disappointments? What is God redeeming and restoring in your life? In a current disappointment or heartbreak you are feeling, what gratitude are you experiencing alongside it? What gifts of daily bread is the Lord providing for you in this season?   Quote to Ponder: “Our life is a short time in expectation, a time in which sadness and joy kiss each other at every moment. There is a quality of sadness that pervades all the moments of our lives. It seems that there is no such thing as a clear-cut pure joy, but that even in the most happy moments of our existence we sense a tinge of sadness. In every satisfaction, there is an awareness of limitations. In every success, there is the fear of jealousy. Behind every smile, there is a tear. In every embrace, there is loneliness. In every friendship, distance. And in all forms of light, there is the knowledge of surrounding darkness . . . But this intimate experience in which every bit of life is touched by a bit of death can point us beyond the limits of our existence. It can do so by making us look forward in expectation to the day when our hearts will be filled with perfect joy, a joy that no one shall take away from us.” (Henri J.M. Nouwen, Making All Things New: An Invitation to the Spiritual Life)   Scripture for Lectio:  He turns my mourning into dancing. You have turned my mourning into dancing; you have taken off my sackcloth and clothed me with joy, so that my soul may praise you and not be silent. O Lord my God, I will give thanks to you forever. (Psalm 30:11-12)   Sponsor - Pilgrimage to Beauty: Pilgrimage to Beauty creates transformative experiences of true rest and retreat, for couples or individuals wired for adventure. Whether you're an adventurer or a contemplative, Pilgrimage to Beauty invites you to Guatemala July 24-31, 2024 for a unique encounter with Blessed Stanley Rother in the Mayan village he served and died for only 43 years ago. Tens of thousands of pilgrims have visited the newly opened Blessed Stanley Rother Shrine in Oklahoma City, but very few have had the experience of praying and serving in Santiago, the village where his heart resides and his mission lives on. We have already had a number of Abiding Together listeners go on this pilgrimage and describe it as one of the most transformational trips of their lives. Our very good friends Ennie and Cana Hickman and Emily Blasdell will guide you to the breathtaking shores of Lake Atitlan, feed you delicious local cuisine, and accompany you on this once in a lifetime encounter with God and His saint.  Visit PilgrimageToBeauty.com/abidingtogether to find out all the special perks for our Abiding Togethe

This episode continues our annual tradition of sharing our Word of the Year! 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 2024 mean to us and chat about how our words from last year have impacted our lives. At the beginning of the episode, we also share an announcement about this year’s Lenten book study. We are excited to be back and look forward to seeing what this season will bring.    Heather’s One Thing - Her husband Jake’s upcoming course on our God-given Identity. Register here! Sister Miriam’s One Thing - The Trini-Tea tea party, a ladies tea party in Front Royal, VA on January 27, 2024 to benefit the SOLT Sisters’ Motherhouse Campaign. You are invited! Register for the event here. Michelle’s One Thing - Her 2023 reading recommendation list!   Announcement: We are excited to announce that our Lenten book study will be: A Time of Renewal: Daily Reflections for the Lenten Season by Mother Mary Francis, P.C.C. Visit our website for more information!   Journal Questions: If you had a word for 2023, what did God teach you through that word? Take some time to reflect and ask the Holy Spirit to reveal your word of the year. You could start with a scripture or just silence. After prayer and reflection, what is your word of the year? How does your 2024 word of the year build upon previous words of the year or seasons? Who can you discuss your word with and remind them of their word throughout 2024?   Discussion Questions: What themes has God been using as an opportunity to encounter Him? Are there specific scriptures, saints, or quotes that will serve as a guide or reminder of your word during the year? What is one change you can make in the coming year to be more open to the will of God? How can you place tangible reminders of your word in your daily life?   Quote to Ponder: "For last year's words belong to last year's language and next year's words await another voice." (T.S. Eliott)   Scripture for Lectio:  "Create in me a clean heart, O God, and put a new and right spirit within me. Do not cast me away from your presence, and do not take your holy spirit from me. Restore to me the joy of your salvation, and sustain in me a willing spirit." (Psalm 51:10-12)  Sponsor - Franciscan University: One of only 15 faithfully Catholic universities endorsed by the Cardinal Newman Society, Franciscan University of Steubenville continues to lead the renaissance of Catholic higher education called for in Ex corde Ecclesiae. Franciscan integrates excellent academic programs with a dynamic faith environment to serve over 3,800 students from all 50 states and 18 countries on campus, including 1,300 students online. Ranked in the top tier of Midwest universities by U.S. News & World Report since 1998, Franciscan offers over 100 programs of study including 45 undergraduate programs, 10 graduate programs, and 17 online programs—all grounded in Franciscan’s acclaimed Catholic core curriculum. Everything from accounting to engineering, nursing, evangelization, criminal justice, psychology and many more. It’s home to the largest undergraduate Theology Program in the U.S., and has a well-regarded Priestly Discernment Program, which has seen over 250 members ordained to the priesthood since 1985. They also have a study abroad program in a beautifully restored 14th-century Carthusian monastery in Austria attracts up to 200 students each semester. For more about Franciscan University of Steubenville and its mission to educate, evangelize, and send forth Spirit-filled disciples of Jesus Christ, visit Franciscan.edu or connect with Franciscan on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, or LinkedIn.

Merry Christmas, friends! In this episode, we conclude our four part Advent series on the book The Reed of God by Caryll Houselander. Today, we focus on part four and discuss the sections on Our Lady Seeking, Our Seeking, The Way, and The Assumption. We reflect on the beautiful reality that when Mary looks at us, she sees her Son and how we are also called to not only become aware of Christ’s presence within ourselves but also to seek His presence within those around us. In order to do this, we need to first prepare our hearts to fully accept Christ and we chat about the different ways we can become more receptive to His love. Thank you for journeying with us this Advent season. We look forward to seeing you on January 15th for the start of Season 14!   Heather’s One Thing - The moment when no one else is awake and getting to sit with a cup of coffee and enjoy the Christmas tree lights Heather’s Other One Thing - The movie The Boy, the Mole, the Fox, and the Horse (watch the trailer here) Heather’s Other Other One Thing - The Rescue Project especially Fr. John Ricardo’s videos on the Kerygma Sister Miriam’s One Thing - Nourishing White Bean and Lemon Soup Michelle’s One Thing - Charlie Brown Christmas Special   Journal Questions: How can I bring light into the darkness this Christmas season? How can I make a gift of myself this Christmas season? What painful memories or grief has surfaced for me this Christmas and Advent season? Where is God in those memories and grief? What is the most unsuspecting place where Christ wants to reveal Himself to me?   Discussion Questions: How were you present to the present moment this Advent? How were you not present to the present moment this Advent? In what ways are you tempted to block the Holy Spirit throughout the Advent and Christmas seasons? How has our Blessed Mother encountered you throughout this book study? What is the Holy Spirit prompting you to do this season to more freely receive the Holy Spirit?   Quote to Ponder: “It was another Advent, a withdrawing and folding upon the Life within her life; but a withdrawing that did not separate her from other people but only brought her closer to them; for she had found her Christ in them all.” (Houselander, Caryll. The Reed of God, page 66) Scripture for Lectio:  "I will arise now and go about the city through the streets and squares. I will seek the one I love. So I sought him but did not find him."  (Song of Songs 3:2)   Sponsor - Walking with Purpose:   Do you want to help your daughter discover her true identity?   Do you long to see her avoid the pitfalls of toxic relationships?   Are you ready to guide her toward her God-given calling?   There is nothing fiercer than a mother’s love for her children. Many of us feel that influences around our kids are eroding the foundation we’ve worked so hard to build. It’s time to reclaim our motherly influence, because no one loves or knows our girls like we do.  Sisters of Strength is a life-changing and vitalizing weekend for mothers and their high school/college-aged daughters from Walking with Purpose. Featuring a lineup of powerful speakers—including our own Heather Khym!—we will delve into the topics of identity, friendship, and purpose, equipping our daughters to answer life’s biggest questions with God’s wisdom and perspective.  Join us for Sisters of Strength April 5-7 in Leesburg, VA. You’ll laugh, you’ll connect, and you’ll both return home spiritually stronger and refreshed.

In this episode, we continue with part three of our four part Advent series on the book “The Reed of God” by Caryll Houselander. Today, we focus on part three and discuss the sections on the Lost Child, Idols, and the Last Confession. We chat about how when we lose sight of Jesus, we are called to imitate Mary and seek until He is found. By persevering on this journey and staying strong in the face of distraction or complacency, we cultivate a deeper union with Him. God Himself is calling us to take this journey because out of love, He desires to give Himself to us. We also talk about the various idols in our lives, how these idols block us from growing in communion with God, and how our own woundedness can distort our perception of God.  We encourage you to go at your own pace so that the Lord can fill your heart with what you need to hear this Advent season.    Heather’s One Thing - First snowfall of the season and making an eggnog latte! Heather’s Other One Thing - Grateful for parents living next door and family dinners Sister Miriam’s Half One Thing - The Women’s College Volleyball Division I National Tournament Sister Miriam’s One Thing - Heather’s Advent Playlist Michelle’s One Thing - Her son’s Catholic Youth Sports League won first place Michelle’s Other One Thing - Leanne Bowen’s Instagram Post on Mother’s Intercessors   Journal Questions: How do I react when I am not experiencing consolation or hearing from God? How have I observed an invitation to deeper freedom in my relationship with God this Advent? How do I seek to control God? Where in my life do I believe that God doesn’t love me or care for me?   Discussion Questions: How do you seek out Christ when you sense that He is lost or hidden? What “imaginary Christs” have you created in your life? How are you tempted to worship the false “convenient god”? How are you being inspired to seek Christ out after listening to this episode?   Quote to Ponder: “It is this: How is it that the lives of so many people who profess to be Christian are utterly inconsistent with Christianity?” (Houselander, Caryll. The Reed of God, page 93).   Scripture for Lectio:  “Where has your beloved gone, most beautiful of women? Which way did your beloved turn, that we may look for him with you?” (Song of Songs 6:1)    Sponsor - Rooted for Good: We are thrilled once again to be sponsoring another episode of Abiding Together. This podcast holds a special place in our hearts, not only because we love Jesus too, but also because the Abiding community has been a vital part of Rooted’s unbelievable growth story! Today thousands of customers across the country and beyond LOVE using their Rooted products every day.  There are so many skincare and beauty companies today promoting values which contradict the treasures of our faith. Founded by a Catholic mom of 6 boys, Rooted stands for Goodness, Truth and Real Beauty. You don’t have to sacrifice your values to experience premium skincare and essential oils that smell and feel amazing!  Experience for yourself why greater than 90% of all Rooted customer reviews are 5 stars. From skin care, to essential oils, to all natural soaps, scrubs and soaks, make Rooted a part of your skincare and wellness routine. And with every dollar you spend with us, we will donate 10 cents to uplift someone in need in the developing world! Shop your values, and make a difference all while treating yourself to your new favorite products! Join the thousands of Abiding Together customers who are now part of our growing Rooted Community at RootedforGood.com, and use Abide20 at checkout to save 20% on your whole order!

In this episode, we continue with part two of our four part Advent series on the book The Reed of God by Caryll Houselander. Today, we focus on part two and discuss the sections on Et Homo Factus Est, the Fugue, Wooden Bambino, and Et Verbum Caro Factum Est. We chat about our desire as women to protect our children, but how this desire can easily morph into control, manipulation, or possession. We reflect on how Our Lady exemplifies perfect surrender and trust as she continually releases her Son back to God as a gift freely given to her by God. We also discuss the role of suffering and brokenness in transformation and the beauty of silence in the rhythm of life.  We encourage you to go at your own pace so that the Lord can fill your heart with what you need to hear this Advent season.    Heather’s One Thing - Butter Tart Recipe  Heather’s Other One Thing - Stovetop Potpourri Recipe Sister Miriam’s One Thing - The simple joys of Advent Michelle’s One Thing - Support for the heartbreaking loss of the Auburn vs. Alabama college football game Michelle’s Other One Thing - Chevrolet Christmas Commercial    Journal Questions: How do I try to possess or manipulate others to protect them from disappointment or pain? Do I see my humanity as a gift or as a burden? In the final days before Christmas, when can I create moments of silence to meet Jesus? Where do I need a mother? Where am I afraid to be mothered?   Discussion Questions: How do you allow your fears of vulnerability, dependence, and a lack of control rule your life and your decisions? What parts of your humanity do you find God inviting you more deeply into during this Advent season? What Fruits of the Spirit do you need to grow in (love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control)? How can you allow Mary to mother you to more fully experience these fruits and bring them to fruition?   Quotes to Ponder: “Only Christ-bearers can restore the world to life and give humanity back the vitality of love.” (Houselander, Caryll. The Reed of God, page 72).   “Our Lady gave humanity to God as she gave the water to Christ at Cana, to be changed into wine.” (Houselander, Caryll. The Reed of God, page 83).   Scripture for Lectio:  “All things were made by him; and without him was made nothing that was made. In him was life, and the life was the light of men. And the light shineth in the darkness, and the darkness did not comprehend it.” (John 1:3–5)   Sponsor - Whole Mission: Learn to chart your fertility simply and objectively with a healthcare professional teacher at Whole Mission. We use the latest research and technology to help you navigate the highs, lows, and peaks of natural family planning with confidence, and a 98% effectiveness rate, using the Marquette Method of NFP. Learning to chart your fertility might seem intimidating, so let’s take the guesswork out of it. Our classes are recommended for: Single women desiring to understand their health Engaged couples preparing for marriage Postpartum moms seeking to simplify their charting routine Women in perimenopause who are getting ready for new changes Find an instructor who’s been there, who’s Catholic, and who wants to support the whole “you,” including the intricate and beautiful gift of your fertility. Find out more about Whole Mission’s model for whole person health education at: www.thewholemission.com

In this episode, we begin our four part Advent series on the book The Reed of God by Caryll Houselander. Today, we focus on part one and discuss the sections on Emptiness, Fiat, Advent, and Pastoral. We reflect on the gift of virginity, how our own life experiences can alter how we view this gift, and how Our Lady perfectly models the truth about the fruitfulness of giving our full selves in love. We also chat about the beauty of accepting our littleness and how only through the act of emptying ourselves can God truly give us what He desires.  We encourage you to go at your own pace so that the Lord can fill your heart with what you need to hear this Advent season.    Heather’s One Thing - Advent Worship playlist and the song Hungry by UPPERROOM Sister Miriam’s One Thing - Christmas Peaceful Piano playlist Michelle’s One Thing - The painting A Mother and Child looking at the Virgin and Child by Reginald Bottomley and steps to practice Visio Divina with the image.   Journal Questions: How do I allow myself to be filled by the Bridegroom? How do I view chastity – as a sour apple, or as the first fruits? What is distracting me this Advent season? What image depicted by Caryll Houselander is resonating with me most (the reed, the chalice, and the nest)?   Discussion Questions: How can I empty myself to more fully receive the Bridegroom? What is the Holy Spirit inviting you to say “yes” to? What is the Holy Spirit inviting you to say “no” to? How is the Lord continually purifying and refining you? How am I tempted to say “I’m just a…”?   Quotes to Ponder: “Advent is the season of the secret, the secret of the growth of Christ, of Divine Love growing in silence.” (Houselander, Caryll. The Reed of God (p. 38). Copycat. Kindle Edition.)   “It is always a love story, a culmination of love between the Spirit of Light and the Bride of the Spirit.” (Houselander, Caryll. The Reed of God (p. 19). Copycat. Kindle Edition.) Scripture for Lectio:  “Be it done to me according to thy word.” (Luke 1:38)   Sponsor - Bell Road Beef: Bell Road Beef is two sisters and two husbands, raising thirteen children (currently!) and more than thirteen cattle on the grasslands of Northern New Mexico.  They come from five generations of ranchers who have known, loved, and cared for the land and its animals for decades. From the beginning of new life to harvest, the animals are an extension of Britt, Rozann, and their families. They see life, loss, and everything in between. On Bell Road, these animals have a home…one in which small batches of cattle are raised to the highest standards and eventually brought straight to you. Visit shop.bellroadbeef.com to see the variety of beef that can be shipped straight to your door, and get a free pack of beef sticks while you’re at it!

In this episode, for the first time ever, we answer questions submitted by our listeners! We answer questions like: How have we healed in our identity as mother, daughter, sister, and bride? How to handle the pressure of people relying on you for spiritual improvement? How to cultivate a life that reflects beauty? How to heal from childhood sexual trauma? How has our faith evolved over the different seasons in our lives? The difference between being too nice and choosing mercy? And more!    Heather’s One Thing - Her daughter’s art and the beauty of Catholic artists building each other up and rejoicing in the talent of others.  Heather’s Other One thing - Tammy Peterson’s Rosary Testimony  Sister Miriam’s One Thing - Sausage, Potato, and Kale Soup Michelle’s One Thing - All the Light We Cannot See by Anthony Doerr and the new Netflix series based on the book   Other Resources Mentioned:  Be Healed and Be Restored by Dr. Bob Schuchts The Wounded Heart by Dan Allender Restore the Glory Podcast The Forgiving Life by Dr. Robert Enright Forgiveness Meditation from Sr. Miriam Seeking Healing Through Forgiveness SEEK 2019 with Sr. Miriam and Fr. John Burns The Deepest Place: Suffering and the Formation of Hope by Curt Thompson Anatomy of a Soul by Curt Thompson The Midnight Library by Matt Haig Way of the Heart Podcast Wild at Heart Podcast   Journal Questions: What area of your identity (daughter, sister, mother, bride) has the Lord done the most healing in your life? Who do I feel unable to forgive? Who can I make myself more available to as a friend?   Discussion Questions: How can you intentionally bring beauty into your everyday life? How does God want to meet you with prayer that aligns with the rhythms of your current season? What boundaries do you sense a need to implement?