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 Mother Mary to smile upon me?
• How have I turned to self-reliance this Lent?
• Where is God inviting me to become more adult and free?
• What is the new song the Lord wants to put in my heart?

Discussion Questions:

• When do you notice orphanhood in your heart?
• What are you learning from St. Therese this Lent?
• When have you experienced the healing delight of a mother?
• Is it difficult for you to name your desires? What is one desire God has placed on your heart this Lent?
• What is the "yes" God is asking you to make today?

Quotes to Ponder:

"You know, Mother, that I have always desired to be a saint, but alas, I have always realized, when I compared myself to the saints, that there is between them and me the same difference as exists between a mountain whose summit is lost in the skies, and the obscure grain of sand trodden underfoot by passers-by. Instead of getting discouraged, I said to myself: "God could not" "inspire us with desires that were unrealizable, so despite my littleness I can aspire to holiness. It is impossible for me to grow up, I must put up with myself as I am, with all my imperfections; but I want to find how to get to Heaven by a little way that is quite straight, quite short: a completely new little way." (St. Thérèse of Lisieux)

"Each of us has an absolute need for an inner transformation that makes us "as little as a child." What that means and how to put it into practice are exactly what Thérèse teaches in a simple, luminous way. That is why she was proclaimed a Doctor—that is, a teacher—of the Church." (Father Jacques Philippe, The Way of Trust and Love, Page 6)

"The heart of Christian life is to receive and welcome God's tenderness and goodness, the revelation of his merciful love, and to let oneself be transformed interiorly by that love." (Father Jacques Philippe, The Way of Trust and Love, Page 7)

Scripture for Lectio:

"But he said to me, "My grace is sufficient for you, for power is made perfect in weakness." So, I will boast all the more gladly of my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ may dwell in me." (2 Corinthians 12:9)

Sponsor - Healed and Restored:

Healed and Restored is a non-profit organization located in the Charlotte, NC area that was created in 2020 to fill a void and respond to a need that has been long overlooked in our society. A program that is 100% dedicated to helping women heal in the aftermath of abuse, assault, and other traumatic experiences.

According to the United Nations, one in three girls and women around the world has been subjected to sexual and/or physical abuse at least once in their lives. Studies show that women who have been through abuse (of all types) have higher levels of fear, are more isolated, and face greater mental health problems.

In the aftermath of any of these traumatic events, women will sometimes resort to hurting themselves through cutting, eating disorders, and addictions. Without proper care and healing, these dark cycles can persist for years.

We help women and girls realize that God desires to heal every single one of His beloved children. We teach them that the enemy is a master manipulator. As soon as a person gets hurt, the devil begins to plant all kinds of lies in our hurting souls. Some of these lies are: God doesn't love you, everything that happened is your fault, you should be forever ashamed, and you will never find healing and peace.

The Mission

The Healed and Restored mission is to help women and girls who are survivors of abuse, assault, domestic violence, trafficking, and all other forms of trauma find healing and restoration. Grounded in Catholic teachings and through a combination of counseling, life coaching, intimate workshops, practical tools, spiritual mentoring, and community support we help women and girls transform pain into purpose— empowering them to not only survive, but thrive.

Since 2020, Healed and Restored has helped over 500 women and girls on their journey to process their unhealed wounds. Never could we have predicted how much God would bless our mission in such a short period of time.

All of this has us convinced that there are times when God uses our deepest pain to propel us on the path to our greatest calling!

If you or someone you know could use the assistance of our trained and compassionate Catholic Therapists/Counselors and money is an issue, please do not hesitate to reach out to us by emailing [email protected] for more information and guidance.

Or if you feel called to be part of this mission by volunteering your time, we would love to hear from you. Together and guided by the Holy Spirit, we can make a difference in the life of those around us who are suffering.

Timestamps:

00:00 Healed and Restored

01:31 Intro

02:17 Welcome

04:26 Scripture Verse and Quote to Ponder

05:35 Trusting in Our Creator

09:49 The Path of Spiritual Childhood

12:53 Healed by Delight

16:27 What is the "Little Way"?

19:36 Childlike vs Childish

24:05 The Role of Holy Scripture

30:10 One Things

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?
• When listening to God in prayer, what is the posture of my heart?

Discussion Questions:

• How is God calling you into deeper love this Lent?
• Where do you notice weariness or poverty in your life?
• How can you serve the poor this Lent?
• What holds you back from listening to the Lord in prayer?
• How do you want to be transformed this Lent?

Quote to Ponder:

"I feel that I am going to my rest … but above all, I feel that my mission is about to begin, my mission of making God loved as I love him, of giving my little way to other souls. If God grants my request, my Heaven will be spent on earth, until the end of the world. Yes, I wish to spend my Heaven in doing good on earth." (St. Thérèse of Lisieux)

Scripture for Lectio:

"Amen, I say to you, unless you turn and become like children, you will not enter the kingdom of heaven. Whoever humbles himself like this child is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven." (Matthew 18:3-4)

Sponsor - SacredSpark:

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Timestamps: 00:00 SacredSpark

01:37 Intro

02:23 Welcome

03:08 Scripture Verse and Guiding Quote

03:53 Seeing Lent as an Invitation of Love

06:26 Breaking Strongholds

09:18 The Little Way

12:44 Feeling Weary and Poor

14:54 Pope Leo's Lenten Letter

19:33 Listening to Grow Deeper in Intimacy

23:04 A Call to Holiness

26:52 One Things

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. They also offer an ebook version as well. We will announce more information about the study in the coming weeks!

Journal Questions:

• Where is the Holy Spirit inviting me this Lent?
• In the past, how have I turned to self-reliance throughout Lent?
• Where is my heart not rooted in my true identity?
• Is there something in the way of me drawing close to the Lord?
• Where am I performing instead of depending?
• Where am I controlling instead of trusting?
• Where am I grasping for love instead of securely attached?
• Where am I prideful instead of obedient?

Discussion Questions:

• Where do you need springtime in your personal life?
• How will you respond to your own shortcomings and self-reliance this Lent?
• How does the Lord want to bring you deeper into your identity?
• How is the Lord inviting you to live into your Word of the Year deeper this Lent?

Quote to Ponder:

"Lent is a time of going very deeply into ourselves… What is it that stands between us and God? Between us and our brothers and sisters? Between us and life, the life of the Spirit? Whatever it is, let us relentlessly tear it out, without a moment's hesitation." (Catherine Doherty)

Scripture for Lectio:

"Jesus, full of the Holy Spirit, returned from the Jordan and was led by the Spirit in the wilderness, where for forty days he was tested by the devil." (Luke 4:1-2)

Sponsor - COR Expeditions:

Are you experiencing the Lord's invitation to draw closer to Him? We encourage you to consider a life-changing course with COR Expeditions this summer.

COR Expeditions exists to transform the hearts of Catholics of all ages. COR - short for Catholic Outdoor Renewal and meaning "heart" in Latin - offers an invitation not often heard in our modern world: step away from technology, noise, and constant distraction, and step forward with the Lord into the wilderness, just as so many prophets and saints have done before us.

By choosing a course with COR, you are saying yes to being physically, emotionally, and spiritually challenged - in the best possible ways. Our culture often tells women to seek comfort, avoid risk, and doubt their own strength. At the same time, the voice of the enemy quietly whispers that we are not enough. COR offers something radically different: a place of freedom, encouragement, and truth. In the wilderness, you are reminded of your identity as a beloved daughter of God, created with courage, resilience, and deep capacity for joy.

COR courses take place in some of the most breathtaking locations of the Rocky Mountain West. Participants carry backpacks, hike miles into the backcountry, and live simply for the duration of the course. While this may sound intimidating at first, you are never on the journey alone. Our experienced instructors provide guidance, training, and support every step of the way. You do not need to be an elite athlete or an experienced backpacker—only willing to show up, try, and trust the Lord to meet you where you are.

In the silence of the mountains, away from screens and schedules, many women encounter God in a new and personal way. The physical challenge opens space for prayer. The simplicity brings clarity. The shared experience fosters deep community. What remains is peace, confidence, and a renewed ability to hear the Lord's voice.

If you're longing for deeper faith, meaningful challenge, and an experience that will stay with you long after summer ends, COR Expeditions may be the invitation your heart has been waiting for.

Learn more and take the next step at corexpeditions.org. Listeners of Abiding Together, use code ABIDE10 to get 10% off any one US-based open enrollment course this summer!

Timestamps: 00:00 COR Expeditions

01:31 Intro

02:17 Welcome

04:42 Guiding Quote and Scripture Verse

05:24 Where is the Holy Spirit Inviting Us Into Deeper Union

10:49 Testing Our Identity

15:41 God Speaks Tenderly to Us in the Desert

18:48 How to Discern What We Should do for Lent

25:16 One Things

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:

• The Pause App
• John Eldredge's Website "Wild at Heart"
• Waking the Dead by John Eldredge
• The Sacred Romance by John Eldredge
• Experience Jesus. Really. by John Eldredge

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 information about the study in the coming weeks!

Journal Questions:

• How am I living like a "practical atheist"?
• Where are you experiencing chaos in your domain?
• When in your day can you turn toward the Lord with a simple prayer?
• How have I experienced the friendship and communion of the Kingdom of Heaven in my life?
• Where in my life am I believing I am too much and not enough?

Discussion Questions:

• How would you define your domain? What has God entrusted to you?
• When have you experienced God's beauty and order in the midst of chaos and hatred?
• How have simple prayers led to transformation in your life?
• How is God inviting you to be a healing remedy to the world right now?

Quote to Ponder:

"The story of your life is the story of the long and brutal assault on your heart by the one who knows what you could be and fears it." (John Eldredge, Waking the Dead)

Scripture for Lectio:

"The Lord your God is with you, the Mighty Warrior who saves. He will take great delight in you; in his love he will no longer rebuke you, but will rejoice over you with singing." (Zephaniah 3:17)

Sponsor - Fully Alive Coaching Program:

Fully Alive Coaching Program is a trauma-informed Catholic coaching program for women and men who desire deep healing without compromising their faith. Created by licensed marriage and family therapist Brya Hanan, Fully Alive integrates Catholic Inner Child Work and somatic awareness in a gentle, Spirit-led journey—honoring the body, protecting the soul, and restoring wholeness.

For women and men who pray sincerely but still feel guarded, overwhelmed, or fragmented, Fully Alive offers a safe and structured path toward integration and life abundant. Learn more at catholicinnerchildwork.com/fully-alive and follow @catholicinnerchildwork for more trauma-informed and integrative resources to support your healing.

Use the code "abiding" or reference it during a consultation to get 10% off!

Timestamps: 00:00 - Fully Alive Coaching Program

01:16 - Intro

02:02 - Welcome

04:18 - Scripture Verse and Quote to Ponder

06:11 - Where is the Holy Spirit Moving the Church Now?

10:54 - Balancing the Love Story within a World at War

14:08 - Learning to Pray Against the Chaos

19:10 - How to Pray Together as A Couple

21:39 - Being in Union with God

26:13 - How Does God Use Fatherhood to Repair His Children?

29:30 - The Pause App

33:45 - We Are Created for Intimacy with Christ

37:48 - Women are Part of God's Healing Remedy to the World

40:22 - One Last Message from John

44:20 - A "Pause" Meditation

48:30 - One Things

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)
• Magnificat

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 information about the study in the coming weeks!

Journal Questions:

• How has the Lord encountered me through Holy Scripture?
• How has the Lord surprised me in prayer and study of the Scriptures?
• What obstacles prevent me from engaging with the Bible intentionally?
• What book of the Bible is the Lord inviting me to pray with this year?

Discussion Questions:

• What does your relationship with Scripture look like today?
• How have you been healed, convicted, or converted by Holy Scripture?
• Have you ever felt the Lord intimately and personally encounter you while reading Scripture?
• What would it look like for you to encounter the Lord in Holy Scripture daily?
• How do you want your relationship with the Word of God to be transformed?

Quote to Ponder:

"In order to reveal himself to men, in the condescension of his goodness God speaks to them in human words: "Indeed the words of God, expressed in the words of men, are in every way like human language, just as the Word of the eternal Father, when he took on himself the flesh of human weakness, became like men." Through all the words of Sacred Scripture, God speaks only one single Word, his one Utterance in whom he expresses himself completely…" (CCC Paragraphs 101-102)

Scripture for Lectio:

"All Scripture is inspired by God and is useful for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness." (2 Timothy 3:16)

Sponsor - Nazareth Organics:

Nazareth Organics is a Catholic family-owned natural skincare company.

Unlike many skincare companies that use lab-made chemical ingredients in their products, Nazareth Organics uses high quality, wild-crafted, and organic ingredients from nature and strives to support local farms and businesses whenever possible.

From nourishing facial serums and cleansers to diaper creams and sun screens, Nazareth Organics carries natural products for a wide array of skin conditions. They use grass-fed tallow as a base for many of their balms, because it is rich in fat-soluble vitamins and fatty acids that can increase collagen production, strengthen the skin, and calm inflammation. With all these nutrients working in tandem to heal and nourish the skin, tallow is a powerhouse topical ointment for every skin type.

The best thing about this business, though, is that it's dedicated to the Holy Family of Nazareth. From website to packaging, every sustainably sourced product points back to the faith and the ultimate source of creation. They also donate a portion of all proceeds to Catholic charitable organizations.

If you want to honor and care for your body using pure and natural ingredients straight from God's hands, then check out Nazareth Organics.

You can find them at nazareth-organics.com and use code ABIDE10 at checkout for a 10% discount. Follow them on social media at: @nazarethorganics.

Timestamps: 00:00 Nazareth Organics

01:26 Intro

02:12 Welcome

03:45 Scripture Verse and Quote to Ponder

04:44 The Power of Scripture

08:28 Scripture Never Gets Old

14:56 How Scripture Can Heal Wounds

19:04 It's Personal to You

24:32 Going Deeper into the Word of God

27:02 One Things

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 Thing - The Correspondent by Virginia Evans

Other Resources Mentioned:

• Forgiving as Unity with Christ: A Journey for Healing Resentment and Relationships by Dr. Robert Enright

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 information about the study in the coming weeks!

Journal Questions:

• What are the unhealed places of your heart?
• Are you angry, sad, or frustrated at the wrong you've endured?
• How have I experienced shame about the wrongs I've endured or my own unforgiveness?
• How has this affected my health, wellbeing, or energy?
• How do I replay or obsess over the conflict I experienced?
• How have I given into constant comparison in my unforgiveness?
• What major changes have occurred in my life because of the injustice I've experienced and how have they affected me?
• Has this experience led to a more negative worldview?
• How has my sense of self changed? Am I seeing myself as worthless?

Discussion Questions:

• How have you been sweeping things under the rug and calling it forgiveness?
• What deeper feelings lie beneath your resentment?
• Where in your life do you need to repent and take personal responsibility?
• Who has modeled repentance and forgiveness well in your life?
• How does your heart react to conflict and wrongdoing in relationships?

Quotes to Ponder:

"Ultimately, we can really forgive people only because Christ rose from the dead; his Resurrection is the guarantee that God can cure every wrong and every hurt." (Fr. Jacques Philippe, Interior Freedom)

Resentment attacks our vital forces and does us much harm. When someone has made us suffer, our tendency is to keep the memory of the wrong alive in our minds, like a "bill" we will produce in due time to demand settlement. Those accumulated bills end up poisoning our lives. It is wiser to cancel every debt, as the Gospel invites us to. In return, we will be forgiven everything, and our hearts will be set free, whereas nurturing resentment toward others closes us to the positive things they could contribute to us." (Fr. Jacques Philippe, Interior Freedom)

Scripture for Lectio:

"Then Peter came to Jesus and asked, "Lord, how many times shall I forgive my brother who sins against me? Up to seven times?" Jesus answered, "I tell you, not just seven times, but seventy-seven times!"" (Matthew 18:21-22)

Sponsor - Blessed is She:

"Who do you say that I am?"

Jesus didn't ask this because He was uncertain of His identity. He asked because we often are.

The disciples had walked with Him. They had seen the miracles. They had heard the teaching. And still, when the question was asked, many hesitated. Because proximity to Jesus does not automatically mean intimacy.

So often, our understanding of God is shaped by what we've absorbed over time—what we were taught, what we experienced, what others modeled for us. And without noticing, we begin to believe stories that aren't true.That God is distant. That He is easily disappointed. That love must be earned. That holiness requires perfection.

But Jesus does not leave us guessing. He tells us who He is: I am the Light of the World. I am the Bread of Life. I am the Good Shepherd. I am the Way, the Truth, and the Life...

Join Blessed is She this Lent to journey with Jesus to Jerusalem in Who Do You Say That I Am? by Debra Herbeck.

This Lenten devotional walks through the "I AM" statements of Jesus in the Gospel of John and is written to lead you out of assumptions and into encounter.

This Lent, let Jesus speak for Himself. And let that truth reshape the way you live.

Whether you've been walking with Jesus for years or you just met Him, drink even more deeply of the truths of who Jesus says He is in Who Do You Say That I Am? Get your women's and kid's devotionals at blessedisshe.net/lent.

Blessed is She is a Catholic women's community for any woman who wants to radically follow Jesus through a vibrantly Catholic life every single day.

We create beautiful and accessible resources (like this year's Lent devotional), products, and experiences to deepen prayer and foster community, both online and in person.

We invite you into this community, no matter where you are on your walk with Christ.

You belong here.

Subscribe to our *free* daily emails to pray with the daily Mass readings and women all over the world at blessedisshe.net/subscribe and order the brand new Blessed is She Catholic journaling Bible at blessedisshe.net/shop.

Timestamps: 00:00 Blessed is She

01:30 Intro

02:16 Welcome

03:25 Scripture Verse and Quotes to Ponder

06:13 Repentance Leads to Freedom

07:53 Forgiveness is Hard

09:41 How Do I Forgive When I Don't Have the Capacity?

13:27 Modeling Repentance in Our Lives

17:35 Being Honest with Ourselves Can Be Painful

24:28 Sitting in the Pain and Setting Boundaries

29:34 Reflection Questions on Forgiveness

38:03 One Things

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 information about the study in the coming weeks!

Journal Questions:

• What was my word for 2025? How did the Lord work in and through me with that word?
• What is my word for 2026?
• How does my heart sit with the word revealed to me?
• How is the Lord inviting me into deeper love & intimacy in this new year?
• What is the Lord asking me to delight in?
• Has the Lord entrusted a particular saint to journey with you this year?

Discussion Questions:

• Reflect on and share about your word for 2025 and the graces you encountered through that word.
• What images, phrases, artwork, or Scripture verses have been on your mind when praying about your word of the year?
• What is your word for 2026? How did the Lord reveal it to you?
• Do you feel surprised, apprehensive, or delighted by your word for 2026? How can you hold onto hope this year?
• What is the Lord asking you to grow in?

Quotes to Ponder:

"For last year's words belong to last year's language, and next year's words await another voice." (T.S. Eliot, "Little Gidding")

"Let yourself be silently drawn by the stronger pull of what you really love." (St. Elizabeth of the Trinity)

Scripture for Lectio:

"Yet those who wait for the Lord will gain new strength; They will mount up with wings like eagles, They will run and not get tired, They will walk and not become weary." (Isaiah 40:31)

Sponsor - CORDA:

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Timestamps: 00:00 CORDA

01:38 Intro

02:25 Lent Announcement

03:10 Welcome

06:43 Scripture Verse and Quote to Ponder

08:24 Sister Miriam's Word of the Year

12:28 Heather's Word of the Year

17:16 Michelle's Word of the Year

25:13 Being Honest with Ourselves and with God

29:20 Our Saints of the Year

33:18 What if I don't have a Word of the Year?

34:26 One Things

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 Catholic Church

Sister Miriam's One Thing - Our listeners and Patreon supporters. Thank you!

Sister Miriam's Other One Thing - Philosophy and Healing (with Fr. Matthew Rolling) from the Restore the Glory Podcast

Michelle's One Thing - The beauty of the different religious orders!

Finally, we arrive at the Stable — the poorest of places, and yet, the holiest of all.

Here, in straw and silence, the Infinite takes on skin. The cry of a newborn splits the night open, and suddenly, everything is sacred again

The invitation into the mess

Into our own poverty…

The cry of our humanity …

Worship is not what we think it will look like.

Other Resources Mentioned:

• The Nativity Painting by Caravaggio
• Living from the Heart Jesus Gave You by Dr. James Friesen

Journal Questions:

• Where do I find myself in "unsatisfactory condition"?
• What are the scandalous places within me that I want to keep away from the Lord?
• How am I managing my own creativity rather than welcoming the Holy Spirit into my creativity?
• What beliefs am I carrying deeply about God? How does God want to heal these beliefs?
• Where am I afraid?
• How can I make space for Jesus and spend time with Him in this Christmas season?

Discussion Questions:

• How are you tempted to sanitize the Mystery of the Incarnation in your own life?
• Where in my life do I need a new perspective?
• When have you experienced God coming to you in a way you weren't expecting Him to?
• How am I seeking control in this season? How can I surrender that control?
• What are the stables of my life that God is inviting me into deeper surrender?

Quote to Ponder:

"I am so glad Jesus was born in a stable, because my soul is so much like a stable. It's poor and in unsatisfactory condition - Yet, I believe that if Jesus can be born in a stable, maybe he can be born in me." (Dorothy Day)

Scripture for Lectio:

"In those days a decree went out from Emperor Augustus that all the world should be registered. This was the first registration and was taken while Quirinius was governor of Syria. All went to their own towns to be registered. Joseph also went from the town of Nazareth in Galilee to Judea, to the city of David called Bethlehem, because he was descended from the house and family of David. He went to be registered with Mary, to whom he was engaged and who was expecting a child. While they were there, the time came for her to deliver her child. And she gave birth to her firstborn son and wrapped him in bands of cloth, and laid him in a manger, because there was no place for them in the inn." (Luke 2:1-7)

Sponsor - Fully Mediterranean:

Our sponsor today is Fully Mediterranean, a company dedicated to helping people discover the Mediterranean diet and lifestyle, a way of eating and living that is both deeply nourishing and beautifully simple. At Fully Mediterranean, they believe that good health and good food go hand in hand—and that both of these begin in the same place: around the table, where we slow down, gather, connect, and are reminded of God's goodness in the everyday moments of life. It's where we feed not only our bodies, but also our relationships. And it's often where we rediscover joy, connection, and presence.

Fully Mediterranean was built on a mission to help people discover a simple, nourishing way of eating and living—a way that brings peace, beauty, and balance into everyday. Their approach is not about pressure or perfection. It's about gently integrating habits that help you live fully, with a sense of gratitude and mindfulness that aligns beautifully with our Catholic faith.

What makes the Mediterranean lifestyle so special is that it's not just a way of eating; it's a way of living. It's a lifestyle shaped by mindfulness, by community, and by gratitude. It's about slowing down, savoring what God provides, and sharing meals with the people He places in our lives. It's about choosing foods that nourish the body He entrusted to us—vibrant vegetables, wholesome grains, fresh herbs, lean proteins, and healthy fats—while also embracing the joy and connection that come from preparing and enjoying meals with others.

Fully Mediterranean provides practical, realistic tools, guidance, and inspiration to help you bring these values into your kitchen and everyday life. Through recipes, programs, workshops, and practical nutrition guidance, we help women simplify healthy eating, feel confident in the kitchen, and rediscover the joy that comes from preparing meals that are both good for the body and soul-satisfying.

In a world filled with noise, pressure, and quick fixes, the Mediterranean lifestyle offers something gentler and more grounded—an invitation to live intentionally, joyfully, and wholeheartedly. It encourages us to choose foods that honor the bodies God created, to gather more often with the people we love, and to find celebration in simple, nourishing routines.

Whether you're looking to support your long-term health, gain energy for your daily responsibilities, or create more meaningful rhythms in your home, Fully Mediterranean is here to guide you every step of the way. We want to help you build a lifestyle that supports your well-being and draws you closer to living the full, abundant life God desires for you.

Because at Fully Mediterranean, we believe that when you nourish your body well, you nourish every part of your life. And when you gather at the table with gratitude, intention, and love, you reflect God's goodness in the most natural, beautiful way.

If you're ready to bring more peace, health, and joy into your kitchen—and your life—we invite you to explore all that Fully Mediterranean offers. Discover delicious recipes, practical tips, and inspiring resources designed to help you integrate the Mediterranean way of living into your daily routine with ease and grace.

Join us and use the code Abidingtogether20 to receive 20% off any of our products, including our course, ebooks and Substack membership. Join the 30-day Mediterranean challenge starting January 1st for just $8. Visit us at www.fullymediterranean.com, Substack: fullymediteranean.com.substack.com and @fullymediterranean

Chapters:

00:00 Fully Mediterranean

01:37 Intro

02:30 Welcome to the Stable

05:56 Guiding Quote and Scripture Verse

07:12 The Poverty of Our Hearts

11:26 Surrendering the Messy Parts of Our Lives

15:30 Healing Our Image of God

19:31 What it Means to Ponder

21:37 Making Space in the Midst of a Busy Season

28:27 Season 18 Announcement!

28:58 One Things

Music used under license i94Cr0

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 (especially Marcus Freeman)

And then, we travel to Elizabeth's house, high in the hills. Two women meet, and the air is thick with recognition. Promises leap, joy erupts, and prophecy dances between them.

This is the place of friendship, of shared waiting, of laughter through tears. Because God often comes to us in the embrace of another who believes.

Journal Questions:

• In what places of my life can I allow mystery to breathe and unfold?
• Who can I share the deep places of disappointment with and not feel judged?
• Where do I feel disappointed?
• How can I be a nest for others?
• What promise is leaping within you right now wanting to be recognized?
• Where do I run when God is doing something new in me?
• Who is my Elizabeth?

Discussion Questions:

• When has the Holy Spirit asked you to do something that didn't make sense in the natural world?
• How can we cultivate a home for others within our own hearts?
• Where is the Holy Spirit moving in your life and in other's lives?
• When was the last time you experienced someone speaking prophetically over your life?

Quote to Ponder:

"If there ever comes a time when the women of the world come together purely and simply for the benefit of mankind, it will be a force such as the world has never known." (Matthew Arnold)

Scripture for Lectio:

"Blessed is she who believed that the Lord would fulfill His promises to her." (Luke 1:45)

Sponsor - Chews Life:

Rosaries for Every Age and Season of Life.

Sister Lucia of Fatima once said, "There is no problem, no matter how difficult, that we cannot solve by the prayer of the Holy Rosary." At Chews Life , that isn't just a beautiful quote, it's the heartbeat of everything they do. Chews Life is a Catholic-owned small business whose mission is simple but bold: to equip every Catholic, in every age and season of life, with Rosaries for life. Whether you're a new mom juggling family life, a student on the go, or someone rediscovering the beauty of prayer, Chews Life creates practical and beautiful ways to make the Rosary part of your everyday rhythm.

For the Littlest Catholics one of the most beloved parts of the Chews Life mission is their dedication to helping children grow up surrounded by prayer. Their silicone Rosaries are soft, durable, and made for little hands to safely explore and grow in their love for the Rosary. Parents often say that watching their child hold one feels like watching them reach out to hold Our Lady's hand. Each design is thoughtfully created to be both faith-filled and family-safe, something little ones can hold, and carry as they begin learning the gentle rhythm of prayer. It's never too early to begin planting those seeds of devotion.

For women, Chews Life offers their signature excuse-proof Rosary bracelet, a gemstone Rosary that is both beautiful and wearable. Designed to help you pray throughout the day, this bracelet is a quiet but powerful companion for busy women who long to stay connected to God in the middle of everyday life. Whether you're at work, running errands, or caring for your family, these bracelets make it easy to keep prayer close. Each one includes Chews Life's signature "bookmark" crucifix charm, allowing you to pause your Rosary and pick it up right where you left off. Because real life and real prayer go hand-in-hand. Made with genuine gemstones and durable materials, every bracelet is a tangible reminder that holiness grows in the middle of ordinary moments, and that beauty and faith were always meant to belong together. For the Men in Your Life: Crux Invicta That same level of craftsmanship and devotion extends to the men's line, Crux Invicta, Chews Life's brother brand. The name means "The Cross Invincible," and it captures the heart of what this collection stands for: bold, rugged faith rooted in strength and sacrifice. Crux Invicta features paracord and gemstone Rosary bracelets designed for durability and purpose. Each piece carries the reminder that victory comes through the Cross, offering men a tangible way to live out their faith in the everyday battles of life.

And for those looking to go deeper and learn more about the mysteries of the Rosary, Chews Life founder Shannon Wendt invites you on a journey of prayer through her new book, The Way of the Rosary: A Journey with Mary through Scripture, Liturgy, and Life . This book is a heartfelt invitation to walk with Mary and discover the mysteries of the Rosary as they unfold through Scripture, the rhythm of the Liturgy, and the ordinary moments of daily life. Shannon's reflections reveal how Mary accompanies us in joy and in sorrow, guiding us always closer to her Son

From their baby-safe silicone Rosaries, to their gemstone Rosary bracelets, to the Crux Invicta men's line and The Way of the Rosary book, every part of Chews Life's mission is designed to make prayer not just accessible but truly lived. Because for Chews Life, prayer isn't something you fit in when you can. It's something that fits beautifully into the life you're already living.

You can explore the full collections and learn more at ChewsLife.com and CruxInvicta.com . And as a special thank-you to Abiding Together listeners, use the code ABIDE15 for 15% off your order on either site.

Chapters:

00:00 Chews Life

01:37 Intro

02:30 Welcome to Elizabeth's House

06:02 The Shared Gift of the Visitation

08:15 Having A Safe Place to Allow Mystery to Unfold

10:08 The Holy Spirit Reveals Jesus

12:!5 Sacred Companionship

13:40 When We Carry Disappointments

16:50 Speaking Life Into Other People

18:36 Living Out of Our Insecurities

19:49 Being A Safe Place for Others

22:37 Having Sensitivity to the Presence of God

25:26 One Things

Music used under license i94Cr0

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 interrupted the ordinary.

Here, a young woman listens and her "yes" ripples through all of time. This is the place of surrender, of saying yes to what we cannot yet understand. The Word takes root in the quiet soil of her trust.

Other Resources Mentioned:

• Litany of Loreto
• "The Annunciation" painting by Henry Tanner

Journal Questions:

• Where am I missing God's presence in the ordinary moments?
• What does God want to announce to me this Advent?
• Where have I said no to the Lord in the past?
• What parts of your life feel uncontrollable?
• How can I choose to surrender this Advent?

Discussion Questions:

• Where is the Lord inviting you to say yes?
• How has God interrupted and nudged you in the ordinary moments of life?
• Where is the Lord inviting you to surrender?
• How has God slowly unraveled His plan for your life?

Quote to Ponder:

"This is a serious warning cry: Surrender without reservation to the Lord who has called us. This is required of us so that the face of the earth may be renewed." (Edith Stein)

Scripture for Lectio:

"The angel Gabriel was sent from God to a town of Galilee called Nazareth…" (Luke 1:26)

Sponsor - Small Town Catholic Living:

Have you ever dreamed of living in a community where families flourish, bible studies abound, and you can walk to daily Mass and adoration?

Have you desired to send your kids to an authentically Catholic school but could never afford the tuition or can afford it, but it lacks deeply rooted Catholic tradition and culture?

Small Town Catholic Living is a thriving Catholic community located in Beloit, Kansas. It's a place where strong faith, family values, and small-town charm come together.

Here, families and kids walk and ride their bikes around town, young families fill the local 120 year old Romanesque-Gothic Catholic Church, and Eucharisstic adoration is offered 24/7. There is also a PreK-12th grade Catholic school so that your kids can receive an authentic Catholic education for a fraction of what other private schools cost.

The town also features all the important necessities of life such as a full-service local hospital, an impressive recreation center, retirement communities, and remote workspace offices. Fishing, hunting, camping, and boating are popular at the nearby Waconda Lake.

If you've been dreaming of living in a community where your children can grow up surrounded by others living out their faith, where people truly know you, or a place that has taken a step back from the business of this world, we invite you to learn more by visiting our website at smalltowncatholicliving.com.

It's not impossible to be spiritually fed while fulfilling your mission to raise your family!

Chapters:

00:00 Small Town Catholic Living

01:15 Intro

02:24 Welcome to Loreto

03:28 Guiding Quote and Scripture Verse

05:02 God Comes in the Ordinary

08:14 In the Fullness of Time

10:15 God Invites Us to Respond to His Invitations

11:50 When We Feel Like We are Isolated

15:20 Saying Yes to God Even When We don't Understand

19:19 The Quiet Work of Faith

21:55 Will We Make Space for God?

26:35 One Things

Music used under license i94Cr0

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 heaven once touched the earth.

These are the places of Advent.

Eden.

Loreto.

Elizabeth's home.

And a stable under starlight.

Each one holds a mystery…

a whisper of God's coming,

a rhythm of waiting,

a quiet invitation to abide.

We begin… in Eden —

the garden of beginnings and original designs,

Here, everything was whole once,

every breath in attunement with God's own.

But even in the ache of what was lost,

something sacred remains,

a longing, a promise,

a memory of shalom harmony still written in our bones.

Eden reminds us:

our waiting is not empty.

It is the remembering of love

that has never stopped pursuing us.

Journal Questions:

• What are the unique gifts that God has placed inside of you?
• When do I experience shame in the ache for communion?
• When have I recently experienced a rupture from Eden?
• Who in your life allows you to feel at home and at ease?
• How can I return to Eden through a daily practice?

Discussion Questions:

• How have you experienced yourself as a gift?
• When have you experienced an ache for Eden in your life?
• When do you feel exiled from Eden?
• What glimpses of Eden have you seen in your life recently?

Quote to Ponder:

"We all long for Eden, and we are constantly glimpsing it: our whole nature at its best and least corrupted, its gentlest and most human, is still soaked with the sense of exile." (J.R.R. Tolkien, The Letters of J.R.R. Tolkien)

Scripture for Lectio:

"Adam and his wife were both naked, and they felt no shame." (Genesis 2:25)

Sponsor - Altar + Home:

Altar and Home by Conception Abbey exists to bring the beauty of Benedictine spirituality into your domestic church. The way we as Benedictine monks punctuate our days with prayer. The way we balance prayer and work (ora et labora). The way we pray with scripture in lectio divina. The way we live in community to support one another. Incorporating these treasures into your daily lives can draw you and your domestic church into Christ one day – one prayer – at a time.

Our online store offers intentionally Catholic products for every occasion and every season. Lectio Divina rosary guides, daily journals, greeting cards, sacrament gifts, icons, and prints, along with books, bibles, and everything you need to make your home a sacred space.

Make Advent and Christmas a time of joy and peace with our Monk-Curated Collections—bundled sets specifically chosen by the monks to share our lives with each of you. They make the perfect gift for the Catholic in your life.

Through this Altar + Home ministry, the Benedictine monks of Conception Abbey share the prayer God calls us to at the altar into the domestic church of our customers as we seek to cultivate one holy, apostolic, Catholic Church.

We invite you shop with us at www.altarandhome.org. Use the discount code ABIDE to get 20% off your order.

Chapters:

00:00 Altar + Home

01:25 Intro

02:17 Welcome to Eden

09:38 Our Heart is a Garden and Place of Communion

11:18 We are Made as a Gift

13:32 Healing from Shame in Our Ache

17:57 Homesickness and Exile

20:23 God is Longing for Us

22:16 Imaginative Prayer

24:13 The Goodness of Our Bodies

26:06 Inviting the Lord into Communion

27:47 Advent is a Time of Preparation

29:32 One Things

Music used under license i94Cr0