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

In this episode, we reflect on the importance of giving thanks to the Lord for all He has done in both the beautiful and difficult moments of life. We talk about how practicing gratitude can change our perspective of reality and helps us recognize where God has been present even in moments we do not understand. We also name the fears that can sometimes keep us from giving thanks and discuss how gratitude becomes an act of surrender that opens us to God's steady, faithful presence. As a gift to you, we end today's episode by doing Lectio Divina with Psalm 34 and invite you into a time of prayer with us.

Heather's One Thing - Jalapeno, Pepper Jack, and Bacon Corn Pudding Recipe

Heather's Other One Thing - Hell or High Water and Edens by Amanda Cook

Sister Miriam's One Thing - Her SOLT Community

Michelle's One Thing - College Football

Other Resources Mentioned:

• Life Transitions Part One and Part Two with Chris Benzinger
• One Thousand Gifts: A Dare to Live Fully Right Where You Are by Ann Voskamp

Journal Questions:

• What graces have I received this year?
• How did the Lord accompany me this year?
• What do I need to let go of as we transition into a new liturgical year?
• What parts of my life am I afraid to give thanks for?

Discussion Questions:

• What has the Lord taught you in this season?
• What was surprising this past year?
• What challenges and joys did you experience this year?
• Where are you resistant to give thanks?

Quote to Ponder:

"Gratitude is at the center of a life of faith. It sounds too simple to be true, but isn't that the sign of all deep truth: so simple we're tempted to dismiss it, and so hard, it is exactly what God uses to change our hard lives." (Ann Voskamp)

Scripture for Lectio:

"I will bless the Lord at all times; his praise shall continually be in my mouth. My soul makes its boast in the Lord; let the humble hear and be glad. O magnify the Lord with me, and let us exalt his name together. I sought the Lord, and he answered me, and delivered me from all my fears. Look to him, and be radiant; so your faces shall never be ashamed. This poor soul cried, and was heard by the Lord, and was saved from every trouble. The angel of the Lord encamps around those who fear him, and delivers them. O taste and see that the Lord is good; happy are those who take refuge in him." (Psalm 34:1-8)

Sponsor - The GIVEN Institute:

The GIVEN Institute is a vibrant non-profit organization dedicated to activating the gifts of women for the Church and the world. GIVEN wants to help you receive the gift that you are, realize the gifts you've been given, and respond with the gift only you can give.

Applications are now open for GIVEN's 2026 Leadership Program. Faithful Catholic women between the ages of 21 and 35 are encouraged to apply today!

GIVEN's program includes participation at the Leadership Forum from June 24-28, 2026 in Washington, DC and a year of dedicated, 1-on-1 mentorship with an established Catholic female leader. Abiding Together Co-Host Heather Khym will be a speaker at the 2026 Leadership Forum next June along with other phenomenal Catholic women leaders of all ages, all vocations, and all walks of life.

If you are a woman between the ages 21 and 35 and seeking leadership training, faith formation, and support to better understand and pursue your particular mission, GIVEN's Leadership Program is designed just for you! You'll grow in relationship with Christ, gain a deeper understanding of your personal vocation, and be empowered to develop an Action Plan to activate your personal gifts to impact the world.

For women over 35 with a desire to get involved, please consider becoming a Mentor or Volunteer! For more information and to apply, please visit www.giveninstitute.com/forum.

Chapters:

00:00 The Given Institute

01:26 Intro

02:16 Welcome

03:45 Practicing Being Thankful First

06:01 Giving Thanks in All Things

08:25 Gratitude is the Center of A Life of Faith

11:22 Being Afraid to Give Thanks

13:14 Lectio Divina

23:18 Our Reflections from Lectio

28:46 One Things

Music used under license i94Cr0

In this episode, we conclude our series on the garden of our hearts and explore what it means to cultivate unity—which is especially important as we enter the busy and often stressful holiday season. We talk about the difference between anger and contempt and how contempt can not only fracture relationships but also plant seeds of division in our hearts. We also reflect on how we can respond to discord with humility, a holy curiosity, and a genuine desire to understand. Ultimately, unity begins with love, bears good fruit, and reflects the presence of Christ within us.

Heather's One Thing - The Cheesecloth Turkey Basting Method (Example Here)

Sister Miriam's One Thing - College Volleyball Playoffs (especially Nebraska)

Michelle's One Thing - Twinkling Trees from Walmart

Announcement:

Our Advent Study begins December 1st, 2025!

Journal Questions:

• Where in my heart am I harboring contempt?
• What groups of people or individuals do I see as worthless?
• When was the last time that someone treated you with contempt? How did that impact you?
• How am I seeking to understand people with different opinions?
• How is the Lord inviting me to refine and cultivate my tone to speak love to others?
• When faced with division and disunity, are the movements of my heart and my external actions congruent?

Discussion Questions:

• What differences have you observed between conformity and unity?
• What differences have you observed between anger and contempt?
• When are you tempted to roll my eyes, sneer, act with hostility, speak with sarcasm?
• When is it hardest for you to cultivate unity?

Quote to Ponder:

"To understand one another and to grow in charity and truth, we need to pause, to accept and listen to one another. In this way, we already begin to experience unity. Unity grows along the way; it never stands still. Unity happens when we walk together." (Pope Francis, Homily at second Vespers on the solemnity of the conversion of St. Paul, Jan. 25, 2015)

Scripture for Lectio:

"I therefore, a prisoner for the Lord, beg you to lead a life worthy of the calling to which you have been called, with all lowliness and meekness, with patience, forbearing one another in love, eager to maintain the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace. There is one body and one Spirit… one Lord, one faith, one baptism." (Ephesians 4:1-6)

Sponsor - Glory: Women's Gathering:

If you're feeling like your spiritual life could use a little more support than podcasts and online formation can offer, you need to check out this week's sponsor, the Glory: Women's Conference hosted by Steubenville Conferences in partnership with Heather Khym.

We want to invite you to join Heather, Michelle, and our dear friends Debbie Herbeck, Sarah Kaczmarek, Monica Richards, and Fr. Dave Pivonka TOR this coming June 5-7 in Steubenville, Ohio, as we gather with women across generations and seek God's restoration and healing. This gathering will include talks, worship, prayer experiences, and the opportunity to interact with fellow Abiding Together listeners and new friends from all over who will be flying in.

Heather and Michelle would absolutely love to meet you. Whether you come with your Abiding Together small group, with a close friend, or on your own, we can't wait to gather in fellowship with you.

Registration is now open for the Glory: Women's Conference. For early bird pricing of only $259, register by December 31st. The price will go up in the new year.

Visit steubenvilleconferences.com/events/glory for more information or to register!

Chapters:

00:00 Glory: Women's Gathering

01:31 Intro

02:22 Advent Announcement

03:14 Welcome

05:19 Guiding Quote and Scripture Verse

06:19 Distinguishing Anger vs Contempt

11:28 Living Like We are One Body in Christ

13:48 Seeking to Understand Rather than be Understood

18:22 The Power of Our Tone of Voice

20:35 Examining the Fruit in Our Lives

22:49 Maturing Spiritually

27:06 Repairing Strained Relationships

29:08 One Things

In this episode, we continue our series on the Garden of Our Hearts and talk about the cultivation of beauty. Beauty has the power to transform, heal, and lift us into communion with God, but it must be cultivated with care and intention. We discuss what it means to co-create with God, slow down and savor little moments, and rediscover beauty in the people closest to us. Even when the world around us feels barren or artificial, the Lord invites us to see beauty with new eyes and let the Holy Spirit reveal His presence in unexpected ways.

Heather's One Thing - The Catechism of the Catholic Church designed by Every Sacred Sunday

Heather's Other One Thing - I Am Held by Pat Barrett

Sister Miriam's One Thing - The Carmelite Monks' New Monastery in Wyoming

Michelle's One Thing - Word on Fire's Evangelization and Culture Journal - Issue 25 on Beauty

Michelle's Other One Thing - The Story of All Stories: A Story Bible for Young Catholics by Emily Stimpson Chapman

Other Resources Mentioned:

• Passion and Purpose Podcast Episode 5 with Jon Tyson and Louie Giglio
• Word on Fire and Ascension will publish the new English edition of the Liturgy of the Hours

Journal Questions:

• How am I uniquely gifted at cultivating beauty?
• When have you had an experience with beauty that transformed your heart?
• What lies and limitations do I believe about my own creativity?
• How does God want to play with me in the dirt this week?
• In what ways am I too busy for creativity and beauty?
• What beauty does the Lord want to show you - both within you and outside of you?

Discussion Questions:

• Have you come across AI art recently? How did you respond to it?
• In what ways have you limited your own creativity?
• Who or what inspires you to be more creative?
• How will you cultivate beauty and express creativity in your life?

Quotes to Ponder:

"Every expression of true beauty can thus be acknowledged as a path leading to an encounter with the Lord Jesus." -Pope Francis

"We must wonder! We must create an environment of wonder! We must create a climate of wonder! This task is closest to the family. . . . Wonder is needed so that beauty might enter into human life, into society and the nation. This beauty is the foundation and the creative moment of the culture. It is impossible to create culture by administrative means. These means can only destroy it. . . . We need to marvel at everything that is found in man." (Saint Pope John Paul II)

Scripture for Lectio:

"Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence and if anything worthy of praise, think about these things." (Philippians 4:8)

Sponsor - The Inspired Living:

The Inspired Living is your one-stop shop for meaningful Advent and Christmas gifts this season!

As an online shop sourcing Catholic home decor, books, and gifts, we believe that our spiritual lives begin at home, and should be a reflection of that which is eternally beautiful, God Himself.

At The Inspired Living we have intentionally curated and sourced into one place the best Catholic products - whether that be decor for your home, gifts for sacraments, or books and sacramentals that will enhance your domestic church. We offer a unique array of handcrafted goods and exquisite gifts made by artisans not only in the United States, but around the world.

Head to our website to find:

• Kids stocking stuffers
• Gifts for St. Nicholas Day
• Beautiful fine jewelry
• Hostess gifts for Holiday Parties
• Advent candles and devotionals
• Catholic home decor
• And so much more

Explore our shop at theinspiredliving.net or visit us on instagram @the_inspiredliving

Use the code ABIDING15 for an exclusive 15% off discount at checkout!

Chapters:

00:00 The Inspired Living

00:57 Intro

01:47 Welcome

02:50 Scripture Verse and Guiding Quote

03:34 When We Don't See Beauty

05:02 Cultivating Beauty in an Artificial World

10:06 Co-Creating with God

16:24 Discovering Beauty in the Small Things

18:20 Slowing Down to Receive Beauty

23:57 Seeing Beauty in Others and Ourselves

27:25 One Things

In this episode, we begin a series on cultivating the garden of our hearts and reflect on what it means to cultivate peace–as a fruit that grows from communion with God. The cultivation of peace is not something we control. It comes from learning to rest in God's presence, even amid life's storms. We talk practically about how to tend the soil of our hearts, so that peace can take root and grow into a fruit that becomes a visible witness to others. We also discuss how Jesus, the Prince of Peace, invites us to make room for His presence, allowing His breath to bring healing where fear and sin have disrupted our peace.

Heather's One Thing - Triumph of the Heart is now streaming!

Sister Miriam's One Thing - Healed by Love: Contemplation as a Path of Healing according to St. John of the Cross by Daniel Chowning, OCD

Michelle's One Thing - Feast: A Men's Devotional for Advent by Paul George

Journal Questions:

• What places of my heart are filled with anxiety or despair?
• Where am I seeking to be fixed instead of seeking communion with the Lord?
• What sins am I justifying that are robbing me of peace?
• What lies am I trying to talk myself into?
• Who or what are you trying to fix in your life that you need to surrender to the Lord?

Discussion Questions:

• How are you trying to control your life and heart rather than cultivating?
• What things motivate you to operate out of fear or mistrust?
• How can you internally cultivate peace?
• How can you externally cultivate peace?

Quote to Ponder:

Let nothing disturb you, Let nothing frighten you, All things are passing away: God never changes. Patience obtains all things Whoever has God lacks nothing; God alone suffices.

(St. Teresa of Avila)

Scripture for Lectio:

"Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus" (Philippians 4:6-7)

Sponsor - BeeStill Design:

BeeStill Design is a handcrafted Catholic jewelry and art brand founded by Louisiana artist and entrepreneur Holly Klock. A wife and mom of three, Holly has built BeeStill from a small creative outlet into a growing brand known for pieces that are both beautiful and meaningful.

Her collections feature heirloom-quality jewelry, pressed flowers, and custom intaglios, along with enamel work and ornaments. From the very beginning, she has sought to bring the joy and beauty of our faith into each creation—always with the same vision: to design timeless pieces that tell stories of faith, love, and family.

Whether you are looking for a piece of jewelry to be a daily reminder of God or would like to find a meaningful gift for someone in your life, head over to beestilldesign.com and use the code abidingtogether for 20% off your order.

Chapters:

00:00 BeeStill Design

01:08 Intro

01:59 Welcome

04:11 Scripture Verse and Quote to Ponder

06:31 Planting Peace in the Soil of Our Hearts

08:34 Cultivating vs Controlling

11:08 Fertilizing the Soil Around Us

13:56 The Breath of Peace

16:25 When We Feel Afraid

18:51 Communion Brings Healing

21:23 Wanting Peace for Those Around Us

23:26 Sin Disrupts Our Peace

27:52 Practical Tips for Cultivating Peace

32:55 Prayer

34:49 One Things

In this episode, we talk about what it means to weather the storms of life well. Everyone experiences difficult moments throughout their lives and these storms come in all shapes and sizes. In each one, we have the opportunity to respond from a place of truth and peace instead of fear. We share practical ways we've learned to weather the storms in our own lives, from simplifying life to immersing ourselves in Scripture. We also explore how pain, though difficult, can lead us into deeper healing and communion with God. No matter what you're facing, you are not alone—He is near, and so are we.

Heather's One Thing - Strengthen Yourself in the Lord by Bill Johnson

Heather's Other One Thing - Same God (feat Jonsal Barriente) from Elevation Worship

Sister Miriam's One Thing - Pints with Aquinas | What to Do When Marriage Gets Hard (Jason and Crystalina Evert)

Michelle's One Thing - Healed and Restored Nonprofit

Other Resources Mentioned:

• Carmelite Sisters of The Most Sacred Heart of Los Angeles
• Searching for and Maintaining Peace book study
• Be Transformed book study

Journal Questions:

• How have I been making decisions out of fear and overwhelm?
• What do I believe about God, myself, or another person within the context of my storm?
• When do I feel the most emotionally dysregulated?
• What coping mechanisms am I turning to instead of going to the Lord?
• What good is God doing within me in my suffering?

Discussion Questions:

• What storms are you experiencing in this season?
• When has the Lord revealed His Presence to you from within a storm?
• Are you relying on the Lord or on yourself in the midst of your storm?
• What fruit has been born from suffering in your life?

Quotes to Ponder:

"Remain in me. This is the word of Jesus. It is not only a call but a promise of strength, peace, and fruitfulness." (St. Elizabeth of the Trinity)

"Let us live with Him as with a friend. Through all the storms, He remains." (St. Elizabeth of the Trinity)

Scripture for Lectio:

"So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand." (Isaiah 41:10)

Sponsor - Our Holy Home:

Let your Christmas card say what matters most This year, send a card that reflects your faith and the true meaning of the season. Our Holy Home's custom Catholic Christmas cards make it easy to share the joy of Christ's birth beautifully and intentionally. Choose from over 30 designs, add your family photo and message, and get 25% off just for being here.

Start designing now: OurHolyHome.com/at

Chapters:

00:00 Our Holy Home

01:16 Intro

02:06 Welcome

04:33 Guiding Quote and Scripture Verse

08:12 How the Enemy Tries to Amplify Storms

09:45 Slowing Down is Essential

12:08 When Prayer Becomes Dry

14:23 Turmoil Can Feel Like Its Our Fault

16:43 Remembering God's Faithfulness

18:37 Pain Causes Us to Make A Change

20:48 Distractions Will Never Fulfil Us

22:44 Maturing is A Decision We Make

24:15 Weathering Storms In Community

26:54 Spiritual Practices

28:55 One Things

In this episode, Dr. Shane Owens, a scholar of St. Augustine, joins us to discuss the power of memory. Together, we explore how memory is a place to where we withdraw to understand our identity, shape our whole self, and begin to see God working in our lives. Memory exists for the purpose of hope and we not only talk about how the Scriptures and Eucharist bear the memories of the Church, but also how our sorrowful memories can become sources of hope.

Heather's One Thing - Pope Leo XIV: Son of St. Augustine (A conversation with Fr. Dave Pivonka and Dr. Shane Owens)

Heather's Other One Thing - Franciscan University's Festival of Praise

Sister Miriam's One Thing - The Archdiocese of Sydney, Australia

Michelle's One Thing - Return to the Heart: The Biblical Spirituality of St. Augustine's Confessions by Dr. Shane Owens

Michelle's Other One Thing - Heaven for Me! by St. Thérèse of Lisieux

Dr. Shane Owens' One Thing - Bible Across America from the St. Paul Center

Other Resources Mentioned:

• Return to the Heart: The Biblical Spirituality of St. Augustine's Confessions by Dr. Shane Owens
• Bible Across America

Journal Questions:

• Am I savoring or swallowing the gifts God has given me?
• What core memories of my life have been rewritten by God?
• What sorrowful mysteries of my life feel too complicated to ponder?
• Where in your memory do you need to ask Jesus where He was present in it?

Discussion Questions:

• How can you hone your spiritual palate to be present to the good that God is doing in your life?
• When have you experienced the living power of memories?
• How have your memories been a source of hope?
• How are you being invited to slow down and ponder?

Quote to Ponder:

"The heart is the dwelling-place where I am, where I live; according to the Semitic or Biblical expression, the heart is the place "to which I withdraw." The heart is our hidden center, beyond the grasp of our reason and of others; only the Spirit of God can fathom the human heart and know it fully. The heart is the place of decision, deeper than our psychic drives. It is the place of truth, where we choose life or death. It is the place of encounter, because as image of God we live in relation: it is the place of covenant." (CCC 2563)

Scripture for Lectio:

"But Mary treasured all these words and pondered them in her heart." (Luke 2:19)

Sponsor - Hallow:

Get 3 months free of Hallow at hallow.com/abide and enjoy over 10,000 audioguided prayers, meditations, and music. Hallow can help you find peace, build a daily habit of prayer, and grow closer to God.

Chapters:

00:00 Hallow

01:00 Intro

01:50 Welcome

05:35 Scripture Verse and Guiding Quote

07:07 Who is St. Augustine?

09:30 What Inspired this Book?

11:18 Entering into Our Memories

13:20 How We Write Our Own Stories

15:34 Scripture and the Eucharist Help Us Understand Our Own Story

17:37 Chewing the Cud

20:47 Wondering vs Pondering

24:30 Hope in Our Sorrowful Mysteries

30:30 Finding Jesus in Painful Memories

38:59 Setting Aside Time to Hope

43:46 One Things

In this episode, we talk about what it means to bring God's Presence into our relationships with others. Through His life, Jesus shows us how to live at the pace of the Holy Spirit and create space for authentic connection. We explore how easy it is to overlook the significance of ordinary moments and how, through slowing the pace of our lives, we have powerful opportunities to love, listen, and become more attuned to those around us. We also discuss the importance of healthy boundaries, the freedom that comes from not needing to fix others, and how it's God's love that shapes how we show up for the people in our lives.

Heather's One Thing - This Wild at Heart Podcast series with Jon Tyson (Part 1) (Part 2)

Sister Miriam's One Thing - The Lila Rose Show with Msgr Rossetti

Michelle's One Thing - Raise a Hallelujah by Bethel Music, Jonathan Helser, and Melissa Helser

Journal Questions:

• How can I show up for people in my life in this season?
• How do I need others to show up for me?
• In what ways do I lose myself when entering into the suffering of others?
• Do I need to create a boundary in any of my relationships?

Discussion Questions:

• What margin do you need to create for yourself so you can be more present?
• What is your biggest obstacle to being present to your loved ones?
• How can you prioritize being present to Christ and what He's doing in you?
• What would it look like for you to give from a place of security?

Quote to Ponder:

"More and more, the desire grows in me simply to walk around, greet people, enter their homes, sit on their doorsteps, play ball, throw water, and be known as someone who wants to live with them. It is a privilege to have the time to practice this simple ministry of presence. Still, it is not as simple as it seems. My own desire to be useful, to do something significant, or to be part of some impressive project is so strong that soon my time is taken up by meetings, conferences, study groups, and workshops that prevent me from walking the streets. It is difficult not to have plans, not to organize people around an urgent cause, and not to feel that you are working directly for social progress. But I wonder more and more if the first thing shouldn't be to know people by name, to eat and drink with them, to listen to their stories and tell your own, and to let them know with words, handshakes, and hugs that you do not simply like them, but truly love them." (Henri Nouwen, Gracias: A Latin American Journal)

Scripture for Lectio:

"O Lord, thou hast searched me and known me!" (Psalm 139:1)

Sponsor - Camp Wojtyla:

Are you looking for a transformative experience for your middle school or high school student? Camp Wojtyla helps young people fall more in love with Jesus Christ and His Church through epic adventures in the Colorado mountains, awesome community, and huge fun. Camp Wojtyla helps kids learn they are stronger than they thought, and that God is bigger than they could ever have imagined.

Camp Wojtyla is nestled in the Rocky Mountains of Colorado on a beautiful, 1200-acre wilderness property, and offers fourteen different single gender programs, giving campers a unique opportunity to LIVE LIFE TO THE FULL!

We have a God of adventure. He has a story and a plan for each of us. Camp Wojtyla teaches about God and the Catholic Church through authentic and life-changing adventures in creation. In a culture that inundates us with noise, unplugged time on the mountain helps us understand who God is and who He has made us to be. While at Camp Wojtyla, campers experience expertly designed and sequenced programming that helps them understand that they are called to sainthood...and how they can achieve it! Our carefully selected, and highly trained team of staff and counselors are joyful and faithful role models who can't wait to help give your camper their best summer ever!

Come check us out at www.camp-w.com. We can't wait to offer you or your child a transformative adventure! The lottery for 2026 programming is open now through October 26th. Sign up today for a chance to experience Life to the Full at Camp Wojtyla this summer!

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Chapters:

(00:00) Camp Wojtyla

(01:40) Intro

(02:30) Welcome

(04:39) Guiding Quote

(07:06) Being Present in the Everyday

(08:48) The Gift of Another's Presence

(10:05) Contemplating Others as A Mystery to Be Revealed

(12:18) The Gift of Presence is an Artform

(14:51) Balancing Presence for You and Others

(16:34) What Does Accompiment Look Like?

(18:44) Having Boundaries

(21:24) Fearing Being Present

(23:37) Receiving from God First

(26:07) One Things

In this episode, we explore the gift of tears and the importance of allowing ourselves to cry. We reflect on our experiences with crying and talk about how tears, especially in painful moments, can be a powerful expression of surrender, lament, and hope when offered to God. With the help of the Holy Spirit, our sensitivity and capacity to cry reflect the way we were beautifully created to respond to what breaks God's heart. We discuss the vulnerability of crying, the pain of resisting it, and how Jesus crying out on the cross reveals the value of our own cries. Whether you're too tired to cry, afraid to show need, or already feel safe expressing emotion, we invite you to see crying as an act of worship and intercession. In our sorrow, God meets us with love, truth, and the hope that He can actually do something with our pain.

Heather's One Thing - Spirit Breathe by Sarah Kroger and Echo Harbor Worship

Sister Miriam's One Thing - Beloved Son by Carrie Daunt

Michelle's One Thing - Her new back porch!

Other Resources Mentioned:

• Pope Leo XIV's General Audience of September 10, 2025
• The Ruthless Elimination of Hurry by John Mark Comer

Journal Questions:

• When was the last time I cried?
• What would it look like for me to cry well?
• Where has my heart been repressed?
• Where do I need to cry out?

Discussion Questions:

• How did Pope Leo's words change your perspective on crying?
• How are you tempted to give in to cynicism?
• In what ways are you self-reliant in this season of life?
• How can you be an empathetic witness to someone crying out in their life?

Quote to Ponder:

"Finally, she asks God to give her a gift of tears to draw his mercy down upon the world, and especially upon his church. In one of her visions, Catherine records having been told by God: "If you open your mind's eye you will see that the Holy Spirit weeps in the person of every one of my servants who offers me the fragrance of holy desire and constant humble prayer."

(St. Catherine of Sienna, The Dialogue Study Edition)

"We are accustomed to thinking of crying out as something disorderly, to be repressed. The Gospel confers an immense value to our cry, reminding us that it can be an invocation, a protest, a desire, a surrender. It can even be the extreme form of prayer, when there are no words left. In that cry, Jesus gave all that he had left: all his love, all his hope." (General Audience, September 10, 2025, Pope Leo XIV)

Scripture for Lectio:

"My God, my God, why hast thou forsaken me?" (Psalm 22:1)

Sponsor - Beata Home:

This episode is sponsored by Beata Home, a boutique-style print shop founded by Katie, a wife and mom of four. The word Beata is derived from the Latin word for "blessed," and that is her hope, that each piece will be a blessing to homes and families. Born out of the conviction that beauty has the power to evangelize, Beata Home makes it easy for Catholic families to surround themselves with art that reflects their faith and lifts hearts and minds to God.

Beata Home offers something for every family and every budget:

• Digital downloads for instant access and affordable printing
• Fine art prints in sizes from 8x10 up to 30x40 inches
• Ready-to-hang framed artwork in seven different frame styles

Artwork is printed on museum-quality paper with archival inks, ensuring beauty that lasts for generations. Whether it's a small image for a prayer corner or a statement piece for your living room, Beata Home makes it simple to bring beauty and faith into your everyday spaces.

The heart of Beata Home is sacred art, but the collection also includes carefully chosen vintage artwork because all beauty points to the Creator. Visit beatahome.com to explore the growing collection, and as a gift for Abiding Together listeners, use the code ABIDING10 for 10% off your first purchase.

Support a Catholic family business and bring beauty into your domestic church with Beata Home!

Chapters:

00:00 Beata Home

01:14 Intro

02:04 Welcome

03:58 Scripture Verse and Quote to Ponder

05:11 The Pain of Resisting Tears

06:58 Crying Out is Vulnerable

08:50 Tears are a Gift

11:45 A Remedy for Self Reliance

13:23 What Happens When We Stop Crying Out

15:25 Crying with Others

17:53 Being Needy vs Having Needs

20:41 Sometimes All We Can Do is Cry

22:54 God Speaks to You Though Tears

24:30 Slowing Down

26:37 Crying as an Intercession

28:46 One Things

In this episode, we talk about how God is at work in our lives even when sorrow feels overwhelming. This Jubilee year of hope is still a light for us, especially when we feel stuck, overwhelmed, or tempted to despair. We talk about the "fatigue of living", what happens when we isolate ourselves, and why the micromovements of our hearts are so important. God has not guaranteed us an easy life, but He abundantly offers us Himself. With Him, we can encounter Jesus deeply, allow the Spirit to help us overcome our fears, and journey through this life with more hope than we thought possible.

Heather's One Thing - Join me on a pilgrimage to Denmark & Norway | August 3 - 12, 2026

Sister Miriam's One Thing - Into Your Hands, Father: Abandoning Ourselves to the God Who Loves Us by Father Wilfrid Stinissen

Michelle's One Thing - I Will Come to You: A Story of Adoption and the Relentless Love of God by Jamie McAleer

Other Resources Mentioned:

• Pope Leo XIV's Homily for Pentecost

Journal Questions:

• When did I last pour my heart out to the Lord?
• How have I been tempted to isolate myself?
• What distractions do I turn to in suffering?
• What heartbreaks have I been holding back from the Lord in prayer?
• Where am I feeling afraid?

Discussion Questions:

• Where in your life are you struggling to see the Lord?
• How has the Lord given you daily bread today?
• What lessons have you learned throughout the Jubilee Year of Hope?
• Where in your life are you waiting for a personal Pentecost?
• What resonated with you in Sister Miriam's prayer?

Quote to Ponder:

"The Holy Spirit bestows understanding. The Spirit overcomes the 'breach' that began in Babel, the confusion of mind and heart that sets us one against the other. The Spirit opens borders... The Church must always become anew what she already is. She must open the borders between peoples and break down the barriers between class and race. In her, there cannot be those who are neglected or disdained. In the Church there are only free men and women, brothers and sisters of Jesus Christ." (Homily for Pentecost, 15 May 2005, Pope Benedict XVI)

Scripture for Lectio:

"Daughter, your faith has saved you. Go in peace." (Mark 5:34)

Sponsor - The Ember Collective:

"Holistic wellness in light of eternity."

The Ember Collective is a community of women passionate about holistic wellness through the lens of our Catholic faith. They believe that we cannot separate the physical from the spiritual, and that harmony exists among them.You can subscribe to The Ember Journal, a visually stunning quarterly print magazine that dives into nutrition, broader health & wellness topics, our Catholic faith, liturgical living, delicious and nourishing whole food recipes, and more. They just launched their first book, Feast Faith Flourish, through Sophia Institute. This book makes the perfect addition to your coffee table, as your seasonal and liturgical companion to living well and whole.

Use the code ABIDE10 to get 10% off our entire shop (subscriptions excluded).

Chapters:

00:00 The Ember Collective

00:58 Intro

01:49 Welcome

05:38 Scripture Verse and Quote to Ponder

06:50 The Fatigue of Living

09:17 Into A Place of Isolation

11:25 Micromovements of the Heart

13:33 Bonding vs Bondage

15:48 Deeply Encountering Jesus

18:18 Will this Situation Ever Change?

20:17 The Spirit Opens Borders in Our Own Hearts

22:50 Overcoming Fear

25:45 Inviting the Holy Spirit Into Our Lives Through Prayer

31:38 One Things