Podcast
Abiding Together
Hosted by Heather Khym, Michelle Benzinger, Sr Miriam James Heidland · EN
Providing a place of connection, rest and encouragement for women who are on the journey of living out their passion and purpose in Jesus Christ.
55episodes
Episodes
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S09 E18: Loving the Church
May 3, 2021Tap to summarizeIn this episode we discuss the mystery and gift of the Church in the midst of scandals, disappointments, heartaches and failures. We discuss the “both and” nature of the Church that delivers the grace of the sacraments and is made up of only sinners. We chat about the family of the Church and our role as women to help reconcile and restore the broken places through transparency and repentance. We pray you would notice the Holy Spirit working a new thing within your heart this week. Michelle’s one thing - Be Transformed - Dr. Bob Schuchts Heather’s one thing - Restore the Glory Podcast with Dr. Bob Schutchts and Jake Khym Sister Miriam’s one thing - Broken gods: Hope, Healing, and the Seven Longings of the Human Heart - Dr. Gregory Popcak Other Episodes on This Topic: Season 4, Episode 1: On Summer and Scandal Season 4, Episode 10: Joint Restoration: An Interview with Fr. Josh Johnson Discussion questions: What struck you from this week’s episode? Have you ever felt like you didn’t want to continue being a part of the Church? What experiences brought you back into communion? Where do you still need to experience reconciliation and restoration with the Church? How do we, especially as women, create safe places for people to repent and for victims to be reconciled to the Church? What areas does God want to redeem, restore and make new in your own life to bring restoration to the Church? Journal Questions: What trauma have you experienced at the hands of the Church and have you been able to forgive? What wounds have you caused to others within the Church and have you been able to repent? What wounds is God inviting you to bring to the foot of the cross this week? Take a moment to ask Jesus to meet you there and do for you what you cannot do for yourself. Quote to Ponder: “How baffling you are, oh Church, and yet how I love you! How you have made me suffer, and yet how much I owe you! I would like to see you destroyed, and yet I need your presence. You have given me so much scandal and yet you have made me understand what sanctity is. I have seen nothing in the world more devoted to obscurity, more compromised, more false, and yet I have touched nothing more pure, more generous, more beautiful. How often I have wanted to shut the doors of my soul in your face, and how often I have prayed to die in the safety of your arms.” - Carlo Carretto, Letters from the Desert Scripture for Lectio Divina: “When the Lord saw her, he was moved with pity for her and said to her, ‘Do not weep.’ He stepped forward and touched the coffin; at this the bearers halted, and he said, ‘Young man, I tell you, arise!’ The dead man sat up and began to speak, and Jesus gave him to his mother.’ Luke 7:13-15 This episode is sponsored by Chews Life. At Chews Life, it is their mission to equip all Catholics with Rosaries for life. Chews Life believes that even the youngest Catholic can develop a devotion to the Rosary and come to know our Mother Mary. Their silicone Rosaries make this possible. Children discover through their senses, especially touch. Just as a baby knowingly caresses their mother’s face, so too their little hands will come to know the Rosary and cherish it. Chews Life also makes Rosaries for adults! However, Chews Life’s Rosaries are designed in such a way that no one can make the excuse that they don’t have time to pray the Rosary. Chews Life’s Rosaries are actually Rosary bracelets so that they are with you all day and easily accessible. These Rosary bracelets also feature a “bookmark” crucifix charm so that if you don’t have time to get through a whole Rosary at once, you can use this charm to hold your place until you can continue your prayer. These and so much more are available at www.chewslife.com! Use code ABIDE10 to receive 10% off your purchase (not valid with other discounts).
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S09 E10: This Present Paradise Part 3: Redeeming and Declaring
Mar 8, 2021Tap to summarizeIn this episode, we dive into part three of our six-part Lenten series on the book "This Present Paradise" by Claire Dwyer. We chat about the importance of silence in a noisy, distracting world and how God is always present to us. We discuss the truth that God knows us by name, that we are always before him, and that He desires to restore what the enemy has stolen. We also talk about St. Elizabeth's motto of 'God in me and I in him' and reflect on our own life mottos. We pray you may live a presence driven life this Lent and we will continue our journey with St. Elizabeth next week! Heather's one thing - Soaking in His Presence (Instrumental Worship) - William Augusto Michelle's one thing - Anna from CORDA candles Sister Miriam's one thing - The Way of the Cross with the Carmelite Saints - Sr. Joseph Marie, CHT on Amazon or through the Carmelite Publishing Company ICS Publications Other links mentioned in the episode: Institute of Carmelite Resources for books about St. Elizabeth of the Trinity You can also find more St. Elizabeth of the Trinity resources including a Carmelite Examen and a book list on our website at www.abidingtogetherpodcast.com/this-present-paradise. Discussion questions: What struck you from this week's episode? What practical ways can we practice silence in a noisy world full of distractions? How can we begin to cultivate silence and recollection in our lives this Lent? Looking at your life and losses, where have you seen God be a redeemer, restorer and rescuer? Thinking of the last year, what is a situation or loss that you would like to pray for God's redemption? What is the motto of your life? Journal Questions: Take some time to think about your life motto. Sister Miriam describes this as "an expressed summary of intimacy with God or how he sees us and how we see him." How can you remind yourself of this each day? Reflect on the past year and some of the big and small losses you have experienced. Pray with Psalm 18:19 and have a conversation with God about your desires for redemption and restoration. What is one area of woundedness you would like to invite Christ to come close to and kiss? Take a moment of prayer to allow Christ to do this. Quote to Ponder: "God in me, I in him." - St. Elizabeth of the Trinity Scripture for Lectio Divina: "You have found favor in my sight, and I know you by name" - Exodus 33:17 Abiding Together Podcast 2021 Lenten Book Study Announcement: The Abiding Together Podcast is reading and discussing This Present Paradise by Claire Dwyer for Lent. You can find the reading plan, discussion questions, additional resources and where to buy your book at www.abidingtogetherpodcast.com/this-present-paradise. Join us for the 2021 National Catholic Women's Conference on March 12-14, 2021. We will have a live session with the ladies of the Abiding Together Podcast on Saturday March 13 at 6:00 pm Eastern. You can register for free online here.
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S08 E14: Advent Part 3: Warrior Mother
Dec 14, 2020Tap to summarizeIn this episode, we continue our four part Advent series on the nature and character of Mary, our Mother. We discuss the call for women to be tender and strong, to fight for those we love with the power of the feminine genius. We chat about the tender strength required to watch Jesus suffer and die and the importance of trust, surrender and strength submitted under the will of God. Mary is offering her motherhood to us if we are willing to receive her invitation of protection. Michelle’s one thing - In Full Boom - Claire Swinarski Michelle’s other one thing - Rekindled - Mallory Smyth Sister Miriam’s one thing - Essays on Women - Edith Stein. ENDOW also created an online study on these writings that you can purchase online here. Heather’s one thing - Watching epic movies like Gladiator and Braveheart with her family Discussion questions: What struck you from this week’s episode? How can we invite Mary into our lives as a real person, more than just a statue in our church or a figure of piety in the Bible? What does it look like for women to wield their swords? What does it look like for women to fight for those that they love using the feminine genius and avoiding bitterness and manipulation? Where has the enemy distracted you with a small battle that has pulled your attention and intention away from what the Lord has for you? Journal Questions: How do you need Mary to fight for you? What attack from the serpent do you want her to crush? What snare do you want her to free you from? What knot do you want her to untie? What struggle in your life have you resigned to just “tough it out” instead of opening to restoration? How is God inviting you to grow in surrender, vulnerability and strength through laying down resignation, grasping, and control? Take some time in prayer to invite Mary’s protection and defense from the enemy. Quote to Ponder: One instant in a still light, He saw Our Lady then, Her dress was soft as western sky, And she was queen most womanly– But she was queen of men. Over the iron forest He saw Our Lady stand; Her eyes were sad withouten art, And seven swords were in her heart– But one was in her hand. - G.K. Chesterton, The Ballad of the White Horse Scripture for Lectio Divina - Now there was a man in Jerusalem called Simeon, who was righteous and devout. He was waiting for the consolation of Israel, and the Holy Spirit was on him. It had been revealed to him by the Holy Spirit that he would not die before he had seen the Lord’s Messiah. Moved by the Spirit, he went into the temple courts. When the parents brought in the child Jesus to do for him what the custom of the Law required, Simeon took him in his arms and praised God, saying: “Sovereign Lord, as you have promised, you may now dismiss your servant in peace. For my eyes have seen your salvation which you have prepared in the sight of all nations:a light for revelation to the Gentiles, and the glory of your people Israel. The child’s father and mother marveled at what was said about him. Then Simeon blessed them and said to Mary, his mother: “This child is destined to cause the falling and rising of many in Israel and to be a sign that will be spoken against, so that the thoughts of many hearts will be revealed. And a sword will pierce your own soul too.” - Luke 2: 25-35 This episode is sponsored by Project Light Ministries. Project Light Ministries resources are designed to create space and starting points for conversations where the secular can intersect with the sacred. Their resources make no assumptions and meet each person right where they are. They use the power of storytelling on film because each one of us needs to know we are not alone. The aim of creating a film is not just about getting a message out there. The process dictates that our media is raw, honest, and beautiful. For this reason, they make documentary style films, a specialty of their partner 4PM Media. They achieve captivating cinematography by appealing to truth and beauty in everything they approach. Nine years ago, they dreamed of helping others create a safe space where individuals could sit and find the courage to tell their story. Where men & women, young & old, would affirm their worth by sharing bits of brokenness of their past chapters & current struggles. A space that would confront the uncomfortable, talk about the “taboo” and shine light into the darkest parts of our hearts. A place that would offer hope, grace, mercy and an invitation to rewrite the script of society. We are the ones called to speak truth over one another of a God who calls us by name who can redeem the darkest parts of our story. You can find Project Light Ministries films as a DVD or digital download at www.projectlightministries.com. Enter the code "abide10" for 10% off of the DVD Bundle which includes a copy of both "Speaking to Sparrows" and "The 4th Man". This episode is created under the patronage of Our Lady of Sorrows. Learn more about the novena to our Lady of Sorrows here or the Seven Sorrows Rosary here.
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S08 E10: Scripture Series Pt 3: Waymaker- Jesus, the Way, the Truth, and the Life
Nov 16, 2020Tap to summarizeIn this episode, we complete part 3 of our series on the Person of Jesus revealed in Scripture and what it means to personally know Jesus as the Way, the Truth and the Life. We chat about how relevant this is for us right now as we struggle to see a way forward in the craziness of the world and struggle to know what the truth really is amidst the enemy’s lies. We discuss how living the Paschal Mystery over and over is the Way to experience new life. Jesus invites us to an abundant life: the life that longs to be lived in us. It is not a riddle to be solved, but an invitation to stay with Him. Heather’s one thing - I Believe - Damascus Worship. You can also find out more about the mission of Damascus and their missionary school online here. Michelle’s one thing - Something Has To Break - Kierra Sheard and Tasha Cobbs Leonard Michelle’s other one thing - The Advent Prayer Cards on sale now! Sister Miriam’s one thing - The Best Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Cookies Discussion questions: What struck you from this week’s episode? How have the themes of trust and dependence in this season of life prepared you to receive Jesus, the Way, the Truth, and the Life? What has been your personal experience of Jesus creating a way where you felt like there was no way? Is there a place that you need Him to make a way right now? Jesus is not playing hide and seek with us, he desires us to know the way. How is Jesus inviting you to stay close to him in order to experience Him as the way, truth and life for you personally? Journal Questions: What is a situation in your life where you feel like there is no way forward? Take a moment to pray the words “Jesus you are the way.” The way Jesus shows us in scripture is the Paschal Mystery - the cycle of suffering, dying and rising again. How is Jesus inviting you further up and further in to living the Paschal Mystery in this season of your life? Is the life you are living, the life that longs to be lived in you? How have you made agreements with lies or false beliefs about who you are? Take a moment and invite Jesus the Truth into those areas and ask him to speak truth. Quote to Ponder - “If, then, you are looking for the way by which you should go, take Christ, because he himself is the way: This is the way; walk in it. If you are looking for a goal, hold fast to Christ, because he himself is the truth, where we desire to be. My mouth shall reflect on the truth. If you are looking for a resting place, hold fast to Christ, because he himself is the life. Whoever finds me finds life, and receives salvation from the Lord.” - St Thomas Aquinas Scripture for Lectio Divina - John 14:5-6 “Thomas said to him, “Lord, we do not know where you are going. How can we know the way?” Jesus said to him, “I am the way, and the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.” Other Scripture to Pray With - Isaiah 30:21 John 8:31-32 Isaiah 43:16 Exodus 15:1-22 This episode is sponsored by The Little Catholic. The Little Catholic empowers women through hand-crafted, meaningful pieces that cultivate deeper faith and evangelization through beauty. Our impact extends beyond jewelry and empowering women. We also empower and partner with non-profits around the globe, designing beautiful pieces unique to their cause and donating a portion of all proceeds back to their mission. Giving back is one of our fundamental values.
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S07 Episode 19: The Fruit of the Holy Spirit
May 25, 2020Tap to summarizeThe Fruit of the Holy Spirit In this episode we prepare for Pentecost by discussing the importance of the fruits of the Holy Spirit being manifest in our life. A life in the Spirit must go beyond an experience of spiritual consolation and move to an openness to the refiner's fire that will burn away all that is not holy. God promised that He would always be with us and sent the Holy Spirit to be our counselor, advocate, and life giver. We are invited to open wide the doors to the Holy Spirit in a new way this Pentecost. Sister Miriam's one thing - the song Better than a Hallelujah by Amy Grant Michelle's one thing - Fr. Josh Johnson's podcast on the Rosary and racial reconciliation. Heather's one thing - the show Songland Additional Resources:Michelle's booklist on racial reconciliation Join our Summer Book Study! We're spending June with In the School of the Holy Spirit by Fr. Jacques Philippe! Get your copy today and follow along with us. (Amazon US) (Amazon Canada) (Amazon UK) Reading Schedule: June 1st - Introduction & Chapter One June 8th - Chapter Two June 15th - Chapter Three, Conclusion, and Appendices Discussion questions: What struck you from the podcast? How would you describe your relationship with Holy Spirit? Where have you felt yourself be "reawakened" lately? Where do you desire an awakening? Where have you seen God bring light out of darkness? What makes it harder or easier to hear the whisper of the Holy Spirit? Journal Questions: Reflect and journal about this scripture: Galatians 5:22-23. What does it speak to you personally? Where do you need to invite the Holy Spirit into a specific situation in your life?? Consider the Refiner's Fire. Where is the Holy Spirit trying to burn away what is not holy in your life? How are you responding? What kind of fruits are you growing? Quote to Ponder - "The Holy Spirit, making life alive, moving in all things, root of all created being, cleansing the cosmos of every impurity, effacing guilt, anointing wounds. You are lustrous and praiseworthy life, You waken and reawaken everything that is." - St. Hildegard of Bingen Scripture for Lectio Divina - The fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, generosity, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control. - Galatians 5:22-23
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