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Abiding Together

Abiding Together

Written by: Heather Khym Michelle Benzinger Sr Miriam James Heidland
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 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.Abiding Together Podcast 2019 711442 Christianity Ministry & Evangelism Spirituality
Episodes
  • S18 E7 - The Way of Trust and Love: A Completely New Way

    S18 E7 - The Way of Trust and Love: A Completely New Way
    Mar 2 2026
    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 ...
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    37 mins
  • S18 E6 - The Way of Trust and Love: Introduction

    S18 E6 - The Way of Trust and Love: Introduction
    Feb 23 2026

    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)

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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
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    32 mins
  • S18 E5 - Entering the Desert

    S18 E5 - Entering the Desert
    Feb 16 2026
    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
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    31 mins
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