Abiding Together

In this episode, we continue our Lenten book study on "The Way of Trust and Love" and focus on Chapter 5: God's Infinite Mercy. We reflect on the paradox of true strength—how becoming little, dependent, and surrendered before the Lord is the very place where His strength takes root in us. We also talk about what it means to live with a pure heart, not by striving harder, but by bringing every part of ourselves into honest communion with Christ and allowing His kindness to call us higher. This week, as we wrestle with fear, worry, and the temptation to rely on ourselves, we encourage you to be reminded that it is God's love that heals, restores, and leads us to freedom. 

 
Heather's One Thing - Dwelling Place by The Belonging Co. 
Sister Miriam's One Thing - The Sacrament of Reconciliation 
Michelle's One Thing - Living Easter: 50 Days to Practice Resurrection by Laura Kelly Fanucci
Michelle's Other One Thing - March Madness!
 
Journal Questions:
What has the Lord convicted me of this Lent?
What is the Lord inviting me to abandon to His Divine Providence?
How can I be more present to the present moment?
What graces have I received this Lent?
 
Discussion Questions:
How is the Lord inspiring you to change?
Where in your life are you just surviving?
When was a recent time you experienced discouragement? How were you placing trust in yourself?
How have your eyes been opened this Lent?
 
Quotes to Ponder:
"Thérèse says to Jesus in one of her poems: "I want to love you like a little child, I want to battle like a warrior bold."" (Father Jacques Philippe, The Way of Trust and Love, Page 90)
 
"Let's return to the subject of trust. We have seen how we should nurture our trust. It is fragile, but it can be increased and strengthened by listening to the Word, by prayer, by the acts of faith we make in difficult moments, and by the experience of God's faithfulness. Now I wish to make a point that is simple but has wide implications. I can put it in the form of a question: What is the basis for our trust? What does it actually rest on?" (Father Jacques Philippe, The Way of Trust and Love, Page 92-93)
 
Scripture for Lectio:
"I am sending you out like sheep among wolves. Therefore be wise as serpents and innocent as doves." (Matthew 10:16)
 
Sponsor - Into the Deep:
This episode is sponsored by Into the Deep, a Catholic company creating beautiful faith formation resources for families.
One of the most powerful ways to help children grow in faith is through beauty. Sacred art has always been part of how the Church teaches the Faith by helping believers contemplate the life of Christ, the mysteries of the Rosary, and the stories of Scripture.
Into the Deep creates thoughtfully designed resources that help families rediscover this tradition at home.
Their Paintings + Prayers Cards pair classic sacred paintings with traditional Catholic prayers, inviting children to slow down, look closely, and enter into prayer through the beauty of art. It's a simple but powerful way to enrich your family's daily prayer rhythm.
They also offer several Catholic picture study resources perfect for families and homeschoolers:
The Parables of Jesus - Children encounter Christ's teachings through sacred masterpieces depicting the Gospel parables.
The Mysteries of the Rosary - A unique way to help children meditate on the rosary by contemplating sacred art presentations of each Mystery.
Fra Angelico Artist Study - Discover the life and work of the Dominican friar whose paintings captivate the moral imagination.
These resources are designed especially for families who want to cultivate wonder, contemplation, and a deeper love for the Catholic Faith.
If you want to bring sacred art into your home and help your children encounter Christ through beauty, visit intothedeep.co. 
 
Timestamps:

00:00 Into the Deep
01:20 Intro
02:07 Welcome
06:01 Scripture Verse and Quote to Ponder
06:36 Being Little Yet Strong
09:25 Bringing Everything into Communion
13:06 Excavating Our Hearts
15:39 Transforming Fear into Love
19:57 Being Content with Today
22:04 God's Kindness Leads Us to Repentance
24:34 The Power of Gratitude
27:39 One Things

In this episode, we continue our Lenten book study on "The Way of Trust and Love" and focus on Chapter 4: Trusting More and More. We reflect on the tender places where our trust in the Father has been wounded—especially in the disappointments we carry with ourselves, our children, and the circumstances in our lives—and how God gently invites us to bring those disappointments to Him. We also talk about the lies that quietly erode our trust in God, the temptation to carry life's burdens alone, and the way simple rhythms of prayer allow God to personally reveal to us His goodness. This week, we invite you to honestly bring your disappointments before God and ask Him to reveal to you His goodness.

 
Heather's One Thing - The Springtime!
Sister Miriam's One Thing - March Madness
Michelle's One Thing - Her floor to ceiling library!
 
Journal Questions:
Where do I lack trust in the Father?
When do I see God as my enemy?
What narratives of your life are you seeking to control?
What is bothering me most acutely right now?
What am I carrying that I need to let go?
 
Discussion Questions:
Where do you take your disappointment?
Where are you experiencing agitation?
How are you tempted to manage the Lord's revelations in your life?
What might be an appropriate prayer prescription for your current agitations?
How is God inviting you into the safety of the Holy Family this Lent?
 
Quotes to Ponder:
"This work of restoring trust in our hearts is an essential aspect of the spiritual life. Wounded by original sin, our hearts are riddled with fears and doubts. It takes time to be cured of them. Maybe that will never happen completely in this life, but we can nevertheless make great strides in trusting more." (Father Jacques Philippe, The Way of Trust and Love, Page 69)
 
"Trust works miracles." (St. Thérèse of Lisieux) 



Scripture for Lectio:
"But you, Lord, are a compassionate and gracious God, slow to anger, abounding in love and faithfulness." (Psalm 86:15)
 
Sponsor - Rooted for Good:
Rooted For Good was born from a simple desire: to care for the skin God gave us—without compromising our values or our budget.
As parents of six boys living on a ministry income, Brooke (a licensed cosmetologist) & Joseph struggled to find truly natural skincare that was both effective & affordable. So they began creating their own.
Each product is crafted with simple, honest ingredients—made to nourish the skin God gave you—simply & honestly.
And from the very beginning, our mission has been clear: Good for You, Good for Others.
That's why 10% of every sale goes directly to serve the poor in developing countries.
When you choose Rooted, you're choosing skincare that aligns with your faith—free from inflated "clean beauty" prices or passing trends—& makes an impact beyond yourself.
We're grateful to partner with the Abiding Together community & the many women seeking beauty that reflects truth, simplicity & goodness.
Explore the collection at rootedforgood.com & enjoy 10% off with code ABIDE10. 
 
Timestamps:

00:00 Rooted for Good
01:22 Intro
02:08 Welcome 
03:03 Scripture Verse and Quote to Ponder
03:42 What to do with Our Disappointments
08:16 Honesty is Not Something to Fear 
10:36 Nourishing Trust 
12:56 Developing a Rhythm of Prayer 
16:40 The Tender Touch of a Mother 
19:32 Heaven is a Family
23:14 One Things

In this episode, we continue our Lenten book study on "The Way of Trust and Love" and focus on Chapter 3: Being Reconciled to Our Weakness. We talk about how our struggles with ourselves often spill over into our relationships with others and how learning to accept our own weakness can soften our hearts towards the weakness we see in those around us. We also reflect on the tension between accepting our littleness and desiring real conversion, how we become more aware of our imperfections as we draw closer to the Lord, and the gift of community in helping us clearly see our lives. This week, we invite you to receive God's love, extend that love to yourself, and then offer it freely to others.
 
Heather's One Thing - Attending the funeral of Francis Bergsma
Sister Miriam's One Thing - Stations of the Cross with Our Sister St. Thérèse from Little Way Books
Michelle's One Thing - The funness of our listeners!
 
Journal Questions:
Where am I experiencing a lack of harmony in myself and in my relationships with others?
Do I truly desire conversion? What parts of me are resistant to conversion?
Where am I looking at the weaknesses of others instead of examining myself?
When do I speak to myself with words of self-condemnation?
 
Discussion Questions:
What weaknesses or defects are you wrestling with right now? How is God inviting you into deeper communion with Him in this weakness?
How is the Lord inviting you to embrace littleness this Lent?
Where is the Lord calling you to forgo constant management of your life and to embrace the mystery & trust of a life with Christ?
How have you slowed down this Lent? How has this slower pace impacted your spiritual life?
 
Quotes to Ponder:
"If we accept ourselves as we are, we also accept God's love for us. But if we reject ourselves, if we despise ourselves, we shut ourselves off from the love God has for us, we deny that love. If we accept ourselves in our weakness, our limitations, it will also be easier for us to accept other people. Often, quite simply, we can't get along with other people because we can't get along with ourselves." (Father Jacques Philippe, The Way of Trust and Love, Page 48-49)
 
"I am no longer surprised by anything, I am not sorry to see that I am weakness itself. On the contrary, I glory in it, and I expect to discover new imperfections in myself every day. (St. Thérèse of Lisieux) 
 
Scripture for Lectio:
"God is opposed to the proud, but gives grace to the humble." (James 4:6)
 
Timestamps:

00:00 Morning Star Studio
00:56 Intro
01:42 Welcome
03:58 Scripture Verse and Guiding Quote
04:45 Embracing Our Weaknesses First
9:00 Having a Real Desire for Conversion
13:55 Fearing Our Weakness
15:54 Desiring to be a Saint
18:55 Familial Living vs Transactional Living
22:21 One Things
 
Sponsor - Morning Star Studio:
Morning Star Studio creates works that inspire prayer, deepen faith, and reflect the divine beauty that calls all hearts to the Sacred Heart of Jesus — through paintings, prints, and even billboard art on your local freeway.
Whether it's an image of St. Carlo Acutis for a teenager preparing for Confirmation, St. Joseph for the father figure in your life, or the timeless beauty of the Sacred Heart of Jesus and the Immaculate Heart of Mary — Morning Star Studio provides opportunities to bring powerful sacred art into homes, schools, parishes, and hearts.
Transform an ordinary space into a place of encounter, reflection, and grace. Engage with sacred art that truly penetrates the mind and heart. 
Visit www.themorningstarstudio.com and use code ABIDE to receive 15% off your purchase.
Instagram: @morningstar_studioart

In this episode, we continue our Lenten book study on "The Way of Trust and Love" and focus on Chapter 2: An Elevator for Small Children. We talk about the quiet places of discouragement, and self-reliance that keep us striving instead of surrendering. We also reflect about how radical dependence on God is not laziness, the subtle ways we resist being little before a loving Father, and how our poverty is a doorway into deeper trust. This week, we invite you to fall into the Father's arms, allow Him to pick you up, and rest in the One who delights in you.
 
Heather's One Thing - The Prince of Egypt Movie 
Sister Miriam's One Thing - Bishop Erik Varden's Lenten Reflections to Pope Leo (I especially recommend the reflections entitled: Bernard the Idealist, God's Help, Becoming Free, and Splendour of Truth)
Michelle's One Thing - Art Lectio Instagram Account
 
Journal Questions:
Where are you feeling discouraged?
Where do I experience self-reliance, codependency, or hypervigilance in my life?
When in the past have I made agreements that I have to rely on myself and fix everything? 
Where am I living out a pattern of childhood wounds and identities?

 
Discussion Questions:
How have you experienced failure this Lent?
When do I grasp, kick, and flail like a child in my spiritual life?
When did God last remind you that you are not God? How did your heart respond to it?
Where is God inviting you to embrace your littleness rather than run from it?
 
Quote to Ponder:
"Being little means not attributing to ourselves the virtues we practice, or believing ourselves capable of anything, but recognizing that God places this treasure in the hands of His little child so that she can use it when she needs it; but the treasure is still God's." (St. Thérèse of Lisieux) 

 
Scripture for Lectio:
"All you who labor, who are bent under the weight of your burden, who find the demands of the Law too heavy, come to me, for I am gentle and humble of heart, and you will find rest for your souls." (Matthew 11:28)

 
Sponsor - The JPII Healing Center:
Jesus longs to heal every hidden hurt in your heart—Do you want to be healed?
For the past 20 years, the John Paul II Healing Center, founded by Dr. Bob Schuchts, has offered healing retreats, trainings, and workshops to help people experience deeper intimacy and communion with the Blessed Trinity.
And now, you can experience our transformational teaching, Healing the Whole Person, right at home.
This 8-part video series expands on the teaching offered by Dr. Bob Schuchts and Sr. Miriam James Heidland at our Healing the Whole Person weekend retreats. For the past two years, this series has blessed thousands of groups and individuals across the world by drawing the brokenhearted close to the abiding love of the Blessed Trinity.
Through in-depth teachings, prayerful meditations, reflective journaling, and pre-recorded Q&A sessions, you are gently guided through your sorrowful mysteries into joyful restoration.
The Abiding Together Community can use code Abiding25 to receive 25% off individual and group leader subscriptions. This offer ends April 13th.
To learn more and begin your journey, visit www.jpiihealingcenter.org
Healing The Whole Person Series Link: https://virtual.jpiihealingcenter.org/start
 
Timestamps:

00:00 The JPII Healing Center
01:31 Intro
02:18 Guiding Quote
04:39 Discouragement is the Downfall of Souls
08:27 Subtle Agreements We Make Throughout Our Days
10:50 Surrender is Not Laziness
13:26 Illumination is Spiritual Progress
15:55 Being Curious About Our Own Heart
18:34 Becoming Little is Maturation
20:47 Suffering in Communion with the Father
23:53 The Father Cannot Resist His Children's Trust
27:14 Am I Still Lovable if I am Little and have Needs?
29:44 One Things

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