Abiding Together

In this episode, we welcome Arthur and Ester Brooks to talk about marriage, suffering, and the path to lasting love. Arthur and Ester share what it's like to minister together, revealing both the grace needed and the hard work it takes to love each other faithfully over decades. We also reflect on suffering as an invitation for growth, why pain is fruitful, and how the hardest places in life are where love is purified. Whether you are married, single, or in religious life, intimacy with God is our source of strength for every situation we encounter in life. 
 
Heather's One Thing - Franciscan's Resurrection Party!
Heather's Other One Thing -  10 Day Pentecost Audio Prayer Plan
Sister Miriam's One Thing - Heather's Easter Spotify Playlist 
Michelle's One Thing - Everyone who just came into the Catholic Church!
Ester's One Thing - Her husband Arthur!
Ester's Other One Thing - Professional Cycling
Arthur's One Thing - Opportunities to witness to the Catholic faith during The Meaning of Your Life book launch
 
Other Resources Mentioned:
Arthur Brooks' Website 
Ester Brooks' Instagram
The Meaning of Your Life: Finding Purpose in an Age of Emptiness by Arthur Brooks
Other Books by Arthur Brooks
 
Journal Questions:
What does it look like to fight well?
How have I witnessed or experienced a marriage that is an antenna to God?
What suffering in my life am I resisting?
What are the discomforts and sufferings I have experienced today that I can thank God for?
 
Discussion Questions:
When are you tempted to be led by your feelings?
When have you had to let go of resisting suffering in the past?
Where in your life, marriage, or relationships do you feel stalled?
How is God inviting you to prioritize Him over your marriage, relationships, and responsibilities?
 
Quotes to Ponder:
"It is Jesus that you seek when you dream of happiness; he is waiting for you when nothing else you find satisfies you; he is the beauty to which you are so attracted; it is he who provokes you with that thirst for fullness that will not let you settle for compromise; it is he who urges you to shed the masks of a false life; it is he who reads in your hearts your most genuine choices, the choices that others try to stifle. It is Jesus who stirs in you the desire to do something great with your lives, the will to follow an ideal, the refusal to allow yourselves to be grounded down by mediocrity, the courage to commit yourselves humbly and patiently to improving yourselves and society, making the world more human and more fraternal." (Pope John Paul II, World Youth Day, Rome, 2000)
 
Scripture for Lectio:
"Let love be genuine; hate what is evil, hold fast to what is good; love one another with mutual affection; outdo one another in showing honor. Do not lag in zeal, be ardent in spirit, serve the Lord. Rejoice in hope, be patient in suffering, persevere in prayer." (Romans 12:9-12)
 
Sponsor - The Inspired Living:
The Inspired Living is your one-stop shop for Mother's Day and Sacrament season! Whether you're shopping for the mother who inspired your faith, the child whose love for the Eucharist is flourishing, or the bride who is curating her Catholic home, we've sourced the best Catholic home decor, books, toys, and gifts to lift souls to God and inspire our hearts to ponder Heaven. Our unique array of handcrafted goods are made by artisans not only in the United States, but around the world who are committed to bringing eternal beauty into the home.
Abiding Together Listeners get an exclusive 20% off discount using the code ABIDE2026.
The Inspired living - bringing eternal beauty to the home 
 
Timestamps:

00:00 The Inspired Living
00:44 Intro
01:54 Scripture Verse
06:06 Ministering as A Married Couple
10:03 How to Fight and Bring About Deeper Union
15:23 Suffering Helps Us Grow
26:12 Committing to A Prayer Life
32:22 Making Space to Become
36:06 Putting God First and Your Spouse Second
38:10 The Science of Being Happy
41:44 One Things

Happy Easter! In this episode, we conclude our Lenten book study on "The Way of Trust and Love" and focus on Chapter 6: Enduring Trials. We talk about how even in the light of Easter, we may still experience suffering and how we can choose to rejoice in God's goodness when His ways remain hidden. We also reflect on why trials are not signs of God's absence, how we learn to recognize God at work in the present moment, and how to embrace suffering as a necessary path to share in the fullness of Easter. Friends, in this Easter octave, we invite you to reflect on how God has transformed your heart this past Lent. Let us enter into this Easter season with renewed hope, gratitude, and a deeper surrender to God's unfailing love. We will see you in two weeks!
 
Heather's One Thing - Fire 50 Challenge with Many Parts Ministries. It's a free 50-day spiritual journey designed to deepen your relationship with the Holy Spirit!
Sister Miriam's One Thing - The Divine Mercy Novena and Divine Mercy Sunday
Michelle's One Thing - Join us in praying The Divine Mercy Chaplet
 
Resurrection Power
By: Michelle Benzinger

A crucible is the place where the refiner's fire is not your enemy, but your tender witness of integration. 
 
It is where certainty melts,
where control dissolves,
where the identities you once clung to
lose their shape in the flame.
 
The crucible is where faith stops being an idea and melts into surrender,
where you no longer hold God at a distance,
but find Him somehow
in the very fire you once feared.
 
It is a holy undoing that makes space for a deeper yes.
 
It is an invitation into the Paschal Mystery. 
It is the Holy Spirit's invitation into the Resurrection power. 
 
Journal Questions:
Where do I turn in my trials and disappointments?
Where in my life have I been avoiding the fullness of the Paschal Mystery (suffering, waiting, and resurrection)?
What renunciations and declarations do I need to make today?
What are the questions on my heart? Do I absolutely need the answer to do God's Will today?
 
Discussion Questions:
What has God revealed to you in your current trials?
How are you choosing to intentionally feast during these 50 days?
How has God called you to a mature and adult faith in this season of life?
What does Resurrection power and glory look like in your life?
 
Quotes to Ponder:
"They" (her friends the saints) "want to see how far I am going to push my trust." (St. Thérèse of Lisieux) 
 
"When we realize that's happening—that we're going round and round and getting nowhere, that our questions aren't producing light but only bitterness and blame—we must have the courage to put those questions aside and ask ourselves another. It's the only essential one, after all, and it will always be answered: What attitude does God want me to have toward this situation? The point is to move from "Why?" to "How?" The real question isn't "Why is this happening to me?" but "How should I live through these things?" How am I called to face this situation? What call to growth is being made to me through this? That question will always get an answer." (Father Jacques Philippe, The Way of Trust and Love, Page 129)
 
Scripture for Lectio:
"Though the mountains be shaken and the hills be removed, yet my unfailing love for you will not be shaken nor my covenant of peace be removed, says the Lord, who has compassion on you." (Isaiah 54:10) 
 
Sponsor - Glory: Women's Gathering:
If you're ready to intentionally embrace a spirit of Resurrection in your life this year, we invite you to register for the Glory: Women's Gathering hosted by Steubenville Conferences in partnership with Heather Khym. 
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 still open for the Glory: Women's Gathering. Ticket prices go up after April 16 - grab your ticket today! Visit steubenvilleconferences.com/events/glory for more information or to register!
 
Timestamps:

00:00 Glory: Women's Gathering
01:23 Intro
02:09 Welcome
02:41 Scripture Verse and Guiding Quote
03:18 Trusting Through Suffering
05:57 Trials of Faith, Hope, and Love
07:49 Will We Run to God?
08:46 Living the Resurrection as Women
11:34 Feeling Panic in the Trial
14:05 Declaring Our Belief
15:36 Setting Aside Our need for an Answer to "Why"
17:28 Resurrection Power
20:07 Trials Have the Power to Make Us More of Our True Selves
24:40 Help Me in My Unbelief
27:00 What Has God Done this Lent?
28:41 One Things

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:
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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.
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