Abiding Together – Détails, épisodes et analyse

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 conclude season 16 by remembering with gratitude all the things God has done and is doing in our lives. We reflect on the importance of allowing our hearts to be drawn into beauty in the midst of both joy and sorrow. We also talk about maturity vs self reliance, allowing ourselves to be led by the Holy Spirit, and the relationship between trust and receptivity. Thank you dear friends for journeying with us this season! You will be in our prayers this summer and we are excited about what's in store this Fall!

 

Heather's One Thing - All to Bless You and Low (Live) by Kory Miller 

Sister Miriam's One Thing - Magdala Grove

Michelle's One Thing - I Believe in Love: A Personal Retreat Based on the Teaching of St. Thérèse of Lisieux by Fr. Jean Delaby

 

Journal Questions:

• Pause and take a moment to notice the surrounding beauty. What do I notice? How might the Lord be speaking to me through this beauty?
• Am I perplexed by the mystery of how God is working in my life? How might He be working all things for good in this season?
• How do I keep my union with the Lord? What is coming against that right now?
• In my suffering and darkness, where do I turn my face? Am I allowing myself to be led or am I trying to control?
• What is the Lord inviting me to do this summer?

 

Discussion Questions:

• Are you in a season where it is difficult to be grateful? Why or why not?
• In the midst of regular life, what is taking you away from union with God?
• How have you encountered the love of God in your life?
• God is always doing something new. How can you breathe in new hope?
• What are you looking forward to this summer? 

 

Quote to Ponder:

"To limit your desires and your hopes is to misunderstand God's infinite goodness!" (St. Therese of Lisieux)

Scripture for Lectio:

"Remember the wonders he has done, his miracles…" (Psalm 105:5)

 

Sponsor - House of Joppa:

We're proud to be sponsored by House of Joppa, a family-owned Catholic shop where modern design meets timeless tradition. From stunning Catholic jewelry to sacred art and décor, everything they offer is crafted to reflect the beauty of our faith.

Explore their full collection at houseofjoppa.com

 

Timestamps: 

00:00 - House of Joppa

01:00 - Intro

01:51 - Welcome

04:18 - What's Been on Our Minds

09:35 - Union with God

10:43 - Year of Hope

13:32 - Abiding 

17:30 - Maturing of Love

19:20 - Turning to God

22:04 - Favorite Moments from Season 16

26:31 - What We are Looking Forward to this Summer

33:20 - Final Thoughts

34:59 - One Things

In this episode, we continue our annual tradition, sharing our Word of the Year! Each year we each ask God to give us a theme to focus on for the new year and invite you to do the same. After personal prayer and reflection, we share our words for 2023 and how our words of the year have been connected over time. At the end of the episode, we also share an exciting announcement about our upcoming Lenten Book Study and insights into the theme for Season 12 of the podcast! 

Sister Miriam's One Thing - Belovedness by Sarah Kroger

Heather's One Thing- Only Jesus Playlist

Michelle's One Thing - Amanda Cook Edens 

Michelle's Other One Thing - Placemakers: Cultivating Places of Comfort, Beauty, and Peace - Christie Purifoy 

 

Discussion Questions:

• What stood out to you from this week's episode?
• Which podcast host's "word" resonated most with you and why?
• After prayer and reflection, what's your word of the year? 
• How can you see your spiritual progress through the evolution of your words of the year over the past few years? How have these words or themes built upon each other? 
• If you have never done word of the year and want to, what ways can you ask God what it is? 

 

Journal Questions:

• How was God present to you in your word for 2022?
• Take some time to reflect on what God desires to reveal to you as your word of the year. Ask the Holy Spirit to reveal this to you. Make sure to write it down and memorialize it in a way that will keep it at the forefront of your mind throughout the year. 
• What is one change you can make in the coming year to be more open to the will of God?
• What themes has God been using as an opportunity to encounter Him? 
• Are there specific scriptures, saints, or quotes that will serve as a guide or reminder of your word during the year?

 

Quotes to Ponder:

Trust makes us willing to be what God wants us to be, however great or however little that may prove. Trust accepts God as illimitable Love." // Caryll Houselander, 

"No half-heartedness and no worldly fear must turn us aside from following the light unflinchingly." // J. R. R. Tolkien

"He who climbs never stops going from beginning to beginning, through beginnings that have no end. He never stops desiring what he already knows." // Saint Gregory of Nissa

"We can only learn to know ourselves and do what we can, namely, surrender our will and fulfill God's will in us." // Saint Teresa of Avila

 

Scripture for Lectio: 

"Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles. And let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us, fixing our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of faith. For the joy set before him, he endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. Consider him who endured such opposition from sinners so that you will not grow weary and lose heart." (Hebrews 12:1-3)

 

Announcements: 

We are excited to announce our Lenten Book study!! This year, we will be reading Be Transformed by Dr. Bob Schuchts. Through the guide of this book, we will discuss how the Sacraments can heal and transform your relationship with Jesus Christ. Supplies are limited so we recommend you order your copy of the book as soon as possible. Ave Maria Press is in the process ordering more and by purchasing early, you can help them estimate how many are needed. 

 

Ave Maria Press has graciously provided us a discount code if you order the book through their website. Use the code TRANSFORM at checkout to receive 25% off not only Be Transformed, but your entire order (through 3.31.23 with some exclusions)! 

 

You can also order the book through Amazon using our affiliate link. We do receive a small commission if you use our Amazon link. Anything we receive is used to help support our ministry. Click here for Amazon in the US. 

 

Sponsor - Pink Salt Riot:

This year we are once again excited to partner with Pink Salt Riot to help you keep your word of the year close to your heart for 2023. In addition to brand new, updated versions of all of their word of the year necklaces and bracelets they have offered in the past, this year they are also offering an engraved cherry wood word of the year desk sign and a word of the year journal with prompts for each month throughout the year to help you walk even more intentionally with your word. All Pink Salt Riot word of the year products are custom made and engraved in their studio in Oklahoma. You can get 15% off your ENTIRE order at Pink Salt Riot with the coupon code AT15 at checkout through March 15, 2023 at pinksaltriot.com.

We are so excited to be back! In this episode, we reconnect after an extended break to share with you updates from each of our lives according to the mysteries of the Rosary: joyful, sorrowful, luminous, and glorious. While our first episode back is traditionally our "Word of the Year" episode, we felt the need to open up about what has been going on in our lives the past seven months. Stay tuned for next week's episode to discover each of our words for 2023. Thank you for being a part of our journey. We are so incredibly grateful for you.

Heather's One Thing- Fr. Mike Schmitz Catechism in a Year Podcast (Trailer Here)

Sister Miriam's One Thing - Hope's Garden

Michelle's One Thing - Elizabeth Wade Studios 

Michelle's Other One Thing - With all Her Mind: A Call to the Intellectual Life; Rachel Bulman Amazon or Word on Fire Bookstore

 

Discussion Questions:    

1. What stood out to you from this week's episode?
2. How has Christ met me in the Joyful Mysteries of my life?
3. How has Christ met me in the Sorrowful Mysteries of my life?
4. How has Christ met me in the Luminous Mysteries of my life?
5. How has Christ met me in the Glorious Mysteries of my life?

 

Journal Questions:

1. Reflect on the past few months of your life. What are ways you have experienced joy, sorrow, illumination, and glory?
   1. Joy: A delight or an area of gratitude where you have felt the tangible presence of the LORD.
   2. Sorrow: A hurt or an obstacle.
   3. Illumination: Something the LORD brought to light: an area of pruning, longing, and an ache.
   4. Glory: Something you see the LORD redeeming and restoring. It can be in process.

 

Quotes to Ponder: 

"The Rosary mystically transports us to Mary's side as she is busy watching over the human growth of Christ in the home of Nazareth. This enables her to train us and to mold us with the same care, until Christ is 'fully formed' in us." -JP2

 

"Mary lived with her eyes fixed on Christ, treasuring His every word: "She kept all these things, pondering them in her heart" (Lk2:19; cf. 2:51). The memories of Jesus, impressed upon her heart, were always with her, leading her to reflect on the various moments of her life at her Son's side. In a way those memories were to be the 'rosary' which she recited uninterruptedly throughout her earthly life." -JP2 

 

Scripture for Lectio Divina -   "Mary pondered all these things in her heart." Luke 2:19

 

This episode is sponsored by Reform Wellness.

This week's episode is sponsored by Reform, a functional medicine and holistic wellness practice rooted in Christ. Reform redefines health as the state of your body and soul, and their mission is to empower others to find well-being in Christ, thrive in whole-person health, and become the best versions of themselves—physically, mentally, and spiritually. We highly recommend Reform Online, a twelve-week course that walks you through Reform's nine Wellness Pillars to help you reclaim your identity in Christ, optimize nutrition and sleep, manage stress, and much more. Reform is for everyone because everyone is made for wholeness and holiness. No matter how far away you may feel from wholeness in body and holiness in spirit, the Divine Physician desires to heal you. We invite you to learn more about Reform on their website, reformwellness.co, and on IG @reform_wellness. Reform is offering an exclusive discount for all our listeners on their upcoming Lenten Reform Online course. Use code "Abide10'' for your exclusive discount through January 31. 

In this final episode of Season 11, we chat about our favorite parts of the last year's episodes and have a special announcement about what is coming next for the podcast. We discuss how there is a season for everything and how we are invited to not grasp onto the things that God entrusts to us, but to hold them loosely with a posture of trust and freedom. We also talk about taking time to be quiet and discern what the Lord has for us, what changes need to be made, and what to let go of. We pray that you have a wonderful summer filled with simplicity and moments to spend with Christ.

Sister Miriam's one thing - Prudence - Choose Confidently, Live Boldly by Fr. Gregory Pine, OP 

Heather's one thing - Heather's playlist - Only Jesus 

Michelle's one thing -   Live Today Well - Creative God 

Michelle's Summer Reading List 

 

Mentioned on the Podcast: 

Bryan Stevenson's Talk from Communion and Liberations's New York Encounter

Searching for and Maintaining Peace Lenten Series

 

Discussion Questions:    

1. What stood out to you in this week's podcast?
2. How do you feel when changes occur in your life?
3. Is it easy or challenging for you to let go of things you might enjoy to make room for something new that God has in store?
4. Sr. Miriam said, "When we take the next right step, the Lord provides". Do you believe that God will provide what you need if you make a change in your life for Him. Why or why not?
5. What are some of the highlights from the podcast in season 10 and 11?

 

Journal Questions:

1. Take some time to reflect, what is the Holy Spirit saying in your life right now? Are there some new things you need to say yes to and some things you need to say no to?
2. What are some things that you're grateful for this past school year?
3. How has the podcast over the years, taught you more about your own heart and your relationship with God? What are some things you want to never forget?

 

Quotes to Ponder: If there be among the gifts of God none greater than love, and there is no greater gift of God than the Holy Spirit, what follows more naturally than that He is Himself love…." (Saint Augustine)

 

Scripture for Lectio Divina: Ecclesiastes Chapter 3: 1- 7 

For everything there is a season, and a time for every purpose under heaven: 2 a time to be born, and a time to die; a time to plant, and a time to pluck up that which is planted; a time to kill, and a time to heal; a time to break down, and a time to build up; a time to weep, and a time to laugh; a time to mourn, and a time to dance; a time to cast away stones, and a time to gather stones together; a time to embrace, and a time to refrain from embracing; a time to seek, and a time to lose; a time to keep, and a time to cast away; a time to rend, and a time to sew; a time to keep silence, and a time to speak.

In this episode, we conclude our series on the identity of Bride: Fruitful Love. We discuss the truth that love was designed to be life generating and to bear good fruit that will last. Although this occurs through biological children within family, it also applies to community and beyond the boundaries of biological ties in the discipleship of others. We also talk honestly about how tenderness, vulnerability, and intimacy are intertwined and what is needed to feel safe and open up. Our body has meaning and was made for an other. We all are invited to grow from brokenness to wholeness in our sexuality. This conversation has some mature content so please be sensitive to little ears listening.

 

Sister Miriam's one thing - Our Listeners, Spirit Juice, and Michelle for her vision of the content from this series

Heather's one thing - Best Ever Roasted Brussel Sprouts

Michelle's one thing - Our listeners and everyone behind the scenes making this podcast happen

 

Discussion Questions:    

1. What stood out to you from this week's episode?
2. In what ways can you see that love is fruitful in your life and the lives of those around you?
3. If you're married, do you make space for intimacy in all of it's forms within your marriage? What more can you do to make space for intimacy? If you're not married, what is your ideal view of what intimacy should look like in marriage or the consecrated life?
4. "Every woman wants to be attended to and to be a partner on a great adventure". Discuss your desire for this within marriage and/or relationship with Christ. How is this desire being met and in what ways are you still longing for this?

 

Journal Questions:

1. How are you responding to Christ's invitation to intimacy in practical ways?
2. All of us are called to make disciples of all nations. Who might the Lord be asking you to disciple in the faith and journey alongside?
3. Ponder how you can support your married friends and be "for" their marriage. How have you participated in gossip and maybe disunity in your own marriage or of a friend's?
4. Sex is holy and beautiful. Notice what this provokes in your own heart. Ask the Lord to bring healing to the areas in your life that need to be restored by this truth.

 

Quotes to Ponder: "Love is never something ready made, something merely given to man and woman. It is always at the same time, a task, which they are set. Love should be seen as something which is in a sense never is, but is always becoming. And what it becomes depends upon the contribution of both persons and the depth of their commitment." Saint Pope John Paul II, "Love and Responsibility."

Scripture for Lectio Divina: "Then the Lord God said, "It is not good that the man should be alone; I will make him a helper as his partner." So out of the ground the Lord God formed every animal of the field and every bird of the air, and brought them to the man to see what he would call them; and whatever the man called every living creature, that was its name. The man gave names to all cattle, and to the birds of the air, and to every animal of the field; but for the man there was not found a helper as his partner. So the Lord God caused a deep sleep to fall upon the man, and he slept; then he took one of his ribs and closed up its place with flesh. And the rib that the Lord God had taken from the man he made into a woman and brought her to the man. Then the man said, "This at last is bone of my bones and flesh of my flesh; this one shall be called Woman, for out of Man this one was taken." Therefore a man leaves his father and his mother and clings to his wife, and they become one flesh. And the man and his wife were both naked, and were not ashamed. - Genesis 2:18-25 

 

This episode is sponsored by Soul Core.

SoulCore is an invitation to nourish body, mind and soul through prayer and functional movement. SoulCore began from a simple "yes" to an inspiration of the Holy Spirit and is a movement all its own. 

Engaging all of the senses, SoulCore incorporates scripture, sacred art, music, candlelight, and movement; a gentle path to grow in virtue and interior peace. Participants often say it feels like they've been on a "mini-retreat" after a SoulCore class. 

There are several ways to experience SoulCore. Live classes are offered across the country, as well as DVDs, Digital Downloads and an Online Streaming Studio, which offers a wide variety of Leaders and classes.

You can take advantage of their Online Streaming Studio FREE 14-day trial at soulcore.com/signup. In addition, SoulCore is extending a 20% savings to all Abiding Together listeners in their Online Shop (shop.soulcore.com)  Enter promo code: ABIDE20 at checkout. 

Discover the beauty and transforming power of the rosary. Visit SoulCore.com to begin your SoulCore journey today!

In this episode, we continue with part three of our series on the identity of Bride: Faithful and Honoring Love. We discuss where we have been wounded or where we have wounded others and how that affects current relationships. We chat about how being guarded can inhibit vulnerability and how to navigate our blocks to grow in intimacy. We offer insights into how to come before the Lord with our preconceived ideas and allow Him to speak the truth, as well as how to maintain fidelity in relationships. This week, let us not resign ourselves to mediocrity, but recommit to loving well. 

Sister Miriam's one thing - Tweet about faithful married love

Heather's one thing - Restore the Glory Episode 35 "Healing in Marriage with Heather Khym"

Michelle's one thing - "Be Devoted" by Dr. Bob Schuchts, "Intimate Allies" by Dan Allender and Tremper Longman III, and "Men, Women, and the Mystery of Love" by Dr. Edward Sri

 

Discussion Questions:    

 

1. What stood out to you from this week's episode?
2. What wounded parts of your early story might you be bringing into current relationships that inhibit your ability to love and be loved fully?
3. Have you had an experience of a healthy, loving relationship in your life that has brought restoration to previous hurts?
4. How has witnessing faithfulness is a loving relationship, whether in your life or in the life of others, given you hope?
5. Vows need to be lived out daily. If you're married or consecrated, how do you live out your vows daily? If you're not married, allow yourself to sit at the feet of those who share.

Journal Questions:

1. In what relationship do you need God to give you the gift of hope?
2. What ways do you tend to run away in your relationships? What would it be like if you chose not to run?
3. Ponder where you bring your desires that aren't being met. Take some time to offer those desires to Jesus?
4. "We are better in community". Who makes you a better person? Offer some prayers of thanksgiving and blessing for them.

 

Quotes to Ponder: 

"Nothing cools love quite like resigning oneself to mediocrity." - Fr. Jacques Philippe

 

Scripture for Lectio Divina: "Then the Lord God said, "It is not good that the man should be alone; I will make him a helper as his partner." So out of the ground the Lord God formed every animal of the field and every bird of the air, and brought them to the man to see what he would call them; and whatever the man called every living creature, that was its name. The man gave names to all cattle, and to the birds of the air, and to every animal of the field; but for the man[a] there was not found a helper as his partner. So the Lord God caused a deep sleep to fall upon the man, and he slept; then he took one of his ribs and closed up its place with flesh. And the rib that the Lord God had taken from the man he made into a woman and brought her to the man. Then the man said, "This at last is bone of my bones and flesh of my flesh; this one shall be called Woman, for out of Man this one was taken." Therefore a man leaves his father and his mother and clings to his wife, and they become one flesh. And the man and his wife were both naked, and were not ashamed. - Genesis 2:18-25 

 

 

This episode is sponsored by Scapulars.com.

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In this episode, we continue with part two of our series on the identity of Bride: Full and Total Love. We discuss the perfect model we have in Christ of love without reservation and the distinction between co-existing with those we love and living in complete union. We pray this week you would allow your heart to be transformed to love those around you fully and totally.

 

Sister Miriam's one thing - Some People Do - Old Dominion

Heather's one thing - Love Heals ring - Pink Salt Riot

Michelle's one thing - Mary

 

Discussion Questions:    

1. What stood out to you from this week's episode?
2. What does it look like to love without reservation?
3. With your spouse, closest friends or a small group - Do you know enough of one another's stories to love one another fully?
4. How do we learn to love another when they have parts that aren't beautiful in that moment? How can we learn to be like Christ then?

Journal Questions:

1. Where is yout heart holding back, guarding itself, or not loving fully, and why? Is there a fear of rejection, a fear of misunderstanding, or a fear of vulnerability? 
2. Are you co-existing alongside your spouse, your family, or your community? Take a moment to pray for the grace of a deeper union. What would it look like to give more of your heart to these relationships? 
3. How have you seen your love grow in maturity over time?

 

Quotes to Ponder: "My dear young friends, I want to invite you to 'dare to love.' Do not desire anything less for your life than a love that is strong and beautiful and that is capable of making the whole of your existence a joyful undertaking of giving yourselves as a gift to God and your brothers and sisters, in imitation of the One who vanquished hatred and death for ever through love (cf. Rev 5:13). Love is the only force capable of changing the heart of the human person and of all humanity, by making fruitful the relations between men and women, between rich and poor, between cultures and civilizations." (Message for the 22nd World Youth Day: Palm Sunday, 1 April 2007) ― Pope Benedict XVI

Scripture for Lectio Divina: "Then the Lord God said, "It is not good that the man should be alone; I will make him a helper as his partner." So out of the ground the Lord God formed every animal of the field and every bird of the air, and brought them to the man to see what he would call them; and whatever the man called every living creature, that was its name. The man gave names to all cattle, and to the birds of the air, and to every animal of the field; but for the man[a] there was not found a helper as his partner. So the Lord God caused a deep sleep to fall upon the man, and he slept; then he took one of his ribs and closed up its place with flesh. And the rib that the Lord God had taken from the man he made into a woman and brought her to the man. Then the man said, "This at last is bone of my bones and flesh of my flesh; this one shall be called Woman, for out of Man this one was taken." Therefore a man leaves his father and his mother and clings to his wife, and they become one flesh. And the man and his wife were both naked, and were not ashamed. - Genesis 2:18-25

In this episode, we wrap up our identity collection and begin a four part series on Bride. We discuss how God created us for intimate communion with Him no matter our vocation or state in life. We break open the risks of vulnerability and exposure and the deep communion and love we can only experience through intimacy. 

 

Sister Miriam's one thing - Kale Salad

Heather's one thing - The Hidden Life Playlist on Spotify

Michelle's one thing - Redeeming Love - Francine Rivers 

 

Discussion Questions:    

1. What stood out to you from this week's episode?
2. How have you witnessed a bride and groom give themselves freely to one another? 
3. How can you grow in a commitment to continue to grow in the school of love?
4. How do you experience God as a lover? 

 

Journal Questions:

1. How are you a gift to God? How can you exercise freedom in choosing to love God and give yourself to Him? 
2. If married - how do you allow your spouse into your inner garden to bring your hearts to the Lord together? How do you love your spouse with your whole heart and God with your whole heart- bringing deeper communion in both relationships? 
3. For those that are hard to love - ask "how is this person a gift to me?""

 

Quotes to Ponder:  "Limitation of one's freedom might seem to be something negative and unpleasant, but love makes it a positive, joyful and creative thing. Freedom exists for the sake of love." 

― John Paul II, Love and Responsibility

 

Scripture for Lectio Divina: "Then the Lord God said, "It is not good that the man should be alone; I will make him a helper as his partner." So out of the ground the Lord God formed every animal of the field and every bird of the air, and brought them to the man to see what he would call them; and whatever the man called every living creature, that was its name. The man gave names to all cattle, and to the birds of the air, and to every animal of the field; but for the man[a] there was not found a helper as his partner. So the Lord God caused a deep sleep to fall upon the man, and he slept; then he took one of his ribs and closed up its place with flesh. And the rib that the Lord God had taken from the man he made into a woman and brought her to the man. Then the man said, "This at last is bone of my bonesand flesh of my flesh; this one shall be called Woman, for out of Man this one was taken." Therefore a man leaves his father and his mother and clings to his wife, and they become one flesh. And the man and his wife were both naked, and were not ashamed.

- Genesis 2:18-25 

 

This episode is sponsored by Chews Life. 

The mission of Chews Life is to equip all Catholics with Rosaries for life. How do they do that? By creating Rosaries for every age group and every person. For little ones, they have soft silicone rosaries. These rosaries are strung on durable organic cotton chord and have food grade silicone for the beads. These Rosaries are a beautiful way to bring your little ones to Mary and also offer something to soothe and delight them. For slightly older kids, Chews Life offers their Shepherd Kids Rosaries. These Rosaries are also made with silicone beads but are slightly smaller and have more space between beads so that kids learning their Rosary can slide each bead as they pray. Finally, for adults Chews Life has beautiful Rosary Bracelets. With many different styles and colors, the Rosary Bracelets are a great tool for someone trying to form the daily habit of praying the Rosary. Not only is it very accessible on your wrist, but it also features a "bookmark" crucifix medal that can be used to keep your spot in your Rosary. So if you only have a minute here and there to pray throughout your day, no worries, hold your place with the crucifix medal and continue when you have your next chance. Chews Life aims to provide beautiful and durable tools to help you pray the Rosary every single day. You can find their Rosaries and a number of other wonderful products on their website: www.chewslife.com. Use the code ABIDE10 to get 10% off your next order.