Abiding Together

In this episode we talk about the quote "Beauty will Save the World" by Dostoevsky. We discuss how true beauty leads you outside of yourself to humanity and to the Divine Creator, whereas the counterfeits lead us away. We address how paying attention to our life allows us to experience epiphanies of beauty. One Thing We Love This Week: Sr. Miriam's One Thing - Don’t Believe the Lie, Bill Johnson Michelle Benzinger's One Thing - Examen Journal Michelle Benzinger's Other One Thing - CreatingToLove.com Heather Khym's One Thing - Nurses and doctors who offer care for people in need. You rock! Heather Khym's Other One Thing - Bring Him Home by the Canadian Tenors Group Questions What is one way that you commonly experience the beauty of God? How can we call beauty out in other people? What are the beauty counterfeits that have affected your life in a negative way? Journaling Questions How can I co-create with the Holy Spirit to bring beauty into the world? What am I consuming in my world? Is it true beauty of

In this episode we talk about how breakdown can lead to breakthrough if we allow God to enter into our pain. Join us as we discuss how to grow in deeper intimacy with God and experience healing and restoration. One Thing We Love This Week: Heather's one thing - "No Longer Slaves" Michelle's one thing - fall weather and green and white pumpkins Sr. Miriam's One Thing - St. Hildegard poem Holy Life-Giver Doctor of the desperate. Healer of everyone broken past hope, Medicine for all wounds, Fire of love, Joy of Hearts, fragrant Strength sparking Fountain, Protector, Penetrator, in You we contemplate how God goes looking for those who are lost and reconciles those who are at odds with Him Break our chains! You bring people together. You curl clouds, whirl winds, send rain on rocks, sing in creeks, and turn the lush earth green. You teach those who listen, breathing joy and wisdom into them. We praise You for these gifts, Light-giver, Sound of joy, Wonder of being alive, Hope of every person, and our strongest G

In this episode we discuss how to be a people of hope and not give into despair amidst the tragedy that we experience in the world. If we can keep the hope of heaven in our hearts, we can answer God's invitation to be a beacon of hope to a hurting world. One Thing We Love This Week: Michelle's one thing - "Let it Be" by Alicia Keys and John Legend Sr. Miriam's one thing - Matt Maher "Into Your Hands" from the album Echos Heather's one thing - Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Muffins by Mel's Kitchen Cafe (see the recipe at bottom) Group Questions 1. Do you find it hard to have hope in times of hardship? 2. What would it look like to speak hope into the life of someone that is hurting? 3. How can you grow the virtue of hope in your life? Journaling Questions 1. What are some the negative beliefs you have about God when you don’t see Him intervene in our problems the way that we think He should? 2. Do I believe that God can bring life to dead places? Quote to Ponder “Do not be dismayed but the brokenness of the world.

Chris Benzinger and Jake Khym are back as our guests as we talk about the art of loving well. We journey into the topics of recognizing one another’s stories, championing dreams, how to bring the questions of our identity to God and fighting for (not against!) the ones we love. One Thing We Love This Week: Chris's One thing -  The word "fierce" Michelle's One thing -  33 Days to Merciful Love, Michael E.Gaitley, MIC Sr. Miriam's One thing -  Fall candles Heather's One thing -  The Storybook Bible Jake's One thing -  "When the Soul Listens: Finding Rest and Direction in Contemplative Prayer" by Jan Johnson Group Questions Have you changed how you love or think of someone after hearing their story? What would it look like to love someone close to you without expecting them to fill all your needs? How can you champion the dreams of someone dear to you? Journaling Questions What are the things that hold me back the most from loving well?   Do I believe that God desires to restore & heal me? How have I ex

In this episode we feature our first guests! And they are men!! Jake Khym and Chris Benzinger join us as we delve into how to pray for your children, the blessing of their hearts and the hope we have for those whom God has placed in our lives. They not only capture how to father your children well, but also how to live as a child of God. One Thing We Love This Week: Michelle's One thing - The Unfathomable: Third Time’s a Charm??? WITH CHRIST ALONE Chris's One thing - Podcast by Jonathan David & Melissa Helser Sr. Miriam's One thing -  St Hildegard of Bingen- Secrets of God Jake's One thing -  Our dog Bosco Heather's One thing -  Meatballs! I use this recipe for the meatballs then freeze them. I use them in spaghetti sauce or meatballs sub. A perfect hearty meal when you need something fast. Group Questions 1.  How does the truth of living as a daughter/son of God the Father change how you experience His love? 2. How can you pray differently for your children or those who God has entrusted to you? Jour

"The purpose of journeying together in spiritual friendship and spiritual community (whether there are just two of you or whether you are in a small group) is to listen to one another's desire for God, to nurture that desire in each other and to support one another in seeking a way of life that is consistent with that desire. ” Ruth Haley Barton, Sacred Rhythms: Arranging Our Lives for Spiritual Transformation In this episode we talk about busyness vs rest, choosing to live the abundant life, what recreates us and the pace which God is setting in our hearts. Heather also recounts her harrowing battle with a scorpion while Michelle single handedly fights off sharks in the ocean! One Thing We Love This Week: Sr. Miriam's One thing - Engaging Hope in Seasons of Disappointment- Melissa Hessler Michelle's One thing - Cultivate vol. iv: Creativity Unlocked Heather's One thing - So Will I (100 Billion X) Amanda Cook Group Question: 1. How do you feel about your pace of life right now? 2. Do you feel that you're r

“A tree can be only as strong as the forest that surrounds it." - Peter Wohlleben Welcome to Season 2 In this episode we talk about beginning a new season, the daily encounter with God, the gift of presence in the moment to moment and the hidden life of trees (as well as nuns with chainsaws!) Please check out our new website and discussion questions for each episode of the podcast! One Thing We Love This Week: Michelle's One thing - South Toward Home, Margaret Eby Sr. Miriam's One thing  - The Power of Silence- Cardinal Robert Sarah Heather's one thing - Canva Group Question: 1. How do you need the people around you to speak into your life to help you grow? 2. What are some of the practical ways you can cultivate community in this season of life? 3. Who is God calling you to offer the "gift of presence" to? Journal Question: 1. What invitation is the Holy Spirit extending to you in the season? Quote To Ponder: "A tree can be on as strong as the forest that surrounds it." Peter Wohllenden  

In this episode we wrap up our 5 part series on Pope Francis’s “Joy of the Gospel”. Sr. Miriam shares about her experiences at the USCCB Convocation that just finished in Orlando. We also discuss chapter 5, which is all about being Spirit filled evangelizers. This is our last episode of this season. We hope you’ll catch up on any previous episodes you missed and join us for a brand new season 2 on September 18, 2017! One Thing We Love This Week: Heather’s one thing - the album “Wonder” by Hillsong United Michelle’s one thing - our awesome listeners! Sr. Miriam’s one thing - book “Let the Fire Fall” by Fr. Michael Scanlan

In this episode we discuss chapter 4 of Pope Francis's "Evangelii Gaudium - The Joy of the Gospel". In this episode we talk about how the call to move beyond our personal experience of faith to bring the Kingdom of God to the world. Also our need to learn from the poor in our midst and remember that we belong to each other.​​

In this episode we discuss chapter 3 of Pope Francis's "Evangelii Gaudium - The Joy of the Gospel". We focus on the importance of love as the heart of the Gospel and how we need to have an ongoing personal encounter with this Love before we can evangelize. We also talk about the Pope's thoughts on the maternal dimension of evangelization.   One Thing We Love This Week: Heather's one thing - "It is Well" Kristene DiMarco Michelle's one thing - Essays On Woman by Edith Stein Sr. Miriam's one thing - "Wonder Woman" movie

In this episode we talk about the second chapter of Pope Francis's "Evangelii Gaudium - The Joy of the Gospel". We discuss some of the challenges of today's world and of pastoral worker and how to not be a sour puss :) One Thing We Love This Week: Michelle's one thing - VisualGrace.org Sr. Miriam's one thing - water with lemon Heather's one thing - gathering with other women

In this episode we begin part 1 of our 5 part series on Pope Francis's apostolic exhortation "Evangelii Gaudium - The Joy of the Gospel". We discuss the first chapter and what it means to be a missionary disciple who first encounters Christ personally.   One Thing We Love This Week: Sr. Miriam's one thing - Debbie Herbeck's ministry Be Love Revolution Michelle's one thing - Darling Magazine ​* Heather's one thing - Experience a priest's ordination

In this episode we talk about how God often calls us to wait and how we can find Him in the waiting. Sr. Miriam, Michelle, and Heather share insights and personal stories about how they have grown close to God in times of waiting and how the process is actually just as important as the end result. One Thing We Love This Week: Sr. Miriam's one thing: Scented candles and god's mercy Heather's one thing: Lying down and weakness Michelle's one thing: Gratitude  

"In this episode we talk about Pentecost, the birthday of the Church, and how we can prepare our hearts for a new outpouring of the Holy Spirit. We focus in on 2 Corinthians 3:17 "Now the Lord is the Spirit and where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is freedom". ​ Pentecost Novena Links mentioned in the conversation: Heather: Fr. Dave Pivonka - Wild Goose free video series Michelle: TED TALK: Adam Grant One Thing We Love This Week: Heather's one thing – Music by Joe Zambon (iTunes) ("Jesus I Love You" video) Michelle's one thing – Book "Originals: How Non-Conformists Move the World" by Adam Grant Sr. Miriam's one thing – Bishop Robert Barron - Free Daily Reflections  

"This episode is part 2 of our series on spiritual warfare called "Fight Like A Girl". We discuss two more essentials in spiritual warfare which are taking authority and declaration. We begin with the quote from the Chronicles of Narnia "Lucy buried her head in his mane to hide from his face, But there must have been magic in his mane. She could feel lion-strength going into her. Quite suddenly she sat up. “I’m sorry, Aslan,” she said. “I’m ready now.” “Now you are a lioness,” said Aslan. “And now all Narnia will be renewed. But come. We have no time to lose.” One Thing We Love This Week Heather's one thing - Loved seeing U2 in concert last week. I especially love that Bono shamelessly mixes beauty, passion, God, music and worship into what he does. Here's a video of two faith infused songs from a previous tour, Yahweh and (Psalm) 40. He gets the whole crowd worshipping and they don't even know it. Notice the rosary around his neck...it was given to him by Saint John Paul II! Hope you'll watch it till the en

Joan of Arc said “I am not afraid, I was born to do this” We are in a world at war and as women we are called and empowered to fight for truth, beauty, and goodness. Join us as we have a conversation about practical ways to spiritually battle and wear the armor of God.

In this episode we reflect on the quote “Do not abandon yourselves to despair. We are the Easter people and hallelujah is our song.” Saint John Paul II. We talk about what it means to be an Easter people and how to walk in the power of the resurrection in our own lives. One Thing We Love This Week Heather's one thing - AbbotsfordTulipfestival.ca Michelle's one thing - LetterFolk.com Michelle's letter board in action  

"In this episode we reflect on the scripture John 15:4-5 where Jesus invites us to abide in His love. Many of us live a life of striving and struggle, rather than accepting the invitation of abiding and trust." One Thing We Love Sr. Miriam's one thing: Daring Greatly by Brene Brown Heather's one thing: houseofbelonging.com Michelle's one thing: Hidden Figures Movie Heather also referenced this song: "Undivided" by Amanda Cook Michelle also referenced this book:Present over Perfect by Shauna Niequist

In this episode we discuss the power of community, the circles of community, the call to build one wherever you are and practical tips on how to do so! (Introverts-there is hope!) "We have all known the long loneliness and we have learned that the only solution is love and that love comes with community.” Dorothy Day, The Long Loneliness: The Autobiography of the Legendary Catholic Social Activist One Thing We Love: Sr. Miriam’s one thing: End Time Sins Are In The Church 2017 by Francis Chan Michelle's one thing : Reshma Saujani's Ted Talk - Teach Girls bravery, not perfection Heather's one thing : Blessed Is She Pentecost Journal  

In this episode we recap the beautiful retreat we were blessed to lead March 31-April 2 in British Columbia. We were joined by 200 women from Canada and the US who journeyed with us into the deep realities of God’s unfailing love, healing from shame, fixing our gaze on Jesus and being equipped (and sometimes uncomfortable!) by the Holy Spirit. One Thing We Love: Michelle's one thing: "Walking on Water - Reflections on Faith and Art" - Madeline L'Engle Sr. Miriam’s one thing: Raising Great Girls by Dr. Meg Meeker and guest Dr. Leonard Sax *warning: mature content* Heathers one thing: The Crown on Netflix