Abiding Together

In this month of May, dedicated to mothers, we wanted to talk about our Lady, our Mother Mary. In this episode we chat about the calling of all women to spiritual motherhood and how we relate to Mary as our mother. We also discuss how Mary can be a powerful model for us of openness to the will of God and filling of the Holy Spirit and how she can assist us in our journey closer to Jesus. One Thing We Love This Week: Sr. Miriam's One Thing - Art “Mary and Eve by Sr. Grace Remington, 2013” Michelle's One Thing - Love Good Culture Heather's One Thing - Fish Taco’s (defrost frozen Mahi Mahi from Costco, sprinkle with Montreal Chicken spice (or whatever you have) and grill for a few minutes each side until it flakes. Serve with a buffet of chopped cilantro, black beans, tortilla chips, salsa, grated cheese, sliced lime, jasmine rice, and soft tortillas) YUM! Discussion Questions: Who is Mary in your life? Mary has various titles such as Refuge of Sinners, Star of the Sea, Blessed Mother. What is your favorite t

As we approach Pentecost this week, we thought it would be awesome to have a conversation about the Holy Spirit with Fr. Dave Pivonka TOR. Fr. Dave created the “Wild Goose” project with 4PM Media and has a deep devotion to the Holy Spirit. We had the pleasure of hearing Fr. Dave’s story and chatted with him about how to have a relationship with the Holy Spirit and practical ways to open our hearts to a new Pentecost in our own hearts. We were moved and inspired by this conversation and hope that you will be too. You can check out the free Wild Goose Series One Thing We Love This Week: Sr. Miriam's One Thing - "Til We Have Faces” Audiobook Michelle's One Thing - Personal Retreat with a cool priest - Father Nathan Halloran,SJ and LSU students. Heather's One Thing - New podcast for ministry leaders My Life In Ministry Heather's Other One Thing - "Closer" by Lifepoint Worship Fr. Dave’s One Thing - The scripture this week Fr. Dave’s Other One Thing - The guy who climbed El Capitan Discussion Questions: Have yo

In this week's episode we wanted you to hear the final talk from our Royal Women’s retreat. Mary Bielski talks about our inheritance as children of God, who is the King of Kings. She passionately shares about what it means to operate in authority, how to become more aware and strengthened by the cloud of witnesses, and how to live out our calling and purpose and receive provision from God. Here is the video Mary shows during the talk: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HEiSF8HpyDg Discussion Questions:     You have a royal inheritance as a child of God, the King of Kings. What does this mean to you? We have authority as daughters of the King. How can you begin to walk in this authority in the way you act and pray? The orphan spirit can keep us from experiencing the inheritance that God has for us because we aren’t ready for it. In what areas does God desire you to grow in maturity so that you can receive His inheritance? Journal Questions: How can you pray with more authority? How do you need to grow in self

In this weeks episode we reflect on the theme of our Royalty and how we are adopted daughters and sons of the King and therefore we are royal. We discuss the themes from the women’s retreat we did together in British Columbia last week and share about God’s invitation to us, our identity, how to grow in intimacy with Him, and our royal inheritance. One Thing We Love This Week: Sr. Miriam's One Thing - The Bloom Tulip Festival Michelle's One Thing -The film "Embracing the Unknown" Michelle's Other One Thing - Steffany Gretzinger - Oxygen Heather's One Thing - Hillsong - “New Wine” Heather's Other One Thing - Hillsong - “Touch of Heaven” Discussion Questions: God invites us to come to Him as children. What does it mean, and look like, to approach the throne of God boldly? What is home for you and what makes it home? How does this relate to our desire for God and how He reveals His love? How did you feel when Michelle said, “your vocation and your calling are not at war with each another? Journal Questions:

There is good news and bad news. The bad news is Michelle, Sr. Miriam, and Heather planned on recording a podcast while at the Royal Retreat held this last weekend in British Columbia. Because Michelle's flight was over 3 hours late they didn't have time to record a new podcast. The good news is we have a recording of Heather's talk from Saturday of the retreat on intimacy. Here are the two videos Heather used in her talk: Adoptions Wedding first looks Discussion Questions:     How does it make you feel when God says the words “you are mine”? Do you believe that you are delightful to God, even in your brokenness What do you think blocks your intimacy with God? Journal Questions: What ways do you bond with God and what are the ways you need to open the door to? Journal about what the veil is in your life? What broken parts of the parent child relationship or marriage relationship analogies affect your relationship with God? Quote to Ponder: “There can be no intimacy – emotional intimacy, spiritual

In this week's episode we break open John 21, where Peter goes back to his old way of life, encounters Jesus, and reconciles with him. We discuss how we often go back to our old ways after Lent, but that God is calling us to deeper intimacy and transformation. One Thing We Love This Week: Sr. Miriam's One Thing - “Find Me” - Jonathan Helser Michelle's One Thing - “What a Beautiful Name” - Hillsong Heather's One Thing - “Nothing Without You” - Will Reagan Discussion Questions:     What are some reasons why you go back to old ways of living, like Peter did in John 21? What struck you about the story of Peter during the podcast? How can you specifically open yourself up to the grace of the Easter season and Pentecost? Journal Questions: How do you picture God looks at your when you have sinned and messed up? Does this image need to be redeemed? How can you unveil your heart more to God? What is God speaking to you this Easter season? Quote to Ponder: “The invitation this Easter season is to come out of hid

We thought we would have a little fun this week with a light hearted conversation about some of our favorite things from movies to saints and everything in between. We have learned that in order to have thriving relationships, its so important to never stop learning about the other. Laughing and chatting about things we love, bonds people. We hope you'll take an opportunity to discuss your favorite things with a few friends over a coffee or glass of wine.

In this weeks podcast we finish our Life of the Beloved book study with “Living as the Beloved” and the epilogue. We discuss how God is Love and He desires to be loved by us. All that God has done for us deserves a response, a personal response to His goodness, His love, and His sacrifice. Thank you for joining us for the book study and we look forward to continuing the journey with you each week with the podcast. Join the Facebook discussion group here.   One Thing We Love This Week: Sr. Miriam's One Thing - the Easter Vigil Mass, so beautiful Michelle's One Thing - Starburst Jelly beans...Alleluia! Lent is over! Heather's One Thing - Easter playlist   Discussion Questions:     How can you respond to the gift of God’s love in a personal way? Discuss your thoughts on this quote “the world is evil only when you become its slave”. How do you or can you bring the light of Christ into your world in a specific way? Do I present and witness to the Gospel as “Good News” and witness with joy? Journal Questions

In this weeks podcast we reflect on the next chapter in Life of the Beloved, “Given”. We talk about the greatest gift we can offer another is not our talents, but our very selves. This allows for the deep connection and intimacy we all long for, but to give ourselves we need to first possess ourselves and know our identity as beloved. Join the Facebook discussion group here. One Thing We Love This Week: Sr. Miriam's One Thing - Steffany Gretzinger - Reckless Love Michelle's One Thing - Lisa Brenninkmeyer’s son Jonny Brenns is on American Idol! Here’s his audition! Heather's One Thing - Magnolia Journal Discussion Questions:     When faced with an opportunity to give to another, we often will count the cost. What are the things that make you turn down opportunities to offer yourself to others? What are the gifts that you receive when you are willing to share your life with others? What are specific ways you can go beyond offering your talents to people, to giving of yourself? Journal Questions: How do I l

This week we continue our book study of “Life of the Beloved” chapter 5, “Broken”. We talk about how our brokenness is unique to our story and that God wants to bring healing and restoration to us. We discuss the ways that we can often numb out to the pain and how God is inviting us to live a more full and abundant life by living our identity as beloved.   One Thing We Love This Week: Sr. Miriam's One Thing - “I’ll Keep You Safe” - Sleeping At Last Michelle's One Thing - Mary Williams “Behold” Michelle's Other Thing - Quote by Brennan Manning "When I am aware of my belovedness, I am more compassionate and playful, I take myself less seriously, I become aware that the breath of the Father is on my face and that my countenance is bright with laughter in the midst of an adventure I thoroughly enjoy.” Heather's One Thing - “Closer Than You Know” - Hillsong United   Heather's Other Thing - “Here Now” - Hillsong United     Discussion Questions:     What stands out to you as you read the quote “The first step t

This week we continue our book study  “Life of the Beloved” chapter 4, “Blessed”. We talk about how the deepest affirmation of our being comes from God who desires to bless us. Many of us have experience so many words of destruction and negativity that need to be restored by true blessing from God and one another. Hope you enjoy this weeks podcast! One Thing We Love This Week: Sr. Miriam's One Thing - The gift of the priesthood giving their lives in the service of their bride Michelle's One Thing - "Better is one day' by Trey McLaughlin Heather's One Thing - My sweet mom. Nothing like the love of a good mother when you're sick. Discussion Questions:     What stands out to you as you read the quote “To give someone a blessing is the most significant affirmation we can offer.” Have you ever received a blessing from someone that really resonated with you? What was it like to receive it? How do I experience prayer as coming into God’s blessing? Journal Questions:  Where can I start blessing people in my life

This week we dive into part 4 of “Life of the Beloved” chapter 3, “Taken”. We talk about how being chosen by God does not exclude others, rather it is personal and includes everyone. We also discuss how to unmask the world, declare truth over our lives, and cure the critical heart with gratitude. Hope you enjoy this weeks podcast! One Thing We Love This Week: Sr. Miriam's One Thing - “Fearless and Free” study on Ephesians - by Lisa Brenninkmeyer of Walking With Purpose Michelle's One Thing - Gratitude for the life and legacy of Billy Graham Heather's One Thing - The Instant Pot. Frozen chicken breasts in 12 minutes people! Discussion Questions: God looks upon each of us as unique and chooses us personally. How can you make space to understand this truth more deeply? Do you sometimes feel like you have to hustle or strive for God’s favor and attention? Gratitude is the cure for complaining and criticism. How can you grow in gratitude? Do you surround yourself with people that speak goodness, truth, and bea

In this episode we discuss “Life of the Beloved” chapter 2, “Becoming the Beloved” We chat about how we can allow the knowledge of being the Beloved to become infused in our daily life, moment by moment. We also talk about living the abundant life and allowing our hearts to desire heaven. One Thing We Love This Week: Michelle's One Thing - Defender by  Rita Springer Heather's One Thing - Your Love Defends Me by Matt Maher   Sr. Miriam's One Thing - The Winter Olympics Cross Country Skiing Sr. Miriam's Other One Thing - Heather's Lenten Worship Playlist   Discussion Questions: What does it looks like in my life to become the Beloved in all that I think say and do? Are there areas in my life where I am listless and bored even though I am busy? What’s happening in those areas? What is the process God has me in to become the beloved? What steps is He taking to open up my heart to Him? Journal Questions: How do you use being “busy” as an excuse for growing in your relationship with God and being present to

In this episode we discuss the first chapter of our book study “Life of the Beloved” called Being the Beloved. We talk about what it means to be Beloved and the voices that come against that truth. Join the Facebook discussion group here One Thing We Love This Week: Sr. Miriam's One Thing - “Agape” by Bear’s Den Michelle's One Thing - “The home is not the one tame place in a world of adventure; it is the one wild place in a world of rules and set tasks.” by G.K. Chesterton Heather's One Thing - “I Surrender” - by Hillsong Discussion Questions:                                         What are the voices that try to keep you from living your life as the beloved? How can we live out being the beloved concretely in our day to day life? Nouwen says, you can’t give the gift of being beloved if you haven’t received it. How can we receive this truth more deeply. Journal Questions: What is your interior response to hearing that you are the beloved? What are your thoughts about Henri Nouwen’s assertion that being

In this episode we begin our Lenten book study of “Life of the Beloved by Henri Nouwen. We begin with an introduction of who Henri Nouwen is and the Prologue. Join the Facebook discussion group here One Thing We Love This Week: Sr. Miriam's One Thing - Superbowl Michelle's One Thing - Eli Manning/Odell Beckham Jr commercial Heather's One Thing - St. Francis Xavier's arm relic Discussion Questions: Mark 10:21 says “He was moved for compassion for him” Has there been a time when God put someone on your heart to journey with them? Have there been dreams in your life that you have surrendered that God may want to resurrect? Do you have someone in your life to help you midwife your dreams? Could you offer that to someone in your life? Journal Questions: Where are you settling in your life for less than what God desires for you? What is life all about? Why do you do what you do? Was there one quote or phrase that stood out to you from this chapter? Quote to Ponder: “Your story, is the story with which you can

In this episode we discuss the prayer of Jesus for unity, that we would all be one. We chat about how this is the heart of God and how we can grow in unity among denominations with our Christian brothers and sisters as the body of Christ. One Thing We Love This Week: Sr. Miriam's One Thing - The Sacrament of Marriage and good married couples Michelle's One Thing - This video about Matt Maher's thoughts on Christian unity Heather's One Thing - "Now and At the Hour" - by the Brilliance Discussion Questions:                                         What barriers and mentalities do you need God to purify and remove in your heart, in regards to unity? In what relationships, with people of other faiths, do you need to listen more instead of share your opinion? In our society, people of good will must unite. What is one practical way that you could participate in this type of unity? Journal Questions: What can I learn from other Christian denominations? Are there areas in your life and relationships where you fo

In this episode we talking about spiritual pruning and how its a difficult part of the process, but necessary to bring about growth and good fruit. One Thing We Love This Week: Sr. Miriam's One Thing - Safe Sr. Miriam's Other One Thing - Beyond The Blue Michelle's One Thing -  Print from Katie Fitzgerald - Sr. Miriam quote Heather's One Thing - Lifepoint Worship "Closer" Discussion Questions:                                         What areas in your life is God pruning or wanting to prune right now? Fruit can be good or bad. What are the fruits that are growing in your life? What areas do you need to let God shift your perspective that you are not a victim, rather you are a "strugglers" and with God we are "overcomers"? Journal Questions: What areas do you distrust that God has your good in mind? What are the motives behind the choices you make in the big areas of life? What areas do you need to repent and begin again? Quote to Ponder: "I am the true vine, and my Father is the keeper of the vineyard. H

We are so excited to share this interview we did with our good friend Jenna Guizar. Jenna is the founder and creative director of Blessed is She, a Catholic women’s community committed to deepening a life of prayer starting with daily Scripture devotionals and supportive sisterhood. We had a great and heartfelt conversation with Jenna about her ministry, how she balances work and life with 4 children (including one cute newborn who was also a guest on our podcast!), and just her journey of faith and how she abides together with her people. Hope you enjoy this rich conversation. To find out more about Blessed is She check out BlessedIsShe.net, on facebook, on instagram, and on pinterest One Thing We Love This Week: Sr. Miriam's One Thing - The character "Rey" in the new movie "Star Wars: The Last Jedi" Michelle's One Thing - TV Series "Madam Secretary" Heather's One Thing - Movie "The Greatest Showman" Jenna's One Thing - Song by Bethel Music "Perfect Peace" Discussion Questions:                             

Happy New Year! Welcome to Season 3! In this episode we talk about beginning again, our word of the year, not settling for mediocrity, and how to engage in your life with new perspective and openness to the love of God. One Thing We Love This Week: Sr. Miriam's One Thing - Deep friendships. Especially with Heather and Michelle of course :) Michelle's One Thing - The prayer "Disturb Us Lord" - by Sir Francis Drake Heather's One Thing - Reckless Love by Cory Asbury Discussion Questions:                                         What is your word of the year? If you don't have one, when will you make time to listen to what God has for you this year? How will you be intentional about living into your word of the year? What areas in your life do you need to begin again and receive the grace to start over? What areas do you need to "unclench your fists" and let it go, so that God can come in power? Journal Questions: In what areas have you settled for mediocrity? How do you specifically want to become more full

In part 4 of our Advent series "Believe" we are super excited that we get to record together in person! We talk about what it means to believe and hold on to God's promises even in dark times and we reflect on Mary's "fiat". One Thing We Love This Week: Sr. Miriam's One Thing - In thanksgiving and gratitude to God for my 15th anniversary of my vows and being able to spend it with Heather and Michelle. Michelle's One Thing - Our listeners who are missionaries! Thank you for being obedient! Heather's One Thing - Soup! Here's the recipe for Heather's Potato Soup 1/2 cup butter 1/2 cup flour 3-4 cloves garlic 1 small onion chopped fine 6 medium potatoes washed, unpeeled, and diced medium 2 cups chicken stock 2 cups milk half pound of bacon diced and cooked till crispy salt, pepper, paprika to taste 1tbsp or more of chicken Bouillon paste for additional flavor at the end Melt 1/2 cup butter in large pot over medium heat add garlic and onion and sauté after about 2-3 minutes sprinkle in all the flour and stir co