Abiding Together

In this episode, we end our journey at the Stable, the humble place where God chose for us to meet His Son. We reflect on the stable of our own hearts, how Jesus chooses to meet us in our own poverty now, and why His very presence brings healing. We also talk about how when we sit in our emptiness, release control, and surrender each part of our lives to God, He is able to work more powerfully in our lives. Finally, we ponder Mary's quiet and loving gaze upon the Christ Child and how we are invited to slow down and notice Jesus smiling back at us.  Friends, we've deeply enjoyed journeying with you this year. As we take a break, please know you are in our prayers. We will see you on January 19th, 2026 when Season 18 begins! Have a blessed and merry Christmas!   Heather's One Thing - Our Abiding Together staff: Camille, Kate, and Kristina! Heather's Other One Thing - The Sisters of Life new St. Francis convent in Steubenville Heather's Third One Thing - Every Sacred Sunday's Edition of the  Catechism of the Ca

In this episode, we journey to Elizabeth's house, the place of the Visitation. We reflect on Mary's haste as she makes the journey to visit Elizabeth and how Elizabeth creates space for Mary as the mystery of the incarnation unfolds. We also ponder Elizabeth's years of longing for a child, how God fulfills our desires in ways different than we expect, and why we should hold onto hope instead of disappointment. Finally, we talk about cultivating a deeper sensitivity to God's presence, trusting that even when His work is hidden, beauty is unfolding within our lives.   Heather's One Thing - High King of Heaven / Jesus We Love You by Bethel Music Sister Miriam's Half Thing - As part of the Sacred Anchor Marketplace, any Religious Order/ Clergy will have a free storefront with no charges to list or commission fees. (The only cost will be bank fees of about 3% of any sale). Sign up here! Sister Miriam's One Thing -  Forgiving as Unity with Christ by Dr. Robert Enright Michelle's One Thing - Notre Dame Football (es

In this episode, we journey to the house of Loreto, a simple home where the Annunciation took place. We reflect on how God meets us in the quiet, ordinary places of our own lives and how He meets us where we are, no matter how isolated we may feel. We also explore Mary's free and wholehearted yes, given without a request for details, and consider where the Holy Spirit may be inviting us to trust and surrender in our own hidden spaces. As Advent is a time to rest in stillness, we talk about making room for God in our schedules, noticing His gentle invitations in the everyday, and allowing His Word to take root in us even when the fruits of our yes are not yet visible.   Heather's One Thing - Registration for Glory: Women's Gathering is open! Michelle and I would love to see you there! Sister Miriam's One Thing - Live Dialogue with Pope Leo XIV and Teens at NCYC  Michelle's One Thing - Trader Joe's winter peonies    Next, we come to the House of Loreto, a humble home, walls worn by daily life, where the eternal

In this episode, we begin our Advent journey in Eden, a place of freedom, communion, and life without shame. Eden is not only a moment in history, but also an interior garden within each of our hearts. We talk about the deep ache we all feel for union, rest, and peace, and how this longing reveals our original design for communion with God. We also reflect on the shame that often accompanies this desire for communion with others, especially when our desires are left unmet, and how bringing these places of poverty to Jesus opens us up to real, lived communion with Him.   Heather's One Thing - The Renew Conference in Toronto Heather's Other One Thing - Her Advent Worship Playlist Sister Miriam's One Thing - Sacred Anchor Artisans (Catholic Etsy!) founded by Tim and Molly Olsen Michelle's One Thing - The Inspired Living and this Chrism Candle Michelle's Other One Thing - Fr. Innocent Montgomery, CFR   Welcome, dear friends… to this Advent journey, a pilgrimage of the heart, through four sacred spaces where he

In this episode, we reflect on the importance of giving thanks to the Lord for all He has done in both the beautiful and difficult moments of life. We talk about how practicing gratitude can change our perspective of reality and helps us recognize where God has been present even in moments we do not understand. We also name the fears that can sometimes keep us from giving thanks and discuss how gratitude becomes an act of surrender that opens us to God's steady, faithful presence. As a gift to you, we end today's episode by doing Lectio Divina with Psalm 34 and invite you into a time of prayer with us.   Heather's One Thing - Jalapeno, Pepper Jack, and Bacon Corn Pudding Recipe  Heather's Other One Thing -  Hell or High Water and Edens by Amanda Cook Sister Miriam's One Thing - Her SOLT Community Michelle's One Thing - College Football   Other Resources Mentioned:  Life Transitions Part One and Part Two with Chris Benzinger One Thousand Gifts: A Dare to Live Fully Right Where You Are by Ann Voskamp   J

In this episode, we conclude our series on the garden of our hearts and explore what it means to cultivate unity—which is especially important as we enter the busy and often stressful holiday season. We talk about the difference between anger and contempt and how contempt can not only fracture relationships but also plant seeds of division in our hearts. We also reflect on how we can respond to discord with humility, a holy curiosity, and a genuine desire to understand. Ultimately, unity begins with love, bears good fruit, and reflects the presence of Christ within us.   Heather's One Thing - The Cheesecloth Turkey Basting Method (Example Here) Sister Miriam's One Thing - College Volleyball Playoffs (especially Nebraska) Michelle's One Thing - Twinkling Trees from Walmart    Announcement: Our Advent Study begins December 1st, 2025!   Journal Questions: Where in my heart am I harboring contempt? What groups of people or individuals do I see as worthless? When was the last time that someone treated you with c

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 Purpo

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 instea

In this episode, we talk about what it means to weather the storms of life well. Everyone experiences difficult moments throughout their lives and these storms come in all shapes and sizes. In each one, we have the opportunity to respond from a place of truth and peace instead of fear. We share practical ways we’ve learned to weather the storms in our own lives, from simplifying life to immersing ourselves in Scripture. We also explore how pain, though difficult, can lead us into deeper healing and communion with God. No matter what you’re facing, you are not alone—He is near, and so are we.    Heather’s One Thing - Strengthen Yourself in the Lord by Bill Johnson  Heather’s Other One Thing - Same God (feat Jonsal Barriente) from Elevation Worship Sister Miriam’s One Thing - Pints with Aquinas | What to Do When Marriage Gets Hard (Jason and Crystalina Evert) Michelle’s One Thing - Healed and Restored Nonprofit   Other Resources Mentioned:  Carmelite Sisters of The Most Sacred Heart of Los Angeles Searching

In this episode, Dr. Shane Owens, a scholar of St. Augustine, joins us to discuss the power of memory. Together, we explore how memory is a place to where we withdraw to understand our identity, shape our whole self, and begin to see God working in our lives. Memory exists for the purpose of hope and we not only talk about how the Scriptures and Eucharist bear the memories of the Church, but also how our sorrowful memories can become sources of hope.    Heather’s One Thing - Pope Leo XIV: Son of St. Augustine (A conversation with Fr. Dave Pivonka and Dr. Shane Owens) Heather’s Other One Thing - Franciscan University’s Festival of Praise Sister Miriam’s One Thing - The Archdiocese of Sydney, Australia Michelle’s One Thing - Return to the Heart: The Biblical Spirituality of St. Augustine’s Confessions by Dr. Shane Owens Michelle’s Other One Thing - Heaven for Me! by St. Thérèse of Lisieux Dr. Shane Owens’ One Thing - Bible Across America from the St. Paul Center   Other Resources Mentioned:  Return to the H

In this episode, we talk about what it means to bring God’s Presence into our relationships with others. Through His life, Jesus shows us how to live at the pace of the Holy Spirit and create space for authentic connection. We explore how easy it is to overlook the significance of ordinary moments and how, through slowing the pace of our lives, we have powerful opportunities to love, listen, and become more attuned to those around us. We also discuss the importance of healthy boundaries, the freedom that comes from not needing to fix others, and how it’s God’s love that shapes how we show up for the people in our lives.   Heather’s One Thing - This Wild at Heart Podcast series with Jon Tyson (Part 1) (Part 2) Sister Miriam’s One Thing - The Lila Rose Show with Msgr Rossetti  Michelle’s One Thing - Raise a Hallelujah by Bethel Music, Jonathan Helser, and Melissa Helser   Journal Questions: How can I show up for people in my life in this season? How do I need others to show up for me? In what ways do I los

In this episode, we explore the gift of tears and the importance of allowing ourselves to cry. We reflect on our experiences with crying and talk about how tears, especially in painful moments, can be a powerful expression of surrender, lament, and hope when offered to God. With the help of the Holy Spirit, our sensitivity and capacity to cry reflect the way we were beautifully created to respond to what breaks God's heart. We discuss the vulnerability of crying, the pain of resisting it, and how Jesus crying out on the cross reveals the value of our own cries. Whether you're too tired to cry, afraid to show need, or already feel safe expressing emotion, we invite you to see crying as an act of worship and intercession. In our sorrow, God meets us with love, truth, and the hope that He can actually do something with our pain.   Heather’s One Thing - Spirit Breathe by Sarah Kroger and Echo Harbor Worship Sister Miriam’s One Thing - Beloved Son by Carrie Daunt Michelle’s One Thing - Her new back porch!   Other

In this episode, we talk about how God is at work in our lives even when sorrow feels overwhelming. This Jubilee year of hope is still a light for us, especially when we feel stuck, overwhelmed, or tempted to despair. We talk about the “fatigue of living”, what happens when we isolate ourselves, and why the micromovements of our hearts are so important. God has not guaranteed us an easy life, but He abundantly offers us Himself. With Him, we can encounter Jesus deeply, allow the Spirit to help us overcome our fears, and journey through this life with more hope than we thought possible.   Heather’s One Thing - Join me on a pilgrimage to Denmark & Norway | August 3 - 12, 2026   Sister Miriam’s One Thing - Into Your Hands, Father: Abandoning Ourselves to the God Who Loves Us by Father Wilfrid Stinissen Michelle’s One Thing - I Will Come to You: A Story of Adoption and the Relentless Love of God by Jamie McAleer   Other Resources Mentioned:  Pope Leo XIV’s Homily for Pentecost   Journal Questions: When

In this episode, we conclude our series by reflecting on the sorrowful and glorious mysteries of our lives. In the midst of our own sorrows, we talk about the mortification of authentic love, what it means to carry our cross, and how to be patient when a particular suffering seems endless. We also share the glorious ways God is working in our lives. From the beauty of color to raising our expectations in faith, we ponder how Jesus’ presence in the sufferings of our lives often restores us more deeply than if He simply just healed our pain.    Heather’s One Thing - First Reconciliation and Beyond by Katie Prejean McGrady Heather’s Other One Thing - Show Me Your Glory by Brandon Lake Sister Miriam’s One Thing - Discerning Hearts Podcast with Fr. Timothy Gallagher, Discernment of Spirits Series Michelle’s One Thing - Soulcore   Sorrowful Mysteries (Tuesdays & Fridays): The Agony in the Garden – Contrition / Sorrow for Sin The Scourging at the Pillar – Purity / Mortification The Crowning with Thorns – Mora

Welcome to season 17! In this episode, we continue our tradition of reflecting on the mysteries of our lives based on the mysteries of the Rosary. In every season of our lives, we’re given opportunities to grow in charity and to receive God’s grace. Periodically, it is important to pause and reflect on how God has been working in and through our lives. In our conversation, we model what this looks like and discuss how the virtues of each mystery of the Rosary align with the mysteries of our lives and the fruits God is cultivating. Join us today as we share the Joyful and Luminous mysteries of our lives.    Heather’s One Thing - The beauty of being an empty nester! Sister Miriam’s One Thing - Chastity: Reconciliation of the Senses by Bishop Erik Varden  Michelle’s One Thing - Summer camps Michelle’s Other One Thing - College football is back!  

In this special bonus episode, we share a recent conversation we had with our friend Katie Prejean McGrady on the Ave Explores podcast series, “Digital Evangelization". We loved the conversation so much that we wanted to share it with you! You will hear us reflect on the story behind Abiding Together, our commitment to authentic and vulnerable conversations, and the impact of inviting others into our spiritual journey. We also share why we believe online spaces can become “holy ground” when we speak with honesty, balance, and love—and why, if a message isn’t real and rooted in truth, it’s not worth sharing.   We are also excited to announce Season 17 of Abiding Together will begin on September 15th! Mark your calendars—we are so excited to journey with you this fall.   Subscribe to our Newsletter! Follow us on Instagram or Facebook   Learn More about Ave Maria Press:  Ave Maria Press’ Website Ave Explores Podcast Instagram Facebook TikTok X   Journal Questions: How is God revealing His will to me for my cu

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

In this episode, we conclude our conversation on life transitions with Michelle’s husband, Chris Benzinger. We focus on the second and third steps in walking through transitions: releasing with trust and redeeming with hope. We talk about God wanting to redeem our past, the need to let go of the ways we’ve failed, and how God wants to do something new in the future. We also reflect on the importance of ceremony to conclude a season, the four responses to a loss, and why we should share our hopes for the future with God.   Heather’s One Thing - Return to the Heart: The Biblical Spirituality of St. Augustine's Confessions by Dr. Shane Owens Sister Miriam’s One Thing -  Mediterranean Chicken Bowls Michelle’s One Thing - Belovedness: Overcoming Your Inner Critic - A Lyrical Devotional by Sarah Kroger Chris’ One Thing - Running a 5k with his daughter Lilly    Journal Questions: What was good about the previous season of my life? Am I grieving or still carrying hurts?  What is God specifically asking me to relea

In this episode, Chris Benzinger joins us to discuss navigating big and small life transitions. We have all probably found ourselves on the other end of a transition feeling unfulfilled or confused. Chris takes us through a reflection of Joshua leading the Israelites across the Jordan and relates it to change in our lives. We talk about why it can be difficult to move on from blessings of the past and how remembering with gratitude is the first step in walking through transitions. We also discuss the practice of taking memorial stones with us to remember the Lord’s blessings, giving thanks in all circumstances, and growing a lens of gratitude. Join us for part two next week!   Heather’s One Thing - Festival of Praise at Franciscan University Sister Miriam’s One Thing - Sacramental transitions Michelle’s One Thing - Chris! Chris’ One Thing - Michelle :)   Journal Questions: What transitions am I currently going through? How have I experienced transition in the past? What do I need to remember with gratitude?

In this episode, we reflect on the legacy of Pope Francis. We talk about how, during his Pontificate, Pope Francis emphasized joy and, through his example, helped us remember to embody this joy in our daily lives to bring others into the Church. We also acknowledge how God has used Pope Francis to speak to us through his writings and discuss which of these writings most profoundly impacted us, how we can pray for our next Pope, and share what we think will be his lasting legacy.    Heather’s One Thing - Her Parents Sister Miriam’s One Thing - Firm Foundation by Cody Carnes (and the Maverick City Music Remix ;)) Michelle’s One Thing - Wrightsville Beach in Wilmington , NC   Other Resources Mentioned:  Papal Homily on the Revolution of Tenderness Pope Francis’ Surprise TED Talk Patris Corde - Apostolic Letter Dilexit Nos - Encyclical Evangelii Gaudium (Joy of the Gospel) - Apostolic Exhortation  List of Cardinals attending the Conclave   Abiding Together Episodes on Pope Francis’ Writings: The Joy of