S16 E17 - Counting the Graces
Abiding Together
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 - and by Kory Miller Sister...
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S16 E16 - Life Transitions with Chris Benzinger (Part 2)
Abiding Together
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 - by Dr. Shane Owens Sister Miriam’s...
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S16 E15 - Life Transitions with Chris Benzinger (Part 1)
Abiding Together
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...
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S16 E14 - A Father’s Legacy - Pope Francis
Abiding Together
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 - by Cody Carnes (and the ;))...
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S16 E13 - Jesus and the Jubilee: Epilogue and Preparing for the Triduum
Abiding Together
In this episode, we conclude our Lenten book study by focusing on the epilogue and sharing ideas on how to prepare for the Triduum. During Holy Week, our Lord invites us to join Him on His Paschal journey. We reflect on how He takes on our suffering, sin, and brokenness and brings them to the Father so that death may be destroyed forever. We also talk about the importance of remembering how God has transformed our lives, the call to “be not afraid”, and how our Lord is restoring our deepest identities. You are in our prayers dear friends, and we will see you again in the Easter season!...
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S16 E12 - Jesus and the Jubilee: Chapter Nine and Conclusion
Abiding Together
In this episode, we continue our Lenten book study and focus on chapter 9 and the conclusion. We reflect on the goodness of God and why we need not be afraid even when we do not understand what He is doing or how He is working in our lives. We also talk about how the Holy Spirit is like a salve to the wounds in our life, the importance of taking the authority we’ve been given by God, and why hungering and thirsting for God allows us to grow in intimacy with Him. Heather’s One Thing - by Dr. Bob Schuchts Sister Miriam’s One Thing - Michelle’s One Thing - by Marie Miller ...
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S16 E11 - Jesus and the Jubilee: Chapters Seven and Eight
Abiding Together
In this episode, we continue our Lenten book study and focus on chapters 7 & 8. We reflect on the many ways Jesus wants to make us whole, by exercising the evil out of our lives, forgiving our sins, and leading us to freedom. We also compare that to what the enemy is trying to do, make us feel alone, scatter the pieces of our heart, and bring us out of communion with each other and with God. Jesus wants to love us into healing and is waiting for our invitation. It is up to us to open the door and allow Jesus to enter ever deeper into our hearts. Heather’s One Thing -...
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S16 E10 - Jesus and the Jubilee: Chapters Five and Six
Abiding Together
In this episode, we continue our Lenten book study and focus on chapters 5 & 6. We talk about the original roots of jubilee in the Old Testament, if the Israelites actually observed the jubilee, and how the Dead Sea Scrolls are relevant to jubilee. We also reflect on the importance of prophetic voices, the need to prepare for Sabbath, and why having an open heart allows the Lord to exceed our expectations. Heather’s One Thing - Video Series with Dr. John Bergsma and Fr. Dave Pivonka Sister Miriam’s One Thing - How Change Occurs Series and from Restore the Glory Podcast...
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S16 E9 - Jesus and the Jubilee: Chapters Three and Four
Abiding Together
In this episode, we continue our Lenten book study and focus on chapters 3 & 4. We discuss the Ten Commandments, how they teach us to say yes to true freedom, and why our voluntary yes helps us live in deeper communion with God and those around us. We also reflect on finding Eden in our Churches or homes, discovering our golden calves, and the significance of doing our daily duty well. Heather’s One Thing - Sister Miriam’s One Thing - Vickie, Chris, and Fr. Patrick at Holy Trinity and St. Michael's Parishes in Kewaskum, WI (See the picture on our ) Michelle’s One...
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S16 E8 - Jesus and the Jubilee: Chapters One and Two
Abiding Together
In this episode, we continue our Lenten book study and focus on chapters 1 & 2. We reflect on how God originally designed us in the Garden of Eden, how the lies and idols we invite into our lives strip away this identity, and how the Jubilee is a time of restoration. We also dive deep into the biblical significance of the ten plagues, why tearing down our idols is a painful process, and the beauty of hoping for a good not yet seen. Heather’s One Thing - The Festival of Praise at Franciscan University and the song Heather’s Other One Thing - Ascension’s Sister Miriam’s One...
info_outlineIn 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 the Gospel Study
- Rejoice and Be Glad Study
- The Sacred Heart (three part series)
- C’est la Confiance (two part series)
- Revolution of Tenderness
Journal Questions:
- How have I been blessed by Pope Francis’ pontificate?
- In what ways do I experience the Gospel as Lent without Easter?
- How can I embrace the lessons Pope Francis has taught me throughout his papacy in my life?
- How can I pray for the Church during the conclave?
Discussion Questions:
- How did you receive the news of Pope Francis’ passing?
- How can we live out Pope Francis’ vision of the Church as a field hospital in our own lives?
- Which of Pope Francis’ writings left an impactful impression on you?
- What’s one word you would use to describe Pope Francis’ legacy?
Quote to Ponder:
"Joy adapts and changes, but it always endures, even as a flicker of life born of our personal certainty that, when everything is said and done, we are infinitely loved." (Pope Francis)
Scripture for Lectio:
“May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, so that by the power of the Holy Spirit you may abound in hope.” (Romans 15:13)
Sponsor - Glory: Women’s Conference:
This week’s episode is sponsored by the Glory: Women’s Conference hosted by Steubenville Conferences and our very own Heather Khym! We want to invite you to join Heather, Michelle, and our dear friends Debbie Herbeck, Sarah Kaczmarek, Monica Richards, and Sarah Kroger who will be leading us in worship, this June 6-8 in Steubenville, Ohio as we gather with women across generations and seek God’s presence.
We are just about one month out from the Glory: Women’s Conference and tickets are still available! This is the first one and we want you to be part of it, especially since it’s over Pentecost weekend and we know the Holy Spirit will be showing up in big ways.
The conference schedule 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.
Visit steubenvilleconferences.com/events/glory for more information or to register!
Timestamps:
00:00 - Glory: Women’s Conference
01:10 - Intro
02:01 - Welcome
04:14 - How We Found Out
07:02 - His Funeral and the Upcoming Conclave
08:30 - A Grace-filled Time
09:54 - Evangelii Gaudium (Joy of the Gospel)
13:36 - The Church as a Field Hospital
15:52 - Revolution of Tenderness
18:26 - The Lord Deeply Cares for Us
19:48 - Dilexit Nos (The Sacred Heart)
20:27 - The Holy Spirit and the Holy Family
21:12 - His Lasting Legacy
26:08 - How Can We Pray?
29:52 - One Things