S18 E9 - The Way of Trust and Love: Being Reconciled to Our Weakness
Abiding Together
In this episode, we continue our Lenten book study on “” and focus on Chapter 3: Being Reconciled to Our Weakness. We talk about how our struggles with ourselves often spill over into our relationships with others and how learning to accept our own weakness can soften our hearts towards the weakness we see in those around us. We also reflect on the tension between accepting our littleness and desiring real conversion, how we become more aware of our imperfections as we draw closer to the Lord, and the gift of community in helping us clearly see our lives. This week, we invite you to...
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S18 E8 - The Way of Trust and Love: An Elevator for Small Children
Abiding Together
In this episode, we continue our Lenten book study on “” and focus on Chapter 2: An Elevator for Small Children. We talk about the quiet places of discouragement, and self-reliance that keep us striving instead of surrendering. We also reflect about how radical dependence on God is not laziness, the subtle ways we resist being little before a loving Father, and how our poverty is a doorway into deeper trust. This week, we invite you to fall into the Father’s arms, allow Him to pick you up, and rest in the One who delights in you. Heather’s One Thing - The Prince of Egypt...
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S18 E7 - The Way of Trust and Love: A Completely New Way
Abiding Together
In this episode, we continue our Lenten book study on “” and focus on Chapter 1: A Completely New Way. We reflect on the “little way” of St. Thérèse, the invitation to become spiritual children before the Father, and how weakness becomes the very place where Christ comes to meet us. We also talk about the difference between being childish and childlike, why true maturity in faith begins with admitting our own poverty, and how small acts of courage open the door to deep healing. This week, we invite you to name the desires stirring in your heart and let the Holy Spirit awaken a new...
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S18 E6 - The Way of Trust and Love: Introduction
Abiding Together
In this episode, we begin our Lenten book study on “” and focus on the Introduction. We talk about how St. Thérèse’s “little way” offers hope to weary hearts who feel small, fragile, or poor. We discuss how the Lord can transform our lives in a moment, how to boast in our poverty instead of bemoaning it, and the power of a listening heart. This Lent, we invite you into a gentler, deeper journey—one rooted not in striving, but in trust and love. Heather’s One Thing - and everyone who put together this experience Sister Miriam’s One Thing - Michelle’s One...
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S18 E5 - Entering the Desert
Abiding Together
In this episode, we reflect on Lent as a Holy Spirit led journey through the desert to bring us into a deeper union with God. We talk about the resistance many of us feel to fasting, why Lent is not a self-improvement project, and the importance of discerning our Lenten practices. We also discuss how, through Lent, our true identity as beloved daughters is revealed, tested, and healed. Before Lent begins on Wednesday, we invite you to notice where your heart may feel numb, distracted, or defensive, and ask the Holy Spirit what He desires to restore. Our Lenten book study “” will begin next...
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S18 E4 - Communion with God with John Eldredge
Abiding Together
In this episode, we welcome author, counselor, and speaker John Eldredge to the show, who is best known for his book Wild at Heart. We have a powerful conversation about intimacy with God in a world full of chaos, suffering, and spiritual hunger. We reflect on what it means to reclaim a “re-enchanted” Christian worldview, how to pray against chaos, the profound gift women have to offer the world right now. We also talk practically about how to pray as a couple, ask John to lead us in a guided “Pause” prayer, and invite you into a moment of stillness, surrender, and loving awareness of...
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S18 E3 - Scripture: The Living Word of God
Abiding Together
In this episode, we explore why spending time Scripture is essential for staying rooted in Christ and how it aids us in the midst of spiritual battle. We reflect on the reality that Scripture is the living Word of God, far more powerful than we often realize. It has the ability to encourage, correct, heal, and transform our hearts. We share personal stories of how the Holy Spirit has brought Scripture to life for us and how God’s Word has been an anchor during seasons of difficulty. Friends, God desires to speak to you personally through His Word and is inviting you not into just another...
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S18 E2 - Forgiveness
Abiding Together
In this episode, we reflect on the tender and often misunderstood topic of forgiveness, what it is, what it isn’t, and why it's central to finding freedom in Christ. We talk honestly about how resentment and unforgiveness can quietly build in the heart, often as an attempt to protect ourselves from further pain. We also acknowledge how difficult forgiveness can be, what to do with the cry of our hearts when we have been wounded, and how to entrust it to God when we don’t yet feel capable of forgiving. Friends, forgiveness does not strip us of our identity, it affirms who we are in Christ....
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S18 E1 - Word of the Year
Abiding Together
Welcome to season 18 kickoff with our annual tradition of the Word of the Year episode! Each year, we 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 what our words for 2026 mean to us and chat about the Saints journeying with us this year. We are excited to be back and look forward to what this year will bring! Heather’s One Thing - by Dr. Sean Tobin ( too!) Heather’s Other One Thing - by Amanda Cook Sister Miriam’s One Thing - by Fr. Paul Hinnebusch, OP () Michelle’s One Thing - by Allen...
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S17 E15 - The Four Places of Advent: The Stable (Part 4)
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...
info_outlineIn 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 contempt? How did that impact you?
- How am I seeking to understand people with different opinions?
- How is the Lord inviting me to refine and cultivate my tone to speak love to others?
- When faced with division and disunity, are the movements of my heart and my external actions congruent?
Discussion Questions:
- What differences have you observed between conformity and unity?
- What differences have you observed between anger and contempt?
- When are you tempted to roll my eyes, sneer, act with hostility, speak with sarcasm?
- When is it hardest for you to cultivate unity?
Quote to Ponder:
“To understand one another and to grow in charity and truth, we need to pause, to accept and listen to one another. In this way, we already begin to experience unity. Unity grows along the way; it never stands still. Unity happens when we walk together.” (Pope Francis, Homily at second Vespers on the solemnity of the conversion of St. Paul, Jan. 25, 2015)
Scripture for Lectio:
“I therefore, a prisoner for the Lord, beg you to lead a life worthy of the calling to which you have been called, with all lowliness and meekness, with patience, forbearing one another in love, eager to maintain the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace. There is one body and one Spirit… one Lord, one faith, one baptism.” (Ephesians 4:1-6)
Sponsor - Glory: Women’s Gathering:
If you’re feeling like your spiritual life could use a little more support than podcasts and online formation can offer, you need to check out this week’s sponsor, the Glory: Women’s Conference hosted by Steubenville Conferences in partnership with Heather Khym.
We want to invite you to join Heather, Michelle, and our dear friends Debbie Herbeck, Sarah Kaczmarek, Monica Richards, and Fr. Dave Pivonka TOR this coming June 5-7 in Steubenville, Ohio, as we gather with women across generations and seek God’s restoration and healing. This gathering 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.
Registration is now open for the Glory: Women’s Conference. For early bird pricing of only $259, register by December 31st. The price will go up in the new year.
Visit steubenvilleconferences.com/events/glory for more information or to register!
Chapters:
00:00 Glory: Women’s Gathering
01:31 Intro
02:22 Advent Announcement
03:14 Welcome
05:19 Guiding Quote and Scripture Verse
06:19 Distinguishing Anger vs Contempt
11:28 Living Like We are One Body in Christ
13:48 Seeking to Understand Rather than be Understood
18:22 The Power of Our Tone of Voice
20:35 Examining the Fruit in Our Lives
22:49 Maturing Spiritually
27:06 Repairing Strained Relationships
29:08 One Things