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...
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S17 E14 - The Four Places of Advent: Elizabeth’s House (Part 3)
Abiding Together
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...
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S17 E13 - The Four Places of Advent: Loreto (Part 2)
Abiding Together
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...
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S17 E12 - The Four Places of Advent: Eden (Part 1)
Abiding Together
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...
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S17 E11 - A Moment of Gratitude
Abiding Together
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...
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S17 E10 - Cultivating Unity
Abiding Together
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...
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S17 E9 - Cultivating Beauty
Abiding Together
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 designed by Every...
info_outlineIn 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
Journal Questions:
- What graces have I received this year?
- How did the Lord accompany me this year?
- What do I need to let go of as we transition into a new liturgical year?
- What parts of my life am I afraid to give thanks for?
Discussion Questions:
- What has the Lord taught you in this season?
- What was surprising this past year?
- What challenges and joys did you experience this year?
- Where are you resistant to give thanks?
Quote to Ponder:
“Gratitude is at the center of a life of faith. It sounds too simple to be true, but isn't that the sign of all deep truth: so simple we're tempted to dismiss it, and so hard, it is exactly what God uses to change our hard lives.” (Ann Voskamp)
Scripture for Lectio:
“I will bless the Lord at all times; his praise shall continually be in my mouth. My soul makes its boast in the Lord; let the humble hear and be glad. O magnify the Lord with me, and let us exalt his name together. I sought the Lord, and he answered me, and delivered me from all my fears.
Look to him, and be radiant; so your faces shall never be ashamed. This poor soul cried, and was heard by the Lord, and was saved from every trouble. The angel of the Lord encamps around those who fear him, and delivers them. O taste and see that the Lord is good; happy are those who take refuge in him.” (Psalm 34:1-8)
Sponsor - The GIVEN Institute:
The GIVEN Institute is a vibrant non-profit organization dedicated to activating the gifts of women for the Church and the world. GIVEN wants to help you receive the gift that you are, realize the gifts you’ve been given, and respond with the gift only you can give.
Applications are now open for GIVEN’s 2026 Leadership Program. Faithful Catholic women between the ages of 21 and 35 are encouraged to apply today!
GIVEN’s program includes participation at the Leadership Forum from June 24-28, 2026 in Washington, DC and a year of dedicated, 1-on-1 mentorship with an established Catholic female leader. Abiding Together Co-Host Heather Khym will be a speaker at the 2026 Leadership Forum next June along with other phenomenal Catholic women leaders of all ages, all vocations, and all walks of life.
If you are a woman between the ages 21 and 35 and seeking leadership training, faith formation, and support to better understand and pursue your particular mission, GIVEN’s Leadership Program is designed just for you! You’ll grow in relationship with Christ, gain a deeper understanding of your personal vocation, and be empowered to develop an Action Plan to activate your personal gifts to impact the world.
For women over 35 with a desire to get involved, please consider becoming a Mentor or Volunteer! For more information and to apply, please visit www.giveninstitute.com/forum.
Chapters:
00:00 The Given Institute
01:26 Intro
02:16 Welcome
03:45 Practicing Being Thankful First
06:01 Giving Thanks in All Things
08:25 Gratitude is the Center of A Life of Faith
11:22 Being Afraid to Give Thanks
13:14 Lectio Divina
23:18 Our Reflections from Lectio
28:46 One Things
Music used under license i94Cr0