Abiding Together
In this episode, we reflect on the beautiful call of women to prophetic motherhood. We talk about how Our Lady models for us a motherhood that speaks life and calls forth goodness to all those she encounters. We also ponder what it means to be a spiritual mother, how Mary can help heal our wounded experiences of motherhood, and the difference between affirmations and prophetic words. As Pentecost draws near, we invite you to ask for Our Lady’s intercession to prepare your heart for a fresh outpouring of grace and to help you become a woman who brings life wherever she goes. ...
info_outlineAbiding Together
In this episode, we welcome Arthur and Ester Brooks to talk about marriage, suffering, and the path to lasting love. Arthur and Ester share what it’s like to minister together, revealing both the grace needed and the hard work it takes to love each other faithfully over decades. We also reflect on suffering as an invitation for growth, why pain is fruitful, and how the hardest places in life are where love is purified. Whether you are married, single, or in religious life, intimacy with God is our source of strength for every situation we encounter in life. Heather’s One Thing...
info_outlineAbiding Together
Happy Easter! In this episode, we conclude our Lenten book study on “” and focus on Chapter 6: Enduring Trials. We talk about how even in the light of Easter, we may still experience suffering and how we can choose to rejoice in God’s goodness when His ways remain hidden. We also reflect on why trials are not signs of God’s absence, how we learn to recognize God at work in the present moment, and how to embrace suffering as a necessary path to share in the fullness of Easter. Friends, in this Easter octave, we invite you to reflect on how God has transformed your heart this past Lent....
info_outlineAbiding Together
In this episode, we continue our Lenten book study on “” and focus on Chapter 5: God’s Infinite Mercy. We reflect on the paradox of true strength—how becoming little, dependent, and surrendered before the Lord is the very place where His strength takes root in us. We also talk about what it means to live with a pure heart, not by striving harder, but by bringing every part of ourselves into honest communion with Christ and allowing His kindness to call us higher. This week, as we wrestle with fear, worry, and the temptation to rely on ourselves, we encourage you to be reminded that it...
info_outlineAbiding Together
In this episode, we continue our Lenten book study on “” and focus on Chapter 4: Trusting More and More. We reflect on the tender places where our trust in the Father has been wounded—especially in the disappointments we carry with ourselves, our children, and the circumstances in our lives—and how God gently invites us to bring those disappointments to Him. We also talk about the lies that quietly erode our trust in God, the temptation to carry life’s burdens alone, and the way simple rhythms of prayer allow God to personally reveal to us His goodness. This week, we invite you to...
info_outlineAbiding 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...
info_outlineAbiding 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...
info_outlineAbiding 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...
info_outlineAbiding 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...
info_outlineAbiding 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...
info_outlineWelcome 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 - Big God, Little Devil by Dr. Sean Tobin (listen to Dr. Sean on the Restore the Glory Podcast too!)
Heather’s Other One Thing - Let There Be by Amanda Cook
Sister Miriam’s One Thing - Friendship in the Lord by Fr. Paul Hinnebusch, OP (buy on Amazon here)
Michelle’s One Thing - Theo of Golden by Allen Levi
Other Resources Mentioned:
Announcement:
Our 2026 Lenten book study will be “The Way of Trust and Love” by Fr. Jacques Philippe. Scepter Publishers has offered 15% off with the code ABIDE15. They also offer an ebook version as well. We will announce more information about the study in the coming weeks!
Journal Questions:
- What was my word for 2025? How did the Lord work in and through me with that word?
- What is my word for 2026?
- How does my heart sit with the word revealed to me?
- How is the Lord inviting me into deeper love & intimacy in this new year?
- What is the Lord asking me to delight in?
- Has the Lord entrusted a particular saint to journey with you this year?
Discussion Questions:
- Reflect on and share about your word for 2025 and the graces you encountered through that word.
- What images, phrases, artwork, or Scripture verses have been on your mind when praying about your word of the year?
- What is your word for 2026? How did the Lord reveal it to you?
- Do you feel surprised, apprehensive, or delighted by your word for 2026? How can you hold onto hope this year?
- What is the Lord asking you to grow in?
Quotes to Ponder:
“For last year’s words belong to last year’s language, and next year’s words await another voice.” (T.S. Eliot, "Little Gidding")
“Let yourself be silently drawn by the stronger pull of what you really love.” (St. Elizabeth of the Trinity)
Scripture for Lectio:
“Yet those who wait for the Lord will gain new strength; They will mount up with wings like eagles, They will run and not get tired, They will walk and not become weary.” (Isaiah 40:31)
Sponsor - CORDA:
CORDA translates the stories of the saints into scents, and helps you create a place of prayer and peace in your home with their handcrafted Catholic candles.
Backed by 3,500+ 5-star reviews, CORDA candles have a beautiful modern design, are made with great ingredients like clean coconut wax and phthalate-free fragrances, and have an awesome burn time of 45 hours!
Plus, there’s CORDA Rewards: earn points with every purchase that you can redeem for free products, gift cards, and free shipping.
You should also check out their special wedding favors, bulk order discounts for nonprofits and businesses, and their super easy Catholic fundraisers!
Learn more and explore all of CORDA’s handcrafted Catholic candles at cordacandles.com/abiding
Timestamps:
00:00 CORDA
01:38 Intro
02:25 Lent Announcement
03:10 Welcome
06:43 Scripture Verse and Quote to Ponder
08:24 Sister Miriam’s Word of the Year
12:28 Heather’s Word of the Year
17:16 Michelle’s Word of the Year
25:13 Being Honest with Ourselves and with God
29:20 Our Saints of the Year
33:18 What if I don’t have a Word of the Year?
34:26 One Things