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S18 E1 - Word of the Year

Abiding Together

Release Date: 01/19/2026

S18 E9 - The Way of Trust and Love: Being Reconciled to Our Weakness show art 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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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 show art 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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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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More Episodes

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 - 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:

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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