Abiding Together

We are so excited to share this interview we did with our good friend Jenna Guizar. Jenna is the founder and creative director of Blessed is She, a Catholic women's community committed to deepening a life of prayer starting with daily Scripture devotionals and supportive sisterhood. We had a great and heartfelt conversation with Jenna about her ministry, how she balances work and life with 4 children (including one cute newborn who was also a guest on our podcast!), and just her journey of faith and how she abides together with her people. Hope you enjoy this rich conversation. To find out more about Blessed is She check out BlessedIsShe.net, on facebook, on instagram, and on pinterest One Thing We Love This Week: Sr. Miriam's One Thing - The character "Rey" in the new movie "Star Wars: The Last Jedi" Michelle's One Thing - TV Series "Madam Secretary" Heather's One Thing - Movie "The Greatest Showman" Jenna's One Thing - Song by Bethel Music "Perfect Peace" Discussion Questions: Have you ever felt God calling you to do something that you didn't feel equipped to do? How have deep friendships with people of faith supported you during the highs and lows of life? How can you practically make more room in your life to journey and abide together with a small group? Journal Questions: What area in your life do you need to believe and trust that God will be faithful to His promises? Have you ever felt like you don't "fit inside the box"? If so, how might God be calling you to offer your unique gifts to your community/church/family? Quote to Ponder: "Blessed is she who has believed that the Lord would fulfill his promises to her" - Luke 1:45

Happy New Year! Welcome to Season 3! In this episode we talk about beginning again, our word of the year, not settling for mediocrity, and how to engage in your life with new perspective and openness to the love of God. One Thing We Love This Week: Sr. Miriam's One Thing - Deep friendships. Especially with Heather and Michelle of course :) Michelle's One Thing - The prayer "Disturb Us Lord" - by Sir Francis Drake Heather's One Thing - Reckless Love by Cory Asbury Discussion Questions: What is your word of the year? If you don't have one, when will you make time to listen to what God has for you this year? How will you be intentional about living into your word of the year? What areas in your life do you need to begin again and receive the grace to start over? What areas do you need to "unclench your fists" and let it go, so that God can come in power? Journal Questions: In what areas have you settled for mediocrity? How do you specifically want to become more fully alive in various areas of your life? (family, health, spiritual, community, emotional health) What was God sewing into your life last year? How do you think that's connected to what He has for you this year? Quote to Ponder: "The object of a New Year is not that we should have a new year. It is that we should have a new soul and a new nose; new feet, a new backbone, new ears, and new eyes. Unless a particular man made New Year resolutions, he would make no resolutions. Unless a man starts afresh about things, he will certainly do nothing effective." ― G.K. Chesterton

In part 4 of our Advent series "Believe" we are super excited that we get to record together in person! We talk about what it means to believe and hold on to God's promises even in dark times and we reflect on Mary's "fiat". One Thing We Love This Week: Sr. Miriam's One Thing - In thanksgiving and gratitude to God for my 15th anniversary of my vows and being able to spend it with Heather and Michelle. Michelle's One Thing - Our listeners who are missionaries! Thank you for being obedient! Heather's One Thing - Soup! Here's the recipe for Heather's Potato Soup 1/2 cup butter 1/2 cup flour 3-4 cloves garlic 1 small onion chopped fine 6 medium potatoes washed, unpeeled, and diced medium 2 cups chicken stock 2 cups milk half pound of bacon diced and cooked till crispy salt, pepper, paprika to taste 1tbsp or more of chicken Bouillon paste for additional flavor at the end Melt 1/2 cup butter in large pot over medium heat add garlic and onion and sauté after about 2-3 minutes sprinkle in all the flour and stir cook for about 2 minutes slowly add milk and whisk while you add it Add chicken stock Add diced potatoes, salt, pepper, paprika Bring to a boil, stirring regularly put on lid and simmer on low, stirring regularly When everything thickens either puree soup with hand blender or partially mash potatoes in the pot with masher. If it needs more flavor, add chicken bouillon paste and mix through Add crispy bacon serve with yummy bread :) Discussion Questions: Have you ever noticed God in an inconvenient interruption? What do you need to be obedient to right now and make your own "fiat" (yes) to? In what areas of your life do you find it hard to trust God? Why am I guarded with God? Journal Questions: Where in your life are you settling for half the promise of God instead of the full promise? Take time to renew your promise to God. How are you going to specifically renew your commitment to Him in your daily life? How are you going to specifically renew your commitment to Him in your daily life? The saints are you on your side. What saints do you need to intercede for you right now? Quote to Ponder: "Blessed is she who has believed that the Lord would fulfill His promises to her" - Luke 1:45

In our third part of our Advent series we discuss how to find stillness in the busy chaos of life. God speaks in the stillness and its there that we meet him and find the answers to our restless souls. One Thing We Love This Week: Sr. Miriam's One Thing - "Song of Solomon" - by Jesus Culture with Martin Smith Heather's One Thing - Family Daily Advent Reflections - Unwrapping the Greatest Gift by Ann Voskamp Michelle's One Thing - Love is Christmas - Sara Bareilles I don't care if the house is packed, Or the strings of light are broken. I don't care if the gifts are wrapped, Or if there's nothing here to open. Love is not a toy, and no paper will conceal it. Love is simply joy that I'm home. I don't care if the carpet is stained; we have food upon the table. I don't care if it's gonna rain, our room is warm and stable. Love is who we are, and no season can contain it. Love would never fall for that. Let love lead us, love is Christmas. Why so scared that you'll mess it up? Imperfection keeps you haunted. All you need is your best my love, that's all anyone ever wanted. Love is how we do, let no judgment over- rule it. Love I look to you, and I sing. Let love lead us, love is Christmas. Let love lead us, love is Christmas. Discussion Questions: God wants to give us good things, but often we don't have room. Where can you make room this week for God? When are you going to take time to "pause" this week and hear the whisper of His voice? What is my spiritual and emotional diet looking like right now? Journal Questions: What in your life do you need to loosen your grip on so that you can trust God more deeply? Have you stilled my heart to hear God's opinion and wisdom about the things you're concerned and worried about? Quote to Ponder: "If you can't be still and wait, you can't become what God created you to be." - Sue Monk Kidd

In this episode we continue our Advent series by talking about our identity as the beloved sons and daughters of God. In our deepest longing to be loved and known, God the Father calls us His beloved and invites into intimacy with Him. One Thing We Love This Week: Sr. Miriam's One Thing - The dentist! Michelle's One Thing - The Saint Project AND When Beauty Met Truth Heather's One Thing - The Eggnog Latte…you gotta try it (but skip the nutmeg on top) Discussion Questions: God goes to great lengths to experience relationship with us, what do you think you can do in this season of Advent to be open to Him in a greater way? What voices in the world make it difficult for you to hear God's voice? How did you feel when Sr. Miriam said, "Jesus Christ is not indifferent to you, He's not just tolerating you, His heart aches for you. You are Beloved to Him"? Journal Questions: What is in me that is blocking God's love for me and believing that I'm Beloved? What do I believe about who God is? Do I believe He is more like a police officer, task master, or genie? Do I know deep down He desires a deep relationship with me? Quote to Ponder: "I kept running around in large or small circles always looking for someone or something to be able to convince me of my Belovedness. Self-rejection is the greatest enemy of the spiritual life because it contradicts the sacred voice that call us the "Beloved". Being the Beloved expresses the core truth of our existence." - Henri Nouwen

In this episode we begin our 4 part Advent series with the topic of "Belonging". Here we talk about the gift of belonging to God's family and what this means to us as Christians. We also reflect on the women in the lineage of Jesus and how He redeemed their stories. One Thing We Love This Week: Sr. Miriam's One Thing - good people especially the Texas A&M students Michelle's One Thing - Michelle's new shop Meaningful Market has launched! 15% off discount code: abide Heather's One Thing - Spotify Advent Playlist - Christmas Joy Playlist Discussion Questions: What woman in the lineage of Jesus do you relate most to? Tamar, Rahab, Ruth, or Bathsheba? How can you create room for God this Advent? (in areas of personal, family, community) What do you need to let go of to make space for God to restore and redeem? Journal Questions: What does God want to birth in you this advent? What area of brokenness in your story does God want to bring new life into? What lesson can you learn from Our Lady this advent? Quote to Ponder: "You are imperfect, you are wired for struggle, but you are worthy of love and belonging." - Brené Brown

In this episode we talk about prayer as an encounter with Love, a conversational relationship with God. We talk about different ways to pray and connect with the heart of God, what to do in seasons of dryness, and cultivating the discipline of prayer in your schedule. One Thing We Love This Week: Heather's One Thing - Deliverance Prayers: For use by the Laity Michelle's One Thing - College Football - GO NOTRE DAME! Sr. Miriam's One Thing -Hope - God is good, he will fulfill His promises Group Questions Do you have a prayer time scheduled into your day or rhythm of prayer? What form of prayer connects you to God most easily? What commitment are you willing to make to grow in your prayer life? Journaling Questions What do you think God is speaking to you about in your prayer time? When do I relate to God as a fairy Godmother rather than a loving Father who desires my heart? Quote to Ponder "You, eternal Trinity, are a deep sea. The more I enter you, the more I discover, and the more I discover, the more I seek you." St Catherine of Siena ​

In this episode we have a special guest and dear friend Lisa Brenninkmeyer! She is the founder of Walking With Purpose, a Catholic women's Bible study that aims to bring women to a deeper personal relationship with Jesus Christ. We chat about how she seeks to abide with Christ in the midst of balancing busy family life and work and how to abide with others in community. Walking with Purpose bible studies WalkingWithPurpose.com Download this beautiful Abide in Me printable scripture verse. Check out this video about Walking With Purpose One Thing We Love This Week: Lisa Brenninkmeyer One Thing - "The Life of the Beloved" by Henri Nouwan Michelle Benzinger's One Thing - Celebrating Life Heather Khym's One Thing - Good old fashioned pranks with friends Sr. Miriam's One Thing - - Her new coffee mug Discussion Questions What does "abide" mean to you personally? What are some of your obstacles when it comes to abiding in Christ? How do you journey with others (especially other women) in your spiritual walk? Journal Questions In what situations do you find yourself striving instead of Abiding? What commitment can you make today to intentionally abide more deeply in Christ? Quote to ponder "if you abide in Me, and My words abide in you, you will ask for whatever you wish and it shall be done for you." John 15:7

In this episode we talk about advice and words of truth we wish we could give to our young adult selves. We speak about places of identity, calling, that your vocation is not the finish line, and the importance of allowing people with wisdom to speak into your life. One Thing We Love This Week: Heather Khym's One Thing - Brene Brown Michelle Benzinger's One Thing - Blessed is She Advent Journal Sr. Miriam's One Thing - Yeti Cup Group Questions What advice would you give to your younger self or to yourself right now? How can you incormporate one thing talked about in the podcast into your life? Who are the people you rely on to speak wisdom and truth into your life? Journaling Questions How can I grow in self awareness? Where do I often try to find my identity other than God? Work? Attention from others? Vocation? Labels? Quote to Ponder "Be who God meant you to be and you will set the world on fire" - St Catherine of Sienna

In this episode we talk about the quote "Beauty will Save the World" by Dostoevsky. We discuss how true beauty leads you outside of yourself to humanity and to the Divine Creator, whereas the counterfeits lead us away. We address how paying attention to our life allows us to experience epiphanies of beauty. One Thing We Love This Week: Sr. Miriam's One Thing - Don't Believe the Lie, Bill Johnson Michelle Benzinger's One Thing - Examen Journal Michelle Benzinger's Other One Thing - CreatingToLove.com Heather Khym's One Thing - Nurses and doctors who offer care for people in need. You rock! Heather Khym's Other One Thing - Bring Him Home by the Canadian Tenors Group Questions What is one way that you commonly experience the beauty of God? How can we call beauty out in other people? What are the beauty counterfeits that have affected your life in a negative way? Journaling Questions How can I co-create with the Holy Spirit to bring beauty into the world? What am I consuming in my world? Is it true beauty of not? When and how can I create space/pause to encounter beauty? Quotes to Ponder "We do not want merely to see beauty... we want something else which can hardly be put into words- to be united with the beauty we see, to pass into it, to receive it into ourselves, to bathe in it, to become part of it."- CS Lewis "Deep in his heart, every man longs for a battle to fight, an adventure to live, and a beauty to rescue." ― John Eldredge, Wild at Heart: Discovering the Secret of a Man's Soul

In this episode we talk about how breakdown can lead to breakthrough if we allow God to enter into our pain. Join us as we discuss how to grow in deeper intimacy with God and experience healing and restoration. One Thing We Love This Week: Heather's one thing - "No Longer Slaves" Michelle's one thing - fall weather and green and white pumpkins Sr. Miriam's One Thing - St. Hildegard poem Holy Life-Giver Doctor of the desperate. Healer of everyone broken past hope, Medicine for all wounds, Fire of love, Joy of Hearts, fragrant Strength sparking Fountain, Protector, Penetrator, in You we contemplate how God goes looking for those who are lost and reconciles those who are at odds with Him Break our chains! You bring people together. You curl clouds, whirl winds, send rain on rocks, sing in creeks, and turn the lush earth green. You teach those who listen, breathing joy and wisdom into them. We praise You for these gifts, Light-giver, Sound of joy, Wonder of being alive, Hope of every person, and our strongest Good. Group Questions What does freedom look like? What comes to mind when you read this scripture, "Let the weak say, "I am a warrior!" Have you ever approached God as if He was more like as if He was more like a fairy godmother than a loving Father? Journal Questions Where might God "putting His finger" into a wound in your life so that he can bring breakthrough? What is one practical way I can begin the journey from breakdown to breakthrough? Quote to Ponder "In my deepest wound I saw Your glory, and it dazzled me" - St. Augustine

In this episode we discuss how to be a people of hope and not give into despair amidst the tragedy that we experience in the world. If we can keep the hope of heaven in our hearts, we can answer God's invitation to be a beacon of hope to a hurting world. One Thing We Love This Week: Michelle's one thing - "Let it Be" by Alicia Keys and John Legend Sr. Miriam's one thing - Matt Maher "Into Your Hands" from the album Echos Heather's one thing - Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Muffins by Mel's Kitchen Cafe (see the recipe at bottom) Group Questions 1. Do you find it hard to have hope in times of hardship? 2. What would it look like to speak hope into the life of someone that is hurting? 3. How can you grow the virtue of hope in your life? Journaling Questions 1. What are some the negative beliefs you have about God when you don't see Him intervene in our problems the way that we think He should? 2. Do I believe that God can bring life to dead places? Quote to Ponder "Do not be dismayed but the brokenness of the world. All things break. And all things can be mended. Not with time, but with intention. So go. Love intentionally, unconditionally. The broken world waits in darkness for the light that is you" - L.R. Knots Ingredients: 1 2/3 cup flour 1 cup sugar 1 tbsp. pumpkin pie spice 1 tsp. soda 1 tsp. baking powder 1/4 tsp salt 2 eggs, slightly beaten 1 cup (15oz can) canned pumpkin puree 1/2 cup butter, softened​​ 1 cup chocolate chips Instructions: Mix dry ingredients. In separate bowl whisk butter, sugar, eggs, and pumpkin puree. Add dry ingredients, mix till combined, then add chocolate chips. Pour into greased muffin tin (or use muffin liners). Bake at 350 degrees for 20-25 minutes. Don't over bake or they will be dry!

Chris Benzinger and Jake Khym are back as our guests as we talk about the art of loving well. We journey into the topics of recognizing one another's stories, championing dreams, how to bring the questions of our identity to God and fighting for (not against!) the ones we love. One Thing We Love This Week: Chris's One thing - The word "fierce" Michelle's One thing - 33 Days to Merciful Love, Michael E.Gaitley, MIC Sr. Miriam's One thing - Fall candles Heather's One thing - The Storybook Bible Jake's One thing - "When the Soul Listens: Finding Rest and Direction in Contemplative Prayer" by Jan Johnson Group Questions Have you changed how you love or think of someone after hearing their story? What would it look like to love someone close to you without expecting them to fill all your needs? How can you champion the dreams of someone dear to you? Journaling Questions What are the things that hold me back the most from loving well? Do I believe that God desires to restore & heal me? How have I expected people to love me in a way that only God can? Quote to Ponder "Love the Lord your God, and love one another. love one another as He loves. Love with strength and purpose and passion and no matter what comes against you. Don't weaken. stand against the darkness, and love. That's the way back into eden. That's the way" - Francine Rivers

In this episode we feature our first guests! And they are men!! Jake Khym and Chris Benzinger join us as we delve into how to pray for your children, the blessing of their hearts and the hope we have for those whom God has placed in our lives. They not only capture how to father your children well, but also how to live as a child of God. One Thing We Love This Week: Michelle's One thing - The Unfathomable: Third Time's a Charm??? WITH CHRIST ALONE Chris's One thing - Podcast by Jonathan David & Melissa Helser Sr. Miriam's One thing - St Hildegard of Bingen- Secrets of God Jake's One thing - Our dog Bosco Heather's One thing - Meatballs! I use this recipe for the meatballs then freeze them. I use them in spaghetti sauce or meatballs sub. A perfect hearty meal when you need something fast. Group Questions 1. How does the truth of living as a daughter/son of God the Father change how you experience His love? 2. How can you pray differently for your children or those who God has entrusted to you? Journaling Questions 1. How can I let the Father's love into my heart in a deeper way? 2. What are the "secrets" that you desire God the Father to speak to you heart? 3. If you're a parent, what are the "secrets" about their worth and identity do you need to speak to your children? Quotes to Ponder "Your children's 'little eyes' gradually memorize and interpret with the heart that faith is one of the greatest inheritances you have received from your parents and ancestors…. and if you hand on the faith and live it well, that is where the transmission happens." - Pope Francis

"The purpose of journeying together in spiritual friendship and spiritual community (whether there are just two of you or whether you are in a small group) is to listen to one another's desire for God, to nurture that desire in each other and to support one another in seeking a way of life that is consistent with that desire. " Ruth Haley Barton, Sacred Rhythms: Arranging Our Lives for Spiritual Transformation In this episode we talk about busyness vs rest, choosing to live the abundant life, what recreates us and the pace which God is setting in our hearts. Heather also recounts her harrowing battle with a scorpion while Michelle single handedly fights off sharks in the ocean! One Thing We Love This Week: Sr. Miriam's One thing - Engaging Hope in Seasons of Disappointment- Melissa Hessler Michelle's One thing - Cultivate vol. iv: Creativity Unlocked Heather's One thing - So Will I (100 Billion X) Amanda Cook Group Question: 1. How do you feel about your pace of life right now? 2. Do you feel that you're really listening to your life? 3. What does an ideal sabbath day look like to you? Journal Questions: 1. What makes you come alive? a. spiritually (prayer+sacraments) b. socially (recreation) c. creatively (experience god's awe and wonder) d. physically (food+exercise) f. community 2. What do you need to say no to in this season of life? Quotes To Ponder: "The purpose of journeying together in spiritual friendship and spiritual community is to listen to one another's desire for God, to nurture that desire in each other and to support one another in seeking a way of life that is consistent with that desire." - Ruth Haley Barton, Sacred Rhythms: Arranging Our Lives for Spiritual Transformation "Present is living with your feet firmly grounded in reality, pale and uncertain as it may seem. Present is choosing to believe that your own life is worth investing deeply in, instead of waiting for some rare miracle or fairytale. Present means we understand that the here and now is sacred, sacramental, threaded through with divinity even in its plainness. Especially in its plainness." - Shauna Niequist, Present Over Perfect: Leaving behind frantic for a simpler, more soulful way of living.

"A tree can be only as strong as the forest that surrounds it." - Peter Wohlleben Welcome to Season 2 In this episode we talk about beginning a new season, the daily encounter with God, the gift of presence in the moment to moment and the hidden life of trees (as well as nuns with chainsaws!) Please check out our new website and discussion questions for each episode of the podcast! One Thing We Love This Week: Michelle's One thing - South Toward Home, Margaret Eby Sr. Miriam's One thing - The Power of Silence- Cardinal Robert Sarah Heather's one thing - Canva Group Question: 1. How do you need the people around you to speak into your life to help you grow? 2. What are some of the practical ways you can cultivate community in this season of life? 3. Who is God calling you to offer the "gift of presence" to? Journal Question: 1. What invitation is the Holy Spirit extending to you in the season? Quote To Ponder: "A tree can be on as strong as the forest that surrounds it." Peter Wohllenden

In this episode we wrap up our 5 part series on Pope Francis's "Joy of the Gospel". Sr. Miriam shares about her experiences at the USCCB Convocation that just finished in Orlando. We also discuss chapter 5, which is all about being Spirit filled evangelizers. This is our last episode of this season. We hope you'll catch up on any previous episodes you missed and join us for a brand new season 2 on September 18, 2017! One Thing We Love This Week: Heather's one thing - the album "Wonder" by Hillsong United Michelle's one thing - our awesome listeners! Sr. Miriam's one thing - book "Let the Fire Fall" by Fr. Michael Scanlan

In this episode we discuss chapter 4 of Pope Francis's "Evangelii Gaudium - The Joy of the Gospel". In this episode we talk about how the call to move beyond our personal experience of faith to bring the Kingdom of God to the world. Also our need to learn from the poor in our midst and remember that we belong to each other.​​

In this episode we discuss chapter 3 of Pope Francis's "Evangelii Gaudium - The Joy of the Gospel". We focus on the importance of love as the heart of the Gospel and how we need to have an ongoing personal encounter with this Love before we can evangelize. We also talk about the Pope's thoughts on the maternal dimension of evangelization. One Thing We Love This Week: Heather's one thing - "It is Well" Kristene DiMarco Michelle's one thing - Essays On Woman by Edith Stein Sr. Miriam's one thing - "Wonder Woman" movie

In this episode we talk about the second chapter of Pope Francis's "Evangelii Gaudium - The Joy of the Gospel". We discuss some of the challenges of today's world and of pastoral worker and how to not be a sour puss :) One Thing We Love This Week: Michelle's one thing - VisualGrace.org Sr. Miriam's one thing - water with lemon Heather's one thing - gathering with other women

In this episode we begin part 1 of our 5 part series on Pope Francis's apostolic exhortation "Evangelii Gaudium - The Joy of the Gospel". We discuss the first chapter and what it means to be a missionary disciple who first encounters Christ personally. One Thing We Love This Week: Sr. Miriam's one thing - Debbie Herbeck's ministry Be Love Revolution Michelle's one thing - Darling Magazine ​* Heather's one thing - Experience a priest's ordination

In this episode we talk about how God often calls us to wait and how we can find Him in the waiting. Sr. Miriam, Michelle, and Heather share insights and personal stories about how they have grown close to God in times of waiting and how the process is actually just as important as the end result. One Thing We Love This Week: Sr. Miriam's one thing: Scented candles and god's mercy Heather's one thing: Lying down and weakness Michelle's one thing: Gratitude

"In this episode we talk about Pentecost, the birthday of the Church, and how we can prepare our hearts for a new outpouring of the Holy Spirit. We focus in on 2 Corinthians 3:17 "Now the Lord is the Spirit and where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is freedom". ​ Pentecost Novena Links mentioned in the conversation: Heather: Fr. Dave Pivonka - Wild Goose free video series Michelle: TED TALK: Adam Grant One Thing We Love This Week: Heather's one thing – Music by Joe Zambon (iTunes) ("Jesus I Love You" video) Michelle's one thing – Book "Originals: How Non-Conformists Move the World" by Adam Grant Sr. Miriam's one thing – Bishop Robert Barron - Free Daily Reflections

"This episode is part 2 of our series on spiritual warfare called "Fight Like A Girl". We discuss two more essentials in spiritual warfare which are taking authority and declaration. We begin with the quote from the Chronicles of Narnia "Lucy buried her head in his mane to hide from his face, But there must have been magic in his mane. She could feel lion-strength going into her. Quite suddenly she sat up. "I'm sorry, Aslan," she said. "I'm ready now." "Now you are a lioness," said Aslan. "And now all Narnia will be renewed. But come. We have no time to lose." One Thing We Love This Week Heather's one thing - Loved seeing U2 in concert last week. I especially love that Bono shamelessly mixes beauty, passion, God, music and worship into what he does. Here's a video of two faith infused songs from a previous tour, Yahweh and (Psalm) 40. He gets the whole crowd worshipping and they don't even know it. Notice the rosary around his neck...it was given to him by Saint John Paul II! Hope you'll watch it till the end... Yahweh & "40" Michelle's one thing - T-shirt designs Feminine Genius, Avila, and Wildflower Sr. Miriam's one thing - Breakfast Smoothie Recipe In a small blender- 1 cup almond milk 1/3 cup plain greek yogurt 1 tablespoon coconut oil 1 tablespoon chia seeds Splash of vanilla extract 1 scoop Protein and Greens (the good stuff! tastes like a barnyard but it's awesome!) Fresh fruit or frozen fruit (in lieu of ice cubes) to taste Enjoy! (just floss after eating all the chia seeds! ;) )

Joan of Arc said "I am not afraid, I was born to do this" We are in a world at war and as women we are called and empowered to fight for truth, beauty, and goodness. Join us as we have a conversation about practical ways to spiritually battle and wear the armor of God.

In this episode we reflect on the quote "Do not abandon yourselves to despair. We are the Easter people and hallelujah is our song." Saint John Paul II. We talk about what it means to be an Easter people and how to walk in the power of the resurrection in our own lives. One Thing We Love This Week Heather's one thing - AbbotsfordTulipfestival.ca Michelle's one thing - LetterFolk.com Michelle's letter board in action

"In this episode we reflect on the scripture John 15:4-5 where Jesus invites us to abide in His love. Many of us live a life of striving and struggle, rather than accepting the invitation of abiding and trust." One Thing We Love Sr. Miriam's one thing: Daring Greatly by Brene Brown Heather's one thing: houseofbelonging.com Michelle's one thing: Hidden Figures Movie Heather also referenced this song: "Undivided" by Amanda Cook Michelle also referenced this book:Present over Perfect by Shauna Niequist

In this episode we discuss the power of community, the circles of community, the call to build one wherever you are and practical tips on how to do so! (Introverts-there is hope!) "We have all known the long loneliness and we have learned that the only solution is love and that love comes with community." Dorothy Day, The Long Loneliness: The Autobiography of the Legendary Catholic Social Activist One Thing We Love: Sr. Miriam's one thing: End Time Sins Are In The Church 2017 by Francis Chan Michelle's one thing : Reshma Saujani's Ted Talk - Teach Girls bravery, not perfection Heather's one thing : Blessed Is She Pentecost Journal

In this episode we recap the beautiful retreat we were blessed to lead March 31-April 2 in British Columbia. We were joined by 200 women from Canada and the US who journeyed with us into the deep realities of God's unfailing love, healing from shame, fixing our gaze on Jesus and being equipped (and sometimes uncomfortable!) by the Holy Spirit. One Thing We Love: Michelle's one thing: "Walking on Water - Reflections on Faith and Art" - Madeline L'Engle Sr. Miriam's one thing: Raising Great Girls by Dr. Meg Meeker and guest Dr. Leonard Sax *warning: mature content* Heathers one thing: The Crown on Netflix

In this episode we discuss maternity as part 4 of 4 in our series on the Feminine Genius. We talk about the incredible gift of being life-bearers in both spirit and body, the role of being a shelter for one another and the challenges of spiritual and physical motherhood. "The woman's soul is fashioned as a shelter in which other souls may unfold." - St. Teresa Benedicta of the Cross (Edith Stein) One Thing We Love: Sr. Miriam's one thing: Less Than a Minute to Go: The Secret to World-Class Performance in Sport, Business and Everyday Life Michelle's one thing: A Mountain Between Us - Charles Martin Heather's One thing: Scone Recipe

In this episode we discuss generosity as part 3 of 4 in our series on the Feminine Genius. We talk about the power of God's love which gives us the ability for generosity, our potential fears in being generous and a woman's amazing capacity to give the gift of love to the world. "The level of any civilization is the level of its womanhood. The reason is to be found in the difference between knowing and loving. When we know something, we bring it down to the level of our intelligence. Examples of abstract subjects must be given to children to suit the level of their minds. But when we love something, we always have to go up to meet it. For example, if we want to master music, we must obey its laws and meet its demands. Since a woman is loved, it follows that the nobler a woman is, the nobler man will have to be to be deserving of that love. That is why the level of any civilization is always the level of its womanhood." - Venerable Fulton Sheen One Thing We Love: Beauty and the Beast (2017) Scatter and Sow

In this episode we continue out 4 part series on the Feminine Genius as we discuss the topic of "Sensitivity". We reference the Apostolic Letter Mulieris Dignitatem on the Dignity and Vocation of Women One Thing We Love: Poets and Saints by All Sons and Daughters The Young Catholic Woman - web instagram

In this episode we begin a 4 part series on the Feminine Genius as we discuss the topic of "Receptivity". We reference the Apostolic Letter Mulieris Dignitatem on the Dignity and Vocation of Women One thing we love: "Something Just Like This" by Coldplay "Fall Afresh" by Jeremy Riddle The Privilege of Being a Woman by Alice Von Hildebrand Sr. Miriam's favorite greek yogurt

This week we talk about "Talitha koum" aka "Little girl arise" Mark 5:32-45 (nab) And he looked around to see who had done it. The woman, realizing what had happened to her, approached in fear and trembling. She fell down before Jesus and told him the whole truth. He said to her, "Daughter, your faith has saved you. Go in peace and be cured of your affliction." While he was still speaking, people from the synagogue official's house arrived and said, "Your daughter has died; why trouble the teacher any longer?" Disregarding the message that was reported, Jesus said to the synagogue official, "Do not be afraid; just have faith." He did not allow anyone to accompany him inside except Peter, James, and John, the brother of James. When they arrived at the house of the synagogue official, he caught sight of a commotion, people weeping and wailing loudly. So he went in and said to them, "Why this commotion and weeping? The child is not dead but asleep." And they ridiculed him. Then he put them all out. He took along the child's father and mother and those who were with him and entered the room where the child was. He took the child by the hand and said to her, "Talitha koum," which means, "Little girl, I say to you, arise!" The girl, a child of twelve, arose immediately and walked around. [At that] they were utterly astounded. He gave strict orders that no one should know this and said that she should be given something to eat. One thing we love: Viola Davis's acceptance speech Dr. Mary Healy's book - Healing Bringing the Gift of God's Healing to the World

On this episode we discuss Pope Francis's Lenten Letter and share our thoughts on how to make our Lenten commitments. Download here The One Thing We Love You Are Free Be Who You Already Are - Rebekah Lyons She Reads Truth - Isaiah Lenten Bible Study Stations of the Cross cards - by Blessed is She Examination of Conscience App - Reimagine

We each reveal our word for 2017 and how God is deeply speaking into our lives in this area, we also discuss how to listen to God's voice and how you can choose your word for the year. The One Thing That Is Bringing Me Joy Even When It Hurts by Hillsong Behold (Then Sings My Soul) by Hillsong Letter to my Daughters by Mayou Angelou Grit by Angela Duckworth Novena to Our Lady Untier of Knots LAST TESTAMENT POPE BENEDICT Last Testament: In His Own Words by Pope Benedict XVI (Author), Peter Seewald (Author)

We discuss the quote, "if ever there comes a time when the women of the world come together purely and simply for the benefit of all mankind, it will be a force such as the world has never known." And we introduce our favorite things of the week!