Abiding Together Heather Khym, Michelle Benzinger, Sister Miriam James Heidland

In this week's episode, we continue with our book study on the Lion, The Witch, and the Wardrobe (chapters 9-12). We discuss themes like the false narrative of the enemy, the dynamic of stoney hearts that God wants to restore and turn to flesh, true living of the paschal mystery, and the power of God’s resurrection power in our lives. We hope you enjoy this episode!
 
Heather’s One Thing - The Abiding Together small groups! We love you!
Sister Miriam’s One Thing - Fire Within- Fr. Thomas Dubay
Michelle’s One Thing - The movie “Gifted”
 
Journal Questions:
Instead of being child-like, we can be childish with God. What is the difference between these two dynamics that I can see in my own life? The enemy makes empty promises. What is one empty promise that he has made to me? What is one promise of God and His faithfulness that I have seen at work in my life? “Battle looks like surrender.” What is one battle that I need to move into a disposition of surrender to God?  
Discussion Questions:
What is one of the false narratives that the enemy has been telling in your life? What do you think the Father wants to say about that false narrative? What area of your heart do you feel has been turned to stone or has been hardened? Why? “Hurting people, hurt people.” How have you experienced this concept and how can we offer a response of healing? Where have you settled for the dry bread from the enemy instead of the banquet that God is offering you?


Quote to Ponder:
"Aslan is on the move” - (Mr. Beaver) C.S. Lewis - The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe



Scripture for Lectio: 
“A new heart I will give you, and a new spirit I will put within you; and I will remove from your body the heart of stone and give you a heart of flesh.” -Ezekiel 36:26



Timestamps:
(00:00) - Introduction
(01:36) - Welcome
(03:42) - Edmund’s Narrative
(10:48) - The Winter in Our Hearts
(13:16) - Father Christmas vs the White Witch
(15:15) - The Gifts of Father Christmas
(20:03) - The Empty Promises of Turkish Delight
(23:02) - The Thawing of Winter into Spring
(27:09) - One Things

In this week's episode, we continue our book study on the Lion, The Witch, and the Wardrobe Chapters 5-8. We reflect deeper on the story and how it relates to our spiritual lives. Themes such as the battle of light and darkness, jealousy and making others feel small, the power of the name of Jesus, surrender vs control and how the story of Narnia is an echo of what our hearts long for in Christ.
 
Heather’s One Thing - Evangelization Ministry of Catholic Christian Outreach 
Sister Miriam’s One Thing - The women from the “Undone” retreat 
Michelle’s One Thing - The book “Just Mercy” by Bryan Stevenson
 
Journal Questions:
Who can I go to who will speak wisdom into my life? Like Edmund, are there any places in my life that I feel fear when I think about God? What parts of my heart have been turned to stone and need the warmth of God’s hand to bring them back to life?  
Discussion Questions:
What is one truth about God that you can see in your story? Where do you need to grow into your royal identity as a daughter of God? Discuss the truth about how the name of Jesus contains His presence. How could this change how you pray? “He isn’t safe, but He’s good.” How have you experienced the truth of this quote?  
Quote to Ponder:
“"Safe?" said Mr. Beaver ..."Who said anything about safe? Course he isn't safe. But he's good. He's the King, I tell you.”” - (Mr. Beaver) C.S. Lewis - The Lion, The Witch, and the Wardrobe
 
Scripture for Lectio: 
"He will wipe every tear from their eyes. There will be no more death' or mourning or crying or pain, for the old order of things has passed away. He who was seated on the throne said, "I am making everything new!" Then he said, "Write this down, for these words are trustworthy and true. He said to me: "It is done. I am the Alpha and the Omega, the Beginning and the End. To the thirsty I will give water without cost from the spring of the water of life. Those who are victorious will inherit all this, and I will be their God and they will be my children." - Revelation 21:4-7
 
Timestamps:
(00:00) - Introduction
(01:36) - Welcome
(03:48) - Discovering the Truth
(08:33) - The Professor
(14:14) - Going Back into the Wardrobe
(15:22) - The Power of Aslan
(23:54) - Safety and Goodness
(29:56) - One Things

In this week's episode, we begin our book study on The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe (Chapters 1-4). We dive into the themes of this chapter such as innocence, faith, temptation, sin, and shared adventure. We hope you will continue to join us on the journey into this wonderful story, which we hope will help us reflect more deeply on our relationship with Christ, our own story of faith and redemption, and the invitation to adventure with God. 
 
Heather’s One Thing - Her Into the Deep Playlist
Sister Miriam’s One Thing - The song “Pieces” (the live version) by Amanda Cook 
Michelle’s One Thing - The song “Electricity” by Ellie and Drew Holcomb 



Other Resources Mentioned: 
Audiobook on YouTube
 
Journal Questions:
How has the enemy spoken things in my life that bring about shame? What are the parts of Edmund that I see in myself? What parts of Lucy do I see? What is my Turkish delight (sin or temptation) that keeps me bound? Where are the places I hide from the Lord and others?
 
Discussion Questions:
What stood out to you in the reading for this week? Where in my life has the enemy taken a place and I need "Christmas" to come? Discuss the difference of femininity between Lucy and the witch. How have different examples of femininity affected your life? When we numb our heart and our identity, we numb our wonder and our inheritance. How have you seen this truth in your life? Where are the places and spaces that you can find wonder that leads to God?


Quote to Ponder:
"And what wonderful adventures we shall have, now that we are all in it together." - (Lucy) C.S. Lewis
 
Scripture for Lectio: 
“Truly, I say to you, unless you turn and become like children, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven.” (Matthew 18:3)
 
Timestamps:
(00:00) - Introduction
(01:39) - Welcome
(4:00) - History of Narnia
(9:48) - Lucy in the Beginning
(16:37) - Edmund in the Beginning
(22:38) - Winter vs Christmas
(26:00) - Living like Lucy and Learning from Edmund
(30:21) - Final Reflections
(33:13) - One Things
(36:54) - Photo Challenge

In this week's episode, we conclude season 14 by reflecting on what we have learned in our lives this past season. We chat about surrendering control and allowing the Holy Spirit to move in power, the need to be grateful for what we already have and the importance of being present in the present moment. We also share personal experiences of transformation and deep intimacy we have found with God, even in the midst of suffering. Thank you for an amazing season, we are truly honored to be on this journey with you. God bless!
 
Heather’s One Thing - Her recent Healing Pilgrimage to France through Franciscan University (check out their website to join future pilgrimages) and Michelle’s Sweatshirt
Sister Miriam’s One Thing - You :)
Michelle’s One Thing - Her Summer Reading List, Word on Fire’s children’s books, and the book Between Brothers by Sarah Metts
 
Announcements:
Join us July 8-29 2024 as we re-release our book study on The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe by CS Lewis.  
Season 15 begins September 2024 - join our email list to receive updates!
 
Journal Questions:
Which episode, conversation, or theme resonated with me most this season? What miracles have I been managing lately? What has the process of transformation looked like in my life? How do I partner with fear in my life? What freedom and goodness does the Lord offer me in those areas?  
Discussion Questions:
What does it look like to move through the power of the Holy Spirit? What is God asking you to get rid of and let go of before you move into the next season of life? What graces are you grateful for in this season of your life? How will you cultivate intimacy with the Lord and community with others throughout the summer?  
Quote to Ponder:
“Faith walks simply, childlike, between the darkness of human life and the hope of what is to come.” (Catherine Doherty)



Scripture for Lectio: 
“Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, since as members of one body you were called to peace. And be thankful.” (Colossians 3:15)
 
Sponsor - Behold Visio Divina:
Encounter the Lord more deeply amidst all the seasons in life through Behold Visio Divina.  Behold is devoted to helping women encounter who Christ is through prayer and sacred art.  Through their books, formation, and workshops, Behold hopes women can encounter the beauty of who God created them to be and share that with the world! Offering over 10 different sacred art prayer companions on themes such as praying through fear, post abortive healing, relational healing, and many others, Behold has options for every woman’s heart. Upcoming book topics include miscarriage and infant loss, iconography, and scrupulosity.
Friend, you are seen, known, and loved wherever the Lord has you in life.  And we are here to provide the opportunity to invite you and Jesus into conversation through art and community.  We currently are accepting registration for our in person and virtual groups taking part this summer.  Take a look at our small groups here and join us!
Because the Abiding Together community holds such a special place in our heart, Behold is offering 15% off any of their items, small group registration, and books.  Use the code “ABIDING” for this special rate at www.beholdvisiodivina.com.  On our website you can also register for our “Weekly Dose of Beauty” emails! We hope you can join our Behold family soon, please know of our prayers for you!

In this week's episode, we welcome Sarah Kroger, a GMA Dove Award®-nominated artist, songwriter, and worship leader to the podcast to speak into the beauty of worship. Sarah shares her story of becoming a worship leader, how she creates music based on the joys and sorrows from her personal life, and her passion for collaborating with others and the Holy Spirit. We also chat about spiritual dryness, cultivating peace and persisting in faith while in seasons of darkness, and the fruit that comes about from suffering. Check out Sarah’s new album, A New Reality, here!
 
Heather’s One Thing - Pinwheel recipe and the upcoming Restore the Glory Podcast series on our four identities 
Sister Miriam’s One Thing - CORDA (especially the Valor and Grace candle) 
Michelle’s One Thing - The book Aslan’s Breath: Seeing the Holy Spirit in Narnia by Matthew Dickerson and her priest friends and the gift of their fatherhood
Sarah’s One Thing - The book The Night is Normal by Dr. Alicia Britt Chole and Sourdough bread!



Other Resources Mentioned: 
Check out Sarah’s website and Listen to her new album, A New Reality, on Spotify   
Journal Questions:
What parts of my life or my faith scare me? How can I find God in those scary parts? When have I experienced a dying of my childhood faith? When have I experienced a resurrection of that death?  Whose suffering has borne fruit in my life? How can I submit my will to God to more closely work in partnership with Him?  
Discussion Questions:
How has your practice of faith evolved throughout different seasons? How are you using your gifts to glorify God? How are you withholding my gifts? How can you invite the Holy Spirit into your own gifts and projects? What’s your next right step in following the inspiration of the Holy Spirit?  
Quote to Ponder:
“I raise a hallelujah, in the presence of my enemies. I raise a hallelujah, louder than my unbelief. I raise a hallelujah, my weapon is a melody.” (Raise A Hallelujah by Jonathan and Melissa Helser)



Scripture for Lectio: 
“But the hour is coming and is now here when the true worshipers will worship the Father in spirit and truth, for the Father seeks such as these to worship him. God is spirit, and those who worship him must worship in spirit and truth.” (John 4:23-24)
 
Sponsor - Annunciation Heights:
Looking for an adventure-filled experience rooted in your Catholic faith this summer?  Annunciation Heights Catholic Youth and Family Camp in Estes Park, Colorado is the perfect place for you and your family! As a ministry of the Archdiocese of Denver, Annunciation Heights exists to be a place of transformative encounter with Jesus Christ, so that all who come to camp may live life fully for the glory of the Father.  A Catholic camping experience can be deeply transformative for your child and your family. With week-long youth camps, four-day family camps, and outdoor education and retreat programs throughout the year, the impact of camp can last a lifetime. Join us at the Heights and discover what God has in store!  To register for a camp program or to learn more, visit our website at AnnunciationHeights.org today!

In this week's episode, we welcome Brya Hanan, a licensed Marriage and Family Therapist, to share how we can learn to engage as an adult with the young parts of ourselves. Brya shares her story, the trauma she experienced as a child, and how it affected not only her self-perception but also how she related to others. She reflects on her healing journey and shares practical ways you can begin your healing journey. We also chat about how our unmet needs as a child can affect us as adults, how to have compassion for ourselves in our brokenness, and why healing ourselves allows us to love those around us much more fully. 
 
Heather’s One Thing - Her parents
Sister Miriam’s One Thing - Lentil Curry and Naan Bread 
Michelle’s One Thing - Her husband, Chris, and his loving support
Brya’s One Thing - Barre Classes!

 
Other Resources Mentioned: 
Buy Brya’s book here Check out Brya’s website and Instagram Restore the Glory Podcast Episode 99: Parts Work with Brya Hanan  
Journal Questions:
Where do I sense deep divides within myself? How do I care for others as a way of avoiding care for myself? What would it look like for me to befriend my inner child? What are my defense mechanisms? Is it time to seek out therapy?  
Discussion Questions:
What “templates” of wounds and experiences do you find yourself living through? In your healing journey, when have you experienced things getting worse before they got better? What made the change for the better? What does your inner child need to hear today? When do you feel dysregulated? When do you feel well-regulated?  
Quotes to Ponder:
“Remember, you are held safe. You are loved. You are protected. You are in communion with God and with those whom God has sent you. What is of God will last. It belongs to the eternal life. Choose it, and it will be yours.” (Henri J.M. Nouwen, The Inner Voice of Love)
 
“The history of every human being passes through the threshold of a woman’s motherhood.” (Saint Pope JPII)
 
Scripture for Lectio: 
 A large crowd followed and pressed around him. And a woman was there who had been subject to bleeding for twelve years. She had suffered a great deal under the care of many doctors and had spent all she had, yet instead of getting better she grew worse. When she heard about Jesus, she came up behind him in the crowd and touched his cloak, because she thought, “If I just touch his clothes, I will be healed.” Immediately her bleeding stopped and she felt in her body that she was freed from her suffering. At once Jesus realized that power had gone out from him. He turned around in the crowd and asked, “Who touched my clothes?” “You see the people crowding against you,” his disciples answered, “and yet you can ask, ‘Who touched me?’ ” But Jesus kept looking around to see who had done it. Then the woman, knowing what had happened to her, came and fell at his feet and, trembling with fear, told him the whole truth. He said to her, “Daughter, your faith has healed you.Go in peace and be freed from your suffering.” (Mark 5: 24- 34)
 
Sponsor - Holy Confident Birth:
Are you an expectant mama who’s dreaming of a natural birth experience that feels like an act of worship, leaves you feeling empowered in your motherhood, and even brings you closer to Christ? Maybe you’ve been searching high and low for a resource that will help you get there AND that aligns with your Catholic values, but it just didn’t seem to exist! If you want to feel EQUIPPED to knock your birth out of the park, EMPOWERED in your ability to make informed decisions, and EXCITED for the Spirit-led, fear-free birth you’ve been dreaming of, The Holy Confident Birth Course might be just the solution you’ve been looking for. Inside this course, you’ll find eight modules comprised of video lessons and handouts,where you’ll learn about the labor and birth process, building the perfect team, managing your opt