Abiding Together

In this episode, we continue our Lenten book study on "The Way of Trust and Love" 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 honestly bring your disappointments before God and ask Him to reveal to you His goodness.

 
Heather's One Thing - The Springtime!
Sister Miriam's One Thing - March Madness
Michelle's One Thing - Her floor to ceiling library!
 
Journal Questions:
Where do I lack trust in the Father?
When do I see God as my enemy?
What narratives of your life are you seeking to control?
What is bothering me most acutely right now?
What am I carrying that I need to let go?
 
Discussion Questions:
Where do you take your disappointment?
Where are you experiencing agitation?
How are you tempted to manage the Lord's revelations in your life?
What might be an appropriate prayer prescription for your current agitations?
How is God inviting you into the safety of the Holy Family this Lent?
 
Quotes to Ponder:
"This work of restoring trust in our hearts is an essential aspect of the spiritual life. Wounded by original sin, our hearts are riddled with fears and doubts. It takes time to be cured of them. Maybe that will never happen completely in this life, but we can nevertheless make great strides in trusting more." (Father Jacques Philippe, The Way of Trust and Love, Page 69)
 
"Trust works miracles." (St. Thérèse of Lisieux) 



Scripture for Lectio:
"But you, Lord, are a compassionate and gracious God, slow to anger, abounding in love and faithfulness." (Psalm 86:15)
 
Sponsor - Rooted for Good:
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Timestamps:

00:00 Rooted for Good
01:22 Intro
02:08 Welcome 
03:03 Scripture Verse and Quote to Ponder
03:42 What to do with Our Disappointments
08:16 Honesty is Not Something to Fear 
10:36 Nourishing Trust 
12:56 Developing a Rhythm of Prayer 
16:40 The Tender Touch of a Mother 
19:32 Heaven is a Family
23:14 One Things

In this episode, we continue our Lenten book study on "The Way of Trust and Love" 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 receive God's love, extend that love to yourself, and then offer it freely to others.
 
Heather's One Thing - Attending the funeral of Francis Bergsma
Sister Miriam's One Thing - Stations of the Cross with Our Sister St. Thérèse from Little Way Books
Michelle's One Thing - The funness of our listeners!
 
Journal Questions:
Where am I experiencing a lack of harmony in myself and in my relationships with others?
Do I truly desire conversion? What parts of me are resistant to conversion?
Where am I looking at the weaknesses of others instead of examining myself?
When do I speak to myself with words of self-condemnation?
 
Discussion Questions:
What weaknesses or defects are you wrestling with right now? How is God inviting you into deeper communion with Him in this weakness?
How is the Lord inviting you to embrace littleness this Lent?
Where is the Lord calling you to forgo constant management of your life and to embrace the mystery & trust of a life with Christ?
How have you slowed down this Lent? How has this slower pace impacted your spiritual life?
 
Quotes to Ponder:
"If we accept ourselves as we are, we also accept God's love for us. But if we reject ourselves, if we despise ourselves, we shut ourselves off from the love God has for us, we deny that love. If we accept ourselves in our weakness, our limitations, it will also be easier for us to accept other people. Often, quite simply, we can't get along with other people because we can't get along with ourselves." (Father Jacques Philippe, The Way of Trust and Love, Page 48-49)
 
"I am no longer surprised by anything, I am not sorry to see that I am weakness itself. On the contrary, I glory in it, and I expect to discover new imperfections in myself every day. (St. Thérèse of Lisieux) 
 
Scripture for Lectio:
"God is opposed to the proud, but gives grace to the humble." (James 4:6)
 
Timestamps:

00:00 Morning Star Studio
00:56 Intro
01:42 Welcome
03:58 Scripture Verse and Guiding Quote
04:45 Embracing Our Weaknesses First
9:00 Having a Real Desire for Conversion
13:55 Fearing Our Weakness
15:54 Desiring to be a Saint
18:55 Familial Living vs Transactional Living
22:21 One Things
 
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Instagram: @morningstar_studioart

In this episode, we continue our Lenten book study on "The Way of Trust and Love" 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 Movie 
Sister Miriam's One Thing - Bishop Erik Varden's Lenten Reflections to Pope Leo (I especially recommend the reflections entitled: Bernard the Idealist, God's Help, Becoming Free, and Splendour of Truth)
Michelle's One Thing - Art Lectio Instagram Account
 
Journal Questions:
Where are you feeling discouraged?
Where do I experience self-reliance, codependency, or hypervigilance in my life?
When in the past have I made agreements that I have to rely on myself and fix everything? 
Where am I living out a pattern of childhood wounds and identities?

 
Discussion Questions:
How have you experienced failure this Lent?
When do I grasp, kick, and flail like a child in my spiritual life?
When did God last remind you that you are not God? How did your heart respond to it?
Where is God inviting you to embrace your littleness rather than run from it?
 
Quote to Ponder:
"Being little means not attributing to ourselves the virtues we practice, or believing ourselves capable of anything, but recognizing that God places this treasure in the hands of His little child so that she can use it when she needs it; but the treasure is still God's." (St. Thérèse of Lisieux) 

 
Scripture for Lectio:
"All you who labor, who are bent under the weight of your burden, who find the demands of the Law too heavy, come to me, for I am gentle and humble of heart, and you will find rest for your souls." (Matthew 11:28)

 
Sponsor - The JPII Healing Center:
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Healing The Whole Person Series Link: https://virtual.jpiihealingcenter.org/start
 
Timestamps:

00:00 The JPII Healing Center
01:31 Intro
02:18 Guiding Quote
04:39 Discouragement is the Downfall of Souls
08:27 Subtle Agreements We Make Throughout Our Days
10:50 Surrender is Not Laziness
13:26 Illumination is Spiritual Progress
15:55 Being Curious About Our Own Heart
18:34 Becoming Little is Maturation
20:47 Suffering in Communion with the Father
23:53 The Father Cannot Resist His Children's Trust
27:14 Am I Still Lovable if I am Little and have Needs?
29:44 One Things

In this episode, we continue our Lenten book study on "The Way of Trust and Love" 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 song within you.
 
Heather's One Thing - Franciscan's Campus-wide "Behold" Retreat
Sister Miriam's One Thing - Healing Wounds by Bishop Erik Varden 
Michelle's One Thing - The O' Grady's Beach House 
Michelle's Other One Thing - Emily Lex Watercolor Workbooks 
 
Journal Questions:
How often do I accept the letter of God's adoption of me, and not the spirit of God's adoption?
Where in my life do I need Mother Mary to smile upon me?
How have I turned to self-reliance this Lent?
Where is God inviting me to become more adult and free?
What is the new song the Lord wants to put in my heart?
 
Discussion Questions:
When do you notice orphanhood in your heart?
What are you learning from St. Therese this Lent?
When have you experienced the healing delight of a mother?
Is it difficult for you to name your desires? What is one desire God has placed on your heart this Lent?
What is the "yes" God is asking you to make today?
 
Quotes to Ponder:
"You know, Mother, that I have always desired to be a saint, but alas, I have always realized, when I compared myself to the saints, that there is between them and me the same difference as exists between a mountain whose summit is lost in the skies, and the obscure grain of sand trodden underfoot by passers-by. Instead of getting discouraged, I said to myself: "God could not" "inspire us with desires that were unrealizable, so despite my littleness I can aspire to holiness. It is impossible for me to grow up, I must put up with myself as I am, with all my imperfections; but I want to find how to get to Heaven by a little way that is quite straight, quite short: a completely new little way." (St. Thérèse of Lisieux)
 
"Each of us has an absolute need for an inner transformation that makes us "as little as a child." What that means and how to put it into practice are exactly what Thérèse teaches in a simple, luminous way. That is why she was proclaimed a Doctor—that is, a teacher—of the Church." (Father Jacques Philippe, The Way of Trust and Love, Page 6)
 
"The heart of Christian life is to receive and welcome God's tenderness and goodness, the revelation of his merciful love, and to let oneself be transformed interiorly by that love." (Father Jacques Philippe, The Way of Trust and Love, Page 7)

 
Scripture for Lectio:
"But he said to me, "My grace is sufficient for you, for power is made perfect in weakness." So, I will boast all the more gladly of my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ may dwell in me." (2 Corinthians 12:9)
 
Sponsor - Healed and Restored:
Healed and Restored is a non-profit organization located in the Charlotte, NC area that was created in 2020 to fill a void and respond to a need that has been long overlooked in our society. A program that is 100% dedicated to helping women heal in the aftermath of abuse, assault, and other traumatic experiences.
According to the United Nations, one in three girls and women around the world has been subjected to sexual and/or physical abuse at least once in their lives. Studies show that women who have been through abuse (of all types) have higher levels of fear, are more isolated, and face greater mental health problems.
In the aftermath of any of these traumatic events, women will sometimes resort to hurting themselves through cutting, eating disorders, and addictions. Without proper care and healing, these dark cycles can persist for years.
We help women and girls realize that God desires to heal every single one of His beloved children. We teach them that the enemy is a master manipulator. As soon as a person gets hurt, the devil begins to plant all kinds of lies in our hurting souls. Some of these lies are: God doesn't love you, everything that happened is your fault, you should be forever ashamed, and you will never find healing and peace.
The Mission
The Healed and Restored mission is to help women and girls who are survivors of abuse, assault, domestic violence, trafficking, and all other forms of trauma find healing and restoration. Grounded in Catholic teachings and through a combination of counseling, life coaching, intimate workshops, practical tools, spiritual mentoring, and community support we help women and girls transform pain into purpose— empowering them to not only survive, but thrive.
Since 2020, Healed and Restored has helped over 500 women and girls on their journey to process their unhealed wounds. Never could we have predicted how much God would bless our mission in such a short period of time.
All of this has us convinced that there are times when God uses our deepest pain to propel us on the path to our greatest calling!
If you or someone you know could use the assistance of our trained and compassionate Catholic Therapists/Counselors and money is an issue, please do not hesitate to reach out to us by emailing [email protected] for more information and guidance.
Or if you feel called to be part of this mission by volunteering your time, we would love to hear from you. Together and guided by the Holy Spirit, we can make a difference in the life of those around us who are suffering.
 
Timestamps: 
00:00 Healed and Restored
01:31 Intro
02:17 Welcome
04:26 Scripture Verse and Quote to Ponder
05:35 Trusting in Our Creator
09:49 The Path of Spiritual Childhood
12:53 Healed by Delight
16:27 What is the "Little Way"?
19:36 Childlike vs Childish
24:05 The Role of Holy Scripture
30:10 One Things

In this episode, we begin our Lenten book study on "The Way of Trust and Love" 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 - The Good News Cruise and everyone who put together this experience
Sister Miriam's One Thing - The Pause App 
Michelle's One Thing - The Body of Christ
 
Other Resources Mentioned: 
Pope Leo's Lenten Letter 
Magnificat or Word Among Us
 
Journal Questions:
Where is the Holy Spirit inviting me this Lent?
Where do I feel like the burdens of life are mine to carry?
How does my heart respond to St. Therese's Little Way?
What does it mean to be childlike and not childish?
How will I create time to listen to God this Lent?
When listening to God in prayer, what is the posture of my heart?
 
Discussion Questions:
How is God calling you into deeper love this Lent?
Where do you notice weariness or poverty in your life?
How can you serve the poor this Lent?
What holds you back from listening to the Lord in prayer?
How do you want to be transformed this Lent?
 
Quote to Ponder:
"I feel that I am going to my rest … but above all, I feel that my mission is about to begin, my mission of making God loved as I love him, of giving my little way to other souls. If God grants my request, my Heaven will be spent on earth, until the end of the world. Yes, I wish to spend my Heaven in doing good on earth." (St. Thérèse of Lisieux) 
 
Scripture for Lectio:
"Amen, I say to you, unless you turn and become like children, you will not enter the kingdom of heaven. Whoever humbles himself like this child is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven." (Matthew 18:3-4)
 
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Timestamps:

00:00 SacredSpark
01:37 Intro
02:23 Welcome
03:08 Scripture Verse and Guiding Quote
03:53 Seeing Lent as an Invitation of Love
06:26 Breaking Strongholds
09:18 The Little Way
12:44 Feeling Weary and Poor
14:54 Pope Leo's Lenten Letter
19:33 Listening to Grow Deeper in Intimacy
23:04 A Call to Holiness
26:52 One Things