S18 E5 - Entering the Desert
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 "The Way of Trust and Love" will begin next week! We look forward to journeying with you. Heather's One Thing - Her Lenten Playlist "Songs in the Desert" Sister Miriam's One Thing - You're Gonna Be OK by Jen Johnson and Bethel Music Michelle's One Thing - Nazareth Organics 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: Where is the Holy Spirit inviting me this Lent? In the past, how have I turned to self-reliance throughout Lent? Where is my heart not rooted in my true identity? Is there something in the way of me drawing close to the Lord? Where am I performing instead of depending? Where am I controlling instead of trusting? Where am I grasping for love instead of securely attached? Where am I prideful instead of obedient? Discussion Questions: Where do you need springtime in your personal life? How will you respond to your own shortcomings and self-reliance this Lent? How does the Lord want to bring you deeper into your identity? How is the Lord inviting you to live into your Word of the Year deeper this Lent? Quote to Ponder: "Lent is a time of going very deeply into ourselves… What is it that stands between us and God? Between us and our brothers and sisters? Between us and life, the life of the Spirit? Whatever it is, let us relentlessly tear it out, without a moment's hesitation." (Catherine Doherty) Scripture for Lectio: "Jesus, full of the Holy Spirit, returned from the Jordan and was led by the Spirit in the wilderness, where for forty days he was tested by the devil." (Luke 4:1-2) Sponsor - COR Expeditions: Are you experiencing the Lord's invitation to draw closer to Him? We encourage you to consider a life-changing course with COR Expeditions this summer. COR Expeditions exists to transform the hearts of Catholics of all ages. COR - short for Catholic Outdoor Renewal and meaning "heart" in Latin - offers an invitation not often heard in our modern world: step away from technology, noise, and constant distraction, and step forward with the Lord into the wilderness, just as so many prophets and saints have done before us. By choosing a course with COR, you are saying yes to being physically, emotionally, and spiritually challenged - in the best possible ways. Our culture often tells women to seek comfort, avoid risk, and doubt their own strength. At the same time, the voice of the enemy quietly whispers that we are not enough. COR offers something radically different: a place of freedom, encouragement, and truth. In the wilderness, you are reminded of your identity as a beloved daughter of God, created with courage, resilience, and deep capacity for joy. COR courses take place in some of the most breathtaking locations of the Rocky Mountain West. Participants carry backpacks, hike miles into the backcountry, and live simply for the duration of the course. While this may sound intimidating at first, you are never on the journey alone. Our experienced instructors provide guidance, training, and support every step of the way. You do not need to be an elite athlete or an experienced backpacker—only willing to show up, try, and trust the Lord to meet you where you are. In the silence of the mountains, away from screens and schedules, many women encounter God in a new and personal way. The physical challenge opens space for prayer. The simplicity brings clarity. The shared experience fosters deep community. What remains is peace, confidence, and a renewed ability to hear the Lord's voice. If you're longing for deeper faith, meaningful challenge, and an experience that will stay with you long after summer ends, COR Expeditions may be the invitation your heart has been waiting for. Learn more and take the next step at corexpeditions.org. Listeners of Abiding Together, use code ABIDE10 to get 10% off any one US-based open enrollment course this summer! Timestamps: 00:00 COR Expeditions 01:31 Intro 02:17 Welcome 04:42 Guiding Quote and Scripture Verse 05:24 Where is the Holy Spirit Inviting Us Into Deeper Union 10:49 Testing Our Identity 15:41 God Speaks Tenderly to Us in the Desert 18:48 How to Discern What We Should do for Lent 25:16 One Things