In this episode, we continue our four part series on the identity of daughter. This episode is now available on youtube: https://youtu.be/0TJKUIE1HOQ. We discuss the core needs of early childhood - to be seen, known and loved - and how this time is crucial in learning to trust and receive. We share our fears of being seen as needy or as a burden to others as well as what counterfeit needs are vs actual needs. We chat about the healing that we experience when we allow God the Father to love us in the places we didn't receive what we needed as a child. Be sure to subscribe to the Abiding Together Podcast on YouTube to watch our video podcasts! 

Sister Miriam's one thing - The life of our recently passed SOLT sister, Sister Maria of Merciful Love

Michelle's one thing - The Sisters of Life and The Litany of Trust 

Heather's one thing - Restore the Glory Podcast Healing in Marriage Series

Other Books Mentioned - Life Model: Living from the Heart Jesus Gave you - James Friesen

Discussion questions:    

1. What stood out to you from this week's episode?
2. How have you felt seen, known and loved by God and others recently? In what areas of your heart and life do you still long to experience that? 
3. What counterfeit needs (I need a break, I need to watch tv, etc.) do you often substitute for your real need (I need to be acknowledged, seen, loved)? How can you take time to pause and ask yourself what you truly need in particular moments throughout your day? 
4. Do fears of rejection or being seen as 'needy' prevent you from expressing your needs and desires to those who want to love you? How can you better articulate your needs to your community, family, and God? 
5. How is the fruit of joy abundant and fragrant in your life? If not, what is at the root of that?

Journal Questions:

1. Are there areas of your heart that you have shut down or relationships you have 'canceled' because someone did not meet your need to be seen, known and loved? How might God be asking you to give yourself or another person a new chance?
2. Take a moment to reflect on any memories or experiences from your childhood where you did not feel seen, known and loved. Invite God to restore and heal these moments and fill any gaps that may have been created.
3. Write down some practical ways you can notice, affirm and show greater love towards those who have been entrusted to you in your family and community. 

Quotes to Ponder: "Your great trust in Me forces me to continuously grant you graces. You have great and incomprehensible rights over My Heart, for you are a daughter of complete trust." -  Jesus to St. Faustina

Scripture for Lectio Divina -  "For this reason I kneel before the Father, from whom every family in heaven and on earth derives its name. I pray that out of his glorious riches he may strengthen you with power through his Spirit in your inner being, so that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith. And I pray that you, being rooted and established in love, may have power, together with all the Lord's holy people, to grasp how wide and long and high and deep is the love of Christ, and to know this love that surpasses knowledge—that you may be filled to the measure of all the fullness of God. Now to him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to his power that is at work within us, to him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, for ever and ever! Amen." - Ephesians 3:14-21

This episode is sponsored by Corda Candles.

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Help support SOLT, Sr. Miriam's order, by purchasing the Cloistered Heart candle, inspired by St. Elizabeth of the Trinity. Its contemplative notes of cherry and violet are fresh and clean. This exclusive candle was commissioned by the Abiding Together podcast and 15% is donated to SOLT. It's available for a limited time only, now through November 30, 2021.
There are many more candles to explore, including ones inspired by Our Lady of Guadalupe, St. Michael the Archangel, and Night Prayer. Shop online at www.cordacandles.com and receive 10% off with promo code ABIDE, now through October 31, 2021.