S17 E11 - A Moment of Gratitude

Abiding Together

Catholicwomen, Catholicpodcast, Catholic, Heatherkhym, Christianpodcast, Michellebenzinger, Women, Religion, Catholicfeminist, Religion & Spirituality, Srmiriamjamesheidland, Christianity, Catholicchurch

4.9 • 3.9K Ratings

🗓️ 24 November 2025

⏱️ 37 minutes

🔗️ Recording | iTunes | RSS

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Summary

In this episode, we reflect on the importance of giving thanks to the Lord for all He has done in both the beautiful and difficult moments of life. We talk about how practicing gratitude can change our perspective of reality and helps us recognize where God has been present even in moments we do not understand. We also name the fears that can sometimes keep us from giving thanks and discuss how gratitude becomes an act of surrender that opens us to God's steady, faithful presence. As a gift to you, we end today's episode by doing Lectio Divina with Psalm 34 and invite you into a time of prayer with us.

Heather's One Thing - Jalapeno, Pepper Jack, and Bacon Corn Pudding Recipe

Heather's Other One Thing - Hell or High Water and Edens by Amanda Cook

Sister Miriam's One Thing - Her SOLT Community

Michelle's One Thing - College Football

Other Resources Mentioned:

Life Transitions Part One and Part Two with Chris Benzinger
One Thousand Gifts: A Dare to Live Fully Right Where You Are by Ann Voskamp

Journal Questions:

What graces have I received this year?
How did the Lord accompany me this year?
What do I need to let go of as we transition into a new liturgical year?
What parts of my life am I afraid to give thanks for?

Discussion Questions:

What has the Lord taught you in this season?
What was surprising this past year?
What challenges and joys did you experience this year?
Where are you resistant to give thanks?

Quote to Ponder:

"Gratitude is at the center of a life of faith. It sounds too simple to be true, but isn't that the sign of all deep truth: so simple we're tempted to dismiss it, and so hard, it is exactly what God uses to change our hard lives." (Ann Voskamp)

Scripture for Lectio:

"I will bless the Lord at all times; his praise shall continually be in my mouth. My soul makes its boast in the Lord; let the humble hear and be glad. O magnify the Lord with me, and let us exalt his name together. I sought the Lord, and he answered me, and delivered me from all my fears.
Look to him, and be radiant; so your faces shall never be ashamed. This poor soul cried, and was heard by the Lord, and was saved from every trouble. The angel of the Lord encamps around those who fear him, and delivers them. O taste and see that the Lord is good; happy are those who take refuge in him." (Psalm 34:1-8)

Sponsor - The GIVEN Institute:

The GIVEN Institute is a vibrant non-profit organization dedicated to activating the gifts of women for the Church and the world. GIVEN wants to help you receive the gift that you are, realize the gifts you've been given, and respond with the gift only you can give.

Applications are now open for GIVEN's 2026 Leadership Program. Faithful Catholic women between the ages of 21 and 35 are encouraged to apply today!

GIVEN's program includes participation at the Leadership Forum from June 24-28, 2026 in Washington, DC and a year of dedicated, 1-on-1 mentorship with an established Catholic female leader. Abiding Together Co-Host Heather Khym will be a speaker at the 2026 Leadership Forum next June along with other phenomenal Catholic women leaders of all ages, all vocations, and all walks of life.

If you are a woman between the ages 21 and 35 and seeking leadership training, faith formation, and support to better understand and pursue your particular mission, GIVEN's Leadership Program is designed just for you! You'll grow in relationship with Christ, gain a deeper understanding of your personal vocation, and be empowered to develop an Action Plan to activate your personal gifts to impact the world.

For women over 35 with a desire to get involved, please consider becoming a Mentor or Volunteer! For more information and to apply, please visit www.giveninstitute.com/forum.

Chapters:

00:00 The Given Institute

01:26 Intro

02:16 Welcome

03:45 Practicing Being Thankful First

06:01 Giving Thanks in All Things

08:25 Gratitude is the Center of A Life of Faith

11:22 Being Afraid to Give Thanks

13:14 Lectio Divina

23:18 Our Reflections from Lectio

28:46 One Things

Music used under license i94Cr0

Transcript

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0:00.0	Hello, friends. This episode is sponsored by the Given Institute. We have an invitation from the
0:05.2	Given Institute to help you enter into your unique call from the Lord more deeply. The Given
0:09.9	Institute is a non-profit organization dedicated to activating the gifts of women for the church
0:14.7	in the world. And Given wants to help you receive the gift that you are, realize the gifts
0:19.6	you've been given, and respond with the gift that only you can give. that you are. Realize the gifts you've been given and respond with the
0:21.5	gift that only you can give. Applications are now open for Given's 2026 leadership program,
0:27.4	and faithful Catholic women between ages 21 and 35 are encouraged to apply. Women accept it into
0:33.7	the program, attend the Leadership Forum in Washington, D.C., from June 24th to 28,
0:38.5	26, they receive a year of one-on-one mentorship from an established Catholic female leader,
0:45.0	and they launch an action plan to activate their personal gifts to impact the world.
0:50.5	All of us at Abiding Together have been involved with Given.
0:53.3	And this coming June, I will be there as a speaker at the 26 Leadership Forum, and I can't wait.
0:59.2	My experience at Given has been one of my favorites to just see the passion and inspiration in the room,
1:04.7	to see women bringing their gifts together, the community and friendships that are born.
1:09.0	You really don't want to miss this.
1:10.6	For women over 35 with a
1:12.5	desire to get involved, please consider becoming a mentor or a volunteer. So for more information
1:17.1	and to apply, you can head over to their website, www.giveninstitute.com slash forum. We hope you
1:25.1	enjoy this episode. Hello and welcome to season 17 of the Abiding Together podcast.
1:30.5	It is incredible to be with you after all of these seasons.
1:33.5	And we think you're going to really enjoy all that God is going to have for you during this 17th season of our podcast.
1:40.2	The Abiding Together podcast is a place where you can find connection, rest, and encouragement in your journey with Jesus Christ.
	...

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