About this episode
In this episode, we journey to Elizabeth's house, the place of the Visitation. We reflect on Mary's haste as she makes the journey to visit Elizabeth and how Elizabeth creates space for Mary as the mystery of the incarnation unfolds. We also ponder Elizabeth's years of longing for a child, how God fulfills our desires in ways different than we expect, and why we should hold onto hope instead of disappointment. Finally, we talk about cultivating a deeper sensitivity to God's presence, trusting that even when His work is hidden, beauty is unfolding within our lives. Heather's One Thing - High King of Heaven / Jesus We Love You by Bethel Music Sister Miriam's Half Thing - As part of the Sacred Anchor Marketplace , any Religious Order/ Clergy will have a free storefront with no charges to list or commission fees. (The only cost will be bank fees of about 3% of any sale). Sign up here! Sister Miriam's One Thing - Forgiving as Unity with Christ by Dr. Robert Enright Michelle's One Thing - Notre Dame Football (especially Marcus Freeman) And then, we travel to Elizabeth's house, high in the hills. Two women meet, and the air is thick with recognition. Promises leap, joy erupts, and prophecy dances between them. This is the place of friendship, of shared waiting, of laughter through tears. Because God often comes to us in the embrace of another who believes. Journal Questions: In what places of my life can I allow mystery to breathe and unfold? Who can I share the deep places of disappointment with and not feel judged? Where do I feel disappointed? How can I be a nest for others? What promise is leaping within you right now wanting to be recognized? Where do I run when God is doing something new in me? Who is my Elizabeth? Discussion Questions: When has the Holy Spirit asked you to do something that didn't make sense in the natural world? How can we cultivate a home for others within our own hearts? Where is the Holy Spirit moving in your life and in other's lives? When was the last time you experienced someone speaking prophetically over your life? Quote to Ponder: "If there ever comes a time when the women of the world come together purely and simply for the benefit of mankind, it will be a force such as the world has never known." (Matthew Arnold) Scripture for Lectio: "Blessed is she who believed that the Lord would fulfill His promises to her." (Luke 1:45) Sponsor - Chews Life: Rosaries for Every Age and Season of Life. Sister Lucia of Fatima once said, "There is no problem, no matter how difficult, that we cannot solve by the prayer of the Holy Rosary." At Chews Life , that isn't just a beautiful quote, it's the heartbeat of everything they do. Chews Life is a Catholic-owned small business whose mission is simple but bold: to equip every Catholic, in every age and season of life, with Rosaries for life. Whether you're a new mom juggling family life, a student on the go, or someone rediscovering the beauty of prayer, Chews Life creates practical and beautiful ways to make the Rosary part of your everyday rhythm. For the Littlest Catholics one of the most beloved parts of the Chews Life mission is their dedication to helping children grow up surrounded by prayer. Their silicone Rosaries are soft, durable, and made for little hands to safely explore and grow in their love for the Rosary. Parents often say that watching their child hold one feels like watching them reach out to hold Our Lady's hand. Each design is thoughtfully created to be both faith-filled and family-safe, something little ones can hold, and carry as they begin learning the gentle rhythm of prayer. It's never too early to begin planting those seeds of devotion. For women, Chews Life offers their signature excuse-proof Rosary bracelet, a gemstone Rosary that is both beautiful and wearable. Designed to help you pray throughout the day, this bracelet is a quiet but powerful companion for busy women who long to stay connected to God in the middle of everyday life. Whether you're at work, running errands, or caring for your family, these bracelets make it easy to keep prayer close. Each one includes Chews Life's signature "bookmark" crucifix charm, allowing you to pause your Rosary and pick it up right where you left off. Because real life and real prayer go hand-in-hand. Made with genuine gemstones and durable materials, every bracelet is a tangible reminder that holiness grows in the middle of ordinary moments, and that beauty and faith were always meant to belong together. For the Men in Your Life: Crux Invicta That same level of craftsmanship and devotion extends to the men's line, Crux Invicta, Chews Life's brother brand. The name means "The Cross Invincible," and it captures the heart of what this collection stands for: bold, rugged faith rooted in strength and sacrifice. Crux Invicta features paracord and gemstone Rosary bracelets designed for durability and purpose. Each piece carries the reminder that victory comes through the Cross, offering men a tangible way to live out their faith in the everyday battles of life. And for those looking to go deeper and learn more about the mysteries of the Rosary, Chews Life founder Shannon Wendt invites you on a journey of prayer through her new book, The Way of the Rosary: A Journey with Mary through Scripture, Liturgy, and Life . This book is a heartfelt invitation to walk with Mary and discover the mysteries of the Rosary as they unfold through Scripture, the rhythm of the Liturgy, and the ordinary moments of daily life. Shannon's reflections reveal how Mary accompanies us in joy and in sorrow, guiding us always closer to her Son From their baby-safe silicone Rosaries, to their gemstone Rosary bracelets, to the Crux Invicta men's line and The Way of the Rosary book, every part of Chews Life's mission is designed to make prayer not just accessible but truly lived. Because for Chews Life, prayer isn't something you fit in when you can. It's something that fits beautifully into the life you're already living. You can explore the full collections and learn more at ChewsLife.com and CruxInvicta.com . And as a special thank-you to Abiding Together listeners, use the code ABIDE15 for 15% off your order on either site. Chapters: 00:00 Chews Life 01:37 Intro 02:30 Welcome to Elizabeth's House 06:02 The Shared Gift of the Visitation 08:15 Having A Safe Place to Allow Mystery to Unfold 10:08 The Holy Spirit Reveals Jesus 12:!5 Sacred Companionship 13:40 When We Carry Disappointments 16:50 Speaking Life Into Other People 18:36 Living Out of Our Insecurities 19:49 Being A Safe Place for Others 22:37 Having Sensitivity to the Presence of God 25:26 One Things Music used under license i94Cr0