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)

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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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