The Barrenness of Winter In this episode we talk about the barrenness of winter and how the seasons are often reflected in our spiritual and emotional lives. We explore how to have hope and perspective in times when things are hidden and dormant and how to allow our roots to go deeper into our relationship with Christ.    Sister Miriam’s one thing - Trader Joe’s Michelle’s one thing - If You Want Me To by Ginny Owens Endow - Edith Stein (St. Teresa of Benedicta): Seeker of Truth Book Study  Heather’s one thing - You Make Me Brave (Acoustic Version) by Josie BuchananNothing Else by Cody Carnes   Announcements! The Abiding Together Lenten Book Study will be The Return of the Prodigal Son by Henri Nouwen. Purchase the book via US Amazon Link, a Canada Amazon link, and a UK Amazon link. (As an Amazon Associate, Abiding Together earns from qualifying Amazon purchases.)   The Abiding Together shop is open! Take a peek at some of the fun new things we have for you, including the all new “quit talking to the dang snake” mug! Discussion questions:     What struck you from the podcast? What parallels do you see between the natural seasons and the seasons of the spiritual life? How do you take a “holy pause”? What are the places you’re afraid are too barren for God to make fruitful?   Journal Questions: Reflect and journal about this scripture: Proverbs 31:25. What does it speak to you personally?  Has there been a time when you tried to cling to something that had run its course? What are the barren places in your life that you can pour out before the Lord like Hannah?   Quote to Ponder - “For just as the body is clothed in its garments, and the flesh in its skin, and the bones in their flesh, and the heart in its body, so too are we, soul and body, clothed from head to foot in the goodness of God.” —Julian of Norwich, Revelations of Divine Love Scripture for Lectio Divina -  Proverbs 31:25 - She is not afraid of the snow for her household, For all her household are clothed with scarlet.