In this episode, we begin our four part Advent series on the book The Reed of God by Caryll Houselander. Today, we focus on part one and discuss the sections on Emptiness, Fiat, Advent, and Pastoral. We reflect on the gift of virginity, how our own life experiences can alter how we view this gift, and how Our Lady perfectly models the truth about the fruitfulness of giving our full selves in love. We also chat about the beauty of accepting our littleness and how only through the act of emptying ourselves can God truly give us what He desires.  We encourage you to go at your own pace so that the Lord can fill your heart with what you need to hear this Advent season.    Heather’s One Thing - Advent Worship playlist and the song Hungry by UPPERROOM Sister Miriam’s One Thing - Christmas Peaceful Piano playlist Michelle’s One Thing - The painting A Mother and Child looking at the Virgin and Child by Reginald Bottomley and steps to practice Visio Divina with the image.   Journal Questions: How do I allow myself to be filled by the Bridegroom? How do I view chastity – as a sour apple, or as the first fruits? What is distracting me this Advent season? What image depicted by Caryll Houselander is resonating with me most (the reed, the chalice, and the nest)?   Discussion Questions: How can I empty myself to more fully receive the Bridegroom? What is the Holy Spirit inviting you to say “yes” to? What is the Holy Spirit inviting you to say “no” to? How is the Lord continually purifying and refining you? How am I tempted to say “I’m just a…”?   Quotes to Ponder: “Advent is the season of the secret, the secret of the growth of Christ, of Divine Love growing in silence.” (Houselander, Caryll. The Reed of God (p. 38). Copycat. Kindle Edition.)   “It is always a love story, a culmination of love between the Spirit of Light and the Bride of the Spirit.” (Houselander, Caryll. The Reed of God (p. 19). Copycat. Kindle Edition.) Scripture for Lectio:  “Be it done to me according to thy word.” (Luke 1:38)   Sponsor - Bell Road Beef: Bell Road Beef is two sisters and two husbands, raising thirteen children (currently!) and more than thirteen cattle on the grasslands of Northern New Mexico.  They come from five generations of ranchers who have known, loved, and cared for the land and its animals for decades. From the beginning of new life to harvest, the animals are an extension of Britt, Rozann, and their families. They see life, loss, and everything in between. On Bell Road, these animals have a home…one in which small batches of cattle are raised to the highest standards and eventually brought straight to you. Visit shop.bellroadbeef.com to see the variety of beef that can be shipped straight to your door, and get a free pack of beef sticks while you’re at it!