In this episode we talk about the power of connection and the shared human desire to be connected to one another. We discuss how authentic Christianity is not lived in isolation, the importance of vulnerability, being present to the present moment, and learning to love well and grow out of unhealthy patterns of relating to others. 

One Thing We Love This Week:

• Michelle’s One Thing – I Am: Eucharistic Meditations on the Gospel by Concepción Cabrera de Armida (Conchita)  http://a.co/d/dnKSQ5K
• Heather’s One Thing – Autumn Cheesecake Recipe

Ingredients

• 1 cup graham cracker crumbs
• 1/2 cup finely chopped pecans
• 3 tablespoons white sugar
• 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
• 2 (8 ounce) packages cream cheese, softened
• 1/2 cup white sugar
• 2 eggs
• 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 4 cups apples – peeled, cored and thinly sliced
• 1/3 cup white sugar
• 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1/4 cup chopped pecans

Directions

• Preheat oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C). In a large bowl, stir together the graham cracker crumbs, 1/2 cup finely chopped pecans, 3 tablespoons sugar, 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon and melted butter; press into the bottom of a 9 inch springform pan. Bake in preheated oven for 10 minutes.
• In a large bowl, combine cream cheese and 1/2 cup sugar. Mix at medium speed until smooth. Beat in eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Blend in vanilla; pour filling into the baked crust.
• In a small bowl, stir together 1/3 cup sugar and 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon. Toss the cinnamon-sugar with the apples to coat. Spoon apple mixture over cream cheese layer and sprinkle with 1/4 cup chopped pecans.
• Bake in preheated oven for 60 to 70 minutes. With a knife, loosen cake from rim of pan. Let cool, then remove the rim of pan. Chill cake before serving.

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Discussion Questions:  

1. What holds you back from being vulnerable with people in your life?
2. What might God be asking you to say no to so that you can be more present with those in front of you?
3. Authentic Christianity is not lived in isolation. What is one way you can breakthrough the isolation and connect with your community more regularly?

Journal Questions:

1.  How can you be more present to the present moment and be a gift today?

2.  What is most personal is most universal. What is a desire that you have in relationships that you can offer to another person?

3.  Who do you need to reach out to in your life and create opportunities for deeper connection?

Quote to Ponder:

“Vulnerability sounds like truth and feels like courage. Truth and courage aren’t always comfortable, but they’re never weakness ” – Brene Brown

Download the Questions Here

Meet Your Hosts

Abiding Together is a weekly podcast hosted by Michelle Benzinger, Sr. Miriam James Heidland, and Heather Khym.

If you would like to contact the ladies of Abiding Together, email: abidingtogether@ascensionpress.com.