You are reading the 56th issue of Drawing Near, a newsletter to encourage connection and help you live a less lonely life. Each week, you'll receive inspiration for connecting with God, yourself, and the people around you. To see previous issues, go to our newsletter page.

Connect with God

Every January, as we dive into planning and goal-setting, I always remember Psalm 90:12--

Teach us to number our days,
that we may gain a heart of wisdom.

When I consider how short my life is, that I do not know when it will end, it compels me to get my priorities straight. What would you do if you knew your life would be over soon?

But this year, I found some encouragement at the end of this Psalm, in verse 17--

May the favor of the Lord our God rest on us;
establish the work of our hands for us—
yes, establish the work of our hands.

May this be our prayer for the day and for the entire year of 2026!

Connect with Yourself

Here we are, a week into a new year. How are you feeling? Do you love goal-planning or do you hate it?

January, though cold and gloomy, offers expectant hope that this year is the one where we finally get our acts together. A part of me loves it, and a part of me groans. I am terrible at setting goals and keeping them.

What goals do you have for this year? Would you like to live a more connected, less lonely life?

I believe in the power of helping one another, treating one another with love, and turning towards one another instead of inwards towards ourselves. And for some of us, that takes great intention.

That's why I created the Connection Reflection and Dreaming guide!

When you can name what you crave—more friendships, deeper connections, one on one time, intentional gatherings—only then can you take steps towards those things. Instead of looking to social media or someone else’s calendar, take a look inside at what you really long for.

Inside is 14 pages of inspiration to live in communion with God and others, with Bible verses and prayers inviting God in to your reflection and your dreaming. You are not doing this work alone.

​Get the FREE black and white, printer-friendly version in my BMAC shop.​

​Or you can purchase the full color one in my Etsy shop.​

​Read the full blog post about why this guided journal is needed and see more of what's inside in my latest blog post.​

Connect with Others

How can you create the gathering you've been waiting for?

"You can begin with a feeling you’ve been carrying, a need that’s been building, or a question that keeps tugging at your attention. The best gatherings don’t start with logistics; they start with a longing."

​Read the full post from Priya Parker for six real life ways people have hosted their own unique gatherings.​

I hope the new year is treating you kindly, and that you are finding quiet moments to treat yourself kindly🕯️

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