You are reading the 63rd issue of Drawing Near, a newsletter to encourage connection and inspire you to 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

I've been reading Closer to God, A 40-Day Pursuit of God's Personal Presence by Jeannie Cunnion. I love the reminders that God wants intimacy with us. Here is a quote from Day 12:

"Running into His arms is the very thing that will revive you. In His arms, the authenticity of His love is affirmed, the fear of "too broken" is dispelled, and the transforming power of His grace is experienced. We don't leave the same."

Connect with Yourself

My family's schedule has changed recently because I've started a new job. And as the summer approaches, I want to make sure I spend summer with my kids with intention. I am not a planner by nature, so I can easily let the time go by without thinking much about how we are spending our time.

I wait till the day comes, then I say, "What will we do today?" When I'm home everyday, it's fine, because we have time to do what we want to do. But with less days to plan by the seat of our pants this coming summer, I want to plan ahead to make sure we squeeze in the stuff that matters.

I love The Lazy Genius, Kendra Adachi, and her principles to name what matters, start small, and decide once*. These ideas have helped me with decision making and when I'm overwhelmed by too many options.

So when Kendra shared about her seasonal playbooks, I knew I wanted to buy the Summer Playbook to help me in planning. But then I bought all four seasonal books!

If you need help being a genius about what matters to you and lazy about what doesn't, I recommend Adachi's books and/or podcast. You can find all her stuff here.

Connect with Others

In the latest issue of Magnolia Journal, mixed-media artist and textile designer, Riley Sheehey, says, "My best art always comes from either a reflection of love somebody else has shown for me...or me trying to show my love for somebody else."

My question for you is in what way can you be creative and share that with someone else? It doesn't have to be big. Sheehey paints acorns and seashells!

One of my favorite ways to be low key creative is to use an index card. The small size removes the pressure of trying to make a masterpiece. So here are some ideas for creating something small you can share with someone:

Write an encouraging verse. If you have pretty handwriting, that alone can be the gift. But if you don't like your penmanship, use some colorful markers or stickers to dress it up.
If you have papers (magazines, wrapping paper, receipts, envelopes), create a tiny collage.
Make a birthday card or a gift tag.
Make stripes with washi tape and give it to someone to use as a bookmark.
Write a haiku about someone you love and give it to them.

Connect with the Community!

In the last email I sent, I asked you to share "Five Ways I've Been a Really Good Friend." And here's what I learned: we are buying our neighbors groceries, we are purchasing and mailing toaster ovens, we are watching friends' kids, we are helping friends with homework, we are taking dinner to a friend and then staying and eating it with them, we are sitting in the hospital playing games with patients.

Let's keep sharing!

I'd love to know your favorite book on connection, relationships, friendships, or community-building. My favorite is Unvinvited by Lysa TerKeurst. It was the first book I read many years ago on this topic, and it was like she could see right into my heart.

Now, hit reply and tell me a favorite book you've read on this topic!

Thank you for being a part of this community that makes time for relationships. I am fully convinced that you are full of goodness.**