This month our challenge is to connect on a new level... With God, our purpose, our loved ones, and community.

Last night we started part 3 of the Connection Challenge which is to connect with our loved ones. 

Here are a few ways for us to better connect with our loved ones. 

1. Share meals together
2. Spend a few minutes before bed imagining their day and looking for ways to be a blessing.
3. Catch 80% of all bids they throw your way. Bids are their attempts to connect with you such as asking you to do something with them or starting a conversation with you. When they attempt to connect, and we don't catch the bid it is dishonoring and discouraging. 
4. Throw bids their way in a style that they like. What makes them feel cherished... Quality time, acts of service, physical touch, etc? How can you connect with them in the way they prefer? 

A couple of key things to remember about connection is to be more present and to use a gentle approach. Often, we try to force connection... Instead take a more natural and gentle approach. Initially these things will take a little effort to implement but the goal is that eventually they will become a natural part of our day. Also, keep in mind that if you try to connect with others and they don't catch your bid, to stay encouraged and keep doing good, because there will be the tendency to get discouraged. 

One last concept to think about... How can you be a person that takes pressure off of others rather than applies more. Applying pressure to people often blocks connection. 

I am praying for you. 

Daniel