Creative Connections

Creative connections.

God never intended that we do this life alone. The Author of Life designed marriage to create families who live in community.

According to the National Institute on Aging, social isolation and loneliness lead to higher risks of high blood pressure, heart disease, obesity, a weakened immune system, anxiety, depression, cognitive decline, Alzheimer’s disease, and even death.

Especially this year, in the absence of family gatherings, office parties, cookie exchanges and face to face face rendezvous, we need to be creative to stay connected.

1. Use Zoom or Skype or FaceTime

After months and months of not being able to visit Eli (my youngest who lives 950 miles away from me), he FaceTimed me. Girl! I couldn’t even speak. I just stared at his face till it was awkward.

2. Strike up a conversation with a stranger

Instead of fiddling with your cell phone, smile all the way up to your eyeballs and strike up a conversation with someone as you line up at the checkout lane, make a deposit at the bank or wait for your coffee order. Even from 6 feet away, a simple conversation with a stranger can breathe life. For all you know, you may be the only conversation that person has!

3. Send a Christmas (or New Year’s) letter

After not being together for so long, wouldn’t it be fun to see a couple of snapshots and read a juicy holiday letter from family and friends? If you want one, you should send one. You are not boring and we are all hungry for the news on each other.

We need connection!

2000 years ago, Jesus came to the earth to be with us. Immanuel – God with us! “…She will give birth to a son and will call him Immanuel (which means ‘God is with us’).” Isaiah 7:14

What a difference He makes in our lives! His present to us was, and still is, His presence. And the Word became flesh and dwelt among us, and we have seen his glory, glory as of the only Son from the Father, full of grace and truth.” John 1:14

The first person to make sure to connect with is HIM!  “… And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.” Matthew 28:20  

Oh, Girlfriend, it’s so worth waking up 10 minutes earlier, or going to bed a few minutes later or spending a little bit of your lunch break with God to be refreshed and revived.

Take time to make connections.

Who’s in? Leave me a comment to let me know how you’ll be making creative connections this holiday season.

Lord, as we celebrate your glorious birth this season, be with us. Urge us toget past our own stuff and make connections with people who need to see you in us. Make me a great representative of who you are in my life so that others would want more of you, too. Thank you Jesus, amen. 

14 Comments

  1. Linda Whitling on December 14, 2020 at 12:15 am

    Hi Robyn!
    Thank you for your ideas! I am such a people person and social butterfly, the Covid lifestyle is rather cramping! I really like your idea of smiling and striking up a conversation with a stranger! Great idea! You never know who might really need that one encouraging word!
    God’s best to you Robyn! I so enjoy your emails!
    Merry Christmas joy to you!
    Linda

    • Robyn Dykstra on December 14, 2020 at 3:06 pm

      Hi Linda,
      I’m so glad to have you join me talking to strangers and smiling past the masks. 🙂
      Merry Christmas to you and yours!

  2. Sue P on December 14, 2020 at 12:17 am

    You have no idea how much I needed this today. I was just thinking about many of your suggestions. I fell 10 days ago and bruised my ribs and feel really old and broken. Today I heard the Lord speak to my spirit “Do you want to be well? Take up your mat and walk!” I get anxious about health issues for myself and vulnerable family members so I live pretty isolated. Thank you for this.

    • Robyn Dykstra on December 14, 2020 at 3:04 pm

      Hi Sue,
      Your post is so encouraging to me. Praying in agreement with you for healing and for your isolation to come to an end. Take care of you!

  3. Sharalyn Downing on December 14, 2020 at 12:53 am

    Robyn,
    So nice to hear from you. This is certainly been times of challenges, with lots of prayers & bible study it has made my faith stronger.
    I have been wondering if you are thinking of writing another book? It could be a follow up to your first one on how far you have come .
    How your retreats & speaking engagements has led so many women to God & all your different experiences. I’m sure you have had so many.
    Laughs, tears, joy etc. Travel challenges. Let me know when the virus is over the next retreat, we are all ready
    May you have a wonderful blessed Christmas & New Year.
    Sharalyn Downing 752 Bayberry, Otsego MI 49078

    • Robyn Dykstra on December 14, 2020 at 3:02 pm

      Hi Sharalyn
      I think we can see the end of the pandemic now that the vaccine is being distributed. I’m very hopeful about meeting in person again soon. Would love to fill in my calendar with ministry opportunities in the form of speaking engagements.

  4. Diane S Kleczynski on December 14, 2020 at 11:07 am

    Thanks Robin!
    You always have a great and uplifting message. You put a smile on my face 🙂
    Blessings to you and your family this Christmas Season!!
    Stay safe and healthy!!

    PS…. I heard you twice in the past.
    Alpha Women’s Center
    St Matthew Lutheran Church

    • Robyn Dykstra on December 14, 2020 at 3:00 pm

      Hi Diane, So glad to see your post. You put a smile on my face, too!
      Merry Christmas to you and yours.

      • Cindy Wheeler on December 14, 2020 at 6:17 pm

        Hi Robyn,
        Thanks for the reminder that we may be the only person someone interacts with in a day. I work as a dental receptionist and have been trying extra hard to smile and be kind, helpful, understanding, patient, compassionate in every interaction with patients. People are going through so much due to the pandemic, including anxiety, fear and loss. There are situations where the statement “I may be the only Jesus this person may see” is very real.
        I miss going to church, sitting in a coffee shop with a friend, and feeling free to do whatever. But we will prevail through this challenging time!
        Please continue your messages!

        • Robyn Dykstra on December 15, 2020 at 2:01 pm

          Thanks for reminding us all that we may be the only Jesus someone sees today Cindy. Great post!

  5. Linda Harlan on December 14, 2020 at 2:54 pm

    Hi Robyn! Merry Christmas to you and your family! I don’t get a chance to read every email right away but I save them to read later. You are so encouraging and uplifting and I really appreciate you taking the time to write these emails. Thank you Robyn!
    Linda

    • Robyn Dykstra on December 14, 2020 at 2:59 pm

      Thanks Linda. Merry Christmas to you and yours.

  6. Ruth Rottier on December 14, 2020 at 3:32 pm

    Thanks for your good ideas. Loved your comment “He makes a difference in our lives” So true!! I live alone but never feel “alone”. Loved your reminder in Matthew 28:20. Indeed He is with us ALWAYS! Our Christmas will be the same this year. I go to my son’s house on Christmas Eve for a steak dinner with my five grandchildren and it is always delightful.
    Wishing you and yours a very Blessed Christmas and New Year.

  7. Cindy K on December 14, 2020 at 3:57 pm

    Merry Christmas, Robyn! Thank you for sharing your messages…they are inspiring, thought provoking and wonderful.
    Thank you!
    Cindy

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