ISSUE14
THE
A MAGAZINE BY CONNECT GLOBAL
GOOD GRIEF
Moving forward when it feels impossible
Allowing the grace for yourself to rest
Focus on vision for the new year Gen Z is leading in their communities and in the church
THE
A MAGAZINE BY CONNECT GLOBAL
CONTENTS 02
WINTERING Al l owi ng yoursel f the grace to rest
REVISION
03
Our best days are ahead i f we have the courage to revi si t, refi ne, and reset our goal s,
07
GOOD GRIEF Movi ng forward when i t seems i mpossi bl e
09
EDUCATION AND DEVELOPMENT Gen Z i s i mpacti ng the worl d through servi ce and di sci pl eshi p
VISION
12
Mul ti pl yi ng I mpact and Fosteri ng Growth i n the New Year and beyond
COVER PHOTO: Javier, Danielle, and Saige in Dade City Florida BACK COVER PHOTO: Javier and Danielle Mendoza in Dade City
Editor in Chief Javier Mendoza
Contact PO BOX 47381 Tampa FL 33646
Writers, Contributors, and Editors Danielle Mendoza, Javier Mendoza
(214) 725-4352 Email: hello@connectglobal.org Website www.connectglobal.org
LETTER FROM THE EDITOR
As the long embrace of winter
Similarly, we can benefit from
settles around us, nature displays
shedding burdens and releasing
lessons about the beauty of rest,
the past. We sometimes hold
release of impediments, and the
ourselves back from the future
promise of renewal. Just as plants
we deserve by simply holding on
gracefully endure their season of dormancy, we, too, can learn the art of wintering—embracing moments of rest and rejuvenation for our own growth and renewal.
to something that no longer benefits us or serves our mission. Whether it be habits,
vibrantly after their wintering
relationships, or emotions— letting go allows us to lighten our load and make space for
Embracing Rest Without Guilt rest often carries a stigma of
Bloom Again: Finding Renewal
laziness or unproductivity. In fact,
In the natural world, winter is a
many are guilty of glamorizing
necessary phase for plants to
burnout and embracing stress as a
gather energy and nutrients,
flex. We can take a cue from plants
new life when spring arrives. Our
winter but rather replenish their
wintering periods are
strength beneath the surface. We can find strength in intentional rest. It's crucial to acknowledge the minds and bodies while letting go
nourishment and preparation for
release what weighs us down,
break. Embracing rest is not a sign
we position ourselves for a
of weakness but a vital part of our
magnificent new chapter to be
growth and resilience.
the concept of wintering with open hearts. It encourages us not to fear the periods of rest but to welcome them as as plants stand tall—more magnificent after their winter slumber—so, too, can we
When we intentionally rest and
of the guilt associated with taking a
Winter invites us to lean into
opportunities for growth. Just
opportunities for inner what is to come.
importance of rejuvenating our
stronger, wiser, and more
quieter moments or the
preparing to burst forth with
that don't cease to exist during
phase, we too can emerge beautiful.
new beginnings.
In our fast-paced world, the idea of
Just as plants bloom more
written.
emerge from our resting periods rejuvenated and ready to flourish. Allow yourself the grace to rest, release what no longer serves your future, and eagerly anticipate the season of
Letting Go to Move Forward
renewal ahead.
Winter teaches us the wisdom of letting go. Trees shed their leaves and flowers relinquish their blooms, surrendering to the cycle of change. THE CONNECTION MAGAZINE |
2024
revision
TEXT VISION TO
(844) 397-4679
Javier & Danielle Invite you to join us for a 5 day focus called ReVision! Each day will start with a new text about vision, faith, and our daily efforts to prepare for the future. In the journey of life, setbacks are often the unexpected detours that challenge our way forward. Yet it is in these moments of adversity that we often have the greatest opportunity to shape our future if we choose to respond with resilience and confidence. Our best days are ahead if we have the courage to revisit, refine, and reset our goals, especially when things just have not worked out the way we planned.
THE
CONNECTION A MAGAZINE BY CONNECT GLOBAL
text (844) 397-4679 email: hello@connectglobal.org www.connectglobal.org