As we move into 2011, I wonder what you are planning for your spiritual growth. What I've found is that if I don't have a plan, I don't accomplish much. If you're looking for a practical step to take this year, I want to encourage you to connect to a greater extent here at Dayspring. You're probably familiar with our motto: Reaching, Connecting, Growing. The order is significant. If you've been "reached," and you are a recipient of God's grace, then the next step is connecting with others in Christ. That's the order: 1. Reaching, 2. Connecting, 3. Growing. In this week's Message About Purpose and Strategy, I want to encourage you to consider making a commitment to join one of our Growth Groups. There are many different ways to connect here, but we are especially highlighting our Growth Groups at the start of this new year. Growth Groups are a great way to develop authentic relationships with others as you discuss the application of God's Word to your lives. If you are not connected, it will be very hard to grow. But when you are connected and growing, you will find yourself motivated to reach out to others. The steps are a never-ending cycle. Our spiritual growth is manifested in reaching out in love to more and more people. So, this year, make a plan to connect, so you can grow and then reach others.