My Word for 2026: Joy

"Joy" was the first word that came to my mind as I was anticipating some focused time of prayer and fasting about my word for 2026. I think I wanted it to be "joy", because I was hoping for something positive to focus on after such a trying year of changes and grief. Though, "joy" comes with its own challenges as well. Just like any other word, it has to be intentional. It's not like it would guarantee a great/better year; nor does it mean that 2026 would be immune from anything less than joyful. It's not as comfortable and cushy as it seems. It's like when I got "hope" back in 2024. I thought it was generic and wishful thinking on my part. I felt the same way this time too. It seemed too simple and run-of-the-mill. I was critical of myself because I thought I hadn't done "enough" work or earned that word. Once again, I was starting to put unnecessary pressure and expectations on myself for this word (and for me to have it/share it before January hit). However, all of this was why I felt that nudge to re-read my 2023 word: "Enough."

Remembering "enough" took the pressure off of giving myself a deadline that I didn't need. As I've been abiding this past year, rest and healing has also been a big part of that. Giving myself the grace to rest and heal involves a lot of things; like saying "no" to people/things (as well as saying "yes" to other things and loving/forgiving others AND myself). I've been reminding myself to "sound like love" and not a clanging symbol. Legalism, perfectionism, and condemnation still likes to creep up on me. However, my peri-menopausal self is getting used to letting go more often (the "we do not care club" has been very helpful in that regard lol). Giving myself permission to matter, and care more about myself and my unmet needs, has been something that I've been growing in. Being in this peri-menopausal phase has emphasized that fact even more because it's literally just me and the Lord having my own back 100% of the time. My relationship with Him is the only one that truly saves, heals, and restores me in every way. There is nothing and no one else that I can count on to do that on a moment's notice. I can't get away from myself, and God is Emmanuel, so there ya go lol. Even when I let myself down, He won't. That's assuring!

Seeing Nehemiah 8:10 show up in my feed recently has been a refreshing confirmation; because I remind myself often that the JOY of the Lord is my STRENGTH. I've been thinking on it a lot (and hearing it a lot as songs have come up: Holy is the Lord, Find My Joy). Bible Hub does a great job of defining what it means, why joy is our strength, and HOW to practice it. When I feel depleted and weak, I think of this verse. I remember who He is and that He's my Joy. If I need more strength, I just keep thinking on all those "whatevers".  Isaiah 40:28 was another verse that came up in my social feed. Isaiah 40 was a previous word for me as well (back in 2020 when I first started doing this, actually). I thought about the strength of the Lord and how He renews me when I put my hope and trust in Him. That whole chapter of Isaiah continues to be a favorite of mine. 

In the final days of December, there were two "Our Daily Bread" devotionals that were too perfect for words. On the 29th, it was "Joyful Resilience" and on the 31st it was "Resolving to Do Less". I was absolutely awed and warmed to my core! You're better off reading them than I would be re-explaining them, so please take a look! Only God could have orchestrated this for me! Not only did he bring "joy" into focus for this new year, but He affirmed to me on the VERY LAST DAY all the growth and blessings that "abide" had brought me in 2025. That devotional used the same verse and word that I had been clinging to all year (it even shared the actual word, Menō, like I had in my own post!). The fact that it talked about rest and doing less was also assuring too. 

Some of the last "winks" in my direction were when I saw ads for my own organization in my feed. What is the tagline right now? "Give with Joy" lol. Ok, ok..... message received! I think it applies just as much to my job at The Salvation Army too. I've had to remind myself to work as unto the Lord; even if it's hard or I'm not in the best mood (because, again, perimenopausal horrendousness!). The last months of the year especially wear me out and I find it hard to find/give joy when I'm in the midst of the Christmas chaos (it's always the time where I most want to quit and never come back). Major Jean has been very helpful in reminding me that rest and balance is important; and that I never have to wear myself out for my job or put it above my own health and wellness. I have to remind her of the same thing as well; because as women, we take better care of each other than ourselves most of the time (and often fail at taking our own advice lol). Both of us will continue finding joy where God has placed us if we continue to prioritize times of rest in His presence (and rest from our labor). We have more joy to GIVE to those we serve when we are being strengthened by that "joy of the Lord."

To affirm it even further, I've been doing a new "Bible in a Year" plan on the Bible app. It's "The Bible with Nicky and Pippa Gumbel" (and I highly recommend them). Psalm 4 & 5 came up; and with it, some more "joy." Nicky Gumbel emphasized, "God alone is the true source of joy and peace." Yes, indeed He is! It also seems to me like He's building on "abide" (which is all about love) and that it only makes sense for joy and peace to be what follows. The fruit of the Spirit seems to be what keeps coming up.

Grace and peace (and JOY) to you, my friends! May this year be a blessed and joyful one! Even in times of grief and hardship, I pray that we can all find strength to get through and praise Him....our SOURCE of joy! Amen! God bless you!  

Mining for Gold

This has been a difficult, painful, emotional, and draining kind of week (or two) in so many ways. There were a lot of surprising, frustrating, and unexpected things that have occurred that have been very disappointing, shocking, and blood boiling. Though, there have also been good things that have also happened because of the unexpected. It's all a picture of how God truly does work things out for good for those love Him and are called according to His purpose (Romans 8:28). 

I'm glad I took this day off of work to rest; not only because I knew that I would get home late from last night's Casting Crowns concert, but because of the need to hit the "pause" button. I've been reflecting on everything with a lot of tears and intense emotions, but then it caused me to ask myself a few questions: Is this the lens I want to see this through? Is this what I want to dwell on and remember?

 

No, it isn't. In the mines of this current time, there are nuggets of priceless and precious gold. The dirt and darkness are part of the experience, but not the focal point. The objective is always to persevere through the tough stuff; the rock and the hard places. You find the gold when you don't give up and use the Light to banish the darkness. Jesus always illuminates the way when you carry Him with you and before you. He is the One that makes it possible for you to see, move, and push forward. Without Him, you're stuck; you can't get to the other side of the tunnel (and you certainly won't find any sparkling treasure to excavate). 

My daughter, Gianna, praising Jesus.

I'm choosing to look at the "haves" rather than "have nots"; the gems and not the pebbles and rocks. Yesterday, for example, didn't go as planned (over an hour jammed in traffic, among other things). We missed the first half of the concert. However, it really is about quality over quantity. The part we got to enjoy was so deep and rich. Our hearts were still full and the girls and I were blessed to share it with my Aunt Jennie. Apparently, she had had a rough day at the "mine" too, so we were all refreshed together by what we DID get to enjoy. We still heard some of the most touching songs ever; LIVE! I still got to see the peace and joy on my girls' faces as they soaked in God's presence and worshiped Him. I also got to unexpectedly share it with a family member that I love, treasure, and don't get to connect with very often (though, Gianna hogged her to herself as much as possible... but who can blame her lol?). Aunt Jennie is so much like Grandma; inside and out. The familiar warmth of her smile, hugs, and laughter was salve to my soul and her positivity and encouragement help lift the sadness from my day. That's what Grandma was always good at; she sure was a good "miner". I know that both of us strive to be the same way; and that only comes from the faith in Christ that we all share. Priceless and precious indeed!

Grace and peace to you, my friends! If you've been having a tough time in the mines too, I encourage you to focus on the gems rather than the dirt and rocks. Christ is the light! In Him, there is no darkness (1 John 1:5). Read the first chapter of 1st John today and be encouraged! There is light! There is hope, joy, and redemption! There is Jesus! God bless you!

Being a Force for Good

Today is the National Day of Prayer. It's also Star Wars Day (may the fourth be with you!). At first, it felt odd and awkward that these two days are sharing the spotlight. After thinking about it, however, I see how it's very fitting.

Every day, we need Jesus more than yesterday. His mercy, grace, joy, and peace are all things that we desperately need; even more than the air we breathe. Without Him, we have no hope...because He IS hope....our "only hope." Ponder these verses from Lamentations 3:22-24:

Because of the Lord’s great love we are not consumed,

for his compassions never fail.

 

They are new every morning;

great is your faithfulness.

 

I say to myself, “The Lord is my portion;

therefore I will wait for him.”

Let that sink in. Because of His unfailing love and compassion, we are not consumed. The dark side of this world can't eat us alive or rob us of the victory that was accomplished on the cross. Every new day is a fresh new display of His faithfulness and goodness. He renews and restores our souls and gives us our portion of grace for the day; whatever that daily bread looks like, He provides it like He did the manna for the Israelites.

We live in a time where it's easy to become discouraged and depressed. We look at the sith lords in power and feel like we'll forever be dominated by greed, power, and war. Yes, tyranny and injustice is hard to witness; but we do not have to be consumed by it. The previous verses remind us of where our hope and joy is found and Psalm 23 tells us who takes care of us. The government doesn't have our backs (and probably never will) but the Lord, our Good Shepherd, always does!

If we truly want to see change, we have to go to the source: our hearts. In 2 Chronicles 7:14, the ever popular verse for this day, we see how to do that: 

 

If my people, who are called by my name, will humble themselves 

and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, 

then I will hear from heaven, and I will forgive their sin and will heal their land.

 

Don't just glaze over the words here. There is some HEAVY stuff in it and we won't see change until we're truly putting these commands into practice. We need to HUMBLE ourselves; that means surrendering and laying down our pride. We need to pray; opening our hearts listen and obey as we earnestly seek His face. That means, pursuing Him, knowing Him, and obeying Him and His commands. That's where the next part comes in; turning away from our wicked ways (repentance). Only then can He heal our land when we confess and repent of our sins and ask for forgiveness. It doesn't matter what the government makes legal or illegal. What matters is that WE obey God and repent from our own wickedness. If we SEEK Him in prayer and in His Word, we will KNOW what is right and wrong. We will see things change because people will be living according to God's commands even if they're not the "law of the land."

If there's anything that we can learn from Star Wars, it's that there is always going to be evil and conflict in this fallen world. We should keep fighting the good fight until our dying breath (1 Timothy 6:12, 2 Timothy 4:7). Jesus already gave us the victory and we can do all things through Christ who strengthens us (Philippians 4:13). Keep your armor on (Ephesians 6:10-18) and stay connected with other believers; no one is meant to fight alone! To battle the darkness around us, and within us, remember 1 John 4:4: 

 

You, dear children, are from God and have overcome them, 

because the one who is in you is greater than the one who is in the world.

 

This One that is in you, friends, is the Holy Spirit! He's always with you and never leaves you. He is supreme, sovereign, perfect, and REAL! He's beyond anything "the Force" could ever be....and He's living in YOU! Isn't that amazing?! Or, if you have yet to know Him (and would like to invite Him into your heart) please don't wait any longer! Confess with your mouth and believe in your heart that Jesus is Lord and that God raised Him from the dead. Accept and believe in Him as your Savior and you will be saved (Romans 10:9-10)! Confess your sins to Him; He is faithful and just to forgive you and cleanse you from all unrighteousness (1 John 1:9). Your name will be recorded in the Book of Life and the Holy Spirit will come to live in your heart right away! He's the deposit guaranteeing what is to come!! You will belong to Jesus and His family! Be sure you contact me (or another strong Christian friend that you know) and tell them about your decision for Christ so that you will have someone to walk with you on your journey and help you take your next steps of faith!

 

Grace and peace to you, my friends! We are a "force" for good in this world when we are living according to the Spirit (Romans 8:3-5). Let's pray hard today, and every day; surrendering ourselves to the will of God as we repent and seek His face! Amen!

 

 

Fresh Joy!

It’s a rarity when I get a pleasant moment with my 3 and a half year old daughter. She’s strong-willed and stubborn (“where does she get that from?” - yeah, I know LOL). However, there are those rare times where her sweetness/cuteness really shines through and I can see God working in her. Today, I experienced one of those moments with her:

I was washing the dishes (a chore I hate to do and that aggravates my back and neck pain). I tried to make the chore a happier one by listening to some praise and worship music and singing to my sweet Jesus. As I finished up the last of the dishes, Gianna pulled up a chair next to me and stood on it. She gave me a hug, laid her head on my shoulder, and then stood on her tip-toes to give me a kiss. I looked at her bright blue eyes and her adorable little smile and was grateful for her sweetness. Then, she eagerly asked me if she could wash the dishes (Oooo!! Every parent’s dream! LOL). Well, I let her “wash” the last item I had in my hand, and then decided I would let her help me dry the dishes. I had her wash her grubby hands first, and then I got her a towel and we both got to work.

Taking advantage of the moment, I tried to show her how to dry them off. She was so excited about “helping” that she couldn’t (and wouldn’t) pay attention to any instructions. She barely dried anything that she put her hands on! Then, she would hand them to me as I tried to dry what she missed (which was pretty much everything!). I couldn’t keep up with her because she was just rushing through everything she could grab!! I told her to slow down and to wait. She needed those constant reminders in order to control her enthusiasm a little. In fact, she reminded me a lot of myself.

That’s when God showed me what my “enthusiasm” was like. While it IS a good thing, I need to slow down and wait a lot more often. If I get ahead of myself (or God) we are going to be out of sync. I’ll make more work for Him, myself, and others around me if I rush through things. He’ll have to stop me more often to correct me and show me how to do things right. If I don’t listen, my efforts won’t amount to much and He’ll have to keep cleaning up the stuff I missed in my haste. How grateful I am for His patience and willingness to teach me!!

The other thing I realized is just how thrilled Gianna was by a task that most of us do not enjoy. New things often have that thrill to them. It may be old hash to someone else, but it’s brand spankin’ new to the one who‘s trying it for the first time! Though, over time (and with maturity) the newness loses its luster and we become comfortable in it the more experience we get and the more we perfect our technique. It’s a double edged sword. While I can look forward to the fact that she will do a better job at the task, her joy in doing it might wane. I remember when my Mom first showed me how to do dishes, I thought it was exciting and fun because you got to wash all the crud away and see the cleanness revealed as you rinsed everything off the dishes. I felt like Cinderella; a beautiful, dutiful, and helpful princess! Being able to serve and fulfill a need or purpose made me feel important. Maybe that’s one reason Gianna is enjoying it (or enjoying pressing the button on the dryer, throwing away trash whenever she sees it, or sweeping up bits of stuff on the floor). She is learning to serve out of a sense of purpose and joy. As that is refined, she will get better in her maturity. Yet, it’s that maturity that somehow causes one to lose that joy that we had when we were learning and engaging the very first time.

Trying to instruct her “majesty” was MY great joy. I got to share a moment with her, and it also made the task go faster. It served as an opportunity for both of us to accomplish something and to try and bond in our relationship (thank You, Father, for hearing my prayers about that!). It further emphasized the importance of engaging with God and nurturing my relationship/friendship with Him by communicating, listening, and enjoying His presence and instruction through prayer. Through my growing maturity, that relationship gets better and I am refined by Him and growing stronger in my faith. However, I don’t want to lose the joy of my “first love” in the process of “maturing“. I don‘t want to “mellow out“ with age. The eagerness and newness is what makes the relationship so fresh and beautiful. I don’t want to lose my passion, joy, and enthusiasm!! Sometimes, I’m “extreme”, but I want to learn how to better contain it, not constrain it! “I’ve got the joy, joy, joy, joy, down in my heart………to stay!!” So there!! LOL

I truly want to have faith like a child because with children, we see how great the simple daily things can be when we take joy in it. All the “meaningless” things “under the sun” can have NEW meaning if we just keep coming back to the joy of that “first time.” Psalm 51:12 puts it perfectly: “Restore unto me the joy of thy salvation; and uphold me with thy free spirit.”

Grace and peace to all of you!! May we all be able to delight in the Lord (and in the simple things) by remembering the joy of the “first time.” May your maturity in Christ only increase your enthusiasm and passion for Him; and fill you with “fresh joy“ every day!! God bless you all!!