Joy is On It’s Way to You!
Every day, no matter where I am, I love to lace up my shoes and take a walk. It clears my head, opens my heart, and gives God a little extra room to speak. Usually at this time of year, I am in beautiful South Florida, and let me tell you, the Christmas Eve weather is perfect for a good power-walk. Somewhere along the way, I decided to get a little adventurous. Let’s add a few more blocks, I thought. But after those extra steps, I looked around and realized—well—I was a bit lost. The only way to get back was to retrace the path that got me there in the first place. It made the walk longer, but honestly, I enjoyed every moment.
As I finally approached the condo, something unexpected happened. A woman in an SUV pulled right in front of me, rolled down her window, and said, “Somebody told me to give this to somebody, and you are it!” She handed me a card with CHRISTMAS JOY on the front… and inside was a fifty-dollar bill.
Talk about JOY showing up unannounced.
And right there on the sidewalk, the Lord whispered a few lessons that I think you might need today:
1. Even when you feel lost, your detour may be divine.
If I hadn’t added those extra blocks, I may never have crossed paths with that blessing. Your “off course” moment might be the very route God uses to reach you.
2. You can always find your way home by remembering what got you to where you are.
Sometimes the path back is simply retracing God’s faithfulness in your life.
3. When you feel out of touch or unsure, just keep walking.
You never know—this might be the very day you run into your blessing.
So lift your head, fill your heart with hope, and keep putting one foot in front of the other.
JOY is on its way to YOU!
Year in Review 2025
Every year teaches us something, but some years shape us. This past year has been one of those shaping seasons- a slow and steady work of God beneath the surface. My keyword or theme for 2025 was "established". As I reflect upon this year, so many things have been established by the presence and power of God. Maybe you’ve felt the same. Maybe your life has held moments of joy, moments of stretching, and moments where you wondered what God was doing. If so, take heart. You’re not alone, and God has been far more present than you realize. Here are some of the simple truths I have learned that may also resonate with you.
1. God establishes what I place in His hands.Again and again, I saw that when I surrender my plans, my ministry, my emotions, and even my uncertainties, God steadies me. He really does secure, settle, and provide in ways that go far beyond what I can see.
2. I’m stronger than the seasons I walk through.There were moments that stretched me: loss, transition, loneliness, and shifting environments. Yet every time I thought I might break, I found resilience rising in me. Not because life felt easy, but because God met me right where I was.
3. Small, faithful steps matter more than big, perfect ones.Community calls, leader connections, prayer sessions, quiet encouragements: these weren’t spectacular moments, but they added up. Fruit grew in hidden places because I showed up with consistency.
4. Grief and gratitude can coexist.This year reminded me that it’s ok to feel the ache of what’s changed while still thanking God for what remains. Letting grief move through me-without rushing it-became a form of healing all its own.
5. My calling hasn’t changed - only the scenery has.Even as teams shifted and roles evolved, the core of who God created me to be stayed steady. Shepherding, encouraging, equipping, caring; these things are woven into me no matter what’s happening around me.
6. Rest is holy, not optional.From fasting to long walks to quiet mornings, I rediscovered the power of slowing down. Rest didn’t make me less productive-it made me whole.
7. I am never without purpose, even in uncertain places.There were days I wondered if I still fit, still mattered, or still had anything valuable to offer. Yet God kept placing people in my path who needed what I carry. Purpose showed up in conversations, prayers, guidance, and unexpected “only God” moments.
8. Change is not proof of loss - sometimes it is preparation.As people came and went, as departments shifted, and as old chapters closed, I learned not to fear transition. God was pruning, realigning, and preparing me for something deeper and stronger.
9. Love still leads me.Whether it was compassion for hurting friends, joy in family moments, or simple acts of kindness, love threaded through every month. It reminded me that ministry is not a task - it is a heart posture.
10. Hope is my steady companion.Even when emotions dipped, hope kept whispering that God wasn’t done. And He wasn’t. He kept opening doors, creating connections, and building something inside me that isn’t easily shaken.
Perhaps this could have been the overall theme of the year:“Establishing a new season through faith, perseverance, and quiet transformation.”
Big Decisions
Making big decisions can be daunting, but with the right approach, it can also be an empowering process. Of course the first thing you should do is pray. Ask the Lord to show you the path you should take. While you are listening and seeking His plan, here are some tips to help you navigate this journey effectively:
Clarify Your Goals: Before diving into decision-making, take time to reflect on your ultimate goals. What do you hope to achieve? Understanding your long-term vision can provide clarity and context.
Gather Information: Arm yourself with relevant information. Research all aspects related to your decision, from potential risks to benefits. This includes consulting experts or seeking advice from those with experience.
Evaluate Alternatives: List out all possible options and weigh their pros and cons. Consider short-term and long-term consequences for each alternative to ensure a well-rounded view.
Trust Your Intuition: While facts are critical, don't ignore your gut feelings. Often, intuition can provide insights that logic might miss. And since you started this by praying, God can direct the feelings you have.
Seek Feedback: Discuss your options with trusted friends or mentors who can offer diverse perspectives. Sometimes a fresh viewpoint can shed light on aspects you hadn’t considered.
Visualize Outcomes: Imagine the potential outcomes of each option. How will they impact your life, and are you comfortable with those changes?
Make the Decision: Once you've analyzed all aspects, commit to your choice. Embrace it with confidence, knowing you've put in the effort to arrive at a well-informed decision.
Reflect and Learn: After making your decision, take time to reflect on the process and outcomes. What did you learn, and how can it aid future decisions?
By following these steps, you can tackle big decisions with a structured approach, reducing stress and increasing the likelihood of a positive outcome.