HEAVENSREEF

Years ago I stopped making resolutions.  Why do this when by February they are already broken?  And so I began to embrace a word that GOD led me to.  I look for the word being repeated in my devotions, or Bible or even walking into a store!  I ask GOD to reveal it to me and sure enough in HIS infinite wisdom HE has shown me many words over the years.  And the amazing thing about it is that by year’s end I am sad to let the words go!  Always the word or words are very fitting to the season I am in.  

I had the word JOY  over a decade ago.  And for some reason it popped up again, however this time GOD showed me, no, not just JOY, but BRAVE JOY. 

Often I don’t see what I will learn from my word, but over the course of the year, GOD shows me and I learn so much to carry with me through the years.  This past year one of my words was connection. 

Today thinking back on 2025 I see all the amazing Christian women that GOD crossed my path with.  Some have become wonderful dear friends, new friends that we should continue to make throughout our lifetimes.  I encourage you today to look back just for a moment and see how faithful GOD was last year.  Stand upon HIS promises to you so you can move forward in 2026 with gratitude, purpose and strength of heart.

NEHEMIAH 8:  10  “DO NOT GRIEVE, FOR THE JOY OF THE LORD IS YOUR STRENGTH.”

I came across the above scripture one morning that seemed to relate to my chosen: BRAVE JOY. In our pain and sadness, the joy of the LORD, our salvation is ever present.  You can find joy in the midst of the pain, for I am currently living this.

JOY AND A BROKEN HEART CAN COEXIST!

The joy of the LORD is my strength, my witness and my future.  And I want to learn to walk through the heartache with joy, only the joy and strength of heart that GOD can give. But right now I only see myself doing this with some courage, a willingness to change, to submit to GOD’S refining and take one brave step into the future.

GOD LEADS US INTO UNKNOWN TERRITORY THAT IS BEST FOR US!

JOHN 16:  13   “BUT WHEN HE, THE SPIRIT OF TRUTH, COMES, HE WILL GUIDE YOU INTO ALL THE TRUTH.”

The truth is, we are all sinners and need a SAVIOR and a perfect ONE too.  And here is the joy part!  JESUS has come and keeps coming for us, you and me and HE never leaves us the way HE found us!  

ROMANS 15:  13   “MAY THE GOD OF HOPE FILL YOU WITH ALL JOY AND PEACE IN BELIEVING, SO THAT BY THE POWER OF THE HOLY SPIRIT YOU MAY ABOUND IN HOPE.”

Try to focus this year on a word or even a scripture that speaks to you.  Sit with it a while and ask GOD to show you the fruit from it and to develop it within your heart.  Then watch and pay attention to how your internal self and heart changes over time.  GOD is so very good that way.

Blessings to all for a fruitful 2026.  Let’s move forward together in peace and hope!  Draw nearer to GOD this year because HE is the ONE who loves you now and forevermore!

JEREMIAH 31:  3  “I HAVE LOVED YOU WITH AN EVERLASTING LOVE; THEREFORE I HAVE DRAWN YOU WITH LOVING DEVOTION.”