I have to admit, these last few weeks have been heavy. It’s not the way I hoped to start 2026, but what year ever starts the way we hope? Many of us have watched the news and felt our stomachs drop. Stories of violence, fear, uncertainty....

Happy New Year! I’m going to admit to you right now… most of my New Year’s Eves have been spent at home… with lots of junk food… and me being in bed by 11:15pm (If I make it that far). I feel weird about that sometimes. I have for years. It feels like I should be partying with friends, silly string, noise makers, and raucous celebrations! I guess our culture and media sort of impresses that upon us. As the years pass by, I find myself feeling more content with my New Year’s Eve celebrations.

As part of my formation journey a practice that I have been intentional about is Sabbath and spending more time to slow down and honor that. The desire had become stronger and stronger, and I felt it was important to honor and listen to the prompting in my spirit. He was calling me to take time and create a deeper relationship with Him through being intentional with my time so I could listen. Truly listen.    So, to honor that prompt, I recently took some time to be alone and truly make...