Happy New Year! Like me, do you feel as though the year whizzed by? As the year draws to a close, I’m reflecting on the many things for which I’m grateful.
I can hardly believe this is my last blog post for 2023. Like me, do you feel as though the year whizzed by? It’s been a hum-dinger both globally and personally, but God’s promises have carried me through and given calm in chaos. I pray you’ve found the same to be true in your life.
As the year draws to a close, I’m reflecting on the many things for which I’m grateful.
Professionally, I’m thankful for…
You, my readers. Thank you for your support, encouraging words, and prayers. With the plethora of resources available at your fingertips, I’m humbled that you choose to read my offerings.
My publisher, Aspire Press, and the staff whose vision and diligence bring clarity and beauty to my books so they can add clarity and beauty to your life.
My next book becoming available to you on July 9, 2024. Names of God: Living Unafraid changed my life as I wrote it, and I know it will bless you, too. Put it on your list for book clubs and as a small group resource.
The opportunity to write Bible study lessons for First 5, teach the Word through the Your Daily Bible Verse podcast, and participate as a regular contributor for Mornings with Jesus. I just signed a contract to write for the 2026 edition.
Sandra, my genius neighbor who’s in the process of building me a new website and developing a fresh look for all my social media platforms. I’ll let you know when it launches.
Personally, I’m grateful for…
Good health and a good gym within reasonable distance.
The spectacular sunrises and sunsets I see from my boat-home bring me great joy.
Sailor-Man’s continued recovery from brachytherapy, a one-time radiation treatment for prostate cancer.
The births of two wee granddaughters, Sarah Joy in May and Isabelle (Izzy) Grace in June. I’m now “Grandma” to thirteen precious grands. The oldest turned sixteen yesterday.
The opportunity to spend nearly twelve weeks with my youngest daughter, lending a hand while her husband has done medical residency out-of-town.
The office administrator who joined our ministry staff in July. Her presence makes it possible to expand our overseas volunteer opportunities in 2024. For those who don’t know, my husband directs International Messengers Canada, a missionary sending agency with nearly 300 career staff working in more than 25 countries. Together we train and lead short-term teams to host evangelistic English-learning summer camps in Eastern Europe and the Middle East.
These lists are by no means complete, but they offer a sampling of God’s faithfulness in the past twelve months through all their ups and downs.
Happy New Year, my friend! I’ll be back next week to reveal my “one-word” for 2024.
How about you?
Have you made a gratitude list for 2023?
If not, take a few minutes to do so and reflect on God’s faithfulness to you. It’s good for the soul.
Know you are loved,
Grace
The news headlines tell us that we’re living in unbelievably chaotic days. My latest devotional books provide biblical hope and encouragement when our minds feel like they’re on overload.
The news headlines tell us that we’re living in unbelievably chaotic days. My latest devotional books provide biblical hope and encouragement when our minds feel like they’re on overload.
Too often we think we need to be strong, brave, super-talented, or super-educated for God to use us, but Bible story after Bible story proves this wrong.
As we walk this road of change and uncertainty, let’s admit our strength is not enough. And make it our goal, to do it in the Holy Spirit’s supernatural power.
Anna–a senior Romanian woman I met three times–wasn’t sitting on the bench outside her home today as I’d hoped. The bench was gone, and her door was tied shut.
