Reflections on 2025 and stepping into 2026 with God's grace.

This year began like any other—steady, hopeful, full of plans. In March, a dream long held in my heart became real when my book was published. It felt like a quiet victory after years of prayer, writing, and perseverance.“Commit thy works unto the LORD, and thy thoughts shall be established.” — Proverbs 16:3 (KJV)

Not long after, Tim and I took a much-needed vacation to New Orleans. It was an adventure filled with laughter, rest, and memories we didn’t yet know we would cling to later.“He restoreth my soul.” — Psalm 23:3 (KJV)

When we returned home, life shifted abruptly. Within hours of each other, Tim lost two of his close friends. The shock of that loss had barely settled when my world was shaken again—my sister passed away in 2025. She was my last living sibling. With her passing, I became the only one left of the six of us. That truth still feels heavy, and there are moments it takes my breath away.“The LORD is nigh unto them that are of a broken heart; and saveth such as be of a contrite spirit.” — Psalm 34:18 (KJV)

Yet even in the midst of sorrow, God was still moving. I completed my associate’s degree—a goal reached through perseverance, late nights, and faith—and I continue pressing forward toward my bachelor’s degree, and eventually my master’s. Writing remains part of my obedience to God’s calling, with two more books I am prayerfully hoping to publish.“Being confident of this very thing, that he which hath begun a good work in you will perform it until the day of Jesus Christ.” — Philippians 1:6 (KJV)

In November, another dream took form when I opened my little store on Black Friday. What began as a vision became a place of hope, second chances, and community—a reminder that even after heartbreak, God still births new beginnings.“Behold, I will do a new thing; now it shall spring forth; shall ye not know it?” — Isaiah 43:19 (KJV)

Yet even that milestone came wrapped in trial. The Tuesday before the grand opening, my husband, his sister, and his brother-in-law had just finished going out to eat and were sitting at a red light when a distracted driver slammed into the back of my husband’s truck, totaling it instantly. They were shaken, bruised, and injured, and they are still healing from the impact—but they are alive. By God’s grace, their lives were spared.“The angel of the LORD encampeth round about them that fear him, and delivereth them.” — Psalm 34:7 (KJV)

Then December brought another trial. On December 7th, my husband suffered a heart attack. In an instant, fear tried to take hold. Plans stopped. Time slowed. Prayer became breath. Yet even in that terrifying moment, God was present—guiding the hands of doctors and steadying our hearts.“For I am the LORD that healeth thee.” — Exodus 15:26 (KJV)

Around that same time, the enemy tried to plague my body with illness and my spirit with exhaustion and doubt. Grief resurfaced. Weakness pressed in. But God carried me when I could not carry myself.“My grace is sufficient for thee: for my strength is made perfect in weakness.” — 2 Corinthians 12:9 (KJV)

This year also brought additional loss within our family, especially on my husband’s side, adding layers of sorrow we continue to walk through together. Grief seemed to touch nearly every season of this year—yet it never walked alone.“When thou passest through the waters, I will be with thee… when thou walkest through the fire, thou shalt not be burned.” — Isaiah 43:2 (KJV)

This year taught me that joy and sorrow often walk hand in hand. That faith does not remove the pain, but it does anchor the soul. That the enemy may try to steal, kill, and destroy—but God restores, heals, and sustains.“The thief cometh not, but for to steal, and to kill, and to destroy: I am come that they might have life, and that they might have it more abundantly.” — John 10:10 (KJV)

I am changed by this year: softened, stretched, broken in places, yet still standing. Still believing. Still trusting that beauty can rise from ashes, and that God is not finished with our story.“I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me.” — Philippians 4:13 (KJV)

Closing Prayer for 2025

Heavenly Father,

As this year comes to a close, we come before You with humbled and grateful hearts. You have seen every joy and every tear, every victory and every loss. You were with us in moments of celebration and in moments of deep sorrow.“The LORD is nigh unto them that are of a broken heart; and saveth such as be of a contrite spirit.” — Psalm 34:18 (KJV)

Thank You for carrying us through 2025—through grief, sickness, fear, and trials we never expected. When our strength failed, You remained faithful. When the road was dark, Your light still shone.“My grace is sufficient for thee: for my strength is made perfect in weakness.” — 2 Corinthians 12:9 (KJV)

Thank You for protection, for healing, and for mercy that met us each morning. Thank You for the dreams You fulfilled and the doors You opened, even in the midst of pain.“It is of the LORD’S mercies that we are not consumed, because his compassions fail not. They are new every morning.” — Lamentations 3:22–23 (KJV)

Lord, we lay every burden, every unanswered question, and every sorrow at Your feet. We trust You to redeem what was lost and to use it for Your glory.“Casting all your care upon him; for he careth for you.” — 1 Peter 5:7 (KJV)

As we close this year, we choose gratitude over despair and faith over fear. We thank You for walking with us through every valley and for never letting us walk alone.“The LORD shall preserve thy going out and thy coming in from this time forth, and even for evermore.” — Psalm 121:8 (KJV)

Into Your hands, Lord, we place all that 2025 has held.In Jesus’ precious name,Amen.

Opening Prayer for 2026

Heavenly Father,

As we step into a new year, we do so with faith and expectation—not in our own strength, but in Yours. We thank You for new beginnings and fresh mercies that greet us today.“This is the day which the LORD hath made; we will rejoice and be glad in it.” — Psalm 118:24 (KJV)

Lord, we invite You into every plan, every step, and every decision we make in 2026. Order our steps and align our hearts with Your will.“The steps of a good man are ordered by the LORD: and he delighteth in his way.” — Psalm 37:23 (KJV)

Give us wisdom to discern Your voice, courage to walk where You lead, and peace when the path feels uncertain.“Trust in the LORD with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding. In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths.” — Proverbs 3:5–6 (KJV)

Heal what is still tender, restore what has been broken, and renew our strength day by day.“But they that wait upon the LORD shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings as eagles.” — Isaiah 40:31 (KJV)

Help us to live with purpose, love deeply, serve faithfully, and trust You completely. May this year be marked by obedience, growth, healing, and unwavering faith.“Being confident of this very thing, that he which hath begun a good work in you will perform it until the day of Jesus Christ.” — Philippians 1:6 (KJV)

We step forward believing that You are not finished with us yet.In Jesus’ mighty name,Amen.