Happy New Year. 🎉
It’s the first full week of January 2026. How are you doing—really?
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Dave and I arrived home this weekend, and as I was settling back in, I found myself thinking about years past. There was a season when we spent the final days of the year and January 1 together in a retreat-like space—quiet, reflective, unhurried.
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As I closed out 2025 and stepped into 2026, I realized how much I missed that. We haven’t had that opportunity for several years now, and the ache surprised me.
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So I’m curious about you.
How did you do closing out 2025?
What did you notice in your heart as the calendar turned?

Consider

For the last few months, I’ve been slowly working through The Freedom of Surrender by Mary DeMuth. It’s a 40-day devotional, and it’s been gently challenging me—especially in areas where I still want control more than I want trust.
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One section that stopped me in my tracks was about surrendering finances. Mary writes about how all provision ultimately comes from God—that He owns it all, and we are simply stewards. When we’re consumed with building our own little empires, anxiety creeps in. But when we become captivated by God’s Kingdom and live for more than money-driven outcomes, something holy settles in—shalom.
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She’s honest, too. We live in a world centered on commerce. Social media constantly whispers that we don’t have enough. Every one of us wrestles with provision. That struggle doesn’t mean we lack faith—it means we’re human.
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Surrendering this part of our lives is part of discipleship. It’s choosing trust over striving. And the pathway of surrender, she says, requires learning the art of contentment… which is no small thing in a world swimming in discontent.

Reflect

Psalm 23 reminds us of a simple, grounding truth:
“The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want.”
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Jesus is our Provider.
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This week, I invite you to read Psalm 23—maybe once, maybe several times. As you do, let the imagery settle in.
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What are the green pastures God is giving you right now?
Where are the still waters restoring your soul?
What does the table He’s prepared for you look like in this season?
And where do you most need your Good Shepherd to show up?
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There’s no rush here. Just notice.

🙏🏻 May I pray for you?

Dear God, Thank You for the gift of a new year. Thank You for reminding Reader that new beginnings are possible, that fresh starts are real, and that You are already present in this one. As Reader steps into this year, open Reader’s eyes to see how You are providing in every area of Reader’s life. Give Reader words of praise when things feel light—and when things feel heavy. In all things, You are faithful, true, and near. We praise Your name. Amen.