Get ready for the mending...

As we step into a new year, let's embrace the fresh start with hearts full of hope and faith.
January is a time to reflect on the blessings of the past year and set our intentions for the days ahead. May this month be filled with renewed strength and a deeper connection with God’s purpose for our lives.

Marlena

Restore Joy, because Joy Restores

LONG POST ALERT... LOL

Last week I was challenged to select ONE WORD as a catalyst for all I wish to achieve this year. There's so much I wish to do, but the truth is, I desire most to be closest to God, in full health, and recope what I had lost.

The word God laid on my heart for this season: Restore. This word carries such depth and promise, and I pray it encourages and uplifts you as much as it has me.

Psalm 51:12 says, “Restore to me the joy of your salvation, and uphold me with a willing spirit.”

David’s heartfelt prayer reminds us that joy restores. The joy of salvation—the deep happiness that comes from knowing we are redeemed and loved by God—is the foundation of our faith. It is His gift to us, and it has the power to renew what feels lost, repair what feels broken, and multiply His blessings in ways we cannot imagine.

Last year, I experienced this truth in a very personal way. I didn’t know that I would lose my mom just after the New Year on January 2nd. Our Christmas holiday was spent moving between home and the hospital, but even in those challenging days, God allowed us moments of pure joy. One of the most endearing acts of kindness was watching my husband put on a bright green onesie to bring a smile to my mom’s face. He even took pictures in it! Her smile radiated with joy, filling the room with warmth despite her pain. That moment reminded me that even in the hardest times, joy can restore our spirits.

This year, I encourage you to embrace joy in all its forms—give it freely, share it openly, and receive it fully from God. Find joy in your daily activities: take a walk, discover something new, help someone in need, or simply allow yourself to delight in the little things. Be intentional about connecting with God, focusing on His blessings, and limiting negativity. Joy doesn’t erase our struggles, but it renews our hearts and fills us with hope.

Restoration is God’s gift to us in every area of our lives—our calling, relationships, health, dreams, and daily walk with Him.

This year, let us open our hearts to His renewing power and allow Him to restore the joy of our salvation. Let us radiate that joy to others, becoming His instruments of grace and love in the world.

May your year be filled with abundant joy, unwavering faith, and the unshakable promise of restoration. Together, let’s walk boldly into 2025, trusting in the God who restores all things.

NEW RECIPES LOADING

I do believe I'm onto something with this new BRIOCHE BREAD recipe I've made ang gifted FOR THE FIRST TIME this holiday. Stay tuned... It'll be posted soon.

WHAT OTHER RECIPES
DO YOU WANT TO SEE THIS YEAR?

2025 Vision Brewing?

Why not start a draft and download the FREE Vision Planning Worksheet.

Note: The Vision Planning Guide is embedded within the Abiding Grace 2025 Planner. So when you're ready to put it into action, get the planner for the second step of accountability - and BE ASSURED that God is embedded throughout the journey with you.

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