Frozen Lasagne
In a world of reality tv shows, influencers and cameras everywhere (with eyes wanting to watch always)- the pressure of wanting to have the picture perfect home, the instagram-worthy supper complete with directions in the comments- is very real. The fear of being judged because our meal wasn’t “nutritious enough for the kids”, or maybe its the fear of someone thinking Martha Mays kitchen sink was shinier than theirs. It’s real.
For some of us, it might be hard to believe that people live this way, that they care that much what other people think. But not all of us come from the same place. Not all of were raised in homes that taught us that we are enough, just the way we are and that true happiness comes not from getting what you want, but wanting what you have. There are those who struggled to be accepted by their own parents, teaching them to strive for that affection. Deep down, we all crave it. Maybe not from our parents anymore, but maybe its a spouse. A friend. We want to be loved and valued.
You want a giant exhale moment? Hear this: Our value isn’t found in our kitchens. It’s not found on our social feed or our instagram grid. It’s not determined by how clean our house is, what kind of career we have, or how big our social circle is. Our value is actually found at the feet of Jesus, where we discover who we’ve always been: deeply loved, fully known and sought after, and intentionally created for His glory. Grasp this truth and (inhale deeeeeeeep breath)…you won’t really care that Sally brought over a cobbler in a Le Creuset that costs more than your weekly salary and sat it down on a counter next to a sink full of dirty dishes because the night before, you chose to sit down and talk to your kids after dinner and a busy work day and got caught up working a puzzle together so oops, the dishes sat overnight but it’s ok, because there’s always tomorrow. The whole Mary, Martha thing, you know.
All of this to say: Stay focused on what really matters. Life is short, make it sweet. Eat the cobbler and compliment the beautiful ridiculously expensive Le Creuset. And be happy with your dirty Pyrex still in the sink.
I’m going to enjoy this quiet night with my husband. We’re having frozen lasagna, and not because I made it ahead of time and saved it for a later time, but because I grabbed it from the freezer section of Food Lion. Minimal dishes to wash and extra time for a movie. WIN!
See picture for inspiration.
Love you, mean it.
Lynn
Goodbye, July… sorry, sloppy joe.
Like an old friend, the month came in, gave me some of the best memories, then I blinked and it was gone.But I’m carrying some pretty awesome things with me into August.
As with everything in life, you blink and you just might miss it. The older I get, the truer this becomes. My days looked like one of those photos you see that looks like it was smudged while still wet. A blur. The challenge became to grab hold of one moment from each day and tuck it into a pocket in my brain somewhere, hopefully to be pulled out and reminisced over one day in my future.
One of these mental photos includes some pretty disappointed faces when hubby served up his “famous” sloppy joes. When I say my flabber was GHASTED and APPALLED when not everyone at the table loved them- I kid you not. Like how can you not like sloppy joes? I mean, I do prefer the manwhich stuff straight from the can (it’s ok, I already told Matt and he forgives me) but to straight up dislike- insert big sigh here. It’s ok. If we were all the same and had the same tastes, how boring this big old sphere would be. I like variety in my life. So we went from sloppy joes one night to carne con papas burritos another. *Rae has entered the chat. And brought the spice with her! MADRE MIAAAA those things were good. Tucked away into my mental photo album. Oh, and she requested Matt’s spaghetti as her “last meal” (hopefully at least 50 years from now) so it’s ok that the sloppy joe flopped I guess. I’m not bitter. Really.
July also gave me something else: the hardest physical challenge I have had so far in my 50 ½ years (yes, even harder than the Murph, which might I add, I also did for the first time this year)- hiking over 12 miles in the Dolly Sods Wildnerness. So many lessons left the trail with me that day, the biggest one being: your partner matters. I was blessed to be able to do it with Matt- who at 52 is in the best shape of his life and pushes me (lovingly) to do the hard things, because he knows I’m stronger than I think. Doing the hard things, and overcoming obstacles together is a different kind of bonding experience. By mile 9, I was REALLY feeling it. My legs ached, my lower back and even my hips hurt, my feet had started to cramp- and Matt kept saying “Let me have your pack,” to which I would respond “No- I got this.” This exact conversation took place approximately 25 times. Same conclusion everytime. Every mile felt like 2 or 3. It was full on mental at this point. I was constantly talking to myself in my head, *you CAN do this, you ARE stronger than you think, KEEP GOING* It was literally a game of putting one foot in front of the other for the last 2 miles and I was not going to lose. Matt and I crossed “the end” together. With my backpack still on MY back!! We did it. I did it. I wanted to cry but didn’t have the energy. I was exhausted, but I was proud. I felt accomplished. If I could only pick a handful of pictures from my memory album, this would be one of them. To commemorate the bond that comes from doing hard things together. My favorite comrade. My partner in life. In ministry. In everything.
July brought time with God that revealed themes and plans and studies. Time spent in preparation for big things ahead that I believe hold the power to change lives, marriages, homes. It brought me clarity on things that held some confusion and it brought me peace where originally there was doubt and anxiety.
The separation and quiet that allowed me to focus on God without distraction doesn’t really come with a “photo” so to speak. But if I had to describe what it would look like in my mental photo album, it would be rocky trails with mountains in the distance and my strong husband leading the way. No smudges or blurs. Crystal clear.
I’m entering August with expectation and peace.I’m entering it feeling accomplished and ready for the next thing. Thanks, July. And again- my sincerest apologies to the great Sloppy Joe.
July- Between memories and the Unknown
I've always thought July feels like it's split into two completely different seasons.
The beginning of the month is filled with family. Vacation. Cookouts. Lake days. Grandchildren laughing. Late nights and pictures that somehow never capture just how sweet the moments really were.
The end of the month is something entirely different.
Calendars spread across the table.
Planners open.
Dreams written in pencil.
Prayers whispered over things that don't exist yet.
This July has been no different in some ways, and completely different in others..
Family vacation looked a little different this year.
When your children are grown, you quickly learn that getting everyone in one place at the same time is no small feat. Jobs, schedules, responsibilities, and life have a way of pulling everyone in different directions.
This year, we couldn't all be together at the same time.
and…
I pouted.
Not because I wasn't thankful, but because sometimes your heart can be grateful and disappointed at the same time. I wanted every conversation, every meal, every laugh, every memory. But I’ve been reminded that I still have my family. All my babies, all my grand babies. So, I’m ok if we can’t always get together at the same time. At least I have the blessing of knowing they are ok, healthy. God gently reminded me that memories aren't measured by how many days you're present. They're measured by how present you are in the days you have.
This is still one of my favorite times of the year. The family time, then the dreaming, the planning.
I love dreaming with my husband, and with God.
I've spent the last couple of weeks mapping out another year of Godly Gals Connection. Every monthly gathering has been prayed over, and I can't wait to watch God move in the lives of the women He brings through those doors.
I've also settled on the theme for next year's Godly Gals Conference, and I can honestly say it's one of my favorites yet. Every year I pray that the conference isn't just another event, but a catalyst that sends women back into their homes, churches, workplaces, and communities more equipped to live for Christ.
We're also preparing for something new this fall: a marriage conference. That has been exciting to dream about with Matt as we pray through what God wants to do in the lives of couples.
On paper, it sounds like a full season.
And it is.
But...
I still have this feeling.
It's hard to explain.
It's almost like standing at the edge of something you can't quite see yet.
I have this quiet sense that God is preparing something new. Maybe something bigger than I've imagined. Or maybe not bigger...just different.
The funny thing is, He hasn't told me what it is.
Not yet.
The planner has blank spaces.
My prayers have unanswered questions.
My heart has expectation without explanation.
Years ago, that uncertainty would have made me anxious. I would have tried to figure it out, force a direction, or fill every empty space with my own plans.
Now?
I'm learning that not knowing isn't the same as being lost.
Sometimes God lets us sit in the waiting because the waiting prepares us for the revealing.
So for now...
I wait.
Not with frustration.
Not with fear.
But with expectation.
Because I've walked with Him long enough to know this: when He stirs something in your spirit before He shows it to your eyes, He's usually already working behind the scenes.
So I'll keep planning what's in front of me.
I'll keep loving the people He's placed around me.
I'll keep serving faithfully where He has me today.
And when He's ready...
He'll reveal what's next.
Until then, I'll wait expectantly.
love,
Lynn
Beautiful Things Happen When Women Find Community
There are nights that feel encouraging.
And then there are nights that feel meaningful.
This past GGC gathering felt meaningful.
Not because everything was perfect. Not because we had some huge production or emotional moment. But because there was such a genuine sense of women connecting, opening up, encouraging one another, and beginning to see that there’s a place for them here.
One of the most special parts of the evening was introducing several ministries we believe God is breathing on in this season:
Overflow410 - supporting foster families
Mourning Mothers - walking with mothers through grief and loss
The Village - encouraging moms raising little ones in the thick of everyday motherhood
Each ministry serves a different need.
Each reaches women in different seasons.
But together, they reflect something important:
The Church is meant to care for people personally.
Not just from a platform.
Not just on Sundays.
But through real relationships, support, prayer, and presence.
As GGC continues to grow, one of our greatest desires is that women wouldn’t simply attend events - but that they would discover purpose within community.
Serving doesn’t always look big or public.
Sometimes it looks like:
sitting with someone who feels alone
helping behind the scenes
mentoring a younger woman
listening without judgment
praying faithfully
showing up consistently
Those quiet acts of faithfulness matter deeply.
As we head into our summer break, I’ve been reflecting on how thankful I am for every woman who walks through the doors of GGC - whether she comes confident and ready to serve, or hurting and simply hoping to belong.
There is room for both.
We’ll be taking June and July off for the summer, but we’ll return in August ready for a fresh season together, and I truly believe God is continuing to grow something beautiful in this community.
My prayer is that this summer would not be a pause in your faith - but a season of deepening.
Deepening in your relationship with God.
Deepening in community.
Deepening in purpose.
And maybe… even discovering where God is asking you to pour into others.
You were never meant to do life alone.
It’s Time to Get Off the Sidelines: Walking Out What God Put in You
I’ve heard it asked before from the pulpit “Are you a consumer, or a contributor?” In other words, do you just take, and never give back?
The truth is, we were never meant to just attend, sit and consume. James 1:22 tells us “But be ye doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving your own selves.” We are called to step in, to serve…to be a part of what God is doing.
Comfort can be one of our greatest enemies. Some of us live our lives doing everything we can to make our lives, in every area, as comfortable as possible. As safe as possible. Including our church life.
We like to in, get preached to, then go home. Rinse and repeat. This is consuming. Not that consuming is a bad thing. Obviously we have to consume before we can contribute. But if we never make it to that second part, we are just hoarding what God meant to be shared. My husband often says, “If I knew the cure for cancer, but never shared it with anyone, how would that help?”
The Word is actual life. The cure for death. It is powerful. How tragic and selfish to keep what we know to ourselves. Contribute. Take the love of Jesus with you. Be His hands and feet.
You don’t need “more” to start. You just say “Yes, Lord, use me.” And then you take whatever is in your hand and you use it.
There’s a moment in Scripture that I come back to again and again.
It’s simple.
Easy to overlook.
But it says so much about what it looks like to move from hearing… to doing.
It’s the story of the feeding of the five thousand in John 6.
Jesus is surrounded by a massive crowd.
People are hungry.
The need is obvious.
And the disciples do what most of us would probably do, they start looking at what they don’t have.
Not enough money.
Not enough food.
Not enough resources.
Basically… this isn’t possible.
And then (almost tucked into the story), you see it.
A boy.
Not a leader.
Not a disciple.
Not someone with influence.
Just a boy… with a lunch.
Five barley loaves.
Two small fishes.
That’s it.
Not impressive.
Not enough.
Not even close to what was needed.
But… he was willing to give it.
We don’t see him questioning.
We don’t see him holding back.
We don’t see him saying, “This isn’t enough to matter.”
He just offers what he has.
And here’s what gets me every time:
Jesus didn’t ask for more.
He just used what was given.
He took the little…
blessed it…
broke it…
and multiplied it.
And what wasn’t enough in the boy’s hands
became more than enough in Jesus’.
I think a lot of us are standing where that boy stood…
but we’re doing the opposite.
We’re looking at what we have and thinking:
“It’s too small.”
“It doesn’t matter.”
“Someone else could do more.”
So we hold onto it.
We stay comfortable.
We stay seated.
We stay in the hearing stage.
But what if it was never about how much you had?
What if it was always about your willingness to place it in His hands?
That boy didn’t feed the five thousand.
But his willingness to offer what he had
is what made the miracle possible.
And that’s where it happens...that shift…
From consumer…
to contributor.
From hearing…
to doing.
So the question becomes:
What’s in your hands right now?
And are you willing to offer it, even if it doesn’t feel like enough?
This is exactly what we’re stepping into at Godly Gals this month.
Not waiting until we feel ready.
Not waiting until we have more.
But choosing to bring what we have…
and trusting God to use it.
Why Serving in Ministry Matters More Than You Think
There’s a quiet lie that can settle into the heart of a believer if we’re not careful.
It sounds like this:
“I’m good just attending.”
“I don’t really have anything to offer.”
“Someone else will do it.”
But that’s not what Scripture shows us.
Serving isn’t extra.
It’s essential.
You Were Created for More Than Sitting
The Bible is very clear:
Ephesians 2:10 (KJV)
“For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus unto good works, which God hath before ordained that we should walk in them.”
You weren’t just saved from something—
you were saved for something.
There are good works—specific, intentional, God-ordained things—that He designed for your life.
And here’s the part we miss sometimes:
we are meant to walk in them.
Not think about them.
Not admire them.
Not wait for the “perfect time.”
Walk in them.
Serving Shapes You
We often think ministry is about what we give.
But just as much—it’s about what God does in us.
Serving stretches you.
It humbles you.
It refines your character.
It teaches you:
patience when things don’t go as planned
love for people who are different than you
faithfulness when no one is clapping
God uses ministry to grow you in ways comfort never will.
Serving Connects You to the Body
Christianity was never meant to be lived in isolation.
1 Corinthians 12:12 (KJV) says we are one body—many members.
When you’re not serving, you’re not just sitting on the sidelines…
you’re missing your place in the body.
And the body is missing you.
There are people:
who need your encouragement
who need your presence
who need your obedience
Serving connects you in a way attendance never can.
Serving Strengthens Your Faith
There’s something powerful that happens when you stop just receiving…
and start pouring out.
You begin to rely on God differently.
You pray more.
You listen more.
You become aware of His leading in a deeper way.
Because now it’s not just about your life—
it’s about the lives you’re impacting.
And that changes everything.
Serving Is an Act of Worship
We often think of worship as singing—but it’s so much more than that.
Romans 12:1 (KJV) talks about presenting our bodies as a living sacrifice.
Serving is worship.
It’s saying:
“Lord, not just my words… but my time.”
“Not just my heart… but my hands.”
“Not just my belief… but my obedience.”
Serving Leaves a Legacy
At the end of your life, it won’t be about how comfortable you were.
It will be about:
who you loved
who you served
how you obeyed
Every act of service—seen or unseen—matters.
Seeds are planted.
Lives are touched.
Eternity is impacted.
So Where Do You Start?
You don’t have to have it all figured out.
Start simple:
Ask God where He wants to use you
Pay attention to what stirs your heart
Take one small step of obedience
You don’t need a title.
You don’t need perfection.
You just need a willing heart.
Serving in ministry isn’t about filling a role.
It’s about walking in your calling.
And the truth is—
there is more in you than you think.
I Love a Good Conspiracy– But I Love God’s Sovereignty More
I’ll just say it upfront:
I’m all about a good conspiracy.
I love to think. I love patterns. I love connecting dots and asking why. I’m naturally curious, and I don’t think that’s a bad thing. God gave us minds for a reason. Scripture even tells us to seek wisdom, understanding, and discernment.
But lately, I’ve noticed something– both in myself and in others.
There’s a difference between being thoughtful…
and being consumed.
And somewhere along the way, curiosity can quietly turn into fear, suspicion, or obsession– especially when we forget who is actually in control.
Thinking isn’t the Problem– Fixation is.
Let me be clear: asking questions is not sinful.
Thinking critically is not unspiritual.
Wanting to understand what’s happening in the world doesn’t mean you lack faith.
The problem isn’t thinking deeply.
The problem is what happens when our thoughts begin to replace trust.
When we spend more time scrolling than praying.
When we feel more informed– but less at peace.
When we know all the theories… but haven’t opened our Bible.
That’s usually a sign we’ve crossed from discernment into distraction.
Here’s the truth beneath the surface:
Most conspiracy thinking is rooted in a desire for control.
When the world feels unstable, we want answers.
When leadership feels flawed, we want explanations.
When life feels unpredictable, we want something– anything– that makes it all make sense.
But control has always been a counterfeit comfort.
Scripture reminds us that peace doesn’t come from understanding everything– it comes from trusting the One who does.
“Trust in the Lord with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding.”
—Proverbs 3:5 (KJV)
Notice it doesn’t say don’t think.
It says don’t lean on your understanding.
One of the most grounding truths for me is this:
Nothing happening in the world is catching God off guard.
Not governments or what they are or are not doing to our skies.
Not systems or our dependency on them.
Not cultural shifts, because those are always shifting.
Not chaos.
God is not pacing heaven trying to figure out His next move.
“The Lord hath prepared his throne in the heavens; and his kingdom ruleth over all.”
—Psalm 103:19 (KJV)
That word all doesn’t leave much room for exceptions.
Biblical discernment isn’t fueled by fear, anger or frustration, it’s guided by the Spirit.
Discernment asks:
Does this draw me closer to God or further from Him?
Does this produce peace or anxiety?
Does this lead me to prayer or outrage?
If what you’re consuming leaves you restless, angry, suspicious, or hopeless– it’s time to pause.
Not because you’re wrong.
But because your soul might be tired.
Here’s a question I’ve had to ask myself more than once:
Am I more passionate about exposing truth…
or about being anchored in Truth?
Because those are not always the same thing.
Jesus never told us to figure everything out.
He told us to follow Him.
“My sheep hear my voice, and I know them, and they follow me.”
—John 10:27 (KJV)
Following Him means sometimes laying down the need to know everything– and choosing to trust instead.
I still love to think.
I still ask questions.
I still care about what’s happening in the world.
But I refuse to let speculation steal my peace or distract me from my calling.
God didn’t ask us to carry the weight of the world.
He asked us to be faithful in our world.
And when things feel confusing, overwhelming, or unsettling, I come back to this simple truth:
God is still God.
He’s still sovereign.
And He’s still worthy of my trust.
Obsessed
Hey sis,
I am in full-blown planning mode right now. With a conference around the corner and a backed-up schedule due to snow days, my brain is starting to feel slightly overwhelmed from trying to catch everything up in one day.
It’s times like this that I have to practice what I preach and remind myself that the goal isn’t burnout, it’s balance. I have to pace myself. I do admit though that I have an addictive/obsessive temperament. What I love, I obsess over. Example: I have played candy crush for years. In the beginning I loved it so much that every time I got in the passenger seat, I played it. I played it to the point that I quickly got tired of it.
I started painting during the pandemic because I needed a hobby- (didn’t we all?) and I painted so much for months that I dreamed of painting. I watched all the video tutorials, tried all the techniques, experimented with color palettes…ok, yes. I obsessed over it. It’s just what I do. I obsess over what I love. I am obsessed with my husband. My children. My job. This conference. But I have to be careful to not let my obsession become POsession. Feel me?
And that’s where the line gets thin.
There’s a difference between being passionate and being possessed. Obsession can still be healthy when it’s passion-driven. Possession is when that obsession crosses the line and starts to own us. Passion fuels purpose. Possession replaces peace.
When something I love starts to control my thoughts, my emotions, my rest, or my joy… it’s no longer just a gift. It’s trying to become a god. And that’s dangerous territory for a heart that belongs to the Lord. Because obsession says, “I need this to be okay.” But surrender says, “God, You are enough, even if this changes.”
I can love deeply without gripping tightly.
I can care fully without carrying it all.
I can show up with excellence without letting it define my worth.
Love y’all, mean it.
Fresh Start – Day 10: The New Thing God Is Doing in You
Trusting God’s Work Before You See It
Welcome to Day 10 of Fresh Start: A Devotional Journey for the New Year. As we close this series, today’s devotion is an invitation to look ahead with faith, even when the evidence isn’t fully visible yet.
Scripture
“Behold, I will do a new thing; now it shall spring forth; shall ye not know it?”
Isaiah 43:19 (KJV)
“Look, I am about to do something new; even now it is coming. Do you not see it?”
Isaiah 43:19 (CSB)
Biblical Context
Isaiah 43 was written to God’s people while they were living in captivity. They had witnessed God’s power in the past, yet their present circumstances made it difficult to imagine anything new ahead.
God acknowledged their history — but He refused to let it define their future.
Before changing their situation, God shifted their focus. He invited them to stop looking backward and begin expecting something new.
This passage reminds us that God often announces His work before it becomes visible. The promise comes first. The evidence follows later.
Faith Principle
God often begins His new work in you before you recognize it around you.
We tend to look for dramatic change — open doors, clear answers, instant clarity. But many of God’s greatest works begin quietly:
a renewed desire for His Word
a gentle conviction
a growing restlessness
a softening heart
a shift in priorities
a deeper peace
These are signs that God is already at work.
If you sense a stirring, a longing, or a quiet confidence rising within you, it may be evidence that the “new thing” has already begun.
Faith learns to recognize God’s movement before circumstances confirm it.
Application
As you step into this next season, consider these reflections:
1. Release what belongs to the former season.
God’s new work requires space to grow.
2. Ask God to sharpen your spiritual awareness.
Discernment helps you recognize His hand at work.
3. Say yes to small beginnings.
What feels small now may be the foundation of something significant.
The new thing may not be loud — but it is purposeful.
Prayer
Father, open my eyes to the new thing You are doing in me. Help me release what no longer belongs in this season and trust Your work, even when I cannot fully see it yet. Strengthen my faith as I step forward with expectation and hope. Amen.
Journaling Prompt
Where do I sense God beginning something new in my life, even if it’s still unfolding?
Thank You for Walking This Journey
You’ve reached the end of Fresh Start: A Devotional Journey for the New Year. My prayer is that these ten days have encouraged your heart, strengthened your faith, and reminded you that God is faithful in every season.
If this devotional series has blessed you, consider sharing it with someone who may need a fresh start as well.
Fresh Start – Day 9: Lord, Order My Steps
Walking With God One Faithful Step at a Time
Welcome to Day 9 of Fresh Start: A Devotional Journey for the New Year. As this series begins to draw toward a close, today’s devotion reminds us that God is far more interested in our obedience than our ability to see the whole path.
Scripture
“The steps of a good man are ordered by the LORD: and he delighteth in his way.”
Psalm 37:23 (KJV)
“A person’s steps are established by the LORD, and he takes pleasure in his way.”
Psalm 37:23 (CSB)
Biblical Context
Psalm 37 was written by David later in life, reflecting on years of walking with God through uncertainty, waiting, victory, and hardship. David had learned that a faithful life is not built on perfect plans, but on trust in God’s guidance.
The word ordered in this passage does not mean accidental or random. It means arranged, directed, and firmly established by God Himself.
David understood something we often struggle to accept: God rarely reveals the entire road ahead. Instead, He orders our lives one step at a time, inviting us to walk closely with Him rather than independently ahead of Him.
Faith Principle
God does not require you to see the full path — only to take the next step in faith.
We often want clarity before obedience.
God often gives clarity through obedience.
Faith grows as we move.
Trust deepens as we follow.
When we insist on knowing every detail, we may miss the beauty of walking hand-in-hand with the One who already sees the end from the beginning.
A God-ordered life is not always predictable — but it is always purposeful.
Application
As you seek God’s direction, consider these practices:
1. Invite God into your planning.
Before setting goals or making decisions, ask Him to align your steps with His will.
2. Focus on the next step, not the entire journey.
God often leads through small, faithful acts of obedience.
3. Trust God’s delight in your obedience.
Scripture tells us that God takes pleasure in guiding His children. You are not a burden to Him — you are beloved.
Walking with God is not about getting ahead.
It is about staying close.
Prayer
Lord, order my steps and guide my path. Help me trust You even when the road ahead feels unclear. Teach me to walk in obedience, confidence, and peace, knowing that You are leading me with purpose and love. Amen.
Journaling Prompt
What is one small, faithful step God may be asking me to take right now?
Continue the Journey
This devotional is part of Fresh Start: A Devotional Journey for the New Year.
Join me tomorrow for Day 10 — The New Thing God Is Doing in You.
If today’s devotion encouraged you, consider sharing it with someone who may be seeking clarity for the next step.
Fresh Start – Day 8: Confidence, Not Perfection
Trusting God’s Work in You
Welcome to Day 8 of Fresh Start: A Devotional Journey for the New Year. Today’s devotion speaks to the pressure many women feel to have it all together — and God’s invitation to something better.
Scripture
“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)
“…He who started a good work in you will carry it on to completion.”
Philippians 1:6 (CSB)
Biblical Context
Paul wrote to the church in Philippi with deep affection and gratitude. He did not overlook their struggles, but he also did not measure them by their shortcomings.
Instead, Paul pointed them back to God’s faithfulness.
He reminded them that spiritual growth does not depend on human perfection. It depends on God’s commitment. The work of transformation begins with God, continues through God, and is completed by God.
The Philippian believers were still growing — and that did not disqualify them. It proved that God was actively at work.
Faith Principle
Confidence is rooted in God’s faithfulness, not your perfection.
Perfectionism tells us we must fix ourselves before we can move forward. Confidence tells us God is already at work, even in the unfinished places.
Perfection focuses on performance.
Confidence rests in God’s promise.
Perfection creates pressure.
Confidence creates peace.
Perfection keeps you stuck.
Confidence moves you forward.
God is not waiting for you to be flawless. He is inviting you to trust Him with the process.
Application
Consider these steps as you release perfection and embrace confidence:
1. Identify where perfectionism is stealing your peace.
Notice the areas where you feel the most pressure to perform.
2. Replace pressure with trust.
Remind yourself that God is committed to completing His work in you.
3. Celebrate progress instead of waiting for perfection.
Faithfulness in small steps matters more than flawless results.
You don’t have to have it all figured out — you just have to stay surrendered.
Prayer
Jesus, free me from the pressure to be perfect. Help me trust the work You are doing in me, even when I feel unfinished. Teach me to walk forward with confidence rooted in Your faithfulness, not my performance. Amen.
Journaling Prompt
Where has perfectionism been holding me back, and how can I walk in God-centered confidence instead?
Continue the Journey
This devotional is part of Fresh Start: A Devotional Journey for the New Year.
Join me tomorrow for Day 9 — Lord, Order My Steps.
If today’s devotion encouraged you, consider sharing it with someone who may need permission to let go of perfection.
Fresh Start – Day 7: Becoming the Woman God Sees in You
Growing Into God-Given Identity
Welcome to Day 7 of Fresh Start: A Devotional Journey for the New Year. Today’s devotion invites you to look at yourself through God’s eyes — not through the lens of your past, your insecurities, or the labels you’ve carried.
Scripture
“And now, my daughter, fear not… for all the city of my people doth know that thou art a virtuous woman.”
Ruth 3:11 (KJV)
“…everyone in town knows you are a woman of noble character.”
Ruth 3:11 (CSB)
Biblical Context
Ruth’s story is one of quiet faithfulness. She was a Moabite widow — a foreigner with no social standing, no security, and no clear future. By cultural standards, she had every reason to feel overlooked or disqualified.
Yet when Boaz speaks to Ruth, he does not define her by where she came from or what she had lost. He speaks to who she is becoming.
He calls her a woman of noble character.
This declaration didn’t come after public recognition or restored circumstances. It came while Ruth was still walking in obedience, still trusting God in uncertainty, and still serving faithfully in small ways.
God’s affirmation often comes before visible change.
Faith Principle
God sees who you are becoming, not just who you have been.
Many women struggle with identity because they rehearse old labels:
“I’m not enough.”
“I’ve failed too many times.”
“I don’t measure up.”
“I’m always behind.”
But God does not speak to you based on your past or your insecurity. He speaks according to His purpose and His design.
Ruth did not strive to become a woman of noble character — she lived surrendered, faithful, and obedient. Her identity was revealed through consistency, not perfection.
You don’t become who God sees by trying harder.
You grow into who He sees by trusting Him more.
Application
As you reflect today, consider these steps:
1. Release the labels that no longer belong to you.
If God has forgiven it, healed it, or redeemed it, it no longer defines you.
2. Ask God where He is calling you to step into identity.
Is it confidence? Trust? Courage? Leadership? Rest?
3. Align your daily choices with who God says you are.
Identity is formed through small, faithful decisions made over time.
Walk like the woman God already sees — even when you don’t fully feel it yet.
Prayer
Lord, help me see myself the way You see me. Remove every false label and replace it with Your truth. Shape my heart, strengthen my faith, and guide me as I grow into the woman You created me to be. Amen.
Journaling Prompt
What identity or label do I need to release, and what does God say about me instead?
Continue the Journey
This devotional is part of Fresh Start: A Devotional Journey for the New Year.
Join me tomorrow for Day 8 — Confidence, Not Perfection.
If today’s devotion encouraged you, consider sharing it with someone who may need a reminder of who God says she is.
Fresh Start – Day 6: When You Feel Behind
Trusting God’s Timing Over Your Own
Welcome to Day 6 of Fresh Start: A Devotional Journey for the New Year. If you’ve entered this year already feeling tired, delayed, or unsure, today’s devotion is for you.
Scripture
“The righteous flourish like the palm tree… They still bear fruit in old age; they are ever full of sap and green.”
Psalm 92:12, 14 (ESV)
(KJV: “The righteous shall flourish like the palm tree… they shall still bring forth fruit.”)
Biblical Context
Psalm 92 is a song written for the Sabbath — a day set apart for rest and reflection. The psalmist uses the imagery of trees to describe the life of the righteous. Palm trees and cedars were known for their strength, endurance, and longevity, not for fast growth.
These trees survived storms by bending instead of breaking. Their roots grew deep over time, allowing them to flourish long after other plants had withered.
This imagery reminds us that God values steady growth more than speed. Flourishing in God’s Kingdom is not about how quickly you move forward, but how deeply you are rooted in Him.
Faith Principle
Feeling behind does not mean you are falling short.
The pressure to keep up is everywhere. We measure progress by milestones, timelines, and comparison. But God measures growth differently.
He sees what’s happening beneath the surface — the strength being formed, the character being shaped, the faith being stretched.
Growth that happens quietly is still growth.
Growth that takes time is still purposeful.
God is never rushed, never late, and never careless with your journey.
Application
If you feel behind, consider these gentle reminders:
1. Release comparison.
Your pace does not need to match anyone else’s.
2. Trust what God is growing in you.
Some of the most important work happens where no one else can see.
3. Choose faithfulness over urgency.
Consistency with God will always outlast quick momentum.
You are not behind — you are becoming.
Prayer
Father, calm my heart when I feel delayed or discouraged. Help me trust Your timing and believe that You are at work even when progress feels slow. Teach me to walk with patience, confidence, and peace as You guide my steps. Amen.
Journaling Prompt
Where do I feel behind right now, and what might God be developing in me through this season?
Continue the Journey
This devotional is part of Fresh Start: A Devotional Journey for the New Year.
Come back tomorrow for Day 7 — Becoming the Woman God Sees in You.
If this devotion encouraged you, consider sharing it with someone who needs reassurance today.
Fresh Start – Day 5: Renewing Your Mind
The Battle That Shapes Your Year
Welcome to Day 5 of Fresh Start: A Devotional Journey for the New Year. Today’s devotion takes us to the place where so many battles are won or lost — the mind.
Scripture
“Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind…”
Romans 12:2 (ESV)
(KJV: “Be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind.”)
Biblical Context
Romans 12 marks a turning point in Paul’s letter. After laying out the truth of the gospel and the depth of God’s mercy, Paul shifts from belief to behavior — from doctrine to daily living.
And where does he begin?
Not with habits.
Not with discipline.
Not with external change.
He begins with the mind.
Paul understood that transformation doesn’t start with what we do; it starts with how we think. Our actions follow our thoughts. Our choices reflect what we believe to be true. And if our thinking is shaped more by the world than by God’s Word, our lives will follow that pattern.
Faith Principle
You cannot live a renewed life with an unrenewed mind.
The world constantly presses its patterns onto us — comparison, fear, self-sufficiency, perfectionism, and performance. Without intentional renewal, those patterns quietly shape the way we see ourselves, God, and our circumstances.
Renewing your mind is not positive thinking or ignoring reality. It is the intentional, daily practice of replacing lies with truth.
Transformation happens when God’s Word becomes louder than your inner critic, your fears, or your past experiences.
What you repeatedly think becomes what you eventually believe — and what you believe shapes how you live.
Application
Here are a few ways to begin renewing your mind this year:
1. Identify the thoughts that drain your peace.
Pay attention to patterns — especially the thoughts that surface when you feel stressed, discouraged, or insecure.
2. Replace lies with Scripture.
God’s Word is not just comforting; it is corrective and powerful. Choose verses that directly confront the lies you’ve believed.
3. Practice daily renewal, not occasional correction.
Renewing your mind is a rhythm, not a one-time reset. Consistency creates lasting change.
As your thinking changes, your responses, decisions, and direction will begin to change as well.
Prayer
Lord, renew my mind today. Reveal the thoughts that are not aligned with Your truth and help me replace them with Your Word. Transform the way I think so that my life reflects Your peace, wisdom, and freedom. Amen.
Journaling Prompt
What thought pattern do I need God to renew so that I can walk forward with clarity and peace?
Continue the Journey
This devotional is part of Fresh Start: A Devotional Journey for the New Year.
Join me tomorrow for Day 6 — When You Feel Behind Before the Year Even Starts.
If today’s devotional encouraged you, consider sharing it with someone who may need a mental reset as they begin this year.
Fresh Start – Day 4: Rooted, Not Rushed
Staying Grounded When Life Speeds Up
Welcome to Day 4 of Fresh Start: A Devotional Journey for the New Year. Today’s devotion is an invitation to slow your pace, steady your heart, and remember that spiritual growth flourishes in stillness, not hurry.
Scripture
“Be still, and know that I am God.”
Psalm 46:10 (KJV)
Biblical Context
Psalm 46 was written during a time of great instability. Nations were in turmoil, and God’s people were surrounded by uncertainty and fear. The psalmist describes earthquakes, roaring waters, and kingdoms shaking.
Yet in the midst of all that movement and noise, God speaks a simple command:
Be still.
This was not a call to passivity, but to trust. God was reminding His people that He remains sovereign even when everything feels unsteady. Stillness was an act of faith — a decision to rest in His control rather than react in panic.
Faith Principle
Stillness is a spiritual discipline that strengthens trust.
We often associate productivity with faithfulness, but Scripture teaches us something countercultural. Deep spiritual roots are not formed in moments of rush or pressure, but in seasons of quiet attentiveness to God.
When life speeds up, our instinct is often to do more. But God frequently invites us to slow down — not to fall behind, but to grow deeper.
A hurried soul is easily overwhelmed.
A rooted soul remains steady.
Stillness allows us to hear God clearly, respond wisely, and remain anchored when circumstances shift.
Application
As you move through this season, consider these practices:
1. Create intentional moments of stillness.
Even a few quiet minutes with God each day can re-center your heart.
2. Pay attention to what is rushing you.
Pressure, expectations, and fear often push us faster than God ever intended.
3. Choose depth over speed.
Spiritual maturity grows from consistent, unhurried time in God’s presence.
Stillness does not slow your progress — it strengthens your foundation.
Prayer
Father, settle my heart and steady my spirit. Help me resist the urge to rush ahead of You. Teach me to trust You in the quiet moments and to remain rooted in Your presence, no matter how busy life becomes. Amen.
Journaling Prompt
Where do I feel rushed right now, and what would it look like to become more rooted instead?
Continue the Journey
This devotional is part of Fresh Start: A Devotional Journey for the New Year.
Join me tomorrow for Day 5 — Renewing Your Mind: The Battle That Shapes Your Year.
If this devotional encouraged you, consider sharing it with someone who could use a reminder to slow down and breathe.
Fresh Start – Day 3: What Are You Carrying Into the New Year?
Learning to Lay Down What Weighs You Down
Welcome to Day 3 of Fresh Start: A Devotional Journey for the New Year. Today’s devotion invites you to pause and honestly consider what you may be carrying that God never asked you to bring into this new season.
Scripture
“Let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which doth so easily beset us, and let us run with patience the race that is set before us.”
Hebrews 12:1 (KJV)
Biblical Context
The writer of Hebrews paints a powerful picture of the Christian life as a race. Not a sprint, but a long-distance journey that requires endurance, focus, and freedom of movement.
In ancient races, runners would remove anything unnecessary before stepping onto the track. Extra weight—no matter how small—would slow them down and drain their strength over time.
The same is true spiritually.
The passage doesn’t only mention sin; it also speaks of weights—things that aren’t always sinful but still hinder our growth, joy, and endurance. These are the burdens, mindsets, emotions, and expectations that cling to us quietly, slowing our pace without us realizing it.
God never intended for you to run your race weighed down by what belongs to yesterday.
Faith Principle
You cannot run freely while carrying what God has already invited you to lay down.
Many women enter a new year tired—not because of what lies ahead, but because of what they’re still holding from behind.
Weights can look like:
unresolved hurt
guilt or shame
unmet expectations
people-pleasing
fear of failure
comparison
emotional responsibility for things beyond your control
These aren’t assignments from God.
They are burdens He is inviting you to release.
What you carry shapes how you move.
What you release creates space for renewal.
Application
As you step into this new season, consider these gentle steps:
1. Identify the weight.
Ask the Lord to reveal what has been draining your energy or stealing your peace.
2. Lay it down intentionally.
Release it in prayer—not with guilt, but with trust.
3. Replace the weight with truth.
God never leaves empty space. He fills what you surrender with peace, clarity, and strength.
Laying something down is not weakness.
It is wisdom.
Prayer
Lord, show me what I’ve been carrying that You never asked me to hold. Give me the courage to release every weight that slows my walk with You. I place these burdens at Your feet and trust You to carry what I cannot. Fill me with Your peace as I move forward lighter and freer. Amen.
Journaling Prompt
What weight am I still carrying that God is asking me to lay down as I move into this new season?
Continue the Journey
This devotional is part of Fresh Start: A Devotional Journey for the New Year.
Come back tomorrow for Day 4 — Rooted, Not Rushed: Staying Grounded When Life Speeds Up.
If this devotion encouraged you, consider sharing it with someone who may need permission to lay a few things down.
Fresh Start – Day 2: One Thing vs. Everything
Living With Holy Focus
Welcome to Day 2 of Fresh Start: A Devotional Journey for the New Year. Today’s devotion invites you to pause and consider where your focus has been pulled in too many directions — and what God may be gently calling you to simplify.
Scripture
“But one thing I do: forgetting what is behind and reaching forward to what is ahead.”
Philippians 3:13 (CSB)
(KJV: “This one thing I do…”)
Biblical Context
Paul wrote the book of Philippians while imprisoned. His life was restricted, his future uncertain, and his circumstances far from ideal. Yet instead of focusing on what he couldn’t control, Paul narrowed his attention to one intentional pursuit — continuing to walk faithfully in the calling Christ had placed before him.
Paul had a past that could have distracted him.
He had regrets, religious achievements, and painful memories.
But rather than living divided between what was behind him and what was ahead, he chose focus.
“This one thing I do…”
Not everything.
Not everyone’s expectations.
Not every opportunity.
Just one clear, God-centered direction.
Faith Principle
Focus is a form of faith.
Distraction doesn’t always come from bad things. Often, it comes from too many good things competing for our attention. When our focus is scattered, our energy is drained — and spiritual growth becomes difficult.
A focused life creates space for peace.
A focused heart hears God more clearly.
A focused faith produces fruit.
When you pursue everything, you often end up feeling overwhelmed and ineffective. But when you pursue the one thing God is emphasizing in this season, clarity replaces chaos.
Holy focus doesn’t limit you — it aligns you.
Application
Consider these steps as you seek clarity this year:
1. Ask God what He is emphasizing right now.
Not for your entire life — just this season.
2. Release the pressure to do it all.
You are not called to meet every expectation or fill every role.
3. Protect your “yes” by learning when to say no.
Boundaries are not selfish; they are necessary for obedience.
Focus creates margin — and margin allows you to flourish.
Prayer
Lord, quiet the noise around me and within me. Help me release the distractions that pull my attention away from You. Show me the one thing You are calling me to focus on in this season, and give me the courage to walk in it faithfully. Amen.
Journaling Prompt
What has been competing for my focus lately — and what do I sense God calling me to center my attention on instead?
Continue the Journey
This devotional is part of Fresh Start: A Devotional Journey for the New Year.
Join me tomorrow for Day 3 — What Are You Carrying Into the New Year?
If today’s devotional spoke to you, consider sharing it with someone who might need clarity and focus as they begin this year.
Fresh Start – Day 1: Begin Again
The Gift of a Fresh Start in Christ
Welcome to Day 1 of Fresh Start: A Devotional Journey for the New Year. I’m so glad you’re here. My prayer is that over the next ten days, you’ll find space to breathe, reflect, and allow God to gently renew your heart as you step into this new season.
Scripture
“It is of the LORD’S mercies that we are not consumed, because his compassions fail not.
They are new every morning: great is thy faithfulness.”
Lamentations 3:22–23 (KJV)
Biblical Context
The book of Lamentations was written in the aftermath of deep loss. Jerusalem had fallen, and the people of God were living with the weight of regret, grief, and consequences. Jeremiah, often called the weeping prophet, poured out his sorrow honestly before the Lord.
Yet in the middle of heartbreak, he remembered something unshakable — God’s mercy.
These words were not written from a place of victory or resolution. They were written in the middle of sorrow. And that’s what makes them so powerful. God’s mercy is not reserved for our best days; it meets us in our hardest ones.
Faith Principle
A fresh start is not something you earn — it’s something you receive.
So often, we approach a new year with pressure to improve, fix, and perform. But Scripture shows us a different beginning. Renewal does not start with our effort; it starts with God’s compassion.
His mercy reaches us before we’ve figured anything out.
His faithfulness stands firm even when we feel uncertain.
His grace resets us daily — not because we deserve it, but because He is good.
A new year doesn’t require a new version of you. It invites you to receive new mercy.
Application
Here are three simple ways to step into a fresh start today:
1. Release what God has already forgiven.
Guilt and shame will keep you anchored to the past. Grace invites you forward.
2. Receive mercy before making plans.
Before setting goals or expectations, pause and acknowledge God’s compassion over your life.
3. Walk in renewal, not perfection.
Progress with God is built on presence, not performance.
Prayer
Lord, thank You for Your mercy that meets me every morning. As I begin this new year, help me release the weight of what’s behind me and receive the renewal You freely offer. Restore my heart, steady my steps, and remind me that Your faithfulness never fails. Amen.
Journaling Prompt
What area of my life needs God’s renewing mercy the most right now?
Continue the Journey
This devotional is part of Fresh Start: A Devotional Journey for the New Year.
Come back tomorrow for Day 2 — One Thing vs. Everything: Living With Holy Focus.
If this devotional encouraged you, consider sharing it with someone who could use a fresh start too.
Hope for the New Year Ahead
There’s something sacred about the week between Christmas and New Year’s. The world feels quieter. Life slows. And our hearts begin to dream again. Not out of pressure — but out of hope.
The beautiful thing about walking with Jesus is that He doesn’t wait for January 1st to offer a fresh start. His mercies are new every morning — not once a year. But as we step into a new year, we’re reminded that grace goes with us. We don’t have to carry last year’s burdens into this year’s beginnings.
If you’re stepping into 2026 with expectancy, praise God. If you're stepping into it with uncertainty, He is still faithful. The God who has carried you this far will carry you forward, one grace-soaked step at a time.
Click comment, and share your word of the year if you have one!
Reflecting Before Resetting
“Bless the LORD, O my soul, and forget not all his benefits.” — Psalm 103:2
Before we rush into New Year’s goals, plans, and “word of the year” ideas, December gives us the gift of reflection. Not the kind that shames us for what didn’t happen, but the kind that gently reminds us of where God has been faithful.
Think back over your year. What prayers did God answer? What prayers is He still working on? What storms did He bring you through that you didn’t think you’d survive? Reflection isn’t about reliving the past — it’s about recognizing God’s fingerprints all over your story.
When we step into January with a grateful heart, we walk with clarity and confidence. Reflection births wisdom. Gratitude brings peace. And remembering God’s faithfulness prepares us for what’s ahead.