I’m pretty sure many of you are having the same thoughts I am having; how is 2025 coming to a close already? Where has the time gone? Did I accomplish the goals I had planned? Am I pleased with what this year brought me? I hope your answer to these questions is yes. Although most likely, it’s a mixed blender of results. 

I am amazed today is the last day of this year but I have to admit, I’m ready for a new beginning. 2025 has been difficult for me. It brought many challenges, fears, heartaches and doubts that I had to face. And just when one struggle seemed to be under control, another would follow close behind.

Each year I chose a “word of the year” for self improvement. For 2025, my word has been thanksgiving. In January, I felt really excited about being more thankful for my blessings. I looked forward to recognizing the gifts I so often take for granted. I even envisioned myself smiling every day because I would be so thankful. 

By February that illusion was shattered. March brought even more disillusionment. By May, I felt I was going to collapse under the weight I was carrying. My burdens felt like a heavy lead cape tied around my neck choking me. My shoulders and back were bearing all the weight. Some days I could remove the cape and lay it to one side but before long, it was fastened on me once again. Sadly, I’m embarrassed to say, I did not offer thanksgiving like I dreamed I would. My year did not seem to offer the blessings I had hoped for. 

So during this month of December, as I have reflected on my year, I realized I do have a significant thanksgiving prayer to offer. I am so thankful for the strength God gave me to persevere. As my cape of burdens got longer and heavier, He gave me stamina to keep moving forward and He never left me on my own. He never promises us a trouble free life but He does promise to never leave or abandon us. And for that, I am eternally thankful.

I look forward to this New Year with a refreshed and hopeful attitude. And my 2026 word of the year is BELIEVE. I am going to believe in myself, in others, in miracles and above all, in my Lord. I believe all things are possible for God.

I wish you all a very happy and blessed New Year and I give you thanks for following my blog this past year. 

“I will praise God’s name in song and glorify him with thanksgiving.” Psalm 69:30 NIV

“Consider it pure joy, my brothers, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith develops perseverance.” James 1:2-3 NIV

“Ignoring what they said Jesus told the synagogue ruler, Don’t be afraid; just believe.” Mark 5:36 NIV

“Jesus looked at them and said, “With man this is impossible, but with God all things are possible.” Matthew 19:26