January 1, 2026

I find great joy in looking back through my journals and reflecting on past experiences, as they vividly reveal the presence of God’s hand in my life.

The first part of the year, I finished “The Journey Continues”, a Christ-centered 12-step recovery program through Celebrate Recovery. I encourage everyone to participate, as it addresses personal challenges and teaches invaluable lessons. As a speaker for many lessons, I discover deeper insights during preparation and love being able to share what God has taught me with others. I visited a close friend to read my inventory to her. She is a great example of a good listener and provides helpful feedback. It was also a great chance to stop by my daughter’s college and bring her home to visit afterward.

I treasured the weekly prayer times with my Storming Sisters, where we uplifted one another through prayer. This all started in fall of 2011 after I reached out to a friend who graciously allowed me and another friend to come hang out at her home a couple blocks from where our kiddos were taking art lessons. We used that time to start praying together. It was very awkward at first but over the years our prayers have become so transparent. Within the first year of praying we all noticed spiritual warfare impacting our families, showing that our unity and faith in praying together were a significant threat to the enemy.

I had the privilege of having many “Home Base” chats with a blessing during her college journey. We are proud of her accomplishments and grateful for the transformative work she’s allowed God to do in her life. She participated in the church worship team and taught Awana. The weekend was special, highlighted by a beautiful Baccalaureate ceremony celebrating God’s goodness in her life.

After losing my beloved Eden, I found joy in working with clients in Memory Care, a field I had engaged with before my marriage and while raising children, taking them with me to interact. It was impactful to all of us, providing many blessings though they could also be heartbreaking, especially with a client who constantly awaited his wife’s return. Due to the trauma from losing Eden, we worked with a trainer to help Echo reintegrate as a therapy dog. He now brings immense joy to many once again. He is truly a comfort to so many.

We successfully closed on a cherished home reminiscent of my grandparents’ house after a year-long search for an acreage as we were housing 32 animals, very nice and neat but since I wanted more we really needed bigger, so now we can get bigger animals, too. We also sold another property. Soon, we hope to finally flip yet another home!

We prayed about and chose to welcome individuals in need into our home to share our faith in Jesus and do life together. Our goal is to be available to anyone God directs our way, ensuring we make the most of the opportunities He gives to us. This will include adding on an entire other home on our property for the ability to have more living quarters. It always amazes me the seasons of life God has us go through, to take away or add to our lives, always in His perfect timing and His perfect plan. Sometimes I have wondered in the past, “What do You have for me to do now?”, thinking life is slowing down but then He always gives me something to do to make a difference. Always be looking for opportunities to make a difference is something I have often encouraged my blessings to do.

My husband and I took part in a study called “Rooted”. It was all very good but one particular chapter greatly enhanced my understanding of the Armor of God. Despite previous attempts to learn from various resources, this program offered deeper insights. As a result, I’ve included those verses in a daily prayer that I start each day with. I have made many of these for my friends and family and most are put on their closet doors or somewhere in their room.

We had a great time during game nights, especially playing Nertz, which is highly entertaining. This fast-paced game creates lots of laughter as you get to know each other pretty well. We hosted only one outdoor movie night this year, which is surprising given that we typically hold one each month during the nice seasons. We do not watch much television, having only sat in front of it a couple times during spring break and Christmas. I guess it’s odd we have never had cable and have one television. We don’t have time to watch, or maybe we do, but it would waste time we could be using to make an eternal difference. However, we enjoy attending the theater and saw King of Kings, Unbreakable Boy, Soul on Fire, and Wicked for Good.

Having my birthday coincide with Easter has always been a doubly fun time. It brings back fond memories of my mother baking a bunny-shaped cake to celebrate the occasion, jellybeans and coconut to boot! This year, my gift was particularly special—Willow! She was named for the tree where Eden is buried under.

It was a delight to meet two beautiful babes born just months apart from each other. Their devoted mothers are committed to raising them to follow the Lord which is a beautiful thing to witness. I love the opportunities to pray with and for them as I share my own experiences I had as a young mother, things I learned along the way.

I maintain prayer journals for my seven blessings, reflecting on each one monthly. When I struggle with words, I find using scripture meaningful, as it is impactful because God’s Word will not return void. I also have my own journals from my experiences: good, bad, and ugly. I can clearly see God’s guidance, helping me recognize His fingerprints all over my life.

We joyfully rolled out the welcome mat for a delightful dozen (I think?) new critters at our hobby farm including Willow who was born March 11th, She is such a little doll, though a stinker, too and keeps us on our toes. Each one is a character straight out of a comedy show—some are cuddle champions, and others have a spicy attitude. Our farm is also the local deer hotspot, and we even had a soap opera moment with a shady little critter who got a little too comfy, possibly sporting a rabies badge, so I had to take him out!

I am grateful for my physical therapist, who has assisted with foot issues related to neuropathy, fractures, and plantar fibromatosis, as well as a massage therapist who helped alleviate my rotator cuff and tennis elbow pain. Reflecting on my past hospital work, I recall comforting a tearful woman who was dying. She was a Sister in Christ, and after praying together, she assured me she’d meet me in heaven, free from pain and sin, and we would run in the fields together. I responded, “Sounds like a plan!” That was the last time I saw her. I have this picture in my home that symbolizes this moment.

I embraced my inner Picasso to create a textured beach-themed masterpiece for my bathroom, using a palette knife and Impasto techniques for a vibrant, seaside feel. I am hoping to get back to more drawing, painting, and making soap again this next year.

I have completed various videography projects and designed event invitations as a self-taught designer. A friend’s assumption about my education made me consider that a degree isn’t always necessary for success. I’m thankful we didn’t pressure our children into college, though they all still chose to attend. Interestingly, only one has found a degree essential for their career. Is the idea that “college is a scam” valid?

Visiting Mackinac Island with girlfriends was a delightful experience, echoing a past where transportation relied on horses and bicycles. I saw businesses receiving supplies via ferry and using horse-drawn carts, as well as people transporting furniture and food deliveries by bicycle. The peaceful lifestyle, free from modern distractions, made me imagine living there at the end of my life on earth, though leaving my pets behind would be difficult. Six of them could go over with me but who knows what God has planned.

I continue to participate in Bible Study Fellowship International with 24 remarkable women from around the globe via Zoom. I cherish the opportunity to sit, listen, and learn from their insights, while also appreciating the beauty of their diverse accents. Over the years, God has opened my eyes to the vastness and beauty of the body of Christ.

Assisting individuals experiencing homelessness has proven to be a deeply rewarding experience over the years. We also prepared “blessing bags” containing essential items for them and assembled hygiene packages specifically for girls and women living in Africa.

In the summer we started with a fresh batch of chicks just two days old, and I am truly taken back by their individual beauty. While we are accustomed to the more conventional breeds, I am eagerly anticipating the pastel eggs from these Easter Eggers in the spring. We have the best, new and improved, built by my husband and daughter, run and coop, and I decorated it. It is a fun place to be actually! And winterizing it makes it very cozy for all of them. We definitely have spoiled chicks!

I had a unique experience loading a large container for Africa, watching cars being driven in. My friend and I, along with one of my blessings, carried mattresses and transported boxes. Workers there possibly doubted what three women could do until they saw our strength and focus. One remarked on our speed in carrying three mattresses together to his one, suggesting we could then handle the task alone.

Losing a dear friend this year has been incredibly challenging. For her burial, my youngest chose her favorite hat, a gift I gave her last Christmas. I find comfort in the visits we made, where we shared scriptures about salvation. She believed she needed to “do” something to earn salvation, reminding me of a past moment when I shared Christ with her husband, who recovered remarkably after my prayer, walked out of the hospital and lived a few more years. This wasn’t to be as dr said all that needed to come say goodbye. God is so good and still in the business of doing miracles. I had thought she was saved, but I’m grateful she accepted the Truth of Christ before her passing. We connected with her family during this past year moreso and were surprised and honored to be mentioned in her obituary and recognized during her funeral.

This year, I began playing pickleball, and I find it to be an enjoyable activity. I think being competitive helps. Although I may not be fully know all the rules, it provides a fantastic way to engage in physical activity, particularly on hot days, allowing me to sweat and experience the release of endorphins. Now fire up those confetti cannons! I’ve smashed through the epic milestone of 1,500 workouts just as December took its final bow! It only took seven years!

This year, we chose not to join the Gladiator, but walked 21 miles with one of my blessings to honor the victims of September 11th. It’s disheartening that many have forgotten this significant event, with some unaware of its history. Interestingly, my youngest, who wasn’t even born then, knows this history well. She often quotes Winston Churchill: “Those who fail to learn from history are doomed to repeat it.” Yikes! I do believe this is true.

My husband and I recently celebrated 35 years of marriage, a journey enriched with both challenges and triumphs. Our shared faith and praying together to our Creator have been the foundation that strengthens our bond. Christ at the center is truly the super glue that holds all marriages together, to not just survive but to thrive. We eagerly anticipate how God will continue to utilize our complementary differences for His glory.

We enjoyed two shows this year. The first was Straight No Chaser which is an acapella group. I had to remind my blessing that it was an indoor performance and she couldn’t stand up and dance and sing her heart out but she sure did in her seat. Then, Les Miserables. The first time my husband and I saw this was when we were first married, no children, not much money, sitting in the nosebleed section, I think the actual last row. We took her and a friend with us to see it and sat close.

I recently celebrated a friend’s new home, a remarkable individual who, despite her diminishing sight, has taught me a valuable lesson about faith. When I asked her how she navigates downtown with just a walking stick and blindfold, she replied, “You just do it.” Her perspective exemplifies the childlike faith we should have in Christ, trusting in Him and letting go of worry.

A young woman I mentored visited with her daughter. We had meaningful conversations about life’s challenges and joys, focusing on living one day at a time. She is considering moving back, and I would love to be part of their lives again on a regular basis as I once was.

This year, I shared my faith with over 100 individuals from various backgrounds, leading to four first-time commitments to Jesus and four who rededicated their life to Christ. I also had spiritual discussions with 44 others. The significance of the number “four” just became apparent while reviewing my journal. I credit these experiences to God’s transformative power in my own life. Despite feeling nervous, immersing myself in God’s Word and praying helps guide the conversation, creating a profound sense of feeling His Spirit lead me. All glory and praise to God.

As I contemplate 2026, it appears that I will be traveling to Africa and possibly Indonesia, with another surgery scheduled in between. While the specifics remain uncertain, I am preparing myself with openness and readiness. I sincerely pray, “Lord, use me!”

Each year that goes by, I enjoy life more and more, and I think it is because God reminds me to focus on the eternal not the temporary. I am assured that God will orchestrate every aspect of this journey called life according to His divine plan, providing opportunities for meaningful conversations as I strive to be His hands and feet. It is essential to make the most of each moment, as we cannot predict the day or hour of His return nor when He may call us Home. I can confidently affirm, “To live is Christ, and to die is gain.”

Blessings,
Jennifer