December 2025 Newsletter
Reflecting on a Year of Choices
Here we are already at year's end, wow! Time has flown by, and as we stand at the threshold of a new year, it's the perfect moment to pause and reflect.
As I take inventory of my year, I have to think: how much different would my year have looked if I had altered my actions or my choices to do certain things? Maybe I chose the good or for the bad. Not saying anything was bad, but could some things have turned out even better?
Taking Ownership of Our Lives
That being said, I think sometimes we blame things on others or even on God when we really hold the keys. The actions we take—based on the decisions we make—have consequences, good or bad! This isn't meant to burden us with guilt, but to empower us with truth: we have more influence over our lives than we sometimes realize.
God spoke clearly to His people in Deuteronomy 30:19: "I call heaven and earth as witnesses today against you, that I have set before you life and death, blessing and cursing; therefore choose life, that both you and your descendants may live."
Every day, God sets choices before us. Will we choose patience or anger? Forgiveness or bitterness? Faith or fear? Service or selfishness? These daily choices shape not only our year but our lives and legacy.
The Beauty of a Fresh Start
Here's the encouraging truth: if you look back at this past year and see choices you wish you'd made differently, God's mercies are new every morning! The same God who gives us the freedom to choose also extends grace when we choose poorly. He doesn't condemn us for past mistakes—He invites us forward into something better.
As we close out this year, let me encourage you with three simple steps:
Reflect honestly - What choices led to good fruit this year? What choices do you wish you could change?
Take responsibility - Own your part without shame or blame, knowing God's grace covers you
Choose wisely going forward - Ask God for wisdom and strength to make better choices in the new year
A New Year, New Choices
The beautiful thing about a new year is that it represents a fresh start, a clean slate. You get to decide today what next year will look like. Will you choose to spend more time in God's Word? Will you choose to love your family more intentionally? Will you choose to serve others with greater passion? Will you choose faith over worry?
Remember, God isn't waiting to punish you for wrong choices—He's cheering you on to choose life, choose blessing, choose Him! Every morning you wake up is another opportunity to make choices that honor God and lead to abundant life.
Let's step into this new year with wisdom, hope, and determination. Let's choose life together!
Happy New Year!
You are valuable, precious, special and important!!
