This year I will Step Forward. Begin Again. Live Fully.
Every year begins with a quiet invitation from God—to move forward without fear, to release what has passed, and to open your heart to what He is creating now. This is not just another year; it is the beginning of something sacred. The same God who promised, “I am doing something new,” is still making paths in dry places and calling you to trust His process.
My Word for the Year is New Beginning. You can use the Pilgrim's Backpack to help you along the journey.
A new beginning is never still—it is movement, growth, and forward motion in faith. It is God’s gentle reminder that He is not finished with you; there is still more for you to walk into, discover, and become. So, you must Step Forward, Begin Again, and Live Fully because you were Made for More.
To step forward means to move in faith even when the outcome is unclear. You do not have to see the whole road; you only need to believe that God is already walking ahead of you. Every act of obedience becomes a declaration that you trust His plan more than your own comfort.
To begin again is to rest in mercy. God’s compassion meets you every morning, inviting you to start fresh without shame or striving. Beginning again is not weakness—it is courage wrapped in grace. It is saying, “Lord, I am still here, still willing, still Yours.”
To live fully is to let that grace breathe through everything you do. Fullness is not found in busy calendars or perfect plans; it is found in awareness—knowing you are held, guided, and loved by a faithful God. When you live fully, you live free.
You were made for more. Every step you take, every fresh start you embrace, and every moment you choose to live fully is a testament to God’s ongoing work in your life. He has not finished writing your story—He is still unfolding purpose in your path, beauty in your becoming, and grace in your growth. So keep moving forward in faith, trusting that what lies ahead will reveal the fullness of who He created you to be. Step forward, begin again, and live fully—because you were made for more.
So this year, let your faith take steps, let your heart start fresh, and let your life overflow with gratitude. You do not have to earn this beginning; you only need to receive it. The God who made you new will carry you through every moment to come—because you were made for more.
Here is how I’m walking that out this year:
Made for More: A Year of New Beginnings
This year’s reading journey, Made for More: A Year of New Beginnings, is shaped around one central truth: when God declares that He is doing something new, He invites you to grow into the person He always knew you could become. Each month carries a focused theme, a clear Scripture anchor, and a pathway for spiritual formation that builds from one month to the next. The plan guides you through the entire acronym of NEW BEGINNING, turning each letter into a month-long exploration of growth, faith, and renewal.
Every theme is intentional. Every verse is chosen to reinforce who you are becoming. Each month prepares the heart for the next, creating a year-long progression of purpose, healing, maturity, and transformation.
The Pilgrim’s Backpack
A spiritual companion designed to help you walk with grace, courage, persistence, and resilience as you step into the new beginning God has prepared for you. It carries the tools, truths, and reminders that keep your heart steady as you continue the work He placed in your hands and take each step with renewed faith and purpose.
In the Secret Place: Exploring the Promises of Psalm 91
“In the Secret Place” is a six-volume Bible reading journey through Psalm 91—God’s promise of refuge and protection. Each day offers one verse from Psalm 91 paired with a companion verse from the Psalms. Designed for reflection and spiritual renewal, this series invites you to dwell in the presence of the Most High, one verse at a time, finding comfort, courage, and truth in His Word.
Fresh Starts and Faithful Thanks
This year’s gratitude devotional, "Fresh Starts and Faithful Thanks," is my response to that very question. Rather than confining gratitude to the autumn season, it extends thanksgiving, praise, and worship throughout the entire year. Each two-month section highlights one of my Words of the Year, creating space to reflect on it, thank God for it, and mature through it.
The New Beginning Found in Christ’s Birth
The New Beginning Found in Christ’s Birth invites you on a journey through prophecy and fulfillment—seeing Christ clearly in Scripture as He was foretold, announced, confirmed, and fulfilled. Through each passage, you are reminded that God’s plan for salvation was never hidden; it was simply waiting for the perfect moment to be revealed.
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31 Days of Prayer for School
This renewed my sense of purpose in embracing new beginnings. These prayers transformed how I approached the classroom, my writing, and my daily life. I prayed over students, lessons, and the work before me—and through those prayers, I found the courage to start fresh with faith and expectancy.
Mindfulness and the Christian Faith: Unlocking the Power of Philippians 4:8
"Mindfulness and the Christian Faith: Unlocking the Power of Philippians 4:8" invites you to train your thoughts toward what is true, noble, right, pure, lovely, admirable, excellent, and praiseworthy. Through this eight-part journey, you will discover how biblical mindfulness is not mere positive thinking but a sacred practice that steadies the heart and strengthens faith. Each reflection reveals how aligning your thoughts with God’s truth can renew your mind, deepen your relationship with Him, and fill your life with lasting peace and joy.
As this season unfolds, remember that every new beginning carries the fingerprints of God’s grace. You are not lost—you are being led. The same God who started this good work in you is still shaping, refining, and preparing you for what is next. Let go of what did not work, release the weight of old expectations, and trust that what is ahead is greater than what is behind.
You do not have to rush or strive. God’s timing is perfect, His plans are good, and His mercy meets you right where you are. Let His presence steady your steps, fill your heart, and renew your hope for the days to come.
Step forward. Begin again. Live fully. You were made for more.