Let it snow, let it snow!

Were any of you happy for a snow day on Monday? I sure was! Classes were canceled and I was able to have extra time to catch up on my admin work. But first, I had to have time with the Lord in my hot tub… with a cup of coffee of course… in the snow! LOL! It was a great way to start the day!

I was reflecting on the past few weeks and all of the memories we made!

Christmas Service at our church and Sunday brunch with our dear friends and prayer warriors for Cavod… Wolfe & Arlene and Joe & Lisa. I love them so much!

Our annual gingerbread house-making and sleepover with all 11 of our grandchildren. Yes, the teenagers love to come too! Gift cards were awarded for the 1^st, 2^nd, and 3^rd place, along with most creative and for participating! 😊

This year we took it to another level and made the gingerbread houses into a village.

And of course, pizza, Christmas PJs, and a movie are all part of our tradition and so much fun! The grands added the hot tub as part of the festivities this year!

And our whole family was together to celebrate Christmas! What a blessing! It was a “no cook” Christmas with Indian Food. No dishes, no mess! I think we will make this a yearly tradition!

We carried our celebrations into January by celebrating my birthday a few days early, last Friday evening, by going to the Melting Pot for dinner! My favorite! I was living my best life… grazing all evening and spending quality time with my best friend, my hubby! He is truly a gift to me!

And now as I start the new year, the Lord gave me my word for the year, which is FOCUS. (It is so easy for me to get distracted and I am pretty sure I would have been diagnosed with ADHD in my childhood if it was a thing back then. LOL.)

I wrote in my journal recently… “I let go of fear, racing mind, wrong thought patterns, distrust, shame, performance, social media, and sugar. I replace it with trust, gratefulness, peace, positive thoughts, faith, hope, joy, steadfastness, reading books, prayer and eating healthy.” What a difference in those lists, right? Only by His grace!

Two important scriptures that God is highlighting for me this year are…

But forget all that – it is nothing compared to what I am going to do.

For I am about to do something new.

See, I have already begun! Do you not see it?

I will make a pathway through the wilderness.

I will create rivers in the dry wasteland. 

Isaiah 43:18-19 NLT

Don’t copy the behavior and customs of this world,

but let God transform you into a new person

by changing the way you think.

Then you will learn to know God’s will for you,

which is good and pleasing and perfect.

Romans 12:2 NLT

Wow! Such powerful scriptures if I slow down, listen, and allow Him to change me! HE WILL! I know!!! I am a life that has been transformed and I am still a work in progress. Life is a journey, not a destination as my mentor reminds me often. God continually works in our lives if we surrender and allow Him to.

And my life has been quite a journey… which I will share more, through my book! Yes! YES! FINALLY! It will be released at our 20^th year Celebration for Cavod! The name of my book is called “BARN TO STAGE”. I feel nervous and excited as I have been vulnerable, sharing openly my struggles and victories. God has been faithful! He is the reason I am still standing today, only by HIS grace! I am praying it will be an encouragement and blessing to many.

MARK YOUR CALENDARS!

 Saturday, February 8^th, 2-5pm!

Come celebrate with us 20 years of Cavod,

Creating with Purpose! At the Worship Center!

Grab a passport as you come in and take a tour through the 20 years of Cavod! Displays, food, games, an illusionist, performance, worship, dance, music, and much more! Fun for the whole family that you won’t want to miss! It is a free event, but you must register at cavod.org as there is limited seating! Click on the graphic below to register.

We also have a show coming up at Cavod Theatre, by Citylight Dance Theatre, on February 1^st & 2^nd! Come and be inspired by this beautiful show, “Out of Darkness Into Light”.

Stories of redemption and joyous freedom told through movement! So powerful!

Prayer – “May the Lord bless you and protect you. May the Lord smile on you and be gracious to you. May the Lord show you his favor and give you His peace (Numbers 6:24-26 NLT). Lord, please encourage my friends. May you do amazing things in their lives this year. In Jesus Name, Amen.”

Dave and I would like to wish you a wonderful and amazing 2025!