Reflecting on this past year fills me with awe at God’s goodness and wonder at how He’s worked in ways I never expected. There have been moments where discouragement crept in—when the goals I set or the habits I longed to develop didn’t unfold as I hoped. Yet, I’ve seen the Lord redirect my steps in His perfect timing. By His grace, I’ve experienced growth, catching glimpses of how He is shaping me into His likeness. And in moments of failure, His mercy has met me with a steadfast love that never lets me go.
This year has been a reminder of the tension we live in as believers—sorrow over the brokenness of the world and joy in God’s redeeming work. I’ve felt the weight of grief in prayer, crying out for the healing of wounds too deep for words. Yet there have been so many moments of beauty: marveling at His creation, sharing laughter with friends and family, and finding stillness in worship that brought tears of gratitude. Through it all, God has been faithful, proving again and again that His promises never fail.
One verse that has been a constant encouragement to me is Lamentations 3:22-23:"Because of the Lord’s great love we are not consumed, for his compassions never fail. They are new every morning; great is your faithfulness."
When I consider the year behind me and the one ahead, I’m reminded that God’s mercies are renewed each day. His faithfulness doesn’t depend on my ability to meet my goals or avoid mistakes—it rests on His unchanging character. What a hope we have in Him!
Here are a few highlights from our year:
A Memorable Family Vacation
This spring, we packed our bags for Disney with my parents and my sister’s family. Traveling together is always an adventure! Days were spent walking through the parks, and evenings unwinding by the pool. However, our trip came with unexpected drama: my brother-in-law fell ill, landing him in the hospital for an emergency appendectomy. We navigated the chaos with plenty of prayer (and some scooter rentals). In the end, we were so grateful for excellent medical care—and the reassurance of health insurance.
Graduation & New Beginnings
After years of part-time study, I finally walked across the stage. Strangely, I almost didn’t go to my own graduation, but it turned into a meaningful celebration. I even connected with a director who later offered me a contract at a local faith-based nonprofit. That unexpected door opened into part-time ministry as a counsellor—a wonderful complement to my nursing role at the hospital.
Summer by the Lake
Summer was full of paddling, boating, and hiking at the lake. The kids stayed busy with sports camps, Bible camp, and VBS at church. My oldest took her first aid and lifeguarding course, and watching her thrive made me wonder if she might be drawn to the medical field one day.
A Milestone Birthday
Turning 40 felt monumental, and we decided to celebrate big. This year marked not just my milestone birthday but also my graduation and our upcoming 20th wedding anniversary. My husband and I traveled on our first kid-free trip—a Mediterranean cruise through Italy, Croatia, and Greece. We soaked in the history on nerdy tours of ancient ruins and early church sites, revisiting our shared love of travel from our time overseas.
Family Life & Ministry
My husband continues to enjoy his role in sales and logistics at a local manufacturing company. He’s thankful for a great team and finds joy in serving as a Sunday school teacher and on our church’s missions committee.
The kids are wrapping up grades 8, 5, and 3. They’ve formed great friendships and are thriving at school. Thursday evenings are Awana nights, where they’re learning Scripture while the rest of us volunteer. Our Bible study group has been walking through Nehemiah—a timely reminder of God’s faithfulness in rebuilding what’s broken.
Extracurriculars keep us on the go: my son plays rec hockey, my middle daughter made a club volleyball team, and both girls are taking guitar and piano lessons.
Milestones & Grateful Hearts
This year marked seven years since our daughter’s life-saving transplant—a moment we celebrated with quiet gratitude. We also saw God’s hand of protection in a car accident, received good dental care after a mini-sticks slapshot quartered my son’s front tooth (root canal pending), and navigated the busyness of ministry.
At AIM Canada, the search for a new executive director has added urgency to our board’s work this year. We’ve been prayerfully discerning God’s leading for this next season of ministry and are excited about what the Lord will do in the coming year.
Looking Ahead
As I reflect on the year, I see how my carefully laid plans were both interrupted and expanded. It’s not because of anything I’ve done, but because of His grace—leading and guiding us into His purposes.
One verse I’ve often prayed over this year is 2 Thessalonians 2:11-12:"To this end we always pray for you, that our God may make you worthy of his calling and may fulfill every resolve for good and every work of faith by his power, so that the name of our Lord Jesus may be glorified in you, and you in him, according to the grace of our God and the Lord Jesus Christ."
As I move into the new year, my prayer is to be faithful in the opportunities, influence, and relationships He’s entrusted to me. May they all be stewarded for His glory and for the good of others.
Writing Highlights
This blog remains a space to serve and encourage you, through articles, book reviews and links to deepen our understanding and love for Christ. Lord willing, that will continue in the year ahead.
A few places I’ve posted this year and some favourites:
1 The Sorrows of Eve on the topic of Perinatal Mood and Anxiety Disorders (PMADs)
3 Book lists
4 A New Resource
It's a blessing and privilege to serve you, may this season bring you joy in humble reflection on the gift of grace in Christ.
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