by Jill Pearson
As you turn a fresh white page on a new year, you have a perfect opportunity to recalibrate. Perhaps you want to be a better steward of your physical body or more selective with what you read or watch. Maybe you’d like to be more intentional with your spiritual formation or more dedicated to the important relationships in your life. Would you like to explore a new area of service or skill, or scale down the clutter in your life?
Take some time to reflect on where you’re thriving and where you’re not. Perfection is not the goal. God’s grace and new mercies cover you daily. But nothing will change if you don’t disrupt unhealthy patterns, and you first have to spot them and name them, then draw upon God’s wisdom and strength to address them. The ultimate goal is that we become more and more Christlike as we get to know Him better and conform our lives to His.
This month, we share stories about people who are making intentional choices, big and small. Dawn Pruett shares about how she made a decision as a new attendee of Calvary that completely changed her sense of belonging. Denise King shares the importance of intentional prayer, and Jill Swanson gives tips on how to be more intentional with our clothes shopping. I share the practice of choosing a “Word of Intention” for 2024. You’ll also be treated to a cozy soup recipe from Darci Block.
Melissa Meyers and Kristi Muston are both taking a break from co-editing the blog, so we’d like to introduce you to our two new editors, Karyn Grenz and Beth Ecker. You can enjoy a devotional written by Beth and read about Beth, Karyn, and Mandy, Calvary’s new Youth Director, in Faces of Calvary.
Happy New Year!
Jill Pearson is co-editor of The Stir, wife to Dave, and mom to three young adults who have flown the nest but are easily lured back with an offer of dinner. She owns and operates Riverwood Studio, an art education business, and finds creative ways to serve at Calvary.