“The Lord gives His beloved rest” — Psalm 127:2

January arrives differently than December. After weeks filled with noise, celebration, and full calendars, the world seems to soften. The decorations are packed away, the music quiets, and the pace of life finally slows. Almost everything from the holidays is gone… except the leftovers, which somehow keep multiplying in the fridge.

It’s in this quieter space that many of us notice something we didn’t have time to feel before—we’re tired. Not just physically, but deep in our souls.

The busyness of the season often carries us along on momentum. There are gatherings to attend, meals to prepare, gifts to wrap, and expectations to meet. The joy is real, but so is the weariness that follows. And when the rush ends, we’re left with an important question: what does our soul need now?

Scripture reminds us that God is deeply attentive to our weariness. Jesus didn’t wait until people had everything figured out before inviting them closer. He simply said, “Come to Me… and I will give you rest.” Rest wasn’t offered as a reward for finishing well, but as a gift for those who were already tired. As Psalm 127 reminds us, rest is something the Lord lovingly gives to His people—it’s not something we have to earn.

These early days of January gently invite us to slow down enough to listen. Where did the past season stretch us thin? What parts of our hearts feel worn or neglected? And are we willing to pause long enough to let God restore us before rushing ahead? Scripture tells us that it is the Lord who restores our souls—not our productivity, not our plans, and not how quickly we move into the next thing.

We often assume that the start of a new year requires immediate movement—new goals, fresh commitments, bold resolutions. But throughout Scripture, God frequently works in still places. Again and again, He calls His people to stop, to remember, and to trust. “Be still and know that I am God” is not a call to inactivity, but an invitation to deeper awareness of His presence and power.

There is something sacred about this space between seasons. January feels like a threshold—a quiet moment between what has been and what is coming. In this stillness, gratitude has room to settle. God’s faithfulness becomes easier to recognize. Trust begins to deepen. Isaiah reminds us that in quietness and trust is our strength, a truth we often overlook in louder seasons of life.

As we sit in this slower rhythm, another gentle question arises: what if rest isn’t something we squeeze in after we’ve done enough, but something God uses to prepare us for what’s next? What if the quiet is not empty, but purposeful? Scripture consistently shows us that before God leads His people forward, He often meets them in stillness first.

So as this new year unfolds, January invites us to land softly. To resist the pressure to rush. To trust that God is already at work—here, now, and even in the quiet. The same faithful God who carried us through last year is present in this moment, restoring what has been worn down and gently shaping us for the days ahead.

And if resting feels a little uncomfortable at first, that’s okay too. After all, we’ve been moving fast for a long time. Sometimes it takes a few quiet days—and maybe one last round of leftovers—before our hearts remember how to slow down.

Takeaway Thought: The quiet seasons of life are not empty—they are often where God is rebuilding what busyness has worn down.

In His Love,
Mikki💜

Heavenly Father, as the noise of the season fades, help us become more aware of Your presence. Thank You for meeting us in the quiet and for working in our hearts as life slows down. Teach us to trust You with the still moments, the unanswered questions, and the days that feel ordinary. As this new year begins, restore what has been worn and renew our strength, shaping us into who You are calling us to be—at Your pace, in Your perfect timing. In Jesus name we pray, Amen.

“I have come that they may have life, and that they may have it more abundantly.”—John 10:10

If you’ve spent any time scrolling social media lately, you’ve probably seen it too—posts, reels, articles, and even “expert” tips on how to SURVIVE the holidays.
Survive?
Really?

If the birth of our Savior—God putting on flesh and stepping into our messy world—isn’t a reason to THRIVE, then what is?

And yet… we all know how it goes.

By December 1st, we’re knee-deep in wrapping paper, cookie crumbs, shopping lists, “dirty Santa” gifts, school programs, office parties, and endless “bring a dish to share” reminders. And our calendars fill as fast as our carts. The pace quickens. The noise gets louder. And suddenly, the season meant to bring peace on earth feels more like chaos in aisle seven.

But what if we don’t have to settle for the frantic version of Christmas?
What if this year could look a little different?
When my kids were younger, we did a craft project that involved glitter — the innocent-looking, shiny, sparkly kind. Everything was going smoothly until one of them bumped the container. And when I say bumped, I mean it went airborne like glitter had just been waiting for its chance to launch.

It. Went. Everywhere.

In their hair.
In the carpet.
Under the table.
In the dog’s fur (he sparkled for days).
In the grout between the tiles.
Weeks later, I’d still catch a speck shining on the edge of a lampshade or stuck to a sock fresh out of the dryer.

It didn’t matter how much I swept or wiped — the glitter kept showing up, catching the light, reminding me of a moment long after the mess was “cleaned up.”

And as ridiculous as it sounds, that glitter taught me something.

Just as Glitter Doesn’t Stay Put…Neither Does Joy

Glitter spreads.
It sticks.
It shows up in places you weren’t expecting.
It doesn’t ask permission.
It reflects light even in the dim corners.

But it only spreads because someone touched it.

And joy — real, God-given joy — works exactly the same way.

We tend to believe joy is something that happens to us. When the house is peaceful, when the plans go smoothly, when the cookies come out perfectly, when people behave the way we hope they will.

But biblical joy doesn’t behave like that.
Joy is not fragile.
Joy isn’t dependent on perfection.
Joy doesn’t wait on circumstances to improve.

Joy spreads wherever it is handled…
noticed…
touched…
and embraced.

Much like glitter, joy has a surprising way of showing up in unexpected places when we make space to truly engage with the things that produce it: God’s presence, God’s Word, and God’s peace.

Let’s Embrace the Glitter!

We rush through December touching everything but joy.
We handle stress, obligations, commitments, expectations, comparison, pressure, and noise.

But joy?
Peace?
Stillness?
Worship?

We rarely pause long enough to let them cling to us.

Yet thriving doesn’t start with a perfect holiday season.
It starts with touching what carries God’s presence — the things that sparkle with His goodness.

When you slow down to breathe in His Word…
When you choose gratitude in the middle of the mess…
When you stop scrolling long enough to pray…
When you laugh with someone you love…
When you say no to something that steals your peace…

You’re touching joy.
And like glitter, it spreads.

It sticks to you.
It shows up later when you least expect it.
It makes even the messy places shine.

Jesus Didn’t Come So You Could Just “Survive”

He came so you could have life — abundant, overflowing, joy-filled life.

Life that sparkles even in the chaos.
Life that spreads to the people around you.
Life that reminds you that no matter how busy the season becomes…
you are held, you are loved, and you are not alone.

This year, don’t settle for holiday survival mode.
Touch what matters.
Let joy cling to you.
Let peace settle over you.
Let the light of Christ show up in unexpected places — just like glitter.

Takeaway Thought:

When you slow down enough to touch the things that carry God’s presence, His joy and peace begin to cling to you—and transform your whole season.

Prayer

Lord, as we step into this season, help us slow down and remember what really matters. When things start to feel rushed or overwhelming, steady our hearts and draw our attention back to You. Let Your joy cling to us in the everyday moments and let Your peace guide the pace of our days. Use us to bring a little glitter and love to the people around us. Make this a season where we feel Your presence in real, simple ways.
In Jesus Name, Amen.

In His Love,
Mikki💜