At the moment of this writing, much of the south is still recovering from ice and snow dumped across several states in January 2026. Actually, we’re quite upset about the whole thing. All these high-pressures and low-pressures should know that this kind of weather belongs up north. Way up north. We of the south want our normal winter temperatures back!
Make no mistake, I’m not afraid of a bit of winter weather. I lived in Colorado for a few years and trust me, snow was not scarce. Neither was extreme cold. But that’s what you expect in Colorado. Georgia, not so much.
However, cozying up with a mug of hot chocolate and a piece of peppermint bark , I found myself musing about snow (or ice) days and how joyful they are.
True story. I started a Bible study recently about new beginnings. Where do new beginnings begin? With repentance. Real repentance. Transforming our minds repentance. (from the Greek, Metanoeo)
I want a new beginning. Forward is my word for 2026. So repent I did! Asking God to forgive me, to transform and renew my mind. I meant every word.
I’m saddling up, climbing on, and riding into your sunset. Forward into 2026 and whatever God has for me.
Selecting a word for the coming new year is a thing, right? Well, my word for 2026 is “Forward”.
“moving toward a place, a point or a time” “advancing” “relating to the future”
After my 2025, “Forward” is definitely appropriate for me. Maybe for you as well.
Forward denotes advancement—moving in a direction away from whatever it is you want to leave behind. Maybe you want to leave behind the pain of loss and its grief, financial woes, bad relationships, or stress from a home renovation that is taking waaaaaaaay too long!
I recently read a story from a man who grew up on a farm with a working windmill. Occasionally, they would turn the windmill’s power off for an extended period of time and birds would build nests in the ironwork.
As a young boy, his father sent him out early one spring to check the windmill before returning its power. He found an elaborate nest made completely from wire that a bird had apparently scrounged for over a few summers. But she built her nest in a hazardous location and it had to be removed.
Just kidding. I am no domestic diva. Martha Stewart has nothing to fear. Now, my husband? Well, he did vow for better or for worse.
Even though I hate to cook—and let me emphasis hate—my awesome husband would say I’m a great cook. Then again, he is stuck with me for life, so …
On the whole, weekends at my house are wonderful. Friday night is date night, followed by Saturday morning breakfast at my favorite coffee shop, complete with gingerbread lattes all year, not just the holidays. Our family makes an event of weekend sports … on the field and in front of the TV … and we enjoy them together with our favorite take-out food. Weekends equal no cooking, and that’s a win for everyone.
I muddle through the weekdays dreading the three o’clock hour when I’m forced to ask myself that age old question: “What am I going to fix for supper?”
Recipes are not the problem. I have a million. (okay, that might be an exaggeration) With Pinterest, Facebook, and food blogs all over the internet—information that Professor Google will find lighting fast—I have plenty of options. But there’s another problem …
Grocery shopping. Yeah, I hate that, too. Dinner time is a scramble to defrost something, gather ingredients, and pray everything is still in date.
For me, it’s inevitable. I decide what dinner is going to be, begin preparation … and it happens. Something vital to my recipe is out of date. I close my eyes, breathe a desperate “please” and then, “Yes”! It’s a “BEST BY” date, not an expiration date! (come on, I can’t be the only one!)
On our way to church a few weeks ago, that phrase made its way into my thoughts. Best By. It occurred to me that perhaps I have reached my Best By date. Still usable but, maybe I should step back and let those in their prime do the teaching, the singing, and the leading. Sure, I could stay ready to step up when there’s a temporary need to be filled.
Best by…
We age and begin to notice changes, aches and pains. But God does not put us out to pasture. He makes that clear in His word.
“Even in old age they will still produce fruit; they will remain vital and green.” ~Psalms 92:14
“Therefore we do not lose heart. Even though our outward man is perishing, yet the inward man is being renewed day by day.” ~2 Corinthians 4:16
No, God does not stamp us with a Best By date. Our usefulness has no expiration date. It’s in Him that we “live and move and have our being.” (Acts 17:28)
“I will praise the Lord as long as I live. I will sing praises to my God with my dying breath.” ~Psalms 146:2
We never stop serving. We never stop loving. We never stop … period.
The world may want to retire us and put us in the back seat as we age, but it’s no mystery that God never calls it quits for us.
Walk through every door He opens. Step up each time He calls. God will strengthen and give the tools needed to accomplish whatever He calls us to … no matter our age.
“But they who wait for the Lord shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings like eagles; they shall run and not be weary; they shall walk and not faint.” ~Isaiah 40:31
One moment can change your life forever. The mystery is navigating your next steps.
It all started on a cold November evening… but, let’s not go there.
January 2019 began with a bang. I made a major move to Colorado, and this little southern girl was in for the ride of her life—part good, part bad. It was uphill. It was downhill. Perilous one day, victorious the next.
Okay, okay, you get it. Moving on…
In a nutshell, 2019 was the best and the worst. The move to Colorado was an amazing moment in life full of hard truth, restoration, reconciliation and healing for my husband and me. Through it all, I’ve learned to live with a grateful heart for the smallest of blessings.
Cozy Intrigue ~ Janet Campbell 