Welcome to 2026!

I love new beginnings, fresh starts, clean slates—fresh snow! Some of my favorite Scriptures and quotes to close the old year and open the new are:

“Not that I have already obtained this or am already perfect, but I press on to make it my own, because Christ Jesus has made me his own. Brothers, I do not consider that I have made it my own. But one thing I do: forgetting what lies behind and straining forward to what lies ahead, I press on toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus.”—Philippians 3: 12-14

“Let the past sleep, but let it sleep on the bosom of Christ. Leave the Irreparable Past in His hands, and step out into the Irresistible Future with Him.”—Oswald Chambers

“Tomorrow is the first blank page of a 365-page book. Write a good one.”—Brad Paisley

We all have books of life to write day by day. The good news is that we do not fill those pages alone. Once invited, our Lord stands at the helm of our ships—our worthy Captain Who, no matter the storm, has vowed never to leave or forsake us. And we stand in community with others—shipmates and the hands and feet of Christ in human form.

Homelife Confession:

Too many cookies baked and eaten this Holiday Season!

Writing News:

 I was thrilled to learn that Library Journal not only gave This Promised Land  a starred review, but also designated it as one of the Best Books of 2025 in Christian Fiction!

More Writing News:

As 2025 closed exciting emails flew back and forth between my editor, Stephanie Broene, at Tyndale House Publishers and me.

The cover for my new book, Every Given Day, has been designed. It’s lovely, unique—different from all my other book covers—and I couldn’t be more pleased. A few tweaks are still in the works, but I can hardly wait to share it with you!

Still More Writing News:

Two days before Christmas I received the most wonderful email! Tyndale House Publishers has offered a contract for yet another book. I’ve worked with Tyndale House Publishers for fifteen years and counting, but the thrill of a new story and the affirmation of a new contract never dim. Details will be ironed out in days to come. All I can share now is that the story will begin in Chicago, and wend its way to the Big Apple, 1919-early 1920s. This story’s theme came through my concern for current issues in our country and around the world—conviction the Lord has pressed on my heart. The historical setting and storyline came through a dream—something rare for me—and centers on a historical event I initially knew little about. I’m excited, and eager to dig in and bring these characters to life. Please pray that I will hear clearly all the Lord intends for me to bring to this story, that I will absorb every lesson He intends me to learn while writing, and that the finished product will bring joy and blessing to readers.

What I’m Reading:

My Beloved, A Mitford Novel, by Jan Karon

What a treat to revisit Mitford and its wonderful characters! It’s been so long since I finished reading the Mitford books that at times I was challenged to keep all the characters straight. I needn’t have worried. Each one is so distinctive that they jump off the page. Pure delight, like coming home. I didn’t want the book—this visit with dear friends—to end.

Devotional Recommendation:

Each year I recommend a devotional. In 2025 I read through Prevail—365 Days of Enduring Strength from God’s Word, by Susie Larson. So many things I love about this book—

Each day offers a Scripture, a devotional, further Scripture reading, a challenge to flourish, and a prayer, giving me much to think and pray about.

The day-by-day devotions, centered on Scriptures, go through the Bible, beginning to end. I was not only inspired by the devotion but captured the lesson in the context and progression of the Bible’s intent.

The devotions are labeled as Day 1, Day 2, etc., rather than by month and day. If I missed a day, I didn’t feel the need to “catch up.” If I needed more than one devotional companion for a given day, I felt free to indulge.

I loved the theme of the book. “Prevail” was just what I needed in facing the challenges of the past year. So often it felt as if the day’s devotion was written just for me.

There are many great devotional books available. I’d love to know your favorite and why you love it.

My husband, Dan, surprised me with a Christmas gift to see A Christmas Carol, performed at the Blackfriars Playhouse of the American Shakespeare Center in Staunton, Virginia. What a fun treat and a great way to end the old year!

I pray your new year is one of increased faith, ever deepening relationship with our Lord and His own, significant breakthroughs, good health, abiding peace, and great joy.