I can't believe it's 2025 already. My last articles were over a year ago when I made the switch from Black Belt Christianity to 4SIX Ministries. And it was fully my intention back then to turn out some kind of content once a week. Obviously, that didn't happen.
Work, work, work
My business did very well this past year - revenue was up 37% from 2023. It seemed like I was working all the time - nights and weekends - in an effort to keep up. What "down time" I did have, I was exhausted. I didn't really want to do anything. But I can't really complain. When I officially started my business in January of 2021, I said, "It's me and you, Jesus. I want you to be my business partner. I need you to bring me the funds, tools, clients, and a van. I'll do all the work." And He did. He gave me money, tools, clients, and even the exact van I wanted. And He still "shows up for work." Month in and month out, clients keep showing up.
A "new" addition to the family
Right after my last article in November 2024, my wife and I decided to grow our household. No - no more babies for us! (Although at times, it's a lot like it.) We moved her mom in with us that following Christmas. Long story short (definitely not my normal style, eh? LOL), she had been diagnosed with a neurological condition called PSP. There's a lot to it, but it's a gradual decline in health that makes you pretty much totally dependent on someone else to take care of you. So all day, everyday my wife takes care of her mom. And it's overwhelming and stressful and draining for my wife - and for the rest of us. Right now, it looks like we have another year to look after her before we can get her into long term care.
"Life" happens to all of us. Each day brings... ummm... let's just say new adventures. Some of those adventures are great! Some seem pretty neutral. Others can be taxing, tedious, or even terrible. For a lot of us, it's easy to see God at work in our lives and give Him thanks and praise and glory when things are going great. But when things are down - when things aren't going so great - we have two options: respond according to the Word or the world. We get to choose if we're going to stick close to the Lord and at least try to act accordingly or if we're going to act according to our flesh in the way the most of the world would. I'll admit - I've done both over the last year. And if I'm being completely transparent, way more of the latter than I would really like to admit. And you know what? It's okay - with a caveat. Nope, none of us are perfect. But when we recognize our failures (sin), change the way view them, work to not repeat them (repent), and take appropriate action, then it'll be okay. We're growing. We're continuing in our progressive sanctification. We're maturing in Christ. We're becoming more and more conformed into His image.
All that said, I was able to complete and publish Live & Walk in the Spirit Part 2: Let Your Light Shine. So make sure you check it out! Click here for link to Amazon
So. When life be lifin' I would challenge you - and myself - to turn to the Word, say a prayer, and let Jesus be Jesus'n. Until next time – grow in the grace and knowledge of the Lord.