restore.

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He restores my soul... (Psalm 23:3a, NKJV)

Restores. Renews (NLT). Refreshes (NIV). Revives (TPT).

Restore is the word I chose for 2025. (I know - I'm a little late for the ritual of New Year's resolutions. But those never last anyway.) Last year was a tough year for many reasons; the most difficult valley was hearing the news that our little grandson has a terminal, degenerative form of epilepsy. Although our acceptance of his condition has become a part of our "normal" life, I knew 2025 needed to be a time of restoration for my body, mind, and soul.

I have gone on many a health kick over the years; I've done Sugar-Free January, I've done a Whole 30, I've "gone" gluten-free. All of these things have helped, but I don't usually stick to them. Honestly, overall, my health is better than it was 15 years ago when I first began to pay better attention to the food I put in my mouth. At that time, I was reading every book and watching every document on healthy food. I learned about how the American food system will put health on the line for the bottom line. So we purged the house of food dyes and genetically modified organisms (GMOs). That was a great decision and one we have tried to adhere to as the years have passed. But it's time for me to get back to a lifestyle of more intention during meals. I've gotten a bit complacent and lazy in the kitchen. I need to stop being lazy when it comes to exercise as well! As I'm getting older, moving my body daily becomes more and and more important.

Next week I turn 52. As I have watched the years fly by, I have noticed some decline in my memory and the sharpness of my mind. It's important to find ways to strengthen the mind and memory. It's important to challenge the mind. Keeping up intellectual conversations or completing mind building exercises is crucial to keeping the mind healthy.

Memorizing Scripture is a perfect way to exercise the mind and to restore and refresh my soul. I am going to first work on memorizing the passage found in Philippians 4: Always be full of joy in the Lord. I say it again - rejoice! Let everyone see that you are considerate in all you do. Remember, the Lord is coming soon. Don't worry about anything; instead, pray about everything. Tell God what you need, and thank him for all he has done. Then you will experience God's peace, which exceeds anything we can understand. His peace will guard your hearts and minds as you live in Christ Jesus. And now, dear brothers and sisters, one final thing. Fix your thoughts on what is true, and honorable, and right, and pure, and lovely, and admirable. Think about things that are excellent and worthy of praise. (vs. 4-8, NLT.)

How I long to refresh my soul in Him, and immersing myself in Scripture will be a huge step towards that renewal! Over the year, I have felt many barren moments; however (and thankfully!), I have experienced even more moments where I have felt Him close to me, bringing me comfort and peace. I find great hope in Isaiah 43:19: For I am about to do something new. See, I have already begun! Do you not see it? I will make a pathway through the wilderness. I will create rivers in the dry wasteland. I wait in anticipation to witness how the Lord will bring restoration this year to my heart, mind, and soul. 



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