New Beginnings for a New Year (2026)
The lyrics from John Lennon’s song Happy Christmas say... “another year over, and a new one just begun.”
It’s the time of year where you ponder the past and embrace new beginnings for the start of a new year.
Many contemplate resolutions that range from losing weight to financial security or making promises to yourself to be a better person.
Although these intentions start with a promise, many end with disappointment. The promises fade and you return to your regular routine.
Most fail, for a few reasons. One, it’s difficult to break away from a set pattern—habits developed over months, years, cling to you like tar — sticky, stubborn, and slow to surrender. This was me. I made a promise to lose weight year after year and failed miserably. You’d think it’d be simple to walk away from biting into a cookie, or buying a delicious, sweet latte at your favourite coffee shop, or combining that drink with a scone or muffin.
Every day I had a coffee, scone, muffin or cookie, and to surrender this addiction seemed impossible. I craved these treats and felt unglued if I didn’t have them.
I prayed about it, surrendered the sugar addiction to the cross, and the habits continued. I was stuck in a pattern I couldn’t break.
However, I continued to pray as I didn’t want to be enslaved to sugar. Without realizing it, the desire to have sweets dissipated.
This is how God works. His healing is subtle as it moves like a gentle breeze. You don’t notice it or feel the difference. You just become aware that something is different.
God loves simplicity. He doesn’t move in your life like a thunder bolt, He moves silently, like a whisper. His quiet applications of healing and answering prayers is like a slow stream flowing through your body fixing parts that need to be fixed. It’s beautiful, graceful, and miraculous.
Other factors in breaking a resolution are the fear of failure, unworthiness, and guilt.
I had a difficult time believing if I changed my eating habits, I’d lose weight. I struggled with thoughts that other people lose weight, but it’d never happen to me. I also didn’t feel worthy. I’d start a diet, lose weight, and then fail, as I didn’t believe I deserved a healthy body.
Low self-esteem can be persuasive, leading you to missing out on how you want to live your life. For me, it was a struggle for more than ten years. Through prayer, and the desire to do something for God, who has shown His great love for me repeatedly, I’ve remained committed to eating healthy and have succeeded in losing weight.
Are you stuck on the following as you begin 2026.
That each day will be the same with minimal change.
You’ll remain stuck in a repetitive cycle that prevents you from living the way God sees you?
That no matter how hard you strive for change, you’ll continue to struggle.
I take refuge in this verse...
1 Thessalonians 5:18
“Give thanks in all circumstances, for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.’
I’ve learned to realize each circumstance is fleeting. It doesn’t remain unless you cling to it. Unless you take hold of the reins, surrender the kingdom you’ve built for yourself, and ask Jesus for forgiveness, your life will remain as it is. Stuck in the same routine—missing out in a kingdom of hope and peace with a loving God who holds you through difficult times and rejoices beside you in times of celebration.
To change isn’t easy. It’s taking a courageous step from the familiar to the unfamiliar and allowing yourself to be guided in the unfamiliar until it’s familiar.
It’s opening your heart to the Lord, allowing Him to move in you to make change. It’s seamless and effortless for Him, as He waits for you to utter ... “God I surrender my all to you.” Each time you choose righteousness over sin, the gates of heaven burst into song.
Luke 15:10
“In the same way, I tell you, there is rejoicing in the presence of the angels of God over one sinner who repents.”
It’s a new year...
Are you ready to change the pattern?
To view life through a different lens?
To surrender control?
Trust in a God who loves you beyond measure?
Embrace the peace of Christ Jesus.
Allow Him to mold your heart.
God said to me:
“I will mold you like fine wine.”
My prayer is for you to take Jesus’s hand, build a foundation in Him by...
Seeking Him in all things you do, even the mundane.
If you need clarity, ask God for wisdom.
James 1:5
“if any of you lacks wisdom, you should ask God, who give generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to you.”
Proverbs 3:5-6
“Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to Him, and He will make your paths straight.”
Focus on your heart, rather than your achievements.
Colossians 3:12-14
“Therefore, as God’s chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience. Bear with each other and forgive one another if any of you has a grievance against someone. Forgive as the Lord forgave you. And over all these virtues put on love, which binds them all together in perfect unity.”
Work for God’s purpose not your own.
“Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for human masters, since you know that you will receive an inheritance from the Lord as a reward. It is the Lord Christ you are serving.”
More importantly, trust God with the timing and results.
Isaiah 40:31
“But those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint.”
Change may not happen as quickly as you’d like; however, God has a plan for you, Jeremiah 29:11-13, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.”
God knows the exact moment to experience the greatest impact by teaching you step by step until you reach His planned destination.
And then it starts over again. As under His grace and guidance, you continue to grow and change. It’s trusting His guidance, having faith in the process knowing that God is constant. He never reneges on a promise. He is with you always.
Matthew 28:20
“I am with you always, even to the end of the age.”
Are you ready to take a chance?
Step out of your comfort zone?
No matter what you decide, God will meet you where you are. However, if you accept Jesus as you’re Lord and Saviour, God will not only meet you but will reside in you through the Holy Spirit. A gift to straighten your paths, provide guidance, and bring you closer to the Lord.
Isn’t it time you stop resisting Him?
You were created to be with Him. It’s sin that separates you from the Lord.
Make 2026 the year where you make the change and say yes.
Happy New Year and God Bless,
Blog-Twisted Roots
Do you find yourself asking questions about new age, whether the practices and beliefs are leading your soul to redemption?
As a reformed new ager, I was saturated in the belief I could co-create with the universe and manifest a life of abundance. But I was deceived. This blog is to point you to the truth of God’s words and how He perceives the new age indoctrination. It also highlights other areas to inspire and encourage Christians in their walk of faith.
Prayer Journals
To help you in your journey, I created Prayer Journals, to build a closer bond with Christ Jesus.
As you grow in your faith, it’s important to dedicate time to be with God in prayer, a quiet space to meet with Him, and invite Him into your daily thoughts. In doing so, you will experience His peace and presence in every aspect of your life.
Fine Art Photography
I always dreamed of being a professional photographer when I grew up. It was a journey to reach this goal. When the opportunity presented itself, I knew it was time to fulfill my dream.
I owned a home-based studio for over a decade but have been shooting images for two decades. Now, semi-retired, I have a collection of my most cherished images of landscape or fine art available for wall décor.
