A Different New Year: Chose HEALTH Over Discontentment

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My social media feed is overflowing with optimism right now. Friends are declaring 2026 will be “the best year ever.” Some are getting married, others are graduating college, expecting babies, or (like many of us in our 50s) becoming grandparents for the first time—or again. Every milestone feels like a reason to celebrate and post. Then come the classic resolutions: eat healthier, exercise more, and lose weight aggressively. I get it—I’ve been there.

But this is my 54th New Year, and I’m taking a different path this time. A couple of months ago, a friend asked if I’d set my goals for 2026. Goals? Honestly, I hadn’t even thought about it. Work makes me set them, but personally? Not really. So I pulled out a notebook and started brainstorming: Lose 10 pounds. Eat better. Join a gym. Spend less, save more. The list grew quickly—overwhelmingly.

As I stared at it, a wave of defeat hit me before I’d even begun. Listing everything I wanted to fix or improve just highlighted all the areas in my life where I am the most discontent. Nothing on that list was truly motivated by honoring God. It was all self-serving: I want to look better in my jeans, fight the signs of aging, feel more in control.

If I dug deeper, the real driver wasn’t closeness to God—it was gaining attention, approval, or security from the world. My flesh would be fed, but my soul? Still restless.The Bible warns us about this exact trap. In Philippians 4:11–13 (NIV), Paul shares his hard-won secret: “I have learned to be content whatever the circumstances. I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation… I can do all this through him who gives me strength.” Paul wasn’t chasing better circumstances; he was learning contentment in Christ, no matter what.

Jesus puts it even more directly in Matthew 6:33 (NIV): “But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well.” When our deepest pursuit is God Himself—not a smaller waistline or a bigger bank account—He promises to provide what we truly need.

Then there’s 1 Timothy 6:6 (NIV), Paul reminds us: “But godliness with contentment is great gain.” True gain isn’t in what we achieve or acquire; it’s in a life aligned with God, satisfied in Him.

So I simplified. Instead of a long to-do list that exposes my discontent, I chose one daily focus: H.E.A.L.T.H. —not just physical, but holistic health that feeds my soul.

Each day, I aim to pursue:

  • H — Heaping piles of fruits and vegetables (nourishing my body as God’s temple—1 Corinthians 6:19–20)
  • E — Exercise daily (moving my body with gratitude, not punishment)
  • A — Always start with God (time in His Word and prayer first, seeking Him above all)
  • L — Lots of water and less wine (simple stewardship of what He’s given me)
  • T — Take time to relax and read more (resting in His presence, not striving)
  • H — Hug a lot! (loving others well, because that’s where real joy lives)

I love this because it’s not about rigid outcomes or perfection—it’s about daily, grace-filled choices that honor God and care for the life He’s entrusted to me. When I start with Him (that “A” is non-negotiable), the rest flows more naturally. And if I slip? His strength (Philippians 4:13) covers me—no defeat, just gentle course-correction.

If you’re like me—if past resolutions have only spotlighted your discontent and resulted in defeat. Let’s stop chasing self-improvement that feeds the flesh and start pursuing the One who truly satisfies. True health begins when we delight in the Lord (Psalm 37:4), trusting Him to shape our desires and provide what we need.

Who’s with me on this quest for daily H.E.A.L.T.H.? Drop a “like” or comment if you’re choosing God-first contentment in 2026. I’d love to hear how you’re starting your year anchored in Him.

Happy New Year, friends. He’s already with us and being image bearers of God, all He asks is that we make Him the true motivation in 2026 —let’s walk it out together.

Should I Be Scared?

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“Forgive them Father, for they do not know what they do”
Luke 23:34

I was scrolling through X when a video stopped me in my tracks. A young blonde woman, covered in tattoos, shared her powerful testimony. She explained how, since following Jesus, she quit drugs, stopped drinking, ended self-harming, and overcame suicidal thoughts. The post’s subheading caught my eye: “It’s [Christianity] a cult that tricks you into healing and purpose!” Her story of transformation inspired me, but the sarcastic framing made me pause. Is this what people think of Christianity today?

Her story fuels my passion for writing a book about why we should give our lives to Christ and how to live for Him. I volunteer in our local jail ministry, where I’ve seen hundreds of women whose lives have been shattered by drugs and alcohol. At their breaking point, often not their first time incarcerated, they reach out to the chaplain’s office for spiritual meetings. I’m randomly assigned to meet with them, and I’m honored to share the hope of Jesus.

These women are desperate for a way out, and I’ve seen Christ transform their lives from despair to joy. Yet, as I write this book, I see growing hate on social media. Many reject the belief that we need Jesus to reach heaven. Moreover, they view Christianity as a cult, claiming those who believe Jesus is “the way, the truth, and the life” (John 14:6) are misguided. I believe they’re missing the hope Jesus offers, as I’ve witnessed in the lives I serve. Scripture warns that the god of this age, Satan, has blinded the minds of unbelievers, keeping them from the gospel’s light (2 Corinthians 4:4). The world resists the truth, but the truth is what it needs most.

I sit in community meetings where leaders tackle the mental health crisis, homelessness, social isolation, food scarcity, and childcare shortages. Nonprofits compete for scarce funds to “help people,” yet no one suggests connecting people with local churches. They list churches as donors to tap for money while criticizing them, saying, “All churches want is your money.” They’re the first in line for handouts, yet they have no intention of helping churches grow their attendance. This hypocrisy grieves my soul.

Am I scared? Yes. I fear rejection, isolation, and being labeled a “Jesus freak.” But day by day, God prompts me to speak out. I can no longer watch people chase fleeting hopes, only to end up hopeless, discouraged, and defeated. Their missions are valid and needed, but without God, there will always be a void. Scripture urges us, “Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind” (Romans 12:2). When society drifts from God, problems worsen.

I feel the world is more evil today than ever, with rising addiction, division, and godlessness. Do you agree? If not, what makes you see things differently? I welcome the dialogue. Despite my fears, I’m reminded of 2 Timothy 1:7: God gives me a spirit of power, not fear, to share His truth. I’m writing this book because I’ve seen Jesus transform lives, from jail cells to joyful hearts. Join me in sharing this hope, no matter how the world responds. The gospel is the foundation for true healing, and I believe it’s the answer our world desperately needs.
And if you want to watch the video yourself, check it out. I wish more people could experience a transformation like hers: https://x.com/KatKanada_TM/status/1981382525420523653

Want To Change Your Life?

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For the word of God is living and active, and sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing even to the dividing of soul and spirit, of both joints and marrow, and is able to discern the thoughts and intentions of the heart. Hebrews 4:12

Each morning, I start my prayer with a simple, awe-filled, “Wow, God!” For nearly 22 years, I’ve been reading the Bible—10 of those years daily. So why, in 2025, does this habit still leave me in wonder? I’m approaching God’s Word differently now.

For the past two years, I read the Bible cover to cover. In 2023, I followed John MacArthur’s Daily Study Bible plan, reading two Old Testament chapters, a Psalm, a Proverb, and a New Testament chapter each day. In 2024, I read chronologically with The Bible Recap. These years felt like a “rapid-fire” sprint through Scripture—lots of content, but high-level and less fulfilling. It became more of a task than a deep study or connection with God.

Don’t get me wrong—I’m grateful for the experience. Reading the entire Bible showed me the incredible timeline of Scripture, the inspiring stories, and God’s sovereignty in every situation. But this year, I committed to slowing down—way down.

My 2025 plan is to read one New Testament chapter per week. Each day, I read that chapter in a different Bible version. When the version includes study notes, I dig into the footnotes and cross-references. On days without notes, I turn to commentaries by Wiersbe, McGee, and MacArthur. The result? I’ve gained a deeper understanding of Scripture and how to apply it to my life than I have in over two decades. It’s mind-blowing!

As of today, March 25, 2025, I’m only on my third day of studying Matthew chapter 7. You might think I’d be further along by now—maybe Matthew 12—but I’m not. And that’s intentional. I’m taking my time, meditating on God’s Word, and it’s coming alive in a new way. I find myself talking about it throughout the day, recalling its meaning during decisions, conversations, and moments needing discernment.

I’m not memorizing every verse, but I know where to find them when I need them. At this pace—one chapter a week—I estimate it’ll take about three and a half years to finish the New Testament. I may never reach Revelation, let alone the Old Testament, and that’s okay. This slower, deeper approach is transforming me. God is revealing Himself to me in a more intimate way.

That’s why I’m calling this journey “Do You Want to Change Your Life?” It’s changing mine. Want to join me?

Be Bold and Brave

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This, is love.

I mentor a lot of women… A lot! Some days I am overwhelmed by the complexity and struggles that women face. From jail ministry, where women have committed unexplainable and despicable crimes. To women who are finding their way as they struggle hopelessly through heavy and challenging circumstances they are navigating.

Yesterday I met with a woman who is living in a messy marriage in the aftermath of her affair. Both parties contributing to the downward cycle after having experimented with polygamy, drugs and witchcraft.

Today, I will be meeting with two girls who are incarcerated. One of them is merely a child. I honestly don’t know what she’s incarcerated for, but she is being held in the mental health unit. As I speak with her, between her random rants, I wonder if she even has the ability to comprehend the truth and revelation of the gospel of Jesus Christ.

The majority of the women I meet with are starving for truth and someone brave and bold enough to not only tell them, but explain why it’s truth. They’ve been to psychologists who prescribe medications for anxiety or read self-help books that promise that losing weight, exercise, healthy diet, meditation and mindfulness are the keys to happiness, but never point them to the true source of help and hope.

When I lament on this page about the brokenness of this world it is because I have a front row seat to it. It used to weigh me down, but now it invigorates me that God is using me – inadequate, incompetent, insignificant me – to be bold and brave enough to show them that Jesus loves them so much that he was willing to die for them.

If you’re struggling in a mess of your own (and who isn’t?) I urge you to pick up your Bible and read it today. I always start in the book of John for people who don’t know where to start. Jesus talks the most in the book of John so you get his teaching spoken word for word. It also tells you how to get to heaven, gives incredible examples that models how Jesus lived and you’ll find the life giving truth found in John 3. Everyone should memorize John 3:16.

Thanks for reading this long post. My heart is for all of us navigating the messy stuff of this life to be bold and brave enough to put our trust in Christ and Christ alone.

The Goodness of God’s Testing

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We can find God. He’s everywhere!

“For ever since the world was created, people have seen the earth and sky. Through everything God made, they can clearly see his invisible qualities—his eternal power and divine nature. So they have no excuse for not knowing God.”
‭‭Romans‬ ‭1‬:‭20‬ ‭NLT‬‬

Yet, Job wonders where he is. I love Job and his “humanness”. Who hasn’t wanted to find God to sit down and have a talk with him. We would ask questions like, “Why God…?”

Job also gives us the answer, “When he tests me, I will come out as pure gold.”

Hang in there. Keep the faith. Trust God even when you cannot understand what he is doing or why he is doing it. You will come through it as pure gold… refined, magnificent, invaluable, and shining brighter.

Be Careful What You Pray For!

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“I lift up my eyes to the hills.
    From where does my help come?
My help comes from the Lord,
    who made heaven and earth.“
Psalm 121:1-2

You may need to read my last blog post to get the whole story, but even if you don’t, I have a true life lesson that proves that the sky is the limit when you take your wants, needs, and desires to God in prayer.

I have been working a part-time job for over 18 months. I started this gig in December of 2020 with the expectation that I would only need to do it for 6 months. My goals, at that time, were (1) to get out of the house and around people during the worst of the COVID pandemic, (2) do something physical and get out of the house, and (3) survive our dark, cold, long, Wisconsin winter.
As news to me, God had a better idea. His goals were (1) I would actually enjoy working a second job (2) this would be an active mission field to reach unchurched people in my community, and (3) to address my (almost) $24,000 in credit card debt.

A few months ago I routinely sat down with my prayer journal and I expressed to God that I was tired. With both jobs combined, I was working up to 60 hours a week and I told him that I really needed a break. My current balance on my credit card (at that time) was just under $4,000. I had come so far that I could see that being credit card debt-free was within reach. But, I also asked God to expedite my debt pay off because I didn’t want to do this anymore. As I recorded these requests, I consciously remember thinking, “How are you going to do this God? I’m asking to work less or not at all, but at the same time get paid more? These prayers contradict!”

I proceeded to close my journal and I just left it right there as I do everyday and with every prayer. Part of me couldn’t help but wonder if I expected God to actually answer my prayers that day, or was it just me whining? After all, it is such a fleshly human characteristic to “want our cake and eat it too”, right?
Several weeks passed and I forgot that prayer or whining session; whichever you want to call it. Despite being tired, sheer determination and an unwavering commitment to achieve my $0 balance credit card goal kept me going. I endured more long work days, making sacrifices to my social calendar and family time, missing out on community events and completely neglecting housework. Dust bunnies can wait until my debt is paid off, I thought to myself.
But then one day God answered my prayer and not how I would have ever imagined.

I got hurt – really hurt!

I was at work and it seemed as if it were just another night, but on this particular night, I was in the wrong place at the wrong time and was squished by an almost 4,000 pound box. I’ll spare you the details, but after a 5 hour wait in the Emergency Room, I was treated for a sprained wrist, elbow, ankle and a large laceration on the back of my right heel. Oh-it-could-have-been-so-much-worse!
Following the accident, I was unable to work for 2 complete weeks (because I was physically unable to stand or walk for any length of time, prohibiting me from being able to perform the light duty work that they tried to give me). Two weeks to rest, ice and elevate. Did you catch that? (2 weeks!)

The other miracle was, when I did return to work, the partial disability checks paid from workman’s comp more than doubled my normal take home pay. (Doubled!)
It was about 3 weeks after the accident that it all hit me. Not only did God gave me my much needed break BUT He expedited my debt pay off – Simultaneously! Exactly as I had prayed for it.

As of today, I my balance is $227 and I am days away from being credit card debt free and close friend asked me what I plan to do to celebrate this monumental accomplishment? After giving it some thought I decided I am going to commemorate God’s goodness in not just this, but in every aspect of my life, by getting a tattoo on my ankle (after it is healed) that reads, “My debt is paid.”

Our God loves us so much. He cares deeply for us. He is able to do so much more than we can ask or imagine. Be careful what you pray for, it might hurt.