Because of the Lord’s great love we are not consumed, for his compassions never fail. They are new every morning; great is your faithfulness. (Lam. 3:22–23)

August is my birthday month, and each year, I approach the days leading up to my birthday with an attitude of reflection. What have I accomplished this past year? What do I want the next year to bring?

To be honest, the last year has been hard, and that’s saying something after the last few years we’ve had. I lost my sweet Yorkie companion, Lilly Doggins, who was the star of my devotionals and many of these blog posts, at the end of March. Without my muse, I have struggled to write, but in the last month or so, I’ve once again started to make progress on the second book in my cozy mystery series.

And speaking of my writing life, the last year was full of good things as well, including the release of two books last October: Death by Dice, my cozy mystery, which has been well received by my readers, and Echoes of Joy: A Thankful Heart, my latest devotional. In addition, my parents and I took a summer road trip to visit my brother and his wife for the first time since COVID-19 began.

What will this next year bring? Almost certainly, it will contain both good and bad—life always does. But as I get older, I realize that God is by my side during each trial and triumph, carrying my load and helping me learn and grow during the hard times and helping me celebrate during the good times.

As long as I keep my focus on God, the bad times are bearable and the good times are even sweeter.

Dear Jesus, thank you for another year, which will bring new opportunities each day. Help me to remember you are near no matter what the next year brings. Amen.