Hi there, friend!

2025 is upon us and it is a frigid one in Michigan as I write this out. The snow is gorgeous, the roads are sloppy, the air is cool. I find myself looking outside the windows in the morning and the evening, appreciating the beauty of the fresh white blankets of snow, there is something special about these days.

2024 was a year full of transitions, changing work places, purchasing a home, becoming a landlady, bunkering down into deeper community, pursuing missionary care in Guatemala and Cambodia, growing as a counselor, sharing joyful tears with client’s who are growing and healing exponentially, and becoming more studious into understanding the Life Model and the importance of joyful relationships and community. I became an Aunt to sweet Ginny Mae, and through these transitions, through these daily life experiences, I found myself overjoyed and also overworked, my nervous system in need of some tender care, altogether worn down, yet hopeful at the same time. Hopeful for refreshment, hopeful for new beginnings, hopeful for continued growth, hopeful for life, and excited for a new season with Joy Makers Project, too.

It is 2025 and I find myself craving pockets of solitude, rest, and quieting. I find myself desiring to “tuck away” a bit more. But what does tucking away practically look like? This is something that is unfolding day by day, and right now, what that means is I am taking time to intentionally practice healthier balance with work, ministry, and rest rythms. It means monthly weekend writing retreats to develop content on all things joy related and to let my brain and heart catch up. Tucking away means I may be saying no to some good opportunities in order to say yes to other good ones, too.

I am so excited to write more this year. I am eager to continue sharing with you latest happenings with the Joy Makers Project journey, and what I am discovering about God’s heart for joy through it all, too.

Thank you for being part of this project simply by being connected in big or small ways. You will be hearing from me again soon and until next time, peace and blessings to you, friend!

With gratitude,

Kailey