Happy new year! Well, we made it through 2020, and that's cause for gratitude and celebration. When I chose TRUST as my word for 2020, I could have never guessed how much I would need it, from the challenges we all faced--covid, the lack of respectful dialogue in our country--to personal challenges including a bad fall on my front teeth. (Trust, good dental care, and loving friends got me through that one.)

This year, I'm going with REST. Not that I'm not going to do anything in 2021, but I'm going to gently set aside some things that sap me. My Scripture verse will be Matthew 11:28: "Come to me, all you that are weary and are carrying heavy burdens, and I will give you rest" (NRSVCE). I need to remember Christ provides more rest than worrying about the future or about overcommitments does.

What's your word for 2021? I'm inviting e-letter subscribers to email me their word and why they chose it. I'll do a blog post with your thoughts (first names only), and one person selected at random will get a $25 gift card for a resource to help you live the word. Just email me by January 6. The winner will be notified by January 9.

Thanks to everyone who entered the giveaway! The winners were:

Thanks also to the four wonderful woman-owned businesses whose wares were featured! Consider shopping with them for yourself or for a gift for a relative or friend:

On the Nightstand: To Be Told by Dan B. Allender

I wasn't a churchgoer in my twenties when I learned to write fast and short. But that skill has served me well as a Catholic writer for the past decade. You've likely had similar experiences, where you could see in the present that God used your post in an unexpected way. But I've honestly never thought about how God is using what's happening today to prepare me for tomorrow. A friend recently recommended this book on that very topic, and I'm looking forward to pondering its message this month.

Know that you and your private intentions are in my prayers this month... and I hope you'll pray for mine!

Blessings, Melanie