Ezekiel 36:26-27 "And I will give you a new heart, and a new spirit I will put within you. And I will remove the heart of stone from your flesh and give you a heart of flesh. And I will put my Spirit within you, and cause you to walk in My statutes and be careful to obey my rules."

Do you want this? Do you wish to know more of what you were created for with fresh perspective and purpose? I have been feeling prompted to share what has been on my heart recently trusting that it will encourage you, whether you are going through a season of breakthrough or heartache or somewhere in between. Let’s be real…we are people with many different emotions, sensitivities and perspectives.  The age-old saying that says, “Sticks and stones may break my bones, but words will never hurt me,” is so far from truth. 

Is that really what we want? A heart that doesn’t feel hurt and pain? I can understand if you answer yes or no to that question, and here is why. In the not-so-distant past, I do think I suffered from a case of what some may call "compassion fatigue." I hate to admit it, because I desire to have a humble, compassionate heart like Jesus every day. But over the years, I put up some walls in this one difficult relationship to keep my heart from feeling hurt on a regular basis. I know it was not healthy or right and I’m not proud of it by any means.  I, also, know I contributed  judgment and unkindness in this relationship and am regretful about that.  Gratefully, Jesus is bringing healing and restoration to my heart and to this relationship.  He is taking out the heart of stone and giving me a heart of flesh! We need pruning to grow and produce fruit. Our hearts need nurturing and correction. It’s not always pretty, but so worth it!

the word I sensed holy spirit give me for 2026 is diligence…and this is the verse he highlighted with it...

“watch over your heart with all diligence, for from it flow the springs of life.” Prov. 4:23

For me this year, it is diligence in these key areas:

1. Pursuing Jesus and limiting distractions…especially in regard to social media
2. Pursuing loving others well and full restoration in a challenging relationship
3. Pursuing prayer, wisdom and health
4. Pursuing the God dreams in my heart and believing for miracles

I encourage you to take time and sit with Jesus. Ask Him what is on His heart for you and then listen. He wants to speak! As I listened for what Holy Spirit was saying for 2026, I sensed Him saying that His voice is going to be louder this year for people than it has been previously! So if you are discouraged in not hearing His voice, sit with Him and listen. Also, declare over yourself that you can hear His voice…just like it says in John 10:27 “My sheep hear my voice, and I know them, and they follow Me.”

The second part of my key verse from 2026 is this: ”...For from it flow the springs of life.” That’s what I want! Life, peace and joy bubbling up inside of me and spilling out wherever I am. Let’s be diligent to watch our words and our heart posture…it really matters to Jesus!