A Reflection on 2022

I have sat down at my desk many times over the past year to write a blog. My mind swirls with thoughts I want to share, nothing concrete hitting the page. I inevitably turn to tasks and to-do lists instead. In return, the Joyful Stepmom blog has gone dormant for 2022.

Do not be fooled into thinking this is an accurate reflection of the ministry activity for the year! The Joyful Stepmom has been buzzing. With ten years strong under our belt, we continue to grow. I published two books this year! A feat  that boggles my mind and humbles my heart. We revamped our local outreach to meet the current connection needs of our members.  

I have been questioned many times over the years about the value or importance of an online ministry. The merit of online ministry holds such a strong significance in my heart, it can only be referred to as "calling."

I heard recently that online ministries and resources are one of the first places people are hearing about Jesus. Before the church, before your pastor. Online is the first line of defense. With devices on our persons nearly 24/7, it's the place we reach out for everything from communication, questions on how items work to questions regarding our physical, mental and spiritual well being.

Is online ministry perfect? No. Should it be your only resource? No. But if people are going to use it, and stepmoms are going to cry out in a time of crisis, I want there to be a Jesus focused resource there when it's needed. During the holidays and times of high emotion, we do see an increase in activity. I am so grateful the Lord has built this ministry. I pray he continues to lead and protect us for the stepmoms still to come.

If you are reading this, most likely you stumbled upon my site because you were searching for stepmom help or christian stepmom or stepmom prayer. You aren't truly here for a year end update from Emily of the Joyful Stepmom. You Googled on your phone during a time of hurt. And if that is you, my friend, I wanted to share one of my favorite stepmom verses. 

Pause. Close your eyes and take a deep breath in and then slowly out.

Reflect on the verse. Eyes directly forward. It doesn't say - look at what's going on over there! Look over here! Look at this!  Nope. It says -Eyes directly forward.

Eyes on your house, stepmom. This life is between you and Jesus. Don't look at whatever's going on over there. As we close out the year and enter a fresh season, eyes forward. One foot in front of the other. Don't get distracted by all the noise, and there's a lot of noise in our families! Look straight at Jesus and the direction he has you going.

I look forward to 2023 and another vibrant year of ministry.

With Joy,
Emily