FCS Blog
FCS Blog
FCS Blog
January 13, 2026
Word for the Year
There are several things that I used to do that I don’t anymore. I don’t roll through stop signs like I used to
because of two $150 tickets. I don’t watch as much sports now because other things in my life are more
important. I don’t get as angry as I used to because that was hurting too many relationships. I bet there
are things in your life that you have stopped doing for one reason or another.
Another of those things that I have quit doing is New Year’s resolutions. I would make a few of them each
year with high hopes and steadfast resolve. I would do well keeping them for a few weeks, even a couple of
months for the ones I was most excited about, only to eventually quit. I was tired of not following through
with them, so I quit making resolutions. I did nothing of the sort for several years.
A few years ago, I read a book that suggested having a word for the year to help guide your thoughts and
actions. Granted, the book also suggested making resolutions and goals for the year, but I ignored that
part. I did this about three years ago with the phrase Be Still. I tried to take a few minutes several times a
day to just be still in God’s presence. The following year, my word for the year was linger; I tried to linger in
moments with my family and friends to treasure those moments and make them lasting memories.
I was reading a blog for an author that I follow about a year and a half ago. In this blog, he said that he was
choosing his word for the year from the fruit of the spirit in Galatians 5:22-23 which says,
“But the fruit of the
Spirit is love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control. Against
such things there is no law.” I knew I didn’t want to choose patience/forbearance because I get plenty of
opportunities to practice that without asking for it. This past year, my word was peace which I brought to
mind often when I was feeling pressured or stressed. This year, my word for the day is self-control. I felt I
could do better in a few areas of life, and self-control would be helpful to get better.
Everyone has their own way of doing things that work for him or her. This has been working for me with the
help of God. My hope and prayer for you is that 2026 will be a year of being in God’s will and blessings.
God Bless,
David
FCS Blog
January 05, 2026
New Year, Same Vision
Happy New Year everyone! I pray you had a restful break and that you are ready for
whatever 2026 may hold. Usually, I would try and find a word or phrase for the year-
something that would motivate me in the new year. With that being said, I don’t want to leave behind last year’s vision-particularly the
school’s vision...Created For a Purpose. I don’t want that to just apply to my school life,
but rather apply it to every day. Ephesians 2:10 says “For we are his workmanship,
created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand, that we should
walk in them.”
I don’t know about you, but it’s very easy to get your purpose confused with your role in
life. My role in life is never-ending: parent, spouse, director, daughter, aunt,
granddaughter, the list goes on. How does that saying go?-”I was born to be a
mom/dad.” I was born for this job.” But the more I think about it, while I wouldn’t trade
any of those titles, my ultimate title is the one that gives me the most joy-CHILD OF GOD.
And in being a child of God, that is what gives me my true purpose. Without knowing
who holds my tomorrows, I could never be fully effective in my life roles. We were created by a God who knows us, sees us, and designed our lives with meaning
woven into every fiber. In this new year, allow God to use you for a purpose. May we
make ourselves available for what He has called us to do. Disclaimer: when we make
ourselves available, the road may not always be smooth. Our purpose is often refined
through delays, detours, disappointments, waiting and silence. But praise God, He
doesn’t waste pain. What feels like a setback can become preparation. All because we
were created for a purpose.
In 2026, may we seek out our spiritual purpose. May we remember who we are in Christ
Jesus. We belong to the family of God! The song says “ I’m so glad I’m a part of the
family of God. I’ve been washed in the fountain, cleansed by His blood. Joint heirs with
Jesus as we travel this sod, for I’m part of the family, the family of God!”
FCS Blog
December 16, 2025
The Reason for the Season: Hope That Holds Us Close
The Christmas season is more than twinkling lights, wrapped gifts, and festive songs. At its heart, it is a love
story, God’s love reaching down into our world through Jesus Christ. It is the reminder that no matter what we
face, His promises are enough, His covenant is unbreakable, and His presence is with us always.
Christmas is proof that God keeps His word. He promised a Savior, and He gave us His Son. That covenant
wasn’t distant or abstract, it was personal. It was for you, for me, for every heart longing for hope. “For unto us
a child is born, unto us a son is given…” Isaiah 9:6 and Jeremiah 31:33 “I will be their God, and they will be my
people.” When we see the manger, we see God’s faithfulness.
When we hear the name Emmanuel, we remember: He is with us. Life doesn’t pause for Christmas. Some of us
carry grief, uncertainty, or heavy burdens into this season. Yet the miracle of Christmas is that hope shines
brightest in the dark. “So do not fear, for I am with you… I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.” Isaiah
41:10 and Romans 8:38-39 “Neither death nor life… nor anything else in all creation will be able to separate us
from the love of God.”
God doesn’t promise us a life without adversity, but He does promise His presence in the midst of it. His love
steadies us when the ground feels shaky. His covenant assures us that we are never alone.
Emmanuel, The name given to Jesus is the most endearing truth of Christmas. God didn’t stay far away; He
came close. He entered our brokenness, our humanity, our need. Matthew 1:23 “The virgin will conceive and give birth to a son, and they will call him Emmanuel (which means
‘God with us’).” That means when you feel unseen, He sees you. When you feel weary, He carries you. When you
feel uncertain, He whispers peace. Emmanuel is the gift that keeps us steady through every season.
This Christmas, let’s pause. Let’s breathe in the wonder of God’s love. Let’s remember that the reason for the
season isn’t perfection, it’s presence. It’s the God who walks with us, loves us, and holds us close. “Now may the
God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing that you may abound in hope by the power of the Holy
Spirit.” Romans 15:13
Christmas is not just about what happened in Bethlehem long ago, it’s about what is happening in your heart
today. God is still faithful. His promises are still true. His love is still enough. My prayer is that you feel His nearness this season, may His hope steady your soul, and may His joy overflow
into every corner of your life.
~God Bless and Merry Christmas
FCS Blog
December 09, 2025
Created to Praise
What do a pencil sharpener, a wrench, a tire pressure gauge, and an orange
juicer have in common? I’ll give you a hint--it has to do with our theme for the
year. They were all created with a specific purpose (our theme is created with a
purpose). Someone saw a need and created a special tool to meet that need.
God has created each of us for a specific purpose. He has also created us to do
several other things including praising Him, serving Him, loving Him, . Psalms 96
tells us to praise our Lord. Verse 4 says,
“For great is the LORD and most worthy of
praise.” With all that God has done for us, who are we to not praise Him early
and often.
The Christmas season is a perfect time to praise God for what He has done for
us. He sent His Son to earth to save us from our sins; the very best gift ever
given. Because of the gift He gave us, we should thank Him for His love, mercy,
and grace. We were created with a purpose and to praise our Lord and Savior
Jesus Christ.
Merry Christmas,
David