January
Good Morning!
This month I’m seeking quiet, slow rhythms, and community. I’ve been drawn to softness, intentional living, and expansive colorfield paintings.
Here in Kentucky, September is the month when summer fades into autumn. In my paintings, and in my everyday rhythms, I’m letting go of distractions and leaning into seasonal change, peace, and presence with those in my circle. It feels like the right soil for growth, rest, and whatever comes next.
Painting colorfields has been especially meaningful lately. Transparent layers of high-flow acrylic build one over the other, creating a quiet depth where emotion can exist without needing a subject to define it. Warm stains, subtle shifts, and tonal fields emerge, each carrying its own sense of movement. There’s freedom in letting the process unfold slowly, allowing space for imperfection and discovery. New paintings are on the way, but on no set timeline. Although I daydream in excitement for my next Collection Release announcement.
God’s Word & My Own Thoughts
“You will keep in perfect peace those whose minds are steadfast, because they trust in you”
These verses feel encouraging, life-giving, and full of hope – though it has taken me years to see them that way. My journey of surrendering my life fully to Jesus has been slower than I intended. Confessing my wrongdoings, admitting my constant tendency toward sin, goes against how I naturally want to live. As someone who has loved chasing accomplishments, checking off lists, and moving quickly on to the next challenge, following Jesus can sometimes even feel unproductive.
What I’m learning is that the freedom and rest found in Him only come when I release the things I think give me fulfillment, but actually keep me in bondage.
So this month, as I read and meditate on these words day and night, my prayer is for a softened heart. I want these truths to take deeper root in me, shifting my hopes and identity away from the patterns of this world and closer toward faith, dependence, and the freedom found in Jesus.
Word of the Year
This is my second time choosing a word for the year, and I’ve really come to love the practice. Last year’s word was TRUTH, and I found myself living it out in ways I never expected. That meant leaning into God’s Word each day and choosing His truth over worldly lies, as well as doing the harder work of being honest with myself about my shortcomings and my deep need for a Savior, grace, and community. Having a word for the year helps me distill my goals into one guiding idea I can return to again and again as the year unfolds. I’ve experienced so much growth and clarity from something so simple.
Over the past month or so, I’ve been mulling over what I wanted my word to be this year, and I’ve finally landed on: SURRENDER.
At first I thought the word felt too broad. But the more I sat with it and explored its meaning, the more I realized it may be one of the most powerful actions we can take in pursuit of true freedom and peace.
Here are a couple of definitions that really resonated with me and ultimately led me to choose this word for the year:
SURRENDER: To abandon oneself entirely to a powerful emotion or influence; to give in.
SURRENDER: Fully yielding your will, plans, and control to God’s authority, not as defeat, but as an act of trust, faith, and courageous obedience that leads to true freedom and victory in His purposes.
Songs On Repeat
A few new songs I’ve added to my playlists:
Book(s) I’m Reading
I’m starting the year with a new book that was gifted to me by my Bible study leader. I’ve already been told to keep a highlighter nearby because it’s so full of wisdom. I’ll share a little review once I’ve finished it!
Pinterest Finds
A newly refreshed Pinterest feed, full of fresh inspiration and little finds that have been catching my eye lately.
Hope you have a great start to the new year!
— Rosalyn