JOY

The Christmas lights are off. The tree is down and the decorations are put away. Well, most of them. Seems we have this crazy tradition that we keep unintentionally every year. Each year as we put away the decorations we make the rounds through the house to make sure we got them all.

"You check in the foyer?"

"Yes. Got them."

"Kitchen?"

"Yep. All clear."

Yet is seems without fail once the boxes are closed, sealed and put back in the attic we will come back down stairs and find at least one decoration that we missed. It usually gets tucked away until the next Christmas rolls around.

This year was no different an we did indeed overlook one decoration. But this one was a deceleration of sorts. It's an over the door wreath hanger (that we never hang a wreath on) that is just the big word "JOY."

And as 2018 draws to a close I can't help but to look back over the past year and see some of the joy that was held there. Sure there were some arguments and pains both physically and emotionally but there was also great love, excitement and joy. And while I did not release videos this past year I did keep busy with being a Soldier for Christ.

This past year, 2018 saw the second edition of the first book. This was something I had wanted to do since the first one came out. It allowed me to

fix some of the type-o's, add page numbers (can't believe I missed that) and a few other things with the formatting. It also allowed me to re brand the book and create the "Missions" series. Which brings us to another accomplishment, Volume 2, the second book was also released.

The other one, at least for me was the release of the group study Boot Camp. This was the idea that I have had in my head since the beginning. It was the reason that Soldier For Christ even became a thing, aside from the Lord telling me to anyway. And while it took me a while to get there, I finally got it done. But not with out help from my family. And yes, I understand it may not be the best video ever, it's still a good set of videos with a message I stand by. The DVD is out now as well as the workbook you can get to go along with it. I hope you will consider a copy for you or your small group.

But now we look to 2019. There will no doubt be new adventures, joys and yes maybe even some hurts along the way but we can know that they are all intended to help us grow and to be the best we can be and are part of His plan for our lives.

And I am happy to say that Soldier For Christ will be releasing videos again in 2019. Be sure you are subscribed to the site, the YouTube channel and the Facebook page to be notified. Videos will continue to be released on Mondays at 7AM Central to help kick start the week.

And so we will start 2019 and look for joy in all things. With the loan Christmas decoration as the beacon to remind us, Joy! Joy! Joy!

I pray for Joy in your new year as well. May the peace that passes understanding descend upon you and bring you Joy in all things.

Press on. Fight the good fight. As a Soldier for Christ.

Happy New Year!

Scott