Living Out the New Year with Purpose and Faith
By Jen Ingram
A new year often inspires us to make resolutions—eat healthier, move more, save more, read more. These are all good and worthwhile goals. But what if, as parents, we entered the new year with a deeper resolution: to be intentional about our spiritual growth, model our faith in daily life, and trust God fully with our family’s future?
Imagine what our homes could look like by the end of 2026 if we set faith-focused family goals, taught our children to bring their struggles to God, and consistently reminded them that their worth is rooted not in performance but in God’s unconditional love. The new year becomes not just a moment for self-improvement, but an opportunity to shape our families around lasting spiritual foundations.
It’s a perfect time to pray over your family’s goals, give thanks for God’s past
provision, and step confidently into the year ahead, trusting His protection,
wisdom, and grace.
Take some time and answer these questions with your spouse
What is one positive discipleship habit you want to make for your family this year?
What am I doing to help our kids become the adults we want them to be?
A year from now, I'd like to see our family ....
Set Intentional, Faith-Based Goals
Model goal setting by sharing your own goals, showing patience, humility, and trust in God’s ongoing work.
Set goals that build spiritual growth—reading Scripture together,
memorizing verses, or keeping a weekly devotional routine.Use journals so children can see their faith and character growth.
Trust God in Every Situation
Pray with your child through challenges before giving solutions, reminding them that God hears and helps.
Encourage and help them put into action to seek God first—above academics, sports, and achievements—so their identity stays grounded in Christ.
Make faith part of daily life with small habits like quick prayers or bedtime Scripture.
Remember God’s Love and Grace
Regularly affirm unconditional love—rooted in who they are in Christ, not what they do.
Teach them to release regrets; mistakes are for learning, and God’s
forgiveness lets them try again.Trust the long process of discipleship—imperfect days included—knowing the Holy Spirit is at work through simple, consistent faith practices.
As this new year begins, may your family step into it with purpose, gratitude, and a renewed commitment to follow Christ together. God is already ahead of you preparing the way—and He is with you every step.
