How do you step into a new year with purpose?

Life can feel like a constant rush, can’t it? Maybe you’re juggling tasks right now, trying to get it all done before the clock strikes midnight on December 31st.

But as we prepare to turn the page on this year, what if we paused?

What if we took a moment to breathe deeply, to reflect, and to realign with what truly matters?

Believe it or not, you have done a lot of good this past year. Yes, there may be places where you have slipped up or there were hard lessons to learn, but look at the good. And look at the good God has done in you. God loves you. He really loves you. He delights in you! Take a moment to really let that sink in.

God delights in you.

As we step into the new year, I invite you to hold on to that truth.

So, how can you make the new year something that will honor Him and help you grow? Here are 10 things we suggest:

1. Continue to take time to reflect on this past year

Where did you see God’s hand in your life and marriage? Even in the hard moments, what growth or blessings came out of them? By reflecting, you not only honor what God has done but also prepare your heart to hear what He might want to do next.

2. Start your mornings with Purpose

Your mornings set the tone for the entire day. Carve out time to meet with God—reading Scripture, praying, or journaling your thoughts and goals. It doesn’t need to be lengthy or perfect, just consistent. A morning routine focused on Him can help you anchor your day in peace, purpose, and His perspective, rather than the perspective of the world.

There’s something grounding about holding a physical Bible in your hands. It slows you down, removes distractions, and helps you focus on God’s Word. His truth brings clarity and wisdom, especially as you make decisions and set goals for the year.

It’s tempting to set ambitious goals for January, but remember—life is a marathon, not a sprint. Instead of overwhelming yourself, focus on what’s realistic. Break down your goals by quarter. What’s most important for the first three months? Then build from there.

Perfection is not only unattainable but also draining. Instead of striving for flawless execution, aim for steady, faithful progress. Aiming for 80% will get you much farther than burning out in pursuit of an impossible ideal.

6. Create a Life Vision

If you haven’t done this in our program yet, a Life Vision is about looking at the bigger picture. Who is God calling you to be? What kind of legacy do you want to leave? Your Life Vision can guide your daily decisions, helping you prioritize what truly matters over what feels urgent.

Your marriage is one of the most significant relationships God has entrusted to you. How was your connection this year? Are there areas where you want to grow closer—spiritually, emotionally, or physically? Taking inventory helps you identify what’s working and where you’d like to improve in the coming year.

Discouragement is one of the Enemy’s favorite tools to derail us. Be alert to his lies and counter them with God’s truth. Surround yourself with Scripture and people who remind you of your worth and God’s plans for your life. Remember, “Greater is He that is in you than he that is in the world” (1 John 4:4).

Comparison can steal your joy and distract you from God’s unique calling for your life. Just as the eye and the foot serve different purposes in the body, we each have our roles in His plan. Focus on what He’s calling you to do, not what others are doing.

At the heart of all your planning and reflection, this is the most important question. Seek His wisdom and guidance as you set your intentions for the year. He knows the plans He has for you (Jeremiah 29:11), and they are good.

Through it all, stay rooted in God’s eternal perspective. Fix your heart on Christ, let His Word transform you, and step into the good works He’s prepared for you.

As we enter this new year, know that we’re here for you. Whether it’s helping you grow in your marriage or deepen your walk with Christ, we’re rooting for you and we cannot wait to see what God has in store for you.

God bless you!

Love,

Belah & Team

Do you remember what it was like falling in “like” with your spouse?

What was it that originally drew you to them? Maybe it was their humor, kindness, or how they made you feel seen and appreciated.

Over time, it's easy for that “like” to fade.

Instead, criticism, judgment, or even indifference creeps in.

But imagine being in your spouse’s shoes—everything they say and do, examined under a magnifying glass, critiqued and picked apart. That kind of scrutiny doesn’t help them thrive. And nothing wounds deeper than feeling that the person you chose, the one closest to you, doesn’t actually like you.

What if, instead, you accepted their weaknesses and quirks? After all, they have them, and so do you.

What if you chose to see their strengths instead? What if you noticed what they’re doing right and spoke it out loud?

I want to encourage you to take that step.

Scripture is clear about encouragement and loving our neighbors:

“Therefore encourage one another and build each other up, just as in fact you are doing.” 1 Thessalonians 5:11 (NIV)

“Jesus replied: “‘Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.’ This is the first and greatest commandment. And the second is like it: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’” Matthew 22:37-39 (NIV)

“Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit. Rather, in humility value others above yourselves” Philippians 2:3 (NIV)

“Love one another with brotherly affection. Outdo one another in showing honor.” Romans 12:10 (ESV)

“Be completely humble and gentle; be patient, bearing with one another in love.” Ephesians 4:2 (NIV)

Your spouse needs to know that you see the good in them. That you still like them. That you’re rooting for them, not against them. It’s amazing what a little grace and encouragement can do to rebuild connection and joy.

This Christmas week, I invite you to be gracious with your spouse. Notice the small things—their kindness, their effort, their dedication—and let them know you see it. Accept their weaknesses, support them gently, and call out the good that God has placed in them.

God bless you, and from all of us here at Delight Your Marriage, Merry Christmas!

Love,

Belah & Team

PS - If you want to learn more about how to love your closest neighbor well, we would love to chat with you. Click the link to schedule a FREE Clarity Call: delightym.com/cc

PPS - The third installment of our Pre-Marriage series, the Pre-Wedding Workbook, is available now! We hope this book blesses you and sets you on the path to a peaceful, playful, passionate, and purposeful marriage! Check it out here: Pre-Wedding Workbook

Change is possible.

We are honored to be able to share Pat’s story with you today.

After years of therapy and struggling with a porn addiction, Pat felt hopeless. He had done all he knew to do, yet there was still a hole in his heart—and in his marriage.

But Pat decided to take a courageous step of faith. After years of being a listener to the podcast, he made the call, and through the Masculinity Reclaimed program, he finally found what he had been searching for: true community and lasting change.

Surrounded by other men who were pursuing God and committed to loving their wives well, Pat finally found a community that felt safe enough to let his guard down. He began applying what he learned through the MR program, growing closer to God and putting in the work to heal his marriage.

And the results? His wife noticed the change, telling him, “It’s good to see the man I married back.” Pat himself shared that the hole he once felt in his marriage is now gone. Praise God!

We hope Pat’s journey inspires you and reminds you that change is possible—and it begins with you.

God bless you!

Love,

Belah & Team