Personal Growth - Reflections on 2025 and Looking Ahead to 2026

"2 Peter 3:18 ESV: But grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. To him be the glory both now and to the day of eternity. Amen."

I chose the above scripture as I reflect on my personal growth in 2025 and look ahead to 2026.

In March 2025, Jodi celebrated an impressive milestone—30 years of dedicated service with The Ohio State University. Since 2009, she has been a valued member of the Shared Infrastructure group at OH-TECH, following years of service in a variety of roles supporting other consortia members. Her long-standing commitment reflects both her adaptability and her dedication to the university community.  You can read more about the employment commitment here.

Outside of work, 2025 has been a year of personal challenge and new experiences for Jodi. In May, she competed in her first-ever powerlifting meet, sponsored by XYL – Xpand Your Limits. Joined by a dozen women from Steadfast, the event was both demanding and inspiring. While no awards were earned, the experience itself was deeply rewarding and empowering. Encouraged by that first competition, Jodi returned to the platform in October for her second XYL meet—this time as the sole representative from Steadfast. Although she didn’t feel as strong as she had in May, she showed determination and resilience, giving her best effort and finishing proud of what she accomplished.  The May and October meets are recapped in this blog post: May and October on YouTube.

For the near future, Jodi has decided to step back from competition to focus on other interests, particularly kayaking—a new activity she discovered and quickly grew to love this year. She and her husband, Jon, have enjoyed paddling together at Prairie Oaks Metro Park and Deer Creek State Park, including memorable outings with their son Jon and daughter-in-law Rylee. One highlight was completing a challenging 10-mile trip on Big Darby Creek with one of Jon’s friends. Alongside kayaking, Jodi is also working on building her endurance so she can more easily keep pace with Jon on their hikes. Aside from hikes, jogging up three flights of parking garage stairs recently reminded her about improving her aerobic capacity.  You can read about one of her kayaking adventures in this blog post from July 2025.

In addition to her professional achievements and personal pursuits, Jodi remains actively involved in service to others. She continues her commitment to Alcoholics Anonymous, serving as treasurer for the Lewis Center Women’s Freedom Group—a role that reflects her dedication to recovery, accountability, and community support. Read about Jodi's recovery journey here.  

Christmas is around the corner and the gym is operating on a reduced schedule so that coaches can
spend time with their friends and family during the holidays. There will be a transition from a strength-powerlifting focus to Crossfit and aerobic capacity focus.  Some appointments in 2026 were already scheduled around late 2025 training schedule so it will be necessary to pivot during those weeks.  

If you are looking for guidance for setting goals and planning for personal growth, please feel free to read these previous blog posts.

How to Set Goals that Help You Move Ahead

New Year New Goals (written for 2025)

Self-Sabotage; Nothing Changes if You don't Change

Resources:

2 Peter 3:18 ESV - Scripture related to personal growth   

Commitment - Honoring Years of Employment Service

Commitment is a dedicated promise or firm decision to remain loyal, faithful, or devoted to a person, purpose, or principle—especially when it requires sacrifice, consistency, or perseverance.

It’s choosing to stay the course even when feelings fade, circumstances shift, or challenges appear. Commitment is the daily act of showing up with intention.

Earlier this week, I attended my first Service Recognition Luncheon for The Ohio State University.  This event recognizes staff members with "25 years plus" years of service.  I had 25 years back in 2020 which was the COVID pandemic so I received my service pin in the postal mail.

There were over 750 employees eligible for recognition and 330 were in attendance at the luncheon.  I don't normally take lunch breaks.  The luncheon itself was one and a half hours and when you add in travel time, I was away from work for over two and a half hours. Since this was an OSU event, I was not required to take any leave, however, I worked very hard to make sure I had plans in place for my work to be covered.  I don't like to speak ill of anyone but some of my coworkers need a cattle prod and I'm the cattle prod so I had to be clear that I was going to be away and not "minding the store."  

Psalm 37:5

“Commit your way to the LORD; trust in him and he will do this.”

Thankfully, the time away from work was uneventful.  The one thing that did crop up was handled without my prodding. While planning for the time away was stressful, it was a honor to be among other employees to celebrate our years of commitment to The Ohio State University.  Each one of us received a recognition pin and a handshake from OSU President Ted Carter. 

Part of me has to chuckle when I think about how stressed I was to be away from work.  Yes, my work is important and our web application firewall can block users and temporarily prevent them from completing their task(s). However, if staff from the OSU Police department as well as doctors, nurses, and other staff members from the OSU Wexner Medical Center can take time away from their jobs which are deal with "life and death" situations, I deserved the opportunity to celebrate my 30 years.

My next opportunity to celebrate, God willing, will be in 2030 with 35 years of service.  That's a ways off so let's take it one day at a time.

Resources:

Pictures:  My personal photos of the program handed out plus my 30 year pin.

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Reading Update - Attempting to Slow Down this Holiday Season

I recently completed the annual Goodreads 2025 reading challenge.  I looked back at my previous years and I have slowly decreased the number of books I read each year.  Goals are great; you can read about goal setting in several posts here on the blog.  However, when you don't enjoy what you're doing because you're just trying to reach a goal, that is a good sign you need to reset.  Sure, I read over 100 books in 2023 but I was reading to check off books.  I've read 70 books in 2025 and I can say that I've taken time to enjoy the books that I've read.

I recently read two books purely for enjoyment made extra enjoyable by the fact that they were available as part of my Amazon Prime membership - no extra cost!

The Christmas Lodge was a cozy winter "feel good" romance Christmas story.  I don't want to spoil it for anyone so I'll say just read it especially if you're an Amazon Prime member and can get it "free."

A Very Merry Murder is a murder mystery with a lot of plot twists.  A reality TV show moves into a farm to do a television series on farm life in a small village. The widowed farm owner isn't fond of the TV crew being on the property but reminds herself of the extra funds the inconvenience will provide especially with her sister getting married on the farm at Christmas time.  Farm chores soon started to include murder investigations. Very interesting read!

I also read The Castaway and I cannot recall if I bought it or if it came with Prime as a "First Read."  If you haven't noticed, I don't pass up the chance to get "free" books.  A widowed first lady moves from the hustle & bustle of DC to a remote island to begin a new life as a bookstore owner.  A life in politics means little privacy and lots of drama for the former first lady and her daughters after the death of the president. Imagine you're mourning the loss of a loved one and you find out that person was unfaithful and supporting another his lover & their child in another country.  If you live in a cold, snowy part of the country, reading this book also gives you a "vacation" to a warmer climate as you read.

Finally, a book that I bought!  I'm in the process of reading We're in the Mountains, Not Over the Hill which is a book about "seasoned" female backpackers and their journeys around the globe.  There are some great stories along with tips that these women share so you don't have to learn the hard way if you embark on a backpacking journey.  Backpacking is something that peaks my interest especially since my husband is preparing for a backpacking trip in 2026.  I'm more inclined to do day hikes over backpacking unless something changes.

I've enjoyed reading these books and sharing my insights with you while not giving any spoilers.  I hope you check out one of the books in this post.  If you do, leave a comment to let me know!

While I do enjoy reading for pleasure, I start every morning with scripture and pray using the YouVersion Bible app.  This app makes learning and studying scripture less daunting than flipping through pages of the Bible trying to figure it out on your own. 

Resources:

YouVersion Bible App

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Lending a Helping Hand During the Holidays

 The holidays have a way of bringing life’s contrasts into sharp focus—joy and loneliness, warmth and weariness, abundance and need. Amid the twinkling lights and familiar melodies, we’re invited into something deeper than festivities: an opportunity to reveal the heart of Christ through kindness and compassion.

Seeing the Needs Around Us

While December often feels like a blur of errands, gatherings, and to-do lists, Scripture encourages us to slow down and see people.
“Carry each other’s burdens, and in this way you will fulfill the law of Christ.” — Galatians 6:2

A burden carried alone can feel crushing, but when shared, it becomes lighter. Often the people around us—family, neighbors, coworkers—carry silent struggles. A simple gesture of support may be the very thing that reminds them they are not forgotten.

Kindness as an Offering to God

Helping others doesn’t need to be elaborate or expensive. It can be a warm meal delivered to someone grieving, a heartfelt note to someone who feels invisible, a donation to a local charity, or spending time with a lonely friend.
“And do not forget to do good and to share with others, for with such sacrifices God is pleased.” — Hebrews 13:16

These small acts echo God’s generosity. Every moment of compassion becomes a quiet, holy offering.

Reflecting the Heart of Jesus

When we love others, we reflect Jesus Himself. He consistently moved toward those in need—healing, feeding, comforting, and offering hope.
“Whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did for Me.” — Matthew 25:40

Serving others during the holidays isn’t just seasonal kindness—it’s spiritual alignment. It is choosing to make room for the heart of God in our daily moments.

Letting Your Light Shine

The most meaningful giving often happens quietly, without applause. And yet, its impact ripples far beyond what we can see. A warm blanket on a cold night, a gift card slipped into someone's hand, or volunteering a few hours can become a spark of hope in someone’s winter.

This year, may your holiday season be marked not just by celebration, but by compassion. May your hands be generous, your heart be open, and your love reflect the One who came to bring light to the world.

And as you lend a helping hand, may you also feel God’s tender presence guiding, blessing, and filling your spirit with peace.

Resources:

Image from https://www.instagram.com/ourdailybread/

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A Drop That Matters: Finding Purpose in the Small Things

 “We ourselves feel that what we are doing is just a drop in the ocean. But the ocean would be less because of that missing drop.”

These words remind us that even the smallest act of love carries eternal weight. Still, it’s easy to look at the world—its needs, its hurts, its enormity—and feel terribly small. What difference could my words, my kindness, my obedience possibly make?

Scripture answers that question again and again: God delights in using the small, the humble, the seemingly insignificant.

God Sees the Drops We Don’t

Jesus tells us that even something as simple as offering a cup of cold water matters:
“And whoever gives one of these little ones even a cup of cold water because he is a disciple, truly, I say to you, he will by no means lose his reward.” — Matthew 10:42

A cup of water—a tiny drop—yet Jesus honors it. It is seen. It is treasured. It is kingdom work.

Small Seeds Become God-Sized Harvests

Jesus also reminds us that big things often begin quietly:
“The kingdom of heaven is like a mustard seed… though it is the smallest of all seeds, yet when it grows it is the largest of garden plants.” — Matthew 13:31–32

Your small act of faith may be the seed God grows into shelter for someone else’s weary heart.

The Ocean of God’s Work Is Built Drop by Drop

When Paul writes about the body of Christ, he emphasizes that every part matters—no matter how hidden or humble:
“The eye cannot say to the hand, ‘I have no need of you.’” — 1 Corinthians 12:21
In other words, the ocean of God’s goodness is made up of countless small obedience, quiet sacrifices, whispered prayers, unseen kindnesses.

Take even one of those away, and the whole becomes less.

Your Drop Has Purpose

Your smile at a stranger.
Your prayer for a friend.
Your gentle word when someone expected frustration.
Your patience in a hard moment.
Your willingness to keep showing up even when you feel invisible.

These are drops heaven sees.

God does not measure our impact by size but by faithfulness. And He promises that nothing done in love is ever wasted:
“Let us not grow weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up.” — Galatians 6:9

Keep Pouring Your Drop Into the World

You may never know the full effect of the good you’ve done. Most of us won’t. But God knows. God sees. God uses every drop.

And the ocean of His love—reaching, healing, restoring—would be missing something without the part He entrusted to you.

So keep going.
Keep giving.
Keep loving.
Your drop matters more than you think.

Resources:

YouVersion - Scripture Image

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The Enchanted Art of House Cleaning: Turning Chores into Everyday Magic

Once upon a time, in a kingdom not so far away—perhaps just beyond the laundry pile and the dust bunny colony—there lived a brave soul armed with a dust mop, a sponge, and an optimistic playlist. The quest? To restore peace and sparkle to the realm known as Home Sweet Home.

Cleaning can be mundane but I think we can agree, we feel better when our house is clean.

Colossians 3:23: "Whatever you do, work heartily, as for the Lord and not for men."

Think about it: with just a few swipes of a cloth, I turn chaos into calm. A cluttered counter becomes a stage for creativity. The smell of Mr. Clean "Clean Freak" cleaner in grapefruit scent is a potion of renewal, and the hum of the vacuum—why, that’s the song of victory echoing through the halls!  My cat Patty doesn't appreciate the vacuum's song.

Every dust mote I chase is like a tiny fairy fleeing back to the land of forgotten corners. Every freshly folded towel feels like a triumph of order over entropy. I'm not just tidying—I'm transforming energy. I'm conducting a symphony of scents, textures, and light with a few sneezes when the dust tickles my nose.

Of course, there are moments when the quest feels perilous. When the laundry basket seems bottomless, or the kitchen sink insists on refilling itself as if by sorcery. That’s when I must remember: even fairy tales have dragons. Ours just happen to look like greasy stovetops, mystery stains, and enough camping gear to fill a REI store.

But oh, the satisfaction when it’s done! The house exhales. The air shimmers with peace. You light a candle, make a cup of tea, and suddenly the world feels right again. I've turned effort into comfort, and motion into mindfulness.

So, the next time you pick up a duster or scrub a stubborn spot, imagine you’re a magician in your own cottage—casting spells of harmony, one sparkle at a time.  If you don't feel magical, crank up your playlist with some extra fun tunes to help pass the time.

And when you finally collapse on the couch, surrounded by the glow of your handiwork, I think to myself:

“… another happy ending, until next weekend!"

Resources:

Quoted Bible Verse courtesy of Google AI search for "Bible verses related to house cleaning."

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What I've Been Reading - A Slight Change of Pace

I was an avid reader growing up.  While in college, I spent most of my time reading textbooks.  In my adult years, I decided to get back into reading and I remember buying one of the very first Kindles - back when they were black and white and all you could do on them was read books.

I've always enjoyed mysteries, especially those by Sherlock Holmes.  I cannot recall how many times I've read "The Red Headed League" or "The Hounds of the Baskervilles" both in tangible book form and e-books.

I got into a habit of reading a lot of "self-help" books with so many of them being weight loss fads, diets, and trends.  I recently finished The Mountain is You which I definitely recommend if you are like me and struggle with worry, fear, and other self-sabotaging behaviors.

Since my vacation in mid-October, I've started reading more for enjoyment than help or learning.  

Free through Prime Reading, I obtained the book Lotus. When I first started reading the book where a young man returns to his childhood neighborhood after being kidnapped as a child, I wasn't sure if I was going to like it.  It was classified as "dark romance" as Oliver, the young man who had been kidnapped, had a lot to work through which he did while also falling in love with his childhood friend Sydney.  There was a happy ending; I don't want to spoil it for you.

I'm signed up for the Gemma Halliday Publishing mailing list and I have the opportunity to get free Kindle books and I recently read two books from her publishing company.

My Old Kentucky Homicide is part of the "Bourbon B&B" series.  Yes, a recovering alcoholic can read books set in "bourbon" country as long as you enjoy a cup of tea and not bourbon while reading.  This story is about a new bed & breakfast started by two of three sisters named "Three Sisters." The sister who lived in DC came in to help her sisters during opening weekend.  The guests for the weekend were from a group reviewing the B&B for possible admission into a tourism co-op. One of the guests was a cranky gentleman sending bad vibes in the lobby as the guests arrived for the weekend.  The man cited a migraine and laid down for a nap prior to a tour of a barrel factory. When arriving for the tour, the man seemed unwell.  When the tour bus returned the guests to the B&B after the tour, the man was found dead.  The death of a guest along with family drama among the sisters made for story that was hard to stop reading. I will not give any spoilers as to how it ends.

My son and his wife have a dachshund named Mabel and I enjoy taking her for "walkies" whenever I have the opportunity.  My wiener dog grand-pup lead me to choose Pups, Pumpkins and Murder.  I just finished this book and very much enjoyed it.  I might have also enjoyed a pumpkin spice cocoa during one of my reading sessions. My husband found pumpkin spice cocoa k-cups on manager's special at Kroger.  Anyhow, this as another book that was hard to put down.  The main character Samantha or Sam and her wiener dog Porkchop seem to find themselves in the middle of police investigations and that is how Sam met her detective boyfriend Hank.  The community of Wings Falls was having a fall festival to raise money for a camp that helps inner city youth.  There were costume contests for children and pets, a barbeque contest, and a 2,000 pound pumpkin.  Again, I won't spoil it for you other than to suggest that you do not put lavender oil in your pulled pork and that a 2,000 pound pumpkin should be securely tethered to flatbed so it doesn't fall off.  

If you're interested to learn what else I've read, you can find me on Goodreads.