Looking back at 2024, I find so much to be thankful for.  Looking ahead to 2025, I know the best is yet to come.

With all kinds of new programs and new faces here at the Firmly Planted Homeschool Resource Center, we continue to advance our growing presence in Southwest Washington. 

In all we do here at Firmly Planted Family, we try to encourage everyone to grow in the fruit of the Spirit referenced in Galatians 5:22-23. In January, we’re focusing on joy!

Joy is an unmistakable sign of the presence of God in your life.

We all want to be happy, but joy is more than happiness. Happiness is an emotional response to circumstances in our surroundings. It ebbs and flows as we live out the emotions that our surroundings create–things like a new job, a new baby, the loss of a loved one.. All of these impact our emotions and our happiness.

Many professional industries are fueled by our pursuit of happiness (movies, sports, gambling, etc.). They know we will pay attention (and spend money) in the hope we will find happiness in it…. But that’s not joy. 

Joy is a fruit of the Spirit and character trait that doesn’t change even if the circumstances in our lives are less than pleasing.

Joy is not dependent on how people treat you.
Joy is not dependent on what other people think of you.
Joy is not dependent on our age.
Joy is not dependent on our social status.
Joy is not dependent on our finances.
Joy is not dependent on our comfort.

Joy comes from God. It is anchored in His dwelling and thriving in our hearts. (Romans 8:14). The presence of God in our lives brings joy!

If you are struggling to find joy, give your life to Jesus. Surrender your control and pursuit of joy to the Holy Spirit’s reign in your heart. He loves you and wants you to bear the fruit of the Spirit and the blessings that come through it. (Ephesians 3:16,17; Romans 5:13)

There is a spiritual battle waging all around us and the systems in our state are certainly not influenced or led by the fruit of the Spirit! Please continue to pray for relief from the overburdened control and taxes levied at us here at FPF. You can help us stay free from government funding by partnering with us through monthly giving! Recurring donations keep our operations running and ministry flowing. 

Together, every little bit makes an impact.

The year ahead shows so much promise and I believe God will make 2025 a banner year at Firmly Planted Family.

For Christ and The Next Generation, 
Jay St. John
Executive Director
Firmly Planted Family Homeschool Resource Center