I was with my teenage boys at the gym, in between ab sets when something caught my attention. Ever since my friend Laurie had posted her word for the year on January 2nd, I had been pondering and praying about mine.
Laurie had collected one of my Immerse pieces and it in turn became her word for 2026!
Artist Statement for Restraint:
Tall mug of joe with relaxed folk art flowers gives life to a pair of legs with sneakers.
Restraint is taking a breath and doing a deep dive into the one who gives wisdom and discernment before acting or speaking.
He will always lead you down the right path, if only you'll let him.
Galatians 5: 24-25
"Those who belong to Christ Jesus have nailed the passions and desires of their sinful nature to his cross and crucified them there. Since we are living by the Spirit, let us follow the Spirit's leading in every part of our lives."
-
I tried to wait patiently on the Lord, but here I was wordless almost a week into January. My 2023 word was Alive, My 2024 word was Power and my 2025 word was Purpose. I couldn’t wait to see what the Lord wanted to speak over me for this year. Reflecting on the years past and the words spoken over them I can see the Lord’s fingerprints. He has given me fullness of joy because of His steadfast love and reassurance. I run to Him more freely now than ever before. I know He’ll catch me and help me up every time. I’ve had to fall down lots to learn this, but I wouldn’t have it any other way.
I’m not saying you should, but in 2023 I took the slow road of weaning myself off anti-depressants. This, I believe, was a turning point for me. This resulted in me feeling more like myself and the word alive meant even more to me. However, when I did hit inevitable low points, they were very low again. I tried a few different coping strategies this year, but ultimately the only thing that carried me through and made me feel stronger was learning to trust that the Lord would bring me through.
In 2024, I was very excited about the word power, it came with strength and fortitude. However, the Lord quickly informed me that His power would show up, when I surrender. So, the tables turned and I had to eat a piece of humble pie. This year was a year of learning to run to the Lord more. It turns out surrender and nearness to the Lord equated to much more freedom from anxiety.
In 2025, the Lord brought me back to the little girl inside me and renewed my purpose. He has called me to be His. I learned to be his vessel and learned to obey a little more quickly this year and In turn this gave me so much purpose. I started hearing His voice more readily and obeying His asks of me. I also, started creating along side Him with materials that I had left in my past.
Here I am now in 2026. I’m feeling the most like me only because of my relationship with Jesus. I’m closer to Him than I ever have been in the past, I’m learning to surrender, forgive, trust, hear and obey on repeat! Then on January 6th , at the gym the Lord spoke the word: ANCHORED into my mind. This is exactly where I am today, I feel safe and secure in His love for me. I’m so excited to take this word with me through 2026! Kelsy in Old English means ‘Island of the Ships’, so the picture of me being anchored to my Father in Heaven is extremely reassuring.
It’s a mission
It’s visionary
It’s truth
Thank you, Jesus!
What’s your word for 2026? I’d love for you to reach out at kelsyreneestudio@gmail.com and tell me about it.
If you'd like to check out the pieces that are left in the Immerse Collection and use one as your word for the year like Laure, click here.