When intimacy is the seed, identity becomes the visible and internal structure of our lives, like a tree growing from healthy roots. Who we believe we are shapes how we think about ourselves and, ultimately, how we interact with others.

Intimacy is the inception and culmination of Scripture, woven throughout its entirety—from creation, to covenant, to the cross (the veil torn), to the Upper Room, and the Gospel of the early church. It reflects God’s unchanging desire to love us and make Himself known to us. He is the God who walks with us in the Garden, longing for communion with His creation. As we reflect on this marker in our year, let us be reminded of God’s passionate pursuit of us and His constant invitation to our hearts to be safe, set free, and fully satisfied in Him. In His pursuit, God—through Jesus—removed every obstacle, broke every chain, defeated every enemy, and forgave every sin so that, at the end of His victory, nothing would remain that could separate us from Him.

As we step into a new year, take a moment to pause, reflect, and remember God’s faithfulness in our lives. Drawing from the story of the Israelites crossing the Jordan River in Joshua 3-4, we are reminded of the importance of building memorial stones—moments that mark God’s provision, miracles, and faithfulness in our journey. In this message, Kim encouraged us to write and treasure these moments, just as Mary pondered the miraculous events surrounding Jesus' birth.