Growing up in the 1980s and 1990s meant experiencing the era of side ponytails and bold bangs. Yes, Reader, I dated myself there. During this time, a constant presence at home was the advice to "be the bigger person" by approaching situations with grace and to "kill people with kindness," regardless of whether it was deserved.

The soundtrack of my childhood consisted of songs from Annie, a musical that remains a timeless favorite. Knowing every line and lyric, it's easy to turn to the classic "It's a Hard Knock Life" when life feels especially challenging.

In 2024, it felt like "It's a Hard-Knock Life" played on repeat for Intentional Filling.

• The ministry's website got hacked TWICE, and it crashed once
• The Leadership Team experienced several health and personal battles
• We endured the painful loss of a nearly decade-long friendship/partnership

Let me tell you what else happened this year.

Our Intentional Filling Collective Members:

• Studied Biblical Geography through three Online Biblical Studies:
  • ​Along the Road by John A. Beck
  • ​Rediscovering Israel by Kristi McLelland
  • ​The Parables by Douglas Webster
• Dove deep into God's Word as we explored the context of one OT book & one NT book
• Spent 1,899 minutes (31.65 hours) in community, discussing the context of Scripture on Zoom
• Read 800 pages, not including resources or Scripture!

The community of Intentional Filling also celebrated 10 years of ministry through:

• Several giveaways in our private learning community on Facebook​
• The ministry's first 5-day in-person retreat at Oglebay Resort in Wheeling, WV
• Our Anniversary SALEbration in our online shop helped to bring in a record number of sales

Each of these amazing accomplishments in 2024 has been a Hard-Fought Hallelujah!

Brandon Lake's song feels like a grown-up, battle-weary, but won-by-the-grace-of-God version of "It's a Hard Knock Life."

Hard Fought Hallelujah Brandon Lake PREVIEW   ​

Are you weary of battles from 2024, too? Friend, I'm here for you.

​I invite you to walk shoulder-to-shoulder with me into 2025. Standing and singing the first stanza of the song, "I'ma gonna keep on singing 'til my soul catches up with my song..." and continue into the chorus with, "So I'll bring my hard-fought, heartfelt, it-is-well hallelujah!"

Let us enter 2025 with thanksgiving; go into his courts with praise. Give thanks to him and praise his name. For the Lord is good. His unfailing love continues forever, and his faithfulness (hesed) continues to each generation.
​Psalm 100:4-5, NLT​

What we have to look forward to in 2025

In 2025, we'll explore Biblical History & Religion as we connect the dots from the Old Testament Tabernacle and Temple to the Gospel, specifically our Savior & friend, Jesus.

By becoming an IF Collective Member, you'll receive:

1. Access to two Online Biblical Studies
   - ​Seeing Jesus in Unexpected Places by Adrian Rogers
   ​- The Temple and the Tabernacle by J. Daniel Hays
2. Access to one Deep Dive Study
   - ​The Book of Hebrews (Scripture Study)
3. Year-long access to our 2025 study Zoom call replays
4. Access to our NEW Virtual Library - a growing collection of replays back to 2021
5. Early-bird access to product launches & event registration
6. 20% off the Intentional Filling shop
7. Our monthly newsletter, The Intentional Fill (exclusive to members)
8. Spiral-bound notebook and pen set, plus a 3" vinyl IF Collective sticker
9. Membership to our private Facebook group (exclusive to IF Collective members)

NOTE: Register before January 1st to get everything for only $100!​

Rates increase in 2025 • https://intentionalfilling.com/collective​

Thank you for supporting our ministry in 2024 and playing an integral role in our 10th year of ministry. We pray that the LORD meets you in the new year in ways that surpass your wildest imagination.

Blessings + Virtual hugs!