Hey guys — it’s been a while since I’ve written anything here. But I wanted to take a moment to share what God has already been doing in January of 2026.
At the start of the year, I made a commitment. I can’t say I’ve been perfect, because there have definitely been moments where I’ve found myself opening social media without even thinking about it. Not intentionally — just out of habit. And honestly, that alone shows how easily we can become addicted to an app without realizing it. But overall, I’ve been trying to be more intentional with my time: focusing more on the Lord, being more consistent in prayer, and spending less time scrolling.
Instead of defaulting to social media, I’ve been filling my time with other things — my artwork, reading, and going to the gym more. I even joined a few new classes that I’ve been thoroughly enjoying. My goal has been to go to the gym three to four times a week and to find little ways to stay busy so I can spend less time consuming and more time creating.
All of this really began last month. In December of 2025, a friend from college reached out to me about illustrating a children’s book that she and her husband wrote for their son. She originally wanted it done for Christmas, but I had to be honest with her — illustrations take time. No matter the size of the book, even 12 pages can take a while. So I’ve been slowly working on those illustrations, and it’s honestly been such a joy to get back into that rhythm.
Then, just recently, I was given another connection through my sister-in-law — a woman who was specifically looking for a Christian illustrator to help her bring her children’s books to life. And that really stirred something in my heart, because for the last couple of years, my husband and I have talked about writing children’s books together, with me illustrating them. I even illustrated a children’s book back around 2022, and then had another opportunity in 2023.
But during that time, Andrew and I were in a huge season of transition — moving to the Hudson Valley, stepping into leadership at church, and helping my father-in-law build up the church. A lot of our time and energy went into ministry, and that’s not a bad thing at all. I genuinely feel blessed to be here. The growth we’ve seen in the church over the last two years has been incredible. It’s wild to look back and see how much has changed.
That said, there were also a lot of things I had to put on the shelf. Things I didn’t have the energy, motivation, or even inspiration for anymore. And if I’m being vulnerable — I really feel like over the last two years, the enemy attacked my identity. And I believe he used people to do it.
I’ve always been an artist. Ever since I was a kid. I truly feel like I should’ve been born with a paintbrush and pencil in my hand. Creativity has always been part of who I am — whether through art, how I dress, or how I express myself in general. But I felt like certain people didn’t like that about me, and over time, I started shrinking myself. I hid. I stopped living the way I wanted to live because of how others made me feel.
But lately, I feel like God has been fixing that.
I’ve been feeling more like myself again. And back in November, a friend encouraged me in a way that completely caught me off guard. He told me, “Roxanne, I really think you need to keep dressing the way you dress — you don’t know who you’re inspiring.” And I didn’t realize how much I needed to hear that.
Yes, I can be a little quirky. A little bold. A little creative with my pieces. But that’s what I love. I love who I am. I love who God created me to be. I love bold colors, prints, and design. And I finally feel like I’m stepping back into that again.
There are still areas of my life that I’m working through in this season, but I really believe 2026 is going to be a new year for me. A year of being more mindful of my time, especially on social media. A year of creating more than I consume. A year where the Lord helps me flourish my business again — not just how it was when I first started in 2020, but in a deeper, more purposeful way.
I truly believe God is redeeming that time. Redeeming what the locusts have eaten. And I’m expectant. 2026 feels new — in every sense of the word.
Xoxo, Roxie
Crafted & Called 
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