In this annual conversation, Steve Adams, Colleen Adams, and Michael Kurtz invite listeners to begin the year through consecration, not pressure or performance. Rather than goal-setting, the focus is surrender—offering the year back to God as an act of union with Christ.

They explore listening for a word or phrase for the year as an invitation into formation, why God’s work is often cumulative over time, and how an eternal perspective reshapes how we live and suffer today. Eternity is reframed not as escape, but as restoration—returning to God’s “very good” design.

This episode serves as a formation anchor for the year ahead, calling listeners to resist striving, stop self-saving, and trust the God who holds both now and forever.

Resources mentioned:

• The Royal in You — Jordan Raynor Video Intro

• Heaven — Randy Alcorn

• All Things New — John Eldredge

Scripture references:Matthew 6:34 • Genesis 1–3 • Matthew 24:36 • Genesis 1:26–28 • Matthew 25:14–30 • John 15

Chapters:

00:00 Cold open — “Don’t add pressure… I have a month.”
01:01 Welcome + episode setup
01:54 Introducing Colleen & Michael + annual rhythm
06:19 What consecrating the year is (and isn’t)
08:49 Colleen: consecration as union, not performance
10:59 Michael: fasting + surrendering plans without demands
14:28 Steve: offering the calendar back to God
15:35 Colleen: “walking in the greater story”
19:06 Words build over time (stepping stones)
20:27 Word ≠ slogan (and a quick Eagles detour)
21:30 Colleen: “presence” (inward → outward) + carrying Jesus into chaos
26:54 Michael: Jacob’s purification + returning to “God’s house”
36:14 Eternity: The Royal In You + reclaiming a hopeful view of heaven
40:44 Colleen: recovering the supernatural worldview + “very good” restoration
44:22 Matthew 24:36 + living ready without obsessing over dates
46:53 Michael: dominion, stewardship, and being formed to rule & reign
49:19 Colleen: “Stop being self-saviors” (union restores surrender)
52:18 Suffering well: faithfulness, love, forgiveness in the fire
53:02 Colleen: NIH story — blessing others in pain + “table with Jesus”
57:38 Michael: Psalms—bring the unfiltered to God
01:02:17 Wrap + final encouragements
01:03:10 Colleen: don’t be discouraged; give the Spirit permission beyond awareness
01:06:49 Michael: don’t rush; a month-long posture of receiving
01:08:28 Steve: final send-off