refocus and delight

A REFLECTION: A NEW YEAR AND ANOTHER YEAR OLDER. Do you make resolutions in the new year? Do you come up with the same resolutions -eat healthy, exercise more, sleep better? Are you able to sustain these resolutions for a long time?

I'm one of those people who value self-awareness, reflection, introspection, and transformation. I do make resolutions but like everyone else, I encounter setbacks after a few weeks in the new year. Luckily for me, my birthday happens to be on the last week of January. I like to think that if I miss the mark on my expected performance after a few weeks, I can still extend it until the day before my birthday. Then, I start training to be intentional about my resolutions.

2023 proved to be a very challenging year for me. If you have read my entry at the beginning of last year, my goal was to be brave and conquer my fears. I overcame most of my fears and was able to serve in God's Kingdom by leading LifeGroups in our home and make changes in how I monitor a medical condition. Triggers, disappointments, and failed relationships became opportunities to delve deeper in God's Word. I chose STEADFAST as the word of the year. Steadfast in God's love. I leaned in to the scripture from Matthew 6:33, Seek the Kingdom of God above all else, and live righteously and he will give you everything you need. I remain steadfast in God's love to overcome challenges, difficulties, fears, distractions, unhealthy habits, and failed relationships. I was able to do it with His power and not my willpower.

I am grateful to have this opportunity to welcome 2024 with renewed eager anticipation. I will turn 55. My words for this year? CONNECTION AND COMMITMENT---connecting with God and others, committing to growing my spiritual maturity and relationship with God, and committing to growing meaningful relationships with others. My verse for the year? John 15:5, "Yes, I am the vine; you are the branches. Those who remain in me, and I in them, will produce much fruit. For apart from me you can do nothing."