Hi loves, just wanted to wish you all a Happy New Year! I hope you all enjoyed my last blog post. That one was hard for me to write and to launch because it was like taking a trip down memory lane and it being bittersweet. I hope you guys were able to get a perspective and understanding on how hard the last few months of 2023 were for me. As I mentioned I am so excited to keep having the rhythm of my blog and posting new blogs more than I ever have. I feel this year will be the year I will make it a priority again. I already have so many topics I want to talk about and topics that some of you have also asked me to write about.
What do you want in the new Year? I want to share that just because it is a new year a lot of people get so consumed with saying "new year, new me" or also setting goals for the new year like new years resolutions in which sometimes don't always get done. Don't worry we have all been there. Instead of New Years resolutions we should be setting goals for each month of the year that way we can see what we are able to get done and also prioritize. This year I started off my year differently; it was everything I needed if not more. I spent the weekend at my church's first ever young adults retreat. It was such a beautiful experience I wouldn't have changed a thing. If you guys go to church and have a retreat hosted by your church I recommend you attend because you come back feeling refreshed and you also never know how God will speak to you. I just love how God works wonders and to be in a room full of people hungry for God is amazing. Here are some pictures from the most amazing weekend. I also want to add I stepped out of my comfort zone and went to the retreat even when my friends didn't go.
Some things that stood out to me from the retreat: God does not set us up for failure. He does not test us to pass or fail us. God has not pushed away at the decisions you made out of your brokenness, because even in your brokenness he loves you deeply. You have to genuinely believe God will heal you, if not your brokenness will keep you broken. Those points were important for me to really take in because often times I find myself staying in the moment of what has occurred instead of surrendering it to God. Not only that but also if we don't work on our brokenness now and all we have been through then how can we break a cycle of what our parents or other family members have been through. I want to share somethings the Pastor at church talked about for the first church service of the year that helped me see things from a different perspective.
A Happy New Year 2024: My Pastor Josiah talked about letting go of any offenses, any grudges, any Un forgiveness, any habits like addictions and any reoccurring thoughts. Sometimes I know I am guilty of this. I get so consumed with overthinking or just trying to find an answer for everything that it doesn't allow me to live in the present. One of the things that may be hard for us all is forgiveness. We have to be careful with what we hold onto because that may be blocking us from receiving new blessings in our life. It was such a great message. I'm not sure if it was the high I felt from the retreat and then attending church on Sunday but I feel more at peace today. I am just so excited to continue to grow my relationship with God and see where he leads me to this year. Remember if any of you ever need prayer or would like to join me at church feel free to send me a message you are always welcomed. <3
Now I ask you all this: what are some things you are looking forward to doing this year? Any changes you guys are hoping to make this year? Do you have fitness goals, spending more time with family? Finding a new hobby? I also want to encourage you all as always to journal. If you can't find time to do that I suggest writing a letter to your future self. I have done that a couple of times and when I receive the letter, I am just in awe of where I was at then to where I find myself the moment I receive it. If you don't know where to start or what to journal about I can always give you some pointers. Journaling tips: Write about your day. The In's and Out's. Talk about what you did to start your day off great. Talk about what you want to get done for the week and how you will make that happen. :) I can't wait to hear from you all. May this year be everything you wish if not more. Love to you all<3
Love always,
Jessica Nicole.
