Here’s to a New Year in two ways. We just celebrated the entrance of 2025 a few days ago which launched us into a new Season. Here I am today launching into a New Year of my life…celebrating a birthday hasn’t normally been a huge ordeal to me… this year hit different.

As I am stepping into year 35, I am realizing how quickly the years do go by… For the past several years I have struggled with my health and other various things in life that have had in me in a valley season… in many ways it’s been too long. As I began to reflect on my birthday quickly approaching I had a realization moment with myself. 1.) Do I keep just going through the day to day as normal, while life is quickly passing by? or 2.) Do I take each moment I am blessed with and learn to THRIVE at whatever I am focused on at that moment?

I believe it is quite easy to see that I have decided to THRIVE in the areas the Lord is leading me in this year! That means that I walk with intentionality in every endeavor that I am given to tackle! This will take discipline, passion, growth, and much time with the Lord to see this accomplished!

You know, we don’t accidently achieve the goals or dreams that the Lord places inside of us. Every thing that has been placed in us to accomplish for the Lord, will only happen when we focus and lean into Him, wholeheartedly!

Matthew 6:33 AMP But first and most importantly seek (aim at, strive after) His kingdom and His righteousness [His way of doing and being right—the attitude and character of God], and all these things will be given to you also.

When we learn to focus on the Kingdom of God above our own wants, desires, needs, etc. we see that God has never forsaken us. He’s always provided, He’s always covered, He’s always showed up for His people. I believe this year as we take the focus off of our own lives & begin to take in the world around us, a shift will happen in our hearts! We will begin to be filled in ways we never knew imaginable. We will love & be loved like we never knew existed. We will learn that life isn’t just about us, but it’s about others as well!

God has a mission for each and every one of us… Have you stopped lately to ask Him how your life is aligning with that? Do you have room in your schedule for God to lead you to encourage others? Do you take time to notice what’s going on around you, instead of blazing through life looking only forward for self? Do you evaluate how you’re life is impacting the Kingdom of God?

Together let’s decide today that this year is the year of HARVEST & GROWTH! In our personal lives but as well as our daily lives (spouse, kids, family, friends, co-workers, neighbors, store clerks, waiters, etc.) How can we effectively impact all of these people, by pointing them to God? Don’t let one day be mundane and of no impact for the Kingdom of God! Stay FOCUSED – Stay STRONG – THRIVE!!!!

Father we come to you and ask that you please help align our hearts with Yours. We want to walk with purpose in every step we take. We want to see your Kingdom advance in our lives & we won’t settle for anything less. It takes discipline to deny our fleshly desires & put You first! But I truly believe that when You are first in our lives that everything comes naturally. Our love for other’s increases. Our eyes are opened wide to things that move You! Let us pursue You, Lord above our own plans & desires, so that we can THRIVE through this year that You’ve blessed us with! In Jesus Name we pray!

– Love, Jess