Rise. Renew. Return. 🎆
“Draw near to God, and He will draw near to you.”
I keep thinking about the New Years’ resolution I made back in January.
“Focus on my relationship with God.”
I had no idea what that really meant then or what the journey would look like. What’s even wilder is that I wasn't saved. I wasn’t baptized. I hadn’t even gone to church. I just knew that I was a feeling a pull to be closer to Him.
A week or two into the year… is when things shifted.
My heart broke open and I received God.
You can read some of my testimony here ➡️: Rise. Renew. Repeat.
Looking back now, I can’t help but smile and shed a tear or two at how intentional God was in drawing me near. He met me at a point where I was wandering with no real purpose or drive. He took my desires and turned it into the foundation for the rest of this year.
But, to be honest, it hasn’t been easy. It hasn’t looked neat or even consistent. There were seasons where I was on fire for the Lord — reading my Bible daily, intentionally praying, responding to my convictions. And then there were times where I drifted. I let busyness consume me. I chased goals over God. I wasn’t disciplined. I was doing things for God (writing, going to church, serving, sharing social media content) except spending time with Him. And I know that He wants my relationship with Him to be priority #1.
But every single time I drifted, God brought me right back.
He didn’t meet me with shame or condemn me (no matter how guilty I was feeling). He gently reminded me that if I keep putting Him first, everything else will come together.
With December coming to an end, I have realized something important: spiritual growth isn’t about never wandering (because we’re human and it happens) — it’s about being willing to return. God has a way of keeping us anchored to what truly matters, even when we tend to forget.
So as we step into a new year, I’m not setting a long list of resolutions (but I’m keeping my standing resolution to lose 10 pounds). I’m returning to that same one but with more intention, deeper gratitude, and a heart that understands what it’s really asking for.
Goodbye 2025 ✌🏼 Hello 2026 👋🏼
