How do you start your new year?
For the past 5 years, some if not all of this group pictured above, have participated in a polar plunge. The excitement is reignited every year in anticipation of the event. However, the morning of the 1st day of the year, it almost always seems nuts to be stripping down to my swimsuit while standing on the freezing sand with the wind whipping, in order to run into frigid water. As I was reflecting on this years plunge with a few of my friends, I realized that I am actually glad that I participated. It seemed daunting, but it was worthwhile, and fun.
Similar to our polar plunge, so many individuals declare new resolutions prior to the start of a new year. I personally have never liked this tradition. It always felt like too much to commit to for a year. Although my husband has impressed me with two New Year's resolutions. One year, he gave up eating french fries. Another year he gave up drinking coke, which included all soda categories. He managed to succeed both years too!
The start of a new year is a good time to reflect on and reset your mind and focus; to healthy living and positivity. Attitude is vital to the picture you desire to live during your time on earth. Companionship is also vital to how you desire to live. Always remember that God’s companionship is eternal. He wants goodness to overflow in your life. The start of this year is a good time to commit to recognizing the goodness in every day. In addition to benefitting personally, you can benefit others with sharing and focusing on the goodness in your life.
Two are better than one. This has been established. When one is down, the other is there for support and vice versa. However, a believer is never alone and always supported. Jesus promised us a helper to all who believe in Him, the Holy Spirit.
He longs for us to call on Him in our times of need. He longs to be of use to us. When we call on Him, He shows up. I have witnessed this on several occasions in my lifetime.
Just these last two weeks of 2024, were a time when I called out for help. Technology savvy, I am not. Thankfully, I was connected with Cory, the owner of a technology website business, who helped me with my deficiencies. His MN accent was noticeable to me, as my Mother’s family lived in a town with similar dialects. He reassured me that managing and adapting websites was easy. I am thankful for people with Cory’s skills, and his services that he was able to provide me. He was my answer to solving my problems when I called out for help.
When I had the vision of JiLLaTTe and writing this blog, I was dedicated to blogging for one year. I believe I was mostly successful. I will tell you that just like anything else that we commit to, it can be hard at times. However, the blessings far outweighed the struggles.
My biggest challenge was allowing imperfection. Sometimes I would simply be too tired to continue to proof-reading a blog, and I would allow myself to publish that day's blog. This happened quite a lot. A few days later I might go back and open a blog or two and re-read them, only to cringe at the errors I was able to see clearly with un-blurred vision. One of the Bible verses that I reflected on, and stuck with me last year throughout my study, was that it is best to share the goodness of God- period! Luke 9: 50- "Do not stop him," Jesus said, "for whoever is not against you is for you." He won't hold our shortcomings or imperfections against us. He will keep loving us and continue to shine His light on us to guide our footsteps on the path that He has paved for each and every one of us.
As for now, I will continue to push forward and hope that more of God's children will choose to allow love into their hearts and receive His goodness, and believe in His written promises found in the Bible. Daily posts will resume January 20, 2025. Until then, try to reflect daily and set into motion a new practice to bless your days, and help you to continue to grow into the beautiful person that God created.
"And do not forget to do good and to share with others, for with such sacrifices God is pleased."
-Hebrews 13:16
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