Let me be one of the first to say, welcome to 2024! It does not escape me that in speaking with a lot of my mom friends, 2023 seemed to be a hard year. There were many reasons this could have been: maybe you dealt with residuals from the pandemic, maybe you had family issues that you had to overcome, maybe even you were still in a period of postpartum healing that came with postpartum depression, anxiety, or rage. The beautiful thing about a new year is that, even though today is no different than yesterday, we are given the presence of a new beginning, a new season in our lives. The world is acknowledging the ending of a chapter and the beginning of something new. Our actual circumstances may not have changed when the clock struck midnight, but we can accept the gift of hope, of gratitude, of the Lord’s leading as we reflect and center our life around Him at the beginning of a new year.

The Lord has been speaking to my heart deeply in these days and I feel him saying that 2024 is a year of fulfillment. For myself personally, I have been dreaming for years of the things I want to do: I want to write, I want to publish a book, I want to grow deeper in prayer ministry and spiritual practices–I want to be steeped in ministry of heart, mind, and soul. It’s where my heart thrives-where I can look at life with gratitude and hope and fulfillment. I know the Lord is calling me into more, and I don’t have a clear path, but I know what the first step is. The first step is to write in faith and look for Him to illuminate the next stepping stones. No holding on to plans, or my idea of what needs to happen next–just holding his hand as I step out into what I’ve known since I was a child he has been calling me into.

What are you being released into these days? What has been your dream and hope for the future? What is something you’ve held deep in your heart, something that can’t shake it’s way loose? This is the year! The Lord is calling us in 2024 to step out in faith and DO it! This isn’t a striving thing, and honestly, you may be feeling inadequate and unprepared. Humble yourself in the presence of the Lord, thank him for the dreams he’s gifted you with through His Spirit, the take the FIRST STEP. I know that Father God is willing and ready to open the doors this year.

Ask the Lord now, “Father God, what are you releasing in my life today?” And then wait for him to answer! I know he wants to cover you in His love and devotion, and I know that he will tell you what that first step is. He has given you these dreams–deep-seated, heartfelt dreams and desires that bring you into connection with your purpose and life fulfillment. 2024 is a year to step out and pursue by His grace.

If you are feeling this in 2024, let me encourage and support you. There is room at the table for every writer, every creative, every musician, every minister, every discerner, every iota of faithful pursuit of our God. I feel the Lord calling us to the table and offering us our place. Do we have the faith and trust to step into it?

If you’re ready to take this step, would you pray with me:

Father God, thank you for the dreams you’ve placed on my heart. By your grace, I ask for the first step into the dream you plan to bring to fruition this year. Thank you for the love and devotion you show to me every day. Father God, speak deeply to my heart and my longing for you and your grace. Amen.

Join me on this journey. I look forward to hearing about the amazing things the Lord does through the dreams he’s given you this year.