Ready Or Not?
I’ve had the honor of counseling a few people who reached out to me during this holiday season and the bottom line is that they were depressed and anxious about the year coming to an end and ushering in a new year while they feel unaccomplished in the dreams and goals they had for this year. I listened empathetically and some with sympathy and I can boldly share that God gave each of us a unique manual for our lives. Our experiences differ and so are our challenges but through it all, He is the same Lord and the bible says that He is rich unto all who call upon Him. He does not discriminate. (Romans 10:12 paraphrased).
If you’re like me who spends the holiday season reflecting on my year and taking inventory of everything that happened in and around my life this year, you can find yourself in the space of deflation and anxiety and yes it even happens to the strongest of believers. Fact still remains that whether you’re ready or not, 2025 is just a couple of days away and you can embrace it with strength, hope and courage or you can embrace it with fear. I pray you choose hope and courage over anything else the devil might present to you. That you will remember that God is able to do exceedingly abundantly above all that we ask for or think, according to His power which works in us. (Ephesians 3:20 paraphrased).
We do not know what lies ahead in 2025 but I know the one who holds my life and yours and He says His plans for us are good, to prosper us and give us hope and a great future so hold on to that promise this week as you usher in 2025. (Jeremiah 29:11 paraphrased).
XOXO,
Lady Abena.
My New Kind Of Christmas
The most wonderful time of the year is just a couple of days away and it is a different one for me this year. To start with, I buried my father a couple of months ago so honestly I’m not in the mood for all the decor and tree setup and the pomp and glam that I usually go for during this season. It doesn’t also help that his birthday is on December 28 and same time last year my dad was alive. I find myself wanting to seclude and reflect and just enjoy a solemn season with less distractions.
Notwithstanding, I found something that blesses and fulfills me more - giving to orphans and people in need especially during this season. Christmas can be overwhelming for those of us who have so many people in our contact list. Let’s not talk about the gift exchanges - whew! I prayed hard and decided on a new tradition for me which requires a sacrifice on my part. I’ll give a gift to my son who was my Christmas present from God in 2016 and I have to honor December 25 in his life until eternity finds me. The rest of my giving goes to orphanages and other charitable organizations who support children in need. For everyone else in my life, I will bless them on their birthdays as God enables me to.
Yup, imagine the relief that came on me this season, very profound and I’m at peace with this new tradition of mine going forward. I’m curious to know what some of your traditions are for Christmas and whatever they are, I pray that you will make the most of this season and be a blessing to those in need.
Merry Christmas!
Lady Abena.
Remember Me O Lord
Nehemiah 13:14 NIV
“Remember me for this, my God, and do not blot out what I have so faithfully done for the house of my God and its services.”
As the year comes to a close, I’d like to share a prayer with you through the scripture above. Nehemiah helped to rebuild the walls of Jerusalem, providing security for the people of Israel. Walls are similitudes of protection and security in any area - health, finances, life, etc.
If you have contributed any good thing towards God’s agenda towards humanity this year, then bring God to remembrance by making this your daily prayer that the Lord, who rewards exceedingly, will remember you and everything you have sacrificed for His name’s sake and may His name be glorified in your life.
I join you in prayer this week that the good Lord, the rewarder of them who diligently seeks Him will remember you for all the good you have done this year. That He will write your name in the palm of His hands and ensure that all will be well with you always. It is so and so it is in Jesus’ name. AMEN!
XOXO,
Lady Abena.