Growing Me

Can I be real for a second?

Lately I have been struggling with waiting and trusting God. I was talking with a friend the other day about something I was struggling with and she said "What if God wants to use this as an opportunity to grow you?" I sat there in disbelief but also wondering if maybe she was right. What if this growth moment, was just what I needed to activate my faith?

Growth isn’t always pretty. Sometimes, it’s exciting—new opportunities, fresh starts, clear progress. Other times, it’s frustrating—waiting, struggling, feeling stuck. But through it all, I’ve learned that God is always working, even when I don’t see it.

I have learned that I grow best when I stay connected to God. The times I’ve felt most lost were when I was trying to control everything on my own. But when I take a step back, pray, and listen, I start to see how He’s guiding me—even in the little things.

I’ve had moments where I was desperate for clarity, but all I got was silence. At the time, it felt like nothing was happening. Looking back, I realize that was when my faith was growing the most.

Growth is uncomfortable—it forces me to step into things before I feel “ready.” I’ve felt this in leadership roles, in my health journey, and most of all, in learning to set boundaries.

For the longest time, I struggled to say no. I didn’t want to disappoint people. But constantly pouring into others while neglecting myself wasn’t sustainable. Learning to protect my time and energy was hard at first, but now I see how necessary it is.

I’ve learned that my environment shapes me more than I realize. I’ve been in spaces where I felt stuck, and when I looked closer, it was because I was surrounded by doubt—whether from myself or others.

Things changed when I started seeking out people who encouraged me, challenged me, and believed in me. Now, I’m intentional about who I let speak into my life, and I try to be that kind of person for others, too.

Growth isn’t a race. Some seasons, I see progress. Other seasons, I feel like nothing is happening. But even then, I trust that God is still growing me in ways I can’t see yet.

So, I’m choosing to embrace where I am right now. To take the next step, even if it’s small. To trust that the best version of me is still unfolding.

How are you growing in this season? Let’s encourage each other on this journey.

God,

Thank you, that even when growing hurts, that your love is always there leading and guiding us. Thank you for the gift of growth, the challenges, the lessons, and the transformation you are working in us. Give us the wisdom to trust your timing. I pray that each new season of growth would lead us closer to you.

Amen.

Always

As the year draws to a close, it’s natural to pause and reflect. The past twelve months may have brought moments of joy, seasons of struggle, or unexpected twists and turns. Whatever the year has held for you, one truth remains steadfast: God is always with us.

In Matthew 28:20, Jesus promises, “And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.” These words serve as a powerful reminder that no matter what lies behind or ahead, we are never alone. As we look back and look forward, this promise gives us hope and peace.

Reflection is a way to recognize God’s presence throughout the year—both in the highs and the lows. As you think about the past year, consider how God has been with you:

1. In Joy

What were the highlights of this year? Maybe it was a new opportunity, a celebration with loved ones, or an answered prayer. These moments remind us that every good and perfect gift is from above (James 1:17). God’s presence is evident in the blessings He pours into our lives, both big and small.

2. In Challenges

Were there moments this year when life felt heavy? Times when you weren’t sure how you’d make it through? Looking back, you may see God’s sustaining hand at work—giving strength, providing comfort, or guiding you through uncertainty. His promise to be close to the brokenhearted (Psalm 34:18) remains true, even in the hardest of times.

3. In the Everyday

Sometimes, God’s presence is most evident in the quiet, ordinary moments of life. A peaceful walk, a kind word, or the strength to persevere in your daily routine can all be signs of His constant nearness.

Take a moment to reflect: Where did you see God this year? How did He walk with you, even when you didn’t realize it at the time?

As we step into a new year, uncertainty often accompanies our hopes and plans. But Jesus’ promise in Matthew 28:20 reminds us that we never step into the unknown alone. Whether you’re anticipating exciting changes or facing fears about the future, His presence goes with you.

In the busyness of a new year, it’s easy to forget that God is with us. But we can cultivate an awareness of His presence through simple, intentional practices:

• Daily Prayer: Begin and end each day by inviting God into your heart and acknowledging His presence.

• Scripture Reading: Let God’s Word remind you of His promises and guide your steps.

• Journaling: Write down moments where you sense God’s presence or ways He answers prayer throughout the year.

• Community: Surround yourself with people who will encourage you to grow in your faith and remind you of God’s faithfulness.

As we reflect on the year behind us and prepare for the one ahead, we can rest in the truth of Matthew 28:20: “And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.” This promise gives us the confidence to celebrate the joys, endure the trials, and step boldly into the future.

No matter what the coming year holds, you can be sure of this: God will walk with you every step of the way. His presence is constant, His love is unwavering, and His faithfulness endures forever.

So as you close this chapter and begin a new one, take comfort in knowing that you are never alone. The God who has been with you in every moment of this year will be with you in every moment of the next.

Dear God,

Thank you that you are always with us. In moments when we are unsure of what is next, we thank you for your never-ending protection. Protect us as we enter into a new year full of exciting new seasons. We know that you have already gone before us and ordered every step that we are going to take. In this next year make us more like you. Let your image be our image.

Amen.

The Perfect Recipe

I love to cook. Some people even call it my love language when I prepare a meal for them. For as long as I can remember I have loved the intention put into every dish I create, I love thinking about how it’s going to make people feel, and my number one hope is that they feel love.

One thing I would love to master is my mama’s cornbread dressing. I pretty much have all of her dishes down but that one. She has such a way of mixing all of the seasonings that make Thanksgiving so special. Every year I assist her in making it and when it comes to mixing it all together she always says “I got it” I always laugh and pout and reply “well you got it then!” She smiles and pulls it all together.

I don’t know why I’m thinking about Thanksgiving in March, but I have been processing how a lot of the time we don’t have the recipe or the whole picture. It’s annoying and you may even try and replicate it in your own way but it doesn’t come out how you would like so you end up frustrated.

Do you feel like you treat God like that?

Do you find yourself constantly asking why? How could you? Or even how dare you?

Oop am I stepping on some toes today? I know it’s Monday, I’m sorry.

There are going to be moments in life where everything is going to be taken away and you are going to be asking God for answers do you know what he is going to say?

I got it

“But God why am I having to wait so long”

I got it

“When will it happen for me?”

I got it

“Why does it hurt so much?”

I. Got. It.

To be honest, he doesn’t even owe us the I got it part, that’s a gift.

“You cannot understand the work of God, the Maker of all things. “ Ecclesiastes 11:5

We aren’t lost. We aren’t forgotten. We are trying to be in charge of our lives like we created ourselves. Stop trying to duplicate something that is simply one of a kind.

There’s so much power in letting go and surrendering to the power that only God has. You can’t white-knuckle everything and then be praying and asking God to help. It’s not realistic.

Take a deep breath. I mean breathe so deep you feel it in your stomach. Next, breathe out. That breath that you just took signifies you letting go of whatever you have been struggling with.

You can try to do what God does but ultimately whatever you make won’t taste the same. He says that he has it. God has the ultimate unrepeatable, unchangeable recipe. The best news and most beautiful part, we get to be a part of that recipe. Trust him to provide it for you and know that it will taste amazing.

God,

No matter what season of life I am in, I am Yours. You are my center. I trust You to make my life meaningful Your sight, even if I cannot see it. Make my life beautiful in its time. Allow me to wait faithfully with hope.

Amen