Kingdom Beauty Design

In January of 2020, I remember my pastor titled the first sermon “2020 Vision,” because the year 2020 was going to be the year when everything became clearer. For most people, including my clients, recently have shared their true feelings with an “Ugh, 2020 what a year,” with a voice of dread and a hopeful anticipation of better year to come.

But, what if 2020 really was a year with clearer vision for us?

Before this pandemic hit, I can honestly remember the times I’ve heard the same phrase, “I wish time would simply slow down!” So then, what if this was an answered prayer after all ?!

If we really sit down and look back into the year 2020, some of us might actually have found more meaning towards life itself, and quite frankly, even convictions from the ways we’ve lived in the past.

Life is not always about “getting it all done,” but more so about living one day at a time and accomplishing things moment-by-moment while enjoying the process and the people that were part of it.

Every beginning of each new year, we get so caught up with goal planning and resetting our lives, which I do love and believe is a great thing to do, but we can forget to be still in God’s presence while asking Him to reveal to us what’s our next step can be (I’m so guilty of this)! In fact, scripture tells us that we ought to live with purpose. This is why Jesus came, to give us a life worth living!

The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy. I came that they may have life and have it abundantly.

~John 10:10

Before setting up your new goals, think about who might your thief be. Could he be the negative voice in your head saying “you’re not good enough? You’re not equipped? You have no time, talent, money?” Often times, the thief comes in those negative thoughts in our minds that are simply not true. Or sometimes the enemy might just be fear masked in our excuses.

This year instead of focusing on all the setbacks and the negative “what if’s,” why not focus on the vision God has placed in your heart. Most often, whatever burdens we cary are burdens God has in His heart and He invites us to be part of the change in this world for His kingdom on earth. God doesn’t simply want us to wonder around in life, He wants us to live. Truly live…

Maybe 2020 was really a good year after all if it helped us slow down enough to live one day at a time while enjoying intentional time in prayer, God’s word, homemade meals, family time, our jobs and a Christmas with less gifts and more understanding of what Christmas really means.

As my business shut down for 3 months and it not going back to “normal” even after re-opening, God has shown me His faithfulness in providing enough for me to live off of. But on the other hand, I was also convicted on the way I had been spending money more carelessly than I should have. Yet God remained faithful in providing for all of my needs and in the year 2020, I was reminded that as long as I trust in Him and do my part, He will take care of the rest, including on teaching me how to budget my finances this new year. 😉

So often we get caught up in our own world trying to figure out our purpose in life, reaching goals and setting new ones that we forget to slow down and really enjoy the process of it all and even the achievements we’ve made. But life is more than goals and achievements. While its great to look forward to all of these things, it’s important to not forget who we serve and why we’re on this side of eternity. Jesus came to give us life and to have it abundantly.

For this new year, I challenge you to choose a word/Bible verse that will encourage you to live by intention.

For example: My word for this year is, “Live,” which to me is a reminder to live by faith, live lead by the spirit, and live with intention every day and every moment. I can get so caught up in getting things done that I forget to enjoy the process or reflect on what God is doing or asking me to do or even not do do.

Throughout scripture God calls us to come back to Him and truly live regardless of where we’ve been or how lost and unworthy of His love we think we are…

"Come back to me and live!" ~Amos 5:4 (NLT)
"Come back to the Lord and live!" ~Amos 5:6 (NLT)
"Do what is good and run from evil so that you may live!" ~Amos 5:14 (NLT)

Trust God, and Do Good…

Click on the link below for a free downloadable guide to help you get started on how to set your intention for 2021!