Beauty from Ashes…
Well, here we are.
We made it!
Another year has passed by, and we are still breathing.
Isn’t God Faithful?
This year, just like many of you, has been difficult.
As I looked back over my prayer journal from a year ago today, I saw the HOPE and the prayers for the year to come…
Never in a million years did I imagine the things that 2025 would hold.
Beginning in January, a precious and dear friend lost her beloved 12 year old son tragically.
A close family member fell and is still struggling with the affects.
My Aunt was diagnosed with breast cancer and a brain tumor.
We lost our 7 year old doggie, Bo on Easter Sunday.
In June, my daughter was in a life threating incident at the lake.
I went through a terrible season of anxiety from August until early November.
However….
I also wrote and published my first devotional.
We got another puppy.
I saw miracle after miracle in my daughter’s recovery.
I made new and precious friendships this year.
Our family welcomed two little beautiful babies into the mix.
God re-directed our daughters path after her injury—-from accounting to nursing.
God was Present, oh so present, all along. In the good days, the sad days, the hard days, the joyful days…
He was my Helper.
He was my Peace.
He was my Comforter.
My faith grew a million percent during those dark days.
God was my only HOPE. He was my ONLY Peace.
Interwoven in those hard days were so many God threads. So many miracles.
I would wake up every day and just beg God to give me mercy and grace for that day.
He always provided.
“His mercies are new every morning…” Lamentations 3:23
I would find Him in the most mundane of moments. Yet, also in the HUGE moments.
As we come into a new year, I am just overwhelmed with gratitude.
There are seasons when our faith is tested…where the rubber meets the road.
This year was one of those seasons.
God really does bring beauty from ashes….it is not just a pretty verse that makes us have false hope.
His Word is TRUTH.
To all who mourn in Israel, he will give a crown of beauty for ashes, a joyous blessing instead of mourning, festive praise instead of despair. In their righteousness, they will be like great oaks that the Lord has planted for his own glory. Isaiah 61:3
This year, despite the pain, has brought beauty in a whole new way.
I see beauty in the smallest of details. Things that most would overlook.
Difficult days make you appreciate the normal and mundane days.
Today, as you begin this new year, spend some time with Jesus.
And the next day, and the next.
Lean into Him as you begin this year. Seek Him in His Word, in prayer, and in praise and worship.
You will never be the same with Jesus.
This world is cruel and hard.
He is Peace and Comfort.
Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light.” Matthew 11:28-30
Find a good Bible reading plan and stick to it. Day after day.
Find a prayer partner and check in with them. Day after day.
Find a few moments in your day to pray. Day after day.
You will never be the same with Jesus. In the very best way.
Here are some resources to get you started this year…
The One year Chronological Bible
Signs of Wonders, Signs of Might
Rise and Shine 30 day devotional
A prayer for my sweet Rise and Shine friends for this upcoming year…
‘“The Lord bless you
and keep you;
the Lord make his face shine on you
and be gracious to you; the Lord turn his face toward you
and give you peace.”
all my love and gratitude,
jill
