Here We Are Again

It's been a while since I've last posted and well, I guess my only excuse is that life happened and swept me up and along. To be quite frank, writing on this public blog became less of a priority and then some time passed and I realized that I was just rolling through life with it's never-ending to-do list. So I started journaling again a few weeks ago and I'm here now in a more public realm, back in this space that feels both familiar and sacred. I'm here, slightly past the cusp of old and new, curious about 2024 and anticipating great things from God. 

The year thus far has been a good reset for my spirit. Stephen and I agreed to fast Monday night dinners for the next three months and to focus on praying for a job opportunity to come his way, for spiritual growth for both of us, and to be intentional about reading the Word and praying for our families. Due to the holidays, I happened to not have my usual AIMS clinic and therapy session this past Tuesday and this provided us the opportunity to go to Chicago Tabernacle for the first prayer meeting of the year that evening. Chicago Tabernacle is and always will  inhabit a special place in my heart; indeed, it wasn't too long ago that I ventured out on my own to the prayer meeting on a weekly basis for many many years. All that to say, it was nice to be back among individuals who desire to encounter God. 

As I stood there worshipping and praying, the Holy Spirit started to move and I found myself passionately praying and crying for my sister. I prayed that this would be the year where her desires to love God and herself more would be realized and be all the more tangible and catalyze transformation. These are very real desires that my mom informed me that my sister had told her just days prior. This, along with her showing up to NYE church service this past Sunday indicates that God is on the move. 

So, as her sister, what do I do? I pray. I intercede like I've always done. I offer up a financial gift/offering to kick off 2024 - all with the expectation that God has already answered prayers uttered in times past and that he is doing something mysterious in this present moment. Yes - there is something glorious when we are on the cusp of prayers that are on the verge of blooming; indeed, now is the time to worship and adore God for his faithfulness and everlasting goodness.

2024 - it's a new year with the Lord. And that reality feels beautiful.