As the current year concludes and 2025 is on the horizon, like a good amount of people do, we look back and reflect on the year that is about to come to an end.

2024 may have been your year, or it might not have been your year. You can almost put this line into the theme from Friends.

For me, this year has been a mixed bag. Yes it’s not been the perfect year (whenever has there been a year that is?) Some things did not go the way I wanted, but I count my blessings for what I do have and how far I’ve come and there have been some big positive changes that are preparing me for my breakthroughs in 2025.

As the new year approaches, I hope that this blog post will fill you with a fire to kickstart your year and keep you encouraged and expecting good things. Because great things are coming and happening for you.

In the words of Jason Soroski: “There is nothing magical about the flip of a calendar, but it represents a clean break, a new hope, and a blank canvas.”

 

A sunrise always reminds you of a beautiful start

One thing that each and every day has in common is that it begins with a sunrise.

It is one of the most majestic views we can get, no matter where you are and no matter the weather. This is something I always look forward to and something I never tire of.

It reminds me of the beautiful things to come and that is from one of the very first things that the day provides.

When you wake up, even if you need to watch a video of it. Watch the sunrise, you will not be disappointed. It does remind us of the beauty in each day, every year.

Having a Positive Mindset

I know this is easier said than done and you’ll have to forgive me for being a hypocrite on this as I constantly learn from this. But thinking positively alone is one of the best ways to rise us up and cure us of a down period.

Very often, it’s our own thoughts and words that cause us to cast off all positive things. Certain circumstances don’t help, I’ve been there, and we’ve all been there. Welcome to the club.

I know that in a world where mental health is huge, it is difficult to find ways to stay positive, and particularly if you are going through a difficult spell, it can be a struggle to find something to be happy about. I have been there too, so I can completely relate.

Even if you feel you have a tiny flame, it is still burning, you need to put the fuel on by using your words and faith, talking positively, and eventually, that tiny flame will become a roaring fire of passion and positivity.

(Even embers can be brought back to a fire too. There is always a way to bring it back)

 

Don’t Underestimate the Small Things

Just like a jigsaw requires many pieces for it to fit together to form a beautiful picture. So too does every victory that you have come together, but also, it is a collection of stories and testimonies that you have.

Look at all the good things that have happened throughout the year, even if in your eyes they seem small and trivial. It does all add up.

 

Every bad thing ALWAYS comes to an End

This headline alone says it all. The biggest problem that we all face at one time or another is that we think a season of bad things is a lifetime of bad things. That is not the case.

Everything has a journey and journeys must end. So if you are going through a bad patch right now, know that it too shall pass.

In fact, one of Jesus’ last sentences, as he was being crucified was “It is finished.”

Spoiler Alert!!!!!!!

3 days later he arose from the grave and conquered death and is within every one of us to this day and always will be.

 

You’re Not in this Alone

This is kind of an add-on to the previously mentioned above, but none of you are ever in anything alone.

Sometimes we feel alone and lonely, but there is always someone to talk to. A conversation with someone is free and it doesn’t require any additional resources. Seek out someone you trust and will simply listen.

Part of the joy I get from this blog is on the theme of encouragement. Using this gift I have been blessed with to help others. I have been through discouraging periods, but know, I want to help you get encouraged and help you overcome whatever challenges o difficulties you are facing. Ater all, you are a conqueror, not the conquered.

Here at Manna of Canaan, no one is ever alone or lonely. This is YOUR online virtual home.

On the final note, here are some things to keep you going.

One year from now, you will say “2025 HAS been my year.”

Lamentations 3:22-23: The steadfast love of the Lord never ceases; his mercies never come to an end; they are new every morning; great is YOUR faithfulness.

Martin Luther King Jr: Take the first step of faith. You don’t need to see the whole staircase, just take the first step.

Bless you, take care, stay strong, and keep fighting in faith.

Always by your side.