A Gentle Beginning: Welcoming the New Year with Faith & Joy
A Fresh Year Rooted in Grace: Faith-Filled Encouragement
A Blessing for the Year Ahead
As I sit here writing this, the rose parade from Pasadena (replay) in the background, my babygirl is asleep next to me, and hubby just finished washing dishes. There’s just peace and joy in this moment—a gentle reminder of the small blessings all around us. There’s a stillness in the air, I’m reminded that gratitude doesn’t wait for big events—it lives in the everyday moments that surround us.
And today, I want to pause with you, for just a moment as we take in this new year. Take a deep breath, notice the blessings in your life right now and let yourself feel the joy that is already here.
Now, let’s start the year off with a blessing…
For you:
May this year be filled with moments that remind you of God’s goodness.
May your days be rooted in faith, hope, and joy.
May you feel guided, supported, and deeply loved.
And may this year unfold gently–one faithful step at a time.
Before we move into the new year with fresh intentions, I want to invite you to pause and reflect: what is one small blessing or moment of gratitude you can notice today? Take a second to write it down, say a prayer, or simply carry it in your heart as a reminder that God’s goodness is already here.
Last year, my best friend and I started a little tradition that brought this idea to life. We created a shared note on our iPhones and added blessings and things we were grateful for throughout the year—small moments, words of encouragement, and things that made us thankful. Looking back at it now, it’s amazing to see all the reminders of God’s goodness and the ways we choose gratitude, even on ordinary days.
As we reflect on these blessings, it naturally leads us into setting a gentle intention for the year ahead, reminding ourselves that with Jesus—each day brings a chance to be renewed, refreshed, and made new.
A Gentle Intention for the Year Ahead
Start the year off, reminding yourself that the Lord’s mercies are new every morning.
Lamentations 3:22-23
“Great is his faithfulness” NKJV
People like to say “new year, new me”, but through Jesus we can really be made new. As I was taking communion last night and while we worshipped at the last church service of the year, the message given reminded me that we can leave it all behind and be renewed in Jesus.
If you’d like a reminder of God’s renewing power, I encourage you to listen and reflect along with me with this song:
The world often greets January with pressure–goals to hit, habits to build, and versions of ourselves we’re expected to become. But God’s invitation is different.
Let’s pause and ask God today to renew our minds and allow us to start new this year with not our own intentions but his will:
Read and reflect on
Romans 12:2
Lately God’s been working in me— helping me confront unforgiveness and surrender what is out of my control. So through that I’ve often heard the saying “Heme aqui, enviame a mi” (just a note—it’s in Spanish). This phrase comes from Isaiah 6:8, when the prophet Isaiah responds to God’s call with, “Here I am! Send me!” NKJV.
To me, this is a sign of surrender—a reminder to let go and let God. This year, it means releasing what was and allowing Him to lead me to be the mother, wife, and friend He’s called me to be, renewing my mind and guiding me in His will and purpose.
To align with this intention, I’m starting the year with a simple thought and prayer:
“Lord, lead me.”
It’s a small act of surrender, but one that opens the heart to His presence and direction in every part of my life.
If you’re starting the year with me in surrender, consider creating your own intentions for the year. Take a few minute to journal or jot them down, in one or two areas of your life where you want God’s guidance—whether it’s in your relationships, your mindset, or your daily habits. Keep them somewhere you can see them often, pray over them, and reflect on them as the year goes on.
As an added challenge, try listening to the playlist below or creating your own playlist that speaks to you and your intentions. Listen, reflect, and allow them to direct your thoughts back to God whenever you need encouragement.
A Closing Blessing for the New Year
As this year unfolds, may you feel supported, hopeful, and deeply known by God. May your faith grow stronger and you nearer to God. May joy meet you in ordinary moments; and may grace be your constant companion.
This is a fresh year—not because everything is new, but because God is faithful.
“Behold, I will do a new thing,”
(Isaiah 43:19 NKJV)
A Prayer to start off your new year:
Lord, thank you for the gift of a new year. Help me walk forward with faith, joy, and trust in you. Root my heart in grace and guide my steps each day. Amen.
