New Year, Same God.

My word for 2025 is "focus". It has been confirmed many times in the last two weeks as I was thinking and praying about it. With that word, I think of the words "goal" and "vision". Both of which I have been avoiding for 3 years now.

"I was scared to pray the big prayers"

In my second to last semester of earning my Dance B.A. at the University of Houston, I was in the Senior Projects course. This is a class I had been looking forward to for years, as it was the time to showcase choreography and take the next steps in looking into the careers within the dance world. We were given a project to make a one year plan for after graduation. The entire task was daunting. It truly scared me. But I did it, and I was excited with the idea of accomplishing what I had planned for my life after graduation.

Then, something happened. The next semester, which was my last semester before graduation, my ankle started hurting. I thought, "oh maybe, I can just rest it during spring break and then I'll be fine". Classes resumed, and it still hurt. Spoiler alert: My ankle still hurts after 3 years. This pain has limited my range of motion which is not a great thing to happen for a dancer and their ankle. Everything I planned for in my 1 year plan was not accomplished.

At one point it felt like everything I prayed or planned for could never happen. I was scared to pray big prayers because anything I prayed for would never go my way. I am sad to say my prayer life was non-existent at one point. I had no trust in God, and what he can do in my life.

"My year of trusting has healed me."

Then, God gave me my word of the year for 2024: trust

In 2024, I was reminded that:

• No's can be protection, or a redirection to where God wants you.

• God's plans are greater.

• Do not worry about tomorrow because God is already there.

• Praise God in every situation or mood you are in.

• In the end, God gets the glory. It's not really about you.

My year of trusting has healed me. I am not afraid of the future anymore. God is already there making a way. My 2025 is actually starting with uncertainty of a situation, but I am certain that my God is with me and for me.

"When I am afraid, I put my trust in you" Psalms 56:3

Do It Again - Elevation Worship. This song always plays at church when I need it the most.

"He is my rock and my comforter."

I lived 2 years of my life just floating, not really hoping or planning for my future because I was afraid of any "no's" that would happen. Then in 2024, I started to actively try by putting myself out there by applying to things. I got a no for one job opportunity, but then I got a yes for another. I got a no for a market I have been wanting to participate in for years, but then I got a yes to be part of a new Painted Tree Boutique to have my first storefront for my business.

At the end of 2024, I realized that I should not be afraid to have a plan, to dream, or to have a vision for the future. I decided I wanted to make a plan and write it our to pray over and work towards. As a christian, I understand a life with God does not mean a perfect life. I will go through struggles and sometimes what I plan will not happen the way I want it to or as fast I think it should happen. I will continue to find strength in Christ because he is my rock and my comforter.

My mom hosted a vision board party at her business and I was able to participate. It was a way to clearly visualize and write down my goals in a creative way. It's a visual tool to look at daily so I can stay focused.

My 2025 Vision Board

On the first Monday of the month, how are you staying focused on your goals for 2025? How much control are you allowing God to have on your life and those goals? Join the conversation by commenting below. Should I make a blog post on how to make a vision board?