It’s that time of year. The time we naturally think through and process the year we just lived and start to wonder about the new one.

Grab your journal, your favorite cozy drink and a quiet spot – then pop in your earbuds and let’s get to prayerful work processing with the Lord. It will be time well spent.

If you haven’t listened to the conversation with Cheri Hudspith, Spiritual Director, and Julie Pierce, Leadership Coach to help you prepare for this reflection you can find it here:
http://www.jodieniznik.com/somuchmorepodcast

Here’s the flow of conversation, questions and Scriptures for your reference:

Part 1: Looking back

Prompt 1: Name at least three things you can rejoice over and praise God for from the last year.
Prompt 2: What comes to mind from the last year that left you feeling weary and burdened?
Prompt 3: What comes to mind from the last year that felt like it was soul filling – gave you energy and peace?
Prompt 4: As you review these lists, ask the Lord: Is there any place where I feel overwhelmed, afraid or disappointed?
Prompt 5: Is there anything you, Lord, want me to let go of or think differently about?

Part 2: Looking forward

Prompt 1: Name some of the seasons you think your year will hold.
Prompt 2: Consider the next season that’s coming - what good work do you sense the Lord may be inviting you into for that season in your relationship with him, Your relationship with others, and in relationship with the world around you?
Prompt 3: Are there any barriers to moving forward or anything you sense the Lord is inviting you to do differently in 2023?

The exact verses read in this podcast are printed here for your use:

Philippians 4:4-6
Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice! 5 Let your gentleness be evident to all. The Lord is near. 6 Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God.

Matthew 11:28-30
28 “Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. 29 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. 30 For my yoke is easy and my burden is light.”

Ephesians 2:10
For we are God’s handiwork, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do.

Isaiah 40:31
but those who hope in the LORD will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint.

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