How Would You Summarize 2024?
On a political front, the Canadian government is vulnerable with a leader that instead of calling an election, initiated a leadership race within the Liberal Party. Donald Trump is elected President for the second time, is threatening a 25% tariff on Canada, and has made suggestions that Canada become the 51st State. Crime rates have increased, and many Canadians are living in poverty.
However, for Alberta, we have a fighter of a Premier who stands up against overreach from the federal government and President elect Donald Trump’s threats.
Throughout history, people have been impacted by government leaders; however, for Canada, I don’t think it’s ever looked so bleak. Our best hope for 2025 is a quick election and a government body that fights for the welfare of Canadians. That’s easier said than done; however, people need hope. Hope is the winning element in every situation. When I look back at the changes in my life in one year, it’s quite astonishing, and mostly, it was based on hope and prayer.
I’ve learned the power of prayer with a tender and hopeful heart.
I’ve witnessed how God transformed my heart to embrace peace when my life was falling apart. He closed the door on a challenging marriage, the emotional attachment to my home. The house sold, as well as most of my belongings at garage sales and auction, yet I have no remorse, regret, or sadness. God closed that chapter in my life. Now, I’m being prepared to start a new chapter. I don’t know God’s plans for me and admit the journey hasn’t been without uphill battles; however, I was inspired by this subscribed email message by Lisa Stoops, a Christian Digital Creator. She referred to scripture Mark 5:25-29:
“And a woman was there who had been subject to bleeding for twelve years. 26 She had suffered a great deal under the care of many doctors and had spent all she had, yet instead of getting better she grew worse. 27 When she heard about Jesus, she came up behind him in the crowd and touched his cloak, 28 because she thought, “If I just touch his clothes, I will be healed.” 29 Immediately her bleeding stopped, and she felt in her body that she was freed from her suffering.”
This segment of scripture shows faith in action, as without action, faith is dead. You can surrender your life to Jesus, declare Him as your Lord and Saviour, but if you don’t act like finding a church that welcomes you, read scripture, join or volunteer to be part of other groups, the seed will die. Jesus explains this in Matthew 13:3-9 in the Parable of the Sower:
3 Then he told them many things in parables, saying: “A farmer went out to sow his seed. 4 As he was scattering the seed, some fell along the path, and the birds came and ate it up. 5 Some fell on rocky places, where it did not have much soil. It sprang up quickly, because the soil was shallow. 6 But when the sun came up, the plants were scorched, and they withered because they had no root. 7 Other seed fell among thorns, which grew up and choked the plants. 8 Still other seed fell on good soil, where it produced a crop—a hundred, sixty or thirty times what was sown. 9 Whoever has ears, let them hear.”
Mathew 13:19-23
19 When anyone hears the message about the kingdom and does not understand it, the evil one comes and snatches away what was sown in their heart. This is the seed sown along the path. 20 The seed falling on rocky ground refers to someone who hears the word and at once receives it with joy. 21 But since they have no root, they last only a short time. When trouble or persecution comes because of the word, they quickly fall away. 22 The seed falling among the thorns refers to someone who hears the word, but the worries of this life and the deceitfulness of wealth choke the word, making it unfruitful. 23 But the seed falling on good soil refers to someone who hears the word and understands it. This is the one who produces a crop, yielding a hundred, sixty or thirty times what was sown.”
To grow you need to believe and act. Lisa provided an example in this breakdown on the story of the woman:
• She heard about the healings of Jesus, and thought ‘why not me?’
• She believed He could heal her, ‘if only I touch His robe, I will be healed.’
• When the opportune time presented itself, she didn’t hesitate to act. She knew it was a risk as in her condition (bleeding) men were not allowed to touch her, let alone a rabbi. In their culture, she was unclean. But she believed if she touched even a thread of His robe, she’d be healed.
• Her faith and action healed her, and Jesus did not walk away to the crowd’s amazement. He approached her, and said:
“Daughter, your faith has healed you. Go in peace and be freed from your suffering.”
For many, accepting this possibility is difficult to grasp. You may be resistant and stuck in the belief you’re not worthy to be healed. Imagine the scenario if the woman believed, as Lisa wrote, “that’s great for them, but it’ll never happen for me?” Instead of acting allowing self-pity, shame, and doubt rule, thus eliminating the moment to be healed.
Have you ever done this? Seen an opportunity or heard about one that would heal or turn your life around in an amazing way but walked away instead of acting. In truth, many don’t as they’re resistant to change.
I was stuck in that cycle, and believed there was no option for me. It took God’s intervention to prepare my heart and reveal what needed to be done. A truth I didn’t want to face, but knew was the only way.
It’s letting go of control and giving the reins to God to lead you, as He did with leading His people out of Egypt, that movement occurs. It may not be your preference; however, it’s a step that can direct you out of a challenging situation, which leads me to this scripture:
Proverbs 31:25-26
Strength and dignity are her clothing, and she smiles at the future. She opens her mouth in wisdom, and the teaching of kindness is on her tongue.
It’s walking the path God laid out for you with faith, hope, and believing your future will be blessed. It’s knowing God’s intentions based on His word and teachings that allows you to step into a life of calmness and peace, as God is with you.
As 2025 is in its infancy, is there something you’re expecting—a breakthrough, a change of heart, embracing a life you’ve always imagined, mostly...
Do you believe it will happen?
Are you trusting God has a plan for you?
Are you ready to take action?
Remember, nothing is impossible for God. He knows your heart, struggles and challenges. His goal is for you to walk through the storms and sunshine with Him beside you.
You can’t change the politics of the world; however, you have a choice on who you vote for. It’s the same with your heart. You can resist a God who loves you so much, He sent His one and only Son, had Him sacrificed, so you could be saved and blessed with a new life. It’s acting and allowing the change to happen through God.
Each year brings new possibilities; however, each day does as well. It gives you the opportunity to hope and act on how you perceive your life. What can you do today to make changes in your life. Perhaps it’s eating healthier, finding a church that fulfills you, spending more time in scripture, asking God to befriend and guide you, journalling, or growing your faith.
As Lisa Stoops stated in her email blast:
“Faith with action changes everything.”
Make 2025 the year where you act and believe in God’s plan for you.
God Bless,
Hi, I’m Cathy.
A blogger, photographer, author, passionately driven to pointing people away from new age indoctrination to find redemption in Jesus Christ.
I’m a mixed blend, excited to share all I offer...
Blog-Twisted Roots
Do you find yourself asking questions about new age, whether the practices and beliefs are leading your soul to redemption?
As a reformed new ager, I was saturated in the belief I could co-create with the universe and manifest a life of abundance. But I was deceived. This blog is to point you to the truth of God’s words and how He perceives the new age indoctrination.
Fine Art Photography
I always dreamed of being a professional photographer when I grew up. It was a journey to reach this goal, but I did it!
I owned a home-based studio for over a decade but have been shooting images for two decades. Now, semi-retired, I have a collection of my most cherished images of landscape or nature available for wall décor.
