I still remember the 1st of January, 2024 . It found me in a new country with new faces. I had a new address and new clothes. It was all new e'rything and I was unsure where to place my feelings.

I was still simmering in the reality of being in the United Kingdom pursuing my dreams. Pursuing, of course, at the expense of a few things such as intimate family time and physically being part of my friends' milestones such as marriages, their first pregnancies, their baby's first steps and the list goes on. The clock struck midnight and I felt even more confused and intimidated than I had ever felt in my life. There I was, facing an end-of-Msc dissertation, 2 exams set in a standard that I am new to and a global event I am part of organising. The enduring 'goodness of the Lord' that I had boasted of in former seasons suddenly seemed so distant in the presence of all these Goliaths. I decided to open my mouth and pray. For strength. Will. Courage. Anything including taking this yoke away from me!

A Blank Slate

I do not believe that each January offers a clean slate.

Well, It does for financials or other theoretically established concepts, and that is only to some extent. For humans, the extent becomes more apparent.

The new year changes on paper but undealt with habits stick more endearingly and unrepented sins and glossed-over errors grow more menacing with each day of inaction or malaction. The positive habits you began in 2023, if accompanied by consistency, will keep developing into established steps and solid plans.

The concept of sowing and reaping is held as true in both religious and areligious circles. What you focus on grows. When it comes to evil, what is ignored grows much more. A new year may come with emotion but emotion is scarcely enough to arouse change. There must be will and action.

How do you plan to get over a harmful addiction?

What do you want to do about that lying habit?

Will you decide to put an end to procrastination?

The list goes on.

Your mind needs to agree with what you plan to do, but your actions must quickly follow suit.

There is Hope!

We are about 45 days into 2024. It is not the end of the year yet. The first half of the first quarter of 2024 may be over, but you can still salvage things if you feel like so far you have not done the best that you could do. You can assess where you stand and re-organise and re-strategise.

Even as a child of righteousness, you can make better decisions today and have an excellent 2024.

The kingdom of God communicates grace, mercy as well as excellence and orderliness.

Success in your plans does not come only by head knowledge, nor does it come by wishful thinking but it comes by action and ofcourse, God's grace.(Perhaps my writing this article at 1 am may exemplify this, given that I had penned down my yearly writing strategy a few weeks ago. Consistency is sometimes tiring. Days often get busy, but I have realised that effective ministry comes by way of grace and intention.)

Sit down with yourself and count the cost of your dreams and ambitions. Map the plan out. Who do you need to talk to? Where do you need to go to attain the level of knowledge you need? How will you get your business sales up? Get granular and keep testing out your strategy as you go along.

More than anything, seek God every step of the way. He can be trusted!

I am in this with you. And I hope this website stands as a testament to it!

Happy New Year and I love you all.