I Can't Lie, God's Still Been Good

It's another holiday season and another year is coming to a close. I say that lightly, but it is not something to take for granted. This year has been one of crushing for me, but I still had many wins. I think we put more focus on the bad than the good and I am determined to change that effective immediately.

There are things that I would have like to have accomplished "by now" (as if there's an actual timeframe for fulfillment) but I can't overlook that which I have already achieved. I think we have a natural ambition that is always looking for the next thing to check off our goal list, and while having goals is important, we cannot forget to be grateful for what God has already done.

And when I look at it as what God has done vs. what I have done, I can give more credit where it is due. There's this false humility we often acquire that prevents us from celebrating, but when we put the focus on God allowing us to accomplish what we have, then we can make time for a praise break. He deserves it. He deserves all the praise.

So instead of harboring over what I didn't cross off my vision board, I am going to reflect on the great things that happened this year.

I traveled to Los Angeles in January. LA is like another home for me and it was so great to spend some restorative, reflective time with my homegirl Persia and her puppy Melo (my new best friend lol). Persia's home is so warm and Spirit-filled and gave me much needed time with the Lord to start off my year. It was also nice seeing some friends (I didn't get to see everyone) and enjoying that Cali sun before returning to the east coast in the heart of winter.

I got a new job. I am now working as a Theatre instructor teaching K-5 and it has been one of my toughest, yet most rewarding positions to date. More to come on that in future posts.

I started a Turo business. I purchased a car last year in my business name which was something on my goal list for a couple of years. I put the car on Turo and started bringing in additional income. I've run a successful Airbnb with one of my apartments in L.A. so I knew I had what it took (not being so attached to the car that I couldn't let it go, good customer service, and knowing how to keep it clean), and it was cool to see it come to fruition.

I turned 36. Being on the "other side" of 30 was a big gulp moment for me simply because of some things I'd like to see changed, but every year older is a blessing so I'm just going to leave that as that.

I went on a spur of the moment staycation. This may sound small, but the obedience it took to spend unplanned money and listen to my heart and my body was a big feat for me. I had a lot on my mind and randomly booked a hotel at the Harbor, treated myself to some good food, went for a walk, got my nails done, things I just don't normally do.

I booked a part in a musical. You can read all about that HERE. I could say I was stretched outside of my comfort zone, but at the same time I wasn't. This was just confirmation that I belong on stage and the acting bug done bit again.

I went to see Ursher baby in Vegas. This was a check off the ol' bucket list because Usher is one of my faves and I knew I didn't want to miss out on his residency. Shout out to my bestie in a tessie for making sure we didn't miss out on the opportunity.

I am starting a girls/youth group at church. We will be hosting our first Girls Nite In this Friday and I'm excited to see what God does through these young ladies.

By the time we ring in 2024, I will have completed my first webseries script. This script has been a long time coming but I believe the timing is perfect.

All in all, there have been challenges but God has been doing His big one (as the kids say) in and through my life. I can be nothing but grateful and I am excited to see what the future holds. Let me go grab my shades.

Renée Nicole <3