Good Morning Beauties!!
“Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, the new creation has come. The old has gone, the new is here!” 2 Corinthians 5:17 NIV
As we say good-bye to 2025 and hello to 2026, we can’t help but focus on the New Year with cheerful anticipation. What is it about this transition from old to new? It feels good, right? What do you love most? The endless possibilities of a new year? The opportunity to start over and make it even better? The chance to prioritize the important things in life? Selah (Stop, pause, and think about these things.)
Did you answer, “it’s another year to grow even closer to Jesus”? If you did, you’re in the right place. This next 40 days will provide you the ability to draw closer to Him with an elevated level of intimacy. As you learn more about your identity in Christ, my role is to facilitate the process. This experience is not a Bible study, and I’m not your Bible study teacher. Think of me as your guide who will always lead you to Jesus along the path of truth and transformation.
God is providing me a beautiful picture outside my window of our growing relationship with Him. I live in Minnesota, and we’ve had several snowfalls already this Winter. Our latest storm was an official blizzard which covered the ground with about 7 inches of snow. As I look out, I see fresh snowflakes falling on the rooftops in my neighborhood. I feel excited! I welcome the new snow and wouldn’t think of saying, “no, that’s okay God, I don’t need anymore, I’m good.” There’s always more beauty God wants to give us.
The instructions for the journey are simple and make for a successful experience if followed. They are included in the “You Are Beautiful Selah” journal; however, if you want to use your own journal, that works too. 1. At the beginning of your time, ensure you have a quiet sacred space that will help eliminate distractions. 2. Open with a prayer and ask God to meet you there and to speak to you. Ask Him to reveal what you are to know about your true identity in Christ. 3. Play the “You Are Beautiful” song found on the homepage of the website. Allow the Holy Spirit to speak to you and determine where He’s touching your heart. 4. Find the correct day in your journal and begin to answer the question, “What do I believe about this truth” regarding that day’s lyric. 5. Spend time with God in a meaningful way where He can speak to you. Whether it’s in the Bible, during worship in song, outside in nature, through artistic expression, or in complete silence, spend time with Him so you can then answer the next question, “What is my response to the revelation of His truth?” What did God say to you? What did He reveal? Finish your time together in a written prayer. Everyday will be a little different, so don’t be discouraged if one day He says a lot, and the next day just a little.
Our 40 Day Journey begins today with preparation. Can you imagine going on an extensive trip to a location you’ve never gone without taking the appropriate time to get ready? Because our journey will lead us into unknown places, the planning becomes even more important. There are three vital areas to address to ensure a successful journey experience: Expectations, Obstacles, and Motivation. Let’s look at each one carefully.
What are your expectations of the 40 Day Journey? What are your goals and what are you willing to do to achieve them? What do you need God to do? What is His part in all of this? Take a few minutes to write down the answers in your journal. You’ll revisit them often to help ensure your goals are being met.
Next, let’s look at any obstacles you can forsee getting in the way of your progress. Distractions are a big one for me as well as having enough time in my schedule. Do these examples ring true for you too? What are some other things that may hinder your journey? Write them down and beside each one, create an action plan to overcome the obstacle. This is an area where you’ll need to revisit as you discover even more roadblocks along the way.
Lastly, what is your motivation for going on the journey? What has Jesus been speaking to you about? Have you felt the gentle pull from the Holy Spirit? Different than your expectations, why will you keep on your journey when you’re tempted to quit? What will get you out of bed on a cold Winter morning? Why will you prioritize your life around this journey? Please write down your answers and add to them as you hear more from God about His plans for you.
The world is changing fast. The darkness is getting much louder and screaming in your face. As hard as it is, you must die to your old life that was consumed with worldly things. He wants you to joyfully move forward into the new life He died to give you. Are you ready to join Him with an open heart and mind? Selah.
The beauty of this 40 Day Journey experience is that you get to set apart time to show God that He is your everything, and that nothing else in your life take priority over Him. You have devoted your life for the purposes of God and want to see His promises fulfilled. Is this a new way of thinking for you? Seeking Christ, and living for the glory of God and for the love of others? Selah.
Nothing Else - Cody Carnes
(I do not own the rights to this video)
Love and Blessings,
Kendra
