My Jesus Year: 33

Today, I turn 33 — my Jesus Year. 🤍

I enter this new chapter not with fanfare, but with a quiet and holy awe. Out of everything the Lord has allowed me to experience, the highest and most sacred achievement of my life is this:

To know Him — and to be known by Him.

And even in that, I smile. Because it’s not an “achievement” I earned. It’s a gift I was given. Not because of who I am or what I’ve done — but because of who He is.

Salvation is the miracle of His mercy. A door flung wide open to all who are willing to believe.

If you haven’t yet had an encounter with Jesus… what’s stopping you?

I ask that with no pressure. Just an honest invitation. Because once upon a time, I didn’t believe either.

Before I knew God, I was angry with Him. I would push back when my Christian friends told me He was good. I thought they were silly, maybe even deluded. But I also couldn’t figure out why I was so angry at something I supposedly didn’t believe in.

Before I knew God, the Bible made no sense. It was gibberish — complete nonsense. But after accepting Jesus as my Savior, something shifted. Suddenly, Scripture made sense. It became sweet. Alive. Nourishing. I couldn’t get enough.

You see, before we turn to Christ, it’s as if a veil covers our hearts and minds. That’s not just poetic—it’s Scripture.

“But their minds were hardened. For to this day, when they read the old covenant, that same veil remains unlifted, because only through Christ is it taken away... But when one turns to the Lord, the veil is removed.”—2 Corinthians 3:14–16 (ESV)

If you're under that veil right now—questioning, scoffing, eye-rolling—I get it. Refuter #1 right here. But I gently ask…

What if it’s true? What if your life does have true, deep, beautiful meaning?What if you were never meant to stay stuck in sorrow, fear, shame, or despair?What if you were always meant for hope?

Romans 10:9 reminds us that:

“If you confess with your mouth that Jesus is Lord and believe in your heart that God raised Him from the dead, you will be saved.”

That’s where the relationship begins.

My first prayer to God wasn’t eloquent or emotional. It was this: “Hi. Nice to meet you. I’ve heard of you before.”That’s it. Nothing dramatic happened next — just silence… and peace.

But after that? Everything started to change. Not because I forced it. But because He did it in me.

Today, on my birthday, my prayer is that you may come to the same sweet encounter. That you would begin to know who you really are:Loved. Wanted. Seen. Known.

“You are precious in my eyes, and honored, and I love you.”—Isaiah 43:4 (ESV)

Also—if you haven’t yet, go listen to “Child of God” by Forrest Frank. So good. 😌

Tonight, I rest in hope. And I pray the same for you.

Reflection Corner

• Have you had a personal encounter with Jesus? If not, what’s holding you back from beginning that conversation today?

• If you've walked with God for a while, have you grown used to His presence… or are you still in awe that He knows you and loves you?

• Do you remember the moment the veil was lifted? What changed in your life once you truly saw?

Practical Takeaways

• Start where you are. Your first prayer doesn’t have to be fancy. Just talk to God, honestly and simply, like you would someone you're just getting to know.

• Read with open eyes. Revisit 2 Corinthians 3 and Romans 10 this week. Ask the Holy Spirit to speak to you through the Word.

• Celebrate your own testimony. Whether it feels dramatic or quiet, reflect on what God has done in your story. Write it down. Share it with someone.

• Stay in wonder. Don’t let the routine of faith make you forget the miracle that you’re known and loved by the Living God.

Here’s to the year of Jesus. To walking more deeply with Him. To receiving and releasing His love. To childlike wonder and courageous faith.

Shalom & Grace,

Lis