Skip to main content

On 2023

As I've prepared to write this post, the words haven't come easily. Does that mean my 2023 was uneventful? Unimportant? No. 

I know God became very real to me in the last 12 months because I finally stopped running from Him. I surrendered to Him in a way I hadn't in a very long time, allowing myself to get involved in church again, ever reminded of His unending grace. There is such freedom in complete surrender.

I developed some beautiful relationships- some that sustained me for a season, and still others that are sure to last a lifetime.

I am reminded of my small group of core friends and mentors: those who I feel closest to, those I feel safe with, those who I can be vulnerable with, regardless of the distance between us. I owe so much to each of them as they have allowed me to process, as they have let me cry, let me vent, moving through 2023 with me, looking ahead to 2024. I often have a hard time articulating just how much they mean to me, but the deep connections I have with them cannot be overstated. Each continues to shape me into the woman I am today, making me a better person for knowing them.

2023 was quiet for me in some ways, life-changing in others. Regardless of the hard days, the tears, and the uncertainty, there was unspeakable joy and peace, and for that, I am forever grateful.


Comments

Popular posts from this blog

On 2022

It feels like 2022 just began, but soon it will be gone. I think back to the first half of the year and seem to remember being a bit more relaxed than I am at this moment. In the second half of this year, it's as if I became a different person in ways that I didn't anticipate. I found myself even more aware of the preciousness of life, and in some ways, the true finality of life has terrified me. Is that healthy? Probably not, but it's where my heart is. I found myself developing even deeper relationships with my parents, truly appreciating their presence in my life on a different level. Conversations with my grandparents are sweeter than before May 10th. As I write this, I am realizing I don't remember my last conversation with my Grandpa and that saddens me to my core. There have been some truly sweet memories made this year- ones I hope to remember for years to come. Times with the kiddos in my life have been bittersweet- moments reminding me of my desire to have kid...

On 2025

 In 2025, fear and frustration, anxiety, and uncertainty have crept in. I’ve struggled with trusting God during the hard and scary moments. Even still, He is faithful. When I’ve had questions, I’ve heard no audible response, but I am comforted by His quiet strength and reassurance. He remains on the throne and none of what has or will happen to Jessica Dineen is a surprise to Him. I am thankful for my quiet time with Him, reading His Word, pleading for guidance and wisdom. God is in control, His time may not be mine, but somehow He will work everything out. Along the way, I reman immeasurably blessed by the people in my life. I have a loving family, deep friendships, a fulfilling career, and so many other things. Even in the hard, I remain rich with all that is good in my life. Here’s to a 2026 blessed by God in a way that only He can.

On This Messy Life

 I recently learned of a young woman who intentionally drove her power wheelchair into the lake in Edinboro. This woman, not much older than myself, whom I did not know, has been on my mind nonstop. I suppose it is because of the parallels in our lives: age, cerebral palsy, Edinboro, some of the same interests, etc. It's haunting in many, many ways. My heart breaks for her and her family. The demons of life must have been too much, but I pray that she knew Jesus, for now she is resting in His arms- able to walk and move freely without the struggles of disability. If I could talk to her, I think this is what I would say: As you were wheeling around Edinboro that day, I wish someone could have known you needed to be heard. Did you have an opportunity to call someone? Did you send a text message to a friend? As the pressures of life boiled over, could you feel His presence surround you? With your last breath, with your last thought, did you want to fight? I'm sorry that you felt a...