Ivy Sagrado
Wednesday, January 01, 2025
Ivy Sagrado
Wednesday, January 01, 2025
"For I know the plans I have for you," declares the Lord, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future." - Jeremiah 29:11
What a year 2024 has been—a journey of unexpected turns, profound growth, and unwavering faith. As I sit here reflecting on the past twelve months, I'm reminded that sometimes God's greatest gifts come wrapped in unexpected packages.
The year started with promise and stability. I was thriving in a job I loved, surrounded by colleagues who became friends, growing and learning every day. Then May arrived, bringing with it one of those life-shifting moments: a layoff that would redirect my entire path.
Here's the thing about divine redirection—it often feels like disruption at first. But looking back, I don't regret a single moment at that job. The relationships built, the skills gained, the experiences shared—they weren't just job perks, they were preparation for what was to come.
The Summer of Growth:
Instead of letting uncertainty paralyze me, I chose to embrace it. I dove into learning new skills:
- Mastering Facebook ads
- Launching my first low-ticket offer
- Building and nurturing my community
And between these moments of professional growth, life offered its own sweet adventures. Celebrating my birthday in the vibrant energy of Las Vegas, standing in awe at the majesty of the Grand Canyon, feeling small and significant all at once during those Arizona hikes—these moments reminded me that growth happens in many forms.
The Season of Patience:
Fall brought its own rhythm of travel and exploration, all while searching for that next professional chapter. The rejections came—more than I care to count. Each "no" tested my faith, but also strengthened it. As Psalm 46:10 reminds us, "Be still, and know that I am God." Sometimes our only job is to trust His timing.
The Gift of Perspective:
Looking back, I see how each experience—the highs and lows, the wins and rejections—was weaving together a tapestry far more beautiful than I could have designed on my own. The skills I gained, the resilience I built, the faith that deepened—these are the real treasures of 2024.
Looking Ahead to 2025:
As I stand at the threshold of a new year, my prayers and hopes are clear:
- For stability that allows for growth
- For adventures that create lasting memories with my children
- For opportunities to serve and impact others
- For continued trust in His perfect timing
A Prayer for You:
My dear reader, as you step into 2025, may you find strength in every challenge, joy in every blessing, and peace in knowing that God's timing is perfect. May you see opportunities in obstacles, growth in setbacks, and hope in every new dawn. May your faith be stronger than your fears, and your determination greater than your doubts.
Remember this: Every "no" is leading you to God's perfect "yes." Every closed door is guiding you to the one He has marked for you. Trust the journey, embrace the growth, and keep your eyes fixed on Him.
Here's to 2025—may it be a year of dreams realized, prayers answered, and faith rewarded.
Meet Ivy,
FOUNDER OF THE GROWTH & GRIT GAZETTE
A platform where faith meets entrepreneurship. As a business strategist and faith-driven leader, she helps entrepreneurs build purposeful businesses while designing lives of freedom and impact. Through her blog and newsletter, she shares practical wisdom on growing businesses with resilience while staying anchored in grace.
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