As we ring in the new year, there is an electrifying sense of renewal and potential. I’m Mari Wagner, your host of the Ever Be Podcast, where faith intersects with lifestyle. It’s no coincidence that our first episode of this year, January 1st, 2025, coincides with new beginnings—a chance to reclaim your faith and invest wholeheartedly in your spiritual journey.

A Fresh Start

A new year offers a powerful opportunity to reset, prioritize, and set intentions. It’s a time to envision how we want our lives and relationships—especially our relationship with God—to flourish. I warmly invite you to entrust this year to Christ and commit to deepening your faith.

Set Your Spiritual Goals

I’ve found it essential to systematically lay out my intentions and goals for spiritual growth, much like we set goals for health or career. It begins with a commitment to frequent prayer and sacraments—our means to grace. Let this be a year where prayer becomes your daily bread and sacramental life your regular wellspring of Grace.

Building a Prayer Routine

Consistency in prayer can transform your spiritual life. Start by dedicating at least 15 minutes a day to mental prayer, allowing yourself to simply be in God’s presence. Aim to inch towards 30 minutes or more, incorporating scripture or devotional methods that resonate with you.

Embrace the Sacraments

Regular participation in the sacraments, particularly Eucharistic adoration and confession, is vital. They are not just traditions; they are conduits of God’s grace, breathing divine life into our spirits.

Picking Your Focus

This year, I encourage you to select a focus area for your spiritual growth. Whether it’s knowledge of the Church’s teachings, devotion to Mary, or healing from past wounds, let your spiritual life be intentional. Make goals that lead you toward the joy of a deeper relationship with Jesus.

Knowledge and Devotion

Dive deep into the riches of the Catholic faith. Explore the lives and writings of saints, study the Catechism, or find resources like the Catechism in a Year podcast to guide you in understanding doctrine.

Chart Your Course with Resources

Align your focus with supportive resources. Whether it’s attending a retreat for healing, embarking on a Marian consecration, or exploring devotionals, these tools can provide structure and support on your journey.

Scheduling and Commitment

To prioritize your faith, treat it with the seriousness it deserves by integrating it into your schedule. Allocate time for prayer, reading, and spiritual activities as you would a meeting or an appointment. This ensures that your relationship with God remains your top priority amid life’s demands.

Reflect and Share

Throughout the year, reflect on your journey. Ask yourself whether your daily choices and commitments are drawing you closer to God or pulling you away. Engage in conversations with others on similar paths, and don’t hesitate to reach out through DMs if you need guidance or community.

This is an invitation to start a year of transformation, where faith is your anchor. Share this message, reflect on how it resonates with you, and invite someone else on this transformative journey. Here’s to a year of spiritual rebirth and enduring faith.

If you find this episode inspiring, I would love your support in spreading this message. Please rate us on your favorite podcast platform or share it with friends. Let’s work together in expanding our community and keeping the faith alive.

Here’s to embracing this year with open hearts and a spirit full of anticipation for what God has in store!