I am sure we have all had joys and pains as we’ve journeyed through this past year. But hopefully, the joy in your life has outweighed the pain.
One thing that has kept me is the love of God and knowing that He is with me continuously. Being able to talk with Him at any time and place has been my lifeline. His love never fails.
As many of you know, my mom passed away back in January, so 2023 has been a year of experiencing many “firsts without mom,” including this Christmas. Although it has not been easy, I’ve continued to learn a lot about the faithfulness of God and His unfailing love for me. He is our Rock.
Psalm 18:2 GWT, “The LORD is my rock and my fortress and my Savior, my God, my rock in whom I take refuge, my shield, and the strength of my salvation, my stronghold.”
I am also grateful for the love of family and friends and all the encouragement I have received from our WordPress community. The words in your posts and your comments inspire me! Please keep writing!
And lastly, I did not want the year to end without mentioning the beautiful and peaceful country of Costa Rica. 🇨🇷
My daughter and I visited Costa Rica in August. We enjoyed ourselves. There was delicious fresh food and friendly people. If you have never visited before, I hope you get to. Honestly, I didn’t want to leave.
We also had adventures like viewing waterfalls, seeing volcanoes, relaxing in the hot springs, bike riding, horse riding, and spending time at the beach.
We met some interesting people (especially at the beach). There are too many encounters to mention, but I will say that I met a few solo female travelers, including a teacher from Germany who was there taking advantage of her long summer vacation. She said we were the first Americans she had met so far.
My favorite solo female traveler was a 75 year old lady by the name of Ms. Apostolopoulos (cool Greek name). Although she was born in Greece, she is now a U.S. citizen. She was visiting Costa Rica for the first time. We talked for a couple of hours and the time flew by. I thought it was courageous of her to make the trip alone. I saw tears in her eyes as she spoke about how much she missed her mom; I could relate. But, I also saw tears as she spoke of her abusive ex-husband, who she said almost took her life twice. I think I’ll never forget her. It’s a privilege to meet people and hear their stories.
Hearing my daughter converse in Spanish with the locals was also a treat. Her Spanish-speaking skills impress me. The locals were impressed, too; they wanted to know how she learned to speak their language so well.
I’m thankful I was blessed to visit Costa Rica. It was indeed one of my joys this year! I also visited Luray Caverns in Luray, Virginia, back in May. A place I’ve wanted to go to since I was younger. I finally made it to the cave!
As you reflect on God’s goodness, the lessons you have learned, the accomplishments you have had, or the challenges you have faced in 2023, I pray that the Holy Spirit will fill your heart with peace, joy, and strength for the new year ahead.
Father,
I pray for each person who reads this. May they sense your presence as they go about their day. Comfort them with your peace and heal any pain. Remind them of your faithfulness and love. Thank you for who you are to us. And thank you for all you do for us. In the name of Jesus. Amen.
Psalm 127:1 ESV,“The LORD will keep you from all evil; he will keep your life.”
Drawing Closer to Christ 
Amen. “One thing that has kept me is the love of God and knowing that He is with me continuously.”
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His love never fails. Blessings!
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As someone who has lost both parents I can honestly say that I understand. Today is my birthday & I still feel like I’m going to get that card and phone call. And mom has been gone 4 years & father 15. It’s knowing that they are in a better place that keeps me going. May God continue to wrap His loving arms around you.
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Happy Birthday!! 🎉 And thank you so much for your prayers. My Dad died in 2000, but since mom died it seems I started thinking of him a lot more lately. And I agree, it’s comforting to know they are in a better place. Praying for you too 🥰
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Thank you for sharing about the trip you took and some lovely people you met. God’s love is constant and that is truly comforting. And may we not rush through thinking ahead about the next year but take some time and reflect on God’s love and goodness in 2023.
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You’re welcome Manu. It was a nice trip. I am thankful we have God’s love. Taking time to reflect makes a difference. Thank you!
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Little sister I am glad you could experience the trip to Costa Rica with your daughter. God blessed you with time with her and also opportunities to meet people as well as go horse back riding. Your mom is in heaven with Jesus and one day you will be reunited.
I was thinking that now that you experienced horse back riding in Costa Rica perhaps you and your daughter can experience dog sled riding in Alaska next 🙂
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Thank you big brother! We really enjoyed the trip and the people. Looking forward to seeing mom again one day. And I don’t know about Alaska and dog sledding, the snow is too cold. 🤗
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But you would look so cool on a dog sled 🛷🐶😂
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😂😂
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A beautiful post. I love the reminder to walk in the love of God. Costs Rica sounds amazing. I agree about the lady being brave to travel solo. Thank you for sharing your reflections with us. Happy New Year, Dawn! I pray your 2024 is blessed! ♥️
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Thank you, Bridget. It was such a beautiful place. Her bravery was inspiring. Glad I met her. You’re welcome! Happy New Year to you! Can’t believe 2024 is almost here. Thanks for your prayers. ❤️
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I enjoyed reading about your wonderful trip to Costa Rica with your daughter. It is especially refreshing to learn of your face-to-face quality conversations with others. Such refreshing interactions seem to be a lost art. Thank you for the beautiful prayer at the end. I’ll take all the grace of God I can get, and, hopefully, be a good reflector of it.
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Thank you, David. It was a great trip. And I agree, the quality conversations are not very plentiful these days so it’s a blessing when we get to have them. You’re welcome! Blessings!
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We never get over missing our mother when she is gone. I’m sorry for all the firsts you are experiencing without her. Your faith in your sadness is such a testimony, Dawn. God is honored by that. Your trip with your daughter to Costa Rica sounds absolutely wonderful! I’m so glad you were able to go. I went to Luray Caverns when I was a girl. I’m from West Virginia and it was a school trip. I wish you a Happy New Year, Dawn, with many blessings.
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Patty, you’ve echoed what I hear often…we never get over missing our moms. Thanks for your encouragement. I always hope my testimony helps others. I didn’t know you were from West Virginia, I have been there once. Luray was interesting. Happy New Year! Blessings!
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Sory for the lost of your mother and hope you are healing.
I like the photos by the way and a blessing to travel woth your daughter.
I wonder if I should travel to Costa Rica one day after this?
Any plans on traveling in 2024?
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Thank you! I try and take it one day at a time. Glad you like the photos. You should definitely visit Costa Rica. My cousin and his wife are there now. He sent pictures of them white water rafting. He said they’re really enjoying it. I still want to get to Italy and Ghana. Do you have travel plans?
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I possibly might have plans to go to Amsterdam in about a year and possibly Canada as well.
Hope your cousin is enjoying the last trip for the year
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Ok. That’ll be nice. I went to Canada many years ago (Niagara Falls). Thanks I hope they are too 🤗
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The faithfulness of God and His unfailing love has been my lifeline. I lost my mom years ago, several weeks before Christmas. I still miss her, but often feel her presence in my thoughts.
What a wonderful trip to Costa Rica; a beautiful time with your daughter! Thank you for the prayer!
May you find peace, joy, and comfort in the Lord always. 💖🌹🌺
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Sorry about your mom, Jeanne. It’s a blessing you can feel your mom’s presence in your thoughts. I know this time of year must be difficult for you since she died around Christmas. I’m glad we can hold on to the memories. It was a great trip. You’re welcome. And thank you! 🌸💕
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Encouraging post! I lost my father in January too. Many blessings! Thank you for sharing your story and the pictures too. On to new adventures!
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So sorry to hear about your Dad. Thankful to hear the post was encouraging to you. You’re welcome! Blessings ☺️
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Such a beautiful post
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Thank you! Blessings!
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Thank you, Dawn for sharing this beautiful adventure with us. Life comes with many ups and downs but I am so glad that in spite of the pain of losing your mom you had a wonderful time in Costa Rico. You and your daughter look great on horseback riding. You both look like sisters. Have a happy and bless New Year and I look forward to many more of your inspirational blog posts.
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You’re welcome, Beverley! It was an amazing time. The Lord always brings blessings, even in the hard times, for that I’m thankful. Thank you! It was strange riding at first but we got used to it. Happy New Year! Looking forward to your posts as well. ❤️
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Happy New Year to you also. Enjoy your day
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This is beautifully written and well shared. Thank you for being so transparent with your faith walk. I lost my dad May of 2023 so I too went a Christmas without a parent for the first time. I know he was fully reconciled to God and for that I am grateful. So is my mom and my only sister. My mom would’ve been married 50 years in November to my dad and she has somehow managed this life transition quite well. PRAISE THE LORD.
https://soldier4christ7.wordpress.com
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Thank you and you’re welcome. Sorry to hear about your Dad. I’m thankful to hear he knew the Lord. And I know it’s been hard for you all. Almost 50 years of marriage is a blessing. Glad she is handling it well. I pray you all have a blessed new year! Thanks for sharing. 🤗
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Such a wonderful post and adventures.
Wishing you God’s blessings in 2024.
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Thank you! Blessings to you as well.
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Blessings Dawn. This posts begins and ends with God’s Word . . . Amen. Praying for you and daughter, may your journey in Christ shine His light upon those you encounter in the coming year. I appreciate your photos and narrative of your travels.
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Thank you for your prayers for us. Much appreciated! You’re welcome, glad you enjoyed the photos/narrative. It was a wonderful trip. I pray God’s continued blessings upon you and your family.
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