The Goodness of God

by | Dec 3, 2024 | Uncategorized

Happy First Week of Advent!

I hope you had a wonderful and blessed week with your loved ones! My time at home in California was a gift—filled with time with family, laughter, walks with friends, running, shopping, and simply resting in the goodness and faithfulness of God. I also had the joy of spending two magical days in New York City with my friend Katie, soaking in the city’s Christmas sparkle. And now, we transition from the gratitude of Thanksgiving into the joy and anticipation of Advent!

Whenever Advent or Lent arrives, I find myself returning to the same question: What can I do during this season to become more like Christ by the end of it?

It’s a bold and dangerous prayer—because if you ask it, I guarantee God will challenge you. But if we say yes, those challenges always transform us for the better.

This Advent, as I lean into prayer, fasting, and almsgiving, I feel particularly drawn to meditate on God’s faithfulness. To truly embrace His faithfulness, we must root ourselves in three foundational truths:

  • God is good.
  • God is present to us.
  • God loves us.

Without these truths firmly planted in our hearts, God’s faithfulness can feel distant or incomplete. How can we trust Him completely if we believe He’s present but not good? How can we run to Him if we believe He loves us only from afar? How can we surrender ourselves fully if we doubt that He is always good? Each piece of this puzzle matters.

Let’s begin with God’s goodness.

“We know that all things work for good for those who love God, who are called according to His purpose.” (Romans 8:28)

This verse has long been a source of hope, confidence, and joy for me. St. Paul’s words remind us that no matter what happens, God is always at work for our good. When I reflect on moments in my life that felt confusing or difficult, I can now see how they were filled with hidden grace. Similarly, in times of frustration or disappointment, I find hope in remembering God’s enduring goodness and faithfulness. He is always working, always doing something new.

While change is the only constant in life, God’s goodness never wavers. His faithfulness, generosity, love, and providence are the most steadfast and consistent blessings in our lives. And because we are made in His image and likeness, we are invited to reflect these virtues outwardly—to radiate His love to those around us. God’s generosity inspires cheerful giving; His love calls us to quick forgiveness; His providence gives us the courage to live without fear.

When doubts about God’s good plan for my life arise, I’ve find it helpful to do these three things:

  1. Remember how God has been good and faithful in past seasons of difficulty or uncertainty.
  2. Give thanks for the good things God is doing in the lives of those around me.
  3. Offer gratitude for what He is doing in my own life—even when I don’t fully understand it yet. A simple prayer like, “Thank You, Lord, for this situation that I don’t understand. I trust that You are working something good in it,” can transform my perspective.

As we enter this first week of Advent, I invite you to reflect on these questions:

  • How have I experienced God’s goodness in my life this year?
  • Where have I witnessed God’s goodness in the lives of others?
  • Are there areas where I am struggling to see God’s goodness? How can I bring these to Him in prayer?

Please know of my prayers for you during this holy season of waiting. May we all come to see God’s goodness more clearly and grow in trust and hope.

God bless,

Jane


What I’m Loving Lately

The Goodness of God

“All my life you have been faithful, all my life you have been so so good.”

A very favorite song, quite appropriate for today’s reflection!

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Avoidant Advent

I loveee this idea – Margaret from “Bad Art Everyday” suggested doing an “Avoidant Advent“: write down a list of things you’ve been avoiding (cleaning out your desk, making a dentist appointment, writing a thank you note) and choose one at random every day of Advent so we can enter Christmas and the new year with a clean slate! You can see her list of suggestions here.

Live in the Present Moment

I’ve shared this podcast episode before, but woof it’s a great one. I listened to it again yesterday morning! The reminder to live in the present moment, practice gratitude for God’s goodness and consistent character, and have hope for the future are always needed!

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Living in the Present Moment
Oct 14 · Daily Rosary Meditations…
23:45
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The Christmas Novena has begun

This is my first year praying the Christmas novena (also known as the St. Andrew Novena, since it began on his feast day). You pray the below prayer 15 times each day leading up to Christmas! I’m a firm believer that if you miss the start of a novena you can always jump in, so please join me 🙂

A little nudge to book your Christmas treats!

Every year I say “I’m going to see the Nutcracker” or “I’m going to go ice skating” or “I’m going to walk around to see the lights” but a plan made at any time is a plan made at no time!! Here’s your little nudge to go buy the tickets for Handel’s Messiah or gather a group to see A Christmas Carol or book the Christmas tea! Katie and I saw the Nutcracker at Lincoln Center in NYC this weekend and holy moley I want to be a ballerina when I grow up!


Prayer requests

  • For a special intention
  • For a friend’s mother who is nearing the end of her life
  • For a joyful and safe holiday season!
  • For my grandmother Nomi on her birthday today! And for my cousin Jonathan on his

If you or a loved one need prayers, just reply to this email or reach out and I’ll include them in next week’s newsletter!

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    Jane Kennedy

    Jane was born in Australia, raised in California, and is overjoyed to now call NYC home. She graduated from UCSB with degrees in Political Science and Communication and spent the past two years working in criminal justice reform. She is currently an MBA student at NYU Stern, focusing on entrepreneurship and strategy.

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