I spent my birthday in Ocho Rios, Jamaica: between the friends I met along the way and the dolphins it was ah-mazing!
Sit with me for a moment as I share my Jamaica trip with you!
All I wanted to do for my birthday this year is wake up close to a tropical beach with a book and so I did! From New Orleans to Miami to Ocho Rios, Jamaica.
Ocho Rios was more than just a beautiful escape; it was a place where I reconnected with myself and with God’s truths about love and worth. Through quiet moments by the beach and peaceful walks, I remembered five powerful lessons on self-love that I want to share. These reflections are from my journal in Ocho Rios.
Lesson 1: You Are Loved Beyond Measure
Ephesians 3:18-19 - "May you have power, together with all the Lord’s holy people, to grasp how wide and long and high and deep is the love of Christ, and to know this love that surpasses knowledge—that you may be filled to the measure of all the fullness of God."
July 11th - Today I stood at the edge of the ocean, gazing at the endless horizon, I was struck by how vast God’s love is for me. It’s a love that surpasses all understanding, yet it’s so personal and intimate. In that moment I was reminded that self-love starts with accepting that I am loved beyond measure, just as I am. Happy Birthday to me!!!
Lesson 2: Trust God’s Perfect Timing
Ecclesiastes 3:1 - "There is a time for everything, and a season for every activity under the heavens."
July 12th- Next to my room, there is a lush garden. This morning I took a walk in the garden. I noticed how every flower was in full bloom, each in its own time. And just like those flowers, I am blooming in God’s perfect timing. Loving myself means being patient with myself, trusting that God is working everything out in its season.
Lesson 3: Nourish Your Body and Soul
1 Corinthians 6:19 - "Do you not know that your bodies are temples of the Holy Spirit, who is in you, whom you have received from God?"
July 13th- Every meal I've enjoyed, every moment I've spent in prayer, felt like an act of love toward myself. Kathrine, loving yourself is about nourishing both your body and your soul, don't forget that you are a temple of the Holy Spirit, treat yourself with the care and respect you deserve.
Lesson 4: Celebrate Your Journey
Philippians 1:6 - "Being confident of this, that he who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus."
July 14th
Reflecting on how far I’ve come, I can't help but giggle and celebrate the journey I’m on. Ocho Rios was a reminder that God is faithfully completing the work He started in me. Truly loving myself is acknowledging the progress I’ve made, no matter how small, and celebrating the victories along the way.
Lesson 5: Practice Gratitude Daily
Scripture: 1 Thessalonians 5:18 (NIV) - "Give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus."
July 15th
On my last day in Ocho Rios, I took a walk around the villa to say goodbye to wonderful people I met, from the staff to my neighbors and to give thanks for everything—the beauty of the place, the lessons learned, and the peace I felt. Gratitude filled my heart, self-love is intertwined with a heart of thankfulness. I am so grateful for every person I met and each experience, like swimming with the dolphins and learning about the culture from the local people.
My time in Ocho Rios was beautiful, a time of learning and growth, filled with moments that reminded me of God’s truths about self-love. These lessons have become a part of me, as I continue on this journey of faith and self-discovery. I pray that as you read these reflections, you too will find the courage to embrace loving yourself, rooted in the knowledge that you are deeply loved by God.
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