I didn’t set any high goals for 2024, I figured I’d go with my word for the year, Illuminate, pray, and see where the Lord takes me. It’s still early in the year but I thought I’d share a little of what I’m learning and doing about it.

Physically

Last year ended rough. I had bronchitis and a sinus infection that took three months and multiple rounds of steroids to conquer. The high-dose meds made me hungry, and menopause didn’t help. When I felt well enough to exercise it seemed to take me a step back in how I was feeling. It was then I learned I have a list of allergies, the most severe being dust mites and black mold. Fun!

This year I started with a new endocrinologist and he sent me home with a bunch of lab orders. The results are in and they were what I expected. The praise is he is working with me on options to get this turned around. I’m drinking more water, sugar cravings are going away, and I’m eating a lot more protein and less carbs and sugar.

Exercise? I’m not on a regular regiment yet, but I’m giving myself grace. I want this to be a lifestyle. I didn’t get the lab numbers overnight, I won’t improve them in a day, either. It takes time, at least with me.

Emotionally

Last year also had rough patches I didn’t see coming, and they hit harder than I depicted. To recover I had to shut out a lot of noise around me and tighten my boundaries. At first, I felt I had to explain myself, but that’s going away. The choices I made and will most likely tweak as needed were to protect me, and are in no way with a motive to harm anyone else. God is big enough to take care of everyone, and I trust Him.

Spiritually

The call on my life is to encourage others and to pray. When I say “I’ll pray for you” I do not want that to be a cliche statement. Last year was challenging because as odd as it sounds, adopting a reactive puppy took my prayer time away. I was frustrated and exhausted.

He’s doing better, so now it’s time to tack back that time and improve it. I use the app ClickUp and create daily reminders to pray. There are ministries I pray for, situations, and people. Sometimes I drink coffee in the morning, pull it up, and start to pray.

I’m also pulling back on my study time. That sounds weird, but I can get competitive even with myself. I have an all-or-nothing personality. There have been times I get so wrapped up in “It’s Wednesday, you HAVE to read that Wednesday devotion” that I’d do it just to say I checked it off my list. If you asked me what I read, I could not tell you. I didn’t absorb it. If there is a day when my schedule is full from morning til bed, I give myself grace. So I finish the fourth day on a Saturday. It’s okay. That’s new for me. Guess what? I’m learning so much.

Ministry

For years I’ve run into women who confessed they felt like they were writers and/or had a book to finish. Once they shared that with me I told them I’d check in for accountability. Late last year I felt the God nudge to gather these ladies together.

We started in January and the first meeting was introductions, learning what everyone wrote and what their status was, and I shared my journey. This month they asked for writing-related terms, so I provided that, and we discussed that, and the types of publishing that exist. Next month I’ll talk platform. I hope to make it a writing time as well, but so far we seem to talk, so I’m hoping to tweak that.

I also changed up my website/blog. Nothing too fancy, but I think it’s a brighter, cleaner look. Go see and tell me what you think.

With Repairing Hearts out and receiving great reviews, now it’s time to write Hart sextuplet Evan’s story, Building Hearts. As usual, my starts are slow, but I’m excited. To give myself more time I have cut my newsletters from twice to once a month. I believe I still offer the same content with writing and family updates, giveaways, and reader news. If you haven’t subscribed, you’re invited!

My prayer is as 2024 continues, I will improve in all areas of my life and be a trusted vessel God uses to advance His Kingdom. Are there any changes you are making this year? What are they?