This week I’m taking time to reflect on all my blessings in 2017. It’s a long list, but I’ll shorten it for you here! I hope this peek inspires you to reflect on God’s goodness in 2017 as well.
Work
In May I quit my job and began freelancing. I prayed that God would help me find enough work to equal or exceed my income from before. He answered my prayers! Now I work 20 hours per week and make the same money as when I worked 35 hours per week. On the clock, I am a ghostwriter for professional blogs hosted by lawyers, dentists, and service contractors. The rest of the time, I’m working on my own writing and marketing. I found my jobs on Upwork–check it out!
I LOVE working from home. It suits my quiet, focused nature. It also allows me to spend time with God, praying and praising him whenever I like. My working hours are when my children are at school. When they get home, I’m finished (most of the time). It’s a huge blessing at this stage of our family life.
This year I began serving as a volunteer in two ministries, and I’m honored to do so. I’m the graphic design intern for the Grit ‘N Grace Girls Podcast, and I also edit the Encouragement for Today devotionals at Proverbs 31 Ministries. If you haven’t checked either of these ministries out before, I encourage you to hop over to their sites today!
Question for you: How can you praise God for your work and ministries in 2017?
Publishing
I published two books in 2017: Newness of Life and The Fruitful Life. In the summer, I converted all three of my books to print. My library is now full of resources related to these books. I’m so grateful for the support of all my readers!
This year I wrote many guest posts, and my highest honor was to publish on (in)courage just recently. If you’re a blogger, I highly recommend guest posting. It’s a great way to make new friends and spread your message.
I was also published in the autumn edition of Hope-Full Living. Next year, I will seek more ways to publish devotions and articles.
Question for you: Have you tried getting published yet? The next time (in)courage will accept guest post ideas is March 1-15. I had to try three times to get accepted, and it was so worthwhile, I encourage you to do the same.
Travels
This July, I attended She Speaks in Concord, NC. I had waited four years for the opportunity, and it exceeded all my expectations. What a blessing to have met many of you bloggers in person! I can’t wait to return in 2018.
For my 40th birthday, I traveled to the Come With Me retreat in OK. Again, I met some wonderful friends and heard powerful messages from the Lord. Traveling is a rare luxury for me, so these two trips were real treasures I will savor for a long time.
Question for you: Did you travel this year? Any writers conferences? How did God bless you through your travels?
What’s Next
Here on the blog, I have several series mapped out for 2018. My next series is “Fighting the Winter Blues,” and it begins Jan. 4. I’ll also post new book reviews on Tuesdays. The first batch on Jan. 2 will be books for a fresh start. I hope you’ll join me!
In January, I’ll be guest posting on Messy Marriage and Living Life Well. I’m looking for more opportunities to guest post. If you want me to appear as a guest on your blog, please message me!
I have another book in the works too, and I’ll publish it sometime this spring. If you’re willing to serve on the launch team, I’d be honored to have you! Information will be coming soon…but if your interest is already piqued, please let me know in the comments.
In 2018 I’ll be putting more effort into community building. I plan to share daily encouragement and weekly videos in my private Facebook group. If you’d like to be the first to know, request to join the group today.
Question for you: What’s next for you in 2018? Are you interested in having me write you a guest post? Does serving on my launch team interest you? Let me know!
Top Posts of 2017
Here’s a sampling of my most-read 2017 posts.
Question for you: If you regularly read my blog, which post or series was your favorite in 2017?
If you liked this post, I would appreciate your shares on social media!
This post may be linked up at #momentsofhope, #dreamtogether, #glimpsesofhisbeauty, #lmmlinkup, #gritup, #teaandwordtuesday, #raralinkup, #tellhisstory, #coffeeforyourheart, #sittingamongfriends, #encouragingwordwednesday, #porchstories, #heartencouragement, #chasingcommunity, #tuneinthursday, #gracemoments, #saltandlight, #thankfulandgrateful, #dancewithjesus, #faithnfriends, #freshmarketfriday, #graceandtruth, and #faithonfire. I love the blogging community and consider these hosts my friends–please visit their sites and encourage them too!
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