I am running a bit backwards since the beginning of the year. I have battled the horrible mid/upper respiratory challenge with aches, fever, sore throat virus or whatever you would like to call it for six full days. Six full days of misery but praise God today I feel so much better after a really rough night with lots of coughing and congestion. Finally got the right meds in me and am happy to say…. I am grateful as my heart believes that the worst is behind me.

My new 2025 planner and prayer journal have sat at the foot of my bed this entire time. Since December actually. Every time I have walked by them I have groaned and whispered sweetly to the Lord that I promise to get to these committed treasures. Why? Because my heart is expectant.

2024 was not as anticipated and truly took on a life of its own with some medical setbacks right at the beginning of last January. We took multiple trips last year that were beyond our wildest dreams. But so many of the in between moments have been filled up with many medical visits and extensive testing. I truly felt like I never really got to process 2023 nor prepare for a “state of the union” for 2024.

So rather than simmer in the unrest and regret, I settled into a rhythm of life on a bit of a conveyer ride that just kept going with little reprieve. So much to process. My mind, spirit and body was quickly overwhelmed by adjusting to new challenges, eye surgery, a flooded basement and new medications. 

Truthfully, 2024 is simply for me right now a litany of moments, information and things that needed to be done, remembered and ultimately the grace to embrace all that had changed so quickly in my life and our lives.

When I think back this afternoon, it was all beautiful chaos much different than the last 22 years of my life had known. And while I know and hold close spiritual truths so very dear, we are all aware, that to everything there is a season and a time for every matter under heaven. {Ecclesiastes 3}

-to be born, and a time to die;
-a time to plant, and a time to pluck up what is planted

-a time to kill, and a time to heal;
-a time to break down, and a time to build up

-a time to weep, and a time to laugh
-a time to mourn, and a time to dance

-a time to cast away stones, and a time to gather stones together
-a time to embrace, and a time to refrain from embracing

-a time to seek, and a time to lose
-a time to keep, and a time to cast away

-a time to tear, and a time to sew
-a time to keep silence, and a time to speak

-a time to love, and a time to hate;
-a time for war, and a time for peace.

Honestly this last week of not feeling well has been filled with moments of an earnest sweetness lined with such grace, thoughtfulness, stillness and recollections of all that God has done in my life. TIME to consider the beautifully broken places, the beautiful handiwork of God and gather my thoughts in a way that I have been unable to do until now. Like right now. 

I have despaired when I have set aside time to clear my mind and write the things so near and dear to my heart. I have been unable to write as my heart has truly desired and this has left a void in me that I cannot truly capture with words. 

To everything there is a season….

I have waited {which for this heart that longs to be a “doer of the Word”} has had a hard time with. I have never doubted God in this waiting. But my heart would be remiss for those of you reading may need to hear this in your own waiting place as well. So lean in close as I write it out loud for us all as it be a quite lonely place for you as well.

I have been earnest in my prayers for the Lord to make clear this new beautiful and good road He has placed me on. I have lived full in the quietest place my soul has known in many years. So I have been held and known God so real even in this time of silence. Refuge. Comfort. My sweet and faithful Lord has been the keeper of my heart. The one who has held my tears and embraced me in this season of want and yet wait. My desire to love my God, my family and friends has never waned but I have not truly known this part of me until this season.

His promise- beauty from ashes.

So I share today for those who may be walking alongside of me that my heart has never been more ready to receive all that God has for me in this season. And the truth is, I have NO IDEA what that means but I am here body, mind and spirit for the beautiful next steps on this faith journey that we share.

So I will be going back to my blog more often. 

http://www.simplelifeheartenings.com

Everything that I write or share will be here as well! I hope you will join me with an expectant heart as we unwrap all that God will do in our lives.

{Postscript}

I returned from Asheville still struggling with fatigue, sore throat, cough, etc… Finally went to the doc yesterday. Pneumonia, double ear infection, antibiotics and steroids. A little better today. Prayers appreciated. Stand down Satan!! Ready for a God-breathed 2025 for His glory!!