It has been a while since I’ve truly sat down and written a blog. Life has been full not always in the ways we expect or choose but full nonetheless. Today I wanted to share a few important updates and reflections that have been heavy on my heart lately.
A Health Update and Learning to Give Myself Grace
Right now, I am still down with an acute flare on top of chronic pancreatitis, along with an infection that is thankfully starting to improve. I truly feel blessed that I went in for care when I did, because if I’m being honest, going in is very hard for me. I tend to push through and put it off longer than I should.
This season has also meant missing two weeks of church and missing Bible study a couple of times and that has been difficult for my heart. But I am learning something deeply important: I have to give myself grace.
Even when I cannot physically be present, I am still in the Word. I am still learning. I am still committed. I am doing three Bible studies because I love being in Scripture and growing in understanding. My faith is not measured by attendance alone it is measured by relationship.
And this is the truth I want to hold onto:
Hard times will never take me away from my closeness with God.
We will all be tested in life. True faith is not just believing in the good moments it is trusting Him in the painful, exhausting, uncertain ones too. That is what real faith looks like. And I am choosing that every single day.
Breaking Cycles and Setting Boundaries
Something else I have been noticing more and more both personally and on social media is how easy it is for people to repeat unhealthy cycles simply because change is uncomfortable.
Setting boundaries is hard.
Speaking truth is hard.
Walking away from draining situations is hard.
But staying stuck is harder.
In my Bible study through Proverbs, we’ve been reflecting deeply on wisdom, character, the power of the tongue, and what it truly means to live with integrity. One thing that stands out clearly is this:
Yes we are called to forgive.
But forgiveness does not mean the absence of boundaries.
Discernment matters.
If you feel drained
If you feel constantly pulled into gossip or slander
If you feel surrounded by negativity, drama, or harmful talk…
That is a signal to pay attention.
I genuinely pray for those who struggle with gossip, slander, and destructive speech. Not from a place of judgment, but from a place of truth because it harms not only others, but the person speaking it as well. It shapes character. It reflects the heart. And it leads nowhere good.
If this is something you struggle with, accountability is the first step. Change is possible. Growth is possible. But it requires honest reflection and intentional effort.
As for me, I choose not to participate in it online or offline. I will not entertain it. I will not remain around it. Character matters too much.
And I want to be very clear about something else:
I am not perfect. I never have been. I have been guilty of these things in the past too. But I am proud of who I am becoming. Growth is the goal. Transformation is the journey.
Being surrounded by wise teaching and people who pursue truth is a blessing I do not take lightly.
Looking Ahead The March Challenge Is Ready
On a lighter and exciting note my March challenge is already completed! I had some time to work on it, and even while I’m physically down, I stay busy in ways that give me purpose.
This upcoming challenge is incredibly meaningful, and I truly believe everyone can benefit from it in some way. I am very excited to share it soon.
A Weekly Challenge for You
As we move into this week, I want to leave you with something simple but powerful.
Take a moment and ask yourself:
What is one thing about me that I know needs to change?
We all have something. A habit. A mindset. A reaction. A pattern.
So here is my challenge to you this week:
👉 Identify it.
👉 Acknowledge it.
👉 Start changing it.
Even in a small way.
Growth happens when we are honest with ourselves.
And I think I may start doing a weekly challenge like this because intentional growth should be part of our everyday lives.
Closing Thoughts
I hope you all had a beautiful weekend and a meaningful holiday. My prayer is that this week brings you clarity, strength, and peace.
And if you are walking through something difficult right now physically, emotionally, or spiritually remember this:
You can give yourself grace.
You can choose growth.
You can guard your heart.
And you can stay close to God through all of it.
Always hugs