A Year in Review
On this bitterly cold night at the close of a momentous year, I once again seize the opportunity presented by this season. I will do my best to encapsulate this year into a few paragraphs.
2024 ended with Luke’s and Jillian’s engagement, ushering in a whirlwind of wedding preparation and planning. They set their wedding date for July 25th. Luke headed back to K-State to complete his Master’s degree in Geology.
I hunkered down, completed and submitted the final manuscript of my book, and began a long season of waiting. I also started splitting my time between home and the farm, supporting Mom as she ages. Late winter and early spring brought several rounds of copy edits and formatting reviews as my manuscript inched toward publication.
As always, Mark steadily and faithfully kept working at Hallmark, working out, playing his bass guitar, and chugging along on another manuscript.
May brought Luke’s graduation from K-State with his Master’s degree in Geology. The next week, he began his first industry-related job and got his own apartment. The steady rhythm of coming and going to the farm continued. Wedding plans rolled along, and we celebrated Jillian with a beautiful bridal shower.
I received a release date for my book! July 1st, Thriving in the Barren Place would make its debut! June brought the busyness of book launch month as we ramped up for the release of my memoir with more podcast interviews and speaking engagements. On July 1st, my book Thriving in the Barren Place was released to the world, and I became a published author!
July also brought wedding month, and all the final preparations for Luke’s and Jillian’s July 25th nuptials. The big day arrived, and Luke and Jillian were married! It was a lovely day! We gained a daughter-in-law, and we’re very blessed! Luke and Jillian honeymooned in Costa Rica and returned to their apartment, work, and regular life.
In September, I quit my part-time job at the Hy-Vee Bakery to devote more time to Mom’s care. I also continue to promote my book online, write weekly blog posts, and serve as a podcast guest. My next major writing project is a Bible study to accompany Thriving in the Barren Place, so stay tuned for updates in the new year.
Thanksgiving approached, and Luke and Jillian announced their plans to join her family on a whirlwind Christmas trip to Spain and Italy, so we celebrated Christmas early with them. I spent Christmas at the farm with Mom.
We are stunned once again by God’s faithfulness in this year of major change, blessing, and achievement. God has been very good to us, and we are forever grateful. God bless you all.