How is it almost the end of June??
Can you believe we’re almost halfway through 2024?
Where has the year gone??
(Guess it’s true what they say: Time does go by faster as you get older.)
Since I love to celebrate a good milestone (birthdays, anniversaries, graduations—you name it), I thought this would be a good opportunity to give you a quick recap of what I’ve been up to this year:
In Case You Missed It
This year, I’ve had the privilege of publishing several articles on the topics of broken relationships and mental health recovery. In case you’re new to my blog or haven’t seen these publications yet, here’s a quick round-up of my articles to date:
For Better or Worse: Broken Vows and Faithful Promises - Core Christianity (February 2024)
Misery Needs Company - Anxious Faith (March 2024)
When Healing Resembles the Slow Unfolding of a Rose - Gospel-Centered Discipleship (April 2024)
Should I Eat That? On Fasting and Eating Disorders - Core Christianity (May 2024)
Hungry Heart, Starving Body - Anxious Faith (May 2024)
Articles on Singleness, Sexuality, and Relationships
As you may have noticed, many of my blog posts revolve around the topics of singleness, relationships, and identity. (What can I say? Everyone has a niche.)
Naturally, I also gravitate toward these topics when I’m reading. I don’t have nearly enough time to read all the good articles out there, but I have come across a few pieces this year that have resonated with me in this current season of my life.
Take a peek:
Will a Relationship Fulfill Me? by Mary Van Weelden (Core Christianity, February 2024)
Why I'm Attracted to Guys Who Aren't Good for Me by Margot Starbuck (Boundless, February 2024)
Singleness and Same-Sex Attraction by Rebecca McLaughlin (Gospel-Centered Discipleship, April 2024)
Eight Time-Tested Hymns Penned By Women by Erin Jones (Gospel-Centered Discipleship, May 2024)
Calla Press Publishing
In addition to freelancing, I have the pleasure of being the assistant editor for
. This gives me the privilege of getting a sneak peek at some lovely pieces of literature from a variety of talented authors.It’s been a busy year for us at Calla Press, with new projects coming down the line every month. If you haven’t seen these titles yet, I cannot recommend them to you enough!
Here’s a quick snapshot of what’s new from CPP this year:
Harriot Hare - Jeff & Angela Knox
“Harriot Hare is a sweet and simple tale that brings out the goodness of generosity. Based on a true story about the author's Nana, this beautifully illustrated children's book lends an encouraging message to little minds and hearts: that perhaps we can all gain something special through giving. The authors give additional resources such as an heirloom recipe, a guide to spark your own ideas of giving, and a message from Grandpa about the greatest gift of all.” (CPP.com)
A Mother Held: Essays on Anxiety and Motherhood -
“Can we trust God to care for us and our helpless babies just as much as we do, especially when he allows the turmoil of this world? When Lara became a mother, she thought she was losing her mind—literally. As she faced paranoia, panic attacks, intrusive thoughts, and obsessive compulsions, she viewed her life as the chaotic mess of a person pushed away by God and held under his stern gaze. She believed in God but feared that he viewed her as a burdensome child with too many problems. As she sought to care for her infants through various valleys of suffering, she struggled to trust God’s mighty hand that turned the tide of her life. In this collection of essays, Lara leads her readers through her battle with anxiety and the early days of motherhood—not to show the world her own perseverance or to draw their pity, but to cast their gaze to the One who carried her through it all.” (CPP.com)
Draw Near: How Painful Experiences Become the Birthplace of Blessing - Hadassah Treu
“Can something so painful, even tragic, actually be God's way of blessing?
As believers, we generally expect good things to happen in our lives. . . . When tragedy strikes and we enter a season of unwanted changes and suffering, we are shocked, angry, disappointed, and confused. We start doubting God's love and His good intentions and plans. We begin questioning His ways and methods. We don't understand. It is difficult to reconcile the pain we feel with what we know about God. This encouraging book aims to help you not only identify and accept specific losses but to realize that painful experiences could be the birthplace of blessings.” (CPP.com)
Prothesis: Losing Myself to Find Him -
“Prothesis: Losing Myself to Find Him stirs the heart, quiets the mind, and gently inspires the searching soul. Told through the lens of one woman’s spiritual journey, McKenna Vietti gently guides readers through complex questions about purpose, vocation, and identity. Relying on biblical wisdom and reflective prose, Prothesis draws the reader to rest in God—despite holy laments and broken dreams—and intentionally live up to one’s unique calling.” (CPP.com)
COMING SOON:
The Girl Whose Frown Shook the Ground -
(Illustrated by Amy Grimes)
Stay tuned for more details on this lovely children’s chapter book!
For more information on these and other publications, please visit the Calla Press Website or subscribe to
’ s newsletter.What Lies Ahead?
As I look back over the first half of 2024, I am truly amazed at what God has done in my life in the last six months. He has been working tirelessly in both my personal and professional life, teaching me invaluable lessons about relationships, love, perseverance, and compassion (as well as writing). Some of these lessons I have shared in my blog, while others have been of a more private, intimate nature.
Through it all, few things have blessed me as deeply as watching God take the stories of my broken life and use them to inspire others.
I’ll be honest with you: Nothing about my personal narrative has turned out exactly the way I hoped or planned, including this post-grad school season. I don't know why I expected this year to be any different, but . . . for some reason, I did.
So, as I stand at this halfway mark, I look back over my shoulder with a mixture of joy, sorrow, celebration, and frustration.
This year, I have seen God move in mighty and powerful ways on my behalf, delivering me from burdens I was not meant to carry and opening doors I didn’t even knock on.
But I also carry in my heart of journal full of unanswered prayers.
2024 has been marked as much by plot twists and broken endings as it has by new beginnings and fresh starts. I never know what a day will bring—but maybe that’s the way God wants it to be for now, since the uncertainty reminds me to rely on Him for joy, purpose, and strength.
I don’t know where the remainder of this year will lead, but I will rise to meet each day one at a time.
As I step into the second half of 2024, I carry this age-old proverb in the forefront of my mind:
“Trust in the LORD with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding.
In all your ways acknowledge him, and He will make your paths straight.” (Proverbs 3:5-6)
A prayer for the second half of 2024:
LORD,
I can’t do this on my own. I need you to direct my steps. Show me your will for my life. Make your paths straight for me. Guide me along the paths of righteousness for your name’s sake. Even though I walk through the shadows of the unknown, I will fear no evil, for you are with me.
Take my life and use it for your glory. In my brokenness, my confusion, and my lostness, be my guide and my strength. God, you have directed every step of my life even when I couldn’t see where the path would lead. Don’t fail me now. Through the mountains, the valleys, and the deserts, you are my Northern Star, the compass for my heart. I trust you with each step of this journey. Amen.
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You are amazing, girl! Thank you for your courage and obedience to our Father’s call on your life. What a blessing you are to me, too!
Thank you, Melody! I really needed to hear that today. 🤍 I am so excited for you and this project! What a tremendous milestone. 😁