We’ve come to the end of the first quarter of 2025. I’ve been doing quarterly recaps for several years by giving you a glimpse into my planner. That’s the place where I keep track of everything. This is my first year designing my own daily planner with the help of Plum Paper. This planner has a To Do List, Schedule, and Notes area. I also have space for daily gratitude, meals, and my workout. 

So, let’s get on with a recap of January, February, and March.

The Highlights

Word for the year – The word that I chose, or more accurately I feel was chosen for me, is LIGHT. My key verse: “Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works and glorify your Father in heaven.” Matthew 5:16 (NKJV) Daily, I ask the Lord to help me shine a light so that He is glorified in me and through me. My intention is also to make decisions to help me become light physically, spiritually, and emotionally. 

Weigh Your Words Challenge – This annual challenge happened January 19-25, 2025. This was the sixth year for the challenge. Dozens of women joined to work on their mindset and their approach to healthy living which starts with the way we speak to ourselves.

New books – I have two books in the works, and I’m close to finishing the first one. When I’m Running: Finding Money and Meaning will be released late April.  

Found on my gratitude list

• Good sleep
• Sunshine 
• Fresh fingernails
• Pedicure
• Massage
• Warm home
• Wing night with my guys
• Getting my book back from the editor
• Health
• New glasses
• Yoga
• Time with Kent
• Beautiful sunset
• New shoes
• Grocery delivery

Meals

I think it’s important to have a meal plan, not for weight loss, but for simplifying your life. (Although when you have a plan, you’re less likely to mindlessly eat or go for fast food.) I don’t get crazy with tracking what I eat, but I do like to have a plan for my week so that my family and I are able to sit down and enjoy a satisfying meal together. 

My guys like variety and a lot of flavor. Me, not so much. But I have tried to get creative with evening meals. Some weeks, I find it enjoyable to plan and find new recipes. Other weeks, it feels exhausting. Still, this is one way I can love and serve my family. 

Most days I jot down what I eat. It helps me stay mindful with my food choices.

Workouts

Lifting heavier – I got heavier weights for Christmas, and I’ve started using them. Strength training has been part of my workout routine for years. Over time I’ve become more intentional about it. This year I wanted to increase the weight I lift.. Strength training is the fountain of youth.

Yoga – Every single day. I can’t start my day without a short flow. 

Cardio – I ran most days of the first quarter of the year. I average 15-20 miles of running each week. If I didn’t run, I walked. Gotta get that fresh air!

Faith

The Whole Life: 52 Weeks of Biblical Self-Care – This is a book that we’re doing in my Faith and Fitness Support and Accountability Community. We’re already having some great discussions. 

YouVersion App – This Bible app has been such a blessing to do Bible studies with the women in my monthly coaching group. We’ve done several so far this year including plans about mindset, community, casting vision, and Bible promises for women.

Love God Greatly Bible studies – Firm Foundation and Our God Who Pursues. 

Lent – Lent began in March and will continue into the second quarter of the year. I’m doing a Love God Greatly Bible study as well as a Bible plan with my Faith and Fitness Support and Accountability Community.

What’s next?

Move More Challenge – This annual free challenge will happen in May. (Make sure you’re on my weekly email list so that you get notified when a challenge is happening!)

Pray More Challenge – This annual free challenge will happen in June. 

Love God Greatly Bible study – A study on the book of Esther.

Publish When I’m Running: Finding Money and Meaning – Estimated release date is the end of April.

Start my next book – With this book I’ll return to faith and fitness devotions. The focus for this devotional is living fit and free. Release date is expected to be late fall. 

Cheers to the second quarter of 2025!

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