I haven’t written on the blog regularly in months, and honestly, it’s been great. I’ve taken a season of rest, and it’s been wonderful. I still write for my church devotional, which I absolutely love.
So, what have I been up to? Nothing.
Just kidding.
I’ve actually been studying very hard for my LCSW exam, which I’m happy to say I passed on June 22!
Interestingly, that’s also the anniversary of my medical diagnosis—the diagnosis that eventually led me to write my first book, Broken Until Now Devotional. If you’re interested, you can purchase a copy here.
I also ran my first half marathon in May, which was both incredibly fun and absolutely terrible at the same time. After my medical diagnosis, I started running, and as a Christmas gift to myself, I signed up for a half marathon—13.1 miles—despite only ever having run a 5K. After crossing the finish line, my family and I celebrated with breakfast because running for 2 hours and 35 minutes will make anyone hungry.
Unfortunately, I also received some difficult news about my dog, Jake. If you know me personally, you know how much I love him. Jake was diagnosed with kidney disease and is now experiencing neurological problems. I never realized how much grief could live in the in-between moments. I would cry even when leaving the house. On top of that, medications and special kidney diet foods are expensive. With all of that being said, I’m focusing on keeping Jake happy, comfortable, and loved. If you’re looking for a wonderful veterinarian, Animal Hospital of Willow Street has been incredible to work with. You can read more about Jake and how God is using this experience here.
Now for the fun updates: I’m still selling at Prussian Street Arcade and Pebbles and Lace Boutique. And my new book is coming out in August or September! We’re currently knee-deep in the designing process, and I can’t wait to share more soon.
I would encourage anyone to take a season of rest if you need one because there really is restoration in rest. There is so much joy in the slow, intentional moments—the ones that may seem small to everyone else but end up being life-changing for you.
So, consider this your reminder to rest. Enjoy your summer. Enjoy the little moments. Sit on the porch a little longer, take the trip, read the book, or simply do nothing at all. And remember: there is rest in restoration.
If you want to hear more from Broken Until Now, subscribe to the blog or follow us on Instagram at @brokenuntilnow or on TikTok at brokenuntilnow.
Here are a few other blog post for you to explore:
True Or False: God Will Always Make The Move For You
Be The Person God Created You To Be: 30-Day Journal
Blessings,
Ashley Marie
