Ah, the magical stretch between Christmas and New Year's – my absolute favorite time on the calendar! It's that week where I find myself blissfully oblivious to what day it is, just soaking in having time to relax and just be.
Reflecting on 2023, it's been a year of notable professional achievements. With a lot of hard work and determination, our team has accomplished commendable milestones this year. Personally, I've prioritized my well-being, incorporating regular exercise, more sleep, and hydration into my routine. This year also allowed me to complete several meaningful Bible studies, which were all fantastic!
A significant portion of my time was dedicated to supporting my parents and mother-in-law through various health challenges. As the year draws to a close, there's a sense of stabilization in their conditions, which is a relief.
To review the past 12 months, I invite you to peruse my comprehensive Year in Review!
1. In God's Word
At the beginning of the year, I embarked on a journey through the Bible with the Daily Grace Co. However, come June, the rapid pace of reading left me feeling fatigued. It became a mere checkbox exercise rather than a meaningful exploration. Recognizing this, I returned to She Reads Truth, a platform with which I've had a longstanding connection. Since July, my immersion in various Bible studies has been both fulfilling and enriching. Here are a few things I've studied this year:
- Study of the Book of Judges
- Study of the Book of Ezra
- Psalms for Prayer Study
- Study of the Book of Romans
- Study of the Book of Genesis
- Study of the Book of Job
- Study of the Book of Exodus
- Study of the Book of Joshua
Alongside these studies, I completed another year of utilizing Val Marie's Paper: Prayer Journal – a practice I've faithfully upheld for the past five years. The ritual of capturing daily gratitude and ongoing prayer requests has become an integral part of my spiritual routine.
2. Adventures with Matt
This year, Matt and I ventured to new places. His presence at a special event in Washington D.C. brought added excitement, and our October escape to Key West proved to be an absolute delight. Exploring the Florida Keys for the first time, we created lasting memories and are already planning our return.
3. Adventures with the Little Ones
The past year was a tapestry of cherished memories, from upholding holiday traditions to celebrating birthdays and every moment in between. Our family time was filled with joy and shared experiences.
4. Appalachian Regional Commission's Appalachian Leadership Institute
The culmination of my participation in the Appalachian Leadership Institute (ALI) this summer marked a pivotal moment in my career. The experience was transformative, introducing me to remarkable individuals. Being chosen by my peers to represent the class at graduation, with the honor of delivering a speech in the United States Capitol, stands out as a highlight of the year.
5. Loving my job!
This year I fell in love with my job! I get to work with the best people, and the work we get to do is inspiring and fun. Additionally, the demands of my job led me to various destinations this year, including Birmingham, AL; Youngstown, OH; Cumberland, MD; Washington, D.C.; Jamestown, NY; Ashburn, KY; Blowing Rock, NC; Hampton Roads, VA; and multiple trips to Richmond, VA. The dynamic experiences enhanced my professional growth, making this year a remarkable chapter in my career. As 2024 nears, I eagerly anticipate the new opportunities it holds.
This was one of my favorite photos from this year! I adore every face in this picture, and I am so thankful for each one of them!
6. My Health
The kickoff to this year brought less-than-ideal health news my way. Recognizing the need for change to steer clear of potential health challenges down the road, I embarked on a gradual but determined journey. Slowly but surely, I revamped my diet, incorporated regular exercise, made sleep a priority, and upped my water intake. The result? Shedding several pounds and setting the stage for an even more ambitious health journey in 2024. Here's to continued progress!
My best royal friends came to town in time to watch King Charles Coronation in May. We had a ball watching all the festivities, and we even decorated like we were in the UK and fixed English treats! Oh I love these memories with Laney!
As I wrap up this reflection on the past year, I'm filled with gratitude for the diverse experiences that 2023 unfolded. From the depths of insightful Bible studies and memorable adventures with loved ones to the transformative journey with the Appalachian Leadership Institute, each chapter has contributed to a year of growth and enrichment. Balancing personal well-being, family joy, and professional accomplishments, I look forward to carrying these lessons into the promising horizon of 2024. Here's to another year of flourishing health, exciting adventures, and continued personal and professional growth.
Wishing you all a joyous New Year filled with abundant blessings and fulfillment!
Cheers to the adventures that await!
Kim
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