Looking Back, and Looking Ahead

What a year, ya’ll! As I’m sure each of you can relate, my year was so full of twists and turns.

On one hand, I got to do more of what I love and have been called to do:

· I released Find Hope, a beautifully designed 60-day devotional to encourage women toward biblical hope that “sticks”—hope that’s more than just wishful thinking.

· I got to encourage audiences all over the country (often with Jeff) with scientific research and biblical truths proven to help relationships and lives. If you joined my email list this year at a speaking event, I’m so glad that you’re here.

· My bestselling book For Women Only turned twenty! TWENTY! That title, and its companion For Men Only, have sold more than 3 million copies in 26 languages. I had a hunch we were onto something when women craned their necks in coffee shops to hear as I told friends what my research revealed about how men think. But I’m still amazed.

· I coauthored a book in two months while trying to pass a kidney stone that landed me in the hospital (twice!) and while zooming around on a scooter with a torn tendon in my foot. (I don’t recommend any of the above as optimal writing conditions!)

· I traveled to the Dominican Republic to experience the incredible work of Compassion International. I’m so honored to encourage others to release children from poverty in Jesus’ name through child sponsorship. I urge you to close 2024 by opening up a child’s world, and consider child sponsorship through Compassion.

And on the other hand …

So, those were some highlights. But just like many of you, I’ve experienced heartaches, setbacks, and hurdles this year, too. Life can be unbelievably joyful and in the same breath be just so hard. Jesus said in John 16:33 that in this world we will have trouble. “But take heart,” He added, “for I have overcome the world.”

What a tremendous promise.

We need each other to spur us on toward good deeds in the fulness of this promise. So, I want to take this final opportunity of 2024 to let you, my readers, know that I am incredibly grateful for your support of this ministry. I am deeply encouraged every time you write to let us know that a blog mattered to you, or when we get to connect personally at a speaking event, or when you support our ministry by sharing our books, blogs, or social posts with your friends. You are a living, breathing example to me of 2 Corinthians 3:2, when Paul wrote to his friends in Greece:

“You yourselves are our letter, written on our hearts, known and read by everyone.”

Jeff, my team, and I put our heart and soul into this ministry. When it makes a difference in your lives, you become a letter that’s written on our hearts and read by everyone around you.

Exciting things ahead

If you’ve followed the blog for a while, you know that we end each year with the “best-of” blogs from the previous year. We’ll bring the “best of 2024” to you next week. It’s a great way to catch up on posts you might have missed, based on what really landed with our readers.

But of course, the New Year is especially time to look ahead! There are several exciting things on the horizon in our ministry that I’ll tell you about as soon as I can. I can’t wait to blow the lid off what my team has been dreaming up for you. I’m not sure whether I keep them busy or they keep me busy, but either way we always have you in our hearts and minds.

You’re the reason we do what we do.

Many blessings to you in 2025.

-Shaunti

If you are interested in having Shaunti bring research-based strategies, practical wisdom and biblical principles to your next event, please contact Nicole Owens at nowens@shaunti.com.

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