Week in Review: Remembering the Calling
“This is the day which the LORD hath made; we will rejoice and be glad in it.”
Psalm 118:24, KJV
This week felt like a gentle reminder from the Lord in many ways.
On Monday, I attended a workshop about character, initiative, and calling. I did not realize how much I needed that time until I was sitting there letting the words settle in my heart. It stirred something in me. It asked me to remember.
What is a life worth living?
Monday evening Eli and I met with my JOCO Launch mentor and attended a business event with other members of our class. I love how people around me pour into others to share their wisdom without asking for a single thing in return. Thank you to everyone out there that supports small businesses. It’s super tough, but it’s wonderful to be seen.
On Tuesday and Wednesday, I was able to work on my books again for the first time in a long time. What a gift that was. I reread the 30 Day Everyday Mom Challenge and updated it to 2026 momma moments. I revisited Bridges, and loved working on the new cover. I remembered the heart behind the words, the prayers behind the pages, and the reason Monarch began in the first place. I loved to write and it’s always been a healing place for me when I let it be. There was such joy in it.
In the middle of a busy season of deadlines, God gave me peace. He reminded me that writing is not just something I do. It is part of the calling He placed in me.
On Thursday and Friday, I spent two full days in a virtues workshop. I loved having space to think about meaningful questions, and connect faith, character, education, and purpose. Those conversations mattered. They helped me see again how much I care about stories that shape hearts, strengthen families, and point readers toward what is good, true, and beautiful.
What made it even more special is that on day one I randomly sat at a table – with strangers – who all write or have a desire to write! What! How cool was that! I was so excited to meet bestselling author, Dr. Patrice Carter! She has a calling and walking faithfully in it.
Then Saturday brought our book signing. It was our first event I have been able to attend since my accident, and I do not take that lightly. God is good. Eli was right there with me every step of the way, and we were blessed to meet new readers and share Monarch books with families.
After the signing we stopped in to celebrate our friend Gayle’s 10th anniversary of her business at Studio 23 in downtown Clayton! We grabbed some essential oil, and I won a free t-shirt in a giveaway! I can’t wait to wear it out and about and support Gayle’s mission!
Happened to walk by a banner of monarch wings and couldn’t help myself.
Now you see my Monarch outfit. Made special by the pin near my shoulder given to me by my author, Caitlin Alexander of the Kate Sablowsky Paranormal Investigator Series! Not to mention the new butterfly clip in my hair! Let’s just say maybe one day I’ll be recognized as the monarch lady!
Sam and Caroline also came for a visit today, and we had such a wonderful time going out to eat together. They bought a snake! What?!?That sweet family time at my favorite local restaurant, Cleveland Draft House, was the perfect ending to a week full of reminders.
This week, I remembered why I write and why Monarch exists. I was also reminded that calling does not disappear in hard seasons. Sometimes, God simply brings it back to the surface faithfully, when we need it most. Thank God.
Blessings,
Dr. Jen Lowry
www.monarcheducationalservices.com