Some weeks feel like a blur of meetings, deadlines, appointments, and responsibilities. This was one of those weeks. Yet as I look back, I am reminded that even in the busiest seasons, God is faithfully weaving together moments of purpose, provision, and peace.

Monday: Family First

Memorial Day was exactly what my heart needed. Without computers, emails, book layouts or updating my business plans.

Just family. The grandbabies are growing so fast!

Sometimes the most productive thing we can do is step away from the work and spend time with the people God has entrusted to us. Those quiet moments around the table and simple conversations reminded me what matters most.

Tuesday: Learning and Growing

Tuesday brought a meeting with the Small Business Center as I continue learning how to strengthen Monarch Educational Services and improve our North Carolina state contract bids.

I am currently working on our Capabilities Statement and exploring new opportunities for growth. Every conversation teaches me something new. As a lifelong educator, I have discovered that entrepreneurship requires the same mindset. Stay teachable.

Wednesday: Celebrating a Career

Wednesday was special. I participated in a photo shoot for my Johnston County Public Schools retirement celebration. As I prepare to attend the retirement dinner, I find myself reflecting on the incredible privilege of spending so many years serving students and families.

Teaching was never just a job. It was a calling.

I am grateful for every classroom, every colleague, every student, and every family who allowed me to be part of their journey.

Thursday: New Adventures and Unexpected News

Thursday was packed. I heard news that I may receive a grant – hooray! I also spent two hours meeting with our printer, learning the behind-the-scenes dashboards, e-commerce systems, and tools that will help launch the new Monarch online store.

I continue to be amazed by the team at Sheridan. Their patience, expertise, and support have been a tremendous blessing as Eli and I work to grow Monarch.

Later that day came my follow-up eye appointment because the doctor saw concerns. The news was serious. I learned that I will need to see a retinal specialist this month due to a medical issue that requires immediate care and treatment.

If you are reading this, I would appreciate your prayers.

While driving to the appointment, I felt a gentle nudging in my spirit.

“Stop at Habitat for Humanity and get the Bible verse.”

I looked at the clock.

“I’ll stop on the way home,” I told myself.

Well, on the way home I became wrapped up in prayer and completely forgot.

Friday: Flags, Mentors, and God’s Perfect Timing

Friday was another full day. I met with my LaunchJOCO mentor, who continues to be such an encouragement. I then stopped by while he was volunteering with the Clayton Rotary Club’s Flags for Heroes display. Eli and I purchased a flag in honor of my daddy.

Army Strong.

Standing among those flags was a powerful reminder of sacrifice, service, and gratitude.

On the way to the field, I remembered that nudge from the day before.

“Lord, I’ll get the verse.”

So I stopped at Habitat for Humanity.

As I walked inside, I found myself staring at a massive wall filled with pictures, artwork, and decorations stretching all the way to the high ceiling.

And there it was.

Right at eye level.

My verse.

The very verse I felt God prompting me to find. No searching required. Waiting.

“Commit to the Lord whatever you do, and He will establish your plans.”
Proverbs 16:3

I immediately took it off the wall and brought it home. Soon it will hang in our kitchen as a daily reminder that God is present in the details.

Not just the big moments. The small ones too. The reminders that He is always with us.

Books, Business, and Blessings

This week also brought so much joy through Monarch reading.

I finished reading The Go-Giver and gladly gave it a five-star review. What a wonderful reminder that generosity creates lasting impact. Thank you to LaunchJOCO for providing the book as a gift.

I also:

• Read two adult submissions for Bloom & Nectar Books.
• Read three of my own books and rediscovered why I started this journey.
• Worked countless hours with Eli on book covers and interior layouts.
• Picked up several new business books at Habitat.
• Secured a new middle grades illustrator for Monarch. More details coming soon.
• Continued preparing for the launch of our online store.

Most importantly, I spent time in my books again. There is something sacred about returning to the work God placed on your heart years ago and remembering why you began.

Date Night

After a busy week, Eli and I ended it with a date night at Kobe in Clayton. Somehow it felt like the restaurant had reserved the entire cooking table just for us.

We dressed up and held hands. We laughed. And for a little while, the world slowed down. Those date night moments matter.

Looking Ahead

As I enter a new week, I am carrying both gratitude and prayer for family, mentors., books, and opportunities.

Gratitude for God’s constant presence.

And prayers for the upcoming appointment with the retinal specialist. No matter what lies ahead, I know this:

God already got there first.

“Commit thy works unto the Lord, and thy thoughts shall be established.”
Proverbs 16:3 (KJV)

Thank you, Jesus, for another week filled with reminders that You are always near.

Blessings,

Dr. Jen Lowry

www.monarcheducationalservices.com