How is 2025 going?
How was your 2025? As I reflect on mine, I realize there were some down days—but outside of those moments, I felt like I was sprinting full speed just trying to keep up. On the days I felt low, all I wanted to do was rest or sit in front of the television.
There were moments I found myself asking God, “Where do You want me to focus?”
As the year comes to an end, I’m taking time to reflect on 2025. What were your highs? And where do you feel you could have done better? I truly believe life has a rhythm—and when I look back, the pace of my year often felt like a sprint.
In Q1 and Q2, I was more balanced. By Q3, I was running hard. And in Q4, I’ve finally begun to slow down—catching my breath and allowing myself to rest. There were many days I felt exhausted, especially when every evening after work was filled with an event or another commitment. Some days, all I wanted was to sit still, to simply be God’s daughter, and to rest in that truth.
Scripture reminds us, “The LORD directs the steps of the godly. He delights in every detail of their lives.” — Psalm 37:23
That verse reassures me that even in the sprinting, the slowing down, and the moments of rest, God is intentional about every step.
As you begin planning for 2026 and the years ahead, pause and invite God into the process. Reflect on the pace you’ve been living at. Ask Him to direct your steps, align your rhythm with His, and show you where rest, focus, and obedience are needed.
Call to Action:
Take 10 minutes today to journal your 2025 highs, challenges, and lessons. Then pray and ask God, “What pace are You inviting me to live at in 2026?” Let His direction—not pressure—set the rhythm for your next season.
Before You Publish, Do This
So I wish someone had told me that writing a book would be the easiest part.
Before I self-published my first book, journal, and devotionals, I had no idea about the marketing that should have started before releasing any of them.
There should be a book - pre and post launch plan and while you are writing the book you should be sharing that with people. Often times people like to wait until after they release the book to start sharing about it and my advice is to start before because you can build your newsletter and your email subscription list while you are still working on the book. You don’t have to wait. If you want to know more tips about the self-publishing process, subscribe to my newsletter at wrenhowsway.com and feel free to friend me on any social media sites: wrenhowsway.
One Step of Faith at a Time
Okay… so here’s why I finally decided to start showing up more consistently.
I want to help you when you feel stuck in the self-publishing process — when you’re overwhelmed, unsure of your next step, or convinced you can’t do it because you’ve never seen it done before. You have a desire, an idea God placed on your heart, but you’re not sure where to begin. I’ve been there. Before I self-published my first book, I had to learn to get out of my own way and simply take the leap.
Now, as I continue to self-publish my journals and books, I want to bring you along with me. My heart is to walk with you, guide you, and show you what’s possible. I believe the best way to teach is by doing — and that’s exactly what I plan to do.
“I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me.”
— Philippians 4:13 (KJV)
If this is your season to step out in faith and finally start bringing your book to life, I’m here to help. Stick with me, subscribe, and let’s walk this journey together — one obedient step at a time.
Does What I Do Really Matter?
The short answer? Absolutely, yes.
We all go through moments—or even entire seasons—where we question our abilities, our purpose, and whether what we bring to the table truly makes a difference. But here’s the truth: what you do matters, and it’s needed now more than ever.
Your smile, your encouragement, your presence, your creativity, your content—everything you pour out carries weight. It impacts someone, even when you don’t realize it.
So don’t forget this: You are needed. You matter. And what you carry is necessary in this season. Remember God knew us before we were born and he calls us His masterpiece.
For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future. Jeremiah 29:11 NIV
“For we are God’s masterpiece. He has created us anew in Christ Jesus, so we can do the good things he planned for us long ago.” Ephesians 2:10 NLT
The Borrowed Things
I often hear people say, “We don’t want the God of the Old Testament—He was harsh and didn’t play.” But can I offer you a more accurate picture? God hasn’t changed. He’s the same yesterday, today, and forever (Hebrews 13:8). He’s steady, consistent, and faithful—more than anyone else could ever be.
All of that is to say: He cares deeply about you and me. He may not love everything we do, but He absolutely loves you.
Okay, I digress—but what I really came to share is just how much God cares for you. Sometimes we hold back certain prayers because we think they’re too small or insignificant. But here’s the truth: nothing is too hard for God. Small, medium, or large—He’s capable of handling it all.
I was reminded of His care through the story of the floating ax head (2 Kings 6:1–6).
Elisha was spending time with a group of prophets who wanted to build a larger meeting space by the Jordan River. As they were cutting down trees, one man’s borrowed ax head slipped into the water. Panicked, he cried out to Elisha because it wasn’t his to lose. Elisha asked where it fell, threw a stick into that exact spot, and miraculously, the iron ax head floated to the surface.
If God cared enough to make an ax head float—something small, borrowed, and seemingly insignificant—then surely He cares about every single one of your asks too.
One Yes at a Time
Hi, my name is Lawrencia, and lately I’ve realized that I have a habit of overcommitting. I say yes with every good intention, only to find out later that I can’t be everywhere at once. Then comes the uncomfortable part of canceling on something I really wanted to attend. That’s been my reality these past two weeks, and honestly, I don’t enjoy it one bit.
I’ve learned that when I try to do everything, I end up enjoying nothing. If I say yes to two things at once, my mind starts racing. While I’m at one event, I’m already thinking about the next, and I’m rushing instead of being present.
My goal moving forward is simple: be where my feet are. Wherever I am in the moment, I want to be fully there, not half-present or distracted, but grounded.
I’m reminding myself that I’m still a work in progress. The good news is that awareness brings change. I’m learning to set better boundaries, say no when I need to, and give myself grace along the way.
When I make progress, even small steps, I write them down in my journal Round of Applause. It’s my space to pause, reflect, and celebrate growth I might have otherwise overlooked.
As you work on your own boundaries, mindfulness, or any area of growth, I encourage you to jot down your wins too. Every step forward deserves to be recognized.
What win are you celebrating this week?
Hey Siri… or Hey Jesus?
So one of my friends thought it would be funny to try and get Siri to respond to their voice on my iPhone. No matter how many times they tried, Siri stayed silent. But the moment I said her name, she responded immediately and followed my command.
It got me thinking about something deeper. In John 10:27 (NLT), Jesus says, “My sheep listen to my voice; I know them, and they follow me.”
Just like Siri recognizes my voice because she’s tuned to it, we must learn to recognize and respond to the voice of Jesus. After accepting Him into our hearts, following Him means listening—not just hearing, but truly tuning our hearts to His direction.
So here’s something to reflect on today:
Are you one of His sheep? Do you recognize His voice—and follow when He calls?
It is written
Whew — life be lifing! But through it all, God is always Godding.
The main thing to remember is this: even when the enemy comes for you, we have to respond like Jesus did. When He was led into the wilderness and tempted three times by the enemy while fasting, His response was simple yet powerful — “It is written.”
That’s the key.
We need to have our own arsenal of “It is written” scriptures ready. The enemy stays on assignment, so we have to stay prepared.
The Bible even reminds us:
“The thief’s purpose is to steal and kill and destroy. My purpose is to give them a rich and satisfying life.”
— John 10:10 (NLT)
And who doesn’t want a satisfying life?
Our lives can be more peaceful and fulfilling when we renew our minds and stay spiritually ready. Like the saying goes — if we stay ready, we don’t have to get ready!
So, here are some of my go-to “It is written” scriptures for when life starts lifing:
🕊️
For Peace “In peace I will lie down and sleep, for you alone, O Lord, will keep me safe.”
— Psalm 4:8 (NLT)
💪🏽
For Fear “This is my command—be strong and courageous! Do not be afraid or discouraged. For the Lord your God is with you wherever you go.”
— Joshua 1:9 (NLT)
🌟
For Clarity & Guidance “Thy word is a lamp unto my feet, and a light unto my path.”— Psalm 119:105 (KJV)
“Trust in the Lord with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding. In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths.” — Proverbs 3:5–6 (KJV)
❤️ For Healing “But he was wounded for our transgressions, he was bruised for our iniquities: the chastisement of our peace was upon him; and with his stripes we are healed.” — Isaiah 53:5 (KJV)
Life will keep on lifing — but when we know the Word, we’re equipped to fight back and stand firm.
✨ What’s your go-to scripture when life starts lifing? Drop it in the comments — I’d love to see what verses strengthen you!
Beyond Comfort: Finishing My Own Race
This weekend, I participated in a 5K. Now, let’s be honest—I walk by faith, I don’t run. It wasn’t my first 5K; I used to do them regularly before COVID. But this one? It was definitely the hardest I’ve done in a long time.
Here’s what made it challenging:
1️⃣ I hadn’t done a 5K in years.
2️⃣ I didn’t know the route.
3️⃣ It was full of hills.
But I did it—and I finished!
While I was walking (and occasionally jogging), I kept thinking, “This is tough.” I knew if I stopped, it would be even harder to start again, so I reminded myself: complete your own race, in your own time.
At one point, I even thought, “Maybe I should’ve just done the one-mile fun run.” But then I realized—I do a mile all the time. This 5K required me to stretch beyond what’s comfortable. And that’s where growth happens.
On the other side of comfort is progress.
Now I’m wondering… should I push myself even more and try a 10K next? 👀
We Outside
Now before you read this—I know this phrase has a certain meaning in culture, but hear me out. This was actually the title of Sunday’s sermon. And honestly, as followers of Jesus Christ, we should be outside.
The Great Commission reminds us:
“Therefore, go and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit. Teach these new disciples to obey all the commands I have given you. And be sure of this: I am with you always, even to the end of the age.”
— Matthew 28:19–20 (NLT)
So yes—we should be outside. Our greatest work often happens beyond the four walls of the church, in how we live, love, and interact with others.
Now that I’ve said that 😅—I really wanted to share something practical: 10 Ways to Share Your Faith at Work.
Truthfully, you don’t even have to be a follower of Jesus to apply these principles. They’re simply ways to live with integrity and excellence.
10 Ways to Share Your Faith at Work
Be on time.
Give your best effort.
Watch your body language.
Be prepared.
Give away credit freely.
Follow through.
Be coachable.
Keep a positive attitude.
Talk positively about people behind their backs.
Do more than what’s required.
I’m still working on #1—because whew, being on time is a journey! 🙈 But I’m a work in progress, and I’m outside.
Because I love encouraging others—which one of these are you focusing on this week?
Grow Up
I’ve had my aloe vera (AV) plant since 2019, and every year I’ve had to replant her. Just this past week, I did it again—but this time felt different. For the first time, I truly believe AV is planted deep enough to grow. Her leaves have stretched long, and she needed more space to expand. Now she finally has room to put down strong roots in a new planter and remain planted.
As I looked at her, I couldn’t help but see the lesson in it. So often in life we try to stay in spaces that no longer serve us. Maybe they were right for a season, but now we’ve outgrown them. Just like my aloe vera, we need room to expand.
My encouragement for you—and for myself—is this: remain planted in who God has called you to be. Even when it feels scary, trust that God will place you in spaces where you can grow deeper roots in Him. And when that happens, don’t just stay the same—grow up.
Looking unto Jesus the author and finisher of our faith; who for the joy that was set before himendured the cross, despising the shame, and is set down at the right hand of the throne of God. Hebrews 12:2 KJV
Two Things Can Be True
I think we often forget that two things can be true at the same time. I can feel joy and sadness about the very same thing. For example, I’m preparing to serve as a panelist for an Interfaith Allyship discussion at work. It’s an incredible opportunity that excites me—but at the same time, I feel nervous. Both feelings are real, and both are true.
Life often gives us “and” instead of “or.” Have you ever experienced moments where two truths lived side by side for you?
If we could lean into this idea, I believe it would open the door for healthier conversations, especially when we don’t see eye to eye. I can love you and still disagree with your perspective. Holding space for both allows room for growth, deeper understanding, and honest connection.
The more I grow, the more I see that not everything in life is linear or simple. Complexity is part of the journey. And when those moments of tension or duality come, I remind myself: two things can be true at the same time.
An Encounter That Changed Everything
I was recently reading about Saul’s conversion in the Book of Acts, and it struck me in a fresh way. To give a little background—Saul was known for persecuting Christians, who at that time referred to themselves as Followers of the Way. (Side note: this always makes me think of Jesus’ words in John 14:6: “I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.”)
One day, while Saul was on a mission to Damascus, a light from heaven suddenly surrounded him, and he fell to the ground. In that moment, he encountered the Lord. During this encounter, Saul asked two powerful questions:
Scripture says, “And he said, Who art thou, Lord? And the Lord said, I am Jesus whom thou persecutest: it is hard for thee to kick against the pricks. And he trembling and astonished said, Lord, what wilt thou have me to do? And the Lord said unto him, Arise, and go into the city, and it shall be told thee what thou must do.” (Acts 9:5–6, KJV)
The two questions Saul asked were:
“Who art thou, Lord?”
“Lord, what wilt thou have me to do?”
After this encounter, Saul opened his eyes but realized he could no longer see. The men traveling with him had to lead him by the hand into Damascus. For three days he remained blind and did not eat or drink. Then Ananias—whom God had already prepared—laid hands on him. Immediately something like scales fell from Saul’s eyes, his sight was restored, he ate again, and he was filled with the Holy Spirit.
It makes me wonder—if I were to survey people and ask what questions they would ask God, I’d probably hear a wide variety of answers.
But what if, like Saul, we approached God with surrendered hearts and asked only these two:
Who are You, Lord? and Lord, what would You have me to do?
As always, I also encourage you to read Acts 9:1-22 for yourself to get even more insight from God.
check under the leaf
This week I had to cut down my bell pepper plant. On the surface, it looked perfectly healthy—the leaves were green, vibrant, and still growing. But when I took a closer look under the leaves, I discovered a different story. Aphids had attacked the plant, hiding in the very place I hadn’t thought to examine.
To save the plant, I had to cut down every single leaf that, at first glance, looked strong and thriving. It was hard to do, but necessary.
And as with most things in my life, God gave me a message in the middle of it.
Sometimes, we have to become fruit inspectors—not just of plants, but of our own lives. It’s easy to look like everything is good on the outside, smiling and pushing through, while deep down we’re battling things no one else can see. We might appear healthy, but what’s happening under the leaf?
What’s in your heart?
Are you really well?
Do you need to rest?
Are you letting hidden struggles drain you of life?
Don’t settle for appearing whole when, in reality, you’re weary. Take the time to look under the leaf—examine your heart, your thoughts, and your health. True growth comes not from appearances but from what’s rooted deep within.
And remember the invitation of Jesus: “Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest.”(Matthew 11:28)
Your heart doesn’t have to carry the weight alone. Check under your leaf, bring it to Him, and find the rest only He can give.
CHAPTER 37
Day 2 of Chapter 37. Yesterday was my birthday, and honestly, it was such a great day! I feel so blessed to see another year and especially grateful to celebrate another birthday. This year, I kept it small—just family and a couple of close friends. Outside of that, I thought it would be fun to share a mix of some of my favorite things and a few hot takes. Fair warning: it’s totally random, but that’s the joy of turning 37.
Here’s where I’m at:
Time with family and friends is everything.
Game nights never get old.
A good book can keep me up all night.
I love digging into Scripture and discovering new insights.
Hot bubble baths (daily if possible!) = self-care.
Still learning how to swim—better late than never.
Gardening is my little escape.
An organized space makes me genuinely happy.
The spicier the food, the better.
Fried chicken and fried fish? Still undefeated.
Writing books to help others brings me joy.
Nothing wrong with a good show binge.
Vanilla Blue Bell ice cream—classic and perfect.
Blue jeans + white shirt = my go-to outfit.
Massages are essential (because stretching isn’t my strength).
Cooking something new keeps things fun.
I love creating a home that feels like me.
Traveling and exploring new places never gets old.
Taking pictures is one of my happy places.
Hot take: guacamole is overrated.
Another hot take: grits taste like baby food, sugar or not.
Staying up super late? Overrated.
But a good nap? Always worth it.
Most meetings could just be a voice note or email.
Lemon tarts or key lime pie are the BEST dessert.
Sometimes I sleep with socks on—don’t judge. Lol.
I love a simple, modern aesthetic.
Math is still my favorite subject (yes, really).
Sharing weather updates is one of my love languages.
Obsessed with my new telescope.
Street tacos always hit.
Sparkling water > still water.
Audiobooks are life.
Good music has the power to shift your whole mood.
Playing the tambourine is just fun.
A grilled cheese sandwich is always a good idea.
Breakfast for dinner? Always yes.
If you made it all the way through—thanks for hanging with me through this little collection of randomness. 😂 Now it’s your turn: what’s one of your favorite things or a hot take you stand by?
The Beauty of Honest Prayers
“You will show me the way of life, granting me the joy of your presence and the pleasures of living with you forever.”
Psalms 16:11 NLT
I’ve always been a planner. Big dreams, big goals, a mapped-out future—those have been constants in my life. But what I’ve learned is that God’s plans don’t always line up with mine. At first glance, that feels complicated. Yet in reality, it’s not. It simply means I have to trust His timing, His will, and His providence.
And I’ll be honest—trusting God’s will isn’t always easy. Human nature pulls us toward our own desires, but part of walking with Christ is learning to surrender those desires for His. That surrender requires ongoing, honest conversations with God. When I accepted Him into my heart, I gave Him my “yes”—and that “yes” continues to draw me into vulnerable, raw, and unfiltered prayers.
If I can’t be honest with God, then who can I truly be honest with?
So, I ask Him questions. Sometimes He responds clearly, and sometimes He doesn’t. But in both moments, I find myself drawing closer to Him—through prayer, through journaling, through simply being in His presence. And in that closeness, I’m reminded of the joy that comes from living with Him forever.
Song: “Contentment” The Anointed Pace Sisters
Lingering
*Linger-to stay in a place longer than necessary due to a reluctance to leave.
I came across this definition in a devotion one morning, and I knew I had to write about it. This could be the reality for many of us. We often stay in situations—whether they are relationships, thought processes, careers, churches, attitudes, or cities—longer than we should simply because we linger.
What are you lingering in?
While our reasons for lingering may vary, it is essential to continuously abide in God so He can bring to light the stagnant areas of our lives.
Stop lingering.
Release it to God. If you feel that the situation is too heavy to handle alone, pray and ask God for wisdom to navigate it. The Bible tells us in James 1:5 to ask our generous God for wisdom, and He will give it to us. Let go of the reluctance to linger and move forward—don’t look back! nd move forward - don’t look back!
The Business Brunch Conference 2025 – A Day to Remember
Oh my gosh y’all… The Business Brunch Conference was absolutely amazing! Every single year brings its own unique energy, but this year truly felt special. For the first time, we opened the doors to the guys—and let me tell you, they showed up, contributed, and brought a new dynamic to the room. I might just have to let them come back next year. Might. 😂
From start to finish, the atmosphere was electric. Our conversations went deep—touching on finances, mental health, wellness, and leadership. But one central question kept rising to the surface: “Are you leading yourself well?” That question challenged all of us to pause, reflect, and be honest about how we’re showing up in our own lives before we attempt to lead others.
The insights shared were pure gold. Speakers didn’t just give us information—they gave us perspective shifts, tools we can actually use, and the encouragement to keep pushing forward. I watched people’s faces light up as they scribbled notes and had those “aha” moments.
And then there was the networking—wow. There’s something powerful about being in a room where everyone genuinely wants to see each other win. I saw new friendships forming, business connections being made, and even collaborations starting to spark right in the middle of lunch. Speaking of lunch… chef’s kiss. The food was phenomenal, the service was warm, and everything flowed so smoothly thanks to the incredible team behind the scenes.
One sweet little detail? The lotion at the event was beautifully packaged and smelled heavenly—it’s the little touches like that that make The Business Brunch feel so thoughtful and intentional.
As I look back, my heart is so full. I can’t say enough about how grateful I am for every single attendee, speaker, sponsor, and volunteer who made this day possible. You are the reason this event continues to grow and impact lives.
If you’ve ever thought about coming but haven’t made it yet—let this be your sign. You do not want to miss next year. Trust me, it’s more than just a conference—it’s a community, a safe space to grow, and a reminder that you’re not in this alone.
Mark your calendar now… and yes, guys, you just might get the invite again for August 8, 2026. 😉
Grit over Glamour
Right now, I’m in the middle of a 100-day workout challenge. The goal? Move my body for at least 30 minutes a day and share my progress in an online fitness group. Simple in theory — but in practice, it’s a challenge. Truthfully, most days I don’t feel like working out. It’s not glamorous. It’s not exciting. But it’s teaching me something important: how to show up, even when it’s not convenient.
Sticking with something day after day has shown me that leadership isn’t always loud or flashy. Sometimes, it looks like doing the mundane — again and again. The same is true in business. There are parts you may not love: tracking expenses, organizing payroll, or showing up for networking events when you’d rather stay home. But consistency in these areas builds the foundation for something lasting.
The question is: can you shift your mindset and commit to the long game? Can you choose to lead well, even when it feels routine?
Because here’s what I’m learning: you never know what’s on the other side of obedience — when you remain faithful to what you’ve been called to do.
Join us at The Business Brunch Conference – Lead Well and be reminded that showing up matters — even on the days it doesn’t feel like it.
His Will > Mine
When You Say Yes to Jesus, You Say Yes to His Way. Saying “yes” to Jesus isn’t just a moment—it’s a lifestyle shift. It means saying yes to His way of doing things, even when it doesn’t make sense. If you and God are always on the same page… keep living. 😂
There have been seasons where God’s will and my will didn’t match up at all—and whew, it stretched me! I’ve had to forgive people who hurt me, pray for those who misunderstood me, give even when I felt empty, and take bold steps that made me question if I was hearing right. It hasn’t always been easy, but it has always been worth it.
Letting God lead means sometimes I move quickly and take action. Other times, I sit still, watch, and listen. And yet through every season—dry or fruitful, painful or peaceful—I’ve seen His hand guiding me. I’m still standing because He leads me well.
When God says, “I Am”—He really means everything.
You can fill in the blank with what you need:
He is my provider, my comforter, my business partner, my peace, my Father, my friend—and above all, He is faithful.
Like the Psalmist, I’ve learned to trust Him with the desires He placed in my heart. And I want to encourage you to do the same.
“Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be frightened, and do not be dismayed, for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go.” — Joshua 1:9 (ESV)
If God has placed an idea, a song, a book, or a business in your heart, don’t sit on it.
Come be poured into at the Lead Well Conference on Saturday, August 9th at 11:00 AM at Fretz Park Library in Dallas, TX.
It’s a space to gather, grow, and move forward with courage.
Let’s be reminded that we are not walking alone—and that God still leads very well.
