New Year Reflections and Fresh Focus

Hello friends, and Happy New Year.

I want to begin by saying how much I hope you and your loved ones had a blessed Christmas and a truly joyous holiday season.

I certainly did. Time with Cuddles and the rest of my family was exactly what my heart needed. Those moments—simple ones, quiet ones, joyful ones—are the ones I treasure most. I’m incredibly grateful for the opportunity we had to slow down, reconnect, laugh, rest, and simply enjoy being together without the rush of everyday life pulling us in a hundred different directions.

The holidays have a beautiful way of gently reminding us of what really matters. They invite us to pause—not just from our busy schedules, but from the constant noise that surrounds us every single day. The emails. The news. The notifications. The rushing. The endless to-do lists that never seem to end. That space between Christmas and the New Year feels especially meaningful to me. It’s a quieter space. A softer space. A space where reflection feels natural instead of forced.

It’s a time to breathe deeply and ask ourselves important questions—Where have I been? What has this past year taught me? What moments stretched me? What moments healed me? And maybe most importantly… where do I feel led to go next?

This first week of the year feels like a soft reset. Not pressure. Not a long list of resolutions we feel guilty about by February. Just a fresh start. There’s something deeply comforting about opening a brand-new calendar and seeing blank pages filled with possibility—moments yet to be lived, stories yet to be written, prayers yet to be answered, and blessings we haven’t even imagined yet. It reminds me that God isn’t finished writing our stories, even when we sometimes feel tired or unsure.

One thing I’ve been reflecting on lately is how much noise we allow into our lives—especially background noise. The kind we get so used to that we don’t even realize how much it affects us. Noise that fills the room but also fills our minds. Noise that pulls our attention away little by little until we’re exhausted and don’t quite know why.

This year, I decided to make a small but intentional change. I turned the TV off while I work and started listening to music instead.

But not just any music.

I started listening to the Christian radio station K-Love.

At first, it was simply something different. A change of pace. But very quickly, I noticed a shift—not just in my focus, but in my heart. The music. The messages. The encouragement woven between the songs. They felt grounding. Peaceful. Steady. I guess you could say I’m intentionally letting God more into my daily life—not just in prayer, but in the ordinary moments while I work, write, and create.

Instead of noise that distracts or overwhelms, I’m choosing sounds that uplift—songs that remind me who I am. While I work, I find myself calmer, more focused, and more present. My thoughts feel clearer. My creativity flows more naturally. Even my breathing feels different. It’s amazing how something as simple as what we listen to can shape not only our thoughts, but our spirit.

Then at night, I’ve created another routine that I’ve truly come to enjoy. I listen to The Delilah Show. There’s something incredibly comforting about ending the day with love stories and love songs. Hearing people share moments of connection, forgiveness, second chances, hope, and joy remind me that kindness and love are still very much alive in this world—no matter what the headlines say.

Those quiet nighttime moments have become a way for me to unwind, reflect, and gently let go of the day. They help me release whatever I’m carrying and prepare my heart for rest. And honestly, they’ve been such a blessing in ways I didn’t expect.

Sometimes we think letting God into our lives has to be something big or dramatic. A huge moment. A life-altering event. But I’m learning that it can also be gentle found in music, in stillness, in routines, and in the quiet moments where we intentionally make space for Him.

That same sense of intention has carried over into my creative work. I’m currently putting the final touches on my fifth book, Does Anyone Know My Language? This book is especially close to my heart because it tells the story of a non-verbal girl who uses sign language to communicate and is searching for a friend who understands her language.

In many ways, this story reflects my own life. I too use sign language to communicate. I know what it feels like to want to be understood, to be seen, and to connect with someone who truly understands your way of communicating. Writing this book has been deeply personal, emotional, and meaningful for me. It’s more than just a story—it’s a piece of my heart on the page, and it represents so many children and families who simply want connection and understanding.

Watching everything come together—the words, the design, the final details—has been emotional in the best way. If all goes as planned, the book should be ready for pre-order by January 15th, and I truly can’t wait to share it with you.

December was also a very full and meaningful month for me. I had the joy of interviewing eight new authors for my podcast, Conversations between Terrie Lynn and New Authors. Each conversation reminded me why I started the podcast in the first place—to encourage, uplift, and remind people they’re not alone on their journey.

Every author had a different story. Different challenges. Different victories. Different seasons. But all of them shared perseverance, faith, and the courage to keep going even when things felt uncertain. Those conversations filled my cup in ways I didn’t even realize I needed, and I know they’ll encourage you too. So get ready—there are some truly inspiring episodes coming your way in the weeks ahead.

And as I sit here writing this, I can honestly say I feel back on track. Refreshed. Re-centered. And ready to dive back into the work God has placed on my heart. My creativity feels renewed. My purpose feels clearer. And I’m excited to get back to writing, creating, and sharing stories that matter. So get ready—there is a lot of good stuff coming from me this year.

As I step into this new year, my word continues to be intention. Being intentional about what I listen to. What I focus on. How I care for both my creativity and my faith. Life can be loud, but this year I’m choosing peace, purpose, and presence.

Thank you for being part of my journey—whether you’ve been here since the beginning or you joined along the way. Your encouragement, kindness, and support mean more than you know.

Wishing you a year filled with hope, creativity, love, and many quiet blessings along the way.