As the clock ticks into the New Year, I can’t help but laugh at the whirlwind of moments this year has delivered. From street ministry surprises to the chaos of parrots and twin adventures in my new novel, 2024 felt like a mashup of sitcom episodes and heartwarming life lessons. Grab your coffee and join me for a recap of the quirks and blessings that made this year unforgettable. “Street Ministry Surprises” Every year, street ministry teaches me something new about grace and God’s sense of humor. One particularly memorable day, I met a woman living in her car. She’d draped freshly cleaned laundry over her vehicle and was using the car window as a mirror to fix her hair. It was a picture of resilience, and it humbled me. While I was fumbling with snacks and scripture cards, she exuded a quiet dignity that reminded me how much we underestimate people.
Then there was the time I bought shoes that didn’t fit— intentionally, of course. (Okay, not really. I just wasn’t paying attention.) Later that day, I met a homeless woman who was flipping through an ad with those exact shoes circled. The size? The same as the ones in my car. I handed them over, and she beamed like I’d just passed her a million dollars. If God can turn my shopping mistakes into miracles, who knows what He’ll do next year?
“The Great Parrot Chase” And then there was that story. This year, I finished writing The Mystery of the Sneaky Parrots, where twin boys, Duke and Dylan, brought their parrots, Princess and Clarence, on a school field trip to the zoo and Emma Hobbit comes to the rescue. Naturally, chaos ensued. The parrots escaped, leading to an adventurous chase through lion exhibits and snack stands. Writing it was a wild ride, but here’s the kicker: my twin sister said, “This is exactly what we would’ve done as kids!”
