What I Learned In February

"A cheerful heart is good medicine, but a crushed spirit dries up the bones." Proverbs 17:22 (CSB)

Two months have already passed in this new year. Two months of new rhythms, new challenges, new mercies. February, for me, was a month of refining — physically, mentally, spiritually, and even in ministry.

Here’s what I learned.

Physical, Mental and Spiritual Health

The Physical Part

The first two months of this year have not been easy physically. I’ve struggled with ongoing health issues, and if I’m honest, there were moments when discouragement crept in. There were moments when I even questioned my business; had I misheard God.

Isn’t that what often happens? When the body struggles, everything else feels shaky too.

I began noticing changes in myself. I was encouraging others less. I was complaining more when someone asked how I was doing. My spirit felt heavy. Then the Lord reminded me of something: our health has parts; we are physical, yes — but we are also mental and spiritual beings.

So what if we had a slight shift in perspective? What if we remembered that we can be struggling physically, but we have a choice on how to respond? What if we remembered there is also a spiritual and a mental aspect to our health? How would that change our attitudes?

“Therefore we do not give up. Even though our outer person is being destroyed, our inner person is being renewed day by day.” 2 Corinthians 4:16

The Mental Part

When I began to look at my mental space, I remembered areas of progress.

This year I put systems in place in my business. I began working with an accountant and bookkeeper. I revised client contracts to bring clarity and peace. I created more structure. Those changes reduced stress more than I realized.

And Scripture speaks directly to our thoughts:

“Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is honorable… dwell on these things.” Philippians 4:8

Where my mind rests matters.

When I intentionally focused on what was organized, growing, and steady instead of what was painful, my attitude changed. My circumstances didn't change — but my thinking did.

The Spiritual Part

And then there was my spiritual life.

Even in the middle of the physical struggles, God was ministering to me spiritually. He allowed me to serve on beautiful church teams. He placed me in an administrative role within a community ministry where I get to support others. I saw His hand in all of this.

“Those who trust in the Lord are like Mount Zion. It cannot be shaken; it remains forever.”
Psalm 125:1

I want to be sure you hear me: my symptoms did not disappear. But my response changed.

And when my spirit lifted, I was able to better handle the physical struggle. I smiled more. I encouraged more. I complained less. My “hurting belly” no longer defined my whole being.

When I refocused on His blessings — the sunrise, the sound of birds, the smile of a grandchild, my husband’s sweetness — my spirit began to rise again.

So if you are struggling with a physical issue, I encourage you to try to focus on the spiritual and mental sides of yourself. How has God blessed you recently? Where have you seen his mercy lately? Who smiled at you today? What bird woke you up with its singing? How can you have a cheerful heart today?

Business Ministry

In my business, God has been so faithful. Most of you know by now, but some may not, that last year, God opened a new season to me.

In September 2024, I stepped away from virtual assisting — something I had loved for years (and even wrote a book about). As 2024 wound down, I felt the Lord leading me toward retirement. I wasn’t excited about that. I love to work. I love purpose. I love building.

But I prepared to obey.

And yet — I stayed in my mastermind groups. I kept learning. I kept investing.

Looking back now, I see why.

“Trust in the Lord with all your heart… in all your ways know Him, and He will make your paths straight.” Proverbs 3:5–6

On January 2, 2025, God gave me an entirely new vision — supporting Christian writers in bringing their God-given words into the world. Trust me when I say this, y'all, this was not me; I am not that smart! He showed me how I could support Christian writers, women mostly as that's who I'm most involved with, but men also, in getting their God-given words out into the world. He showed me that the skills I have gained throughout all my careers had prepared me for this. He showed me the editing I had done for others would be used. He showed me the encouraging I give to others would be used. And He showed me that the mastermind groups I was a part of would be instrumental in teaching me the things I didn't know.

By the end of 2025, I had helped eight clients self-publish their work. I had a thriving Facebook community. And the Lord showed me a gap in my services — and then showed me how to fill it.

In 2026, I opened my new co-writing group and it has been an amazing experience; so much more than "just writing".

It is prayer.
It is encouragement.
It is accountability.
It is women gathering to let God pour His words into them so they can pour them out again.

“Let us consider one another in order to provoke love and good works, not neglecting to gather together…” Hebrews 10:24–25

What February Taught Me

Here's what I learned (or was clarified) in February:

Do not let one circumstance define your entire identity. Do not let one struggle speak louder than God’s faithfulness.

Stay focused on Jesus. Stay aware of His mercy. Stay open to His leading.

And choose a cheerful heart.

I would love to hear from you.

Have you ever experienced a crushed spirit?
What helped lift it?
Where have you seen God’s mercy lately?

Until next time,

Vickie