Soft Hugs for the New Year!

Hey Friends!

It’s a new year and a new day! I’m looking forward to an exciting year. Still hoping that both books will get published this year.

My ONEWORD365 for 2024 is CONNECT.

Concerning my books, my goal is to gain more connections here on Substack. Right now, I have 135 followers. my short-term goal is 500.

And, on that note, I would love to connect more with YOU. So please reply to my e-mails. Tell me what you think. Share your prayer requests. If you prefer, e-mail me privately at author@mandyfarmer.com

Physically Connecting

I have another surgery scheduled. This time we are replacing my right knee. The surgeon says the arthritis is very bad. I’m not surprised. They told me back in 2012 that it needed to be replaced but wanted to try to wait 10 years until I hit 60. Then COVID hit and I had no desire to go into the hospital. So here we are… FINALLY. This is what you can pray for me. Successful surgery, and continued dedication to my therapy.

And Now… On to the SOFT HUGS

If you are new here, perhaps you don’t know that I’m releasing a children’s picture book this spring. Soft Hugs for Mommy. It’s about a family whose mommy gets Fibromyalgia and how the family must adjust their daily lives.

I’m very excited about this book. It’s being illustrated by another chronic illness warrior. And it has been a long time coming as we both struggle to stay well enough to work.

In the meantime, I’m giving out soft hugs because people with chronic pain can’t accept a good strong hug from anyone… only soft, gentle hugs with permission. However, hugs don’t have to come in the physical sense, they can be given with small acts of kindness.

I have eight hugs for you today. I use the Acronym “S.O.F.T. H.U.G.S.”

S - an encouraging Scripture

Here’s a verse I’m going to keep close to my heart through my knee rehab.

O - Ovations

My Devotional editor, Dayna Ault shared that my devotions were blessing her as she edited. She said that the devotional was definitely for her.

F - Funny

T - Travels

With chronic pain, likely, we can’t travel to places that require much walking or hiking. But we can enjoy them through the internet. I would love to visit these wonderful waterfalls. how about you?

U - Updates on my books

Soft Hugs for Mommy Goes to the Designed on Feb 12

From Dissonant to Harmonious - A Devotional Journey Through Our Pain

Working on Revisions after a thorough edit. Under review with Bold Vision Publishers.

G - Good Reads

I’m reading JoAnna Gaines’ book right now. It’s a good one. We often think successful people have never had trials in their life. Not true. Maybe you would like it too. The Stories We Tell

S - my Sanctuary

For a taste of my devotional writing, visit my blog. I wrote this piece a while back.

CONNECT WITH ME

Tell me which hug you liked the best.

Do you have a hug for me?

Please share this email with others who may suffer from chronic pain. Thanks!

My Knee Replacement surgery is on Friday, January 26. I would appreciate your prayers. Thanks.

Be blessed! Mandy