Here’s a little update to add to your Happy New Year celebrations: “Growing Nurse Debi” is continuing to grow!! We have now doubled in size from where we were this time last year at now almost 750 followers across social media!

I know in today’s “viral” society, this number is nothing. But to me – given the tough stuff we deal with here – I’m absolutely dumfounded at the continued growth.

And, I’ve mentioned before that I don’t really pay attention to the numbers of likes and comments my posts receive. What I do look at, though, is the number of posts that have been read on any given day.

What encourages me the most is when I see that the number of posts read is actually much larger than the number of visitors I’ve had at the website.

That’s the number that matters to me. This means that a few people have clicked on a post from Facebook or wherever, but then stuck around and read others. This shows me that something is speaking to them in what they’re reading.

God is speaking to them.

That is what makes my heart swell, my friends. This is what compels me to keep pressing forward. It’s all worth it if this is helping someone. Even just one person. But, obviously, the more followers we have, the more people may come to know His love and hope.

Also, you may occasionally see me running old posts again. Not only am I trying to bring new readers up to date, I want you to know that I’ve also been touched again by the lessons of that post. I’ve told you before that I “walk this talk” no better than anybody else – this sinful girl needs plenty of reminders, people.

Believe me … that’s my daily truth.

There are also times when I simply feel God’s nudge to re-publish a certain post. He knows who needs to read these lessons. He sends the right person at precisely the right time in their lives to learn and grow along with me. Maybe it’s being re-published for you? Maybe He has you in a better spot now to grab hold of the message? Maybe the second time you read it something new will speak to you? Only God knows that.

My point, though, is that as with this entire ministry, I’m just following His lead.

So I want to thank you for your continued support, encouragement, and prayers. And please feel free to share.

One thing I’ve learned is that we never truly know who’s struggling on the inside. Our Instagram smiles do a lot to cover up our woes, but thankfully, our God knows the truth. He sees straight through all that down to our deepest fears and most carefully-hidden anxieties. Perhaps He’s nudging you to share His hope with someone, as well?

So Happy New Years and, as always, thanks for growing with me. ❤

“Let us hold unswervingly to the hope we profess, for he who promised is faithful.  And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds, not giving up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but encouraging one another—and all the more as you see the Day approaching.” (Hebrews 10:23-25)