Tomorrow will be the FIRST ANNIVERSARY of my Flash💥Devos + Podcast. Since I launched Flash💥Devos last September 1st, readers and listeners have devoted over TEN THOUSAND minutes in prayer, coming back again and again to contemplate, to reflect, and to be inspired by Divine Presence.
I stand with all of you today--loyal followers and subscribers and casual acquaintances alike--offering a prayer of gratitude for seeking mercy and grace in your lives. Spiritual solutions matter. Thank You for subscribing, following, and praying along with me!
A few things caught my attention this year:
One huge inspiration:
* You showed up! :)
Two thrilling stats:
* More than half of my subscribers are people I haven’t met yet.
* People downloaded my Flash💥Devos podcast nearly 10,000 times!
Three ways your participation built community:
* We chose quietness.
* We prayed across thirty U.S. states and eight countries.
* We honored diverse world views and practices.
Four surprising things I learned with Flash💥Devos:
* People drift in and out to read like curious butterflies without a trace.
* I didn’t feel strongly about some devos but others did.
* Daily devotional reading habits flow through seasonal and weekly cycles.
* I’ve picked up hope from these devos more often than I imagined I’d need.
Five awesome comments — and many others — refreshed me:
* J. offered: “Beautiful presentation, and also a prompt for me to invite a moment of spiritual contemplation into my life. As my spirituality is less defined and traditional, I approach Christian devotions, Bible verses, hymns, etc., much as I do poetry - I let them filter through my mind and see what deeper or applicable meaning emerges for me.”
* S. clicked on a purple heart with this endorsement: “Your one minute flash devos are an encouragement! Our [baby] is up 4x/night still and the sixty seconds is what my brain can give focus to for reflection. Thank you!”
* A. cheered: “Wow, Marianne. This is the grounding and orientation I needed today. Thank you! I continue to love how simple, short, and lit these invitations are. I echo back to you, ‘Be strengthened in the truth of your witness.’"
* M. confided: “Your sharing of devotions comes at a very good time for me. Although 2024 has been a very good year, I’ve really struggled with the state of our country and the world. I’m seeking more positive news than that which I see on the ‘news.’ Your offering comes as an answer to my prayers!”
* E. shared: “I grew up in the Lutheran Church, and while I have deconstructed a lot of the junk from the 90s church culture (...the 90s definitely did a number on me), I still have a deep spiritual practice.”
Shout out to these artists, friends, and family who gave me permission to highlight their work alongside the scripture and commentary! Please support their creativity!
Jill Hinners, Maureen Seamonds, Marcia Milner-Brage, Lily DeCort, Meg West, Maria Wickwire, Olly Costello, Annie Soudain, Elle Billing, Holly Harris, Christina Farrell, Paula Tomy, Allison May Kiphuth, Colective + Arte, Jack Abel, James Abel, Betsy Baker, and Coralee Barrow.
Please stay with me for the coming year on Flash💥Devos + Podcast. Let God multiply our efforts for the good of all, for the good of the future, and for the good of this exceptional present moment. Whether you read, listen, or just stop by, thank you!
Dedicated to my mother and my brother Steve, companions on the everlasting journey
Irene M. Abel ~ April 1931 - August 1994
Stephen F. Abel ~ December 1958 - August 2017
Readers support Flash💥Devos with prayer, tips, and subscriptions. Thanks for your gifts!
