Jeremiah 29:11

I haven’t been here for a while. Winter isn’t always the easiest for me- ‘winter doldrums’ is what my Gram called them but this winter feels different! This past year has been full of both personal and professional challenges. I’ve questioned where God is in all of it, and true to form, HE ALWAYS shows me He is there even when I’m not able to see Him.

For I know the plans I have for you…I’ve used this verse in Christmas Letters (sorry- don’t send them anymore…but I LOVE getting them from those that still do!) I have it highlighted in my Bible and on my Bible App. It is a reminder when I’m frustrated and I use it as a reminder and comfort for my adult children when they’re struggling. But…it isn’t always easy to stick with the comfort view…sometimes I just want Him to tell me what the plans are!

Please don’t get me wrong, I know that I am blessed beyond measure. Growing family, healthy children, healthy spouse, healthy grand babies- 4 now! Blessed beyond measure to be Gigi to Mila Grace, Owen Robert, Emeryn Joy, and Naomi Noelle. They are the JOY in my heart and I know I am blessed.

Some days, I forget though. I forget the blessings, even when they’re right in front of me. I get caught up in the darkness of winter, the blahs are more than the blahs for me. The winter doldrums turn me into a bear who only wants to hide from the bitter cold of winter. I would rather hide away in the comfort of my bed and not show my face until there is sun shining every day…and most of 2024 felt like winter to me.

Yesterday, the last day of 2024, was one of those days…I just wanted to hibernate and hide out. But God knew that is not what I needed…I needed Mila Grace…I needed the joy of a tight, bury her head in the crook of my neck and not let go, hug from my girl. I needed the “her to not wanting to let go and only want me” kind of day. I needed smiles and “ok” and “more” and more “ok Gigi”s to bring light and joy into my doldrum of the dark days…and she did! I cannot believe I GET to be the Gram to her and Owen and Emmy and Noami that my Gram was to me.

He knows the plans He has for me…He knows that the horrible sinus infection and cough I’ve had since December 19th was the practice in patience I needed to wait to meet our newest grand – sweet Naomi. She was born on December 20th! I am soooo anxious to get my hands on that sweet baby and hold her and love on her, and tell her she’s so loved by her Gigi, but not yet…time with my other grands who are older and not so susceptible still gets to happen this week, but meeting Naomi will have to wait…He knows the plans He has for me.

So many changes in the last year, so many challenges, so many tests of my patience and faith and trust…and yet, on the very last day of a year that felt dark and doldrumish all year, He knew the plans He had for me. To end my dark doldrumish year with light and grace (both Mila Grace and HIS grace)- to show me there was hope for the new year. So, here I am. On the first day of 2025, blessed and honored and humbled by the Love my Heavenly Father has for me and my little growing family. I am so very thankful that His plans – the plans He has for me to break the doldrums of dark dreary winter days and memories of a year that felt more dark than light, are not lost on me. His plans give me HOPE for light and grace and so many more blessings to come in 2025.

My prayer for each of you is that you too can find the HOPE in knowing He knows the plans He has for you!

Happy Blessed New Year my friends.