Woven With Grace: A Year of Joy, Sorrow, and Faith
As we step into this Christmas season, I find myself looking back over a year that has held so many milestones, transitions, unexpected grief, and sweet surprises of God’s grace. In it all, the Lord has gently reminded me that His presence is not limited to the “high” moments but is woven into every ordinary day. This reflection is a glimpse into how He has walked with our family in 2025 and why my heart is especially thankful this Christmas.
As I sit here today, my heart is full of gratitude,for a year overflowing with precious moments shared with those I love, provision beyond every need, unexpected new friendships, and renewed strength in my health and family.
The year began with more health challenges than I anticipated, but with the right tools and a supportive community, I found my footing again within a few months. Along the way came challenges, sadness, unmet expectations, and physical weakness. I’ve been stretched, refined, and reminded of the areas still needing growth.
Yet through it all, I am thankful. These experiences didn’t define me, they refined me. For woven through the hard moments were threads of love, joy, laughter, community, and hope. And that mixture, both the struggle and the sweetness, is what made this year so meaningful.
A Year of Milestones
In late May, we celebrated my son Kaleb’s high school graduation and are now experiencing the joys and challenges of watching him learn to fully “adult” and prepare to fly. The Lord continues to teach me through my relationship with him, stretching me in ways I didn’t expect and reminding me that every child is uniquely wired. My prayers have become more intentional, not only for him but for God’s shaping work in me. Each child’s journey reveals a new dimension of parenting, and I’m learning how to walk this season with grace and love as we grow together.
Summer was full and good, and before we knew it, August arrived with another transition - Victoria starting at a new school! It’s hard to believe this marks her sixth move, but we’re praying this one brings stability and roots for the rest of her primary years.
October was a month of contrasts, joy and sorrow woven side by side. Micah proposed to his girlfriend, and we are joyfully stepping into wedding planning and the anticipation of welcoming another daughter into our family. The Lord has been so faithful, and we’re trusting Him with all He has planned for their life together.
Joy and Sorrow, Side by Side
By the end of the month, my beloved grandfather, Poppy, passed away at 97. We didn’t expect to lose him in this season, but we rest in knowing he was ready for his heavenly home. He was such a constant in my life: supportive, present, genuinely interested in our days. I miss his quick wit at the Sunday dinner table but hold tight to the legacy of love and steadiness he left behind.
Simple Gifts of This Season
November brought my 45th birthday and an unexpected Thanksgiving trip, something new for our family! It felt refreshing to travel, reconnect with loved ones, and share laughter and good food around the table.
As we close this year and enter the joy of Christmas, my heart comes full circle, grateful for a year of provision, growth, and grace. The challenges, celebrations, and in-between moments have shaped me in ways only God could orchestrate.
The Gift of Transition
This year has reminded me that transition is the space between what was and what is becoming; often quiet, sometimes uncomfortable, but deeply important for growth. Our family has stood on many thresholds in 2025: graduation, new schools, engagement, loss, and new rhythms in health and age. Each one has stretched us in ways that felt both beautiful and bittersweet. Yet in all of these in-between places, God has been at work, shaping trust, resilience, and a deeper awareness of His presence. Transition has not been a detour; it has been the very path He has used to lead us.
Christ, Our Steady Hope
For me, Christmas has always been a time of reflection. While I look back on the year with gratitude, my heart turns toward the deeper truth of this season: that Jesus came to dwell among us. Beyond the lights and gatherings, this truth steadies me - He came, and He is coming again. His love knows no limits; His grace meets me daily. Through every joy and hardship, He has been so faithful and that is my greatest reason for joy this Christmas.