Gathering the Moments | January 2026

January was a study in contrasts. 

❄️ The first part of the month was people-y and busy.

Seven-year-old grandson Judah came for a day of games, shopping, and treats!

Mom, Ron, and I went out of town for a belated birthday celebration with my sister Linda. (It wasn't Frank's birthday, but he was definitely a part of the celebration. 😻)

🎄 Lunch was Christmas. 🎄         🎂 Dessert was Birthday. 🎂

This was the year that grandchild #10, Macie, turned 10 years old!

Tenth birthdays are special! When a grandchild turns 10, she (or he)  receives 10 birthday gifts and a Papa-made box, engraved with her name, for her treasures. 

Our son-in-law Brian has a birthday just a few days after Macie's, so they shared the celebration!

After all of the festivities, we put away Christmas, but before it went up the attic, Ron cut off all of the "pre-lit" nonsense from our Christmas tree. None of the original lights were working. Next year, we can put on lights without putting them on over the non-working ones. 

A simple look in winter is fine, but I still like a little extra light to brighten dark winter evenings. Battery operated candles on a timer are just right. 

One more Bible study before life slowed down for a spell . . . 

❄️ The second part of the month was recovery, rest, and restoration. 

I had surgery and was laid low for a bit. But I was well taken care of by my primary nurses, Ron and Bekah, and  was well-loved by many. Sweet family and friends checked on me, sent cards, made meals, stepped in to cover my regular duties, and, most importantly, prayed for me. 

A few weeks of rest were most welcome. And they came during all of that snow and ice and cold. Good timing, huh? I am slowly easing into my routine, praising God for successful surgery and a good outcome! 

At the end of January, we got a FaceTime call one morning from a sweet five-year-old who had lost his first tooth! And even though Caleb is grandchild #13, it is his first tooth to come out and so we are excited right along with him!

(Similar thoughts in this post I wrote in 2011.)

I hope my grandchildren will always call me with good news, knowing that I will rejoice with them! 

January is a month for reflection and contemplation. 

As I have done both, these words from Psalm 90 have brought me comfort and fortitude: 

        Lord, You have been our dwelling place in all generations. 

        Before the mountains were brought forth, 

        Or ever You had formed the earth and the world, 

        Even from everlasting to everlasting, You are God.