Update February 6, 2026: Winter’s still with us, but it’s not zero degrees today. I even saw sun and blue sky again today.

I’ve been encouraged during this stressful news cycle, to get together with other believers who have hope and care enough to pray together about all the troubles going on. One of the small groups I’m in is working on growing to be more like the Lord Jesus and part of that is how we face into challenges. I think together, with the Lord, we build courage. If courage seems hard to find, maybe you can find another Christian just to pray with. Even short prayers help.

Update January 13, 2026: Today’s a crisp Tuesday in Madison. Blue sky! I feel hopeful this morning after a good Zoom with some special Christian friends. This pilgrim journey is just better together!

The Christmas stuff is packed away now and we’re nearly to the middle of January already.

There’s something about this time of year that is inspiring to me. Maybe because I was born in a December!

I’m grateful for the gift of life, for dear family and good friends, for the fellowship of other believers, for surprises sent by our Heavenly Father. Suffering is real and so is His faithfulness. Both at the same time. Fear not the testing of your faith–it is exceedingly precious to God. Have a good week.

Lois

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Update January 3, 2026: Recent Advent season pressed upon me the wonder of the Incarnation. God actually became a human, in a flesh-and-blood body, on Planet Earth, vulnerable and “at risk” in an impoverished family.

Mind-blowing.

Administrative note: I am currently (1-3-26) in process of cleaning up some old errors that were accidentally published under this domain in the past. They include some “cookbook” templates as if this was a law firm. It is not. This is only a one-woman blog.