2025: Gifts & Grace

On January second, I sat in my car in the parking lot of Good’s and Dutch-Way and talked on the phone for 45 minutes, thankful my winter coat was keeping me warm. It was the first of many conversations to come with the guy who would become my boyfriend. The very next day, amid some snow flurries, I finally bought a new (to me) car exactly a month after mine was totaled. Two days later, that guy – Curtis – and I met for the first time at a coffee shop (over tea and hot chocolate).

And thus began my crazy, beautiful, whirlwind of a year.

February brought snow and ice, plenty to keep me busy at work, and the whole new world of a new relationship as I met Curtis’s family and officially became his girlfriend. I also joined a missionary care team at my church for a missionary family in Guatemala I had met several years ago.

Spring

I displayed my poetry book and plans for my upcoming novel at the Spring Rose Vendor Show in blustery March and joined my sister and her kids for a tour of Cornwall Iron Furnace, where I kept my youngest niece content in her carrier by handing her chocolate and strawberry cheerios. Curtis met my family and some of my friends as we continued to get to know each other.

April was full of family meals and time with friends, me driving Curtis’s way and him coming my way, and spending time with my dad at an historical event. May followed closely with a family vacation weekend and Curtis supporting me as we attended the viewing after my uncle’s sudden passing. That month also found me (half frantically) planning and finalizing details for my upcoming trip to Europe.

Summer

What an incredible trip. For the first time since 2020, I walked through Philly airport and boarded a plane, and my mom and I were off on an incredible adventure. We explored Germany, France, Switzerland, Austria, and Germany again (where we stayed with my host family from ten years ago and went to my friend’s wedding).  Despite an amazing two weeks abroad, the Pennsylvania air – humidity and all – welcomed me home, as did a hug from a certain someone. Curtis and I enjoyed a sweet time on a double-date with my sister and brother-in-law and a bonfire with friends.

July brought more new experiences, such as an authors’ day event by Lancaster Christian Writers and my first time at a Carlisle car show. Curtis drove his 1989 Dodge Dakota to show at the Chrysler Nationals, celebrating the 100^th anniversary of Chrysler. Spread out across the fairgrounds, lined up in never ending rows, were more cars than I had ever seen in one place. The older models were my favorite. We passed the Dukes of Hazzard section, Gremlins like my dad once had, old Superbees, and so many more.

August held pain and beauty, tough days and God’s grace. On August 4, my brother-in-law passed away after a year of battling cancer, leaving a legacy of faith. Curtis stood by my side, also sad to lose the man he had gotten to know. Camping with Curtis’s family meant fun activities with the kids, walks around the campground, and all-around good times. The White Cliffs of Conoy were brilliant and the Susquehanna River sparkled in the warm Labor Day weekend sunshine.

Fall & Winter

1,000 stone steps took us from chilly morning air to needing no sweatshirt as we surveyed the view of the mountains from the Standing Stone Trail, warmed by sunshine. September was off to a beautiful start. I enjoyed a weekend writing retreat with the incredible ladies in my critique group as we wrote, talked through our writing with each other, ate together, and prayed together. I enjoyed speaking about practicing the art of poetry to the group of writers at LCW’s monthly meeting and then exploring the Strasburg Train Museum with Curtis and some of his family. I rounded off the month with a visit to Eastool (a giant tool/machine/etc expo where you’ll probably never again see so many Amish and buggies in one location).

With October came hiking, eating, playing, and kayaking with family at Gifford Pinchot State Park as well as my birthday, complete with many sweet messages, flowers, and dinner. I spent time with friends and shocked myself by driving Curtis’s F-250. Fall continued into November with another book event, time with our families, and many night skies boasting a beautiful moon. Despite trying to figure out some health issues, I was overwhelmed by how much I have to be thankful for. I don’t know that I could list all my blessings if I tried.

And now, December. Snow. Cold. Blegh…winter pushed his way in without hesitation. But the warmth of relationships, laughter, hugs, fellowship, and time with the Lord have kept me warm and my smile bright.

…the warmth of relationships, laughter, hugs, fellowship, and time with the Lord have kept me warm and my smile bright.

In 2025, I worshipped to some new songs, such as I’ve Got a Story (Needtobreathe), Look to the Lamb (Jesus Culture/Lindy Cofer), Center (Bethel/Abbie Gamboa), and  One More Day (Sons of Sunday).

In 2025, God grew and stretched me, and whittled away some selfishness as I grew in relationship. He was with our family as we mourned, with us as we loved and adventured together. He reminded me of the countless blessings He has given me to embrace.

In 2025, God gave gifts and grace, and I am so happy to share just a glimpse of it all with you. Thank you for being part of my journey, and may your 2026 be abundantly blessed!