I always hate the approach of the new year because I find it terrifying to stare into the void of the unknown, and all the bad things that could be awaiting me. But, I often reflect that one of the greatest gifts God gave us is our inability to predict the future, because knowing what lies ahead without knowing how grace will sustain us would be torture.
I'm sure if someone had told you what lay ahead for you in 2024, you would have entered it with fear and trembling. Yet here you are, happier and stronger and truer than ever, reminding us all that God can work miracles through our worst nightmares. So maybe I can go into 2025 a little less afraid, remembering that God never abandons us.
I hope you 2025 brings abundant blessing and more of this vibrant, bold energy.
The old saw - "man made plans and God laughed"- seems a bit trite and painful here, but...when things are not as I planned, when I am trying ever so hard to figure out Why -is it a test, just part of life, thank God it isn't worse!!- some days I rail, others I just lay it at His feet. The laying (lying?why is English so convoluted??!)- part is hard because in worldly terms I feel I have given up. But it sure does take off the onus when I ask for His presence and follow His lead. That being said, I am Sure He shakes His head for the time it takes me to Get there! I am so happy you are seeing this year to its better end (other than all the illness!). May He continue to provide you all with solace and graces. God be with you.
Thanks for this reflection, Haley! I enjoyed reading about the sacrifices you made for your then-spouse because it reminded me of how radical the Gospel is. Jesus asks us to love and give of ourselves even when the subject of our love may not be, shall we say, entirely deserving. I hope you know all that love wasn’t wasted and that God sees it!
On a less…wholesome…note - whenever I read stories of a spousal betrayal I always think of Agatha Christie faking her own disappearance and going to a health spa when she found out her husband was a cad. Obviously this is *not* a good thing to do in real life, especially since she had a daughter…but I can’t say I don’t understand her motives!
God bless you in the new year, Haley, and happy Jane Austen's birthday (I started rereading "Northanger Abbey" today to celebrate, and I'm understanding and enjoying the humor in that novel more than I have on previous readings, Jane definitely gets better each time you reread her).
Also, Haley, I look forward each month to seeing who you have on your new podcast next! I saw Jan Brett was recently down in the Tallahassee area on her book tour for her new book. Were you able to see Jan while she was in town? She’s my favorite children’s author and illustrator from my childhood and I love giving copies of her books to my nieces, nephews, godchildren, and friends’ kids!
And my goddaughter can’t get enough of your Sister Seraphina series and is eagerly awaiting when you are finished with Book Four so she can read it! She LOVED the first 3 books in that series!
Haley I’m so grateful for you and for your witness to Christ! I’m unable to upgrade to a paid subscription, but I can’t wait to surprise two of my godchildren with signed copies of The Catholic Kids’ Cookbook!
Also, you must have multiple friends up here in Dakota County, Minnesota, because I went to my public library system’s catalog webpage to request they add The Catholic Kids’ Cookbook to their shelves, and somebody else had already beat me to it! 😛 I’m happy to report that the Dakota County, Minnesota public library system ordered 2 copies!
They already have all 3 Sister Seraphina books and Jane Austen’s Guide To Life, and those books all regularly circulate, so we love you and your books up here in Dakota County, MN! 🙂
I always hate the approach of the new year because I find it terrifying to stare into the void of the unknown, and all the bad things that could be awaiting me. But, I often reflect that one of the greatest gifts God gave us is our inability to predict the future, because knowing what lies ahead without knowing how grace will sustain us would be torture.
I'm sure if someone had told you what lay ahead for you in 2024, you would have entered it with fear and trembling. Yet here you are, happier and stronger and truer than ever, reminding us all that God can work miracles through our worst nightmares. So maybe I can go into 2025 a little less afraid, remembering that God never abandons us.
I hope you 2025 brings abundant blessing and more of this vibrant, bold energy.
Thank you, Gina! Looking forward to catching up in person in March!
You are true joy shining through the darkness Haley
Thank you, Katie!
The old saw - "man made plans and God laughed"- seems a bit trite and painful here, but...when things are not as I planned, when I am trying ever so hard to figure out Why -is it a test, just part of life, thank God it isn't worse!!- some days I rail, others I just lay it at His feet. The laying (lying?why is English so convoluted??!)- part is hard because in worldly terms I feel I have given up. But it sure does take off the onus when I ask for His presence and follow His lead. That being said, I am Sure He shakes His head for the time it takes me to Get there! I am so happy you are seeing this year to its better end (other than all the illness!). May He continue to provide you all with solace and graces. God be with you.
Thanks for this reflection, Haley! I enjoyed reading about the sacrifices you made for your then-spouse because it reminded me of how radical the Gospel is. Jesus asks us to love and give of ourselves even when the subject of our love may not be, shall we say, entirely deserving. I hope you know all that love wasn’t wasted and that God sees it!
On a less…wholesome…note - whenever I read stories of a spousal betrayal I always think of Agatha Christie faking her own disappearance and going to a health spa when she found out her husband was a cad. Obviously this is *not* a good thing to do in real life, especially since she had a daughter…but I can’t say I don’t understand her motives!
I’m proud of you, friend! Looking forward to 2025 with you. 💛
God bless you Haley.
Merry Christmas and Happy new year.
God bless you in the new year, Haley, and happy Jane Austen's birthday (I started rereading "Northanger Abbey" today to celebrate, and I'm understanding and enjoying the humor in that novel more than I have on previous readings, Jane definitely gets better each time you reread her).
So glad you're here, Haley, doing okay, and praying for the 2025 you need <3
God Bless you & your children, Haley!
Also, Haley, I look forward each month to seeing who you have on your new podcast next! I saw Jan Brett was recently down in the Tallahassee area on her book tour for her new book. Were you able to see Jan while she was in town? She’s my favorite children’s author and illustrator from my childhood and I love giving copies of her books to my nieces, nephews, godchildren, and friends’ kids!
And my goddaughter can’t get enough of your Sister Seraphina series and is eagerly awaiting when you are finished with Book Four so she can read it! She LOVED the first 3 books in that series!
Haley I’m so grateful for you and for your witness to Christ! I’m unable to upgrade to a paid subscription, but I can’t wait to surprise two of my godchildren with signed copies of The Catholic Kids’ Cookbook!
Also, you must have multiple friends up here in Dakota County, Minnesota, because I went to my public library system’s catalog webpage to request they add The Catholic Kids’ Cookbook to their shelves, and somebody else had already beat me to it! 😛 I’m happy to report that the Dakota County, Minnesota public library system ordered 2 copies!
They already have all 3 Sister Seraphina books and Jane Austen’s Guide To Life, and those books all regularly circulate, so we love you and your books up here in Dakota County, MN! 🙂