As I look back over 2025 one theme reoccurs again and again and that is that God is faithful. 2025 was a year of blessing ...

We were able to celebrate my mother's 80th birthday with her. 

I caught up with two of my closest friends whom I rarely see.

We saw our two eldest granddaughters baptised.

We've watched family members grow.

We employed another Christian teacher at work.

Our needs were fully met.

Our car continues to go (and now has air-conditioning again).

DH got a good report after surgery.

Our dog is still with us despite several times giving us cause to think this might be goodbye.

But it was also a year of trial ...

We lost DH's mother.

Then not so long after, my sister's husband passed away.

And then my aunt's husband. 

DH had surgery.

DH is still experiencing side effects from that surgery (even ones that should have resolved by now).

And yet we can say with confidence, that God is faithful. He was with us every step of the way. In the good times and in the bad. It was often during those difficult times that we realised His faithfulness. That He was ever-present.

As we look towards 2026, we know that we have much for which to be thankful. But there will also be changes.

DH is looking at retiring.

This month we will celebrate 42 years of marriage.

We are excitedly looking forward to Son#5 and his family visiting (but not to the goodbye at the end).

We don't know what the future holds, but we know the One who holds the future. Happy New Year!