- Epiphany 2026
It is the second week of January and a little bit late to say that its Epiphany according to the Christian calendar. However, in Catholic tradition they celebrate the Sunday after the 6th (which is the 12th day of Christmas). But in many Protestant churches Epiphany lasts all the way to Ash Wednesday, which is February19th. So here is where I have decided to land. This is my Epiphany letter, as I didn't get a Christmas card out in time. I did buy cards and gave some out (mostly to my kids) but to the rest of you that I think about and, at times pray for, obviously I didn't.
We celebrated with the Morse family on December 20th (many staying the whole weekend) with over 30 people here on the ranch. It was loud and chaotic with much laughter and too much food. We loved every minute of it and put the memories in the storage room of our minds. Both Dan and I realize the tremendous blessings we have and, at times, are overwhelmed by God's goodness.
~ Some of the family are missing. Frankie just wasn't having it anymore so Lydia and Lance took him inside (hence the open door). Nate's family was not able to come because of work. Kellie (Tucker's wife) is also not here but came later.
2025 was a good year but not without the hurdles of life. We take the good with the hard and move forward one step at a time. Dan and I are very much involved with a ministry called InFaith. This is a ministry to rural churches. Dan's official title is "missionary pastor". This means he helps rural pastors or churches in pulpit supply, advise and general care. Last Sunday Dan preached to a small church in Dayville, OR and then stayed after for a church meeting. The struggle is real for these rural churches as they are generally small and without funds to call a full time pastor to lead them. But even with that, we have seen the faithfulness of our Lord in providing for their needs. Dan is in the process of recruiting local men (some retired pastors) to volunteer in caring for many.
*This spinning world by Your own hand hurls ever on around the sun. The seasons march at Your command; the old departs, the new year comes. And though celestial is Your gaze, You search and care for all our ways; we offer up to You this day and all of our tomorrows.
As this new year is starting it is my hope that we can see beyond just what we see with our physical eyes. So many times what we see and hear can be discouraging. I have to remind myself of Jesus and his promises. I so want to see God providing for the impossible while experiencing His care for us.
*May zealous youth and cautious age determine not the steps we choose; Great Shepherd, guide us through each day, oh, how we want to follow You. Come, Living Way, our way make clear; let perfect love drive out our fear; be Thou our vision, now and here, and all of our tomorrows.
Don and Dee (Dan's parents) still live near us in the little home we had built just up the hill from us when we moved to central Oregon. Sunday nights we have "family dinner" with Hannah and Jonathan joining and sometimes others that we happen to invite. We are grateful for these set times as we realize we will not get to relive them. This coming year they will be celebrating 70 years married, another true testament to God's kindness to them and us.
*When winter makes us reminisce of warmer days so distant now, of cherished saints the sun once kissed whose beauty passed behind the clouds. Let all our fond and longing tears remind us we are pilgrims here; we trust You, Sov'reign, of our years, and all of our tomorrows.
My mom died on New Years day in 2017. Six years seems like such a long time ago as so much has changed and transpired since then. We watched the video that was put together for her memorial . We cried missing her but then smiled as we remembered all the good and wonderful moments that we all shared through the years. We know that we will see her again but until that day. . . . .
*Hands to the plow, we're pressing on, and running hard to win the prize. Empowered by the love of God with grace before and grace behind. For lo, what hope before us stands: You finish all that You began, eternal joy is in Your hands, and all of our tomorrows.
So, the year 2026 will also be a good year. I'm old enough to understand that there will be challenges but also have experienced enough to know that He is faithful to carry us through. He has done it before and has promised to do it again.
"The Lord is my chosen portion and my cup; you hold my lot. The lines have fallen for me in pleasant places; indeed, I have a beautiful inheritance . Therefore my heart is glad, and my whole being rejoices; my flesh also dwells secure. For you will not abandon my soul to Sheol, or let your holy one see corruption. You make known to me the path of life; in Your presence there is fullness of joy; at your right hand are pleasures forevermore.
~ Psalm 16:5-6; 9-11
Blessings to all of you!
*Sovereign Grace Worship found in the Sing Hymnal
Lovely 🥰
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