Hope you are staying warm on this first weekend of January 2025. The Dahlen household has been staying inside dealing with Covid since December 26 for me and New Year's Day for Joel . We haven't seen too much of nature inside our four walls, but we were blessed to observe a young buck in the neighbor's yard and see a few squirrels running around..... but the bitter cold has most everyone and all animals staying tucked inside their winter homes.
Speaking of homes, we had had a wonderful Christmas at our son's and were able to spend time with the three grandchildren. On Monday night Matt took us shopping at the Boot Barn and bought his dad a new cowboy hat and cowboy boots for Christmas. What a wonderful gift and surprise! Tuesday afternoon we went to Lutheran Church of Hope and attended one of their 11 Christmas services. Over 33,000 people attended in person at West Des Moines. We watch them every Saturday night so it was great fun to be there worshiping. Christmas Eve was quiet with a nice meal prepared by Matt. Christmas morning we open gifts at 8:00 and the girls left to be with their mom. Matt fixed Grant, Joel and me a ham dinner and by 3:00 we were on the road because our plan was to get rested before going to Mayo Ophthalmology appointments on Friday the 27th. Life had other plans and by the 26th I was very sick so we ended up having to cancel my appointments which was such a disappointment. I had to reschedule my appointments and they're way to the end of March which doesn't say much for helping my vision. The Covid Crud had us spending a lot of time sleeping...between 2-5 naps a day. . The body needs what the body needs.
It has been difficult to accept I could not get to the glaucoma specialist. It is been difficult to accept we were sick with covid. It has been difficult to accept that we've had insurance issues. It has been difficult to start 2025 with more challenges and no answers regarding health. I have struggled with finding much to be grateful for I confess, and yet I know deep in my heart there is much to be grateful for.
So let me begin...
No one can take away the good time we had with our son and his children. No one can take away the worship experience we had at Lutheran Church of Hope. Nothing can take away the connection and bond that Joel and I are blessed to have in our 56th year of marriage. No one can take away the miracles that have occurred in our lives in the past and the ones we hope for for the future. Nothing can get in the way and by nothing I mean Satan because he is the enemy that has come to kill steal and destroy. As my energy slowly returns so does my desire to give thanks no matter what the circumstances. I don't give thanks for the circumstances I give thanks in the circumstances because we know who wins the war. Jesus. I am giving thanks for the reminders of how blessed we are . Giving thanks for people in our lives like Kendra who fights such a difficult battle but does it so well . Giving thanks in our life for people like the family member who had a 1% chance to live and now is discharged from the hospital and in a rehab center with more miracles than we can count ! Giving thanks for people who encourage who stand firm who rejoice who are richly blessed and who serve God Faithfully like Mary Lou and Keith and Jane . The list goes on and on of people and places and memories and blessings . We pray that your 2025 is filled joy we give thanks that we are still here to lift ourv voices and to lift our hearts in 2025.
And more....I am so grateful that we did not have severe cases of covid even though it feels like it's dragging on and on it is not settled in our lungs and we are doing okay. Grateful that homemade soup is helping, grateful for homeopathic remedies for over the counter medications for the power of Prayer. Grateful for all the sleep we've accumulated! A good way to heal. Grateful for family who have reached out to us during this covid battle. Grateful for Herbal cough drops grateful for white grape juice when water tastes bitter. Grateful for recliners and sofas that make our lives comfortable. Grateful for baggy clothes and comfortable bathrobes. Grateful for a warm house and a fireplace. Grateful for distracting TV or music. Grateful for audio books. Grateful for each other. Grateful, oh so very grateful that this too shall pass!
Enjoy your weekend and give thanks to God above for 2025!
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