Years in Review




    I started a huge project a couple months ago—sorting through fifteen file boxes full of old personal letters dating back to the late 1970’s. 

    I spread the piles by years all across the floor. As I put them into binders,  I relived my past. 

    In Mom’s cabin loft, I found all the letters I’d written to her. I was amused by how optimistic I was even in the midst of going broke in my early twenties.

    As I reached 2010, one thing was glaringly obvious—letter writing had become more rare. 

    But if you get any personal letters—I promise, they are worth saving. They are worth writing too.

    As we begin a new year, may you look forward to what’s ahead, but also have time to review how far you’ve come. 

    We’re on a journey, and it’s one that I’m thankful to share with you. 

    As I close Friday Tidings for the year, I’ll leave you with a prayer I wrote on New Years Eve 1978:

    Dear Lord,  I sure needed your help this year. I’ll need it again next year. Thanks for being with me, even when I’m not always here for you. I don’t know what this new year will bring, but You do, so help me find my way.

    May 2025 bring you a wealth of wonderful stories to live and to share.

        Give

        Subscribe to the Daybreak Devotions for Women

        Be inspired by God's Word every day! Delivered to your inbox.


        More from Karen Farris

        • featureImage

          Chaos versus Peace

          While on school playground duty, I observed a new game: Chaos versus Peace. The first team to capture the top of the play structure wins. No pushing or shoving is allowed. Chaos relies on incessant noise to confuse Peace. Peace can only use their regular voices—no yelling. Chaos was clearly...

          1 min read
        • featureImage

          Father's Homecoming

          Late in my dad’s life, he shared the following homecoming story.He had been stationed at an Air Force base in Okinawa, Japan, and was finally returning home. Alongside him on the ship were his wife and their blond-haired toddler, who had been born overseas. Waiting among the throngs of people...

          2 min read
        • featureImage

          You Got This

          On one of my walks, I noticed a small sign that had blown to the side of the running trail.You Got ThisIt was clearly meant to encourage runners to keep going.But in that moment, it was exactly the message I needed—because my thoughts were racing in circles, and my worries...

          1 min read
        • featureImage

          If Only

          I arrived a bit early for my volunteer shift at my granddaughter’s school, so I took a few minutes to watch the senior class at the nearby high school practice for their graduation ceremony.Leaning against the chain-link fence was an older man, observing them with keen eyes.I commented, “I bet...

          2 min read
        • featureImage

          When Care is Your Calling

          Mel, offering nursing care with a heart of love.Sometimes, we meet amazing individuals like Mel on the toughest days.He says his passion is bringing comfort and care, and his life’s purpose is deeply rooted in nursing.Born in the Philippines, Mel worked tirelessly to earn his nursing degree.But with few opportunities...

          1 min read

        Editor's Picks

        avatar

        Karen Farris

        A Pacific Northwest born and bred woman of faith. Wife, mother, grandmother, hiker, writer, and blogger since 2011. Friday Tidings is a place to share stories of the journey through our time here.

        More from Karen Farris

        • featureImage

          Chaos versus Peace

          While on school playground duty, I observed a new game: Chaos versus Peace. The first team to capture the top of the play structure wins. No pushing or shoving is allowed. Chaos relies on incessant noise to confuse Peace. Peace can only use their regular voices—no yelling. Chaos was clearly...

          1 min read
        • featureImage

          Father's Homecoming

          Late in my dad’s life, he shared the following homecoming story.He had been stationed at an Air Force base in Okinawa, Japan, and was finally returning home. Alongside him on the ship were his wife and their blond-haired toddler, who had been born overseas. Waiting among the throngs of people...

          2 min read
        • featureImage

          You Got This

          On one of my walks, I noticed a small sign that had blown to the side of the running trail.You Got ThisIt was clearly meant to encourage runners to keep going.But in that moment, it was exactly the message I needed—because my thoughts were racing in circles, and my worries...

          1 min read
        • featureImage

          If Only

          I arrived a bit early for my volunteer shift at my granddaughter’s school, so I took a few minutes to watch the senior class at the nearby high school practice for their graduation ceremony.Leaning against the chain-link fence was an older man, observing them with keen eyes.I commented, “I bet...

          2 min read
        • featureImage

          When Care is Your Calling

          Mel, offering nursing care with a heart of love.Sometimes, we meet amazing individuals like Mel on the toughest days.He says his passion is bringing comfort and care, and his life’s purpose is deeply rooted in nursing.Born in the Philippines, Mel worked tirelessly to earn his nursing degree.But with few opportunities...

          1 min read