Faith's Warmth on a Bitterly Cold Day

 
Monday, January 7, 1956

Dear Diary,

This morning felt even colder than yesterday, if that’s possible. The radio said it feels like ten below zero with the wind chill. The frost on the windows was so thick it looked like lace curtains. Sister and I bundled up in all the warm clothes we could find and braved the icy air to take care of the chickens. The water pans were frozen solid, so we emptied them and added fresh water and feed. The brown hen looked so cold sitting in her nest that I decided to bring her inside with us for the day—and maybe even the night if this cold keeps up.

It was much too dangerous to walk to church, so Sister stayed home with me and read aloud from the meditation for today. She explained how Pope Leo the Great talked about the wise men—the Magi—being the first of the Gentiles to recognize Jesus as the Savior. They followed the star with faith and hope, bringing gifts of gold, frankincense, and myrrh to honor Him. Sister said that this shows us how important it is to celebrate the call to true faith and live it out in everything we do. Pope Leo said the Epiphany is a celebration of “our blessed hope and exaltation,” and Sister explained that this hope comes from knowing that Jesus came for all of us, and His light guides us even in the darkest times.

I thought about how joyful the Magi must have felt when they finally saw Jesus. Their faith and trust in following the star led them to Him, just like our faith leads us to Him every day. Even on a cold and bitter day like this, thinking about that hope warmed my heart.

The brown hen seems quite content inside with us. She’s found a cozy spot by the fire, and Mini keeps sniffing at her like they’re old friends. After lunch, Sister made her special hot cocoa. We sat by the fire, drinking it slowly, while the warmth filled the room and made the cold outside seem not quite so bad.

“Dear Jesus, thank You for the gift of faith that shines like the star that led the wise men to You. Thank You for the warmth of the fire, the roof over our heads, and the safety of staying home on such a cold day. Please protect everyone who has to face the bitter cold and keep them safe. Watch over the animals too, and help us to always follow Your light with hope and joy. Amen.”

Sister’s Hot Cocoa Recipe

• 2 cups of whole milk

• 2 tablespoons of unsweetened cocoa powder

• 2 tablespoons of sugar (or more if you like it sweeter)

• A tiny pinch of salt

• ¼ teaspoon of vanilla extract


1. Heat the milk in a small saucepan over medium heat until it’s warm but not boiling.

2. Whisk in the cocoa powder, sugar, and salt until everything is well combined and smooth.

3. Continue heating, stirring constantly, until it’s hot but not boiling.

4. Remove from the heat and stir in the vanilla extract.

5. Pour into mugs and serve with marshmallows or whipped cream if you have them.

Goodnight, dear diary. I hope tomorrow is a little warmer.

Love,

Kathy

Following the Light of Faith

January 6th, 1956 - Feast of the Epiphany

Dear Diary,

This morning, I was especially glad Sister Mary Clare and I went to evening Mass yesterday. The thermometer outside reads 6 degrees, and the frost on the windows makes the farm look like it’s wearing a lace veil. Mini and I bundled up for a short walk before chores, though I think she enjoyed it far more than I did, with her little bottom wagging the whole time.

The chicken house was bitterly cold, but I managed to thaw the pans of ice and give the girls fresh water and feed. I thought about bringing Brown Hen inside to warm up, but she seemed quite content in her nest. I decided it was best to leave her be.

Once the chores were done, Sister and I sat by the woodstove and read from our meditation book about the Feast of the Epiphany. Sister explained that this feast celebrates the great blessing of faith, as the Magi recognized Jesus as the Savior of the world and offered Him their gifts of gold, frankincense, and myrrh. Their journey, guided by the light of the star, symbolizes how faith leads us to truth and illuminates the darkness.

Sister said something that really stayed with me: the faith of the Magi wasn’t just about seeing the star—it was about following it, trusting it, and letting it lead them to Jesus. She reminded me how this faith isn’t just a gift but also a responsibility. We must live it out through our actions, showing love, patience, and humility in all we do. Sister said that Pope Leo the Great once called this feast a celebration of hope and the dawning of salvation.

For lunch, Sister made the most wonderful egg drop soup. She even added some leftover white rice from the Chinese restaurant we went to last week. With a slice of warm, homemade white bread, it was just perfect for such a cold day.

Simple Egg Drop Soup Recipe

1. Heat 4 cups of chicken broth until simmering.

2. Add a pinch of salt and a splash of soy sauce for flavor.

3. In a small bowl, whisk together 2 eggs.

4. Slowly drizzle the eggs into the simmering broth while stirring gently with a fork to create ribbons.

5. Add chopped green onions or a bit of leftover rice for extra heartiness, if you like.

Before bedtime, Sister and I knelt by the fireplace with Mini curled up at my feet.

Evening Prayer:

“O Jesus, true Light of the world, I thank You for the gift of faith that brought me to You. May my heart be as open and generous as the Magi’s, offering all that I have for Your glory. Guide my steps, Lord, so that I may always follow the light of Your truth, and let my life reflect the hope and joy of Your salvation. Amen.”

Goodnight, dear diary. May the light of the Epiphany guide us always.

Love,

Kathy

The Lesson of Jesus' Poverty

January 4th, 1956

Dear Diary

This morning, Sister and I walked to church early, bundled up against the cold. The sanctuary was already warm when we arrived, thanks to Father’s Ashley stove. Still, I added a log to the fire to make sure it would stay warm through Mass. There’s something comforting about the steady crackle of the stove in the quiet church.

We brought our meditation book and read from it before Mass began. Today’s meditation was about the poverty of Jesus in the crib. It said that Jesus, even though He is the King of Heaven, chose to be born with nothing—to teach us what really matters. Sister explained it more to me on the way home. She said that Jesus’ poverty shows us that love, not riches, is the greatest treasure. She reminded me that Jesus didn’t even have a warm fire or a bed when He was born, yet He came to bring us the gift of heaven.

When we got home, Mini was still hiding under the bed, not wanting to face the cold. I had to grab her squeaky ball to coax her out, and once she was up, we went outside to do the chicken chores. Mini stayed close by, wagging her bottom and sniffing around, while I gathered eggs and put fresh straw in the nests. The hens didn’t seem happy about the cold, but they’ll be fine now that the coop is warm and cozy.

We thought about driving into town later, but the bitter cold made us decide to stay home. Instead, we spent the afternoon by the fire. I kept thinking about how Jesus chose to live so simply and how His life teaches us to love God more than anything else.

Before bed, Sister and I prayed together:

“Dear Jesus, thank You for Your holy poverty and for teaching us to love You above all things. Help us to trust in Your heavenly riches and live with hearts that are free and full of love. Guide us always toward heaven, our true home.”

Mini curled up on my lap during our prayer, her warmth making me feel so thankful for the simple blessings of this day.

Goodnight, Diary.

Kathy

A Freezing Morning and Mary's Treasures

 
January 4, 1956

Dear Diary, 

 

This morning was freezing—14 degrees, but the windchill made it feel like just 2! Sister Mary Claire and I bundled up and made it to church early to help Father stoke the big Ashley stove and read our daily meditation together. It was about Mary at the Crib of Her Divine Child. The words painted such a beautiful picture of Mary holding baby Jesus, full of love and wonder, pondering the mysteries of His birth in her heart.

On the way home, Sister explained it to me. She said Mary treasured those moments, keeping them close, and we should do the same with the blessings and mysteries God gives us. I thought about that all the way back.

As soon as we got home, I ran out to the chicken house to gather eggs. The cold had already claimed one egg, and it was cracked, but I figured I could still save it for my breakfast. I scattered fresh straw for the hens, poured fresh water into their pan, and gave them some extra laying mash. The wind was biting and I decided I had better gather eggs again at noon.

Back inside, Sister cooked oatmeal while I warmed up by the fire. I kept thinking about the meditation and made a resolution to imitate the virtues of Jesus’ Holy Childhood—His humility, silence, and recollection. I want to try to carry that with me, even in the smallest things, like caring for the chickens or helping Sister with chores.


Prayer for tonight:

“O Jesus, living in Mary, help me to be humble and gentle like You and to treasure the blessings You’ve given me, no matter how small.”
 

Goodnight, Dear Diary.

With love,

Kathy

Perfect Creamy Oatmeal Recipe

Ingredients:

• 1 cup old-fashioned rolled oats (Sister uses Bob's Red Mill oats and brown sugar.)

• 2 cups cold water (or milk for creamier oatmeal)

• 1/4 teaspoon salt

• Optional toppings: brown sugar, honey, maple syrup, a splash of cream or a pat of butter.

Instructions:

1. Start with Cold Water:

In a medium saucepan, combine the rolled oats, cold water (or milk), and salt. Starting with cold water allows the oats to gradually absorb the liquid, creating a creamier texture.

2. Bring to a Gentle Simmer:

Turn the heat to medium and gently stir the oats occasionally to prevent sticking. As the liquid heats up, you’ll notice the oats beginning to thicken.

3. Simmer Slowly:

Once the oatmeal starts to bubble, reduce the heat to low. Let it simmer for about 5-7 minutes, stirring frequently. Stirring helps release the starches, making the oatmeal creamy.

4. Customize Consistency:

If you prefer thicker oatmeal, let it cook longer while stirring. For a looser consistency, add a splash of hot water or milk.

5. Rest Before Serving:

Remove the saucepan from the heat and let the oatmeal sit for 1-2 minutes. This allows the oats to fully absorb the liquid and become even creamier.

6. Add Toppings as mentioned above and peace be with you!

A Day of Meditation and Love

January 2, 1956

Dear Diary,

This morning, Sister Mary Claire and I went to Mass early, and it was just the quietest, most peaceful time. The church felt like a sacred place where I could really focus and pray. After Mass, we sat together for a while, and Sister pulled out the Meditation on the Holy Name of Jesus. We both read through it slowly, reflecting on each word.

The meditation spoke about how everything we do, no matter how small, should be done in the name of Jesus. “All for Jesus,” Sister said softly, explaining how St. Paul urges us to live with that intention. He said, “All whatsoever you do, in work or in word, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus.” It makes me think that even the little things—like getting up in the morning, or taking care of my chores—can be a way to love Him.

As we walked home, Sister explained more about the meditation. She told me that in all things, we should strive to keep Jesus at the center of our hearts and lives. Every act of love, every effort, should be made for His honor. She smiled and reminded me to look up at the tree topper when we got home. Sure enough, it said, “All for Jesus,” which made me smile and feel a warmth in my heart.

At home, the cold weather called for something comforting, so Sister and I decided to bake oatmeal cookies. We used Bob’s Red Mill oatmeal and brown sugar, and it was the perfect treat for the morning. Here’s the recipe we used:

Simple Oatmeal Cookies

• 1 cup of Bob’s Red Mill oatmeal

• 1 cup of brown sugar

• 1/2 cup of butter

• 2 eggs (I sacrificed two of my brown hen’s eggs, which I had been saving for breakfast, but they made the cookies even better!)

• 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract

• 1 cup of flour

• 1/2 teaspoon of baking soda

• A pinch of salt

We mixed it all up and baked them. The whole house smelled so good. These cookies were so delicious—just as good as Sister’s chocolate chip ones, maybe even better. Each bite felt like a little act of love, like offering something sweet in honor of Jesus, just as Sister said.

I feel like today’s lesson is one I’ll hold on to. Doing everything for Jesus, from the smallest task to the most important moments, is such a beautiful way to live.

For the evening, we prayed:

Jesus, we offer You this day and everything we do. May our hearts and actions always be in Your name. Amen.

Goodnight, dear Diary.

—Kathy

A New Year of Love and Sacrifice

New Year's Day, 1956

Dear Diary,

This morning began early as Sister Mary Claire and I walked to Holy Mass together at St. Mary’s. The chill in the air didn’t bother us much because the sunrise painted the sky in soft, warm colors, and it felt like a gift from God to begin the year. After Mass, we stayed a little longer to light candles and pray. Sister brought along her meditation book, and as we walked home, she explained today’s meditation about the Circumcision of Our Lord.

She told me how Jesus, even as a tiny baby, shed His Precious Blood to begin His work of redeeming the world. She said this first moment of suffering showed His deep love for us, a love that would lead Him all the way to Calvary. Sister said that we should think of His humility and obedience today—how He submitted to the law not because He had to, but because He wanted to teach us to follow God’s will with love and trust. She reminded me that even small sacrifices, if done with love, bring us closer to Jesus.

She asked me what parts of my heart I might need to change or offer to God, just like the meditation mentioned. I thought about how I sometimes act impatient or proud and decided to pray that Jesus would help me cut those things away, like a “spiritual circumcision,” as Sister called it.

Later in the day, Sister surprised me by taking me into Des Moines for a special New Year’s lunch. We went to a Chinese restaurant—my first time! The food was delicious, and I especially loved the white rice. I asked for a little extra to take home because I was already dreaming of mixing it with honey and cream later. It’s one of my favorite treats. Mini stayed home because Sister thought she wouldn’t be allowed in the restaurant, but when we got back, she was very content in her little spot under the bed, wagging her stubby bottom to greet us.

Tonight, the house is quiet except for the sound of Mini’s soft snores. I’ve been thinking about the meditation and how I want this year to be a year of love and sacrifice, just like Sister said.

Evening Prayer:

Dear Jesus, thank You for the gift of this New Year. Thank You for shedding Your Precious Blood even as a child, all out of love for us. Please help me to love You more every day. Take away the parts of me that don’t please You—my impatience, my pride, and my selfishness—and fill my heart with humility and generosity. I want to offer You all my little sacrifices this year, especially the ones that are hard for me, so that I can grow closer to You. May Your holy name be my strength and my hope. Amen.

New Year’s Resolution: This year, I will try to be more humble and obedient, like Jesus was, and to offer even the smallest sacrifices with a cheerful heart.

Kathy's Simple Honeyed Rice with Cream

Tonight, I made my favorite treat with the extra rice I brought home. Here’s how I made it:
 

Ingredients:

1 cup cooked white rice (still warm works best)
1–2 tablespoons honey (to taste)
2–3 tablespoons whipping cream (or whole milk, if you prefer)
Optional: A pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg for extra warmth.

Instructions:

Place the warm cooked rice in a bowl.
Drizzle the honey over the rice and stir gently to mix.
Pour the whipping cream over the rice and stir until it’s combined.
Sprinkle a little cinnamon or nutmeg on top if you'd like.
Enjoy it warm, as a cozy treat to end the day!

It’s sweet, simple, and makes me feel like I’m wrapping myself in a warm hug. I think Jesus would love how even little things like this can bring us joy.

Goodnight, dear diary. Here’s to a new year of growing in love and faith.
Kathy