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 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:
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
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
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