Hey there, dear one,

I was sitting at my kitchen table this morning with my Bible open and my coffee going lukewarm — the way it always seems to when the Lord settles my heart and slows me down. And wouldn’t you know it, I started thinking about you.

Can you believe we only met six months ago?
It feels like longer somehow… the way a good friendship does. The kind where the conversations pick up right where you left them, even if life has been busy in between.

As the year winds down, I’ve been doing a little looking back — not with regret, but with a quiet kind of gratitude. The Lord walked us through things we didn’t expect this year, didn’t He? Some joys, some sorrows, some surprises tucked into ordinary days. And through every bit of it, His faithfulness showed up right on time.

I keep returning to this verse in Lamentations:

New every morning.
Not once a year.
Not just when we’ve done everything right.
Every single morning — even the ones we crawl into sideways.

If this year has felt long to you, or tender in places, or just plain uncertain… you’re not alone. The Lord has carried you farther than you think. And He’s already holding the year ahead.

May the Lord meet you with fresh mercy this week.
May He give you rest in the places you’ve been holding too tight.
And may you feel His nearness — in the quiet, in the joy, in the in-between.

Merry Christmas and a blessed New Year to you, sweet friend.
Until next time,
​Glory

Note from Melissa Alyse:

Hey there,

If your new here, Glory shares her heart with us each month. And if you enjoyed this email you’ll love A Place to Belong, book 1 in the Willow Creek Series.

Before I sign off for a little Christmas rest, I just wanted to say how grateful I am for you — for the way you show up here, for the prayers you whisper, and for the hope you carry for these grace-soaked stories. You’ve helped these Willow Creek stories shine brighter than you know, and I’m so thankful for you.

What an incredible year 2025 has been! I hope you have a wonderful Christmas and New Year’s too. Y’all know I’m a big believer in the power of prayer: If you are a prayer warrior and would like to join our prayer team. Just say yes in the poll below and we’ll get you added. 🤗❤️

I’ll see you back here after the New Year — and that very week, on January 4, 2026, When Grace Finds You (Book 4 in the Willow Creek Series!) releases. I can’t wait to share it with you.

Grace + hugs,
​Melissa Alyse