There’s a specific kind of gratitude that hits you when you’re three bites into a perfect piece of fried steak. It’s the realization that while we spend so much time trying to "optimize" our lives, sometimes God just wants us to enjoy a good meal and the simple comfort of home.

One shoe. She was eternally grateful for half a pair. Meanwhile, I’m standing in my closet having an existential crisis...

That’s when it finally hit me: the effects of daylight savings time were working in our favor...

When I pray the Lord’s Prayer, I often think of this home as part of my daily bread. Sure, our daily bread is the food God gives; but doesn’t the provision include our home?

Sometimes God’s Word smacks us upside the head like a two-ton truck, and other times, He speaks with a still, small voice.

March 5, 2026 Jason Bonnicksen CARDS, CALLS, AND CONNECTIONS 365 DAYS OF THANKSLIVING — DAY 95 They say you can’t teach an old dog new tricks, but at 57, I think I’ve finally mastered the best trick of all: the art of the chill. Today wasn’t about hustle or high-octane celebrations. It was about the three C’s that keep this pastor’s heart full: Cards, Calls, and Connections. From the ping of a Facebook notification, to the handwritten ink on a card, and the sound of a familia

Their little birthday gifts might have seemed small to them, but they’re huge to me. I thank God for...

Well, seeing as I’m turning 57 in two days, I figured, “Happy birthday to me!” Zip went the credit card, and presto, I was the new owner of ...

March 2, 2026 Jason Bonnicksen THE GRACE OF DIALOGUE 365 DAYS OF THANKSLIVING — DAY 92 You’ve all been following my blog for some time, knowing that, with the exception of my nightly posts, I’m rarely on Facebook these days. Too much drama, ya know? But in a moment of weakness, I clicked that blue icon and got caught up in an acquaintance’s post. Say it ain’t so, but it was a doozy! My friend wrote a highly charged discourse that delineated two diametrically opposed “visions

March 1, 2026 Jason Bonnicksen THE SAUCY SERENDIPITY OF DAY 91 365 DAYS OF THANKSLIVING — DAY 91 Friends, guess what? We officially hit Day 91. Yep, do the math—we are exactly one-quarter of the way through this whole "365 Days of Thanksliving" gig. Honestly, looking back over the last three months, I’ve figured something out: when you actually bother to intentionally look for things to be thankful for, they have a funny way of showing up absolutely everywhere. Take today, f

February 28, 2026 Jason Bonnicksen THE WEIGHT OF TODAY 365 DAYS OF THANKSLIVING — DAY 90 Do you ever have those days when you just don’t feel like yourself? Today, I’ve been far more somber than my usual, jovial self. I don’t remember waking up feeling the way I do right now; today—I suppose like most days—has been an evolution to get to this point.Something hit me deep inside today, causing me to be much more reflective, quiet, and uncharacteristically serious. I thin

Jesus said that there is no greater love than to lay down one’s life for their friends. I have never been convinced otherwise; everyone I know who’s ever served gladly would do that very thing for their buddy in the bunker next to them, or for the innocent down the street. Christ’s highest ideal runs through the veins of every servicemember, and for that ideal, I thank the Lord.

February 26, 2026 Jason Bonnicksen AN 8000K SMILE 365 DAYS OF THANKSLIVING — DAY 2 This morning, I had the pleasure of visiting with two treasured friends. Both are in their mid-90s, and just months apart. While their physical bodies aren’t as strong as they used to be, their minds are as sharp as tacks (which makes our conversations hugely interesting). I didn’t plan to surprise either of them today, but unbeknownst to me, my doing so was a big hit. Come along with me

I mean, we weren’t exactly plunged into the Dark Ages, or even back to 1987. But tech-wise? It definitely felt like 1997 all over again. Cue the screeching dial-up modem sounds.

I stood there watching this creature—who was a tripping hazard twelve hours ago—scramble across the floor with pure, unadulterated joy, and I couldn't help but laugh.

Throughout the day, I reflected on how easy it is to take for granted life’s non-events. But then, when I considered the Nor’easter that nailed the upper East Coast this morning, anybody can be one hour or heartbeat away from life flipping on a dime. There but for the grace of God go I, right?

Thank you, Heavenly Father, for filling my cup this afternoon. Like me, may others find the rest and renewal they need in Your Word.

February 21, 2026 Jason Bonnicksen MODERN TECH 365 DAYS OF THANKSLIVING — DAY 83 Let me tell you something about being a bona fide child of the 70s and 80s—a proud Gen-X’er. We grew up in a world where if you wanted to talk to a friend, you stretched the curly yellow phone cord across the kitchen, hoping your brother or sister wasn't listening in from the other room. We survived on hair metal, punk rock, and the pure, unadulterated cinematic genius of movies like Better Off D

February 20, 2026 Jason Bonnicksen FRIDAY NIGHT DATE NIGHT 365 DAYS OF THANKSLIVING — DAY 82 It’s been a hot minute since my wife and I went out for “Friday night date night.” Two weeks ago, the opening ceremony for the 2026 Winter Olympics was being televised, and we didn’t want to miss that. Then last week, the men’s free skate was on, and well… “the quad god” was competing. I’d have gotten a massive eye roll if I suggested we skip that. But tonight, there were no events co

February 19, 2026 Jason Bonnicksen THE GOSPEL OF CHOCOLATE 365 DAYS OF THANKSLIVING — DAY 81 WARNING! This post is not diet-friendly. It’s not carnivore-friendly. It’s not keto-friendly. It might not even be vegan-friendly. But you know what it is friendly for? Anxiety and stress. Howdy, everyone! Your favorite fat and sassy pastor here, coming to you with a stress-free, anxiety-free entry for Day 81 of our 365 Days of Thanksliving journey. Let me set the stage for you. My d