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

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

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 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

I am thankful for the failure because it taught me some hard-to-learn lessons. Because of that failure, I can learn from my mistakes and hopefully not make them again.

February 9, 2026 Jason Bonnicksen THE BLESSING OF EVERY PASSING DAY 365 DAYS OF THANKSLIVING — DAY 71 While munching on chips and salsa at our favorite Tex-Mex joint, my iPhone alerted me to a new text. It was my brother, sending a quippy little message with an attachment. I couldn’t resist and had to open the PDF immediately; the document revealed a screenshot of an old newspaper clipping dated August 18, 1971. LOCAL NEWS , the header from the Blooming Prairie Times read. “

I’m thankful for for the privilege of opening God's Word, and the grounding reality of mundane chores that keep me humble.

No matter the learning curve, press into it. For when you do, it’ll someday yield fruit and pay off. Today, I’m thanking God for days like today, where I’m reminded that all good things come with trial and error, failure, and a learning curve.

I’m thankful for the organizers of the Milan-Cortina opening ceremonies. They are reminding us of that high ideal the Lord would have us strive toward: holding onto one another in the light, rather than fighting in the dark.

Jessica nodded her head, and from there somehow the conversation morphed into what running water is good for… especially all those unspoken bathroom-like things.

Jesus was speaking of seeking God, but can’t His words be expanded to include the very act of authentic inquisitiveness itself?

February 2, 2026 Jason Bonnicksen OLD-TIME WORK ETHIC 365 DAYS OF THANKSLIVING — DAY 64 Tonight was one of those evenings where the errand list felt a mile long. Somewhere between the stops, we realized we needed to refuel, so we ducked into a family-run restaurant for supper. While the food was good, it was the atmosphere that really stopped me in my tracks. I sat there watching the employees work, and I have to tell you, it was a breath of fresh air. If you go out to eat la