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

... there’s something special about catching up with friends you haven't talked with for a while—especially those who make their life serving Christ.

Forty years ago, the vast majority of us had no concept of "the grid." It was something relegated to the military or government; the notion of such things lived only in the minds of futurists and sci-fi writers. But now, four decades later, the grid is ubiquitous, and it seems there’s hardly an escape.

God’s ways are higher than our ways, and His thoughts are higher than our thoughts. It’s okay that I don’t understand everything, even in the creation account. For who am I to say to God, “That’s illogical, Captain”?

I’m so thankful for these brothers God’s put around me—reminding me I don’t have to walk this road solo. Thank you, Lord, for their friendship, their faith, and the holy laughter that fills the room.

There are times when peace and quiet is just what the doctor ordered. I love blasting my favorite songs, but there are these golden moments—when I’m home alone, my wife’s out with her friends, the dogs are sleeping, and the TV’s off—where peace in the quiet settles everything down. It’s good for the heart.