February 18, 2026 Jason Bonnicksen DUST, DOOM, AND GOOD NEWS 365 DAYS OF THANKSLIVING — DAY 80 Well, it’s Ash Wednesday, February 18th, 2026. I was supposed to be preaching live right about now. Instead, I’m now sitting comfortable on my couch. Mother Nature decided we needed a bona fide blizzard today—whiteout conditions, couldn't even see across the road this morning. I sure didn't see that in the forecast last night. So, services got cancelled, and I'm here typing this ou

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

... 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.

So even though last night was a restless one, today I’m choosing to be grateful—for all those ordinary nights where my head hit the pillow and I woke up ready to go.

Heavenly Father, thank you for the remarkably rich history found within the Lutheran Book of Worship. May we never forget the men and women who lifted their hands in praise and recorded their songs, so we, too, may worship you.

I’m thanking the Lord for the push to rest from the unrest. Social media has its place, but I’m hoping it becomes less and less.

January 24, 2026 Jason Bonnicksen FREEWILL 365 DAYS OF THANKSLIVING — DAY 55 When my frontal-lobe started to mature, I chose to begin focusing on my education again. We were on our final leg in the Navy with plans to leave active duty at the end of my tour. Married with a little baby, I needed more certainty about my future. Both Cities Colleges of Chicago and Troy State University offered classes on the base. Troy State offered a more comprehensive catalog; but Cities Colleg

I know this is gonna sound nuts, but I’m kinda thankful for the cold, even this frigid cold. Here’s why...

I saw that reel and laughed so hard. Rewind. Replay. Repeat. Whoever that teenage boy is, hats-off to him. He was having fun and brought everybody along. His was a moment of pure joy, and through his cowbell playing, I’m sure elevated everyone in attendance that night.