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.

It’s easier to act like the law and be the judge with those we disagree; but the ways of Christ begin with grace, mercy and love. The Apostle John wrote, “For from his fullness we have all received, grace upon grace. For the law was given through Moses; grace and truth came through Jesus Christ. No one has ever seen God; the only God, who is at the Father’s side, he has made him known” (John 1:16–18, ESV).

Both Max and my daughter Hallie are thirsty for more God in their lives. I think that’s why I enjoy my God talks with them so much. I admire them both, they’re disciples of Christ who just want to know more, and to live their lives with purpose, and for that purpose to impact others

Despite the confusing times we’re in, and the cooling of love within our nation, I remain hopeful and thankful to the Lord. And this is why: in the end, God’s light, love and presence wins!

I thank God for the dreamers and futurists who think of such fantastical things that most our imaginations cannot conceive. And why do they conceive them, perhaps it’s because God is the one who first gave them their dreams? For them, I thank our Lord, not only for their dreams, but for helping us all dream and think... “What if?”

Rabbi Schranz was a godly man, a member of the crew helping us all live the greatest adventure of a lifetime, all along not forgetting our God.

As I backed out of Elaine’s driveway, I felt elated for the day of visits I’d had – a day of thanksgiving with four members of the Silent Generation. All are wise for their years, and none are afraid. All realize that what’s happening now has happened before, and humanity will go on. What’s required of us is gratitude, prayer, and faith.

January 13, 2026 Jason Bonnicksen HOLY COW GOOD 365 DAYS OF THANKSLIVING — DAY 2 So, if you haven’t read last night’s blog, start there, then come back; (and please do); because by the time you’re done reading this, your saliva glands are gonna have ya drooling. As you know, I’d made some shredded beef yesterday from a couple beef soup bones. In all truthfulness, I’d taken out two packages of beef, thinking both were soup bones (because I hadn’t read both the labels properly)

My grandma B, God rest her soul, she was something special. (Aren’t all grandmas though?) Grandma Claire was a grandma’s grandma, the old-fashioned kind of grandma that made everything in the kitchen from scratch. No box recipes, no store-bought mixes, everything was 100% from scratch.

Today I was privileged to officiate the baptism of a two-month-old boy. What joy! I’m always delighted to watch how God works in the lives of my congregation, especially in the young. But what I’m truly thankful for is seeing another young family choose to consecrate their child unto the Lord.

January 10, 2026 Jason Bonnicksen MY BIG BOOKIE BOY 365 DAYS OF THANKSLIVING — DAY 41 Saturdays are meant for sleeping, even if just a little bit. Today was no exception— of course that’s just my opinion. That said, my boxer bunch boys don’t share my opinion, especially our oldest, Arlo. Arlo is my boy. He was the first puppy we ever adopted from practically the day he was born. No kidding, we adopted Arlo when he was just three days old. We saw his little picture, and our gi

Did you know that one of the most requested items by the homeless, of all things, is socks? Yup, it’s true. We recently did a sock drive at our church. I don’t know how many we collected, but it was a lot. I’m sure they’re being put to good use....

I’d just turned on my PC at the office and set my phone down when the KakaoTalk app on my phone chirped. Ahh, it’s Emmie, I thought. I didn’t hesitate; I opened the app to see what all the hubbub was about.

January 7, 2026 Jason Bonnicksen PRAYING IN THE GRAY 365 DAYS OF THANKSLIVING — DAY 38 Do any of you old-timers remember the “acme” style grocery stores made famous in the 70’s & 80’s, like where every product in the store was generic? The labels and packaging were all black and white, or yellow (I think). Perhaps I might be wrong, but I think Cub Foods started out this way. (And maybe, there was a food store called “Apple Foods” as well. I could be wrong). Anyway… In the wak