The clock’s hands tremble at midnight, as if they too feel the weight of time’s turning. One breath, one heartbeat— and the old year exhales its final sigh.
We stand at the threshold, feet on the worn floorboards of yesterday, eyes fixed on the bright doorway of tomorrow. The air hums with possibility— like unopened letters, like seeds sleeping beneath winter soil.
The New Year is not just a date, but a soft invitation: to forgive what hurt, to carry forward what healed, to dream without apology.
In its first quiet hours, the world feels tender, as though it knows we are fragile too. We promise ourselves new beginnings, but perhaps the truest promise is to keep showing up— even when the days are ordinary, even when the light is slow to return.
So here’s to the year ahead: to the laughter that will surprise us, to the tears that will teach us, to the moments we will not see coming— and to the courage to meet them all.
May we step into this year not as who we were, but as who we are becoming.
(The above poem was written via AI.)
I have stated before that I am always hopeful for a new year. It’s like having the slate wiped clean and a fresh start to see if you can get this one right. Of course, it usually isn’t too long before I need forgiveness. I’m glad I never go into a new year alone. I know God is always with me. So, with Him, I can face whatever the new year holds for me. If you haven’t accepted Jesus Christ into your heart or asked for forgiveness for your sins, I hope you will. Then, you too can have peace as you enter a new year. “Happy New Year!”
Ah, New Year’s Eve — that magical night when we collectively decide that next year will be different… right after we finish this last plate of nachos and questionable champagne.
Let’s be real: NYE is less about “new beginnings” and more about “trying to stay awake until midnight without turning into a pumpkin.” Here’s the unfiltered truth about the night we all pretend to have under control.
1. The Outfit Illusion You start the night in a glittery outfit that screams, “I’m ready for 2026!” By 11:45 p.m., you’re barefoot, your hair looks like you’ve been in a wind tunnel, and you’re clutching a coat that isn’t even yours.
2. The Resolution Roulette Everyone’s making resolutions like they’re auditioning for a self-help book.
“I’m going to run a marathon!” (…to the fridge.)
“I’ll stop eating sugar!” (…after this cupcake.)
“I’ll be more organized!” (…once I find my phone.)
3. The Midnight Countdown Chaos The countdown is supposed to be magical, but somehow:
The TV is on a 7-second delay.
Someone’s yelling “Happy New Year!” at 11:59.
You’re still trying to figure out where your champagne glass went.
4. The Post-Midnight Mystery After the hugs, confetti, and awkward cheek kisses, there’s always that moment of “Now what?” Do we keep partying? Do we go home? Do we just… eat more cheese? (Spoiler: it’s always cheese.)
5. The Morning After You wake up on January 1st with glitter in places glitter should never be, a vague memory of singing loudly in public, and the comforting thought that you have 364 more days to get your life together.
✨ Final Thought: New Year’s Eve is like a sparkly, chaotic group project — no one really knows what’s going on, but somehow, we all pass. So here’s to another year of trying, laughing, and pretending we know the words to “Auld Lang Syne.”
The above words may certainly describe some of us. I think the last two years, I have been in bed by 10 PM only to be woken up at midnight by fireworks. “Happy New Year,” and then back to sleep.
Years ago, I gave up trying to make New Year’s resolutions. I usually broke them before January 1st was over anyway. Most people want to improve themselves. For me, that means learning to react to people with one of the Fruits of the Spirit. The one I need most often is “self-control.” But the truth is this: I can’t really make myself better without God’s help. I ask him to help me often. For where I am weak, He is strong. (2 Corinthians 12:9-10)
This practice can make any year happier, whether it’s new or not. Happy New Year, everyone!
(Portions of this blog post were generated via AI.)
The holidays are magical — twinkling lights, cozy cocoa, and… plotting your stealth mission to the returns counter. Because let’s face it, not every gift is a keeper.
1. The “Ohhh… Wow!” Face When you unwrap something that looks like it escaped from a yard sale in 1987, channel your inner Oscar-winning actor. Smile big, nod slowly, and say, “This is… so… unexpected!” Translation: Where’s the receipt?
2. The Receipt Hunt Gift receipts are mythical creatures. Without one, you’re stuck with store credit — which is how you end up owning a lifetime supply of “Cinnamon Moose” candles.
3. Re-Gift or Release Some gifts are too bizarre to keep but too guilt-inducing to toss. Solution? The Re-Gift Stash — a secret vault where questionable presents wait for their next unsuspecting victim.
4. Return Counter Survival Skills Post-Christmas returns are basically the Hunger Games with shopping carts. You’ll need speed, agility, and the ability to answer “Why are you returning this?” without blurting, “Because it’s ugly.”
5. The Gift’s True Destiny Returning isn’t ungrateful — it’s matchmaking. Somewhere out there, someone wants that neon sweater with the 3D reindeer nose. And bless their festive little heart.
The best gifts never get returned. They are the ones where the giver knows the person well. Knows what they like and knows what they have need of. The best gifts are held close to the heart.
That is why God gave us His only Son, Jesus. He knows us and knew our greatest need was a savior, not a financial wizard or an educator, or anything else, but someone who could pay the price for our sins. (John 3:16)
When one accepts God’s gift, opens it, if you will, and tries it on, there is no doubt that after feeling the release of bondage, will not want to return it. God’s gift also comes with an instruction book, called the Bible, and I strongly recommend reading it from cover to cover. (It would be interesting if IKEA came out with its own version of the Bible. It would have no words but pictures only.) Don’t be like a typical man and put God’s word in a drawer and think that you can have a relationship with God without reading it. Technically, you can, but if you want to enjoy your gift to the fullest extent, then you will want to read it.
“Thank you, God, for the greatest gift ever, and Happy belated Birthday, Jesus! Love you,”
When I was a child, as Christmas approached, I would get increasingly excited. I knew we celebrated the birth of Jesus Christ, but the gifts I received were usually awesome! When I became a father, my excitement grew even more. Not for me, though, but for my children. Why? Because I knew what was coming. I couldn’t wait to see the pure joy on their little faces as they unwrapped their gifts.
The world is facing some tough times. Honestly, without God, I don’t see how people are making it. Where do they find their hope? And where do they place their trust? Is there anything to look forward to? Anything to get excited about?
I have heard, firsthand, stories of individuals who do know God, smiling in the moments before they cross over into heaven. Some even see Jesus coming to welcome them home and to give them a personal escort. I heard of one such story last week. The daughter of the woman who passed said in the final moment her mother started smiling, and the siblings all said in agreement, “Mom, go on home. We will be okay.” And she did. I heard my uncle cried out, “I see him! I see him!” And then he closed his eyes, smiled, and went with Jesus. They got excited because they knew what was coming.
I have read the Bible and have heard countless sermons and teachings about what lies in store for the one who has accepted Jesus Christ. Who has asked for their sins to be forgiven and go on to walk with God. Heaven sounds pretty awesome! Especially when compared to the only other alternative, hell. Yes, times are difficult, but I put my trust and faith in the Lord, God Almighty. He has never let me down before, and I don’t think He will in the future. Personally, I’m not afraid to die. I know in my heart I am ready to stand before God and give an account for how I have lived my life. And honestly, I sometimes get excited about death because I know what is coming!
It’s the Christmas season. I hope there are gifts under your Christmas tree. I hope you have excitement in your heart, not just for the gifts, but for gathering with family and friends. But I hope more that you, too, know and have accepted Jesus into your life, and that is the true source of your excitement. If you have, then you, too, can get excited, foryou have the hope of what is coming!
1Therefore, since we are justified (acquitted, declared righteous, and given a right standing with God) through faith, let us [grasp the fact that we] have [the peace of reconciliation to hold and to enjoy] peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ (the Messiah, the Anointed One).2 Through Him also we have [our] access (entrance, introduction) by faith into this grace (state of God’s favor) in which we [firmly and safely] stand. And let us rejoice and exult in our hope of experiencing and enjoying the glory of God. Rom. 5:1-2 (AMPC)
I know I had it at the age of four. Logic and problem-solving skills, that is. One day, my older sister and I went Christmas shopping with my mother. At Promenade Mall, we saw at least four Santa Clauses. Of course, none of them looked the same, or like the typical image we think of, and one was even a different race than me. This didn’t sit well.
Then there were all the other problems with Santa. We didn’t have a fireplace in our home, and even if we did, wouldn’t it be too hot for him to come down? And how he allegedly traveled the whole world in one night. I didn’t think so. Not to mention the issue of carrying all those toys. It just didn’t make sense to me. One such movie addressed these issues, but it wasn’t around when I was four.
On the way home, the mystery of Santa Claus became clear. I was excited, so I blurted it out. My sister started crying and screaming, “No! No! It’s not true!” My mother almost wrecked the car trying to reach back and slap my legs out of anger. Then she yelled at me to shut my mouth and not say another word. It was a different time between parents and kids back then, so of course, I obeyed. The rest of the ride home was, can you say, “Awkward?”
After we got home, and my mother put things away, she entered my room. I knew she was still angry with me. She said, “You think you are so smart! If you want to ruin Christmas for yourself, then fine, but don’t you dare ruin it for any other child, including your sister!” (Notice I didn’t say what I figured out here, still keeping my promise to my mother some sixty years later!) I think she then went and told my sister I was wrong, and my sister continued to believe a few more years after that.
To this day, things still have to make sense to me before I can accept them. Having logic and problem-solving skills has served me well all these years. I thank God for those gifts. But one area of my life where I can’t always figure things out is with my faith. One thing hard to understand is how God’s love for us has no bounds. It never runs out, as if each person is allocated a certain amount. And then he gave us his only Son, knowing he would die a horrible, excruciating death on the cross that provides forgiveness for our sins. That blows my mind, and having a son, I’m not sure I could have done the same.
Of course, Jesus’ birth is the whole reason we have Christmas. Talk about divine moments, when the Holy Spirit moved upon Mary and she became pregnant with the Son of God. Wow! She must have felt so special, even though she didn’t understand it all, yet she believed. I’m sure she had more questions than answers. I know, at times, I do.
For instance, the way God does things and his timing. I would certainly like to have him help me figure out his timing. But as I have read his word, the Bible, I have come across scriptures that do help me, especially when things don’t make sense. Like, Isaiah 58:8-9:
“I don’t think the way you think. The way you work isn’t the way I work.” God’s Decree. “For as the sky soars high above earth, so the way I work surpasses the way you work, and the way I think is beyond the way you think.” (MSG)
The greatest gift one can receive in life is God’s Son, Jesus. Yes, it can be difficult to accept, but that is where God gave us another gift. “A measure of faith.” (Romans 12:3) One doesn’t have to try to problem-solve their relationship with God. And it doesn’t even have to be logical or make sense first before we accept him. All we have to do is believe. Our faith is something we should blurt out to everyone.
God is real. Heaven and hell are real. For that matter, so is the devil. Satan doesn’t want you to believe in God. He tries so hard to keep doubt in your mind. He is the one who proposes questions in your mind that can hinder you from believing and then accepting God into your life. So, knowing what is real, start there. And if you struggle a little, it’s okay. Ask God to help you believe and then grow in your relationship with God. I assure you, it’s the best gift you will ever unwrap in your life.
Growing up, my mother would always ask my sister and me what we wanted for Christmas. She usually popped the question around the end of September, kicking off the magic of the season. My sister would soon deliver to my mother a rather long list of items. I felt as though we were somewhat poor, and I would be embarrassed if I asked for too much or something too expensive. So, I would tell my mother I didn’t have anything to submit.
On Christmas Day, I would be amazed when I opened my gifts. It seemed they would turn out to be what I secretly wanted in my heart or something better that I didn’t even know I wanted. I often wondered, how in the world does Mom do this every year? How does she know?
It wasn’t until I was a father that I learned her secret. She listened and she paid attention to what caught my eye in a catalog (that’s a book that would arrive in the mail with cool items for Christmas) or on TV. She knew. I started using the same technique with my own children. I have always found a lot of joy in giving someone a gift they didn’t expect.
Through my many years of walking with God, I have realized how true it is when it is written in the Bible that our Heavenly Father likes to give good gifts. (Matt. 7:11) Yes, there are times I tell him what I need, but the best gifts from Him have been the ones that surprised me.
One Christmas season, I was alone in the house, and so I went snooping. There, on the other side of my parents’ bed, was a big box. I had become a pro at slicing tape with an X-Acto knife and then replacing it with tape of the same kind and length. Under the wrapping was a 13-inch black and white TV. I thought Oh, wow! My sister is going to love this! It was the early 70s, okay?
On Christmas morning, I sat there and watched my sister open gift after gift while all I had in my pile was a new pair of jeans and a shirt. I thought perhaps I hadn’t been as good a kid as I should have, so I was okay with the disproportion of the take.
After all of the gifts were opened, and we started cleaning up the mess, my mother told my father, “Oh. We forgot one. Why don’t you go get it from our bedroom.” He did and set it down in front of me. Of course, I recognized it. I blurted out, “This isn’t mine!” “How do you know?” questioned my mother. She had her suspicion that I snooped or peeked at the gifts, but she didn’t have enough evidence that would have put me away. I said, “Because it’s so big.” “It’s yours,” said Mom. “Open it.” So, I did, and of course, I had to put on an act showing my surprise that would have won me an Oscar.
Now the gift exchange was over, and we all took our presents to our bedrooms. I couldn’t wait to get the TV out and plug it in. A few minutes later, I heard a commotion in my sister’s room. She was crying. My mother heard it, too. She heard everything in the house. She went in to investigate, and my sister confessed that she wanted the TV and didn’t think it was fair that I got one. My mother pointed out everything that she had gotten, and that she shouldn’t be jealous.
I unplugged the TV and carried it into my sister’s room. She was so happy, but my mother became furious and very firmly instructed me to take it back. I felt bad for my sister, and I didn’t totally understand then why she was acting that way. I guess we both could have used a Dr. Phil episode on siblings, in black and white.
A few years ago, my wife and I were in desperate need of about $1000. We prayed and asked God to provide. I looked at our situation, and I could not figure out a way to get that kind of money quickly. While praying again, as if God didn’t hear me the first time, I got a sense in my spirit to log into my bank’s app and look at our account balance. I did, but I didn’t expect anything to have changed from the last time I had looked at it, ten minutes earlier, but there it was. $1063.00 had been deposited into our account by my retirement fund company. I called them up and they said there had been an audit of my pension, and it found I was owed that money. I cried as I told my story to the man on the phone.
God does hear us. He encourages us to ask for what we need even though He already knows. Why? Because it demonstrates that we have enough faith in him to ask. We may not know how He is going to do it or if He will do it, but we should ask anyway. And there are times God gives us gifts that we may not need, but He wants to bless us anyway. And it doesn’t matter if the gift is big or small. Also, we should never get jealous of a gift that God gives to someone else. These days, I’m happy and thankful every time I pull back into our garage safe and unharmed after being out. Now that’s a gift! So, go ahead and give God your list even though He knows.
When December rolls around, it’s easy to get swept up in the glittering lights, festive music, and the rush of holiday shopping. While these traditions bring joy and togetherness, the true meaning of Christmas runs much deeper—it’s about love, hope, and the gift of presence over presents.
At its heart, Christmas is a celebration of light breaking into darkness. For Christians, it marks the birth of Jesus Christ, a moment that symbolizes God’s love and the promise of redemption. But even beyond faith traditions, the season carries a universal message: kindness, generosity, and connection matter more than material things.
Christmas invites us to show love in tangible ways—through compassion, forgiveness, and time spent with those who matter most. It’s a reminder that relationships are the real treasures of life.
The story of Christmas is one of hope against all odds. Whether you’re facing personal challenges or global uncertainty, the season whispers that brighter days are ahead.
Gift-giving is beautiful when it reflects thoughtfulness rather than obligation. Sometimes the most meaningful gifts are not bought—they’re shared moments, heartfelt words, or acts of service.
Amid the noise, Christmas offers a chance to slow down, reflect on the year, and realign with what truly matters. It’s a season to let go of grudges and embrace peace.
The true meaning of Christmas isn’t meant to fade when the decorations come down. Carrying its spirit into everyday life—through kindness, gratitude, and empathy—can transform not just the season, but the entire year.
In the end, Christmas is less about what’s under the tree and more about who’s around it. It’s about hearts opening, hands giving, and hope shining brightly, and of course, God’s love in motion that forgives the sins of the world through Jesus.
(I have been experimenting with AI. A good portion of this blog post was written via AI.)
At first glance, Monopoly might seem like nothing more than a competitive scramble for cash, property, and power. But if we look closer, this classic board game can actually serve as a thought-provoking metaphor for biblical truths about life, stewardship, and eternity.
In Monopoly, no matter how many hotels you own or how much cash you’ve stacked, the game eventually ends. When it’s over, everything goes back in the box. The Bible reminds us of the same reality: “For we brought nothing into the world, and we can take nothing out of it” (1 Timothy 6:7). Our earthly possessions are temporary; what truly matters is how we use them for God’s purposes. And at the end of your life, you, too, will go into a box.
In the game, you never truly “own” the board — you’re just managing resources for a time. Likewise, scripture teaches that “The earth is the Lord’s, and everything in it” (Psalm 24:1). We are stewards, entrusted with time, talents, and treasures to manage wisely. Winning in God’s eyes isn’t about accumulation, but about faithfulness.
Monopoly often rewards aggressive acquisition, but in real life, unchecked greed can destroy relationships and peace. Jesus warned, “Watch out! Be on your guard against all kinds of greed; life does not consist in an abundance of possessions” (Luke 12:15). The game can be a playful reminder of how easily our hearts can be drawn toward “more” instead of “enough.”
Monopoly may be a game of strategy and competition, but it can also be a mirror for our spiritual lives. The real “victory” isn’t measured in property deeds or stacks of cash, but in a life lived with open hands, a generous heart, and an eternal perspective.
In Monopoly, one player’s gain is often another’s loss. But the Kingdom of God operates differently — it’s not a zero-sum game. In Christ, we are called to generosity, lifting others up rather than bankrupting them. Imagine if we played life more like that — offering mercy, forgiveness, and help instead of just trying to “win.”
(I have been experimenting with AI more and more. As a result, most of this blog post was written using an AI. tool.)
It’s me. Of course, you should know that because I’m probably the only one in the world who is praying right now. I’ve got a slight headache. Can you take care of that for me? Thanks. Oh, and my little toe, on my right foot, still hurts from where I stubbed it when I got up in the middle of the night to get a beer. By the way, I need help with buying groceries, too.
I’m thrilled to inform you that I’ve found the perfect truck for me. I know it will be a gas guzzler, but I really want it. I will look so cool driving around town. People will think I am so successful. Of course, to pay for it, I will probably need a new job, a better job, so can you work on that?
I need someone to work on my house, as well. Someone who will be understanding and not charge me much or not at all. You know how the roof is leaking and there are two broken windows, and I can’t use the bedroom door because I think the floor is unlevel.
And speaking of the house, it would be great if you could get a woman to marry me who would cook, clean, and buy the groceries. She should also be able to keep my bank account straight and do my laundry. Can you make her cute with a nice body?
Thanks, God. You’re the best!”
The Bible instructs us to make our requests known to God, but this guy is acting as if God is his personal genie! And is he really a prayer warrior? Not once did he pray or intercede for anyone else.
You can ask God to meet your “needs”, and He already knows the desires of our hearts. With that said, praying for yourself is okay, but then trust in God to handle things as He sees fit. Then, turn your attention to praying for others. Prayers do work, and prayers become more powerful when more people agree together and pray for the same needs.
1 Timothy 2:1(ESV) First of all, then, I urge that supplications, prayers, intercessions, and thanksgivings be made for all people.
Ephesians 6:18(ESV) Praying at all times in the Spirit, with all prayer and supplication. To that end, keep alert with all perseverance, making supplication for all the saints.
Philippians 4:6(ESV) Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God.
1 John 5:14(ESV) And this is the confidence that we have toward him, that if we ask anything according to his will he hears us.
You’ve seen the games. The ones where there is a themed list of words to find inside a rectangle of individual letters that are spaced out. Like in the included photo. Sometimes it can be challenging. Especially when the word is running backwards, or at an angle.
Another place to do a word search is in the Bible. God’s word. There are a lot of differences, though. God’s words are not hidden. They are right there between the front cover and the back one. Unlike the game, His words are not running backwards or at an angle, but there is a common theme throughout, and that is His love for us. Even in the Old Testament, He helped the Israelites defeat their enemies. He did so because they were wicked individuals who practiced ungodly things like human sacrifices. The reason God wanted them all gone is so they would not influence his children and lead them astray, because He loved them so much.
The same goes for us today. God may not destroy an individual because our battles are not with flesh and blood but with principalities that rule over the area you live in. (Eph. 6:10). But with that said, He doesn’t want you to become entangled with those who may lead you astray.
We must find a way to make reading God’s word a spiritual practice as an active part of our lives! His words to you are not hidden, and when you read something you don’t understand, ask me. I’m kidding, but you can do an internet search for a commentary on that portion of the scriptures.
A guy in my church, who has read the Bible all of his life, says he still comes across areas that are difficult for him to fully understand. He said last Sunday that he has been asking “Copilot” and that so far, it has provided answers or insight that have agreed with his spirit.
I go to “Bing.com” a lot and type in the search bar what I want to know. For instance, the other day I typed in “What did Jesus mean when he said, ‘greater judgement’ in Mark 12:40?” The answer was insightful and answered my question.
So, read God’s word, the Bible, regularly. Search out the truths that you can apply to your life. He wants you to be informed so the majority is easy to understand, and the truths are not hidden. The parts of the Bible that one may find difficult, I assure you, have nothing to do with you going to heaven or not.
All Scripture is inspired by God and is useful for teaching and for showing people what is wrong in their lives. It is useful for correcting faults and teaching how to live right. 2 Tim. 3:16 (ICB)
God’s word is alive and working. It is sharper than a sword sharpened on both sides. It cuts all the way into us, where the soul and the spirit are joined. It cuts to the center of our joints and our bones. And God’s word judges the thoughts and feelings in our hearts. Heb. 4:12 (ICB)
Your word is like a lamp for my feet and a light for my way. Ps. 119:105 (ICB)
brady, mark a. 