When U Pray

We are at the end of another year. This year has brought great joy and just enough pain or trouble to make me appreciate the good times. I know that life is real—and so is God.

2025 owes me nothing but memories. I didn’t learn anything new, but the things that are important to me were reinforced and authenticated.

My 2025 Takeaways

Keep God first.
“What you should want most is God’s kingdom and doing what he wants you to do. Then he will give you all these other things you need. So don’t worry about tomorrow. Each day has enough trouble of its own. Tomorrow will have its own worries.”
Matthew 6:33–34 (ERV)

Enjoy your life.
Laugh, have fun, go out to eat, go bowling, run, hike, jog—do something besides work. If you drop dead tomorrow, the business will still run, but your family will be devastated. Make memories; it’s biblical.
“So I decided it was more important to enjoy life because the best thing people can do in this life is to eat, drink, and enjoy life. At least that will help people enjoy the hard work God gave them to do during their life on earth.”
Ecclesiastes 8:15 (ERV)

Find a church home.
Find a place that helps you understand the Word of God and how to apply it to your life. I know the world tells you that you don’t need church to worship God—and they’re not wrong—but it sure helps you learn and grow.
“We should think about each other to see how we can encourage each other to show love and do good works. We must not quit meeting together, as some are doing. No, we need to keep on encouraging each other. This becomes more and more important as you see the Day getting closer.”
Hebrews 10:24–25 (ERV)

Last thing: Don’t forget to love one another.
I challenge you to choose love. It’s so much easier than carrying around hatred and strife. Love frees you to be happy in any situation you find yourself in. Anger hurts you, not the person you’re mad at. Never forget that.
“I give you a new command: Love each other. You must love each other just as I loved you. All people will know that you are my followers if you love each other.”
John 13:34–35 (ERV)

“Don’t become angry quickly, because anger is foolish.”
Ecclesiastes 7:9 (ERV)

That’s it. That’s all.

HAPPY NEW YEAR!