Hello friends and family. A new year has dawned, and I am confident Christ will lead me and hold me fast through it.

Yesterday before work I picked up something to snack on during my route. My choice was something I never get- Quaker Cheddar Rice Crisps. I remember as a kid seeing my mother eating these round hand sized rice snacks from a bag that had a smiling man with white hair and a black hat. I also recall sneaking a couple of those snacks while my mother wasn’t looking. They almost take like popcorn. Anyway, I chuckled at the realization that I was truly becoming a parent by eating the same stuff my parents indulged in when I was a kid.

About a week ago after I got home from work and dueled my baby in a sleep battle, I cracked open my laptop to take a quiz. I’m back in school! I’m chasing after a certificate to become a Pharmacy Technician. My job offered me a program which offered tuition for me to further my education in any field and study. With the growth of my family I could not pass up an opportunity that could help bring more money to the table in the long run. Also, I desired a change in my life. Been working the same job and dealing with the same stress for a couple years. Though I won’t be doing brain surgery or giving shots, it feels good to be pursuing work in a field that helps people. Each lesson I read and listen to is not only preparing me for the next work environment but also aspiring me to apply the knowledge to my daily life. I want to be able problem solve, be more organized, and eliminate the negative self talk entirely.

The week of New Year’s Eve, I was blessed with quite a few days off after pushing through fives days weekly during December. I used them to make time for my family. New Year’s Eve, my wife Courtni and I happily stayed in and ordered pizza and chilled in front of our widescreen tv. I was shooting to stay up till midnight, but because of fatherhood and work life those days of intentionally being up that late are behind me. Though I didn’t spend the last minutes of 2025 in prayer, I did make time to pray and meditate alone around 8 pm.

On January 4th, I finished my first book of the year. Though it took me eight years to finish, a win is a win.

While not one of the best reads I’ve had, Jenny Lawson’s “Furiously Happy” was far from boring. It’s a chaotic, over-the-top, silly book about the author’s day-to- day battle with depression and mental illness. I won’t spoil the ending, but it encouraged me to remember that no matter we may struggle with, we do what we love to do anyway.

I’m still Director of the Adventist Youth(A.Y.) Ministry at my church. Still devoted to encouraging our youth to have a relationship with Christ and reminding all ages that you can have fun learning about Him.

With a new year comes change. Instead of doing programs every Saturday an hour before sunset I am reducing the programs to every first, third, and fifth saturday. Why?

• I considered the endeavors our young people may have such as studying, extra curricular, and other ministries they may be involved in.
• This will give attendees an opportunity to brainstorm ideas for the ministry. My goodness have we done a lot over the years- prayer, singing, spiritual games, devotions, nature walks, Q&A sessions, and films with a wholesome and uplifting message.

• Our church has quite a few ministries that happen on Saturday. I don’t want to tire out our members. Sometimes I myself need a nap.

Courtni and I made a goal to make our daughter’s first Christmas special. Mission Accomplished. Baby H was definitely the star this Christmas. I don’t think I’ve ever seen a baby get more toys than our little one did. Just the other day Courtni was telling me how our daughter was scattering her toys around and playing with each.

It was a blessing to have so many family members shower our baby with gifts and affection. Aunties, Uncles, Grandparents, Great Grandparents, Cousins, and of course her mama and papa. (Slightly off topic: She can say “mama”. Still waiting for her say “Dada” “Daddy” or “Papa”. Annnnnyday now babygirl.)

On December 13, our sister church Oak Grove International Seventh-day Adventist Church had its annual Christmas Cantata this month. I was invited to participate, which being a Christmas lover and a music later I happily obliged. After pondering for days about what I would sing, the song Angels From The Realms of Glory was the winner. If you’re curious how I did click the highlighted song title. I enjoyed hearing the different angelic voices and remarkable instrument playing of all the participants. There were soloists, duos, quartets, bands, praise teams, and choirs.

Each Christmas Courtni and I purchase one ornament that best depicts us. This year’s edition is a gingerbread couple hand in hand with a gingerbread child between the two. This is perfect because we are a family of three, and it’s a tender callback to our very first ornament that was a gingerbread couple.

What I Recommend:

Please grab yourself an Eskimo hat. This fuzzy wonder does a fine job of hugging your entire skull, keeping it toasty during cold season.

What God Has Done For Me?

• Helped me through my first week of lessons, and helped me to soak up the knowledge to pass my first three quizzes.
• Blessed me with a caring wife and a precious child
• Came to my rescue repeatedly throughout a trying, impossible day of work last Thursday.
• Given me the words to finish a church newsletter article.
• A lovely holiday season
• A mind full of ideas ready to become reality
• To be alive
• Forgiveness

Let me know in the comments what God has done for you lately.

Thanks for stopping by!

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