Suit Up: We all have that pair of sweatpants that serve as our default uniform for home. They’re predictable and consistent, which makes us comfortable. And we like to stay comfortable as long as possible, don’t we? So venturing outside the zone of things that produce that feeling in us is not something we choose. But there’s so much out there that might actually add good to our life… if we could just get comfortable with them.

January 25
Not That Guy: What if being a hero has nothing to do with having superpowers—and everything to do with being willing? We love superheroes because they’re more than normal. And while you may be every bit of normal and not a superhero being—but you can be heroic.

Don’t Be Held Back: We’re usually so busy with self-improvement that we leave no time for self-assessment. Asking the question, “What am I holding onto that’s holding me back?” could be the key to a whole new kind of year. Deciding to do something about the answer to that question will ensure it’s so.

Do This One Thing: We’re chasing perfection all the time. The perfect weight. The perfect vacation. The perfect reputation. The problem? There’s no such thing as perfect, which is why we’re so exhausted. What if we aimed that energy at something more fruitful? Something better? And what if getting better is more available than we think?

Don’t Freak Out… This Will Get Out: Most of our lives are lived through a screen now. When we go to a piano recital or concert, the first thing we do is pull our phones out and hit record. Then? We share it. This has led to dread because we’re starved for the validation of doing it right… or at least doing it in a way where everyone wishes they’d done it like us. And that often makes Christmas something it shouldn’t be: personal brand management.

Don’t Freak Out…Your Plans Blew Up: It seems like every year we do the same thing with Christmas. We make plans, get excited about those plans and then get frustrated when all the plans fall apart. This sounds crazy…but what if that’s the best part?

Zooming Out & Seeing the Big Picture: Spoiler alert… most of the verses that we love to keep on cross-stitched pillows don’t tell the full story. Today’s story brings light to one of the most popular verses of all time, and emphasizes why it’s so important for us to ZOOM OUT when it comes to the story of our faith. Then being a follower of Jesus will be so much more than our feelings in the moment…it’ll become a way of life that truly transforms us in our Waiting Room.

Ever been passed over for that promotion and forced to serve a totally incompetent leader? Been mad at God for allowing your friends to get married or pregnant before He entrusted you to? Today’s story finds an adolescent character given a big promise– and then a whole lot of nothing for two decades. When we examine more closely, we can see that there was purpose in the whole journey though.