Thank You for Your unfailing love and Your mercies throughout each day of this year. It was a year of uncertainty and hardship—one in which we truly understood that without Your grace, we could not have made it through. Truly, Your Word is a lamp unto our feet and a light unto our path, and we ask that You continue to illuminate our journeys in 2026.
Forgive us, Lord, for our sins and have mercy upon us. Let Your will be done on earth as it is in Heaven. We come against self-sabotage, strongholds, division, depraved mindsets, fear of man, pride, ungodly delays, diversionary battles, and the spirit of fear. Let our lives be evidence of Your love and salvation as we surrender more and more to You each day. And without You, this is impossible—so we ask for Your grace daily.
Go before us like a pillar of cloud by day and a pillar of fire by night. Help us not to lean on our own understanding, but to trust You with all of our hearts. Help us to love others as we love ourselves, and to love You with every fiber of our being. You first loved us, and we thank You for Your forgiveness and for Your faithful pursuit of us.
Thank You that we serve a God who perseveres and cares for us with everything He has. You are the One who began a good work in us and will continue to perform it until the day of Christ Jesus. We release to You everything You are calling us to release, and we lay every area of our lives in Your hands, knowing we are safe in them.
We welcome Your loving discipline, for You chastise those You love. And we thank You for Your peace—which surpasses all understanding. We thank You for Your protection and ask that You not only guide us, but that You encamp Your angels round about us. Continue to be the source of our resources. Provide our every need, for You shall supply all our needs according to Your riches in glory.
Now, Father, in 2026, let us encounter You in ways we have not before. Let us know You, not only as the Only Wise God and the Great I Am, but as Father, Friend, Doctor, Advocate, Comforter, and our Hope. Help us discern through the Holy Spirit the seasons we are living in—understanding the times and even the end times—yet remaining filled with joy, knowing You are still in control. Thank You that Your Son did not come to condemn the world, but that the world through Him might be saved.
Help us take every thought captive and make it obedient to Christ Jesus. Help us daily choose surrender and become more like Your Son.
In Jesus’ name, Amen.
What are you looking forward to in 2026? And what are you choosing to leave behind in 2025?
It’s three days to Christmas!!!! Are you in the Christmas spirit yet?
Here is a Christmas Poems for you all!!!!
Untitled: Merry Christmas
(C) 2025
Written by Tannika Nikeya
Twas the night before Christmas, And all thru the house, Not a creature was stirring. We hope, not even a mouse.
Little to no gifts under the tree Yet still grateful as we ever can be. Roof over our head and food on our table. We sincerely thank God for keeping us stable.
What a trying time this year has been! Thankful to God for the resilience within. No reindeer, Santa Claus or cookies and milk. But coziness, warm as a throw and smooth as silk.
Christmas movies full of nostalgia, hot chocolate and comfort food to eat. Family time and Christmas music vibing to the drum of every heartbeat. As we end this year, Celebrating someone so dear, The Savior and to many, our King. We look forward to what the new year will bring.
As we reflect on our dreams for 2026, and look back on our growth through 2025, We pray for healing, discipline, and a life renewed, One of peace and God-approved. As we sit by the fireplace, with love near and dear. Merry Christmas, boos, and have a Happy New Year!
Welcome back, loves, to the P’osies Cafe Series!!! This is our grand finale pf our beloved series. So, grab some coffee, tea or hot chocolate because we know it is cold outside and come on end for the last story of the P’osies Cafe Series. a new gathering for lovers of language and narrative.
Mr. Daniels lifted his head slowly, his eyes focusing intently on Kimberly.
Kimberly let out a breath of relief. “Well, that’s good, Mom. Thank God. Keep me posted,” she said before placing her phone in her back pocket.
“Mr. Daniels, would you like another cup of coffee?” she asked. “On the house.” She knew his coffee had to be cold by now.
“No, thank you,” he smiled. “How is your dad?” he asked.
“Well,” answered Kimberly, “he wasn’t able to eat much, but now Mom says he’s able to eat a whole bowl of oatmeal. You know the cancer has taken a toll,” Kimberly continued as she sat down at the table with him.
He placed his wrinkled hand gently upon hers. “The Lord is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit. This is a tough time for you and your family, but I pray you have peace in the midst of it all. And I am glad your dad is able to eat again. Healing is the children’s bread.”
Kimberly couldn’t understand what he meant when he said that last statement, but she felt relieved. Her face relaxed, her smile reappeared, and her chest was no longer tight.
“Thank you, Mr. Daniels,” she said as he gave a smile and a nod. “Well, let me get back to work.”
“Did you want that fresh cup of coffee?” she asked again.
“No, I’m fine. Thank you,” he answered.
—
Lesliana returned to the cash register with a smile on her face. Mr. Daniels watched as she bounced happily back. It was then he knew she had earned a good grade on her research paper.
With Lesliana back from her break, Jacob switched over to helping Gregory and the rest of the crew with drinks, pastries, and sandwiches. Order after order, the café moved busily along to the flow of each upbeat song.
As Gregory tackled the old machine for an older lady’s hot mocha latte with a shot of espresso, a flavorful drink for a spunky little old lady, he teased her like always. “Ms. Brenda, what you been getting into lately?”
“This week I went hiking with my daughter-in-law!” she would say. Or she was skiing. Or she went to brunch with her girl friends and had a funky good time. But this time, when Gregory asked, Ms. Brenda’s eyes lit up.
“This week, I’m going to be in a fashion show,” she exclaimed enthusiastically.
“A fashion show?” Gregory asked, perplexed.
“Yep!” Ms. Brenda smiled, striking a playful pose.
Gregory laughed as he handed her the latte. “Well, Ms. Brenda, you better show them what you’re working with!”
“You bet!” replied Ms. Brenda with a laugh.
—
After making Ms. Brenda’s drink, Gregory and Jacob rotated through the next orders as swiftly as possible. Frappuccinos. Chai teas. Iced coffees. Lattes. One by one.
Jacob pulled the lever of the old coffee machine for the next drink to pour out when suddenly—a pop sounded, and smoke rose from the machine’s vents. Sparks also burst from the plug and outlet, startling both Jacob and Gregory. Jacob fanned the sides of the old coffee machine and moved the cup from it, but as he did, he accidentally spilled a bit of coffee on the cord.
The machine grew more agitated as the sparks intensified: then fire broke out. It was like a scene from a movie, an unrealistic one at that, fire was now emitting from both the outlet and the old machine.
Customers gasped and backed away. Kimberly rushed to Jacob and Gregory’s side. As she tried to help them get the growing fire under control, she commanded all the customers to go outside. People hurried out but Mr. Daniels stayed behind. With concern etched on his face, he slowly rose from his seat, moving only as fast as his aging body allowed.
The fire rose and swiftly grabbed on to nearby towels. “Call for help!” Kimberly shouted to Lesliana, who immediately dialed 911 and frantically reported the fire at P’osies Café on 47th & Lake Park. The operator assured her that a fire truck and ambulance were on their way.
As Gregory swatted at the flames, they lashed out and stung his arm. He jolted back with a yelp, and through clenched teeth, told Jacob to get the fire extinguisher. Jacob ran to the back of the store.
More pops and more sparks burst from the old temperamental coffee machine.
——-
Mr. Daniels moved closer, unnoticed by the crew. Kimberly and Gregory jumped back as the fire grew larger. Lesliana pressed herself into the corner by the register, still holding the phone, as frightened as anyone would be.
As the flames grew bolder, Jacob came running back. “I couldn’t find the extinguisher!”
“Oh no!” cried Lesliana. The new fire extinguisher was supposed to be back by the crates, but with the chaos, Jacob’s nerves, and boxes from the new shipment everywhere, he just couldn’t find it.
Mr. Daniels struggled to move faster toward them. Kimberly saw him through the flames.
“No, Mr. Daniels!” she warned. “Stay back!”
The daytime crew tried to fight the fire, but it burned hot. Gregory’s arm throbbed, searing from the inside. The fire spread across the counter, boxing them in. Fear gripped them.
But then Mr. Daniels called out, “Don’t be afraid. I am here.”
They heard him, but couldn’t see him anymore.
“Get out of here, Mr. Daniels,” cried Kimberly.
Just then, the fire shifted, clearing an opening, and the crew was able to escape from behind the counter.
Behind them, the fire roared—thick, angry, and loud.
The daytime crew made it to the door of the small quaint coffee shop. Sirens of a fire truck grew louder and then stopped as the fire truck came to a screeching stop right in front of the P’osies Café.
Firefighters jumped out the truck in their heavy fire gear, ready to conquer the angry fire.
“Is this everyone?” asked one of the firemen to the daytime crew as they rushed out of the coffee shop.
“No. Mr. Daniels. He is in there,” Kimberly remembered.
“Yes, Mr. Daniels!” repeated Lesliana.
“Take them” commanded the ruddy older fireman to one of the much younger firemen. “I’ll check.”
A moment later he and another firemen returned and stood before the crew, who were being examined by EMTs.
“No one was inside,” he reported.
The crew looked at one another. They were shaken and now bewildered.
Just a quick garden update: I have been researching, and yes, using ChatGpt to aid me in maintaining my garden beds and veggies. This is my first time gardening and I was a bit intimidated by the process.
I planted, Apollos watered, but God gave the growth.So neither he who plants nor he who waters is anything, but only God who gives the growth. 1 Corinthians 3: 6-7
I understand that this scripture primarily reminds believers that we are not alone in the work of the Kingdom. Moreover, no one is more superior than the others. Some are called to plant the Word, others to water through discipling, and all of us are called to remain humble because it is God who brings the growth, the success, and the results. Any fruit that comes is by His power alone.
But as I read this scripture, it also helps me to understand that in my gardening venture—and as I plant and water—that it is God that breathes life upon my little garden beds of veggies and herbs.
I’m deeply grateful for the growth that God has brought to my garden beds. I am also grateful for His careful watch over them during this Midwestern cold. Seeing the garlic shoots, thyme, arugula, kale, and more sprout up just before the cold settled in is both satisfying and a relief.
The only thing I wished I would have understood or did better is structuring the space of the seeds because I have to continually thin the veggies as they grow. This ensures they won’t be bunched up and compete for sunlight or space.
And if you are wondering about the cold, I planted veggies and herbs that can endure the winter season with a little extra support such as frost covers when temps drop too low. And the last time I peeked in on them, those little baby sprouts were doing well. Today, while it is a bit warmer than the previous days, I am going to check them again to see how they are holding up. And I am looking forward to when they are much bigger and fully ready to harvest.
Reflection:
How does remembering that God gives the increase change the way you view your efforts—both spiritually and practically?
Welcome, loves, to the P’osies Cafe Series, a new gathering for lovers of language and narrative. Our name, a playful blend of “Poetry” and “Stories,” perfectly captures the essence of what we’re about. In this series, my best friend and fellow writer will join me at our writers’ cafe with our laptops, pens and paper, and a couple of iced mochas or chai lattes. We’ll be sharing our own work—from whispered verse to sprawling tales—and we invite you to listen, reflect, and get lost in the power of storytelling.
Pssss: we are about to conclude our series soon so we hope you have had a great time at the P’osies Cafe. We look forward to seeing your comments and for you to join us at the next series. Hmm. Where will we be next? Stay tuned!!!! We are so excited to bring some more treats your way.
But today, we have a new treat for you!!!! One full of humor and wisdom that you don’t want to miss!!!! So, come on in and grab your coffee or hot chocolate, and enjoy.
When The Walls Started Talking (c) 2025
Written by Saneatra Polk
She didn’t just leave the apartment. She left the heaviness that lived in her head. Some moves start in the body, but the real shift begins in the mind.
Sometimes we talk about healing like it’s a straight path, a perfect glow-up, or an isolated quiet spiritual moment. But healing–real healing–is none of those things. And in this season, God is teaching me what healing is not and why this journey too needs grace.
Seven Things Healing Is Not:
🫶🏾 Healing is not linear:
Progress rarely looks like simple forward motion. Sometimes, it’s a zigzag, a series of setbacks, necessary pauses, or even chaotic. And that is perfectly okay. Healing isn’t an easy journey or a straight line; it loops back because God heals in layers.
🫶🏾 Healing is not glamorous:
It’s just not pretty at times and it could leave you feeling like a hot mess. There are days when your glow dims, your soul feels heavy, your reflection is unrecognizable, and you wonder if you’re unraveling instead of recovering.
But sometimes your most “unglamorous” days are the most honest, most holy days, because you’re finally not pretending.
🫶🏾 Healing is not comfortable:
Growth stretches you. Confronting truth humbles you. Letting go breaks you before it frees you. Healing will make you face versions of yourself you thought you left behind — and God will use it all.
🫶🏾 Healing is not always quiet:
Healing can be loud—filled with the sound of tears, raw prayers, honest cries, and the truth you’ve swallowed for too long. Sometimes, it is the audible sound of a heart finally being unburdened after carrying too much for too many years.
You don’t have to be ashamed when your healing gets loud. But do allow God to comfort you and nurture you through the uncomfortable sounds of healing.
🫶🏾 Healing is not a one-time thing:
It is a continuous journey. This is not because God is slow, but because we are complex, layered, and deeply loved. Healing involves revisiting old wounds with new wisdom, new strength, and the fresh understanding that inviting God in can bring.
🫶🏾 Healing is not done in your own strength or wisdom:
You not only need a loving, strong support system, but you need Jesus also as the head and part of that support system for this tough journey.
Real healing requires His presence, His power, His truth, and His grace. You are simply not meant to navigate this process in your own strength.
Healing is a partnership with the Lord, not a solo mission.
🫶🏾 Healing is not void of accountability:
True healing often requires taking responsibility for our choices, setting and enforcing boundaries, and being radically honest with ourselves and others.
Without accountability, genuine growth can stall or even go in circles.
And lastly, we may not be responsible for every pain or trauma, but we are ultimately responsible for our healing process.
Welcome, loves, to the P’osies Cafe Series, a new gathering for lovers of language and narrative. Our name, a playful blend of “Poetry” and “Stories,” perfectly captures the essence of what we’re about. In this series, my best friend and fellow writer will join me at our writers’ cafe with our laptops, pens and paper, and a couple of iced mochas or chai lattes. We’ll be sharing our own work—from whispered verse to sprawling tales—and we invite you to listen, reflect, and get lost in the power of storytelling.
Mr. Daniels and His Cup of Coffee Pt 4
(c) 2025
Written by Tannika Nikeya
[Flashback from pt 3: Just then zzzz, zap could be heard and then a pop.
Gregory jumped back from one of the major coffee machines, with his eyes wide and his head leaned back.]
It had sat comfortably for years on the café’s counter turning one cup of coffee or chai tea at a time. The cafe crews had done their best to keep this old machine alive and lately it had been so temperamental. Gregory touched the machine, an idea he knew he shouldn’t have accepted into his mind, but it was instinctive. “It’s cool,” he said as everyone behind the counter watched.
Mr. Daniels was also watching. Gregory set a long cup under one of the openings of the machine and pressed a button. Out flowed brown liquid whose scent pleasingly filled the air of the little cafe.
As Lesliana left the cash register, Jacob, another daytime crew member, stepped up with a warm smile to ring up the next customer. It was a quick break for Lesliana. She often sat down at one of the little tables to check her emails and eat and drink a little something, a blueberry muffin and hot Chai tea, her usual in the morning. She scoured her emails and then checked her student portal anxiously as she sipped her tea. She had submitted her research paper a couple of days ago to her psychology professor and was awaiting her grade.
In the midst of the morning, song after song played in the café adding to the cozy vibes and morning pace that had picked up. Mr. Daniels took another sip of his cup of coffee. This time no steam greeted him.
Kimberly just then rushed from the back with a cell phone on her ear propped up by her shoulder and a bunch of pastries in her hand all concealed in their individual wraps. She dropped them down on the small counter next to the pastries display. She would put a couple of them in the display to show their delectableness and store the rest for customers to purchase. When her hands were clear, she grabbed her cell phone to hold it, her face filled with concern.
We see Lesliana anxiously checking her student portal while trying to enjoy her break. What’s one time you had to wait for important news (like a grade, a job offer, or a diagnosis) while trying to carry on with your normal daily routine? How did you manage that stress?
1. Overthinking. Wait, should I even; no, let me continue. 🤔🧐🤯🥴 2. Overlisting. A gang of to do’s and goals listed in my phone’s notepad or physical notebooks. 🗒✔️ 3. Overworking. And if not working, then planning. 😏 4. Overstimulating myself trying to multitask. Try working with students and trying to stay attentive in a virtual training at the same time. Yes that was me the other day. 🙃 5. Overwatching the same old tv shows or letting them watch me. I always end up falling asleep. 📺
I am good at these, but working to be bad at them.
Tannika Nikeya 