Traditionally, the last day of the year, at least for me, has always been a time to reflect on the past year - the good, the bad, and the ugly. 2024 has had its share of ugly, probably the most I've ever experienced.  Loss of loved ones, financial loss, cancelled trips, costly home repairs, and illness, made up a large portion of the last 364 days.  Yes, 2024 was a good year.  How and why do I say that?

Well, not all was bad, and there were some very bright moments as well.  My publisher offered a contract on my new book, which hopefully will be available in 2025. I still have a house full of people sleeping upstairs. Friends I can count on if needed.  I had and currently have a steady heart beat. Breath entered my lungs each day and I am still here to type these words.

Maybe the scales were tipped in favor of the bad, but through it all, I think I've become a stronger person by the grace of God. I guess, in essence, that is my point. Despite all of the negative aspects of the last year, I survived and remain to fulfill a mission in 2025.  What exactly that is, and the details will soon play out within the next 365 days.  How I choose to respond to each of the future circumstances is what will define the reflection point on December 31, 2025. 

Whatever may come in the next year, you can overcome it, handle it, survive it, and become stronger because of it.  "It" has yet to be defined, but with a positive attitude and a thankful heart, God will give you the peace and perseverance to look forward to 2026. You got this.

Yes, 2024 was a very good year.

JZ

We live in a culture where instant satisfaction is expected and demanded, from fast food to financial transactions, we want our "stuff"" and we want it now!  We can order food and it comes within minutes.  We transfer funds within seconds.  With the click of a button, shopping is completed without ever leaving your comfy chair.  With the click of a mouse, we can let the world know our thoughts, emotions, and experiences via social media.  It is all virtually at our fingertips with lightning speed.  

But what about those times when, there is a delay, when the gratification is interrupted or postponed?  You still haven't heard back from that job interview.  You've waited for that situation to change, but day after day, nothing has moved.  You've prayed for healing, but the pain and disease are still there.  Now I realize there is a BIG difference between ordering fries at a drive thru and getting healed from cancer.  But ultimately, our minds and bodies want and expect the answer to come much sooner than later, no?  And what happens inside our minds when that answer has not arrived when we expected it to show up?  We get upset, nervous, frustrated, and confused.  Why didn't my "package" arrive when I thought it would?

The Bible says, "But they that wait upon the Lord shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings as eagles; they shall run, and not be weary; and they shall walk, and not faint" KJV.  Simply waiting on God's timing in our situation and season of expectation is the answer.  Learning how to wait is the key.  Trust and obedience are the two pivotal factors behind the scenes that keep the wheels in motion. 

So, I have good news for all those who are still waiting.  The answer is still on the way.  It may not arrive when you expect it to and it may come it a slightly different wrapper, but the wait is almost over.  Sit back, close your eyes, and know that the one who holds the answer is the same ONE who holds your hand if you will trust him.  It is coming!  I say this to myself as well, as I wait for certain things in my own life to change.  It's been a while, but I am not giving up.  

Now, if I can only get this lady in the checkout line, who is in front of me to move faster.... JZ

Have you ever gone through a time in your life where nothing is happening?  You've prayed, believed, and waited.  And then waited some more.  Day after night and night after day go by without anything changing.  You feel like quitting.

Welcome to the "Dry Season."

Everyone goes through these periods.  I am trudging through this valley now.  It's not easy and can be frustrating at the very least.  Maddening at the highest level.   The Bible says in Proverbs 13:12, "Hope deferred maketh the heart sick: but when the desire cometh, it is a tree of life."  This means going through the dry seasons of life.  Waiting each day for the miracle you've been believing for to finally knock on your door.  But the day comes to an end, with only silence as your companion.
But there is good news.  Things will change.  Your day will come.  There are countless clichés, verses, metaphors, poems, and songs which all inspire the thought of "not giving up."  Although they have been said many times and in many ways, they are all accurate and true.  Every one.  The very thing you've prayed about, dreamt about, cried over. lost sleep over,  will come to pass.  It may not happen the exact way you foresaw it in your mind, but you will get your answer.  Hold on, the best is still yet to come.  I need to hear this just as much as you do, so thank you!

​JZ

Here we are in day number ??? of the pandemic fighting variant number ???  hoping life will at sometime in the future return to what we once regarded as "normal."  Not sure if that will ever happen.?!  Me too.

So how do we then celebrate and be hopeful for a new year, when in reality, everything is exactly the same as it was a few days, weeks, etc. ago?  That is a valid question.   My simple, and almost cliched answer is to take the year, one day at a time.  It's way too difficult to try to look 6-8 months down the road and imagine the world we once knew as something of a possibility to return to.  In all actuality, we may need to reimagine our vision of living in a fallen world where not that much is perfect.  However, by looking only toward the current day we are in, I think we can see a period of stability and hopefulness.  Why?  Because we are living in the moment, and that makes us in control.  Control of our own destiny, even if it is for the next few hours.  We can take charge, make changes, and live life to the fullest...RIGHT NOW.  I believe if we metaphorically, "stop to smell the roses," the pause may just be long enough to evaluate our present surroundings and appreciate what we have RIGHT NOW.  Thankful for what we have and be hopeful for what will come.  Certain elements of our future are out of our control, but there are things we can lay the future foundations for, by living in the moment RIGHT NOW.  Reflecting and reevaluating springs forward toward revamping and revision.  And most importantly, if you are a believer in the Truth, our hope comes HIM.  And lastly, I', reminded of the lyrics to an old hymn.

Why think of tomorrow,
Just live for today;
I'm following Jesus,
Each step of the way.

Psalms 62: 5-8

JZ

It’s been a while since I last posted…and with good reason.  Many things have changed, been taken, given, and updated.
I guess I’d call it life in 2021.   A pandemic continues on with no real end in sight soon.  I was ill for a good part of the year, (non Covid) but am now seeing my health return.  Kids are getting older and moving on the new schools despite missing so much in person learning the last eighteen months.  People are coming and leaving, and uncertainty remains the only thing which is certain.

I’m not complaining….wait, who am I kidding?  Yes I am.  Things have not gone very smoothly for me this year and I am betting not so much for you either.  There are challenges everywhere and the thin line of security and reason looks much thinner at times now more so than any other time in the past.

BUT….there is still hope!  God is still in control of all and that is what matter.  Movement and PROGRESS continue toward the unknown, however it is an unknown of known destinations.  Even if we are pushed to the edge of the edge, we have a sure foundation that will catch us and set us on our feet – no matter where we land.

On a more personal level, I have finished the manuscript for my newest soon to be book, The Fourth Chamber.  I have also started on the final installment of Walker’s Vale titled, Red Sky in Morning.  Yes, progress is being made despite opposition on all sides.  Additional, I may have some really HUGE news to share in the very near future.  Keep your eyes peeled as this may be really BIG.
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Until next time, remember, with faith in God all things are possible.
JZ

I will occasionally get asked how I correlate my passion for faith and the genre of horror in which I write.  Rather than give examples in Scripture of beheadings, crucifixions, stoning, hangings, demonic possessions, dismemberments…shall I go on?  I will attempt to present my premise which I feel may be more practical in an everyday approach to the question.  My answer, if given proper consideration, may be surprisingly simple yet be intricately provocative.  In my humble opinion, life in all of its amazing and complex expressions, is in itself, a live action horror film and God is the director!  Anyone alive in 2020 can surely attest to that fact. 

Now that is not to say that God is casting us as mere pawns in some life and death struggle against evil.  The fall of humanity at the Garden of Eden already set the stage for the plot.  But since we have now been cast as actors in this film, without a choice I must add, we must play our parts.  Yes, the script is already written and we have our lines.  The question then becomes, are we adequate actors for the roles we each play?

When people speak of or mention horror, most, but of course not all, associated images are of a crazed lunatic yielding an axe or chainsaw chasing helpless victims sure to meet their demise in violent and gruesome ways.  I stop and wonder why?  Not why the film or book or was written, but the real questions becomes why is that murderer, psycho, creature, etc. behaving that way.  Is there a demonic force or evil energy that is provoking those actions?  Yes, and the answer is Satan and his horde of demons that want nothing more than to wipe the smile off of your face and fill your life with destruction and chaos.

Each day there are forces out to destroy us.  Whether they be physical, emotional, or psychological, there are dark elements remaining from the legacy of sin that was born eons ago.  They are our enemies and they stalk us relentlessly (as roaring lions) seeking to devour us and everything we hold dear.  If that is not horrific, I am not sure what does qualify?  Only by God’s grace and mercy are we able to survive their unalterable, malevolent pursuits.
To further expound in short, horror then, because we are living it daily, teaches us and reminds us that we in a battle for our lives.

2 Corinthians 6:9
…we live close to death, but we are still alive. We have been beaten, but we have not been killed. NLT

So then, if we are cast into this film, we must know the ending, yes?  The script, (God’s Word) clearly states that we do survive and are actually more than conquerors because of the benefactor of this film. 
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Can faith and horror coexist?  They seem to have been intermingled since the beginning of time and will be until Christ’s return.  Your part is cast and the director has called, “Action!”  Remember your lines and know there is a happy ending if you stick to the script!
JZ

I think you may recognize that portion of lyrics from the song, My Favorite Things from The Sound of Music.  And, unless you’ve recently awakened from a comatose state, you may have heard humanity is in the midst of one of the most challenging and uncertain times in recent history. 

What do the two have in common?  Much. 

If I were to viciously and unrepentantly take away food from my dog’s mouth as he was eating, I would naturally expect him to bite me.  If I were to take branch from a tree and poke at a bee’s nest, it would be safe to assume, I’d be stung a few times.  Right now, the dog is biting and the bee is stinging.  Metaphorically speaking, "food" is being taken out of our “mouths” and the "sting" hurts – very badly.  Not the disease itself that is hurting so much, but people - relenting to selfish and gluttonous measures to hoard items and even attempting to make a profit from a horrific situation - are biting and stinging and hurting each other.    

This virus has killed many people and for that there is no recourse unfortunately, only remorse and reconciliation.  I am thinking of us that are here and face the threat, challenge, and fear of uncertainty daily.  These microbes have disrupted, modified, distressed, and brought once daily routines to a screeching halt. For now, life as we have known it has changed.  We do however, have choices until things return to normal.  Choices that will make an impact or cause a failure.  We can stick together, help each other, and work as one collective unit, or we can go off and “fend for ourselves.”  We can bite and sting each other, or we help and heal the broken and needy.  We can distress and live in a constant state of paranoia, or we can take a deep breath and count our blessings for the things we do have.  When I go home to my family, these are my favorite things, and then I don’t feel so bad. 

How about you?  What are some of your favorite things?  Why not take a minute to reflect on them and the one who gave them to you?  Maybe then, things won’t feel so bad when the dog growls and the bee needs to be swatted away.   

When the dog bites
When the bee stings
When I'm feeling sad
I simply remember my favorite things
And then I don't feel so bad

Disclaimer:
Please feel completely and totally obligated to blame me when this song gets lodged into your thoughts today!
JJZ

I thought for this time around, I would share a short poem I had written.  Poetry is usually not my forte, however, I attempted to take a "stab" at something a bit different as I work on a few simultaneous projects.  For me it was a nice little diversion in exploring Proverbs 10:6  "The words of the wicked hide a violent nature."  I' would love to hear your thoughts or comments!

JZ


Mr. Bitterstone
By John J. Zelenski
 
 
Upon a thorny hill does Mr. Bitterstone design, a trek of devious devices
A tinge of crimson wind is blowing strong, a single trail of red entices
 
The sullen door awaits its guest of horror, no climatic entrance theme required
A vile stench above reproach is buoyant, adrift a sea of petulant desires
 
A single thread of daylight confounds an otherwise but ominous temptation
Her dying wish on threadbare wings, invites the darkness she now embraces
 
At last he stands before her, pain doused in venom ignite the coals of evil swallowed
The godforsaken shell of unrepentant anger, paves the road to tread the valley hollow
 
A final act of cowardice, with vengeance, a gruesome blow in vain he now bestows
For she wields the unsuspecting dagger, and befalls the troubled Mr. Bitterstone

​Recently, I experienced a brief electrical power outage due to a transformer that had malfunctioned.  The blackout was only a few hours, and eventually the initial hum of electricity flowing back into the building made it seem like nothing really ever had happened.  The lights came on and everything went back to normal.
Now of course, something did happen.  There was a period of darkness where not a whole lot of things could be done until the electricity was restored.  The darkness was eerie at times, especially when making my way around dark corners of the hallways, until I could see the emergency lighting ahead.  It was those few hours without power made me think, the times in our life when we suffer, when money is low, and our health fails us, the lights are out – but just temporarily.  Power will be restored in time, as long as you are in good standing with the supplier of the power.  When times are the darkest, I think we often forget that this is only temporary, whether that means a few days, weeks, or even years.  But things will be restored and the lights will come back on.  Just hang in there. 
“…weeping may endure for a night, but joy cometh in the morning.”  Psalm 30:5
So the next time the lights go out, have your flashlight ready, (faith) look for the emergency lighting, (prayer) and rest in the comfort of knowing that the lights will be back on soon. 
Now where did I leave my keys……?
 
JZ

Geoffrey Chaucer is credited with the original use of this phrase.  Perhaps he was having a good year?  Speaking for myself, I’d like to eliminate the “Good” from that phrase and simply say “Good riddance to 2018.”
Now I’m not saying that 2018 was a bad year in every possible way, however there are major portions I would love to forget.  The unexpected gallbladder surgery, actually make that two surgeries in two days, was an episode I’d like to put into the mental shredder.  This unforeseen hospital stay not only was draining on the wallet, but also on the emotional scale.  I was forced to miss an author award event that required the author to be present in order to secure a win.  Maybe next year?  We’ll see.
Rain.  And lots of it. It seems to me like it rained for days at a time this summer and when it wasn’t raining, the air was so drenched with humidity and heat, there wasn’t that many nice days to enjoy outdoors.  Oh, and nearly a foot of snow in mid-November, let’s not forget that one, with dozens of cars being stuck on the side of road during rush hour, much resembling a snowy, winter apocalypse.   
On a more personal note, I lost a person I really cared about and knew since I was a child.  So many things left unsaid, and so many questions left unanswered. 
 Does it seem like I am just complaining?  Maybe a bit.  I think it is okay every now and then to look back and analyze the past, whether good or bad.  To be honest, personal reflections actually causes one to realize all of the good things that are taken for granted by the individual.  Dwelling on the negative is something I don’t want to do, as there are many, many good things in store for 2019.  One will be the re-release of my book, The Journal of Ezekiel Walker through Peasantry Press. And maybe, just maybe, there will be the fulfillment of a dream of mine (with God’s help) to have one of my books turned into a feature film.  More on that in the upcoming months.
God has a plan, and not all of it will be to my liking, I’m sure.  Whatever 2019 brings, I know I won’t be going through it alone.  And that’s something I can always be thankful for!
Goodbye 2018, it’s been real!
JZ