Ringing in 2025: A Night to Remember and a Year to Be Grateful For

Hey everyone! As I sit here reflecting on the last sunset of 2024, my heart is full — full of gratitude, of warmth, of a sense of fresh beginnings. It’s the day before New Year’s Eve, and while the house is buzzing with early guests and last-minute prep, I wanted to pause for a moment to share something special.

Earlier today, I made a trip to Sam’s Club — yes, again — because let’s be honest, no matter how much you think you’ve prepared, a house full of guests always needs more. More food, more drinks, more laughter, more space to breathe in joy.

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But before heading out, I took a moment to admire a small but meaningful achievement: my newly organized food storage cabinet. It might sound simple, but for me, it’s a symbol of clearing out the old to make room for the new. I donated what we didn’t need and transformed the space — added lights, neatly labeled everything. It’s calm. It’s clean. It’s ready.

The bar? Stocked and glowing: Hennessy, Casamigos, red wine, white wine — all the makings of a lively evening. Darius and I? Self-declared bartenders for the night. No training, just good spirits (pun intended) and a playlist to back us up.

For sleeping arrangements, I wanted to make sure safety came first. There’s a queen bed ready upstairs and the downstairs movie room with comfy reclining chairs. I know Uber exists, but honestly, I’d rather have my people safe inside than out on the roads with unpredictable New Year’s traffic.

We cooked up a storm — and by we, I mean I spent hours marinating, slicing, stirring, and tasting (a lot of tasting). The menu came together like a soulful family reunion:

• Crispy fried chicken

• Creamy chicken salad

• Sweet banana pudding

• Sizzling fajitas loaded with bell peppers, onions, and mushrooms

• Smoked pork and beef with that perfect char

• Steamy rice and seasoned beans

By 7:30 PM, the party was officially on. We circled up for King’s Cup — a chaotic, hilarious drinking game with rules no one quite remembers but everyone somehow follows. We danced like nobody was watching, sang like we were on tour, and counted down those final seconds together. When midnight hit, we stepped into 2025 with full hearts, full plates, and full cups.

Before I close, I just want to say thank you. To everyone who’s supported me, checked in on me, prayed for me — I see you. I appreciate you. And I wish you nothing but light, peace, and purpose in this new year. Let’s walk into 2025 with clear minds and open hearts.

And whatever you do, always put God first. Everything else will fall into place.