Do What Works for You

John Cook • March 12, 2019

It's time to stop listening and start living!

Have you ever felt like you're stuck in a rut, listening to the same old advice and staying within your comfort zone? It's a common experience, but it's time to break free from that cycle and open yourself up to a world of exciting opportunities. In this blog post, we'll explore the importance of taking action, leaving your comfort zone, and discovering the amazing possibilities that await you.

The Comfort Zone Conundrum

We've all heard the saying, "Stay within your comfort zone," a thousand times. While it's true that your comfort zone can provide a sense of security, it can also limit your growth and potential. When you stick to what you know and resist change, you might miss out on incredible experiences and personal development.

The Power of Taking Action

It's time to shift your mindset from listening to doing. Taking action is the catalyst for change and growth. Instead of just hearing advice, start applying it to your life. Whether it's pursuing a new career, learning a new skill, or traveling to unfamiliar places, taking that first step can lead to remarkable transformations.

Embracing Unfamiliar Territory

Leaving your comfort zone doesn't mean diving headfirst into the unknown. It means embracing the unfamiliar with curiosity and enthusiasm. The excitement of exploring new territories, both metaphorically and literally, can be invigorating. It's in these uncharted waters that you'll find unexpected opportunities and hidden talents.

Overcoming Fear and Doubt

Fear and doubt are natural companions on the journey outside your comfort zone. Acknowledge these feelings, but don't let them hold you back. Use them as motivators to push through barriers and discover your resilience. Remember that many successful people faced uncertainty before achieving their dreams.

Amazing Discoveries Await

As you step out of your comfort zone and start living, you'll be amazed by what you can achieve. New friendships, unexpected talents, and life-changing experiences are waiting for you. These discoveries not only enrich your life but also contribute to personal growth and fulfillment.

Conclusion

It's time to stop merely listening to advice and start living the life you envision. Embrace the discomfort of the unknown, and you'll find a world of exciting opportunities waiting for you. Remember, the journey outside your comfort zone may be challenging, but the rewards are boundless.

So, what are you waiting for? Take that first step, and prepare to be amazed by the incredible adventures and possibilities that lie ahead.

Part Six: Between the Twinkle and the Manger: Finding True Hope This Christmas Eve

By John Cook • December 25, 2025
On Christmas Eve, we pause between the twinkle of lights and the glow of the manger. It’s a quiet space — somewhere between wrapping paper and reverence, between tradition and truth. The house feels different tonight. Softer. Slower. Even the noise of the season seems to take a breath. And in that pause, I find myself thinking about hope. There is a difference between Santa’s joy and the hope of Jesus — but that doesn’t mean one must cancel out the other. Santa represents something real, even if the character himself isn’t. He brings wonder. Generosity. Imagination. For children especially, Santa becomes a symbol of goodness — that someone is watching, that kindness is rewarded, that joy can show up unexpectedly. Those moments matter. They shape memories. They teach us to give. And there’s nothing wrong with that. But Jesus brings a different kind of hope. A deeper one. While Santa’s joy lives in a season, Jesus’ hope lives beyond it. The Christmas tree sparkles with beauty and warmth. It fills the room and makes everything feel alive. But the manger — simple, quiet, unassuming — tells a story that didn’t begin with comfort and didn’t end with it either. It tells the story of love entering a broken world, not wrapped in luxury, but in humility. Christmas isn’t just about what we celebrate — it’s about why. Jesus didn’t come to create a moment. He came to change eternity. The Bible says, “We have this hope as an anchor for the soul, firm and secure.” (Hebrews 6:19) That’s the kind of hope Christmas ultimately points to. A hope that doesn’t fade when the lights come down. A hope that doesn’t disappear when the season ends. A hope that holds steady when life feels uncertain. Faith, at its core, isn’t about having all the answers or getting everything right. It’s about believing that Jesus came out of love — to offer forgiveness, grace, and a relationship with God. It’s about trusting that His birth mattered, not just historically, but personally. And if this season has stirred something in your heart — a curiosity, a longing, a quiet question you haven’t been able to shake — know this: salvation isn’t complicated. It doesn’t require perfection. It begins with trust. With believing. With opening your heart and asking Jesus to lead your life. If that’s something you’re thinking about — or if you’ve made that decision and don’t quite know what comes next — I would genuinely love to hear from you. Send me a message. I’d be honored to talk, listen, or simply walk alongside you in that moment. Tonight, we can celebrate both. The joy of giving. The wonder of tradition. The laughter of children. The warmth of togetherness. But let’s also remember the hope that lasts long after Christmas morning. The hope found not under the tree — but in the manger. Because that hope didn’t just come for a season. It came for you. John Cook • December 24, 2025 

Part Five: When Going to Church Feels Hard — and Why I Went Anyway

By John Cook • December 22, 2025
This morning started with resistance.