NewsChat: Daily Podcast with Jack Norton – News 12/25/24
Hero Cop Remembered, Tiny Homes Stolen in Heists, Steps to Declutter Your Mind
Tune in daily to NewsChat, the podcast that brings you the truth in news. Hosted by Jack Norton, this show delivers honest, straightforward reporting on the day’s top stories, paired with a thoughtful, sensible take. Presented by the Jack and Kitty News Network in association with Voices of Faith Ministries, NewsChat keeps you informed with clarity, integrity, and honest insights. Stay updated with news that matters and perspectives that guide.
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Hero Cop Remembered
Merry Christmas. This is NewsChat: your source for the Truth in today’s news. Today is December 25, 2024 and I’m your host Jack Norton from JackAndKitty.com.
Just two days before Christmas, Greensboro, North Carolina police officer, Michael Horan, was tragically killed in a shooting at a Food Lion supermarket on December 23, 2024. Officer Horan, who had been with the Greensboro Police Department since 2017, was responding to a report of a man with a gun when he was fatally shot shortly before midday.
Ramona Miller, a shopper at the store, described hearing multiple shots before realizing it was a shooting. She quickly evacuated the store with her granddaughter. The suspect was taken into custody shortly after, and authorities are continuing their investigation, with the North Carolina State Bureau of Investigation leading the case.
The tragedy has left the community grieving. Officer Horan, who also served in the U.S. Coast Guard, was remembered as an outstanding officer by his colleagues. Governor Roy Cooper expressed his condolences, calling the shooting a senseless act of violence. The Food Lion store remains closed while authorities continue their investigation, and state lawmakers are urging greater support for law enforcement officers in the wake of this tragedy.
From a Christian perspective, the tragic death of Officer Michael Horan in Greensboro serves as a stark reminder of the sacrifices law enforcement officers make in service to their communities, and the deep pain that violence inflicts on everyone involved.
As followers of Christ, we are called to honor those who lay down their lives for the protection of others, reflecting the ultimate sacrifice made by Jesus Himself. John 15:13 says, “Greater love has no one than this, that someone lay down his life for his friends.” Officer Horan’s selflessness echoes this truth, as he was willing to put himself in harm’s way to protect those around him.
In the face of such senseless violence, Christians are also reminded of God’s call for justice and peace. Romans 12:19 says, “Do not take revenge, my dear friends, but leave room for God’s wrath, for it is written: ‘It is mine to avenge; I will repay,’ says the Lord.”
While we may struggle with feelings of anger and sadness, we are called to trust in God’s ultimate justice and to support our law enforcement officers as they fulfill their duty to protect the innocent. Furthermore, during this holiday season, we are reminded of God’s comfort for those grieving. Psalm 34:18 assures us that “The Lord is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit.” As a community, let us lift up the family, friends, and colleagues of Officer Horan in prayer, asking for God’s peace and healing in the midst of such a heartbreaking loss.
Tiny Homes Stolen in Heists
Thieves are increasingly targeting tiny homes across the United States. In one shocking case, Monica Badzinski arrived at her property in Oklahoma, only to find her tiny home had been stolen. Thieves cut through locks, hitched the home to a vehicle, and drove off under the cover of night. A neighbor’s security camera recorded the entire theft, revealing the criminals’ bold actions. While Badzinski wasn’t home at the time, the crime is part of a larger wave of tiny home thefts happening across the U.S. – most notably in Utah and Washington state.
As tiny homes grow in popularity, particularly due to their affordability and mobility, more people are becoming targets for thieves. Experts suggest taking extra precautions, such as installing wheel locks and trailer receiver locks, to safeguard these homes. With the tiny home market expected to continue expanding, securing these properties is becoming an urgent concern for owners.
So let’s take a minute to reflect on where our real home is. While these thefts are troubling, they highlight the transient nature of our earthly possessions. The Bible speaks clearly about the impermanence of material things.
In Matthew 6:19-21, Jesus tells us, “Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moths and vermin destroy, and where thieves break in and steal. But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where moths and vermin do not destroy, and where thieves do not break in and steal.”
This verse reminds us that no matter how secure we make our earthly homes, they are temporary and ultimately not where our hearts should be set.
As Christians, we are called to keep our eyes focused on our eternal home. In John 14:2-3, Jesus assures us, “My Father’s house has many rooms; if that were not so, would I have told you that I am going there to prepare a place for you?”
Our true home is with God, in a place free from the theft, loss, and suffering we experience here on earth. While it’s important to care for and protect what God has given us, we must also remember that our ultimate security comes not from locks or walls but from the hope and peace that Christ provides, knowing that He has prepared a place for us that can never be taken away.
Steps to Declutter Your Mind
Finally today, if you’re feeling overwhelmed by life’s demands, you’re not alone. Mental clutter can make it hard to focus, relax, or get things done.
To clear your mind and regain control, start by identifying what’s causing your stress. Once you have a list, prioritize the tasks that need immediate attention and break big jobs into smaller, manageable steps.
Practicing mindfulness, even just a few minutes a day, can help calm your thoughts and improve focus.
Another key tip is to declutter your physical environment—clearing your workspace or home can create a sense of order and reduce stress. Setting boundaries and learning to say no is also important to protect your mental space.
Finally, don’t forget to take time for yourself; self-care is essential for mental clarity. These steps may take time, but with patience, you can reduce overwhelm and find a calmer, more focused mindset.
From a Biblical perspective, feeling overwhelmed is a common experience, but God provides us with wisdom and peace to navigate those feelings. The Bible teaches us in Philippians 4:6-7 not to be anxious about anything but to bring our worries before God through prayer.
This is a powerful reminder that we are not meant to carry the weight of the world on our own. Instead, we can lean on God’s understanding and trust Him to guide us through difficult moments.
Decluttering our minds is not just about reducing stress, but about focusing on what’s truly important: our relationship with God, our families, and the tasks He has placed before us. In Matthew 6:34, Jesus tells us not to worry about tomorrow because each day has enough trouble of its own. That’s always been one of my favorite verses.
By prioritizing our tasks, setting boundaries, and taking time for rest, we align ourselves with God’s design for balance in our lives. Practicing mindfulness can be seen as taking time to reflect on God’s presence, helping us keep our hearts and minds centered on Him.
Finally, self-care is not selfish when it is rooted in taking care of the body and mind God has given us. Rest is essential, as even God rested on the seventh day (Genesis 2:2-3), modeling the importance of rest. By caring for our mental health and seeking peace through prayer and reflection, we can be better equipped to serve God and others with a clear and focused mind.
Thanks for listening to NewsChat – now if the good Lord’s willing and the creek don’t rise, I’ll see you again tomorrow morning. I hope you have a great Christmas Day – and I hope that Santa gave you everything your heart desired… as for me, I’m going to go enjoy my lump of coal. Seriously though, have a blessed day. Remember, Jesus loves you and you deserve to feel good today! Take care.
NewsChat is a co-production from the Jack and Kitty News Network and Voices of Faith Ministries, visit us at JackAndKitty.com. Have a news tip, prayer request or just want to say hi? Email us: hello@jackandkitty.com. NewsChat is written and producted by Kitty Norton, with additional research by our reporters Maria Garcia, Todd Johnson, Thomas Miller and Emma Smith. It is recorded and hosted by me, Jack Norton and edited by Todd Johnson. Music composed and performed by Jack and Kitty Norton.
Finally, what is the best present? Broken drums! You can’t beat them.
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