Fog?

No, it’s smoke! That was often the exchange between my wife, Vernee, and I, during this past summer in South Dakota. Every time the wind came out of the north it brought the smoke resulting from the Canadian wildfire devastation. The 2023 fire season, which started early and ended late, burned an estimated 71,000 square miles of land, an area equivalent to the entire state of North Dakota. (On average, some 9,600 square miles burns each year. That was an over 730% increase for 2023.) 

Advice Well Taken

The apostle Paul was on his way to Jerusalem at the end of his third missionary tour when he stopped by to give a farewell to the leadership at Ephesus. He said to them, 

I know that after my departure savage wolves will come in among you, not sparing the flock, and from among your own selves men will arise, speaking perverse things, to draw away the disciples after them. Therefore be on the alert… 

(Acts 20:29-31)

Christmas Choice: Innkeeper or Shepherd?

Christmas was so close to the innkeeper in Bethlehem. Mary and Joseph came to his city, they stood on his doorstep, possibly even in front of his desk. Yet we deduce his preoccupation with business kept him from recognizing the Christ of Christmas. The innkeeper had no time and no room for Jesus.

Wisdom from the Mouth of a Child

The week before Christmas was hectic. Dad and mom were frantic, and nerves reached the breaking point more than once. The little daughter seemed to be in the way wherever she went.