Merry Christmas fellow branches!   Below is one of my favorite Christmas posts from a previous year. The Magi/Savior relationship is so loving that it seemed noteworthy to post again (with a few additions). Enjoy!   Matthew 2 opens the door to turmoil. What’s new? Isn’t there turmoil surrounding the name of Jesus yet today?…

  14But every person is tempted when he is drawn away,  enticed and baited by his own evil desire (lust, passions).     15Then the evil desire, when it has conceived,  gives birth to sin, and sin, when it is fully matured, brings forth death. James 1:14-15** I found myself situated at our table mere feet…

Our family hit the outdoors recently for an afternoon of zip lining. (That’s our sweet daughter in the photo above.) I’m not especially fond of heights, so fear tried to take a little foothold. The idea of stepping off the ledge, far above the tree tops, seemed a bit intimidating to say the least. I…

“Run! Seek shelter!” was shouted with urgency.   The crowd gathered quickly and herded themselves automatically into the wide expanse of gymnasium. It was as if they didn’t think twice, but ran to the familiar set of walls they were accustomed to.   Underneath the choice of covering, they stood wide-eyed, knees knocking, yet assured…