Month: December 2025

I went ahead and got my flu shot and pneumonia shot the other day. There’s so much debate about vaccinations these days. Are they really effective? Can they actually be harmful? Will the shot make you sick? Even folks in the medical field seem to have mixed opinions.

All you can do is read up on all the pros and cons and make your own decision. Most of the authorities I trust in the profession seem to be strongly in favor of immunization, so I am taking their advice. I like to think of it as an informed decision.

Kind of like deciding whether to accept Jesus as Savior. Read up on it in God’s word, then make a choice. It just might be the spiritual shot in the arm that changes your life.

We have a holly tree growing on the outside corner of our house. Every fall it breaks out with those attractive red berries that have become associated with Christmas. But if you try to pluck those berries off the tree to use for decoration, you’re probably going to get pricked by the barbs on the holly leaves.

Sometimes pretty things in our life attract us and tempt us to grab hold of them. But they’re not good for us and they will only lead to pain. Better to keep your distance and admire them from afar.

Let the real beauty in your life come from inside you.

I was stunned to receive the news recently that one of my closest friends had passed away. We have known each other for 42 years. He had been having a few health problems of late but there was no indication he was on the verge of death. His decline happened so fast. It was just months ago he was his old happy, energetic self.

It was a sobering reminder that life is so fragile. That opportunities have an expiration date. That today is the only time on this earth we can be sure of. It’s easy to take time for granted. To put important things off until you find a more convenient moment. Don’t regret that you didn’t tell someone how you feel about them.

My friend knew how much I loved him and treasured our relationship. I will miss him terribly. But I know I will see him again, and that will get me through.