I am pleased to announce my debut as a fiction author.

I was reading an editorial in the Wall Street Journal (Tuesday, January 21, 2020 [A4]) by Gerald F. Seib, who writes for the Capital Journal, entitled For Many Voters, It Isn’t About the Economy. Mr. Seib boldly questioned the line spoken by James Carville in the 1992 presidential campaign by Bill Clinton when he said, “It’s the economy, stupid.” Over the years this blunt quote has been echoed by politicians on both sides.

Seib points out that despite the economic growth, Trump’s popularity in the country still lags behind. The editorial declares that the good economic news we are witnessing is not having the political effects the analysts expected. “Some of those benefiting most from the Trump economy reside in urban areas on the coasts. Yet their hatred of the president burns hot despite the economic benefits they feel.” Seib stated.

Thanksgiving is past and we are now focusing on the next holiday, Christmas. I found myself pondering if we have readied ourselves for the future holiday by grasping the philosophical and spiritual meaning of this recent holiday we just experienced? I suggest, that perhaps many have not immersed themselves in the true meaning of Thanksgiving and therefore we are ill-prepared for Christmas, the true meaning of Christmas.

The writings of C.S. Lewis left its 20th century mark on children’s fiction and Christian apologetics. After his conversion from atheist to Christian in midlife, his writings were profoundly thought provoking. I suggest it was his early childhood that molded his literary imagination and delight for a fictional escape from an outside world that was not to his liking.

You might raise your eyebrows at this lesson. An omnipotent God does His own defending. However, I am talking about boldness in your actions and speech about fearlessly and unapologetically standing up as a Christian defending the honor and name of Christ.

Sam is normally a peace-loving dog. He wants to be friends with everyone. On occasion I have been asked by delivery people, first time guests, and meter readers, “Is he friendly?” 

Every adult I know remembers their childhood excitement of Christmas. There was the daily count down in anticipation of the gifts. Will we get what we asked for, or maybe something better? I know, I know, I was sufficiently aware of the reason for the holiday. It was centered on baby Jesus’ birth. However, He was still just a baby and as such was unaware of what His entrance would have on people in the future. As a mature child, I was certain that Jesus would understand and would approve of my interest in gifts, as long as He was in first place.

Almost everyone I have ever known who is proud of his dog has extolled their pet’s intelligence. The only other creature that exceeds bragging rights of their dogs is grandchildren, if they are in that category.

Canine intelligence is measured by their ability to distinguish commands and words their human colleagues utter. It is reported that some dogs can identify or distinguish 165 words. That is the equivalent to a two-year old human child. 

Love is defined as a feeling of intense affection and warmth toward someone or something. Devotion is defined as a strong feeling of duty or loyalty to a cause.

Years ago I was waiting for an overseas flight from Chicago to England. I was deep in thought at what was before me; the presentation of a research paper that I had written at a scholars forum at Oxford University. I was feeling a little anxious about that event, but was drawn back to the current airport situation by hunger. I stood up to search for a quick meal in the terminal, then noticed a middle-aged businessman seating himself across from me.