Don’t Feed the Bears!
Carlton Coon Carlton Coon

Don’t Feed the Bears!

Don’t feed the bears!

A recent visitor to Yellowstone National Park told how as they entered the park he was given a flyer from a park ranger. Near the top in bold letters was the warning, “Please do not feed the bears”. After driving a short distance in the park, he noticed several cars beside the road. It was obvious what was going on. They were feeding the bears. He spotted the Ranger so he asked “why not feeding the Bears” was an important thing. The Ranger told him the obvious reason was the danger of getting injured or becoming...

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I’m Not Done Yet
Carlton Coon Carlton Coon

I’m Not Done Yet

This blog is written by David Kent. David and Susan Kent have planted multiple churches in Minneapolis and elsewhere. He has served in several leadership roles with the United Pentecostal Church, International. In June of 2024, the Kents celebrated their 47th wedding anniversary.

On December 16, 2022, I drove to the church to plow snow from the parking lot. On arrival, work was being done on the road. The access was blocked. As I stepped out to speak with the workers, I slipped on the icy road. The fall broke…..

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John the Sage
Carlton Coon Carlton Coon

John the Sage

This blog is written by Gary D Erickson.

John the Beloved was a leader among the Twelve Apostles. He authored five New Testament books and was a “Sage!” John was the only Apostles to escape martyrdom, live into old age, and die of natural causes. Although he lived a long life. his faith and loyalty to Jesus did not shield him from persecution. He was boiled…..

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Reflecting on Modern Family Dynamics
Carlton Coon Carlton Coon

Reflecting on Modern Family Dynamics

This blog is written by Mark Morris.

In today's society, it's evident that we are navigating through a tumultuous period. The Bible prophesized times where what is morally wrong is seen as right, and vice versa, leading to widespread societal dysfunction. One of the most profound impacts of this moral inversion is on the family unit. When families fracture, it is

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The Thing About Used Books
Carlton Coon Carlton Coon

The Thing About Used Books

A meme that I saw the other day caught my attention. It stated that “I don't have too many books; it's just that I am deficient in shelving”. This could very well be true at my house. I have always been fascinated with books. When I was a child, I would walk several blocks to the city library and spend time looking at the books and carrying the library’s limit home, then I would bring them back and load up with more.

When I started in the ministry in 1978, I realized how important books were. It has often been said….

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His Ways For the Surviving Spouse
Carlton Coon Carlton Coon

His Ways For the Surviving Spouse

But while the pain of loss invades and disrupts the momentum we once treasured, we must remember that God knows the way. The good news is that HE is the Master Re-router! HE makes a way when there seems to be no way! And HE travels with us, never leaving us alone! His map is our guide as we continue toward the destination HE has prepared for us.

Exodus 13:21: “By day the LORD went ahead of them in a pillar of cloud to guide them on their way and by night in a pillar of fire to give them light,so that they could travel by day or night.” Reminders of God’s past provision adorn the highway, giving us courage to …..

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Reimagining Direction
Carlton Coon Carlton Coon

Reimagining Direction

This blog is written by Carlton L Coon, Sr.

The destination is clear when an Airbus A321 departs Washington’s Dulles airport, bound for Chicago. During flight, a directional gyroscope is an instrument that helps keep the plane on course. Quietly and continuously, the gyroscope works to keep the plane headed to its destination.

The ongoing assessment and subtle reorienting are essential to a safe arrival. Having a clear destination on departure is wonderful, but the goal is to safely arrive at the destination. But magnetic fields, the curve of the earth, and wind affect flight. Thus, recalibration is constant, so subtly done that passengers are unaware.

What a great illustration of life. Those who arrive at their destination will have experienced ongoing recalibration. Remember the changes from adolescence to young adulthood? As Chris, our youngest son, said, “It was a lot more fun ……….

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