Magnolia 2.0

The magnolia bush in my front garden has created a little tradition for itself. While it mainly flowers in late spring, it saves up enough energy for one or two blooms in late October and early November. I cannot understand why, though I am pleased that it has done this for a second year. Red autumnal leaves might be pretty, but pink flowers a rarer delight. It is a little gift which it is pleased to offer, and which I am delighted to receive.

The prophets and apostles of the Charismatic Movement have been fortelling a national or even global Christian revival for decades. Things have actually got worse, and the spiral continues as we approach the middle of this foul century. The days preceeding the Lord’s return will surely be horrible, not holy. Yet God in His mercy still sends us tokens of His grace and mercy nonetheless: some conversions here, some church growth there, some opportunities to witness over yonder. The tokens might be small, but the chilly surroundings make them all the more welcome.