Warming Up in Indio

5:44 PM I am writing this note from my motel in Indio, California. My day really started last night when I finally sent the sermon out at about 1:45 AM. I slept for about three hours, got up at 5 AM, and made it to the Columbus airport in time to catch my 7:15 AM flight to Chicago where light snow was falling at O’Hare Airport. Our flight to Palm Springs arrived an hour late (about 1:15 PM). In the process I went from Eastern Time to Pacific Time. A while ago I met with the team leading the Mid-Winter Bible Conference at the Date Festival Fairgrounds. Already a number of RVs have arrived and parked on the fairgrounds.

The weather here is a lot nicer than in the Midwest. At the moment the temperature is 58 degrees. This weather should be fine all week long–60s during the day, upper 30s at night, lots of sunshine, a bit of a breeze, and a few clouds. Basically this is a good place to be in January.

Palm Springs is on the north end of the valley, Indio on the south. Many famous politicians and entertainers had lived in or near Palm Springs, including Frank Sinatra, Bob Hope and Gerald Ford. Elvis had a home here. According to one website, “On any given day during the winter season, over 100 nationally known figures can be seen around the desert.” I don’t think we’re likely to run into any famous people this week, but you never know.

Tonight I’m speaking on Hold Lightly What You Value Greatly from Luke 12:16-21. The emphasis all week long will be on encouragement and spiritual challenge.