High Tech Praying???

So we are retiring for the night, when Debbie says, "you hear that, someone is on the roof" I grab the gun and go to the back of the boat to see a raccoon sitting at our back door looking at us. Only he is not alone, he is on an outing with his five brothers and sisters. (a total of 6!)
We shared this story with all the neighbors and after a meeting on the subject we decided that a live trap was the answer. We would catch the family one by one and 'relocate' them.
Tuesday at 3AM Bailey wakes me up, "Dad I think something is in the trap" We get the flash light and sure enough, a raccoon in the trap, but the interesting thing is one of his brothers or sisters is outside the cage trying to get the cage open, in fact trying to untie the rope that holds the trap to the dock. I choose to go back to sleep.
At 6AM I get up to find the little fellow still in the trap, but more interesting to me is that his brother or sister has not left his side, they are sitting side by side one in the cage, the other free. I run the free sibling away and sit back from a distance to watch. In just moments it comes back and sits by the cage, as if to say, "I am not leaving you behind"
I am not prepared for this kind of decision at 6AM, what to do "relocate" or release the trapped animal. About this time my neighbor comes out of his boat and ask, "what do we have"? I relate what I have observed. He ask what are you going to do? I said, I know this sounds weak, and is not helping our problem, but...I am thinking of letting him go. My neighbor give me a knowing smile. As I release him from the trap, my neighbor says, "I didn't see a thing"

Building Ships

"If you want to build a ship, don't drum up people together to collect wood and don't assign them tasks and work, but rather teach them to long for the sea."

-Antoine de Saint-Exupery

7/7/07 Weddings Day

I am sure you have read the stories by now about the number of weddings held today. ABC New reports:

From tying the knot or hitting the slots, on 7/7/07, a lot of people are hoping to get lucky.

And if Pythagoras were still around, he probably would be too. The mathematician decreed the number seven lucky in ancient Greece, cementing in Western culture a belief that also reigns in Asia and the Middle East.


Wedding-planning Web site TheKnot.com has had 38,000 couples register 7/7/07 as their wedding date -- more than triple the number of couples getting married on any other day of the year.

"That concentration will make it the single largest wedding day in American history," said Carley Roney, founder and editor of TheKnot.com.

I too found myself in the middle of the wedding day marathon. I had three request to do ceremonies, but choose to accept only one. Stewart and Sarah Uzzell tied the note at the historic "Old Mill" in North Little Rock. The 7AM slot was taken so we settled for the 8AM slot. Congratulations Mr and Mrs Uzzell!

"Blessed are those who can give without remembering and take without forgetting."

-Elizabeth Bibesco

"All other days have either disappeared into darkness and oblivion or not yet emerged from it. Today is the only day there is."

-Frederick Buechner

I send greetings to Americans everywhere celebrating Independence Day.

Two hundred thirty-one years ago, 56 brave men signed their names to a bold creed of freedom that set the course of our Nation and changed the history of the world. On this anniversary, we remember the great courage and conviction of our Founders, and we celebrate the enduring principles of our Declaration of Independence.

Through selfless sacrifice and unrelenting determination, the patriots of the American Revolution ensured that our Nation's claim to liberty and equality would not be dismissed or forgotten. The ideals they fought for and the country they helped establish are lasting symbols of hope to the entire world.

Our commitment to America's founding truths remains steadfast. We believe that freedom is a blessing from the Almighty and the birthright of every man and woman. As our Nation faces new challenges, we are answering history's call with confidence that our legacy of freedom will always prevail. On Independence Day, we express our gratitude to the generations of courageous Americans who have defended us and those who continue to serve in our country's hour of need, and we celebrate the liberty that makes America a light to the nations.

Laura and I wish you a Happy Fourth of July. May God bless you, and may He bless our wonderful country.

GEORGE W. BUSH

No Service Wednesday

I wish everyone a Happy Fourth of July. Because of the many celebrations going on there will be no Wednesday night services. Enjoy your family time, I will see you Sunday.
Pastor Greg

Admiring others

Whatever you find in others, becomes a part of you. When you criticize and find fault in someone, it only serves to bring you down. How could you possibly profit from embracing and expanding the negative?

When you admire someone, you share in their accomplishment. The things you admire in others will grow strong within yourself. The respect you give to others will bring more respect to you. The love in your life will grow to the extent that you give it away.

Your thoughts determine the quality of your life, so why would you want to focus them on the shortcomings of others? Instead, look for ways to admire and respect the very best in the people around you. That will bring out the best in you.

By Don G Brock