Independence Day is one of the most important days of remembrance we recognize each year. Please take time this year on July 4th to stop and observe the sacrifices made to create our free way of life.
The signing of the Declaration of Independance was more than a simple drafting of a statement of incorporation. It was a risk. A HUGE risk for all who believed in the American Experiment. To admit belief in this new nation and it’s ideals of a self governing free people was to subject onself to persecution including torture and death under terms of treason against the king of England. With this knowledge, our founders still saw it fit to risk all and in many cases give all for the opportunities we now enjoy.
So, I receive a coupon in the mail yesterday for Breakfast at Taco Bell. Looking at the images, it was clear that I would either love or hate the options offered with no middle ground as an option. Within seconds my mouth watered at the thought of a breakfast burrito from a place that specializes in Mexican food rather than some lame attempt made by a burger joint. Jump the time frame to 2 minutes and I’d committed to breakfast at The Bell this morning. 
If you have kids and are like me, every year you dread the first day of school. Not for the same reasons that kids do though :~) Though most parents are worn out from a summer of rearranging their schedule and playing referee when your kids could use a break from each other, the first day of school is an event of reflection. I can’t believe that my Halee is entering the fifth grade. Her last year in elementary school before she dives into the pressures of “big kid” environments. Not to mention my baby girl Ruthie starting Kindergarten. It’s crazy and causes me to think back on the joyous moments when I held them in my arms for the first time. 
I meet with a group of other men each week. While enjoying our morning coffee, we discuss scripture, family, work, and anything else life has brought to our attention that week. Last time we met, the topic of fellowship was brought up. I don’t mean fellowship as in, eating a casserole with some people you see for an hour each Sunday. We were talking about real fellowship. The kind where two people share an empathetic bond. David and Jonathan kind of fellowship. 
