Six -year-old Brandon decided one Saturday morning to fix his parents pancakes.  He found a big bowl and spoon, pulled a chair to the counter, opened the cupboard and pulled out the heavy flour canister, spilling it on the floor.  He scooped some of the flour into the bowl with his hands, mixed in most of a cup of milk and added some sugar, leaving a floury trail on the floor which by now had a few tracks left by his kitten.  Brandon was covered with flour and getting frustrated.  He wanted this to be something very good for Mom and Dad, but it was getting very bad.  He didn't know what to do next, whether to put it all into the oven or on the stove and he didn't know how the stove worked!  Suddenly he saw his kitten licking from the bowl of mix and reached to push her away, knocking the egg carton to the floor.  Frantically he tried to clean up this monumental mess but slipped on the eggs, getting his pajamas white and sticky.  And just then he saw Dad standing at the door.  Big crocodile tears welled up in Brandon's eyes.  All he'd wanted to do was something good, but he'd made a terrible mess.  He was sure a scolding was coming, maybe even a spanking. But his father just watched him.  Then, walking through the mess, he picked up his crying son, hugged him and loved him, getting his own pajamas white and sticky in the process!  That's how God deals with us.  We try to do something good in life, but it turns into a mess.  Our marriage gets all sticky or we insult a friend, or we can't stand our job, or our health goes sour.  Sometimes we just stand there in tears because we can't think of anything else to do.  That's when God picks us up and loves us and forgives us.  But just because we might mess up, we can't stop trying to "make pancakes" for God or for others.  Sooner or later we'll get it right, and then they'll be glad we tried...

The Medina Children’s Home asked to collect cereal - assorted sweet.  They will be by the week of Sept. 4 - 8.  There is a box in the foyer for your donations.

There is a Bible out in the foyer to sign for Amy Watkins.  There will also be a money tree set up for her.  If you are unable to attend her farewell send off tonight after the evening services, then you can give your money to Carla, Dixie, or Julie.

Jessica Hackworth-Baggett was married 3 weeks before her husband left for Iraq.  He will be home very shortly and we will all be able to meet him soon!  She was not able then, but is now able to have the wedding of her dreams.  Please, join us for her much awaited wedding shower on Sunday, July 30th from 2-3:30pm.  Her selections are at Wal-Mart.

Leon & Diane (Larned) Diaz were married here Thursday evening by Mike Bailey.  We congratulate and wish rich blessings on this new family.

There is a basket set up in the foyer to receive wedding gifts for Jayme Smith, daughter of Steve & Pat.  She will be getting married on July 29.

STATISTICS FOR JULY 16, 2006