The Hancock-Henderson Quill, Inc.
Greetings ta ever one in western Illinois and all readers of "The Quill."
The 4th
I'm a hope'n ever one had a good 4th of July celebration, be'n thankful for our independence from the British with their Monarch system and unfair tax system of taxes and gun confiscation policies.
Fireworks
Now that Iowa has legalized fireworks it is a lot shorter distance to another state ta find a goodly supply of Bomb Batta Bangs with their colorful displays.
I see a lotta "em go'n off around our parts a celebrate'n the fourth in a manner intended by our fore fathers.
Family Gather'ns
Another tradition around these parts is family gather'ns. Mrs. Bruke and I have several of our own that go back a long ways.
A special treat for the Mrs. and I was an invite ta the neighbors to the west at their family 4th of July gather'n.
Now these folk know how ta throw a good ole fashion gather'n with family and friends.
They started the meal in a proper way by circling around and bowin' their heads thank'n God for this great country, family, friends and food with their eldest son give'n the blessin'.
Food was a plentiful and especially good.
Home caught fish from the Mississippi River was fried and served with all the trim'ns, followed by homemade ice cream and homemade rhubarb, blackberry, and apple pies.
While waitin' fer fireworks, ever'one s'mores the traditional night-time campfire treat as ever'one circled the fire!
Family was there from all over the country and I have ta say they were all so polite, courteous, and a joy ta be around.
They had several tents circled around the campfire fer the couple had every right ta be proud of what they have accomplished with this fine large family.
Well, that be'n said, the only thing what might have made the gather'n more blessed would have been a good one inch thundershower gently giv'n ever'thing a good drink later that night, except fer all the children sleep'n in those tents might have been scurrying fer the house.
It shore is dry around these parts. We haven't had us a good rain since "Heck was a pup."
I reckon with patience, it will come one of these days or it'll become mighty dry and fer sure we will think it had atta rained some time er 'other!
Some fellers is a worry'n up a sweat on all this dryness, but pray'n is a better option.
Well, as a reminder don't let your worries get the best of ya;
Remember, Moses started out as a basket case.
Christian One Liners
For that matter here is some
Christian one liners fer food for thought:
Some people are kind, polite, and sweet-spirited
Until you try to sit in their pews.
Many folks want to serve God, But only as advisers.
It is easier to preach ten sermons, Than it is to live one.
The good Lord didn't create anything without a purpose, But mosquitoes come close.
When you get to your wit's end,
You'll find God lives there.
People are funny; they want the
Front of the bus,
Middle of the road, and
Back of the church.
Opportunity may knock once, But temptation bangs on the front door forever.
Quit griping about your church; If it was perfect, you couldn't belong.
If a church wants a better pastor, It only needs to pray for the one it has.
We're called to be witnesses, not lawyers or judges.
God Himself doesn't propose to judge a man until he is dead.
So why should you?
Some minds are like con crete, Thoroughly mixed up and permanently set.
Peace starts with a smile.
I don't know why some people change churches;
What difference does it make which one you stay home from?
Be ye fishers of men. You catch'em - He'll clean "em.
Coincidence is when God chooses to remain anonymous.
Don't put a question mark where God put a period.
Don't wait for 6 strong men to take you to church.
Forbidden fruits create many jams.
God doesn't call the qualified, He qualifies the called.
God grades on the cross, not the curve.
God loves everyone,
But probably prefers "fruits of the spirit' over "religious nuts!'
God promises a safe landing, not a calm passage.
He who angers you, controls you!
If God is your Co-pilot, swap seats!
Prayer:
Don't give God instructions, just report for duty!
The task ahead of us is never as great as the Power behind us.
The Will of God never takes you to where the Grace of God will not protect you.
We don't change the message,
The message changes us.
You can tell how big a person is
By what it takes to discourage him/her.
The best mathematical equation I have ever seen: 1 cross + 3 nails = 4 given.
If this blessed you in a profound way today,
Share it with a friends to bless them!
I bet someone else will
LOVE it too.
REMEMBER:
There is no greater treasure than a good friend!
Well folks, that's all I've got fer this week's column. Have a good rest of the week for you and yours.
Hope'n ta see ya in church a worship'n the "Good Lord" and given thanks for our many blessings.
Remember, Wherever ya are, whatever ya be a do'n "BE A GOOD ONE!"
Keep on Smile'n
Catch ya later
Barnyard Bruke