"The Dogs Days of Summer"

The "Dog days of Summer" have often referred to a period of time during the summer when the temperatures get hot and the humidity is humid. July and August have been in the midst of such a season. For the Atlanta Braves, the "Dog days of Summer" is taking on a new note. On Sunday, August 27th, the Atlanta Braves have made arrangements where an individual can bring their dog to the game with them. They have a special seat and price arrangement set up and the person must fax to the Braves a record of vaccinations. Can you imagine what the stadium will look and sound like on that Sunday?

People "bark" all the time at the umpires over questionable calls. Just imagine a stadium filled with dogs who are barking whenever and wherever they wish. Just imagine the vendor with popcorn or cotton candy and the dogs trying to take it away from him/her. The Braves have the "wave" which is an organized or disorganized attempt to get fan participation in standing up and sitting down in sequence to cheer the home team on. Imagine, the dogs who are used to such aerobic activity. What about the poor folks who clean up after the game is over. Normally, they are cleaning away the cups, coke, beer, and other items. The dogs will be long remembered by these folks as they clean their stinky and wastes. What a day to attend a Braves game!

Enjoy the day and opportunity to share what God is doing in such a beautiful and diverse world!
Ed

"A Friend"

Sometimes I might ask someone the question: "How many friends do you have?" They will usually respond with something like: "I've got worlds of friends - I just have so many friends." Either they didn't hear the question or we have a different interpretation over what constitutes a friend. John Blake in the "Living Section" of the Atlanta Journal and Constitution quotes a study by Duke University and would suggest that the average American now has only two people they can confide in which is nearly a one-third drop from 20 years ago.

There is something dynamic and wonderful about having a friend that you can open up your heart to. That friend will listen but never turn on you. That friend is someone you can call day or night. That friend is someone you can share your deepest and darkest secrets with. It is wonderful to find people that we can depend on and share special moments of our lives.

Some might blame computers and cell phones, but I would suggest that there is a "lack of trust." Just take a look at the popular bestseller list and many of the books are about people who have turned on what once was described as "a friend." Loyalty has become a lost art in our world as individuals forsake friendship for dollars or other relationships.

If you have a friend or two today, cherish them! Give thanks to God for the friends in your life! They will difficult to replace!