MCM Partners invite you to dress in your neon best and make plans to attend Neon Night on Saturday, July 16th from 8:00 p.m. – midnight! Guests will enjoy an evening with glowing neon lights, electrifying music, specialty cocktails, and savory snacks. Neon Night is an MCM Partners signature fundraising event where young professionals can connect, while supporting MCM’s educational initiatives and exploring award-winning exhibits. “Neon Night brings MCM to life on a summer night with great music, local food, and beverages. We are honored to be a part of this signature fundraising event to support Mississippi’s current and future generation of children,” says Neon Night Co-Chair, Ann Ferrell Alston. Guests over 21 are invited to dress up with glowing necklaces and bracelets and dance the night away with Powerhouse Band playing everyone’s favorite dance hits! The event was established by a dedicated group of young adults who value and support MCM’s mission to promote literacy, health, and education for children. As MCM’s “youngest” signature event, Neon Night has quickly become a must-attend party for the young and young-at-heart crowd. “This fun-filled evening will be an occasion to celebrate and support MCM, which serves as a resource to so many families throughout Mississippi,” says Madison VanLandeghem, Neon Night Co-Chair. This year the event is presented by TrustCare Kids and sponsored by Simmons Erosion Control, Inc., Southern Farm Bureau Life Insurance, Atmos Energy, Monkee’s of Ridgeland, Tito’s Handmade Vodka, Geri Beth and Allen Smith, The Bridal Path, Maggio Thompson, LLP, Merkel & Cocke, P.A., Ann Carter, Inc., Howard Industries, Brunini Law Firm, Smith Towing Company, Paula and Randy James, Fuse.Cloud, Phelp’s Dunbar, LLP, McCorquodale Transfer, Sue and Peter Keyes, Matrix Solutions, Inc., Align IT Group, Bossier & Associates, PLLC, Gilchrist Donnell, PLLC, Porter & Malouf, Southern Beverage Company, and Clark Beverage Group. Guests will be able to enjoy a variety of food trucks including Hog Heaven BBQ, Aplos, Green Ghost Tacos, and Crooked Letter Kitchen. A specialty cocktail contest sponsored by Tito’s Handmade Vodka will also be held, where Manship Wood Fired Kitchen, Bravo, Estelle, and Babalu will present their signature cocktail for the evening. Tickets are available for $55 online at one.bidpal.net/neonnight22 until noon on July 16 or available at the door the evening of the event July 16. About the Mississippi Children’s Museum The Mississippi Children’s Museum (MCM) is a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization with a mission of creating unparalleled experiences to inspire excellence and a lifelong joy of learning in all children. The 40,000-square foot museum is designed around five primary initiatives, with correlating exhibits, programs, and outreach efforts. These initiatives include: Literacy, STEAM, Health and Nutrition, Cultural Arts, and Mississippi Heritage – the keys to helping our children mature into healthy and productive adult learners. In response to community needs due to the COVID-19 pandemic, MCM shifted operating and programming priorities to best serve Mississippi’s children and combat learning loss through facilitating virtual schooling and creating online educational enrichment – services that continue today through a robust, daily afterschool program and an online platform for teacher professional development. In 2021, MCM celebrated a monumental year by receiving an Institute of Museum and Library Services National Medal, the nation’s highest honor for museums, and through opening its first satellite museum, MCM-Meridian, which received the 2021 Governor’s Award for Travel Attraction of the Year. To learn more about MCM visit www.mschildrensmuseum.org.

A $300-million settlement ends Mississippi’s part in lengthy, multi-state FERC rate dispute Entergy Mississippi customers will receive credits on their energy bill as early as this summer and future bill reductions over the next several years as part of a $300-million settlement the company has reached with the Mississippi Public Service Commission. Earlier this week, Entergy officials and MPSC commissioners approved the settlement agreement that ends Mississippi’s part in multi-state rate proceedings before the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission involving the customer rate impacts of Grand Gulf Nuclear Station. Entergy operates Grand Gulf and owns 90% of the station under its subsidiary, System Energy Resources, Inc. Entergy estimates approximately $300 million in benefits to Mississippi customers as a result of the settlement. Customers will see these benefits in three ways. First, an estimated $200 million of the benefits will be used to offset high fuel prices being incurred to generate electricity. Fuel costs are passed through directly to customers with no profit to the company. Second, an estimated $35 million of the benefits will be provided as lump sum bill credits to each Entergy Mississippi customer this year. The $35 million benefit results in a one-time credit of approximately $80 for Entergy Mississippi’s residential customers. Third, customers will receive the remaining benefits of the settlement in the coming years in the form of lower bills than they otherwise would see. In addition, Entergy Mississippi customers have already received another $50 million in bill credits through prior refunds made during the FERC proceedings. “By resolving these issues, we can focus on the long-term future of Grand Gulf Nuclear Station to ensure it remains the critical, emissions-free power source it is to serve our customers,” said Haley Fisackerly, Entergy Mississippi president and CEO. “With natural gas prices having tripled over the last year, raising customer power bills as a result, the low-cost power we get from Grand Gulf is a financial lifeline to our customers right now.” The settlement involved more than a dozen separate proceedings, including some that raised decades-old issues, brought by the public service commissions of Louisiana, Arkansas, the City of New Orleans and, in part, Mississippi. The MPSC disputed the company’s position on a variety of issues involving the taxing, accounting and financing of the nuclear unit and its impact on customers’ bills. Entergy has long maintained that the disputed positions regarding the taxing, financing, accounting and operating of Grand Gulf before FERC are proper, well-reasoned and in the best interest of its customers and the company. Entergy also believes Grand Gulf has provided consistent value for its customers through its operations over the years. However, Entergy officials explained that the ongoing cost of the dispute at FERC and the uncertainty it created for customers, employees and stockholders led the company to seek a resolution. “While no settlement is perfect for all parties involved, we applaud the Mississippi commissioners for taking this action. They recognized the need to represent their constituents’ interests while at the same time securing the long-term future of a vital resource to Mississippi consumers and Mississippi’s economy,” said Fisackerly. Entergy officials added that they hope the other states involved in the FERC dispute will follow Mississippi’s lead and seek to settle the remaining claims. Entergy officials will work closely with the MPSC to make sure the customer bill credits for its more than 461,000 customers in Mississippi are implemented as soon as possible. In addition, Fisackerly said he appreciated those Entergy employees who have long worked with FERC on these issues and those employees at Grand Gulf who have reached several performance milestones despite the lengthy regulatory dispute. “The more than 850 men and women at Grand Gulf have not been distracted by these issues and have continually focused on safely and reliably serving our customers. In the last year alone, they have achieved not only the highest status in the U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission’s overall performance matrix, but also have set all-time station records for gross and net generation in megawatt-hours,” said Fisackerly. “The future is bright for Grand Gulf and its important place as a clean, affordable and reliable energy resource for our Mississippi customers.”

The young man’s bride of a whole six months waltzed dramatically into the den to show off her new outfit. But engrossed in the college football game of his alma mater, he never took his eyes off the screen. Slightly miffed, she moved in front of the tv to force him to notice her. Unfortunately, at the precise second she chose to make her move, his quarterback launched a thirty yard pass that hopefully would tie the game. He let out a frustrated bellow, and certainly not really thinking of consequences, young husband brusquely told her to move aside so he could at least see the replay. Needless to say, the first argument of their young marriage began. Hours, and buckets of tears later, she finally admitted her fear, “You obviously love football more than you love me!” Honest Abe thought a few seconds, and then made a fatal mistake when he blurted, “Well, honey, I love you a lot more than basketball.” That night a little smarter Abe got well acquainted with the guest bedroom. Sometimes priorities can get a little off-center. The pleasure you get from that hobby can easily derail your common sense, and make you totally ignore what you know…that your loved one is more important than your hobby. Be very wary if you find yourself pouring your time, or money, or even affection into what started out as a harmless pastime, but can end up as a hairy problem. If it makes your loved one feel neglected and abandoned, you got a hairy problem Social media, sports, outdoor activities, and friends are all a good thing, if kept where they belong…. below your spouse on your list of ‘I Want To Do This.’ Otherwise, you are running the risk of damaging the very relationship that started out as Priority Uno. Hobbies and side activities are a great thing, as long as they are just that – side stuff. Never let them become so important to you that your mate begins to feel jealous or abandoned. You are inviting consequences down the line that you are not going to enjoy. Because, rare is the loved one who simply takes that kind of abuse quietly. Maybe not in a knockdown drag-out, they may be passive-aggressive in showing you their hurt feelings, but sooner or later those feelings will make their presence known. Need some passive-aggressive examples? Mate starts looking for sly ways to hurt you. Bowling shirt got misplaced…hmmm, wonder how that happened? Spouse quits talking to you – or anything else. Money suddenly disappearing at a previously unknown rate into the pockets of local department stores. What used to be admiration and honor deteriorates into sniping and griping. Or some other irritating behavior that you will notice in your relationship. Realize, analyze, and be ready to apologize. Talk it out and compromise. You don’t have to totally give up your hobby, you just need to put it in its proper place.

The Executive Committee of Wesson Garden Club (WGC) turned the Wesson American Legion Post 79 lodge into a beautiful setting for a 1950s/1960s retro tea party, with vintage decor, including tea pots and cups and tables accented with floral designs, to mark the Club's year end. Club members wearing 50s and 60s styles contributed to the ambiance of a meeting that focused on the organization's work during 2021 and 2022. Jean Ricks led in the reading of the Club’s Collect, June Owens blessed the food, and Debbie Smith read a poem -- “The Meaning of Garden Club Work” from the National Garden Clubs’ “A Collection of Inspirations and Installations”. After enjoying a time of fellowship and a tea with delicious refreshments and treats prepared and served by the Club's Executive Committee, WGC President Dixie Thornton reviewed the Club’s year and thanked the members for their hard work, which brought it considerable recognition -- five first place awards, one second place award, and one honorable mention at the 93rd Annual Convention of The Garden Clubs of Mississippi, Inc. in April at Brandon, Mississippi. The Club's convention first place honors encompassed the Garden Education Center category, the Carrie Avent Bird Award, Container Gardening, Social Media by Club Members and National Garden Week. Second place recognition encompassed Public Relations, and the Club received an Honorable Mention for its Publicity Press Book. First time competitors in the “Girl Power” National Garden Clubs State Petite Design Specialty Flower Show held at Brandon were Debbie Smith and Dixie Thornton. Smith received honorable mention in the “Serving Others” Reflective Design Class and Thornton received second place in the “Preparing to Entertain” Table Design. The Club also received First Place Bird Award from Deep South Garden Clubs, Inc., for the Club’s “Blue Bird Trail” project spearheaded by JoAnn Miller. Those attending the year end meeting were Marilyn Britt, Sherri Carty, Sherry Davis, Rebecca Harrison, Debbie Hoaglin, Denise Jackson, Vickie Martin, Pam McLemore, Ashley Munn, June Owens, Pam Owens, Jennifer Peets, Joy Phillips, Jean Ricks, Debbie Smith, Lisa Smith, Nancy Sullivan, Dixie Thornton, Brittney Warren, Cathy Warren, and Joy Wesbrooks. Invited guests in attendance were Paige Anderson and Cherry Head. The Wesson Garden Club is a member of The Garden Clubs of Mississippi, Inc., National Garden Clubs, Inc., Deep South Garden Clubs, Inc., Natchez Trace District-Garden Clubs of Mississippi, Inc.

Sisters (left to right) Melinda Causey, May Hall and Paula Grayson, who have served The Garden Clubs of Mississippi, Inc. over the years, treated Wesson Garden Club members to a "Through the Years" fashion show which incorporated botanical art and jewelry and clothing with embellished accessories. The Club met at the American Legion Post 79 lodge. Attendees were Marilyn Britt, Sherri Carty, Sonya Cowen, Robin Furr, Debbie Hoaglin, Rhonda Ishee, Denise Jackson, Vickie Martin, Pam McLemore, June Owens, Pam Owens, Jennifer Peets, Joy Phillips, Marilyn Phillips, Jean Ricks, Debbie Smith, Ramona Smith, Nancy Sullivan, Dixie Thornton, Brittany Warren, Cathy Warren, and Joy Wesbrooks. Members and guests enjoyed refreshments prepared by hostesses Robin Furr, Rhonda Ishee, Ramona Smith and Brittany Warren.

Samantha Speeg of Brookhaven has been named Co-Lin Wesson Campus Dean of Student Services overseeing athletics, campus police, enrollment services, housing, military community services, student life, and student discipline, and will continue to serve as the college registrar. Previously as Director of Enrollment Services, Speeg was responsible for administering admissions policies and establishing and supervising the maintenance of all student records for the college district, serving as the principle designated student official (PDSO) for international students, managing the enrollment audit, coordinating all recruitment efforts within the college district to include junior preview days, senior tailgate party, and other on-campus recruitment events; implementing recruitment campaigns including the design and production of marketing materials and the college viewbook; and supervising enrollment services staff on the Wesson Campus. Speeg has been employed in the Student Services division of the college for the past 13 years also serving as an academic counselor, college registrar, disabilities services coordinator, college recruiter, and counseling center assistant. During her time at Co-Lin, Speeg has also served as a Phi Theta Kappa advisor, Trailblazer advisor, chaired the Presidential and Leadership Scholarship committees, and been a member of the enrollment management task force. She serves on the college’s Behavioral Intervention Team and Audit Advisory Committee for the Mississippi Community College Board. A graduate of Co-Lin, Speeg earned her Bachelor of Arts Degree in Mass Communication and Bachelor of Fine Arts Degree in Graphic Communications from the University of Southern Mississippi. She received a Master of Science Degree in Higher Education Administration from Mississippi College. Speeg is a member of the Mississippi Association of College Registrars and Admissions Officers (MACRAO) and the Southern Association of Collegiate Registrars & Admissions Officers (SACRAO). Speeg’s has been honored as a Co-Lin Outstanding Staff Member and Mississippi’s ACT Postsecondary Champion, and received the Phi Theta Kappa Paragon Regional and International Advisor Award, Ann Bradberry Award, along with numerous design awards from the College Public Relations Association of Mississippi. She is a graduate of the Mississippi Community College Leadership Academy. Speeg and her husband Adam are the parents of three children, Julia, Eden, and John Daniel.

By Kara Kimbrough “Beach or mountains?” This question is often thrown about when engaging in workplace “get acquainted” sessions and other venues. For me, it’s a no-brainer. Having grown up in a state with hills, not mountains, not to mention 26 miles of beautiful manmade beaches fronting the Gulf of Mexico at our southern-most tip, I’m quite partial to the beach. “I never met a beach I didn’t like” is a statement that easily applies to me. I feel guilty for visiting beaches other than our amazing Gulf Coast, but sometimes, I do. Here are a few highlights of a recent trip to Florida’s spectacular Emerald Coast. A few days with friends at Miramar Beach near Destin was the perfect start to summer. If you’ve never been, it’s an area of northwest Florida known for its sugar-like sand, emerald-hued water and amazing sunsets. Unbelievably fresh, creative and delicious food finds took the trip to a new hemisphere. Reality was left behind as we drove up the palm-tree lined drive of the Hilton Sandestin Beach Golf Resort and Spa and entered the cool oasis. Ensconced within the cocoon-like complex are close to 600 spacious rooms and suites, a world-class spa, fitness center and six on-site dining options. Glass walls open onto a sprawling pool, luxurious lounge areas and newly-expanded beach deck. A few steps away, the shimmering Emerald Coast, named for its light green color interspersed with stripes of brilliant blue, beckons like a magical oasis. Renting a beach condo or private home is something many of my friends do every summer. However, schlepping cooking supplies into a condo and stocking the fridge is not my idea of a relaxing vacation. But check in to a luxury resort, where changing into a swimsuit and heading down to an umbrella-covered lounge chair at the pool or beach is my only job? That’s my idea of a memorable vacation. Intermingled with fun at the resort were fresh seafood meals, delicious po’boys and sandwiches, innovative appetizers and creative desserts found in every town along the coastline. Surrounded by unparalleled natural beauty on the beach and along peaceful palm-tree-lined streets, visiting a place called Stinky’s seemed, well, a tad sacrilegious. However, it came highly recommended by a Hattiesburg friend, so we decided to give it a try. Located in Santa Rosa Beach on Florida’s famous Highway 30A, Stinky’s is a lively, casual-style restaurant. After sampling the mammoth wedge salad topped with crispy bacon, sliced tomatoes, onions and the restaurant’s delicious Green Goddess dressing, followed by fried shrimp, catfish and other seafood accompaniments confirmed we made the right dining decision. Further exploration of 30A brought glimpses of pristine sand beaches, rare dune lakes, plenty of shopping and opportunities for water view dining. Intrigued after learning Seaside’s Bud & Alley’s was named for a dog and a cat, we selected it from among a group of area restaurants and food trucks. Seated at a wooden table overlooking brilliant water, I sampled one of the best shrimp po’boys of my life. Lightly seasoned and breaded shrimp were nestled on a bed of the tastiest cole slaw I’d ever tasted. The chef shared his secret of adding sugar, grated onion and garlic powder to what I’m assuming is a homemade mayonnaise base with perhaps a dash of Greek yogurt. Other food highlights were giant homemade cinnamon rolls and pastries at the Hilton’s coffee shop and lobster rolls at Seaside’s Shrimp Shack. The culinary highlight of the trip was a visit to The Vue at 30A in Santa Rosa Beach. The picturesque restaurant was named “Best Waterfront Dining” by Travel and Leisure Magazine. Postcard-worthy views of the water and in the evening, amazing sunsets, from either its glass-fronted dining areas or beachfront patios, are mesmerizing. The arrival of dinner was the only thing that could’ve diverted my eyes from the waterfront view of a fiery sunset. I’d previously sampled lobster tails, but the chef’s crab-stuffed version was amazingly different. Two Maine lobster tails are topped with crab meat, smoked Gouda cheese, cream and panko breadcrumbs. It was an unforgettable meal topped off with a peach and mango cobbler with a crust so light and delicate it literally melted with each bite. The Vue has a seafood-centric menu, but there’s no scarcity of steaks. Others in our group enjoyed filet mignon topped with a red wine chorizo demi glaze and rosemary fingerling potatoes. Waiting in line outside Destin’s famous The Donut Hole was mandatory on the last day. Pancakes, waffles, omelets and biscuits are just a few of the breakfast offerings at this old-school diner and bake shop. But it’s the 30+ flavors of homemade doughnuts that have residents and tourists lining up all day. A box of 12 different flavors of homemade doughnuts accompanied me to my home state featuring a beach, not mountains. Best Beach Key Lime Pie For the graham cracker crust: (a store-bought version can be substituted, but this recipe is so good!) 2 cups graham crackers, finely crushed 1/4 cup sugar 6 tablespoons butter, melted Pie filling: 2 - 14 oz cans sweetened condensed milk 1/2 cup sour cream Zest of 2-3 limes 3/4 cup lime juice, will take about 6 (use key limes if you can find them) 2 large egg yolks To make crust: Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Melt butter and set aside. Finely crush graham crackers in food processor, blender or crush in a Ziploc bag using a rolling pin. Add sugar and pulse a few times until blended (pour into a bowl and use a whisk if not using food processor or blender), pour in butter and stir with whisk or pulse a couple times until mixed. Pour mixture into 9-inch-deep dish pie dish and using hands, press into bottom and along sides. Bake for 6-8 minutes until just golden, not browned. Remove from oven and cool completely on wire rack for at least 10 minutes. To make filling: Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Wash, dry and zest 6 limes, set zest aside. Squeeze 3/4 cup of lime juice (about 6). Pour lime juice, sweetened condensed milk, sour cream, egg yolks and zest into the bowl of a stand mixer and mix on low until combined, then increase to medium-high for 2-3 minutes, scraping down sides as needed. Pour filling into cooled graham cracker crust. Bake at 350 degrees for 15-20 minutes until center is set, but still moves slightly. Don’t allow to brown. Remove from oven and cool for 30 minutes, then refrigerate for at least 3 hours. Top with whipped cream, if desired. Kara Kimbrough is a food and travel writer from Mississippi. Email her at kkprco@yahoo.com.

Eleven outstanding high school seniors have received Presidential Leadership, Taylor Presidential and Pitts Scholarships from Co-Lin. The college awarded Taylor Presidential Scholarships, its most prestigious, to High School seniors Rachel Temple of Franklin County High School (from left) and Kamryn Bridges of Wesson Attendance Center. Mattie Grace Williams (not pictured) from Bogue Chitto Attendance Center also received a Taylor Presidential Scholarship. High School seniors Kelly Eubanks of Mississippi School of the Arts (from left) and Logan Case of Brookhaven High School received the prestigious Pitts Scholarships. Presidential Leadership scholars (left to right) were Nicholas Wester, home schooled in Simpson County; Olivia Fleming of Franklin County High School; Heidi Smith of West Lincoln Attendance Center; Brooklyn Laird of West Lincoln Attendance Center; Brady Ratcliff of West Lincoln Attendance Center; Laney Beard of Wesson Attendance Center; and Shelby Lofton of Enterprise Attendance Center. The Taylor Presidential, Pitts and Presidential Leadership Scholarships are awarded to outstanding high school seniors through an application and interview process through the college president’s office each spring.

The U.S. Department of Education has awarded Co-Lin's Wesson Campus more than $1.4 million to fund an Upward Bound Program for the next five years beginning September 1, 2022. Co-Lin’s Upward Bound program will serve 60 low-income and first-generation students at Bogue Chitto Attendance Center, Brookhaven High School, Crystal Springs High School, Enterprise Attendance Center, and Hazlehurst High School. It will provide participants with academic tutoring; second and post-secondary advisement; college entrance exam preparation; instruction in assistance completing financial aid applications; financial and economic literary; instruction in mathematics, laboratory science, foreign language, and literature; exposure to cultural events and academic program; career exploration, and an on-campus residential program. Participants must have completed the eighth grade and be at least 13 years old, but not older than 19. “This is an exciting day at Co-Lin as we announce that the Upward Bound program will return to the college’s Wesson Campus,” said Co-Lin Executive Vice President Dr. Dewayne Middleton. “Upward Bound will make a significant difference in the lives of 60 high school students from five schools in our college district, and for generations to come. We are eager to see the program kick-off in September and to begin serving our community.” The purpose of the Upward Bound program is to provide opportunities for participants to succeed in their precollege performance and ultimately in their higher education pursuits. Upward Bound serves high school students from low-income families; and high school students from families in which neither parent holds a bachelor's degree. The goal of Upward Bound is to increase the rate at which participants complete secondary education and enroll in and graduate from institutions of postsecondary education.

Wesson Chamber of Commerce crowned Ally Sullivan the town's new Founders Day Queen at the annual event last month that celebrates the life and culture of the community. Over the next year, Sullivan will represent the local Chamber as Wesson's ceremonial royalty at business grand opening and other special events. The daughter of Kandi and Dwight Sullivan is a junior at Wesson Attendance Center, where she is also a member of the Cobra Yearbook Staff, National Beta Club, Student Council Representative, Vice President of the Junior Class and member of the Wesson High School Band and Color Guard. She plans to attend Co-Lin after graduating from Wesson High School, and is a major in Cybersecurity/ Criminal Justice or Pediatric Nursing. Why did she want to be Founders Day Queen? “I would love to represent my town as Founder Day Queen to meet new people, give back to the place I was raised and show my love for our small town.” In addition to the entertainment, food, shopping specials and fun time, Founders Day festivities featured a 5K Run/Walk that kicked off the two-day event and a car show. Overall winners of the 5K Run in the men's and women's categories were Logan Hux and Yemy Wolf. Under age 20, over age 21 and over age 36 division winners Logan Hux (first), Noah Brister (second) and A.J. Perkins (third); Yemy Wolf (first), Amber Brinson (second) and Jessica Breazeale (third); and Brian Norwood (first), Toby Williamson (second) and Ricky Breazeale (third). Karley Shannon (first), Kate Norwood (second) and Jenny Selman (third) were the winning walkers. In the car show, the Participant Choice winner was a 1956 Oldsmobile Rocket 88 owned by Roxanne Douglas of Wesson, and Chamber of Commerce Choice winner was a 1915 Ford Model T Tourer owned by Brian and Mandy King of Wesson. Wesson Chamber Commerce organizes and manages the annual Founders Day events.

Wesson Garden Club members were guests of Mississippi’s First Lady Elee Reeves at a reception held at the Governor’s mansion to commemorate the dedication and unveiling of the Deep South Garden Clubs, Inc., Blue Star Marker placed on the Mississippi Capitol grounds last month. The Blue Star Marker stands as a tribute to the Armed Forces from Louisiana, Tennessee, Alabama, Georgia, South Carolina, Florida and Mississippi who have defended the United States.

Men. The very first species of human-kind that the Creator made, and with absolutely no instruction manual to show Him how. The Bible says God made Man “in His image.” I have to wonder - is that why men are so reluctant to read the instruction manual, or stop and ask someone for directions? Was God so literal about man being made in His image, that a man has a built-in “Nope, don’t need it” in their DNA? Ever noticed the first thing the average man does when he has purchased and unboxed an item that needs assembling? Yep, you got it. He will immediately toss the packing Styrofoam, along with the printed INSTRUCTIONS FOR ASSEMBLING, into the trash. Then he will spend the next few hours muttering and grumbling as he repeatedly tries and retries to make the pieces, various bolts and all the screws fit. And then when, and if, he finally gets it all put together in a semblance of the original intent of the item, he probably will have a screw left over. At which point he holds it up triumphantly and yells, “They did it again! They invariably send at least one too many! I think they must do that to mess with your head.” “Written instructions from the manufacturer are there to help you correctly assemble and use the item.” That sentence is a simple explanation of why following the item’s manual is the easiest, fastest, and smartest way to succeed. Easy-peasy to understand the concept. Then why do most men make certain that the first thing to hit the bottom of the trashcan is said manual? Refer to my earlier sarcastic comment - their DNA? Bet you Bible-reading women already know where this is going. But I’ll continue on for the benefit of all. To have a good and loving marriage. To successfully rear children and be a great dad. To be the best that you can be at your chosen field of work. To be a godly man, husband and father. YOU GOTTA READ THE INSTRUCTION MANUAL THAT TELLS A MAN HOW TO DO IT. Men, you don’t have to just wing it – striking out on your own, just doing the best that you can with no instruction! That would be a pretty unfair expectation, and God didn’t do that. In His infinite wisdom your Creator knew you would need help. You have a difficult job ahead of you – being the leader of your home, a godly example and guide for your kids to follow. That’s why He gave you a Bible to read for instructions on how to do just that. Like my mom used to yell, “Do ya think I’m just talkin’ to hear my voice in the wind? I’m tryin’ to help you!” Same with your Creator. He wrote it down to help you, if you will just read it. Happy Father’s Day, guys.