a journey

In the book and subsequent movies titled Charlie and the Chocolate Factory, Veruca Salt knew how to get what she wanted; Veruca simply demanded it. When Veruca wanted a Golden Ticket she demanded one from her father. Her father stopped production in his factory and had all of his workers unwrap Wonka bars in search of a Golden Ticket. Veruca made it to the Chocolate Factory, but she was later rejected by Willy Wonka because she was a “bad egg.” Perhaps you can sing Veruca’s song “I Want It Now.” I want the works I want the whole works Presents and prizes and sweets and surprises Of all shapes and sizes And now Don't care how I want it now Don't care how I want it now Veruca is an extreme example of wanting everything in the world, but all of the kids in the book wanted something. The truth is we all want something. Wants can be a wonderful thing. Psalm 37:4 says, “Delight yourself in the Lord, and he will give you the desires of your heart.” So, what do you want? I will tel

Holidays can be loads of fun, but some holidays are simply more exciting than others. Here’s a countdown of the top five holidays with a few reminders of why we love them so much. Hope you have a wonderful Easter, and feel free to make your own top five list. I hope I don’t get in trouble for leaving out Mother’s Day! 5. New Years Day: Resolutions, fresh starts, ham and black-eyed peas (no cabbage please), the ball drop and Dick Clark. 4. Thanksgiving: Stuff a bird, stuff yourself, watch football. Oh, and we should mention that whole thankfulness thing. 3. 4th of July: Fireworks, American flags, celebrating our freedom in the greatest nation on earth, watermelon and barbecue, baseball, Harold and Fred in patriotic shirts. 2. Christmas: Snow, Christmas trees and lights, caroling, shepherds and wise men, a whole month of parties, Brenda’s church decorations, God with us. 1. Easter: The greatest demonstration of power and love the world has ever known, forgiveness, the Cross, th