We have a great opportunity to begin transforming local economies by creating new jobs and developing the infrastructure to bring additional businesses to the Central Louisiana region. For this to happen, local elected officials and other stakeholders should support the development of the Beaver Lake Biofuels project and the Capture Point CO2 sequestration site in Vernon Parish.

The posts being delivered mainly through Facebook about both these projects have been so full of misinformation and fear mongering that it is comical at times.

The new attack tactic is posting “CCS what-ifs.” The anti-CCS activists are attempting to place doubt and fear in the minds of people with “what-ifs.” It is a very common approach of many environmental activist groups across the nation. The “what-ifs.” It is hard to argue against what might happen. Imagine using this approach in other instances. You can fight against any kind of development with the “what-if” approach. Any industrial site could have an accident or something. What if this pipe leaks? What if someone gets hurt? What if I slip and fall on my way out the door? What if I wreck my car on the way to the store? There is a “what if” for everything in life.

It is precisely because of the “what-ifs” that there are rules and regulations surrounding industrial facilities and pipelines. Everyone must follow the rules and regulations regarding safety and construction, and they are substantial. As a testament to these rules and regulations, there has never been any deaths from CO2 asphyxiation around a U.S. CO2 pipeline or sequestration site or an enhanced oil recovery (EOR) field. Remember, CO2 pipelines and EOR have been around for 50+ years. Can you say the same about other activities? Of course not. But the “what-if” crowd says they support industry and new jobs, but they make you believe someone is going to “take your land” or “poison your water” or scare you into believing that people near these sites are in danger. This is a pure, tried-and-true “what-if” approach used by environmental activists for decades. Take a kernel of information and blow into a “what-if.” If businesses and communities took that approach to every project, big or small, nothing would ever be built.

The Sierra Club and other groups use the exact same tactics. This is how we know some of their leaders are engaging with the “local” anti-CCS groups. They say they’re not affiliated or aligned but they took down the Zoom call from the internet that proved that some of their leaders were meeting with the Sierra Club.

I encourage you to read https://dcjournal.com/sierra-club-quietly-teams-with-conservative-groups-to-block-louisiana-energy-projects/

We know that in early 2025, some of the first anti-CCS meetings in Central Louisiana were sponsored by the Sierra Club. Sierra Club has been all over the country working to fight CCS in every state because they know that CO2 sequestration could be a life extender for the oil and gas industry depending on future global and domestic rules surrounding carbon dioxide. In the near future, if the US wants to be a major producer of fuels and products to sell abroad, then carbon sequestration may be necessary for many markets.

Again, the anti-CCS groups in Louisiana say they are pro-oil and gas, but you can’t say you support a specific industry when you are fighting something that industry is supporting and may need to thrive in the future. You can’t have it both ways.

To be clear, if local elected officials are pressured into ensuring these two projects fail, the economic downturn will continue in Central Louisiana. Why is it that the forestry industry, business organizations, logging groups, Chambers of Commerce, and regional economic development organizations all support these two projects? Because they understand how they will positively impact the region now and into the future.

These projects will help bring prosperity to the area and no one is going to “take your land” or “poison your water!” That is the “what-if” crowd trying to scare you.

Don’t let them ruin this opportunity for Central Louisiana.

Desiree Lemoine
Executive Director, Industry Makes

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The following report displays all bookings made at the LaSalle Parish Jail between the dates listed. These arrests were made by LaSalle Parish Sheriff’s Office and surrounding local and state agencies. All suspects are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.

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Eighth-grade students at Fellowship Elementary School recently had the opportunity to explore a fast-growing healthcare career, thanks to an outreach effort by LaSalle General Hospital.

As part of the Central Louisiana AHEC MedStart program, Dustin Decker, MHA, RRT, and Lori Stevenson, RRT, met with students to discuss the rewarding profession of respiratory therapy. The healthcare professionals shared insights into the field’s rapid growth across the region, noting a strong local demand for new respiratory therapists to join the workforce.

During the presentation, students learned about the diverse work environments available within respiratory therapy, including inpatient hospital care, pulmonary rehabilitation programs, sleep laboratories, and specialized neonatal and pediatric units.

The hands-on session gave students an up-close look at the skills required in the field. Demonstrations included how to insert an artificial airway, and each student received an incentive spirometer to better understand the importance of lung expansion therapy and respiratory health.

Hospital representatives said they enjoyed connecting with the students and were encouraged by their curiosity and enthusiasm for healthcare careers. Programs like MedStart aim to introduce young people to medical professions early, helping inspire the next generation of healthcare providers in LaSalle Parish.

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The National Weather Service is forecasting warm temperatures and gusty winds for LaSalle Parish through midweek, with rain and thunderstorm chances increasing on Thursday before sunny skies return for the weekend.

Wednesday will be partly sunny with a high near 75 degrees. South winds will range from 10 to 15 mph, with gusts reaching up to 30 mph, making for breezy afternoon conditions.

Wednesday night will turn mostly cloudy, with overnight lows around 62 degrees.

On Thursday, there is a slight chance of showers in the morning, followed by a greater chance of showers and thunderstorms after noon. Skies will be partly sunny with a high near 79 degrees. The chance of precipitation is 50 percent.

Thursday night will bring a 40 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms before midnight, then a slight chance of lingering showers. Skies will become partly cloudy, with lows dipping to around 51 degrees.

Friday will be sunny with a high near 73 degrees, while Friday night will be mostly clear with a low around 47 degrees.

The weekend forecast looks pleasant. Saturday will be sunny with a high near 79 degrees, followed by a partly cloudy Saturday night and a low near 51 degrees.

Sunday will be mostly sunny with highs around 78 degrees, closing out the weekend with comfortable conditions.

Residents are encouraged to stay weather-aware Thursday afternoon and evening as scattered thunderstorms move through the area.

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I did not put my sense of humor away for Lent. Honestly, I’m not sure I could if I tried. My sense of humor has a mind of its own and occasionally needs to be told, “Hush now, we’re in church.” I once preached a funeral with the “Exit” sign burned out over the doors we’d be leaving through. My brain, unhelpfully, started processing the symbolism — we all exit eventually — and before I knew it, my mouth was dangerously close to sharing that observation with the grieving family. That’s when I realized: for Lent, I may fast from many things, but my sense of humor is apparently not one of them.

And speaking of Lent, that little moment of funeral foolishness reminded me how this season always brings out our quirks, our questions, and our wellintentioned attempts at spiritual discipline. Many congregations observe Lenten practices, and you can usually spot us by the annual question: “So… what are you giving up for Lent?” Some of my Roman Catholic friends give up meat on Fridays, which has sparked many a conversation — and, fun fact, is the reason McDonald’s invented the fish sandwich. Stick with these Ponderings long enough and you’ll be ready for Jeopardy!

Which brings me to one of my favorite Lenten stories.

John Smith was the only Protestant to move into a large Catholic neighborhood. On the first Friday of Lent, John was outside grilling a big, juicy steak. Meanwhile, all his neighbors were dutifully eating cold tuna fish. This went on every Friday. Finally, the Catholic men decided something had to be done — John was tempting them beyond what any human should endure.

So they set out to convert him.

They talked with him, brought him to church, and the priest sprinkled water over him saying, “You were born a Baptist, you were raised a Baptist, and now you are a Catholic.” The men rejoiced. Their Lenten temptations were over.

Until the next year.

The first Friday of Lent rolled around, and just as the neighborhood sat down to their tuna, the unmistakable aroma of steak drifted through the air. They rushed to John’s yard, ready to remind him of his new commitments.

And there he stood, sprinkling water over his steak, saying, “You were born a cow, you were raised a cow, and now you are a fish.”

It’s funny — and it’s also a gentle reminder. It’s not what our neighbors call us that defines us. It’s not even what we call ourselves. Our actions, our habits, our quiet choices — those speak louder than our reputations or our labels.

Lent invites us into that quieter truth. Not the showy kind, not the “look what I’m giving up” kind, but the kind that shapes us from the inside out.

This Lent is Jesus shaping your heart and your journey to Easter?

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Ever notice how quickly opinions travel faster than facts? This week’s cartoon plays with that idea, leaning into the humor of how we debate, react and sometimes overreact in the digital age. Inspired by the game-show energy of Jeopardy!, it’s a lighthearted reminder that not every buzzer needs to be hit — and sometimes it’s okay to wait for the full answer.

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Baton Rouge, LA-Governor Landry formally requested on Feb. 23 that the Office for Civil Rights at the U.S. Department of Education’s investigation be expanded to include every public institution of higher education in Louisiana to ensure full compliance with federal law across the state. Letter attached.

“Let me be clear: Louisiana is done with woke DEI policies. Discrimination against ANY student will not be tolerated,” said Governor Landry. “This issue began under the previous administration, and we are fixing it. That is why, I’ve formally requested that the investigation be expanded to EVERY public higher education institution in Louisiana. If there are violations of federal law anywhere in our system, we want them corrected.”

The Lady Giants are headed back to the quarterfinals for the second straight year after a hard-fought regional round victory in the Louisiana High School Athletic Association playoffs.

In an intense matchup, Jena High School defeated Church Point 55-50 to secure their spot in the Elite 8. The Lady Giants jumped out to an early 14-11 lead, maintained a 24-21 advantage at halftime, and answered every late-game push to seal the win.

Team performance played a key role in the victory. Jena finished the night with 17 offensive rebounds, leading to 12 second-chance points. Defensively, the Lady Giants recorded 32 deflections and five blocks, showcasing their intensity on both ends of the court.

Several players delivered standout performances. Triniti Williams led the scoring effort with 14 points, going 6-of-9 from the free-throw line. Lily Jane LaCroix added 12 points, including two three-pointers, while Ahja Dorsey contributed nine points with two shots from beyond the arc. Ameera Jones made a major impact with a team-high +20 performance, and Heidi Crawford controlled the boards with 11 rebounds. A’Kiya Phillips added four key offensive rebounds.

The atmosphere was electric, with strong community support from Jena fans making their presence felt throughout the game. Players and coaches credited the crowd’s energy as a meaningful factor in the victory.

The Lady Giants will now face #3 Westlake in the quarterfinal round on Thursday, Feb. 26 at 6 p.m. Ticket prices are set at $6 for students and $10 for adults.

With momentum on their side and the community behind them, the Lady Giants look to continue their playoff run and add another chapter to an already impressive season.

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When you’re young and full of pee and vinegar, you think you’re bullet proof. You have a younger mindset that nothing can happen to you. But nothing could be further from the truth. For an angler, or anyone who spends a great deal of time in the outdoors, there are three words you never want to hear, “You have Melanoma.”

This is the number one form of cancer that takes more lives than any other. Like so many others, I thought something like this would never happen to me. But God had other plans as that day came for me in June of 2023. Never in a million years did I think I would be that guy who would have to battle cancer, but here’s my story.

A couple of years earlier I started seeing a dermatologist on a regular basis. Then one day while my sister-in-law was cutting my hair, she asked if I knew about this small black dot on the back of my ear. Since none of us can see the back of our ears, I had never seen this spot. She suggested I get it looked at, so I took her advice and made an appointment.

It was March of 2023 when I had this appointment, and my dermatologist suggested we try some chemo cream to help get rid of this spot. Well, after two weeks of chemo cream the spot went away. I thought my worries were over until mid-April when the spot returned. So once again, I made another appointment scheduled for the first week of May.

While I wasn’t overly concerned, we were planning a family vacation to Disney World the last week of May and I wanted this spot off my ear. But as fate would have it, my dermatologist had to go out of town to attend a convention, and my May appointment was cancelled. So, they rebooked me for the last week of June which was basically eight weeks.

Again, at this point, I’m still not overly concerned but really wanted this off my ear. Well, let’s just say when I returned for my appointment the last week of June, this spot had ulcerated and was now a deep purple color. Then the day of my appointment, the minute I was called to the back, the nurse took a look at my ear, and she instantly got very concerned and rushed out of the room to get my dermatologist.

This got my attention and now I’m nervous as my doctor walked in and said, “Oh, Steve this is not good, and I’ll go ahead and prepare you that this is probably going to come back positive for Melanoma.”

She biopsied the spot and overnighted it to a lab for testing. The next day around 10 that morning, she called and told me, “You have Melanoma.” My heart sank and I was a little overwhelmed and wasn’t sure what to think. But my dermatologist did an outstanding job of reassuring me that everything will be OK, as hopefully we’ve caught this early.

To shorten this story, I had two ear surgeries to remove the upper portion of my left ear and four difficult immunotherapy sessions that were hard to get through due to my reaction to the drug OPDIVO. But since then, all of my scans have been clear and bloodwork has been good.

Immediately I started the first year going to M.D. Anderson in Houston every three months. Then in late 2025, they scheduled me for testing every six months which is where I’m at today. Hopefully, if my PET scans, MRI’s and bloodwork continue to be clear, I’ll soon be moving to testing annually for the rest of my life.

The one thing my cancer doctor has told me is that Melanoma is the worst form of cancer that can hide in the body for long periods of time. It can come back at any point and that’s why I’ll continue to go back to M.D. Anderson from now on.

Here’s my advice to anyone (especially anglers) when it comes to protecting yourself from the harmful rays of the sun. First, understand this: Melanoma does not discriminate, and no one is immune to getting this form of cancer. Wear long sleeve SPF shirts with built-in sunscreen. Wear long pants instead of shorts to protect your legs. Wear a wide brim hat — even if you look goofy. I also wear fishing gloves to help protect my hands.

Always apply sunscreen to any portion of the skin that might be exposed. Do everything you can to protect yourself from the sun’s harmful UV rays. Because the words you never want to hear are, “You have Melanoma.”

Contact Steve at sgraf26@yahoo.com

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William J. “Bill” Blythe Jr. had recently been honorably discharged from the Army and had just been hired as an equipment salesman by the Mankee Equipment Company of Chicago. Immediately following World War II, so many soldiers were returning home and looking for work that jobs were scarce. 29-year-old Bill could find no work in his hometown of Hope, Arkansas, and was lucky to find work even if it required him to relocate to the windy city. It could not have come at a better time. Bill’s wife, 22-year-old Virginia Dell Cassiday, was six months pregnant. After calling home with the happy news, Bill began the 750-mile drive back to Hope, Arkansas, to prepare the family for the move.

Just before midnight on May 17, 1946, Bill had driven about half of the 755 miles to Hope when, about three miles west of Sikeston, Missouri, one of the front tires on Bill’s 1942 Buick sedan blew out. Bill lost control of the car, and it rolled over twice before coming to a stop on the side of the Brown Spur drainage ditch along Highway 60. Sikeston was surrounded by drainage ditches to help prevent flooding. Bill suffered a head injury and crawled out of the wrecked car. He could hear the sounds of passing cars and could see their headlights as they passed. He began crawling up the steep embankment toward the highway. As he was crawling, he slipped and fell into the drainage ditch which contained four feet of water. There, he drowned.

Virginia was devastated. Three months after the accident, she had her child and named him William J. Blythe III in honor of her late husband. Everyone called him Billy. Virginia, now a single parent, went to nursing school in New Orleans, Louisiana. Virginia’s parents took care of Billy while she was away. In 1950, Virginia returned to Hope and went to work as a nurse. In that same year, she met and married a car dealership owner named Roger. In 1956, Roger and Virginia had a son whom they named Roger Jr. At some point, Billy Blythe began using his stepfather’s last name, and, in 1962, Billy legally changed his last name so that he and his half-brother would have the same last name. In the following year, Billy was selected to be a delegate to Boys Nation, a special youth leadership conference held in Washington D.C. Billy was among the other boys from Boys Nation who, along with the Girls Nation, were invited to the Rose Garden at the White House to meet President John F. Kennedy. Billy was one of the first in line to shake JFK’s hand. Billy said later that meeting JFK had a profound impact on his life.

Imagine just for a second that Bill Blythe’s car wreck never occurred. Billy Blythe III would probably have been born in Chicago. The whole trajectory of his life would have been different. He probably would not have become President of the United States. If he had, we would know him as Bill Blythe rather than Bill Clinton.

 

Sources:

1. Daily American Republic (Poplar Bluff, Missouri), May 18, 1946, p.1.

2. “It All Began in a Place Called Hope: Biography of the President Bill Clinton,” National Archives, accessed February 15, 2026, https://clintonwhitehouse5.archives.gov/WH/EOP/OP/html/Hope.html.

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February 25 marks the birthday of Nina Simone, an artist whose music blurred the lines between entertainment, activism, and cultural revolution. Born in 1933, Simone became one of the most uncompromising voices of the Civil Rights era, using her platform to challenge injustice while reshaping the sound of American music.

Trained as a classical pianist, Simone defied expectations by blending jazz, blues, folk, gospel, and classical influences into a style uniquely her own. Her performances were emotionally raw and politically charged, reflecting both personal struggle and collective Black experience. Songs like “Mississippi Goddam” and “To Be Young, Gifted and Black” became anthems of resistance and pride.

Unlike many artists of her time, Simone refused to separate art from politics. Her willingness to address racism directly often made her controversial, but it also cemented her place as a cultural truth-teller. February 25 serves as a reminder of how her music functioned not just as entertainment, but as commentary on American life.

Simone’s influence on pop culture has only grown over time. Her music has been sampled and referenced by modern artists across genres, from hip-hop to indie pop. Filmmakers and television creators frequently use her songs to underscore moments of tension, empowerment, or historical reflection, introducing her voice to audiences far removed from the 1960s.

Beyond her music, Simone’s image and persona have become cultural symbols. Her unapologetic authenticity and refusal to conform resonate strongly in today’s conversations about artistic freedom and racial justice. Documentaries, biopics, and streaming playlists have renewed interest in her life, prompting deeper discussions about how Black women artists are treated by the industry.

February 25 also invites reflection on Simone’s complicated legacy. Her life was marked by brilliance, struggle, and resistance — elements that mirror the broader Black American experience she so often sang about. Today, she is widely recognized not only as a musical innovator but as a cultural icon who spoke truths others feared to voice.

As Black History Month nears its close, Nina Simone’s birthday serves as a powerful reminder that pop culture can be a force for change — and that music can carry the weight of history.

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The following report displays all bookings made at the LaSalle Parish Jail between the dates listed. These arrests were made by LaSalle Parish Sheriff’s Office and surrounding local and state agencies. All suspects are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.

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As part of the Central Louisiana AHEC program, Lasalle General Hospital (LGH) recently hosted a career-focused session for students from Fellowship Elementary School’s MedStart program.

LGH Lab Supervisor Brittany Magee, MLT(AMT), and Rikki Otwell, MLS(AMT), led the session, introducing students to a variety of professions within the medical laboratory field.

The students learned about the responsibilities of different lab professionals, the licensing requirements for various positions, and the educational paths needed to pursue a career in laboratory medicine.

As part of the hands-on experience, students received a lesson on blood typing and were shown how the LGH Laboratory performs tests ordered by doctors, nurse practitioners, and physician assistants.

“We loved being able to meet with these young people and explain how they can become Laboratory Professionals if they choose to go into the medical field,” said Magee.

The program aims to inspire students to explore healthcare careers early and provides practical exposure to the medical profession through interactive learning experiences.

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Residents in LaSalle Parish can expect warm temperatures and mostly cloudy skies through the middle of the week, with increasing chances of showers and thunderstorms heading into the weekend, according to the National Weather Service.

Wednesday will be mostly cloudy, with a high near 79 degrees. South winds between 5 and 15 mph will develop during the day.
Mostly cloudy skies will continue Wednesday night, with overnight temperatures falling to around 62 degrees.

A slight chance of rain arrives Thursday, with a 20 percent chance of showers developing after noon. Temperatures will remain warm, with a high near 81 degrees under mostly cloudy skies. Rain chances increase Thursday night, with a 30 percent chance of showers, mainly before midnight, and lows around 61.

Friday will bring partly sunny skies and a 20 percent chance of showers, with daytime highs near 79 degrees. Rain chances increase further Friday night, with a 40 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms and overnight lows dropping to around 58.

Unsettled weather continues into Saturday, with a 40 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. Despite the rain chances, skies will be mostly sunny at times, and temperatures will be slightly cooler, with a high near 74 degrees. Saturday night will remain mostly cloudy with a continued 40 percent chance of showers and lows falling to around 46.

Conditions are expected to improve slightly Sunday, with mostly sunny skies and only a 20 percent chance of showers.

Temperatures will be cooler, with a high near 65 degrees.

Residents are encouraged to monitor local weather updates, especially heading into the weekend when rain and thunderstorm chances are at their highest.

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Officials with the Town of Jena are reminding residents that disposing of used motor oil in the sewer system is strictly prohibited by law.

Town leaders say improper disposal of motor oil can cause serious damage to the sewer infrastructure and pose environmental risks. Motor oil can contaminate water systems, harm wildlife, and create costly maintenance issues for municipal sewer operations.

Officials are urging residents in LaSalle Parish to properly dispose of used motor oil at approved recycling centers or designated disposal locations.

The town emphasized that following proper disposal procedures helps protect the environment, maintain the integrity of public utilities, and ensure compliance with state and local regulations.

Residents with questions about proper disposal methods are encouraged to contact the Town of Jena for guidance.

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The LaSalle Parish Library will host a special book signing event later this month to celebrate local author Brad Elliott and the publication of his two books, Henry and The Carpenter.

The event will take place Saturday, Feb. 28 at 2 p.m. at the LaSalle Parish Library – Jena Branch. Community members are invited to attend and meet Elliott as he signs copies of his books.

Attendees are welcome to bring copies they have already purchased for signing. A limited number of books will also be available for purchase at the event while supplies last.

Library officials say the event is an opportunity to recognize Elliott’s literary accomplishments and celebrate local talent within the community.

Residents of LaSalle Parish are encouraged to attend the event and show their support for one of the parish’s published authors.

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Remember when canceling cable was supposed to save us money? This week’s cartoon takes a playful jab at the modern household budget, where the “Streaming Services” column somehow rivals the mortgage. With platforms multiplying faster than passwords can be remembered, viewers may be wondering if they traded one big bill for five smaller ones that add up even faster. It’s a lighthearted look at subscription overload in the age of endless content — and endless monthly charges.

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This winter has been a banner season for the dogs digging holes in the yard. With no grass to slow them down, they’ve taken to excavation like they’re auditioning for a canine episode of Gold Rush. They dig with abandon—pure, unfiltered joy. They’ve discovered a corner of the yard where two fences meet, a natural low spot that practically whispers, “Come on boys… dig here.” And they have obeyed that whisper with religious devotion.

Their digging has become a daily game: they dig, and I fill. They dig again, and I fill again. It’s our own little liturgy of futility. The hole is impressive—honestly, at this point I think the city should consider it for historical landmark status. They’ve even tunneled under the fencepost. Every day I stand there with my shovel, muttering, “Surely this time I’ve filled it,” and every day the dogs look back at me like, “Bless your heart.”

The other day, while filling the hole for the 47th time (give or take), I noticed it seemed to stretch out into the field behind the house. That was odd. I tried to imagine the position the dog must have been in to dig beyond the fence—some kind of canine yoga pose, no doubt.

Curiosity got the best of me, so I walked around to the other side. And there it was: a matching hole. My dogs weren’t just digging a hole—they were digging a two-sided hole. A collaborative, multi-campus excavation project. Most dogs dig under a fence to escape the yard. Mine? They dig under the fence and then keep digging on the other side, not to escape, but because the hole itself is the joy. They could have run free, explored the world, chased squirrels in new zip codes… but no. They stayed focused on digging the best hole ever dug in that backyard.

They are on a perfect hole-digging mission.

And it makes me wonder: what about your life? Do you have that kind of focus and tenacity as you try to live out your purpose?

Or—and let’s be honest here—are you more like the rest of us, digging a hole on one side of the fence, then walking around and digging the same hole from the other side? We don’t always need help escaping our problems. Sometimes we need help stopping the digging.

That raises the real question: what is your purpose in living? There’s a place called the church, and on Sunday mornings we help you wrestle with that question. We help you find direction, hope, and meaning.

And yes—many times—we help you climb out of the very hole you’ve dug for yourself.

Because unlike my dogs, you don’t have to keep digging. You really can step into a bigger world.

And we’d love to help you do it.

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