Fresh Mannaby Pastor Tim BurtInspirational Humor: The Great 4th of July Pie ContestBy Pastor Tim BurtIn the small town of Libertyville, the 4th of July wasn't just about fireworks and barbecues—it was the day of the Great 4th of July Pie Contest, an event more anticipated than the mayor's annual attempt to sing the national anthem on key. Every year, the townsfolk would gather at the park, each hoping their pie would win them the title of Pie King or Queen. This year, the competition was as fierce as ever, with whispers of secret ingredients and kitchen mishaps flying around.
Among the contestants was Mr. Johnson, a retired navy officer known for his "super-secret-ingredient" deep-dish apple pie. Rumor had it that the secret ingredient was something bizarre like pickle juice. Then there was Mrs. Henderson, whose blueberry pie was so good that some said it had made a local dog bark "Hallelujah" once. But the real buzz was about young Billy, a ten-year-old entering the contest for the first time. Billy had been baking with his grandma since he could remember, and his special cherry pie was the talk of the town (or at least of his 87 relatives in that town).The big day finally arrived, and the town square was bustling with activity. Red, white, and blue decorations were strung from every tree and lamppost, and the smell of fresh-baked pies filled the air. The mayor, wearing an Uncle Sam hat that was two sizes too big, officially kicked off the festivities. After the parade, the obligatory out-of-tune national anthem by the mayor, and a prayer of thanks to God for their freedom, it was time for the pie contest.Billy was nervous but excited. He had prayed the night before, asking God to help his pie turn out just right, and he remembered what he had read that morning in His Bible. Philippians 4:6-7: "Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus." And so he lifted one last prayer. "Please, God, let them like my pie and not make funny faces," he whispered. As the judges sampled each pie, the crowd waited in anticipation, trying not to laugh too hard at Mr. Johnson’s "apple-pickle-juice" creation.Finally, it was Billy's turn. He presented his pie with a shy smile, hoping Max hadn't tampered with it while he wasn't looking. The judges took their bites, and their eyes widened in surprise and delight. One judge, a stern old man who rarely smiled, broke into a grin so wide that his false teeth almost fell out. "This is the best cherry pie I've ever tasted!" he declared, holding his teeth in place.The crowd cheered, but a loud noise interrupted the celebration. The fireworks had been accidentally set off early by the mayor, who had tripped over his own oversized shoes. The sky exploded with color in broad daylight, and a rogue firework zoomed past Mr. Johnson's toupee, sending it flying into Mrs. Henderson's blueberry pie. Everyone laughed so hard that tears streamed down their faces.Amid the chaos, Billy looked up and whispered, "Thank you, God." It was a perfect Fourth of July moment—funny, a little chaotic, and full of gratitude for the blessings of freedom, community, and the simple joys of life.So young Billy won the title of Pie King that year, but more importantly, he learned that even though he was the youngest contestant, perseverance, faith, a lot of laughter, and a touch of chaos could make any day extraordinary.Happy 4th of July!In His love,Pastor Tim Burt
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