OUR BIRTH CERTIFICATE
What is the greatest document ever written by man? Many would immediately identify the Bible, but Gods Word was not written solely by man. It was divinely inspired, meaning it had dual authorship. The Bible was written by God and man.Some would say that the Magna Carta signed by the English King John was the greatest document because it provided liberty for England.

Some would even say the United States Constitution is the greatest document ever penned by man, and it is a great.But I believe the greatest document written by humans in the history of mankind is the Declaration of Independence, the birth certificate of the United States of America.Now the United States Constitution is a magnificent document and no nation in history has such a charter of incorporation. But, the Constitution is, in reality, an outgrowth of the Declaration of Independence---and could never have been written without the courageous and brilliant composition of our national birth certificate.Listen to these words: "We hold these truths to be self evident: That all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable rights, that among these are life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness." (Signed August 2, 1776.)And these concluding words: "And for the support of this Declaration, with a firm reliance on the protection of Divine Providence, we mutually pledge to each other our Lives, our Fortunes and our sacred Honor."

And 56 American heroes signed it... for which many of them paid with their lives and fortunes."Yes, I believe this is the greatest document ever written -- not for its beauty, even though it is penned in beautiful, prosaic English; not for its simplicity and clarity, although it is understood by the smallest child; and not for its judicial logic, though lawyers and courts still examine it thoroughly and often for its legal brilliance.I believe the Declaration of Independence is the greatest document ever written because of what it has produced. The Declaration of Independence is a soul-liberating document that has revolutionized the world.The Declaration of Independence is the greatest document because: It promised the greatest good; It influenced the greatest number of people; It provided the greatest quality of life; It gave birth to the greatest nation and that nation provided the greatest freedom in history; and...it led to the greatest advancement in the civilization of mankind this world has ever known.As you examine these self-evident truths, you will discover that our founding fathers believed in four basic Christian tenets; and they included their Christian beliefs in their declaration of independence. What did they believe?1. They believed in a Creator.2. They believed God created them in His own image.3. They believed that Gods supernatural act (i.e. the miracle and sanctity of life) to create mankind should continue to be extended to every person.4. They believed in absolute truth which they called inalienable rights or self-evident truths.

America is blessed with this foundational document. We are also blessed with the faith of the founding fathers. What our nation needs more then ever is a rededication to God, the Bible and the Declaration of Independence.

Remember, all the signers suffered greatly, so we could enjoy so much.

Greg Stokes

ENFIELD'S BIGGEST WEEKEND


This Friday, Saturday, and Sunday the town of Enfield will celebrate the 4th of July the way we always do with a parade, craft booths, games, and the greatest firework display around. That's right it is time for the 4th of July Celebration on the Town Green.

Man is it a blast. It all begins with the opening ceremonies on the Green at 5:00 PM Friday and concludes Sunday night with the Hartford Symphony playing in the background as the sky lights up with explosive colors.

Between these two events you can watch the softball game between Democrats and Republicans, watch police and fire demonstrations, enter the pie eating and spaghetti eating contest, and enjoy the food by many of our local restaurants at the Taste of Enfield.

After you get the slice of pizza, popcorn and a cold drink you can sit down on the lawn and listen to the music of the Savage Brothers Band, Dickey Betts of the Allman Brothers Band, or maybe the Teens Battle of the Bands (my favorite).

On Saturday my family and I will be lined up along Enfield Street (Route 5) to view the best of Enfield in the celebrations parade. But watch out as our Mayor always comes ready with his super soaker squirt gun to cool off the crowd.

I also want to encourage everyone to drop by the craft tents and especially the community tents. Cornerstone Church will be assisting at the Loaves and Fishes Community Tent...drop by and donate to this worthy cause.

Now, let me say something about the people that make this all possible. This event could never get off the ground if it were not for the year round planning of the 4th of July Celebration Committee and the vast number of volunteers.

These people give of their time and energy to bring to Enfield a weekend of family fun and exciting events and music. From my observation they work tirelessly all weekend long during the event making sure we have a fun and safe time. Some even sleep on the green because the day begins early and ends so late. My compliments and admiration to the entire team that gives all of us the time of our life.

My wife Dawn and I have been proud to help sponsor by writing a check the past few years(and we will again this year) to help this event. You and your family can do the same by becoming a sponsor. Just contact Jason Jones at: marketing@enfieldcelebration.org to find out how.

Want to know what is going on this weekend? Go to www.EnfieldCelebration.org and check out everything about our towns biggest celebration.

Last, I want to say that Mr. Callahan and I normally write about political difference we may have in Enfield. But, this weekend we celebrate as a community. It is the one time when whether you are Republican or Democrat we all come together to enjoy America and our freedom.

God Bless and let's have a great time together.

Greg Stokes