A Spectacular Fourth

John Cook • July 6, 2024

Celebrating Independence and Community in Trumann

As the last echoes of the July 4th fireworks fade into the night sky, we take a moment to reflect on a day that was as meaningful as it was spectacular. This year's Independence Day celebration in Trumann was a resounding success, thanks to the tireless efforts of many, especially Mike Roach and Heather Shader, whose support and assistance were invaluable. Their dedication to bringing this event to life ensured a memorable evening for everyone involved.


A heartfelt thank you to the community of Trumann for coming out in full force to celebrate. Seeing so many families and friends gathered to enjoy the festivities reminds us of the deep bonds and strong spirit that define our town. Your enthusiasm and participation make all the effort worthwhile, and we are already looking forward to next year's celebration with great anticipation.


The Purpose of the Fourth

July 4th is a day steeped in history and significance, marking the United States' independence from British rule. On this day in 1776, the Continental Congress adopted the Declaration of Independence, setting the 13 colonies on the path to becoming a sovereign nation. It's a day to reflect on the values of freedom and democracy, the sacrifices of those who fought to secure them, and the responsibilities we carry as citizens to uphold these principles.

Independence Day is not only a celebration of liberty but also a day to foster unity and pride in our country. It’s a time when we can put aside our differences and come together to celebrate the founding ideals of our nation. Here in Trumann, it's also a celebration of community, an opportunity to strengthen the bonds that unite us as neighbors and friends.


Looking Forward

As we bask in the glow of a successful event, let's carry forward the spirit of July 4th into every day. Let us strive to support one another, contribute to our community, and work together to build a bright future for all our residents.


Thank you once again to Mike, Heather, and anyone else that helped. Your spirit and participation are what make our Independence Day celebration truly special. Here’s to many more years of fireworks, community spirit, and national pride!

Thanks Hunter for the pictures.

Part Six: Between the Twinkle and the Manger: Finding True Hope This Christmas Eve

By John Cook • December 25, 2025
On Christmas Eve, we pause between the twinkle of lights and the glow of the manger. It’s a quiet space — somewhere between wrapping paper and reverence, between tradition and truth. The house feels different tonight. Softer. Slower. Even the noise of the season seems to take a breath. And in that pause, I find myself thinking about hope. There is a difference between Santa’s joy and the hope of Jesus — but that doesn’t mean one must cancel out the other. Santa represents something real, even if the character himself isn’t. He brings wonder. Generosity. Imagination. For children especially, Santa becomes a symbol of goodness — that someone is watching, that kindness is rewarded, that joy can show up unexpectedly. Those moments matter. They shape memories. They teach us to give. And there’s nothing wrong with that. But Jesus brings a different kind of hope. A deeper one. While Santa’s joy lives in a season, Jesus’ hope lives beyond it. The Christmas tree sparkles with beauty and warmth. It fills the room and makes everything feel alive. But the manger — simple, quiet, unassuming — tells a story that didn’t begin with comfort and didn’t end with it either. It tells the story of love entering a broken world, not wrapped in luxury, but in humility. Christmas isn’t just about what we celebrate — it’s about why. Jesus didn’t come to create a moment. He came to change eternity. The Bible says, “We have this hope as an anchor for the soul, firm and secure.” (Hebrews 6:19) That’s the kind of hope Christmas ultimately points to. A hope that doesn’t fade when the lights come down. A hope that doesn’t disappear when the season ends. A hope that holds steady when life feels uncertain. Faith, at its core, isn’t about having all the answers or getting everything right. It’s about believing that Jesus came out of love — to offer forgiveness, grace, and a relationship with God. It’s about trusting that His birth mattered, not just historically, but personally. And if this season has stirred something in your heart — a curiosity, a longing, a quiet question you haven’t been able to shake — know this: salvation isn’t complicated. It doesn’t require perfection. It begins with trust. With believing. With opening your heart and asking Jesus to lead your life. If that’s something you’re thinking about — or if you’ve made that decision and don’t quite know what comes next — I would genuinely love to hear from you. Send me a message. I’d be honored to talk, listen, or simply walk alongside you in that moment. Tonight, we can celebrate both. The joy of giving. The wonder of tradition. The laughter of children. The warmth of togetherness. But let’s also remember the hope that lasts long after Christmas morning. The hope found not under the tree — but in the manger. Because that hope didn’t just come for a season. It came for you. John Cook • December 24, 2025 

Part Five: When Going to Church Feels Hard — and Why I Went Anyway

By John Cook • December 22, 2025
This morning started with resistance.