God Bless America

This coming weekend is a very special weekend here in the United States of America. Sunday, July 4th we will be celebrating the 234th birthday of our wonderful nation. And the celebrations will be plentiful. There will be picnics and parades, family gatherings and cookouts. Flags will be flown and most of the celebrations will end with a grand fireworks display. That is my favorite part.

It’s a bit extra special for me, because I will also be celebrating my own birthday on the 4th. How cool is that? I’ll be making my own whoopie pie cake for this special occasion. Yum, I can’t wait.

We Americans are a proud bunch. And I think we have a right to be. In what other country can its people enjoy so many freedoms? We are free to speak our minds; we are free to come and go as we please; and we are free to believe and worship as we see fit.

As a Christian who loves her Lord so very much, I am thankful for the freedom to worship Him publically and to share my beliefs with anyone who is interested in why I hold those beliefs. It’s not that way in other countries. So many are persecuted for believing in Jesus. They must hide those beliefs and worship Him in secret. If they are discovered, they are brutally beaten or put in prison with no hope of release; some are martyred.

Father in Heaven, I am so thankful that I live in this nation of freedom; a nation of multiple freedoms. Lord, have mercy on those who don’t.

Bur our freedoms here do not come cheap, nor do they come easy. Since the very first day of the American Revolution, many men and women have died for these freedoms. They continue to die today. They have all left behind spouses and children, mothers, fathers & siblings who grieve their loss.

Remember those sacrifices this weekend as you celebrate with your loved ones. Never, ever take for granted the freedom to speak out against our government, the freedom to travel to and fro, and most importantly, the freedom to believe and worship in any way.

And also remember, the only freedom you do not have, is the freedom to take those away from others.

Have a wonderful weekend everyone. Please be safe in your travels. If you drink, don’t drive (or operate a boat!)  Play with your children, hug your husband or wife, and tell them all you love them. 

Thank a veteran!

And when you look up at the fireworks display, know that I am right there with you; staring up at the same sky full of big, bright colorful lights....and smiling.

Thanks for celebrating with me!