FRIDAY FUN FESTIVITIES & FIREWORKS FOR THE FOURTH!

For our family in several states this 4th of July, my goal has been to have a picture of each of the grandchildren on the very same day. 

Parade in Long Island/NY --Golf for a Texan in Birmingham, AL--Texans with North Carolina family in Bryson City.

One of the Brooklyn grands was up earlier than any of the rest!

Youngest of all the grands with her older sister....

....at parade in Long Island!

Tallest one is oldest grand at a Bachelor Outing in Birmingham.

Youngest grand boy!

Older brother of youngest grand boy.

5 younger Texans--

Oops can't forget the newest dog, Milton, added to the bunch! 

Nite, I love you all!

I can't think of a better birthday present for, America, 

than for this prayer to be lifted as people return to the LORD!!

Happy 4th of July💖

*Thx Kathie G. for this patriotic pic!

1152 saluted as well.

                                                                                                  

GLORIOUS FREEDOM!

Freedom is celebrated! In local parades as well as DC. 

In cookouts, al fresco dining and fireworks. **

It's the American way---for a country founded on freedom.

Expressions are emailed, tweeted and recorded. Songs of America: Patriotism, Protest, and the Music that Made a Nation, (Meacham & McGraw) recalled hymns and declarations from the past reminding me of our country's independence founded, "under God" and for the people. Even Abigail Adams is quoted as she urged her husband John & other members of the Continental Congress not to forget our nation's women, "I desire you would remember the ladies." (Songs, p.27) 

McGraw reminded all that, independence in America is not easy---it's a never-ending struggle to pursue the promises of liberty and freedom that our Founding Fathers envisioned. Again, "one nation, under God" comes to my mind......

......as I picked up my Bible for reassurances of the "freedom" that truly counts. "So if the Son sets you free, you will be free indeed." (John 8:36)

It is for freedom that Christ has set us free..that's glorious freedom! (Gal. 5:1)

**Remembering a 4th of July (2004) with long-time friend Ann Martin at Blackberry Farm w/our our own fireworks.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY AMERICA!

JULY 4th! To begin such a day with family and to end it with the Temptations performing at our nation's capitol is a GOOD day for this gal.

Part of  the celebration was the singing of Russian immigrant, Irving Berlin's, GOD BLESS AMERICA'---now 100 years old. Berlin wrote it while serving in World War I.

The lyrics would be a worthy prayer for this day for all Americans.

God bless America Land that I love Stand beside her And guide her (emphasis mine) 

Through the night with the light from above From the mountains To the prairies To the oceans White with foam

God bless America My home sweet home

Guide us O Lord. (Isaiah 58:11) Guide us into all truth. (John 16:13) Guide our feet into paths of peace. (Luke 1:79) May we be humble before you Lord, that you will guide us in what is right and teach us your way. (Psalm 25:9)

I can't think of a better birthday present for, our country, America, than for this prayer to be fervently prayed by all of God's children.

"Safe-TEA"

for the LORD will go before you, the God of Israel will be your rear guard. (Isaiah 52:12, NIV)

How grateful I am today for the Most High God who is my Almighty Lord, my refuge, and my fortress, in whom I trust. (Psalm 91:1-2) How grateful I am, also, to those who earn our honor and gratitude by serving in our military. May we fly our flags today in honor of our US troops (both active and veterans) who throughout the years have willingly gone forth to "protect" our country from war and terrorists.
Even the dedication and sacrifice of their families is to be honored. Last weeks' visit from hubby's friend and "Wounded Warrior" gave us both an "up close and personal" view of such a sacrifice. Joseph---wounded multiple times while serving in both Iraq and Afghanistan. Such events impact the entire family--wife and daughters included. What a blessing to see them coping as a team with a clear focus on the Lord as they asked His direction for their future.

Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for you are with me; your rod and your staff, they comfort me. (Psalm 23: 4) Joseph practiced that verse on the field while Christen lived it at home with their girls. A warrior and a wife---both heroes!

A celebration of our freedom should always be a day to honor our heroes, who are responsible for that liberty. We can freely sip our cuppa safe-TEA because of their willingness to give up the ease of their lives for the betterment of ours. A big salute to them all!

A Fun Filled Fourth

7/4/13The Brooklyn Liles started the day with a swim at the shore and a parade. The Memphis Liles/Kennedy clan continued the day with lunch and beyond. Now I just need the Texans to send a picture.

Thanks Soozee for the pic

Owen and his neighbors Hailey and Lizzie.

FREEDOM

7/4/11

Today Americans all across our nation celebrate freedom. How thankful I am to live in a country founded on the freedom to worship. Many “freedom fighters” have laid down their lives for me to have that privilege. For this I am grateful. That freedom has made it easy for me to know truth that really makes me free.

“If you continue in My word, then you are truly disciples of Mine; and you will know the truth, and the truth will make you free.” (John 8:31-32)

Grateful to be able to freely think on this verse today---a verse that sets me free from the bondage of sin.

FIREWORKS

7/4/10 I don’t remember fireworks as a child----maybe Hoptown was too small to have a display. I remember as a young married shooting bottle rockets off of Pop’s dock at Pickwick and watching in horror as a sparkler melted down on top of brother Buddy’s hand, which he quickly doused in the lake water.
As an expectant mother I remember baby (Buddy) jumping in utero in response to the June 1970 “Memphis in May” fireworks. Years later, celebrating the 4th as a mother on Longreen, I would hold my kids back as the Lewis’ boys, aided by their dad, John, would set off cherry bombs and firecrackers and light Roman candles and those snakey things that turned into charcoal ash and smoked and others that whistled as they snaked down the street.

This year our street will be quiet. There are only 4 children on our Longreen now---2 teens, 1 toddler and an infant. No fireworks are anticipated. We won’t even be able to see fireworks from our “treetops” bedroom because Shelby Farms no longer has fireworks.

The quiet is okay with me---it would probably “rattle” Mommar anyway. But the reason for celebrating does not diminish for me—or for the folks at Hobby Lobby. Their full page ad in this morning’s Commercial Appeal said it well. “IN GOD WE TRUST.”

IT IS THE DUTY OF ALL NATIONS TO ACKNOWLEDGE THE PROVIDENCE OF ALMIGHTY GOD, TO OBEY HIS WILL, TO BE GRATEFUL FOR HIS BENEFITS AND HUMBLY TO IMPLORE HIS PROTECTION AND FAVOR. (George Washington)

OUR CONSTITUTION WAS MADE ONLY FOR A MORAL AND RELIGIOUS PEOPLE. (John Adams)

WE’VE BEEN ASSURED IN THE SACRED WRITINGS THAT UNLESS THE LORD BUILDS THE HOUSE, THEY LABOR IN VAIN WHO BUILD IT. (Benjamin Franklin)

Blessed is the nation whose God is the Lord. (Psalm 33:12)

These words certainly light a “spark” in my heart.