HAPPY BIRTHDAY AMERICA!

How grateful I am to live in a nation whose motto is, "In God we Trust!" Blessed is the nation whose God is Lord. (Psalm 33:12)

How blessed I am today to share it with grandson, Andrew.

CHOOSE: TO CELEBRATE FREEDOM WITH GRATITUDE

JULY 4TH 2017!
Blessed is the nation whose God is the Lord/ (Psalm 33:12)

Today choose to thank a member of our military. The marines are at the Farmington Kroger in Germantown! (Before the rain)

Better yet, if you are blessed enough to have a family member choosing to currently serve in our military or a "vet" in your family, give them a big hug or at least a phone call.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY AMERICA!!

Happy 240th birthday, USA!

Friend, Gayle, created this "masterpiece"---an America's birthday cake for her family's Pickwick 4th of July weekend celebration! I can't begin to imagine how she did that!

FREEDOM: A CAUSE FOR CELEBRATION....for both our country and one's own soul.

So if the Son sets you free, you will be free indeed. (John 8:36)

"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 safet-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 BIRTHDAYS

7/4/12 Today in America we celebrate our country’s birthday. A day of independence and freedom. Freedom comes at a great cost. There is often a battle so warriors need to continue to be honored and "founding values" need to be upheld.

Flags adorn storefronts and homes. Neighborhood’s have parades. Patriotic color abounds in our red, white and blue decorations and dress. It’s indeed a celebration.

Last week in Ukraine we too celebrated a birthday. Every Christian has a “spiritual birthday” and for one of our campers, it was her first. (John 3:1-7) An event worthy of celebration. A celebration of freedom. Freedom from the penalty and power of sin.

A gift is given. A gift of God’s peace for the present and assurance of life with Him in eternity.

At camp we honored the event with a cake and “happy” candles as we celebrated this spiritual birth of a sister. We celebrated her freedom.

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.