Happy Birthday America!

Independence Day, the 4th Of July. Why is this important? Why does the Independence of America matter? Do our countrymen and women even know why the Declaration of Independence made such a difference and what the cost was? Do our countrymen and women even care? Thank-you Lord for the mercy and grace of being born here in America. I know that God has placed each and every one of us in the country, state, town, and family to which He knows to be the best. I am thankful for His choice, His decision, His will for my life. As I am an American I am thankful for that and all that went into my ancestors' trials and tribulations leading up to their immigration to this vast land full of opportunity for everyone. EVERYONE ! Regardless of the country of origin, regardless of religion, regardless of ethnicity. With faith, hard work, and the knowledge that each and every one of us can make a difference for the better, for our families and for the future ~ Happy Birthday America!

Fourth of July Fun

My husband's sister Jean and her oldest son Greg. Greg is an Army chaplain and he has the privilege of serving at Ft.Lewis, a few blocks from his childhood home. This home is where Jean and her husband host a big fourth of July celebration every year. They live on a lake so there are many fun activities . This family was very excited to celebrate the fourth of July. The two young men are brand new American citizens. They were adopted by this lady and her husband who run a home for boys without families in the Congo.They teach the boys about Jesus ,about compassion, give them an education and a home. They had some very sad and interesting stories. The oldest son, on the left, wants to stay here in America. He was very determined to get a picture of himself with the American flag, especially since he is a new citizen, an American!They will be returning to the Congo in a few weeks, rejoining her husband and their father.

Almost sunset and the fireworks have begun already. Can't you tell? Just look up!

Sparklers are the beginning of our fireworks show.

Ooooooooh, look up there!Our daughter A.Joy and Little J.

As the sun set, the fireworks exploded all around the lake, everywhere we looked we saw them. It was a nice day. Happy birthday America.

For other takes on our 4th of July see our daughter's blog :A.Joy at Home and my husband's blog: Seasons of the Bee Keeper.

America, My Home

Our Front Porch

"We ask Thee to lead our country in the paths where Thou wouldst have her walk, to do the tasks which Thou hast laid before her. So may we together seek happiness for all our citizens in the name of Him who created all equal in His sight, and therefore brothers.Amen. " Peter Marshall I love my country, my home. I am so thankful God allowed me to be born here in America and I am so thankful for the many, take -for -granted privileges I have because I was born here. I believe to despise your country, your home, is to despise what God in His wisdom has granted you, wherever you are. Does He not tell us to be content with what He provides? (Philippians 4:11) I would be content to live wherever God plants me ( might take an attitude adjustment ), because He knows best. I am so thankful though that this country is my home, for the many freedoms I enjoy. Thank-you Lord for America, my home! Celebrate with joy and thankfulness today for the freedoms we still have, pray for our leaders ,our men and women in the military who serve at the bidding of our leaders, and enjoy the fireworks!

TRUE FREEDOM: "If therefore the Son shall make you free, you shall be free indeed." John 8:36