Happy Fourth of July

I don't know about you - but I LOVE celebrating the Fourth of July.

 

Growing up it meant softball games/tournaments, cookouts, pool parties and of course, FIREWORKS!

I remember one summer in particular, my mom and a friend of hers took my sisters and I and friends to North Park Cinema (which is long gone) in Lexington.  We went to see The Karate Kid.  Then we got ice cream/frozen yogurt from a shop in that shopping center, sat down on the curb and watched the Lexington fireworks display.  We had SO much fun!  I was high on Ralph Macchio and Karate Kid's soundtrack.  It was a perfect night.

As easy as it is to get wrapped up in the fun that comes with a holiday now, we need to remember to celebrate what this day REALLY means - FREEDOM!

Not only can we celebrate the freedom won for us 236 years ago with the writing and issuance of the Declaration of Independence, we can celebrate the freedom that has been defended and preserved in every battle, skirmish and peace time since that day.  Many men and women have died or been wounded as they served our country.  For all those people, I am grateful.

A Few Quotes from Influential Americans

 In the truest sense, freedom cannot be bestowed; it must be achieved. Franklin D. Roosevelt

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But a Constitution of Government once changed from Freedom, can never be restored. Liberty, once lost, is lost forever.

John Adams, letter to Abigail Adams, July 17, 1775

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How many observe Christ's birth-day! How few, his precepts! O! 'tis easier to keep Holidays than Commandments.

Benjamin Franklin, Poor Richard's Almanack, 1743

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Citizens by birth or choice of a common country, that country has a right to concentrate your affections. The name of American, which belongs to you, in your national capacity, must always exalt the just pride of Patriotism, more than any appellation derived from local discriminations.

George Washington, Farewell Address, September 19, 1796

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What we obtain too cheap, we esteem too lightly: it is dearness only that gives every thing its value.

Thomas Paine, The American Crisis, No. 1, December 19, 1776

 

 

But I am also grateful for my FREEDOM in Christ!

 

It is NOT deserved and has been lavishly bestowed on my by God, my Father, through the sacrifice of his son, Jesus Christ.  Now THAT is worth celebrating!

 

To honor this day of celebrating - I give you two songs.

 

The first is Lee Greenwood's "God Bless the USA" - a patriotic MUST.  To listen, click here

 

The second is "Freedom Reigns" by Jesus Culture - click here.

I hope you celebrate your freedom as an American AND a Christian today!