Independence Day

July 3, 2008


Yesterday we went up to Grandma & Papa's to visit. The kids really enjoyed eating corn as my grandma cleaned it. Chancelor also had some fun running and hiding in the bushes, above is a shot of him in the apple tree.




Yesterday afternoon my mom came to get Chancelor and he stayed with her. I called this morning to check on him and he was doing well. They decided that they were going to go out on the boat with my stepsister and her family, since they were in from Mississippi. We joined them and had a fun time. On our way home we all stopped at Dairy Queen and had some ice cream! Chancelor had such a great time with his cousins that he decided he wanted to stay with Nana & Papa again tonight. He did inform me that he wanted me to go pick him up so he could go to the fireworks! Here are some pictures from today's adventure.

While riding on the boat today, I was thinking about Independence Day. What does Independence Day mean? On July 4, 1776, we claimed our independence from Britain and Democracy was born. Every day thousands leave their homeland to come to the "land of the free and the home of the brave" so they can begin their American Dream.

My heart swells with pride as I think of the many men and women that have fought and continue to fight for our freedom as a nation. Many families will be incomplete this 4th of July, due to many that have family members serving in our military. Many incomplete due to the loss of a family member that served in our military. Our freedom as a nation is constantly secured due to the men and women who sacrifice the time with their family to protect it. My prayers are with you all!

While thinking of all this I'm moved to think of my greater freedom - My freedom in Christ. This freedom comes from being a disciple of Jesus Christ. In John 8: 31-32 Jesus says "If you abide in my word, you are truly my disciples, and you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free."

4th of July is a great time to consider our freedom not only as Americans but as Christians. National freedom is precious, but our freedom in Christ is of infinite worth. If you don't know the freedom in Christ that I'm talking about, I pray that you will hear about it, learn about it, accept it, and experience it!

Tomorrow we plan on going to a 4th of July celebration in the community I grew up in. With BBQ plates, grilled corn on the cob, hot dogs, hamburgers, games for the kids, and entertainment it's sure to be a great time. Whatever your plans are for the 4th, I hope you remember the men and women that fought and continue to fight to protect our freedom. I hope you remember their families as well. I would also like to challenge you to celebrate not only the freedom of our nation but the freedom that we all experience through Christ.

Until next time May God continue to pour his blessings upon you and your family as he has ours!

Have a Wonderful 4th of July!!!