I left the ranch early this morning in search of Red, White and Blue. My drive took me to Columbia Park where the Tri Cities Chamber of Commerce is preparing for the River of Fire show. I hope to watch it from the Blue Bridge – me and a few hundred others. I’ll let you know how that goes.
Have a safe and happy Independence Day All Y’alls!
Setting up for fireworks show
“So Christ has truly set us free. Now make sure that you stay free, and don’t get tied up again in slavery to the law.” Galatians 5:1 (NLT)
In case I haven’t mentioned it lately, I love Independence Day. It has been my favorite holiday as long as I’ve been considered an adult. In my corner of the world it’s all about family then too.
While my guys were growing up it never mattered what was happening within our family, in the country, the world, or whose team is winning (go Cubs, GO!). We always gathered together to celebrate the Fourth of July in grand style every year. Regardless of who was promoted since last year, inducted, retired or who died we celebrate America with unbridled exuberance.
And my family has always done it with food, music, a bang, and especially with fireworks, usually on our property – and high above it. It’s another time it’s good to have firefighters and law enforcement officers in the family 😉
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Even as the boys spread out across the country, sometimes the world, we managed to draw together – at least by Skyping sometimes.
My favorite tradition is, before dusk we all share at least one thing we enjoy or appreciate as Americans – this can go on and on… Granted, some of us call some things people enjoy all over the globe, but with a year to work on it the guys are usually creative.
This year with extra shifts, day camp, my move and the ongoing organization project here, the best we could do was to gather together and cut up in a private Facebook chat. I don’t mind too awfully much; airfare is too costly this time of year and the face time filled up my family love tank.
While browsing around I found a video link that inspired me. You’re welcome:
“So whether you eat or drink or whatever you do, do it all for the glory of God.” 1 Cor 10:31 (NLT)
Is it just me? Or does this particular American Independence Day seem to come with a special uniqueness. I wonder…
In my new neighborhood where daily I see Street People, many in bondage to substances, people seem more hopeless and desperate. And with Brexit, the Presidential Campaign shenanigans, and random acts of intentional mayhem dominating the news headlines, I actually appreciate my freedoms more than ever before.
Each new day from my first breath till I rest at night I make a strong effort to fill my space with thanks for my many blessings. And nearly every day, especially those in which I don’t talk with one of my “kids,” I remember freedom is not free. It’s a good habit.
July 4th is not necessarily about recognizing our Armed Forces, Veterans, First Responders or to remember those who gave their all in the service of their country. Still, without so many Americans who have throughout history and still continue to risk everything to defend our values, standing against insurmountable odds, tyranny and terrorism, again and again we would not have established and grown this land of liberty. Without all the above we would not have the freedom to exercise our rights:
“We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness.–That to secure these rights, Governments are instituted among Men, deriving their just powers from the consent of the governed...”*
I may be myopic here, but especially since the recent attacks on Paris, Orlando and Istanbul, I keep thinking of the line from the 1996 movie Independence Day**:
“…We can’t be consumed by our petty differences anymore. We will be united in our common interests. Perhaps its fate that today is the Fourth of July, and you will once again be fighting for our freedom…”
Maybe I actually am getting old. Or maybe the pressure of world events is exceptionally heavy lately. Still, in the back of my mind the song that inspired me as a child resounds in me today:
God Bless America!
“Therefore I want the men everywhere to pray, lifting up holy hands without anger or disputing.” 1 Timothy 2:8 (NLT)
“Books are like seeds. They can lie dormant for centuries and then flower in the most unpromising soil.” (Carl Sagan); “Nothing ever dies on the Internet.” (anon.); “This is not your father’s Oldsmobile.” (Madison Ave. [m]adman). My posts amalgamate these three philosophical elements into one novel experience; they champion critical thinking, human dignity / equality, levelheaded / even-handed / liberty-based governance and solid environmental stewardship. C’mon in!
What Next: Behind Roo's Ruse 