It’s July 4th weekend!  A weekend filled with fun and celebration and some of the most wonderful parts of summer.  It’s also a time to think about our freedom – granted by God and outlined so eloquently by our Founding Fathers.  It’s a time to think about where our nation is and where it is going.  It’s a time for knowing that my allegiance is to a King and a Kingdom, but also that this is where God has placed me for my life so far in this world.

He has placed me here to have an impact and to influence others for Him.  He has placed me in a land of abundance that I may be a blessing to others.  He has placed me here “for such a time as this”.  And I am thankful to live here now, in this time.

I’m thankful for those that risked everything to sail across the ocean and follow a dream.  Thankful for those that have fought to protect our freedom.  Thankful for the freedom and ingenuity that have made this nation great.  And thankful for the privilege and responsibility of passing freedom and liberty on to my children.

(Photos from last year’s celebrations.  And, yes, I take a lot of pictures of Ellie.   🙂 )

It is easy to take liberty for granted, when you have never had it taken from you.  ~Anonymous

We on this continent should never forget that men first crossed the Atlantic not to find soil for their ploughs but to secure liberty for their souls.

~Robert J. McCracken

Have a wonderful weekend celebrating with your families!