Independence Day

What does it mean to me?

Fireworks, of course.
Hotdogs (you been listening to the news about the hotdog eating contests?)
Hamburgers, baked beans, potatoe salad, fresh tomatoes and new potatoes
Grilling out
Picnics
Family
Fun
Travel
Home
Time to read a good book

Then there is:
The privilege of reading what I want
Hearing the news (biased that it is)
Worshiping the way I want
Enjoying the privileges of the good ole USA (in spite of her problems)
Feeling outrage at unjust accusations against our wonderful country
Taken-for-granted security
Our beautiful soldier boys and girls and their work to keep our country safe
The way they look in their uniforms
The way they move in their uniforms--the proud, steady, and sincere desires in them

I love the:

• Declaration of Principles: "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."

• Lincoln's Gettysburg Address: "Four score and seven years ago our fathers brought forth on this continent a new nation, conceived in Liberty, and dedicated to the proposition that all men are created equal . . . that from these honored dead we take increased devotion to that cause for which they gave the last full measure of devotion — that we here highly resolve that these dead shall not have died in vain — that this nation, under God, shall have a new birth of freedom — and that government of the people, by the people, for the people, shall not perish from the earth.

• Thomas Paine's fervent statement: "These are the times that try men's souls. The summer soldier and the sunshine patriot will, in this crisis, shrink from the service of their country; but he that stands it now, deserves the love and thanks of man and woman. Tyranny, like hell, is not easily conquered; yet we have this consolation with us, that the harder the conflict, the more glorious the triumph."

• Patrick Henry's bold words: "Is life so dear, or peace so sweet, as to be purchased at the price of chains and slavery? Forbid it, Almighty God! I know not what course others may take; but as for me, give me liberty or give me death."
  

Happy Birthday, America!

Summer Hints:

• Bikes, Blades, and Skates: Make sure kids wear protective gear

• Barbecues: Set a line that kids are not allowed to cross. Have adult supervision.

• Sunburns & Dehydration: 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. are the most dangerous times. Sunburn can happen on cloudy days. Use cute hats and sunglasses. Use sunscreen. Water and sand reflects the sun's rays and increases the chance of sunburn. Use light colored clothes. Serve water often.

• Water: Anything that can collect water is a danger to children. Children can drown in inches.
  

Cindy Woodsmall Trivia:

Cindy's giving a way an Amish quilt on her website.
Check it out & mention I sent you there!
www.cindywoodsmall.com

Quote:
Listen to your life. See it for the fathomless mystery that it is. In the boredom and pain of it not less than in the excitement and gladness: touch, taste, smell your way to the holy and hidden heart of it because in the last analysis all moments are key moments and life itself is grace. --Frederich Buechner


Blessings