INSPIRASUNS

Ahh, the start of a long holiday weekend. I must admit that this is one of my favorite holidays. Those of you who are new to this little blog may not know that I share a birthday with this nation. Yes, being born on the 4th of July has its perks, you know fireworks, parades, you get the idea. Everyone celebrates with me 🙂 .

This morning I was reflecting on my birthday being Independence Day. A few years ago I shared in this little blog, the story about my immigrant dad. How he came to this country at a young age, and how he worked hard to become a citizen, eventually serving in the military. He loved this country with everything that was in him.

I remember when I was little, whenever we went on a trip, we drove. We drove everywhere. It was sooo boring! I asked my dad one day, “Why do we have to drive, can’t we fly”. My dad answered simply, “Because we can”. You see, my dad came here from Germany in the early 40’s. His memories of driving entailed checking in when you left, checking in when you got to your destination, and doing the reverse when you came home. You were tracked, showed papers, and told where you could go and when. Coming here to America and experiencing the freedoms we are blessed with, well, he never forgot those freedoms, and he never took them for granted.

So, I guess it’s kind of fitting that one of his children was born on Independence Day. The day we celebrate the country he loved so much.

I’m blessed to call this country home, and like my dad, I love it with everything that is in me. I pray for this nation each day, that our Lord will guide our leaders and We the People to remember that God is on the throne above this nation.

Friends, as we go into this holiday weekend, remember what it stands for. Take a little time to read about its founding, I suggest digging into the Founder’s Bible. It’s a wonderful resource that shares how our Founding Fathers had God at the center of all their decisions.

As a side note, I’m going to take the next few days off to enjoy the long weekend, and ya, my birthday too. I’ll be back on Monday. Have a wonderful weekend, celebrate this nation, and give thanks for the blessings and freedoms we all enjoy.

Lord God Almighty, in whose Name the founders of this country won liberty for themselves and for us, and lit the torch of freedom for nations then unborn: Grant that we and all the people of this land may have grace to maintain our liberties in righteousness and peace; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.

p.s. Thanks to my brother Michael for the beautiful sunset picture from the Heartland, the cover of today’s little blog 🙂 .