Our Days with A and W: Independence Day

Today, on this 4th of July, we celebrate the birth of America and America’s independence from Great Britain. Our forefathers knew what it meant to be patriots, sacrificing their own lives for the greater good. This is declared in the last sentence of the Declaration of Independence: “And for the support of this declaration, with a firm reliance on the protection of Divine Providence, we mutually pledge to each other our lives, our fortunes and our sacred honor.”

Patriotism means devoted love, support, and defense of one's country; national loyalty. I wonder how many Americans would call themselves patriots? We take for granted our freedom without even realizing what a blessing it truly is to live in this country. Equality, education, the right to vote, freedom of religion, are all attributes of freedom in America. Oh, how so many people around the world look at America and only dream of what it must be like to live here.

Today as we enjoy swimming, family barbecues, fireworks and apple pie may we also remember the magnitude of freedom and the US soldiers who are true patriots. Risking and sacrificing their lives to keep our country free. Always remember freedom is not free. God Bless America!

The Prophets and Apostles you read about in Heb 11, faced persecution just like our forefathers:

“Now faith is being sure of what we hope for and certain of what we do not see. And what more shall I say? I do not have time to tell about the prophets, who through faith conquered kingdoms, administered justice, and gained what was promised; who shut the mouths of lions, quenched the fury of the flames, and escaped the edge of the sword; whose weakness was turned to strength; and who became powerful in battle and routed foreign armies. Women received back their dead, raised to life again. Others were tortured and refused to be released, so that they might gain a better resurrection. Some faced jeers and flogging, while still others were chained and put in prison. They were stoned; they were sawed in two; they were put to death by the sword. They went about in sheepskins and goatskins, destitute, persecuted and mistreated— the world was not worthy of them. They wandered in deserts and mountains, and in caves and holes in the ground. These were all commended for their faith, yet none of them received what had been promised. God had planned something better for us so that only together with us would they be made perfect.”

So, now that I have gotten that off my chest, how did you spend your Fourth of July? We had a day full of swimming, relaxing, barbecue, more swimming and fireworks. We spent the weekend in The Woodlands where Brad's parents and extended family live. The kids woke up full of energy, so we decided to head over to the Rob Fleming Family Aquatic Center, one of the community pools in The Woodlands. This place was awesome! Not only do they have a massive water slide, but they also have a lazy river and interactive play structure, complete with a 150 gallon dump bucket. Allison must have gone down the slide at least 50 times and Will was able to walk around in the shallow water and float with us down the lazy river.

After our fun-filled morning, we headed back to Mamaw and Bobo's and enjoyed some fabulous brisket, beans, potatoes, fruit and rolls. Then, it was time for a long nap! When we woke up, Allison was ready to get back in the water, so we swam in Mamaw and Bobo's pool. Cousin Matt even came over for swimming and hot dogs.

When the sun went down, we headed over to the golf course where I proceeded to douse the children in bug spray! We had a great time enjoying the fireworks with family and friends.