Land That I Love

HAPPY 4th of July ya'll!!

I love the 4th of July and have some great memories of this grand holiday growing up. My parents always made sure we did something...even if it was just a couple of fireworks at home...but it was always exciting and always fun!!

The 4th of July means a lot of things to me...freedom, family, religion...freedom to worship, BBQ, swimming, picnics, fireworks, late nights, music, lots of laughing, sparklers, oohing and awing...I love the feeling!!I am grateful to our Heavenly Father for Beautiful America. It is evidence to me how much God loves us and wants us to be happy because he created such an amazing place for us all to live. The awesome mountains, tranquil lakes, beautiful oceans, flowers, trees, rocks, canyons, grass, rivers, valleys...I can go on and on. It never fails that while out in nature, enjoying the beautiful landscape I feel close to Heaven and am able to reflect inward and assess my spirituality.I don't think I quite understood what patriotism was until we were attacked on 9/11. I always took our country and freedom for granted. I remember clearly after that horrible day that I had a new sense of pride for being an American and wanted to do whatever I could to do my part and stick up for Her. I remember hearing "Proud to be an American" by Lee Greenwood and getting all choked up. I had heard that song many times before, but now I felt it. I am grateful a bit of good came out of a tragic day...even if it was just helping me count my blessings and realize what is most important in life and for giving me a love of country and sense of identity.

Despite the people who try to do damage, even this land's own citizens, I know that God gave us this country as a gift and I am thankful for it everyday.

Happy Independence Day to you all!! Hope you all make some great memories today!!