Today we are a day past our country's birthday... a Declaration written 234 years ago... speaking truth and declaring our country to be standing firm on beliefs, decisions, and morals that have stood the test of time and continue to do so - allowing us freedoms to gather to worship, express our ideas, protect ourselves, make a living, and thrive peaceably.
It is for these freedoms that I am thankful.
413. A celebration of worship outside - gathering 4 services, 2 campuses, and 3 congregations - uniting together to praise our Creator!
(photo by Steve Harper)
(Photo by Dave Polston)
(photo by Dave Polston)
414. The privilege and freedom to pray - requesting healing, peace, favor, forgiveness
415. Patriotic hymns filling the air - reminding us of the sacrifice of men and women who have and are giving their lives for the freedoms we enjoy.
(photo by Dave Polston)
416. Men and women, standing proudly as their branch of service hymns are sung - their standing representing years of service
417. The Stars and Stripes - lining streets and houses
(Photo by Dave Polston)
418. The striving of many to keep the rights that our forefathers intended for all citizens in place.
419. Gathering for lunch - the kindness of a friend - our families drawn together by hardship and challenge
420. Standing on God's promise in Romans 8:28 that ALL things work together FOR GOOD to those who love God and are called according to His purpose - even in the midst of a friend's depression
421. Holding a child - not my own - comforting a sweet boy - telling him how much we love him and his family - while men kneel to pray over situations at hand
(Photo by Dave Polston)
422. The body of CHRIST - coming together - to work as a body... loving God, loving others, and living the mission.America The Beautiful
Words by Katharine Lee Bates
Words by Katharine Lee Bates
O beautiful for spacious skies,
For amber waves of grain,
For purple mountain majesties
About the fruited plain!
America! America!
God shed His grace on thee
And crown thy good with brotherhood
From sea to shining sea!
For amber waves of grain,
For purple mountain majesties
About the fruited plain!
America! America!
God shed His grace on thee
And crown thy good with brotherhood
From sea to shining sea!
O beautiful for patriot dream
That sees beyond the years
Thine alabaster cities gleam
Undimmed by human tears!
America! America!
God shed His grace on thee
And crown thy good with brotherhood
From sea to shining sea!
That sees beyond the years
Thine alabaster cities gleam
Undimmed by human tears!
America! America!
God shed His grace on thee
And crown thy good with brotherhood
From sea to shining sea!
2 comments:
Right there with you, my friend! So glad you had a festive day-- looks one awfully swell church service!
Hope you have a great week ahead... stay indoors and stay *cool*; sounds like it's gonna be a blazing one! Oh, and when you get a chance, please let us know how Monkey's swim meet went on Saturday :)
much love from all,
heather
Celebrating freedom with you today!
Delighted to meet you. Hope you don't mind if I splash around a bit. This looks like a refreshing place to slip off my shoes and soak in thankfulness alongside you.
Splashing,
Sara
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