Independence Day, July 4th, Celebrate Freedom…today the USA celebrates our independence with parades, burgers, hot dogs, watermelon, family, friends and of course fireworks. There will be fireworks tonight in communities all across the country. It’s a day to remember and be grateful for freedoms that we typically take for granted. I am thankful to be an American but not in a prideful way or with an air of superiority. No, I simply love my country because it is my home while I live here on this earth. Whenever this holiday rolls around, I am reminded of those things that I love about the US.
When I got up this morning, I had a song in my head. It was America the Beautiful. I love that song and probably nobody sings it better than Ray Charles. There probably is not a better movie scene that embodies him singing the song and those good ole American things than the movie, The Sandlot. If you don’t know what I’m talking about then here’s the clip.
So what does July 4th have to do with faith? When I think of the 4th, I automatically think about history {yep, I was one of those…a history teachers}. I also think about sacrifices that people have made and because of those I enjoy much more than I deserve. Sacrifices are a form of love. And love always leads me back to my faith because it is rooted in love. I cannot find better words that exemplify love than those I have found in Scripture. For example, “A friend loves at all times.” {Proverbs 17:17}, “Greater love has no one than this, that someone lay down his life for his friends”. {John 15:13} Of course, there are many more but these two remind of a deep love that would be willing to make sacrifices. That is something I think I have seen in the history of my country. As I watch a parade or fireworks today {wearing red, white & blue}, I will be reminded of sacrifices and love. Hopefully, I will be grateful as well.
And I will also be wearing this necklace, by Ann at annsterw which simply says “loved”. I just received it in the mail this week and have worn it several days. Beautiful, delicate and a visual reminder that I am loved. This necklace was a gift from a giveaway on Sherri’s blog, God Life Happy Wife. She has a great blog and another lady I would love to meet in real life because I think we would be friends. She highlights women who have been married for 10 years or more called 10+ Wives Club. She asked me to submit a little bio. You can read it here. Hope you stop by and check out her blog and visit Ann as well. Her shop has some lovely items.
Well, friends, what do you love about the 4th? Canadians friends, I know ya’ll just had Canada Day on the 1st. What is special about that day for you?
Be loved, friends and love others well. It will make a difference in you and them. Blessings to you!
WE says
Hope you have a great weekend 🙂 Happy independence day to you and your family
xx
Carrie says
Thanks, friend! Hope you enjoyed the 4th as well! It’s wonderful when it falls in with the weekend!
Lana L. says
Carrie, I love how you tied together the 4th and faith. So beautiful! Thanks for the suggestion to check out God Life Happy Wife. Hope you’re having a great weekend my friend!
Carrie says
Thanks for stopping by Lana! Hope you had a great 4th and weekend. I really do like Sherri’s blog. Hope you get a chance to stop by.
Sherri Singley says
Hi Carrie what a great post. I love your necklace. It is a great reminder of how much we are loved. Sometimes we just need to be reminded.
The jewelry store that my hubby got my wedding ring from gives out pins that say, “I am loved.” Whenever I go with my kids to get my ring cleaned they love to take a free pin. I always love it because it is their reminder of Jesus’ love.
Thank you so much for sharing my blog with others, and I’m sure too if we ever get to meet we will be great friends. In the mean time we definitely are blogger buddies. I hope you have a blessed week! ~Sherri