Let Freedom Ring!

I love being an American.  I love our freedom.  And I have the upmost respect for our military.  They are true heroes.  These men and women are willing to pay the ultimate price, to preserve our freedom.  Since the birth of our great nation, many have paid that price.  I love my family and spending time with them.  And I love Summer time.  So it goes without saying the 4th of July is one of my favorite holidays.  We had a great 4th.  The weather has been hot and dry in East Tennessee, so we skipped buying fireworks.  I'd hate to have set the mountain on fire, after all.  We opted to watch fireworks on t.v. instead.  I think we may have started a new tradition.  It was nice watching the fireworks with music synchronized, in the comfort of my favorite chair and of course air condition.     ;-) 

When I think of America and her history, I am reminded of those who came before us.  I am reminded of all of those who in the realm of our nation's history lost their land, their culture,  their freedom, and their lives.  I think of those who came to this land in pursuit of a better life and religious freedom.  I think of those who fought and those who formed this nation, those that fought and died for America to be born.  I think of those who were brought here against their will, sold, and forced into slavery.  I think of those who fought and died, so that all men in our country would be free.  I think of the women who fought for the rights to be seen as equals.  I think of my ancestors.  Those that already lived in these mountains (Cherokee) and those that came from Ireland to carve out lives and homes in a complete wildreness.   I think of how blessed we are, to be living now, enjoying the harvest of that freedom those of the past planted.   I think of what a great nation we have become and with God's blessing will remain. 

Whether you  are a fellow American, or a reader from another country, I pray that the following part of the Declaration of Independence describes you and your life.  May you be blessed by our Creator.   May you be treated as equal, with every freedom that every human deserves.   And may you be successful with your pursuit of happiness.


"We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness".