Today for our American friends is like our Anzac Day. I appreciate the American Spirit that God has bestowed upon this nation. A spirit of passion for their own country, a spirit of confidence in the foundations and principles the country has been built upon.
Independence is America's Heritage:~
“The Second Day of July 1776, will be the most memorable Epocha, in the History of America. I am apt to believe that it will be celebrated, by succeeding Generations, as the great anniversary Festival. It ought to be commemorated, as the Day of Deliverance by solemn Acts of Devotion to God Almighty. It ought to be solemnized with Pomp and Parade, with Shews, Games, Sports, Guns, Bells, Bonfires and Illuminations from one End of this Continent to the other from this Time forward forever more. You will think me transported with Enthusiasm but I am not. I am well aware of the Toil and Blood and Treasure, that it will cost Us to maintain this Declaration, and support and defend these States. Yet through all the Gloom I can see the Rays of ravishing Light and Glory. I can see that the End is more than worth all the Means. And that Posterity will tryumph in that Days Transaction, even altho We should rue it, which I trust in God We shall not.” (The Book of Abigail and John: Selected Letters of the Adams Family, 1762-1784, Harvard University Press, 1975, 142).
This morning I have been blessed to read some blogs proving the true American Spirit in how they remember and celebrate Independence Day. It widens my world to appreciate what others have endured.
"By the rude bridge that arched the flood,Their flag to April's breeze unfurled,Here once the embattled farmers stood,And fired the shot heard round the world.
The foe long since in silence slept;Alike the conqueror silent sleeps;And Time the ruined bridge has swept Down the dark stream which seaward creeps.
On this green bank, by this soft stream,We set today a votive stone;That memory may their deed redeem,When, like our sires, our sons are gone.
Spirit that made those heroes dare To die, and leave their children free,Bid Time and Nature gently spare The shaft we raise to them and thee."
The foe long since in silence slept;Alike the conqueror silent sleeps;And Time the ruined bridge has swept Down the dark stream which seaward creeps.
On this green bank, by this soft stream,We set today a votive stone;That memory may their deed redeem,When, like our sires, our sons are gone.
Spirit that made those heroes dare To die, and leave their children free,Bid Time and Nature gently spare The shaft we raise to them and thee."
Also today in my inbox the word for today by Joel Osteen is truly an inspirational word~
TODAY'S WORD from Joel and Victoria
"This weekend, we celebrate Independence Day in America. July 4, 1776 was the day America declared Independence from Britain, but the battle for freedom went on until 1783—seven years later. Even though the people declared their freedom in 1776, they had to stand and fight for many years before the British would accept and recognized the United States of America.
In the same way, we have to declare our freedom and determine to stand against the opposing forces in our lives. We have to declare our freedom from addiction, poverty, sickness, and lack. We have to stand and fight until we fully experience that freedom and peace that God has promised.
I love what the early colonists did once they signed the Declaration of Independence. They read it out loud in public. They published it in the newspaper. They spread the word. They continued to declare and celebrate even though they were in the midst of the battle.
Whatever battle you may be facing today, declare that you are free. Declare that you are an over comer. Celebrate the victory that is on its way! As you stand strong and celebrate your freedom, you will experience His victory and true freedom all the days of your life!"
In the same way, we have to declare our freedom and determine to stand against the opposing forces in our lives. We have to declare our freedom from addiction, poverty, sickness, and lack. We have to stand and fight until we fully experience that freedom and peace that God has promised.
I love what the early colonists did once they signed the Declaration of Independence. They read it out loud in public. They published it in the newspaper. They spread the word. They continued to declare and celebrate even though they were in the midst of the battle.
Whatever battle you may be facing today, declare that you are free. Declare that you are an over comer. Celebrate the victory that is on its way! As you stand strong and celebrate your freedom, you will experience His victory and true freedom all the days of your life!"
Sarah, I love the Osteens, watch them weekly on TV and get some of their evotionals (though I have problems in receiving them and have to re-subscribe from time to time, not sure why!).
ReplyDeleteMy dh is from Victoria, love that State, so beautiful, compact and easy to get around! Thanks for visiting my blog too:)