For Thursday, July 4th, 2024

 

ON THE BRIGHT SIDE 

THURSDAY, JULY 4TH, 2024

The moments of our lives may be bright with possibility, dark with fear or sadness, or even plain everyday gray, but God's glory never fades.  May God's glory shine into the exciting lights, upsetting darks, and boring grays of your every day.

Slightly adapted from one of my morning devotionals 

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    81 DAYS UNTIL FALL

 

 In TEXAS

Sunrise:     6:36 am

Sunset :     8:36 pm

Life is a special  

occasion!  

Hallmark 

Today is  Independence Day which is also known as the 4th of July!  It has been a federal holiday since 1941 and it commemorates the adoption of the Declaration of Independence on July 4, 1776.  

Independence Day is a huge celebration all over the country, including fireworks, concerts, parades, baseball games, barbecues, carnivals, fairs, picnics, political speeches and various other public and private events. It celebrates the history, government, and traditions of the U.S.  and is an opportunity for the reunion of family as schools are closed . All non- essential federal institutions are closed as in 1938 the US Congress changed the day to be a paid holiday.  

The celebrations are also marked by patriotic displays: both decorations and clothing  are colored red, white and blue like the colors of the American flag.  Popular songs to be played, especially during fireworks are: The Star Spangled Banner, America the Beautiful and God Bless America.  

One of the most popular cities to spend the 4th may be New York City.  Many people travel to Manhatten to look at the huge celebration with fireworks and star performances. Other popular places to  be on the 4th, is Chicago, Boston, SanFrancisco, Washington DC and Mission Bay in San Diego.    

On July 2nd, 1776, the Continental Congress voted in favor of independence and on July 4th, 56 delegates adopted the Declaration of Independence and the 13 colonies, Connecticut, Delaware, Georgia, New Hampshire, New Jersey , New York, North Carolina, Maryland, Massachusetts Bay, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, Providence Plantations, South Carolina and Virginia became the United States of America.  Ever since the 4th of July has been celebrated as the birth of American Independence .  Celebrate today by flying your American Flag, wearing red, white and blue and having a cook out with family and friends!

To see the bright side, polish the dull side

 

THOUGHT FOR TODAY

Where liberty dwells, there is my country.

Benjamin Franklin 

We are staying at home today and celebrating with a cook out.  DS#2 had previous arrangements to visit with friends and had wanted us to join him, but it’s not close by and DD has to work at her new part time job at bath and body works the next day so they  decided to stay at home.The neighborhood has been full of fireworks for a week now and we heard there will be a big display this evening in the field back of the house. The weather remains hot and sunny so we should be able to sit back outside and enjoy the entertainment ! 

 DD made cookies to have, filled with chocolate chips and decorated with red, white and blue M &M’s.  They are delicious!  She also got some red white and blue donuts to enjoy so we’ll have some sweet treats for breakfast too. The pictures today are of past 4th of July family celebrations.  I also wanted to let you know about the good news I got yesterday.  The results of the chest X-ray I got, came back free and clear.  No problems there! 

I hope you all have a GREAT day!  Happy Thursday and have a safe and happy 4th of July!

COUNTING MY GIFTS

America means opportunity, freedom, power.

Ralph Waldo Emerson

Counting at least 3 things every day that I'm thankful for.  There is truly is always something to be thankful for.

12,470. for a free and independent country 

12,471.  for fireworks to enjoy 

12,472. for good company of family and good food to eat!

Enter into His courts with thanksgiving — and in His presence is fullness of Joy!

PRAYER FOR OUR TROOPS

Please pray for God's protection of

our troops and HIS wisdom for their

commanders.

 

Almighty and eternal God,

Protect our military

as they discharge their duties

with the shield of your strength,

may the power of your love

enable them to return home in safety

that with all who love them

they may ever praise you for your loving care.

AND bless our Police Officers, Firefighters and EMT’s.

We ask this through Christ our Lord.

Amen

MAY GOD BLESS YOU ALL!

ADVICE FOR TODAY

Then join hand in hand, brave Americans all.  By uniting we stand, by dividing we fall. 

John Dickerson 

a smile, a word of cheer, 

A bit of love from someone dear…

Love,

ma