4TH OF JULY CELEBRATION
It’s easy to forget the inspiration for the fireworks we watch as part of our 4th of July celebration.
Francis Scott Key was off shore, watching from afar, as the the British ships pounded Fort McHenry with primitive artillery from a safe distance in the Atlantic.
I’m guessing that watching your countrymen get what looked like being annihilated throughout the night would cause more than just a little anxiety. Seeing that they had raised a new American flag at sunrise must have been exhilarating.
That flag was a symbol to the British that all their military power and might could never defeat the spirit of the people that would fight to the death to be free.
image courtesy of dreamstime.com
I watched fireworks as a kid with awe and wonder and was mesmerized by the exploding colors filling the night sky.
These days I watch fireworks with appreciation for the blessings from God that He’s bestowed on this land. I am still in awe and wonder, but it is for the courage and heart of the people that fought like the original Americans to preserve freedom from oppressive governments; freedom to worship the God of all creation.
I ponder a group of freedom seeking Americans, a gang of nonconformists, that sought freedom over security. They knew if they had freedom security would be the natural byproduct. They trusted in God first, not man.
May this country turn it’s focus to God first again.
May this country and you be blessed this 4th of July celebration. And may God bless America.
Sunday, July 1, 2018 @ 5:27 pm
May God bless America. Happy 4th, Floyd!
Sunday, July 1, 2018 @ 5:30 pm
Blessings to you, Floyd! Have a great July 4th celebration!
Sunday, July 1, 2018 @ 5:45 pm
Fourth of July not only congures thoughts of fire works and God Bless America , it also brings to mind the birth of my Mother. Without my Mother I would not be who I am today. I also hold dear my Love for my country. I hold dear our flag, our independance and our God . Which this counrty was founded. God bless you all.
God bless you, Floyd. Your family as well.
Sunday, July 1, 2018 @ 5:58 pm
This is a great mantra for all of us, Floyd: ” that sought freedom over security.” I tend to fear for my security, but my freedom in Christ is the true source of all security. No fear in Him!
Sunday, July 1, 2018 @ 6:51 pm
“May this country turn its focus to God first again.”
That’s it, Floyd, that’s it in a nutshell. My Tuesday blog focuses upon exactly that, but through the quotes from American presidents.
And let us never forget 2 Chronicles 7:14.
Blessings to you and yours, and Happy Independence Day!
Monday, July 2, 2018 @ 1:59 am
Well said, Floyd! Happy 4th of July everyone!
Monday, July 2, 2018 @ 3:02 am
Thanks for the focus Floyd. We have gotten so far afield as a country I too hope things will change (the right kind of change). Every heart and every ear turned to the Father.
Monday, July 2, 2018 @ 9:39 am
Thank you for the memories of past 4th of July with the celebrations of freedom from oppression. May America realize that true freedom is within, and I believe that very belief is now flowing across our country. I remember a presentation (many years ago) at the World’s Fair at Treasure Island (between San Francisco and Oakland) about how our flag came to be and the Star Spangled Banner. What goose bumps that did to a young girl witnessing how great is our country. Thank you Floyd for another wonderful post.
Monday, July 2, 2018 @ 10:48 pm
Beautiful post, Floyd. I hope you and your family have a wonderful 4th of July celebration, and may God bless you always. Praying for you.
Tuesday, July 3, 2018 @ 4:17 pm
I love this , Floyd! Especially your sentence, “they knew if they had freedom, security would be the natural product.” I can see that on a spiritual level too. If I have freedom from feeling like life has to be perfect, security is a natural product. Freedom from my bad habits and security will be a natural product and even feeling like I have to have security – if I let go of that, security is a natural product! Thanks for the wonderful thoughts and hope you have a happy 4th!
Friday, July 6, 2018 @ 3:59 pm
“May this country turn it’s focus to God first again.” Amen, brother. I’m amazed at how quickly we are regressing into the oppression our forefathers fought so hard to escape. We forget how young and vulnerable this country truly is…