Independence Day

July 4th is one of my FAVORITE holidays. I love the atmosphere, the music, the food, sparklers, the parties, everything. I have great memories of this holiday:

When we lived in Findley Lake, NY, July 4th was a party for the entire town. There were craft shows and booths set up downtown, performances as the gazebo, a boat parade on the lake, and all sorts of other activities. Everyone would purchase flares from the girl scouts and they would outline the entire lake after the sun went down. As the flares burned out, the fireworks would start. We would sit on blankets in jeans and sweatshirts. It was so fun.

Three years ago, was another great 4th of July that I will remember forever. It started off with a walk around Pioneer's Park with Richard where he surprised me by proposing! The rest of the day was like walking on clouds. We went to an air show and finished the day off with fireworks. Another great day.

So, what are our plans this year? Not really sure. Maybe go to Seward, maybe go to some friend's parties, maybe do some pool-action, but definitely go to the fireworks show at night.

It is also at this time of year that I blare the patriotic music in my car and at home. Unfortunately, I forgot to grab my favorite Gaither video from the parentals (yeah, I said Gaithers-make fun all you want). I couldn't resist the urge to post the lyrics to one of my favorite songs (I actually wanted to post 2, but realized that was a little excessive):

Deep within the heart has always known that there was freedom
Somehow breathed into the very soul alive
The prisoner, the powerless, the saved have always known it
There's something that keeps reaching for the sky

Even life begins because a baby fights for freedom
And songs we love to sing have freedom's theme
Some have walked through fire and flood to find a place of freedom
And some faced hell itself for freedom's dream

Let freedom ring wherever minds know what it means to be in chains
Let freedom ring wherever hearts know pain
Let freedom echo through the lonely streets where prisons have no key
We can be free and we can sing --- let freedom ring

God built freedom into every fiber of creation
And He meant for us to all be free and whole
When my Lord bought freedom with the blood of His redemption
His cross stamped pardon on my very soul

I'll sing it out with every breath, I'll let the whole world hear it
This hallelujah anthem of the free
That iron bars and heavy chains can never hold us captive
The Son has made us free and free indeed

Let freedom ring wherever minds know what it means to be in chains
Let freedom ring wherever hearts know pain
Let freedom echo through the lonely streets where prisons have no key
We can be free and we can sing --- let freedom ring

Have a great Independence Day. Relax. Have fun. And, leave a comment if you are doing something fun.