Freedom

"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." John Adams letter to his wife, Abigail dated July 3, 1776.

Rich read the above quote during our Independence Day devotions as a family and spoke of our freedom as a country and the cost of that freedom as well as the responsibility it brings. He then spoke of our deeper freedom in Christ and again the cost and responsibility of that freedom. (I love when he teaches us all!) I was amazed at the foresight that John Adams had concerning the celebrations that would be occurring 234 years later. We certainly fulfilled his predictions with lots of pomp, parade, bonfires, illuminations and devotions to God. We learned that legally we became an independent nation on July 2, although, the Declaration of Independence wasn't signed until the 4th. Thus, we feel it's appropriate to make the celebration last for 3 days. What do you think?

Once a year we eat jello and here it is:

One of the many feasts of garden fresh food we enjoyed during our 3 day celebration

Grandpa Jim and Anna enjoying the "Illuminations" show that the older boys put on.

Grandma Marti and Micah enjoying the same.

Another celebration feast, this time at the Ezzo's home.

Rich's Aunt Tangeet and Uncle Ken from Virginia joined us for the week-end celebration. We sure enjoyed our time with them. They are precious and dear people to us.

Rich's cousin, Sonita, her husband, Owen, and adorable little guy, Nathan joined us, as well. Micah and Nathan enjoyed swapping spit-up stories the entire week-end.

We enjoyed an absolutely gorgeous sunset over the Wando River 4 stories up which was quickly followed by amazing fireworks displays all around us. We didn't know which way to look!

We must be vigilant. Our freedom must not be taken for granted. We thank the brave men and women who are protecting our freedom right now. But most of all we thank Jesus Christ for the freedom He has given us all through His blood. Celebrate!