233rd Celebration of Our Nations Independence

The 4th of July is our favorite holiday. I am truly thankful that the Lord sent me when and where he did.

Every year, I read the Declaration of Independence.. The founding documents, to me, are not much different than scripture.. In my heart they hold the same sacred power.. The knowledge that many have sacrificed for my freedom.. That I have the power over my own decisions.. And that I can either reap the rewards or pay the consequences.. How truly blessed we are to have that.. I believe that our country was not just founded by people with Christian values, but that this was all divinely inspired.. That America is the Land of Promise.

There are two lines in the Declaration of Independence that are extremely profound.

"We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness.--That to secure these rights, Governments are instituted among Men, deriving their just powers from the consent of the governed"

and the second....

And for the support of this Declaration, with a firm reliance on the protection of divine Providence, we mutually pledge to each other our Lives, our Fortunes and our sacred Honor.

These men truly did pledge their lives, fortunes and sacred honor.. Many a time we remember our soldiers who fought in battles and dedicate their lives to defending our freedom.. but we often forget the ones who gave everything to establish it.. many of them who's names you have never heard..

It is interesting to note that George Washington was not one of those signers.. He is an icon, and rightfully so, in our nations history. In 1776 he was Commander in Chief of the Continental Army. At the time of the signing John Hancock was the President of Congress. There were 16 men who held office of president from 1774 until the ratification of our Constitution in 1789. Many historians consider John Hanson our first president, as he was the president elected under the Articles of Confederation adapted in 1781.

I guess, for me what I find most interesting about the beginning of our nation, is that is didn't happen in a day, a month or even a year.. this process was long, grueling and required much sacrifice . Growing up I was taught excerpts from my history teachers.. I was deeply saddened when I realized how much was missed.. and how much I still have to learn.. This time period is fascinating.. I also believe that the lack of knowledge about it has put Americans in a position to stray from the goals and intentions of our founding fathers.. It is my goal to teach my children as much as I can... I hope you challenge yourself to do the same..

Happy Independence Day!

These are some pictures of our personal celebration
On July 4, 2006 Joe and I were Married.. ( after a 12 year engagement LOL)