Independence Day

It's July 4th weekend, and I was reminded in church today that is more than just July 4th, but Independence Day. With that in mind, since it has been several months since my last blog entry, and since much has happened, and since this has turned into run on sentence,( my blog, I do what I want. Deal with it) I finally have something I need to say.

I am munching on peanut brittle and not worried about the calories. It's Sunday, they won't stick. My rules. Anyway, I went to our town's July 4th parade yesterday and took some pictures. A great little parade until the end when the last float came down with a picture of Obama, and Ceasar Chavez on it. Enough already! Can't we just celebrate who we are without having the political stuff shoved down our throats.

Now I realize this is a part of our heritage, but I fear it will soon change. A few years from now we might not be able to celebrate. Gloom and doom, maybe, but here are what 5 leaders of our country had to say:

It is the duty of all nations to acknowledge the providence of Almighty God, to obey His will, to be grateful for His benefits, and humbly to implore His protection and favor.

George Washington

We have no government armed with power capable of contending with human passions unbridled by morality and religion. Our Constitution was made only for a moral and religious people. It is wholly inadequate to the government of any other.

John Adams

And can the liberties of a nation be thought secure when we have removed their only firm basis, a conviction in the minds of the people that these liberties are of the gift of God? That they are not to be violated but with His wrath? Indeed I tremble for my country when I reflect that God is just; that His justice cannot sleep forever.

Thomas Jefferson

I’ve lived, sir, a long time, and the longer I live, the more convincing proofs I see of this truth: That God governs in the affairs of men. If a sparrow cannot fall to the ground without His notice, is it probable that an empire can rise without His aid? We’ve been assured in the sacred writings that unless the Lord builds the house, they labor in vain who build it.

Benjamin Franklin

America needs God more than God needs America. If we ever forget that we are One Nation Under God, then we will be a Nation gone under.

Ronald Reagan.

My point, our leaders knew about the inportance of a relationship and belief in God. I fear we have forgotten that and our nation has gone it's own way. So for at least today, this day, July 4th, I celebrate my freedom. My freedom to believe in God, my freedom to overeat and get fat, if I want, my freedom to worship where I please and to whom I please. My freedom to sit on the couch with my wife and smooch if I want. My freedom to work hard, and play hard. Now it's off my chest. Here are some more pictures to enjoy.