4th of July and Psalm of the Week

As we head into the celebration of our country's independence,

there is much on my mind.

However, the words are not flowing;

too much buzzing inside me, I guess.

I will try though.

Last Saturday,

I was taking my son's kids for a golf cart ride in our campground,

when we saw this huge flag. 

The kids were ecstatic!

All three understand the significance of our flag

and they thought it was totally awesome

that someone hung a big one up between two huge trees.

Of course they wanted to check it out.

Of course Grandma wanted a picture of them in front of it.

Of course I couldn't get them to look at me all at the same time.

But I've come to like the 'imperfect' photos.

Some of my favorites don't show the child's face.

Being a child is being spontaneous

and I enjoy catching a glimpse on film

of my grandchildren's spontaneity.

Below are two examples.

I'm chuckling at Peyton's stance.

She saluted instead of put her hand over her heart.

I didn't tell her to do anything.

She just did what she thought best.

And I like it.

Dillon has found something in the grass interesting

and Addy's wondering what's going on next door.

In this next photo,

something distracted Peyton, but by golly she kept her salute in tact!

Dillon is trying to pay attention.

Addy is doing her model pose.

And Grandma?

Why she was smiling of course!

(You'll have to take my word for it.)

We have much to be thankful for as a country.

I hope and pray that we don't lose sight of that

and in doing so lose what has made this country great.

As an individual, I have many blessings.

Sometimes in dealing with my chronic illness,

I lose sight of some of them.

It's easy to get depressed.

But then my faith makes it easier to become 'undepressed'--

(not a real word).

I am heading down to the lake and I'm not feeling well.

But one of my most favorite times

is watching the fireworks off the Big Island at Seneca Lake

from our boat.

I'm not missing it.

We will be back and forth for a few days,

so I may not be posting or commenting until Tuesday.

I will try to make the Barn Charm because I have so many

to choose from now.

I read Psalm 118 this week

and it really ministered to me.

I will share parts of it for the Psalm of the Week section.

O GIVE thanks to the Lord, for He is good;

for His mercy and loving-kindness endure forever!

Let those now who reverently and worshipfully fear the Lord

say that His mercy and loving-kindness endure forever.

Our of my distress I called upon the Lord;

the Lord answered me and set me free and in a large place.

The Lord is on my side;

I will not fear.

What can man do to me?

The Lord is on my side and takes my part,

He is among those who help me;

therefore shall I see my desire established

 upon those who hate me.

It is better to trust and take refuge in the Lord

than to put confidence in man.

The Lord is my Strength and Song;

and He has become my Salvation.

I will confess, praise, and give thanks to You,

for You have heard and answered me;

and You have become my Salvation and Deliverer.

The stone which the builders rejected has become the chief cornerstone.

This is from the Lord and is His doing;

it is marvelous in our eyes.

This is the day which the Lord has brought about;

we will rejoice and be glad in it.

O give thanks to the Lord,

for He is good;

for His mercy and loving-kindness endure forever.

Psalm 118: 1, 4-8, 14, 21-24, 29

Blessings to you all this 4th of July Weekend!

Be safe, be thankful, and have fun!