Feelings On This 4th Of July

 Dear Kids, 

Yesterday was the 4th of July. We've only been back in the country for a few days. This year I'm SO GRATEFUL for the feelings of gratitude and patriotism that the Lord has given to my heart. 

The last several years I have been VERY cynical and negative in my heart when the 4th of July has come around. I LOVE MY COUNTRY so much. I love the Constitution. I love the Founding Fathers. I love what they did and the sacrifices they went through for their future generations. And it's been hard to see how much we've been screwing it up with all the agendas that are NOT freedom based. I've been REALLY depressed about the direction that our country has gone, so liberal and away from God. 

But when we landed in Florida on the way home, both your dad and I had the overwhelming flood of emotions of coming back to America. This is STILL the promised land of the Lord. This is STILL where the base of His Gospel is. This land is STILL where there is so much promise for the future of the entire world. America is NOT BAD. The governments of our day have been misrepresenting what America was set up to be for the world - a beacon of hope. 

I have felt patriotism unlike anything I've been able to feel for a very long time after being away. My emotions have been so close to the surface about everything in my life - and this is no different. We are SO BLESSED. There are so many things that show how blessed we have been and how much the Lord has been helping this country to succeed. Freedom is HOW the gospel is spread. The cause of freedom is the cause of Christ and His gospel. Without freedom, the gospel will not be able to get to the people who need it. As long as people have the gospel, then the world will continue to elevate. Promoting the cause of freedom is promoting the cause of Christ. 

I'm SO GRATEFUL for this country. When we were watching fireworks last night I just was flooded with emotions of gratitude and amazement that I have the chance to be here. I wrote on a facebook post these feelings and they are so accurate:

"Independence Day.

This day means more to me than I can write in a little Facebook post. My heart loves my country and the Founding Fathers who gave their lives so my children could know freedom.

The word freedom means very different things in our day and age. But I will confidently and boldly stand up for the Constitution of the United States and testify it was and still is an inspired document. I know the Lord loves this Land of promise and He aches for us to turn to Him. I am forever amazed I came at this time of the world's history, this place and to my family.

I hope everyone has an amazing Independence Day and remember to get down on your knees to recognize the Being whom true freedom always comes from. Let the celebration begin!"

 I love you kids, so much. I hope you have the seed of freedom in your hearts and to promote the cause of Christ within upholding the Constitution of the United States of America. 

I love you, 

 

Your Mom