Happy Birthday, America!!

     I had planned to write a different blog, but a thought this morning  reminded me that I should express my gratitude for our beloved America on the week we celebrate her birthday, the birth of our freedom!! I am so very grateful to have been born in America with the freedoms we are blessed with. I am grateful to have been taught proper respect of our laws, of the beautiful land itself and of its people! I love seeing her beauty each day as I look around: the lands, trees, mountains, streams, animals and, yes, the very people that make America what it is!  As I watch our flag pass by during a 4th of July parade or rodeo or singing our national anthem at sporting events brings tears to my eyes !!  I remember the honor it was for me to carry our beautiful flag in a grand entry at a horse show once! Those of us that live in America have been blessed with so many things that many others do not have, but sadly there are people here who are doing their best to destroy those freedoms and beauties and it breaks my heart. I recognize that much of this has been foretold to us by prophets of old and even modern day ones, but it does not take the pain away as we watch so many trample on those things that many of us still love, respect, and hold dear! I read something the other day that so applies to this very thought and I would like to share it with you! Hopefully it will touch your heart and mind as it did mine when I read it. I would hope that it will help us see more clearly at least one reason for the problems that surround us in this beautiful country and that we will do our best to not fall into the trap it talks of because it falls upon each individual to make the difference no matter what others do! I will wish you a "Happy 4th of July" my dear friends and end with the thought I mentioned!!!

     "In this choice land of America the democratic way of life we cherish is built on our belief in the worth of each individual and the sacred nature of human personality. No matter how many wars we fight to defend it, democracy can survive only when people are able to get along happily together. This requires grown up personalities. Selfish concerns over individual rights with no thought of responsibility to others is an indication of immaturity. Freedom can be preserved only where personality grows." (Angelyn W. Wadley)