I had a wonderful Fourth of July holiday last week. Our family gathered at my nephew’s house, which is on a lake, and celebrated together. Although it was a rainy kind of day, there were breaks so the kids could enjoy the water. The important thing was that we could be together and enjoy the company of our family. It was especially nice this year because we welcomed our great, great niece into the world in March and she was a highlight of the celebration all dressed up in stars and stripes.

There was a special patriotic presentation at church on Sunday. We heard beautiful patriotic music and were reminded of what bought our freedom, both nationally and spiritually. I am so very thankful to live in the USA where we have the freedom to gather together as we please. May we always recognize our blessings. We can all choose to discover our personal strengths and then live . . . life to the fullest.