Up the Sunbeam

-- "Here then is my charge: First, supplications, prayers, intercessions and thanksgivings should be made on behalf of all men: for kings and rulers in positions of responsibility, so that our common life may be lived in peace and quiet, with a proper sense of God and of our responsibility to him for what we do with our lives."  1 Timothy 2:1-2 PHILLIPS Gracious Heavenly Father, How we thank You that You hear us when we pray, and that You care about the lives we live. My heart cries out to You for this nation I love so dearly. My ancestors have lived and loved and fought and died here for 400 years and I don't want our generation to be the one that lets it all unravel. We are at a momentous time in our history, and I pray, for the sake of all who have bled and died for the freedom of this land and for these people, that we who live here now would make choices and live lives that please You. Help us to do all we should do and be all we should be. Help us to inn...

This picture isn't of me, but in many ways, this girl IS me and is so representative of my thoughts about my country. I have a very soft spot in my heart for the 4th of July and all that we celebrate today. As an American girl who moved to Canada at age 8, something wonderful happened to my patriotis m. . . at least I think it was wonderful. I always loved being an American, but I don't think I gave it much thought until I was in a new country, looking back across the border. As a little girl growing up in rural Iowa, the 4th of July was about fireworks and family and community and fun--pure Americana at its best! When we moved to Canada I learned about what was then called Dominion Day, Canada's equivalent to our 4th of July but celebrated on July 1st. I didn't mind celebrating Canada's independence, but I did very much mind that there were no 4th of July fireworks to go with it! As I got older, although I deeply loved my home in beautiful British Colu...