Independence Day

      Happy Fourth of July! I hope everyone is enjoying their long weekend. The Husbandman and I are enjoying a quiet day at home (I'm busy reading, he's selling books online) and hoping to see our neighbor's fireworks over the treeline tonight.

O beautiful for heroes proved
In liberating strife.
Who more than self their country loved
And mercy more than life!

     We sang America the Beautiful yesterday at church, and one verse in particular really struck me like never before. I am a huge supporter of our troops, (my dad was in the army for over 20 years, and my brother is headed that way as soon as he graduates) and I think that as we celebrate today with picnics, fireworks, flags and parades, we need to recognize our heroes, those who have fallen, those who have survived, and those who still serve to make this country free. 

America! America!
God shed his grace on thee
Till selfish gain no longer stain
The banner of the free!