Happy 4th of July

This is a fun day of celebration of our freedom!  The day is an opportunity to stop our busy schedule and remember our history.  We celebrate this day as a remembrance of the 13 colonies (the Continental Congress) agreeing to seek independence from British rule. This new country adopted the Declaration of Independence, which was actually voted on July 2, 1776.
 
John Adams had written his wife, Abigail Adams, noting the celebration would be July 2 with fireworks, bonfires, parades, and games however the 4th became the day of celebration.  Interestingly, the first celebration was actually mock funerals for King George III who was the reigning king of England in the summer of 1776. I think I like the celebrations that John Adams had envisioned better.
 
I am grateful for the freedom that we have in our country.  While we have throughout the history of our country and are currently experiencing challenging times, we can still be grateful for a country where we can work, own homes, have children, educate our children and worship God just put simply.
 
Please share with all of us some your 4th of July special times, activities, food and your people.  Here are mine.
 
Food: Hamburgers, chips, cookies, pies, ice cream
Games: corn hole, card games, puzzles, movie night
My people: All of our children and grandchildren. We are a total of 23.
The fireworks: anything that lights up the sky.  I just watch now and don’t light anything.
Favorite patriotic song: I love them all but when I sang God Bless America yesterday in church it was powerful and pulled my heartstring.
Scariest moment: As a child, I was sitting on my grandmother’s porch. My dad lit a “chaser” firecracker. It went “crazy” and turned toward the porch going up my dress.  Not cool. 
Most memorable: Last year, 2021, we met as a family at one of our daughters’ house.  My husband baptized our 4 oldest grandchildren in the pool.  We were there as a family sharing that special moment!  Loved it!
 
While I celebrate our freedom in our country, I am eternally grateful for the freedom as a result of my salvation in Jesus Christ.
 
Have a wonderful RED/WHITE/Blue day!  Be safe.
 
Blessings
Karen