To Mark Independence Day

Freedom is never more than one generation away from extinction. We didn't pass it to our children in the bloodstream. It must be fought for, protected, and handed on for them to do the same.

--Ronald Wilson Reagan

Read more athttp://www.brainyquote.com/quotes/authors/r/ronald_reagan.html#xTOxHtWGkDqZdldh.99




This movie is a favorite of mine, and is a wonderful way to celebrate the fourth of July, by remembering those who have purchased freedom with their own lives.


Please leave a comment and make sure I have your email address if you do not already own this movie.  

Winner to be announced on July 5th!

This movie is worth having and keeping, and especially worth watching during the celebration: we must remember the sacrifices of men who made it possible for us to live this unique American life.  


This movie is based on a true story, that of Chance Phelps; and it shows that any man who gives his life in service to his country is just as worthy as the man who did so before him:  there are no ranks at Dover--every man is treated the same.  


This movie is done with so much respect and reverence, and Kevin Bacon was superb in his depiction of a fellow Marine who voluntarily accompanies Chance's body home to his family.  


May it always be so, and may we always be willing to keep it so, it is up to us, you know, to guard freedom here at home while our soldiers guard it from afar.


Celebrate the Fourth of July while you can, for independence may become something we must fight for.  

The Lofty Skies

I live in a prairie-like area.  Flat land, you can see for a couple miles in one direction or another from just about anywhere out here.


Sometimes, folks might think that to be quite dull.


But in the evenings, at sunset, it's not dull very often.


I get gifts like this all the time, given free for the taking!


It never ceases to amaze.  


I might not have mountains to look at, but there are mountainous clouds to frame our landscape from time to time.


And upon closer inspection, a photographer learns what to focus in on, the bigger picture is beautiful, but sometimes, you have to pick a focal point and just zoom in.

It's like that with our lives, too.


Sometimes, we can't see the bigger picture.  But if we'll look at what's right in front of us, we can see it's something worth appreciating.  Light bursts through the clouds every now and then and we see something that gives us hope.


For this Sunday, I leave you with this beautiful old hymn, the words a sermon all on their own; when I saw this particular sunset, I thought of this hymn.


I Sing the Mighty Power of God
Isaac Watts

1. I sing the almighty power of God,
That made the mountains rise,
That spread the flowing seas abroad,
And built the lofty skies.

2. I sing the wisdom that ordained
The sun to rule the day;
The moon shines full at His command,
And all the stars obey.

3. I sing the goodness of the Lord,
That filled the earth with food;
He formed the creatures with His Word,
And then pronounced them good.

4. Lord! how Thy wonders are displayed
Where'er I turn mine eye!
If I survey the ground I tread,
Or gaze upon the sky!

5. There's not a plant or flower below
But makes Thy glories known;
And clouds arise and tempests blow,
By order from Thy throne.

6. Creatures that borrow life from Thee
Are subject to Thy care;
There's not a place where we can flee,
But God is present there.

(This was a hymn written originally for children!)

Winners Announced!

The time has come for the winners of the drawing for a set of six diner baskets to be drawn....




And the winners are...





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Elaine @ Sunny Simple Life said...

Those are so cute. Sign me up. My kids would love them.

June 12, 2012 11:13 AM 

Karen~The Barely There Primitive Bear said...

These are awesome! Thanks for the opportunity to win these, please enter me. You should have my email address.
Have a great week, Joni. :)


Bear Hugs & Blessings~Karen

June 12, 2012 1:45 PM 

I really hope you both enjoy these baskets and have some memorable and fun dinners using them!

Would you ladies mind emailing me at this address with your mailing address so I can get them out to you?  I hope to hear from you!

oldcentennialfarmhouse@gmail.com

My next drawing will be held for the July Fourth celebration of our nation's birthday, so STAY TUNED!!

XOXO

Joni