Independence Day and the American Flag

 In a few days we will be celebrating 4th Of July. I have lived in different countries and I have travelled overseas to foreign lands. While it is fun to experience other cultures and meet wonderful people, everytime I return home, I am reminded how blessed I am to live in the United States of America. I believe that it is still the land of the free and the home of the brave, contrary to some people's opinions. With Independence Day, just around the corner, I hope that we can all come together and focus on what is important for our country. As they say, united we stand and devided we fall.  It is time to get our act together. Unfortunately, there are people who hate America and the American Flag. They burn the Flag. Well, I would like to share with you the meaning of the American Flag and what it stands for. The flag is the symbol  of freedom and liberty to which Americans recite the Pledge of Allegiance. In California I was on the board of The Telephone Pioneers of America, a charitable organization, and before starting any meeting we would recite the Pledge of Allegiance. 

Let me share some cool facts about our flag, that maybe you don't know about. There are 50 stars on the flag, symbolizing the 50 states, and 13 alternating red and white stripes to symbolize the original 13 colonies. The colors were not chosen randomly but they have a meaning. Red stands for hardiness and valor. White stands for purity and innocense. Blue signifies vigilance, perseverance and justice. The flag was originally created in 1777, and the design has been changed 27 times, with the last one being in 1960 to add a star for Hawaii. Over the years many people have written poems and songs inspired by our flag. Johnny Cash, who was born in Kingsland, Arkansas, wrote the song "the ragged old Flag", which ends with the words: "I do like to brag, 'cause I am mighty proud of that ragged old flag."

Well said, and so should we.....be proud... 

Where we lived in Los Angeles, California, fireworks were illegal for private use, although people would go buy them in other cities and do it anyway. However, we were lucky to be able to watch all the fireworks around the San Fernando Valley, from our home. They were beautiful. We used to have 4th of July parties in our backyard with friends all the time. Here in Bella Vista, Arkansas, fireworks are legal, July 3rd through the 5th. We have had some spectacular displays from our neighbors on the lake. Some people go all out!! Of course, the city also puts together a fantastic fireworks display on July 3rd, by the Marina, on Lake Loch Lomond. 

Whatever your plans, have a safe and enjoyable Independance Day!

   

Are YOU Special?

Most of us don't think we are "special". We think our mothers, fathers or children are special, and of course our pets. But do we think of ourselves as special? Why do we think of some groups as special and celebrate them? Do we need a whole month to celebrate a specific group of people? Why do we say certain lives matter? ALL lives matter in God's eyes, and that is because, God made us unique. Each one of us is gifted for some special talent, and He wants us to discover all that He has for us. We are His Masterpiece. Unfortunately, we see ourselves as lacking. We are always short of something, that somebody else has.

Not too long ago, I was with a group of people and this young woman said that she did not feel like she had done much for any major cause. She was in awe of this couple who had founded "Best Friends", back in the 70's, and had achieved so much for homeless animals. What they have accomplished is indeed remarkable and inspiring. Their non-profit group has expanded nationwide and has over 250 thousand members. However, we have to remember that not everybody can do big things. We can do little things in a big way. We cannot, and should never compare ourselves with others. What God thinks of you doesn't change. What we think of ourselves changes with time. How do we evaluate ourselves? Well, we evaluate ourselves with how we look, what we have achieved, other people's approval for us and how successful and affluent we are. Those are some of the things we judge our worth by. So, your selfworth changes everytime one of these four things change. However, as I mentioned, God's view of us doesn't change, because He created each and every one of us in His own image, and He said that it was GOOD! We are NOT mass produced. We are SPECIAL. Think about it....

In all the world there is nobody like you. Since the beginning of time there has never been another person like you. Nobody has your smile, your eyes, your hands, your hair. I know a few identical twins. My best friends in Turkey, when I was growing up, were twins. My nephews in Greece, are twins. They are supposed to be exact replica of each other, and yet..they have something that is different and unique. Nobody owns your handwriting, or your voice. YOU ARE SPECIAL.

Nobody has your taste of food, music, dance or art. Nobody in the universe sees things like you do. In all time there has never been anyone who laughs in exactly your way, and what makes you laugh, cry or think may have a totally different response in someone else. So, YOU ARE SPECIAL.

You are different from any other person who has ever lived in the history of the universe. You are the only one in the whole creation who has your particular set of abilities. There is always someone who is better than you, at one thing or another. At the same time, you are better than someone else. Every person is your superior/inferior in at least one thing. Nobody in the universe can reach the quality of the combination of your talents and your feelings. Like a roomful of musical instruments some might excel in one way or another, but nobody can match the symphonic sound when all are played together. It is YOUR symphony. Through all eternity no one will ever walk, talk, think or be exactly like you; not your parents, your siblinsg or your children! YOU ARE SPECIAL.

You are rare, and in all rariry there is enormous value. It is NO accident that you are special. Please realize that God made you for a special purpose. He has a job for you to do that nobody else can do as well as you can. Out of the BILLIONS of applicants, only one is qualified. Only one has the unique and right combination of what it takes, and that one is you.

So, next time you doubt yourself in any way, don't worry, remember that YOU ARE SPECIAL. God thinks you are, and He sent his only son to die for you, so you can live.

There are some people in the world who have the gift of finding joy everywhere, and of leaving it behind them when they go. I pray that we can all strive to be like those souls.

But the fruit of the spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control......Galatians 5:22

Happy Father's Day to all the fathers.

Have a blessed Day!