July 4th, America's National Holiday

 

 

Today I am staying home and members of my family are providing our traditional home-parade, where we dress up in colonial clothing, march across the lawn with our flags and hats, fiddles and flutes. I plan to ride my tricycle (an adult sized one). After the parade, which we will film, as usual, there is an out-door buffet and dining area set up for our cold lunch, consisting of southern fried chicken, rolls, coleslaw, tomato-cucumber salad in olive oil and vinegar, dill dressing, and a watermellon lemonade punch from a recipe in Southern Living magazine.

 

 

Like last year, we will hear political, '"train-stop" speeches, using my front porch as the railings on the back of the train, as the podium, in order to imitate the political tours of candidates of the 1800's. This year there will be a presidential candidate speaking at the train stop, a speech from a woman about women's rights (it is not what you may think) and a message from an air force veteran who lives nearby.

 

(Note: Anonymous comments are open today, so if you do not have a google account or any kind of online registration, please post.)

 

 

I do not think my sentiments and beliefs could be stated more eloquently than the words on this poster from an ad put in a newspaper by Hobby Lobby. Each statement is worth researching in depth. Click on to enlarge.

 

I was impressed with the following email from the Romans 16:16 blog , which shows the most important aspect of freedom:

Today, as Americans celebrate the 237th year since we declared our independence from the tyranny which once held our country in it's clutches. Let those of us who are'free indeed'' remember to fall on our knees and thank God for the freedom that we have in Christ.

May we give thanks for the freedom we have in this nation to worship Him in spirit and in truth. May we remember that all freedom is bought at a price and give thanksgiving for those who gave their lives that we may have this freedom. Let us remember to ask God to guide the leaders of this country and to raise up those who will lead it back to the one true standard. Let's praise Him for those who are daily working to do His will within our government. May we remember and teach, without fear and with all boldness of spirit, that true freedom can only be found in Christ Jesus.

Happy Independence Day

"Therefore if the Son makes you free, you shall be free indeed." John 8:36 NKJV

rsixteensixteen | July 4, 2013 at 12:29 p

Note: Thank you for this, and for all you do at the Romans Sixteen blog.

 

And now, I will relate a few of my own thoughts, on various topics.

 

Facing a shameful time in history.

It is difficult to write with any joy about "our" special national day, because of this shameful time in our history---not that the shame is on common citizens, but on a government whose actions do not represent our beliefs. The President also defies God's word in many of the things he promotes overseas. We, like Nehemiah want to remove this reproach. People in foreign countries who participate in their hearts and minds with the documents of our Founding Fathers (yes, "fathers") are also upset at the outrageous activities of the government which has trod on our freedoms and threatened the freedom of other countries. My husband and I and the rest of my family want the world to know that we think it is wrong for the U.S. government to spy on citizens of our country and expose their personal privacy, and spy and other countries, and that those who exposed this wrongdoing are heroes, not criminals (providing that it is not a total hoax, which is entirely possible.)It is ironic that a government that thinks we are not allowed any privacy can be so outraged when their own private evil is exposed. The Bible says to reprove the "unfruitful works of darkness." Ephesians 5:11

We who are disciples of Christ are in a better kingdom that benefits the nation.

While the wicked may be in power, let us not forget that the kingdom of light (those who are disciples of Christ) will always be at odds with the kingdom of darkness (those who defy the Word of God, which is the will of God.) Making disciples will put more people in the kingdom, and get more people out of the kingdom of darkness, so this is why having the liberty to teach the gospel and make disciples, is so important.As Christians we are citizens of a different kingdom with a heavenly passport and a holy constitution, the word of God, which much of the federalist papers (the rough drafts of the Constitution) were based on. Citizens in the Lord's kingdom will be better citizens in any country.

Do not think that a harsh ruler will allow you religious freedom.

Some people idealistically say that under duress and persecution, the church will simply grow in numbers and "thrive," and therefore, they feel it does not matter how the government behaves. What they do not remember is that the nations that live under dictatorships (North Korea, Zimbabwe, Cuba, for example) are not able to teach the gospel or send out missionaries. Under a socialist, communist, dictatorship, Christian parents will not be able to freely homeschool or teach their faith to their children. Parents will be imprisoned while the state takes their children. That is why it is so important to govern the government and keep it accountable and to maintain freedom. I believe that young men like Ted Cruz, Edward Snowden, Julian Assange and others are very brave to correct those who are elected and unelected. It impresses me that they are all so young, and that there is a young generation of determined and energetic conservatives.

True U.S. Citizenship.

I noticed that Ted Cruz was born in Canada, and that many people wrongfully believe that he cannot run for President. Having lived in Canada as American citizens, during a time when many other Americans were hired to work in the oil and gas industry there, I am certain that Cruz is a citizen. Our oldest child was born in Calgary, Alberta (as was Cruz) and is an American citizen. Just as children born to ambassadors serving in foreign countries to American parents are automatically American citizens, my child was considered an American, even with a Canadian birth certificate. Therefore, Ted Cruz, U.S. Senator from Texas, born of a naturalized American citizen father (from Cuba) and an American mother, is an American citizen and is qualified to be President, should the American people desire to elect him.

Re-establish your country with the Declaration of Independence and the Constitution.

Finally, I would like to remind you of the tiny country of Estonia, who threw off a foreign government by enacting their own culture of national songs, national flags, colors, sayings, constitution and beliefs. We are in a situation of being so demoralized by what those in D.C. are doing that we do not feel like singing the songs which proclaim the greatness of this country. We do not believe we ought to be blessed by God.

We do not believe that we have our country anymore and are ashamed to sing "God Bless America, " or "America the Beautiful." The first and easiest thing to do which will defeat a people is to demoralize them, making them think they are "no good" and unworthy and that they deserve to be brought low; deserving every evil thing that happens to them. That way, Satan and his allies can actually get us to cooperate with them in our own defeat.

We look at the things that the media publishes that are so shameful and we conclude that "we" are all wicked and that America is a wicked nation. We need to understand that this is a type of demoralization so that we will not feel we have anything to be happy about and will think we deserve to suffer. This kind of thinking will demoralize us and immobilize us so that we will not continue to pursue the various personal enterprises that make a country strong and great and good.

I was greatly encouraged by watching a documentary film called "The Singing Revolution", which recorded how Estonia re-established their nation-hood, their language, their constitution, their flag, their government, their songs and their culture. Although you will not agree with all of it, the main principle is to live who you are, and to practice your faith and to insist on your freedom, erstwhile getting those who oppress you to leave.

So, sing your songs and read the Constitution aloud today. Go to town and dress up like Yankee Doodle and take a copy of the Constitution and stand on a wooden box in front of Safeway or Dollar Tree or WalMart and take turns with your friends reading portions of the constitution and the Declaration of Independence. Bring your family and friends to sing songs and proclaim liberty throughout the land. Publish your opinions and beliefs on the Internet and spread the cause of freedom, just like the FOUNDING FATHERS did before.

From the Declaration of Independence are some applicable statements for today:

IN CONGRESS, July 4, 1776.

The unanimous Declaration of the thirteen united States of America,

When in the Course of human events, it becomes necessary for one people to dissolve the political bands which have connected them with another, and to assume among the powers of the earth, the separate and equal station to which the Laws of Nature and of Nature's God entitle them, a decent respect to the opinions of mankind requires that they should declare the causes which impel them to the separation.

We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness.--That to secure these rights, Governments are instituted among Men, deriving their just powers from the consent of the governed, --That whenever any Form of Government becomes destructive of these ends, it is the Right of the People to alter or to abolish it, and to institute new Government, laying its foundation on such principles and organizing its powers in such form, as to them shall seem most likely to effect their Safety and Happiness. Prudence, indeed, will dictate that Governments long established should not be changed for light and transient causes; and accordingly all experience hath shewn, that mankind are more disposed to suffer, while evils are sufferable, than to right themselves by abolishing the forms to which they are accustomed. But when a long train of abuses and usurpations, pursuing invariably the same Object evinces a design to reduce them under absolute Despotism, it is their right, it is their duty, to throw off such Government, and to provide new Guards for their future security.--Such has been the patient sufferance of these Colonies; and such is now the necessity which constrains them to alter their former Systems of Government. The history of the present King of Great Britain is a history of repeated injuries and usurpations, all having in direct object the establishment of an absolute Tyranny over these States. To prove this, let Facts be submitted to a candid world.

These words, written so long ago, serve today as a chastisement upon the current administration and past decades of elected and unelected people in government. I hope they will take note.

You might enjoy this video by a perhaps future president?

 

Posted with Blogsy

Victorian Outdoor Style

A Walk On the Beach 1909

by  Joaquín Sorolla y Bastida Spain, 1865-1923

Lighthouse Walk at Biaratt

by Joaquín Sorolla y Bastida

Victorian Costume 

Because we live in such a quiet, scenic setting, our family and some neighbors decided to celebrate the 4th in our own back yard. You understand that I cannot show the photographs of everyone, so I hope my description will create vivid pictures in your mind of the event.

The day began with preparations for the parade. Everyone who had a costume of any era donned hats, spats, vests, and appropriate male or female attire. The young boys preferred their colonial costumes with the tri-corn hats. A watermellon was carried in the basket of my adult tricycle (shown, above) with USA carved on it, for eating when we arrived at our destination a few feet away.

Vehicles were decorated with hand made banners and Victorian "fireworks" called sparklers made from drinking straws, tape, and mylar wrapping paper. Instructions for these are available somewhere on The Pleasant Times   We like them because they sparkle and are harmless and can be stored in a tin to be used year after year.

At the sound of the marching music from a CD player, bout a dozen citizens of this small hamlet lined up at the house on their bikes or on foot, and slowly moved toward the grounds of the meeting house.  The parade went at a snail's pace, waving to the imaginary crowds on either side, ending at the old steps with the iron gate, where one of the men stood and made a speech. Much of that speech was recorded in my previous post called, "A Nation Built on Belief."

 Our only audience was a Cajun man  who grew up in the French Quarter, and his wife. Both of them, though well-travelled, said that they had "never experienced anything like this in our lives."  Whether that was a positive or negative comment, we do not know, but they clapped enthusiastically as the parade passed by.

His speech was interrupted several times by applause and reminders to vote for him. I was not sure what office he was running for but I've never heard a better political speech in my life, nor one so enthusiastically received.  He won the election.

He finished his speech grandly by kissing a baby.

The sacrificial watermelon was then retrieved from my basket and cut and served to all the participants.

Local fireworks are getting longer and better, enabling us to still stay home and view them from the sky while sitting on a blanket on our lawn.

So folks, and especially you with big families, dogs, ponies, bicycles, tricycles, wagons, baby prams and strollers, lawn mowers, and anything with wheels--you can all have a parade at home.  If you have no wheels, just dress as you like, and walk slowly, following a leader, singing your favorite song and holding a few flags. Put it on video and take some pictures and you'll have created some great memories. One day someone in your family will say:

"Remember that year we decided to stay home and have our own parade and speeches? Wasn't that wonderful?!"

This costume is from Simplicity Costume Pattern No. 8375

I bought this quite awhile ago when there was a 99-cent sale. I've since noticed that they have escalated in price to $20.00 online.  To preserve your patterns, iron the pieces on to fusible interfacing.

A Country Built on Belief

Grace Cottage, by Susan Rios

In previous posts I have said that America is not just what it is because of a location, but because of a belief, and any country may pattern itself after the same beliefs. On this 4th of July, I want to share some thoughts about the purpose and meaning of America, by looking at the following statements from visitors in America. 

Liberty Lane, by Susan Rios

A businessman from Europe, currently residing in the U.S. was asked why he was still living here after launching a successful business in America. He replied, "There is a lack of cynicism here that makes it possible to keep ideas alive long enough to bring them to completion. Ideas are necessary for invention, and you must have the freedom to pursue them without a lot of hindrance." (Jonathon Ives,  conceptual mind behind many of Apple's products, including the  MacBook Pro, iPod, and iPad)

Another person who visited briefly on a special trip, reported to a news station in his own country, "It is amazing to get so much positive, uplifting encouragement here. There is a belief that if someone succeeds at something, others will succeed also, and that is true for one's personal life as well."

Freedom Way by Susan Rios

In 1766 an Acadian settler  named Jean Baptiste Semer, wrote to his father in France:

	My dear father (...) you can come here boldly with my dear mother and all the other Acadian families. They will always be better off than in France. There are neither duties nor taxes to pay and the more one works, the more one earns without doing harm to anyone.

Seaside Memories by Susan Rios

A recent visitor from South Africa wrote that Americans are busy finding out how to fix problems and how to compete in business. They want to know how to make things work better and how to get things done in the most expedient way. It may seem trivial to be asked things like, "How may I help you?" or "How are you doing today?" These are things which make it pleasant when interacting with a business. The free enterprise system encourages this because there will be those who will always strive to do better and earn more good will, which will help them find loyal customers.  "Americans criticize themselves a lot," he said, "But they are not weaklings who just complain and do nothing. They want things to work. Their roads are good and always being repaired. One employee will often do the job of 10 people, if necessary. For the most part, the negative I was told about America was a lot of media hype. What I found in America during my visit was completely different than what I had been lead to believe."

Hiway Leading to Monument Valley (allposters.com)

Being There by Susan Rios

An Australian visitor wrote: "When I visited America I was impressed that so many Americans had the courage to live their faith and did so apparently without self-consciousness. Faith is as natural to them as the Creation, and I often heard the phrase, "Lord willing," even in public.  Their culture did not seem to be at odds with their faith, as it is in some other countries where a person feels as though they are  swimming upstream against sardonic and pessimistic and often mocking attitudes."

In the book, "Princess," Jean Sasson wrote, "After spending some time in America, I announced to my husband that I liked these people, the Americans. When he asked me why, I had difficulty voicing what I felt in my heart. I finally said: I believe this marvellous mixture of cultures has brought civilization closer to reality than in any other culture in history...so few countries manage complete freedom for all their citizens without chaos, and this has been accomplished in this huge land."

The beliefs that created America were the following: 

Freedom: - The Founding Fathers never meant for freedom to be the license to do as one pleased outside of a moral law or to use liberty as a "cloak for vice." Rather, freedom provides the opportunity to develop abilities to the glory of God, look after one's own family and benefit others in many ways. Freedom is absolutely necessary in the pursuance of success in life, in a man's work, and in a nation's stability.  

Faith:  Freedom is highly valued in the U.S. and other countries  because it is basic to humanity and without it the Word of God can not be spread. Wherever the gospel is spread, liberty naturally follows, because those who embrace the teachings of Christ have self-discipline and do not need to be monitored or controlled by government. They also extend the freedom they have been given, to others.  "Proclaim liberty throughout the land." (Leviticus 25:10) Faith in God is the foundation of the other things that many people who came to America were looking for.

Work: When we follow our faith, we will naturally desire to have a worthwhile work in this life, and work with our own hands, being a burden to no one. Most American individuals want to work, and if they cannot find a job, will invent something to do that will help them in life. 

Golden Wheat Field (allposters.com)

Independence: A nation of do-it-yourself-ers is a people willing to go through hardships in order to realize their goals. Though some may argue that the pioneer era is over, there is still much to pioneer:

1. Taking responsibility for our children's education by educating them ourselves.

2. Developing our own enterprises, using the capital of our minds and hands, and sharing the fruit of our labors.

3. Taking care of our own health, naturally.

4. Having strong, loyal families.

5. Discovering and developing the talents God has graciously given us. There is a great need for this today, because of the way that our talents can effectively serve others.

6. Observing things that need to be done better in certain areas of life, for inspiration to create and invent.

7. Knowing the Word of God, living it out, and building up the Lord's church, His kingdom, and passing on these truths to the next generation.

Cottage by Susan Rios

A Can-Do Spirit: Only a demoralized people will not believe that anything can be done. That is why, if an enemy wants to defeat a country, they first demoralize a people, who will then not be able to enjoy life or bring out the full potential of their nation. Telling Americans, through mass media, that they are all greedy, lazy, have no worth, have no future, and that their country is  going to shortly fall into the sea, will have the effect of demoralizing them. A demoralized people will not be able to see the difference between the truth and a lie and will be easily defeated. 

 A can-do spirit; that of being able to do anything you put your mind to, is essential in maintaining freedom and individuality. Do-it-yourself-ers will not want government interference and will not want to be dependent on the government. Although Americans have a strong mutual national identity, they do not want government to dominate them. They enjoy being Americans because of the previous things listed here, not because they want to be controlled by elected and non-elected officials. To them, America is not identified by its politicians as much as its ordinary citizens.

Signing of the Constitution (allposters.com)

The Constitution: There may be a misunderstanding by the upcoming generation as to the power of the Constitution. By itself, it is a document, and can do nothing. Many people have believed that after it was ratified, it absolutely guaranteed Americans their unalienable rights; meaning that they can not be removed, sold, exchanged, or taken away.  It is up to each generation to read the constitution and use it for their law, rather than assuming that it will work for them automatically. These freedoms can be passed down to the next generation, only if they are taken care of. Like precious heirlooms that are handed down from one generation to another, they have to be guarded. One thing the enemies of freedom want to do is make our children unaware of the freedom that the Constitution provides. One good study on the benefits and purposes of the Constitution can be found at Wall Builders, where you will learn that America is more than a place: it is a belief. Without that belief in freedom, faith, enterprise, and other things, it ceases to be what it 

should be.

A young man from India writes: "I was absolutely fascinated when I read the American Declaration of Independence and the Constitution. The men who wrote it must have been something. The leaders today seem to be a shadow of such giants."

The question that remains is, what can one person or one family do to have the kind of country they really want?  The answer is to practice and live the principles you believe in, at home. Your family is a small country, with its own culture of freedom and faith.  You, or your  family and your home life represents your country. A country is no stronger  than the strength of its families.

 Your personal faith will set in order your creative abilities, your accomplishments in life, your family life, and your work ethic, and these things have a lot to do with the kind of country in which you live. Make your home your country. Practice and teach your celebrations and your beliefs. By the fruits of your belief and practices, others will know that you walk in the Truth and be drawn to conform their lives with the Way, the Truth, and the Life.

(My homestead lake, private photo 2012)

Here is my challenge to every one who loves their country, whether it be America or somewhere else: Remember the many people who had heard of the greatness of the God of Israel, recorded in the Old Testament. Because news always travels fast, people knew about Israel's God and His care for His people. Foreign kings and queens  would say that they had heard of the wonderful things their God had done. May we all live in such a way as spread the good reputation of our Lord to other countries. May they know us by our Lord and by our faith in Him, who is the "one God and Father of all, who is above all, and through all, and in you all." Ephesians 4:6 Let us live in such a way that others will say of each of our countries, "We have heard of your great God and his blessings and protection over your land."

Since the world is watching America, I believe we all have the duty and the responsibility to know the word of God accurately, to live our lives to the fullest; to work and to enjoy the things God has graciously given us for the reward of our labors.

 It is also our duty and responsibility to un-elect the people in government who do not represent these values that we cherish, by not voting for the individuals who have violated them, and by selecting wise men who will honor the Lord in all their dealings. We need to apply the free market system to those who have mis-served this country for too long, and find a product that will work better for us.

As for those people in other places who are jealous of America and who use every opportunity to find things about us to despise, there is no reason for this, for the principles of freedom that run this country can also run theirs, if applied. Then, they may enjoy the blessings that come as a result of proclaiming liberty throughout the land. When our land is blessed, these benefits often overflow so that we may share them with others in different countries that are not so blessed. Therefore, wishing the demise of America is to deny themselves the sharing of the spiritual and material blessings that they might participate in.

Sacramento Valley by Albert Bierstadt

German, 1853-1902

 The Bible is available for anyone to read, and by embracing its discipline, anyone may have the blessings that comes from it. In the beginning, God gave man a place to live and gave him a purpose in life.  Throughout that Bible is evidence of the results of the wise and the foolish way of doing things, so that when good principles are applied, mankind may be able to avoid the heartache of foolishness and reap the reward that comes from wisdom. Any country can apply these things and have peace and prosperity.

For a list of good things about America, go here. It might be a good article to send to your friends.

To print this, go here.

Please enjoy the music:

The Blessings of Good Citizenship

A Regatta in Geneva

by Frederick Dufaux

Americans have a blessed opportunity to be good citizens because their country was founded upon spiritual principles. God is our judge, our lawgiver, and our king. (Isaiah 33:22)

For the LORD is our judge, the LORD is our lawgiver, the LORD is our king; he will save us.

Those who follow the Bible, whether here or on foreign soil, make the best citizens for any country when they live out the beliefs of being loyal to God's word, loving neighbor, and being good stewards of their property.

 Anyone who fears the Lord will be a better citizen because his first loyalty will be to obey the commandments of God contained in the Bible.  Men and women who become husbands and wives and train their children in the nurture and admonition of the Lord, will add to the security and peace of their country. They will bring up future citizens which will be a blessing to the country.

 When people are good caretakers of their land and their money, and live good clean lives, they will contribute to the good name of their country. When they work honestly and work hard, they contribute to their country's prosperity. Loving their neighbor means that they will be guarding the safety of their own families and their friends.

When people trust in God for their provision and their protection, the country is blessed.

Father's Return Home

by Frederick Morgan

When men obey the scriptures to bring up their children in the nurture and admonition of the Lord, it creates good citizens for the future. When women guide the home and teach other women to love their husbands and train their children to obey and to know God, the whole country has better citizens.

A Father Reads the Bible to His Family, Including the Hired Help

One reason that Christians can be good citizens is because of the Bible's teachings that they are actually citizens of a better country, (heaven) that God is their King, and their passports are their conversions.  Our citizenship is in Heaven, Philippians 3:20.  There are many other scriptures which teach that a Christian's first loyalty is to the King whose law is the Word of God. When a person obeys that first, they automatically become good citizens in whatever earthly country they live. 

Young Couple Reading the Bible

Taking care of your own property and being a good homemaker makes you a better citizen. A country is surprisingly known by the cleanliness and orderliness and hospitality of its homes.  Christians are commanded to be hospitable and to be orderly and it is a blessing to any country to have followers of God as its citizens.

If you want to be really patriotic, then be a good citizen by being responsible for your own house and family. It makes home living more comfortable and adds to the beauty of your country.If you are concerned about your country, start with your own house and do what you can do within your own ability. Be a homemaker, homeschool your children, worship on the Lord's Day, obey the Gospel, pray often.  This is the most patriotic thing you can do.

This is a favorite homeland song of many Americans, largely due to the noble words of selfless living and the invitation to God for His blessings. To those in the U.K., it is sung to the same tune as your "God Save the Queen."  Verses have been changed, added or subtracted over the years, but here are some of the original stanzas:

O beautiful for spacious skies, for amber waves of grain;
For purple mountain majesty, above the fruited plain!
America, America, God shed his grace on thee,
And crown thy good with brotherhood, from sea to shining sea!

O beautiful for pilgrim feet,Whose stern impassioned stress
A thoroughfare of freedom beat ,Across the wilderness!
America! America! God mend thine every flaw,
Confirm thy soul in self-control, Thy liberty in law!


O beautiful for heroes proved In liberating strife.
Who more than self their country loved, And mercy more than life!
America! America! May God thy gold refine
Till all success be nobleness And every gain divine!


O beautiful for patriot dream That sees beyond the years
Thine alabaster cities gleam Undimmed by human tears!
America! America! God shed his grace on thee
And crown thy good with brotherhood From sea to shining sea!


O beautiful for pilgrims feet, Whose stem impassioned stress
A thoroughfare for freedom beat Across the wilderness!
America! America! God shed his grace on thee
Till paths be wrought through wilds of thought By pilgrim foot and knee!


O beautiful for glory-tale Of liberating strife
When once and twice, for man's avail
Men lavished precious life! America! America! God shed his grace on thee
Till selfish gain no longer stain The banner of the free!


O beautiful for patriot dream That sees beyond the years
Thine alabaster cities gleam Undimmed by human tears!
America! America! God shed his grace on thee
Till nobler men keep once again Thy whiter jubilee!