Day 5 - Freedom

How can we take for granted when the 4th of July falls on a Sunday? How often do we get to belt out the Battle Hymn of the Republic, played on an organ, congregation standing, while Sis. Sumsion leads with gusto?!? Not often! At church, I had my kids in red, white and blue (including Jack in plaid overalls), while I was wearing St. Patrick's Day green. We made a special dinner consisting of red raspberry chicken, white rice, and blue-berry muffins. We even ate in the DINING ROOM (Maddie loves this because we use FANCY plates and napkins).

I have never had such a patriotic experience as I did that night at our stake fireside. The first 40 minutes consisted of music I never thought I would hear in a chapel (I'm Proud to be an American, a quartet, and a Grand Ole Flag Cowboy readin' complete with guitar). Oh, the feelings of gratitude for freedom in that room! Then, a POW, Brother Joel Dunlap gave the most horrifying, triumphant, captivating talk on survival, recovery, forgiveness and healing I have ever heard. What an honor to be a part of that. Blessing in my life, everyday.