From Sea to Shining Sea

O beautiful for spacious skies
Stand beside her and guide her
Stuck a feather in his hat
Land that I love
For amber waves of grain
Sweet land of liberty
Every heart beats true for the red, white and blue
Oh say can you see
Of thee I sing
When the saints go marching in
From sea to shining sea.

The Fourth of July is a time to be grateful.  Grateful for this amazing country we live in, the freedoms we have, the men and women who served and are serving our country, the freedom to make choices, freedom to vote.  The list goes on and on.

Have you been paying attention to the national news lately?  Riots in the street, murder due to religious beliefs, reckless killings of teenagers, severe raping and beatings of women.  And the list goes on and on.

We are lucky.  And if you're like me, it's something you might take for granted.

This Fourth of July, be thankful.  Thankful for the drink in your cup, the food in your belly, the parade passing by.  When you look at the flag, understand what it means.  When you hear a patriotic song, put your hand over your heart.  And when you see a veteran or a serviceman or woman, thank them for honoring your country.

Today's Starfish

Devon and I made the decision to commit  to sponsor a child in a third world country, who does not experience the same way of life we do.  Through Compassion International (www.compassion.com), we are able to help provide food, clean water, medical care, educational opportunities, life skills and most importantly the opportunity to learn about Jesus and be encouraged to develop a relationship with God.  

Please meet Sonaton, a 4 year old boy from Bangladesh.  He shares my birthday (Oct. 2) and was born the same year Devon and I graduated from Drake, 2009.  

We are so excited to go on this journey together as best friends and will sponsor Sonaton until he is 18 years old.  

Sometimes we need to take a step back and be grateful for all that we do have, and think about ways we can help those who do not.

Happy 4th of July!