Happy July, my friends! And Happy Fourth of July! I love this holiday. And this year, celebrating seems even more significant. I always get choked up watching the fireworks and listening to John Philip Sousa's The Stars and Stripes Forever. I know you have heard it, but if you want to hear it again, there is an amazing rendition right HERE. I hope and pray this Fourth of July will somehow serve as more than a few extra days off of work or as a chance to have a cookout with family and friends. I hope that it will be a reminder of what this country stands for, what those who came before sacrificed, that the past is important and cannot nor should not be erased, but rather studied and learned from, that those of us who are proud of our country, our flag, and our history have a voice and are not intimidated by fear of being canceled or mocked.
This holiday is bigger than the hatred that pervades our government today. Through years and years of history, of good times and bad, our country and our flag remain tributes to freedom, courage, struggle, and pride. Those who disagree have that right. But those who love our flag and all it represents have a right to be heard and be proud as well. I rarely write about my thoughts on current topics like this, but I cannot apologize for loving my country and acknowledging that I am blessed to be an American. And I cannot be afraid to stand for what I believe in while accepting others may feel differently.
On a lighter note, here is one of my favorite simple meals we enjoyed this week. I actually purchased some chicken kabobs at the grocery store and brushed them with a simple marinade I made of avocado oil, fresh garlic that I minced, fresh basil leaves, salt, and pepper. Steve grilled them while I boiled some egg noodles and made a delicious salad of baby romaine, cherry tomatoes, and fetta cheese. I drizzled some balsamic vinegar over it, and dinner was served!
Have a wonderful weekend, my friends.
Thank you for all the anniversary wishes.
Enjoy all the red, white, and blue!
Your meal looks delicious! And that view out your window is fantastic. Wonderful thoughts you shared regarding our holiday, always interesting to hear different views (I share many of your same viewpoints though I struggle to think there is that much hate out there or within our government and think that is it more a case of the squeaky wheels getting the grease (attention), just my two cents). Listening to each other is the important thing and aren't we blessed to be living in a country where we can hear all the viewpoints whether we agree or not? Happy Fourth of July, my friend!
ReplyDeleteAgree!!!
ReplyDeleteBut I wish you would state your views more often.
Because if we who Love Our Country, do not say so, and often, the Haters, who want to tear it down, will win.
I love the Sig. Line... "Blogs are little First Amendment machines"
It is true.
We - The Silent Ones - The Quiet Ones - The Homebodies - Those who desire peace in our lives - Unless we SAY our VIEWS, only the Haters will be heard.
Please... Say these Views now and then.... Not all the time. Not becoming a 'soap box.'
But now and then...
Just to let others know, that a wise and loving blogger like you, feels Deep Love For Her Country.
Please!!!! Let all of us, who do... Say so, now and then.
The time for total silence, is way past now. Our silence, allows their ugly voices, to dominate.
We can't let this happen. Not if we hope to see our Beloved Country Survive.
Happy 4th of July
"Blogs are little First Amendment machines"
I have all the same sentimental feelings you do about our great country.
ReplyDeleteHi Billie Jo! Happy Independence Day! I completely agree with you and your thoughts on this wonderful nation we are so blessed to live in. That meal looks so delicious. Have a wonderful family weekend celebrating our liberty!
ReplyDeleteHappy 4th of July to you and your family!
ReplyDeleteI love this country and I love our flag! I'm so happy to see a little peak into your thoughts as well. I know you will celebrate this weekend and honor our country just as it was always meant to be celebrated on this holiday. Happy fourth Billie Jo!
ReplyDeleteI hope you have a wonderful 4th!
ReplyDeleteHappy Happy 4th of July!!!
ReplyDeleteYour meal made me hungry even tho it is 7:38 in the morning and it doesnt seem like a breakfast meal. lol I wish you and yours a Happy 4th and that we can all remember what we are celebrating.
ReplyDeleteHi Billie Jo~
ReplyDeleteHappy 4th of July! Loved your thoughts and your meal!
Hugs,
Barb
Delicious meal, it made me hungry:) Love that you are standing for what you believe, so do I! Enjoy your 4th of July dear friend, HUGS!
ReplyDeleteThe view out your window is beautiful! Happy 4th! I am glad to read your thoughts on this great country of ours. Amen!
ReplyDeleteHappy 4th of July!! I loved reading your thoughts on this great country of ours and I completely agree with you! I love our flag and I have it proudly displayed on our front porch. Hope you are having a great, holiday weekend, my friend.
ReplyDeleteI could not agree more with your beautiful sentiments Billie Jo. My brother was a lifer in the military and gave his whole life to serve our country. He was in the special forces as a green beret combat medic and even took a bullet in Iraq! He's retired now, but went on to school and got a new degree and continues to work in a serving capacity. I'm proud of him and others like him that felt that calling. And even though I think politics can get so ugly and ridiculous and I know there is a lot that needs fixing - I feel very blessed to live in this country I love as well.
ReplyDelete🇺🇸 🙏
Looks like you had a wonderful 4th of July! Your chicken kabobs look delicious, and grilled, even better. I know what you mean about the hatred that exists in the world today. I went for 6 months without cable because I wanted a break from the news and all the madness that's happening. But I am getting it installed today because I miss the good things like the Hallmark Christmas shows in July and EWTN, the Rosary. Your view on the water is always beautiful to see, and that 4th of July candle is so cool.
ReplyDeleteHappy July days to you, Billie Jo. May this month bring you so much goodness.
~Sheri