Happy July Fourth 2018!
Modern day we celebrate more because it’s a day set-aside for us to be off work, have gatherings with family and friends. We have picnic foods, play games, enjoy fireworks and if we are fortunate for it to fall on Friday or Monday, take a mini- vacation.
The history behind this holiday - “Independence Day, celebrated on July 4th, was set aside to commemorate the adoption of the Declaration of Independence on July 4, 1776. This was done showing the United States was no longer part of the British Empire. Thirteen gunshots were fired in the morning and again in the evening.”
The Liberty Bell facts: It arrived in Philadelphia, from London, in August 1752. (Because the metal was too brittle it cracked during a test and had to be recast twice). It wasn't named the Liberty Bell until 1830’s in memory of slaves pursuing their freedom.
Macy’s fireworks display is one of the largest in our country and has been televised since 1976.
It looks like we will have scorching weather for our celebrations! We are truly blessed to have homes with with AC! I can certainly remember the years when we could not entertain a thought about being cool, much less have the luxury!
When I was growing up we would set out on the porch until bedtime trying to get a little breeze. Then when we got in bed the bed was hot. A cardboard fan, from the local funeral home, would finally let us drift off to sleep. In later years we got a window fan that helped a little. The heat did not hurt us as bad then since we had no artificial cooling. It seems like our weather is hotter but the weather records are not proving it to be true.
Prayer concerns: Martha Matthews, Truman Bell, Kaden Hannah, and all the people who work outside in the heat. Praise this week as Jean Haralson got to come home from hospital after several weeks stay.
My daughter, Pam Jeffries, and Luke, Tracy, Will, Travis, Joe and Caleb Thompson went to Atlanta to see the Braves play baseball. During a time out Pam got hit by baseballs, not once but twice! She asked someone sitting close by, why that was happening when the teams weren’t even on the field? They said the used balls are thrown in the stands for keepsakes. She got to give one of them to a grandchild and watched to see if she needed to dodge others. I guess that is not quite as bad as them shooting hotdogs out of a cannon to the spectators? Heard of one person that this happened to and they got a big black eye!
THANKS TO OUR FARMERS!! “Today the average farmer feeds 155 people. In 1960 a farmer fed just 26 people!”
“Time passes so quickly, you literally do not even notice it until it begins to show. So, don’t wait, use your good China, go on a trip, eat that cake, watch a late night movie, read your favorite book and take a chance on life — the time is now — tomorrow is promised to no one!"”
“God never gives you a dream that matches your budget. He’s not checking your bank account. He’s checking your faith!”
Recipe for microwave blueberry pie: Put (3) cups of blueberries in 8x8x2 dish. Sprinkle (2) tablespoons of lemon juice on berries. In separate container melt 1/3 cup margarine and then add (2/3) packed cup of brown sugar, (1/2) cup S.R. Flour, (2/3) cup of quick cooking (uncooked) oatmeal and (3/4) teaspoon of cinnamon. Mix this good and sprinkle on top of berries evenly as possible. Microwave 7 to 10 minutes uncovered until blueberries are bubbly. Let stand about (10) minutes. Serves 4 to 6 people. It will be good with some vanilla ice cream on top.
“Always be kind. If you see someone falling behind, walk beside them. If someone is being ignored, find a way to include them. If someone is knocked down, lift them up. Always remind people of their worth. Be who you needed when you were going through hard times! Just one act of kindness could mean the world to someone!”
Have a blessed holiday and stay cool!
