Showing posts with label America. Show all posts
Showing posts with label America. Show all posts
Happy Tuesday friends... the thought of today overwhelms me in so many ways... the state of our country... the choices that are before us on so many different levels... and the amazing right to vote- especially as a woman in our country. In so many areas of the world this is not a right or a choice and today we have the privilege and choice to do so.
No matter where you are, no matter who you are voting for, I hope that you will join me in praying for our nation and the elections that are happening at every level around the country. I wanted to share a brief prayer that I wrote out a while ago and have been praying from my journal...
O God, I bless and thank you that I have awakened to another day and today as everyday I acknowledge you as Lord, not only over my life as an individual, but also over the nations and governments. The government rests on your shoulders Lord (Isaiah 9) and today I humbly come before you on this election day. I thank you for the incredible privilege that it is to have the opportunity to vote. There are governments that exist around the world where this is not possible or a choice, and I have that choice Lord. Thank you. Thank you for the opportunity to vote and for the men and women who daily protect our freedoms. Lord, no matter the level of race (Congressional, Senate, Governor, Presidential) outcome may I look to your unfailing love and faithfulness. May I pray for the strength and humility to be burdened to pray not only today but everyday for those in office. You state "Pray this way for kings and all who are in authority so that we can live peaceful and quiet lives marked by godliness and dignity." (I Timothy 2:2). Often times Lord I grumble and get angry without praying for my leaders. I am quick to judge, quick to criticize, and quick to complain but I am beyond slow to pray. Change my heart Lord and gently remind me that my duty and calling of prayer for this country I love and its leaders goes beyond just today and into everyday that comes. Please put your hand on our nation and most of all bring a revival of your love and grace that starts with me loving my neighbor, even those whom have different political views. Give me strength Lord and courage to trust you today and bless this country that I love so much. Bless today Lord. Bless those that are pursuing serving our country in this way. Protect them. Raise them up to be leaders who love You and this country. Thank you Lord. Please Lord, we humbly ask that you will bless our nation. Amen.
"Then if my people who are called by my name will humble themselves and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, I will hear from heaven and will forgive their sins and restore their land."
-2 Chronicles 7:14-
Let us pray for our country friends - today and everyday.
On our 2nd full day of cruising we arrived in Portland, Maine. I had done a ton of research before the cruise and my sweet friend Michelle and I decided to choose an excursion to participate in when we docked in Portland. Since we had gone with Carnival Cruises we ended up choosing one of their excursions entitled "Best of Portland and Kennebunkport" which was an approximately five hour excursion. We purchased the excursion ahead of the cruise (which saved us some money) and it cost us $65. Honestly I can't recommend this excursion enough!! Our tour guide was fantastic, the bus was extremely comfortable, and I felt that in addition to seeing a lot of Portland, we also were able to see other beautiful parts of Maine. We spent time at the gorgeous Portland Head Light House (which I will be sharing soon!), saw some different parts of Maine through the travel to Kennebunkport, and spend time in Kennebunkport (which is absolutely adorable!). This excursion definitely made me walk away wanting to spend more time in Maine and visit this sweet area of the country again!
Today I wanted to share with you some pictures of Portland, Maine and some of the lovely parts of this city that we were able to see!
Our tour started at 11:30am and we were incredibly excited to get off the ship to start our tour!
As we drove throughout Portland we actually could see our ship in the distance!
The old ship captain's houses that are in Portland and the surrounding area are so pretty!
Even in the clouds Portland, Maine was gorgeous! It is definitely a place I would love to return to to spend more time!
Have y'all visited Portland before? If not, I definitely recommend adding it to your list of "must see" travel places! You won't regret it!
"Freedom is never free." What a sobering and true statement. I received this flag from a soldier I supported through AAP (Adopt-a-Platoon) last year & have literally carried it with me as it reminds me of the heroes that are tirelessly fighting for our country. I have been with AAP for 10 years this July & each soldier I interact with reminds me how much our military does for our country and for places around the world. "M", thank you again for changing my life and for this tangible reminder of sacrificial freedom. To all of the 37 soldiers (and their families) that I have met through AAP you know who you are and you have my gratitude & humble thanks. For sweet friends who sacrifice so much as their loved ones have served and continue to serve our country, we celebrate you and the freedom that you help ensure for our country today, tomorrow, and every day. Thank you so much. Happy July 4th weekend dear friends!
(This post was taken from my instagram account but wanted to share with you my sweet readers and friends. Praying for each of you.)
Happy July 1st friends! As a child, my cousin and I looked forward to the 4th as the day of s'mores, fireworks, and sleeping out in the tent. As an adult I am reminded that there is such significance in celebrating our countries profound and unique heritage. As a former History teacher I have always loved the significance of celebrating the 4th of July. Y'all know that I love me some good quotes and the ones listed below are some of my favorite 4th of July quotes! All of the images below are free printables so please take them and use them as you would like as we celebrate our precious Independence Day! (To print simply right click on the image and save them to your computer to print!) These could truly be used for anything!
I came across this quote by JFK when I was teaching AP US History. JFK said this in the early 1960's but is also a powerful reminder of our countries strength in the belief of liberty.
These following words to the famous song "America" will be sung in many parades across our country this July 4th. What beautiful words of freedom!
I admit that I am a hopeless romantic and so when I discovered the books of the letters between John Adams and his wife Abigail I read every word carefully. The following quote was in one of the letters that John Adams wrote to his wife Abigail from Philadelphia in 1776. How proud I am of our country and those who have fought for it and ensured our freedom. How proud I am of those who have sacrificed so much to prove this statement true. For all of the differences in our country we remain resolute in the knowledge that we are free.
The following quote by Thomas Jefferson is a cry of my heart often when I think of the many many blessings that we have in America versus the horrors and tragedies that are experienced around the world. As a woman I am even more grateful for the freedom and opportunities that I experience.
And finally a quote that humbles me everyday in the knowledge that there are so many brave men and women who continue to fight to protect our freedoms and those around the world. We honor you and those that have gone before you on this July 4th!
Do y'all have any favorite 4th of July quotes?
"The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it."
-John 1-
To say that these last few weeks have been filled with lots of emotional turmoil for this nation that I love would be an understatement. Several weeks ago two prisoners escaped from a maximum security prison in our area creating chaos, fear and widespread confusion. Shortly after that the heartbreaking shooting in Charleston occurred and we as a nation mourned how this unspeakable act could happen. Yesterday, SCOTUS made a landmark ruling on the issue of homosexuality. Emotional turmoil in a country gives Christians the unique opportunity to show God's love in trying times to those who often need it most. We have seen the courageous and tireless work of hundreds of law enforcement who aren't giving up searching. We have witnessed heroic loving behavior as families offer forgiveness in the midst of their pain. Today I have seen friends who lovingly address their disagreement over yesterday's decision while embracing loved ones who might lead a different lifestyle. For me #lovewins is not about a supreme court decision, but about how we as Christians heroically show Christ's love to those who stand before us. Love that can speak grace to the hurting, offer kindness in the face of tragedy, and compassion in the midst of disagreement is due to one thing- knowing the greatest love, Jesus Christ. His love does win- all of the time. Every single day. Friends, may we run into our hurting and broken world reminding them what love truly is and how it can be found. Let us remember that the light still shines in the dark and the darkness has not overcome it, no matter the circumstances.
(This post was taken from my instagram account but wanted to share with you my sweet readers and friends. Praying for each of you and for our country.)
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