With the beautiful weather here in the midwest
I have spent many hours on the deck or the porch,
iced tea in hand,
pondering life...
and the 4th of July.
Independance Day.
Freedom.
What does it mean to you?
An extra day off work.
Summer.
Parties.
Fireworks.
Backyard BBQ's...food!
And iced tea!
It's all so much fun.
But how often do we take the time
to really think about what it means.
It means that while we enjoy the parties,
the fireworks and the BBQ's,
someone else is making sure that we
also enjoy our freedom.
Unfortunatly,
how many of us don't even think about it?
Take it for granted.
I started this quilt when I found out that
we were "officially" at war with Iraq.
I always label my quilts.
They get a name,
and they get my name.
The label says who it's for if I made it for someone else.
It says where the quilt was made
and in what year it was finished.
How many times have you found and old quilt
and wanted to know more about it?
Please label your quilts.
...How often do we think to ourselves,
"We are at war!"
I know I don't think about it often,
because I'm free.
Think about it though, really, WAR!
This quilt,
I wanted to name it the number of casualties
we had suffered by the war.
All the while believeing that it was going to be
a small number.
That it was going to be over "soon".
The number was 273 and rising quickly when I finished it.
Many years later,
what is the toll now?
I don't think we even know.
I don't think we ever will.
So, this quilt has a new name.
I call it FREEDOM.
Because thousands of our
Mothers and Fathers,
Husbands and Wives,
Sisters and Brothers,
Sons and Daughters,
Nieces and Nephews
have died for my freedom,
and it's not over yet.
Please thank a soldier.
They do what they do so you can do what you do.
Dear Heavenly Father, As we remember those who have made the ultimate sacrifice for our freedom, we think of how they have followed in the footsteps of your son, our Savior, Jesus Christ. Please hold our service men and women in your strong arms. Cover them with your sheltering grace and presence as they stand in the gap for our protection.
We also remember the families of our troops, and ask for your unique blessings to fill their homes and your peace, provision and strength to fill their lives.
May the members of our armed forces be filled with courage to face each day and may they trust in the Lord's mighty power to accomplish each task. Let our military brothers and sisters feel our love and support.
In the name of Jesus. Amen.
