July 4th

July 4th, 2009 - Happy Birthday, America! and happy birthday to my precious Jennifer, my first grandchild - how we love and miss you! Have a happy day and know that you are special and loved beyond measure! And this July 4th will be the first one that my second grandchild will spend as a married woman - so now our Julys will be even more blessed. Growing up, my Julys were the best because in my family we had 4 birthdays so there was lots of cake and ice cream! This year, in 12 more days, I will celebrate (?) my 67th birthday with not much cake and ice cream. That's okay if I can at least have some strawberry shortcake made with biscuits, hint, hint.

You know, not everything gets better with age. But 2 things I must mention: the love and mercy of my savior, Jesus Christ, and the love and faithfulness of my husband (44 years next month). Both of these things are supreme gifts to me and I try not to take either of them lightly. On this July 4, I want to wish the same for my 2 granddaughters - a personal savior to love and guide them, and a long life with the husband that God gives to them! These days many of us are concerned about our country and what is in store for us as a nation. We have had a long and marvelous history and only by turning back to God will we see it continue. God has been good to us and how I pray that it will continue - for the sake of my grandchildren and the generations to follow. God bless America and God bless all the Benedict connections!