4th of July Remembrances

Blog. July 4th, 2011

4th of July Remembrances

Growing up my family, like many others, included
pulling out the barbecue grill as one of the 4th of July
traditions.
Mom would be busy in the kitchen icing her
famous chocolate cake and whipping up the batter for
homemade ice cream.
Then there were fireworks at the city park. Usually accompanied
by a lightning display that would outdo the man-made bursts.
One of the best 4th's was spent in New England. A parade
on the streets of some All-American midsize city that I
can't remember the name of. I was around 13 or 14 years old.
I remember the impressive costumed early colonials, marching
bands and drum corps. It seemed to go on and on. Truly a
display to make one proud to be an American.
Another special 4th was spent on the bank of the Ohio River
near Cincinnati. It was our nation's bicentennial celebration.
The local radio station had synchronized music and broadcast
it with the fireworks display. Our daughter was around eight months
old. She was frightened at first. The many family members
with us were able to reassure her that all was well and that
this was part of the fun festivities.
Then there are the memories of two incidents that were not
so pleasant. On one 4th I managed to be too close to the
hot embers falling. I ended up with a hot ash in my eye.
The pain was excruciating. No permanent damage but after that
I was very careful not to be too close.
Another time, sulfur from a sparkler ended up on my fingernail.
The end of my finger was a flame. It could not be distinguished
and had to burn off. After this I stay clear of sparklers.
This year I will be with my family once again. The day to include
good food and our own fireworks shot out over the lake.
The news media gives a dark future for our blessed nation.
I see many in America who believe that "Under God", all whose
faith leads to obedience, will know Christ's peace, even in the
midst of a storm.

I include some of my writings:


Say Can You See

Once upon a time
in the rockets red glare
The symbol of our freedom
stood waving
over the home of the brave
written and sung about
in the dawn's early light
As generations passed
this flag and its free people
changed
Their simple life
became complex
The threat of more bombs
came
Pray for men of honor
integrity and wisdom
with strength of character
to lead us
Remembering that we
not only battle
those of flesh and blood
That in the spirit realm
age-old enemies
whose hatred reaches
far back
before our founding fathers
wish to destroy the best
of who we are
He who sits about
the circle of the earth
who holds the
balanced scale
is watching
He will come again
triumphant on that day
Will He find us watching
standing in Christ's strength
or captured
buried 'neath
the good life's
wreath.


What Now

America has eaten
the forbidden fruit
munched it to the core
Now they must go out
and face the briars
and brambles
God has not left them
His Spirit is close by
to accept their sorrow
To lead them on
to where the better tree
is planted
provision in their time
of need
As eyes are opened
to what has been lost
Tears will be wiped away
Visions of a better way
be given.


Within His Plan

Change
to be desired
by the young
a change of clothes
of address
a change of partners
Then
as we grow older
change becomes
more difficult
Yesterday's fashion
appears just fine
to us today
The thought of moving
pains us
We've grown content
with those we love
Ironically
the biggest change
is yet to come
For every man
there is a season
and an hourglass
of time
to run its course
This final change
no mortal man
can plan out
for himself
Eternity
is written
in Christ's blood
His signature
must be found
upon our heads
His mark will destin us
to live
within His perfect plan
Without it
torn away
from all that's good
and right
In anguish
set apart
with time to change
no more.