I am ready for a long weekend! I feel drained after a couple of busy weekends. So today is the beginning of my 4^th of July weekend. What a glorious day.

Now if you’re like me, perhaps you are just thankful that you have a few days off, but there are some important things to remember through this weekend.

First, we must remember that there were great sacrifices made so that we, as American citizens, might enjoy the freedom we hold so dear.

Our financial advisor sent a letter with a list of important events that revolve around this special date of July 4^th. I want to share them with you.

1776 – USA declared independence from Great Britain.

1777 – On the 4^th of July, 13 guns were fired once in the morning and once in the evening in Bristol, Rhode Island. Philadelphia celebrated our country’s first birthday with toasts, 13-gun salutes, speeches, fireworks and parades.

1778 – George Washington marked the 4^th of July with an artillery salute. Benjamin Franklin and John Adams held a dinner for fellow Americans in Paris, France.

1781 – Massachusetts became the first state legislature to recognize the 4^th of July.

1791 – The first recorded use of the name “Independence Day” occurred.

1826 – On July 4^th, former presidents John Adams and Thomas Jefferson died.

1831 – Former president James Monroe died on July 4^th.

1884 – In Paris, on July 4^th, the Statue of Liberty was presented to the USA.

What a history we have here in America. The blood of patriots from our past flows through the veins of many in this country. We have much to be thankful for on this holiday weekend. Let’s not forget those who paid the price for the freedoms we have today.

Second, above all else, we must remember that Jesus’ sacrifice allows each one to live freely through His Spirit. Take a look at a few verses of Scripture about freedom in Christ.

“…Then you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free…So if the Son sets you free, you will be free indeed.” (John 8:31-36 – NIV)

“Therefore, there is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus, because through Christ Jesus the law of the Spirit of life set me free from the law of sin and death.” (Romans 8:1-2 – NIV)

“Now the Lord is the Spirit, and where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is freedom.” (2 Corinthians 3:17 – NIV)

And if you want to read more about freedom in Christ, read through Galatians 5.

I pray that you will have a safe and enjoyable 4^th of July weekend. I also pray that you will not take any freedom in your life for granted. Great prices have been paid for you.

Grace and peace be yours in abundance,

Donna