It's nearly the fourth of July!

 This year we celebrate the 250th birthday of the United States.  I graduated from HS in 1976 - it was a huge celebration that year.   

This year, I think the World Cup in the United States has taken away some of the celebration...but having visitors from all over the world reminds us why being an American is so good.  The freedoms we have and the ability to make our own decisions on so many things.

Even with all of the political battles and traditions being overturned, I found these articles on the internet about the blessings of being an American.  It's time to be thankful for all we have.  Who knew that our simple Ranch Dressing would be something the world visitors wanted to take home, or the free refills and chips/salsa that are served at all Mexican restaurants.  Sometimes we need to remember it the simple things that make America special.

From Forbes:

As 2026 approaches, here are 10 reasons to believe in and have confidence in America.

1. The Education and Innovation Nation. From light bulbs to airplanes, GPS and artificial intelligence, the United States has led in technological innovation for the past 150 years. Two key reasons: More than half of the world’s top 50 colleges are in the United States, and the country spends nearly $1 trillion annually on research and development — more than any other nation.
2. Ample Natural Resources. Many countries rely on importing large amounts of energy and food to sustain their populations. Much of what the United States needs is already available domestically. The nation ranks among the top five in oil and gas reserves, minerals, rare-earth elements, forests and arable land that produces corn, wheat, soybeans and other crops. It is also in the top 10 for potable water. The country is protected by oceans to the east and west and bordered by allied nations to the north and south. These resources have led presidents from Thomas Jefferson to Abraham Lincoln to suggest that divine forces safeguard the United States. The 19th-century German leader Otto von Bismarck once remarked, “There is a providence that protects idiots, drunkards, children and the United States of America.”
3. The Financial and Investment Capital of the World. The United States remains a leading place to grow and launch a company. More firms went public in the U.S. this year than in the rest of the world combined. Eight U.S. companies are expected to invest as much as $371 billion in artificial intelligence infrastructure in 2025 — more than the gross domestic product of mid-sized countries such as Belgium and Thailand. The nation also remains a preferred destination for global investors. By the end of last year, the United States had $5.71 trillion in foreign direct investment, more than $2 trillion above China.
4. Our Demographic Advantage. A growing population is essential for economic growth, posing challenges for some of America’s global competitors. China’s population, affected in part by its one-child policy, could decline from 1.4 billion today to fewer than 800 million by 2100. Russia has also faced demographic decline from lower birth rates and reduced immigration, a trend accelerated when about 650,000 people left during the war in Ukraine. Although the U.S. birth rate has been falling, the Census Bureau projects the nation’s population will be more than 30 million larger in 2100 than it is today, supported by immigration.
5. Still a Nation of Immigrants. Despite ongoing debate about immigration, a record 79% of Americans say it is good for the country. According to an MIT study, immigrants are 80% more likely to start a business in the U.S. than those born here. Nearly half of Fortune 500 companies were founded by immigrants or their children, meaning millions of Americans work in jobs created by people born elsewhere. Beyond measurable economic benefits, the nation’s diverse immigrant communities continue to shape food, art, culture and music across the country.
6. Freedom of Speech and Worship. In recent years, concerns have grown about limits on free speech online and in public spaces. At the same time, religiously motivated hate crimes have increased over the past decade. Still, 81% of Americans say protecting freedom of speech “at all costs” is important, and 84% say freedom of religion is extremely or very important to the United States.
7. A Culture of Tolerance and Equality. Some portray the United States as a nation divided by intolerance. There is another perspective. In 1958, just 4% of Americans told Gallup they approved of interracial marriage. Today, 94% approve. Two-thirds of Americans support same-sex marriage, and three-quarters back policies that protect LGBTQ people from discrimination in housing, employment and public accommodations.
8. A Respected, Volunteer and Nonpartisan Military. Americans have lost trust in many institutions, including the media, government and higher education. The military, however, remains the nation’s most trusted institution. While some seek to align it with partisan interests, 83% of Americans across political affiliations say the U.S. military should remain politically neutral.
9. The Most Giving Nation. Americans give more to charity than people in any other nation. Last year, they donated nearly $600 billion, with two-thirds of that total coming from individuals.
10. We are the World’s Oldest Continuous Democracy. The United States has maintained an uninterrupted democratic government since the Constitution was adopted in 1789. The nation’s democracy is 59 years older than Switzerland’s, the second-longest, and 112 years older than Australia’s, the third-longest.

These 10 strengths are substantial enough to sustain innovation and growth. Benjamin Franklin, when asked on the final day of the Constitutional Convention what kind of government the delegates had created, replied, “A republic … if you can keep it.” America’s enduring strengths — and its people — can help keep the republic strong and reaffirm the simple words: “I am proud to be an American.”

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From another post:

10 Reasons I’m Thankful to Be an American

We Owe a Debt to Veterans

By Dr. Paul Chappell, Wednesday, November 11, 2015

1. I have freedom—to vote, to speak, to travel, to live. We enjoy a level of freedom people in repressed nations cannot even fathom.
2. I pledge to a flag I am proud of. The stars and stripes of Old Glory represent the courage, sacrifice, and patriotism of those who purchased our freedom.
3. I have a rich heritage—of courage, faith, honor, and sacrifice. Not only do I have this heritage, but I have been raised in a nation that has taught me to be thankful for it.
4. Our government is branched for balance. Yes, it tips out of control at times, but our founding fathers had the wisdom to set three branches of government with checks and balances to encourage the government to serve and protect the people. Again, we do not understand the gift it is to not live under a harsh, repressive government.
5. We are friends with Israel. Although our current administration has tried to push Israel, the United States has long committed to stand as Israel’s ally. God promised to bless nations that bless Israel (Genesis 12:3).
6. We have a strong military. I’m thankful for the men and women who have staked their lives for my freedom.
7. We have a culture that runs deep with Christian values. Not all of our founding fathers were born-again Christians, but many were. And the strong Judeo-Christian heritage they set for us has shaped our nation. Freedom, honesty, hard work, sacrifice, integrity, and generosity are not encouraged, or even applauded, in every culture.
8. I have liberty to worship and to witness. I not only can practice my faith, but I can freely share the Gospel with others as well.
9. We enjoy prosperity. Even in a lean economy, Americans have more than most of the rest of the world. Even the poorest of us are considered wealthy in developing countries.
10. God blesses America. Every item in the list above is a result of God’s blessing on our land. I’m thankful for His favor, and I pray for Americans to turn back to Him.

I am thankful for 250 years.  American remember your roots.  We can make it another 250 years.  Great Awakening Movie

 

Mom

 In cleaning out a closet at Dad's place in independent living, we found a box that contained a photo album.  The album was create by my Aunt Gwen, mom's sister, on the event of her stepping down from teaching first grade GA's.  The pictures below show some of the items that were in the album....but let's go back a few years...maybe a lot of years.

My mom received her Bachelor's Degree in education from LSU, and then went on to get her Master's in Education as well.  She had always wanted to be a doctor, but in the late 40's early 50's, women just did not study medicine.  Her father encouraged her to study to become a teacher; perhaps it was the fact that he was the Superintendent of a Parish system in Louisiana at the time.  (Baton Rouge).

Anyway, my mom finished her education and started her teaching career.  Always first grade. She was a great first grade teacher.  From our youngest days, my sisters and I would help her get her room ready each fall.  Everything was created (from scratch) each year.  It may be similar - but always fresh and new each year.  Everything had a purpose - learning colors, numbers and the alphabet.  Nothing was just for fluff, but her room was inviting.  At Woodview, her cabinets didn't have doors, so she whipped up curtains to brighten up the room.  It was a magical place for her students.  My father built some balance beans for her class as well.  As her students walked in each day - she had them work through an obstacle course....good way to start the day - but it also kept the students coming in orderly!  Only one student could cross the bean, or balance on the board at a time.  Slow and steady start to the day!  Just after the bell, Mom had a routine.  The students said the pledges and the prayer (yes...a prayer in public school), then Mom had them recite the alphabet giving the letter sounds to each letter.  After the alphabet, the numberline, count to 100 by ones, 2's, 5's, and 10's.  EVERY DAY!  Her first graders knew their stuff.  Then she shared a proverb that she had on the board and explained it to her class.  AMAZING.  Not only did my mom teach the school stuff, she also instilled how to live a moral life as well.  Although her classroom often looked like a tornado...learning was going on all the time.  With my mom's interest in Science, the kids benefitted from her knowledge.  She knew every tree, flower, star, etc and could usually give the legend that went along with it.  Mom spent 35+ years teaching first grade, with most of them being in Spring Branch in Houston.  She taught at Holibrook, Ridgecrest and ended her career at Woodview.  Most of her years were at Woodview in room 20.  

But, my Mom didn't just teach first grade at school - she also taught first grade Sunday School at Church, first grade GA's and first grade VBS!  She knew children and their curiosity at ages 5-7.  She specialized in making those students soar whether a school or at church. 

The photos below are from her GA's at Tallowood the year she stepped down from teaching.  She would have been over 70 when she stepped down.  Some of these notes are from girls that I taught at Rummel Creek and now they are working at Wall Street in New York City, or have multiple children of their own.  Several of the girls have become teachers or other jobs in the education sector.  As I looked at the notes, I realized how many mentioned the song my mom taught them.  Another thing my mom did - she used music to teach a lot of skills both at church and at school.  She had a song for everything!  It's funny now to think - as my daughter Mallory also has a song for everything she does.  When my mother began her teaching, music was not taught outside the classroom, but rather the classroom teacher shared whatever music knowledge they had - my mom played the piano and made sure that her students enjoyed music. I can see the well worn Peter and the Wolf record from her classroom.

I was so fortunate to have a Mom who modeled a life well lived.

During her time working with first grade GA's at Tallowood, my mom served with Ruth Osborne, Cindy Buchanan, and Charlene Carter - all women who had a great influence over the young ladies they poured their hearts about missions into.  I am very grateful for the legacy my mom left me.  Such big shoes to fill.

Keeping up with the "GodWinks"

 Back in college, I kept a prayer journal.  Every day I would write prayer requests, praises and mark as prayers were answered.  During those years I was focused and busy as a student, so seeing God work in my life was great.  I would check off the boxes as each prayer request was fulfilled.  It made me realize how much God is in the details in my life.

Now....50 years later, I'm not so good at keeping my prayer list going much more than in my head or from the Covenant Class or Tallowood Lists.  But.....you can't miss how God is in the details.  Every day, even before I know there will be an issue, God is taking care of something for me.  It can be as simple as a doctor changing an appointment, and then low and behold the day of the original appt would have been a nightmare, where the new appointment worked so much better.  Multiple times a day I think....wow...God really took care of an issue for me.  I'm so thankful God is in the details.  I'm glad God takes care of me.

My schedule, for a retired person, is quite full with opportunities to volunteers, spend time with my dad, spend time with my grands, and just having lunch with a friend.  When I look at the puzzle that must work - God has been in the planning as I rarely can't meet all of the things I have offered to do, want to do or hope to do.  Those Godwinks are often not "little winks", but rather HUGE winks that reminds us God is in control.

Conversation with my granddaughter this week.  She has been in VBS and she was sharing about all of the things she had done in VBS.  Then she turns to me and asks me if I know someone who doesn't know Jesus.  I went on to tell her about some of the children at Rummel Creek and their religions.  We had a good conversation.  I showed her a photo from a Buddhist temple (some of my students had been Buddhist) where the people brought fruits and nuts and laid them in front of Buddha.  We talked about how Buddha was a statue and was not able to eat  Immediately she said, "Buddha is an idol.  The 10 Commandments tell us we should not have idols."  I thought well done, Phoebe.  We went on to talk about how to share Jesus with others and how our lives need to reflect Jesus.  The conversation would have continued for a while...but brother came in and said....it's way past her bed time.  Those "pillow talks" are really important.  I wouldn't take them back for anything.  And as the Bible says, a little child will lead them.  Phoebe is that little child.

In my head, I had so much to say, but when I sit down to the computer....the words escape.  I need to remember to sit down and write down the Godwinks!  It's time to return to the days of college where I make myself aware of all God is doing every day, everywhere in my life!

Seeing the little miracles

I've been meaning to drop a note, then something will get in the way.  We live in a world that is moving fast - but sometimes....if you just step away and look closely....you will see that God is truly in control.  Over the past few months, there were days that no way could I get everything completed that was on my list, let alone the things that pop up that "must" be done.  Each day, little miracles would pop up...an extra 15 minutes, someone would call and say they could step in, and sometimes jobs/activities would just disappear.  Knowing that it was not coincidental, I can see that God is in control of my life

The other day, I walked out to my car and noticed a flat tire.  I had planned to go take my granddaughter to my sisters house....but instead she just dropped by and saved me a trip and I was able to catch the tire before waking up without a plan to get it fixed.  We took the tire early the next morning and the tire place was able to fix it with a plug (NO CHARGE) and we were on our way by 9:00.  It was a miracle.  The week before I had been in a similar situation and again, I made it to the tire place...no repair needed and made it to my volunteer job in the Tallowood Library.  The timing was perfect!  I could not have planned the way it turned out.

I have story after story of how things are happening daily.  It would be easy to say that it just an accident...just a coincidence...but I know the truth....God is watching and taking care of me.  If I could just remember that when I get stressed....it's going to be okay....God is in the details.   He knows what I need and when!