Our Divine Constitution

So I mentioned in my previous post about some mixed feeling while listening to God Bless America during the fireworks show in Logan.  I felt a deep abiding love for my country.  I also felt a deep sadness for the road we are finding our country headed down.  I have heard several reports where people within our goverment have made comments about the Constitution being outdated and in need of reform.  If these people truely loved this country they would see the importance of this document.  It hurts to see their hatred for something so wonderful and sacred.  I get it that they don't believe in God.  Fine.  That is their God given right to believe so.  Yet, they are trying to get everyone else to see things their way.  Last week, the new RS president in our ward gave the lesson on President Benson's talk, "Our Divine Constitution."  I highly recommend that you read it here. 
Furthermore, on September 17, 2010 Elder Oaks gave a talk titled "Fundamentals of Our Constitutions."  In it is this quote,  "President J. Reuben Clark, an honored authority on the Constitution, declared that 'our allegiance run[s] to the Constitution and to the principles which it embodies, and not to individuals. All that we say about the Constitution and our reliance upon it depends upon the rule of law and not of the men or women who hold the offices under it.' "  This is something that I fully agree with.  Therefore, if you are against our Constitution then you are against my country, my God, and you are against me.  I pray everyday that the people of this country will wake up and fight to save our Constitution and our country. 
Here are some other talks to read from church leaders on the Constitution:
The Divinely Inspired Constitution - Elder Oaks
Fundamentals of Our Constitutions - Elder Oaks
Seeing the Constitiution as Covenant - Lynn D. Wardle
Just and Holy Principles: An Examination of the U.S. Constitution - Avro Van Alstyne
God's Hand in the Founding of America - Elder Perry
Wise Men Raised Up - Frank W. Fox and LeGrand L. Baker
The Constitution - A Glorious Standard - President Benson
The Miraculous Constitution - President Benson

There are so many more to be found on the church's website.  It is our duty as citizens of this great nation and members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints to study the Constitution and the Founding Fathers.  There is much we can learn.  There is much that others are trying to change.  We must preserve the truth and defend our Constitution.  I pray that God will watch over and guide us as we do this.  May our Father in Heaven preserve our nation.

Independence Day

Before I get into what we did for the 4th I must tell you about what happened on the 3rd.  Logan city did their fireworks that night.  We could see them from the balcony of our apartment.  After getting the girls ready for bed they sat on the balcony to watch.  A local radio station played patriotic songs during the fireworks so I turned it on to set the mood and then sat back to enjoy the show.  I tuned into the words of the songs during, "God Bless America."  The words brought tears to my eyes.  There are times that I fear for my country and the road we are headed down.  I must remember that we are in God's hands.  His will be done.

I must say that I was a little worried about what we would do this year for the 4th of July.  Every year since I was quiet little I have gone to my Uncle's property where he and another uncle would roast chickens, lamb, pork, and sometimes beef on large spits.  Over the years it turned into a minor community event.  Anyone who wanted to could come as long as they brought a side dish or dessert to share.  Last year, just before the BBQ, we were told that unless someone else would step up and take over the reins that the BBQ would no longer continue.  I deep sadness settled into my heart at the thought.  Les and I were comtemplating a move to Maryland, so that was what I tried to cling to.  That being so far away I wouldn't feel the sting as I miss out on a beloved event year after year.  Just shy of 6 months after moving there we have come back to our home state.  As the 4th approached I was unsure of what we would do.  Do we go visit family?  If so whos? Mine? Les'?  Or do we stay home and begin a tradition all our own?

 I dressed Jacob in this cute patriotic way.  Les then added the shorts (they are going to be his shorts for swimming later this month).  What a cute boy! 

 Jacob, Sydnie, Khloe, and Samantha waiting for the parade to begin.

Emma waiting for the parade.

Our Veteran in the parade!

Whitney marching in the parade (second from the end playing a clarinet).

My girls' favorite float!

 Uncle Larry and Uncle Bob working over the BBQ.

 A wide variety of meat choices.

 I made this dish!  It is called, "Loaded Baked Potato Salad" or as I like to call it, "Heaven on a plate."

 The girls with sparklers.

 Tons of fireworks!

 Literally, they were going off all around us.

Father's Day

I know, I'm way behind, again.  It doesn't help that my computer was gone to be fixed and the one I was using wouldn't stay charged.  It also doesn't help that first the girls got sick.  Then Jacob, Les, and I caught it as well.  We all still have a cough.   Not fun let me tell you.

Dispite all that Father's Day went rather well.  Les didn't want us to make a big fuss so we just tried to enjoy our time together as a family.  However, I could not resist doing one little thing with the girls for him.  I found this idea on pinterest.

                                   

Each of my girls made a special card for their Daddy.  They enjoyed the project but loved giving it to him even more.

On the front of the card (a hand) it says, "I love you"

In the middle (between the two hands) it says, "THIS MUCH!"

Getting and giving hugs!