When I think of Veterans Day I usually think of the protectors of the past. Those that marched off to war before I was born or was just a little girl. I think of the few left that I now see marching in the streets in parades while trying to still fit into their uniforms from long ago wars. I think of my grandfather and my father-in-law who both served in World War II and all those men and women lost in the Vietnam War.

But as I turn on the news this morning I see today’s soldiers. The soldiers that are keeping my kids safe and letting me live in a free country through their selfless service. I watch as they show clips of troops in the Gulf and Afghanistan, soldiers patrolling our boarders, helping flood victims and protecting our leaders.

Today I want to remember you. I want to say thank you for your service, your loyalty and bravery because your choices are helping keep my choices alive. Thank You and may God bless you and keep you safe.

I started this morning with a moment of silence and a prayer for the victims, their families and all those who lost someone or something that day. I listen to the TV and radio, and read papers and the internet and see so many people reflecting on that day. Most seem to be asking, “Where were you?”  Three words that take you back so quickly to the attack and tragedy of September 11, 2001.

My story and feelings are probably similar to most, shock – disbelief – fear. Although I didn’t know any of the victims, my heart broke watching the TV and listening the accounts from that day. For me, I lost my security that day. The sense of security that I had taken for granted my whole life.

Those events changed how the most of the world viewed the United States and I am sure it shook their security as well. But God can use all things for good and I think 9/11 gave many – gave me, a new appreciation for freedom and for my country. I no longer take for granted that I am safe because I live in the United States, but I do appreciate that today, right now, my family is able to live free and praise God – in our home and in our lives. I no longer take that for granted and I make sure to remember those freedoms every day.

Friday’s Free for All

Today is Friday and for tweeters on twitter that means it is #FridayFollow …my favorite twitter day of the week!

On Friday we take a little time to say thank you to those special people we follow daily. Sometimes it is just because they have a friendly or cute avatar, other times it is for the support, wisdom, friendship or their brief but heartfelt morning prayer that you appreciate them. So we let others know about these great people by displaying their usernames and reminding others to #FridayFollow (#FF) them for short.

I love this little ritual – reminds me to be appreciative, grateful and thankful for my friends. Tomorrow our country will be doing the same thing by observing Independence Day. It represents our freedom and that despite the troubles our country is currently having, it is still a pretty awesome place to live. Take the time to share in the celebration and appreciation for living in Freedom in the United States.

Enjoy the fireworks, celebrations and your freedom!!!