Happy Independence Day!

“We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness.” – Excerpt from the 1776 Declaration of Independence.

Today, we celebrate the birth of our nation, marking 248 years since the Declaration of Independence was signed. It's a day to reflect on the freedoms we often take for granted.

Our country’s strength and prosperity were built on the hard work and dreams of immigrants. The first immigrants arrived in 1565, establishing the permanent European settlement in St. Augustine, Florida. Later, in 1598, Spanish immigrants settled in what is now Texas and New Mexico.

From the beginning, America has been a beacon of hope, liberty, and freedom. People worldwide dream of a home where the government protects them, where they can express their thoughts without fear.

Back in 1776, as news of the Declaration of Independence spread, there was a wave of excitement. Americans cheered, and church bells rang out in celebration. John Adams, who would become our second president, captured this excitement in a letter to his wife, Abigail. He wrote prophetically about Independence Day:

“This great day will become the most memorable…in the history of America. I am apt to believe that it will be celebrated by succeeding generations, as the great anniversary festival. It ought to be commemorated as the Day of Deliverance, by solemn acts of devotion to God Almighty. It ought to be solemnized with pomp and parades, with shows, games, sports, guns, bells, bonfires, and illuminations from one end of this continent to the other, from this time forward forevermore.”

Then, in his Inaugural Address on March 7, 1797, John Adams continued to express his deep faith and hope for the nation:

"And may that Being who is supreme overall, the Patron of Order, the Fountain of Justice, and the Protector in all ages of the world of virtuous liberty, continue His blessing upon this nation and its Government and give it all possible success and duration consistent with the ends of His providence.”

It is our God Who makes a nation great. And it is God’s people who determine to never take Him for granted. Nor miss fervently seeking Him, asking Him for His blessings over our Country.

“If my people who are called by My name, will humble themselves, and pray, and seek My face, and turn from their wicked ways; then will I hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin, and will heal their land.” 2 Chronicles 7:14.

God bless America!
With heartfelt gratitude for our home, sweet home,
Donna Noble