"Do not yield to discouragement in the face of difficulties and do not abandon yourselves to false solutions which often seem the easiest way to overcome problems. Do not be afraid to make a commitment, to face hard work and sacrifice, to choose the paths that demand fidelity and constancy, humility and dedication. Be confident in your youth and its profound desires for happiness, truth, beauty and genuine love! Live fully this time in your life so rich and so full of enthusiasm."
"Let us look with greater hope to the future; let us encourage one another on our journey."
~ Papa Benedict XVI

Friday, July 9, 2010

Life, Liberty, and the Pursuit of Happiness

The 4th of July.  What a wonderful day for our nation.  A day when so many come together to celebrate...without the division of my thoughts vs yours.  We are one nation under God. 

Where else in the world do you have the RIGHT to LIFE, LIBERTY, and the PURSUIT OF HAPPINESS?  You gotta love America. 
And yes, there are many things you don't have to love about it, but the reality is its just a great country, founded on principles so strong, faith and hope are at their root. 

We celebrated our country's birthday in a rather quiet manner this year.
We started our day with Mass.  A Marine carried in the American Flag while we sang the National Anthem.  Then, once Mass started, we sang a multitude of beautiful patriotic hymns - what a wonderful way to start our day!

And it was a day.... full of life, liberty, and the pursuit of fireflies...its simple but its happiness.

Red, White and Blue...

Sparklers?  Really?
This may not be too bad....
Can we do this every day? (yes, she asked for sparklers for a couple more days!)
And the fireflies....
The end of the day.
We hope everyone had a wonderful 4th of July!

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