Happy 4th of July!!!

Happy 233rd Birthday, America!

I woke up this morning, immediately grateful to be an American!

I laid in bed and thought about the truly countless men & women who have served our country! I thought about the formal military and then, the nurses/doctors/firefighters/teachers/wives/mothers/fathers--of yesterday and today! 233 years ago and on up until 2009. That's a long time! I thought about them all! And how none of us would be standing here without them! I thought about the many sacrifices our military and their families make! I thought about the dead, the maimed and the living. I thought of my Grandpa Henry--he's a three time Veteran and God Bless him! God Bless all of them!

I thought about how awesome (truly) it is that I was born and raised here, that I have the privileges that I do! I thought about how with all its faults, flaws and downright depressing/crappy last year, America is still standing! And in a weird way-- perhaps a forced way--we're standing stronger and better--and we're standing together!

The economy has been in the crapper and people have lost homes, jobs & tons of money--but I've also noticed people banning together in a way I've not really seen before. I've seen neighbors helping neighbors, families pooling their resources, and downsizing with a smile! I've seen folks re-prioritizing and getting back to basics. And I've seen everyday citizens compelled to help in new and creative ways! And that's pretty damn inspiring! That is what America is all about! That is the real spirit of America--despite the B.S., despite the progress we've yet to make, despite the ignorance and stupidity that much of Americans have (including myself in some instances). 233 years later, America is standing tall!

Today, I also want to post what I'm grateful for--right now, in this moment! I think that's the best way to honor those who have fought, served and died for our great country! They wanted us to have the good life, and I sure do! I hope you have a wonderful 4th of July, and I hope you count your own blessings today--and every day!

Little blessings: fresh fruit in summertime, hair on my head that's there in the first place--even I get frustrated with it! LOL! A/C--especially on the 4th of July! Being an American! A new President--even if he's not great, any one's better than Bush Jr! Being able to vote! The gift of writing! Sisterhood (love you, girls!) Being married for 16 weeks today (love you, babe!)! My mother, my father, my grandmother....

.....best friendship(s), people I love having another birthday! Cherries! Being able to hear! My sight! All 4 limbs & 10 fingers and 10 toes! Music! The ability to walk/talk/sit/stand/eat/drink--all by myself for that matter! A great memory! Tough times that made me stronger! My husband's expressions of love! Hugs! Kisses! My mother's laugh! Talking with my grandma! My M-I-L! Home, running water!

And more little blessings: new makeup (it had been years since I bought any--literally), my pretty Nellie Cat, clean water, electricity, MySpace/Facebook, e-mail, flowers (real ones!), trees (real ones), my wedding, knowing I'm loved in spite of my imperfections, getting to spend today with my husband! :) See, I am truly so blessed--even through the stress and the craziness, life is grand! :)

Happy 4th of July! Let's make it safe & fun! God Bless all of our Service Men & Women--past & present--and take a moment to remember them & pray for them! God Bless America & God Bless Us Everyone! Have a wonderful 4th!

In Light N' (American) Love,
-Sarah Liz :)

P.S. The real America is not a shiny postcard, and not everyone gets their way or their freedom here--despite the popular notion that they do. There are plenty of things inherently wrong with this nation--health care, education, drug/alcohol problems, sex trafficking, the list goes on and on. I'm no longer naive about the realities that plague America everyday, but I still think it's a great place to live! I still believe in its greatness and its potential! And by the way, I think what I'm MOST grateful for is the fact that I know my God and have an on-going relationship with Him! That I KNOW that I'm blessed and can see it--usually always! Yes, that's what I'm the most grateful for! -SL :)