Hello Friends:

Excuses First.

First, let me apologize for not blogging more frequently. It has been a crazy three weeks. The following is why I haven’t been better about blogging in the recent past.

Three weeks ago, I had members in hospital and a funeral on Friday. I flew out on a Saturday to Michigan for a Writer’s Conference; was gone a week and had absolutely no time to blog during that conference which had sessions morning, afternoon and night. I came back home to more folks in hospital, then the internet on our church campus went down for about a week. This week has been more hospital time, surgeries, a death and a funeral. During this time, however, I have been keeping notes and do have some information to share. I hope to get it out soon.

Today is Saturday, July 4th, and I finally have some time that I hope I can fill with writing. I actually hope to post at least one other blog this afternoon.

Independence Day!

I was raised to be patriotic; my parents made certain that my sister and I had a clear understanding of our American blessing. My Grandfather Dodd was a career military man. My Dad served in both the Army and Marines. I have a host of other family members who were soldiers. I absolutely understand and appreciate my freedoms as an American citizen. I love Lee Greenwood’s song and would like to quote the chorus for you here today. I suppose it sums up my feelings about this grand Independence Day.

And I’m proud to be an American where at least I know I’m free.
And I won’t forget the men who died, who gave that right to me.
And I’d gladly stand up next to you and defend her still today.
‘Cause there ain’t no doubt I love this land God bless the U.S.A. 

I sign off now with this quote from our beloved President Ronald Reagan. “Freedom is a fragile thing and is never more than one generation from extinction. It is not ours by inheritance; it must be fought for and defended constantly by each generation, for it comes only once to a people. Those who have known freedom, and then lost it, have never known it again.”

Thank you for following along with me. Have a great Fourth of July weekend.

God bless you and may God bless America!

Pastor Gene