Thursday, July 5, 2012

Happy 4th of July!

I've taken a long blog break.  Its been over a month.  We have walked through a lot in the last couple of months.  Some of it fun and delightful, relaxing and sweet.  Some of it frightening and heavy.  In the midst of trials and joys, life still just keeps going on.  I know that some of you will understand that - how when your own world seems stopped and all around you continue on.

I'll probably spend some time trying to play catch-up over what I've wanted to share the last few months, but will probably skip things too.

For now, I'll just share yesterday.  Fourth of July.



As we prepare for our days, I sometimes wonder am I doing enough to prepare my heart.







This has long been one of my favorite holidays.  Some of it for what it represents.

Freedom.





Sacrifice.


Independence.

And also because of what the day has been for my family.  It has long been a holiday where my family all gathered.  I have pictures from this holiday when Christopher was just a little 2yo.  It has been a sweet family tradition to go to the mountains where the days are cooler and spend time celebrating together.

This year though, things are different.  The wonderful mountain home is no longer in our family so the gathering place is gone.  Circumstances unfolded so that it didn't work for us to be together.

And yet, we still celebrate.









We still take time to thank the many that have sacrificed for us.



We thank God for the ways He has blessed our family and our nation.

We give thanks.




We started our day with a trip to a $1 movie - Hugo.  It was a wonderful film.  Our day was a lazy one.  Smoke bombs and sparklers.  Then a trip to Kenan stadium to watch fireworks.  It wasn't the memories that we've made in the past, but new memories for today.  No matter what happens, life still goes on.  We still have much to be thankful for even in the midst of trials and troubles.

I'm thankful for so much.  I'm thankful that through good times and bad, God is close and in control and good.

 I'm thankful that even though I wasn't able to be with all of my family, I have a wonderful family to be thankful for.

With a thankful heart,
Leslie

7 comments:

  1. ((HUGS))) tou you my friend.
    We watched Hugo but couldn't get into it - I had wondered how younger kids found it - so pleased to see kids did like it.

    I always think of FIAR Finnest Horse in Town memories on 4th July. Great fun!

    Love Leanne

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  2. I was wondering how you were doing! Still need to email ya and catch up...but glad you had a lovely 4th. We melted here-had storm damage-but thankfully no loss of power. Hugs to you and will be chatting to you soon!

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  3. So glad to see you posting. The family looks wonderful. I love the braids ~ so cute. Our prayers are with you. It looks like we will be at Duke in August. Maybe, we will get to see you all if it works out.
    Blessings, dawn

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  4. What great pictures. Thanks for sharing. We were in the mountains this past weekend and missed seeing all of you. Hope your parents are doing well. I know it is an adjustment for them. I am especially praying for your Dad. God bless you all! love, Bonnie

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  5. Hey! I've been checking your blog everyday --- just waiting patiently for you! And, surprise! Here you are. My Friend. Sharing her heart. Her Lord. His Goodness.
    Love, Kathy.

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  6. What a wonderful update! I've been thinking of your family and prayerful that heaviness, as we all walk thru our family stuff, can be shared with God and be lightened thru friendships even afar. Blessings to your sweet family.

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  7. Love the pictures, Leslie. Eliana's hair is just adorable as is she. Continue to pray for you all!

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