Freedom...

Happy Fourth of July!!!!

Sadly, like most Americans...for the majority of my life I have taken our freedom for granted. After living over in Europe for awhile I recognized the significant difference between America and every other country. And yet, I still failed to acknowledge whose lives went into making that difference.

Two years ago today, my cousin's husband, Scott, was killed over in Iraq. He had served in the Marines for ten years and then joined the Army. He became an Instructor Pilot and was on his second tour of Iraq. His entire adult life was spent serving our country!!! When he died he left behind his wife and their three children.

Greater love has no one than this, that he lay down his life for his friends. John 15:13

Not only did Scott lay down his life for his friends and family...but his entire country. A country that fails to acknowledge those brave soldiers who daily stand in the gap for their country. Since 2003, over four thousand US soldiers have been killed in Iraq and over seven hundred have been killed in Afghanistan. Those lives were given for you and for me! That doesn't even begin to count the number of Veterans served and killed in previous wars!!!

Today, as you fire up the grill, spend time with your loved ones, splash around in the pool...take a moment to thank our Lord for these precious soldiers and ask Him to bless their families today...for their hearts and minds are focused on the empty spot at their tables!!!