Hello, God. It's me, Mara.

You know, Lord, You have given to us some days that are special and worth a celebration and there's one very special one this Sunday, that would be the Fourth of July! May we pause to consider what it means to be an American. America was not founded on the idea of being "free-lunch" - we are given the opportunity to work and to feel good about ourselves and we are to help others. Your Word says we are to pray for our leaders, too.

A friend shared the little piece below which says it so very well. The author is William Arthur Ward.

I BELIEVE IN AMERICA!

I believe in America. I believe it became great because of its faith in God, its hope for Independence and its love for freedom. I am grateful for American's glorious past; I am awed by its unbelievable present; I am confident of its limitless future.

I am not ashamed to take my hat off and to stand at attention when Old Glory passes by. I do not apologize for the lump in my throat when I repeat the Pledge of Allegiance. I am not embarrassed by the tears in my eyes when I hear "The Star-Spangled Banner."

Like millions of Americans, I want a free choice, not a free handout. I prefer an opportunity to prove my abilities on the job rather than a license to demonstrate my frustrations in the street. I am an old-fashioned American with a new-found determination to do my part to make Democracy work.

Lord, You will never forsake us, You bring us light, love and hope; we read that it in 1 Peter. 2:17: "Honor all people, love the brotherhood, fear God, honor the government." (TLB). Help us to place our trust in You, Lord, because You are always faithful.

Love, Mara