Our neighborhood, which I’m a huge fan of, had an adorable 4th of July parade yesterday. The first that I’ve known of and I think it is a first at least in recent years.

I think it was a brilliant idea.

Raymond was ready.

He even threw candy : )

We don’t know our neighbors that well. I wish we did. The parade really made me aware. I feel a lot of guilt about this, because I haven’t made big efforts to know them. And they are GOOD people. I also wish I would have gotten the word out to our grandchildren, because I think the little ones would have loved being in it! One of the parents who organized it, mentioned that they hope to do it again next year. I really hope they do. When the children had gone around the block once, I went into the house and went about my day. A few minutes later, I heard the drum again and looked out and they were going around again! I think they enjoyed it.

This morning I got up early, did my devotions, drank some coffee and put on my running shoes. I decided it would be fun to run down our avenue of flags. I also listened to a podcast from Saddleback Church. I had loaded it a week or two ago, but hadn’t listened yet. I had no idea how appropriate it would be for Independence Day. It’s called “The Transforming Power of Worship” by Buddy Owens. You can download it on Itunes free. It is one of the best messages I’ve heard on true freedom and love. I highly recommend. My run went so fast, because I was running along a street lined in flags, listening to a message about true freedom. Great way to start this day.

I can’t end this post without a shout out to our military. I am SO thankful to our active and inactive military. Thank you to each of the families as well as the soldiers.

God bless you all today!