Never Forget

13 years ago I was a senior in high school. During my first period class I received a note to go to the counselors office to discuss a issue with my schedule. I walked down there and sat to wait to talk to my counselor. As I waited I heard the radio that the secretary was listening to. I started listening and didn't believe what I was hearing. They were talking about planes crashing into buildings in New York city, the secretary started talking to others about how this couldn't be real. Was this a joke? But how could they report something so serious and have it be fake? It wasn't a joke, it happened and many innocent people died. That day seemed so surreal, still does in away.

I won't forget where I was and what I was doing that day. I also will never forget the way I looked at the community around me. For several weeks afterward you could drive through any neighborhood and American flags would be lining the streets. It was amazing to me, someone who was not quite an adult, to see people come together in that way. I didn't know anyone who lost loved ones but it didn't matter, they were Americans and so were we. People came together as Americans despite many differences and I look to that time as one I hope we can return to as a nation. "One nation under God, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all."

This morning I told my husband I was conflicted as to which flag to hang up. BYU plays tonight and I usually hang the Y flag for game day. But as I walked with my oldest to school I had the thought that I'm an American first, no matter what else. I also saw a creative option and followed suit when I got home.

"How little do my countrymen know what precious blessings they are in possession of, and which no other people on earth enjoy!" - Thomas Jefferson

Patriotic Little Ones

I always remember loving America and love that my boys do too. This morning I put out the flag for the USA world cup game. I told the boys what I was doing and the Small One responded, "Now everyone can see our flag wave!" They are so passionate and I love it.
This was the guys last night at the gardens. Google+ has a #PaintUSA to paint your face for the world cup, just in time for the 4th of July as well in my opinion. 

Good American People

I know, huge surprise I am posting again after a long time. Not that I haven't found anything good to post about, more that I haven't had much free time. Anyway, I thought I would try to focus on something positive on a day when many may take the alternate route. Yesterday was election day and while many people are happy about the presidential election results there are many that are not. (I happen to be among the later group.) That being said I saw this on facebook and it gave me a different perspective. I still believe in the political system of voting and always striving to make your voice heard and stand up for the values you believe in. But really when all is said and done the Constitution, the document that defines what makes our country special and unique, will be saved by good American people not by Washington. I believe good things can come from Washington but we, the people, have to make sure we do our part and not leave it up to the politicians.  

Don't get me wrong, I am not trying to be a dooms-dayer or anything. I just get a little down because I am a very passionate person about almost everything. I believe there is good in all people and hope that God will continue to bless America. So no matter which side you fall on, just remember to stand up for, protect and cherish the freedoms we enjoy each day! 

"My God! How little do my countrymen know what precious blessing they are in possession of, and which no other people on earth enjoy!" - Thomas Jefferson

America, America!

I have always been a proud American and love celebrating the greatness of this country I am blessed enough to live in. I am especially proud around this time of year, obviously, and love when the Olympics come as well (23 days and counting). One of the things I love the most is seeing an American on the medal podium with their hand on their heart singing the national anthem. Seriously gives me chills every time.

 Pres. Dwight D. Eisenhower said,

"Freedom has its life in the hearts, the actions, the spirit of men and so it must be daily earned and refreshed - else like a flower cut from its life-giving roots, it will wither and die." 

I tend to be one who gets quite emotional and passionate about certain things pertaining to politics, including the recent ruling by the Supreme Court. I won't go into all that but wanted to share that while stewing over things a thought came to my mind. This is a choice land, blessed above all others. This scripture came to my mind in the Book of Mormon (of course I had to look it up to find the exact wording):

"Wherefore, I, Lehi, have obtained a promised, that inasmuch as those whom the Lord God shall bring out of the land of Jerusalem shall keep his commandments, they shall prosper upon the face of this land; and they shall be kept from all other nations, that they may possess this land unto themselves. And if it so be that they shall keep his commandments they shall be blessed upon the face of this land and there shall be none to molest them, nor to take away the land of their inheritance; and they shall dwell safely forever." (2 Nephi 1:9) 

In short, keep the commandments and God will continue to Bless America. Our daily actions determine our freedoms. I hope that my boys grow up with the same patriotism I was raised to have and enjoy this blessed land of America, land that I love!

Proud to be an American

I love America, I love being an American and I am proud to be one. Unlike many it seems, I have always been proud to be an American and I doubt a day will come when I am not. Words cannot express how I feel about this country, how grateful I am for the many sacrifices that have been made by many men and women for this blessed land we live in. I saw this video this morning and really like it so I'll share. 

‎"Freedom has its life in the hearts, the actions, the spirit of men and so it must be daily earned and refreshed - else like a flower cut from its life-giving roots, it will wither and die." - Dwight D. Eisenhower