4th of July

Today was our 4th of July picnic at church. It wasn't too well attended, but those who came had a lot of fun. We had a real nice program at about 11:45, right before lunch. We read part of the Declaration of Independence, part of the Constitutuion, a Scripture from the Book of Mormon, and the following quote from President Benson. I almost started crying when I was reading the Benson quote. It was quite touching. We finished off the program by singing "America the Beautiful" and "The Star Spangled Banner". It was lovely, and we all felt the spirit telling us that this is indeed a 'blessed' land.

Ezra Taft Benson:

I have faith that the Constitution will be saved as prophesied by Joseph Smith. But it will not be saved in Washington. It will be saved by the citizens of this nation who love and cherish freedom. It will be saved by enlightened members of this Church--men and women who will subscribe to and abide by the principles of the Constitution.

I reverence the Constitution of the United States as a sacred document. To me its words are akin to the revelations of God, for God has placed his stamp of approval on the Constitution of this land. I testify that the God of heaven sent some of his choicest spirits to lay the foundation of this government, and he has sent other choice spirits--even you who hear my words this day--to preserve it.

We, the blessed beneficiaries, face difficult days in this beloved land, "a land which is choice above all other lands" (Ether 2:10). It may also cost us blood before we are through. It is my conviction, however, that when the Lord comes, the Stars and Stripes will be floating on the breeze over this people. May it be so, and may God give us the faith and the courage exhibited by those patriots who pledged their lives and fortunes that we might be free, in the name of Jesus Christ. Amen.

And here's a Star Spangled Banner song for my mom! Love you mom!