This weekend was different than our normal Memorial Day celebrations. We usually go as a family to the Lake for the whole weekend. This time we only went for one day, but it was extra special because Billy’s cousin and her family came too.
There was a lot of catching up to do with family stories. Billy’s brother Barry can make an average story very entertaining.
Riley and Andy got to meet Sarah and they were instant friends.
We made homemade ice cream and they were eager to help!
They took turns turning the crank. I remember doing that as a kid…I can’t believe it has been so long ago.
Billy told them that when he was a little boy he and Barry used to take turns sitting on the top. So they took turns doing that too! The good thing about these new ice cream machines is…you can plug them up when you get tired of cranking. Before long the ice cream was ready and well….there wasn’t any left over so that should tell you something.
The day went by quick, but it was a good day.
And it was really great spending it with relatives.
Sunday afternoon Billy and I went to an out of town wedding.
WOW…yeah…that would be my husband!!!!!!
The church was rich in history. The architecture was stunning, complete with stained glass windows and a pipe organ. The soloist was amazing, the Bride and all her attendants looked gorgeous.
I knew the wedding was going to be on Memorial Day weekend…but I had not given it a lot of thought.
But as it got closer, I couldn’t help but think about how very appropriate it really was. It was on a Sunday…what a neat time to be making your vows to God and to each other.
The groom is in the Military, and all his groomsmen are too. They wore their uniforms and looked so handsome. How special for them to spend this holiday together celebrating life with one another. Due to all being in the Military, this weekend worked best for them to get leave and be able to travel. And the Bride just graduated from College just weeks ago, accomplishing her goals toward her career.
As I sat in the wedding I thought of all these things. How fortunate we are to live in a free country….because of the sacrifice the men standing before me are making. And because of the many sacrifices that generations of men like them have made. We can worship in churches like these openly and we can even dream and accomplish most anything we want—- because we truly live in the land of opportunity. Brave soldiers and their families have given sacrificially for each and every one of us.
After the wedding we attended a dinner with the wedding party. The father of the bride is one of our best friends. He prayed before dinner. He thanked God for blessing his family, he asked for continued protection on these and all soldiers serving our country. Then he said something that just touched my heart. He said…Lord…I Love you….and I thank you.
I am so glad we have freedom to express our love and devotion to God, many do not have that privilege.
It was a beautiful wedding for many reasons.
Today, I hung my flag proudly outside my home.
I thank God for all the blessings he has bestowed on me and my country. It is something I hope I never take for granted.
Say an extra prayer for our soldiers and their families tonight.
I hope you had a great Memorial Day.
I've Gone Country 