OH BEAUTIFUL...
We love traveling and experiencing new places. We have been fortunate to travel abroad, but one of our favorite places to explore is our awesome Country. We especially enjoy the National Parks. (Most of you know that my "Happy Place" is the Smoky Mountains). Another thing that we enjoy is history and learning about our incredible Nation. Earlier this summer, Patti and I took a quick trip to St. Augustine, the oldest city in America. We did drink from the Fountain of Youth, but one of my highlights was touring Fort Castillo (Fort Castle in English). Did you know that this large Spanish stone fortress is over 315 years old and has never fallen in battle. It has changed hands and ownership only in times of peace. In fact, we learned that though it is over 315 years old, the worst damage to the magnificent historical structure has occurred by tourists.
Fort Castillo de San Marcos National Monument
We do have a beautiful Country. It is one full of wonderful, unique, and incredible people. I am so thankful that I have the privilege of living in America. Sadly, the freedom that I am able to experience everyday, because of where I do live, is often taken for granted. Just like the destruction of mindless acts of tourists at "the Fort".
"America the Beautiful" was written by Katharine Lee Bates in 1893, with the music composed by Samuel A. Ward, a church organist and choirmaster. It is literally a classic and beautiful song. My favorite version was sung by Ray Charles.
Here are his personalized lyrics ...
Oh beautiful for heroes proved
In liberating strife
Who more than self, their country loved
And mercy more than life
America, America may God thy gold refine
'Til all success be nobleness
And every gain divined
And you know when I was in school
We used to sing it something like this, listen here
Oh beautiful, for spacious skies
For amber waves of grain
For purple mountain majesties
Above the fruited plain
But now wait a minute, I'm talking about
America, sweet America
You know, God done shed his grace on thee
He crowned thy good, yes he did, in brotherhood
From sea to shining sea
You know, I wish I had somebody to help me sing this
(America, America, God shed his grace on thee)
America, I love you America, you see
My God he done shed his grace on thee
And you oughta love him for it
'Cause he, he, he, he crowned thy good
He told me he would, with brotherhood
(From sea to shining Sea)
Oh Lord, oh Lord, I thank you Lord
(Shining sea)
Here is the link to his performance on THE DICK CAVETT SHOW, September 18, 1972. Enjoy.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TRUjr8EVgBg
I find it interesting that a blind singer sees the beauty and blessings of our Country better than those of us with 20/20 vision. Let us never take for granted the Freedoms that we are able to enjoy. And let us learn to be patient with one another, especially if we enjoy freedoms differently, and see the beauty and value in each of us. As God has crowned His good in our Brotherhood.
And most of all let us NEVER forget that to experience true freedom, real freedom, we must first personally know the Truth. Jesus tells us, "I am the way and the truth and the life." John 14:9a. And he reminds us, "Then you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free." John 8:32
So as we celebrate 247 years of Freedom on this 4th of July, let us not forget that over 2000 years ago is when the ultimate price was paid for our Real Freedom! Let us Know the Truth and truly be Free!!
Please join us on Sunday as we celebrate "Real Freedom". I look forward to seeing you then. And Always Remember...
You ARE Loved!
Pastor Lonnie
YOU LOOK GOOD FOR 247 YEARS OLD!