Originally entitled Yankee Doodle, this is one of several versions of a scene painted by A. M. Willard that came to be known as The Spirit of ’76

During the American Revolution, the legal separation of the Thirteen Colonies from Great Britain in 1776 actually occurred on July 2, when the Second Continental Congress voted to approve a resolution of independence that had been proposed in June by Richard Henry Lee of Virginia declaring the United States independent from Great Britain’s rule. After voting for independence, Congress turned its attention to the Declaration of Independence, a statement explaining this decision, which had been prepared by a Committee of Five, with Thomas Jefferson as its principal author. Congress debated and revised the wording of the Declaration, finally approving it two days later on July 4. [Some debate the actual date – Wikipedia]

A Fourth of July fireworks display at the Washington Monument ©WikiC.

It is time for another holiday here in the United States of America. This is one of the most important celebrations for the country because of what it represents. Once this Declaration of Independence was signed, the real growth of America began. God has blessed our country with one of the most freedoms for personal liberty and freedom of religion. [Unfortunately, many of these freedoms are being taken away. Christians have less and less freedom to worship the Lord as we once had. Our country was founded on Christian principles, but now some are trying to remove all traces of our founding truths.

I try not to get political on this site, but it does make us sad what is going on currently. With that said, I will be silent on the political side.

4th of July Independence Day Parade 2014 DC ©WikiC

Now is a day to show off some of our Red, White, and Blue birds that live here. [And fly off to other countries also.]

Northern Cardinal (Cardinalis cardinalis) Male ©NW Ohio Bird Pictures

One of my favorite Red birds! A visitor to our feeders.

White Ibis on Table by Lee

A very common White bird that walked through our yard today.

And the Blue Jay, another regular visitor to our feeders:

Blue Jay (Cyanocitta cristata) by Daves BirdingPix

This refers to Abraham, but it is still very true today:

“All these died in faith, without receiving the promises, but having seen them and having welcomed them from a distance, and having confessed that they were strangers and exiles on the earth. For those who say such things make it clear that they are seeking a country of their own. And indeed if they had been thinking of that country from which they went out, they would have had opportunity to return. But as it is, they desire a better country, that is, a heavenly one. Therefore God is not ashamed to be called their God; for He has prepared a city for them.” (Hebrews 11:13-16 NASB)

PS: Keep me in your prayers. Tomorrow morning I am having a Cataract implant surgery. That is one reason this is a few days early for the holiday. Will be off the computer for a few days. I had the left eye implant completed several years ago and all went well. We are praying that the same will be true for this right eye. All the more to see the Lord’s Avian Wonders – BETTER!

Good News

Independence Day – Our Christian Heritage

Independence Day Wikipedia