Dear Family and Friends,

On July 4, 1776, the Second Continental Congress unanimously adopted the Declaration of Independence, announcing the colonies’ separation from Great Britain.

If you were to stop and absorb the significance of that event and consider what your life would be like today had our country’s forefathers not done this, you will likely come to the same conclusion I came to: We would all speak with a really cool accent.

On a serious note, with the Fourth of July just days away, do you feel like celebrating our nation?

It’s a question I’ve been asking myself for the past few weeks.

Among the many thoughts that came to mind, celebrating our nation was Not one of them.

In fact, I must admit that I’m growing somewhat cynical about the States of America. Cynical to the point of saying – to call our country United is a misnomer.

How did you answer this question? Am I sitting here all alone in this rather depressed state?

A recent Gallup survey asked the following question: In general, are you satisfied or dissatisfied with the way things are going in the United States at this time?

The poll revealed that a staggering 81% of those surveyed said they were dissatisfied.

We all know that these cynical thoughts are sinful, prideful, and loveless. They point us down a wrong path. And they steal our peace.

So, what can we do to escape the morass, especially since living in our country may get even worse?

The Apostle Paul suggests that we spend our time practicing this particular verse.

“Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things.”  Philippians 4:8 NIV

This list of whatever’s – true, noble, right, pure, lovely, admirable, excellent or praiseworthy – is Paul’s way of saying look for and dwell on the many things where virtues that flow from God can be found.

Don’t we tend to focus our thoughts on the bad things that surround us? It’s hard to avoid what’s going on across our nation.

But keeping up with the news doesn’t mean we have to dwell on the news.

Dwelling on bad things will only lead to worry, anxiety and eventually cynicism. All this over things we have little to no control over.

Let’s instead spend our time and precious thoughts on the many things that are good and true and display God’s touch.

There many things in America that are good and true. Here are a few to get us started.

We live in a country that gives us the freedom to worship God, openly express our feelings about God, assemble together in churches.

We live in a country that not only encourages us but also provides eduction and opportunities so we can become all that God dreams for us.

Just the other day, I was marveling at how many of us now feel safe enough to not wear masks all the time.

We live in a country with many smart people dedicated to making our country and this world a better place.

Paul concludes his thoughts with this.

“Whatever you have learned or received or heard from me, or seen in me—put it into practice. And the God of peace will be with you.”  Philippians 4:9 NIV

Let’s be encouraged to put Philippians 4:8 into practice. Doing as Paul asks – to think about whatever is true, noble, right, pure, lovely, admirable, excellent or praiseworthy – everyday.

Maybe every time we finish watching or reading the news, or every time we are attacked with negative thoughts, let’s stop and reset our minds on a blessing from God.

The blessings are everywhere, “For every good and perfect gift is from above.”  James 1:17 NIV

Allow me to close with this: I believe that deep down inside we all love our country.  We may be upset with how things are going right now, but we still love and have much hope for this nation God chose us to be a part of.

We are indeed blessed beyond measure.

May the God of peace be with you at this time as we celebrate our Nation’s Day of Independence.

In love always,