The Storyteller | Mary Vee

We stumbled upon these unique fireworks. In my book, yah couldn't get closer to the intent of this holiday than this show. To the south of us is a lake. It's a long lake with cottages and houses on nearly every inch of shore. Behind postage stamp-sized properties, are more houses. Roads leading to each residence are twined like a mouse trap. Be careful or you may not find the way out! Anyway, my family heard the boom booms from our house. We hopped in the car in search for what we hoped was a fantastic show. AND IT WAS!! In route to a little park, big enough for four cars, fireworks burst overhead. Boom. Boom. One after another exploding brilliant blues, reds, yellows, and more. Popping as fast as pop corn. Then the sound stopped. The air filled with smoke. Car horns blared. People cheered. Toy horns honked.  We looked for a place to turn around, thinking the show was over. But it wasn't. A series of new fireworks burst overhead then cheers, horns, and spa...

Photo Courtesy My guest today is the United States of America. I am thankful for all the men and women who have given their lives and those who, unfortunately, are suffering from injuries for the sake of our freedom today. Celebrating is always fun. Don't you find the pop of fireworks and the splash of color in the night sky amazing? I do, too. Due to weird work schedules in our house, we celebrated the United States of America on the 1st instead of the 4th, complete with big taco meal, invited family guests, and a family firework show. We talked, laughed, shared stories, updated everyone on the latest about each family member. What a fun time. I hope your 4th celebration is as grand. I wish our country could celebrate Independence in a way that considers everyone. I'm not referring to political beliefs, just every person. I learned in one of my first full time jobs as a secretary that I couldn't meet everyone's need, no matter how hard I tried. I...

Photo Courtesy The first item on the list after Israel crossed the Red Sea was to celebrate their freedom.  Exodus 15: 1,2 tells of the Israelites singing, dancing, rejoicing, playing of instruments, and enjoying an all out praising of God for His protection, guidance, and love. God wanted the people who experienced the crossing of the Red Sea to tell their children what happened over and over until the little ones remembered. Those children were to teach their children. God set up celebrations throughout the calendar year to help the people remember what He had done for them. He knew we'd forget so easily. Rather than taking a textbook and drilling the information into our heads until it's time to take a test, after which we immediately forget the information, God planned parties.  Photo Courtesy Lots of food Dancing Singing Laughing Praising God Retelling stories Gathering together with friends The result?  Hearts so full of joy the me...

We celebrate many births. Babies Animal offspring Nations, and etc. Let's step into the world of those who were here during the birth of the United States. What prompted men and women to come to a new, unsettled land? I can't think of many men or women who would have an opportunity to do that today. The closet example to me would be the missionary who leaves an established home, familiar language, and culture to go to a new land.  Using the missionary example, I can imagine what men and women felt like when they came here.  For employment: men and women had to live off the land, barter services with others who came for help, grow their own food. Survival happened only if they worked. Even then, many died from weather related issues, starvation, diseases. The good side: men and women learned to work with each other, help and ask, share and borrow, laugh and cry.  For conveniences : Only what was brought, grown, or made could be used. Wal-Mart did no...