God Bless the “United” States!

God Bless the United States!

As the Fourth of July approaches, red, white and blue décor is appearing everywhere. Celebrating the Fourth is always a highlight of summer.

However, the parades, parties and picnics that we plan are a big contrast to the dark news that fills the airwaves. Civil unrest, mass shootings, nuclear threats. If you listen long enough you’re sure to think the end of us is near.

What has happened to our beloved country? We no longer seem to be the United States of America. Have we forgotten that “united we stand, divided we fall.”

Recently N.D. Governor Doug Burgum said, “The nation’s enemies love it when we’re fighting with each other.” I love that quote because I often think of us as a group of children fighting among ourselves, forgetting our blessings or the danger that lurks outside the door.

Perhaps we need to go back to the vision our Founding Fathers had for our country. Before the government of the United States was formed in 1776, the founders met for prayer, and they found direction in the scriptures. When they began writing the new Constitution, they based it on the Biblical principles.

Our first president, George Washington, said, “It is the duty of all nations to acknowledge the Providence of Almighty God, to obey His will, to be grateful for His benefits, and to humbly implore His protection and favor.”

So, maybe we need to look at how our nation was formed. The Founders sought God’s wisdom. Perhaps we should, too. And even though they had many conflicting viewpoints, they agreed it was for the good of everyone to work together to launch the new nation. Perhaps it’s time to lay down our own word weapons and really see what we have in common. And what we have to lose if we continue to fight each other.

As we celebrate Independence Day, let us take time to acknowledge our God, seek his will for our nation, and ask for his protection and favor. God bless America!

“Kindness is the golden chain by which society is bound together.”

~ Johann Wolfgang von Goethe

Writing Update

I’ll be signing books in Turtle Lake, N.D. on July 14 for Turtle Days! Three of my books take place in the general area of Turtle Lake, and I’m excited to be part of the festivities there. My table will be in the American Legion building from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. If you have friends or family in the area, please let them know.

Writing: I’ve been slaving over a family history project. The working title is Little Sister. I’m the last person in my generation of the Larson family and feel I need to record the family stories.

As I wrote in the Introduction: “It wasn’t until I was thirty-four years old, that I realized I would always be a generation behind my siblings. There was no catching up. They were now in their fifties, becoming grandparents and dealing with health issues. I was still taking college classes. If it was my lot in life to be set apart from my siblings, then it was my privilege to be their Little Sister. They were more than my sisters and brothers, they were my friends and heroes.”

In writing, I’m learning much about my family and about myself.

Have a great July Fourth and a wonderful summer!