07/01/2019
People will gather in so many places around our country to recognize July 4th with celebration, good food and fireworks. In Scripture we are clearly reminded that it is important for us to have times of celebration and thankfulness. July 4th is specifically a celebration of thankfulness for USA yesterday, today and tomorrow.
I will probably ooohhhh and ahhhhhhhh on the lawn of the church with many others as a fabulous display of color is projected onto the night sky. While sitting there in the Heart of Carmel, we will be surrounded by many beautifully manmade structures which reminds me of the creative work of human hands. As we spread our blankets, or place our seats on the lawn, it is there that we may look down to our feet to be reminded of the earth and the handiwork of God’s hand of creation. I love that Carmel UMC, in the Heart of Carmel, has this large green space which is truly a reminder of God our Creator. The heart of everything is God. The heart and plan of God is to always be right in the center of who we are and what we do. That is the foundation and grounding of our past upon which God desires for us to build upon to His glory.
As we celebrate our blessings, let us also remember that God has blessed us to be a blessing to, and for, others. We may sit and enjoy the fireworks display in a community of many comforts but we are to do so with a heart and mindfulness of others who may not experience such comforts of life. So allow those beautiful lights in the sky to be a reminder that as persons and as a nation, we are to be a light unto the world.
Have a safe and blessed 4th of July wherever you will be. Blessings, Pastor Patti
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(Drawn from online sources)