Yes, it’s time to celebrate the 250^th birthday of the formation of the United States of America. What a big day for everyone-near and far. I wonder if I will be able to see some real fireworks this weekend. Usually there are fireworks all around the lake, if I can stand the bugs.  

The process of forming the USA was not a smooth and quick procedure. These men and some unmentioned women had to start from scratch. No other country in the known work governed the way these folks were suggesting.  

Do you think that God had a part in this process? No question! Religious freedom and the right to choose whom to worship or not formed the basis of the Declaration of Independence and later the Bill of Rights.  

In Massachusetts, the Puritans were fleeing from a government which forced a belief system on them that they could not tolerate. In Pennsylvania, the Quakers were searching for the freedom to practice a religion that was very different from the accepted standards. In Maryland, the settlers brought the Roman Catholic religion to the table. All with the goal of freedom of religion, these authors worked tirelessly to find a new solution to an age-old issue. 

They succeeded and brought forth a new nation united with the goal of personal freedom combined with compromise and sacrifice. God must have watched with loving notice of their efforts.  

It was not easy. It is still not easy. God loves the people of the United States of America unconditionally. No matter what faith tradition they subscribe to or do not. We are all God’s children, even if some do not believe in God. He loves us anyway, all ways, unconditionally! Amen and thanks be to God. 

Happy 250^th Anniversary and God bless the USA! 

Terri