God Bless America on Independence Day

My home,  honoring the flag!

I enjoyed watching this video of John Wayne and other performers sing God Bless America in 1970.   Why does this nostalgia brings tears to my eyes?  Maybe because so many people implore God to bless our great country.  

Many of my friends gathered for Mass at All Saints and then enjoyed a feast at Marcia's lovely home.

 Potluck meals are always the best - fresh cherries, homemade raspberry scones, Uniontown Sausage, Zucchini bread, and Mimosas!!!

We prayed before enjoying the meal:

God, source of all freedom, this day is bright with the memory of those who declared that life and liberty are your gift to every human being.

Help us to continue a good work begun long ago.

Make our vision clear and our will strong: that only in human solidarity will we find liberty, and justice only in the honor that belongs to every life on earth.

Turn our hearts toward the family of nations: to understand the ways of others, to offer friendship, and to find safety only in the common good of all.

Jack and Regina Sullivan

 Marv, Grace, Jim, and Charlene getting ready to enjoy the brunch.

Father Joe Schmidt, our beloved retired priest!

 Regina and Jody, Marcia's sister, brought scones and zucchini bread.

Grace and Mary Lou

 


Marv and Jan Schultz brought fresh cherries!

 Our wonderful hostess, Marcia, making sure everyone gets a little champagne.  Sadness permeated my heart when I noticed the for-sale sign at the bottom of her property.  Sad for me, but happy for her as she plans to be near her Pocatello children and grandchildren.

 At 4:30 we went to Pioneer Park and listened to our Community Band!

Our hearts are filled with gratitude this day for all our freedoms.

 We ask you to bless our country, troubled by poverty, wealth, and unrest.

 Yet we know you are with us,  and you are good and all powerful.

 Help us to focus today on the goodness we see all around us.

God Bless America!