Nowadays, there are very few things that cause me to stop and gaze in childlike wonder. (Furthermore, there are very many things in our world today thrust upon us that are not worth a passing glance.) However, on this day of days, there is one I would like to mention: fireworks.

From my third floor apartment, I have had a good view for a least two major fireworks shows in my neck of the woods, one of which just finished up. During which I observed several of my neighbors stopping what they were doing and just observing the sight.

While the lights and the sounds are stunning, it also has a much deeper meaning. It's a reminder.

It's a reminder of that brave experiment that started 232 years ago.

It's a reminder of those who willing signed their John Hancock on what would be their death warrant if they failed.

It's a reminder of the many souls that fought and died to make that declaration more than just a piece of parchment.

It's a reminder of "the rocket’s red glare, the bombs bursting in air" and how close America came to being a failed experiment in War of 1812.

It’s a reminder of those who fought to preserve our union, from enemies within and without.

It’s a reminder of those who are still fighting today.

It’s a reminder that this is a nation has a “government of the people, for the people, by the people”.

It's a reminder of the freedoms we are blessed with.

It’s a reminder that freedom is not free.

Let us never take for granted the blessing of America.

I'd say I'm losing it, if it wasn't already gone...

So I was coming home just a bit ago - It's late, I'm tired and not thinking too clearly. As I turn into my apartment complex, I see something move out of the corner of my eye. Instinctively, I hit my brakes. Turns out, it was a rabbit darting around the corner. In a moment of anger and frustration, I exclaim, "Stupid rabbit." That's not what surprised me. What surprised me is what I said, in the same breath, automatically thereafter - "Trix are for kids."

When was the last time you quoted a kid's cereal commercial in anger?

Yeah, I'm weird.

PS (Yeah, I know, I know - the actual quote is "Silly rabbit - Trix are for kids." )

Thanks everyone for your kind thoughts and prayers in my family's time of sorrow with my Grandfather's passing.

Here is a link my Grandfather's obituary

And on that note, I bring you the funny link of the day:

Trunk Monkey
I have my Sister, Emery to thank for this link.

P.S. Please take this all with a grain of salt.

Hi there.

It's about three in the morning and I can't sleep. (This should come as no surprise to those who know me.) So I fired up the laptop and looked around Pleonast to see how everyone was doing. It put a smile on my face to see a lot of good news out there. As I contemplated this, I decided it was time for me to make one of my rare cameo appearances here. And when you stop to think about, isn't that what life really is? We appear for just the briefest of moments in the midst of the grand story God has written in the midst of eternity. Or as James far more eloquently put it:
"Come now, you who say, "Today or tomorrow we will go to such and such a city, spend a year there, buy and sell, and make a profit"; whereas you do not know what will happen tomorrow. For what is your life? It is even a vapor that appears for a little time and then vanishes away. Instead you ought to say, "If the Lord wills, we shall live and do this or that." But now you boast in your arrogance. All such boasting is evil. Therefore, to him who knows to do good and does not do it, to him it is sin." (James 4:13-17, NKJV)

I spent a lot of time wondering what my next step should be, what I should do next. But reading that last sentence, maybe that's not the right thing to focus on. After all, I know not what tomorrow holds, but I know who holds tomorrow. I don't God has planned for me next. But I know this - that I need to be about doing good while I'm here today.

“Yesterday's the past, tomorrow's the future, but today is a gift. That's why it's called the present.” - Family Circus Cartoon.