Sometimes I wish I was sitting on a beach watching the sunrise or the sunset; or walking through the giant redwoods; or driving through the beautiful red rocks of Sedona. Yet, I am happy to drive through the brilliant green Iowa cornfields and look across the miles of countryside before me. I am amazed at the diversity of our country's landscapes. God didn't use His duplicating machine when He created all that is around us. Who, but God, could think of all the differences across the globe!
In 1832, theological student, Samuel Francis Smith, wrote these words on a scrap of paper in less than 30 minutes, it is told. He was just 24 years old and he was moved to create a national hymn that gave praise to God for the beautiful land we call home, America.
"My country, 'tis of thee, Sweet land of liberty, Of thee I sing: Land where my fathers died, Land of the pilgrims' pride, From every mountain side Let freedom ring! My native country, thee, Land of the noble free, Thy name I love: I love thy rocks and rills, Thy woods and templed hills; My heart with rapture thrills Like that above. Let music swell the breeze, And ring from all the trees Sweet freedom's song: Let mortal tongues awake, Let all that breathe partake; Let rocks their silence break, The sound prolong. Our fathers' God, to Thee, Author of liberty, To Thee we sing: Long may our land be bright With freedom's holy light' Protect us by Thy might, Great God, our King! Amen." ("My Country, 'Tis of Thee" by Samuel F. Smith 1832).
"Blessed is the nation whose God is the Lord, the people he chose for his inheritance," (Psalm 33:12 NIV).
"Men must be governed by God or they will be ruled by tyrants," by William Penn.
This blog should have been written on an American holiday, but for some reason, God led me in this direction today. Perhaps someone who reads it today will know the reason.
Heavenly Father, we join in praising You, today. Thank You for this beautiful country we live in. Thank You for the freedoms we enjoy and the peaceful land that surrounds us. Do not leave our side. We need You, Lord. Bless this land with Your guidance and love, we pray. Amen.
gds 9/4/25 #1130
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