Thursday, July 2, 2009

My July 4th Blessings...


The American Flag...whenever and wherever I see it displayed I feel both joy and pride for the red, white and blue. Freedom...to fly the flag, to live in this country, and to all the men and women who have given and continue to give so unselfishly to preserve this flag and the freedom it represents to me and to all who call "America" home.
For the beauty and colors of all the flowers that are blooming this time of the year. Everywhere I look, their vibrant colors, fragrances and textures add joy to my days.



For the food on my table, in my refrigerator, at the grocery store and roadside stands. Food...how often I take it for granted, and how devastating it would be to go hungry every day, as MANY in our world do. I want to constantly be reminded of how fortunate I am, for the food that is available for me. Speaking of, I tried this new salad recipe last evening, and both my husband and myself really enjoyed it! It will definitely go in my "favorite's file". I discovered it in my "Taste of the South" magazine. It is "A Taste of Maple Pear Salad."
1 - 15oz. package of mixed baby lettuces, washed and patted dry
2 pears, cored and thinly sliced(ripe, sweet pears are the best)
1/2 dried sweetened cranberries(craisins)
1/2 chopped toasted walnuts
1/4 cup feta cheese(or crumbled blue cheese)
1 recipe Maple Dressing(recipe follows)
In large bowl, combine lettuce, pears, cranberries, walnuts, and feta cheese. Drizzle with half of the Maple Dressing, tossing to coat. Serve remaining dressing on the side.
Maple Dressing
1/4 cup maple syrup
1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil
3 TBS. balamic vinegar
1 TBS. Dijon-style mustard
1/4 tea. ground black pepper
1/8 tea. salt
In a small bowl whisk all together.
This recipe was submitted by Elise Weis.


For the bountiful growing season that we are experiencing in this part of the country. Everywhere I look the fruits and vegtables are in abundance. The small roadside stands gracing the landscape in our county are too numerous to count, not to mention the overflowing produce isles of the local grocery store. Way too much rain, or weeks without rain, could change all of this drastically. So, on this July 4th holiday, I want to be reminded of how great a blessing this is to me. The cherries, blueberries, cantalopes, peaches...each sweet, ripe and delicious!!


What would the July 4th holiday be without watermelon? In my life, I as far back as I can remember, it has been an important part of the food and festivities that go with this day. Sweet, ripe, cold, red( and sometimes seedless), watermelon...what a luxury!


Family, friends, health and strength...huge blessings on this day. Time for fun, fellowship, food, laughter and sharing...how easy for me to take these for granted, and how quickly they can disappear. For MANY this holiday, these gifts are missing. Their hurts and heartaches are great! Their tears are flowing, and their hearts are breaking. I ask for time to reflect, time to pray, and time to remember those God has in my life, for whom this may be true.
July 4th...what a gift and what a privilege for each one in our country to celebrate. May I never take it all for granted.
Wishing each of you, my blogging friends, a very special July 4th holiday with those you love.

16 comments:

LisaShaw said...

May we never take it for granted indeed dear friend. Thank you for the beautiful post. Blessings to you and your family.

Lauren said...

I know what we're having to eat for dinner. That salad looks WONDERFUL!!! Yummmy.

thanks for yet Another beautiful post!

Judy said...

There is much to be thankful for...and having a day for the nation to pause and do that is a good thing. Now that we are done our Canada Day festivities...we'll join you, our neighbours to the south...in celebrating your countries birthday.

Your salad looks wonderful.

Happy@Home said...

Judy,
This post brought tears to my eyes. It was so beautifully written and the photos are lovely. I particularly like the first photo with the flowers in the little wagon. Also, thanks for the salad recipe. It sounds right up my alley.

I hope your 4th of July weekend is wonderful.

Blessings each day said...

It is all done so well, the whole post and I am so incredibly patriotic that I just reveled in reading this whole well written entry. Thank you!

blessings,

marcy

Maryjane-The Beehive Cottage said...

Cute red wagon!!!! Happy 4th of July to you and yours!

Hugs,
Maryjane

Stacey said...

Your thoughts and your images are both perfect today Judy.

Happy 4th of July to you and your family.

Pat @ Mille Fiori Favoriti said...

Hello Judy

Wonderful post for the upcoming July 4th holiday.. It is good to be reminded of all we have to be thankful for!

I enjoyed looking at the benefit dinner you sister had at her home in the post below.

Your entire family are such gracious hostesses.

Shelley said...

Judy - such beautiful and inspiring sentiments! There are so many things in this world to be thankful for! Thank you for the yummy salad recipe! Have a safe and wonderful 4th of July holiday! God bless you!
Shelley

Brenda @ Its A Beautiful Life said...

Beautiful photos for a special day! Enjoy the celebrations!

Anonymous said...

Another beautiful heart felt post Judy. I hope I never take for granted that I live in this lovely country of ours. We are so blessed to live in a place where we have so many freedoms. I also love our flag. I hope you and your family have a safe and happy Fourth of July weekend ♥

Barb said...

Judy, your pictures are so lovely. I really like the sound of the pear salad and will give this a try.

We are indeed blessed and need to remember this at all times. Happy July 4th to you and your family.

Sending you my blessings,
Barb

Unknown said...

I enjoy your blog so much Judy. Have we met here at my shop? If not, I would love to meet you.

a woman who is said...

Thanks for the wonderful reminder to be thankful on this fun and exciting holiday. Amongst all the family, parades,food,fun and fireworks we sometime miss the point of what we are all really celebrating. Victories hard won and fought with sacrifices by others for us.

God Bless the U.S.A.

and blessings to you and yours!

Tracy said...

Beautiful post! You're so right -- We are indeed so blessed. In the words of one of my favorite Josh Groban songs..."there's so much to celebrate." Hope you're having a wonderful time celebrating with your family!

Blessings,
Tracy

Manuela@A Cultivated Nest said...

There is so much for us to be thankful for! Just this morning I was thinking I'm so lucky to have my home with so many losing theirs!

The salad looks wonderful. I love adding dried cranberries and feta to my salad but I've never had that dressing!

Happy 4th!

Manuela

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