Jubilant July

On By K.L. HaleIn Blog feed

Goodbye, June, I hope to see you again. Hello, July, come on in! Will there be jubilance and joy mixed with sweat and tears? Fireworks, reunions, and fun without fear? The Olympics will begin, what feelings will it bring? When our flag flies freely, will you stop and sing?

“O say can you see, by the dawn’s early light
(Do I see only me? BE STILL in HIS presence, there’s no reason to fight).

What so proudly we hailed at the twilight’s
last gleaming (Are we proud and united or am I just dreaming?)
Whose broad stripes and bright stars through
the perilous fight (HE bore the
stripes and the scars; will his love shine bright?)

O’er the ramparts we watched were so
gallantly streaming (Have the
events that united us lost their meaning?)
And the rocket’s red glare, the bombs
bursting in air, (We will
gather and cheer, in a week will we care?)
Gave proof through the night that our flag
was still there (Will we give
thanks in a prayer?)
O say does that star-spangled banner yet wave
(Will we honor those who gave to
save?)
O’er the land of the free and the home of the
brave?” (And the one
who conquered the grave?)

https://amhistory.si.edu/starspangledbanner/the-lyrics.aspx Lyrics by Francis Scott Key–afterthoughts by me)

The words of The Star Spangled Banner are meaningful for me and an old rugged cross made me completely free. I’ll never take my freedom for granted. With my freedom, comes responsibility. I’m not angry or radical, I’ll use love & common sense–be kind to my friends on each side of the fence. It’s fine to be proud and love where I live, and honor all who died, and those who still give. There are many hurting, grieving, sad, and alone. Can we help one another, put down the stone–will compassion be shown? Today, tomorrow, or the end of July? Will we wait, procrastinate, deny, and justify?

 Friends, you light up my sky like the 4th of July. God bless you all. You are loved.❣️

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Have faith ❤️🤍💙

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80 thoughts on “Jubilant July”

  1. Willie Torres Jr.'s avatar Willie Torres Jr.

    Amen 🙏🤗♥️🇺🇸

    This was so Beautiful ❤️🤍💙 What a Wonderful Post.

    Thank you for sharing.

    Reply

    1. Happy July, Willie! You’re so sweet! Thank you so much! I appreciate you–it’s my blessing to share! Thank you for your love and support, dear friend. ❤️🤍💙🙏

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      1. Willie Torres Jr.'s avatar Willie Torres Jr.

        Happy July. You Are Very Welcome. It was a Very wonderful and wonderfully created Post and Poem. Very Beautiful ..

  2. Susan Gillen's avatar Susan Gillen

    AMEN!!! Karla, My Mom used to say, “Kill ’em with kindness.” If taken literally, it sounds horrible & of course I would NOT do that! That’s not a genuine or authentic way to be kind. Yet, I understand her deeper meaning of using kindness to stop the negative, conflict, mean spirit, etc.! She had a nicer saying that I use all the time. “You can catch my flies with honey rather than vinegar!” Much more positive, productive, meaningful things are done with kind actions/words than in negative actions/words. EVERYTHING you said reinforces my Mom’s ideas. Is it easy to be kind? Yes & then sometimes not so easy! With God, all things are possible! That’s been the USA saving grace! Jesus help all of us find our way to you! Thank you for your love, kindness & inspiration through your gifts of writing, photography and a tender caring nature! All praise and honor go to our God the Father, the Son our Savior and the Holy Spirit! Happy 4th of July! I love ya, Sue

    Reply
  4. Ginger Salvatore's avatar Ginger Salvatore

    Beautiful post Karla, very nicely done. Wishing you and Sweet Miss Finley a jubilant Fourth of July and an amazing July to follow.

    July 4th is about so much more than backyard barbecues and fireworks displays and parades. We should all take at least a few moments to give thanks to those who ensured, and continue to ensure, our freedom.

    Ginger🦋 Sent from my iPad

    >

    Reply

    1. Beautiful words of wisdom, dear Ginger! Finn and I send our love and hugs to you today and every day. You always bring such joy and comfort! I wish you all the best–prayers for good health, humor, and yes, together we can give thanks for all who lost for us to win! 💕❤️🤍🤗

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  5. Amen!

    What a beautiful sentiment for what this country stands for. Truly an inspirational and patriotic post.

    Happy Independence Day! ❤️🤍💙🇺🇸🙏

    Stay safe out there. 🙏🙏

    Reply

    1. Thank you, Cindy! God bless you and Henry, too! I tried to go to your place–I’ll try again my friend. WP had a few hiccups this morning. I’m so glad we’re here together! 🙏💕🐾

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      1. Something weird is happening on Word Press today. I haven’t been able to type the letter i in the comments on some of the blogs I follow! I had to type my message in a Word doc, then copy and paste it into the comment section. It’s not my computer. It’s Word Press. Really strange! God bless WP! 🙏 🐾 💕

  9. Oh! Your afterthoughts add so much to our national anthem. And your poem after (even though not written in meter and it took a while to realize there is rhythm and rhyme) is super! Thank you Karla!

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    1. Pete, I would’ve used this poem, had I got it in on time for a possible piece–I was thinking of it with the residents. My heart is feeling pulled to do something similar here. WIll you join me in prayer about that? My brother-in-law would be interested in joining me, too. I pray for you DIL and all of you as you continue blessing all of those around you. I appreciate you! God bless you and yours. Happy Independence Day (I was thinking about how these residents have lost their independence–and many are dependent on those who take care of them. I’m still independent; yet, I’m completely dependent on God as there is so much I can’t do or shouldn’t do–just utterly surrendering to him). Stay safe and enjoy the holiday celebrations!

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  11. Love your words, dear Karla. They are filled with Hope, optimism, faith and patriotism. May God become our focus in America again. The. We wii know what freedom truly is.

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    1. Thank you, Mama K. You always encourage me! Yes, I listened to Reba McEntire and Lauren Daigle sing, “Give this World Back to God” (I think that’s the title) and it was powerful! Freedom. Love. Grace. Mercy!

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  12. Karla
    I don’t read a lot of posts like Pam does but I certainly enjoyed reading this one. What a wonderful and creative way to use our National Anthem. Such a meaningful reminder of our blessings as a nation and most of all, the true freedom found only in Christ. Thank you for sharing.
    Butch and Pam

    Reply

    1. Butch, your thoughtful words touch my heart! Thank you! I always enjoy your writing and quotes so your comments mean so much to me. You understand the message I hope to convey about our freedoms and why we have them. I appreciate both of you and all the ways you’ve supported me throughout these years. God bless you all–Happy 4th of July! Give my love to Pam and may you all stay safe and as healthy as possible! ❤️🤍💙🙏🤗

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  13. I love how you closed with the Eleanor Roosevelt quote, Karla! The part about true patriotism means wanting freedom for all is an eye opener. Americans should seek life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness for the world—not just ourselves.

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    1. David, thank you for your support and kindness! I’m so happy you love that quote too. Seek it all for the entire world! Many blessings my friend.🙏🏻

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  14. Karla…does your heart beat or sing? 🤗🤣 Probably both 🤗

    A patriotic delightful read kind lady. There is few things that bring people together with a flag of belief, and thankfully good ones too. The Olympics is a great place to cheer and encourage all athletes to give of their best and be cheered for it, regardless where they come.

    It always amazes me that they become the best in an entire country, and to just be there to represent a country is incredible, and then go beyond it in those many medals.

    Thank you for the star spangled share kind lady, may the flag in your heart cheer the loudest. Big hugs to you and Finn, and a flag waving to you from ‘over here’ 🤗🤣❤️🙏

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  17. Wonderful, Karla! I have to say, the picture book of The Star-Spangled Banner is one of the best, for adults and children. Please check it out at your public library. It has far more and brings the song to life. I learned what a ‘towering steep’ was. The book is by Peter Spier.

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    1. Thank you, Jennie! I remember that book~it’s so beautiful! I will go to the library (which I love to do!). You’re a treasure trove, dear Jennie! Happy 4th! I appreciate you so much!♥️🤍💙

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  19. Karla this post is marvelous! I was just thinking about a sitter we had when I was only 5. She did a similar thing with The Lord’s Prayer. The first part has stuck with me all these years: Our Father (not yours or mine but ours together)…. A very happy 4th to you and Finley! The fireworks have been booming since noon and Mochi has been getting increasingly nervous. I suspect she’ll be sleeping in our room tonight!!

    Reply

    1. Thank you,Val! You are so kind!!! I appreciate your kind words and support–always!
      That beginning prayer will stick with me, too. I understand!
      Poor Mochi–give her a hug from Finn and I. Finn doesn’t get nervous about storms or fireworks–only in the car! Lol. But she sleeps with me–or should I say–is attached to me, at nights anyway (and right now, she is only 3 ft behind me sleeping on my bed). We love you two!

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  24. Blessings Karla for sharing the voice of compassion for Jesus and this nation. Your use of Francis Scott Key’s words open an honest dialogue. Eleanor Roosevelt’s quote wraps it all up. Speaking softly throughout is the Word.

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    1. Blessings to you, Richard! Thank you for your thoughtful and positive feedback! You know the message I hoped to convey. I appreciate you. Many blessings and happy 4th!

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    1. Thank you, C. That means so much to me. These words,…”savor and celebrate the potent aspects of life.” Beautiful, big sis. Your support and love have boosted me over these years. I love you.❤️🙏🏻💕

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  29. I love that you are kind to your friends on each side of the fence, Karla. And I love that you quote Eleanor Roosevelt. She is one of my heroes and I would vote for her for President without hesitation.

    I hope July will bring you much joy and jubilance. 🦋

    Reply

    1. Tanja, thank you, my friend. Eleanor Roosevelt is one of my many women heroes. I’d vote for her, too!
      It’s important to me to stay on the side of love. I hate the hate in this country. I consider myself practical and a good steward of learning and discipline (much practice!), I want good things for humans~not a juxtaposition for jabbing one another?
      July is bringing it already, Tanja~good memories and events. I hope it is for you, too.
      BTW~ I may make it at least to Denver in August! It’s a conference, but I’ll shoot for it. 🙏🏻 🏔️

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      1. I agree that we need to stay away from hate and disdain, no matter how much of an effort it takes.

        Let me know if you have any down time during your conference in August and maybe we can meet halfway for a walk or something else. There are many beautiful open spaces in Douglas County which is north of Colorado Springs and south of Denver.

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  35. I love the juxtaposition of Francis Scott Key’s “Star Spangled Banner” lyrics and your afterthoughts, sweet friend! Hope your July has been filled full of jubilees, and stars, and lots of love. I’m catching up here on WordPress, but not a day goes by without you in my thoughts, heart, and prayers.

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    1. Sister C–you know how I feel about you, I hope! What a sizzling summer to say the least! You know, you know…you’re living it and giving me inspiration in ways you don’t even know. I love you and am praying for you!

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