why I love America!

If you know me, you know that I am passionate about America. Yes, I LOVE America!!! In fact, my camp name at Pine Cove: Miss America :) A few stories about my love for America...

- A few years back me and some friends (Strahobis) were talking about characteristics we wanted in our future husband. Loving Jesus was a given, so my next criteria, why he has to love America as much as I do (yes I was and am completely serious)

- I sang the National Anthem A LOT in high school...soccer, lacrosse, basketball, baseball, track...all that. I was the girl who sang the National Anthem. some of my friends would sing the National Anthem when I walked in.

Now to WHY I love America.

For the longest time, I always thought that I just loved America and the military and all things dealing with patriotism. I mean, we are SO blessed to be living in this country, how can you not love it?! But then I really started thinking...what began this love?

I think back to 9/11...I remember that day like it was yesterday. I was in 7th grade and remember the moment I heard that the Pentagon was hit by a plane. My dad at the time worked at the Pentagon. Shock and fear is what I remember feeling before finding out that my dad was ok. The days after 9/11, I remember how everyone came together. We were one. I think that is when my love for America really boomed (if that makes sense). Just seeing friends and family love regardless of anything really brings a smile on my face.

But I think the deepest root to my love is my dad! I am a daddy's girl and will always be proud of my dad. He served in the Air Force for 20 years and I love how he put time into serving our country to keep our freedom. We are SO blessed here in America and I thank each and every person in the armed forces for it!

Anyways, people may make fun of me for my America love (it is hilar when I just shout I love America), but I thought it appropriate to explain the why behind the craziness.

God has blessed us with an incredible country filled with freedom.

So on this 4th, take a moment to just count your blessings. And while you are wearing that red white and blue and lighting off fireworks, remember why we are STILL here, living freely.