Hot dogs, Soldiers & Elijah

Memorial Day is a great time to celebrate everything American.

Like a great hot dog all dolled up with your favorite condiments. Mustard, relish and a little onion on mine. Good ole frankfurters scream the beginning of summer and cook outs. What's your favorite way to decorate your dog?

America means freedom to me. Freedom to make choices, to openly worship my Heavenly Father, and to share this great country with fellow citizens by exercising our right to vote. And none of that would be possible today without the American Soldier. I'm so grateful for the men and women, past and present, who choose to serve our country by giving of themselves. Yes, it's a career. But considering the sacrifice made every day by these warriors, it's sorely underpaid and unappreciated. The decision to serve our country often takes them to dangerous and faraway places for months at a time. Away from family and the safety of the homeland.  

So a great, big thank you to all American soldiers for loving our country enough to sacrifice and protect our homes and rights. May God bless each of you with safety, courage and peace.  

I've one last thing to share. I love the song, "Days of Elijah." And I have a soft spot for men in uniform. So this song sung by these young Marines brings tears to my eyes. Everytime. So grab a tissue if you're sappy like me and check out this video.

God bless America. Hooray!!

American Marines singing "Days of Elijah"

By the grace of God and perpetual spiritual and emotional renovation, Tammy Van Gils writes and blogs about Hope for the Everblooming Life at Tammyvangils.com. She is a member of American Christian Fiction Writers Association and Word Word Weavers International. Visit her on Facebook  and Twitter.