Finding Faith in Our Freedom
As we celebrate Independence Day, it's a perfect time to reflect on the freedom we cherish as Americans and as believers. This July 4th weekend, why not plan a staycation that centers around faith, family, and meaningful connections? With prices soaring, a faith-filled staycation can be both economical and enriching. Our previous blog on staycations offers great tips on how to create memorable moments right at home. Revisit it here.
Faith-Filled Activities for a Meaningful Weekend
Imagine a weekend filled with heartfelt conversations, prayer sessions, and creative crafts with your loved ones and friends. Start your morning with a family devotional, using our prayer request and praise report form to strengthen your bond with God, each other, and invite other believers to petition and rejoice with you. Also, add a daily reading from Jesus Calling: 365 Devotions For Kids: Girls edition, Live in the Light: 5 Minute Devotions for Teen girls, or Doodle Devotions for Girls. These devotion options will help your children develop a personal relationship with Jesus, setting a positive tone for the day. For more summer reading suggestions and devotionals, check out our Summer Reading Recommendations blog and sign up to get notified of new summer reads!
Then, plan a fun, modest fashion show with pieces from our Divine Comfort Modest Summer Collection, like our Modest Trim Elastic Waist Skirt. As you move on to swimwear for the pool, water, or beach, consider stylish and modest options for both moms and pre/adolescent teen girls. Check out our recommendations for Uideazone Girls One Piece Swimsuit with Cover Up Wrap Skirt Set or Oranchids Girls 3 Piece Swimsuit for tweens and adolescent girls. For moms, options like the Hilor Women's One Piece Swimwear Front Crossover Swimsuit, MINKPINK Constance Ruched Women's One Piece Swimsuit, or the Women's One Piece Swimsuit with Cover Up Skirt offer both style and modesty. These swimsuits provide comfort and confidence, making family pool days both fun and fashionable. Enjoy the comfort and style that align with our values while staying fashionable. These are some of the ways to mix fun and faith while staying comfortable and stylish!
Inspiring Family Reading Time
Reading together as a family can be a powerful way to bond and learn. Here are some books to read out loud and chapter books for older kids that explore the history of the United States' freedom since 1776:
For Family Read-Aloud Audiobooks:
- The Story of America's Birthday" by Patricia A. Pingry: A delightful picture book that explains the history of Independence Day to young children.
- The Flag We Love" by Pam Muñoz Ryan: A beautifully illustrated book that celebrates the American flag and what it represents.
- Little Town on the Prairie" by Laura Ingalls Wilder: This audio book follows Laura's family celebrating the Fourth of July in De Smet, South Dakota, featuring memorable patriotic moments like reading the Constitution and singing "The Star-Spangled Banner.
Chapter Books for Ages 8+:
- The Signers: The 56 Stories Behind the Declaration of Independence" by Dennis Brindell Fradin: Engaging stories of the signers of the Declaration of Independence.
- "Johnny Tremain" by Esther Forbes: This audio historical novel set during the Revolutionary War, perfect for middle-grade readers.
- "George Washington's Secret Six: The Spy Ring That Saved the American Revolution" (Young Readers Adaptation) by Brian Kilmeade and Don Yaeger: A fascinating look at the espionage efforts during the American Revolution. Audio book.
Balancing faith and patriotism can be challenging, especially with concerns about Christian nationalism. Here are some insightful resources to help navigate this complex issue:
- "The Religious Beliefs of America's Founders: Reason, Revelation, and Revolution (American Political Thought)" by Gregg L. Frazer explores the diverse religious perspectives of America's founders and their impact on the nation's political philosophy.
- "The Myth of a Christian Nation: How the Quest for Political Power Is Destroying the Church" by Gregory A. Boyd: An insightful book that discusses the dangers of conflating nationalism with Christianity.
- "Patriotism and Christianity" by Leo Tolstoy: A classic work examining the conflict between patriotism and the teachings of Jesus.
A Real Story of Freedom and Faith
One of our beloved supporters shared how her family's July 4th staycation turned into a powerful prayer retreat. Inspired by the freedom we celebrate, they dedicated time to pray for our nation and their community. “It was a transformative experience, blending our love for our freedoms with our faith in God,” she said. Freedom comes with a price. On earth, nations fight battles. In the spiritual, Jesus fought and died to free us from the slavery and eternal death caused by sin. Create memories this weekend and share them with us in the comments or on our socials to inspire others to reflect on the long journey from our nation's foundation, and how the good and bad brought us to where we are today.
Scripture to Meditate On
"If My people who are called by My name will humble themselves, and pray and seek My face, and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin and heal their land." - 2 Chronicles 7:14 (NKJV)
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