Good?bye...

Why is it "Good" bye? Real goodbyes, the ones that say, 'it will be a while or maybe forever before I see you again,' aren't ever that great. I guess if we are looking at the parting itself as separating on good terms, then it makes an inkling of sense, but otherwise it is just another of those English juxtapositions.

The hardest part of any friendship is when it is time to say goodbye. As much as we might like things to stay the same, change is an inevitable part of life. There is a secret that only real friends know and it is this. All the mountains and valleys in the world cannot separate friends whose hearts are as one.

Allen woke up this morning crying (that was all it took for me to start as well) because he knew that our friends had left and were on their way to Oklahoma. As members of the church we are so blessed with an instant ward family wherever we move to, but there are times when you meet a family that you just click with. It is that kind of friendship that is so hard to see move away. However, it is that kind of friendship that you know won't dissipate with a change in zip code. We miss you already Jensen Family!

Sweet Land of Liberty!

We gather ‘round to celebrate

On Independence Day

Pay homage to our country

As the children run and play.

With barbecues and picnics

And fireworks in the air

The flag we own is proudly flown

To show how much we care.

The stars and stripes spell freedom

She waves upon the breeze

While bursts of colors can be seen

Above the towering trees.

This is all quite wonderful

We revel in delight

But God above in divine love

Has brought this day to light.

With just a stroke of liberty

A touch of His great hand

He gave democracy to us

And helped this country stand.

The stripes upon our stately flag

Were touched by His sweet grace

Each star of white that shines so bright

Reflects His loving face.

So as you turn to face the flag

For battles that were fought

Be filled with pride for those who died

And freedoms that were bought.

But don’t forget to thank the One

That gives the bright display

The reason why we paint the sky

On Independence Day

Happy Independence Day!