I know it seems as though I've "fallen off the face of the earth", but I assure you, my friends, I am still here. :) ...sorry about that.

Our family celebrated a wonderful Independence Day yesterday. I was less than thrilled about having to get up by six am on a "supposed holiday", but coming to my senses, I quickly realized that this was to be a great day and I wouldn't want to miss a minute of it. :)

We arrived in Austin, around eight-thirty, and found our place in the Alandale Parade, of which my father's family has been a part for at least fifty years. I've been a member of the jubilant crowd there, for as long as I can remember, and I've certainly participated in my share of flag waving, bike riding, and period dressing.

Well, my little sister, Anna, has been begging me, month after month, to dress up with her for this year's parade, and after promising her I would, I held true to my word. We arrived in full antebellum splendor, and for the love of my dear little sister, I completed the entire walk, even though the humidity could've easily squelched someone. :) It seems the sisterly endeavor was well-blessed by God, for we received second place in the "Best Costume" category, and Anna has been "on cloud nine", ever since. (You should have seen her face, when she had the joy of showing her official certificate to our mom, Mema, and beloved cousins galore.) :)

'Ere long, I was home again, and my evening was spent, reveling in the beauty of a good thunderstorm and hours spent in worship before God. It was such a wonderful day, and I am unspeakably grateful to my loving Lord; the fact that He has given our nation such favor is still a wonder to me, but even more deeply, my heart is stirred to thankful humility by all that the Savior has given to free my heart. So tonight, I look over all the yesterdays that have come before, and I can't wait to stand as witness to all I know the Lord will do in each of the tomorrows to come. :)

God be with you!