July 4th

Today, as we celebrate Independence Day, I would like to share a few of the things I am thankful for:

* I am so very thankful for the men and women that fight to keep us safe. They give up so much so that we can have so much!

* I am thankful for the freedom of religion.

* I am thankful for the freedom to speak my mind.

* I am thankful to live in a society that encourages both of the above.

Happy July 4th everyone...hope you have a safe and fun time!

-Gina

Dream Big

One of my favorite songs ever is "Dream Big" by Ryan Shupe and the RubberBand, here's why:

If there is one thing I wish we could tech every child, it is this...Dream Big. When I led my small group in Children's Ministry, I once told my girls to not only dream big, but to not let anyone tell them that their dreams are too big for them.

How sad is it that we must try and "bring reality" to a young child and squash their dreams? I say, let them dream as big as they want for as long as they can...real life sets in WAY too soon these days! And maybe, just maybe, they will attain their dreams some day...maybe it just takes a "village" (remember the old saying: "It takes a village" to raise a child) with this mindset to turn out a child who does!

Take a moment and read the lyrics (below) and you will see why this is such an amazing song & message.

When you cry be sure to dry your eyes
'Cause better days are sure to come
And when you smile be sure to smile wide
Don't let them know that they have won
And when you walk, walk with pride
Don't show the hurt inside
Because the pain will soon be gone

And when you dream, dream big
As big as the ocean blue
'Cause when you dream it might come true
When you dream, dream big

When you laugh be sure to laugh out loud
'Cause it will carry all your cares away
And when you see, see the beauty all around and in yourself
And it'll help you feel okay
And when you pray, pray for strength
To help you carry on
When the troubles come your way

And when you dream, dream big
As big as the ocean blue
'Cause when you dream it might come true

When you dream, dream big
When you laugh be sure to laugh out loud
'Cause it will carry all your cares away
And when you see, see the beauty all around and in yourself
And it'll help you feel okay
And when you pray, pray for strength
To help you carry on
When the troubles come your way

And when you dream, dream big
As big as the ocean blue
'Cause when you dream it might come true
When you dream, dream big