Sunday Best!!

Happy 4th of July!!

I feel such gratitude and appreciation for this free land of America. I am so grateful for those who sacrificed so much, sometimes everything, so we can now enjoy the things we so often take for granted. Our family has traveled to many significant  historical sites in American history, an experience I wish all Americans could have.

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I went on a field trip with my son Alex when he was in 4th grade to the Utah State Capital. One of the original copies of the "Declaration of Independance" was being displayed there and traveling the country. It was wonderful to see it. Another treat was to see the original painting by Arnold Friberg, "Prayer at Valley Forge". It was also on display at the capital. Wow! What a beautiful painting. As we came out of the room it was being displayed in, I saw a man talking to people. I said to my son's teacher, "I think that is Arnold Friberg!" So we went over to where he was, and just listened. It was him! He was explaining his feelings about the way George Washington's hands appear in the painting. He said that when he painted it, it was more traditional to paint the hands with the palms together and the hands flat. He wanted to help those viewing the painting to feel the urgency and need for help from God that George Washington must have felt. So he painted the hands clench with the fingers interlocked. It worked, I felt that urgency! I wanted to tell General Washington as I looked at the painting, "It will be okay!! What you're doing now, will work!We do become the land you dream of. Thank you for loving God and fighting for our freedom!"

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Well, Arnold Friberg died this last week. But what a gift he has given to all. You can read about him here!

Thank you Arnold Friberg! Thank you for your life of giving and your faith in God.
Hope your Sunday, July 4th 2010, was the best!!!
Love, Joy