July 5 Hodgepodge

 Wednesday again, and Joyce is kindly hosting the Hodgepodge over at From This Side of the Pond.  Joyce asks the questions; bloggers copy, paste, and answer them on their own blogs.  On to this week's questions!

1. When and where were the best fireworks you've ever seen? 

I've seen fireworks in a lot of different places, because for years my hubby's vacation time was always the week of the Fourth and was our only time to travel.  We saw fabulous Fourth of July and Canada Day fireworks in various locations. 

I took the photo at top last night at a Fourth of July party we traditionally attend, at the home of my husband's boss.  They always have wonderful fireworks and I felt fortunate to capture this with my Kindle and no expertise whatever.  These backyard fireworks are the best to me because they are shared with friends and family in a beautiful place.

One year we watched the fireworks in Elko, NV from the back yard of friends and that was a very special time and great fireworks as well.  Our hosts brought out a beautiful cake decorated in red, white and blue and we all sang Happy Birthday to America!

Speaking of fireworks...do you know your hot buttons? The things people can say and/or do to set you off? When was the last time someone pushed one of your hot buttons?


 I know that being easily irritated is one of my character flaws, so it's something I pray about frequently.  I know that God doesn't want me to have a short fuse.

"He that is soon angry dealeth foolishly."  (Proverbs 14:17a)

"Wherefore, my beloved brethren, let every man be swift to hear, slow to speak, slow to wrath."  (James 1:19)

 That said, things that can really irritate me are: gossip; inattentiveness; lack of courtesy -- things like that.
                                                            
 2. Have you hosted any outdoor summer parties this year? Attended any? What makes for a great outdoor party?

We have not hosted any outdoor summer parties yet this year, but we still might.

 Yes, we enjoyed a wonderful outdoor graduation party for a girl in our church in June; we had our church 4th of July picnic this past Sunday afternoon; and then last evening attended the Fourth of July picnic and fireworks at the home of friends.

 I think a great outdoor party includes as few flying insects as possible and has both sun and shade available, with seating in both areas.  There is plenty of good food (potlucks are the best!) and ice cold water and non-alcoholic beverages.  There's good fellowship and conversation, with old and new friends and maybe some family as well.  If the evening ends with a campfire or fireworks, even better.

3. What does freedom mean to you?

"There is therefore now no condemnation to them which are in Christ Jesus, who walk not after the flesh, but after the Spirit.

"For the law of the Spirit of life in Christ Jesus hath made me free from the law of sin and death."  (Romans 8:1-2)

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"If the Son therefore shall make you free, ye shall be free indeed."  (John 8:36)

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"Stand fast therefore in the liberty wherewith Christ hath made us free, and be not entangled again with the yoke of bondage." (Galatians 5:1)

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I can't say it any better than that!

4. July is National Cell Phone Courtesy month...what annoys you most about people's cell phone habits?

Talking (or worse, texting) while driving even when it is against the law.  I also find it annoying (or maybe more sad) that people seem to be looking at their screens every waking moment and respond instantly to incessant beeps and chirps.
 

5. What's your current summer anthem?

A hymn has been going through my mind a lot this past week:

"When morning gilds the skies, my heart awaking cries, May Jesus Christ be praised!"

 
6.  Insert your own random thought here. 

Summer in New Hampshire is simply glorious.  Fall is my favorite season, but New Hampshire on a perfect summer day -- blue sky, puffy clouds, sunshine, low humidity, and just enough breeze to keep things comfortable -- is beautiful and -- simply glorious.