“This I learned from the 4th of July: You shouldn’t let your children bond with the turtle bombs before you light them on fire and blow them up. Reagan was especially wide-eyed and in shock when the back-end exploded off and the turtle started shooting flames from its mouth.”

My, what a lovely country,
Americans, we are blessed!
Any direction one turns,
Her great beauty takes your breath.

The tall majestic mountains
With glistening snow crowned heads,
Blue mysterious oceans
Waves of sparkling water spread.

Beautiful grassy meadows
Cool refreshing mountain springs,
The gorgeous golden sunsets,
The wild untamed rolling plains.

Kingly trees with arms reaching
To offer their treasures rare,
Gorgeous flowered decor
Of garden palaces fair.

The symphony of raindrops
Pitter pattering the ground,
Choruses of sweet song birds
Serenading where they’re found.

Musicians of small creatures
From crickets to the jar flies,
Lightening bugs wink at us
Illuminates velvet skies.

Beautiful America,
God has shed His grace on thee;
Beautiful America,
Yes, far as the eye can see.

Beautiful America,
Blessed with strength and liberty,
Beautiful America,
Thank God, you are my country!

Maraschino cherries, whipped topping and chocolate shavings, for garnish

Put cherry yogurt, cherries and milk in an electric blender; blend well. Add frozen yogurt; blend until smooth. Pour into chilled glasses. May garnish with whipped topping, chocolate shavings and cherries. Makes 2 (8-ounce) servings.

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Thanks for being a part of our Coffee Cup Friends family!

We’ve prepared some great recipes and other fun ideas to help make your 4th of July celebrations enjoyable. Below is a recipe to get you started. Then, we’ve also included more delicious, patriotic recipes, and two links: “Anytime Grilling” (hints, tips, and recipes for grilling perfection) and “Celebrating the 4th With Kids” (awesome ideas to keep the little ones entertained).  Enjoy!

FIRECRACKER CHILI DOGS
1 pound lean ground beef or turkey
1 cup chopped onion
1 (8-oz.) can tomato sauce
1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
a dash of hot pepper sauce
1/2 teaspoon chili powder
1/4 teaspoon pepper
1 – 2 teaspoons brown sugar
8 turkey hot dogs, cooked or grilled
8 hot dog buns split and lightly toasted
Cheddar cheese, shredded

Brown ground beef (or turkey) and onions in a medium skillet over medium heat, Break up the meat as you stir. Drain fat and reduce heat to low. Stir in tomato sauce, Worcestershire and hot pepper sauce, chili powder, pepper and brown sugar. SIMMER for about 10-12 minutes, stirring occasionally. Place cooked hot dogs in toasted buns. Spoon 1/4-cup cooked sauce over each hot dog. Top with shredded cheese. Makes 8 servings.

MORE RECIPES ||  ANYTIME GRILLING ||  CELEBRATING the 4th with KIDS

This week we are including HEALTHY SNACK IDEAS. Just pick out your favorites and be sure to keep a good supply on hand. They are nutritious and easy to prepare for those “I need to munch” moments of your day.

“For as in those days which were before the flood they were eating and drinking, they were marrying and giving in marriage, until the day that Noah entered the ark, and they did not understand (know) until the flood came and took them all away, so shall the coming of the Son of Man be.” Matthew 24:38-39.

There is nothing wrong with eating and drinking. We must do that for survival. Moreover, as far as marrying and giving in marriage is concerned, that is God-ordained and necessary for the survival of the structure of the family. However, if these are the things we spend time thinking about and are in a world of our own, where undue concern lies, we will not comprehend what is going on right under our noses. We won’t be heeding the signs God always sends. We will be quite unaware of the big picture.

So, what were the days of Noah like? The Bible reference tells us the condemned people were without understanding of the times until the flood came and took them all away. There was only one way to get into the ark and at an appointed time, God Himself closed the door. Up until the closing of the door all who passed by Noah’s daily routine of building the ark had a choice. However, once that door was closed, there was no more choice. When the rains began to fall and the flood waters began to suck their breath away, they were left with their knowledge and imminent death.