Happy Birthday America! 1776 – 2010

God Bless America…Land that I Love

JESUS My Lord and Savior

All Rights Reserved ©2009-2010 –Anastasia Diamond

The United States of America

234th Birthday

July 4, 2010

I love America! It is my homeland. My ancestors, and probably yours, endured many hardships to come to the land of the free…and home of the brave.

Our beautiful nation, America, is now standing on gravely unstable ground; physically, politically, judiciously, economically, and spiritually.

Our homeland, now sold off from sea to shining sea; piece by piece…to and by those who do not hold our country’s liberty, people, beliefs, or best interest at heart.

We are witnessing the foundations of American freedom…questioned, mocked, and maligned from within our own government.

Our former pride in home and country…is now shamed by legal proposals and decisions that often compromise America’s established family values.

What’s wrong with me? I still get a lump in my throat and a thump in my heart when I pledge allegiance to our flag. Do you? Tears still dampen my eyes when I hear God Bless America, The Star Spangled Banner, America the Beautiful, My Country ‘Tis of Thee, and Proud to be an American/God Bless the USA. What about you?

Let’s not just pay lip service to our country; wearing patriotism on our sleeves or a T-shirt. Let us remember that we are Christ-Followers who are to pray for all of our leaders, whether we agree with their religion or politics.

Father God, I pray You will pour out Your blessings on the United States of America; granting Godly discernment, wisdom, knowledge, and action to our people and our leaders…and return America to a government of the people, by the people, and for the people.

Father God, You give clear direction in Your word for all people:

If you fully obey the LORD your God and carefully follow all his commands I give you today, the LORD your God will set you high above all the nations on earth. Deuteronomy 28:1

Father God, You give clear direction in Your word for Christians:

If my people, who are called by my name, will humble themselves and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then will I hear from heaven and will forgive their sin and will heal their land. 2 Chronicles 7:14

All Rights Reserved ©2009-2010…”JESUS my Lord and Savior-ANASTASIA DIAMOND’S Prayerful Reflections…and Photographs on a Spiritual Journey from Darkness into HIS Light” Unauthorized use and/or duplication of this material without express and written permission from Anastasia Diamond is strictly prohibited. Excerpts and links may be used, provided full and clear credit is given author/photographer and with appropriate and specific direction to the original content at: https://jesusmylordandsavior.wordpress.com/

God Bless America

©Irving Berlin 1918

God Bless America.
Land that I love

Stand beside her, and guide her
Thru the night with a light from above.
From the mountains, to the prairies ,
To the oceans, white with foam

God bless America
My home sweet home.
God Bless America,
Land that I love

Stand beside her,
And guide her,
Through the night
With the light from above,
From the mountains,
To the prairies,
To the ocean,
White with foam,

God bless America,
My home sweet home.
God bless America,
My home sweet home.

…Our Flag Was Still There!

The Star Spangled Banner (National Anthem)

©Francis Scott Key,  September 1814

Oh, say, can you see, by the dawn’s early light,
What so proudly we hailed at the twilight’s last gleaming?
Whose broad stripes and bright stars, thru the perilous fight,
O’er the ramparts we watched, were so gallantly streaming?
And the rockets’ red glare, the bombs bursting in air,
Gave proof through the night that our flag was still there.
O say, does that star-spangled banner yet wave
O’er the land of the free and the home of the brave?

On the shore dimly seen through the mists of the deep,
Where the foe’s haughty host in dread silence reposes,
What is that which the breeze, o’er the towering steep,
As it fitfully blows, half conceals, half discloses?
Now it catches the gleam of the morning’s first beam,
In full glory reflected, now shines on the stream:
Tis the star-spangled banner: O, long may it wave
O’er the land of the free and the home of the brave!

My Country,’ Tis of Thee

©Samuel F. Smith, 1808-1895

My country,’ tis of thee, sweet land of liberty, of thee I sing;

land where my fathers died, land of the pilgrims’ pride,

from every mountainside let freedom ring!

My native country, thee, land of the noble free, thy name I love; I love thy rocks and rills, thy woods and templed hills;

my heart with rapture thrills, like that above.

Let music swell the breeze,

and ring from all the trees sweet freedom’s song;

let mortal tongues awake; let all that breathe partake;

let rocks their silence break, the sound prolong.

Our fathers’ God, to thee, author of liberty, to thee we sing;

long may our land be bright with freedom’s holy light;

protect us by thy might, great God, our King.

Stars and Stripes Forever

God Bless the USA

©Lee Greenwood

If tomorrow all the things were gone

..I’d worked for all my life

And I had to start again

. . with just my children and my wife,

I’d thank my lucky stars

. . to be livin’ here today.

Cause the flag still stands for freedom

. . And they can’t take that away.

And I’m proud to be an American

Where at least I know I’m free

And I won’t forget the men who died

Who gave that right to me

And I gladly stand up

. . next to you and defend her still today

Cause there ain’t no doubt I love this land

God bless the USA

From the lakes of Minnesota

… To the hills of Tennessee

… Across the plains of Texas

… From sea to shining sea

… From Detroit down to Houston

… And New York to LA

Well there’s pride in every American heart

And its time we stand and say..

That I’m proud to be an American

Where at least I know I’m free

And I won’t forget the men who died

Who gave that right to me

And I gladly stand up . . next to you and defend her still today

Cause there ain’t no doubt I love this land

God bless the USA

And I’m proud to be an American

Where at least I know I’m free

And I won’t forget the men who died

Who gave that right to me

And I gladly stand up . . next to you and defend her still today

Cause there ain’t no doubt I love this land

…GOD Bless the USA!

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New York Times…A MOMENT in TIME…and Me!

New York Times…

A MOMENT in TIME

World-Wide Photo Submission

I participated. Did you?

JESUS My Lord and Savior

©All Rights reserved -Anastasia Diamond

My great little digital camera and I went for a 10 minute ride this morning…to take a picture at 8:00 A.M. P.S.T. and participate in the New York Times’ A MOMENT in TIME world-wide photo submission.

The idea, as I understand it, was for people all over the globe to take a photograph at the same moment in time; then submit to the New York Times for publication…to create a mosaic capturing that one specific ‘moment in time’.

While waiting for that eight o’clock hour, I watched crows playing in the breeze, listened to birds singing their morning melody, and watched in amazement as a coyote meandered by…appearing far too focused on his search for a morning meal to be concerned about me.

I submitted this photo in the Nature and the Environment category

My photo is of a local grove of uniquely beautiful Joshua trees, shot against the clear blue Antelope Valley morning sky in the Mojave Desert of Southern California. Oh, and by the way, I did not color-enhance this photo. The westward facing morning sky really is that blue!

Some interesting facts about the Joshua tree…

Joshua trees only grow on the Mojave Desert; they are the largest of the yuccas,  a member of the lily family, and flower about every two years with lovely, large creamy white blooms…that look much prettier than they smell.

Joshuas are a hardy breed that can live about two hundred years, with some species living to an astounding one thousand years. They have a double root system; one deep and one shallow, which enables them to thrive and survive in the high and dry desert with elevations of  2,000 to 6,000 feet.

The majestic and fascinating Joshua tree got its name from Mormon pioneers as they crossed the Mojave Desert. The Joshua’s unique reaching branches reminded them of the Biblical old testament prophet, Joshua, reaching his hands in prayer…waving them on to the Promised Land.

I enjoyed participating in this historic and fun project. Thank you, New York Times!

All Rights Reserved ©2009-2010…”JESUS my Lord and Savior-ANASTASIA DIAMOND’S Prayerful Reflections…and Photographs on a Spiritual Journey from Darkness into HIS Light” Unauthorized use and/or duplication of this material without express and written permission from Anastasia Diamond is strictly prohibited. Excerpts and links may be used, provided full and clear credit is given author/photographer and with appropriate and specific direction to the original content at: https://jesusmylordandsavior.wordpress.com/

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THANKSGIVING: A Presidential Proclamation

A Bouquet of Thankfulness

JESUS my Lord and Savior

©All Rights Reserved-Anastasia Diamond

As our nation prepares for Thanksgiving, let us look back to the foundation of the decree that established this day to thank, praise and acknowledge God for His abundant blessings.

In 1863, prominent magazine editor of her time, Sarah Josepha Hale wrote a letter urging President Abraham Lincoln to establish a national day of Thanksgiving and Praise.

President Abraham Lincoln’s Thanksgiving Proclamation

Washington, DC—October 3, 1863

The year that is drawing toward its close has been filled with the blessings of fruitful fields and healthful skies. To these bounties, which are so constantly enjoyed that we are prone to forget the source from which they come, others have been added which are of so extraordinary a nature that they can not fail to penetrate and soften even the heart which is habitually insensible to the ever-watchful providence of Almighty God.

In the midst of a civil war of unequaled magnitude and severity, which has sometimes seemed to foreign states to invite and to provoke their aggression, peace has been preserved with all nations, order has been maintained, the laws have been respected and obeyed, and harmony has prevailed everywhere, except in the theater of military conflict, while that theater has been greatly contracted by the advancing armies and navies of the Union.

Needful diversions of wealth and of strength from the fields of peaceful industry to the national defense have not arrested the plow, the shuttle, or the ship; the ax has enlarged the borders of our settlements, and the mines, as well as the iron and coal as of our precious metals, have yielded even more abundantly than heretofore. Population has steadily increased notwithstanding the waste that has been made in the camp, the siege, and the battlefield, and the country, rejoicing in the consciousness of augmented strength and vigor, is permitted to expect continuance of years with large increase of freedom. No human counsel hath devised nor hath any mortal hand worked out these great things. They are the gracious gifts of the Most High God, who, while dealing with us in anger for our sins, hath nevertheless remembered mercy.

It has seemed to me fit and proper that they should be solemnly, reverently, and gratefully acknowledged, as with one heart and one voice, by the whole American people. I do therefore invite my fellow-citizens in every part of the United States, and also those who are in foreign lands, to set apart and observe the last Thursday of November next as a day of thanksgiving and praise to our beneficent Father who dwelleth in the heavens. And I recommend to them that while offering up the ascriptions justly due to Him for such singular deliverances and blessings they do also, with humble penitence for our national perverseness and disobedience, commend to His tender care all those who have become widows, orphans, mourners, or sufferers in the lamentable civil strife in which we are unavoidably engaged, and fervently implore the imposition of the Almighty hand to heal the wounds of the nation and to restore it, as soon as may be consistent with the divine purpose, to the full enjoyment of peace, harmony, tranquillity, and union.

In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand and caused the seal of the United States to be affixed.

Done at the city of Washington, this 3d day of October, A.D. 1863, and of the Independence of the United States the eighty-eighth.

By the President: Abraham Lincoln

William H. Seward,
Secretary of State

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Independence Day 2009…Put on the Whole Armor of God

HIS Believers…HIS Church…May GOD Bless America and all HIS Creation

JESUS my Lord and Savior

© All Rights Reserved 2009-2010 -Anastasia Diamond

Independence Day July 4, 2009

As we in America approach Independence Day this 4^th of July 2009, we face growing  unprecedented national and international man-made crisis and governmental decisions– coupled with ever-increasing satan inspired confusion. We also watch, as America and the world suffers through continually escalating natural disasters taking unbearable human toll.

Indeed, the current forecast for America…and the world is rather gloomy to say the least. We are learning to live in a post 911 era under the threat of terrorists – with wars – and rumors of plausible impending nuclear war. With increasing crime and decreasing morality, comes the clear decline of human decency that is rampant throughout the world. Yes – this is the America – and the world…we live in today.

We are Under Attack….

Dear ones…We in America are under attack in our land, in our government, and in our Constitution; in our military, businesses, finances, and health care; in our court system, universities and schools; in our entertainment: movies, music, television, radio, and advertisements. We are burdened and under attack in our workplaces, homes, marriages…and in our families. Our adults, our children…and our unborn babies are under attack. America is under attack – in our bodies, minds, spirit… and, in our churches. America – and the world is under attack.

Where is the Hope?

Our Hope is in Jesus and His promises. Not in man and his promises. The New Testament reminds us to watch and pray. To be alert and to stay awake with watchfulness and caution.

Luke 12:35 reminds us to Be Dressed for Service…and In Readiness.

What Can I Do?

The Israelites wore loose flowing robes that were very impractical for work, travel, or battle as they were. Unless they were girded up…they were not ready–and neither are we. It is due time that we too need to gird up for work, travel and battle.

Christians in America and throughout the world need to be strong; we face a battle. We need to get ready for many difficult decisions and tasks ahead. We must gird up our loins…and prepare ourselves to battle for God and country.

Ephesians 6:11 tells us to put on the ‘Whole Armor of God’ in preparation for our daily battles…that we may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil.

Prayer for America and the World

Will you agree with me in this prayer for America and the World?

Dear Heavenly Father,

We, Your church, prepare to do battle for the United States of America and all the rest of this world You created.

Today we claim victory over satan, and protection over our country and the world, by putting on the Whole Armor of God as we stand individually…and in intercession for America and all of Your creation.

We put on the Girdle of Truth! That we may stand firm in the truth of Your Word…so that we, America and the world, will not fall victim to satan’s confusion and lies.

We put on the Breastplate of Righteousness! May it guard our hearts from evil so we will remain pure and holy…protected by the blood of Jesus Christ while in battle to reclaim America and the world for You.

We put on the Shoes of Peace! May we stand firm in the powerful and Good News of the Gospel…so Your love and Your peace will shine in us and through us…to be a light for You to all we encounter.

We take up the Shield of Faith! May we be ready for satan’s fiery darts of doubt, denial, and deceit against America…so we…and our country will not be vulnerable to spiritual defeat.

We put on the Helmet of Salvation! May we keep our mind focused on You… so satan will not have a stronghold on our thoughts…or on those in positions of leadership in America and throughout the world.

We take up the Sword of the Spirit – Your Word! May the two-edged sword of Your Word by ready in our hands, and our mouths…so we can expose satan’s false and tempting words to America and all of your creation.

By faith in You, we believers – Your Warriors, declare that we have put on the Whole Armor of God. We are now fully prepared to live this and every day in spiritual victory for the United States of America… and all of Your creation here on earth. We pray that You will bless America and all of the countries of Your creation.

Dear Lord, these things I pray in the Name, and Power, and Authority of Your most precious Son, our Lord and Savior; Jesus Christ. –Amen.

Pray This Prayer Often

Pray this prayer often. Restating your commitment to be ready to stand for Him and do battle mentally, emotionally, physically and spiritually. Prepare, stand…and be not shaken. For there is nothing that can happen to you that our heavenly Father is not aware. Draw nearer to Him and He will draw nearer to you.

Declare Your Independence Day!

This year – yes – joyously celebrate your freedom and the birth of our nation, Amercia. But also declare and celebrate your Independence Day. The day you became a blood bought child of the one and only true and living God, Jesus Christ. For, it is only in and through Him that you are truly free!

May God Bless America

May God bless America…and all of His creation…and may He richly and abundantly bless you in all you think, speak, and do.

All Rights Reserved ©2009-2010…”JESUS my Lord and Savior-ANASTASIA DIAMOND’S Prayerful Reflections…and Photographs on a Spiritual Journey from Darkness into HIS Light” Unauthorized use and/or duplication of this material without express and written permission from Anastasia Diamond is strictly prohibited. Excerpts and links may be used, provided full and clear credit is given author/photographer and with appropriate and specific direction to the original content at: https://jesusmylordandsavior.wordpress.com/

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