We went to one of the best 4^th of July celebrations ever this year.  The Martins, a local family, hosted this community 4^th of July celebration at their Homeplace.   Mr. Martin invented a piece to help improve tractor performance years ago, which led to the formation of Martin Industries.  Since then the Martin family has continued to create and support industry in our little town.  Beyond that they have displayed a wonderful family legacy that will bless many people for years to come. 

With a visit to their Homeplace, you can see how much they value the Lord, their family and the beautiful scenery here.  There are scriptures noted on signs throughout the property and they have lovingly created a location not only for their own family events, but for the community as well.  Their Homeplace features a pond, a gun club for trap shooting, a softball field, horse shoe pit, playground for the children, a walking trail leading to a waterfall with Genesis 1:31 above it and numerous gazebos and even an outdoor stage. 

But not only is it a beautiful location, their hospitality was amazing.  Many of you may have heard about good old fashioned Southern hospitality, but this family is a walking example of it.  With a large family 3 generations strong, they made everyone welcome.  They drove people around on their property, made sure that we all had a piece of watermelon and organized games.  I wish you all could have bee there to enjoy the music by our local musicians – a little country, a little bluegrass, some gospel and patriotic.  Yep, there were men up there in overalls and one that even played the spoons. 

But here’s what really touched me.  Before the fireworks display (which was shockingly good for such a small community), Mr. Martin and some of his family members dressed in costumes.  His granddaughters were Betsy Ross and Martha Washington who walked among the crowd passing out copies of the Declaration of Independence.  Mr. Martin, himself read the Declaration to us as Thomas Jefferson.  Other family members dressed as Ben Franklin, Abraham Lincoln, and George Washington read comments about God’s hand in the forming and preservation of our country. 

I was amazed to think that this family, who I’m sure are very busy with many responsibilities, took the time to plan and organize this testimony of God’s work in our country.  They had a captive audience and used the time well. 

I left inspired.  I want to leave a legacy that tells and shows others how much God loves us and blesses us, as well as how much we love our family and the people around us.  This 4^th of July was more than just a celebration for us; it was an inspiration!

"We will tell the next generation the praiseworthy deeds of the Lord,

His power and the wonders He has done."
Psalm 78:4