A husband and wife team of researchers, the founders of Empty Tomb, Inc., in Champaign, Illinois, have tracked American and American Christian expenditures as well as global needs. John and Sylvia Ronsvalle have estimated that $70-$80 billion a year could meet the most essential human needs around the world. "Projects for clean water and sanitation, prenatal and infant/maternal care, basic education, immunizations, and long-term development efforts are among the activities that could help overcome the poverty conditions that now kill and maim so many children and adults."

The Ronsvalles go on to write, "That figure of $70-$80 billion may sound like anything but good news. God may be generous, you may agree, but has he been that generous? Consider this: If church members in the United States would increase their giving to 10 percent of their income, there could be an additional $86 billion available for overseas missions."

The clock is my dictator, I shall not rest.  It makes me lie down only when exhausted.  It leads me to deep depression.  It hounds my soul.  It leads me in circles of frenzy for activity's sake.  Even though I run frantically from task to task, I will never get it all done, for my "Ideal" is with me.  Deadlines and my need for approval, they drive me. They demand performance from me, beyond the limits of my schedule.  They anoint my head with migraines.  My in-basket overflows.  Surely fatigue and time pressure shall follow me all the days of my life, and I will dwell in the bonds of frustration forever

This morning I want to take a few minutes to share my heart with you about our country.

This week we will celebrate the 230^th anniversary of our nation’s birth. God has blessed each of us with the privilege of living in The United States of America.  I do believe it is by His grace that we live were we do. Being a resident of this country grants us great privileges and great responsibilities. We are privileged to be able to be right here this morning in a public building worshipping the God of the Universe and we do not have to worry the police will show up and take us to prison.

One of our greatest responsibilities is to pray for our leaders – actually we are commanded to pray for them by our Lord Jesus. This doesn’t mean we only pray for those leaders with whom we agree, we are to pray for each and every one of them. Personally, I pray God will place people of influence in their paths and guide all of their decision in the direction God wants. No matter what your political bent is, we have many people to thank for our freedom to be here today.

At this very moment, young men and women are placing their very lives on the line in order for us to be here. Being the mom of a former Marine, I know in my heart the depths of their love for our country and the conviction of their resolve. They want each of us to continue to celebrate the freedom we take for granted all too often. My dad was a sailor in World War II, my middle brother was a Marine in Vietnam, and my son completed his enlistment with the Marine Corps of June 9^th of this year. I was raised to love my God and to love my country. But one of the most important lessons I learned growing up was to be thankful for the sacrifices people made so I can enjoy the life I have been blessed to lead. Without these brave men and women and their families who support them, I believe, I would not be allowed to stand here today and share my heart with you.

Take a minute today to say a simple thank you to someone you know has served our country. Take the time to share the history of our country with your children – not the politically correct history but the true history of hard work and sacrifice our forefathers made - and teach them to pray for our leaders. Teach them to love and treasure the freedoms we are privileged to have each and every day. Never let them forget there are people who they will never know who sacrifice their lives for them willingly and without regret.

God Bless America,

Carolyn Speir