The smile of love

You can tell a great deal about a man (or woman) by the way they smile. Just as the eyes are the window to the soul, a smile can tell tales about the heart. It can be a thin mask over pain, or an outlet for overwhelming joy. A sardonic grin or a mischievous one. A person's face is usually the first place they will show reactions. With your smile, you can encourage or crush a struggling friend.
One of the major things that makes a room full of people seem cold and lonely is the lack of a warm smile. It can mean so much to a hurting person to have some one look them in the eyes and give that genuine sign of love. It does not take any time for some one busy, nor much effort from some one tired; and yet what a world of difference it can make. It also can work back round to you; as you see your smile returned or simply as you improve your own attitude and lift your spirits.
So why do we not make that effort? Are we just too self-absorbed? Do we expect others to reach out to us and meet our needs before we think that they could need the encouragement as much as us? I know I often do.
Jesus did not come to be served, but to be servant of all. That is a lowly position indeed. He did not court the attentions of the rich and lofty; He, the Son of the Most High God, lifted up fishermen and publicans and ministered to their empty souls.

Even so, we are called to do.

"Beloved, if God so loved us, we ought also to love one another. "
~ 1 John 4:11

Follow the Master.
Love.

Happy Birthday America!

Free Americay

Joseph Warren

To the tune of "The British Grenadiers"

That Seat of Science Athens, and Earth's great Mistress Rome,
Where now are all their Glories, we scarce can find their Tomb;
Then guard your Rights, Americans! nor stoop to lawless Sway,
Oppose, oppose, oppose, oppose, -- my brave America.

Proud Albion bow'd to Caesar, and num'rous Lords before,
To Picts, to Danes, to Normans, and many Masters more;
But we can boast Americans! we never fell a Prey;
Huzza, huzza, huzza, huzza, for brave America.

We led fair Freedom hither, when lo the Desart smil'd,
A paradise of pleasure, was open'd in the Wild;
Your Harvest, bold Americans! no power shall snatch away,
Huzza, huzza, huzza, huzza, for brave America.

Torn from a World of Tyrants, beneath this western Sky,
We form'd a new Dominion, a Land of liberty;
The World shall own their masters here, then hasten on the Day,
Huzza, huzza, huzza, huzza, for brave America.

God bless this maiden Climate, and thro' her vast Domain,
Let Hosts of Heroes cluster, who scorn to wear a Chain;
And blast the venal Sycophant, who dares our Rights betray.
Preserve, preserve, preserve, preserve my brave America.

Lift up your Heads my Heroes! and swear with proud Disdain,
The Wretch that would enslave you, Shall spread his Snares in vain;
Should Europe empty all her force, wou'd meet them in Array,
And shout, and shout, and shout, and shout, for brave America!

Some future Day shall crown us, the Masters of the Main,
And giving Laws and Freedom, to subject France and Spain;
When all the Isles o'er Ocean spread shall tremble and obey,
Their Lords, their Lords, their Lords, their Lords of brave America.