I love rainbows! Because it rarely rains in Phoenix, Arizona I don't get to see many of them. But whenever it does rain, I'm always searching the sky when it stops to find a rainbow.

I remember when I was a children's leader in Bible Study Fellowship. The year we taught the little three and four year olds the Book of Genesis, they became so excited about rainbows. You see, in the 9th chapter of Genesis in verses 12-16, God made a covenant with Noah after the flood that He would never destroy the earth again with a flood. The rainbow was to be a sign or reminder of this covenant. Every time it rained, the children would start looking for a rainbow and could tell their moms what it meant. Children learn so easily!

I want to make that heart choice to notice and find joy in everyday things like rainbows. To have an awareness of the many blessings each day, no matter whether it's sunny or rainy and to always remember to look for the rainbow.

Memorial Day is tomorrow and how easy it is to view it as a day off from work or an extra day to get things done. But this year I want to make the choice to remember the people who gave their lives for the freedoms I often take for granted.

I am so grateful to live in a country where I have the freedom of speech. I can speak my mind, even if it's in disagreement with the government.

I'm also grateful for the freedom to worship openly wherever I choose. Our founding fathers were very wise to allow for religious freedom. You cannot mandate that people worship in one particular way. After all, you can keep the "rules" outwardly but rebel inwardly. True worship is a heart choice. I want my outward actions to demonstrate what I believe in my heart.

I am so grateful to the people in the military who are serving to protect our country. Although many in the press criticize our war efforts in Iraq, there are reports of improved conditions. I've read about women who are now able to attend school and a park that was recently reopened to the public so families could have fun. In the recent past, it was a place for sniper attacks and totally unsafe for families.

I'm most grateful to God. I'm thankful for His love and for the freedom I have in Christ.