There is an element in human nature that struggles to appreciate prosperity, wholesomeness, progress, and success. Why that is remains a mystery.
As parents, we aspire for our children to fulfill their God-given gifts and capabilities. When we pause to consider the incredible material and personal blessings many of us enjoy today, it truly is remarkable.
We, Lis and Dave, own our home and raised our children in it. We made this house a place of joy, rest, laughter, hospitality, and memories. In many ways, it became a reflection of our lives together. Yet the ability to build a home and life like this rests upon something much larger than ourselves: property rights, the rule of law, and the freedoms embedded within the United States Constitution.
The freedom to choose our work, provide for our family, own property, and pursue happiness remains one of the great blessings in human history. These freedoms did not emerge accidentally. They were secured through centuries of sacrifice and the enduring belief that individuals should be free to build meaningful lives. (The Fourth and Fifth Amendments strongly protect the home and private property.)
Of course, the First Amendment has profoundly shaped daily life in America. The freedom to speak openly, worship freely, publish ideas, disagree publicly, and express convictions without fear of imprisonment is historically rare. We have spent our entire lives watching vigorous political debates, public disagreements, and passionate arguments unfold openly in society. That freedom is easy to take for granted.
Can you imagine living in a country where speaking the wrong opinion could land you in prison? Or where expressing unpopular ideas online could bring punishment from the state?
Religious freedom has also deeply impacted our lives. We each began with the beliefs handed down by our parents. But over time, our understanding of God matured and deepened. We were free to question, grow, learn, and ultimately fit our beliefs into our lives—and our lives into our beliefs—without coercion.
Lis grew up in Sweden, where the Lutheran Church was once the official state church. Ironically, Sweden is now considered one of the most secular nations in the world. Forced belief has rarely produced genuine faith.
As for many of the other Constitutional protections, thankfully we have not needed them personally. We have not required criminal attorneys, faced unreasonable searches, or petitioned the government in moments of crisis. Yet simply living in a country where those safeguards exist matters greatly. They reflect a system designed to restrain governmental power and protect individual dignity—even if imperfectly.
Altogether, these freedoms have helped create a society where individuals can pursue lives shaped by their vision, effort, talents, and opportunities. It is certainly not a perfectly equal playing field. No society in human history has ever achieved that. But compared to most nations and most eras of history, we remain profoundly blessed.
Some people struggle to see this. Focusing only on flaws and failures can slowly produce cynicism and bitterness. Yes, America has shortcomings. Every nation does. There is always work to do. But gratitude and responsibility are far healthier starting points than resentment.
Creating blessings within the home is where strong nations begin. Children raised from a “full cup” are far more capable of pouring goodness, justice, and compassion back into the world around them.
We believe strong marriages and well-adjusted children form the bedrock of a great nation. America, despite all its imperfections, remains a great nation and a continuing work in progress.
Teach your children to recognize the blessings surrounding their lives and to understand the foundations upon which those blessings were built. Demonstrate pride in this country, salute the flag, hold dinner conversations, explain the blessings. In doing so, your family can return that blessing to others by pouring out of a full cup.
Happy Birthday, America.
Lis and Dave
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Whether you’re parenting toddlers, navigating the middle years, or looking to build a stronger foundation for your family, these classes are designed to encourage and equip you with practical tools you can begin applying right away.
Parenting Middle Years (7yrs- Teens) – https://events.humanitix.com/my-aug2026 – How to transition from your Parental Authority to Parental Influence and prepare for the Teen Years!
Parenting Toddlers (18mos to 5yrs) – https://events.humanitix.com/toddler-aug2026 – How to navigate these years with foundational tools and proper expectations!
Parenting from Tree of Life (5-12yrs – Main Course) – https://events.humanitix.com/pftol-sept2026 – This is the main comprehensive parenting course with deep dives into character building and heart training!
Look for us speaking/presenting in person on the road!
This summer, we’ve been invited to speak at several Homeschooling Conferences:
July 10-11 – California Parenting & Homeschool Convention – Downey, CA
July 17-18 – Arizona Home Education Convention – Pheonix, AZ
We would love to meet you in person!
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https://onefamilyhwl.org/event/podcast/