I'm Declaring My Freedom and Liberty

July 4th is always a day to celebrate America’s birthday in some way even if it’s only wearing some red, white and blue. For my family, it always meant shooting off some “black cats”, “rockets”, sparklers and a few “chasers” that made us high-tail it! There was always hamburgers and hot dogs with the all-American apple pie. But what’s a girl to do when her families are miles away and all she’s got to keep her company are goats, donkeys, a longhorn, and a dog? Well, she’s supposed to get all-dolled-up in her red, white and blue and find a place to celebrate. Fortunately, it was just a few miles away at the Hill Country Galleria Mall where there was everything to choose from: a sidewalk sale by retailers, artisans and crafts tents, blow-up rides for kids, a music festival and the big finale – fireworks!

On July 2, 1776, Congress voted to approve a complete separation from England. Two days later, the early draft of the Declaration of Independence was signed. Four days later, members of Congress took the document and read it out loud from the steps of Independence Hall, proclaiming it to the city of Philadelphia, and afterwards they rang the Liberty Bell. The inscription on the top of the bell is Leviticus 25:10, which reads, "Proclaim liberty throughout the land....."

I caught that “proclaim liberty” scripture and decided to be liberated yesterday. I had no preconceived idea about what that was going to look like – but if I didn’t venture out of my comfort zone, how would I know? First, I meandered through the tents and right away I won that cute scarf and water sprayer -- thanks, God, You know I need that when I'm feeding the animals on a hot day!) Then I went to the artisans’ tents and saw their beautiful artistry. I was in awe of their talents. One artisan stopped me in my tracks. She was a lovely woman with an incredible gift of making jewelry. She explained her "discovery" of jewelry making and the joy it brought her. Our conversation didn’t stop there. She opened up about how much she missed her grandparents who had passed on. She shared that when her grandparents saw the potential off-the-course way their daughter may take their granddaughter, they asked to purchase her. The daughter asked “How much?” The offer pleased her and the daughter was sold to them. It sounds like a sad story but in reality, that little girl turned out to be this lovely woman. We talked about God’s sweet ways of comforting us. When I told her about the passing of my husband, she became worried and said, “Oh no! I can’t imagine losing my husband. I don’t think I could make it!” I said, “Oh, yes you would!” I reassured her that if the time came, God would be there and she would be able to make it. I knew, this was a divine set-up for her and me. I gave her my blog web address because we're going to stay in touch. What if I had chosen to stay home?

Along the way, I met other talented artisans and basked in their talents. I was inspired to write this blog today to help my dear, reclusive, preferring-to-live-behind-closed-shades-and-doors friends – those of you who have lost a loved one or who have been hurt by some of life’s painful situations and circumstances and you just don’t think you can go on. You just don’t want to face people – never mind – facing what the future may hold for you. Yesterday was America's Independence Day. May I be bold, my beloved friends, widows, widowers, single or hurting from the pain of the past – to tell you it’s time to declare YOUR “Independence” Day. It’s time to stop living in the bondage and strongholds of the enemy who wishes to steal and rob you of joy, peace and happiness. You’ll never be free if you stay there. “Therefore if the Son makes you free, you shall be free indeed.” John 8:36.

We have freedom in Christ through His death on the cross – free from sin, death and all the devices of the enemy to steal from us. That includes freedom from so many things that we experience here and now in our day-to-day life. We have freedom from being harassed by Satan and we don’t have to listen to his lies and accusations about all kinds of things. We are free to resist him and when he tries to get to us, we just resist him, get on a nice outfit, put on a perky face, and step out into the sunlight of Jesus love and light. We will have none of those lies and we will have freedom to be free. God is incredibly good to give us so much freedom in Christ. If we use it right we will come to peace, joy, and righteousness in all that we do.

“Stand fast therefore in the liberty by which Christ has made us free, and do not be entangled again with a yoke of bondage.” Galatians 5:1.

God Bless America – Land of the Free – Home of the Brave

Happy 4th of July aka Independence Day! And, it's Happy Birthday, America Party Day -- the birth of Democracy! You're looking good, America, to be 243 years old! And what a way to celebrate -- with fireworks, parades, concerts, family get-togethers and barbecues!

Others will celebrate by staying at home with life-as-usual. For some, it may be to tune in to the evening news because, after all, we must see the latest political entertainment. I keep hoping and praying people will settle down and learn to respect each other – to “do unto others as they would have others do unto them”. I wonder if our forefathers had this kind of “independence” in mind when they crafted the Declaration of Independence. That historical moment occurred as a result of wise, committed leaders and followers pledging their lives, fortunes, and sacred honor to establish a foundation where a nation and its people could build their families and future. It came as the result of those seeking the right to worship the living Creator God without restraint from any earthly power, and the right of all citizens to pursue their hopes and dreams with liberty while exercising personal responsibility.

“We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness.” Don’t you love that excerpt from the Declaration of Independence? Democracy was born on this day 243 years ago on July 4th, 1776. Just think of those freedoms that we have that we take so lightly. No wonder thousands leave their homeland in the quest to come to the “land of the free and the home of the brave”. I know immigration laws had to be created because of abuses, but, don’t we need to thank God that we were either born here or were able to immigrate here? Isn't it time we show our gratitude and appreciation to be Americans?

Think about it. This country became prosperous and strong on the backs of immigrants who were yearning to breathe free. This country has always been a beacon of hope, liberty, and freedom. No wonder so many desire to live here. All over the world people dream of a “home” where the government protects them and not abuses them; where people are not punished for what they think or say or write.

The future of freedom is in our hands and rests on our shoulders. Freedom must not die on our watch. If it does, it will be by our own hand because people who claim faith in God remain uninformed, indifferent, and uninvolved. We will have handed freedom over to the destroyer of life and liberty. God forgive us if we do! By prayerfully and boldly uniting together we can celebrate the rebirth of freedom rather than witness the death of it. The future is in our hands. Now is the time to stand up and be counted!

My hope this 4th of July is that we all stop to appreciate our freedoms. I hope and pray that we all begin to think about how we can work together to solve problems, be a part of the solution, not part of the political divide, and promote respect and dignity for all. Remember, "United We Stand, Divided We Fall." I wish you all a happy and healthy Independence Day!

Happy July 4th – Let Freedom Ring!

At church on Sunday, the congregation was invited to share with someone what the best thing about July 4th is to them. I thought “That’s a no-brainer! It's remembering that we live in this marvelous country with so many freedoms that were paid for by those who paid the ultimate sacrifice for us.” And, that’s what I shared with the gal next to me AFTER she shared that “sparklers” were her favorite thing about July 4th. 🎉🇺🇲️🎉

Of course, July 4th represents cookouts, fun with family and friends, and fireworks -- either man-handling them ourselves or sitting back in our lawn chair, relaxing as we watch the red, white and blue bursts of fire and lights! I have such fond childhood memories when my dad would take us to the Cotton Bowl July 4th celebrations here in Dallas. They put on a spectacular fireworks' show. And, we also had wonderful family reunions at the lake that concluded with a slew of fireworks, along with the "chasers" that chased my mama down the street! She nearly broke her neck running like a wild woman!

Back in those days, I don’t remember giving too much thought to what the meaning of July 4th was. But the more July 4ths that I experience, the more I recognize what freedom means to me, especially when I consider the tumultuous times that others in so many places in our world are living in. My gratitude increases for this “UNITED” States of America and our brave and courageous men and women who paid the ultimate sacrifice for our freedoms and for those who serve us today in those countries and defend us here. In the words of President Ronald Reagan, I say, "This is the birthday of the greatest nation on earth.”

Democracy and freedom were born 242 years ago, July 4th, 1776 -- freedoms that we so often take for granted. We have a lot of freedom in America. Freedom of speech. Freedom to worship. Freedom to do what we believe leads to “life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness.” While I appreciate the freedoms that July 4th represents, St. Paul speaks of a FREEDOM that amplifies all those freedoms if we would simply take this freedom to heart and practice it daily. Galatians 5:13 “ For, dear brothers, you have been given freedom: not freedom to do wrong, but use your freedom to serve one another in love.” Those words “use your FREEDOM to serve one another in love” was bought with the blood of our Savior. Love is the answer to everything.

Maybe, on this July 4th, we should embrace that highest freedom: LOVE. Just maybe campaigning for THAT freedom would not only make our hearts for humanity stronger, but it would show the world what true freedom looks like. We won’t find that love in the rant of a hateful, bitter, and angry spokesperson, be it a religious, political, celebrity or man-on-the-street that is tearing others to shreds. It won’t be found at the table with gossip and backbiting. The irony is: when we aren’t loving, we give up our freedom. We become entangled in our own words and actions and then hatred overtakes love. When LOVE is the deciding factor in every debate, every conversation, every daily routine and practice, the outcome will be FREEDOM.

Yes, July 4th is a time to celebrate a significant event in our American history. But let’s also think about what real freedom means for us right here, right now. If we would use our freedoms to send out a little more love and faith, then our world would light up like fireworks that light up the dark…..everywhere! 🎉🇺🇲️🎉 Let FREEDOM ring!

Happy July 4th -- Independence Day!

As I made my way back home from Austin to Frisco yesterday, I couldn't help noticing the patriotism along the roadways. Flags waving and fireworks' stands crowded with buyers for their "4th" celebrations.

When I drove into my community, the roadways were lined with flags, and as I turned toward my house, my next door neighbor's yard made it very clear that their patriotism is running high. Before I unloaded my car, I quickly put out my three flags so that I'm counted among those who love our country and have heartfelt gratitude for those who served so selflessly to give us so many freedoms.

Today is the day we celebrate “life – liberty – the pursuit of happiness” and in so doing, we get to FREELY gather together with friends and family for a barbeque, shoot off some fireworks and even, if you’re close to a fireworks show, you’ll probably even catch some spectacular sights and sounds.

There’s a special kind of nostalgia about the 4th of July for me. As a child raised in Dallas, our annual 4th of July tradition was to go to the Cotton Bowl at the State Fair Grounds and we’d watch an unparalleled display of the spectacular fireworks show EVER. After that, we’d head just far enough into the country to shoot off a few bottle rockets and sparklers to continue celebrating this special day.

Honestly, back in those days, I don’t remember giving too much thought to what the meaning of July 4th was. But the older we get and the more honed in we are about the tumultuous times that others in foreign countries are living in, the more gratitude we have to live here. Knowing that our brave and courageous men and women who serve us in those countries and defend us here, the more precious this day becomes. This day, July 4th, is the birthday of our nation. And, with President Ronald Reagan, I say, “It’s the birthday of the greatest nation on earth.”

I read that John Adams, himself a signer of the Declaration, thought that Americans should celebrate a “great anniversary festival” to commemorate our nation’s freedom on July 4th. In a letter to his wife Abigail he wrote, “It ought to be commemorated as the day of deliverance, by solemn acts of devotion to God Almighty. It ought to be solemnized with pomp and parade, with shows, games, sports, guns, bells, bonfires, and illuminations, from one end of this continent to the other, from this time forward forevermore.”

So, really, what does this day mean to you and me? Shouldn’t it still be about being “one nation under God”, about giving thanks to God Almighty for this day of deliverance? Surely this day is for all of us to really cherish that original dream, the one for which so many have died and so many continue to serve us with honor, courage and dedication.

With Lee Greenwood, I’m singing: I'm proud to be an American where at least I know I'm free. And I won't forget the men (and women) who died, who gave that right to me. And I'd gladly stand up next to you and defend her still today. ‘Cause there ain't no doubt I love this land. God bless the U.S.A.

God Bless America! Almighty God, We DEPEND on YOU!

It's the day we've been waiting for.....cookouts (in our case, a fish fry -- yum), fun, games AND.....fireworks -- either man-handling them ourselves, or sitting back and relaxing as we watch the red, white and blue bursts of fire and lights!

I have such fond memories of 4th of July celebrations at the Cotton Bowl in Dallas where they had the most spectacular fireworks' shows, the family reunions that concluded with a slew of fireworks at the lake, along with the "chasers" that chased my Mama down the street! She nearly broke her neck running like a wild woman! LOL!

There’s nothing wrong with celebrating Independence Day. After all, that’s what our forefathers did, too. But, this year, like never before, I’m realizing that though our Country's INDEPENDENCE meant our freedom from England's rule, I realize how much we need to be DEPENDENT on God. Our forefathers sought Him for His divine will to be done, and shouldn't we seek Him too?

Democracy and freedom were born 240 years ago, July 4th 1776 -- freedoms we so often take for granted. No wonder so many mistreated, disenfranchised people want to leave their oppressed homelands to come to the “land of the free and the home of the brave”.

At the first Constitutional Convention, the delegates were frustrated. There was a tremendous crisis. They were so fragmented that they were just about to throw out the whole concept of a constitution completely. Just then Benjamin Franklin rose to his feet and said: "Gentlemen, if it is true that not one single petal from any flower falls to the ground without escaping God’s attention, will the distress of this nation go unheeded? Let us therefore determine to seek His face." They promptly got down on their knees and when they arose from prayer, the slogan, “e pluribus unum” was born: “One out of many”!

What can we do to ensure that America continues to be a beacon of hope, liberty and freedom? We can pray for our nation and DEPEND on His sovereignty, guidance and blessings.

We have been a blessed nation -- materially, geographically, educationally, and technologically. We are blessed because we have been a nation whose heroes paid a high price for our freedoms. Men and women throughout the history of our Country have given their lives to make this Country what it is - free and independent. God's Word teaches us specifically what a Nation is to do in order to receive and continue in God's blessings.

2 Chronicles 7:14 “If my people, who are called by My name, will humble themselves and pray and seek My face and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven, and I will heal their land and forgive their sins.”

Psalm 33:12 “Blessed is the nation whose God is the LORD.

Almighty God, like our forefathers who DEPENDED on You for their crises to end, so we pray today for this United States of America and that you would intervene so that your purposes and plans for our Country will be fulfilled. Almighty God, we declare today, our DEPENDENCE on You. Amen.

GOD BLESS AMERICA!

Happy Birthday, America!

Day 181 of Photo Inspirations -- Happy Birthday, America!
Today is the day we celebrate “life – liberty – the pursuit of happiness” and in so doing,  we get to FREELY gather together with friends for a barbeque, shoot off some fireworks and even, if you’re close to a Fireworks Show, you’ll probably even catch some spectacular sights and sounds.
 
This photo is my photo inspiration for today.  This precious little angel girl is the granddaughter of dear friends and I think it says it all – with childlike faith and respect…… “I’m proud to be an American”.

There’s a special kind of nostalgia about the 4th of July.  As a child raised in Dallas, our annual 4th of July tradition was to go to the Cotton Bowl at the State Fair Grounds and we’d watch an unparalleled display of the most incredible fireworks show EVER.  After that, we’d head just far enough into the country to shoot off a few bottle rockets and sparklers to continue celebrating this special day.
 
Honestly, back in those days, I don’t remember giving too much thought to what the meaning of July 4th was.  But the older we get and the more honed in we are about the tumultuous times that others in foreign countries are living in, the more gratitude we have to live here.  Knowing that our brave and courageous men and women who serve us in those countries and defend us here, the more precious this day becomes.  This day, July 4th, is the birthday of our nation.  And, with President Ronald Reagan, I say, “It’s the birthday of the greatest nation on earth.”

I read that John Adams, himself a signer of the Declaration, thought that Americans should celebrate a “great anniversary festival” to commemorate our nation’s freedom on July 4th.  In a letter to his wife Abigail he wrote, “It ought to be commemorated as the day of deliverance, by solemn acts of devotion to God Almighty. It ought to be solemnized with pomp and parade, with shows, games, sports, guns, bells, bonfires, and illuminations, from one end of this continent to the other, from this time forward forevermore.”

So, really, what does this day mean to you and me?   Shouldn’t it still be about being “one nation under God”, about giving thanks to God Almighty for this day of deliverance?  Surely this weekend is a time for all of us to really cherish that original dream, the one for which so many have died and so many continue to serve us with honor, courage and dedication.

With Lee Greenwood, I’m singing:   I'm proud to be an American where at least I know I'm free. And I won't forget the men who died, who gave that right to me. And I'd gladly stand up next to you and defend her still today. ‘Cause there ain't no doubt I love this land.   God bless the U.S.A.

GOD BLESS AMERICA!