Maybe Life isn’t Meant to Take so Seriously

Receiving inspiration for my daily blog is serious matter to me. Thinking that I needed to make this day’s blog to be one of encouraging those who are in pain physically, or mentally from the loss of their job, special events or even the loss of a loved one, I scanned my social media timeline. I wanted to see who I could pray for and who needed an encouraging word. I was ready to pour on some liquid love.

But, you know what? I couldn’t find one woe-is-me post. It was the day after July 4th and, literally, all I saw were family and personal celebrations of life – fireworks, little children all dolled-up in their July 4th best attire, beautiful photos of Mt Rushmore with the Navy Blue Angels flying over and the words of gratitude for our country and for each other. So, today, I’m jumping on that “Happy Train”, too! That’s what we need. We need to look up and look out at our blessings. We need to appreciate the humor and the joys of this very moment. Often, it’s the small things that matter the most anyway and the little inspirations we get from the off-roads – like the email I received from my friend telling me about South Africa’s Kulula Airlines.

Kulula Airlines is an actual low-cost South African airline that doesn't take itself too seriously. It’s a pity Kulula doesn’t fly internationally. We should support them if only for their humor. Check out how their jet is even wrapped in humor!

On a Kulula flight, you sit where you want -- no assigned seating. Passengers seemed to be having a hard time choosing their seats, when a flight attendant announced, "People! We're not picking out furniture here, find a seat and get in it!"

From a Kulula flight attendant: "Welcome aboard Kulula 271 to Port Elizabeth. To operate your seat belt, insert the metal tab into the buckle, and pull tight. It works just like every other seat belt; and, if you don't know how to operate one, you probably shouldn't be out in public unsupervised."

On another flight with a very "senior" flight attendant crew, the pilot said, "Ladies & gentlemen, we've reached cruising altitude and we'll be turning down the cabin lights for your comfort and to enhance the appearance of your flight attendants."

On another flight with a very "senior" flight attendant crew, the pilot said, "Ladies & gentlemen, we've reached cruising altitude and will be turning down the cabin lights. This is for your comfort and to enhance the appearance of your flight attendants."

As the plane landed and was coming to a stop at Durban Airport, a lone voice came over the loudspeaker: "Whoa, big fella. WHOA!" "As you exit the plane, make sure to gather all of your belongings. Anything left behind will be distributed evenly among the flight attendants. Please do not leave children or spouses."

Another flight attendant's comment on a less than perfect landing: "We ask you to please remain seated as Captain Kangaroo bounces us to the terminal."

An airline pilot wrote that on this particular flight he had hammered his ship into the runway really hard. The airline had a policy which required the first officer to stand at the door while the passengers exited, smile, and give them a "Thanks for flying our airline". He said that, in light of his bad landing, he had a hard time looking the passengers in the eye, thinking that someone would have a smart comment. Finally, everyone had gotten off except for a little old lady walking with a cane. She said, "Sir, do you mind if I ask you a question?" “Why, no Ma'am," said the pilot. "What is it?" The little old lady said, "Did we land, or were we shot down?”

Well, that’s it for this “Happy Train….rather Happy Plane” blog for today. I attribute this entire blog to Psalm 17:22 “A merry heart does good, like medicine.” So, you’re welcome. Take your “merry heart” medicine and spread God’s joy to someone today. This one did me good. I hope it does good for you, your outlook and those who you spread the joy with today!

Happy Birthday, UNITED States of America!

As I started typing this blog, UNITED, stood out like a neon sign to me. Frankly, it presented me with a conundrum. I thought, what in the world is UNITED about America during these times? What happened to “one nation, under God, INDIVISIBLE with liberty and justice for all?”

I am proud to be a patriot! My American flag has hung on my home since the beginning of the pandemic. I take pride in our flag waving in the wind in declaration of our freedoms, but my ulterior motive during these days was for healing of our country. "I'm proud to be an American and, at least I know I am free!" Thanks, Lee Greenwood, for those great lyrics. "Our flag still stands for FREEDOM. God bless the USA!"

No matter the struggles in our country, I still contend for the freedom from God's Word: “For you have been called to live in freedom, my brothers and sisters. But don’t use your freedom to satisfy your sinful nature. Instead, use your freedom to serve one another in love” (Galatians 5:13). The last phrase in that verse keeps repeating in my mind and heart: “Use your freedom to serve one another in love.” That is key to who we are and hope always to be – people of service in love for each other. When we get that right – everything will get right.

Thank God, for the freedoms we have in America. Freedom of speech. Freedom to worship. Freedom to do what we believe leads to “life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness.” And those freedoms weren’t won in a lottery. They were bought with the blood of our military. And the freedom the Apostle Paul spoke of was bought with the blood of our Savior.

“Therefore, if you have any encouragement from being united with Christ, if any comfort from His love, if any common sharing in the Spirit, if any tenderness and compassion, then make my joy complete by being like-minded, being one in spirit and of one mind. Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit. Rather, in humility, value others above yourselves, not looking to your own interests but each of you to the interests of the others.” (Philippians 2:1-4)

That’s what true freedom looks like. We won’t find it in a snarky news commentary or in the rant of a politician or religious leader tearing others to shreds. It won’t be at the table with gossip. The truth is -- when we stop loving, we give up our freedom. We become entangled in our own words and hatred until we can’t breathe or see. May we be pace-setters, peace-and-love-makers, freedom fighters in prayer and in example of humility – serving each other in love.

Yes, July 4th is a time to celebrate an important event in history. But let’s also think about what real freedom means for us right here, right now. We don’t need to win the lottery to send out a little more love into the world or have faith like fireworks lighting up the dark. I’m sending up fireworks of God’s love to you, my beloved friends and family! Let freedom ring!

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.

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!

Navigating the Journey is Worth it!

As strategic as you can be on a trip through the mazes, long walking stretches between one ride or experience to the next, being in your spot for the parade and fireworks and the shows as well as determining Fast Pass versus Stand By can be almost mind-boggling. Believe me, showing up with no plan is most certainly not the best use of your time and money – at Disney World..... or in life. Planning goes a long way in the grand scheme of things. Our family has always been planners. It started with the Grand Poobah -- my husband, who was the detailed planner who made sure we were at Point A and B at the precise time needed. Yesterday, in spite of the accuracy of our day, we still had to veer off the Game Plan in order to adjust for some unexpected delays. Isn’t that part of life – being flexible and willing to make the adjustments? Time management is so essential as we plot our daily courses in life, and the older I get, the more I realize, managing my time is critical when it comes to finishing what I start, making good lists so that I can check off those “must do’s”. Larry and Staci went over the “must do’s” with Payton and Alexia before the day started and, combined with Fast Passes and plotting the course of the day, made for completing all our goals for the day.

It takes a lot of “Golden Rule” applications while you’re navigating around little people, strollers, wheel chairs, and motorized skooters at Disney World. Good thing we didn’t have to have a crash course in exercising kindnesses to others because we just happen to believe that’s what our walk of faith and being a bearer of Light is all about. Case in point, while riding the monorail back at the end of the day and seeing my sweet son, Larry, as tired as he was, to give up his seat for others time and again. He is a great example of "Do unto others as you would have them do unto you!”

For myself, amidst the sweetness of all the Disney characters singing “You are special. Just be yourself. You don’t have to be like anyone else!” as well as the twinkling eyes of the adults arrayed in their Mickey & Minnie Mouse shirts, pants or hats (us included), young children, dressed in the look-alike clothes, who are in awe that they are seeing, in real life, their beloved Disney characters, my awe and wonder comes from one of Walt Disney’s most famous quotes, “Let us not lose sight of one thing: that it was all started by a mouse.”

On a train ride home to tell his brother Roy that they had just lost everything they had, Walt drew a little mouse. Walt did the things that everyone else said was impossible. He was never afraid to chase his dreams. The mouse he drew on a train ride became the face of many TV shows as well as a theme park, named after Walt himself: Disneyland. Now there are many theme parks across the world in addition to many other movies and products. Walt Disney World serves as proof that nothing is impossible and that you should never be afraid to chase your dreams!

Imagine that….an unrelenting dreamer and believer in not quitting, but to continue to make those dreams a reality. Of course we needed photos of these famous quotes that cause us to continue to NEVER stop dreaming and believing. Stay tuned for even more inspiration as tomorrow's journey takes us to Epcot!

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!