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.

Let's Get STARTED!

Yes, I still love some reality show and watching real people achieve real success because of their God-given abilities, survival skills, ingenuity, creativity and good old hard work. One of those shows is "America's Got Talent". Most impressive this year were the extraordinary young people who competed. They were just normal kids, but they took what they had to a level of remarkable abiities. One of my favorite acts was the magic show provided by a 10-year old boy and his younger sister who performed in ways that boggled the judges and viewers. A 14-year old contortionist had perfected her inate abilities to a performance beyond description. There was a 13-year old stand-up comedian who bowled the crowd over with her hilarious comedy routines. Amongst the many talented adult and young performers, the one who won it it all was a pint-size, 12-year old singer, songwriter and ukulele player, Grace VanderWaal, who stunned judges and viewers alike, singing in a style of her own. She won $1 million and the opportunity to perform in a Las Vegas Show, which, by the way, is already sold out. Can you even imagine? That young girl beat out the likes of years of experienced talents.

Each one of those kids and adults started somewhere. Maybe the kids who were magicians watched their dad, who is a magician, perfect his routines. They caught the desire to do the same. The comedian girl started her routines when her dad was suffering from cancer, and she wanted to make him laugh. The contortionist was self-taught in perfecting her abilities -- she started and didn't stop until she was an incredible talent on the show. Grace was just 4 years old when she started singing. She saw a friend play the ukulele. With her own saved money, she bought herself a ukulele.

All those kids AND adults STARTED......and didn't stop. The most significant decision they made was to START. What is it that we would really like to achieve? Maybe be an accomplished musician? START by taking lessons. An artist? START by buying paints and a canvas. A writer? START by blogging. A doctor? START by going to school. A great cook? To be a great cook....one has to START cooking. Denise Gerrich, my daughter's friend, "sister", assistant, household everything -- didn't cook at all in the beginning of her 22 years with the Wallace Family. But she STARTED....trying new recipes, experimented, practiced, trained, and is now a Master Chef in her own right. My goodness, yesterday, I enjoyed one of her incredible gourmet meals -- Red Thai Curry Chicken. So yummy! She STARTED.

The point in my today's post is to encourage us all to move from Point A to Point B. Point A being the place of "want to" or "I wish I could" to Point B....GET STARTED. That's what I did today here in Frisco, TX. I STARTED my quest to find a home here. I had written out my vision, made plans for when, pondered the location (between Tulsa where my mother-in-law, other family and friends are and Austin where my son and family lives), decided on Frisco Lakes -- a 55+ community like my Tulsa community. Lots of thinking and pondering and looking at properties on the internet. I've been in Point A for quite some time -- but there comes the time to leave Point A and GET STARTED in Point B!!

What are you thinking about accomplishing today? Something as simple as cleaning the house? Get STARTED. It all starts with one step, one pushing the button, one getting up and moving. Let's GET STARTED! On your mark, get set.....GO!