Today…

Today we celebrate our Independence as a nation to live in freedom that was so bravely and courageously fought for- but our true freedom is found in Christ.  He give us freedom to love-the freedom to reach out and serve others in love-the freedom to see as He sees-the freedom that He set us free to have and imitate Him and follow His ways.

The freedom He gives is freedom from the bondage of sin-from dwelling on our weaknesses and imperfections-from discouragement and depression.  It is for freedom that Christ has set us free to live a life of love.

I am so glad that He set me free.  I want to live, move, breathe, and embrace that freedom that is already mine in Christ Jesus.

Thank you that today we celebrate our freedom that the men of the past suffered for and especially that which Jesus suffered.

Amen!!!

A Day that Must be Remembered

It is past the anniversery, I know. But, it is never too late to remember what happened on that horrendous day in 2001 when our nation was attacked by men who were so adamant in their beliefs that they would risk their own lives and the lives of so many others as an expression of their faith. Faith in what? Was it worth the risk?

No, not at the expense of the lives of innocent men and women who were either traveling or involved in their daily work life. I do not think that they woke up that day thinking that their lives were going to end that day; I do not think any of us do.

What happened five years ago on September 11th is a reminder to all of us, that life is precious, and time spent with those who we are close is irreplaceable. It cannot be rushed or taken for granted.

God has given us each day to use for His glory, how will we use this gift? This precious, precious gift.

This song is by Alan Jackson, read the lyrics and let it touch your heart. As you remember the heroes (those who labored day and night to help rescue and restore NY), those in authority, and those in Iraq. Pray for God’s peace to envelop hearts and minds of government officials in all countries.

Where were you when the world stopped turning that September day
Out in the yard with your wife and children
Working on some stage in LA
Did you stand there in shock at the site of
That black smoke rising against that blue sky
Did you shout out in anger
In fear for your neighbor
Or did you just sit down and cry

Did you weep for the children
Who lost their dear loved ones
And pray for the ones who don’t know
Did you rejoice for the people who walked from the rubble
And sob for the ones left below

Did you burst out in pride
For the red white and blue
The heroes who died just doing what they do
Did you look up to heaven for some kind of answer
And look at yourself to what really matters

I’m just a singer of simple songs
I’m not a real political man
I watch CNN but I’m not sure I can tell you
The difference in Iraq and Iran
But I know Jesus and I talk to God
And I remember this from when I was young
Faith hope and love are some good things he gave us
And the greatest is love

Where were you when the world stopped turning that September day
Teaching a class full of innocent children
Driving down some cold interstate
Did you feel guilty cause you’re a survivor
In a crowded room did you feel alone
Did you call up your mother and tell her you love her
Did you dust off that bible at home
Did you open your eyes and hope it never happened
Close your eyes and not go to sleep
Did you notice the sunset the first time in ages
Speak with some stranger on the street
Did you lay down at night and think of tomorrow
Go out and buy you a gun
Did you turn off that violent old movie you’re watching
And turn on “I Love Lucy” reruns
Did you go to a church and hold hands with some stranger
Stand in line and give your own blood
Did you just stay home and cling tight to your family
Thank God you had somebody to love

I’m just a singer of simple songs
I’m not a real political man
I watch CNN but I’m not sure I can tell you
The difference in Iraq and Iran
But I know Jesus and I talk to God
And I remember this from when I was young
Faith hope and love are some good things he gave us
And the greatest is love

I’m just a singer of simple songs
I’m not a real political man
I watch CNN but I’m not sure I can tell you
The difference in Iraq and Iran
But I know Jesus and I talk to God
And I remember this from when I was young
Faith hope and love are some good things he gave us
And the greatest is love

The greatest is love
The greatest is love

Where were you when the world stopped turning that September day

With All Due Respect…

Imagine you had to wake up during the early morning hours to go to work. What would it be like to be away from your loved ones for weeks or months at a time trapped on board a ship or submarine and relying on the wisdom of your officers and crew to get you through each day. I could not. But this is the reality of those men and women who serve our country in all branches of the U.S. Military with emphasis on the Navy.

Although I do not envy those men and women who have to live their lives in this way and be separated from their families for excessive lengths of time, I can empathize because of the admiration and respect I have developed (through the service of my younger brother who is an officer on board a submarine and another brother who is in training) for those who serve our nation in this way. They are the ones who are on the forefront of the enemy lines to protect us. They sacrifice so much and are often underappreciated.

These men and women who faithfully serve our nation need all the prayer and encouragement we can give them. There is no doubt that it takes strength and courage beyond themselves to accomplish the tasks that are laid out before them. I am so grateful for what they do, and my heart is with them as they are away from those they love. They are under the Sovereign hand that holds the world.