Freedom Isn't Free!

July 4th is certainly a reminder that we are so very blessed to live in a "Free Country."  However, every day we should be reminded of the sacrifices that were made on our behalf.  Just yesterday in church during a beautiful and emotional service, we acknowledged the men and women who so bravely sacrificed their lives for millions of Americans they will never even meet.  One sweet couple stood up as we acknowledged the fact that their only son was recently killed while fighting overseas.  I simply cannot imagine the pain and the pride experienced at the same time, and yet it happens every day.  This poem seemed very appropriate to share on this Independence Day!
 

It is the Soldier

by Charles M. Province
It is the Soldier, not the minister

Who has given us freedom of religion.

It is The Soldier, not the reporter,

Who has given us Freedom of the press.

It is The Soldier, not the poet,

Who has given us Freedom of speech.

It is The Soldier, not the campus organizer,

Who has given us Freedom to demonstrate.

It is The Soldier, not the lawyer,

Who has given us the right to a fair trial.

It is the Soldier, not the politician

Who has given us the right to vote.

It is The Soldier who salutes the flag,

Who serves beneath the flag and
Whose coffin is draped by the flag
Who allows the protester to burn the flag.

The Choice is Yours

Am I the only one who occasionally finds it easier to press that little "snooze" button on the top of my alarm clock in the morning instead of getting up early and starting the day in God's word?  It is always easier to press the button with one finger instead of facing the chore of pulling my entire body out of the bed even though I know I should start my day with a brisk walk and prayer.  Have you ever wondered WHO created the word for that little electronic device we all need yet many of us despise??  The word ALARM seems very appropriate when my little clock begins it's piercing buzz designed to either knock me out of the bed or at the very least cause my heart to skip a beat!  Who wants to be ALARMED first thing in the morning?  Of course now there are newer, gentler devices that slowly stir you out of a restful sleep, but either way each of us has a choice to make at the start of each day.  That ONE choice can impact our entire day for better or for worse. 


Isn't that the case with ALL aspects of our life??  You see, like it or not, we are ALL where we are today for the most part because of the choices we have made along the way.  Now, before you block my blog from your computer or post a not so pleasant comment, give this some thought.  I realize that God allows things to happen in our lives to grow our faith, to build character and to remind us that we need Him always.  Many of the unpleasant experiences in our lives would have happened regardless of our choices.  However, when we consider our marital status, our financial situation, our relationships including our relationship with Jesus, our choices along the way, both good and not so good, have contributed to where we are today.  Now, that can be rather depressing for some of us, but the good news is.....our past decisions do not have to determine our future success.  So often I hear my friends say that they are tired of their circumstances whatever that may be; marital problems, finances, trouble with children, too much weight and too little energy or a job they loathe.  You see I have found that it is easier to make excuses, than it is to make changes. 


We want a deeper relationship with our spouse (or our Lord,) but we are not always willing to invest in the relationship.  We want to lose 10 more pounds, but we do not want to invest the time to excercise or we are not willing to sacrifice that chocolate treat before bedtime.  We are "comfortable" pressing the snooze button every morning, and then we make excuses throughout the day.  What would happen if for one week, we CHOSE not to make excuses?  We would have stronger, deeper relationships, we would have more energy if we are taking the time to exercise, we would be better prepared to handle whatever stress might come our way if we are spending time in God's word, and maybe we could even stop riding the roller coaster of guilt every day with whatever your weakness or battle might be.

Are you up for the challenge?  For JUST one week, don't press that snooze button, and get up maybe even 15-30 minutes earlier to spend some quiet time in the Bible, a devotion or maybe start that excercise program you have been wanting to begin.  You can do anything for JUST one week!  Maybe you can even walk while you are listening to praise and worship music...my favorite!  :)

God has an amazing plan for your life...won't you let Him show you? 

Jeremiah 29:11 
For I know the plans I have for you," declares the LORD, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.

For JUST one week, don't hit the snooze button.  Get up and face the day excited to see what God has in store for you, and He will reveal it to you when spend quality time with Him.

No Two Snowflakes are Alike

"Yippee Mommy!  God made it snow A-G-A-I-N!"  my three year old son woke me up only recently to share this newly discovered truth with me as he ran with pajamas on to press his face against our sun room window.  This was a reasonable comment considering he just saw his third snow in less than a year in Myrtle Beach, SC!  Trust me, we are not used to snow here along the Grand Strand where the schools close down at the mere threat of the white flakes.  Speaking of flakes, I thought I would show my "mommy smarts" to my son as I went on to explain to him that NO TWO snowflakes are alike.  "How do you know that Mommy?" he proceeded to ask me.  Well after much thought I really did not know the answer to his question.  I only knew it was the same comment my grandmother had once shared with my mother who then shared it with me, and well...it did seem appropriate for me to pass along to my son at this particular moment.  I went on to explain how we are unique, special like the snowflakes and that no two of us are alike. 

This time when he asked me "How do you know Mommy?" I could answer based on God's Truth, not "just because" as many a mom has been tempted to answer, but instead knowing that a God who not only loves us but also created us in His image ensures that we are unique.  Psalm 139:13 (NIV) tells us..."For you created my inmost being; you knit me together in my mother's womb."  The King James version says "...thou hast covered me in my mother's womb."  In this version,  "cover" means properly to interweave; to weave; to knit together, and the literal translation would be, "Thou hast "woven" me in my mother's womb, meaning that God had put his parts together, as one who weaves cloth, or who makes a basket....each being unique by the Creator Himself.  Isn't it great to know that when you mess up as we will in this lifetime, and when you feel inadequate, you can be reminded that God created you as His unique creation "covered" by Grace and that is not only sufficient, it is miraculous.  Verse 14 goes on to say "I will Praise him because I am fearfully and wonderfully made."  Yes, God reminds us that we ARE wonderfully made by Him....each unique like the snowflakes falling from the sky.  However, unlike the snowflake that ultimately melts as quickly as it was formed, we have an opportunity to accept the free gift of eternal life by simply believing in Jesus Christ and choosing to follow Him.  "Yes little one," I said to my 3 year old as he continued to watch the snow fall, "no two snowflakes are alike....just like God created YOU special, and I am so grateful He loaned you to me."