Happy Birthday Mom!

I find myself wondering...
Did I give you your due..
For all that you've done for me
Did I ever thank you?


For all of my childhood memories
For helping me deal with life's stresses
For helping me accept my defeats
And celebrate my successes?


Or for teaching me the value of hard work,
Good judgement, courage, and being true
The laughter, smiles, and quiet times we've shared
Did I ever thank you?


If I have forgotten, I'm thanking you now
You taught me right from wrong....
I hope you know how much you're loved and appreciated
I hope you, instinctively, knew all along.


Happy Birthday Mom

In his time...

In His Time...

In His Time....

He makes all things Beautiful

In His Time...

Lord, please show me everyday

As You're teaching me Your Way

That You do just what You say

In Your time

I haven't remembered or sung this song in years, but for some reason have been singing it all afternoon! I think it must be my word for the day.... We can't get discouraged by the things we see, because He's always working.... in HIS time!

I can only Imagine.....

This is one of my absolute FAVORITE songs... and this is what is on my mind today! I just keep listening to this song over and over with tears rolling down my face..... Had to share... (You'll probably need to go to the bottom and turn the playlist off... but you'll be glad you watched the video...)

This is awesome.. you have to try it!

1) Relax and concentrate on the 4 small dots (in a single line) in the middle of the picture for about 30-40 seconds.

2) Then take a look at the wall near you (or any smooth, single colored surface)

3) You will see a circle of light developing

4) Start blinking your eyes a couple of times and see what starts emerging....

Freedom

What is Freedom?

Is it merily a word that we sing about, learn about in school, and hold as a banner... yet something we take for granted each day in our lives? I never want to forget the price of freedom, the price that must be paid each and every day, because as soon as we stop fighting for it, we lose it.

• This nation will remain the land of the free only so long as it is the home of the brave. ~Elmer Davis

Freedom must be maintained on two fronts ~

We not only have to maintain our freedoms as a nation, but we must work daily to maintain our freedom spiritually. Just as our brave soldiers must be ready to fight for the freedoms of this nation, we must be alert and ready to fight against the things that bind us spiritually.

I know you may think I'm only talking about "religious freedoms", and YES, that is so important. But I think we create our own prisons more often. Why not choose to live free?

• Are we bound by inforgiveness or grudges? - That will steal our freedom!
• Have we begun taking our relationship for granted, therefore allowed things to slip in and come between us and God? - That is a lack of freedom!
• Have we failed to maintain a constant communication with Him? - No more freedom!

There may be many things in each of our lives, things that we hold on to, and all it has done is rob us of our freedom in God... release it... we must fight off the things that seek to steal our freedom, things that will come between us and our relationship with God. We have full access (unrestricted) to God and growth in HIS Spirit... are we exercising our freedom? Or are we settling for mediocrity??

I have compiled a list of definitions of Freedom, think of them from both aspects... both in appreciating the Freedom of our Country, and analizing our Spiritual Freedom.

Freedom is:

• The condition of being free of restraints.
• Political independence.
• Frankness or boldness; lack of reserve
• The capacity to exercise choice; free will
• The right to unrestricted use; full access
• The right of enjoying all of the privileges of membership or citizenship
• A right or the power to engage in certain actions without control or interference

As I took time to reflect today, I just had to share! I also couldn't help but be reminded of a great song that our Pathfinders Youth Band sings...

Freedom Song

Do you want to go
to the place they call freedom
Do you want to see
like the free see
Do you want to dance
in the land they call freedom
Do you want to go
Do you want to go

Jesus, come take us
to the foot of the cross
Where we have been
bought now
Freedom is ours
We take it up
We take it up

Jesus, come make us
a free generation
Spreading salvation
Freedom is ours
We take it up
We take it up

Freedom for the world
Freedom for a generation
Let us call to every nation
Come

I hope everyone has a Blessed Independance Day!