LET FREEDOM RING!

My younger son brought home a little Independence Day/4th of July project from church yesterday. The focus verse was very profound and got me to thinking.....


"Stand therefore in the LIBERTY wherewith Christ hath made us FREE, and be NOT entangled again with the yoke of bondage." ~~ Galatians 5:1~~ 


What an apropos reminder. These freedoms we enjoy today are representative of the freedoms our forefathers fought to protect as they helped develop this budding nation. GOD "hath made us free" (inalienable rights). Our founding fathers DELIBERATELY set us apart from the rest of the world and the way it governs us.
We are living in an age in America in which our freedoms are being threatened by the likes of those who, as the Israelites of 1 Samuel 8 (particularly verse 5), seek to "be like other nations." Do we REEEEEALLY wanna go there???? I sure don't!!
I've heard a pastor paraphrase something said long ago: "We must USE our freedom to DEFEND our freedom, or we will LOSE our freedom."

Benjamin Franklin warned, "They who can give up essential liberty to obtain a little temporary safety, deserve neither liberty nor safety."

We are blessed in being able to BE GOVERNED by innate freedom and divine laws. We are blessed in being able to exercise our freedoms without fear of tyranny. However, as it seems we have grown apathetic as a nation, a darkness is settling in if  we are not careful. We are slowly being micromanaged in areas of life that we should be governing for ourselves. As a nation, we are welcoming this trend. We are welcoming a false sense of security. I believe we need to be alert and vigilant to defend our inalienable freedoms before we lose it. 

I will say something that raises serious ire among some of my friends, but I do believe it with all my heart: I do believe that our country is founded upon Judeo-Christian principles. God does not need to be directly named to recognize and acknowledge His essence and power in our nation! One of my favorite patriotic verses in the Bible says, "Blessed is the nation whose God is the LORD." ~~Psalm 33:12~~ 


God puts kings on thrones, and He removes kings. Proverbs 29:2 reminds us that "When the righteous are in authority, the people rejoice; but when the wicked beareth rule, the people mourn." 

There was a time in which we were self-disciplined or self-governed as a nation. There was little need for government to rule us.  

At the close of the Continental Congress, a lady (presumably a Mrs. Powel of Philadelphia) asked Dr. Franklin, "Well, Doctor, what have we got, a republic or a monarchy?" 

"A republic," answered Dr. Franklin, "if you can keep it."


The Declaration of Independence is the start of a great transformation into one of the greatest nations on earth. We need to be diligent to keep our government functioning as our forefathers intended it to function when they completed the task with the The United States Constitution.


Between Yankee Doodle Dandy, Stars and Stripes Forever, The Star-Spangled Banner, America the Beautiful, the Battle Hymn of the Republic, God Bless America, You're a Grand Old Flag, and a host of other classic patriotic songs, let us remember with renewed fondness what it means to BE an American and to have that American spirit! Let us remember the uniqueness we have enjoyed for 236 years. 


HAPPY BIRTHDAY, AMERICA!! LET FREEDOM RING!! 

Day After Flag Day

Yesterday was Flag Day. I posted on Facebook an image of a flag waving proudly with a message about it being Flag Day. One of my friends in jest suggested that I put away my flag before I offend a fellow American! I replied: Oh, YES, SIR I WILL GLADLY offend any American who does not appreciate our flag and what it stands for!    And then a couple of emails came. : /


They could not believe that I would willingly offend a fellow American with my flag and what it stood for. After picking my jaw up off the floor, I got to thinking about it. Why not?? A flood of thoughts came to my mind about why I would willingly offend a professing American who does not appreciate our flag and what it stood for.


For ALL of our faults, I believe America is still the greatest nation in which I live. I believe that our nation represents and parallels a time similar to which God sent Abram to an unknown land, assuring him that He is choosing him and his wife, Sarai, to be the parents of His chosen people, even though they were barren. God needed to remove them from their familiar land, their family, their customs and cultures, so that He can give them a new life full of blessings. Our beginnings consisted of people who left their homes, their families, their cultures and their customs (although carrying some of them), to begin a new life in an unknown land.


Our colonies started much like the tribes of Israel. For the most part, each colony (tribe) had their own way of governing themselves, even among native inhabitants of the foreign land. This went on for about a hundred years, and then it became important to join the colonies together against a common enemy. This is much like Moses being chosen to free the Israelites from  the Egyptian pharaoh. God gave them the victory; God delivered the Israelites from the Egyptians. Despite insufficient resources, God delivered the colonies (like the Hebrews) from Europe/England (like Egypt) and they gained their Independence.


Now what?


Like the birth of the Law of Moses to the Israelites, the birth of our Constitution gave us an identity as the United States of America.


It took a little time before the people Israel were given the Laws of Moses. These laws were what helped create unity in a people. Not that the laws were always obeyed, but the uniqueness of the laws set these people apart. There universal laws (common laws which were divinely understood by mankind) and then there are laws of a people. In this case, we're speaking of the people of Israel. Some of the laws mentioned in the Talmud pertain to the making of the sons of Levi' priesthood raiment and the prayer shawl. From the inspiration of the prayer shawl eventually comes the flag of Israel.

Unlike Israel, our national flag came before our national constitution. The history of our American flag is an interesting study, in my opinion. The celebration of Flag Day is one of many reminders of how we've grown as a nation, encompassing everything about our nation. Our flag identifies not only our nation as a whole, but it also uniquely acknowledges our individual states that make up this nation via stars, and even stripes! Our flag acknowledges our beginnings (the 13 stripes for our 13 colonies) and our contemporary standing now (50 stars for all 50 states that make up our nation). While our colors were not clearly defined when our flag was developed, the Congress of Confederation in 1782 noted meaning for these same colors when developing the Great Seal of the United States. WHITE stood for purity and innocence, RED stood for valor and hardiness, and BLUE stood for vigilance, perseverance and justice. George Washington is often said to believe that the stars were taken from the skies, the red from the British colors, and the white stripes signified secession from the home/mother land. The original 13 stars were circular to indicate equality of the colonies-states, that none should be viewed above another.  


For the fair youth of our nation, we have a very rich history initially developed by a determined people, passed onto determined generations, who learned how to live, and how to govern, and even how to be governed. Our United States Constitution is an extremely unique document which has seen very little change up to today. Our Constitution represents how we live, how we govern, and how we celebrate our history. While it seems to be hotly debatable, our Constitution largely represents the Providence of God for our nation. "Blessed is the nation whose God is the LORD." ~Psalm 33:12~ In our freedoms expressed by our founding fathers, we are a blessed nation from the smallest of us to the greatest among us.

Our flag represents EVERYTHING about America--our liberties, our blessings, our charity, our victories--EVERYTHING. Unlike our constitution, our flag is easily accessible for individuals to express our pride and patriotism in this greatest nation called The United States of America. To say that you are an American and you take these things for granted to the point that you are offended by our flag, and what we stand for, can be seen as treasonous. But we are a genteel, civilized folk...we can humbly escort you off our shores.

TREADING INTO UNDESIRABLE TERRITORY

Okay. I have about had enough of the broad brush stroke over people who happen to disagree about the acceptance of homosexuality. Yeah, I'm going there. I figure if you are going to dislike me (or worse) for having a disagreement with you, I might as well present you with my full canvas.


Let's get this straight up front: I DO NOT HATE OR DISLIKE PEOPLE WHO ARE OR PROFESS TO BE GAY.
Got that?
I'll say it again: I DO NOT HATE OR DISLIKE PEOPLE WHO ARE OR PROFESS TO BE GAY.


My issue is STRICTLY with homosexuality. NOT the PERSON.


EACH of us struggles with a stronghold of some nature, some are more prominent than others. EACH of us has issues we feel we can't overcome. EACH of us wonders if we are made to be the way we are. EACH of us struggles with worth in either God's eyes and/or society's (man's) eyes. Some people struggle with homosexuality. Even when they believe they must accept their condition, it's still a struggle no different than any other sin some of us may face in our lives.


I have some friends who are gay. I have witnessed goodness in these people as men would count goodness. One is a wonderful father to an adopted special-needs child. This child has blossomed under his care. He is a very dedicated father. His child's adventures have been very inspiring.
Another friend is also a very dedicated father to his family. His biological daughter is someone to be proud of. He gave his family his all. He is also a very intelligent man.
I have yet another friend who recently came out of the closet. He is an art genius.


Having said all of this, do I accept that they are gay? Yes. That is a part of them on which I choose not to focus because their personhood is SO MUCH greater than whether or not they are gay.
Do I accept their homosexuality? Absolutely NOT. This is where we respectfully part ways (yes, I said respectfully...it CAN happen).    


Even before I became a Christian, I believed homosexuality is wrong. It's just wrong. It goes against the natural physical course of life via procreation, for starters. Biblically speaking, it's morally wrong. It is considered an abomination against God. Sodom and Gomorrah were destroyed for their wickedness.


Moving into deeper waters......


Do I support speaking out against homosexuality? YES.
Do I support harming homosexuals because of their lifestyles? ABSOLUTELY NOT!!!


NO ONE has any business in bullying, harming, and killing anyone because they are gay. THAT IS WRONG, especially in light of being Christians.


I do NOT support gay rights (legally adopting a lifestyle with the benefits after the manner of traditional marriage, which I do believe is designed by God Himself). However, I DO support human rights (being able to live without being harmed). I will not go out of my way to support gay marriage/relationships, but I don't believe they need to be harmed because of how they live.
Speaking only as a Christian, every one of us has an opportunity for redemption. NONE of us are better than another. Each one of us deserves a chance to live unless God takes us out first. If someone kills another because they don't approve of their lifestyle, then their rap sheet will include murder. Jesus warns us that if we take it upon ourselves to kill what we consider ungodly, thinking we are doing God's service, we run a huge risk for, at the very least, displeasing God. ~John 16:1-4~ Ouch. 


Going in even deeper still...............


Do I believe homosexuality is a choice or something with which someone is born? Both.
I had always believed this, but I had always struggled with putting into words my thoughts on this matter.Then I heard a pastor expound on this very subject using Psalm 51:5 to illustrate his message.


Behold, I was shapen in iniquity, and in sin did my mother conceive me. ~Psalm 51:5~     


By Adam, sin came into the world for mankind. By Jesus, salvation came into the world for mankind. 
David was born as a sinner. He was born with the nature to sin. We all are. David acknowledges, however, that he was shapen in iniquity. He acknowledges that he had influences that shaped how he thought about things and eventually into the acts he would perform. Alcoholism, adultery, murder, lying, are examples of ingrained tendencies which can be acted upon or rejected. If personal sin is not dealt with, then it eventually can become an issue of generational sin. More often than not, we are a product of our environment. If all you see is sin but you don't recognize it as sin and don't treat it as sin, then it can become a way of life for you, or develop into a tendency. Soon you have a generation who does not know they are sinning, and the sin then becomes perpetual because they see nothing wrong with what they are doing. Was I Born This Way? explains this so much better than I ever could. 


Having said all of this, I do believe that we all deserve compassion. God calls us to treat each other better. We are all individuals who can greatly contribute to this world and to God's purpose, whatever that may be. If our focus is limited to unrighteously judging the sins others commit, then NONE of us would have any value, NO good would ever come to mankind, and that is sinful in God and men's eyes.

HAPPY ANNIVERSARY DUKE and DUCHESS OF CAMBRIDGE!


In today's world, reaching a one-year anniversary can be quite a challenge. Hopefully they've had a wonderful year of wedded bliss fit for royalty! 


The world watched as they married in a regal ceremony some little girls can only dream of. His mother before him experienced such a dream. Last year, Kate Middleton experienced the dream, too. I am glad to see them still adoring each other. I expect they'll be able to do so for a long time to come.

I continue to wish them both the best that life together has to offer them.
Happy Anniversary.

JANUARY 2012

Okay, we've already got one week of the new month of the new year under our belt! How did it go??

Just a wild observation on my part...am I the only one who has had no trouble adjusting to writing the year 2012? Most other years, I've struggled for a week or even as long as a month to remember to write the number of the new year. :)

I'm LOVING the arrival of 2012. I see so many dreams, I see so many possibilities, I see so many goals to set and meet. It's amazing.

That is not to say that 2011 was a totally bad year. Actually, I don't see it quite that way. Was it a year of hope? No, not really. Was it a year of smooth sailing? Lemme assure you...ABSOLUTELY NOT! Last year, for me, was a year of many transitions. The Bible talks of Israel going through birth pangs just before a transition is complete? Last year was my year of travail.

I've got a new job. I've got new decisions to make for my teenager heading into high school next year (AAAAACK!!!!!). I've got new personal goals. I see myself meeting those goals. I see the beginning of a new life for me and my family. :)

I've given up on making "New Year's resolutions." I have open-ended goals that I hope to check off at the end of the year or the beginning of next year.

Our weather is basically "back to normal" this year. By this time last year, we've already had a couple of "major" winter storm systems move through, with more to come--VERY strange weather for North Texas! : D I hope we get our cold spells this year. I would like to see some real snow this year. I love what the Bible tells us in Isaiah 1:18: "...though your sins be scarlet, they shall be as white as snow; though they are red as crimson, they shall be as wool." We are blessed to see cardinals during the winter time, and when you see them against the stark white snow, the contrast and the picture of that verse comes to life.

I enjoy the cold. It could be that I am blessed to be at home and don't hafta get out in the messy cold if I don't want to, but I enjoy the reason to wear sweaters, sweatpants and shirts, and jeans, and jackets (we didn't really need a "coat" until last year!) for this very short time of Texas year. Our hot days will be here sooooooon enough, and last as forever long, lol. :}
This is our time of soups, hot chocolate, roasts, and all kinds of cozy treats that only happen during this time of year.
This is our time for indoor activities such as reading, sewing (which I've gotta relearn, lol), art, playing games, etc. When I am outside, a walk in the crisp cold is more fun to me than sweltering in the summer heat.

I pray that each one of you have a wonderful year this year, complete with prosperity of health, wealth, and happiness.

It's CHRISTMAS Time!

Okay, so we've established that fall is my absolute favorite season. Now we're heading into my most favorite holiday....CHRISTMAS!! :D

Keeping in mind that CHRISTmas and Resurrection Day are heart celebrations for many of us Christians, and we don't "need" the calendar day to determine whether to celebrate it or not (Romans 14:5-7). Indeed, Jesus was most likely not born "on" what we call Christmas day. However, I L-O-V-E seeing various manifestations of the Christmas holiday; and if the ancient Christian populations chose this day to do so, then I'm gonna roll with it, Baby!

There are decidedly Pagan elements of Christmas that we see today, but celebrating the birth of our Lord has a different avenue than what is secularly celebrated during this wonderfully conglomerate holiday season (again, Romans 14:5-7). The musical scene is different, the peace is different, the beauty of gifts is different, even the honorary attendant is different...if, indeed, there is one.

I acknowledge that, for some, this is also the most depressing time of year. They have experienced heartache that can't seem to mend, bitterness that can't seem to be broken, loss that they can't seem to recover, rejection they can't seem to challenge, addictions they can't seem to overcome, illness and sickness from which there seems to be no healing, oppression they can't seem to conquer, and loneliness they can't seem to fufill...the list goes on. My answer to this is not only to physically do what I or we can to help bring momentary comfort to these suffering people, but to encourage these people to also seek the Gospel and to personally receive It. It is indeed the greatest Gift for all of mankind. I readily admit that I have gone down the road of Been-There-Done-That, and going down Gospel Lane has been the greatest blessing in my life and continues to be so to this day.

I find myself singing Christmas hymns throughout the year, but I think that when you hear these hymns during the celebration season of Jesus' birth, there is a spirit that is particularly stirring within the heart of a Christian. There is a magical quality about it. It's as if the host of heaven is singing in yet another Christmas concert. Can you imagine the delight of the shepherds who were chosen to attend the first Christmas concert over 2000 years ago?? There are more details (heavenly as well as earthly) about Jesus' birth than for virtually any other person of the Bible.

I greatly enjoy Christmas. I enjoy the music. I enjoy the trees. I enjoy the decorations. I enjoy the goodies. I enjoy the company of those I love. I enjoy the fellowship of other Christians who celebrate Christmas with me. And, yes, I enjoy the gift exchanges.

One of my favorite activities is to drive around and see the lights. I love seeing homes lit up in the spirit of Christmas. Jesus had a particular star which pointed the way to Him, but it was hardly the only star in the sky! Our lights on houses remind me of the celestial stars that had to have shown particularly bright that night a couple of thousand years ago.

My favorite Christmas hymns and songs?
Carol of the Bells
God Rest Ye, Merry Gentleman.
Joy to the World
The First Noel
Angels, We Have Heard on High
Mary, Did You Know?
What Child Is This?
Silent Night
Little Drummer Boy
O, Little Town of Bethlehem
We Three Kings of Orient Are
Oh, Come All Ye Faithful
Hark, The Herald Angels Sing
Where's the Line to See Jesus?
The Twelve Days of Christmas
((the list goes on.... lol))
Not only do I love the songs themselves, but I love many of the various renditions of them, too! The Vienna Boy's Choir, Trans-Siberian Orchestra, The Celtic Woman, and a wonderful lady I'm blessed to be friends with is a beautiful singer, as well.

I found an interesting take on the Twelve Days of Christmas. This is one of those things that is not proven to be true in historical fact (a "truly" coded message for early Christians who could not openly worship as Christians), but Hugh D. McKellar in 1979 promoted a practical teaching opportunity and lesson as a means of teaching the catechism to young Catholics. This can help make learning about Christianity more meaningful, especially for young or new believers.
The Twelve Days of Christmas
"true Love" referring to God, Himself, bearing gifts to mankind.
"to me" is thought to mean the baptized believer.
A partridge in a pear tree..........Jesus.
Two turtle doves..........Old and New Testaments.
Three French hens..........Three kings bearing gifts.*
Four calling birds (or colly--blackbirds)..........The Four Gospels-Matthew, Mark, Luke and John.
Five gold/en rings..........Torah or Pentateuch, first five books of the Old Testament, Laws of Moses.
Six geese a-laying..........Six days of Creation.
Seven swans a-swimming..........Gifts of the Holy Spirit**
Eight maids a-milking..........The Beatitudes. (Matthew 5:3-10)
Nine ladies dancing..........The fruit of the Spirit. (Galatians 5:22-23)
Ten lords a-leaping..........The Ten Commandments.
Eleven pipers piping..........The eleven faithful disciples/apostles.
Twelve drummers drumming..........The twelve points of the Apostles' Creed.

This is a wonderful time of baking and cooking, too. There are favorite cookies we tend to only bake around Christmastime, Russian Teacakes and Ginger Cookies being more heavily requested. We bake a birthday cake for Jesus, as well. I love reading about, and seeing many traditions that take place around this world in celebrating Christmas. Almost every year we try to do a little something different. I also make a point of reading and/or seeing A Christmas Carol amost every year, too.

In remembering Jesus' birthday, there is also a sober reminder of WHY He was born--to save mankind from the sins of the world and to reconcile the relationship between God and man. As a Christian, this is the most beautiful gift for which none of us can repay.
Happy Birthday, Jesus.
Merry Christmas! "And God Bless Us, Every One." ~~Tiny Tim, from A Christmas Carol



*[personallly, I think this should better represent the three GIFTS of the kings--the King James Bible indicates that "kings", not "three kings", brought gifts to Jesus--however, the particular gifts mentioned are gold, frankinsense and myrrh--each representing each stage of Jesus' calling.]
** I admit I am not sure exactly what are counted as the 7 specific gifts of the Holy Spirit. I will need to research this further.

Aaaaaaaaah....AUTUMN!!

If you can't tell by the title of this entry, fall is my absolute favorite time of year! What's not to love about fall?? ((just humor me and agree with me, okay? lol))


THIS autumn, in particular, is an extremely WELCOME season this year! What, with 70-some-odd days of 100+ degree heat during the summer, highs of 89 would be a "cold front" enjoyed by me and many others!

Fall leads into the holidays. Once we get past Halloween (which is NOT my favorite holiday), it's all a slide downhill from there! :) It's time to break out the recipes for cookies, cakes and goodies usually reserved for "layering" weather. Christmas presents from me are usually baked goods. People seem to like them! Fall leads to hot chocolaty winters, too! My family is ready for the various soups and chilis that fall weather calls for, as well as creative snacks not usually bothered with any other time of year.

The colors of fall are spectacular. God's paintbrushes are super busy this time of year, dotting each tree with splashes of vivid color against the most brilliant of blue skies. It's a playful time for children and those who are children at heart! Leaves are for jumping into, crisp and vibrant. Pumpkin patches galore! Harvest festivals bring out the kid in you. All of it representative of God's amazing bounty for us all.

This is the season of sports, too! We're in the midst of football season, wrapping up baseball season, and soon to start basketball (if it hasn't already). Don't forget about hockey, too! This is a fun season to be outside. Of course, the most sporty I get is a walk, but those are a joy, too! :) Oh, what wonderful things you can see on a walk! :) Still, any reason to celebrate a sporting event, I'm pretty sure I can rustle up some enthusiasm! : D

It's about this time of year that I really start thinking of holiday plans. Thanksgiving and Christmas are my most treasured holidays. I love seeing my family and watching my boys get to know their grandparents and their local cousins, aunts and uncles. My nieces and nephews have pretty much grown up by now. I'm happy to watch them grow into adults.

When I was younger, my favorite things to do during the fall was draw or do some kind of art or craft. I wasn't particularly talented in these areas, but at the time I liked my sense of creativity. The most favorite thing to do during the fall was to curl up with a weekend's worth of books!! : D THAT was my thing! Sigh. I don't have as much time for that anymore. I sure do miss it. :}

No matter. Times change. Times morph into longer hours of darkness and fewer daylight hours. It's a time of transition into a more cozy and intimate time of year. It's time to embrace hibernation! : D But not for a few days yet. I've got more fall days to celebrate!