Last evening I shared the most wonderful, relaxing time with a dear friend and I wanted to share it with each of you who follow my blog ramblings........have you ever ushered in each season as they arrive from God? Autumn (Fall) Equinox, Winter Solstice, Vernal (Spring) Equinox, Summer Solstice?
It was an amazing evening and felt like what an Native American Indian ceremony would have been like to experience. I believe we can learn something from their rituals in honoring the seasons and honoring God for what he has given us.
We shared simple ritual of soothing music of the cedar flute, simple dancing while holding hands in a circle with lovely women, chanting, singing, poetry, readings, drumming, listening, sharing with a talking stick, and enjoyed the beauty that Mother Earth and God give to us!!! It really was quite a beautiful experience.
This lovely evening invited me to look up the definition of the Fall Equinox and here it is:
Autumn Equinox: The equinox of September 22-23 marking the start of autumn.
Autumn: The season of the year between summer and winter....a time or period of maturity.....a time verging on decline.....a time of harvest and gathering........a time of letting go.
Equinox: Either of the two times of the year when the sun crosses the celestial equator and when the length of the day and night are approximately equal. Wow! I had never looked up this definition before and it fits perfectly to what I feel at this time of the year and at the beginning of each season.
Most people love the fall Autumn season. They love the changing of the weather, the exquisite colors of the trees, the cooler temperatures, football season for some, and gathering all the vegetables from the garden to prepare for winter.
Ponder these thoughts and ideas: What are you harvesting this season? What abundance can you gather? What does your heart see and feel? What do you need to let go of? What can you allow to drop like a leap in your life?
One of the most beautiful verses in the Bible is perfect for the Autumn Equinox:
Ecclesiastes 3: 1-8:
"There is a time for everything, and a season for every activity under heaven.
A time to be born and a time to die,
A time to plant and a time to uproot,
A time to kill and a time to heal,
A time to tear down and a time to build,
A time to weep and a time to laugh,
A time to mourn and a time to dance,
A time to scatter stones and a time to gather them,
A time to embrace and a time to refrain,
A time to search and a time to give up,
A time to keep and a time to mend,
A time to be silent and a time to speak,
A time to love and a time to hate,
A time for war and a time for peace."
Imagine in the world where we live in now of hustle and bustle, where we have technology out our ears and no time to relax, restore or renew ourselves that we take time to honor the seasons and usher them into our lives, our hearts and our souls. Slow down........imagine doing less........listen to your heart........listen to your soul.......and rest a while. Enjoy this gorgeous season!!!
Tips on how to DeStress and enjoy life more!
Monday, September 23, 2013
Wednesday, September 4, 2013
Become willing...
Have you ever heard of the concept of becoming willing? Well, it is quite a concept to grasp and to actually undertake on a daily basis. I learned of it when I first went through my divorce in 2000 at a support group and have been studying it ever since! It is a wonderful and very "free-ing" concept once you get your head around it!!!
It is also Step 8 of the 12 Step program for Alcoholics Anonymous, Al-Anon (Spouse Support Group of AA), Over Eaters Anonymous, and any other 12 Step program out there.
Here is Step 8:
"Made a list of all persons we had harmed, and became willing to make amends to them all."
Can you imagine what our world would look like if each of us became willing to make amends when we hurt or injured another person in thought, word or deed? Wow! I like to think that our world would change dramatically if each person would truly be held accountable for their own actions every day. It would be an amazing concept to teach others and to learn ourselves. I wish the 12 Steps would be taught in every home, every school and every church around the globe because I believe this one step is so powerful!!! Can you imagine if everyone who makes a mistake or even a minor bloop in something they have said or done and considered saying: "I am sorry, I made a mistake. Please forgive me."
This even means to say that to yourself, too......yep! That's right! YOU deserve some grace as well as whoever you might have harmed or hurt their feelings in the past.
Think about it........become willing........to make amends....to see things from a different perspective.......from a different point of view........to ponder another path......to go where your mind and heart may have never been before.....incredible concept, isn't it???
And, if you want to take it one step farther, read Melody Beattie's The Language of Letting Go devotion for August 24th..........it is truly amazing to "set yourself free" from guilt, anxiety, struggle, and discord because you became willing to make amends for the tiniest thing.......to anyone........for anything.
Become willing.........would you consider trying it for a day, a week, a month? I am!!!
Go ahead....set yourself free!!!
It is also Step 8 of the 12 Step program for Alcoholics Anonymous, Al-Anon (Spouse Support Group of AA), Over Eaters Anonymous, and any other 12 Step program out there.
Here is Step 8:
"Made a list of all persons we had harmed, and became willing to make amends to them all."
Can you imagine what our world would look like if each of us became willing to make amends when we hurt or injured another person in thought, word or deed? Wow! I like to think that our world would change dramatically if each person would truly be held accountable for their own actions every day. It would be an amazing concept to teach others and to learn ourselves. I wish the 12 Steps would be taught in every home, every school and every church around the globe because I believe this one step is so powerful!!! Can you imagine if everyone who makes a mistake or even a minor bloop in something they have said or done and considered saying: "I am sorry, I made a mistake. Please forgive me."
This even means to say that to yourself, too......yep! That's right! YOU deserve some grace as well as whoever you might have harmed or hurt their feelings in the past.
Think about it........become willing........to make amends....to see things from a different perspective.......from a different point of view........to ponder another path......to go where your mind and heart may have never been before.....incredible concept, isn't it???
And, if you want to take it one step farther, read Melody Beattie's The Language of Letting Go devotion for August 24th..........it is truly amazing to "set yourself free" from guilt, anxiety, struggle, and discord because you became willing to make amends for the tiniest thing.......to anyone........for anything.
Become willing.........would you consider trying it for a day, a week, a month? I am!!!
Go ahead....set yourself free!!!
Friday, August 23, 2013
Affirmation...
Have you given yourself an positive affirmation lately? Asked yourself "What went right today?" Or, said an "Oh My Gosh" or a "Praise the Lord" about something you accomplished recently? If not, try it!!!
Affirmations are wonderful - they hit your heart right when you need them and make a dull day beautiful....affirmations are quick "pick-me-ups" you can add to your day to dispel fear, worry, anxiety or sometimes fatigue. It can even cure morning sickness if you are pregnant (it did for me 18 years ago!!!).
Try doing this experiment every morning for the next week: Pick five adjectives such as Wonderful, Amazing, Fantastic, Great, Fabulous. Then, repeat each word 5 times before you get out of bed in the morning. That's right - before you hit the floor running!!! Give yourself a few extra minutes to lay in bed and watch the colors come into your room ( a friend of mine gave me that idea) and while your are watching the day begin, say these 5 adjectives to yourself and just see if you don't start feeling better soon!!!
There are many reasons to use positive affirmations for yourself, your kids, your spouse, your friends, your co-workers, and every one you come in contact with each day!!! They add a little zest to your life, gives you a little lilt in your step, and puts a smile on your face! Smiling can dispel a whole bunch of yucky things in life! Do you remember the movie "Patch Adams" with Robin Williams for the 1980's? If not, go rent it or check it out of the library - or call me - I still have the VCR version and watch it. Patch experiments with saying "hello" and smiling at people on campus while he was going to medical school. What he found was amazing: It works!!! People smile back!!! And, while some people may think your nuts, it will also give their day a lift. And, if they laugh and giggle at you for being goofy- so what??? Doesn't this crazy world of our need a little more fun and laughter? I know my corner of the world does!!!
Yes, I know I am goofy, but try it!!! Then, send me an email and tell me the results! We may have to put it in my new book called: "I thought it was a bowl...." - more on that subject later!!!
Affirmations are wonderful - they hit your heart right when you need them and make a dull day beautiful....affirmations are quick "pick-me-ups" you can add to your day to dispel fear, worry, anxiety or sometimes fatigue. It can even cure morning sickness if you are pregnant (it did for me 18 years ago!!!).
Try doing this experiment every morning for the next week: Pick five adjectives such as Wonderful, Amazing, Fantastic, Great, Fabulous. Then, repeat each word 5 times before you get out of bed in the morning. That's right - before you hit the floor running!!! Give yourself a few extra minutes to lay in bed and watch the colors come into your room ( a friend of mine gave me that idea) and while your are watching the day begin, say these 5 adjectives to yourself and just see if you don't start feeling better soon!!!
There are many reasons to use positive affirmations for yourself, your kids, your spouse, your friends, your co-workers, and every one you come in contact with each day!!! They add a little zest to your life, gives you a little lilt in your step, and puts a smile on your face! Smiling can dispel a whole bunch of yucky things in life! Do you remember the movie "Patch Adams" with Robin Williams for the 1980's? If not, go rent it or check it out of the library - or call me - I still have the VCR version and watch it. Patch experiments with saying "hello" and smiling at people on campus while he was going to medical school. What he found was amazing: It works!!! People smile back!!! And, while some people may think your nuts, it will also give their day a lift. And, if they laugh and giggle at you for being goofy- so what??? Doesn't this crazy world of our need a little more fun and laughter? I know my corner of the world does!!!
Yes, I know I am goofy, but try it!!! Then, send me an email and tell me the results! We may have to put it in my new book called: "I thought it was a bowl...." - more on that subject later!!!
Sunday, August 11, 2013
Integrity....
Once again, I am puzzled by a word and the outcome in my life. What is the actual definition of integrity - how you ever looked it up? Studied it? Thought about how it applies to your life as well as how to live it? As my 17 year old son begins to deal with unfair and unreasonable people in his life, I find myself in a quandry as to how to teach this value to him. And, as I try to teach him what the true definition is, I find that while I have often thought of my self as a person with integrity - do I model it to him? Does he see evidence of it in my life?
So, the question becomes: How does one live with integrity? How can one adhere to a rigid code of values every moment of every day? How in the world can one be of a sound mind and completely do the right thing because it is the right thing to do? Every time right and wrong are in question - how does one live it every time? Wow! That is a tall order in this crazy world!!!
Think of the highest honor one could bestow upon you. Why would someone honor you? Or, why would you honor another person, place or thing? Is it because your actions are whole, right, and entirely honest? Or is it because one displays a level of excellence that is unheard of in today's society? Do you stand for courage? Do you stand for honesty in all things? How can one do that when compromise is so much a part of our world today?
What do you value? What merits dignity to you? What or who do you appreciate? Treasure? Hold dear? What causes worthiness in a perosn's life?
What or who is worthy to you? Your life? Your love? This is a subject that is worth pondering.........lingering upon..........and truly finding the meaning of in your life.
Ahhhh....yes, those rose-colored glasses are on again!!! Perhaps if each of us truly demonstrated integrity in all of our affairs our world would be a much better place than it currently is - but, wait!
That IS what we are called to be as Christians........we are taught in the Scriptures to think about what is right, what is honorable, what is noble, what is just, what is pure, what is lovely, what is of good report, what is of virture, what is praiseworthy. (Philippians 4:8-9).
We are to think about these things - what if we lived them as well? Think about such things. Then,
ask for the ability to live a life of integrity in all things. Not some, not part, not most, but all.
God is waiting for us to ask so that he can be evident to all whom we come in contact with - every day, every moment. Think about such things.
So, the question becomes: How does one live with integrity? How can one adhere to a rigid code of values every moment of every day? How in the world can one be of a sound mind and completely do the right thing because it is the right thing to do? Every time right and wrong are in question - how does one live it every time? Wow! That is a tall order in this crazy world!!!
Think of the highest honor one could bestow upon you. Why would someone honor you? Or, why would you honor another person, place or thing? Is it because your actions are whole, right, and entirely honest? Or is it because one displays a level of excellence that is unheard of in today's society? Do you stand for courage? Do you stand for honesty in all things? How can one do that when compromise is so much a part of our world today?
What do you value? What merits dignity to you? What or who do you appreciate? Treasure? Hold dear? What causes worthiness in a perosn's life?
What or who is worthy to you? Your life? Your love? This is a subject that is worth pondering.........lingering upon..........and truly finding the meaning of in your life.
Ahhhh....yes, those rose-colored glasses are on again!!! Perhaps if each of us truly demonstrated integrity in all of our affairs our world would be a much better place than it currently is - but, wait!
That IS what we are called to be as Christians........we are taught in the Scriptures to think about what is right, what is honorable, what is noble, what is just, what is pure, what is lovely, what is of good report, what is of virture, what is praiseworthy. (Philippians 4:8-9).
We are to think about these things - what if we lived them as well? Think about such things. Then,
ask for the ability to live a life of integrity in all things. Not some, not part, not most, but all.
God is waiting for us to ask so that he can be evident to all whom we come in contact with - every day, every moment. Think about such things.
Monday, August 5, 2013
Hilarious moment...
Have you ever had one of those hilarious moments when you cannot stop laughing??? I just did!
I was in the middle of coloring my hair and between the stage of color and rinsing, I happened to look in the mirror and see the color dripping down my forehead and onto my ears!!! It was absolutely hilarious!!! Boisterously funny! It made me laugh so hard that I thought I was going to cry.....when was the last time you laughed at yourself??? A moment of merriment like this can cause us to relax, regroup and remind ourselves that sometimes we take life much too seriously!! At least, I know that I do!
Try it today..........find something to laugh at with yourself, at yourself or for yourself! Go find a cartoon that makes you giggle and share it with someone you know who is going through a rough stretch. Stick your tongue out at someone in traffic who you really want to say or do something not so nice to......make funny faces in the mirror with your kids or grandkids........tell your neighbor a joke or share what happened this morning to me with someone else! LAUGH!!!
Life is to be enjoyed and God has given us a world full of reasons to smile, laugh, and stand in awe of in all creation!!! Listen to the squirrels as they run after each other in the backyard.......watch the birds frolic to and fro from your bird feeder or fly through the sprinkler..........throw a toy for your dog in the back yard and see him/her laugh with their tails!!! That is how dogs smile - did you know that? By wagging their tails!!!
Or, if you have a very noisy cat like I do, you can laugh at how annoyed I get with him meowing over and over and over.........yes, it is annoying, but what is he trying to tell me??? It may the wisdom of a sage trying to get my attention because I am always in a hurry. Stop, breathe, laugh!!!
Find something in your day that is absolutely ludicrous and laugh!!! That's right: a big, belly laugh from your belly button!!! Fill that heart and mind with things of joy - pure joy!!!
Children laugh hundreds of times a day, but you know what? Adults rarely laugh!!! Google the statistics and see what it says! Then, look up the word hilarious and see what comes up!
Ask other people what makes them laugh........seek out people who love to laugh and join them!
Knock on the door of God's window and see what he shows you today!!!
Matthew 7:7
Ask, and it shall be given to you.
Seek and you shall find.
Knock and the door will be opened to you!!!
I was in the middle of coloring my hair and between the stage of color and rinsing, I happened to look in the mirror and see the color dripping down my forehead and onto my ears!!! It was absolutely hilarious!!! Boisterously funny! It made me laugh so hard that I thought I was going to cry.....when was the last time you laughed at yourself??? A moment of merriment like this can cause us to relax, regroup and remind ourselves that sometimes we take life much too seriously!! At least, I know that I do!
Try it today..........find something to laugh at with yourself, at yourself or for yourself! Go find a cartoon that makes you giggle and share it with someone you know who is going through a rough stretch. Stick your tongue out at someone in traffic who you really want to say or do something not so nice to......make funny faces in the mirror with your kids or grandkids........tell your neighbor a joke or share what happened this morning to me with someone else! LAUGH!!!
Life is to be enjoyed and God has given us a world full of reasons to smile, laugh, and stand in awe of in all creation!!! Listen to the squirrels as they run after each other in the backyard.......watch the birds frolic to and fro from your bird feeder or fly through the sprinkler..........throw a toy for your dog in the back yard and see him/her laugh with their tails!!! That is how dogs smile - did you know that? By wagging their tails!!!
Or, if you have a very noisy cat like I do, you can laugh at how annoyed I get with him meowing over and over and over.........yes, it is annoying, but what is he trying to tell me??? It may the wisdom of a sage trying to get my attention because I am always in a hurry. Stop, breathe, laugh!!!
Find something in your day that is absolutely ludicrous and laugh!!! That's right: a big, belly laugh from your belly button!!! Fill that heart and mind with things of joy - pure joy!!!
Children laugh hundreds of times a day, but you know what? Adults rarely laugh!!! Google the statistics and see what it says! Then, look up the word hilarious and see what comes up!
Ask other people what makes them laugh........seek out people who love to laugh and join them!
Knock on the door of God's window and see what he shows you today!!!
Matthew 7:7
Ask, and it shall be given to you.
Seek and you shall find.
Knock and the door will be opened to you!!!
Monday, July 22, 2013
Misery an option?
Misery.....prolonged or extreme suffering...wretchedness.........affliction.....deprivation. Can you imagine that you have a choice about misery? Is it truly an option? There is a wonderful, funny author named Barbara Johnson who wrote a book called: Pain is inevitable, but Misery is Optional. So Stick a Geranium in Your Hat and Be Happy! What a wonderful option!!!
We can CHOOSE to be miserable, unhappy, feel like we are inferior or inadequate, OR we can choose NOT to be so! I know sometimes in this life there are many sorrowful, agonizing events that can bring us to our knees, but when we choose to dwell on the negative or the suffering - we can create woe and anguish for ourselves. Yes, sometimes we do have to go through a season of grief or anguish, but there is joy around the corner as we do have a choice to be miserable or not! And, we have a choice to be happy........joyful........to have a positive outlook even on the most devastating events of our lives. We can choose to look up and see that we have a God who loves us and cares for us beyond measure. We have a God who provides for our every need. Not some, not part, not most, but all. Yes, I did say all. Check it out in Philippians 4:19 in the Scriptures.....Each day we have a choice as to whether or not to find the joy that surrounds us.........the love........the beauty.........the incredible gifts just waiting around the corner for us as we become aware of them and choose to receive! Yes, it is a choice.
Next, if you think about God and what He offers us the following acronym might hit home for you this week as you remember WHO God is:
M = Magnificent
I = Incredible
S = Spectacular
E = Enough
R = Rejoice
Y = Yield to God
Yes, if we yield to God, our lives, our families, our finances, our decisions, our schedules, our work, our busyness, our friends, and all that our lives contain, we might just find that our MISERY turns into something magnificent just when we think we cannot go one step further. Try remembering the magnificent, incredible, spectacular things of nature - a sunrise, a sunset, a rainstorm, a pond, a rose garden - and you will find God is enough! You will find reasons to rejoice! And, as you yield your life to God you will find new avenues to adventure and new journeys to take in this life!
Have you ever read some of Emily Dickinson's poetry??? If not, google her name and read some of her beautiful poetry. Emily wrote this sentiment on HOPE: Hope is the thing with feathers, that perches in your soul and sings the tune without the words and never stops at all.....amazing! It is true! Hope fills our heart with a song that is irrepressible at times...........other times it only whispers to us, but it is always there.
Have you ever read this adage? "Always believe that something wonderful is about to happen." What if we each chose to believe that every day? Can you imagine what our world would look like if we each displayed that kind of attitude??? If we each shared that hope and belief with one other person? Can you imagine???
Yes, I know that I have rose-colored glasses on at this moment and that all of life is not filled with joy and laughter, but we do have a choice! Each one of us........every day! Misery is definitely a part of this world we live in, but it IS an option! The good news is that if we choose to feel all of our feelings............all of them.........and learn to express them in a healthy manner, we can experience JOY despite the not-so-rosey things that happen on occasion..........or sometimes in a row........or as the old expression goes: "misery comes in threes....." Yes, sometimes misery does hit us hard and in succession. But laughter and joy are right around the corner......if only we look for them!!!
So, try Barbara Johnson's advice: Stick a geranium in your hat and be happy! If you don't like geraniums, choose a daisy - they are very happy flowers!!! And, misery DOES love company!!! LOL
We can CHOOSE to be miserable, unhappy, feel like we are inferior or inadequate, OR we can choose NOT to be so! I know sometimes in this life there are many sorrowful, agonizing events that can bring us to our knees, but when we choose to dwell on the negative or the suffering - we can create woe and anguish for ourselves. Yes, sometimes we do have to go through a season of grief or anguish, but there is joy around the corner as we do have a choice to be miserable or not! And, we have a choice to be happy........joyful........to have a positive outlook even on the most devastating events of our lives. We can choose to look up and see that we have a God who loves us and cares for us beyond measure. We have a God who provides for our every need. Not some, not part, not most, but all. Yes, I did say all. Check it out in Philippians 4:19 in the Scriptures.....Each day we have a choice as to whether or not to find the joy that surrounds us.........the love........the beauty.........the incredible gifts just waiting around the corner for us as we become aware of them and choose to receive! Yes, it is a choice.
Next, if you think about God and what He offers us the following acronym might hit home for you this week as you remember WHO God is:
M = Magnificent
I = Incredible
S = Spectacular
E = Enough
R = Rejoice
Y = Yield to God
Yes, if we yield to God, our lives, our families, our finances, our decisions, our schedules, our work, our busyness, our friends, and all that our lives contain, we might just find that our MISERY turns into something magnificent just when we think we cannot go one step further. Try remembering the magnificent, incredible, spectacular things of nature - a sunrise, a sunset, a rainstorm, a pond, a rose garden - and you will find God is enough! You will find reasons to rejoice! And, as you yield your life to God you will find new avenues to adventure and new journeys to take in this life!
Have you ever read some of Emily Dickinson's poetry??? If not, google her name and read some of her beautiful poetry. Emily wrote this sentiment on HOPE: Hope is the thing with feathers, that perches in your soul and sings the tune without the words and never stops at all.....amazing! It is true! Hope fills our heart with a song that is irrepressible at times...........other times it only whispers to us, but it is always there.
Have you ever read this adage? "Always believe that something wonderful is about to happen." What if we each chose to believe that every day? Can you imagine what our world would look like if we each displayed that kind of attitude??? If we each shared that hope and belief with one other person? Can you imagine???
Yes, I know that I have rose-colored glasses on at this moment and that all of life is not filled with joy and laughter, but we do have a choice! Each one of us........every day! Misery is definitely a part of this world we live in, but it IS an option! The good news is that if we choose to feel all of our feelings............all of them.........and learn to express them in a healthy manner, we can experience JOY despite the not-so-rosey things that happen on occasion..........or sometimes in a row........or as the old expression goes: "misery comes in threes....." Yes, sometimes misery does hit us hard and in succession. But laughter and joy are right around the corner......if only we look for them!!!
So, try Barbara Johnson's advice: Stick a geranium in your hat and be happy! If you don't like geraniums, choose a daisy - they are very happy flowers!!! And, misery DOES love company!!! LOL
Tuesday, July 2, 2013
Freedom....
Freedom...........have you ever thought about the definition of Freedom??? It is the condition of being free.........unrestricted access........political independence......liberty. Can you imagine living in a country other than our wonderful USA? Can you imagine not having the freedom to say what you want and/or when you want to express an idea? Can you imagine if you could not do you want to do, or go to the places that you need to go to each day, or not being able to enjoy every day as a "free" person? Wow, that is unimaginable to me. I am so grateful for our freedom, for our country, and for the liberty to do what I please most of the time and within reason.
We are very blessed in the USA and I would like for us to think about the challenge of freedom. What is freedom for? To do as we please, live where we want to live, change jobs because we want to "better ourselves" or is there a higher reason we enjoy freedom? I love to go for a bicycle ride when I have time, or take my dog for a walk each day. I love to work hard each day. I love to plan for vacations and dream for the future. I enjoy going to different restaurants and finding places to have some fun that are different than I have tried or experienced before, but have I ever really thought about the fact that our freedom is not free? There has been a cost to our freedom and liberty over the 200 years of our existance in the United States....our forefathers fought to have this country become what it has become. Our Declaration of Independence came at a price. A very high price. We defend our constitution every day in many ways through our political system and our local communities, but have we ever really realized how much that costs to have those liberties??? Love for freedom and love for this great country was a vital reason why our soldiers fought during the Revolutionary War, the Civil War, World War I and World War II, the Korean War, the Vietnam War, Bosnia, Desert Storm, Operation Iraqi Freedom, and the current war in Afghanistan - the war on Terror. (Forgive me if I missed one of the important ones.) Our freedom has come at a very high price. But, what is freedom really for? Pope John Paul II famously said: "Freedom consists not in doing what we like, but in having the right to do what we ought." Think about that for a minute..........are there times when doing what we "ought" gets ruled out because we want to do something selfishly just for ourselves? Sure, we are all human. And, there are certainly times I have done that in my life. But, when I think about it most of the time, I treasure my freedom and value the price that was paid for me by many people I have never known or will ever meet.
I have the privilege of meeting and working with some of the most incredible military people in the USA who serve in the Kansas National Guard, Army Reserves, Air Force, Marines, Navy, US Coast Guard and Active Duty Soldiers at Ft. Leavenworth, Ft. Riley and McConnell AFB. As I mingle with these incredible human beings, I am humbled to the core of my being that they are willing to fight for my freedom every day. Their families are torn apart for various times as they deploy to regions around the world to defend our freedom. I am truly grateful that they make this sacrifice for me. I also had the privilege of sitting next to a Gold Star Mom at a recent Army Birthday dinner. A Gold Star Mom is one who has lost a loved one...............it was very sad in some ways, but very beautiful in other ways. Part of the ceremony for the Army Birthday dinner is to honor the Fallen Soldier. And, as you can imagine, tears were streaming down her face and many others including mine, as they saluted the Fallen. At the end of the dinner, there was another ceremony to dismantle the table for the Fallen Soldier, so one by one, the helmet, gun, boots and rose were taken off the table and guarded by procession out of the room by the Color Guard. Again, there was not a dry eye in the room. It was extremely moving and I was touched by the woman who became my acquaintance during the evening festivities. It was truly an honor to meet her and share dinner with her. I admire her courage for being at the dinner to honor her son despite her grief. We are all privileged to be here in the USA thanks to our military men and women who serve every day. I hope that each of us pause and think about our freedom this 4th of July. It is a gift. Truly a gift.
Over 2,000 years ago Christ paid the ultimate price for our freedom. He gave his life for us. If you have accepted Jesus Christ in your heart and asked Him to be Lord over your life, then you know what a price was paid. If not, have you thought about what a huge price was paid for us and why? LOVE............that is the reason we were bought at a price. Love that is beyond measure and unconditional. Love that goes to the end of the earth to fight for you and for me. Love that is eternal, everlasting and omnipotent.
If it is possible, I hope that my life will be a service to God so that I may serve others through love, friendship, laughter and joy each day and take the time to thank our Heavenly Father for the privilege of being His child. I hope that I won't always partake in self-indulgence and that as I realize the price that was paid for me that I will give back a small portion of what has been given to me without me even knowing it. And, I pray that our country will realize what price was paid for the life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness as well as the freedom we experience every day in the USA.
St. Paul wrote to the Galations this thought:
"You were called for freedom, brothers and sisters. But do not use this freedom as an opportunity for the flesh; rather, serve one another through love." (Galations 5:13)
I pray that as you celebrate the 4th of July - our Independence Day in the United States, that you will pause and give thanks for all that we have here and all the God has given us through His son.
What a gift...............what an incredible gift!!!
We are very blessed in the USA and I would like for us to think about the challenge of freedom. What is freedom for? To do as we please, live where we want to live, change jobs because we want to "better ourselves" or is there a higher reason we enjoy freedom? I love to go for a bicycle ride when I have time, or take my dog for a walk each day. I love to work hard each day. I love to plan for vacations and dream for the future. I enjoy going to different restaurants and finding places to have some fun that are different than I have tried or experienced before, but have I ever really thought about the fact that our freedom is not free? There has been a cost to our freedom and liberty over the 200 years of our existance in the United States....our forefathers fought to have this country become what it has become. Our Declaration of Independence came at a price. A very high price. We defend our constitution every day in many ways through our political system and our local communities, but have we ever really realized how much that costs to have those liberties??? Love for freedom and love for this great country was a vital reason why our soldiers fought during the Revolutionary War, the Civil War, World War I and World War II, the Korean War, the Vietnam War, Bosnia, Desert Storm, Operation Iraqi Freedom, and the current war in Afghanistan - the war on Terror. (Forgive me if I missed one of the important ones.) Our freedom has come at a very high price. But, what is freedom really for? Pope John Paul II famously said: "Freedom consists not in doing what we like, but in having the right to do what we ought." Think about that for a minute..........are there times when doing what we "ought" gets ruled out because we want to do something selfishly just for ourselves? Sure, we are all human. And, there are certainly times I have done that in my life. But, when I think about it most of the time, I treasure my freedom and value the price that was paid for me by many people I have never known or will ever meet.
I have the privilege of meeting and working with some of the most incredible military people in the USA who serve in the Kansas National Guard, Army Reserves, Air Force, Marines, Navy, US Coast Guard and Active Duty Soldiers at Ft. Leavenworth, Ft. Riley and McConnell AFB. As I mingle with these incredible human beings, I am humbled to the core of my being that they are willing to fight for my freedom every day. Their families are torn apart for various times as they deploy to regions around the world to defend our freedom. I am truly grateful that they make this sacrifice for me. I also had the privilege of sitting next to a Gold Star Mom at a recent Army Birthday dinner. A Gold Star Mom is one who has lost a loved one...............it was very sad in some ways, but very beautiful in other ways. Part of the ceremony for the Army Birthday dinner is to honor the Fallen Soldier. And, as you can imagine, tears were streaming down her face and many others including mine, as they saluted the Fallen. At the end of the dinner, there was another ceremony to dismantle the table for the Fallen Soldier, so one by one, the helmet, gun, boots and rose were taken off the table and guarded by procession out of the room by the Color Guard. Again, there was not a dry eye in the room. It was extremely moving and I was touched by the woman who became my acquaintance during the evening festivities. It was truly an honor to meet her and share dinner with her. I admire her courage for being at the dinner to honor her son despite her grief. We are all privileged to be here in the USA thanks to our military men and women who serve every day. I hope that each of us pause and think about our freedom this 4th of July. It is a gift. Truly a gift.
Over 2,000 years ago Christ paid the ultimate price for our freedom. He gave his life for us. If you have accepted Jesus Christ in your heart and asked Him to be Lord over your life, then you know what a price was paid. If not, have you thought about what a huge price was paid for us and why? LOVE............that is the reason we were bought at a price. Love that is beyond measure and unconditional. Love that goes to the end of the earth to fight for you and for me. Love that is eternal, everlasting and omnipotent.
If it is possible, I hope that my life will be a service to God so that I may serve others through love, friendship, laughter and joy each day and take the time to thank our Heavenly Father for the privilege of being His child. I hope that I won't always partake in self-indulgence and that as I realize the price that was paid for me that I will give back a small portion of what has been given to me without me even knowing it. And, I pray that our country will realize what price was paid for the life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness as well as the freedom we experience every day in the USA.
St. Paul wrote to the Galations this thought:
"You were called for freedom, brothers and sisters. But do not use this freedom as an opportunity for the flesh; rather, serve one another through love." (Galations 5:13)
I pray that as you celebrate the 4th of July - our Independence Day in the United States, that you will pause and give thanks for all that we have here and all the God has given us through His son.
What a gift...............what an incredible gift!!!
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