Is Freedom  really “FREE?”

Freedom is defined as “the quality or state of being free;  the absence of necessity, coercion, or constraint in choice or action; liberation from slavery or restraint or from the power of another; independence; the quality of being frank, open, or outspoken <answered with freedom>;   improper familiarity; unrestricted use <gave him the freedom of their home>; a political right”  http://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/freedom

We often equate our “freedoms” via The United States Constitution. Within it contains the Bill of Rights, which consists of 10 amendments.

We are most familiar with:

The First Amendment, perhaps the best known of these freedoms and protections, prohibits the establishment of a state-supported church, requires the separation of church and state, and guarantees freedom of worship, of speech and the press, the rights of peaceable assembly, association and petition.

It now appears that the Second Amendment has become a very popular issue. “The Second Amendment protects the right to keep and bear arms. Long a controversial issue in American political, legal and social discourse, the Second Amendment has been at the heart of several Supreme Court decisions."  http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/United_States_Bill_of_Rights

In 2014, these “freedoms” have been interpreted to mean that you can exercise these void of any consequences or effects on others' rights.

The military makes major sacrifices to allow us to enjoy these “freedoms.”

We have freedom…but it does come with consequences…

The Bible says:
John 8:32 (NIV): Then you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.”

Galatians 5:1 (NKJV): [ Freedom in Christ ] It is for freedom that Christ has set us free. Stand firm, then, and do not let yourselves be burdened again by a yoke of slavery.

1 Corinthians 10:23 (NKJV):  [ The Believer’s Freedom ] “I have the right to do anything,” you say—but not everything is beneficial. “I have the right to do anything”—but not everything is constructive.

Galatians 5:13(NKJV):  [ Life by the Spirit ] You, my brothers and sisters, were called to be free. But do not use your freedom to indulge the flesh; rather, serve one another humbly in love.

1 Peter 2:16 (NKJV):  Live as free people, but do not use your freedom as a cover-up for evil; live as God’s slaves.

Powerful Quotes:

“As I walked out of the door toward my freedom, I knew that if I did not leave all of the anger, hatred and bitterness behind, that I would still be in prison.” – Nelson Mandela

“I'm proud to be an American, where at least I know I'm free. And I won't forget the men who died, who gave that right to me.” - Lee Greenwood

“Freedom is being who you are without anyone’s permission.”

“97% of Americans will wake up and enjoy freedom; only 3% will defend it.”

"What is freedom? Freedom is the right to choose: the right to create for oneself the alternatives of choice."  - Poet Archibald MacLeish

“You are free to choose, but you are not free from the consequences of your choice.”

“Freedom comes not from resisting truth, but from applying it.” - D. Todd Christofferson

“I always wonder why birds stay in the same place when they can fly anywhere in the earth. Then I ask myself the same question.” – Harun Yahya

Freedom is a privilege that we should respect. It is something that we should be very responsible with and thankful to God for…

“I Won’t Complain…”

This is the title of a spiritual hymn sung by Marvin Winans.  Some of the lyrics are:

I've had some good days

I've had some hills to climb

I've had some weary days

I've had some weary nights

But when I look around

And think things over

All of my good days

They outweigh my bad days

So I won't complain

http://www.lyricsmania.com/i_wont_complain_lyrics_marvin_winans.html

I have noticed people in pain, struggling…yet still smiling…

The privilege to be alive is cause for celebration.

Many of us are so ungrateful, so unthankful…rushing through life and not taking a moment to embrace the NOW.

Do you wake up and say “Thank You, Lord?”

•          For the fact that you are even awake?
•          For allowing you to breathe on your own?
•          For your vision and your health?
•          For your children, your job, your freedom?

As this spiritual journey continues, the lesson is to learn to be grateful in all circumstances.

The Bible guides us:

Philippians 4:11-13 (NIV): “…for I have learned to be content whatever the circumstances. 12 I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want. 13 I can do all this through him who gives me strength.

Romans 8:18 (NIV):  I consider that our present sufferings are not worth comparing with the glory that will be revealed in us.

Isaiah 41:10 (NIV): So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you;

1 Peter 4:12 (NIV): Dear friends, do not be surprised at the fiery ordeal that has come on you to test you, as though something strange were happening to you.

Philippians 4:6-7 (NIV): 6 Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. 7 And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.

John 14:1(NKJV): “Let not your heart be troubled; you believe in God, believe also in Me.

Psalm 73:26 (NKJV):  My flesh and my heart fail; But God is the strength of my heart and my portion forever.

Psalm 23 (NKJV): 23 The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want. 2 He makes me to lie down in green pastures; He leads me beside the still waters. 3 He restores my soul; He leads me in the paths of righteousness For His name’s sake. 4 Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil; For You are with me; Your rod and Your staff, they comfort me. 5 You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies; You anoint my head with oil; My cup runs over. 6 Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me All the days of my life; And I will dwell[a] in the house of the Lord Forever.

Memorable Quotes:

“If we don’t feel grateful for what we already have, what makes us think we will be happy with more?” – unknown

“I am thankful for my struggle because from it I have found my strength.” – unknown

“When life is sweet, say thank you and celebrate; when life is bitter, say thank you and grow.” – unknown

“Blessed are they who see beautiful things in humble places where others see nothing.” –  Camille Pissarro

“Every day may not be good, but there is something good in every day.” – unknown

“We can complain because rose bushes have thorns, or we can rejoice because thorn bushes have roses.” – Abraham Lincoln

“Sometimes the bad things that happen in our lives put us directly on the path to the best things that will ever happen to us.” – unknown

“Your greatest test is when you are able to bless someone else while you are going through your own storm.” – unknown

“Someone else is happy with less than what you have.” – unknown

“Stop focusing on how stressed you are and remember how blessed you are.” – unknown

“Don’t be pushed by your problems. Be led by your dreams.” – Ralph Waldo Emerson

“No matter our circumstances, no matter our struggles or trials, there is something in each day to embrace and cherish.” – Dieter F. Uchtdorf

“Until God opens the next door, praise Him in the hallway.” – unknown

 “This Too Shall Pass...” – unknown

As we continue on this uncertain journey and express gratitude in all things, you will find yourself quietly saying, “I Won’t Complain…”

“Bridge Over Troubled Water…”

"Bridge over Troubled Water" is a song by American music duo Simon & Garfunkel from their fifth studio album, Bridge over Troubled Water (1970). The song became Simon & Garfunkel's biggest hit single, and it is often considered their signature song. It became one of the most performed songs of the twentieth century, with over 50 artists, among them Elvis Presley and Aretha Franklin, covering the song. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bridge_over_Troubled_Water_(song)

Some of the lyrics are:

When you're weary, feeling small,

When tears are in your eyes, I will dry them all;

I'm on your side. When times get rough

And friends just can't be found,

Like a bridge over troubled water

I will lay me down.

When you're down and out,

When you're on the street,

When evening falls so hard

I will comfort you.

I'll take your part.

When darkness comes

And pain is all around,

Like a bridge over troubled water

I will lay me down.

http://www.azlyrics.com/lyrics/simongarfunkel/bridgeovertroubledwater.html

Oftentimes, life has many “troubled waters.” These come in the form of stress, relationship challenges, financial problems, work issues, children’s activities, health issues, auto repairs, accidents, unexpected events, death, etc.

God offers us that “bridge.” The Bible says:

Isaiah 43:2 (NKJV): When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; And through the rivers, they shall not overflow you. When you walk through the fire, you shall not be burned, Nor shall the flame scorch you.

Matthew 11:28-30 (NKJV):  28 Come to Me, all you who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. 29 Take My yoke upon you and learn from Me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. 30 For My yoke is easy and My burden is light.”

Psalm 55:22 (NKJV): Cast your burden on the Lord, And He shall sustain you; He shall never permit the righteous to be moved.

Psalm 94:19 (NKJV): In the multitude of my anxieties within me, Your comforts delight my soul.

1 Peter 5:7 (NKJV): Casting all your care upon Him, for He cares for you.

Galatians 6:2 (NKJV): Bear one another’s burdens, and so fulfill the law of Christ.

Philippians 4:6 (NKJV): Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God;

1 Corinthians 13:7N (NKJV): (Love) bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things.

Ephesians 4:32 (NKJV): And be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, even as God in Christ forgave you.

We can be a bridge to others as Christ is a bridge for us. One way is to simple “give others’ a break.” We are not perfect. We ALL make mistakes. We don't see the world as everyone else because of our different experiences, personalities and concerns. We have to give others the same kindness, patience and forgiveness that we would hope they would give us.

Powerful Quotes:

“No one is useless in this world who lightens the burdens of another.” – Charles Dickens

“I have decided to stick with love. Hate is too great a burden to bear.” - Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.

“It’s not the load that breaks you down, it’s the way you carry it.” – Lena Horne

“God is greater than the burdens you are carrying.” – unknown

Decide today to be someone’s “bridge over troubled water.” You will never know when you need someone to be yours…

“Two Sides to Every Story?”

We often hear the phrase:  “There are two sides to every story.”

I contend that it actually should be:

“There is MY perspective, YOUR perspective, and the TRUTH.”

Truth is defined as “the real facts about something; the things that are true; a statement or idea that is true or accepted as true” http://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/truth

Oftentimes, when events happen in our lives, they are overlaid with our opinions, unmet expectations, disappointments, fears, insecurities, experiences, personalities, personal prejudices, our biases and even anger.

“We don’t see things as they are. We see them as we are.“ - Anais Nin

I am reminded about the heated exchange of Tom Cruise’s character (Lt. Kaffee) and Jack Nicholson’s (Col. Jessep) in the movie A Few Good Men.

A Few Good Men is a 1992 film about the trial of two U.S. Marines accused of murder while serving at Guantanamo Bay, Cuba. http://en.wikiquote.org/wiki/A_Few_Good_Men

Col. Jessep: You want answers?

Kaffee: I think I'm entitled to.

Col. Jessep: *You want answers?*

Kaffee: *I want the truth!*

Col. Jessep: *You can't handle the truth!*

http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0104257/quotes

Dealing with the “truth” is often difficult for us.

The Bible tells us about “Truth”:

Galatians 4:16 (NKJV):  “Have I therefore become your enemy because I tell you the truth?”

John 8:32 (NKJV): “And you shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free.”

Joshua 24:14 (NKJV): “Now therefore, fear the Lord, serve Him in sincerity and in truth, …”

Psalm 85:11 (NKJV): Truth shall spring out of the earth, And righteousness shall look down from heaven.

Psalm 100:5 (NJKV): For the Lord is good; His mercy is everlasting, And His truth endures to all generations.

Proverbs 12:22 (NKJV): Lying lips are an abomination to the Lord, But those who deal truthfully are His delight.

John 14:6 (NKJV): Jesus said to him, “I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through Me.

2 Timothy 2:15 (NKJV):  Be diligent to present yourself approved to God, a worker who does not need to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth.

1 John 1:8 (NKJV):  If we say that we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us.

Memorable Quotes:

“Do not make assumptions unless you know the whole story. If in doubt, ask the person directly.” – unknown

“Two sides to every story, yet people end up listening to one side and believe it to be the truth.” – unknown

"There are two sides to every story and the truth usually lies somewhere in the middle." – Paul J. Alessi

“Remember that there are always two sides to every story. Understanding is a three-edged sword.  Your side, their side, and the truth in the middle. Get all the facts before you jump to conclusions.” – J. Michael

“There are two sides to every story and then there's the TRUTH.” – unknown

“It is usual to assume there are two sides to every story but sometimes it is simply the TRUTH versus a LIE.” – unknown

“I’d rather be devastated by the truth than mesmerized with a lie.” – Janette McGowen

“The truth doesn’t cost you anything, but a lie could cost you everything.” – unknown

“People don’t want to hear the truth because they don’t want their illusions destroyed.” – Friedrich Nietzsche

“If the words don't add up, its usually because the truth wasn't included in the equation.” – unknown

Although it may be painful, dealing in ‘truth” is the best means to grow and to draw closer to God…

“The Final Frontier…”

Most of us remember the epic TV and movie series Star Trek.

Star Trek is an American science fiction television series created by Gene Roddenberry that follows the adventures of the starship USS Enterprise (NCC-1701) and its crew. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Star_Trek:_The_Original_Series

The Star Trek Theme:

“Space…

The final frontier…

These are the voyages of the Starship Enterprise.

Its 5-year mission:

To explore strange new worlds…

To seek out new life and new civilizations…

To boldly go where no man has gone before.”

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nHhePr0TKfc

This movie theme leads me to reflect on the power of the internet or the “world wide web.”

Romans 12:2 (NKJV) says,“ And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, that you may prove what is that good and acceptable and perfect will of God.”

Although we are not to “conform” to this world, we still have to live in it.

Not using the internet in 2014 is the same as not owning or using a cell phone.

This is similar to living in a cave, secluded from the outside world.

I know individuals who totally REFUSE to use the internet, email or utilize Social Media. We all have the power to make our own decisions.

However…it is HERE…and has been here for over 24 years. If you don’t acknowledge it…you will become irrelevant…someone who is trying to maintain and get ahead using a “rotary phone” while the rest of the world is using Smartphones.

Social media has made the world appear much smaller. Facebook is now 10 years old with over 1 billion users. Although many abuse it, it can be used for good...as a unique way to bring others closer to God.

Technology is quickly providing means to maximize our lives. Those who do not stay current will be quickly outdated, ineffective and ultimately irrelevant.

Life is happening TODAY. Time is ticking away second by second, minute by minute.

We must embrace it and all that comes with it. Not to conform to it, but to transform into all God wants us to be.

The Bible says:

James 4:14 (NKJV):  whereas you do not know what will happen tomorrow. For what is your life? It is even a vapor that appears for a little time and then vanishes away.

Quotes to Consider:

“It’s not what you look at that matters but what you see.” – unknown

“We don’t see things as they are, we see them as we are.” Anais Nin

“You can’t wake a person who is pretending to be sleep.” – Navajo Proverb

‘If you change the way you look at things, the things you look at change.”  - unknown

“The eyes are useless when the mind is blind.” - unknown

“The illiterate of the 21^st Century will not be those who can read and write, but those who cannot learn, unlearn or relearn.” – Alvin Toffler

We are all in the “final frontier” of our lives. Let’s make it worthwhile…

“Man in the Mirror…”

"Man in the Mirror" is a song made popular by Michael Jackson and written by Glen Ballard and Siedah Garrett. Jackson's recording was produced by Quincy Jones and co-produced by Jackson.  http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Man_in_the_Mirror

Many of us are very familiar with the lyrics. The chorus is as follows:

I'm Starting With The Man In

The Mirror

I'm Asking Him To Change

His Ways

And No Message Could Have

Been Any Clearer

If You Wanna Make The World

A Better Place

Take A Look At Yourself, And

Then Make A Change…

http://www.azlyrics.com/lyrics/michaeljackson/maninthemirror.html

As I grow older and wiser, life keeps revealing to me areas that I must work on myself. In order to grow, it is imperative to be honest…brutally honest… with myself regarding areas in which I need to surrender to God to truly fulfill His purpose for me.

It is so easy for us to judge others…to discuss their shortcomings, imperfections or failure to rise to our expectations of them. Yet, we rarely make the same assessment of ourselves.

I constantly see on Facebook people making harsh, judgmental and down-right mean comments about others. What is interesting is that the same could be said of them. Many spew this out, yet profess to be a Christian and to love others. I often “shake my head” in amazement wondering “Are we reading the same Bible?” How do they reconcile this?

Those who so eagerly criticize others make it quite obvious that they are not reflecting on themselves.

Working on oneself is extremely difficult. It requires you to be vulnerable to what is and to strive to see life as God would have us to…not as our human eyes do.

Case in Point:

I have been “licking my wounds” regarding negative things said about me behind my back. Yet, as I reflect on this, I am reminded by this quote:

“Don’t tell me what they said about me…Tell me why they were so comfortable saying it to you.” – Jay-Z

I am forced to reflect on how much “gossip” and negative talk I have allowed others to feel comfortable sharing with me. It has forced me to reconsider my actions, forgive myself and focus on sharpening my own integrity and character.

The Bible directs us:

2 Timothy 2:15 (NKJV): Be diligent to present yourself approved to God, a worker who does not need to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth.

Romans 2:21 (NKJV): You, therefore, who teach another, do you not teach yourself? You who preach that a man should not steal, do you steal?

Titus 2:7 (NKJV): in all things showing yourself to be a pattern of good works; in doctrine showing integrity, reverence, incorruptibility,

2 Corinthians 13:5 (NKJV): Examine yourselves as to whether you are in the faith. Test yourselves. Do you not know yourselves, that Jesus Christ is in you?—unless indeed you are disqualified.

Galatians 6:4 (NKJV): But let each one examine his own work, and then he will have rejoicing in himself alone, and not in another.

Memorable Quotes:

 “Everyone thinks of changing the world, but no one thinks of changing himself.” – Leo Tolstoy

“Don’t expect to see a change if you don’t make one.” – unknown

“Be the change you want to see in the world.” – Gandhi

 “Don’t become too preoccupied with what is happening around you.  Pay more attention to what is going on within you.”  – Mary Francis Winters

 “How people treat other people is a direct reflection of how they feel about themselves.” – unknown

“Many people would be scared if they saw in the mirror, not their faces – but their character.” – unknown

“Everything that irritates us about others, can lead us to an understanding of ourselves.” – unknown

 “Some people are brought into your life to be mirrors, to show you behaviors and habits that you need to change.” – unknown

"Attract what you expect, reflect what you desire, become what you respect, mirror what you admire." – unknown

Dealing with oneself is probably the most difficult yet rewarding endeavor any of us could ever aspire. Shall We?

“Holes in the Boat”

I found this quote to be very thought-provoking:

“Make sure everyone in your boat is rowing and not drilling holes when you are not looking. Know your circle.” – Anon

There are five types of people you will encounter on this journey we call life:

1. Those excited for you and where you are headed. They are rowing with you and encouraging you every step of the way.
2. Those who smile and say they are with you, but inwardly have doubts. Although they are going through the motions, they are not happy about your success.
3. Those who only want to go along for the ride. They offer no assistance or encouragement.
4. Those who resent you and are subtly punching holes in the boat to keep you from succeeding. Sadly, they are so blinded by their envy to realize that they are also drowning themselves.
5. Those who are very open about wanting you to fail. They make it every clear in their words and actions that they want you to fail by any means necessary.

It is critical that you know everyone you allow “on the boat with you.”

A good test is to share your vision. Those that say, “Great! How can I help!” are probably “keepers.” Others who ask “Why would you do that? Why this boat? Do you need the others? “ are probably those you should avoid.

This reminds us of Jonah in the Bible. The other fisherman had to understand who was on the boat causing the seas to rage. When it was determined that it was Jonah, they had to make the tough decision to throw him overboard, or risk all of them perishing. (Jonah 1:16 NKJV)

We may need to evaluate if people in our lives are causing the seas to rage; punching holes in the boat; not rowing or helping us on the journey; just going along for the ride or actively want you to fail. Embrace those who are supportive, encouraging and assist you on your journey. Avoid and eliminate those who are not.

Life rule to live by:

Pay attention. Make “boating adjustments” as needed.