Let Freedom Ring

I hope everyone had a great Fourth of July! It's always a blessing to spend time with family and friends [because there's always that friend who invites himself over].

I sometimes forget how important it is to just spend time loving on each other. Once you grow up, it's hard to keep up with everyone's lives. On holidays I realize how much I truly miss family time. Holidays always transport me back to when we were all kids running around, getting wet [sprinklers were our fav], and eating as many hotdogs as we could. Times were simpler then. Now, some of us have kids of our own and we've had our share of struggles that have, at times, kept us apart but because of our gracious Heavenly Father, we remain strong. And it's beautiful to come together and make memories for the new generation. I encourage you to spend time with your family every chance you get. We don't know what the future holds and regret is a horrible thing. If you have had some disagreements with family, try to mend those broken relationships. Sometimes [most times] it's hard to forgive someone in our family that's let us down or who has done something that hurts us. But we can never forget that we have a merciful Father who forgave us and so we are called to forgive others [Matthew 6:14-15]. How many times do we let God down? Or do something that hurts Him? I don't have enough fingers, toes, legs, or arms (or anything, really) to count how many times I've let God down and yet, He is always ready with arms wide open when I come crawling back to His loving arms. There is no fear in love so don't be afraid be the first to take a step towards rebuilding your family!

Today is also a day to recognize and remember all those who have served and serve our country. Not only them but their families. I can't imagine how hard it must be to be so far apart and to always have that fear that your loved ones may not return. I thank you for your service. You are in my prayers!

Most importantly, let's not forget the One who sets us free!

Now the Lord is the spirit, and where the spirit of the Lord is, there is freedom.    
- 2 Corinthians 3:17

It is for freedom that Christ has set us free. -Galations 5:1

If you want a taste of TRUE freedom, seek God! He wants nothing more than for you to be set free. Choose Christ on a daily basis and you will experience His fullness and freedom. It doesn't matter where you are or where you've been, His arms are always open, waiting. 

Have a safe weekend, y'all. And don't forget to love, forgive, and encourage each other. 

Go enjoy your world. Love everyone, including yourself, especially yourself. 

xoxo,

SJ