Living liberated is a beautiful thing. I felt it’s cost, too, in the sticky summer air. Suddenly, while standing on the bridge at Wilson’s Creek Battlefield, a huge flock of birds started swooping and swirling around Finley and I. It was incredibly powerful, yet peaceful. The atmosphere was stifling–it was a heavy quiet before a summer storm. Perhaps like the air on that August dayin 1861 where multitudes surrendered everything for freedom.
Freedom. Liberty.Desired by all.
The shepherd drives the wolf from the sheep’s throat, for which the sheep thanks the shepherd as his liberator, while the wolf denounces him for the same act as the destroyer of liberty. Plainly, the sheep and the wolf are not agreed upon a definition of liberty.
Abraham Lincoln
The Freedom to Live
“I had reasoned this out in my mind, there was one of two things I had a right to, liberty or death; if I could not have one, I would have the other.” Harriet Tubman
The “freedom to live” is classified as a fundamental right in the United States, associated with other liberties such as freedom and the pursuit of happiness.1The 14th Amendment of the U.S. Constitution states “nor shall any State deprive any person of life, liberty, or property, without due process of law; nor deny to any person within its jurisdiction the equal protection of the laws“.
“While we are free to choose our actions, we are not free to choose the consequences of our actions.” — Stephen R. Covey
The Freedom to Prosper
Order without liberty and liberty without order are equally destructive.
Freedom is a gift, but unequal opportunities and economic fluctuations keep us facing hard realities. True security requires watching those in power and fiercely defending our liberties. Where power is chased we must guard the very pillars of our democracy!
How do I balance being a responsible and productive citizen with my top priority? My sole purpose for existence?
My Freedom to Let Go–Live Surrendered
Being emancipated and freed from the world is true liberty. There was a time my freedom “choices” were not interwined with His character. Jesus proclaimed that He came to “proclaim liberty to the captives” (Luke 4:18). The New Testament teaches that faith in Christ frees individuals from the penalty and power of sin. I’m not burdened by fear or religious legalism. When I left my own personal prison and entered a conscious and deep personal union with Christ, I experienced true freedom. My soul found healing. His grace is limitless. My true self and identity are found only in Him. Surrendering my rights allows me to walk in His will.
K.L. Hale
So if the Son sets you free, you will be free indeed. John 8:36 (ESV)
“The happiness which God designs for His higher creatures is the happiness of being freely, voluntarily united to Him and to each other in an ecstasy of love and delight.”
C.S. Lewis
Now the Lord is the Spirit, and where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is freedom. 2 Corinthians 3:17
When the weight of the world is heavy, like the summer air, I remember my ultimate citizenship isn’t tied to the USA flag I love so much. It belongs to a Kingdom that never crumbles or shakes–and I love that more! My primary allegiance belongs to God. “Fixing humanity” is a heavy burden, friends. It can’t happen. I’m “free” to care about the world–I must LOVE God and OTHERS. Politics will shift power–only Christ will shift hearts. I’m resting in the fact that He is on the throne. I surrender. I’m free. I’m living …liberated.
“For you were called to freedom, brothers. Only do not use your freedom as an opportunity for the flesh, but through love serve one another”. Galatians 5:13
Do you know how loved you are? Have hope-keep the faith! ❣️
Sara, I’m SO HAPPY to see you (I’m in tears typing this).
Friends who might see this comment–Sara was my neighbor in 2022 THAT day when I needed to go to the E.R. The day I was diagnosed with cancer. She and her husband, Vern, are such dear and precious people!
She was kind to take this extremely sick gal to the hospital–and returned home after I got so sick on myself (you must know what she put up with!)).
Since then, she texts and checks on me. We are no longer neighbors…I miss my small community and my home there. But Sara remains such a huge part of my life. When you lift me in prayer, please remember her precious husband, Vern, who is also a miracle walking!
Sara, my arm is throbbing. It took me HOURS over several days for these 700 words. Around 9:30 pm last night I closed down the computer in tears. From tech issues, to my own fatigue, pain…yet, through my tears, I had SUCH JOY and felt the LIBERATION that I writed about. I’m FREE!
Union with God is how I’ve healed. My soul is healed. The body? We’re all going to “break down” (no matter how hard many fight it..lol).
I love you dearly, Sara! Have the most amazing day. I’ll go in for my long day treatment tomorrrow and I’ll update you after the weekend and with my Dad’s appts. We ALL appreciate you so much!
God is SO good! Give Vern tons of hugs and love too!
So beautifully said. It is a Spirit that comes with many voices and many kinds of wings. I was watching a sudden shower falling in curtains of rain, on this day when those of us near the Great Lakes are besieged with Mayflies; but these things that spend most of their lives as larvea in the lake are suddenly gosimire winged creatures and are all over the shore. Just then in curtains of rain, the Mayflies believed they were swimming, and I watched, awestruck by the beauty of their grace rising ever upward on slow wings through the cascading rainstorm. Life in the Spirit is everything worthy.
J.K. this is beautiful, just as your soul! I’ve missed being here so much.
What you described so poignantly is exactly how I view the world around me. J.K., it makes me sad that some won’t see this or even MARVEL at the beauty of our Creator’s world.
The Great Lakes have been on my “to go” list for years. And to see the Mayflies graceful rising ever upward–I just get it! My Spirit understands so much.
It’s so worthy!
God bless you! I’m grateful for you!
Yes, we are liberated from the power of the evil one when we are a born again child of the King. I mention you in my conversation with Jesus before going to sleep at night. It is good to see something from you. I have two dogs Kassie the Husky and Libby the mini goldendoodle. Two good dogs with completely different personalities. Dr. Mercola has a lot of interesting articles if you are interested. Take care.
Thank you, Maryann! I appreciate your sweet support and prayers so much!
Kassie and Libby–aww. I’d love to see pictures of those two. PRECIOUS! Aren’t dogs so amazing?
Dr. Mercola–yes, I know him. I’ve “upped” my magnesium and Vitamin D. I consider myself proactive in taking care of my health. It’s such a wonderful process of advocating and also, with the amazing team of doctors and research on that, I feel I’m such a miracle. The bones are definitely my issue right now. I have an all day treatment tomorrow. I’m glad that it only targets the cancer.
It’s good to type again; but I’m in a lot of pain with my forearm, hand, elbow…I’m wearing a brace. A dear friend has connected me to an advanced physical therapist that I’m going to contact.
All of these things keep me dependent on Christ. He expects me to do my part too!
I’ve enjoyed this quiet season of less technology to help heal, soaking in the technology with “kids” and grands that way, caring for my parents…even bought radios for a few family members. I think God really needs me in the “quiet” to help me heal and stay in His Will. I can’t wait to get back to nature when my energy spikes even more!
Please take care too, Maryann. Give Kassie and Libby belly rubs and kisses!
I think the freedom you might be referring to is that which comes from grace. It’s knowing that even if we screw up, we’re free to keep trying. That’s a wonderful freedom, in my opinion.
Lovely reflection on this life of freedom we share! I only wish it was not so difficult for you to write. Your words always bring inspiration to me and remind me how blessed I am to be connected to you. I am working on a sermon for the day after Independence Day – on the appointed texts of the day – Romans 7 (our exhausting human condition) and Matthew 11 – “Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light.”
You exemplify this amazing grace poured out upon you from our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. I think of you often as I write and prepare to preach.
Prayers for continued strength and peace in the loving care of our Lord Jesus.
Erika, this touched my heart. ♥️
Thank you precious sister. I know this arm thing will work itself out. It keeps me praising all of what IS going well~ and relying on His Strength.
I heard a fellow blogger preach on Romans 7 two days ago. I can’t wait to hear how the Spirit moved. It’s definitely working THROUGH and IN you~
You know suffering and have had your share of life circumstances that help keep the eternal perspective and peace. It inspires me!
I feel equally blessed to know you and am thankful we get to walk out this journey together. I’m praying for peace, healing, and amazing outcomes for the days ahead dear friend. Love you, sweet sister.❤️❤️🫶🏻
Karla_ you will be happy to know I made it through the last of my dental appointments Tuesday. I am all done!!!! I have a brand new smile – 2 years and almost $100k later – but what is money in the end right?
Thank you for your prayers!!
Oh, Erika…I can see that smile now! I’m SO HAPPY to know you are completely done with that. You’ve been through SO MUCH, dear friend. God loves you even more than me!! That’s a LOT.
Money….yep! We’re not taking it with us are we? Your smile and beautiful soul share the love of Christ–I’m so grateful for you!
Thank you sweet, Sadje. I appreciate you, dear friend. Yes, I’m doing the best possible. Currently receiving a treatment~ feeling grateful and tired. But blessed and that’s a wonderful thing. I pray you are well too,
Very beautiful Karla. When are you going for the presidency kind lady? 🤗❤️
The distance of hearts and the law ever seems to be widening. The integrity of loves truth held by but a few. I pray we do get a soul to stand tall and speak from that place. But, is that then slowing down the change a fall will bring ❤️
I can see it, understand it, but pray its meaning is only for those who cannot see.
Thankfully we have a sign post right here, your words speak from the heart my friend. One of hope, of knowing that union with God, and daring to stand within it ❤️🙏
Big hugs to you and Finn, and hope that warmth and sunshine from within, and the weather, is keeping a sparkle in your heart Karla. Lots of love from down under, though a bit wet and chilly down here, and add to your prayers that the love in that union is holding you gracefully, lovingly, and in good health 🤗🥰😂🌟🐕🦓🎶🕊️🐬🐳🌹❤️🙏
Oh Mark~ I giggled at the Presidency comment. I will only be President of the “Dark Chocolate Club” or “Cute Critter Club”!
Thank you for sharing your precious words about my sign post, Mark.
My friend Kim and I were talking about how true suffering can bring about such truth and depth to the heart and soul~ you know! You’ve experienced it. Suffering, to me, is a gift. We know it’s nothing compared to what is waiting for us.
I’m actually at the hospital getting a treatment now and my twin is with me. We’ve had some blown veins (mine, not theirs lol) so we’re just getting started.
Finn and I send you tons of love and hugs in the rainy cool Down Under. God bless you dear friend! 💜🫶🏻🐾🙏🦓🦓☀️🎉
Oh what? You have a Dark Chocolate Club? 🤣 My plane will parachute me in tomorrow 😂👌👍😎 And of course your secretary of the Cute Critters Club would have to be Finn 🤗😂🐾🐕
And yes, the suffering has a purpose, hard though it is. Did you tick all the boxes before you came down Karla? Your covering some territory kind lady. When you arrive back up there, there will be a light, a very loving light. Not glary, just an accepting light of what you are. And I’d say a big crowd, and knowing you, a very big crowd 🤣🦓🎶🕊️🌹❤️
Sending big, big hugs for you, Finn and your sister. I pray your veins are tougher than backwoods bears, and your heart beating better than beavers battling a…dam (couldn’t think of a ‘b’ for water)…oh wait, a babbling brook 🤣😂🐶🦓🌊🐬
You take good care Karla, tell them all you and God have it all under control and you’ll be out of there quick smart. Too many hearts to heal, songs to sing, and skeeter tracks to venture 😂🛵🎶😎❤️
Much love coming over, and as there is sun coming out I’ll go down to the beach and have a coffee for you and send some Vitamin D back over with the dolphins 🤣 Oh, and its my turn for a birthday this Tuesday. I’m 25…plus 25…plus…oh, no, that’s too many 😂🤗🥰🫶🏻🌟🐾🐕🦓🌊🐬🌹❤️🙏
Preach it, sister! I seek no lasting city here! “For here we have no lasting city, but we seek the city that is to come.” (Hebrews 13:14 ESV) I am a citizen of the country of forgiveness and grace. What liberation! What freedom! ❤️❤️❤️
I’ve been looking for a good memory verse for the 4th of July. This one is perfect:
“For you were called to freedom, brothers. Only do not use your freedom as an opportunity for the flesh, but through love serve one another”. Galatians 5:13
Hi Karla, What a wonderful message on freedom. In the U.S. we tend to take our freedom for granted, but we have so many brothers and sisters in Christ who do not have freedom. They risk their lives to follow Jesus.
I’m sorry you are having pain. I pray for you every night. I’m so glad you know our sweet Lord. You touch many people’s lives with your love. God bless you, sweet friend and sister in Christ. 🙏🐾💕
Hello my friend. I hope you are well. I’ve been in a writing slump but I think I’m finally coming out of the mist. I’m rearranging my blog as I feel blogging is home for me. xx Lisa
Hello, sweet friend. I just read your blog on Paris and was delighted–and mesmerized. As an outsider “reading in”, blogging is definitely a home for you. It was well-written and wonderful, Lisa.
I understand about the slump.
Overall, I’m taking one day at a time. I had a treatment last Thursday, that with consecutive ones, produces more extreme side effects. There are things I notice that show my progression.
Sadly, I read about a dear friend’s passing last night. Our Director of Outreach, Lisa, lost her husband, Tom. I wrote about him in “A Composer and Cancer”. I was gobsmacked and heartbroken for Lisa.
Please keep them in your prayers.
I will continue to pray for you as you do me, sweet friend. Our pictures pop up and I’ll always “see you” when I look at my book.
Keep up the good work—your words are flowing from your heart. The best place! XX
Thank you, dear Jennie! You are such a dear friend and delight to know. Your wisdom and walk inspire me. Huge hugs and love to you and yours this 4th of July week!
Much to ponder here, Karla. That opening quote of Abraham Lincoln about the sheep and the wolf is a prime example. I wonder what President Lincoln would say to our nation today, divided differently than during the Civil War, but divided just the same. Who would he identify as the sheep, and who would he identify as the wolf? And who is the shepherd? You are right: the pillars of democracy/our republic must be protected. I pray for those in power, that their motives would be rightly placed to accomplish just that. (There are those who talk about protecting our democracy, who do nothing of the sort.)
Nancy~ you and I have pondered the same, my friend. Thank you for sharing these wonderful questions.
I chose that quote with the same questions in mind. I worry about power and its impact. It’s sad.
I’m so thankful to Christ I know HIS power. If I didn’t have this, coupled with my belief in the priorities of “facts, faith, and feelings”, I’d be lost in …feelings that aren’t productive to being His light. God bless you, Nancy. I appreciate your wisdom and walk.
beautifully crafted wring; I liked the personal touches; reminds me of a passage I read frequently on freedom: Galatians 5: ‘It is for freedom that Christ has set us free. Stand firm then , and do not let yourselves be burdened again by the yoke of slavery’
Thank you, dear friend! I used that same verse at the bottom of my blog (I think 🤔?) I might have left it out? That’s exactly the book I go to when I think of freedom, my friend. Amen!
Our bodies might keep us bound ~ but our souls know what’s free indeed! You’re a treasure, John. It’s good to see you!
Oooh Karla! How did I miss these posts!! So sorry. I know we have been texting but still I love your posts. Always so uplifting! WP hides so many from me. Ugh!!
Amen and Amen again to what you say in this post and bless your heart when writing it in so much pain!
Love and prayers dear friend, always!!!! 🩷🩷🩷
No worries, dear Carolyn! Isn’t WP just tricky?!? I do love that we still communicate though! THANK YOU for being here and sharing your joy and love. You lift my spirits with your contagious spirit of fun! And also, the moments we share in our “momma” moments. I’m thankful and grateful for you!
Love and prayers to you too, C!! 💞💙❣️🥰🙏🏻🙏🏻
Excellent blog today, Karla! (As is usual and the norm for you!!!) I did a quick read but will go back and digest it slower. So much truth there!!!
Thankful you felt like writing today! God is good!
Love ya! ?? Sara
Sara Street Have a blessed day ________________________________
Sara, I’m SO HAPPY to see you (I’m in tears typing this).
Friends who might see this comment–Sara was my neighbor in 2022 THAT day when I needed to go to the E.R. The day I was diagnosed with cancer. She and her husband, Vern, are such dear and precious people!
She was kind to take this extremely sick gal to the hospital–and returned home after I got so sick on myself (you must know what she put up with!)).
Since then, she texts and checks on me. We are no longer neighbors…I miss my small community and my home there. But Sara remains such a huge part of my life. When you lift me in prayer, please remember her precious husband, Vern, who is also a miracle walking!
Sara, my arm is throbbing. It took me HOURS over several days for these 700 words. Around 9:30 pm last night I closed down the computer in tears. From tech issues, to my own fatigue, pain…yet, through my tears, I had SUCH JOY and felt the LIBERATION that I writed about. I’m FREE!
Union with God is how I’ve healed. My soul is healed. The body? We’re all going to “break down” (no matter how hard many fight it..lol).
I love you dearly, Sara! Have the most amazing day. I’ll go in for my long day treatment tomorrrow and I’ll update you after the weekend and with my Dad’s appts. We ALL appreciate you so much!
God is SO good! Give Vern tons of hugs and love too!
So beautifully said. It is a Spirit that comes with many voices and many kinds of wings. I was watching a sudden shower falling in curtains of rain, on this day when those of us near the Great Lakes are besieged with Mayflies; but these things that spend most of their lives as larvea in the lake are suddenly gosimire winged creatures and are all over the shore. Just then in curtains of rain, the Mayflies believed they were swimming, and I watched, awestruck by the beauty of their grace rising ever upward on slow wings through the cascading rainstorm. Life in the Spirit is everything worthy.
J.K. this is beautiful, just as your soul! I’ve missed being here so much.
What you described so poignantly is exactly how I view the world around me. J.K., it makes me sad that some won’t see this or even MARVEL at the beauty of our Creator’s world.
The Great Lakes have been on my “to go” list for years. And to see the Mayflies graceful rising ever upward–I just get it! My Spirit understands so much.
It’s so worthy!
God bless you! I’m grateful for you!
Yes, we are liberated from the power of the evil one when we are a born again child of the King. I mention you in my conversation with Jesus before going to sleep at night. It is good to see something from you. I have two dogs Kassie the Husky and Libby the mini goldendoodle. Two good dogs with completely different personalities. Dr. Mercola has a lot of interesting articles if you are interested. Take care.
Maryann
Thank you, Maryann! I appreciate your sweet support and prayers so much!
Kassie and Libby–aww. I’d love to see pictures of those two. PRECIOUS! Aren’t dogs so amazing?
Dr. Mercola–yes, I know him. I’ve “upped” my magnesium and Vitamin D. I consider myself proactive in taking care of my health. It’s such a wonderful process of advocating and also, with the amazing team of doctors and research on that, I feel I’m such a miracle. The bones are definitely my issue right now. I have an all day treatment tomorrow. I’m glad that it only targets the cancer.
It’s good to type again; but I’m in a lot of pain with my forearm, hand, elbow…I’m wearing a brace. A dear friend has connected me to an advanced physical therapist that I’m going to contact.
All of these things keep me dependent on Christ. He expects me to do my part too!
I’ve enjoyed this quiet season of less technology to help heal, soaking in the technology with “kids” and grands that way, caring for my parents…even bought radios for a few family members. I think God really needs me in the “quiet” to help me heal and stay in His Will. I can’t wait to get back to nature when my energy spikes even more!
Please take care too, Maryann. Give Kassie and Libby belly rubs and kisses!
“Politics will shift power–only Christ will shift hearts. “ Amen, sister! And only Christ can save souls.
David, I’m so happy to see you, brother! Thank you!
Thank you! I hope you’re enjoying some time off??? Say you are!! LOL!
Yes I am, Karla! I’m decompressing and reading some great books.
How wonderful!! Yay!!
I think the freedom you might be referring to is that which comes from grace. It’s knowing that even if we screw up, we’re free to keep trying. That’s a wonderful freedom, in my opinion.
Yes! Grace! Thank you, Tippy! I’ve missed you, my friend!!
So glad to “see” you today! “His grace is limitless.” ❤️ Thank you for the reminder!
It’s so wonderful to “see” you too, dear friend. It’s my blessing to share and thank YOU for your love and support. ❣️❣️🥰🤗
Lovely reflection on this life of freedom we share! I only wish it was not so difficult for you to write. Your words always bring inspiration to me and remind me how blessed I am to be connected to you. I am working on a sermon for the day after Independence Day – on the appointed texts of the day – Romans 7 (our exhausting human condition) and Matthew 11 – “Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light.”
You exemplify this amazing grace poured out upon you from our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. I think of you often as I write and prepare to preach.
Prayers for continued strength and peace in the loving care of our Lord Jesus.
Erika, this touched my heart. ♥️
Thank you precious sister. I know this arm thing will work itself out. It keeps me praising all of what IS going well~ and relying on His Strength.
I heard a fellow blogger preach on Romans 7 two days ago. I can’t wait to hear how the Spirit moved. It’s definitely working THROUGH and IN you~
You know suffering and have had your share of life circumstances that help keep the eternal perspective and peace. It inspires me!
I feel equally blessed to know you and am thankful we get to walk out this journey together. I’m praying for peace, healing, and amazing outcomes for the days ahead dear friend. Love you, sweet sister.❤️❤️🫶🏻
Karla_ you will be happy to know I made it through the last of my dental appointments Tuesday. I am all done!!!! I have a brand new smile – 2 years and almost $100k later – but what is money in the end right?
Thank you for your prayers!!
Oh, Erika…I can see that smile now! I’m SO HAPPY to know you are completely done with that. You’ve been through SO MUCH, dear friend. God loves you even more than me!! That’s a LOT.
Money….yep! We’re not taking it with us are we? Your smile and beautiful soul share the love of Christ–I’m so grateful for you!
“Politics will shift power–only Christ will shift hearts.” Amen, sister!
Thank you precious, Melissa!❤️❤️💜🥰
Beautiful photos and quotes Karla. Hope you’re doing well? Hugs.
Thank you sweet, Sadje. I appreciate you, dear friend. Yes, I’m doing the best possible. Currently receiving a treatment~ feeling grateful and tired. But blessed and that’s a wonderful thing. I pray you are well too,
You’re most welcome. Stay strong and well dear friend
Beautiful blog my sweet friend! True freedom is only found in Christ!
Love and prayers always ❤️🙏🏻🌻
Very beautiful Karla. When are you going for the presidency kind lady? 🤗❤️
The distance of hearts and the law ever seems to be widening. The integrity of loves truth held by but a few. I pray we do get a soul to stand tall and speak from that place. But, is that then slowing down the change a fall will bring ❤️
I can see it, understand it, but pray its meaning is only for those who cannot see.
Thankfully we have a sign post right here, your words speak from the heart my friend. One of hope, of knowing that union with God, and daring to stand within it ❤️🙏
Big hugs to you and Finn, and hope that warmth and sunshine from within, and the weather, is keeping a sparkle in your heart Karla. Lots of love from down under, though a bit wet and chilly down here, and add to your prayers that the love in that union is holding you gracefully, lovingly, and in good health 🤗🥰😂🌟🐕🦓🎶🕊️🐬🐳🌹❤️🙏
Oh Mark~ I giggled at the Presidency comment. I will only be President of the “Dark Chocolate Club” or “Cute Critter Club”!
Thank you for sharing your precious words about my sign post, Mark.
My friend Kim and I were talking about how true suffering can bring about such truth and depth to the heart and soul~ you know! You’ve experienced it. Suffering, to me, is a gift. We know it’s nothing compared to what is waiting for us.
I’m actually at the hospital getting a treatment now and my twin is with me. We’ve had some blown veins (mine, not theirs lol) so we’re just getting started.
Finn and I send you tons of love and hugs in the rainy cool Down Under. God bless you dear friend! 💜🫶🏻🐾🙏🦓🦓☀️🎉
Oh what? You have a Dark Chocolate Club? 🤣 My plane will parachute me in tomorrow 😂👌👍😎 And of course your secretary of the Cute Critters Club would have to be Finn 🤗😂🐾🐕
And yes, the suffering has a purpose, hard though it is. Did you tick all the boxes before you came down Karla? Your covering some territory kind lady. When you arrive back up there, there will be a light, a very loving light. Not glary, just an accepting light of what you are. And I’d say a big crowd, and knowing you, a very big crowd 🤣🦓🎶🕊️🌹❤️
Sending big, big hugs for you, Finn and your sister. I pray your veins are tougher than backwoods bears, and your heart beating better than beavers battling a…dam (couldn’t think of a ‘b’ for water)…oh wait, a babbling brook 🤣😂🐶🦓🌊🐬
You take good care Karla, tell them all you and God have it all under control and you’ll be out of there quick smart. Too many hearts to heal, songs to sing, and skeeter tracks to venture 😂🛵🎶😎❤️
Much love coming over, and as there is sun coming out I’ll go down to the beach and have a coffee for you and send some Vitamin D back over with the dolphins 🤣 Oh, and its my turn for a birthday this Tuesday. I’m 25…plus 25…plus…oh, no, that’s too many 😂🤗🥰🫶🏻🌟🐾🐕🦓🌊🐬🌹❤️🙏
Mic drop! Beautifully said Karla. Thank you for sharing what’s been in my thoughts but I haven’t been able to find or articulate. Such great thoughts!
Thank you, Brian! I appreciate your words and support so much!
Preach it, sister! I seek no lasting city here! “For here we have no lasting city, but we seek the city that is to come.” (Hebrews 13:14 ESV) I am a citizen of the country of forgiveness and grace. What liberation! What freedom! ❤️❤️❤️
Thank you, brother! I love that verse! “The country of forgiveness and grace”~ love that!!! Amen! ❤️🙏❤️
I got that idea from Eugene H. Peterson, one of my favorite authors.
Love it! I’ve enjoyed his work too, dear brother!
❤️
I’ve been looking for a good memory verse for the 4th of July. This one is perfect:
“For you were called to freedom, brothers. Only do not use your freedom as an opportunity for the flesh, but through love serve one another”. Galatians 5:13
Thanks Karla!
You are so welcome, dear friend! Happy 4th week!! I appreciate you so much. God bless you and your precious family!
Hi Karla, What a wonderful message on freedom. In the U.S. we tend to take our freedom for granted, but we have so many brothers and sisters in Christ who do not have freedom. They risk their lives to follow Jesus.
I’m sorry you are having pain. I pray for you every night. I’m so glad you know our sweet Lord. You touch many people’s lives with your love. God bless you, sweet friend and sister in Christ. 🙏🐾💕
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Hello my friend. I hope you are well. I’ve been in a writing slump but I think I’m finally coming out of the mist. I’m rearranging my blog as I feel blogging is home for me. xx Lisa
Hello, sweet friend. I just read your blog on Paris and was delighted–and mesmerized. As an outsider “reading in”, blogging is definitely a home for you. It was well-written and wonderful, Lisa.
I understand about the slump.
Overall, I’m taking one day at a time. I had a treatment last Thursday, that with consecutive ones, produces more extreme side effects. There are things I notice that show my progression.
Sadly, I read about a dear friend’s passing last night. Our Director of Outreach, Lisa, lost her husband, Tom. I wrote about him in “A Composer and Cancer”. I was gobsmacked and heartbroken for Lisa.
Please keep them in your prayers.
I will continue to pray for you as you do me, sweet friend. Our pictures pop up and I’ll always “see you” when I look at my book.
Keep up the good work—your words are flowing from your heart. The best place! XX
Your words are both powerful and hopeful. Freedom is not free, it’s the choices we make to become truly free. Mega hugs to you and Finley!
Thank you, dear Jennie! You are such a dear friend and delight to know. Your wisdom and walk inspire me. Huge hugs and love to you and yours this 4th of July week!
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A wonderful selection of quotes, including yours in particular, dear friend❣
Thank you, Mitch. You’re such an inspiration to me–I hope you know that! I appreciate your support and wisdom, dear friend. ❣️
Much to ponder here, Karla. That opening quote of Abraham Lincoln about the sheep and the wolf is a prime example. I wonder what President Lincoln would say to our nation today, divided differently than during the Civil War, but divided just the same. Who would he identify as the sheep, and who would he identify as the wolf? And who is the shepherd? You are right: the pillars of democracy/our republic must be protected. I pray for those in power, that their motives would be rightly placed to accomplish just that. (There are those who talk about protecting our democracy, who do nothing of the sort.)
Nancy~ you and I have pondered the same, my friend. Thank you for sharing these wonderful questions.
I chose that quote with the same questions in mind. I worry about power and its impact. It’s sad.
I’m so thankful to Christ I know HIS power. If I didn’t have this, coupled with my belief in the priorities of “facts, faith, and feelings”, I’d be lost in …feelings that aren’t productive to being His light. God bless you, Nancy. I appreciate your wisdom and walk.
beautifully crafted wring; I liked the personal touches; reminds me of a passage I read frequently on freedom: Galatians 5: ‘It is for freedom that Christ has set us free. Stand firm then , and do not let yourselves be burdened again by the yoke of slavery’
Thank you, dear friend! I used that same verse at the bottom of my blog (I think 🤔?) I might have left it out? That’s exactly the book I go to when I think of freedom, my friend. Amen!
Our bodies might keep us bound ~ but our souls know what’s free indeed! You’re a treasure, John. It’s good to see you!
Oooh Karla! How did I miss these posts!! So sorry. I know we have been texting but still I love your posts. Always so uplifting! WP hides so many from me. Ugh!!
Amen and Amen again to what you say in this post and bless your heart when writing it in so much pain!
Love and prayers dear friend, always!!!! 🩷🩷🩷
No worries, dear Carolyn! Isn’t WP just tricky?!? I do love that we still communicate though! THANK YOU for being here and sharing your joy and love. You lift my spirits with your contagious spirit of fun! And also, the moments we share in our “momma” moments. I’m thankful and grateful for you!
Love and prayers to you too, C!! 💞💙❣️🥰🙏🏻🙏🏻
Freed by Jesus to live with Jesus forever 🙂
Amen!!! Thank you, brother!