Goodnight full moon–goodbye June! Hello, Kaboom! July 1st came in with a sizzle, snap-fizz, and a boom! The countdown to the 4th of July is on!
As we approach our nation’s America 250 milestone, I find myself reflecting on what ideal independence really looks like—not just for a country, but for the heart and the home.
History proves that declaring independence and achieving it are two entirely different milestones.
Historical Heritage
Historically, many have lost their independence in our country—from our first native settlers, to those enslaved, and to those dependent on others for freedom. Our independence comes at a cost. Good and bad intentions might drive the need for liberty, just as those same intentions are often forced upon others who never wanted to lose their freedom in the first place.
When the Second Continental Congress adopted the Declaration of Independence on July 4, 1776, it was a bold statement of intent~a brave vow to the world.
But a declaration is merely the first step. As the National Constitution Center notes, true independence wasn’t legally recognized by Great Britain until the Treaty of Paris was signed seven long years later September 3, 1783.
***For anyone interested, I recently tested my knowledge on the timeline of the American Revolution. If you want to challenge yourself, you can learn about each milestone event right after the quick quiz.***
Divine Dependence
My independence is dictated by my health—even more so with each passing year. The reality is I will have improvements and limitations. Setbacks and successes. My independence will fluctuate with these inevitable ups and downs.
Shifting from self-reliance to completely trusting God through every situation has proven that being dependent ON HIM is how I continue to find joy in the juggling of day-to-day activities.
If you know this one true Source, you understand.
A doctor told my dad last summer that the best way to stay independent is to ask for help. It makes me wonder:
- How often do we ask others (or Google) before we ask God?
- Do we spend alone time with Him to refill and refuel?
- Do we practice the patterns that propel peace?
It’s vital that we do not lose sight of Who provides ultimate freedom. If you’re counting on this world… well, you may find yourself in bondage. It hurts my heart to see those living enslaved in their past, tied to their achievements, or allowing the constant activities, platforms, and worries of this life determine their independence.
If there’s no time with our Creator how can you experience true freedom? INDEPENDENCY becomes the ability to hold truth tightly and worldly things loosely–all because of DEPENDENCY on Him!
Personal Preservation
When I think about kids, I smile. I have memories of my own boys and students who felt they weren’t given enough independence at times. And maybe too much at other times. It’s a balance!
It makes me wonder: Will we use our history—both personal and patriotic—to teach them how that independence (freedom!) was gained? Or will we simply “skate” over the truth and throw another burger on the grill?
I DO want to celebrate the freedom and faith we enjoy, recognizing that I did absolutely nothing to achieve them. For that, I am incredibly humbled. What if we actively taught and modeled to children the responsibilities and respect that come with these freedoms?
Looking ahead …thirty, forty, or fifty years down the road, how will we honor our own independence?
- Will we lose the faith and resilience it took to get there?
- Do we hold so tightly to our self-reliance that we block the blessings of faith, family, friends, and community?
- What are we fighting to preserve?
- What are the core pieces of our inner freedom we refuse to let go?
We live in a world that constantly tries to “self-protect”—from future domes to our own homes, whether we are looking at computer screen or physically seen.If your independence begins to fade, to whom will you turn?
We have a huge God who loves us completely. He is longing for us to find Him. When all else is lost, He will forever be the ultimate treasure. True liberty—living fully liberated—is ultimately found in complete dependence on the only One who is everlasting and true.
Do you know how loved you are?
Happy July, precious friends. Keep the faith. ❣️
Friends, the NET community experienced a great loss. From his beloved wife, Lisa: “With a heart full of grief and gratitude, I share that my beloved Tom passed away peacefully…The past few days were surrounded by friends and family, enveloped by love…with so much love and with faith that he is at peace.” Tom Bajoras’s lasting spirit, amazing giftedness in music, and the love for his amazing wife, Lisa, will remain. According to her, he was the kindest and most gentlest soul she’s ever known. He had a rare gift for finding beauty in the ordinary. They recently celebrated their 20th anniversary. It was an honor to write about this extraordinary NET friend and his beloved wife, Lisa. Please join me in praying for Lisa and the entire family, a HUGE host of friends, fans, and followers, and the NCF team through these difficult days.
Tom released this beautiful collection for his beloved, Lisa, not long ago, in celebration of their anniversary. You can find his music on Spotify and Apple.
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that you love and cherish our Independence is enough for the souls that have died for it Karla 🙂 July 4th is a wonderful celebration and it reminds us that while we have a lot to be thankful for, we also have some of ourselves to give back to help and lift others.
you have a great holiday weekend and as always, I’m sending good vibes from the east coast! Mike
Hello, Mike~ I always appreciate your words of encouragement and support. Thank you, my friend.
I was just talking to a friend today about how blessed I am! I have so much in which to be grateful and thankful for and I’ll never take it for granted. I know you don’t either!….”We also have some of ourselves to give back to help and lift others.” hear, hear, Mike! Wise words! Thank you for being that person!
I hope you, and the east coast, are fairing well! Happy 4th!
❤️
❣️🤗❣️
It seems to me like you can’t be free until you let others be free. Otherwise you’re too tied up being their jailer.
I hope you have a Happy Fourth, with lots of ka-booms!
Spot on, Tippy! Agree! As Abraham Lincoln said in his latest FB post–“Those who deny freedom to others deserve it not for themselves.”
The Ka-Booms started early around here….I don’t mind the sizzles and snap-whizzess and whoooshesss. But the HUGE Ka-BOOOOM is a finale! So, I’ll take that!
Those will be the only loud things fo me. I’ll have a quiet night at home with my little firecracker, Finn.
You all have a great 4th too, dear friend!
Regardless of what is happening in our world, it is important to remember the sacrifices of those that have gone before us.
Happy 250th Independence Day 🇺🇸
Amen! And to you, my friend!! Thank you!
Hi, Karla. Thanks for the post on independence and freedom. It got me thinking about these two terms. What is independence in the world’s eyes? It is to live free of others control over you. What is independence for those who know and love their God? Is it not being free of the world’s form in independence, which is actually the bondage of rebellion against our creator? True Godly independence is found when we stop trying to be independent from our God and dependent upon our own self living. It is found when we embrace the total union of being joined into our God who is in Christ who is in us.
And what of freedom? To most, freedom is the opportunity to do as you please. But the truth is, we were made to live in union with our God, fully obedient to Him. And when we are living that life, we experience the true freedom of the opportunity to do not as we please but only as we ought to do.
These are the mysteries of being in Christ, the paradoxes of union with Him. To be free we must be bond-servants of our God and King. To be independent in the world we must be independent of the world, trusting (depending) completely in and upon our Savior.
To the world this seems foolish. That is because the world is entirely under the deception of the enemy, and is upside down in relation to true and ultimate reality. To many believers, this remains a mystery. To those surrendered into union with our God in Christ in us, this is the greatest of all freedoms, for we are finally living the life for which we were created.
God bless you this day and always!
Tim and that little wiggle-butt, Rascal
Thank you, dear Tim. I appreciate your wisdom and Spirit-led words!
“To be free we must be bond-servants of our God and King. To be independent in the world we must be independent of the world, trusting (depending) completely in and upon our Savior.”
I embrace the paradoxes and juxtapositions—you said so beautifully what I was hoping was conveyed. That my Independence is completely DEPENDENT on Christ. Surrendered. Just like living liberated only because of this union in HIM. HE, in us. Thank you for emphasizing the union!
Do you find when we live IN HIM the obedience isn’t something we “strive” to do–it’s our nature because it’s HIS nature.
I was hoping that the historical relevance to my own personal independence (dependence on God) would “weave” through this post.
As we celebrate a country’s holiday I’ll enjoy seeing the fun others have. But my heart hurts too, Tim. By golly, living IN CHRIST IS FUN. Yes, it’s hard. It’s not always easy to walk in HIS WAY that is completely upside-down and strange to some. I don’t need the ways of this world to give me freedom. I’ve found it!
I think of Paul —his entire platform and letters written—his joy and peace–all while in prison. “I am in chains for Christ”. That’s where my Shackled Assurance poem stems from. It’s a prison of peace–yet freedom from THIS world.
Acquited through HIS blood. All of us…if WE CHOOSE. My heart hurs for those that don’t know the power of surrendering to Christ–this union that provides a peace without worldly understanding–there is no condemnation for those who belong to Him. Yet, some will choose the things that will never bring eternal life; much less faith to get through the very next hour!
God bless you dear friend. Did I tell you how grateful I am for you? Finn and I send our Christ’s love (I’m sure my whole family is sending it to YOU too!!) and give Rascal (wiggle-butt tee hee) a treat–he is a good boy! And belly rubs! Here’s to our continued journeys walking in feedom in Christ and trusting him completely through union in Him!
FROM: Murphy’s Law
You are the most wonderful firecracker of all, Karla! You sizzle, you’ve been frazzled but you never fizzle out. Wonderful tribute to those who forged the way for this country to survive and thrive. We still have a lot to learn, but if we open up to each other we can overcome.
Wishing you and sweet Miss Finley a fun filled holiday weekend with one another. Hope your family is well. Hope you are all beating this oppressive heat wave we’re experiencing.
As always, sending you and Finn my prayers for your health and to be safe and comfortable. Keep on truckin’. Keep on praying. Keep on looking forward to your future. Keep on keeping on!
ginger🦋
Aw, Ginger.
Sizzle, frazzle….never fizzle? Well, I had a night I completely fizzled. Frazzled?
Miss Finley and I send our love to you, Ginger. I hope you’re doing the best possible. Knowing you, we won’t know because you are a firecracker too!
We are all doing the best possible. Dad has more scans and appts. Decisions. I’ll have more labs, scans…decisions. The heat is bad-but I expect it in July as it seems this is yearly? Or am I “TOO SCANNED” and glowing to know any difference?
The side effects of this last treatment have been tougher–so I’m chilling. Now chilling in the way of relaxed, but literal goosebumps. If I do outside (which I sat out there a few times in the shade and walked Finn up the road, I get relief–then, sweat—chill. It could be an anemia thing?).
But…what I DO know is God promised to never leave nor forsake me. Through it all, giggles, gasps…and some gross things, Ginger, HE is there to comfort me. When you know, you know. It’s amazing.
WE LOVE YOU! I’m going to keep on moving one step forward at a time! THANK YOU for being YOU! I pray and hope you keep on truckin’ too, dear friend. 💞🥰🐾🐾❣️🙏🏻🙏🏻
Happy Independance Day for tomorrow Karla. Celebrate that independance, the one you found within, that jesus within, that love within. Yes, there is a few frazzles as Ginger said, but they keep showing you the beauty of you. Testing is indeed keeping us on loves path kind lady, that unconditional one that is totally independant and a very profound gift in its giving. You are loved so much He will ever guide you to it ❤️🙏
Big hugs from down under to you and Finn, many blessings, healing, and sparkles in your eyes from every firecracker celebrationg that gift Karl. And many prayers for the last batch you’ve gone through, may they help, heal, and cool you down in those crazy temps. Hang in there my friend, much love coming at you via the couriers 🤗🥰🤣🌟🐾🐕🦓🎶🌊🐬🐳🌹❤️🙏
Thank you, Mark! God is SO good, my friend. I can’t imagine celebrating independence day in any other way but by giving Him glory first! Yes, for this amazing country. But he created a BIG WORLD (and I hear that Australia and its people are good too tee hee—-)!! I feel blessed to be here and living in Him, his love, and power!
It’s definitely summer here, my friend. Everything’s cyclical (sp?). Holidays, months, seasons…being HOT in JULY isn’t much of a surprise? I worry about the elderly and those who don’t have air-conditioning as I’ve grown accustomed to having that comfort. There’s a hot breeze. In the shade it’s not bad.
The ticks are loving Missouri (and MANY areas this year). I’d like to do more outside, but I’m limited right now and that’s ok. Seasons will change! And I can adapt. Even if I have a pity party with our Savior over radiation, recreation, and possibly….retreat. lol. But STILL, I rejoice. He understands our tears and that makes the love even stronger!
Big hugs and love to you WAYYY over there! The KABOOM started EARLY this morning–but overall, this neighborhood has been very quiet. I’m looking forward to sitting outside and just seeing what I CAN see–no matter what, the skies, trees, clouds, and birds are STILL the most amazing thing I witness!
The prayers are helping–THANK YOU! You hang in there too, please!💞🌊🐾🎶🦓🐬🐳🐶🌭🐾
He does indeed understand our journey Karla, can see the struggles, the hearts tested…but also the empathy, compassion and love because of it. This world, hot though it gets, is a very profound teaching place kind lady. Even if it seems so loooong through them. I cheat ocassionally and ask for a day off…and I don’t know why I react so strongly when He does give it to me. Still building that trust thing I suppose. There are days…and there are days. Well, I am human 🤣❤️
Regardless, hang in there my friend. I’ve touched that place of unconditional love…and there are no words…but…it is so worth every step we take. All of them 🤗🥰👌
Take care and lots of love, belly rubs for Finn, and a nice cool pool somewhere for you. Big hugs, enjoy the light show 🤗🫶🏻💞🤣💥🎇❣️🐾🐕🦓🌟🌊🌠🐬🐳🌹❤️🙏
Loved the power of your faith & how your thoughts on independence align with the important parts of America’s 4th of July & 250th celebration. God is really working through you & cannot be missed in your messages. I’m very sorry for the loss of your dear friend but his music has enlightened and soothed me all morning! Praying for you and all in need of God’s love & caring protection. With love always, Sue
Hello, precious Sue. You, Dave, the “kids” (and significant others) have been on my heart. Memories have been flooding, too.
Thank you for always supporting me, my friend. I can’t imagine celebrating living in this country without the ultimate independence–living IN CHRIST!
Sue, I wish I would’ve met Tom in person. I have yet to meet Lisa in person, too. All communication has been via technology. I’m grateful for that–just as I’m grateful that we have this connection-even miles apart. Lisa will be grateful for the prayers of support and encouragement.
I’m so glad his music has soothed you! I was listening to it as well. I know it comes from a heart that loved Christ and the world He created. Wow!
I feel your prayers–I hope you feel my love and prayers too. 💞❣️🥰🙏🏻
Sometimes healing begins just by stepping back and seeing things differently. I love the gentle invitation to pause, breathe, and look at life from another angle.
God Bless You my Dear Sister and I Hope you have a Wonderful and Safe 4th of July…
You Are Loved….
Your beautiful comment made me think of your recent article, Willie. God bless you, precious brother.
It’s been a wonderful peaceful day –even out and about–and also, resting and healing IN HIM.
May God bless you and your precious family today and always! You are LOVED!
“Will we use our history—both personal and patriotic—to teach them how that independence (freedom!) was gained? Or will we simply “skate” over the truth and throw another burger on the grill?” Amen, Karla! And your experience-based description of the balance between dependence upon God and true independence is truly inspiring. Happy both, dear friend! 🧡