November 8, 2016

Freedom is Not Free

On this Election Day and as Veterans’ Day approaches this week, my heart overflows with gratitude. We are blessed to be born in a country where we can elect our leaders. So many countries don’t grant their citizens such a privilege.

I thank God for those who fight and fought for our freedom. Freedom is not free.

A lump formed in my throat as soon as we drove onto the holy ground of the majestic Florida military cemetery this past weekend. My Uncle Tommy Carter defended our country years ago as a Marine. We honored his memory this weekend at a heart-rending Marine service. A solo trumpet played “Taps” somberly in this distance, and a 21-gun salute captured our attention.

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The beautiful US Flag was reverently unfolded and draped over my uncle’s remains. Then the two Marine servicemen intricately folded the US Flag back ceremoniously, silently. The officer knelt, bowed his head, and presented the US flag to my Aunt Vicky in a touching presentation. Tears streamed down my face, down almost every face present.

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Moments like these are what make America great.

How ever you may vote politically and how ever you may feel about war, we are all united as American citizens.  Please vote today.

We serve and play on the same team–Team USA.  Our country’s future is in your hands.  One vote makes a difference–yours. Freedom is not free.

Please pray for our leaders, whether you vote for them or not.

“Pray this way for kings and all who are in authority so that we can live peaceful and quiet lives marked by godliness and dignity.”  –1 Timothy 2:2 NLT

Happy Election Day.  Freedom is not free.

Reflect:

–Would you consider yourself to be patriotic? Please comment.

–Who are some American heroes in your life? How will you show your appreciation for them? Please comment.

Renew:

–” ‘…no weapon forged against you will prevail, and you will not refute every tongue that accuses you. This is the heritage of the servants of the Lord, and this is their vindication from me,’ declares the Lord.” –Isaiah 54:17 NIV

–“Theirs are the patriarchs, and from them is traced the human ancestry of Christ, who is God over all, forever praised! Amen.” –Romans 9:5 NIV

–“Endure hardship with us like a good soldier of Christ Jesus. No one serving as a soldier gets involved in civilian affairs–he wants to please his commanding officer.” –2 Timothy 2:3-4 NIV

Recharge:

–What do you or will you do this week to demonstrate your patriotism? Vote today.

–Please unfurl your American flag and wave it high. Let us show the world we are honored to be Americans.

Resource:

–Your Vote Counts

October 18, 2016

The Embolden Rule: Do It Scared

My heart was beating out of my chest. My hands and knees were visibly shaking. I held my breath as I looked out among the congregation.

It was the first time I had given my testimony. The first time I was truly vulnerable publicly about my past, my failures, my fragility, my salvation, my love for Jesus, and my desperate dependence upon Him.

To read the rest of the bold story, please click below as I was a guest blogger for my dear friend Rachel Britton’s #BeBoldGirl Series.

The Em-Bolden Rule: Do It Scared

October 11, 2016

For All Hurricane Matthew Survivors

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On these days following the Hurricane, I have more gratitude than I have words…

You may still not have electricity as you read this.

You may be living out of a suitcase in someone else’s home.

Your home may be water-logged.

Your yard may look like a lake.

Your street and yard may be full of downed trees and tree limbs.

You might hear chainsaws and generators for a while.

You might have experienced loss of some of your favorite treasures.

I wish I were there with you to clean up, to hug you, to sit with you and assess the situation.

Friend, Hurricane Matthew is the end of the beginning. The beginning of a new day, a new normal.

You are a beacon of Hope and Light for the world to see.

You shine.

You have life.

You are loved.

You are resilient.

You have it in you.

God is with you.

God will guide you every step.

Let’s band together as brothers and sisters.

Let’s hug our family and loved ones tightly.

Let’s unify.

Together we can.

“When you pass through the waters, I will be with you;

and when you pass through the rivers,

they will not sweep over you.

When you walk through the fire,

you will not be burned;

the flames will not set you ablaze.

For I am the Lord, your God,

the Holy One of Israel, your Savior…

Do not be afraid, for I am with you… ” –Isaiah 43:2-3a,5.

Reflect:

–How have you been affected by Hurricane Matthew? Please comment.

Renew:

–God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble. Therefore, we will not fear, though the earth give way and the mountains fall into the heart of the sea, though its waters roar and foam and the mountains quake with their surging…God is within her, she will not fall; God will help her at break of day. –Psalm 46:1-3, 5.

Resource:

Top Photo credit: Live 5 News.

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