America: Free but not independent

America is proud of her freedom. I am proud to be an American. But does Independence Day mean we are independent? I sure hope not.

We have always been dependent. When I was growing up if the milk man didnt show up with the glass milk jugs and place them in the metal box by the front door, we didnt have cereal. We sure were dependent on him. If dad didnt go to work and get that pay check every Friday the six of us children wouldn't eat. We sure were dependent on dad and his employer. (Mom reminds me of the time I took scissors and cut up dads paycheck...not a good day for a five year old) If the doctor couldn't figure out whether we had mumps or measles (or when all 6 of us kids had chicken pox at the same time) were sure were miserable. We sure were dependent on him. Everyone of you reading this blog could add a story of your own. We are very dependent. And guess what: that is a good thing. We need each other.

This nation celebrates 234 years of Freedom but also 234 years of dependence on God. If we ever get to the point we are no longer dependent on the Lord...we may also no longer be free. Any thoughts on this?

Are we there yet?

Every parent has heard those words. Traveling with three children guaranteed lots of questions ranging from estimated arrival times to how close to insanity are we? We usually arrived at the latter before the former.

What about your Christian life? Are you there yet? If not, how close are you to your next destination? How do you know if you are making any progress on this road trip called life? Just where is "there"? If you think this blog is going to figure all this out, you have far more confidence in me than I do.

Lets at least take a stab at one thought: Am I any closer to the Lord today than a few months ago? Answer the following: 1. Are you growing in your devotional life, prayer and Bible study, etc? 2. Do you wake up Sunday morning excited about going to church? Have you ever felt that way? 3. If you let your best "Christian" friend answer this question, what would they say? Not sure...well go ask them. 4. Can you think of anything at all that has improved in your walk with God? Anything?

That was kind of tough. I am not there yet. Let's walk together up this hill. Maybe together we can make the "Summit" before its all over on this side of the river. Hmmm..."The Summit". Someone should start a church with that name.

My dad could do.....

We all have different ideas about dad. Some of us dont have good memories, some have none at all. I was blessed to have a dad who allowed me to grow up with the good stuff. The first ball I threw, the first fish I caught, the first time I went bowling or played golf all had dad right there. He died 20 years ago and I miss him. He was laid back and never got excited. He gave me my first real job and taught me the meaning of a strong work ethic. My mom was kind of tough to live with, but dad never let us know anything about it. They were married 43 years when he died.
He was a deacon, a hard worker and a sacrificial father. He went without a lot of life's things to give the 6 of his children memories. He died a poor man if you looked at his checkbook, but a rich man if looked at his legacy.
What would your family write if they were blogging about you today?