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Tag: July 4

Free as a Bird

Free as a Bird

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Free as a Bird--eagle flying in front of sunWhat fun to be free as a bird:

  • No worries
  • No problems
  • Totally free

We feel free as a bird if we are free from:

  • Work (Friday afternoon with the weekend ahead)
  • School (the beginning of summer vacation)
  • Marriage (if we prefer a single life)
  • Jail
  • Anything that keeps us from what we want to do

On July 4, Independence Day, the United States celebrates our country’s freedom.

The bald eagle symbolizes that freedom.

July 4 includes:

  • Parades
  • Fireworks
  • Cookouts
  • Music
  • Worship
  • And so much more

Although far from perfect, we enjoy freedoms many people have never known.

Yet, our freedom comes at great price for many.

Soldiers often go beyond the call of duty.

  • Many gave their lives.
  • Others live with physical, mental, and emotional scars from protecting the freedom we enjoy.

Beyond the Call of Duty--flag flyingIn honor of them, wave Old Glory high. Give thanks for the land of the free because of the brave.

“Where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is freedom” (2 Corinthians 3:17 NIV).

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Beyond the Call of Duty

Beyond the Call of Duty

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Beyond the Call of Duty--flag flyingA person who goes beyond the call of duty does more than required.

They do their job plus more. This expression is often used for:

  • Soldiers
  • Firefighters
  • Police officers

Those jobs are dangerous. To go beyond the call of duty makes them more dangerous.

People who chose such work put themselves at risk for the sake of others. Yet, many people accept that risk every day.

Anyone can go beyond the call of duty.

  • Teachers
  • Factory workers
  • Restaurant workers
  • Anyone

To go beyond the call of duty costs something.

  • Time
  • Money
  • Health
  • Life

July 4, Independence Day, celebrates the birth of the United States.

That birth came at great cost. Many, who did more than they had to do, lost their lives.

Never forget the price paid for the freedom so many enjoy.

Thank a veteran or a soldier who continues to make that freedom possible.

 “You’ve gone far beyond the call of duty in taking care of us; what can we do for you?” (2 Kings 4:13 MSG).

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Green Thumb

Green Thumb

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Green thumb-flower garden with American flagMy friend Carolyn’s husband has a green thumb.

Tim grows beautiful flowers, shrubs, trees, and other plants. His flower garden amazes me. In the middle of his garden stands an American flag. The flag serves as a symbol of the freedom we celebrate each July 4.

My thumb is definitely not green.

Most of my plants get sick and die. Therefore, I grow flowers that require little or no care.

In spite of my lack of talent, I admire the beauty of other people’s plants.

  • I may not know the plants’ names.
  • I may not be able to grow them.
  • However, I can enjoy them.

I am thankful for people with a green thumb. I am also thankful I don’t need a green thumb to be used in other ways.

God gives each of us our own special talents.

Like Tim’s flowers, we are all different. Yet, we can all be beautiful in our own way.

  • Some people work well with numbers.
  • Others work well with people.
  • Some are great planners.

Whatever our talents, green thumb or not, let’s bloom where we are planted.

“Then God said, ‘Let the land produce vegetation: seed-bearing plants and trees on the land that bear fruit with seed in it, according to their various kinds.’ And it was so” (Genesis 1:11 NIV).

Do you have an expression you want explained? If so, please comment below.

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