liberty

Lib-er-ty (noun): a. the quality or state of being free
                                   b. freedom from physical restraint
                                   c. freedom from arbitrary or despotic control

We are free. Free. FREE. It's not a difficult concept to grasp, but how often do we forget it? Yes, we have freedom in our country. It's rewarding to go back and read over the Bill of Rights, on your own time, not just because you have to. Really read them. I think we abuse our freedoms a lot of the time. What would happen if those were ripped away from us? Food for thought. We forget about our freedom here in America, but think about how often we forget about our greater freedom we have in Christ... it's humbling to really sit down and think about it. Soak it in. We are free. Completely. We aren't "restrained."

"For the Lord is the Spirit, and wherever the Spirit of the Lord is, there is freedom."

2 Corinthians 3:17

"And because you belong to him, the power of the life-giving Spirit has freed you from the power of sin that leads to death." 

Romans 8:2 

Liberty, by Shane & Shane
The Lord is, the Spirit
where the Spirit of the Lord is now
there is liberty
and the Spirit, lives inside of me
and where the Spirit of the Lord is now
there is liberty

For freedom you’ve set me free
and yes I am free indeed
You rewrote my name
unshackled my shame
you opened my eyes to see
that I am free

When the spirit of the world comes
to kill me and enslave me I will say
there is liberty
for the chains of sin
that once entangled me
have been broken now I'm singing cause I’m free
there is liberty

The storm rolled in
it was dark in the land
as the Son of man was crucified
 
You don’t take His life
He laid it down
and He paid the price
and shed His blood
 
It is done
The veil is torn
He has won
and I am free

For freedom you’ve set me free
and yes I am free indeed
You rewrote my name
unshackled my shame
you opened my eyes to see
that I am free

peace and love, man.

      Most people are associated with a certain decade, according to their personality and such, and several people have told me in my lifetime that I should have been a part of the Sixties. I've always adored the Sixties and if only I could travel back in time to be a part of it. If only...sigh.
      I don't think anything could describe or tell the story of the Sixties as well as the music that was present during those years. From the British invasion of several different bands to the artists who led anti-war protests and promoted peace, the music of the Sixties was a reflection of the counterculture and social revolution during that time. I may be a tad bit cheesy, but I feel like honoring the music of this decade, by sharing five of my favorite songs from the era. Basically, what I'm really saying is, you haven't lived yet until you've listened to these songs. So listen to them okay? Okay, groovy.

1964:  "House of the Rising Sun", by the Animals

1967:  "White Rabbit", by Jefferson Airplane

1965:  "Turn! Turn! Turn!", by the Byrds

1963:  "Ring of Fire", by Johnny Cash

1962:  "Love Me Do", by the Beatles

lent it up

"People do not live by bread alone; rather, we live by every word that comes from the mouth of the Lord."

-Deuteronomy 8:3

Well, tomorrow is the day. Lent starts! And while it is so not Baptist of me to observe it, I am looking forward to the next 40 days, before Easter. So, what am I giving up for 40 days? Why thank you for asking!

Bye bye music. For 40. whole. days.
Yeah, there are some exceptions to that though. I can't very well not play my trombone for 40 days, considering I'm studying music. That wouldn't fly with Dr. G and the music department. I'm simply only listening to music that glorifies God. Will it be difficult for me? You better believe it. I'm ready though! I'm looking forward to the time I'll have with the Lord more. It's a time to reflect, a time to sacrifice for Him. I'm also starting to pray the hours within the next couple of days. Yeahhh.


"Show me the suffering of the most miserable;
So I will know my people's plight.
Free me to pray for others;
For you are present in every person.
Help me to take responsibility for my own life;
So that I can be free at last.
Give me honest and patience;
So that I can work with other workers.
Bring forth song and celebration;
So that the Spirit will be alive among us.
Let the Spirit flourish and grow;
So that we will never tire of the struggle.
Let us remember those who have died for justice;
For they have given us life.
Help us love even those who hate us;
So we can change the world.
Amen."
-Cesar Chavez