I know, I know, it’s already the 10th, BUT we didn’t celebrate July 4th (which was a Thursday and a non-holiday here) until July 7th, and internet has been a challenge lately. So, here I am, saying I am so very grateful for the freedom that the U.S. allows. I am so very grateful for the freedom I have found in the Messiah, freedom that I continue to learn about and grow deeper into as I journey through life. I’m rereading “Ragamuffin Gospel” by Manning right now with my email book group, and this week’s chapter hit me between the eyes. Grace is FREE for the asking, and we are all sinners, each and every one of us, and we need the FREEDOM grace provides. So why do we put on a show of being good, doing right things for the wrong reasons (being excited about doing ministry or taking a photo so I can put it in our blog…fasting during Ramadan with the underlying goal of dropping a few pounds, etc.) so that people look at us and approve, as if we can prove ourselves worthy of grace which is already FREE. We function within our churches, to quote C.S.Lewis, “in pious fellowship that permits no one to be a sinner.” I so need to acknowledge my sin without comparison to “others” (ie more sinful, different). There needs to be no “others”. For all have sinned and fallen short of the glory of God. Thank you Lord for FREE grace!
Here are a few pix from our July 4th celebration. We did have a traditional BBQ, complete with hot dogs, hamburgers, potato salad, and baked beans.
Timothy C. treated us to his rendition of the Star Spangled Banner with his nose flute – Awesome!
Can you read what they wrote??? I can’t! (o; See the phantom legs?
BennyBob Turk now
BennyBob Turk in 2005
