Happy Independence Day ~ from a Daughter

I worked today...but gave time to ponder the meaning of this day...

I've been watching The Revolution on The History Channel since I got home.  An eight-year war, filled with disadvantages against the greatest army in the world.

I am a Daughter of the American Revolution.  The Daughters of the American Revolution National Society defines themselves as:

Any woman 18 years or older-regardless of race, religion, or ethnic background-who can prove lineal descent from a patriot of the American Revolution.

My fifth great-grandfather, Henry McWhorter was a Minute Man in the Continental Army, enlisting at age 15.  In preparation for adulthood, he became an apprentice in the trades.  But these were the days of slaves and working conditions could be very in humane.  McWhorter ran away and enlisted in early 1776 and remained through the end of the war.

This is his cabin he built in 1793, after the Revolution.  It still stands at Jacksons Mill, near Jane Lew, WV.  He is the progenitor of the surname "McWhorter" in this country.

Edster grew up in the Valley Forge area.  I have walked those grounds.  It was not only the threat of being killed in action that tested our fight for independence, but also the horrendous winters, specifically in 1777, starvation, disease, exposure, often without clothing or shoes.  How could the most fervent and passionate zealots of the cause for freedom not be discouraged amid eight long years?

O beautiful for heroes proved 
In liberating strife. 
Who more than self their country loved
And mercy more than life! 
America! America! 
May God thy gold refine 
Till all success be nobleness 
And every gain divine! 

May we not only be grateful for the freedom of this great country, but may we also be willing to fight to the death to preserve it.  It is a precious gift from God.

The Battlefield of the Mind - Day 2 - True Freedom

“If you abide in my word, you are truly my disciples,  and you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.”

John 8:31b-32 (ESV)

This is not something I haven't read before...I have heard it all my life. But in the battlefield of the mind, it is the best weapon I know.

Jesus, in John 8, declares the keys to freedom:

1. Abide in Him. (now we don't use the word "abide" anymore in regular English venacular so what else can we use?) Let's try "reside" in Him or "stay" in Him. Hang out. Be joined at the hip with.  I love how the Message says it, "If you stick this out, living out what I tell you..."

2. Know the truth. Wow, that's a toughy. The truth, not versions of the truth. Have you listened to cable news. You'd think we were living in different countries when you compare network news to MSNBC, CNN, and Fox. The source of truth is living and active in God's word.

3. The truth will set you free. Freedom from all that binds me today will flee...as I hang out with God and read (and apply) His word.

This has a transforming effect...but it must be a daily discipline in my life.

I know in my own life, as a highly sensitive person, I do play a repertoire of negative tapes in my head that often feel like truth...first it is my voice parroting the tapes, then my parents, and then sometimes I hear God's voice parroting the same things...

This is not truth...but landmines in my battlefield. God only seeks to build us up and encourage us, even if it is in words of conviction. Our enemy desires to belittle and verbally abuse us, to the point that we are chipped away to nothing of any use...unless  we picking up God's word...the sword of the Spirit...and let Him defend me through it.

Help me today, Lord, to know the difference.