Remember

Dave and I walked to the Legion to remember the dead this morning. The suits, the wreath's, the dismal grey skies and the bright red poppy's boldly proclaiming our Freedom. We are blessed. Praise God for the freedom we enjoy! Each breath is from Him, every tear, every laugh, every baby born, each friend, our families, all the moments of love, peace, and joy we experience are blessings from Him.
James 1:17 "Every Good and Perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of the heavenly lights, who does not change like shifting shadows."

But just as we experience these blessings in life, there are many pains as well. Although i am too young and inexperienced to say i have endured real pain, i know it is there. On the faces of those who have lost loved ones, are rejected, cannot feed their families, live under oppressive governments, live in fear for their life every day, or do not know the meaning of life- there is pain everywhere. (1John 2:17 - The world and it's desires pass away, but the man who does the will of God lasts forever. 1Corinthians 7:31b- For this world in it's present form is passing away)

Praise God for the freedom EVEN from these things, which He has prepared for anyone who believes. (although we may not escape the turmoil here on earth.)

John 1:12
Yet to all who received him, to those who believed in his name, he gave the right to become children of God
mark 16:16
Whoever believes and is baptized will be saved, but whoever does not believe will be condemned.
Romans 6:23
For the wages of sin is death, but the GIFT of God is eternal life, in Jesus Christ our Lord.
Romans 8:1-2
Therefore, there is now no condemnation for those who are IN Christ Jesus, because through Jesus Christ, the law of the Spirit set me free from the law of sin and death.

AWESOME. we can be free.