What Is Real Freedom>

   Every 4th of July brings lots of celebration across America as per-normal with tons
of fireworks and sparklers along with neighborhood picnics that abound with one form of food to another. Kids playing assorted games, flying Frisbees, throwing football and generally enjoying
the freedom of living in America.

   When you think about the word freedom, what do you picture in your mind? Do you have
thoughts of the red, white and blue of our nations flag? Maybe you ponder on the soldiers of
our various military branches who have fought and died to keep the freedoms we still enjoy as
americans.  We must give these men and women a very special and heart-felt thank you for
every moment of their sacrifice on our behalf!

   Having said all of this, lets try to understand what freedom truly is to us and what the word
actually means. Websters dictionary defines freedom as, .."the quality or state of being free"..
I think we can truly say that here in America we certainly have, in many ways, a certain
quality of life that many other nations do not have! That would include in areas of living
that we normally abide in. Examples are, shopping, traveling, business and entertainment.
There is such a sense of freedom for us that, often, we become 'expectant' and a little
lethargic which is noticed by those in other countries who don't have the same freedoms
we possess!

   if we really examine our daily lives we would easily see just how much we have in
abundance as far as time and treasure and the choice of where we want to go, how long we want
to stay and with whom we want to be with. That's very liberating, isn't it? Just to realize
what we each take for granted each day is the fact that we are able to do whatever and whenever
we wish! Very liberating, indeed!

   As Webster told us, "quality or state of being free", means just that..BEING FREE. For me,
it brings a calming and comforting to an otherwise busy and hectic day while attempting to
take care of my family and our own needs. We take so much for granted and here in the
good 'ole USA we absolutely wallow in that fact!

   So as the fireworks flare and light up the night sky wherever we happen to be, I hope this
article helps all of us to realize and remember where we came from, how we got here and
just exactly how truly 'free' we are now, as long as those who lead our government comply
to the outlines of our constitution and give up their own agendas! I don't have an axe to grind
against either political party but I stand firm in my convictions on the founding documents
that helped define this land! No apologies from me on this and I think I'm being pretty
clear where I stand!

   Regardless of how we may view the word and what it means to each of us, just being
grateful for all of our freedoms and for the land we live in should be a daily practice for
every one from senior citizen to young child. We owe much to those who have given so much to
ensure that we have the gift of freedom and that we maintain for the next generation
what it truly means to be free!

   Without a doubt, we would not have any type of freedom if it were not for a loving and
providing, gracious God who had all of this planned from the beginning for any one who
would choose to accept it. Freedom has never been free, though! It cost God everything
and it required the lives of many of our loved ones in order to bring it to pass!

   Enjoy the day and enjoy every moment of your own freedom. It may be around for much longer!


jeff Pendleton

7/4/16