Freedom

Freedom. That word has really been on my heart and mind for about the last month. And then this past week I was thinking about the Puritans and their quest for freedom. Can you imagine what it must have been like for them? To have such strong convictions for what they believed and what they were searching for that they were willing to walk away from everything they had, from family that weren't willing to make the same choice. To give it all up and get on a boat and head out across the ocean to what was essentially the unknown. They couldn't have really known what they were getting themselves into. Im sure they had some thought of the difficulties they would be facing but they couldn't have really known.

What is must have been like to feel so strongly about their belief in God to be willing to do that. And yet there are so many of us that have basically given up that freedom that our ancestors so desperately seaked all out of fear. The fear of what someone else might think.

We don't invite someone to church with us because they might think badly of us. We don't really let go of ourselves during worship service because we worry what someone else may think if they see us. We don't share the blessings that God has gives us for fear that someone will question it and then think less of us because we give God the glory and don't keep it for ourselves.

I know these are all things that I struggle with and they are things I'm working on. I like many people like to say that I don't care what anyone else thinks but deep down I think we all really do. I'm trying really hard to just give it all to God and let him worry about it.

So after all that had been going through my heart and mind the past few weeks I was a little surprised when the sermon at church this morning was on the topic of freedom. And one of the first questions asks was "What were the Puritans looking for when they came to America?". The sermon really stressed on freedom from financial bondage and that really set strong with me as well. I posted a while back on how God had really impressed upon me that this was our year to get out of debt. And I have been obediently working on it. Paying my tithes on my income (my husband isn't there yet). Anyway, paying my tithes and paying off our debt. Little by little it's getting smaller. In January and February (all be it with the help of our tax return) I was able to pay off a third of the total. What a freeing feeling!

And while so many people are worried and concerned about where their jobs may be going I'm honestly not worried about it. I am having faith and believing that as long as I am obedient to what the Father has told me to do that He will provide the means for me to do just that. And you know I'm already seeing the blessings come forth. The lessened stress in my life is amazing. No more worrying about wither or not I can pay this or that. As well as a few other blessings that we have been given to us that we are so very greatful for.

One of the things that was stressed this morning was not to get complacent. When you get to the point where you are no longer in bondage (wither it be spiritual, financial or whatever) and have reached the point of being in freedom from (those things) keep moving forward towards having the freedom to (do whatever it is you are supposed to be doing). Because if you get complaincent it's a slippery down hill slide back into bondage.