Tag Archives: 4th of July

“O Beautiful for Spacious Skies…”

Posted on July 4, 2025 by mitchteemley

Today, America celebrates its 249th official birthday. So it seemed like a good time to share some photos themed on that line from “America the Beautiful.” My wife and I took all but of few of these in the last … Continue reading →

Posted in Culture | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , | 61 Comments

July the 4th is Almost Here!

Posted on July 2, 2025 by mitchteemley

Preachers, teachers and group leaders: If you’re looking for a brief-but-powerful illustration about what patriotism means, especially for people of faith, my 2 1/2 minute video may just be it. In the film, four ordinary people remind us it means … Continue reading →

Posted in Culture, For Pastors and Teachers, Movies, Popular Culture & Entertainment, Videos | Tagged , , , , , , | 13 Comments

What Is Freedom?

Posted on July 4, 2024 by mitchteemley

Today, July 4th, is Independence Day in my country, the day we officially celebrate our freedom. But that’s not enough. Freedom must be celebrated, protected, and exercised every day. Why? Because: Freedom is Necessary “Life without liberty is like a … Continue reading →

Posted in For Pastors and Teachers, Quips and Quotes | Tagged , , , , , , , | 44 Comments

My Declaration of Independence

Posted on July 4, 2023 by mitchteemley

My Real Memoir (See below for video) I loved fireworks as a kid. Loved watching things burn (no, I wasn’t a pyromaniac, just a boy–as if there was a difference). I loved dousing my old model planes in lighter fluid … Continue reading →

Posted in For Pastors and Teachers | Tagged , , , , , , , , | 39 Comments

Our Quietly Quirky 4th of July

Posted on July 4, 2022 by mitchteemley

It’s the 4th of July in the U.S. Come to think of it, it’s the 4th of July in lots of countries, except those who take the 5th (that’s a pun, sort of…I didn’t say it was a good one). … Continue reading →

Posted in Humor | Tagged , , , , , , , , | 51 Comments

Independence and Dependence

Posted on July 4, 2021 by mitchteemley

Today is Independence Day in my country. I’m proud of this country and of the freedoms its founders proclaimed. But I’m under no delusion that it can grant me the kind of freedom for which my soul truly hungers. Indeed, … Continue reading →

Posted in For Pastors and Teachers, Quips and Quotes, Religion/Faith | Tagged , , , , , , | 34 Comments

What is Freedom?

Posted on July 4, 2019 by mitchteemley

July 4th is Independence Day in my country, the date on which we officially celebrate our freedom. But that’s not enough. Freedom must be celebrated, protected, and exercised every day. Freedom is Necessary “Life without liberty is like a body … Continue reading →

Posted in Culture, For Pastors and Teachers, Quips and Quotes | Tagged , , , , , , | 20 Comments

Freedom

Posted on July 4, 2018 by mitchteemley

It has a price: “The secret to happiness is freedom. And the secret to freedom is courage.” ~Thucydides “None who have always been free can understand the terrible fascinating power of the hope of freedom to those who are not … Continue reading →

Posted in Quips and Quotes | Tagged , , , , , , , , | 17 Comments

My Declaration

Posted on July 2, 2018 by mitchteemley

(See below for video) Who doesn’t love fireworks? As a kid, I loved to watch things burn. No, I wasn’t a pyromaniac. Just a boy. (Is there a difference?) I’d douse my old model planes in lighter fluid and stage … Continue reading →

Posted in Culture, For Pastors and Teachers, Memoir, Videos | Tagged , , , , , | 12 Comments

To Celebrate…or Not?

Posted on July 4, 2017 by mitchteemley

Today is the day America celebrates its founding. I wasn’t going to post anything. But then a Facebook friend announced that, as a follower of Jesus–and therefore as a citizen of no earthly kingdom but rather of God’s kingdom–he steers … Continue reading →

Posted in For Pastors and Teachers, Quips and Quotes, Religion/Faith | Tagged , , , , , , | 29 Comments