Tag Archives: Independence Day

But What Is True Freedom?

Posted on July 5, 2026 by mitchteemley

Photo by Mitch Teemley Yesterday Was Independence Day in My Country… …and I’m proud of the freedoms its founders proclaimed. But what is true freedom? I’m under no delusion that any country, culture or class can grant me the kind … Continue reading →

Posted in Culture, For Pastors and Teachers, Quips and Quotes, Religion/Faith | Tagged , , , , , , , , | 27 Comments

A Slice of My America

Posted on July 3, 2026 by mitchteemley

All images ©Copyright by Mitch Teemley Here on the Eve… …of my country’s 250th anniversary, I thought I’d share a small slice of my America. Trudy and I are from California, and have travelled extensively. But all of these phone-tographs … Continue reading →

Posted in Culture, Popular Culture & Entertainment, Quips and Quotes | Tagged , , , , , , , , , | 84 Comments

This Is My Declaration of Independence

Posted on July 2, 2026 by mitchteemley

See video below It’s My Country’s 250th Anniversary… …and this is my declaration of independence. These days, the very meaning of the term “patriotism” is being fiercely contested, both here and in other countries throughout the world. What better time … Continue reading →

Posted in Culture, For Pastors and Teachers, Movies, Quips and Quotes, Religion/Faith, Videos | Tagged , , , , , , | 24 Comments

“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

The Cost of Freedom

Posted on July 3, 2023 by mitchteemley

It has a price. Thought for the Week The price of freedom is eternal vigilance.” ~Desmond Tutu “None who have always been free can understand the terrible fascinating power of the hope of freedom to those who are not free.” … Continue reading →

Posted in Culture, Quips and Quotes | 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

Should I Celebrate or Not?

Posted on July 3, 2022 by mitchteemley

Tomorrow is the day America celebrates its founding. One of my Facebook friends announced that as a follower of Jesus, and therefore a citizen of no earthly realm, he steers clear of national celebrations. He has a point, especially in … Continue reading →

Posted in For Pastors and Teachers, Quips and Quotes, Religion/Faith | Tagged , , , , , , | 31 Comments