It’s another photo mash-up today as I link up with Like Mother, Like Daughter with {pretty, happy, funny, real} and with Cari for Theme Thursday. The theme this week is “Freedom” and although I was thinking of various red, white and blue subject matter, I never had a chance to plan anything. Instead I was enjoying a day of picnicking and hiking with my family.

We took a different trail that lead us to a high (but not too high) hill that overlooked the ocean and the forests of Point Lobos. As the cool wind whipped around us and we breathed in the glorious views, I called to mind the scripture from Romans 8:18-21. (I couldn’t remember the exact wording so I had to look it up later. ) It reads:

“I consider the sufferings of this present time are not worth comparing with the glory that is to be revealed to us. For the creation waits with eager longing for the revealing of the sons of God; for the creation was subjected to futility, not of its own will but by the will of him who subjected it in hope; because creation itself will be set free from its bondage of decay and obtain the glorious liberty of the children of God.

It is a gentle reminder that our faith should not be shaken when we look around at all that is wrong in the world. Whatever crosses we are bearing now, they will not compare to the Resurrection to come. Creation itself groans at the disorder caused by sin. Yet when we gaze upon the beauty of God’s nature we see his power and ironically, his gentle touch. It is like a soothing balm to a weary soul. It is then that we experience freedom from despair because we know God will never abandon us and he will always give us the strength to complete the mission before us.

So although, these photos are void of the usual patriotic symbols, for me they are a reminder of God’s gift of freedom as well as the biggest blessings of my life – my family.

{pretty, happy, funny & real}

We started our trail at the parking lot as pointed out by the photo.

We went up the rocky hill trail. (You can see someone walking along to the trail at the upper right hand of the photo.)

Matthew was having a fit because he didn’t want to hold anyone’s hand so Brian stood at the bottom of the hill with him as I went ahead with Bella, Andrew and John-Paul.

We made it to the top and on the other side of the hill, this was our view.

Beside us some deer where enjoying their lunch. As I was snapping this photo Bella said she saw Brian coming up the hill. I told her it couldn’t be him.

But there he was with Matthew running beside him. Matthew’s hair was blowing and his arms were stretched out like a soaring eagle. My first thought – the freedom of childhood innocence and joy.

Upon seeing Brian the boys cheered and ran to him. Matthew then became a dinosaur. I looked at Brian and said, “God, I love that man!”

At this point we were tired and wanted to go home but not without one last shot of our view back as we descended the hill. (Unfortunately, I am not skilled enough to really do the view justice so this will have to suffice. ;-))

Happy 4th, everyone!!