Proud To Be Canadian

Last weekend I was lucky enough to be in the right place at the right time.  As a result I spent Sunday afternoon basking in the sun watching an air show with the Rocky Mountains as a back drop.  What more could you ask for?

The line-up included a variety of planes doing aerobatics, parachute demos, and a body-vibrating demonstration by the CF-18 fighter.  The Canadian Forces Snowbirds brought the show to a graceful close with their highly skilled, nine plane flight demonstrations.

The CF-18 was painted to commemorate the 75^th anniversary of the battle of Britain.  The thing that amazes me about this plane is you don’t know it’s there until it’s gone.  The angry roar of its engine vibrates through your body and you look up to see its tail disappearing in the distance!

The noise and vibration of the fighter exhilarates me, but I close my eyes, trying to imagine what it’s like for someone who sees it, not as a demonstration on a relaxing Sunday afternoon, but as an enemy bearing down on them, ready to belch out the deadly cargo in its underbelly.

The mental image shakes me more than the snarl of the fighter on its return pass and I open my eyes, watching as people flock to the runway to take pictures of the now grounded jet as it taxis toward the display area.

I look at the Canadian flags fluttering bright red and white against the afternoon sky.  How blessed we are to live in a country where CF-18 fighter jets are heard only in demonstration flights at air shows, and not at night as we lie in bed wondering when the next attack will come.

 

The Snowbirds take to the sky and I’m awed by the beauty and grace nine Tutor aircraft can display.  Flying at a speed of 600 km/hr they maintain a tight formation with only 4 feet between them.  The Snowbirds are a Canadian icon and I feel my Canadian patriotism welling up.  These are some of the best of the best in the Royal Canadian Air Force.

We live in a country full of freedoms other cultures only imagine or dream about.  We have some of the most beautiful scenery in the world right in our own back yard; the Rocky Mountains, the Great Lakes, the flat, grain covered prairies, and the pounding surf on the East and West coasts. 

Canada is an amazing country and I’m proud to be Canadian!

Freedom

This is Remembrance Day weekend. 

It’s true we all look forward to a long weekend, but let’s not forget to pause to remember the reason behind Remembrance Day.

On Monday, November 11, pause to think about the men and women who have lost their lives, and those still fighting to protect freedom and justice.

I live in Canada, a country where the people and landscape is diverse as the temperature. 

We are free.  Free to choose our government.  Free to choose our religion.  Free to work.  Free to pursue education.  Free to enjoy leisure time.  Free to participate in sports.  Free to drive a vehicle.  Free to choose our lifestyle. 

Our list of freedoms is extensive.

Other countries don’t have this luxury.

Recently Pastor Charles Mathole, a Pastor in the Redeemed Gospel Church in Mombasa, Kenya, was murdered while he prayed in the sanctuary of his church.

Southwood United Church, a church in Calgary, partners with the Mombasa church and Pastor Charles to sponsor the Bridge Africa Trade School.  This is a school for at risk girls to  learn to sew and operate a business so they don't become victims of the sex trade.

A number of people from Southwood traveled to Mombasa a year ago to meet with Pastor Charles and celebrate the graduation of the first group of girls from the school.

I know many people’s hearts ache for the loss of this Godly man.  Prior to the murder, Pastor Charles received death threats, but continued to do God's work.  One of Pastor Charles' close friends writes on her Facebook page, “THEY WILL SILENCE MY VOICE BUT NOT MY SOUL”.

This is what our Canadian forces fight against every day.  They fight fear mongers and those who have no respect for life.  They fight against injustice and oppression.  They fight those who would silence voices of equality and compassion.

Our troops do a job few of us have the courage or stomach to face.  This weekend we honour them.  Let us never forget or cease to appreciation the freedoms we enjoy in Canada.

LEST WE FORGET

Haunted By The Past

Are you haunted by a past you wish you could forget?

Ashamed about something you’ve done and can’t undo? 

Wondering if you’re a terrible person; afraid people will “disown” you if they find out about your “secret”?

This might come as a surprise to you, but you’re not alone!  People everywhere mentally flog themselves for mistakes they’ve made; wishing they could go back in time and re-write history.

Image courtesy of Michal Marcol
at www.freedigitalphotos.net

What secret haunts you?

• An affair
• Abortion
• Pornography
• Addiction
• Teen pregnancy
• A promiscuous past
• Stealing
• Lousy parenting

Go ahead, name the shackle that binds you as a slave to guilt, shame, and anxiety.

Now read Jeremiah 31:18-20

“I have heard Israel saying, ‘You disciplined me severely, like a calf that needs training for the yoke.  Turn me again to you and restore me, for you alone are the Lord my God.  I turned away from God, but then I was sorry.  I kicked myself for my stupidity!  I was thoroughly ashamed of all I did in my younger days.  Is not Israel still my son, my darling child?’ says the Lord.  ‘I often have to punish him, but I still love him.  That’s why I long for him and surely will have mercy on him.’”  (NLT)

 

Been there.  I’ve kicked myself many times for my stupidity, and there are a number of things in my past for which I’ve carried the heavy burdens of shame and guilt.

But this scripture tells you, regardless of your past, you’re still God’s “darling child” and He loves you and longs for you to return to Him so He can shower His mercy on you.

It’s easy to feel like you’re the only person in the world struggling with the secret you bear.  It’s easy to convince yourself you’re a horrible person. 

 

But, I guarantee, you’re neither of these things.  There are other people out there hiding behind smiling masks, carrying similar fears.

I speak from personal experience.   Staying loaded down with guilt and shame is no way to live.  We’re meant to live in freedom, not slavery. 

Image courtesy of photostock
at www.freedigitalphotos.net

Finding that freedom is what birthed this ministry, “Living Day By Day In God’s Grace”.  Having found the freedom grace offers, I never want to go back to bondage!

Bring your secret to God, confess it, and accept the mercy He longs to give.

THINGS TO THINK ABOUT:

What part of your past do you need to bring to God today?

Psalm 32:1-2 - Guilt Free Living

MEMORY VERSE:

“Oh what joy for those whose disobedience is forgiven, whose sin is put out of sight!  Yes what joy for those whose record the Lord has cleared of guilt, whose lives are lived in complete honesty!  Psalm 32:1-2 (NLT)

This past weekend I had the privilege of speaking at a women’s retreat for Southwood United Church.  We were in a beautiful setting, nestled away in the foothills of the Rocky Mountains overlooking the Ghost River – a perfect setting for drawing close to God.

The theme for the weekend was, “Freedom Through Forgiveness” and we explored the parable of the prodigal son in detail, looking at each son’s failure to have a close, personal relationship with their father. 

Both sons distanced themselves from the father figure – one by physically running away, the other by separating himself through his own pride and resentment.  But the father never gives up – he reaches out to both sons, extending his arms in a welcoming embrace that promises mercy, grace, and forgiveness.

I remember living a life filled with guilt because of past mistakes.  I remember what it feels like to keep secrets from friends and family, to hide parts of my life, to lie to protect my secrets.  It's exhausting and demeaning.  I was filled with guilt and shame.  I believed I was a terrible person, undeserving of love and I felt God could never forgive me.

We read Psalm 32 as part of our worship service on Sunday morning at the retreat.  It’s a beautiful psalm, so full of hope.  David knows what it feels like to have the burden of sin and guilt lifted from his shoulders.  He speaks of experiencing wonderful joy and freedom in confessing his sins to God and receiving forgiveness.

Three years ago I felt God calling me to a life in His presence.  I made a decision to share my secrets and risk it all...risk losing my friends and the family members I held so dear.  I shared my secrets and confessed my sin to God and I experienced the same amazing joy described in this psalm.

When we seek forgiveness in God’s loving arms we move into a life free from guilt and shame.  We’re freed from the heavy burdens we carry with us. 

“Finally, I confessed all my sins to you and stopped trying to hide my guilt.  I said to myself, ‘I will confess my rebellion to the Lord.’  And you forgave me!  All my guilt is gone.  Psalm 32:8

I’m living proof of these verses.  It’s such a relief to live a life free from the unbearable burdens of guilt and shame.  Return to God and find your own freedom in His forgiving arms.

“Oh what joy for those whose disobedience is forgiven, whose sin is put out of sight!  Yes what joy for those whose record the Lord has cleared of guilt, whose lives are lived in complete honesty! 

Psalm 32:1-2 (NLT)

Philippians 3:13-14 - Perseverance - Persistence - Endurance

MEMORY VERSE:

“...But one thing I do:  forgetting what lies behind and straining forward to what lies ahead, I press on toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus.   Philippians 3:13-14 (ESV)

My heart seemed to beat as fast as cars on a freight train whiz past behind a crossing arm.  The back of my throat felt as dry as a crisp autumn leaf on the ground, severed from its life giving water supply.  I gasped, fighting to draw in enough air to expand my lungs and continued to put one foot in front of the other.  My ears, sensitive as a fruit bat’s, were on high alert, tuned to hear the beeping of my watch signaling my 30 second reprieve.

Do you run?  I started last summer, took a hiatus over the winter, and am back at it this spring.  I’m determined to get to the point where I can run continuously for 30 minutes.  Apparently it will be a while before I achieve my goal!

Some days are easier than others.  This particular day I was tired and fighting a throat infection, but determined to go for my run.  I was about two thirds finished, had a gaping hole in my energy bucket, and was fading fast when a bit of this scripture flashed through my mind.  “I press on toward the goal for the prize...”

Paul’s not talking about a literal foot race in his letter to the Philippians.  He’s talking about perseverance, persistence, and endurance.

Running takes physical endurance.  You start out slowly, running in small segments with short breaks in between, allowing your body, your heart, and your lungs to become conditioned.  As you build strength and endurance you’re able to run for longer periods of time.

Running takes mental persistence.  There are days when I don’t feel 100% but I still have to get my butt out the door and run.  I can’t wait around for the perfect temperature, the perfect time, the perfect body, the perfect shoes, the perfect outfit; the perfect...whatever.  And there are times when I’m convinced I can’t go any further but I still push myself until I reach the goal...the beeping of my watch telling me I get to walk for 30 seconds.

Paul equates our relationship with Jesus to running a race.  It’s our choice to follow Him.  Those who make the choice understand Jesus sacrificed Himself so we are forgiven of our sin and free to choose to follow Him.

When you’re running you can’t focus on the pain it took to get to the top of the hill.  You focus on the success – you made it to the top.  Paul says we can’t live in the past, “...forgetting what lies behind and straining forward to what lies ahead...”.   

Apply this in your life.  Don’t focus on your past – the pain of your guilt, your shame, your failures; anything that says you’re less of a person.  Focus on the future.  Focus on what lies ahead.  Focus on Jesus and the forgiveness He offers.

Running is about goal setting.  So is life with Jesus.  Our goal is to draw close to Jesus, to know Him, and to strive to become more like Him.  In the garden of Gethsemane, before going to His death, Jesus prayed to God, His Father, “...Yet I want your will to be done, not mine.” (Luke 22:42)

As we draw close to Jesus this becomes our prayer, too.  The desires of our hearts align with the desires of God’s heart.  He works through us to make those desires reality in the world.  How amazing is that!?!  God redeems our past and uses us to make a difference in people’s lives!

Father I pray that You would help me to “press on toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus”.   Amen

“... But one thing I do:  forgetting what lies behind and straining forward to what lies ahead, I press on toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus.   Philippians 3:13-14 (ESV)

2 Corinthians 5:19-21 – Friendly Agreement With God

MEMORY VERSE:

“…that God was reconciling the world to Himself in Christ, not counting people’s sins against them.  And He has committed to us the message of reconciliation.  We are therefore Christ’s ambassadors, as though God were making his appeal through us.  We implore on Christ’s behalf; Be reconciled to God.  God made Him who had no sin to be sin for us, so that in Him we might become the righteousness of God.” (NIV) 2 Corinthians 5:19-21

It’s hard to know where to start with this selection.  Paul jammed a smorgasbord of good news into these four statements taken from one of his letters to the people of the Christian church in Corinth.

 “…that God was reconciling the world to Himself in Christ, not counting people’s sins against them.  And He has committed to us the message of reconciliation”. 

What does Paul means when he speaks of reconciliation?  Take a look at the verb “to reconcile” and you’ll find the two following definitions:

• To bring into agreement
• To restore to friendliness

When we combine the two meanings it paints a great picture…to bring into friendly agreement!  Who doesn’t want that!?!

We all mess up in life.  Show me someone who says they’ve never made a mistake and I’ll show you someone who doesn't have a firm grip on the realities of life!

Some mistakes aren’t earth shattering but they do make our life more difficult.  Others have more serious consequences, tearing through lives like raging tornadoes, leaving a trail of wreck, ruin and devastation behind them.

Even if your mistakes have caused seemingly irreparable damage in your personal life and relationships, Paul says you can still be in “friendly agreement” with God.  This news is a five course feast to the person who’s starved for unconditional love and acceptance.

“…not counting people’s sins against them…”

How many times do you relive the guilt and crappy feelings that accompanied the mistake you made? 

God doesn’t do this to us.  He doesn’t continuously regurgitate our past.  He doesn’t count our sins (our mistakes and screw ups) against us.  He promises we can live in friendly agreement with Him.

How?

“…Be reconciled to God.  God made Him who had no sin to be sin for us, so that in Him we might become the righteousness of God”

In one concise statement Paul explains how we claim God’s promise of freedom from sin.  You see, Jesus was completely free from sin. He walked righteously with God. 

Righteous is such a "churchy" word.  Just hearing it kind of makes you want to rush out and do the opposite of whatever it means.  So what does it mean?

Recently I was in a study group led by Gail Rodgers from Spruce Grove Alliance Church.  She broke this word down into very basic terms.  Simply put “righteous” means to have no rebellion in your heart…to not rebel.

Jesus never once rebelled against His Father, God.  Even as He went to His painful death He still prayed, “…yet not my will, but yours be done.”  Luke 22:42

How many of us can honestly pray this prayer?  Sure, we might say the words because we think God approves of such a prayer.  But, do our hearts really desire God’s will or our own desires?

Jesus was without sin.  And somehow, supernaturally He took our sins (past, present and future) onto Himself.  He took these with Him to the grave so we can live as though without rebellion before God; so we can live in friendly agreement with God.

I’m sure there’s a wonderful theological discussion that breaks down the process of how this all works…an explanation of the logistical process.  I’ll be honest…I don’t know what that theological explanation is.  I don’t really understand how God made it all work and you don’t have to either.

I do know this.  Deep in my heart there’s a stirring, a whisper calling out an invitation to faith, to belief; a longing to go deeper in this journey of faith with Jesus.

Jesus’ final words on the cross, “It is finished” (John 19:30) mean exactly that.  The battle’s over.  When we believe in Jesus' death and resurrection as the Son of God, we’re a forgiven people living in friendly agreement with God.

Now that’s good news!

“…that God was reconciling the world to Himself in Christ, not counting people’s sins against them.  And He has committed to us the message of reconciliation.  We are therefore Christ’s ambassadors, as though God were making His appeal through us.  We implore on Christ’s behalf; Be reconciled to God.  God made Him who had no sin to be sin for us, so that in Him we might become the righteousness of God.”

(NIV)  2 Corinthians 5:19-21

Remembering

What does Remembrance Day mean to you? For me it’s a time of reflection, of struggling to understand the world’s history of war and conflict, of grappling to reconcile the loss of life going on every day with the peaceful, free world I step into every morning.

How do you remember? How do we remember and honour a life changing event that started 97 years ago; a time when most of us weren’t even alive?

I’ll be honest. I wrestle with the idea of war. I’m the stereotypical “Pollyanna”. If “why can’t we all just get along” was a motto it would be airbrushed in bold Arial font on my forehead! I hate conflict. I don’t understand war. And I hate the thought of people dying in the cold dark night, alone in knee deep mud with the sounds of heavy artillery booming next to them while bombs fall like rain from the sky!

On the other hand I’m deeply grateful to live in Canada.

Canada - a country where our children can play in the streets free from the threat of suicide bombers.

Canada - a country that is ruled by democracy and freedom of speech.

Canada - a country that doesn’t live under the regime of threats, terror and tyranny.

Canada – a country with religious and cultural freedom.

Would this Canada be possible today without the battles that took place in World War I and World War II and the ongoing battles in the Middle East? Can those of us who enjoy our freedom simply sit back and declare the loss of life justifiable? Or do we live with an inner tension, the dissonance of knowledge; the knowledge that our country is free today because other people gave their lives for that freedom?

Recently I’ve been listening to a summary of the life of Sir Winston Churchill. Here was a man who lived to see both World Wars and played a very active leadership role in each. Churchill understood the danger of apathy. His set of moral values simply would not allow him to stand back and watch while citizens in other countries lived under the grips of tyranny. He understood tyranny is about power and needs to be stopped. For this understanding he was quite frequently labeled a “war monger” – someone who loved war, but in fact Churchill seemed to viscerally grasp the fact that if tyranny isn’t stopped all of humanity suffers.

So we live in freedom and war rages on; struggles and conflicts within ourselves and battles in countries an ocean away. Freedom is not to be taken lightly. It comes at a high price – the lives of our brave men and women, the peace of mind of their families, the minds of the soldiers who return doomed to wrestle with nightmares and post traumatic stress for the rest of their lives.

These men and women believe freedom is worth the price. Let’s not take their sacrifices for granted.

Lest We Forget

Visit Terry Kelly’s Youtube link, “A Pittance of Time”  http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2kX_3y3u5Uo

Who's In Your Driver's Seat?

Four months ago we acquired a small, grey ball of fluff with eyes, teeth and a fluffy tail who goes by the name of Zeus, affectionately nicknamed the “Jaws of Destruction”.

He’s capable of chewing through any cell phone charger, speaker cable, phone cord or headphone wire faster than a chainsaw eats through a 2 x 4. He’s very efficient, one...two...three bites and he’s done – the cord is in pieces.

Lately when we open the door he’s taken to dashing through our legs, scurrying down the sidewalk and charging across the street. He’s three lawns down before you even know he’s escaped. Fearing for his life we went to the pet store this weekend in search of a device to serve as a barrier on the porch to slow his race for freedom.

When we pulled up to the pet store this is what we saw. 

I couldn’t resist turning to my husband and stating the obvious, “Look there’s a dog driving that car!” It actually looked quite natural, and yet...not!

This made me stop and ask the question, “Who’s in my driver’s seat?” Do I cling desperately to things in life beyond my control, stressing myself out? Do I trust God enough to open my clenched fists and relinquish control to Him? Am I trying to be tourist, navigator and driver all at once or have I allowed God to take over the role of navigator and driver while I enjoy the journey?

I must confess I have a few “control issues”.  Anyone who knows me is rolling on the floor laughing at the magnitude of that understatement. OK, I have HUGE, GIGANTIC, GARGANTUAN, HUMUNGOUS (insert any other “large” adjective here) control issues! I like to do things my way, on my time schedule, in the location of my choice. 

I’ve read various articles over the years indicating the need to be “in control” stems from a low self-image, and feelings of inferiority and insecurity. I can honestly say this holds true in my case. Over the years I’ve struggled with all three of these self-defeating attitudes.

There's good news though. In the last few years I’ve relaxed my tight grip on control. Why is that? I’ve found someone I can trust who always provides for me and meets my every need; someone who always gives what's best for me, even when I don’t know what "the best" is.

Any idea who I'm talking about? God. I’ve learned to give up control and trust God with a lot of things in my life. I’ve learned I don’t always have to have the answers, that sometimes it’s OK just to ask questions, ponder the possibilities and leave the answers up to God. Life isn’t perfect and I’ve realized I don’t have to be either. I just need to be genuine, truthful and teachable.

You can trust God in your life, too.  Here’s some reassurance straight from God’s word, the Bible...

“For I know the plans I have for you, “ says the Lord, “They are plans for good and not for disaster, to give you a future and a hope.” Jeremiah 29:11 (NLT)

“So humble yourselves under the mighty power of God, and at the right time He will lift you up in honour. Give all your worries and cares to God, for He cares about you.” 1 Peter 5:6-7 (NLT)

“I am leaving you with a gift – peace of mind and heart. And the peace I give is a gift the world cannot give. So don’t be troubled or afraid.” John 14:27

“The Lord will guide you continually, giving you water when you are dry and restoring your strength. You will be like a well-watered garden, like an ever-flowing spring.” Isaiah 58:11 (NLT)

“Don’t worry about anything; instead , pray about everything. Tell God what you need, and thank Him for all He has done. Then you will experience God’s peace, which exceeds anything we can understand.  His peace will guard your hearts and minds as you live in Christ Jesus.” Philippians 4:6-7 (NLT)

It’s time to finally let go of that exhausting need to be in control. It might take a few attempts before you succeed, but start by asking God today to take your cares and burdens on His shoulders. Then keep coming back to Him in prayer with your worries and learn to trust Him fully. Who do you want in your driver’s seat?

Comment by clicking on “comments” below.

Guest Post at Faithful Devotions

Recently I submitted a guest post titled "Risky Faith" to the Faithful Devotions website. Faithful Devotions, part of the Faithful Bloggers on-line community, is a place for Christian women to come together and share their thoughts, musings and experiences about God. You'll find over 600 blogs listed according to category in the Faithful Bloggers directory. Please feel free to scroll through their directory at your leisure. I'm sure you'll find something that speaks to you personally. Click here to read my guest post, "Risky Faith".

Jonah - Rebel Running

Here we are two weeks into the New Year and I realize I've been very lax in my blog posting! I want to share some thoughts on the book of Jonah with you, so over the course of the next few weeks I'll be posting links to a series of video devotions - one on each chapter of Jonah. Click on Jonah - Rebel Running to hear encouragement from the first chapter of this short book in the Old Testament.

FEAR OR FREEDOM...YOUR CHOICE

For years I’ve lived in fear of people’s opinions. I’ve allowed these fears to shape my words, opinions and actions. The taunting, teasing words of ridicule from my teenage years slashed deep into my heart leaving ugly, jagged, emotional scars.  Like a thief, fear seized my confidence, depriving me of the ability to speak my opinion without fear of judgment. Today as I go live with this blog I discard this fear like clothing that no longer fits properly!

Most people who have gone to church or been exposed to any Christian teaching are familiar with the apostle Paul. When we first meet Paul he is introduced as a zealous persecutor of early Christians. His personal mandate is to arrest and persecute as many Christians as he possibly can. He HATES these new believers that are proclaiming Jesus as the risen Christ. But one day while marching down a dusty road Paul has a personal encounter with Jesus. That’s all it takes – one encounter – to change Paul from persecutor to “persecutee”. From that very day Paul is compelled to share the good news of his risen Lord and Saviour with the world.  Is his life in danger? Absolutely! Paul understands better than anyone the consequences of being associated with the Christian movement. He wrote the book on persecution! He is arrested, beaten, thrown in prison, threatened with death on a regular basis, and on top of all of that, bitten by a poisonous snake! Was he afraid?  Wouldn’t you be? Paul doesn’t allow his fear to conquer him.  His faith in Christ is stronger that his fear of persecution. He continues to write, to teach, to preach and to proclaim the good news about the risen Christ despite the hardships he suffers.

I live in Canada, a country where we experience freedom of speech and freedom of religion.  These freedoms come with a price...the lives of our Canadian soldiers. Soldiers still leave family and friends today, believing with all their hearts that fighting for justice and freedom is worth the sacrifice they make...worth their very lives. Families around the world are without mothers, fathers, sons, daughters, grandsons or granddaughters because of wars – they’ve been lost as victims of war or as defenders of freedom and justice...lives lost...gone forever.

The price of giving in to fear is too high to remain silent any longer –the price of Jesus’ death on the cross and the price of freedom to speak in this country. The chains of fear no longer bind me. I’ve left them at the cross. Today I begin a new life, free to speak out and share my adventures of faith with Jesus as my Saviour.

 In the words of Paul, “So what do you think? With God on our side like this, how can we lose? If God didn’t hesitate to put everything on the line for us, embracing our condition and exposing Himself to the worst by sending His own Son, is there anything else He wouldn’t gladly and freely do for us? And who would dare tangle with God by messing with one of God’s chosen? ... Not trouble, not hard times, not hatred, not hunger, not homelessness, not bullying threats, not backstabbing...None of this fazes us because Jesus loves us... absolutely nothing can get between us and God’s love because of the way that Jesus our Master has embraced us.” Romans 8:31-39 The Message Translation

What’s your fear today? What’s holding you back from experiencing the freedom in Christ we’re meant to enjoy? Have you been deeply, emotionally wounded as a child, teenager or adult? Are you facing an uncertain future with your health, your job, your marriage or your children? Are you struggling as a caregiver to elderly parents or an ill spouse? Whatever your fear I encourage you to seek the face of Christ, reach out and ask someone to pray for you and seek help to overcome your fears. We’re not meant to live in fear, we’re meant to live in freedom!