Here is a 3-D ultrasound of the newest upcoming addition to the Kiner family. Dona and I were overjoyed this past Monday when we received a positive report from the doctor. Since the beginning of Dona's pregnancy, we have had a number of scares regarding the baby's development (detached placenta, enlarged kidneys, Down's Syndrome, infection, surgeries, etcetra, etcetra). But Monday's report showed that everything is now NORMAL and HEALTHY! With 10 more weeks to go before this little baby boy pops into the world, I am just thanking God for His encouragement and His faithfulness!

Those things that hurt, instruct.

- Benjamin Franklin

On this Independence weekend, I am moved with such gratefulness for the men and women in uniform who have paid the price for my freedom, my family's freedom, and this country's freedom. I am even moreso reminded and moved as I think about the freedom and deliverance that my soul has been given, because of the price that Jesus Christ paid for me on the cross of Calvary.

2 Corinthians 3:17 says, "...where the spirit of the Lord is, there is liberty." It is because of Christ and the power of His Spirit that I have liberty. And this liberty has applied to every facet of my life, whether it be in my family, my work, my finances, you name it. It is because of His Spirit that I have enjoyed the innumerable blessings of freedom.

Consider that, since 1776, America has had to keep fighting for its freedom. Unfortunately, America did not receive eternal liberation simply because a group of our forefathers penned a fancy declaration letter. Many, many wars have been fought, and many lives sacrificed, since that day to reinforce and reestablish the independence of our country. Equally, I am reminded this weekend that every time my freedom is challenged or in risk of compromise, whether it be with my pocketbook, my relationships, or my soul, I am in need of God's spirit in my life. Anytime I feel the chains of bondage or the shackles of unrest creeping in, I am reminded that I am in need of a renewing, a refilling, of God's presence and dominion in my world.

I would hate to live in a country that lacks the freedoms I know and appreciate. Just the same, I don't want to ever settle for anything less for my body, mind, and soul. Thank God for freedom! Thank God for liberty!

Completely random, but these were some of the thoughts that ran through my head today.

• Do not be non-chalant about anything.
• Pay attention to the details.
• Smile. A lot.
• Wake up early.
• Lighten up.
• Work hard. Very hard.
• I am a genius.
• Don't ever, ever quit.
• Eat lunch.
• Be honest. Integrity matters.
• Call my wife.
• Chipotle burrito.
• Do not be intimidated by anything.
• Conquer.
• Defeat is not an option.
• Squeeze out creativity.
• Push for greatness.
• Believe.
• Pay attention to your breathing.
• Don't be afraid to make a phone call.
  
• Solutions.
• Execution.
• Bottom line.
• Exercise.
• Fireworks.
• Making tons of money.
• Giving tons of money away.
• Eric Steiner.
• Facebook.
• Grace.
• Holy Ghost.
• Nothin is impossible.
• Dry clean my pants.
• Carry breath mints with you always.
• Renewing my vows.
• Put-in-Bay.
• Tired. Get sleep.
• Live large. Extra large.
• Inner joy.
  
• Clarity.
• Church tonight.
• Chipotle burrito.
• Be an example. It's worth a thousand words.
• Opportunity.
• Dalyn.
• Don't be a jerk.
• Corn.
• Text Aaron for coffee.
• Proverbs 28:25.
• Be different, but not too different.
• Napkins are for writing on.
• Go the extra mile(s).
• Put this list on my blog.
• I should not text while I'm driving.
• My wife is spectacular.
• Do not slouch in public.
• Laugh.
• Appreciate.
• Relax.
• High blood pressure.
• I can't wait to meet my new son.
• My car stinks.
• Febreeze.
• Mark Pogue watches soap operas.
• Be an asset.
• Light up the room.
• Jehovah Java.
• Online odds & ends dishware store. Brilliant!
• Finish church website.
• Efficiency.
• Redeem the time.
• This is therapeutic.
• Pray before meals.
• Crummy weather.
• People want to be good.
• Vacation.
• Fat vs. Skinny
• Manners.
• City Council. I can do it.
• Dream the extraordinary, then take one step toward it.
• Chipotle burrito.
• Lick aluminum foil.