Liberty Bell — 2001 Ornament

2001 "Liberty Bell" Ornament

LIBERTY ENDOWMENT

Christmas 2001arrived just after the 9/11 World Trade Center – Pentagon attack.  Patriotism was feverish and I wanted to be reminded that all the rights we enjoy in this country are based on liberty conferred to us by our God.

Without God, there is no true freedom or liberty because we are ruled by self or other humans like ourselves who, no matter how well intentioned, eventually defer to self at the expense of others. 

The ornament is with the word “Liberty” affixed to its edge to depict the famous Liberty Bell.  Inside are “engraved” the following words from the American Declaration of Independence:

“…all (people) are created equal (and) endowed by theirCreator with certain inalienable rights…”

— American Declaration of Independence, 1776

Priceless Pearl — 2000 Ornament

GOT TO HAVE IT!

The first design recalls a children’s book Cindy and I used to read to Adam and Laura when they were babies based on the Scripture that likened the kingdom of heaven to a pearl or gem of great value.  Truly, uncovering the meaning of life through God’s son, Jesus is just like that – finding a priceless gem that you would sell everything to obtain.

“Seek first his kingdom…
(for) the kingdom of heaven is like a merchant looking for fine pearls.
When he found one of great value, he went away and sold everything he had
and bought it.”

— Matthew 6:23 & 13:45