soc.octade.net is a Fediverse instance that uses the ActivityPub protocol. In other words, users at this host can communicate with people that use software like Mastodon, Pleroma, Friendica, etc. all around the world.
This server runs the snac software and there is no automatic sign-up process.
The most important thing about me is that I am a Catholic. It’s a superstructure within which you can work, like a sonnet. A good director tells the actors where to move exactly; then they’re free to act. I’m grateful for that discipline, and I’ve never had a crisis of conscience.
Jean Kerr (1922–2003) American author and playwright [b. Bridget Jean Collins]
Quoted in (1961-04-14) “Show Business: BROADWAY,” Time Magazine
More about this quote: wist.info/kerr-jean/30768/
#quote #quotes #quotation #qotd #jeankerr #Catholic #discipline #framework #freedom #guidelines #moralcode #religion
You have the right to demand freedom from your government: https://u.fsf.org/contacting-government #FSF #Freedom
I watched the 2hr video this morning. Things are *so so so bad*, it is unbelievable. #LG is just exemplaric of what happens all over the place. In the video a whole network of complicit corporations is exposed.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6IFVTcM28KA
CC @EUCommission See toot above ☝️ .. Speed up regulation and enforcement please, before it is too late.
#Freedom #Democracy #technology #privacy #security #SurveillanceCapitalism #TechnoFascism
Good day all! Upcoming episode of Fireside Fedi!
Special Guest: @humanum@mastodon.art
escaping here to share my artwork which I create for the sheer joy of it
So don't miss it!
It will happen on 11 September 2026 at 10:30 US Eastern Time ( UTC-4 )
🔥 FIRESIDE FEDI — FOLLOW ALL THREE! 🔥
📺 Live: @ozoned@stream.firesidefedi.live (#livestream)
🎬 VOD: @ozoned@tubefree.org (#Peertube #VOD)
🔔 Alerts: @when@freestreamers.btfree.org (new shows!)
Don't miss out — follow all three! #firesidefedi #fediverse #fedi #interview #freesoftware #opensource #userfreedom #freedom #resistance
📢 #MFIA Media & #Freedom of Information Access Clinic at #Yale Law
“More from ﹫theintercept․com on the lawsuit we filed today challenging Truth Social’s 'Truth API' under the First and Fifth Amendments:
[contains quote post or other embedded content]”
https://bsky.app/profile/mfia-clinic.bsky.social/post/3msvfroptmk2d
Also it is clear that #Youtube recommendation algorithm serves completely different realities to different people. Sometimes suddenly the algorithm (by accident, or on purpose) leaks some blatant misinformation or alt-right/fascist video's into my browser viewport.
The example in the snapshot I encountered yesterday, and is one that is easy to detect. I watch pro-Ukraine channels, and this guy is a clear Russian hack.. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Glenn_Diesen
It shows how dangerous Youtube is for #freedom and #democracy, esp. where more and more people turn away from TV and regular #news channels to get fully 'informed' by #SocialMedia.
A quotation from Abraham Fortas
Any departure from absolute regimentation may cause trouble. Any variation from the majority’s opinion may inspire fear. Any word spoken, in class, in the lunchroom, or on the campus, that deviates from the view of another person may start an argument or cause a disturbance. But our Constitution says we must take this risk, and our history says that it is this sort of hazardous freedom — this kind of openness — that is the basis of our national strength and of the independence and vigor of Americans who grow up and live in this relatively permissive, often disputatious, society.
Abraham Fortas (1910–1982) American academic, jurist, lawyer; US Supreme Court Justice (1965–69)
Tinker v. Des Moines Independent Community School District, 393 U.S. 503, 508 (1969) [majority opinion]
More about this quote: wist.info/fortas-abe/13226/
#quote #quotes #quotation #qotd #abefortas #America #argument #belief #Constitution #control #debate #disagreement #dissent #disturbance #firstamendment #freespeech #freedom #freedomofexpression #freedomofspeech #heterodoxy #majority #openness #opinion #popularopinion #SCOTUS #troublemaking #protest
Just got accepted to present at @SeaGL this year. It's a case study of the theory that FOSS projects are unstoppable.
And this is my kind of conference. It's all about freedom and privacy. For example, no need to give your name & credit card details. You don't even have to register! You can just show up.
This is the cypherpunk spirit the world needs, and I'm proud to be a part of that.
A quotation from Bertrand Russell
Children, like grown-ups, enjoy the sense of achievement derived from mastering a difficulty, but this requires a consistency of effort of which few are capable without some outside encouragement. The capacity for consistent self-direction is one of the most valuable that a human being can possess. It is practically unknown in young children, and is never developed either by a very rigid discipline or by complete freedom.
Bertrand Russell (1872–1970) English mathematician and philosopher
Education and the Social Order [Education and the Modern World], ch. 2 “The Negative Theory of Education” (1932)
More about this quote: wist.info/russell-bertrand/858…
#quote #quotes #quotation #qotd #bertrandrussell #achievement #application #childrearing #childraising #children #control #discipline #effort #encouragement #freedom
Centralized platforms will never be the solution for privacy and autonomy, it is crazy but all that multi-millions-dollar backed apps can't bring you as far in terms of #autonomy, #resilience and #freedom as #ArcaneChat does
📢 #MFIA Media & #Freedom of Information Access Clinic at #Yale Law
“The MFIA Clinic is proud to be part of this important lawsuit challenging the sale of privileged access to the President’s official statements․
[contains quote post or other embedded content]”
https://bsky.app/profile/mfia-clinic.bsky.social/post/3msvf4i76wk2d
JUSTICE: HOW TO KILL META!
========================
The legal math on media is broken. The punitive measures are not effective deterrents.
If you look at the numbers, Meta does harmful things, apologizes, pays a pittance, and still comes out ahead financially.
Zuckerberg sold out his users data to Cambridge Analytica, influencing the US election. Then he appeared before Congress like a contrite little schoolboy - "Oops! I didn't mean to accidentally cut multibillion dollar deals and sell out Facebook users. Honest mistake. I promise not to do it again ( unless the price is right! )"
Because of the math, he still came out ahead.
I left Meta's platforms a long time ago.
People who are not savvy, are locked into the Facebook walled garden, because of the Network Effect. ( "I can't leave Facebook. All my friends are on Facebook!" )
Having liberated ourselves, it is our duty to liberate others, who are still trapped, to give them their right to privacy.
Here's a plan of action:
1) Place ads on Facebook, explaining the benefits of #Mastodon
( https://joinmastodon.org/ )
1.1) Freedom from Meta's censorship and algorithms.
1.2) A community owned, open social media platform.
2) When a user clicks, guide them through exporting their data from Facebook, and deleting their Facebook account.
3) Give them an optional questionnaire, asking about their interests, and match them with the right Mastodon instance.
4) If they skip the optional questionnaire, pick a random Mastodon instance for them.
5) Give them an option to enter into a Facebook migration registry.
6) Help them set up a Mastodon account and import their data.
7) If they opted into the migrant registry, reconnect them with their former Facebook connections, who also joined the registry. Like a reunion in Heaven with your loved ones. ☺️
#FaceBook #Meta #instagram #WhatsApp #SocialMedia #Fediverse #Mastodon #Technology #Tech #Justice
#FuckZuck #FOSS #Linux #OpenSource #Freedom #Liberty
#Law #USA
One US company – Digital Identity, Inc. – controls 271 TLDs (~42% of all TLDs).
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Identity_Digital
This is fine.
It’s not.
And that’s why the Small Web will be using Web Numbers.
https://ar.al/2025/06/25/web-numbers/
And you should seriously be thinking about this and at least have a contingency plan given what happened this week with the fascist US government designating Autistici/Inventati – an anti-fascist Italian .org providing internet support to activists – as terrorists, sanctioning them, and knocking them off the Internet.
If you’re serious about sovereignty, @EUCommission, you should be at DEFCON 1. And if your sovereignty plans don’t include decentralisation across the board, we are well and truly fucked.
This doesn’t just concern domains. If you’re an anti-fascist or anti-genocide org or group, the fascist US government can designate you a terrorist group and sanction you thereby cutting you off from banking, hosting, and almost all other infrastructure providers with zero due process in the EU.
PS. In case you’re wondering, this is the full list of TLDs controlled by Digital Identity, Inc.:
Business
• .limited
• .ltd
• .management
• .network
• .partners
• .sarl
• .services
• .solutions
• .ventures
• .support
• .associates
• .business
• .careers
• .center
• .consulting
• .company
• .enterprises
• .gmbh (company with limited liability, German legal entity)
• .group
• .industries
• .international
• .企业 (enterprise)
Education
• .academy
• .church
• .education
• .institute
• .mba
• .school
• .schule (school)
• .university
• .degree
Entertainment
• .bingo
• .bet
• .casino
• .dating
• .dog
• .events
• .games
• .movie
• .lotto
• .show
• .singles
• .theater
• .actor
• .band
• .dance
• .live
• .poker
• .rocks
• .studio
• .video
• .游戏 (games)
• .娱乐 (entertainment)
Financial
• .accountants
• .capital
• .cash
• .claims
• .credit
• .creditcard
• .estate
• .exchange
• .finance
• .financial
• .fund
• .global
• .holdings
• .insure
• .investments
• .llc
• .loans
• .money
• .report
• .tax
Fun Domains
• .cool
• .exposed
• .fail
• .black
• .red
• .gripe
• .jetzt (now in German)
• .ninja
• .blue
• .pink
• .wtf (WTF means usually "what the fuck" in internet slang)
• .life
• .green
• .pet
Healthcare
• .care
• .clinic
• .dental
• .dentist
• .doctor
• .healthcare
• .hospital
• .rehab
• .rip
• .surgery
• .vet
• .vision
Home and Construction
• .plumbing
• .lighting
• .repair
• .tools
• .cleaning
• .builders
• .construction
• .contractors
• .works
• .glass
• .parts
• .pro
• .supplies
• .supply
• .tires
Legal
• .legal
• .attorney
• .lawyer
News and Information
• .bio
• .chat
• .directory
• .fyi (for your information)
• .info
• .memorial
• .tips
• .reviews
• .news
• .media
• .today
Photography
• .camera
• .equipment
• .gallery
• .graphics
• .photography
• .photos
• .pictures
Political and Military
• .democrat
• .republican
• .vote
• .army
• .airforce
• .voto
• .navy
• .family
Real Estate
• .apartments
• .camp
• .community
• .condos
• .farm
• .house
• .immo
• .land
• .lease
• .maison
• .properties
• .rentals
• .villas
• .haus (house)
• .mortgage
• .immobilien (property)
Sports and Fitness
• .bike
• .coach
• .football
• .golf
• .hockey
• .pro
• .run
• .soccer
• .team
• .tennis
• .training
• .ski
• .futbol
• .rocks
• .expert
• .guru
• .fan
• .fitness
Style and Fashion
• .boutique
• .clothing
• .diamonds
• .florist
• .furniture
• .gold
• .jewelry
• .salon
• .shoes
• .style
• .toys
• .watch
• .moda (people/organizations interested in fashion and style)
Technology
• .codes
• .computer
• .domains
• .systems
• .technology
• .engineer
• .engineering
• .energy
• .mobi
• .solar
• .software
• .网站 (web)
• .移动 (mobile)
Travel and Geography
• .travel
• .city
• .cruises
• .flights
• .guide
• .holiday
• .asia
• .irish
• .place
• .reise (travel)
• .viajes (trip)
• .tours
• .town
• .vacations
• .reisen (travel, plural or verb)
• .voyage
• .cab
• .limo
• .zone
• .world
• .taxi
Shopping and Retail
• .bargains
• .cards
• .cheap
• .coupons
• .deals
• .delivery
• .direct
• .discount
• .express
• .gifts
• .gratis (free)
• .plus
• .shopping
• .tienda (store)
• .sale
• .promo
• .kaufen (buy)
• .market
• .auction
• .forsale
• .商店 (shop/store)
Food and Beverage
• .cafe
• .catering
• .coffee
• .kitchen
• .pizza
• .recipes
• .restaurant
• .vin (wine)
• .wine
• .fish
• .pub
Marketing and Communications
• .agency
• .digital
• .email
• .marketing
• .media
• .productions
• .social
• .studio
#USA #US #fascism #AutisticiInventati #TLDs #ICAAN #EU #antifascism #tech #technology #freedom #democracy
📢 #MFIA Media & #Freedom of Information Access Clinic at #Yale Law
“Major First Amendment access victory in the 2nd Circuit: The court rejected blanket secrecy in NY attorney discipline, recognizing presumptive public access to proceedings, records & certain outcomes․ It cites MFIA’s br…”
https://bsky.app/profile/mfia-clinic.bsky.social/post/3mrv6r3n7522j
Centralized platforms will never be the solution, it's crazy but all that multi-million-dollar backed apps can't bring you as far in terms of #autonomy, #resilience and #freedom as #ArcaneChat does
#decentralization #digitalindependence #european #europe #openSource #privacy
You have the right to demand freedom from your government: https://u.fsf.org/contacting-government #FSF #Freedom
You have the right to demand freedom from your government: https://u.fsf.org/contacting-government #FSF #Freedom
this is really super cool:
https://likebutter.app/blog/butterbox-deltachat
quite some other projects try to solve "offline communications" by using Bluetooth but I think this is very unpractical for anything that is not looking like an IRC or SMS app
but if people setup local interconnected wifi hotspots and build a mesh network in the cities/towns then you can have a something much more interesting while not draining everyone's battery
enabling people to do things like this and becoming truly resilient and autonomous
things like this you can never do with centralized messengers like #WhatsApp, #Telegram, #Signal, etc. if you really care about digital independence, centralized alternatives are just NOT an option at all
#mesh_network #mesh #offlinefirst #deltachat #autonomy #privacy #security #freedom #resilience #decentralization #opensource #europe #european #digitalindependence #diday #butterbox
You have the right to demand freedom from your government: https://u.fsf.org/contacting-government #FSF #Freedom
You have the right to demand freedom from your government: https://u.fsf.org/contacting-government #FSF #Freedom
#Heart / #Infinite #Love Combination
A #Symbol for the way to #peace...?
#Mastodon as a group of #loving #individuals that #connect #members & #fans of #groups together?
#Talking to #machines all day doesn't work.
We need better humans?
We have enough #Tech / #SmallTech?
A lighter AND deeper #human #relationship towards solving all #wars & arguments?
#Passion together to build back warmth, then #freedom?
(Not sex / romance, true #passion together)
FOSS Meetup in #London on Saturday was a success, we ultimately had 9 people attend that day.That you so much to those who attended, and also those who helped with outreach. I am aiming to run another one sometime in October, but this time with more infrastructure.
Also again, thanks to the Free Software Foundation Europe (FSFE) for managing to get the sticker package to us on short notice.
If anyone lives in/near #London and is passionate about #FOSS and #Freedom and would like to help build a community, please do reach out, the more the merrier.
Picture of the meetup attached, lots of stickers!
You have the right to demand freedom from your government: https://u.fsf.org/contacting-government #FSF #Freedom
And his hands would plait the priest’s entrails,
For want of a rope, to strangle kings.
[Et ses mains ourdiraient les entrailles du prêtre,
Au défaut d’un cordon pour étrangler les rois.]
Denis Diderot (1713-1784) French editor, philosopher
Poem (1772), “Les Éleuthéromanes”
Much more about (and translations of) this quote: wist.info/diderot-denis/6524/
#quote #quotes #quotation #qotd #diderot #denisdiderot #authority #Christianity #church #clergy #freedom #king #liberty #monarchy #priest #priesthood #rebellion #revolution #royalty #strangulation #tyranny
2/ We are still waiting on a '#system' to solve humanity...
We waiting for a #machine
We waiting for a #software etc
of which work -only- humans can do with humans!
No machine does the people work to develop people (it's not just about Mastodon developing software).
We have to learn what #freedom is and give it to others measurably better.
Mini-Conclusion
Even the #devs and #admins for #freedoms are not working on #pioneering people - just #software!
Amazing right?
Ironic
A website details the blocked websites in #Ukraine.... is itself blocked by #Cloudflare.
An archived copy of the page shows that the government of Ukraine has blocked 48,698 websites, and that number could be greater now.
Should a government be afraid of its people thinking for themselves?
Blocked: https://uablocklist.com/
Archived: https://archive.is/g0J9Y
Discarded trash from #SpaceX will slam into the #moon, possibly on Wednesday.
I found this story on a banned website. #Ukraine has blocked many, but it can be viewed in the USA.
More about the #censorship:
YouTube's Information Control for #Ukraine
"YouTube does not disclose the details of its algorithm"
But #YouTube does admit to blocking content to Ukrainians. Can a man not be trusted to form his own opinions?
Harvard studied the impact of YouTube's #censorship: "Comment activity on banned channels dropped sharply to near zero immediately after the ban, indicating that the ban was, in fact, successful in preventing exposure to these channels."
I send thanks to the buyer from Pennsylvania who purchased a coffee mug of
Summer Breeze -- https://fineartamerica.com/featured/summer-breeze-steve-henderson.html?product=coffee-mug
May every relaxing sip from the cup take you back to lazy summer days.
#art #artwork #mastoart #fediart #buyintoart #ayearforart #summer #fedigiftshop #coffee #kite #childhood #joy #wind #boy #giftidea #freedom
This video appears to show a young Ukrainian man being captured by his own government, to be drafted into the war against Russia (what they call #conscription).
It's a war they do not want, but their government forces them to fight. Most Ukrainian men want their government to make peace with Russia.
video source:
https://southfront.press/the-neverending-draft-how-kyiv-buys-time-with-soldiers-lives/
A quotation from Eleanor Roosevelt
Will we ever learn to use reason instead of force in the world, and will people ever be wise enough to refuse to follow bad leaders or to take away the freedom of other people?
Eleanor Roosevelt (1884–1962) First Lady of the US (1933–1945), politician, diplomat, activist
Column (1939-10-16), “My Day”
More about this quote: wist.info/roosevelt-eleanor/60…
#quote #quotes #quotation #qotd #eleanorroosevelt #conflict #following #force #freedom #future #hope #leaders #leadership #liberty #oppression #progress #reason #tyranny #war #WorldWar2 #ww2 #wwii
The gods […] have attached to liberty almost as many misfortunes as to servitude.
[Les dieux […] ont attaché à la liberté presque autant de malheurs qu’à la servitude.]
Charles-Lewis de Secondat, Baron de Montesquieu (1689-1755) French political philosopher
Essay (1724-02), “Dialogue of Sulla and Eucrates [Dialogue de Sylla et d’Eucrate] [Sulla], Mercure de France [tr. Carrithers / Stewart (2020)]
More about (and translations of) this quote: wist.info/montesquieu/85165/
#quote #quotes #quotation #qotd #montesquieu #freedom #liberty #servitude #tyranny
For the past three decades, #BigTech have been secretly, continuously, systematically tracking all aspects of our personal lives, and they have been exploiting that data to extract more and more profits. To the delight of many technology fanciers, all these nefarious acts are now #AI powered. It is only during this period of exploration that IT had its first billionaire.
We Americans have tacitly accepted this invasive surveillance, in exchange for essential modern goods and services, like toilets that flush automatically after shitting and shit-posting on social media in the wee small hour of the morning. So long as the two parties involved have the “meeting of the minds”, this process counts as a “fair exchange” under law.
It is now evident that our federal #government is using those same #surveillance technologies and procedures to monitor, control, manipulate, and oppress us. Regardless of our nonchalance, this process is "government overreach" in violation of our constitutional rights to privacy.
Why so dramatic a difference between these two forms of privacy violation that employ the same technologies and procedures?
• The first form of privacy violation is a private act that induces us to waste our time and money, individually and collectively.
• The second form of privacy violation is a governmental action that erodes our individual #freedom and our collective #democracy.
But we #American citizens are equally unperturbed by both forms of #privacy violation.
4 "Hell no. Saving the planet is a job of entities who pollunated the planet — governments and corporations, not mine. I obviously may participate in clownery like using paper straws to save fucking nothing, but I will not, "
This is the attitude I mean. Well said and what needs reconsidering. Please.
You just to thinking I mean taking away / stopping things, instead of simply making friends much more / doing the people-work together towards #freedom / #friendships.
RE: https://floss.social/@doctormo/116927739358578223
Ah, finally, they’re saying the quiet parts out loud:
“Sure, the social angle of working on open source is important and often a very motivating part of the project, but in the end that’s a side benefit, not the _point_ of the project.” – Linus Torvalds
Now do you understand what I mean when I say “free” as in “freedom” versus “open” as in “open for business?”
There's angry, there's disappointed, then there's hurt and betrayed, and then a parsec further along the same vector is the unnamed emotion I'm feeling now, watching the creator of the #freedom-championing OS I've used for a quarter century effortlessly, nonchalantly, and self-righteously side with the oppressor.
And not only side with them, but act like any objection is foolhardy, gauche, and a waste of time.
💢😓
There was a stag, once, who could always defeat a stallion
And drive him out of their pasture — until, tired of losing,
The horse begged help of man, and got a bridle in return.
He beat the stag, all right, and he laughed — but then the rider
Stayed on his back, and the bit stayed in his mouth.
Give up your freedom, more worried about poverty than something
Greater than any sum of gold, and become a slave and stay
A slave forever, unable to live on only enough.
[Cervus equum pugna melior communibus herbis
pellebat, donec minor in certamine longo
imploravit opes hominis frenumque recepit;
sed postquam victor violins discessit ab hoste,
non equitem dorso, non frenum depulit ore.
Sic qui pauperiem veritus potiore metallis
libertate caret, dominum vehet improbus atque
serviet aeternum, quia parvo nesciet uti.]
Horace (65–8 BC) Roman poet, satirist, soldier, politician [Quintus Horatius Flaccus]
Epistles [Epistularum, Letters], Book 1, ep. 10 “To Aristius Fuscus,” l. 34ff (1.10.34-41) (20 BC) [tr. Raffel (1983)]
More about (and translations of) this quote: wist.info/horace/80424/
#quote #quotes #quotation #qotd #horace #avarice #bit #bridle #control #economy #enough #fear #financialsecurity #freedom #frugality #greed #impoverishment #insecurity #liberty #master #poverty #selfsufficiency #servility #sufficiency #worry
not a supporter of ArcaneChat yet??? you can not only watch but also be part of the change! ✨
no amount is too small!
💜 join our contributors 👉 https://arcanechat.me/#contribute
#ArcaneChat #freedom #privacy #security #encryption #autonomy #digitalindependence #opensource #decentralization #europe #european
Today, in lieu of scheduled celebrations of a US that is held hostage by forces bent on dismantling democracy, I am re-posting an essay I wrote in September 2024, prior to the last election, about the considerable repair work that American democracy needs to protect itself from tyrants.
https://netsettlement.blogspot.com/2024/09/repairing-democracy.html
#politics #USPolitics #4th #july4th #FourthOfJuly #US250 #US250th #Democracy #Freedom #Constitution #SCOTUS #ElectoralCollege #Gerrymandering #voting #impeachment #CitizensUnited #Rights #Corporations #Marriage #Abortion #Pardons #DEI #Religion
Today’s One Year Bible Verses: 2 Kings 23:31–25:30, Acts 22:17–23:10, Psalm 2:1–12, Proverbs 18:13
Today, many of us will celebrate Independence Day.
We’ll gather with family and friends, enjoy cookouts, watch fireworks, and reflect on the freedoms we enjoy as a nation. One of the greatest gifts we’ve been given is the freedom to make our own choices.
God values freedom, too.
He could have created us as robots, programmed to obey Him without question. Instead, He gave us something remarkable—free will. Every day, we have the freedom to choose whether we will follow Him, trust Him, obey Him…or ignore Him.
As I was spending time with the Lord recently, He impressed this simple but powerful Gem of Knowledge on my heart:
“I’m always trying to speak to you. You just have to want to listen.“
Those words made me stop and think – How often have I prayed, “Lord, why aren’t You speaking?” when the real question should have been, “Lord, have I truly been listening?”
Sometimes we expect God to interrupt our busy lives with dramatic signs or unmistakable miracles. Yet more often than not, He speaks through the quiet prompting of the Holy Spirit, a passage of Scripture that seems to leap off the page, wise counsel from another believer, or that gentle conviction in our hearts that nudges us in the right direction.
The problem usually isn’t that God has stopped speaking, it’s that life has become so noisy that His gentle voice is crowded out.
Distractions compete for our attention from the moment we wake up. Notifications, schedules, responsibilities, entertainment, and endless opinions constantly demand to be heard. Before we realize it, we’ve filled every quiet moment with something else.
Yet God is still speaking.
He’s speaking through His Word.
He’s speaking through His Spirit.
He’s speaking through circumstances.
He’s speaking through His people.
The question isn’t whether God wants to speak.
The question is whether we want to listen.
Today’s reading reminds us of that reality. In Acts 22, Paul faithfully shared the message God had given him, but many refused to hear it because they had already decided what they wanted to believe. Their ears were open, but their hearts were closed.
Proverbs 18:13 gives us a timeless warning: “Spouting off before listening to the facts is both shameful and foolish.” How often do we do the same thing with God? We rush ahead with our own plans, assumptions, and opinions before we’ve taken time to hear what He has to say.
One of the greatest freedoms God has given us is the freedom to choose whether we will listen.
Every day He gently invites us into conversation.
Every day He offers wisdom.
Every day He offers direction.
Every day He offers His peace.
But He won’t force us to hear Him.
He waits for willing hearts.
As I think about Independence Day, I’m reminded that freedom is a tremendous gift—but every freedom comes with a choice. Today, may we choose not only to celebrate the freedoms we’ve been given as a nation, but also to exercise the freedom God has given each of us to draw near, quiet our hearts, and listen for His voice.
Because He is speaking…He always has been.
Will you listen? 💎
Today, intentionally create a few minutes of quiet. Set aside your phone, your schedule, and every distraction. Open God’s Word and simply ask:
You just have to want to listen.
Father, thank You for the freedom You’ve given me—not only to choose, but to walk closely with You. Forgive me for the times I’ve been too busy, distracted, or unwilling to listen. Quiet my heart and help me recognize Your voice above every other voice competing for my attention. Give me ears that are eager to hear You and a heart that is willing to obey what You say. Thank You that You are always speaking because You love Your children. In Jesus’ name I pray, Amen.
To read more 5 Minutes with God devotionals click here.
If Gems of Knowledge has blessed your walk with Christ, please subscribe or consider partnering with us today. Your gift helps keep these devotionals free for everyone and carries God’s Word to more hearts. Every seed matters—thank you for sowing into this work! 💛
Test everything by the Word and the Spirit (John 16:13)
It was not the mere matter of the separation of the colonies from the motherland; but something in the Declaration giving liberty, not alone to the people of this country, but hope to the world for all future time. It was that which gave promise that in due time the weights should be lifted from the shoulders of all men, and that all should have an equal chance. This is the sentiment embodied in that Declaration of Independence.
Abraham Lincoln (1809-1865) American lawyer, politician, US President (1861-65)
Speech (1861-02-22), Independence Hall, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
More about this quote: wist.info/lincoln-abraham/2474…
#quote #quotes #quotation #qotd #lincoln #abelincoln #abrahamlincoln #DeclarationofIndependence #equalopportunity #freedom #humanrights #humanity #liberty #revolution
A quotation from Thomas Jefferson
We hold these truths to be sacred & undeniable; that all men are created equal & independant, that from that equal creation they derive rights inherent & inalienable, among which are the preservation of life, & liberty, & the pursuit of happiness; that to secure these ends, governments are instituted among men, deriving their just powers from the consent of the governed; that whenever any form of government shall become destructive of these ends, it is the right of the people to alter or to abolish it, & to institute new government, laying it’s foundation on such principles & organising it’s powers in such form, as to them shall seem most likely to effect their safety & happiness.
Thomas Jefferson (1743-1826) American political philosopher, polymath, statesman, US President (1801-09)
Document (1776-06), “Declaration of Independence” (original rough draft)
More about this quote: wist.info/jefferson-thomas/520…
#quote #quotes #quotation #qotd #thomasjefferson #civilrights #consentofthegoverned #createdequal #DeclarationofIndependence #equality #freedom #government #happiness #humanity #independence #liberty #life #pursuitofhappiness #reform #revolution #rights #safety #selfgovernment
A quotation from Salman Rushdie
The creative act requires not only freedom but also this assumption of freedom. If the creative artist worries if he will still be free tomorrow, then he will not be free today. If he is afraid of the consequences of his choice of subject or of his manner of treatment of it, then his choices will not be determined by his talent, but by fear. If we are not confident of our freedom, then we are not free.
Salman Rushdie (b. 1947) Indian novelist
Speech (2012-05-06), Arthur Miller Freedom to Write Lecture, PEN World Voices Festival, New York City
More about this quote: wist.info/rushdie-salman/84768…
#quote #quotes #quotation #qotd #salmanrushdie #pen #art #artist #censorship #creation #creativity #fear #freedom #selfcensorship #subjectmatter #worry #writer #writing
A quotation from Adlai Stevenson
A hungry man is not a free man.
Adlai Stevenson (1900–1965) American diplomat, statesman
Speech (1952-09-06), “Farm Policy,” National Plowing Contest, Kasson, Minnesota
More about this quote: wist.info/stevenson-adlai-ewin…
#quote #quotes #quotation #qotd #adlaistevenson #anxiety #freedom #hunger #Maslow #need #priority #worry #poverty #poor
10 more days until our #CfP is closed.
Remember we moved our dates and #SeaGL2026 is now happening October 23rd and 24th. Same location.
Visit: https://seagl.org for details
#linux #opensource #FLOSS #FOSS #OSS #ophw #community #tech #seattle #freedom
@geethap2007 I might be in the same position as you in some way & not sure what it helps ...
Without people building upon lots of people we're stuck... if going towards #freedom / #cooperation etc.
I don't know how we're all going to win this mostly alone; from making music to helping lyrics that say / fix whatever a lot better.
Has helped in talking to you so I guess it's a start.
But do think more on it.
(this is not a dating request but trying work together to mean something more?)...
“Juneteenth has never been a celebration of victory, or an acceptance of the way things are. Instead, it's a celebration of progress. It's an affirmation that despite the most painful parts of our history, things do get better. America can change.” - Barack Obama
#democratsabroad #Juneteenth #freedom #progress #change #USpol #USpolitics
🏩🌞🥳🎊🎉🪅🤠💛🩷💜🌐🌏💛💁🏼♀️*DEAR BELOVED FREE BROTHERS!*& SISTERS!*& TREASURED FRIENDS WHAT IS JUNETEENTH?🤔🤓🇺🇲🌎🇺🇸🌐💜💁🏿♀️*IT is a federal holiday commemorating the end of slavery in the United States!*{OH!*HAPPY DAYS!}*& It marks the day in 1865 when enslaved African Americans in Galveston!*Texas!*finally received word that they were free!*over two years after the Emancipation Proclamation!*HALLELUJAH!*& AMEN!🙏🙏🏻🙏🏿👉
#Juneteenth #Freedom #Let #Praises #Ring #God #Jesus #Christ #Holy #Spirit #Love #One #Another
🏩🌞🥳🎊🎉🪅🤠💛🩷💜🌐🌏💛💁🏼♀️*DEAR BELOVED FREE BROTHERS!*& SISTERS!*& TREASURED FRIENDS Happy Juneteenth!🎂🥳🎊🎉🫂🪅🤠🇺🇲🌎🌐🩷💁♀️*& WHAT IS JUNETEENTH?👉
#Happy #Juneteenth #Freedom #For #All #Alleluia #Let #Praises #Ring #Our #songs #of #adoration #We #Sing #Worship #Honor #Thanksgiving #God #Heavenly #Father #Grace #Blessed #Savior #The #Son #Jesus #Christ #Light #Holy #Spirit #DEVOTIONAL #World #People #Pray #Believe #Heaven #Hope #Peace #Faith #Goodness #Kindness #Gentleness #Understanding #Unity #Love #One #Another
🏩🌞🥳🎊🎉🪅🤠💛🩷💜🌐🌏💛💁🏼♀️*DEAR BELOVED FREE BROTHERS!*& SISTERS TREASURED FRIENDS GOOD FRIDAY MORNING!🌞👉
#Happy #Juneteenth #Freedom #For #All #Alleluia #Let #Praises #Ring #Our #songs #of #adoration #We #Sing #Worship #Honor #Thanksgiving #God #Heavenly #Father #Grace #Blessed #Savior #The #Son #Jesus #Christ #Light #Holy #Spirit #FRIDAY #DEVOTIONAL #World #Pray #Heaven #Hope #Peace #Faith #Truth #Goodness #Kindness #Hospitality #Gentleness #Understanding #Everyone #Unity #Love #One #Another
🏩🌞🥳🎊🎉🪅🤠💛🩷💜🌐🌏💛💁🏼♀️*DEAR BELOVED FREE BROTHERS!*& SISTERS TREASURED FRIENDS AROUND THE WORLD GOOD FRIDAY MORNING!🌞👉
#Happy #Juneteenth #Freedom #For #All #Alleluia #Let #Praises #Ring #Our #songs #of #adoration #We #Sing #Worship #Honor #Thanksgiving #God #Heavenly #Father #Grace #Blessed #Savior #The #Son #Jesus #Christ #Light #Holy #Spirit #FRIDAY #DEVOTIONAL #World #People #Pray #Hope #Peace #Faith #Truth #Goodness #Kindness #Hospitality #Helping #Others #Gentleness #Unity #Love #One #Another
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YKb0A3FyqrQ
What does it mean to go deeper with God?
In this episode, we discuss prayer, intimacy with God, hearing His voice, spiritual growth, deliverance, and the importance of finding like-minded believers who encourage us in our walk with Christ.
Discover how developing a deeper prayer life and spending time in the secret place can transform your relationship with God and lead to greater freedom, purpose, and spiritual maturity. We explore practical ways to cultivate a deeper connection with the Lord, grow in spiritual discernment, and pursue the abundant life Jesus promised.
Whether you are new to the faith or have been walking with the Lord for many years, God is always inviting us into a deeper relationship with Him. Join us as we discuss what it means to seek His presence, hear His voice, and grow in intimacy with Jesus.
Listen now! ✨
Listen & Subscribe On:

Kim is a devoted follower of Jesus, mother, grandmother, and Registered Nurse with more than 40 years of experience caring for others. She serves as a Prayer Leader with Dream Big Today! Ministry, where she is passionate about encouraging believers in their walk with Christ.
Kim’s heart is to help people develop a deeper intimacy with the Lord through prayer, learn to hear His voice, and experience the freedom and abundant life found in Jesus. She has a special passion for seeing people find healing, deliverance, and a deeper relationship with God as they grow in faith and spiritual maturity.
To watch more episodes click here.
If Gems of Knowledge has blessed your walk with Christ, please subscribe or consider partnering with us today. Your gift helps keep these devotionals free for everyone and carries God’s Word to more hearts. Every seed matters—thank you for sowing into this work! 💛
Test everything by the Word and the Spirit (John 16:13)
Steve Henderson Fine Art » 🌐
@SteveHendersonFineArt@mastodon.social
Is it possible for four people to be equally happy at the same time?
It must be, because they all were.
Gone Sailing canvas print -- https://www.pictorem.com/2694783/gone-sailing/
Free shipping in the U.S. and Canada.
#art #artwork #mastoart #fediart #buyintoart #ayearforart #sailing #boating #weekend #friends #friendship #men #travel #bay #blue #sunshine #outside #outdoors #freedom #happy #happiness #fedigiftshop #washington
Anyone who tells you to trust authority is your enemy and the servant of your slaver.