Music and the Founding Fathers

Posted on by September 26, 2015
Benjamin_Franklin's_glass_harmonica_(LoC)_edited

Benjamin Franklin’s Glass Armonica

Did you know that Thomas Jefferson was also a musical devotee. That’s why he and Martha Wayles Skelton were so enamored with each other at first. Martha would play the harpsichord and Tom his violin. They loved to sing and dance. Tom ordered a beautiful harpsichord from his agent in Europe, and had it shipped to Virginia as a wedding gift for Martha. So among all the other talents Tom is credited with, music must be counted.

George Washington also loved to dance and loved music. That’s why he and Martha Custis originally hit it off so well together. George loved to have young people come to dances at his home at Mount Vernon. When George walked into the dance parlor, music and dancing would stop, and the youth would stare at George. So George, instead of entering the dance hall, would sometimes stand at the door and look through a crack between the doors to enjoy the dance. read more

George Washington Says Listen Up!

Posted on by September 24, 2015

Scene_at_the_Signing_of_the_Constitution_of_the_United_States“Listen twice as much as you talk and others will hear twice as much of what you say.” Nido R. Qubein. Nido should know. He’s the President of High Point University, and a professional speaker.

This quote reminds me so much of George Washington. George would listen carefully to his soldiers in the Revolutionary War—and you know how that turned out!

I think the best example of Washington’s listening skills took place at the Constitutional Convention in Philadelphia. George was elected President of that convention, even though originally he didn’t intend to attend. He listened to his friend James Madison, and decided he must be there. read more

The Constitution, American History and Economics

Posted on by September 25, 2015

Just thought you’d like to know about how you can get a little more learnin’. You know, things about George Washington, James Madison, Patrick Henry, and important documents like the Declaration of Independence, the U.S. Constitution, the Bill of Rights, and much more.

Hillsdale College has more than 830,000 students enrolled in its free online courses, covering topics such as the Constitution, the principles of free-market economics, American history, the Western Heritage, and more. These courses are transformative—they can and will have a profound effect on the future of our country, especially at such a time as this. read more

Hebrew Law and U. S. Law

Posted on by September 23, 2015

Illgegal Trial of Christ coverI’ve been re-reading a 2 volume work by Walter Chandler entitled “The Trial of Christ.” This book explains the Hebrew rules of court in great detail. It likewise explains the Roman laws, which were necessary because Judea was a nation conquered by Rome prior to the trial of Christ.

The amazing thing is it’s a wonder that anyone was ever found guilty of a crime punishable by death because the rules were so stringent about witnesses and judges (members of the Sanhedrin). But then as you read the accounts in the four Gospels of what transpired to bring Christ to the cross, you see vividly how many of the laws and rules of procedure were intentionally violated. read more

The Virtue of Gratitude

Posted on by September 24, 2015

“Gratitude is not only the greatest of virtues, but the parent of all others.” –Marcus Tillius Cicero

Along with Marcus I’ve learned you need to take some time to just consider your blessings. What do you have to be thankful for? In the busy-ness of our daily life, it is sometimes difficult to stop, take some time to think about ,and realize the many blessing that surround you.

Today I’m thankful for our rain. And I’m thankful for our usually blue skies. But especially I am thankful today for our Founding Fathers who had the foresight to give us freedom and prosperity. read more

Witness Against Yourself

Posted on by September 21, 2015

judicial scalesIn Federal criminal cases only about 3% actually go to trial. The remainder are pleaded down by the prosecution in agreement for a guilty plea by the accused.

It is interesting to me that in ancient Hebrew law, the accused could not be convicted based on his own testimony. I was reminded of that as I read this comment in the book “The Trial of Jesus” by Walter Chandler:

“Some weak-minded people, unable to support the torture of a harassing examination, and eager to regain their liberty, make a full confession, accusing themselves in order not to be indicted. . . .from want of responsibility . . . accept or confirm everything of which they know nothing.” (Vol. 1, page 143). read more

Thomas Jefferson and his “Laptop.”

Posted on by September 20, 2015

Jeffersons LaptopDid you know that Jefferson had his own laptop? Well, not a laptop like we are so used to today. It was a wooden lap desk which he had made for himself to use on his many journeys.

It was a beautiful creation which he would like to have with him when he needed to write any correspondence, articles, or even books. It wasn’t really for him to use on his lap, but on a table or other shelf. It had a slanted surface and the top could be opened to have access to paper or quills or ink or other needed materials kept inside. read more

President John Adams and Shameless Self-promotion

Posted on by September 18, 2015

JohnAdamsI’m reading a book by Debbie Allen called “Confessions of Shameless Self-Promoters.” Debbie is no relation of mine, but she is a good friend of mine and a professional speaker. One quote in her book really stood out to me. Here it is:

“You are one of a kind, therefore, no one can really predict to what heights you might soar. Even you will not know until you spread your wings.” (Gil Atkinson, page 111.)

That immediately reminded me of John Adams, who was sent by Congress to assist Benjamin Franklin in obtaining the support of France. They were making such slow progress, that Adams became very frustrated. So he decided to go to Amsterdam and see if he could do any better. read more

Founding Fathers Blueprint for a Nation

Posted on by September 24, 2015

northwest-ordinanceIt’s so great that our Founding Fathers were such learned and wise men that they left us a blueprint for our nation. They warned us that if we would follow their instructions we would be a long enduring and prosperous nation. They had high hopes for us.

But somewhere along the way, we thought we were wiser and more learned than they, and we got off their track. They warned us that the type of government we enjoyed was meant only for a moral and religious people. They solidified their intent in the Northwest Ordinance (which was passed the same year as our U.S. Constitution). read more

George Washington’s Church

Posted on by September 21, 2015

I recently came across a copy of a newspaper called “Globe Leader,” dated January 13, 2013.  It’s a newspaper from New Wilmington, PA. In it there is an article about a Christ Church in Alexandria, VA, where George Washington had a family pew. It’s still there, and it’s the only pew left with a swinging door and a little metal plate with the name “George Washington family.”  Visitors are welcome to sit in it.  There is a list of George’s honorary pall bearers for his funeral, which must have been at this church. read more