Category Archives: Americans

Freedom, Founding Fathers, and The Trial of Christ

Posted on by October 26, 2015

HeaderIt’s hard to explain, especially in just a few words, but I’ll try. People always ask me why I wrote my books in such seemingly different areas or topics.

My first book, “Founding Fathers—Uncommon Heroes” is a book with chapters about six of our Founding Fathers. Men who had the courage to establish the United States of America. The six men are Benjamin Franklin, George Washington, John Adams, Thomas Jefferson, Patrick Henry, and James Madison.

My second book, “The Illegal Trial of Christ,” came at the request of my publisher, who knew I gave popular presentations about this topic. This book includes biographical information about the many players involved in the four trials that took place at the end of Christ’s life. In this book I also explain some of the rules, procedures, and laws in effect at that time. Both Roman law and Hebrew law. By understanding these people and their circumstances, readers will come to recognize and grasp why some things are worded the way they are in the four Gospels. read more

John Adams and the Declaration of Independence

Posted on by October 25, 2015

JohnAdamsJohn Adams, a lawyer, was truly at the front of the happenings of the Revolution with England. He wrote the pamphlet that had wide circulation and among others, caught the eye of Patrick Henry prior to his own Give Me Liberty speech.

John was a minister to France capturing a loan from Amsterdam which pretty much saved the Colonies in the war. He became the second President of the United States of America, upon the retirement of General George Washington.

What we sometimes forget about John is that he was the one who defended Thomas Jefferson’s draft of the Declaration of Independence at Philadelphia in 1776. Tom called him the “Colossus” for his vigorous defense. He carried the day and the Declaration was adopted. read more

The Least Known Founding Father

Posted on by October 23, 2015

PatrickHenryIn speaking around the country, I am surprised to find that the least know of the Founding Fathers is Patrick Henry. Sure, people have heard of him, but know nothing about his life. Some people know he gave a speech once where he said those immortal words: “Give me Liberty or Give me Death!” Where and when and why no one seems to know. Some even think it was around the time of the Civil War.

Patrick Henry gave many speeches. Not the least of which was the first speech he gave as a newly elected member of the House of Burgesses, the civilian legislature approved by the Crown of England. It was that speech that Thomas Jefferson said lighted the light of liberty in his breast, never to be quenched. He was first a close friend of Thomas Jefferson, and during the Revolutionary War they became estranged enemies. read more

Favorite Founding Father

Posted on by October 22, 2015

Ben FranklinI have given many presentations about the Founding Fathers. I am the author of “Founding Fathers –Uncommon Heroes.” As I have spoken, many have asked “Who is your favorite Founding Father?”

That’s such a difficult question, I answer: “When I am speaking about George Washington, he’s my favorite. When I am talking about Thomas Jefferson, he’s my favorite. When I speak about Patrick Henry, he’s my favorite. When I am discussing John Adams, he’s my favorite. And when I speak about James Madison and Dolley Madison, they are my favorites.” read more

Thomas Jefferson’s Private Religious Projects

Posted on by October 21, 2015

ThomasJeffersonIn his later years, Thomas Jefferson decided to compile what he understood to be Jesus Christ’s own words from the New Testament. Here is what he actually said about this venture:

“I too have made a wee little book . . . which I call “The Philosophy of Jesus.” It is made by cutting the texts out of the book and arranging them on the pages of a blank book, in a certain order of time and subject. A more beautiful or precious morsel of ethics I have never seen. It is a document in proof that I am a real Christian, that is to say, a disciple of the doctrines of Jesus, very different from the Platonists, who call me an infidel and themselves Christians and preachers of the gospel, while they draw all their characteristic dogmas from what its Author never said or saw. They have compounded from the heathen mysteries a system beyond the comprehension of man, of which . . .were He to return on earth would not recognize one feature.” read more

Always Be Thankful

Posted on by October 18, 2015

GW RulesYou really can find something everyday to be thankful for. My daughter taught a class of young kids at Sunday School today. She brought some small pebbles for each child and told the kids to take off one shoe and place the pebble inside the shoe and then walk around the small classroom.

They did. She asked how that felt. The children all told that it was a little bit uncomfortable. She then handed each a small candy bar and told them to walk around the room again. They did. This time they said it was still uncomfortable but the candy bar made it seem so much better. She reminded them that even though their walk with the pebble in their shoe was with discomfort, having the candy bar to eat on the 2nd path made it all much better. read more

Founding Fathers and Humility

Posted on by October 18, 2015

Scene_at_the_Signing_of_the_Constitution_of_the_United_StatesThis is a quote that reminds me of George Washington, Thomas Jefferson, Benjamin Franklin, and others of our Founding Fathers—Uncommon Heroes:

“Something Very Beautiful happens to a people when their world has fallen apart: A Humility. A Nobility. A Higher Intelligence Emerges at just the point when our knees hit the Floor.” –Marianne Williamson

The world had fallen apart for these men, and they came to the rescue with humility, nobility, and a belief in the support of a Higher Intelligence. Their knees often hit the floor. read more

Thomas Jefferson has Succeeded

Posted on by October 13, 2015

ThomasJefferson“To laugh often and love much, to appreciate beauty, to find the best in others, to give one’s self, this it to have succeeded.” –Ralph Waldo Emerson.

I believe that this is an accurate description of Thomas Jefferson. He did laugh at funny occurrences. I’ll give you an example:

One day while President Jefferson was out riding his horse as he did quite often. He came upon a man and stopped to talk with him. The man reviled the current President, not knowing he was current talking with the man himself. read more

Christopher Columbus, George Washington, and Perseverance

Posted on by October 12, 2015

Christopher_Columbus_on_Santa_Maria_in_1492.Happy Columbus Day! Christopher Columbus and George Washington had many character traits in common. The most remarkable is Perseverance.

Columbus had an idea about reaching the East by sailing West. No one had successfully done that before. He was an expert sailor and mapmaker. He came up with his plan and presented it to the King of Portugal, the King and Queen of Spain—four times, the King of France, and he even sent his brother to England to present his plan.

He was on his way to present his plan once again to the King of France, when he was called back to the Majesties of Spain once again. They had just won their war in Grenada and now his plan sounded better to them. One more presentation and it was granted and approved. read more

Founding Fathers in the Right Place

Posted on by October 11, 2015

Speaking-2When I was in college, my girlfriend (now my wife) and I went to an open-air concert. It was presented by the late music composer and singer, John Hartford. It was a great concert!

One of his songs stuck with me and has had a real meaning in my life. The lyrics occasionally come into my mind with several experiences. I guess because I have been in the right place at the right time for special events in my life to occur.

It’s a fun song and the lyrics go like this:

“I would not be here if I hadn’t been there,
and I wouldn’t ‘a been there if I hadn’t just turned
on Wednesday the third in the late afternoon
got to talking with George who works out in the back
and only because he was getting off early
to go see a man at a Baker Street bookstore
with a rare first edition of Steamboats and Cotton
a book he would never have sought in the first place
had he not been inspired by a fifth grade replacement
school teacher in Kirkwood who was just picked at random . . . “ read more