The American Patriot’s Almanac by William J. Bennett and John T.E. Cribb is a must-have for every home library. Covering the birth pangs of our great nation from the early 1700s through the present day, this account is delightfully easy to read. We live in an era when patriotism is discouraged in favor of a world view. In addition, our history books have failed to include many of the stories this book contains. With many people pointing out what is wrong with our country, it is inspiring to be reminded of all that is right with our America. How wonderful to enjoy these historic accounts of extraordinary moral fiber demonstrated in the daily lives of our ordinary fellow citizens.
The reader assumes a challenge to imagine how our forefathers would react to situations we face today. The many obstacles they overcame motivates the reader to duplicate the integrity of those brave men and women. One is reminded again and again that they looked selflessly to the future as they prayerfully considered the effects of their actions on posterity.
The stories for every day of the year format, with other specials such as the Constitution and Bill of Rights, are quick and easy to grasp in just a few moments. The brief but powerful accounts remind us that historically, the nations of the world have followed America’s example. The American Patriot’s Almanac Daily Readings on America should be required reading in every classroom.
Friday, April 17, 2009
The American Patriot's Almanac
Thursday, February 19, 2009
Shopping has changed for me in recent years. The only contributing factor for this change seems to be the number of birthdays I have had. Just a short time ago, I scheduled an appointment with a friend to have a "Me Day." As busy moms, grandmas, employees and church officers, our time for self was quite limited. So we met to enjoy the day shopping together. Just before she drove up, I realized I had left my glasses at home. Oh dear, what to do? If I went back to get them, I would miss my friend and perhaps the Mall also. But if I shopped without my glasses, I would not be able to read the sizes or prices in the stores. I was much dismayed, for I had been looking forward to this day for some time.
I sat in my car for a few moments, quickly considering my alternatives. Suddenly I noticed a general merchandise store just ahead. Perhaps I could just pick up a cheap pair of reading glasses and use them for today. Estimating the price of gas, which was close to $4.00 per gallon, and the time I would lose if I returned home, the glasses would be a bargain. Bemoaning my lack of foresight, I ran into the store and was pleased to find a pair of reading glasses for one dollar. I stood there in line, asking myself how I could be so foolish. Suddenly I forgot myself when I noticed that the customer ahead of me was wearing her dress inside out. The tag thrust out unashamedly at the back of her neck. I watched the cashier do a double take as she noticed the fashion blunder. I considered notifying the poor dear but decided to let sleeping dogs lie. I chuckled as I returned to my car, thanking the Lord for reminding me that things could always be worse.
We indeed had an enjoyable day flitting from store to store. Only once did nostalgia overtake me, as I recalled the days of not needing glasses to read labels. But that's not the only thing that's changed my shopping experience. As we tried on jeans, my friend and I were dismayed at the new "hip-hugger" fashion. I remarked that it would have been nice to find jeans that at least came up to where my waist used to be.
Tuesday, December 16, 2008
MP3
Recently I was privileged to review an exciting new product presented by Thomas Nelson. Following is my entry......I strongly advise that you do not listen to The Word of Promise Next Generation Edition, New Testament on MP3 CD until you first view the accompanying "Behind the Scenes" DVD. I was so eager to listen to the dramatized scriptures, that I nearly overlooked the DVD that details how God put this amazing cast together uniquely for this project. The book introductions by Max and Jenna Lucado add insight to the content of the following chapters. With the exception of the elegant voice of Martin Jarvis as the voice of God, the scripture readers are representatives of some of today's best and brightest young stars. What a refreshing way to present ancient truths to this modern generation. The rendering is especially relevant to teens and young adults. I felt Mary's pain as she stood beside the cross. The blind man's joy as Jesus opened his eyes was nearly palpable. The heart of Paul seemed to pound with concern for his young follower, Timothy. The scriptures seemed to come alive as never before as I lost myself in this dramatization.
A 40 day listening guide is also included and this MP3 product is marvelously portable, certainly fitting for today's fast paced living. I recommend this version for every church library. Also makes an inspiring gift for your grandchildren.
Kindegarten Prophecies
Ok the rest of the family has written concerning my daughter’s mission blog and someone suggested it would be nice to hear from a mother-of-the missionary’s perspective. After all, those are my grandchildren they are taking away to South America. (No, dear, its not a theme park, it’s a real foreign country)
Someone who had just met my daughter asked me if I raised her to be the special, Holy-Spirit filled person they found her to be. That question got me thinking. Anyone who knows Christie will readily admit that she is not your average Joe( or should I say Josephine?) That question caused me to look back and connect a few dots. I was almost 19 years old when Christie was born and though I was too young to know much, I knew I needed help. I admitted to God that I did not know how to be a good parent and asked Him to help me. When she was three, a salesman for Parent’s magazine stopped by and convinced me that I could not raise a child properly without advice from her magazine’s columnists. Then she spouted off some quote from Dr. Spock, her favorite expert. Alas, I could not afford a subscription and felt hopeless for my child’s future after the lady left. I asked God how I could do a good job without those helpful books. The answer came clearly--use the Holy Book that generations before you have used. And now in hindsight, as part of the generation that witnessed Dr. Spock’s failed experiment, I’m thankful that I used the Book that’s never been wrong.
Like every mom, I remember my daughter’s first day of kindergarten. For months we’d talked about all the new friends she would meet, interesting things she would learn, and the great fun she would have. Finally the big day came. Five year olds held tightly to mom’s and dad’s hands. Some children wailed loudly while others cried quietly. Teachers welcomed everyone and tried to maintain order. My daughter sat down happily in her little desk with her school supplies. For a few moments I stood beside her chair, glad that she’s not crying, but not quite knowing what to do. She looked up at me and suddenly it seemed our roles were reversed. “Mom,” she said softly, “you can go home now.” I’m very proud that she never shed a tear. Somehow, though on that clear, hot August day, my car’s windshield was so foggy I could barely drive home.
After a few weeks, I visited the classroom to check in with her teachers. Ms. Williams face broke into a huge smile as she welcomed me. “Your daughter is doing very well in class. But she’s delightful to watch on the playground. If anyone gets hurt or cries, she is the first one there to help them and cheer them up. In fact, she reminds me of a little
missionary.”
Don’t ask me why I remember those words from 30 years ago. I guess like Mary, these are some words a mother keeps and ponders in her heart. Especially when those words turn out to be prophetic.
I suppose having parents, grandparents and a ton of cousins, aunts and uncles who loved her, my daughter took for granted that this was the case for every child. I remember she was very young when the painful realization hit her that some children did not have homes or families. She was silent for a few moments. Then with childish determination she declared, “When I grow up, I will have a big house for all the children who have no home, and I’ll take care of them there.” Now would you believe it? The mission station she and her family are traveling to has, among other things, a home for abandoned children.
Somehow it feels like I’m back in the kindergarten class. She’s so excited about the wonderful new friends she will meet, interesting things she will learn and the joy of introducing people to Jesus. And I’m very proud of her again. **(My daughter's blog address is www.hagermans.blogspot.com-she is now in Paraguay and detailing her experienes there on the blog)
Monday, December 31, 2007
Chocolate-By Prescription Only??
Life is good. I can barely contain myself. It's like an answer to prayer. I just learned that chocolate is good for you. Oh the joy, the pure bliss. This liberating information has the potential to change my entire life. I no longer have to be a closet chocoholic, hiding chocolate from the children. I no longer have to cover the Easter egg in my refrigerator with lettuce and fresh broccoli. Its now safe to leave it, in its natural beautiful state, fully exposed to the refrigerator light (where does that light go when the door is closed?) I no longer have to ruin nice purses when my hidden chocolate melts in the abyss where I have hidden it from the grandchildren.
I no longer have to hide my chocolate emergency stash under magazines in my desk. One never knows when a hurricane, tornado or cocoa shortage will hit. Life without chocolate would just be .…Oh I shudder to think of it. Never fear, co-workers, if we get trapped in the building, I have enough chocolate squirreled away to keep us all alive for at least a week.
When my children ask what I’d like for my birthday, I no longer have to say “Oh something healthy, like a fresh package of carrots.” I can greedily demand chocolate, chocolate. I was briefly encouraged a few years ago to learn that chocolate contains magnesium, which is necessary for females to sustain life. How happy I was to know that there was a chemical reason I craved this smooth, soft, delectable concoction. I’m not just being self-indulgent, gluttonous and unwise. My body needs chocolate to function effectively. But it gets even better than magnificent tasting magnesium.
The new information is mind-boggling. An article published in Prevention magazine reports that dark chocolate is rich in antioxidants, which lower your risk of heart disease, lung cancer, prostate cancer, asthma and diabetes. A Penn State University study found that people who ate a diet rich in dark chocolate had lower LDL(bad) cholesterol and higher HDL(good) cholesterol levels. Dove dark chocolate reduces blood clotting and helps keep arteries flexible. This reportedly has potential implications for blood pressure control. Will somebody pinch me, I must be dreaming. Besides the bandages, tape and anti-bacterial ointment in your first aid kit, you may now add medicinal chocolate. Don’t have room in your lunch box for an apple? Have no fear, chocolate is here. One and three tenths an ounce of Dove dark chocolate has nearly 5 times the antioxidants in one apple. Who ever said it has to taste bad to be good for you?
Possibly the next breakthrough in medicine will be the introduction of a medic-alert chocolate bracelet. It would say something like, If found to be unresponsive(or just plain grouchy) administer pure chocolate.
Wow, all this and Heaven too. Now if only gasoline were tax deductible…
Friday, December 28, 2007
Lake Moultrie
Everybody is talking about how low the water level is in Lake Moultrie. I see folks out there with metal detectors. I hear stories of bottles, arrowheads and Indian pottery that adventurers are finding in the muck where the lovely waves used to roll. Seeing that I live within walking distance of where the water used to be, I couldn’t resist the temptation to get a closer look.
Visions of artifacts and dinosaur bones danced in my head. Armed with a camera, cell phone and a flimsy pair of flip flops, I strolled down to the Wildlife Landing on Hines Drive. The gravel-paved boat ramp waited faithfully to launch happy boaters. But no cars vyied for space in the parking lot. The landing hosted no vehicles, expectantly waiting with empty boat trailers. I walked down the hill and stared in amazement at the boat ramp, which now ended in a small pool of water. I’d never seen the bottom of that ditch. Tree roots that lived below the water line were now exposed and bone dry. I had expected the water to be LOW, but had not expected it to be gone.
Memory took me back to the day a young friend helped us lower our boat down that ramp and into the water. Somehow in the excitement of the moment, his brand new high school ring slipped off his finger and fell into the water at the end of the ramp. Now if he lost his ring there, I reasoned, probably other unfortunate guys had the same mishap. There was probably enough gold in that hole to pay off my mortgage. Wonder how deep that little puddle is, I mused. I stood there in surprise, never dreaming that I had surprised something else, that was about to surprise me.
At that very moment, my niece advised me(via the cell phone stuck to my ear) that I should tread cautiously, for the local alligators were feeling a little displaced about now. Unbelievably, I looked down and just a few feet in front of me stood Wally gator. And I assure you, he was staring at me. I don’t mind being stared at by a gator, if I have stared at him first and am happy with the distance between us. I had not and I was not. Shrieking into the phone, I took a step backwards. Have you ever tried to run up a gravel ramp in wet flip flops? I thought about it but envisioned myself sliding right back down the ramp into the uninviting puddle of green water below. Apparently Mr. Gator decided that he wasn’t about to risk breaking his teeth on my bony legs. Instead, in true Olympic fashion, he went for the gold , plunging into the little puddle at the end of the boat ramp.
I stood there for a few moments until my heart rate slowed to about 150 pounding beats per minute. The puddle was now smooth and quiet. I deduced that there were probably other gators in that hole, seasoned gators who were no doubt impervious to flip flop attacks. I’m still convinced that thar’s gold in that there puddle. But there’s not enough lake to fish in so I may as well go back to work and pay my mortgage off the old-fashioned way.
Monday, January 15, 2007
National Guard Deployment
I had a technical glitch the other night. Left the VCR taping what I thought was the local news and somehow I ended up taping the wrong channel. I knew the 218th Enhanced Separate Brigade of the South Carolina National Guard had gathered in Columbia for a special ceremony. I also knew it was impossible for me to be at home when the news came on that evening. So I carefully programmed that blinking red light to come on and record promptly at 6 p.m. Alas, none of the grandchildren were around to help me, so things went awry.
Two hours later, I returned home, anxious to see if I had successfully recorded the event. You see, 3,000 young men and women were assembled that day in Williams-Brice Stadium for a grand send-off to Afghanistan. This was the largest South Carolina National Guard troop deployment since World War II. Some would go for specialized training stateside first, and then ship out. 10,000 mom, dads, sisters, brothers, wives, children, grandparents and friends gathered in the stands in support of the brave young militia. Governor Mark Sanford praised the all volunteer troops, calling them the best South Carolina has to offer. Teenaged tough guys held back tears as they said good-bye to their dads. One military wife had just completed chemotherapy for breast cancer last month. She would be left now to care for her two children, one of whom has cerebral palsy. Every face in the crowd hid its own dramatic story. Toddlers, not understanding the significance of the occasion, but feeling its somber mood, held tightly to mom or dad’s hand. Incredible sacrifices being made by our friends, relatives, neighbors.
Certainly every reporter and news camera in the state would be focused on the scene. South Carolina has already lost some irreplaceable men and women over there. How many of these valiant warriors will not be returning home? The photos and remarks were deeply moving and profoundly inspiring.
None of this I gleaned from my ingenious attempt at taping the news. I got my info from someone who was there and from the January 7 issue of The State newspaper. Through some cosmic error, the news I taped devoted less than 15 seconds to the whole event. There was a quick panning of a small group of soldiers and a quick comment on the occasion. Then they moved on to the next news item, something about the content of Starbucks Coffee. There seems to be a dearth of noteworthy values in TV land. Admittedly, there is a profound lack of behavior worth emulating presented on the tube. Our youth, searching for heroes to pattern after, are presented with images of hustlers, rockers and hookers. Perhaps the media missed a great opportunity to expose our kids to some positive local role models. It is reprehensible that those who are a part of us were sent into harm’s way with such a cursory good-bye. I must have hit the wrong button on the VCR. Surely there was more and I just failed to catch it.
