Making the Best of Your Sphere of Influence

This week on Founders' Friday, I want to talk about our "sphere of influence." We all have one. As I read and studied about which person to feature, I learned that today's patriot, Richard Henry Lee, was a person who helped greatly in the founding of our country. He was born into an aristocratic family in Virginia. His parents sent him to school in Yorkshire, England. I've been to Yorkshire--it's beautiful! In fact, here is a picture of me standing in the gardens of a house we had hoped to tour. It was closed the day we were there but beautiful outside, nonetheless. I seem to remember that George Washington visited there or had something to do with the house. So although I doubt it's the same place where Richard Henry Lee went to school, it does give you a bit of the English atmosphere he would have encountered in his youth.

During his school years Richard Henry Lee learned to love history (Hooray! Don't downplay the importance of that!) and especially enjoyed the study of the ancient republics. The love of this subject matter grounded him in thoughts of freedom and representative government.

At about age 20 he formed a military corps and was elected commander.He became a member of the Virginia House of Burgesses at around age 25. He was involved in numerous other political offices and endeavors. Since Richard's brother ,Arthur Lee, lived in London and had connections with many important people in government, he furnished him with much correct intelligence concerning the British Parliament This kept him informed of the British attitude and devices against the colonies. This too, was a matter of seeing one's position in life and making the best of it, it seems to me!

As well as being the person that introduced the resolutions to separate completely from England, Richard Henry Lee was a signer of of the Declaration of Independence and was chosen as the first Senator from Virginia under the new Federal Constitution.

History tells us that he was a Christian and dearly loved by his family. He had several children and died at age 64.


Richard Henry Lee influenced others from his station in life to affect change. He is different than some of the heroes we have highlighted in the last few weeks since he was born into privilege. But it doesn't matter where you are placed, you can be an influence for good. The Bible features many examples of such people. Some of them include Moses, Esther, and Joseph. All three of these people used their circumstances as a springboard for positive change. Moses was born into the family of slaves but through a turn of events ended up in the palace where he could best influence the plight of his countrymen--but not before he experienced a major encounter with God! Joseph used even his time in prison to minister to others, eventually saving two nations through his faithfulness. Esther, though she may not have chosen the unusual path she found herself traveling,she too used her circumstances to save her people.

What can you do today in your sphere of influence to affect your nation? If we all had that mindset, we would probably see more patriots arising out of both privileged and obscure places. Think about it--what is your sphere of influence? Your job? Your church? Your neighborhood? Your family? Be an influencer for truth and righteousness--you may one day be called a patriot!

FUN IN THE SPRING!

Here are a few pictures of Emma and Sophie that we took just yesterday.They and their parents walked to our house from their home in town. Emma rode her tricycle and I Sophie rode in a backpack. Sophie is wearing the little knit hat that I designed and made last winter. It has "ear flaps" and is pretty cute. Emma was playing with sidewalk chalk out on the cement in front of our garage. I just love this picture of her even though her eyes are closed!

The other picture is Emma among the daffodils in my English garden. I love this one too and think it is portrait quality! Guess who took the pics?

We're working on getting ready to make a quick weekend trip to Iowa for our friends' wedding. Clint was asked to perform the ceremony. I am hastily making a new dress. I chose the Folkwear pattern number 265--the Afternoon Tea Dress. I found a silky fabric on sale for the underdress. It is a peachy, rosy, gold fabric that has a v-shape ironed into it--like a seersucker, but not cotton. The overdress/tunic is like chiffon. The print is dark brown with purple, peacock blue, and shades of rosy pink. The dress is a reproduction of the styles of the early 1900's when women donned loose comfortable dresses for afternoon tea. It's a lovely pattern and I enjoyed working with it, but I am no fit expert. I have one of those shapes that only an expert can fit and rarely find clothing ready made that will work for me. This project gave me a few things to deal with in the fitting department. But I have high hopes for the finished effect! Maybe I'll post pics if all goes well! New chicks arriving tomorrow! Keep the faith! Blessings, LORI

PRETTY PICTURES

Just thought I'd post a few pictures of what's going on in the garden right now! Rhiannon took these for me. Aren't they lovely? Gardening is so much a part of my life in the spring and summer. I am looking for ways to simplify my work outdoors, though. No sense working harder than you need to. Once the herb garden and raised beds are all flourishing, I'll try to put some pictures of that area on the blog.

This year the phlox have really multiplied and are making a great showing. A generous neighbor gave me more of them for free! Such a boost to the garden to have the type of flowers that take over an area, multiplying and making a great show!

I hope you enjoyed these pics. I hope to post some exciting pictures of the "new babies" coming to my house later this week! Stay tuned! Blessings, LORI

FOUNDER'S FRIDAY- SENT TO WARN HIS BRETHREN

Did you know that this past week marked the 235th anniversary of Paul Revere's midnight ride? Paul Revere was the son of French Protestant immigrants. He was a silversmith/goldsmith by trade. He also was a courier for the Boston Committee of Correspondence and the Massachusetts Committee of Safety.



On April 18, 1775 at 10 p.m. he received orders to ride to Lexington to inform others of the approach of the British. Contrary to popular belief he did not hang the lanterns in the belfry of the Old North Church. He gave the orders to use the signal to warn others. After reaching Lexington and giving his warning to Hancock and Adams he then road toward Concord.


Did you know that he was captured by the British that night and someone else took the message to Concord? After his captors questioned him he was released. Still the news had spread to area villages where colonists quickly armed in preparation of the British arrival. These colonists were called "minutemen" since they needed to be ready at a moment's notice. When the British reached Lexington the minutemen were already wise to their approach.

Paul Revere died of natural causes at age 76 and is buried in the Granary Burial Ground in downtown Boston.

Isn't it interesting that common people like Revere, business owners, farmers, etc. were the heroes of the day? There are those who seem to have a mission in life of being a "watchmen on the wall", warning others of the danger to come. The Bible is full of examples of people who stood in this office. Shall we be modern day watchmen for the sake of our countrymen? As Christians we have a duty to warn others in love of the things to come. We need to be voices of hope and encouragement in the midst of darkness.

Pictures are compliments of my daughter Rhiannon who took them on a vacation to Boston. Check out her blog at www.loaded6string.blogspot.com

As time permits I want to post many more pictures of the gardens at this season though we are VERY busy right now.

Blessings,
Lori

FOUNDER'S FRIDAY-TEA IN OUR HISTORY

I had such a nice little photo to post today to go along with my title, but our computer is acting up and because of a series of technical difficulties I was not able to post it--please bear with me.

I thought this little sentiment was appropriate for today as April 15 Tax Day Tea parties went on all over the country yesterday. I went to one myself and even got brave enough to take a turn at the microphone! (Not too difficult for me!)

Did you know that the original Boston Tea Party was "held" in response to what were considered acts of tyranny by Great Britain? After the British put a tax on tea, several patriots, dressed up in disguises, snuck aboard a ship in the harbor and dumped hundreds of crates of tea into the waters. The date was December 16, 1773. Their opposition to the tax was that the colonies had no representation in the government that taxed them. The feeling also prevailed that the new tax forced tea to be purchased from basically one source. Sound familiar?

But did you also know that another Tea party style event occurred in Edenton, North Carolina? A group of ladies signed a proclamation in 1774 in protest to the tea tax. It was rare and unusual for women of the time to be so openly political.

I don't know if anyone knows the names of all the patriots that participated in these "tea parties," but their contribution to the founding of the nation will never be forgotten. It's often the not-so-famous grass roots folks that make the difference in history.

In other cities of the colonies the tea "problem" was handled in different ways. In South Carolina the tea was unloaded but then stored in a damp place where it would be ruined for sale and consumption. In other harbors the ships of tea were never unloaded, but sent back to England with their cargo.

So, the next time you drink a cup of tea, remember what an important role it played in our history, although in a roundabout way. How about using your next cup of tea as an occasion to thank the Lord for your freedom and to pray for our country? Blessings, LORI

A QUICK MID-WEEK HOMEMAKING TIP

I am in the middle of a really busy week for the family! We are preparing for my mother-in-law's auction on Saturday, but I wanted to post a little something while I had a minute!

I discovered a good homemaking tip for those of you who are into "saving money" by drying your clothes the old-fashioned way--on the outdoor clothesline!

I don't know why it has taken me all these years to discover this "no-brainer" idea, but anyway, after about 30 years of almost constant clothesline usage, it finally dawned on me how to avoid an annoying problem. T-shirts always come out with wrinkled clothespin marks after they've hung all day. The only way to rid them of the annoying little puckers and dents where they hung is to iron the pin mark out--or so I thought until last week.....

It finally dawned on me after all this time just how to hang the shirts to avoid this! Take the t-shirt and flop it over the line and place the clothespins at the underarm where the side and underarm seams come together. Any marks left will be "ironed out" by your body heat when you wear the shirt and even if they weren't, they will be unnoticed under the arm! Voila! How come nobody told me this all these 30 years? Hope you enjoy this little helpful hint! See ya' on Founder's Friday! Blessings, LORI

FOUNDERS' FRIDAY--THE NEXT GENERATION

Who is Huldah C. (Town?) Rice Hill Johnson and why are we honoring her on Founder’s Friday? Huldah C.(Town?) Rice Hill Johnson—we aren’t even sure of her maiden name but can only speculate from scant information—was born in April 1812. She is not actually a “founder” in the technical sense. She didn’t sign the declaration, she didn’t fight in a major war, she didn’t help frame the constitution—but she was a woman who saw much history in her lifetime. Probably the daughter of a revolutionary war soldier, Huldah was born in New York. She was married and widowed three times. She raised eight children, some from each marriage. She moved from New York to Ohio and further west in her lifetime. She watched her sons march off to war. She saw our country go through the great division of the Civil War. This particular time period affected her greatly. Her daughter was widowed as a result of this war leaving her with a baby that Huldah’s son-in-law may have never seen. Another daughter’s husband fought in countless battles of the Civil War, suffering from disease and recovering to fight again.

Both Huldah’s daughters that I just mentioned were presidents of their local and county chapters of the Grand Army of the Republic Auxiliary groups for women.

Huldah’s 1891 obituary gives us a glimpse into her life with its quaint wording, “In her history are several coincidences among them the fact that her birth, each marriage and death occurred in April.”

Since so many of the major events of Huldah’s life happened in April, I didn’t want to miss the opportunity to feature her this month.

Why honor this woman whose name is virtually unknown? While Huldah was not a “founder” in the sense of the word I’ve been using for the last two weeks, I thought it proper to honor her for a couple of reasons. Being a generation removed from the actual founding of our country, women like Huldah Johnson saw so much in their lifetimes that we could learn from. Every generation is a link that “founds” something or “lays a foundaton” for the generation that will follow it. By featuring the interesting facts of Huldah’s life, I hope you will look at your own life, (I think most of my readers are not famous personages!) and realize that what you do is a link in a long line of “founding” things for those who will come after you. If those in Huldah’s generation, the sons and daughters of the actual “founders,” “signers,” and “revolutionary war soldiers,” had not built upon their parents’ and grandparents’ visions, our country would not have lasted for even the 234 years that it has. We are all “founding” something. It is obvious that some of the vision of Huldah’s predecessors was still carried on in her lifetime by sons and daughters that were active in serving their country, even her daughters in their auxiliary group activities. Future generations of Huldah’s family married soldiers that fought in both World Wars.

Right now in our country we are facing a crisis. We are literally at a turning point in our history, I believe. Will we in this generation stand for the principles of the founders and framers or will we systematically throw away and chip away at what they worked and fought so hard to deliver to us? Each of us has a choice—daily. Will anyone remember our names after we pass from this earthly scene? Maybe, maybe not. So who is Huldah C. (Town?) Rice Hill Johnson? Is she a forgotten name in history? No, she is my great, great, great grandmother, at this point, my earliest link in a long line of patriotic people. She is the link that will tie me to the revolutionary war if I can confirm the name of her father. Rhiannon recently learned that she is probably the daughter of a revolutionary war soldier from Vermont or New York, most likely by the name of “Town.” We are in the process of connecting the family tree to include her father’s name and history. It’s very exciting to find out that you may have an ancestor who fought for the original freedom of this nation. It kind of puts into perspective your own life and really how close you are to what happened so long ago. It makes you consider the “link” that you are in your own generation concerning what is to come.
So hats off to “Grandma Johnson,” a daughter or granddaughter of the founding generation! We are all “founders” in a sense! Thankfully, we Americans have a foundation that was based on the Bible—let’s work to keep it! “For no other foundation can anyone lay than that which is laid, which is Jesus Christ. Now if anyone builds on this foundation with gold, silver, precious stones, wood, hay, straw, each one’s work will become clear, for the Day will declare it because it will be revealed by fire; and the fire will test each one’s work, of what sort it is.” 1 Corinthians 3:11-13 Blessings, LORI

FOUNDERS' FRIDAY--FOUNDERS

LOTS OF SPRING WORK!

Here are a few picturess of the new raised beds! I thought you might enjoy seeing what Emma and I did yesterday!


What a day of work! We dug up most of the old strawberries and replanted them in the new raised bed. The old rows were behind me. Rhiannon helped dig them and then she also planted onions. Later Clint and I made one more new raised bed. We got them all filled with dirt and even placed a large rock in the middle of the whole scheme to serve as the center of an herb bed. He will make a teepee pole for the center and I plan to plant pole beans and/or tomatoes and other vining things around it. The whole garden will be much more attractive than ever before, I hope! Already I can see the wisdom of raised beds. So much easier to work with. Emma is standing by the rhubarb, right where the old rows of strawberries used to be. We hope to also put up some pretty sturdy fence for melon and squash vines. A friend of mine does that, training her squash vines upward for less weeding and tilling and to save space. I plant to adjust the hollyhocks at the back of the garden to make good use of the squash fences as well. As you know I love hollyhocks and they belong on a sturdy fence! (Hey, isn't there a book like that????) I hope to also put a few birdhouses back there by the squash fence--a sort of cottage garden look for the vegetable plot.


I planted two rows of potatoes before darkness set in last evening. I was so tired and in such a hurry that I know the rows are uneven. I have more to plant plus peas and radishes. But today it has been raining at a very steady pace for most of the day and so we are forced indoors! I helped my mother in law today--her auction is next week--and I sewed on the little girls' dedication dresses. A very good day! I also met this morning with a counselor concerning finishing a bachelor's degree. I am investigating that possibility, trying to determine if the life-style change and committment will be worth it in the end! Pray for me on that one if you think about it! I want to do all to the glory of God and not just take on projects, whether that is the garden, education, writing books, or whatever! Blessings, LORI

FOUNDER'S FRIDAY--THOMAS NELSON, JR.

Welcome once again to Founder's Friday on my blog--my little attempt to highlight the good and virtuous leaders of America's past. While lately all kinds of behavior seems to run rampant in this country--even among those in the public eye--I want to focus on the good character qualities of the patriots of the past. I hope you enjoy today's highlighted American.

Thomas Nelson, Jr. was one of the signers of the Declaration of Independence. He was from Virginia and stood for freedom and patriot's ideals from early in his career. Among many other legislative titles and distinctions, he was once a governor. At one point in his career he used his personal money to help raise an army. He seemed to be eager sacrifice his own property and lands to aid the cause of freedom. It is said that during one particular skirmish British officers occupied his home. He encouraged his home to be fired upon for the sake of his patriotic cause.

My goal in highlighting some of the incidents of this man's life is to bring up the question: What are we willing to sacrifice for our country? Some have given all. Some like Thomas Nelson, Jr., were willing to sacrifice their homes and fortunes. We have a rich heritage of freedom that was bought at a price by men and women who were willing to make sacrifices for causes they believed in. I would like to think that same patriotic fervor burns in my own heart.

On this "Good Friday" 2010, while remembering patriotic sacrifices, surely the sacrifice of Jesus Christ is the most important and monumental sacrifice in history. As we remember Jesus' death on this day, I think it is fitting to talk about sacrifices. It is a courageous act to give one's life for a friend. Jesus modeled the greatest example of this. He became sin for us when He was pure and innocent--totally sinless. Surely it is a noble thing to lay aside one's own agenda and benefits to serve others. May God receive much glory today as Jesus' death is remembered--for it gives us ultimate freedom, freedom from sin and eternal death.

We are not facing the kinds of sacrifices that the 'signers' and 'founders' of our nation faced. Surely we can make some simple sacrifices. May I suggest that we go to prayer on behalf of our nation?After all the Bible urges Christians to do so. When is the last time you prayed for your country? What about fasting? Are we willing to give up food and add that sacrifice to our prayers on behalf of America? These suggestions are small indeed. No one has asked us to give up our homes or fortunes. Surely we can pray, fast, write letters, campaign for righteous candidates, vote, and make the necessary sacrifices that will save this nation from destruction. Will you join me? Blessings, LORI