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--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