SEIZE THE DAY!

One of the privileges derived from writing a historical fiction series like Free Men and Dreamers is actually studying wonderful, oft forgotten, oft neglected American history. I've been blessed by the generosity of tireless museum curators who've shared the treasuries of their knowledge with me, and I been blessed by dedicated U.S. Park Service employees who are uncannily enamored with the sacred acreage over which they have stewardship.

I've trudged through colonial forts and battlegrounds, climbed the ramparts of Fort McHenry and Fort Monroe; visited Williamsburg and eaten at one of George Washington's favorite restaurants--Christiana Campbell's. I've sat in Christ's Church in Philadelphia and touched the nameplates of Founding Fathers/worshippers whose names are forever immortalized on the Declaration of Independence. I've been blessed to stand silently in Philadelphia's State House where the Constitution was framed, fought over, and signed.

I've stood at Benjamin Franklin's grave and pondered his great foresight; fallen in love with John Adams' steadfastness, Washington's selflessness, Madison's scrappy tenacity and Jefferson's vision. It's all so easy to do. . .

Today is Tax Day. And Tea Party Day. Ironically, my husband is actually in Boston, the place where the first Tea Party was held, and where the greatest modern-day stand against unfair taxation and government power brokering will likely be held. I wish I could be there. But instead I will attend a small gathering in my own community. I'll stand with my neighbors, none of us knowing exactly what's to be done, but knowing that whatever is done must be done by the voice of the people, firmly fixed to the sacred, inspired Constitution.

As individuals, we know too little about the North star of our government. Why is that, I wonder? If we can download a video, or even email a friend, we can read the Constitution online. I've long worried over the number of Constitutional questions that arise in elections these days, wondering about our individual "Constitutional IQ's" and our readiness to render a choice in defense of this landmark document.

It was the first, you know. There were other nations with governing guidelines, of course, but the infant United States broke ground when it established a written Constitution, creating the first codified law of government on the earth, and establishing a bench mark from which other nations have based their own.

If we don't understand the inspired intentions of the Founding Fathers, and if we don't have a grasp on the Constitution as it currently stands, can we confidently, prudently, and wisely decide its future as well as ours?

There are several good sites listed below that quiz you, providing explanations to the basic elements of our government and its beautiful Constitution. Take a few minutes and test yourself, then pass the link on to friends or your children to hone their own skills. It would make a great Family Home Evening activity.

A link is provided below to get a free copy of the Constitution, and may I suggest that every American should also buy a $3.00 copy of one of the most wonderful and inspiring dvd's I've ever seen"--A More Perfect Union. Here's the link: http://www.xmission.com/~nccs/constitution-week/a-more-perfect-union.html

Enjoy the quizzes:
1. The U.S. Constitution Test (Used by the Dept. of Immigration and Naturalization)
http://www.dailyrepublican.com/constitution-test.html

2. Constitutionfacts.com (This one provides scores and great explanations and could make a great family activity)

3. Conversations on the Constitution (This is a quiz sponsored by the American Bar Association explaining recent court rulings and how they affect us.)

MEANT TO STIR THE SOUL. . .

I love the oldies, you know, the stuff I bopped around to with a hairbrush in my hand when I was dreaming about Donnie and Bobby Sherman? Well . . . if you're under forty-five, you might not recognize the names, but you know what I mean.

I also love some country stuff, and I still love Barry Manilow's old songs, and Crosby, Stills, Nash and Young; and of course, James Taylor and Lionel Ritchie. There's even a few current numbers that can make the hair raise on my arms. When Josh Groban, David Archuletta, and Il Divo are playing I just want to sit in a chair and immerse myself in their lovely tones.

But these two clips from Britain's Got Talent go straight to my heart and stir my soul. This is beauty that elevates. And not just because of their exquisite voices. They are you and me . . . ordinary people with dreams who thought they were okay, but who doubted their gifts. Then one day, they took a chance . . . they stuck their necks out, and how we are blessed for it!

I think of the parable of the talents. They who buried theirs lost all, and they who attempted to multiply theirs had an unbelievable increase. Let's all pull out our own gifts and dust them off and share them. Let's stick our doubting necks out and try, try, try. Let's bless one another with our voices, our pens, our pots and pans and in any other ways our hands can produce joy. Let's stir one anther's' souls . . . like Paul and Susan below.

Paul Potts on Britain's Got Talent show - Nessun Dorma

Susan Boyle - Singer - Britains Got Talent 2009

All I can say is, "Thank you Susan Boyle for always dreaming, and for reminding us to hold on to our dreams as well."

LEST WE FORGET AS WE RETURN TO OUR TOIL TODAY. . .

I wanted to post this today. Many of you have seen this remarkable clip and heard its powerful testimony of Christ already. It has absolutely taken the Internet by storm. But so often, the tenderness and the import of holy Easter season and its meaning becomes diluted as soon as the Monday alarm rings. In the necessary rush to return to work, as the traffic takes its toll on our spirits, and as the tedium of life begins anew, we forget. So let's pause for one more moment . . . really pause and set everything else aside for five uninterrupted minutes, and let the power of this message distill once more, and then let's remind ourselves that this really is about LOVE, that HE loved and loves us that much. And then I hope our whole day will go better, and that we'll be better, to honor this majestic and priceless gift of love.

Laurie

BET YOU'LL FEEL IT TOO

Easter is here . . . a time of hope and renewal. We need that these days. But when that feeling of peace wanes, when that bright light of hope begins to dim, a few seconds in front of this video clip makes my arms tingle and restores my optimism. Watch it. . . I bet you'll feel it too. . .

Mark Mabry, a visionary photographer, and his equally inspired musical and dramatic colleagues, created this exquisite photographic masterpiece illustrating poignant scenes from the life of Christ. (CLICK to View)

Sometimes I pontificate on here, railing against changes that are unraveling the essence of this world I love. Sometimes I release a little of that steam with humor. But I hope that underneath all of that is the underlying joy and hope I have that no matter what men or governments do, all will be well for those who follow Christ. My heart was filled last week by a two-day feast of hope, and now Easter is upon us. I hope we all try extra hard to gather and reflect this hope on to others as the weeks and months roll on. That's my Easter wish this year.

Warmly,
Laurie

PROPER DECISION BY THE COURTS (For a change)

This story comes from "Richman's Ramblings" the blog of Larry Richman. I just stumbled upon it the other day, but I am already a big fan! Thanks for allowing me to post this, Larry!

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In Florida, an atheist created a case against the upcoming Easter and Passover holy days. He hired an attorney to bring a discrimination case against Christians, Jews, and observances of their holy days. The argument was that it was unfair that atheists had no such recognized days.The case was brought before a judge. After listening to the passionate presentation by the ACLU lawyer the judge banged his gavel declaring,"Case dismissed!"

The lawyer immediately stood objecting to the ruling saying, "Your honor, how can you possibly dismiss this case? The Christians have Christmas, Easter and others. The Jews have Passover, Yom Kippur and Hanukkah, yet my client and all other atheists have no such holidays.

"The judge leaned forward in his chair saying, "But you do. Your client, counsel, is woefully ignorant."

The lawyer said, "Your Honor, we are unaware of any special observance or holiday for atheists."

The judge said, "The calendar says April 1st is April Fools Day. Psalm 14:1 states, 'The fool says in his heart, there is no God.' Thus, it is the opinion of this court, that if your client says there is no God, then he is a fool. Therefore, April 1st is his day. Court is adjourned."

You gotta love a Judge that knows his scripture!(Yes, this is an urgan legend--not true.)